My Girls 💕

I couldn’t imagine what this fall would look like with Jack gone at school all day during the week. Part of me dreaded it and part of me knew we were both ready for that! I dreaded feeling like I was sending my boy into the world to be exposed to a bunch of new stuff but then I also knew you can’t keep them home forever. The exposure to new things cAn be so positive in many ways and already we are experiencing the positive that comes from school! One thing that has been such a pleasant surprise has been the time Home with my girls. My work schedule is a little lighter right now as I build my practice so the girls and I have a lot of time together and it’s been wonderful! Their relationship has grown so much. They spend most of their days playing babies and house. They are silly together like Jack and Elisabeth are together. I can’t believe in just a few weeks we will be adding another girl to the mix - how exciting!!

The pace of life has changed just being home most of day with only 2 kids! I wouldn’t say it’s good or bad just different and a different I’m enjoying and settling into. 

I babysit a few other kids one day a week and my girls are so helpful. They take turns feeding the baby her bottles and they entertain the older kids with games outside!

Soaking in the snuggles from this one year old before baby comes - stay little forever Josefine 

Every morning at 7:40 and every afternoon at 2:40 I pack up the stroller and we leave for our walk to pick up Jack. It has been the best new routine! We see some of the same families also walking, the weather has been great, and it really starts our day out nicely! Jack bikes and we walk!

Will always look back fondly on these days! Also, always get sentimental before a new baby arrives and your current children get into a great routine and everything can feel so calm! Bring it on baby #4

Jack is 6!!

Jack Clemens turned 6 last week and what fun it has been to watch him grow up! He was soo excited for his birthday and had been counting down for months! When we moved into our house last November he asked if he could invite some friends over for his 6th birthday and have an outdoor carnival so that is just what we did!

He started his day as usual with birthday breakfast! We actually went out to the Eagle (per jack’s request) for dinner the night before his birthday just to get the celebration started! We had such a fun family night downtown 

My sweet sweet boy! How I love you!

Before he headed to school on his birthday, the girls gave him their gift - a set of handcuffs which he has been asking for all year! 

At school he felt very special getting to wear this crown his teacher gave him! He was soo excited to get to spend his birthday at school!

He got a lego set from us for his birthday and popsicles for dessert! 

He also got thoughtful gifts from aunts uncles and grandparents which was so generous! 

I’ll post separate for the bday party since this post isn’t letting me add anymore photos! We had a great time and jack felt very special! Happy 6th birthday handsome buddy - we love you!!  

Update!

Life has been busy and we have been getting into a nice routine with school! 

The kids are busy with soccer and loving it! Joe is the coach again and they are on a team together. I work a few evenings a week so often coach joe takes them all to the games and they have a great time (Josefine thinks she’s part of the team) 

Jack has scored 3 goals already this season and Elisabeth gets a little more confident each game. They both have foot speed on their side but aren’t super competitive. 

We were able to get in a few extra hot pool days in September which let us pretend it was still summer 

We had a great swimming season this year! All 3 kids were so independent at the pool that it made for really enjoyable pool days. They clearly love hot summer days as much as their parents 😎

We even spent a few days in early October at the fountains downtown attempting to find some relief from the heat

Elisabeth and Josefine have just become the best playmates! I’ve loved watching these relationship grow while jack’s off at school. They pretty much play babies and house the whole time Jack’s gone

These 3 are always together and just have the best relationship! Jack and Elisabeth are so patient with Josefine and they include her in everything they can. They tell me all the time

How cute she is and how much they love her. I feel so blessed to have been able to give them siblings and add one more to the mix in a few weeks. 

We have been prepping for baby and getting the rest of the rooms in the house painted! We’ve been organizing a little and trying to keep things clean when possible. I have a little over 4 weeks left and I am getting so excited to meet baby girl March and enjoy those newborn snuggles!

A laughable attempt at trying to get a pic of me and my kids to document this pregnancy...

Our Big Kindergartener!

Jack started kindergarten at Nativity last week and we are all so excited about this new journey for him! We have already fallen in love with the school and have felt so much support from families and administration in this starting process. Jack started last Thursday and has half days for the first 5 days and will go for his first full day (8-3) this coming Thursday. I was worried about him

Being ready for full day but this morning he asked “how many more of these half days do I have to do - i just want to stay all day!” That felt so nice to hear!

I can’t get over kids in their uniforms - so stinking cute 

He has been so excited each morning and comes down all dressed in his uniform ready to go! (I hope this behavior continues!) he chats a lot with me before and after school to

Fill me in on details (also a behavior I hope e continues!) He has mentioned a few kids names that he has been hanging out with and loves art, music, and gym class! 

This week the school held the most beautiful opening school prayer service to pray for the year, welcome the new students, and pray over and celebrate the staff. It was a total reminder of why we chose a catholic school - it was so beautiful! We are excited for this school year! I’ve loved the new routine of getting kids up in the morning and walking to school. Gives us such a nice start to the morning! Loving our neighborhood and school even more.