Beach playdate.

Sofia and Selah with a couple of their friends.

A perk to living in our subdivision is the private beach. It's a great place for the girls to play during the week because hardly anyone is there. It's an even better place to play when friends come over. Last week we had a playdate with quite a few families from our church. The kids had such a great time. We moms also enjoyed the hang out time but you won't see any pics of us (it's an unspoken agreement :}).

Isaiah enjoyed being at the beach in his stroller and in the shade.

Group picture of all the kids minus a couple little ones who were too busy playing.

Craft for baby brother.

Don't know if this true or not but years ago I remember reading how newborn babies see mostly black and red objects.  Then when Sofia was born we received a 5x5 card with black and white patterns on it from a baby store giveaway packet.  Sofia loved looking at it when getting her diaper changed. 

I didn't think much of it when Selah was born (poor middle child) but right before Isaiah was born I remembered it.  So I had the girls create one during our craft time.

Isaiah loves it.  He, too, enjoys looking at the patterns while having his diaper changed.  There must be something to it.:)

VBS

When Kevin became children's pastor 3 1/2 years ago, neither of us had served in VBS let alone attend one in over 30 years.  Here we are, four VBS weeks later and LOVE IT!  VBS really is a wonderful week of investing in children, teaching them Scripture and having opportunity to present the gospel in an age appropriate manner.  And there definitely is a lot of fun!

This summer, like many of you, we headed to Saddle Ridge Ranch for Vacation Bible School.  It was a fantastic week of "roundin' up questions and drivin' home answers".  The verse for the week was James 1:5.  133 kids attended and four accepted Christ!  The only snag was we had to cancel VBS on Wednesday due to a power outage from the severe thunderstorms the night before.

The girls in their ranch outfits.

A group picture of the kids and volunteers.

Now how about you?  Are you going to Saddle Ridge Ranch this summer?  I'm sure there is one near you.:)

My month is this world.

This is Isaiah and I've been living in this world for one month as of today.  And wow!  What a world this is.

My first week of life I was introduced mostly to my family and a few friends.  Actually, I didn't interact much with anyone except my momma.  She and I spent a lot of time together due to her being my milk supply.

My second week of life, however, I got to interact quite a bit with my daddy and grandma because I needed more than just my momma's milk and they were able to help give me a bottle.  I guess being that I'm a big boy I am more hungry than momma could handle right away. Now things are back to her being the one who supplies the majority of my milk.  That second week I realized that I have two big sisters who love me very much.  They like to kiss me, tickle me, and hold me whenever they can.  Mommy has them used pancake hands (instead of pointy fingers) whenever they touch me.  Sometimes Selah forgets. But that's okay, it's better than when I was 4 days old and she used a marker to put spots on my face.

During my third week of life I began to see more of this world.   I like looking around and I really like tummy time.  Baths aren't so great but I put up with them.  The highlight of that week was going to church for the first time.  I was able to meet many of daddy and mommy's friends.  They are very loving and kind and pray for me and my family.

Things got pretty crazy around here during the fourth week.  Mommy says it is like that every year around that time because of Vacation Bible School.  We spent quite a bit of time at church so mommy and daddy could prepare for this week.

And that is what this week has been about...VBS.  Every morning we head to church.  Over 100 kids are coming to learn about Jesus.  Some day I will be able to go and learn and not just hang out in my sling while mommy tends to things.

So, that is my month in this world.  Oh yeah.  One more thing.  I went to the doctor yesterday.  Dr. Fisher said  I'm very healthy and strong.  He also said I hold my head up really well (you would too if you had two sisters you wanted to keep an eye on at all times) and am progressing developmentally.

Here are my stats:
Weight 10 lbs 11 oz (80 percentile)
Height 22 1/4 in (74% percentile)

It's hard.

If you have a toddler you know that sharing is not always an easy thing to do.   And it is really difficult to share daddy when you haven't had to do so much before. :(

p.s.  And yes, that is Sofia with a fat lip.  She busted it up pretty bad doing "gymnastics" in the house.

Happy 80th Grandpa Sheck!

Kevin's dad turned 80 years old on June 4.  The family celebrated on Saturday with a fish fry, game playing, and of course cake.  Mommy and Isaiah needed to stay home but daddy and the girls headed over to Michigan to help celebrate.

Grandpa Sheck continues to be an active man.  Every morning he gets up at 4 a.m. so he can mow the greens at the local golf course.  He does this for his "fishing money".  Every Fall he heads up to the U.P. and spends a month fishing on Lake Superior and the Two Hearted River.  His real love, however, is his family and the Lord. 

We love you Grandpa Sheck!!!!

Jim (#1), Glen (#2) Grandpa Sheck, Paul (#5)

Kevin (#6), twin Kerri (#7), Bruce (#3), Tom (#4)

Buggy, where are you?

