Growin' Like a Weed : Drew - 7 Months

Height: 27.5" 

Weight: 19lbs 6oz

Likes: Mommy, Mommy's milk, sleeping with Mommy, pulling Mommy's hair, not being happy unless he's touching Mommy, having his ribs/belly "nommed" on, pinching faces/noses/any extra skin you may have on you.

fake sneezing sounds, dog barking and duck quacking sounds, haha this guy is a trip!

Dislikes:  If I'm out of sight or not holding him. Shew. He's REALLY wearing me out! Chill my love, it's okay! He also doesn't like Daddy to snuggle and put him to bed. Sitting down. Yep, if you want to hold him for any length of time (church nursery workers, cough cough) you've got to stand up and be moving for this fella to be happy!

Sleeping: He's taking 2 naps a day on our beloved 2-3-4 schedule (wake, nap 2 hours after he wakes, awake 3 hours, next nap, then awake 4 hours until bedtime). Some days it's a short morning nap, then an AMAZING 2-2.5 hour afternoon nap. I truly put him down awake. Like he doesn't even want to snuggle (sometimes nurse) but mainly just paci, white noise, lay in bed, roll on tummy, get a blanket and doze off! Praise the Lord for that! He's still waking most nights around 11-1 and won't sleep unless he's touching me. haha Ahhh I'm still sleeping on a twin bed in my 4th child's room instead of in my own room/bed with my hubby! haha this too shall pass. It is absolutely precious waking up beside my sweet little man in the mornings <3 nbsp="" p="">

Eating: Nursing. On demand. All day long AND eating some foods! Avocado, sweet potato, green beans, peas, applesauce, butternut squash, hmm I think that's all I've shared with him. Bah and a fry or two from Burger King. He's not good at his pincher grip yet, so I'm spoon or finger feeding him everything. Lunch and dinner and barely anything. I think I need to research some more foods to feed my lil guy!

Playing: Drew's on the move! Not crawling, but getting to where he needs to go by scooting/rolling/moving. We've found him under couches, head bonked on dressers, face against walls, etc.  He's done with his little lay down toys and on to bigger and better things! He grabs toys, but doesn't put anything in his mouth (which is crazy strange because he has 2 teeth now!!! 11/9 and 11/16 they popped up) He stands holding onto things but still bounces a lot so he's not stable on his feet/hasn't started cruzing or standing independently. He currently LOVES his sister's little people play castle and as a "thing" for Tianna, hahaha ohhhh Drewbers!

Big Sisters: ARE LOUD, MESSY, TERRIBLE AT LISTENING, FRUSTRATING TO EACH OTHER, AND TALK A WHOLE LOT! Gracious, it's been a month! Charlotte talks loudly and non stop. She's not really into Drew right now... Taylor LOVES this guy to pieces and really is the best at being chill and snuggling him (they have a blond-e bond) haha BUT she's been INCREDIBLY flighty/not listening to anything we say lately and it's really wearing on me. AND Brooke. Bless this child. She's stepped up A LOT and will get Drew out of his crib/hold/hang out with him when I need her too, but man if she's not hard headed and a pain in the rear some days. GUYS. If I've said it once, I'll say it 1,000 times... HAVING 4 KIDS ALL 2 YEARS APART IS HARD! HOMESCHOOLING ALL 4 WITHOUT AN OUTLET LIKE PRESCHOOL IS CHALLENGING. PRAISE THE GOOD LORD FOR HOLDING ME UP EVERY SINGLE DAY. I need to take a deep breath, and show them a lot more grace, but man is this is tricky time in life to be able to care for them/me/the house/love others/eat/bathe/breath. <3 nbsp="" p="">

Growin' Like a Weed : Drew - 6 Months

Height: 27" 

Weight:  17lbs 15oz

Likes: Mommy, Mommy's milk, sleeping with Mommy, standing ALL THE TIME (in his bouncy seat or while being held), DROOLING, spitting up, me kissing his under his neck and sitting up!  He really likes pulling hair/jewelry/anything within his grasp... AND HE'S QUICK! That bugger will grab a handful of hair in a heartbeat! Drew has been VERY needy lately... teething? He likes to be held, by me, while standing. Shew buddy, I love you, but please relax!

Dislikes:  If I'm out of sight or not holding him. He also doesn't like when his sisters get in his face/hug him too long. Quick hugs y'all. Don't smother the kid! 

