Cute Ava

We had fun taking pictures today. The cute hat with the pink bow was made by Grama Arlie and the strawberry hat and booties were made by Nekell. Ava is lucky to have a talented Aunt and Grandma. I can't believe she is two weeks tomorrow. She is a joy!

Ava Samantha

We welcomed Ava Samantha to our family on Monday, September 21st at 7:43 a.m. She weighed 7 lb. 10 oz and 19 1/4 inches long (this is her correct height when had dr. appt.). She is beautiful!! Ava shares her birthday with her cousin Brooke, which is a lot of fun! She has lots of dark brown hair, which is a shock since both of our other kids had very little hair and was reddish brown. Ava has long fingers and a long torso. To me, she seems so petite compared to my other two. Her weight did drop to 6 lb. 15 oz, but is slowly climbing back up. Ava has her own look, but we can see a lot of Annika in her. Her middle name, Samantha, has a story behind it. We like to have our childrens middle names to be a family name. I couldn't really decide on what that name should be for Ava until one morning at 5:30 a.m. when I couldn't sleep. The name Samantha came to mind. I thought, why Samantha? There are no Samantha's in our family names. I wrote it down and instantly saw the connection. Samantha is an acronym for all of Ava's grandmothers and great grandmothers (first letter or last letter of their names). It was perfect! S = Sharon, A = Arlie, M = Marie, A = Wilma, N = Marilyn, T = Margaret, H = Sharon, and A = Vonda. It was truly inspired that she was to have that name and I love it because these are all wonderful women who we love dearly.

The kids have been great with Ava. They adore her and give her lots of kisses. We have adjusted well so far. And, thanks to all of our parents, we will be taken care of for a while. Also, thanks to dear friends for meals and play dates for our kids. It is all greatly appreciated. We are very blessed.


The strawberry hat and booties are a gift that our sister-in-law, Nekell, made. Love it!! Nekell is so talented!

See the Similarities?

First Day of Pre-K

First day of Pre-K was Wednesday. I don't know who was more excited, me or Annika. I know every parent understands. She woke up excited to go, then grumpy, and luckily by the time we got to school and she noticed she closely matched Mrs. Kinney, life was good. Annika gave hugs to her teachers, greetings to last years friends, and a glance to mom as I said good-bye.

When I picked her up the teacher commented that Annika was VERY talkative. Teacher said she is glad Annika feels so comfortable in class. ha ha I love how teachers are always so positive. Of course when I asked how her day went, Annika was completely quiet. She must have exhausted herself from talking so much at school I guess.

Ringling Brothers Circus

Last weekend we went to the circus with Grandma and Grandpa Bjorn. We had a great time. Annika and Gavin's favorite part was the elephant show. It was especially fun to take Annika because her new favorite movie has been Dumbo. If she could, she would watch it a couple times each day.

We are trying to have as much fun as possible until baby #3 comes 1 1/2 weeks). This weekend == Friday is the fair and Saturday the water park. I hope I can keep up. Grateful Sunday is a day of rest.

Annika is 4!

Tuesday Annika turned 4 years old. I was just thinking about how quickly her 3rd year was. She learned a lot and did a lot. Preschool, ballet, swimming, and friends consumed her life. She learned to read, ride a bike with training wheels, learned to be a big sister, and many more things. Andy and I both feel so blessed to have her as our first child. She has taught us a lot and we love her very much. Now, what will age 4 bring?

Gavin's 15 month appointment

Gavin just had his 15 month doctor's appointment and came away with high scores. 97th percentile for height, weight, and head circumference. (Mom believes 100th for cuteness and intelligence too.) His weight is a whopping 30 pounds and height 33.5 inches. He definitely passed Annika at that age (and not much of a difference right now). The Bjorns nicknamed him 'Tank' at the family reunion. He is solid, but what a cutie. He melts your heart with his smile and you can't get enough of those kissable cheeks. I wish I could just freeze time ... part of me doesn't want him to get older. He is at a fun stage.

(picture taken at Annika's pool party in the backyard.)

