As we close out the first month of 2022, bumpy would be an apt description. Alicia returned to work, the older two kids went back to school, but that was just the beginning. Between school classrooms getting closed and constant adjustments, this month has taken on its own definition of “roaring 20s” We also switched swimming schools and celebrated Anthony’s 6th birthday.
Cordelia managed to keep the most stable classroom this month. She only had to miss one day of school and is back to staying for homework club. Cordelia enjoys playing piano a lot. She also enjoys her new swimming school and moved up to “level 7” where she will start learning the breaststroke. She got an excellent progress report from her teachers. Cordelia continues to have a love for learning and drive to try new and challenging assignments. She is also very helpful to the other kids in the class. At home we struggle with her being too helpful and sometimes interfering when she’d do better to stay out. But we know her heart is good and keep working with her on when to help and when to be patient.
Anthony is now 6! His month has been more challenging. His class got shut down two separate times due to quarantine requirements. He’s enjoyed the weeks he has been at school and he is also staying for “napper” aftercare. He is also doing well at piano. He enjoys his new swim lessons too and moved up to “level 5” where he will learn freestyle and backstroke. Anthony also got a great progress report from his teachers. He’s reading chapter books, doing addition, subtraction, and even an introduction to multiplication. He is learning to be a class leader and really enjoys helping the younger students. At home and school we are working with his teachers to speak truth to him about his identity in Christ to help him combat the negative actions and self-talk he can fall into. We are so thankful to have teachers to join us in praying with Anthony and emphasizing God’s love for him.
Lydia continues to be at home with the Au Pair and Natalie. She seems to have reached the next mental milestone the past couple months. She’s changing from a toddler to a little kid, going potty by herself. She’s getting more engaging and has interesting conversations. One of her favorite activities is still dressing up in her princess costumes.
Natalie keeps developing and growing. She’s staying on the small side, 24 in and 12 lb at her four month check up. With her transitioning to bottles during the week we’ve been seeing her increase her milk intake and she seems to be maxing out Alicia’s supply. She’s a pretty content baby. She’s mostly happy just hanging out on her play mat. She’s getting a little more motivated to roll onto her stomach and is on the cusp of getting over her shoulder! She’s sleeping pretty well at night except she seems to be waking up before her normal feed time. We’re thinking this is because she’s not getting enough milk before bed. Next month we’ll start introducing solid food.
Alicia went back to work at the beginning of the month. Lackluster would be a bit of an understatement for her work so far. Between computer troubles and juggling school quarantine needs at home, it’s not felt very welcoming and rewarding to be back at work. Alicia is hoping February improves. At home things have felt stressed with not enough time to get everything done. We did coordinate a small party for Anthony’s birthday and Alicia enjoyed spending a mom-son breakfast with Anthony. Alicia and Tim have also been trying to intentionally prioritize time as a couple and family. We even snuck in a date night (thanks Aunt Kelly and Uncle James). AWANA continues to take a large portion of the evening and Sunday time. Alicia continues to appreciate Tim’s involvement and willingness to serve through teaching the weekly lessons.
Tim was able to transition to working out at home in the mornings. He got some exercise bands that have proved to be a challenging enough workout. At work things have been slow and not much continuity on projects as the new year ramps up. Tim’s been hoping for a solid project to materialize, but none have appeared yet. At home things have been busy. Tim’s been preparing the front and backyard for the concrete work we’re having done in Feb. He’s also returned to faithfully getting dinner on the table each night as Alicia walks through the door with the older kids from school. Tim also took Anthony and Cordelia to a monster truck jam, as an early birthday present for Anthony.
With all the transitions and changes during the month, our family time has felt thin and stretched. We’re making adjustments to have more focused time together but it’s still limited. With the kids’ swim lessons moving to an earlier time, that has increased our family time on Fridays, which has been nice. We’re continuing to pray about how to best use our time and resources to value the kids and family God has blessed us with.