Sleeping: He's taking 2 naps a day on our beloved 2-3-4 schedule (wake, nap 2 hours after he wakes, awake 3 hours, next nap, then awake 4 hours until bedtime). Some days it's a short morning nap, then an AMAZING 2-2.5 hour afternoon nap. I truly put him down awake. Like he doesn't even want to snuggle (sometimes nurse) but mainly just paci, white noise, lay in bed, roll on tummy, get a blanket and doze off! Praise the Lord for that! He's sleeping a BIT better at night, AND gave me an 8 hour stretch, ONE DAY! haha

Eating: Nursing. On demand. All day long AND we are adding in some foods!!! Poor guy! I waited until exactly 6 months to feed you, your sisters got grub earlier! Meh, you're good! Enjoy the world of food bud!

Playing: If I'm holding him, he plays great! Sitting up batting at toys, standing and bouncing on my leg, laying on his tummy on my shins and moving up and down always gets out a good giggle/drool! haha He can't/won't/doesn't really pick up toys yet and play with them. He'll lay there and tinker/handle something, but he surprisingly puts NOTHING in his mouth (praise God) but it's not like he's even thinking to do that. Strange? I'll have to look back at the girls development.

Big Sisters: Love him to pieces! Gracious Brooke has been an AMAZING helper! She can get him out of his crib/hold him/making him happy/laugh if I'm busy, and she does it with a joyful heart! She will occasionally leave him some place not so safe (because he can finally roll/get up on all fours) so I'm always monitoring and making sure she knows where it's okay to place him.  Taylor likes to talk to him still and check on him if she's in the backroom close to him. She'll sit there and hold him, and she's really good at keeping him still and calm if we're saying prayers/snuggling at bedtime. Charlotte is getting into talking to him/it's okay Doobers/shhing him in the van when he's upset. Haha she doesn't hold him much anymore because he's wiggly and big! Y'all. WE. HAVE. FOUR. KIDS... how did that happen?! The days are long, but the years are short. Equip me each day, Lord <3 nbsp="" p="">

Growin' Like a Weed : Drew - 5 Months

Height: 25" 

Weight:  16 lbs 6 oz

Likes: Mommy, Mommy's milk, sleeping with Mommy, standing ALL THE TIME (in his bouncy seat or while being held), DROOLING, spitting up, me kissing his under his neck and he's even starting to sit up (but not well). He COMES ALIVE when he's naked on his changing table! He scoots on his back and almost falls of every time!  Drew really likes he holding/touching him all day long. He truly didn't get the memo that he was the 4th kid. I have to do everything while holding him and it's pretty frustrating/exhausting most days. BUT I love him! 

Dislikes:  Meh, he's not a huge fan of the carseat this month and he doesn't like it when I'm not holding him.  I can put him down on the floor for 5 mins, then I have to hold him, then I can move him to his activity table. Like I said, he doesn't like to chill.  He also doesn't like to give me personal space. My hair is always being grabbed by the handfuls and gahlee does it hurt! I try my best not to get frustrated at him but, I'm human. haha I love you buddy but chill! 

Sleeping: He's taking 2 naps a day on our beloved 2-3-4 schedule (wake, nap 2 hours after he wakes, awake 3 hours, next nap, then awake 4 hours until bedtime). He's not sleeping well, but it's okay, I'm in his room with him and he doesn't hog to bed too much ;)  I put him down between 7:30 and 8 for bed and he wakes between 7:30 and 8 am ready to start the day (after waking to nurse OFTEN at night). 

Eating: Nursing. On demand. All day long.  Everyone says he's chunkyyyyy! His legs are my favorite. haha his knee cap fat is amazing! He grabs for whatever is in my hands so I'm sure he's bound to get a hold of some food sooner than later but we don't plan on feeding him food any time soon. 

Playing: If I'm holding him, he plays great! His preferred position is standing and looking at me. He coos and giggles and smiles a lot now especially when you "nom" or tickle his ribs! He doesn't like to be laid down unless you're right by him/holding him/sitting near him. Drewwwwbs! Seriously y'all. NEEDY! haha He does like his precious stand up activity table and we cannot thank whoever gave it to us enough. SUCH A BLESSING! Oh yes, he also tolerates the stroller well when we go on walks. He could care less about toys, but does play with Jiggy the giraffe still.  He's a ladies man, haha always grinning at nice ladies who come over and chat out in public. Silly guy!

Big Sisters: Ohhhh they love him! Each one loves him differently but gracious they are all so good together. It's funny how I wanted a boy first and then others to follow... this little guy is SO loved. SO loved.  Brooke is starting to take more responsibility with him and will hold him and do her HORRIBLY ANNOYING high pitched voice (that he loves). She'll lay with him while I get the girls ready. They all do really well at tolerating his hair pulling.  Tay is so sweet and loves to talk to him and hold him. She's calm and gentle with him and likes to talk to him in a baby voice and lay with him and just visit.  Charlotte always wants to hold/sit with him, but it truly doesn't last long. I think they'll hit their stride together when he gets a bit older. Either way it's amazing, each day to share so much special time with them. I'm a terrible mom, but God's got them in my care for a reason. Each day, through his grace and providence, we'll make it though.

