The Duarte Family: 4 months old!

Happy 4 months Tyler!

4 months old today!

Things have been going really well. We have been falling into a great schedule, as very busy schedule, but a schedule nonetheless.

Tyler is really starting to develop his personality. He is laughing at things he finds funny, which of course starts a round of laughter between the kids and myself. He is always watching what is going on. Being in the center of everything is what Tyler loves best. If he is playing and catches someone walking by, his head whips around to see what is going on. He loves sitting up and standing (with guidance of course). In many aspects he is a very similar baby to both Michael and Alyssa. They were both nosy kids and loved being around people.

Tyler loves the new carpet!

1st Valentine's day!

I'm pretty sure we'll start his solid foods soon. He is definitely starting to show interest, watching very intently as people put things in their mouth.

He is still sleeping well. It's pretty funny to watch him sleep. He loves having a blanket over his face. Of course I only allow it while he's napping, so I can monitor. But because he loves having something on his face, he contorts his body in such a weird angle, I can't imagine how it's comfortable. Thank goodness his Godmother-to-be bought him such awesome blankets that are fully breathable!

He is growing like a weed. I just weighed and measured him this morning and he is 14 lbs 12 ounces and 27.25 inches long! That's longer than Alyssa and Michael were at 6 months!

Michael and Alyssa are also doing well. Alyssa has been taking an after school art class. She loves it. She has made some beautiful paintings, drawings, and even shaped, painted, and fired some gorgeous pottery. She loves kindergarten. She is really progressing nicely with her reading and mathematics. Her teacher fortunately/unfortunately had to leave for the remainder of the school year though. It's for good reason....she had a baby boy! Alyssa is thrilled. She misses Mrs. McGee, but is so happy she now has her own baby.

Tooth number 8!!!!!

Michael has transitioned quite nicely in his pre-k class. The teachers have been giving me great reports about his listening skills and he is showing how ready he is for Kindergarten next year. His spark for learning has finally kicked in. He now wants to learn his letters, how to write them, what sounds they make, and words that start with them. So, as Alyssa does her homework at the table, I have created some sheets for him to do. (Can't take the teacher out of me!) He loves it. They both have made friends with kids in the neighborhood and look forward to playing outside when it isn't too cold!

Kids playing in the front yard. They are building a "winter olympics ice skating stadium"

Construction on the house has gone well. The whole East wall is now complete. We also just had the gross, yellow, shag carpet ripped up and replaced with a more neutral, modern carpet. Eventually we'll do hardwood, but for now while the kids are little and Tyler needs some traction to learn to crawl, we decided to do carpet. We've decided to put a halt on future projects for now. (HUGE SIGH of relief) We may do a little painting, but we are going to try and enjoy the house for now until we take on the West wall of windows!