Easy As Falling Off a Bike

Because she sure isn't trying very hard to stay on.

Jackie wants Etta to ride her bike without training wheels. She really wants her to ride without training wheels.

So she is teaching her. Or better said, trying to teach her.

Which is a good deal because after four outings I have learned that I have NO patience for her give up attitude.

Bad mom moment. I know.

Thankfully Jackie is willing to keep trying.

These pictures are from our first outing.

Heading to the senior lot the next block over.

Etta loves to follow Jackie around the lot.

Try as she might, she can't quite catch up.

The training wheels have come off.

Here we go!

"Just keep peddling!" Repeat. Over. And over. And over. And over...

Mae has been content to hang out in the shade and watch.

Sharing Grandpa

So far so good.

Especially when there is TV involved.

Haircut

 For the past 8 months Etta has wanted to get her haircut.

Buzzed off to be exact.

It was a constant battle to wash it, comb it, touch it. She never let me braid it, put it in pony tails or add bows and ribbons. And while some of you may say, "What? She's five. What do you mean she won't let you do those things?"

Let's just say that I could make her do it, but it was not pleasant for anyone. 

On our block.

I did talk her into donating it to Wigs for Kids so it would go to a good cause.

Etta has had two "real" haircuts so far. The first one was not on purpose, but got very near to the same look she got this time. The second one was on purpose and more for trimming and evening purposes.

But this hair cut. This hair cut was Etta's decision. One of the things that I am (slowly) learning, is there are some battles you fight. And some that you don't.

Hair grows.

It may grow slowly, but it grows. 

And having Etta make this decision means that she (kind of) understands the consequences of her actions. So when people ask how she likes being a big brother, or the little girl at Whitman Elementary says she can't come in the girls' bathroom because she is a boy, she is aware that it was a decision she made.

We talked a bit about it after she got it cut.

Me: Etta, people may call you a boy or ask how you like being a big brother with your hair cut like this.

Etta: Are people going to laugh at me?

Me: . . . Probably not.

Etta: [Content look] - No further comments.

I even offered to let her get her ears pierced today. She wasn't interested.

So while I may miss her long hair, it's just hair. I want her to find her identity in Christ. Not in what she thinks of her hair, what I think of her hair or what others may think of her hair.

She is my beautiful eldest daughter. Inside and out. Regardless the length of her hair.

Before shot - back.

Before shot - front. I think she was nervous and excited at this point.

All brushed out. Very beautiful, silky and shiny. But the effect only lasted about 30-40 minutes before starting to curl up and get tangled. Even when I tried to blow dry it straight.

Four ponies ready to be chopped.

First cuts.

All of the ponies gone. She was getting pretty excited at this point.
(14 inches is what ended up getting donated!)

Back view.

Hair washing. Who doesn't like this part?!

I thought it looked pretty good like this.

Almost done. Breast cancer cape. Fitting for what we were doing.

All done. Proud and happy.

Don't forget to check the links above to see her other hair cutting adventures.

Belly Baby

Russell is a belly baby. I can't keep him on his back for anything. I think it may be because he wants to see what is going on. (He also loves being in the walker.) I love this pic because he looks just like Etta.

Hollyhocks!

Last year Bob and Etta planted hollyhocks. This year we get to reap the rewards. They are so tall!

I am currently reading "Birth Order" by Dr. Kevin Leman. These pictures sum up/illustrate the stereotypical first born and middle child. Love my kids! 

We don't really know where these hollyhocks sprang from. They may have creeped over from the neighbor's yard.  They are about 8 feet tall!

Classic.

Four Month Annibirthery!

We were in Montana on the day that Russell turned four months old. So I guess these would be his 4 month 4 day pics.

Russell is a happy baby. A really happy baby. Which is so good for me. He is fairly laid back, on his own schedule that fits in well with the rest of the family and is becoming tough as nails as fast as his sisters can train him.

He has been a great addition to our family. While many people think that he and Etta look a lot alike (which I have to agree with), he also seems to be a combo of both girls. Well, maybe it would be better to say more of a combo of Bob & I than either of the girls.

His head (neck??) control is very good and he is constantly. moving. When he is awake he is rarely still. He is either rolling around if he's on the floor, or his arms and legs are windmilling if he's being held. So yesterday morning I put him in the baby walker. He didn't really want to lower his legs (he still likes to keep them bent as illustrated in the below pics), but once he flattened those feet to the floor he figured out how to get moving. And he loves it! Maybe not the most brilliant move on my part as it will only encourage the walking.

He is much loved.

Curled up legs and a big grin. It's almost like he was teasing me when I was trying to get a good pic.

He also has a new obsession with his toes. And sucking on his fingers. And sometimes sucking on his toes.

Okay mom, I'll straighten one leg out. A little.

What magic is this?!

Holy cow!

I will get his stats later this morning and fill in the info.

Four Month Stats:
Weight: 13 lbs. 1 oz. ~ 14%
Length: 24.75 in. ~ 42%
Head: 41.5 cm ~ 29%

Etta at four months.

Mae at four months. I guess that Mae and Russell are a bit alike with their smiles and one stretchy leg.

Etta in the walker.

Mae in the walker.