Growin' Like a Weed : Andrew - 4 months

Height: 26" 

Weight:  15 lbs 4 oz

Likes: Mommy, Mommy's milk, sleeping with Mommy, STANDING (while being supported), DROOLING, me tickling under his neck in his chunky rolls and he's starting to squeal/chat! He COMES ALIVE when he's naked on his changing table! haha Kicks, squeals, chatting, you name it, he's doing it! I can't believe I'm writing this, but Drew likes short car rides!!! When he's fed, changed and trapped in with his pal "Jiggy the giraffe" to play with this sweet boy is good to go! BUT don't make him ride for more than about 23.5 minutes ;) OH, wait. HE FOUND IS HANDS and by golley does he like them! Ew. The sound and saliva is um interesting.

Dislikes:  LONG rides in the carseat. haha He's also not a fan of being laid down if someone isn't sitting really close and paying attention to him.  May it be the floor with is hang down toys, or his seat/standing toy, he's good for a few minutes, then loses it.  His biggest thing now is loud voices. Not loud noises, but yelling, talking loud, scolding his sisters. hahaha

Sleeping: He's taking about 4 naps a day in the bed/crib (PRAISE) and can still snag a nap on the fly at the library/park/etc.  Still sock mittens on his hands, with a paci and white noise.  I put him down around 8 and he sleeps until 12-1, nurses, and goes back to sleep for a few more hours. Wakes, nurses, and wakes and nurses, and wakes around 7-8 ready to start the day! He's nowhere near sleeping through the night but I'm okay with that.

Eating: Nursing. On demand. All day long.  Everyone says he's chunkyyyyy! Eat, awake/play, sleep schedule. Also, he can't stand me talking/someone around if he's nursing, he gets SO distracted. 

Playing: If I'm holding him, he plays great! His preferred position is standing and looking at me. He coos and giggles and smiles a lot now especially when you "nom" or tickle his ribs! He doesn't like to be laid down unless your right by him, but every now and then he'll do really well laying under that little PVC pipe toy I made and now GRABBING/HOLDING HIS TOYS! This guy is getting so big! Ohhh and he smiles, a lot! Sweet sweet thing loves to be talked to. He can roll from tummy to back and ALMOST from back to tummy! GO DREWBS, GO!<3 all="" and="" are="" baby="" because="" borrow="" bouncy="" div="" exersaucer.="" happy="" he="" i="" is="" long="" may="" most="" nbsp="" need="" now="" of="" our="" pointless="" s="" seats="" so="" standing="" swing="" to="" wiggly="">

Big Sisters: From the moment HE wakes they want to be with him! Oh man! Just gushing over him and laying by him in bed, putting blankets on him, fighting over who gets to hold/talk to him next. Oh my heart! haha They all have a special way to hold him too. Charlotte has him facing out with her arms and legs around him in a knot and she shushes him if he fusses. Brooke holds him facing her with his legs spread around her tummy and she does such a good job loving on him. I can also have her hold him for short periods of time if I need 2 hands for something.  Tay kinda copies Brooke's hold with her own flair. haha AND Tay loves to lay near him and baby talk to him, but not look at him, she like looks off into outer space. hahahaha ohhhh bless. Sweet Lord, I love these kiddos and I can't even being to thank you for each and every one of them. I'm not worthy of these precious blessings. Strengthen me and let your joy abound in me each day as I love on their precious faces! 

Growin' Like a Weed : Andrew - 3 months

Height: 23 1/2" 

Weight:  13 lbs 10 oz

Likes: Mommy, Mommy's milk, sleeping with Mommy, STANDING (while being supported), DROOLING, me tickling under his neck in his chunky rolls and he's starting to squeal/chat! He's also very strong! He can scoot on his back with his feet and really get moving! 

Dislikes: HIS CARSEAT! Still. He's also not a fan of being laid down if someone isn't sitting really close. He is not a fan of his sisters jumping/yelling/squeezing his face/pulling his legs/manipulating his arms (are you catching on to the trend?) hahaha bless those girls! 

Sleeping: He's taking about 4 naps a day in the bed/crib (PRAISE) with extended sleep time if I'm holding him and moving.  Unswaddled, but legs wrapped and sock mittens on his hands, with a paci and white noise.  He gets crazy hot when he sleeps and truly likes to know I'm near. I put him down around 8 and he sleeps until 12-1, nurses, and goes back to sleep for a few more hours. Wakes, nurses, and wakes and nurses, and wakes around 7-8 ready to start the day! He's nowhere near sleeping through the night.

