Zekeisms...

(note: I have kept a running list of things Zeke says and forgot to post around his birthday this year!)

Four Years Old:
43 lbs (92%)
42 1/4 in. (89%)
BMI: 16.93 (85%)

Zeke has continued to show us his unique, God given personality.  I have decided to write down some of his most common and most memorable statements and phrases.  Enjoy!

"I need to ask you a question." (followed by a statement such as, "I'd like to watch Veggie Tales.")

"I have a idea.  My idea is ________"

"Mommy, keep your focus." (while I'm doing my Focus T25 workout DVD)

"Mommy, what workout are you going to do today?"

I haven't ________ for a long long time."

"In case in I need to ______" (Translated: in case I need to...)

"Zeke could be Thomas, Daddy could be Gordon, Browning could be Edward, Mommy could be Percy, and Adalynn could be Emily." (referring to his Thomas the Train DVDs)

Zeke: "Mommy, God and Jesus are not in the sky."
Me: "Where are they?
Zeke: "In the desert."
Me: "God and Jesus are everywhere and they can even live in our hearts if we ask them.
Zeke: "Oh, okay, that'd be great."

"I want to show you something very kyoul (cool)"

"My story says, '_________________.'" (fill in the blank with whatever he is doing at the time such as, "Zeke puts on his shoes, Zeke eats the blueberries, etc.)

"Mommy, can you turn on the confuser?" (Translated: diffuser, which diffuses essential oils into the air)

Me: Did you know Jesus prays for you all of the time?
Zeke: Yes, and sometimes I pray to Him by my own self!

There are SO many more quotes and sayings I'd like to remember, but I will stop there for now.  He is full of surprises every day and always keeps me on my toes.  He is funny, bright, silly, energetic, and strong-willed.  He loves to talk to anyone and everyone and has never been accused of being shy.  I know he is fearfully and wonderfully made by our Heavenly Father.  Praise God!

Baby girl is 1!!!

"This is the day
which the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it."

(Psalm 118:24)

It is hard to believe it has been a month since my last post.  Our little girl has developed even more of her sweet, strong, unique personality over the past several weeks.  She is always making some sort of expression (like her mommy, as my mom would say!).  She loves to "sing" and mimic noises we make with our mouths.  She is timid at first when meeting new people and will put her head down, but look up with her eyes, as if to say, "I'm not sure about you yet!"  She is crawling at the speed of light (from and towards her brother mostly) and pulling up.  No steps yet, but we are okay with that!

We were blessed to be able to travel to Wynna and Papa's house for her first birthday party this past weekend.  Gregg took off work so we could all be here...such a treat!  Jared, Jami, Kariss, Harper, and Sophia came over Sunday afternoon for the party.  Ellen Widener was able to stop by.  This was very significant and special because she was actually at my first birthday party in the very same house!  What a blessing to have lifelong friends!  My sweet friend Christy and her boys also stopped by to see the birthday girl.  We kept it low key, which made for a nice relaxed afternoon.  

Below are some of the adults with the birthday girl, although we didn't get one of Dad, Jared, Jami, or Christy with her.  Next year, I'll have to make a list of the photos I want to be sure to get!  I also failed to get one of her with Zeke.  Oh well..."mommy brain" as they say!

We waited for Adalynn to wake up from her nap, then sang to her and everyone had cupcakes.  My mom made delicious German chocolate cupcakes made from freshly milled whole wheat flour.  She even found naturally colored pink sprinkles.  Notice Adalynn's cute "1" dress?  Wynna made that too!  She is so good to us!

Adalynn was not thrilled to have everyone looking at her (also like Mommy).  She has a serious, solemn expression, which you will notice below!

Enjoying the food...

The big kids played outside for a while.  It was a perfect 71 degree day!  We couldn't have asked for better weather considering the following day the lows were in the 30s.  You just never know in Georgia!

Next, we opened gifts.  Of course the big kids helped with this!  She was blessed with many wonderful things!

"All the days ordained for me 

were written in Your book 

before one of them came to be." 

