Naomi Kate

4 months

Weight: 15lbs 5oz (85%)

Height: 25 1/4 in (80%)

Clothing: 6 month/9 month (the outfit below is 9 months!)

Diaper: 2 but we will be moving up to size 3

Everything looked great at Naomi's 4 month appointment today.  The only milestone she has not met is laughing.  She'll smile all day long but apparently we're not funny enough to get a chuckle.  The Doctor mentioned that we could start solid food anytime between now and 6 months.  I think we'll wait until we get closer to 6 months, I'm in no hurry for this girl to grow up.

Naomi loves to cuddle and especially loves cuddling with Froggy,

she is seriously the sweetest baby (maybe I'm biased),

 she loves when her sister surrounds her with toys,

 and of course smiles at everyone who walks by.

Joe took these pictures of Mia a few weeks ago and I just had to share...  

 Mia loves hanging out with daddy in his office when he is doing homework.  

 I think he secretly loves it too.

Even though, I don't think he gets any work done.

  I mean who wouldn't love hanging out with this cutie?!?!

  Yesterday, we stayed in our pajamas until lunchtime and then had a picnic at the park.  It was one of those days I know I'm going to miss terribly in 20 years.  

I love looking in my formal living room and seeing this. 

 The girls relaxing, 

 playing toys,

 reading books,

 and being silly.

I think these two will be best friends.

 And, even though I don't want to wish away time,

I can't wait to watch their relationship grow. 

Before I decided to quit teaching and become  a stay at home mom, I spent a lot of time contemplating the decision. One conversation specifically stuck out to me in this time.  It was a conversation with my friend, Robyn, who is an ex-teacher and stay at home mom to four young kids.  I remember her telling me that even if I decided to quit teaching, I will always be a teacher and will find other ways to use my gifts. 

 At the time, staying home seemed almost daunting, like I would no life outside of my house.  I was so wrong and Robyn was so right.  I absolutely love being a stay at home mom because I get to be with my girls but also be involved in so many other things.

  Today I hosted our first official Moms Rock (a group for moms with young children) at my house.  My friend Hillary is in charge of the group but I am in charge of childcare.  Today my basement was a playroom for 15 kids four and under.  We had four, amazing women taking care of the kids so us moms could enjoy socializing, eating breakfast and listening to an encouraging word from our Pastor's wife, Mauri. 

  I just love having people over and had a lot of fun coordinating the childcare details. (Unfortunately, Miss Mia was a bit of a disaster and wouldn't stay in childcare and even had a major meltdown while we were listening to our speaker and I forgot to take pictures.)  Isn't parenting humbling?!

 I also starting my part-time mentoring job last Friday!  It went so well and I think it is going to be a very successful experience for me and the teacher.  Mia absolutely LOVES Becca, our babysitter and I loved spending the morning in a kindergarten classroom.  This week, I even get to model a lesson!

If you're actually still reading, thank you.  I just wanted to share some of the positive going on right now because I'm feeling good.  

 Mia is such a great big sister! She actually helps take care of Naomi throughout the day, it's the sweetest thing!  

 Just recently, she has been asking to hold her 'sis'.  

 Even when Naomi started to cry, Mia insisted on taking care of her.

 On Saturday, Joe got up with Mia so I could sleep in.  When I came downstairs, I saw this fort

 and some sleepy faces.  Mia and daddy's first fort and I'm sure it won't be the last.

 On Saturday, Joe and I got to go on a date!!  Joe's cousin, Megan, was sweet enough to watch the girls for us.  Mia was so excited to see Megan that she didn't even say goodbye.  It was so nice to have a night without kids and great to have the peace of mind that they were in good hands.

Joe planned the whole night and went all out! We had dinner at a swanky seafood restaurant called, Oceanaire.  It was delicious.

After dinner, we went to the play, I Love You, Your Perfect, Now Change.  It was a great show that I had us laughing pretty hard!  I love spending time with my husband and this date was definitely long overdue!

makes me happy.  Sorry, I haven't blogged in a week but instead of blogging, I have been going on nightly runs after putting the girls to bed.  Oh, it feels so good to run again and to run without pushing a giant jogging stroller.

The cool nights and this view, it's the perfect end to a busy day.

When I run... I think, pray, and dream.

This week I've been thinking about teaching and kindergartners.

Last week, I received a job offer to mentor/coach a kindergarten teacher.  It just came out of nowhere. It's like God knew what I needed before I did.

 Today, I interviewed a babysitter and she was fabulous.  I found her on Sittercity. She's a Christian and said this job was a financial blessing. 

I start next week. I will be working every Friday through December.  I get to choose my hours but it won't be longer than 5 hours of time at the school each week.

Not only will this give me my teaching fill, but also spruce up my resume, because even though I think being a stay-at-home momma is an impressive job, my future employer may not.

What an amazing opportunity this is. I have the chance to help a teacher be more successful and I still get lots of time with my two favorite girlies. 

 God is good.