Eating: Nursing. On demand. All day long.  I started eating low carb and I'm pretty sure my milk is a lot fattier now! Eat, awake/play, sleep schedule. Also, he can't stand me talking/someone around if he's nursing, he gets SO distracted.

Playing: If I'm holding him, he plays great! His preferred position is on my thighs, looking at me. He coos and giggles and smiles a lot now.  He doesn't like to be laid down unless your right by him, but every now and then he'll do really well laying under that little PVC pipe toy I made and BATTING AT HIS TOYS! This guy is getting so big! Ohhh and he smiles, a lot! Sweet sweet thing loves to be talked to <3 all="" and="" are="" baby="" because="" borrow="" bouncy="" div="" exersaucer.="" happy="" he="" i="" is="" long="" may="" most="" nbsp="" need="" now="" of="" our="" pointless="" s="" seats="" so="" standing="" swing="" to="" wiggly="">

Big Sisters: I meannn they love him! Brooke changes diapers every now and then and will help unbuckle him from the carseat. She likes to talk to him and act like Drew said words (and obviously she interprets them). Tay is still the goofy flighty baby voice that oogles over him but does nothing helpful. And Charlotte loves her Andeee and asked to hold him often (though he's nearbout as big as her!) haha The girls are a mess.  A mess I say. They're growing SO FAST and getting sassier and smarter by the minute. Praying that we can help them learn and grow in grace and wisdom. You know, it's not one big thing that changes their hearts, but 1,000 little things. Thankful the Lord has given this crew to me to love on <3 div="" nbsp="">

Growin' Like a Weed : Andrew - 2 months

Height: 23" 

Weight:  12 lbs

Likes: Mommy, Mommy's milk, sleeping on or near Mommy, and being held ALL THE TIME! Smiling! YES he smiled/laughed for the first time and has an adorable dimple on his right cheek! I was holding him on my shins while laying down after dinner one night and it was adorable! He also likes it when when set him down in his swing, turn on the music (not the motion of the swing, just the music and... wait for it... DANCE FOR HIM!  hahaha so cute! He also seems to like our "Taylor's birthday swing" outside and is pretty content anytime I'm holding him.

Dislikes: HIS CARSEAT! Still. It's exhausting y'all.  Come on, bud! He also doesn't like being laid down on the floor if I'm not an arms reach away.  He still isn't consistently napping in his crib, but we're working on it. And he doesn't seem to like the girls behind him/anywhere where he can't see them. I meannn that's understandable.

Sleeping: He's taking about 4 naps a day, bonus points/extended sleep time if I'm holding him and moving.  Unswaddled, but legs wrapped and sock mittens on his hands, with a paci and white noise.  He gets crazy hot when he sleeps and truly likes to know I'm near. I put him down around 8 and he sleeps until 12-1, nurses, and goes back to sleep for a few more hours. Wakes, nurses, and wakes and nurses, and wakes around 7-8 ready to start the day!

Eating: Nursing. On demand. All day long.  He gulps a lot of air because when I let down he doesn't want to miss any of the milk. Pretty much eat, awake/play, sleep schedule. I have lost a bit of weight lately since I started running again and I feel like he's a bit hungry still. Also, he can't stand me talking/someone around if he's nursing, he gets SO distracted. He's pooping/blowing out a lot less too.

Playing: If I'm holding him, he plays great! His preferred position is on my thighs, looking at me. He coos and giggles and smiles a lot now.  He doesn't like to be laid down unless your right by him, which means he doesn't get a ton of toy/tummy time, we need to work on that!  He's CRAZY strong though! Like head/neck/body/legs, wow! If we lay him on his tummy, he rolls to his back pretty often because he raises himself up so high! Go Drew!

Big Sisters: Brooke has truly stepped up. When I'm busy and he's crying, she's there. She'll sit there and talk to him, interpret his speaking for me, and even try to hold him to calm him (which never works but it's adorable)!  Taylor is great at being with him too! He really seems to smile when she's around (doesn't everyone though!) And Charlotte, haha ohhh Charlotte! She always wants to hold him, but doesn't know how to do it and he doesn't care for it, but we try. Tay calls him "Undeh" strange, haha but cute. Brooke mainly calls him Drew and Charlotte calls him Baby Drew. We are doing a letter a week and it has been a lot of fun and the normalcy is really getting real.  We're getting into a good routine/all working together and it's nice. Our big thing now is "first time obedience" that our Pastor told us that he did with our kids. SO when you ask them to do something, they look you in the eye and respond "Yes, Mommy" and then do the action. It's about a relationship, acknowledging you and respecting you, not just obedience. There's hope. These little ones are so wonderful, but as parents it's our job to raise them in the ways of the Lord. It's a delight to do so each day!

