Growing the Mott: One Foot in Front of the Other

Wow. We've had a rough two weeks. Strep, followed by the throwing up tummy bug, followed with fevers and snotty noses and ear infections have filled our days in the most unpleasant way. Throw in Jon being out of town two of the last four weeks, and you've got yourself a blog with zero updates and a desire for a cleaning service to come and dust, sweep, and mop. The bathrooms have been cleaned, people. Imperative. Plus all the doorknobs and baby toys dipped in bleach water.

Daniel deserves his own blog post, but I just can't see it happening in the foreseeable future. He is a peachy baby, super easy-going, smiley, and such a better eater than Nolan. He is a huge snorter, something that brings Ollie immense joy. He is also totally immobile. We are working on tummy time and rolling over every day, but I can't deny I am glad he's a touch behind. Two mobile babies would just be too chaotic. Even with one mobile baby and one stationary baby we are close to being too chaotic already. Ha! I bet I didn't have to tell you that.

Daniel Tiger!

You guys have no idea how challenging it is to get a picture of him solo! Noey feels a moment not rolling on Ty is a moment wasted.

Initially we were thinking this would be a short placement, but now that looks pretty up in the air. Foster Care, slowly breaking me of my control issues since 2013. (Parenthood, slowly breaking me of my control issues since 2011?)

Noey believes another baby in the house has somehow turned him into a puppy in a litter.

Do you see this? Noey literally trying to climb into the bouncer with Ty.

Sweet snuggles! An hourly occurrence.

Daniel is a good sport and mostly laughs by Noey's attention. Mostly.

Let's move on to the big boys and other life happenings!

Jon, the boys, and Sam working as mechanics for the day.

Ollie, so hard at work on his valentines. This was still in January, that's how high the excitement level was. :)

Sweet baby snuggles!

Ollie saved up his money and choose to buy a spiderman blanket. He was soooo happy about it.

Seth saved up for roller blades! This has been such a fun purchase! He got the hang of it really fast!

Seth had his roller blades just in time for the school skate night! We had so much fun until Jennifer (graciously babysitting babies; Jon was in Kansas) texted saying Noley had a fever. We stuck around and skated another 40 minutes or so, until Ollie burst into tears saying how cold he was. Fever number two. God's grace was really evident though. I texted around to 8 or 10 different people asking if anyone could take Daniel the next day to lessen his exposure and I had three people text back saying they would be happy to help, one person offer to bring dinner the next night, and a slew of people praying for health. The next morning I prepared for the worst (read: throwing up) with Ollie and Nolan while I got Daniel ready to go with my friend Heather. Not only did they not throw up, they both woke up totally back to normal and fever-free. I was so grateful.

Haha! Seth! This kinda reminds me of something the Fonz would do.

Jonathan, Hadlee, and Ollie. Kinder cuties.

Fast forward to a kinder valentine bash.

Noley and mom, pre-bed snuggles.

Last Saturday it was 90. A major record. Monday the high was 35ish. Jon took advantage though and we had some quality hammock time after a slew of yard work.