Strawberry Jam Pixies

I had a huge upset when we returned from our vacation last week -- ALL of my freezer food went bad. I went through a cycle of emotions -- disbelief, denial, anger, sadness, anger, sadness, and then acceptance. It was just too sad for me so my mother-in-law was grateful enough to volunteer and clean it up. The saddest part of all of this is my freezer jam. I had 15 jars and all gone. I never got to enjoy even one of them. That's what really depressed me. I shared my catastrophe with my dear friend, Tana, who shared my sadness and word spread.

We have received several acts of kindness this week. Tana and other dear friends dropped off strawberry freezer jam that they made. Some friends knocked and gave a hug and other friends left it on my doorstep. You may think it is such a simple, easy, no big thing, but my family and I are very grateful. So, thank you to all of you. My freezer is up and running and is getting filled again! Of course I have been checking my freezer a couple times a day. I am a little paranoid.

A busy month ...

It's been a while since we last posted on our blog. I thought I would give you a quick update on what's been happening this past month ... (in no particular order).

Gavin and Annika had their first ride with Dad on the sea-doo. Gavin LOVED it, Annika was a little apprehensive.

Being close to 8 months pregnant, I took Annika on the tube. Don't worry, Mom, Andy Sr. drove the boat very slowly. No attempts to buck me off this time.

Annika turned 4 years old! We had a fun day ... and then the stomach flu the next ...

Annika had her friends over for a fun Birthday party -- pool, slip n' slide, sandbox, swing set, lunch and butterfly cupcakes ... and then a 101 fever late that night.

Andy's parents moved from Texas back to Seattle. They are temporarily living with us. The kids love having them here ... and we do too!

Got to visit an old friend in Utah. So fun to catch up!

Had a Bjorn Family reunion at Bear Lake. The week went by too quickly. It was great to be together again and play at the lake and pool.
Finished the patio in the back. More plants are in (thanks to Andy and his Dad) and chairs set up to watch the kids play on the swing set. Grandpa and Dad also taught Annika to swing on her own!!

And last, but not least, Andy turned another year older ... 35 and looking great!!

I think that covers the month ... besides the 100 + degree weather we have been having, blackberry chopping, doctor's appointments, park and lake fun, and play dates. Baby is growing stronger and stronger and now it's time to get ready for her arrival September 21st. We are all very excited!

The first recital

25 weeks!

Here is a picture of me and the babe.  Annika loves the idea of having a sister.  She still prays to Heavenly Father making sure it is a girl. ha ha  I am feeling well and c-section is scheduled for September 21st.

New favorite song

I often leave my "mix tape" cd in the van, and sometimes Marylyn will play it for the kids. Well, after listening to this cd a few times, it turns out the kids now have a new favorite song!

Gavin's Walking Video

As promised here is the video of the little guy walking!

Gavin's Walking!

This evening we got back from Annika's dance lessons and all of a sudden Gavin started walking.  WHAT?!  I may need to ask Michelle who watched him while I was at the lessons if he was doing this with her.  Of course he is still getting accustomed to walking and is very unsure of himself.  He will stand there, walk to you, and collapse on purpose.  We cheer him on and he has the biggest grin on his face.  I love it!  We recorded his milestone on video and will post soon.  

3 vs. 2 in the family

The girls will outnumber the boys in our family.  Yes, we are having a girl!  There is no denying it after the ultrasound I had today.  Annika and I were right and as Annika said, "Daddy changed his mind after seeing her." ; )  This means I won the bet!  I get to sleep in both Saturday and Sunday AND have a massage!!  We added the massage while waiting in the doctor's office.  I mentioned an additional foot massage for a week, but Andy's response was, "Don't push it."  I stopped there.  I am very happy with a massage.   I just hope I can sleep in.  I may just leave a book by the bed and relax a couple hours when I wake up. 

The ultrasound was amazing.  I love technology.  Annika was just as fascinated as Andy and I seeing the face, heart, legs, feet, hands, etc.  Everything looked great and we couldn't be happier to have another princess in the family.  