Growin' Like a Weed : Andrew - 1 month

Height: 22" 

Weight: 9lbs 9oz 

Likes: Mommy, Mommy's milk, sleeping, and being held ALL THE TIME! I seriously can't set him down for more than 2 minutes, if I do... he screams. HURLA HURLA HURLA (the sound of his cry and boy oh boy is it loud)! He also likes to pass gas a lot aaaaand nurse all the time. Bath time has been OK too, BUT we've only bathed him twice! hahaha He kind of likes his paci, and he's a big fan of making me completely unproductive and zero fun because I have to do everything with him strapped on to me all day. Ohhhh buddy. You better be glad I have a peace from the Lord that you're the last kiddo because I'm breathing you in deep and soaking up all of the love my love.

Dislikes: HIS CARSEAT! Lord have mercy! Short car rides around town are HELLACIOUS! HURLA HURLA HURLA eyes wide open, sweat covering his head and back, arms and legs spread wide in sheer panic. OHHHH sweet Jesus please help Drew to cope with the car. And. AND. He was gifted a Pipa Nuna (yeah like a $270 carseat) soo we can't blame it on our el cheapo one the girls used. He's also not fond of being naked, getting his diaper or clothes changed.  I think I can change him in 3 seconds flat. I'm getting pretty good at it because MAN OH MAN he's loud! And did I mention he didn't like NOT being held. Eh. Yeah. I think that sounds familiar. Swing... nope.  Carseat... nope.  Stroller... nope.

Sleeping: Dude rests perfectly if he's on me (or really anyone) who is alive and moving. haha bonus points if you pat his tushy! He truly only takes long naps this way.  If you set him down, he wakes up.  Sure, we've had a few fluke days were he napped in the bed or swing, but they have not been consistent.  He sleeps in a twin bed in the nursery, right beside me and some pillows, unswaddled on his back/side with old used socks on his hands yeah yeah yeah, I know, TERRIBLE sleeping conditions, but it works for us!  He wakes every ehhh 2-3 hours a night to nurse, then falls right back to sleep. I put him down for the night around 10 he starts the day around 8. All in all I can't complain.

Eating: Nursing. On demand. All day long.  He gulps a lot of air because when I let down he doesn't want to miss any of the milk, hahahahaha then he burps, often while still on my boob and carries on. Or he falls asleep. Or he poops. Oh does he ever poop! Lots of poop. Brooke used to call him SQUIRT because of the intense sound it made when he was pooping! haha ohh Drew be doo! And he pees, a lot. SOAKS through diapers like I've never seen before! But thankfully I haven't gotten sprayed yet! 

Playing: He has been set down a time or two on the floor and the girls flock over to him. Tay likes to dance in front of him while he's in his swing and it makes us all chuckle. He hasn't started cooing or anything fun yet BUT he is a hoss! This guy is SO strong BUT he's also REALLY awkward to hold. He can't just relax when he's awake and held. He's either arching his head back or trying to stand/crawl up you. Really, it's odd. He lays down and looks around every now and then and he seems to tolerate tummy time just fine. 

Big Sisters: Are about to kill me.  Y'all 3 kids was a lot, but we got into a great rhythm and were really thriving... then along came Andrew and the combination of newborn phase (which I'm not a fan of having something be COMPLETELY DEPENDENT ON ME) came along and the girls went crazy.  FOUR KIDS ALL DAY LONG WITHOUT PRESCHOOL/SCHOOL is a challenge. I feel like I'm constantly nagging them to be quite, clean up, don't destroy this, don't talk to your sister like that, and on and on and on. Oh. And on top of that, Brooke was diagnosed with refractive amblyiopia (aka a lazy eye) so now she has to have glasses and 2-3 hours of patch time. My stress level is at an all time high. PLEASE JOIN IN PRAYING FOR MY SANITY AND THE HOPES THAT WE CAN GET INTO A ROUTINE AND I CAN FIND SOME SORT OF PEACE AND BALANCE. My word for the year is EMBRACE and I'm really, really trying to figure out how I can't give all of the struggles and overwhelming pressures of the day over to the Lord and restore a bit more joy and normalcy to life.

ALL THAT BEING SAID... we love our sweet boy! We couldn't picture life with him, now we couldn't imagine life without him! To God be the glory! <3 be="" glory="" god="" nbsp="" p="" the="">