I never had enough time to post, i write this with Nick sitting next to me bumping my arm as he "works on his computer, too." It's wonderful, yes, but i cannot complete a thought. First, let me tell you about our little baby girl. One day I will share the birth story, i know i never posted about chris's, even though he is 2.5 years old now. But she has been the most wonderful, easy going little baby. She was my little trooper since the day she was born, and it has made my life so much easier. A champ through all the funeral stuff just days old, and really, she has only been easier. Thrush has been her headlining story before this week, before we took an aggressive treatment that may have given her esophigitis, but i am hoping that even though it's been a long week we are on the mend. She smiles and coos, and he so interested in her bothers. And they are so loving and affectionate to her as well. I am truly blessed.
The days, weeks, and months since Joe has passed have been a challenge, and my heart has never ached so much. But I am seeing God in places i never did before. I mean, not that i wasnt a believer before, but not only do i believe in signs (a post to be written), but the kindness of people is unbelievable. I have been touched so deeply by the out pour of kindness and generosity we have been shown by neighbors, friends, family, and i can only imagine how much jennifer has received. People are amazing, truly they are. Kindness goes a very long way, and my heart sings when i think of some of the comments people have made, or the meals they brought, oh the thoughts are endless. We are very lucky, Must end now, being a mom of three is busy! Boys are here standing around me and on my lap, they are my heart and soul. I am blessed. More soon.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Update part 1
It's crazy to read my last post looking ahead to 2016. So. much. has. changed. First, we had our baby girl Cicely Grace on St Patrick's day.. Her name so perfectly suits her and this year. 3 days after she arrived my brother in law had a massive heart attack and died leaving behind his wife and three small children. It will be two months ago this week. Life has taken a massive turn, my outlook has changed on life, things are so very different. I hope to post more soon. Life is very, very busy these days. There is a new normal, and my new normal pales in comparison to my niece, nephews, sister-in-law, mother in law..... everyone. So much has changed.
Monday, January 4, 2016
Happy New Year
Happy New Year!! Another year has ended, and once again I remain optimistic about what's to come in 2016. But let's start with a few highlights and a holiday recap: December was such a whirlwind of a month, so much happening but I must say it ended well. On top of lots of things on the calendar, doctors appointments for all of us, dinners with friends, fun times with neighbors at the Cookies with Santa and Chili Cookoff, we also took the boys downtown to see a Charlie Brown Christmas production, and hosted a surprise 40th birthday party for their awesome uncle. It was SO busy, and that was all BEFORE Christmas!!! There was also the sudden shock we get got the news my sister-in-law's dad died a couple weeks before Christmas. It was so unforeseen, and I think her family is still recovering and adjusting to a new life without him. It was nice to be able to spend a little extra time with my niece and nephew the days she was gone with her family, and the services were beautiful. It's never easy to deal with tragedy, but at the same time it puts new perspective on the holidays and what is really important. You never know what tomorrow will hold, so we must treasure the moment we have now.
Christmas and New Years was delightful, I was able to dodge taking any time off this week, but the flexibility of teleworking made the work days much easier. We went to Christmas eve mass with matt's family and went to aunt Mary's for a lovely dinner before heading home to get ready for Santa. We put cookies and milk out for him, and even through a few carrots out the front door for the reindeer. We looked up in the sky hoping to see him, but the boys went to sleep happy and excited for what the morning had in store. They woke up at usual times and Christmas morning (like Christmas eve) was once again magical. Reliving it through your own children makes it wonderful all over again. Seeing their eyes light up, and they anticipation in their hearts, magical is really the only word that comes to mind. We spent he morning together playing games, eating, and then headed over to the matt's moms for the huge Christmas party they host every year with the entire family. It was again a bustling house but it truly felt like Christmas. We are so blessed with such a loving family, and SO much food!!! The days between Christmas and New Years are kind of a blur, I knew I still had some shopping to do, and some work to do, but we left mid-afternoon Wednesday to spend 3 days with my mom and ring in the new year with her. I know her house may have felt smaller than it usually does for her, with the dog and my energetic boys, PLUS matt, dena and I. But it was nice to not have a busy schedule. We played games all the day with the boys, stayed in our PJs way later than we ever do, ate lots of good food, and even visited some neighbors. It time well spent. And then finished the weekend for for Matt's immediate family Christmas. The generosity and the love/care that family shows towards us and especially the kids is astounding. It doesn't even need to be said how much those kids are loved, but all love and attention they get. It is beyond my wildest dreams, and truly do feel blessed.
