My Favorite Christmas Memory

Those who know me really well, know that I have this amazing Grandma. And, when I was growing up, we were fortunate enough to spend a lot of Christmases at her house. Every year at Christmas, she would go out of her way to play up Santa. There were always the leftover cookie crumbs on the plate, notes from Santa and even a phone call one year! So its no surprise that I owe my favorite Christmas memory all to her.

It was Christmas morning and Grandma was disappointed that no one had gotten me a doll for Christmas (she firmly believes that every little girl should get a doll for Christmas). So, off she went to the nearest and only store open on Christmas morning...the gas station and purchased a 3 ft tall doll with curly blonde hair, a plaid flannel shirt and blue jeans and brought it back home. Now, she had to get creative. You see, the presents had already been opened and all of Santa's surprises been revealed. So, she came up with a plan.

A few minutes later she came into where I was (enjoying my new toys and oblivious to the fact that I hadn't gotten a doll) and said, "Sarah, Sarah come look outside. I just saw Santa fly over the house and I think he dropped something out of his sleigh for you."

So we raced out into the backyard and discovered the doll. "He must have forgotten to leave it under the tree for you last night." I remember looking in the sky for a tiny glimpse of Santa's sleigh but there was no sign of him. I thought it was so wonderful to have had a near-encounter with Santa right there in broad daylight.

With a grandma like that, is it any wonder that I believed in Santa well into my middle school years? Anyway, today we hung up the beautiful stockings that she made for us and I got to revisit that Christmas memory.

"Thank You Grandma for the beautiful stockings! When I look at them I will always remember all of the wonderful Christmases at your house!"

Merry Christmas!

Its all a blur...

So Ethan is 6 months old now, and its hard to believe. He weighs just over 17 lbs and is 28 1/4 inches long. He officially has 2 teeth now and eats 3 "solid" meals a day in his highchair. And, while I don't think he is anywhere near being able to sit up on his own, he sure is trying hard to learn to crawl and will pull his knees up under him and push himself forward. He is a very smiley baby and good-natured especially for someone to whom I always seem to be saying, "Hang on a minute E, Mommy is coming!"

It occured to me today as I was watching the pediatrician give Ethan his 6 month check-up that the past 6 months have absolutely flown by and are really a blur. The blur is due in part to a lack of sleep (he still doesn't sleep through the night consistently) and in part to being busy with his sisters. But, another part is knowing that he is my last baby. I can remember that with Avery, I was so anxious for every milestone. I wanted so badly for her to have her first tooth, to eat solid foods, to learn to crawl, etc. But now, things are different. I am furious with Ethan for already having 2 teeth at only 6 months old! I want him to stay a baby for as long as possible. I know from experience that the next 6 months will only bring more change and with every milestone he will become a little less of a baby. But as a mom, I have learned that there are some things I just can't control. So, for now, I will cover his bald little head with kisses, enjoy his sweet baby laugh, and marvel at how quickly he is growing up.

Potty Training...Day whatever

Hannah: "Daddy, you wear big girl panties too?"
Jeff: "Yes, Daddy wears big girl panties too."

Mischief

Let me set the scene...Yesterday morning I left Ethan in his swing and Hannah watching TV in the living room to go and dry my hair in the bathroom. When I finished, about 5 minutes later, I heard Shelby chomping on something. So I chased her down and pulled a marker cap out of her mouth. "Hmmm, why are the markers out?" I took a deep breath and prepared myself for the worst as I headed into the living room. "Hannah, what are you doing?"

"I draw on Ethan!" she said proudly pointing to her work. The boy had black marker all over his bald little head, on his hands, and even some smeared on his face. And, he was just giggling through it all.

Mark my words, I'm in trouble with these two. He can't even crawl and already they are "thicker than thieves." To her, he is just an animated plaything. If he can't come with her to play across the room, she will just drag him over to where she wants him. If I put him in his swing, she thinks nothing of hanging on too. Ethan just giggles the whole time and thinks that she is great.

Turkey Day!

