The Koch Clan

So the last time I posted was over a year ago right before Ezra was born. That is when my computer broke. And I mean like hard drive broke and it wasn't even worth fixing. SO, I am going to try to catch up and blog about this past year.
The older three start school tomorrow. I'm sad but happy to be in a routine again. Gabe will be in 8th grade and starting football. Sibley will be in 5th grade which in Prosper is middle school so she has a locker which is a HUGE deal. Plus she got top locker! And Jude will be in 3rd grade.
Now, to figure out how to get all those pictures in my cloud onto my new computer so I can update the blog...

Yesterday we had an ultrasound. It was neat to see this baby with him being almost 37 weeks old. The picture is of his head sideways and his lips and nose. It looks like he will have Koch lips for sure! Rob and I took Sibley with us and she loved seeing her baby brother wiggle around inside of me. I still get a little nervous whenever we have an ultrasound because of Lucy but everything looks great and he should be here soon. I am even dilated to 1 cm which might not mean anything but hopefully good news that I won't need another c-section. During the ultrasound he was not cooperating and it was hard to get a good profile picture but knowing that he is healthy is really all that I cared about. We are going to get to see this sweet babe soon. Hopefully the beginning of July instead of mid-July!

Yesterday we were just having a lazy Friday and I looked over at Gabe and noticed he had fallen asleep on the couch. It was around four in the afternoon. It made me so happy seeing his sleeping face. Gabe unfortunately gets the brunt of things due to being the oldest. And although I am aware of this and try to not let it happen, sometimes it just does.
Sometimes he seems so old to me and other times so young. I love this boy so much. Lately we have been watching old family videos. It has been bitter sweet. I miss having young kids but also love these ages so much. Gabe is such a fun and caring kid. He tents to be more introverted like his father and has a few good friends. Although when you get him with other kids he isn't shy. I think he just prefers his smaller group of friends.
When Gabe is in a good mood it makes such a difference especially with the other kids. They look up to him so much and really have fun with him. I am so proud of how far he has come. He truly is a sweet boy and such a good helper too. He is always willing to take out the trash, bring in groceries or help with making dinner. I am so glad he has been entrusted to me to take care of and to teach the gospel to.
We have been working at his Faith In God requirements to finish before he turns twelve and that has been neat to hear him discuss his beliefs and share his testimony. I know we need to probably prepare him more but he will be a very honorable priesthood holder.

One of my most favorite things about this neighborhood is one block behind our house there is a dead end and there is a basketball hoop there and also a big green grass area that is for kids to play. The other day it was so beautiful and not hot out that I took a chair and went and watched Sibley and Jude play some basketball. It was so cute to me that they played in their crocs. I truly love Crocs and they are so durable for kids and easy to get on and off.

This past week Sis found a turtle swimming in our pool. It was so funny because she was swimming underwater with her goggles and then she jumped out of the pool and yelled "there is a turtle in our pool!" Michael got in and saved the turtle then Sis and I went and released the turtle into our neighborhood pond.

Last Sunday Jude fell asleep on the way to church. It was so cute and I had to snap a picture of him.

Last week Sibley was kind enough to give me a foot massage and it felt so good. She has really helped me so much with this pregnancy and is very excited for this sweet baby. I am sure she will be a huge help to me and I am greatly looking forward to that!

On the last day of school Rob and I went to Gabe's sixth grade graduation. I didn't think I would be emotional but I really had to fight back the tears. With Gabe it has always been hard since he is the oldest. I cried so hard through his baptism and I am sure when he gets the priesthood next month I will be a mess. It is really hard for me to let him grow up but he keeps growing anyway. He had a great time at Bolin and although he has been to many elementary schools I am glad he finished here. He had great friends and really enjoyed science and social studies. There is a picture above of his class and then at the end of the day Rob and I returned where we watched the kids walk through the halls one last time and then they had a balloon release. So proud of this boy. He works so hard in school and he is a great friend and truly chooses the right and is a great example to others. I'm very excited to see what middle school has in store for him.

Gabe had a great May! He won a Bolin Trailblazer award for being prepared for class, responsible and for being a good friend. He also had his band concert. He is second chair for trombone and loves playing! I see a band future for that kid. He also made a pretty awesome Tardis with legos. That kid has such an amazing imagination. Love that boy!

For Cinco de mayo sibley got some fun mustaches from school and shared with Jude. That night Jude was leading FHE with his mustache and it was pretty funny!

At the end of April Sibley, Jude and I participated in the NEDA walk. It was a great time and of course a great cause! Rob had class and Gabe didn't really want to go so I went with the younger two kiddos. It is a short walk but what I love is seeing old patients who are doing well and having success in their recovery. I love that my kids know I have a passion to help people with eating disorders and that it is important to spread awareness and funds to get help for these people. The kids had fun and we got doughnuts before we left and had so much fun!

Just a few random pictures in anticipation of this sweet baby being born. At this point I am due in 4 weeks. I keep hoping he will come two weeks early. We will see but I doubt it. These pictures make me happy.
The first is the lands end bag I got that I will use as a diaper bag. I never used a diaper bag with the other kids I used a backpack but I thought this would work great and plus it is a bag he can keep for a long time after its diaper bag use.
Then my belly. I was 31 weeks in this picture and hanging out with the kids by the pool.
This is the sweet little cornell hoodie that Rob brought home for Ezra from his Cornell trip and every time I look at it I can't help but smile.
The next picture is my bassinet. I love this bassinet! My grandma used it with my dad and his uncles and my mom used it with my brother and I as well. Since this picture was taken this spot in our bedroom has been replaced by a crib however I am sure I will still use the bassinet and possibly put the baby in Rob's office during daytime naps to get him away from all the noise!

This mother's day was as special as ever! Rob was actually gone on Mother's day traveling for work but he and the kids gave me a new necklace that I got to open early. It was really sweet that Rob included Lucy as one of our kids. Even though she wasn't with us long we have a special place in our family for her and look forward to seeing her again one day.
On Mother's day the kids made me a feast and brought it to me in bed. I had to share with the kids because it was so much food! They did a great job of not fighting that day and we had a great day together. Then when Rob got home he gave me a bunch of German chocolate which was amazing!
I feel truly blessed to be a mother and know this is my highest calling. It is difficult at times but I am constantly learning from my children and humbled by their greatness.

In April I went on a Rough Riders Field trip with Sibley. It was so much fun and due to my increasing belly size it was perfect for me due to the all you can eat food and sitting the whole time! Sibley had fun and it was good for me to be there with her. I have always known she tends to hang out with boys and have a few close girl friends. I realized it's because she likes to be loud and silly and the boys seem to love that. I am proud of her for choosing the right and trying to be kind to those around her and she truly is so sweet. I am proud to be her momma!

Sibley had an assignment titled If I were in charge of the world. It was super cute. Here it goes.
"If I were in charge of the world I'd cancel school, hockey, Dora and also super why. If I were in charge of the world there'd be free everything, neat clothes and clean underwear. If I were in charge of the world you wouldn't have hairy armpits. You wouldn't have pencils. You wouldn't have coffee or say you're stupid. You wouldn't even have green beans. If I were in charge of the world chocolate would be a vegetable and powered brownies would be healthy. And a person who sometimes forget to brush their teeth, and sometimes forgets to go to school, would still be allowed to be in charge of the world." By Sibley

And the picture could not be any cuter! 

In the beginning of April Jude decided he wanted to do the Allen Eagle Run. He was a lone runner because none of us wanted to run this race. It was a mile fun run. Jude was one of the first to start and finish. He sprinted the whole thing and had a great time. We are so proud of you Jude!