It was good holiday ending, and a year full of lots of ups and downs. But definitely more ups. It's strange to look back at pictures at this time last year, the children show the passage of time more than anything else. Chris was so small, he was just coming out of babyhood. And how he is this insanely sweet, bright-eyed, full of life little boy who has the most adorable voice in the entire world. And Nick has turned into a PERSON! Thoughts and opinions all his own, and frankly, I find it remarkable. We got to go on two really neat trips, Hawaii for my dad's wedding (without the boys), and a fun cruise with matt's family with everyone. We went to kings island a lot, we did lots of stuff with friends, attending a few weddings, and countless other fun things that are so much to document. But most importantly, we closed out the year in anticipation of another child.
It's still mind boggling that in 2016 there will be three children in our family. And I will look back on this at this time next year and hardly remember what life was like without the newest addition. We have no idea if you are a baby girl or baby boy, but I know we will love you unconditionally. So far you have made the first 29 weeks of my pregnancy go with ease. I have had such mild symptoms, no sciatic pain, no sore gums, not a whole lot of swelling really, no major food cravings or aversions, and generally I've felt fairly comfortable. I know the next 10-11 weeks will go by so fast, and likely may be more uncomfortable than the first 29, but you have blessed us. And w cant wait to meet you.
Lots to look forward to in the months ahead. The cold, winter nights are hard, but I know 2016 will be full of change. And I am sure there will be both good and bad, but I am praying for positivity and gratitude throughout. I truly have a lot of reasons to give thanks, and I hope I can improve myself and the world around in the new year... any little bit I can. Happy 2016!
Christmas and New Years was delightful, I was able to dodge taking any time off this week, but the flexibility of teleworking made the work days much easier. We went to Christmas eve mass with matt's family and went to aunt Mary's for a lovely dinner before heading home to get ready for Santa. We put cookies and milk out for him, and even through a few carrots out the front door for the reindeer. We looked up in the sky hoping to see him, but the boys went to sleep happy and excited for what the morning had in store. They woke up at usual times and Christmas morning (like Christmas eve) was once again magical. Reliving it through your own children makes it wonderful all over again. Seeing their eyes light up, and they anticipation in their hearts, magical is really the only word that comes to mind. We spent he morning together playing games, eating, and then headed over to the matt's moms for the huge Christmas party they host every year with the entire family. It was again a bustling house but it truly felt like Christmas. We are so blessed with such a loving family, and SO much food!!! The days between Christmas and New Years are kind of a blur, I knew I still had some shopping to do, and some work to do, but we left mid-afternoon Wednesday to spend 3 days with my mom and ring in the new year with her. I know her house may have felt smaller than it usually does for her, with the dog and my energetic boys, PLUS matt, dena and I. But it was nice to not have a busy schedule. We played games all the day with the boys, stayed in our PJs way later than we ever do, ate lots of good food, and even visited some neighbors. It time well spent. And then finished the weekend for for Matt's immediate family Christmas. The generosity and the love/care that family shows towards us and especially the kids is astounding. It doesn't even need to be said how much those kids are loved, but all love and attention they get. It is beyond my wildest dreams, and truly do feel blessed.
It was good holiday ending, and a year full of lots of ups and downs. But definitely more ups. It's strange to look back at pictures at this time last year, the children show the passage of time more than anything else. Chris was so small, he was just coming out of babyhood. And how he is this insanely sweet, bright-eyed, full of life little boy who has the most adorable voice in the entire world. And Nick has turned into a PERSON! Thoughts and opinions all his own, and frankly, I find it remarkable. We got to go on two really neat trips, Hawaii for my dad's wedding (without the boys), and a fun cruise with matt's family with everyone. We went to kings island a lot, we did lots of stuff with friends, attending a few weddings, and countless other fun things that are so much to document. But most importantly, we closed out the year in anticipation of another child.
