| | Hey everybody! Thoughts I would give out a quick update on what has been going on with the Alexanders lately. Classes started back for Brad, which means life has gotten a little bit more hectic for all of us. This semester, Brad has class mornings, Tuesday through Friday, and then works during the afternoons at either our church or his new job, Jimmy Johns Sub Shop :) The lawnmowing job that he had last semester didn't fit with his schedule this time around, so he found something else. Thank God for continued provision in these random jobs we have! It's like every few months we just piece together enough income to keep us afloat, and so far, it has worked. Brad was hired as a delivery driver (which means he gets tips!), but he also works some at the shop as the "Sandwhich Wrapper" at the end of the line. So far he really enjoys the work, mainly because of the ministry opportunity that is there. He said on his first day or work he heard the "f" word probably 500 times . . . being in seminary full time can isolate you a little bit, so it's helpful to be thrown back into the world sometime. The boys and I have been spening lots of time at home . . . too much! I have been working on getting Evan on a good nap/feeding routine, which means we just have to hang around here most of the time. He isn't a very good public sleeper, so I can't ever count on him to take his nap at Target, or wherever. To compensate for not being able to get Luke out much, I am trying to get more creative and plan some fun activities for us to do during the day together. I bought a great book, called "The Toddler Busy Book" and Borders the other day that is full of great, simple ideas. It has been really helpful, because I am just at a loss for creative crafts and things to do. We decided to enroll him in a 1 day a week Mother's Day Out come September at a local church here, so he can work on his social skills and get some "out of the apartment" time each week. It was one of those things where the $ for it is a pretty good stretch for us, but we see it as an investment in his future, so we're willing to make the sacrifice somewhere else in our budget. Also, his speech therapist really recommended it as a great way for Luke to see and hear other kids talk and learn how to better hold conversations. Speaking of talking, he is saying all sorts of stuff now. I think he is even saying "I love you mommy!" I always tell him I love him when I put him down at night, or for his nap, and last night and today he has repeated back to me something very similar . . . I am so amazed at how far he has come in just a few months. When Evan was born he only had like 5 words. Now he says just about everything. I am so happy to finally hear what is going on inside his little head. Evan is now 4 months old and getting big. At his check-up last week he weighed 11 lbs. 1 oz. He continues to battle with his reflux, but over all it is much better. He is getting really strong and can hold his head up well. He rolled over from his tummy to his back today, twice! My pediatrician said to me at his check up, "you really have done a great job with him!" It was so good to hear that. He has been challenging and making sure that he is getting everything he needs to gain weight and stay healthy, with a 2 year old running around in the background, has been hard. So to hear his doctor say he looks great and that we've done a good job was just really encouraging. He really is a sweet kid. He rarely cries and smiles at anything and anyone. He has a much more laid back personality than Luke. If I could just get the kid to nap, he would be a dream baby :) For the life of me, I can't get him on a good nap routine. He sleeps pretty well at night (still wakes up to eat once), but during the day, his sleep just stinks. Every time I start to get frustrated though and I go in to get him, when he sees me and flashes that big grin at me, it just melts away. I am so thankful that despite all his reflux issues and prematurity issues, he is growing well and turning into a happy little boy. We are headed to Memphis tomorrow for 5 days to see my family. It will be around a 9 hour drive. Ughh. Gotta do what you gotta do though! It will be nice to get out of Texas for a bit, not that it isn't great here, but just nice to have a change of scenery. Here are a few more recent pics : 
This was taken about a month ago 
like I said, always smiling 
big brother and his favorite activity--bathtime! Thanks for keeping up with us and hope you all have a blessed week! |
