Saturday, August 23, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
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???
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???
Thursday, August 7, 2008
"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...
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
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
Things I hate: colic, tantrums, stress, bad news, wedgies, nagging, unloading the dishwasher
Monday, July 28, 2008
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...
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...
Monday, July 21, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
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...
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...
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