It's still mind boggling that in 2016 there will be three children in our family. And I will look back on this at this time next year and hardly remember what life was like without the newest addition. We have no idea if you are a baby girl or baby boy, but I know we will love you unconditionally. So far you have made the first 29 weeks of my pregnancy go with ease. I have had such mild symptoms, no sciatic pain, no sore gums, not a whole lot of swelling really, no major food cravings or aversions, and generally I've felt fairly comfortable. I know the next 10-11 weeks will go by so fast, and likely may be more uncomfortable than the first 29, but you have blessed us. And w cant wait to meet you.
Lots to look forward to in the months ahead. The cold, winter nights are hard, but I know 2016 will be full of change. And I am sure there will be both good and bad, but I am praying for positivity and gratitude throughout. I truly have a lot of reasons to give thanks, and I hope I can improve myself and the world around in the new year... any little bit I can. Happy 2016!
Monday, December 28, 2015
Dear Nick- Month 48
Dear Nick,
Just a few short weeks ago you celebrated your 4th birthday. It has been quite a milestone, really, it's like 4 years old is completely different than 3. You admit, now you are big-- because you are 4- and frankly I actually agree. You are more articulate, verbal, and self aware than I thought anyone at four could be. You are still incredibly sweet, and I cant wait for all that is in store for us this year.
You are breaking through more firsts than I ever thought possible, I think you are remarkably smart. You know all your letters and sounds and have even starting reading beginning readers books (BOB Books). You can write all the letters, and understand that you read from left to right. And yes, you do know your left and right (even better than mommy). You can count pretty darn high, you understand simple math , you still love to sing and play music, and your musicality is infectious. I love to hear you talk and sing.
You are a very gentle little boy, yes you definitely have energy, but you are SO gentile. Your little brother is always grabbing, swatting, throwing, hitting, and I have to admit I don't think I've seen you hit back. As much as you have wanted to. You like to be the leader, I do wonder if you realize what an example you are setting. You seem very excited to meet your new baby brother or sister, you ask interesting questions, inquire about getting ready for his/her arrival, and the first time you felt a kick in the palm of your hand was like the lighting of the very first Christmas tree. Your face was so thrilled, I will never forget it. To have a little boy to genuinely interested and concerned for this baby you haven't met fills my heart up so big I can hardly stand it.
You're love for mickey continues into your 4th year of life, and I am fairly certain we have seen almost every episode of mickey mouse club house that was ever made. Lucky for us, Mimi and Bob are taking our family to Walt Disney World next month and we will actually get to MEET the characters!!! the first night we arrive we have dinner at Chef Mickey, I hope it goes as wonderfully as I hope. I know you and your brother are going to love riding all the rides, and frankly I cannot wait to have 4 straight days of all about you and Chris!!
You are still very coordinated, you seem to run and skip, and jump with ease, and you pick up new sports fairly easily. Both your gross and fine motor skills to be developing normally, if not slightly faster than others. You keep up with older kids with ease, and sometimes tend to gravitate towards them at parties and other social situations. You are shy at first but become very social when you warm up in most situations, but you do have a slightly underdeveloped knack for going with the flow. If things don't go as planned you have a hard time adapting, I am hoping this is just a stage.
You are over 42 inches now and 40 lbs at your last doctors appointment, you passed the hearing and vision tests at your age, and you continue to be long and lean. Finding pants for you I have a feeling will be a long standing challenge for me as your grow older. You are a great sleeper, and I count my blessings every day that you and Chris share a room so harmoniously. You seem like a wonderful role model to him, and I love to see you laugh and play together every day.
This year will definitely be a year of change for us all, with a new family member arriving in March, and I (hope) my work situation will change drastically, and you may even be at a new school for pre-school and grade school beginning in the fall. There is a lot to look forward to, and I am hoping we all adjust to what's to come with grace and ease. I am hoping you will want to play a new sport, perhaps soccer or t-ball again this spring, and become and even better swimmer this summer. It's amazing how much you are growing and changing, and both you boys are exceptional in my eyes.
