“TRUST ME, I’M A DOCTOR.”

Well, not quite. But it is our favorite quote from the Dr Pepper commercials.

Funny story… Christian apparently had a “White Coat Ceremony” which I knew NOTHING about (not so funny). I had to basically puuuulll the information out of him to attend. If you know my husband, he’s not big into fru-fru events. He even thought the event was optional. So basically the week of the ceremony we got the “invite” (we, being the kids and I) and so Saturday we celebrated a special occasion. The donning of the white coat. We got all spiffied up and along with Christian’s parents attended the event in the Memorial building. We were one of the few people who had small children. It was quite a task at keeping them all quiet and well behaved, but they did great and even exceeded my expectations. We heard a few speakers and then the medical students went up in groups and each had their coat placed upon them by a doctor/mentor from UNC. Interesting fact… This year UNC had 4,000 applicants. They interviewed a little over 500 of them. There are currently 170 medical students attending their first year including my husband. Pretty awesome.

Waiting for it to begin. We arrived about 10 min early and got really good seats about 4 rows from the front and to the right.

And here HE comes!!

Afterwards we went outside and took a few pictures. The kids were happy to finally get out and run around. Christian is known for being the guy with 4 kids in med school. They all think we’re nuts… and they got to see it first hand.

 

LIFE AS WE KNOW IT

Here are a few updates:

THIS is where we live:

THIS is what we do most of the day (it’s Toy Story, if you can’t tell. Landen is OBSESSED):

THIS is where she wants to be all day:

ANY QUESTIONS?

OUR ATTEMPT AT A FAMILY PICTURE

We have NEVER been good at capturing that “perfect” family picture. My dear friend Christy was kind enough to capture one for us while taking pictures at my brother’s wedding reception. It’s always fun to see the ones that didn’t quite make the cut. Our blog picture up top is the one that turned out the best and I’m totally happy to have it… especially since we may not get another chance while Christian is in Medical School. Thank you Christy!!

Without further ado…

This picture is ALMOST perfect if Kalea had kept her head raised a bit higher.

Everyone was super cooperative again in the picture. But we definitely have a DIVA on our hands. Landen is also bear hugging himself.

My personal favorite. And would also be kind of hilarious to put up on a large canvas on our wall. This kid is an ANIMAL!!

THE EVOLUTION OF CHUB

AND TODAY…

BACK TO SCHOOL

It’s that time again. SCHOOL TIME!! I can honestly say I have been looking to this because it has a meaning. This time means stability, consistency, and regularity. All of which is something we haven’t had in months. I need this… we ALL need this. A little stability is a good thing. So back to school is a 3 part series. Thursday was Kalea’s first day but because Kindergarten has “staggered entry” Mia was not able to ride the bus with her big sister. She was a little bummed by this but she was okay the rest of the day.

Elementary School around here starts E.A.R.L.Y. We had to be out at the bus stop at 6:55am. Not an easy task when you’re up all night nursing a baby. However, it is nice that Landen is still asleep because I can take the girls to the bus stop and Landen and the baby can sleep (while Christian studies and gets ready for class at 8am). It’ll be a little bit of a challenge until the baby starts to sleep better, but I’m not holding my breath on that. And on the plus side, they get out of school at 2:30 which I love. Kalea has a good friend, Paulina, who lives 3 doors down and is also in her class this year. I have a feeling they are going to be GREAT friends.

Mia had her first day of school on Friday. It was a short day (mostly an orientation) and Mia was excited, then nervous, then excited again when I picked her up. She even showed me a cute little banana dance that the class learned. It was adorable and relieving to see her be such a big girl. She’s come a long way from that little girl who grabs my leg and screams anytime anyone came near her. She still can be a bit weary until she’s comfortable… baby steps.

Mia will go the full day on Monday with Kalea on the bus. She’s really excited about that part. I told Kalea she needed to sit with her sister (I think it kind of bummed her out, but that’s what siblings are for). Anyways, thus the 3 part series.