For about the last 5 years, we have spent Thanksgiving with my grandparents (Gigi and Pa) at their house. Its always nice to get out of town and there is just something so relaxing about their cozy house nestled among the trees. This year Gigi did all of the cooking herself and everything was excellent! The girls had a great time playing on their big front porch while Jeff and Pa kicked back in the recliners and watched college football. Gigi and Pa are so kind to keep inviting us down even though every year we seem to get a little more invasive. Its not easy to play host to a family of 5 and their 2 dogs!

Seriously???

Seriously? I have poison ivy? 3 trips to the doctor, 8 days of suffering and $100 in co-pays later, and I am diagnosed with poison ivy of all things....Diagnosis #1: a viral skin rash that I was advised to "just wait it out." Diagnosis #2: pretty sure its a reaction to something I came in contact with. Diagnosis #3: definately a reaction to a plant I came into contact with.

Since I am not a romp in the woods type of gal and I haven't even been out doing any yard work lately, I have no idea where in blazes the stuff came from. Now I get to begin a 3 week (yes, 3 weeks) course of steriods to clear up the nasty rash that has left me feeling more than a little like a freakshow (I've decided pass on posting the pictures this time thank-you-very-much).

So, given that this past week I've been enjoying a horrible itchy rash in conjunction with the joys of potty training, I probably don't need to tell you that I haven't exactly been Miss Mary Sunshine the past few days.

When I was at the doctor today, she mentioned that one of the side effects of the medication was irritability and that I should warn my spouse.

"Hmmmm," was the response I got. : )

Potty Training...Day 9

Potty training sucks...

Potty Training...Day 3

Okay so I've decided that its time for Hannah to be potty trained. About 6 weeks ago, I had her going pretty good and then she just up and decided that she didn't want to use the potty anymore. So, I backed off for awhile. But now, I think its time.

Here's the maddening part...she knows what to do but won't. I ran into this same problem with Avery. Maybe its a girl thing? Power struggles? Mind games? Downright defiance? Definately a girl thing. Anyway, I've made up my mind and there will be no going back to diapers. I think.

We have had lots of accidents (I say "we" because I am the one who gets to clean them up), but I'm optimistic that in a couple more days we will average more successful trips to the potty than accidents. Very optimistic :)

Trick or Treat!

Last night we dressed up the kids and had a great Halloween. Jeff took our black cat and our blushing bride around the cul-de-sac to about a dozen houses to collect candy while Ethan and I stayed home to hand out candy. Then, our friends Lee and Amy came over to show us their little lion. So cute!

Meet Shelby

Shelby, an English Springer Spaniel, is the newest member of our family. We got her from some friends in Lubbock who are going to be moving and couldn't keep her. She is about a year old and very sweet. She is still learning some manners (no jumping) and the rules of the house (no laying on the couch) but is coming along nicely and is a great addition to our house!

Our little scholar

Every Monday morning, Avery's elementary school starts the day with a school-wide assembly in the cafeteria. They go over the announcements, recognize kids with birthdays that week, sing a song or two and give out "Brag Awards." The teachers pick out kids to "brag on" and do a little write up as to why and then the principal reads them at the assembly.

Well, guess who got a "Brag Award" yesterday? That's right, none other than our little Avery! Here's what her teacher wrote: "I am bragging on Avery for always being ready to learn. Avery is an enthusiastic learner. She is working very hard on learning how to read. She is always eager to point out the star words and she works on practicing how to spell them and write them. I am very proud of her hard work!"

I am so proud of her! Its such a funny (in a good way) feeling to hear that your kids are doing well after you drop them off at school. All of the credit goes to Avery. I may be diligent about reading to her everyday and doing all (okay most) of the things they tell you you're supposed to do to get them ready for school, but when she is in her classroom, she is on her own and I couldn't be more pleased with how she is doing!

Big "E"

This morning I took Ethan in for his 4 month check-up. I was eager to see how much he had grown. He weighed 14 lbs 11 oz (50th%) and was 26 3/4 inches long (96th%). He had grown 3 1/2 lbs and 2 1/2 inches since his last check-up 2 months ago. I was relieved that his weight was more on track this time. I also told the doctor how I was surprised at how much oatmeal Ethan was eating. He just smiled and said that he was a big, hungry boy and that this was just the beginning. : )

Day with the Dilleys

We spent the day with my Uncle Dave and Aunt Jean who were here for a visit all the way from Hagerstown, Indiana. First they came over with Dad and Judy and we all went to watch the Kicking Princesses play. Then, after lunch, we all headed down to the Dallas Arboretum to walk around and admire the gardens. Finally, we filled our bellys with a great barbeque dinner. Whew! It was a busy day but a great one!