Right now some of your favorite things for your age:
-You love your mickey watch
-You pick candy over ice cream almost any day
-You still love trains (just like chris) so we now have a pass to enterTRAINment junction
-You are an excellent eater, and east most vegetables. Mini corn dogs might be one of your favorite food though
- you like to fix things and figure things out, if I gave you batteries I am pretty positive you could unscrew a battery pack and replace.
-You love Bob, and I know you look up to him more than anyone most days
-You like to help and be involved, but also like to lead and have things go your way
You are beautiful both inside and out. And I love you more than I could possibly love you, keep being wonderful.
Love,
Mommy
Just a few short weeks ago you celebrated your 4th birthday. It has been quite a milestone, really, it's like 4 years old is completely different than 3. You admit, now you are big-- because you are 4- and frankly I actually agree. You are more articulate, verbal, and self aware than I thought anyone at four could be. You are still incredibly sweet, and I cant wait for all that is in store for us this year.
You are breaking through more firsts than I ever thought possible, I think you are remarkably smart. You know all your letters and sounds and have even starting reading beginning readers books (BOB Books). You can write all the letters, and understand that you read from left to right. And yes, you do know your left and right (even better than mommy). You can count pretty darn high, you understand simple math , you still love to sing and play music, and your musicality is infectious. I love to hear you talk and sing.
You are a very gentle little boy, yes you definitely have energy, but you are SO gentile. Your little brother is always grabbing, swatting, throwing, hitting, and I have to admit I don't think I've seen you hit back. As much as you have wanted to. You like to be the leader, I do wonder if you realize what an example you are setting. You seem very excited to meet your new baby brother or sister, you ask interesting questions, inquire about getting ready for his/her arrival, and the first time you felt a kick in the palm of your hand was like the lighting of the very first Christmas tree. Your face was so thrilled, I will never forget it. To have a little boy to genuinely interested and concerned for this baby you haven't met fills my heart up so big I can hardly stand it.
You're love for mickey continues into your 4th year of life, and I am fairly certain we have seen almost every episode of mickey mouse club house that was ever made. Lucky for us, Mimi and Bob are taking our family to Walt Disney World next month and we will actually get to MEET the characters!!! the first night we arrive we have dinner at Chef Mickey, I hope it goes as wonderfully as I hope. I know you and your brother are going to love riding all the rides, and frankly I cannot wait to have 4 straight days of all about you and Chris!!
You are still very coordinated, you seem to run and skip, and jump with ease, and you pick up new sports fairly easily. Both your gross and fine motor skills to be developing normally, if not slightly faster than others. You keep up with older kids with ease, and sometimes tend to gravitate towards them at parties and other social situations. You are shy at first but become very social when you warm up in most situations, but you do have a slightly underdeveloped knack for going with the flow. If things don't go as planned you have a hard time adapting, I am hoping this is just a stage.
You are over 42 inches now and 40 lbs at your last doctors appointment, you passed the hearing and vision tests at your age, and you continue to be long and lean. Finding pants for you I have a feeling will be a long standing challenge for me as your grow older. You are a great sleeper, and I count my blessings every day that you and Chris share a room so harmoniously. You seem like a wonderful role model to him, and I love to see you laugh and play together every day.
This year will definitely be a year of change for us all, with a new family member arriving in March, and I (hope) my work situation will change drastically, and you may even be at a new school for pre-school and grade school beginning in the fall. There is a lot to look forward to, and I am hoping we all adjust to what's to come with grace and ease. I am hoping you will want to play a new sport, perhaps soccer or t-ball again this spring, and become and even better swimmer this summer. It's amazing how much you are growing and changing, and both you boys are exceptional in my eyes.
