How Time Is Going in Our Family

This post was titled by Mary Ann who is home from school today due to a "Construction Day" at school to connect electricity to the new additions being added to the school building. Of course if anyone reads this they will have no idea what we're talking about, since, except for Robert's valiant attempts to post on a tri-monthly basis, the self-appointed scribe in the family (me, i.e. Katie) has been on hiatus since December 2010. A situation I shall try and rectify. I've given up Facebook for Lent and my sister Liesel is blogging everyday, and in the interest of spiritual purification and sibling competition, I shall endeavor to blog on a more frequent basis. Perhaps, once a week, but let's not get too ambitious.

Mary Ann is standing here dictating information about our family to be updated and is adamant that I waste no more time in announcing our 4th pregnancy, due in August. Mary Ann wasted no time in announcing to all she knew that we were indeed expecting, so most likely you all already know. We are indeed very excited, and Mary Ann has nearly forgiven us for choosing to have another baby instead of adopting a dog, but Rose and Peter probably are still in deliberations over that. (Mary Ann would like it to be known that she does indeed still want a dog--a beagle)

Beginning this life in Lee's Summit has been a bit overwhelming, lots of changes in all areas of life to adapt too. (But, as Mary Ann reminded me just now our home is located on a cul-de-sac that celebrates a Block Party EVERY YEAR!!--happy thought, indeed!) It really is just in these last couple of weeks that I feel like I can look at the house and begin to think about a timeline of projects for it to make it more our own. Maybe it's nesting setting in early, but I'm feeling the itch to buy furniture and paint!

Though right now the most pressing issue in our lives is Peter's introduction to potty training, which is being encouraged through the use of Star Wars underwear, Star Wars stickers, a Potty Pirate video, and Skittles. All in all I'm pleased with his work, but can see I've mellowed a bit in my expectations of success and definition of failure since we went through the process with Mary Ann. In case anyone drops by (announced or unannounced) be forewarned that you will likely be greeted by a nearly naked boy.

Mary Ann and Rose recently completed a session of swimming lessons. For the first time I saw them swimming out on their own in the middle of a pool with the life guard actually still on on the edge of the pool watching them, instead of centimeters away. It made me realize how much my girls are growing up and honestly how unprepared I am to let them start doing things independently from me.

We are also in the throes of making a tremendous decision on the purchase of American Girl dolls for the girls. After much debate and consultation with Santa Claus, it was decided that he would not bring the desired doll on Christmas, but rather the girls and I would make the purchase after Christmas, with the girls contributing a portion of the cost from their saved gift money and allowances (more on how allowances are earned and my admiration for families that successfully give their children allowances and have them complete chores for said allowance later). This past Saturday we visited the American Girl store with Nana to see for ourselves these wondrous dolls and make a choice as to which doll to purchase. The girls (and I'm pretty sure Nana, traitor grandmother that she is (which, Mom, is meant very lovingly)) were absolutely enthralled, especially by the little doll hair salon and spa, where they could bring their dolls to have their hair and nails done and probably get a massage too. I was slightly appalled and the sight of the store and the business it was doing made me question whether the economy really is in such a sorry state after all. (Last mildly political comment for a bit, I promise)

I'm actually very sure that 2 of these dolls will be taking up their residence in our home in the not too distant future (I admit I do feel some guilt over the whole dog/baby issue), but if they want their hair done, that will be coming out the girls' pocket books.

Cheers and Keep the Faith, folks!