Little Spencer Man

Poor little Spencer caught the "bug" that invaded our home and unfortunately it transformed in to pneumonia. After starting antibiotics and some breathing treatments I am happy to say his is doing WONDERFUL. I just had to get a picture of him with his mask on.

Although Spence didn't get in on the trick-or-treating action this year I did have to dress him up in the traditional Halloween outfit courtesy of Grandma Gerry. Natali & Isaac both have similar pictures taken in it. (side note, Isaac was sick and never got dressed up for Halloween and Natali was a witch but refused to let me take her picture...whatever...but we did celebrate the month, we just have no pictures to prove it)

It's been nice to have Ben home. Some things never change though...he still refuses to take a NORMAL picture with out making a face. I promise this was the best photo I got. Spencer loves his bath time, I can't believe he is so big. All his red hair is gone and he is totally blond. He is starting to really warm up to this whole daddy concept!

Can't Stop Smiling

I haven't been able to stop smiling today. Ben is home. He pulled in at 9:59 am. The whole house was shouting, "daddies home, daddies home!" In some ways it seems like these last 5 months have flown by and at the same time I can vividly remember the day he left. I can recall with clarity a very specific moment when I was sitting in a hotel room in Wyoming with my three kids while my mother was out getting something for dinner and feeling extremely lonely, afraid, and overwhelmed. Now that is over I can say that I think it will all be worth it...I will be able to say that for sure once March hits and the residency match is over. Anyway, I just want to record the joy I feel right now and the gratitude I feel towards all those who helped me get through this and listened to my laundry list of complaints. Oh I am happy!

Ranch

During lunch I hear:

"I wana dwink it mama!"

(did I get it all)

Man this boy is a true Fluhman...like father like son!

For the record I did say: "No Bubba...we don't DRINK ranch!"

But I did laugh, seriously he is so stinkin' cute sometimes.

We are ready to CELEBRATE

Today Ben is leaving Texas...goodbye! These last 5 months have been long & trying. Today he will drive part way and tomorrow I will be anxiously watching the front window. That silver Ford Taurus will never have looked so good. We've got our banner made & hung...now we just need the main man.

Just Our Luck

Starting since Friday night I have had a sickly little girl on my hands coughing, runny nose, and yes the ever feared barf (but not real bad). Isaac has a runny nose and has decided to be extra needy (which is normal for Isaac...being needy). Spencer has be running a slight fever and had a slight cough & runny nose, but overall is his sweet adorable self.

Saying that Natali has been excited to participate in the Primary Program would be an understatement. She memorized her part and every one told me how great she knew the words to all the songs. This will be the first Program I have been able to sit and watch instead of leading music for three years. I was elated with the idea of watching the kids perform and most of all catching that smile from Natali and getting that excited wave from the stands where she sat (one less kid for me to manage in the seats, bonus). Saturday morning I knew both our dreams would not come true, thanks flu bug! But I told her she could still say it for Daddy & Grandparents. So now proudly presenting...Natali!

SIN...Spencer Isaac Natali (get it)

Spencer is almost 6 months old. He loves rice cereal with applesauce or squash. Rolled over almost a week ago. Sleeping through the night, has crazy fuzzy hair, is super smily, and really just the best little baby!

These two are a constant comedy routine. I don't always find what they are doing very amusing and sometimes the bring my with in an inch of my sanity, but they are mine and I sure do love em'! Best photo I could get of them wearing Halloween shirts before they started karate chopping each other.Every night when we are getting ready for bed Isaac insists that "brother" gets in his crib. His is very sweet with him and just lays there and snuggles. It's pretty dang cute if I do say so myself. (side note: it is still weird to me when I say "the boys"...I can't believe I have two)
She is getting to big for her own good. She LOVES preschool and loves doing crafts with mom. Her mouth is constantly sassy and we are always working on using our "Princess" voice. She loves to dress up and always wants to hold Spencer. Thanks for keeping me on my toes Natali.
AND totally unrelated to the pictures...5 DAYS and Counting till I get a husband back again!

