Getting Big...

Why do they have to grow so fast?!

No More Status Quo

When you're too smart for your own good so your parents and teacher come up with a plan to trick you into doing more than status quo...turns out Carli rediscovered her love of reading.

In the 4th Grade, each kid has a 9 Week AR Goals. When Carli knew her goal, she would space out her reading and read just enough to achieve the goal. Basically she flew under the radar. Keith and I knew she could do more but b/c she could she did. So a simple Parent/Teacher Conference and request to keep her in the dark about her point goal has her fretting that she won't have enough points! The 9 weeks isn't over until first of March and her AR Goal is actually only 30 points...so she's proving our point that she can do more if/when she is motivated. 

One Year...

How did this happen so fast?

Our Sweet Maggie

Maggie, Maggie, Maggie...

What do I really need to say to the 4th kid?  I'm sorry?  :)

With all of our pregnancies, there was an element of stress and concern, but those seemed to multiply with you.  Honestly, we were frightened that you wouldn't make it, and we fought and we prayed for 9 very long months.  The time came for your delivery, and there was part of us that still didn't believe it was actually happening.  From the day of your delivery to now, it's been a wild ride as a family of 6.  There's nothing easy about it, but we love each other, and we make it work.  I hope that we can give you the attention that you need, but at the same time, I know you will understand that the world doesn't revolve around you and that you have to pull your own weight, which is a good thing.  You have three awesome siblings to help you navigate this world, and the best Mom that you could ever ask for.  You are blessed beyond measure.  With any luck, your mom and I will actually learn a thing or two about raising kids with the first 3, so we'll be at the top of our game for you!

 It's been a blast getting to know you over the last year.  Just recently, your personality has really begun to show, and it's so much fun.  Now that you're mobile, there's no stopping you!  You love music and seem to have some amazing coordination when playing with toys.  I think the biggest struggle we have is your dependence on Mom.  If she's around, no one else will do...but you do great when she's not around.  You have little flashes of a temper when things don't go your way, which we hope you grow out of!  There's a lot of life out in front of you, and I see a boldness in you to go get it!

Needless to say, we love you very much, and we're thrilled to have added you to the family this year.  Your siblings love you very, very much too.  You will always have a ton of support and love, sometimes probably more than you want, but that's family.  Happy Birthday, Maggie!!

With Lots of Love,

Daddy

Maggie's One Year Stats:

29 inches tall

18.7 lbs 

18.5 head

Student of the Month - Ms. Carli

Big Sister came home with the Student of the Month honor this afternoon! We are excited to face the second half of Fourth Grade. The first half was a bit challenging because growing up is hard! But with the New Year has come new determination and a positive attitude...and for that (and her amazing teachers) we are most grateful!

Extra Naggy & Pappy Time

Naggy and Pappy came back to help us celebrate Maggie's first birthday early by being here for her one year pictures.  The girls were still out of school, so everyone ate up all the extra time with Naggy and Pappy!  We did two puzzles, read lots of books, watched some Kids Baking Challenges, lots of snuggles and giggles.  Even did a little baking!  We treasure all our extra time with Naggy and Pappy!