Days With the Duerksens

I was a little bummed out that we didn't go to Camp Mennoscah with our church this weekend. However, today I was able to find blessings in the little things: Chelan and I made applesauce -- 13 quarts! I think we have about 30 quarts now. Cambry loved waking up in her new "cold weather pajamas" I made coffee for the first time since last spring and this little girl smiled!!

Here are a few quotes from Cambry concerning Delaney: "Is she a boy? Because she has boy hair!" "It's nice to have a baby, isn't it, Mom?" "Mom, when I grow up, I want to be a baby holder!"

About 7 years ago when we were expecting Caiden, Chelan lovingly designed and built this beautiful crib! Caiden and Cambry were able to sleep in it from the get-go. Delaney on the other hand? She's spending her nights in the carseat in our living room! We do have a cradle, but staying upright seems to be the key with her. This time around, we have a 2nd floor, and we decided that she should stay downstairs until it cools off a bit. Today, at 5 weeks old, she took a 2 1/2 hour nap in the crib. Yeah!! Every time I have put one of the kids down in the crib to sleep, I remember how blessed we are to have a loving husband and dad. A dad who would spend hours crafting a crib (or anything for that matter) for his kids!

This little lady is already 4 weeks old! 12 months will go by in no time at this rate! How is she at 4 weeks? Well, she's turned into quite a spitter -- I would compare her to our first baby. Many of you know how bad that was! Other than that, she still sleeps a lot and we're still waiting for that first smile (when she's awake)!

Despite a rather hot and dry summer, this field of beans seems to be doing rather well. Chelan took Caiden out there on Sunday to show him how tall the beans are! We're looking forward to harvest time soon!

Many of you know that we have had chickens for a number of years. Earlier this summer, raccoons ransacked our chicken barn (a rather old barn) and got rid of our entire flock! In July, we repaired some places in the barn, ordered new chicks, and have enjoyed watching 27 of them grow. Just this weekend, we noticed that this flock also seemed to be losing members. Sure enough, we set the trap on Saturday evening and on Sunday, this unfortunate raccoon was caught! We've been trying to figure out how they get in -- it's quite a mystery! This morning, Chelan reported that another 5 chicks were missing (we forgot to set the trap last night). The interesting thing is, those pesky raccoons are actually opening the door to the pen where the chicks are! We can't believe it -- and we definitely have to figure out a way to keep our remaining 17 chicks alive!

A few Sundays ago, we had a special part in the service for Delaney. Today, it was Caiden's turn. When kids get to 1st grade, it is a tradition in our church to give them their own Bible and a bag to carry it in. They are then expected to bring it to Sunday School each Sunday. It was fun to see them up there looking at their new Bibles!

Today was the day! We made the switch from disposable diapers to cloth! After using disposables with both Caiden and Cambry, this is quite a transition. When we found out we were expecting Delaney, I decided this was something I wanted to try. However, we didn't want to spend all the money for just one child. My cousin, Tina (who inspired this idea), offered to give us theirs. We gratefully accepted, and now the time has come. Chelan's not so sure! I, on the other hand, am fully on board. Just knowing how many diapers I am not filling the landfills with is enough to keep me going! And, it's nice to walk past the diapers at the store and know I'm not spending money on them. Tina and Ben, we can never thank you enough!

I know living in a small town isn't for everyone, but for me, it's just right! I like walking into the grocery store and running into people I know every time. I like that today I saw my old high school English teacher and she asked me how the new baby is doing. I like that my kids are going to the same pre-school and elementary school that I went to -- and with some of the same teachers! I like knowing that Caiden's bus driver was my neighbor growing up -- well, as close as a country neighbor can be anyway. I like knowing that most of the teachers and other staff in the elementary school are members of my church, or other nearby churches. I like that the bleachers are filled for home football or basketball games -- it's small town entertainment on a Friday night! Anyway, just some thoughts I had today!

I really can't say enough about how impressed I've been with Caiden and Cambry since Delaney was born almost 4 weeks ago. I have to admit, I was expecting extra crying, whining, and even potty training regression from our 4 year old. However, it's been the complete opposite. Caiden adores his baby sister and squeezes in as much time with her as possible in the evenings. Cambry continues to be my diaper helper - racing off to get a diaper and wipes for every change. They smother her with kisses and squeezes, (even when she's asleep -- much to my chagrin (sp?))! Cambry hasn't had a single potty accident since Delaney arrived -- quite the opposite of what we experienced this summer before her arrival! Tonight, Caiden even got Cambry's bath ready for her since I was feeding Delaney. He seems so grown up all of a sudden! At bedtime, the kids always ask if Delaney can come up for story and prayers. She has to take a turn on each of their beds before we take

Cambry started her second year of pre-school yesterday! She was very excited, especially since she found out she was going to be the bell ringer that day. She picked out her clothes, I got her hair looking nice (a feat in itself), and we were off! I could tell that she has grown up this summer -- she right away went to play in the loft with Noah and sat down at the writing table to draw with Alece (her favorite activity)! Last year, she would have hung around me as long as she could! After pre-school I asked her if she missed Delaney. She replied, "No, Mom, I was so happy I didn't miss her!" I'm looking forward to seeing how she grows this year -- I can hardly imagine that Kdg. is right around the corner! The first thing they do when they arrive is find their name and turn it over. Noah and Cambry happy in the loft! Alece and Cambry at the writing table