Can you tell Landen was rearin to go (he’s the one with the red hat)? He really wants to be big like his sisters and go to school. He REALLY wants to ride the bus. I have a feeling it’s going to be a challenge keeping him entertained while they’re gone. They are SO good with him and help me a ton. It’ll be lonely without them but I’m excited to hear about their day when they come home. And while they’re gone I have a feeling we’ll be HERE a lot.  It’s the playground in our apartment complex. It’s geared more towards littler kids so it’s perfect for him.

WHERE WE ARE…

THIS is Baity Hill, our new home. I haven’t taken pictures of the inside yet. Mostly because I either have A) a baby in my arms or B) it isn’t ever tidy enough for me to take a picture yet. It will come, be patient with me.

Most of life has slowed down significantly which I am VERY VERY grateful for. June-August has been such a tornado of chaos that I’m ready for boring nothingness to take over. We’ve been enjoying the last few days of summer and spending some time with my grandparents who were in town for Uncle Lane’s wedding reception. We weren’t able to visit quite as much as I would have liked because of the move and having a newborn, but I think they understood. I was able to take a few pictures while they were over. They really do enjoy the time with the kids and you can tell they cherish every second.

My mom took this picture of me and the kids while they were over. I didn’t realize how exhausted I look.

We’ve had some good friends come and visit us since the move. They are so awesome to think of me all the way out here. it’s not a short drive, that’s for sure. Suzanne came with her girls and I was in awe of her sweet little Abby who was content just laying in the Boppy or swinging in the swing. I can’t wait for that time when I have a few minutes to accomplish something… anything. Lisa came by with Katy and hung out with me on my birthday. I have to mention that these girls know me SO well because they both brought me fast food for lunch. Yes, I know I’m disgusting but I LOVE IT. I miss my friends so much, it’s been hard not having some of my best friends a quick drive away. *sigh*. But it’s still been a good adjustment and am really happy where we are.

ADJUSTING

We’ve now been living in Chapel Hill for a little over a week. It has been a bit of an adjustment, but not really as much as I originally thought. The day we moved in the girls found little friends to play with in the hall way. All I have to do is prop the door open and peak out to keep an eye on them. It started off as 2-3 friends. Now when I peak out there can be up to 8-10 kids all running and playing. They take their scooters and ride their bikes. It’s pretty funny. Kalea has actually learned to ride a two-wheeler (without training wheels) in the hall. There are certain rules they have to obey and if they break those rules then they aren’t allowed out the next day. It’s been pretty awesome for them.

Christian has started Medical School and has dived in face first. I think it’s a bit overwhelming at times. He has class from 8am until 3pm or 5pm, depending on the day. It’s a lot like having a full time job except when he’s home he locks himself away to read, study, and watch lectures. At least he’s home. I ask for help when I absolutely need it, but for the most part we try and leave him alone. He seems a tad bit stressed but he likes to be challenged. Ask… and ye shall receive.

I’ve just been trying to balance 4 kids, keeping a tidy home (much easier with such little space), keeping up with laundry (not as easy with 6 people in the family). It hasn’t been too bad. Baby Alana LOVES to be held. The minute I put her down she’s wide awake and not happy. She is such a little snuggler. Her nights have gotten much better where she doesn’t have long stretches of fussiness. I’m, of course, not getting much sleep but certainly happy to have a happier baby. However, dinner time is he her new fussy time. This basically forces Christian to take a break while I make dinner. It’s just one big balancing act.

The girls start school this week! Mia got to meet her new teacher and see her school as a big Kindergartener. She’s excited but was a bit shy when she met her teacher. I’m sure she’ll come out of her shell in a week or so. Kalea met her teacher too (both teachers are SUPER young and new). Kalea looked like an old pro and felt totally in her element. Kalea goes for the first day on Thursday. Mia follows on Friday with a half day and then a full schedule on Monday. The only rough part is that their school starts SO EARLY. Oh well, I’m up anyways.

Landen is doing well. He loves to run the halls with his sisters. He’s become a little more impatient with everyone, which probably just comes with the territory of being 3. He’s a handful at times, but is still my sweet little man. He got all 3 Toy Story movies and guess what we’ve been watching non-stop since. It’ll be interesting to see how he does when his sisters are gone all day. He may really love having the one on one time with me. I know I’m looking forward to it (minus the help. the girls are a HUGE help).

Well, that pretty much sums it up. Nothing earth shattering but exciting and new.