8 down, 42 to go

Today is our 8th wedding anniversary! Jeff and I often joke that our marriage is only a 50 year deal and that after the 50 years are up, we will shake hands and go our separate ways. The "joke" part is that after 50 years, we know that we won't be able to live without one another, nor would we want to. Our little joke has a practical purpose, too. It often serves as a reminder to take a step back and think of the bigger picture rather than getting lost in the details. When you put the little, everyday struggles on a 50 year scale, they don't seem like such a big deal anymore.

So, Jeff, here's to you, my love, and all that the past 8 years have brought us...I wouldn't change a thing!

Kicking Princesses

Yes, that is the actual name of Avery's soccer team. Kind of funny, but very appropriate for a girl's team age 6 and under. Anyway, Saturday marked the start of the season for the Kicking Princesses with their first game against the Glitter Girls. I can't say who won because at this age they don't keep score, they're still just trying to understand the basics of the game. According to Jeff (I was with Hannah and Ethan at a birthday party), Avery and her fellow teammates played pretty well. They'll be back at it again next Saturday.

In other news, it seems that the oatmeal I started feeding Ethan is doing its job and he FINALLY started sleeping through the night this weekend. Boy, 3 1/2 months is a long time to go without a good night's sleep! But the boy was just plain hungry. When I called and talked to the nurse at the pediatrician's office about starting him on cereal, she suggested "only a couple of spoonfuls" because he is still pretty young. But, I have discovered that Ethan really likes oatmeal and will eat quite a bit, certainly more than I ever thought he would. Feeding babies is always a bit baffling but at this point I am not complaining...I'm too tired.

Ode to Sleep

Goodbye Sleep, my longtime friend,
I fear our nights together have come to an end.

It never fails that when night falls,
the baby upstairs calls and calls.

He awakens me from my deepest slumber,
wanting relief from his incessant hunger.

Gone are the nights of snoring and dreams,
the baby's a bottomless pit, or so it seems.

During the day, I long for a snooze,
but against the clock, I always lose.

There are kids to pick up and chores to be done,
with Daddy at work, I'm the only one.

So, I arise despite my throbbing head,
as the saying goes, "I'll sleep when I'm dead."

Party Pooper

I learned something new about myself today...I am NOT a fun mom. The realization came today after a series of interactions with Avery (nothing like a 5 year old to help you on your journey of self-discovery). This morning when I was fixing her hair for school, she was begging me for no less than 8 braids in her hair. I said "No." Then, while she was playing outside in the rain and filling her rain boot full of water and using it as a bucket, I said "No." Later, when she took all of the pillows off of the couch to make a "nest," I said "No." And tonight when I was filling the tub for their bath and she wanted to put in "lots and lots of bubble bath," you guessed it, I said "No."

So, now that I have come to this realization about myself am I going to change and be more fun? Nope. I guess my poor, deprived children will just have to settle for playing with their toys instead of my upholstry and for a mere capful of bubble bath instead of "lots and lots." I will challenge them to find the fun in evening walks and weekend trips to the park rather than drawing on the walls or emptying my makeup drawer.

I'm not trying to pick on Avery, its just that the other kids happen to be too little to have learned just how much of a party pooper I am. I know that, in time, Hannah and Ethan will come up with their own ideas of fun and I will be there to say "No." :)

"Bye Mom!"

Well, we have officially survived Avery's first day of kindergarten and I have to say that I couldn't have asked for things to go any better.

I woke her up at 6:30 am, got her fed, dressed, took her picture, and sent her out the door with Jeff with the promise that I would be there to pick her up after school, and then proceeded to have a meltdown. After all, the way I see it, this is the beginning of the end. Before now, she has been with me more than she has ever been away from me and now the tables are turning.

