Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn

Coram Deo Academy is back in session and we're working hard at: "living in the presence of God, under His authority and for His glory". Phoebe is an enthusiastic addition to our daily rhythms and Levi is the newest to join (albeit he is so far not doing too well in sleep school). We have many exciting things to learn this year with a focus on the Civil War for our History, adding German into our French and Latin, starting Plutarch, reading Pilgrim's Progress in morning time together, ABC Bible Verses for Phoebe, a weather unit (hoping to make a solar oven), Geography based on "Around the World in 80 Dinners" (foreign meals with friends), Cooking through History (the girls are planning Civil War inspired meals), ballet at a new location, piano, cello, violin, Solfeg and 10 minute map drills.  Playful Pioneer's II Curriculum and Ambleside Online have already inspired us to build a volcano, create a hurricane, bake some unique meals, learn about whaling, refresh our New England States and read through The Landing of the Pilgrims. We begin our day with our "blessing hour" where we tidy our environment and help establish good habits. Then instruments and journaling time. The girls have become avid journal students and are painting in their nature journals, working on quote journals, Books of Firsts, Books of Centuries, Language Journals, and writing their own stories.  Phoebe has one on one time from 9-10 with Mama and then we join for teatime read alouds, poetry, narrations and prayer. It's always an adventure and I hope we never take it for granted that we are blessed in this way, to learn together as we march onward toward our eternal home. 

We got to go to Robert and Julia's wedding a few weeks back and celebrate with them. We made some special memories and Levi and Felicity were able to hang out together.  :) 

We had a special beach day with our friends and tried to eek out a little bit more summer before things really took off. Maybe this will be a new tradition! A few more swims, more gathering of herbs and flowers to grace our home, playing in the Forest Bakery, riding bikes, scooters and playing in the fairy garden seemed to take up many an hour.  Now we're launching full into Autumn mode and thinking about birthdays and wood stoves and tea.  But these are precious memories I want to hold close always. 

 

Levi at six and seven months

Our sweet little baby boy continues to grow and grow. He is now seven months old and I missed his six month post altogether.  He's busy, we're busy and life is a whirl of unexpected moments in mothering. Many are harder than I ever expected and simultaneously many are more beautiful than I ever thought.  Somehow the two must be connected.  Levi sits up on his own now and is starting to scoot/crawl backwards. He manages to get places though we are never quite sure how he does it.  His favorite things from the last 2 months include hand bells, tambourines, Phoebe playing the harmonica, Papa driving by on the tractor, gnawing on frozen celery in his teether and watching the trees.  His first words outside of Mama and Papa are "titty tat" (kitty cat) and he is positively pleased with himself when he sees one of our cats. He announces is quite loudly. He is starting some solid foods though nothing seems to please him as much as his milk. Levi still does not sleep. He despises the car but loves going to the store and sitting in a cart. His little face lights up when he sees his sisters. He took his first trip to the beach and loved the water and sand.  He has two teeth and we pray daily that the top two will come through as he is so sad.  We've had this little man in our lives for over half a year and can't imagine our life without him. We are blessed. 

 

Levi at five months

Our Little Man is five months old! He's busy as a beaver and rolls over, scoots and does the "beached whale".  He very much wants to get moving and seems annoyed that he's still semi-stuck in place.  As of this week he has 2 teeth and is rather sad about the whole ordeal.  He loves to see the kitty cats, listen to the wind chimes and touch plants and leaves.  He loves to bang on things and seems to have a keen set of ears as he's always tuning in to listen.  He loves music, especially the song "Moon Moon Moon".  He is starting to grow hair and try a few solid foods.  He's around 18 pounds and in size 6 month clothing. He loves pulling Lena's glasses off her face, pulling Emmie's hair and laughing at Phoebe's silly smiles.  He despises the car seat and car rides and only sometimes like stroller rides. He tolerates riding in the baby carrier.  In spite of his continued reflux and trouble sleeping we wouldn't trade him for anyone else.  He's a gift and we love him so much and are excited to see his little personality start to emerge as he becomes acquainted with the people who love him and the world around him.  

 

Birdie is Four

 Our darling Phoebe Bird is Four!!!!  Happy Birthday to Phoebe Hope.  At four you are as you have always been- a firecracker of a girlie who loves big and lives exuberantly. You are a delight to us and we praise God for your life.  You are loud and vibrant, tender and loving.  This year you became a big sister and you have been such a good one already!  You love your little brother fiercely and adore your big sisters, trudging after them everywhere they go.  You already know your ABC's and are anxious to learn to read. You've started piano lessons with big sister Emmeline and love helping in the kitchen.  Cooking might be your love language.  You are perhaps our pickiest eater, but perhaps that is just because you are our most opinionated and you let us know if there are ever carrots or potatoes on your plate. You love to dance, to dress up and imagine all sorts of things. Right now your current fascination is being a bride.  You would like to be a doctor ballerina when you grow up.  You love fairies and unicorns and love going to church.  You adore songs with hand motions, folk songs and nursery rhymes.  You like to bike with your best buddy Daniel.  You do not like going to sleep or staying asleep and we're pretty sure that you sleep walk. This year you have discovered that you will have many birthdays and this is a remarkable discovery. You are trying to find heaven and want to meet Jesus. You love the ways colors mix together to make other colors and love your cat Wendell Berry very much. I hope you never lose your zest for life! God bless you Birdie.