Right now some of your favorite things for your age:
-You love your mickey watch
-You pick candy over ice cream almost any day
-You still love trains (just like chris) so we now have a pass to enterTRAINment junction
-You are an excellent eater, and east most vegetables. Mini corn dogs might be one of your favorite food though
- you like to fix things and figure things out, if I gave you batteries I am pretty positive you could unscrew a battery pack and replace.
-You love Bob, and I know you look up to him more than anyone most days
-You like to help and be involved, but also like to lead and have things go your way
You are beautiful both inside and out. And I love you more than I could possibly love you, keep being wonderful.
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Dear Chris- Month 24
My Dearest Chris,
I know it's a couple weeks early, but I couldn't wait to write your birthday letter because I just have SO much to say about you. I don't even know where to start, you are a bird brand all your own and, frankly, I cannot get enough of you!! Let me start by saying it is NO coincidence that as your progressed through room after room at Kids R Kids, every one of your teacher has commented to me (MULTIPLE times!!) what a joy you are to have in their class, how sweet you are, and even that you are their favorite kids (if they even are allowed to tell me that). I believe it all. You really are one incredible sweet kid, and not to mention ADORABLE!!!!
You are still a little bigger than your brother at this age, your weight somewhere around 31 lbs. and probably close to 35 inches right now. No small kid, but you really are a crispy cream. All deliciousness on the inside. You go to bed happy and wake up happy, and it couldn't be more contagious. On the subject of sleeping, you are PERFECT!!! You love to sleep, at least you make bedtime effortless for us and I cannot thank you enough for that. You take great naps, and there is no fight when we put you to sleep. You just lay right down and that's all we hear from you until almost 11-12 hours later. And of course, you wake up happy as a clam. When daddy gets you out of your bed in the morning, you burst into where I am sleeping and yell " GOOD MORNIN!!!" and it's hilarious. Best alarm clock ever.
You love to dance, you love to sing, and your vocabulary is HUGE. I cant even begin to count all the words and sentences you know. Your favorite songs right now are the "itsy spider," the abc song, and "tinkle star" and yes, you know all the words. Just wait until the Christmas repertoire comes out in the coming weeks. You say so much, whenever we are driving or walking or do anything you are always narrating your environment or pointing something out to me. Your new favorite word is "why." And I am pretty sure you have no idea what it means, but you say it anyway... all. the. time.
Mommy: "Chris, don't throw the blocks"
Chris: "Why"
Mommy:" Because I don't want it to hurt the walls or someone"
Chris: "Why"
Mommy: Repeat previous answer
Chris: "why"
You always like to reprimand your brother when he is doing something wrong. And you have no shame in hitting him or "spank"ing him when you think it's necessary. Nick never hits you back, but this is a constant battle with you two. Sharing is sometimes something you do harmoniously together, and other times it's the beginning to WWIII. But you both seem to have no problems saying sorry, I think the words "im sorry nick" might be your most frequently used words.
I think you will be fully potty trained before you are 3, and probably MUCH before. I think you pee in your diaper a lot because it's easy, but frankly I think you got the peeing on the potty thing down. Every time I put you on the potty you can go, and that's amazing. I think it means you have some sense of coordination of what's happening, and right now it requires some care and attention on my part (and daycare) to really work with you. You are SO smart, and I think you pick up on things so quickly. You can navigate puzzles and games on the iPad incredibly well, I think it's way advanced for your age. You learn new words so quickly, you love to read all kinds of advanced books, you pick up things Nick says and does so quickly, you are just so, so smart.
You are also very physically advanced too, I have never seen 23 month old run so fast. I mean, those legs of yours can MOVE!!! You love to chase after nick around the house, play trains, push cars and trucks around the floor, go on rides in your little push car outside and hit the t-ball with the bat outside. You drag the tee, the bat, and the ball outside and set it up all the time when the weather is nice. And actually, you hit the ball SO well!!! Your form isn't perfect, but your hand-eye coordination for your age I think is astonishing.
