Accolades for the eldest.

Jack's reading has taken off this year. At the beginning of the school year he tested at a mid-second grade reading level. By late fall he was testing at fifth grade level. He may be able to read at that level, but it doesn't mean he's interested in fifth grade topics--or long books.

However, he's plugged away. His teacher has recognized his desire to be a six-, now seven-year-old boy and has really encouraged him to find books that excite him but also push him just enough. I've loved to watch him learn from the books he's reading. Some days he'll ask me about The Revolutionary War, other days he'll tell me how Egyptians took the brains out of mummies (well, pre-mummy, I suppose).

There's another girl in Jack's class who has been with him since preschool. Caitlin. She reads at his same level, and they have been wonderful for each other. Jack came back from Thanksgiving break with a pile of books he'd read. He was bragging to her about how he was just about to earn nine accelerated reader points. She retorted in a sassy tone, "Well, did you CHOOSE to read them? Or did your parents MAKE you?" (She was also the one who warned me against selecting the mango creme Girl Scout cookies when I gave her my order..."They taste like chapstick," she said.)

I love her. I hope they go to the prom together.

Mrs. Gartung, his teacher, asked us to come in this afternoon for a special surprise. She had custom cupcakes made, bought ice cream, and asked the principal to come and present Jack and Caitlin with trophies, inscribed with their names. The whole class clapped and cheered for them and then partied outside.

Jack was on top of the world.

I'm feeling sad as this year draws to a close. His teacher is incredibly talented. I love helping in the classroom and watching her teach. She brings out the absolute best in Jack. She texted me this last week: "I know Caitlin and Jack are going to be something amazing when they grow up. They came in with the skills and ability, but I don't care. I am still hanging onto them. I will always be their first grade teacher. I will be so proud when I go and find Dr. Jack and Professor Caitlin. I am so honored to have that privilege. They are and always will be my kids too. :)"

That made me a little weepy...can you blame me?

Here are some picture from the afternoon.

Micah patiently waiting...or, rather asking me when he can go play on the slide.

Nathan patiently waiting. He was actually being patient.

Where's dad? I'm sick of you telling me I can't play on the slide...

The best part about this picture is the fact that almost every single kid is staring at Allan. He walked in and one kid stood up and shouted, "HOLY COW, Jack! Your dad is TALL!!!" Then they all got giggly...including Jack.

Ladies first...

Jack's moment...He was blushing, by the way. How far we've come. Last year he had to visit the principal's office. Now the principal visits him.

Caitlin has her pose down.

Posing with Mrs. Gartung outside at the end of the day.

Six months.

A few photos from the past few days.

First rice cereal feeding.

Success!

The mood was right, as was the lighting, clothing, and color scheme. Oh, and bathed.

I'm a wee bit obsessed with his eyes. They are so precious.

I squealed when I pulled this off of my camera.

To say we love Nathan is an understatement. Someone asked me today if he's the happiest of all my babies. I told her that to the best of my recollection they've all been squealy, smiley, giggly babies. Am I a lucky mom or what? 

Three brothers.

Nathan at almost four months.

Micah at almost five months

Jack at five months

Four months.

Gah. Where does the time go?