Introducing Drake William Broffitt

Dan and I arrived at the hospital shortly after 5:00am on December 9th. Sylvia and Erickson spent the night at Grandma and Grandpa's so we could go out to dinner and get a good night's sleep. During dinner we discussed baby names. We weren't yet decided on a girl's name or a boy's middle name. Here's one last pregnant shot taken early Friday morning.
After meeting all the hospital folks and being prepped for surgery we waited around for surgery time. Dr. Wenzel asked before delivering if I thought it was a boy or a girl, and I said I would be more surprised if it was a girl. From what I understand, surgery went well although Dr. Wenzel did have to make a bigger incision due to scar tissue. It took a little longer than our previous two c-sections but we soon go to meet our new little boy. we were almost certain his first name would be Drake but we hadn't decided between our two middle names. He cried more than Sylvia and Eric.
Dr. Loeb brought him up for me to see right away before checking him out. He scored a 10 on his APGAR, weighed in at 9 pounds, 9.5 ounces and was 21 inches long. Dan stayed with me as they finished up surgery and we got to enjoy our little boy.
Drake William Broffitt letting out a big cry to let us know that he's here.

Sylvia's Special Day: Birthday Edition

Sylvia celebrated her birthday at preschool on November 29. She was the calendar helper and line leader for the day and got to bring snack and sharing since it was her special day. Sylvia requested jello jigglers for her birthday snack which I didn't mind since I had already made cupcakes twice that week. She also wanted animal crackers and milk.

Helping Mrs. Fink with the calendar.


Singing the weather song. For how much this girl sings at home she sure is quiet when I come to watch her sing at preschool.
Eric joined the class during Sylvia's share time. She brought her new birthday bear that she got to stuff and dress herself. The class also listened to "Places in the World" by Red Grammer, one of her favorite songs. The class was learning about David and Goliath during Bible story that day.
Eric's expression here cracks me up. Too cool for school.
Sylvia dressed the weather girl. I think she might have been a little cold for November.
Getting some special love and attention from Mrs. Potter! Sylvia often comes home from preschool with a lipstick kiss on her cheek.

Sylvia's Firefighter Birthday Party

Sylvia celebrated her 4th birthday with friends on November 27th. She's "into firefighters," as she would say, so it was easy to choose a theme for the party.

As the kids arrived, we had coloring sheets at the table. They also made their own firetruck to eat. Put red frosting on a graham cracker, add Oreos with an M&M in the middle for the tires. Then add pretzels to make a ladder, Hot Tamales for the lights on top, and a Cheez-It for the windshield.
We enjoyed red and yellow snacks including licorice, red M&Ms, Cheez-Its, strawberries and pineapple.
Dan drew a firehouse picture and the kids parked the firetrucks in the garages.
A group shot of the firefighters before going on a firetruck hunt. A friend found the firefighter jackets on sale the day after Thanksgiving, my dad cut an old hose into short sections, and I found firefighter hats at Dollar Tree.
Between Dollar Tree and Target I was able to find enough small firetrucks and police cars for each child. Dan hid them downstairs and we hunted for them.
Waiting on the stairs for their turn to rescue a cat in the obstacle course.



Sylvia received many wonderful gifts from her friends, Elizabeth, Grayson, Adrian, Parker, Isabella and Karuna.
After searching for images of firetruck birthday cakes, I opted for the easier route and made cupcakes. It was nice and simple for a group of 3 and 4 year olds.
Although very pregnant, it was well worth it to have a fun friend birthday party for my little girl.
The big four-year-old with her birthday banner, balloons, cupcake, and firetruck book.

Sylvia's 4th Birthday

My baby girl turned 4 on November 27. We celebrated by inviting our families over for cupcakes. Before her party, Sylvia kept asking me when Grandma and Nana would come over to celebrate her birthday. I told her we were having a family party and a friend party but she still wondered when they were coming. I finally figured out that when I said family party, she was only thinking of me, Dan and Eric. She has mentioned a couple of times that she's a little sad she's not 3 1/2 anymore but she is excited to be 4.

Posing for mom in her #4 shirt with her orange star balloon and yummy cupcakes.



Erickson enjoying a cupcake.
Sylvia was very determined to open her presents without any help. She was able to get all of the wrapping paper off one with the ribbon and bow still intact.
She's a little excited about her travel light bright from mom and dad.
Sylvia got a beautiful apron from Aunt Becky, Uncle Bill, Katie and Ben. She loves to help out in the kitchen so I know this will get a lot of use.
Sylvia also got hoola hoops from Nana and Papa, Polly Pocket from Grandma and Grandpa, a Crayola dry erase activity board from Aunt Ginny, $4 from Great Nana (for turning 4), and Veggie Tales videos from Granny, Aunt Nadja and Kecia.

Brown Day

Sylvia's brown picture for the month of November.
Sylvia's preschool class lined up and ready to sing the brown song.
Brown Day was the first day back after Thanksgiving break so the kids weren't able to practice the song after a week away from school.


Sylvia on Brown Day.

Rec Department Dance

Sylvia took a seven week dance class through the Iowa City Rec Department this fall. Although she looked very cute in her leotard...dance was not her favorite activity. I could often peek through the window and see her rolling around on the ground, sitting at the side of the room and occasionally wearing the teachers tap shoes and stomping around. I should have gotten some pictures of those. She did usually enjoy the free dance time at the end of class which you can see from the video below. In January, she will be participating in a small dance class with other girls at our church. I'm hoping the more familiar environment as well as a few friendly faces will make this experience more enjoyable for her. If not, we may be taking a break from ballet.

Preschool Thanksgiving Feast

Parkview Christian Preschool celebrated Thanksgiving on November 17. The kids were learning about life long ago and finished the theme with a "classroom made" feast. They had meatballs, popcorn, applesauce, fry bread, and turkey cookies. My mom watched Eric, and I was able to volunteer in the classroom for the day. I am so thankful to be staying home with the kids this year but it has been difficult to be away from preschool...especially with Sylvia there on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I'm glad there are opportunities for me to be involved and watch her experience and enjoy going to school.

Helping Mommy make the meatballs.
Sylvia working on her turkey cookie with Mrs. Potter.
Sylvia is hiding behind the turkey hat she made earlier in the week. She also made a place mat with a turkey hand print on it.
Praying before the feast.



Enjoying the feast. I was proud of my little girl for not only trying all of the food but eating all of the food. I didn't even need to serve her lunch when we got home.