You are a pretty laid back, go with the flow kind of a person. You are happy just going with the program, and that makes my job as mommy SO much easier. You have your preferences, like you LOVE Boo Blaster at Kings island and REALLY insist on going on that ride whenever we pass it, but luckily the whole family enjoys it so it works out well. You are just big enough to start going on roller coasters now (on the very last day the park was open), you were cautiously but optimistically went on everything daddy took you on. A little scared before and during, but as soon as we got you off the first things out of your mouth were " SO FUN!" and " SO SO FAST!" You listen really well, and love to make us happy. When you dump out all the blocks you never hesitate to come help clean them up, and sing "clean up clean up every do share" and grab as many as you can carry to put them away.
You do have a sweet tooth, just like mommy, and I always seem you climbing up to get into the candy dish. You would eat your weight in sweets if I let you, but ill just attribute it to you being so sweet inside and out. I could eat you up. You are just so adorable, so lovable, to cuddling, and just fantastic all around. I couldn't have dreamt of two better brothers than you two, and you fill our lives with more joy than every imaginable. And it just gets better. I cant wait to see all the fun stuff the holidays have in store, parties, seeing a Charlie brown Christmas (because you LOVE snoopy, sleep with yours every night), opening presents, birthday candles, so much... and then we go to Disney World in January with Mimi and Grandpa Bob. Soon your baby brother or sister will be here, life just keeps getting better.
Thank you for being you little bear. Happiest of birthdays to you, cant wait to celebrate your wonderfulness!! I love you more than anything!!!
Love,
Mommy
I know it's a couple weeks early, but I couldn't wait to write your birthday letter because I just have SO much to say about you. I don't even know where to start, you are a bird brand all your own and, frankly, I cannot get enough of you!! Let me start by saying it is NO coincidence that as your progressed through room after room at Kids R Kids, every one of your teacher has commented to me (MULTIPLE times!!) what a joy you are to have in their class, how sweet you are, and even that you are their favorite kids (if they even are allowed to tell me that). I believe it all. You really are one incredible sweet kid, and not to mention ADORABLE!!!!
You are still a little bigger than your brother at this age, your weight somewhere around 31 lbs. and probably close to 35 inches right now. No small kid, but you really are a crispy cream. All deliciousness on the inside. You go to bed happy and wake up happy, and it couldn't be more contagious. On the subject of sleeping, you are PERFECT!!! You love to sleep, at least you make bedtime effortless for us and I cannot thank you enough for that. You take great naps, and there is no fight when we put you to sleep. You just lay right down and that's all we hear from you until almost 11-12 hours later. And of course, you wake up happy as a clam. When daddy gets you out of your bed in the morning, you burst into where I am sleeping and yell " GOOD MORNIN!!!" and it's hilarious. Best alarm clock ever.
You love to dance, you love to sing, and your vocabulary is HUGE. I cant even begin to count all the words and sentences you know. Your favorite songs right now are the "itsy spider," the abc song, and "tinkle star" and yes, you know all the words. Just wait until the Christmas repertoire comes out in the coming weeks. You say so much, whenever we are driving or walking or do anything you are always narrating your environment or pointing something out to me. Your new favorite word is "why." And I am pretty sure you have no idea what it means, but you say it anyway... all. the. time.
Mommy: "Chris, don't throw the blocks"
Chris: "Why"
Mommy:" Because I don't want it to hurt the walls or someone"
Chris: "Why"
Mommy: Repeat previous answer
Chris: "why"
You always like to reprimand your brother when he is doing something wrong. And you have no shame in hitting him or "spank"ing him when you think it's necessary. Nick never hits you back, but this is a constant battle with you two. Sharing is sometimes something you do harmoniously together, and other times it's the beginning to WWIII. But you both seem to have no problems saying sorry, I think the words "im sorry nick" might be your most frequently used words.
I think you will be fully potty trained before you are 3, and probably MUCH before. I think you pee in your diaper a lot because it's easy, but frankly I think you got the peeing on the potty thing down. Every time I put you on the potty you can go, and that's amazing. I think it means you have some sense of coordination of what's happening, and right now it requires some care and attention on my part (and daycare) to really work with you. You are SO smart, and I think you pick up on things so quickly. You can navigate puzzles and games on the iPad incredibly well, I think it's way advanced for your age. You learn new words so quickly, you love to read all kinds of advanced books, you pick up things Nick says and does so quickly, you are just so, so smart.
