So with the combined effort of both Ken and his folks (aka Nana and Baba) we are the proud owners of a 1996 Nissan van that now is completely road worthy… Ken just had to stay overnight at my mom’s and have some random piece fabricated by local welders. Hey at least the kids and I got a pizza party in the livingroom out of it (thanks to Ken leaving behind cash on his desk that was not set for something specific!). There are a few quirks to our new old van as is to be expected with any vehicle, especially one over 10 years old, but we are NOT complaining.

Pizza Party (Zander)

We managed a trip out after Mike picked up Zander and Ken got back with Echo and Emanuel after shots. Shots went rather well… Emanuel didn’t cry, Echo calmed down quickly, she was told she was cute… now comes the less “good” – she has NOT gained any weight since the last time. Now what has me happy is she hasn’t LOST any either. And in the span of time she has started rolling from front to back, been trying to sit on her own, loves to “stand” with us holding her hands and is constantly moving and kicking, smiling and cooing. So we have accomplished something – we have MAINTAINED while she has become progressively more active and has had a cold/flu off and on since November. Of course I took my worries and my concerns and called the best reference I have – the local LaLeche League. I got a lovely breastfeeding mom names Emily who was willing to listen, discuss and even went through some of her literature and called me back. We have a new game plan –  today instead of rice cereal we mixed bananas and breastmilk to work on moisture getting into her AND weight on her adorable little frame. Apparently things like bananas and avocado are great for that (I don’t know enough about avocado to pick one and our family LIVES on bananas). The nurses also told Ken how ADORABLE Echo is and how lovely, she was smiling and chatting AND even did some giggling so our little one put on a great show! I am also going to substitute the breast for the binky. Instead of soothing with the soother whenever possible we will try and get a sip or two in, it has worked pretty well tonight and given me some hope. I am learning more and more about breastfeeding and feeling more and more supported in my wish NOT to use formula! It is terrific! I am hoping I can make it to a LaLeche League meeting in January in our area.

We went out with the 4 remaining children today (as I mentioned above) and stopped at Walmart. We used our gift card we got this Christmas (thanks Fydo and Kristen!!) and got a new Wii game – Epic Mickey. Ken has all the games he wants right now with his WoW account and all so it was my choice. (the other option was a baby swing but none were on sale)

Shopping as a family

New game

And then as a treat we got some Babybel Gouda cheese. We rarely buy anything other than cheddar so this is somewhat of a delicacy.

Yum!

So tomorrow is New Years Eve… we plan on having a few people over for games but with the kids and the cold… well we are staying indoors. We tend not to make a big fuss about New Years, though this year we will let the kids stay up later… not sure if they will make it to midnight though.

Now I have a new sewing project I am working on until I get some more patterns Ken is working on, and I have a ton to do over the weekend so back to work I go! Thank goodness Ken is home and the shots are over. Now I can focus on my new game plan and on getting my family in order for facing 2011.

Full belly, clean bottom, time to snuggle with Daddy (soother due to Tylenol given for shots... here's hoping tonight we work on our new plan!)