Spencer Laughing

Please ignore my voice. This isn't his "full" laugh but I sure think it is cute. Pretty soon Dad you can hear it for yourself. Last Saturday Spencer rolled over from his back to tummy one way. He has done it a few more times since but not a ton. Poor kid doesn't get that much floor time in fear of him getting stepped on or squashed my his siblings...namely Isaac!

Feeling the Craft

So I don't proclaim to be Martha by any stretch of the imagination, but I sure thought this Halloween banner turned out cute. And there is no one at home to give me my desired oohs & ahhs! Instead I get, "why did you do that Mom?" Thanks Natali, thanks!

Sweet Moments

"The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow

But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.

So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!

I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep."

-Ruth Hamiilton

Then & Now

As I was looking back at pictures of this crazy summer adventure we have been in I couldn't believe the difference in Spence. All the kids have obvioulsy grown, but rightfully so, Spencer's is the biggest difference.

5 weeks, and lots of red hair

almost 6 months, balding & blond

New Happenings

Spencer is hitting that next phase of babiness. We got out the trusty old saucer and the boy LOVED it (so did the other two). He is eating rice cereal mixed with squash (homemade might I add) and he woofs it down.

I somehow convinced Natali to sleep in curlers. I have MANY memories of pink curlers in my hair as a child and decided it was time to create those memories & torture for Natali. She'll thank me later!
Spencer relaxing in the bumbo enjoying the lights & sounds!
(Isaac is here...I just didn't have a photo of him. He is staying plenty busy and embracing the fact that he is two).

Haunted Houses

We've had a few days of being inside due to the rain & cold. I found these foam haunted house stickers last week at Wal-Mart and they have proven to be a good investment. Isaac was more intrigued with sticking them on and then immediately pulling them off. Natali really loved it and asks multiple times a day to do them. I love little kid crafts (I hope this counts as a craft).

Final Count Down...

Today was the last airport drop off for Ben & me. We are on the final count down until this whole 4th year "adventure" is over. He'll still have more rotations, all but one are here in Des Moines and the one in Utah we can be together. This is definitely not my favorite part of med. school and like all the other wives who I have talked to who have already done this said to me, "is stinks, but you'll make it"...and guess what, we did. HALLELUJAH! No more booking air flights, or hotel rooms. No more talking on the phone all the time. No more of a lot of things.

Yea...I know the picture is gross...just like 4th year!

It was so nice having Ben here even if it was for 3 1/2 days. I always sleep better when he is here and I actually cook too! He gave Isaac a much needed haircut. He had planned on mowing the lawn, except it rained almost everyday. He gave Spencer his first hair cut...no more 5 inch long stringy hairs floating around his head. And, Spencer took his first bath in the big bath tub.

I hope the month goes by fast. We did a paper chain count down & I am already anxious to rip all the rings off. Can't wait to watch Conference while the kiddos sleep tonight, thank you DVR!

Visitors

Last week we were super spoiled by having a visit from some of our most favorite people. The kids (and me) quickly got use to having Manda & Savannah around and doing stuff together.

It was a much anticipated visit, and so sad to say goodbye. Thank you guys for coming and taking care of us during this 4th year adventure.

5 MONTHS

Our sweetest little guy, Spencer Chase, is 5 months old! How did this happen?

• He weights 17 lbs
• Magical blue eyes
• A huge cricked smile
• Laughs at his brother & sister
• Gets the biggest grin when he spies mommy
• Cries when Daddy gets to close (thank you 4th year)
• Sleeps....okay....definitely is regressing in that area
• Gets super excited when it's rice cereal time
• Still wants to be swaddled when he goes to bed/naps
• Coos and babbles all the time
• Still has really awkward hair, comb over on top, the red hair is falling out & blond is coming in
• STILL has thrush
• Is a sweet as can be...LOVE you Spencer

Eat Your Heart Out

Don't carmel apples just seem so "Fallish"! I love this time of year. I had a delightful time making these and even let the kiddies sample one after lunch. This might not be the last time these are made. I only wish Ben were here to ooh & ahh over my master pieces!

