Last Sunday night we had
Miedema family movie night and instead of getting a rental we watched our own home videos. I was in love with every moment and I was reminded how fast time really flies, even when in the dead of winter time can sometimes feel as if it standing still. It was so awesome to bring ourselves back to the times when Hailey and Taylor we born. We were amazed by the silence of the video with just Hailey lying on the floor as we
marveled at her every sound. Taylor's first videos were menaced by our constant reminders to Hailey to "be careful, don't tip Taylor over". We didn't make it through all of them. Taylor kept saying "oh, baby Carter" when she saw herself or Hailey as a baby. I guess all babies are baby Carter right now.
As I write this right at this very moment Mike is off to Atlanta, GA to the Medical School of Georgia in Augusta for an interview for their Cardiology program. We had to brush up his suit, buff up his shoes, and get him ready to sell himself as an excellent candidate for the position. This next month is going to be a big challenge for Mike with all of the interviews, work, travel, and normal home life. Next week he interviews a the University here in town. The following week he heads to Arizona where he has two interviews, one in Scottsdale(Mayo Clinic) and one in
Tusan(University of Arizona). The week after that he will drive to Iowa city(University of Iowa). The following weekend he has a Cardiology conference in Chicago and then an interview in Omaha (Creighton) on the following Thursday. April 24
th is is last interview in Rochester at the Mayo Clinic. Did that get wordy or what! Please keep Mike in your prayers with all of his travel and stress of interviewing.
The kids are pretty jealous of the fact that their Daddy gets to go and fly on airplanes. Taylor has been really improving with her verbal skills and putting full sentences together so she insists on talking to Mike on the phone whenever he calls. Most of the time when I am talking to Mike on the phone it is about Taylor and I think that she just wants a minute to defend herself and tell her side of the story. She can melt my heart and get my blood pressure to rise to dangerous heights all within a 5 minute time period. She takes off her diaper 20 times each day to "go potty". She has never actually gone, but things get pretty stressful when the diaper that she is taking off is already full. There is lots of wiping, flushing, and hand washing involved in the process and all have to be done by herself with the door closed!
Hailey has been a little "under the weather" over the past week. She had a fever, cough, and chills keeping her up during the night last week followed by her forever faithful cold sores on her lips. She is on the mend and back to herself. She continues to just love preschool and come home with the cutest of crafts. She tells me lots of stories and they always involve the phrase "actually mom". She hasn't been coloring as much lately but doing lots of weaving. The weaving is great, but it does involve me for steps 2,3,4, and 5. Hailey other obsession is tights and skirts so to settle some of our arguments we have come up with a "pattern" as Hailey calls it: skirt, skirt, pants, dress.
And now for the latest on little Carter. I hardly dare to write this: he slept from 11pm to 7am last night!!!!!
Ahhhh, I could hardly believe it. I did a quick check to see if he was breathing and then realized how uncomfortable I was and how hungry he was. We will see if a pattern develops with him. He continues to be an incredible, content little boy. She smiles at everyone and anyone who has the time to lock eyes with him talk with him. Carter isn't getting any smaller either; his 3-6 month clothes are getting tight. No giggles yet, but lots of cooing.
As for me, I am staying busy with the day to day needs of the family. I'm really anxious for the spring weather so that we can get outside and not have the work of getting everyone bundled up. I often feel guilty exposing Carter to the nasty cold temps outside and feel guilty that I'm not exposing the girls. I hope to make some trips "home" while Mike is traveling and maybe even take a trip with him. I am now past the three month post partum mark so I'm thinking that I can't use the excuse of having a "new born" when it comes to needing a nap, not exercising, getting take out, and not cleaning. We'll see how it goes.
That's the latest!
Yesterday we were out playing in the sand at CSCC and today I braved yet another winter storm to bring Carter to his 4 month well child check. He was awesome and very patient during his exam. He weighed 16lb 6oz (75-90%) and measured 26 inches(75-90%). He did lots of smiling and cooing for his pediatrician, but as you can see below, it all came to an end with his teary eyes after his shots. What a cutie and I will just have to spoil him the rest of the day.
Hailey had her first dental visit last week and had an excellent review: no cavities, good bite. She was very brave and allowed them to do a complete cleaning and flouride treatment. The office there was also very flattered that she wore a skirt for the appointment.
Not a lot of people can say that they built a massive snowman on Easter, but that is what the Miedema family did. We received 7 inches of snow this weekend; heavy wet snow. 
Carter continues to be the most pleasant of babies. Next week we will find out how much he weighs and how much he has grown because he will be four months old! It is so hard to believe. He is really good at sitting up when you hold him; he doesn't like to rest his back against you at all. He is also improving with his tummy time and holding up his head. He continues to eat between 4-5am each night but goes right back sleep. Sadly he is now totally out of his cute 3-6 month clothes and is already in 6-9 month. Carter is most generous with smiles. We love him to pieces.
The girls can be so cute together and just love each other so much that it just warms my heart. This is not to say that there is not biting, hitting, and stealing. I guess you could better call it a love/hate relationship, but hopefully life long friendship.
This is for Trajan, Damon, and Jacob. Carter couldn't wait to grow big enough to put on his Vikings outfit from Grandma Miedema and now it finally fits. I'm kind of sad though, it will be hard to watch the years of disappointment one faces when you are a Vikings fan.
These are one of those precious times when I think that we should have 10 more children. The girls were watching a movie to relax after a fun filled weekend with the Zeinstras' and Brittany. We did lots of playing, swimming, and the best part for Hailey was the fact that Teresa brought tons of clothes for Hailey, including lots of dresses & skirts.
A couple of weeks ago I posted a pic of Hailey coloring. Now the coloring has ceased and she is constantly doing a puzzle and is up to doing a 150 piece one by herself.
Carter's latest thing is that he is reaching and grabbing toys. So cute.
