The Big One Oh for Kiwi

And to wrap up the crazy month of February, we had to squeeze in a little birthday party for the now 10 year old. We totally chose correctly, and had it hosted at a local rock climbing gym. This was legit in that there was real rock climbing, with harnesses and ropes and the whole nine yards.

It was a total blast for the kids. I would recommend this type of easy party option, if your kid is like Kiwi and likes to be active. They were so tired at the end it was great.

It is a great feeling as a parent to see your child do a hard thing. Kiwi was very proud of herself for making it to the top.

Grandparents meet Little Z

Of course the grandparents want to check out the newest edition to their progeny (or is that prodigy? :))

We managed to get the grandkids looking great all in the same shot. You can't get any luckier than that.

Spending Time Indoors

It is always a challenge to find things to do when it is very cold outside, and the snow is so deep you can't actually play in it (who would have thunk that was possible?!). So, the kids have had to entertain themselves in their many snow days.

First up, Icicle Wars: A new hope

These little guys where right outside the front and back windows, and were only the tip of the iceberg as they say. With a little bit of sunlight, these things would grow a foot a day. It does help to have two feet of snow on the roof of course.

And the gratuitous baby picture of the day: Mr S just chillin' with the baby.

First Week Little Z

So time flies when you are having fun/a baby. Life is actually quite stable, since we are old hands at this having kids thing. Little Z is very much into sleeping, eating, and not much else. Even the cries at this point are so darn cute!

The card is from Mr S's 1st grade class. He has been so excited to tell everyone about the little brother. Right by the upper left is his signature: "Yar Brother Seth". Truly, this is priceless.

Crying Uncle

So, if you had not figured out, this Arizona transplant is a big fan of the snow. The first blizzard of '15 was totally awesome. The second, right after Z was born, was a bit on the intimidating side, since we had just had a new member of the family join us. Now, with the third straight week of blizzards, I think I am done for awhile.

Did I mention that the snow was so deep at this point (something like two feet per storm, or six feet of snow), that the kids helped me not by shoveling snow, but by jumping on the snow banks to make it possible for me to throw the snow on top.

Luckily there were no actual incidents, like power outages or the like, to contend with. Just lots and lots of snow.

Introducing Little Z

After four hours of labor (my water broke at midnight), Our little Z came into the world at 4:14am on February 6th, 2015.  He was 7 pounds, 9 ounces and 20.5 inches long. The cord was around his neck, so he was quite the purple little thing at first. But he got his color back really quick. We are head over heels in love with this guy and can't wait to have the whole family safe and sound back at home. 

He was born two days before his due date, making him my 4th latest baby (Kiwi was the latest at 40 weeks and a day). He was right in the middle with Seth for weight. He seems to have Kiwi's coloring: dark hair and olive skinned. He reminds me of my other kids, but has his own little look. It's so amazing that they all look so different.