(Psalm 139:16b)

We know God has a mighty plan for little Adalynn Rose Nomachee.  We can't wait to see what that is and are honored to be a part of it.  We thank God for her and for all of you who love and support us.  

Adalynn ~ 11 Months Old!

January 28, 2013, Adalynn was 11 months old.  It seems like once they pass the 6 month mark, they just take off!  She began crawling while we were at my parents' house over Christmas and has started pulling up within the last week.  She is cruising some, but still does not want to try to walk (even when I try to hold her hands).  That's okay with me...we can wait a little longer on that!

She says, "Hi," and waves.  It is the cutest thing because her wave is so girly!  She has 4 teeth (two front and two center bottom) and weighs just under 20 pounds.  We are supposed to wait to put her in the Britax bigger kid carseat until she is 20 pounds.  Zeke was in it at 7 months!  Ha! 

She continues to be very good at letting us know what she wants.  I don't want to say demanding, but kind of demanding!  She loves to laugh at her daddy and brother and is a great eater.  I'm still nursing 3x/day.  I just can't seem to go to 2 feedings, since she is likely our last baby. 

We have plans to celebrate her 1st birthday with everyone in Johns Creek.  My mom has made her a sweet little dress with a "1" on it.  I don't think I will even bother with any kind of dessert for her since she is still eating her "Dr. Denmark mush."  Watching the videos of Zeke's birthday reminded me that he had no idea what to even do with the cake.  He just touched it, then ate his mush!

One more month and we'll have a 4 year old and a 1 year old....hard to believe!  We thank God for both of our little blessings!

Zeke turns 4 and the Stargels visit!

I sound like a broken record, but I truly can't believe it has already been four years since I gave birth to Zeke.  He is such a blessing.  He is outgoing, silly, opinionated, strong willed, loving, bright, and makes me laugh all the time.  As I watch him grow into the person God made him, I see so much of myself, Gregg, my mom and dad, and then his own unique personality.  We pray God will use Zeke in a mighty way to serve Him someday. 

We were incredibly thankful to have family down to visit for Zeke's 4th birthday.  Jared, Jami, Kariss, Sophia, Harper, Mom, and Dad all came to celebrate.  Jared's family was able to stay in our upstairs space (love having that option in this home) and Mom and Dad spent the night in the bridal suite at the Windsor (heehee!).

The kids had a great time waking up together like they did at the beach last year.  This year was a little harder for Zeke, though, because he is not used to sharing the backyard and his toys.  It was a hard lesson, but one that is important for him to learn.

The day of the party, we set up all of the Thomas decorations and made lunch.  Zeke requested hotdogs.  Everyone enjoyed the organic beef hotdogs, but weren't too keen on the spelt hotdog buns...ha!

We opened gifts, then everyone set out to put together the train set (even Dad!).  Jared and Gregg put together Zeke's art easel/desk (from us) and the train table (from Wynna and Papa).

 

Next, we had cake.  As you know, I march to the beat of my own drum sometimes, so avoiding sugar at a birthday party can be a challenge.  I ordered a spelt angel food cake from Berlin Natural Bakery.  They mill their own grains.  It did have sweetener, but not white sugar.  I made some whipped cream and cut up strawberries.  It looked beautiful and was delicious!

Then, the kids played a Thomas game.  It was like pin the tail on the donkey, but you pinned the funnel on Thomas!  They were blindfolded.  Kariss almost hit it perfectly.  It was a cute, fun little game.

The little girls had fun getting to explore and know each other better too.  They were not in on the action as much, but we tried to include them.

A family picture before Gregg had to leave for his trip...

The following day (Zeke's actual birthday), we all went to our new church, Cornerstone Church.  We went out to eat at Ruby Tuesday after church before everyone had to head home.

I was humbled that everyone would take time from work and life to drive down and spend the weekend with us.  We are so thankful for family and can't wait for them to come back when it's warmer and they can all swim.  

Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!  Happy Birthday, Zeke!!!