Time for an update

Sorry its been so long since we've posted. I've been busy with the baby and adjusting to life with four children and Caleb's been training in his new position as manager as well as preparing presentations for Omniture's annual summit, which is a big deal. Suffice it to say things have been a little crazy for us lately. If I can get Caleb to download the pictures from our camera I'll try to post some of those this weekend. Until then, here's a little bit about our lives recently.

Sara is four months now and is really growing fast. She likes to jabber a lot now, especially when she is tired. We heard her first attempt at a laugh last Sunday. Caleb was playing with her and all of a sudden we heard a little chuckle. She sure smiles a lot and is always searching for something to grab a hold of with her hands. She has really started gnawing on her hands and her pacifier like she's in the beginning stages of teething.

Bryant has been a little easier the last couple of weeks. I think is has a lot to do with the fact that we're finally getting back into a schedule of sorts. That, and the fact that we are learning how to use the x-box/wii as great motivation. Funny Story: Last week Bryant was playing in his bedroom when Caleb went in to see what he was doing. While Caleb was in there he had his shirt up scratching his stomach. Bryant looked up and pointed at Caleb's belly button and said, "Look Dad." Caleb looked down to find some navel lint, to which he replied, "Aahh, my stuffing's coming out." Bryant I'm sure pulled one of his many faces and said, "That only happens when you're bigger cause my stuffing's not coming out." We both had a good laugh about that one.

Kaylee is in the tattle telling stage and is being sure to let me know every time Bryant is not doing what he's supposed to. This in turn means that she and Bryant are fighting a lot more. She also has become quite the little mother. She loves to entertain Sara. The other day she had the blue pom poms and was chanting "Go BYU" over and over. Sara loved it of course. She and Rachel also love taking turns picking Sara's outfit for the day.

Rachel is really growing up. She is doing excellent in reading at school and was tested at above grade level. Math is a little more challenging for her but she is doing good and improving all the time. Sweet story: Last week I was having a really rough day. The kids were fighting a lot, Sara was being especially challenging, and it was all culminating as I was trying to fix dinner. As I was on the phone with Caleb venting my frustration and trying hard not to yell at the kids I looked over and realized Rachel had taken initiative and set the table without any request from me. It was so sweet and so what I needed at that moment. It made my day. I pulled her aside, gave her a hug, and told her how awesome that was. Caleb did the same thing when he came home. She was glowing the rest of the day. It also triggered a snowball effect over the next week as all the kids tried to do extra chores, or get chores done before I had a chance to ask them to.

I am trying to adjust to a new schedule and routine. I really feel like this has been my easiest recovery after a baby. I have not felt the stress, or blues that I remember feeling after my others. The last few weeks I have felt better than I remember feeling in years. Almost like something in body got out of whack after I had Bryant, but having Sara has straightened me out. I just hope it continues. I have set a goal to attend the temple once a month, and get together with my neighbor once a week, and have been asked by the enrichment committee to start up my monthly card group again. I have plenty to keep me busy but really feel like I am at a good point in my life. I'm so grateful to Caleb for all his support and help at home. It would be very hard without him and all his help. He's so awesome!

Caleb has been really busy and stressed with work. We are both grateful for the great job he has right now. He manages to find time for the kids everyday and helps out at home as much as he can. He still enjoys raquetball with his dad and brothers, and Rockband on the x-box when he is able to squeeze it in. He will breathe a sigh of relief after the third week of February when summit will be over and he will have one less thing to stress over.