The Balance is Broken!

Yes, the delicate balance between the Kennedy grandchildren is finally tipping to one side.  With the impending arrival of baby Jess Cooper Kennedy (Brent and Chantelle) in January of next year, the boys will out-number the girls 6-4.  We are thrilled to be looking forward to another little boy to add to the mayhem around here... whats one more right?

Being over half way through the pregnancy, it seems as though time is flying (ask me again in a few weeks and that might change ;).  Marshall is doing very well with his "schooling".  He recognizes and counts objects up to 10, he counts further when not having to keep track of objects.  He is also starting slowly into the "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" by Siegfried Engelmann.  At the moment, I have made flash cards to get to know the 'sounds' confidently before we start the actual lessons.  When he knows those, we will be moving into the actual lessons aspect of reading and writing. Marshall is definitely a learner and is always asking to learn "just one more", even if it means he won't remember it next time I ask!  His creativity and conversational skills are rapidly improving over the last few months.  The boy has definitely learned how to sufficiently let you know how he feels on any given subject.  His time seems to be consumed with reading books and building different patterns of train tracks to play on.  We love having a hands on little guy around here!

Keaton is quickly becoming a very independent individual.  Being one that does not take flack from anyone, he is quick to voice his disapproval (especially to Marshall).  I have a feeling that his temper is going to be one of my biggest issues with this boy.  However, when an issue is dealt with he does not hold a grudge and will move on with the next thing.  Temper aside, he is quite a sweet little tot.  Keaton is my cuddler and even if it is just for a moment, always looks for a quick hug and kiss.  He is truly a Daddy's boy and is constantly at the window waiting for him to get home.  When Dad makes his arrival, Keaton is quick to be at the door and squealing with joy.  He loves to mimic his brother, when we are learning sounds he repeats what Marshall says and even likes to sit on the "paw-y" every time he sees his brother on there.  His interests are generally whatever Marshall is interested in at the moment but has his moments of individuality when there is a Pooh bear toy or car around.  Above all, Keaton is an avid wrestler and fighter.  You dare not lay on the floor or fall asleep without expecting to be flopped on and squealed at. 

The boys are each others biggest fans and can't stay away from each other for too long without asking for their brother.  It will be interesting to see how little Jess fits into the mix!  If ultrasounds and monitoring prove to be an indication of his personality, the little guy will be an evasive boy.  We had quite the time trying to get him to stop rolling around enough for the sonographer to be able to get proper anatomy pictures.  At the moment, he is a very rambunctious little guy who is not afraid to flip around and give you a boot if you choose to poke and prod him. 

All in all, things around the (Brent) Kennedy household are quite busy and full of noise.  With hunting season approaching and looking forward to another little body in the home, we are in the thick of many preparations and pre-planning.  At the moment, Brent is out hanging a tree stand and going on his first hunting evening with his bow.  I have felt the anticipation and excitement building in the house since 7:00 this morning when preparations for this evening began :). 

P.S. at the moment my interent is being slightly finicky and won't let me load pictures so this will have to do for now... stay tuned ;)