Lately the girls have been interested in bugs.  More specifically ladybugs.  Each morning they go out in the back and "make" a ladybug nest hoping to attract them.  It doesn't seem to work so the other day I bought them each a bug catcher at the dollar store.  

As you can see, they take this bug collecting serious and you cannot do it without the right outfit.  

Unfortunately this hasn't helped bring the ladybugs around either.

Feeding time!

The flower girl.

A couple of weeks ago Sofia had the privilege of being the flower girl for Miss Sarah (who is now Mrs. Vorgious).   The above picture is Sofia with the ringbearer, John.

Sofia did a great job of throwing the petals.

But she enjoyed most the dancing!!!!  She actually stayed at the reception two hours longer than mommy and daddy.

Double Digits

Today Isaiah turned the big 1-0...10 days old!!

We just love this little guy.  He is a great sleeper and a very hungry boy.  He is also earning the nickname "tootie pie" from his sisters.

Yesterday his belly button scab fell off so today he experienced his first tummy time.  He actually seemed to like it.  We were able to capture on camera his first attempt at lifting his head.  Another first today was a bath.  As you can see, this wasn't his favourite activity of the day.

We look forward to many more first with you Isaiah.

We love and appreciate Gramma so much!!!

Gramma (Keri's mom) arrived on May 22 just in time for Isaiah to be born on the 24th.  We are so thankful to have her here.  She took care of the girls while daddy and mommy were at the hospital.  Once we got home from the hospital she has taken care of all of us.

The girls have been enjoying special times with Gramma.  For Selah the highlight is going to the park.  For Sofia the highlight was Gramma taking her shopping for all of her Kindergarten supplies which included a princess backpack.

Mommy has appreciated Gramma taking over after the 3:30 a.m. feeding (the first couple of days at home Isaiah thought this should be his awake time), her housekeeping, but most of all just the times of relaxing and conversing.  Daddy has appreciated being able to just be with the girls upon coming home from work and not having to worry about cleaning and cooking for mommy.

Gramma, we have loved you being here.  And when you leave on Saturday we sure are going to miss you!!!

Interactions with brother.

As Sofia held Isaiah:

"Hi, buddy.  This is Sofia.   Remember me.  I'm your big sister.  I'm going to help you grow up. You're so cute."

As Selah held Isaiah:


Mommy:  "Selah, let Isaiah know who is holding him."


Selah:  "No, we already met."

Isaiah Sheckler

Happy Birthday, Kevin!!!!

I think he likes his birthday present.
We love you!!!!

Our Family of Five!!!

May 24, 2010

Daddy

Mommy

Sofia

Selah

Isaiah

Isaiah, you have two amazing big sisters.  They are full of love, energy, and passion.  No doubt you will be hugged, kissed, squeezed, and cherished. 

Welcome to our crazy Shecklers household.

We love you!!!

Introducing...

Isaiah Lee Sheckler

May 24, 2010

2:14 p.m.

8 lbs 15 oz

21 1/2 inches

Family of four.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Our family of four.

Daddy

Mommy

Sofia

Selah

We thought before putting the girls to bed we would take one last picture of our family of four.  

Tomorrow morning daddy will take mommy to the hospital.

What is it?

A beach ball?

A basketball?

NO!!!! It's baby brother!

Waiting...but not for long.

Our son will most likely join us this coming Monday, May 24th.  Yeah, we talked to God and that's what He said. :)

Now, the truth:

After my appointment on the 7th, the doctor was pretty sure I would go into labour that weekend.  When I showed up for my appointment on the 14th she was very surprised to see me.  She told me she had sent my paperwork over to the hospital letting them know that I most likely would show up that weekend. 

Last Saturday night, I actually began to experience contractions.  They came about every hour from 7 p.m. on then around 4:30 a.m. began to come in intervals of 20 minutes.  At 6:30 a.m. they stopped cold.  Actually, I had a couple more Sunday a.m. (very far apart) but nothing.  This week was quiet.  False labour.

At today's appointment I had another ultrasound.   The results showed our son is healthy, good sized, moving, and breathing well.  His main problem might be the amniotic fluids protecting him.  The ultrasound showed that my amniotic fluids are high.  The density of the fluids may actually be keeping the baby from being able to drop.   

So, unless baby brother comes on his own this weekend, I have been scheduled for an induction Monday morning.  The doctor said she took into account the levels of fluid, the size of the baby, my age, the number of pregancies, and past health issues.  They hope they will also be able to keep me from having a c-section.

The wait for baby brother is almost over.   We've been waiting and waiting.  Some days more patiently than others.  It is exciting!!!!

School of Sisterhood

Whenever Sofia is asked how old she is and responds with being 5 yrs old the next question is usually about school.  Well, Sofia has only attended one school and that is the school of the Sheckler household.  Now mind you this is not Home Schooling.   Let me explain.

Sofia turned five in November.  If we were living in CA (which is where she was born), this past Fall she would have begun Kindergarten.  Here in IL the deadline is September 1 therefore she was not eligible  to attend. 

