Big Month of August

To those of you who follow my blog I'd like to apologize for the lack of updates this year. Due to my pregnancy I had to give up reading, scrapbooking, playing the piano, anything on the computer, watching the TV, and other activities because I would get horrible migraines. Luckily I’m no longer suffering from the migraines and have been able to get back to many of my activities. I must admit I seriously considered not doing the blog because it takes time from my very limited scrapbooking time. But after looking back at some of my blog entries (while working on a scrapbooking page) I decided they were too important to quit all together. I also notice I’m quite wordy, but what do you expect from an English major? Besides, you don't have to read it all. You could just look at the pictures. Anyway, I hope you enjoy following my family as much as I enjoy documenting the day to day.

The biggest news in our family is the arrival of Emma Ruth Jacobson. She was born August 21. Emma is a delight and we’re all glad she’s here. She was born at 3:27 p.m., weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces, and measured 19 inches. She has quite a bit of hair and a dimple in each cheek (although I haven’t caught them with the camera yet).

Jacob wasn’t too happy when we found out in March that we having another girl (see his reaction below). But we assured him it took a special kid to be the big brother to three sisters and he felt better about it. On the way home from the hospital after meeting Emma Jacob said “Dad, I used to really want a baby brother. But now I’m glad I have a baby sister. Girl babies are so much cuter than boy babies.” We’re glad he likes his new little sister.

Jacob started 2nd grade the day after Emma’s birth. He really likes school and is glad not to be at home so much. He doesn’t mind the homework too much, except for math. The second week of school he brought home a worksheet of addition problems to do. After putting them on the table he ran to the desk room to get a calculator to help him. I assured him that his teacher did not want him to use a calculator. She wanted him to be able to add to 15 in his head or using his fingers. He’s also not a fan of having to read out loud to Jarl or me because we make him read the words correctly.  He lost a lot of ground over the summer in his fluency since I couldn’t read with him, but we’re all working hard for him to get back to where he was.

Jacob turned 7 on August 28. His cousin Jake’s birthday is the 21st so we had a Two Jacob Birthday Part on the 27. Aunt Camille did all the work and planned an amazing Pirate Party. We just provided the place and some of the guests. The kids got pirate paraphernalia and enjoyed a treasure hunt and a piñata. It was a great party and the family spoiled Jacob with presents. We celebrated his actual birthday with pull-aparts for breakfast and presents after church.

Makayla started Kindergarten on the 29th. She loves being in school and talks about it nonstop. She brought home homework her first day and loves to do it and eagerly pulls it out when she walks in the door. Getting her reading minutes in is a challenge for Jarl and me, but we’re working on it. Sometimes she just has to listen to her brother read but she’s a good sport about it. She chose to wear a skirt to school for the first three weeks. Then she realized that she has the same jeans as one of her friends, so she decided it was okay to wear jeans to school.

Kaley is a busy kid who loves being home with Mom and doing whatever her parents are doing. She’s definitely in her terrible two stage though. In August she cleaned the laundry room with Shout Spray and a sponge; killed a plant when she pulled it down and spread dirt everywhere including all over her; dumped an entire container of liquid soap throughout the linen closet; and played with my makeup.

The month started with welcoming home my brother Michael from his mission in Mexico. The kids were so excited to have Uncky Monkey home to play with.

Jarl and Jacob enjoyed the Father’s and Son’s campout the first weekend of the month. Jacob had so much fun he asked Jarl if they could go camping a lot more without the girls. When Jarl asked him if he was ready to go, he said “I never want to go home. I want to stay up here forever.” The girls and I had a fun Girls’ Night Out with dinner at McDonald’s, swimming, treats, and all sleeping in Jarl’s and my bed.

The next weekend we enjoyed an afternoon at Discovery Gateway. Our kids are the perfect age for this and they love it. Kaley needs one adult assigned to her though because she is so busy and constantly on the move. Playing with a grocery cart is her favorite thing to do although she does like playing house, playing with the balls, and playing in the water.

That wraps up August for us. Yes, it was a crazy month for us. So many good things happened though and we’re so grateful for each of our children and the joy they bring to our family. Thanks for caring about us.