Annika's field trip to the Zoo and Aquarium

In front of the zoo sitting on the polar bear.

Annika with her two teachers.  They are fabulous!

Gavin loving the goats.  Can you tell?!

Annika with her friends looking at the elephants.

We love the carousel!!  If Annika had her way, she would ride all day on each animal.  However, the zebra and bench were the only two this time.

Well, it wouldn't be a school field trip to the zoo without rain. Luckily, the rain lasted just for part of the day, and was very light. Being a Washingtonian, you can't let the rain stop the fun. So, I packed the kids, had the rain gear, and we had a wonderful time. The good news about the rain, is that the zoo was practically empty. The main groups of people we saw were from Annika's preschool. Annika's favorite part was the tiger and touching the starfish. You should have heard her reaction though when there was one fish tank lit up in purple to make the shrimp look more pink. She was elated! However, the group of boys she was with just didn't quite understand why the excitement. Gavin loved everything from touching the goats to seeing the fish and making elephant sounds at the two elephants. We ended the trip riding the carousel a couple of times ... and then the whining for more.
Of course today is beautiful with blue skies and warm weather. Oh, what to do ... I know! Doctor's appointment for the ultrasound! YAHOO!!!

Boy or Girl?

The past few days all I can think of is our appointment on Friday to find out if our little baby is going to be a boy or girl. I am very, very anxious and of course Andy is too. We are terrible with the waiting game. Annika and I think it's a girl. Andy has changed his mind and says he and Gavin now believe it is a boy. Our family is divided. This is where a little wager comes in. Andy's first idea was the one who wins gets to pick the baby's name. NO WAY!! I love my husband, but he can be influenced by others and I would be scared what he would come up with. A safer bet and the only thing I could come up with late at night was the one who wins gets to sleep in both Saturday and Sunday. I am thinking we need to add to it. Any suggestions? Any ideas of what the baby is going to be?

Thanks, Lisa, for the nomination!

http://news.cnnbcvideo.com/?nid=OkQIJJsRNVkZyfGSrqm.rjEyOTkwNDg4&referred_by=16247472-XkwNgRx

(Sorry, I can't figure out how to make this a link. If you are interested in watching, you will have to copy/paste.)

Mother's Day Weekend

We were able to take advantage of a friend's condo at Crescent Bar this weekend.  Friday morning we left the cold, rainy Seattle weather and headed to warm, sunny Central Washington.  It was fabulous!  The first picture posted is the scenery from the condo balcony.  On the left side you see nothing but cliffs and water as well.  Beautiful!  We spent time at the lake where Gavin enjoyed eating the sand.  We spent time at the park where Annika swung like a monkey on the bars and jungle gym.  We spent LOTS of time at one of the condo's pools where the kids splashed and loved jumping off the "island".  We spent time eating our meals on the balcony soaking up the sun.  And we spent time at the putt-putt golf where Andy actually got Annika to complete 18 holes in the hot afternoon sun.  It was wonderful to have no phone, computer, or TV distractions.  Just us and we loved every minute of it ... well, except the last night where there were several loud alarms and noises outside to keep us up most of the time, and who can't forget the air-raid alarm at 5:10 a.m.  WHY?  Don't they realize every mother living in the area is trying to enjoy peaceful sleep?

We left Sunday morning to make it back in time for church so Annika could sing on the stage for Mother's Day.  She was so excited and practiced the songs all week and I have to say I was a little sad because all I saw was the top of her head on stage.  There were tall kids standing right in front of her.  But, I did get a personal concert all week so I shouldn't complain too much.  Mother's Day, or should I say weekend, was absolutely wonderful.  I loved getting away and being together as a family.  I think this should be a tradition for every Mother's Day.

The condo where we stayed was right up close to those cliffs you see in the background.

Annika kept saying, "Look at me!" and was excited to have climbed just 1 foot off the ground.  I guess to a 3 year old that is pretty high.  It's all about perspective.  She did eventually get to the top.

Don't you love that Buddha Belly?  And those cheeks?  I love it!  I think I need to buy him a new swim shirt.