Honestly as a momma I wasn't too excited about this.  Sofia LOVES learning and I pridefully knew that she could handle the academics.  So I checked into Christian schools to see if they were lenient on the deadline (they're not) and even entertained the idea of home schooling so she could begin her formal education.  But needless to say, God got to me last summer.  

God revealed to me the beauty of Sofia and Selah's sisterhood.  He allowed me to see that this year was going to be a special year for them as sisters (little did I know that I would become pregnant in the Fall with their baby brother who is soon to arrive).  And I was reminded that their relationship as sisters will most likely be THE longest relationship they ever have.

This past "school" year has been one of lots of learning.  Selah turned two in September which brought more meaning to the way the girls play and live life together.   Here are some of the things they have/are learned/ing:

Love one another

Treat others as you would have them treat you

Share

Say you're sorry

Forgive

How to push each others buttons

How to make the other laugh

How to fight (not so sure they had to learn this)

How to compete fairly

Family matters

Christ-centered relationships matter

It's been an amazing, wonderful, exciting, precious, no-regrets year in the SCHOOL OF SISTERHOOD.

Lord, thank you for relationships.  Thank you for the relationship that Sofia and Selah have.  May they always treasure it.  

Late Night Family Night

Last  night we didn't get  home from church until almost 9 p.m.   Usually we get home and put the girls straight to bed.  Instead, we had a spur  of the moment late night family night.

I'm thinking it was the coolness of the day and the fact that the rain and thunderstorms had begun that put daddy in the mood for pancakes.  Because as soon as we got home he started making them.  So why not keep the girls up a little longer?  The pancakes were yummy and it was fun just hanging out.  

And you know what?  The girls slept in this morning.  Selah didn't wake up until 9:15 and Sofia didn't wake until 10:00 a..m.  A full belly of pancakes must have helped.

My ragamuffins.

Yes, these are my adorable ragamuffins. I let them dress themselves each morning. Some days they pick out some really cute outfits and other days....they look like this.

Sofia LOVES pink so this particular day she had pink in every article of clothing even down to her pink shoes.

Selah, well, as you can see the shirt was inside out and the pants didn't make it onto her body. The streak on her face was Nutella.

And needless to say, we need to work on their hairbrushing skills.

Week 36

Baby brother continues to grow, and grow, and grow.  We are so thankful for his health but momma can't lie, she is getting anxious about his size but at the same time is ready to hold and cuddle this handsome dude.

Check out his foot.  Isn't it adorable?

But check out his cheeks.  These are cheeks that just want to be squeezed!!!!

These pics are from this week's check-up.  Baby brother is now approximately weighing in at 7lbs 9oz and is in the 83%.  If he waits until his due date, he could be 10lbs.

Momma's doctor, however, isn't sure he will wait until May 30.  She thinks he even has a chance to come out by next weekend. He is in position, mommy began experiecing some contractions today, and dialation has begun. 

As you can see by the picture of momma, this wouldn't be so bad.:)

20/20

This past week Sofia had an eye exam.  We are preparing for Kindergarten.

Prior to going Sofia kept telling me that she didn't have good eye sight simply because she wants to wear glasses.  Of course, it didn't help that while waiting for the dr. she spotted these really cute pink glasses.  But she promised me she wouldn't lie to the dr. about what she could see.

The test results:  20/20.

It helped that this competitive 5 yr old got to show off all the letters and numbers she knows while answering the dr.'s questions.  She even surprised her momma with her knowledge of recognizing certain numbers...like 76, 49, 62.  Who taught her that sutff?

Friday Family Fun

We do appreciate so much our family time on Fridays. 

 They are great days  to do activities without the weekend crowds.  

Yesterday we headed into the city.  Thanks to a gift from some dear friends in California, we were able to take the girls to the Shedd Aquarium.
It was a wonderful time of viewing God's creation of water creatures.  Wow!!!!  God is so creative.
His creations are colourful, unique and amazing.
Have you ever thought about how many different types of rock fishes there are?
Did you know that dolphins sleep with only one eye closed so they only rest half their brain?

Check out these frogs found in the Amazon!

The girls enjoyed the hands on exhibits such as this one where they were able to touch a starfish.

This exhibit allowed for them to play and act like penguins.  Here they are collecting the eggs.  In the foreground you can see a penguin suit that Sofia wore for awhile. 

Come what MAY!!!!

Yesterday I overheard Sofia telling her Aunt Kelli on the phone that May has lots and lots of things happening.  And she is correct.

Let's see...

Daddy starts baseball (actually church softball)
She turns 5 1/2 on May 6 (those half years are very important at this age)
Daddy's birthday is May 27
She is going to be a flower girl in Miss Sarah's wedding
Gramma is coming to visit

AND BABY BROTHER IS GOING TO BE BORN!!!

Yes, we pray baby brother will be born in May.  His actual due date is May 30 sooooooo he could be born in June. 

But why wait?