Piano Recital

This year brought a new activity for Elias, piano! He had expressed an interest in learning music and when we thought his mind and fingers were ready, we gave it a go. The result: Elias loves it!! Elias loved it so much we found a great deal on a used piano and bought it. I love listening to him play and it is somewhat therapeutic for him as well, bonus! Elias didn't start lessons until mid January of this year and his first recital was scheduled for early May. Elias worked hard and was able to learn enough to participate in Pianoforte achievement awards as well as his recital. Learning to read music and manipulate his fingers correctly to play brought challenges but with many hours of practice, he did great. Elias absolutely loves the piano and  I think this kid will be playing piano for years to come.

Nicholas 6 Months

6 Months

Weight: Nicholas is my smallest baby at this point weighing in at 16 lbs 8oz and 26 inches long. Don't worry, the head is well above average, he is for sure an Eberhardt!

Hair color- Finally getting rid of that nasty cradle cap! Most days Nicholas' hair resembles Donald Trump! I think he will be a Blondie like his big brother Samuel.

Eye Color-Baby Blues

Sleep- Nicholas has a pretty good sleep schedule. Up for the day around 7:30-8, morning nap around 10 afternoon nap around 2:30 and quick evening cat nap around 5ish. He goes to bed Around 8 and usually wakes once to eat around 4.

Eating- Nicholas eats all kinds of foods now! He has had pretty much every kind of fruit and veggie there is. We haven't dove into meat so much but that is on the agenda for this month.Nicholas has even had a few whole peas and avocado and banana. It won't be long before he is refusing purees all together!

Daily routine-Wake up around 8 ish, You pretty much go with the flow from here. Our lives have been absolutely insane with all of your older siblings medical and social calendars! As long as you get your 10am nap and afternoon nap in you are happy as a lark. We do solids once a day, occasionally twice if I remember. You let me know when its time to eat so I don't bother to notice how far apart your feedings are. You spend your awake hours pretty much being the happiest most content baby to ever live. You eat and head to bed around 8.

Firsts: Sitting up! Ride in the big boy stroller sitting all the way up, First time in park swing. I am sure there is much more but I didn't write any of it down. 5th child problems

What we are looking forward to: Watching Nicholas' personality continue to develop, right now its pretty awesome!

Message to Nicholas: Nicholas buddy you are the happiest baby. EVER! You don't cry unless something is really wrong and you have more patience then most adults. You giggle at everything and are content sitting on the floor playing for as long as I need you to be. You love to be entertained by your siblings and love when we go for walks. If you are having a particularly mommy day, I wrap you and that is A-OK with you. You make life with a baby pretty darn easy.

Recital Week

Annie has officially completed her 4th year of ballet! I can't even begin to believe at the ripe age of 6 how that is possible, but, it is! By now, we know the routine of recital week pretty darn well. There were pictures down town,rehearsal at UND and finally the big dance! I always volunteer to help out downstairs so I can be with her the whole time( my anxiety, not hers). The only downside to this is that I never actually get to see her preform, that is until the DVD comes out. Here are some pictures from our very busy dance week.

Annual picture with Miss Leigha

Taking some pictures outside of the building where pictures were being taken. In case you are wondering, the shoes are not part of the outfit.

I don't know why, but this one is my favorite. I want to frame it. She was being all gracefully and taking pictures and a loud truck when by and she struck this pose to show her dissatisfaction at her peacefulness being interrupted. 

It is finally time for the big dance! She did great, 

Annie and Mommy annual recital selfie.

Annie and our neighbor Olivia. Annie looks so small, until she stands next to Olivia's class, they are all so tiny!

That is a wrap! We had a great recital and I can't wait to get the DVD to actually watch her. I wonder how insane next years dance recital week will be. Annie will be doing competition dance in addition to her class, should be fun times!!!