Its all down hill from here I tell you. Next thing I know, she will be darting from one after-school activity to the next, having sleep-overs, going to the mall with friends, and generally trying to avoid being seen with me. And I just know that it all starts with 35 hours a week at kindergarten...

Of course, Avery didn't even bat an eye through it all. She skipped off to school and had the first of what I'm sure will be many great days. She loved her teacher, made a new friend named Courtney and even ate all of her lunch. After school I waited in a ridiculously long carpool line, brought her home and fed her milk and cookies.

Darn that kindergarten! : )

Happy Birthday Paw Paw!

Happy Birthday Paw Paw! We had fun helping you celebrate!

The kindness of strangers

Anyone who has ever been out in public with a baby knows that babies attract a lot of attention. Sweet little old ladies stop you at the grocery store to admire your baby and passers-by turn their necks to peek inside the stroller at the mall. Its really kind of fun.

Yesterday I took the kids to the mall to pick out a new outfit for Avery's first day of kindergarten and as we were walking through the Gap, a saleslady came over to admire the kids. She stood there for a couple of minutes chatting with Avery and listening to her explain how now that she was 5, she would be starting kindergarten in just 5 days. The saleslady even pretended to be impressed when Avery spelled her last name. Then she turned her attention to Ethan, asking how old he was, etc, etc. Then she asked me, "Did you plan to have him?" Excuse me???

"Yes," was my immediate response coupled with a quizzical look on my face.

"Mmmm," she said and smiled.

I looked down at my beautiful boy and wondered if there was something about him, or me for that matter, to suggest that he might have been a mistake. There most certainly was not. Jeff and I absolutely planned to have 3 children and are grateful for each one of them. Granted, we have also planned for Ethan to be our last, but then we have to stop somewhere...

"Come on Avery, let's go to the dressing room," I said as I pushed my double stroller away from the salesday. If this is the reaction I get when I go out with my 3 children, I can't help but wonder what sort of rude remarks must those who have 4 or more children hear???

"Baby E"

Who doesn't love babies? They are just so amazing! Everything in miniature, such soft skin and so helpless. I could just sit for hours and watch Ethan's expressions on his little face while I memorize every inch of him and try to comprehend how it is that this tiny creature came from me. It all makes for such an irresistible combination. And in case you were wondering, the third baby is no less irresistible than the first.

Yesterday Ethan's 3 Mommies (Avery, Hannah and I) took him in for his 2 month check-up. He is perfectly healthy, weighs 11 lbs 3 oz and is 24 in long. The doctor was a little concerned that Ethan was a bit on the skinny side. My nickname for him is "Stringbean." Anyway, I've been instructed to supplement some of his feedings with formula. Sounds great in theory, but the last 2 times I've tried, he has either refused it ir spit it all back out at me. Fun. I'll give it a week and see how it goes...

Love vs Hate

Things I love: cheeseburgers, blue jeans, Avery's freckles, flowers, rainbows, Hannah's eyes, snuggling with Ethan, reading a good book, the beach, holding Jeff's hand, rainy days

Things I hate: colic, tantrums, stress, bad news, wedgies, nagging, unloading the dishwasher

Avery is 5 years old!

This Saturday Avery turned 5! First we celebrated with a party for her friends at Jump Town. She invited some of her classmates from preschool as well as some friends from church. There were about 10 kids at the party and they all had a great time running around and playing on the inflatable slides. She was so happy to see her friends!

Then, on Sunday evening, we celebrated again with a family party. We washed down our pizza with chocolate birthday cake and watched Avery open her presents. She got a lot of really great gifts, she is such a lucky girl! One of her favorites was a little case full of play make-up. So, this morning she has really fixed herself up, complete with lip gloss, eye shadow and roll-on glitter. Fun to be a little girl!

I find myself feeling a little sad about this birthday. When I turned 30 in March, it didn't bother me a bit but Avery turning 5 just seems like such a milestone. I can vividly remember when she was Ethan's size (actually she was a lot smaller) and just can't believe that 5 years have gone by and now my little baby girl is officially a big girl, ready to start kindergarten.