I am a lucky Mommy.  What a blessing these kids are.

T-H-E Independent Reader

Annika is 3 years old and has been sounding out the alphabet letters for a long time now.  So as a mother, I have anxiously tried to get her to read.  HOWEVER, if you know Annika, you know that she is a girl who is very independent.  She has her own time-table and schedule for things.  (Hmmm.... I have no idea where she gets this from.  Do you, Mom?)  I promise not to go on a long tangent about this, but I swear my Mom is laughing right now and saying, "Just you wait when she is a teenager".  Maybe it is payback for all the attitude I gave my parents when growing up.  

Anyway, back to my story ... The past few days Annika has been very self-motivated to read.  It's been awesome.  She is sounding out the words of books, cereal boxes, outdoor signs, etc.  It's exciting to hear her try and I love that she gets excited about it.  "I-K-E-A.  Mom, that says, IKEA!"  Today she was sounding out "The Mother of all Atlases" (our Atlas book subtitle).  I was trying to explain to her the sound that T-H make when together (for the millionth time in the past few days).  Annika was refusing to listen.  I was getting annoyed as she repeated the sounds T-H separately.  And you can tell she was getting annoyed with me as I was lecturing her.  Andy just stayed silent, which is what I should have done in the first place.  "Annika, I am trying to teach you ... ," I finally say. She stood up facing me, clearly upset, "No!  You don't know what you are talking about! In school my teachers taught me this way!"  All I could do at this point was laugh inside.  Annika is more like me than I realize.  I immediately came to the conclusion that she will learn this rule better from someone else, like her teachers, not her mother.  So for now, she sounds out each letter, no exceptions.  I am not worried.  I know she will learn it when she is ready.  Do you have a child like this?  If you have any advice, let me know.  I am willing to listen.  

18 weeks!

This picture is more for my Mom and sisters -- 18 weeks and I am already wondering if it can be over soon.  However, reality immediately kicks in and I become grateful for another 22 weeks.  More time between the two babies.  We find out if it's a boy or girl on the 15th of May!  Any guesses?

Love Tulips in the Spring!

We went to the tulip festival this weekend in Northern Washington.  We knew Annika would LOVE it, and that she did, especially the rows and rows of pink ones.  Gavin loved eating the dirt and trying to grab the petals off the flowers.  The views were breathtaking!  The pictures don't do the scenery justice, especially the red tulips.  They were so vibrant.  It was a great afternoon to spend as a family.   

While there, we thought of my sister, Ruth, and Ben living in Holland right now.  I am envious that they can buy 50 tulips for less than $8.  I bought 6 tulips for $4.50 at the festival.  No fair!  Ruth, is there a way you can ship me some?  Oh, and Andy would like some syrup waffle cakes.  In exchange I can ship you some chocolate chips and licorice.  ha ha  

Gavin's First Birthday

We celebrated Gavin's First Birthday last Saturday.  I can't believe a year has already past.  Gavin is such an essential part of our family.  We are so blessed to have him.  If you know Gavin you would know he is the essence of pure joy.  He always has a smile on his face and is so easy-going.  You can't stop kissing those cheeks of his and making him laugh with tickles.  Gavin's favorite things to do are eating and playing with cars.  I think his favorite person is "Na-Na" (Annika).  Annika is proud to be called "Big Sister" (I think she prefers that name over her own name). 

Erik, Nekell, Analiese, Peter, and Grandparent Bjorns came to help us celebrate his birthday on Saturday.  I had to laugh at Gavin eating his cupcake.  Generally a 1-year old touches it and picks at the frosting, and then dives-in.  This kid immediately grabbed it and shoved the bottom end in his mouth.  The cake was gone within just a few minutes.  After the festivities, Gavin gave Andy a little gift to say thanks.  He had been sick all week and the carrot cupcake just didn't settle well with him.  Poor little guy.  Don't worry, Andy wasn't alone.  Aunt Nekell and I got to enjoy the clean-up.  What a way to end the night!