Manners

We have made some progress in the manners department with Emma Claire lately. She is by no means perfect and it is A LOT of work and repetition that makes my head spin, but dinner tonight was exceptionally enjoyable. Nobody was screaming or saying "I don't LIKE that". Brad even thought the meal was good (a new shrimp spaghetti recipe). Anyway, at the end of supper - without prompting - Emma Claire says "thank you mama ... thank you for the good, good supper". Warms my heart. There is hope...

I Love Jesus

Every day that I drop Emma Claire off at Calvary for school, we pass by a stone "mural" on the side of the church of Jesus. Every day, Emma Claire says "there's Jesus", or something about God. Today, she says "look, there's Jesus... I love Jesus".

Last night during her prayer, the first thing on her "thankful for" list was "the angels".

Sibling Rivalry

Emma Claire: Ooooow-ie, ow-ie (in her Emma Claire dramatic tone). I have ow-ie on my face!

Emily: What happened?

Emma Claire: Arnold slapped me... I need TWO band-aids.

The Bickersons: Lawn mower co-op

The Bickersons: Lawn mower co-op

6 Weeks

Arnold is 6 weeks old as of yesterday. It is hard for me to believe, although I am fully aware of how quickly they grow and change.

Arnold continues to get cuter every day. When he is awake, he is much more alert and active. He is pretty strong when he wants to be with his movements. He is smiling much more, too. Sometimes, I am able to prompt him to smile at me. He has always made funny noises, but now he "coos" more, like he is trying to talk to me.

He loves to lay on his play mat and look around at the hangy toys. Emma Claire likes to lay next to him and play there, too. I think maybe he is having a little growth spurt, because he seems to be sleeping a little more again. At night, he is awake a couple of times to nurse, but then falls asleep again snuggled up with me.

I dressed him up yesterday and took a bunch of photos. He is currently the only family member that will let me "practice" my photography on him. He was very cooperative. I wonder how long he will play "dress up" with me?

More Photos of Arnold

Buckle Up!

"Piggie"

"Calin"

Emma Claire INSISTS that whomever is traveling with her in her lap buckles up. She had a near meltdown yesterday because the strap was "too tight" for Calin. Safety First!

Rubbin' Elbows

Michelle Bachman paid a visit to Sil-Pro last week. Brad got to spend some time visiting with her. He says she is personable, charismatic, and - clearly - attractive. Pretty neat!