8 weeks

We've made it  8 weeks with 3 kids. Woohoo! It hasn't always been easy, but I just keep reminding myself that the hard times don't last forever. Really, the rough patches come in half hour increments, so I try to tell myself that they will not last too long, then go on about our day. I've also learned to accept any and all help that is offered, even from strangers at the store. The help is really appreciated!!

We never have times in our family when ALL THREE kids are crying at once. Nope, not us!

 Anyway, Tatum is such a fantastic, laid back baby. She isn't fussy (for the most part) like Colt and Levi were. She's started this funny thing, where she'll sleep most of the day, then be WIDE awake from 7-11pm or so, then sleep well at night, just waking up to eat. At least she has her days and nights worked out now.

She also likes to work on her cheerleader moves, waving her arms about in the air. Or maybe she's just really uncoordinated. Only time will tell.

At her 6 week appointment, she weighed 11 pounds, 3 oz. I think that's about 75% for weight. Her cheeks are getting really chubby and little rolls are forming on her arms and thighs.

I also wanted to post about the boys. They've been up to some funny stuff lately.

Levi calls Tatum "NeeNee and Colt "Bolt." Understandable for a guy whose older brother called him "Hadee" for such a long time. Levi also loves to read. His book of choice right now is "The Three Billy Goats Gruff." I think he especially enjoys the different voices we use to read it. 
He continues to be very affectionate with Tatum. He wants to hold her often, and smothers her with kisses and hugs. The other day he accidentally hurt her and he fell on the ground crying because he felt so badly. What a sweet brother!
 
He also LOVES his Daddy. He asks about his Dad and Aunt Chez all day every day. The thing is, he calls both Uncle Cody and Aunt Chez, "Aunt Chez," so we really don't know which one he's asking for!

Colt has been really into pretending lately, which is fun to watch. He plays pirates, doctor, shepherds (can you tell we've been reviewing the Christmas story?), train conductor, fireman, police man, etc. He's also been really selfish and been taking toys out of Levi's hands all day, every day, as well as disobeying us a ton. This really frustrates me, but I know this is partly my fault because we haven't been very consistent with discipline since Tatum arrived on the scene. I just ordered some new parenting books and videos and can't wait to whip my kids into shape... literally. Well, maybe not whip, but we definitely use the spoon. The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. - Proverbs 29:15. On the up side, Colt has also been a big help with his siblings during this time of change, and I'm thankful for his willingness to contribute to family life. I know it's a lot of change in his little world, so I appreciate his ability to roll with the punches.