I have to confess that I think part of my feeling is that I'm a little intimidated, too. Over the past 5 years I have learned to navigate the world of preschoolers. I'm hip to all of the cool places to play, know the library storytimes, and am down with all of the playdate etiquette. But, when it comes to the world of elementary school, I am at a loss. What if I buy her the wrong backpack? Should I go with the prepackaged school supplies or pick them out ourselves? I guess I will make her lunch everyday because I don't think she knows how to carry a tray, or does she? Will I have to join the PTA? Ugh! I suppose Avery and I will just have to learn the ropes together...

A relaxing Saturday at the lake...

Here are a few pictures we took this weekend.

Happy Birthday to America and Happy Birthday to Hannah!

We had such a busy and fun weekend last weekend. The 4th of July or "Happy Birthday to America day" as it is known in our house was spent swimming, relaxing and people-watching at the lake on Grandma and Paw Paw's new boat. We stayed out on the lake to watch the fireworks show and everyone agreed that the lake was the best place to watch fireworks. Looking around the lake, we could see 6 or 7 different shows going on in different cities around the lake. Very cool!

Then, on Sunday, it was time to celebrate Hannah's birthday. She had a great time at her Dora-the-Explorer themed party right up until she fell down on the way to open her presents and busted her lip. Poor girl, its not always easy being 2!

On Wednesday morning, bright and early, I lugged the 3 kids to the pediatrician for Hannah's check-up and a shot for Ethan. Mercifully, neither cried too much or for too long. Hannah measured in the 99th percentile for her height (37 inches) and in the 60th for her weight (27 pounds). Out of curiousity, I asked the nurse to weigh Ethan while we were there and was shocked to learn that he now weighs 9 lbs and 5 oz. No wonder my arms are sore at the end of the day!

We are rounding out our week with the conclusion of Round #1 of Avery's swimming lessons. Parents are allowed to watch them demonstrate their newly-learned skills on the last day. I was very proud of Avery, she had worked very hard and made a lot of progress. Round #2 starts Monday...

The Best Things About Summer

At our house, summertime means popsicles, playing in the sprinklers, swimming, sundresses, waking up early and going to bed late. There's just something wonderful about the change of pace that summer brings. The word "linger" comes to mind. We tend to "linger" in our pajamas longer in the mornings and "linger" on the back porch longer in the evenings, its nice not to be rushed for a few months. The other really great thing that summer brings is the excitement that comes with having so many fun things to look forward to. Vacations, swimming lessons, Vacation Bible School, and (in our family) birthday parties are all big memory-making events that only come in the summer. I hope you are taking the time to enjoy your summer!

On another note, we took Ethan into see the doctor for his 2 week check-up and he had gained 11 ounces over his birth weight and grown a full 1 3/4 inches! Way to go "Big E!"

Daddy's Little Helper

I just had to snap this picture! Avery LOVES to help Jeff when he is working around the house, she is always right on his heels ready to lend a hand and be just like Daddy. So, last night when Jeff took off his shirt to pull weeds in the backyard, Avery had to do the same. So funny...

Things have been moving right along. I'm so happy to not be pregnant any more and to have so much more energy (despite not sleeping all that much). We have been out several times with all of the kids. I got a few snappy remarks when I took the 3 of them to McDonald's to play and eat lunch when Ethan was all of 9 days old. But, the way I see it, I have 2 other kids to entertain and they don't particularly enjoy watching me sit on the couch all day. So, out we go!

Ethan did have his first bath the other day and while he did smell better, we can't say that it is his favorite thing. But, I have a feeling he'll come around in a couple of months. What kid doesn't like splashing in the tub???

Party of 5

On June 3 we welcomed our little boy, Ethan Charles, into our family. He weighed 6 lbs 13 oz and measured 19 1/4 inches. Once again, we were reminded of just how small a newborn is. How easily we forget!

We all made it home from the hospital and are now on Day 2 functioning as a family of 5. Avery has been a super big sister and is so proud of her new little brother. Yesterday she asked to hold Ethan for the first time. I said "Sure, come sit right here next to Mom." Her next comment was "I sure hope he likes flying through the air." Maybe she can hold him later...

Things have been surprisingly par for the course around the house. We just have a newborn to feed every 3 hours, Mom isn't getting much shut eye and the family as a whole is spending a lot of time in our pajamas. Maybe we'll graduate to getting dressed next week...