Greys Lake

This evening we met up with the other "4th year Singles" and walked around Greys Lake. Besides constantly trying to get the kids out of all the bikers & runners way it was a perfect night. The weather was ideal, company fabulous, scenery lovely, and who doesn't enjoy a nice evening walk that tuckers out the kids. Thanks ladies!

This was the best one I got!

You think Natali (& Abby) were a little out numbered?

What a cute little guy!

Apple Orchard

Friday I loaded up the car and headed up to the Center Grove Apple Orchard with a groups of friends. We went last year and fell in love with the place. On any normal given day it would be the perfect place for small children to explore and play, but not for us. Poor Isaac was having, "just one of those days". And sweet little Spencer decided to be not so sweet. Thanks to dear friends we lasted for about 2 hours and managed to survive the corn pool & bouncy pillow. I could have stayed for hours but the boys had other plans. Sweet Natali had such a fun time and was such a little angel during our adventure. Overall it was nice to get out of the house, socialize, and provide some entertainment for the kids. Really...if you live here in Iowa you gotta go to this place!

This was taken on the way out and at this point there was NO WAY I was taking the boys out and trying to pose for a picture.

Thanks Natali for representing!

Spencer Eating Rice Cereal

Lately...

Three Little Monkeys on our Bed

Natali LOVES her little brother and is always asking, "can I hold him?"

Thanks to my neighbor I have been trying to learn & master

the use of this side sling...I love it!

this is more for Ben so he can see what I have been blabbing about

And we have been worshipping this little guy, although his hair is...well, we're not sure right now what to say about it...we sure do love his little mug!

Isaac

I love this little guy and I am LOVE with this picture a dear friend snapped while we were at the park yesterday. Isaac is growing up so fast. I love hearing him talk. His vocabulary has tripled this summer. He says "flash light" like daffy duck, and he melts my heart when he says, "tank you...mama." He loves to follow his big sister around and often asks for her when she is gone at preschool. He loves to read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, watch Backyardigans, and eat as much fruit as he can (not so fun for mom if you know what I mean). Love you Isaac!

Preschool

Today was Natali's first day of preschool for this year. She was so excited to start and get back with her teacher's, old friends, and make some new ones. She is a getting so big and I am already feeling anxious that next year will be the start of kindergarten.

Enjoying a meal on our "You Are Special" plate while wearing her super Natali cape. We topped of the evening playing at the park. It was a great day! Happy first day of preschool Natali!

Travel

So needless to say the 4th year of Podiatry school has given us the opportunity to do some SERIOUS traveling. Here are all the states Ben has driven through or visited, so far during his first 3 months.

BEN:

Iowa

Illinois

Indiana

Ohio

Kentucky

W. Virgina

Maryland

Penn

New Jersey

Missouri

Kansas

Oklahoma

Texas

New Mexico

Arizona

Utah

California

Wyoming

Nebraska

He has done three rotations:

Allentown, PA

Scranton, PA

Fort Worth, TX

And still has three more:

Tucson, AZ

Temple, TX

Salt Lake City, UT

I don't have quiet the list that he has, but my list does include me + 3 kids:

Iowa

Nebraska

Wyoming

Utah

Arizona

Nevada

California

I am just so glad to say that we are half way through this process. Two months here & then at least we get to be together for his month in Utah. So really two more months and we are done! YIIPPPEEE!

Kid Update

Since getting back from our summer "adventure" all three little monkeys have had doctor check ups. Here are their stats.

Natali: 4 years old
Height-42 3/4 90%
Weight-44.4 92%

Isaac: 2 years old

Height-35 60%

Weight-32.2 90%

Spencer: 4 months old

Height-26 80%

Weight-16.1 75%