Girls On the Run

I am trying to hit the high points in order to catch up on this blog.  I have included many running activities because we seem to be turning into a running family.  I say that while I sit here trying to heal my stress fracture from RUNNING!!  We seem to come together as a family when we go to a run.  We cheer hard for our runner, whether it be daddy or a sister.  We all know what it is like to work hard to get to the finish line. 

This spring was full of runs.  With each run, times got a little better and more fun was had.  Miss Evelyn was a dream during each and every run.  It was like it was her way of cheering us on.

One of the biggest runs Savannah has ever done was this last Girls On the Run 5k.  She officially joined the program even though she could only attend one our of the two weekly practices due to gymnastics.  The program works hard to develop strong girls with a goal of running a 5k together (lots of emphasis on teamwork).  Thousands of girls grades 3-5 do this all over the country.  It is a great program.

Come race day, they pump up thousands of runners - this years count was just over 2,300!!  They had super girl capes, chalk for the girls' hair, face paint and blaring music.  The girls were pumped.  It was a good thing because it was H-O-T.  HOT!!  Each girl is supposed to run with an adult.  Naturally, Savannah ran with Alex.

Here is what makes this a high point of our spring.  Out of 2,300 runners, Savannah was the SECOND Girls On the Run participant to cross the finish line!!!  Holy smokes.  I was shocked.  The races includes the boys program, Stride which placed some runners ahead of her.  However, there was only one GOTR girl that beat her to the finish line.  This girl has some serious running legs.  She finished just a hair over 25 minutes.  I was one proud Mama!

The proper running hair!

The runners. . .

The cheering section which included Savannah's principal.  Out of thousands of people, we bumped into her!

Four Months Old

One sweet and smiley baby is four months old (and then some).  I am head over heels for this girl and so thankful she made her way into our lives!

Strings

Savannah enrolled in the Strings Program this year.  She really enjoyed playing the violin.  Piano gave her a huge advantage.  By the end of the year she was able to play recognizable songs without too much squeaking.  Here is a video from her last concert. This is the song that was selected for kids that actually practiced throughout the year and excelled.  Savannah was one of them!


To make things interesting, the parents were given the task of learning one of the songs.  We performed with our children that night.   I definitely have a greater appreciation for what my big girl has accomplished.

There Will Be Days Like This

Sometimes I have to just let go and enjoy life through the lens of a 6 year old.

Memorial Day and Pneumonia

Our Memorial Day was a bit of a roller coaster.  Savannah had Friday off from school so I was able to take three of her closest friends to Monkey Joe's.  They bounced their hearts out while Evelyn slept and ate, slept and ate.  Saturday was a day of relaxation and working around the house.  Evelyn seemed a little cranky.  Sunday, we expected our friends from DC.  They were coming to meet Miss Rose for the first time.  An hour before they arrived we noticed Evelyn had a fever.  It was 101.3 so we called her doctor to see about using Tylenol.  They wanted us to go to the ER immediately.  Young babies with high fevers are worrisome.  We hung up the phone from that phone call two minutes after our friends arrived.  Out they door we went, while our big girls stayed behind.  Timing was everything that night.  Thank goodness for good friends!!

After the evening in the ER, Evelyn was sent home.  We received a call later reporting pneumonia in the left lung.  Why we weren't told this in hospital, I will never know.  We tried to wait it out but eventually she had to go back in for a heavy dose of antibiotics.  I hated giving them to her at 8 weeks of age, but everyone was pushing me in that direction.  She quickly turned the corner.

In the middle of all this, we were able to catch a parade and some tadpoles.  Evelyn was a good patient and just seemed to sleep a lot.  We figured she could sleep in her stroller just as easy.  The life of a fourth child.  Rarely does life get put on hold for you.  The girls really enjoyed the parade.  They loved the Chinese Dragon and reenactment soldiers from years ago.  Is it possible that these girls are turning into history buffs?  Just ask Adeline about the mean king and she will tell you all about the revolutionary war.

We said goodbye to our friends and then headed to the pond to unearth some tadpoles.  Thank goodness Miss Lila was there to dig deep in the mud and grab the slippery guys.  She is a sensory seeker in this arena.

The fruit of our labor!

Teeth!

If she loses any more teeth she will have to go back to a bottle!  This girl LOVES to lose teeth.  She doesn't wait until they dangle and twist.  Nope!  Adeline has her Daddy Yank. Them. Out!!  She forcibly losens them and then has Daddy finish the job.  It is so gross.  The ripping of teeth roots!!  Blood!  Yep, they bleed when they aren't really ready to come out. 

This. . . all in the name of the $3 the tooth fairy leaves.  Our fairy is very generous.  I would like to meet her some day and ask her what she was thinking when she started leaving such amounts under the pillows. 

Helping Hands

I can't say enough about how Savannah has let Evelyn set up camp in her heart.  She adores her.  All the girls do.  Really, who doesn't?!  There is something special building between Savannah and Evelyn though.  Evelyn lights up when Savannah comes in the room and Savannah does the same.  They spend hours gazing into each others eyes and mimicking funny faces.  They are completely comfortable with each other. 

As a busy mom, I know the temptation is there to ask Savannah to do too much.  I am very conscious of this.  I make sure not to put the responsibility of my baby on my nine year old.  What is amazing, is that Savannah, has just taken it on.  She holds and holds and holds her baby sister.  She sees when I need both hands and is the first to offer help.  Savannah can't wait to get her hands on her after the long school day.  Often times, Savannah is the first face Evelyn sees when lifted out of her crib.  Just recently, Savannah asked to get her up.  I lost track of time and turned around to find my baby's diaper changed and dressed for the day.  I was shocked.  Savannah just did it.  I didn't teach her and to be honest, I am glad I wasn't in the room.  It probably would have been painful to watch but Evelyn never made a peep.  Since this day, Savannah has changed plenty of diapers and dressed her many times.  Savannah loves picking out the clothes.  It was priceless watching her find the perfect outfits for the changing weather.  Evelyn is in good hands!

Just a couple days ago, I was out with the twins and Alex was home working with Evelyn and Savannah.  Evelyn ended away during one of Alex's calls.  Without being asked, Savannah offered to take care of her.  For a full thirty minutes, Savannah entertained her and eventually got her down for a nap.  This girls knows what she is doing!  She is on the road to making extra money.  If she offers the help, we are happy to offer money.

I am so proud of Savannah and love watching Evelyn love her more each day. 

I need to point out that Adeline and Lila also shower The Big E with loves.  Lila has fed her bottles as well.  Sadly, Evelyn is getting so big that they aren't strong enough to carry her.  If this baby would stop growing!!