You are also very physically advanced too, I have never seen 23 month old run so fast. I mean, those legs of yours can MOVE!!! You love to chase after nick around the house, play trains, push cars and trucks around the floor, go on rides in your little push car outside and hit the t-ball with the bat outside. You drag the tee, the bat, and the ball outside and set it up all the time when the weather is nice. And actually, you hit the ball SO well!!! Your form isn't perfect, but your hand-eye coordination for your age I think is astonishing.
You are a pretty laid back, go with the flow kind of a person. You are happy just going with the program, and that makes my job as mommy SO much easier. You have your preferences, like you LOVE Boo Blaster at Kings island and REALLY insist on going on that ride whenever we pass it, but luckily the whole family enjoys it so it works out well. You are just big enough to start going on roller coasters now (on the very last day the park was open), you were cautiously but optimistically went on everything daddy took you on. A little scared before and during, but as soon as we got you off the first things out of your mouth were " SO FUN!" and " SO SO FAST!" You listen really well, and love to make us happy. When you dump out all the blocks you never hesitate to come help clean them up, and sing "clean up clean up every do share" and grab as many as you can carry to put them away.
You do have a sweet tooth, just like mommy, and I always seem you climbing up to get into the candy dish. You would eat your weight in sweets if I let you, but ill just attribute it to you being so sweet inside and out. I could eat you up. You are just so adorable, so lovable, to cuddling, and just fantastic all around. I couldn't have dreamt of two better brothers than you two, and you fill our lives with more joy than every imaginable. And it just gets better. I cant wait to see all the fun stuff the holidays have in store, parties, seeing a Charlie brown Christmas (because you LOVE snoopy, sleep with yours every night), opening presents, birthday candles, so much... and then we go to Disney World in January with Mimi and Grandpa Bob. Soon your baby brother or sister will be here, life just keeps getting better.
Thank you for being you little bear. Happiest of birthdays to you, cant wait to celebrate your wonderfulness!! I love you more than anything!!!
Love,
Mommy
Monday, October 5, 2015
Fall is in the air
Fall is in the air. And I say the same thing every year; I forget how much I love this season. I am blessed to live in a place where I get to experience the changing season, because I do look forward to the new experiences, the rush of memories associated with each, and the excitement of what adventures are in store. I truly LOVE Halloween, too. And this time of year is the best because all the fun around Halloween rolls right into Thanksgiving fun, and then the Christmas season (which, of course, is the BEST!). It's only October 5th and we've already taken the boys to a pumpkin patch (granted, on a terrible day), and decorated for Halloween around the house (thanks, Nick!!), and have our costumes picked out (for the most part).
I really LOVE my part time schedule, and I am SO happy to have finished with End of Year activities at work, that just this past weekend was filled with fall. And the weather was ALL across the board. After the fun filled day at the pumpkin patch Friday, Saturday was spent making homemade apple sauce (which filled the house with yummy smells), a fire in the fireplace, homemade chicken noodle soup, and roasted smores in the fire with Uncle Bobby. It was in the 40s and rainy the whole day, and it was SO wonderful to put sweatshirts on, eat warm food, watch movies, and spend quality time together. And then Sunday was a new and different day all together. We had a great breakfast in the sunshine together, Nick and I played in the leaves together, and then got dressed up to go to a baptism and spend the entire day outside with tons of Matt's extended family. The day was BEAUTIFUL! It had to have been almost 80, the food was great, the company was great, and the kids were SO well behaved. Watching those boys laugh and play is music to my ears, and a great ending to the week.
It's never a bad time to count the blessings in my life, and I do have ONE more to be thankful for. We are expecting baby #3!!! I am 16 weeks now and due on March 20th. But who knows when the little one will actually arrive. And this time we are not finding out-- I cant believe it, but we decided before we even conceived that it will be a surprise, and frankly it is neat having a little secret that no one knows (not even me!). Pregnancy this time around was fairly similar to the last two, minus a little more nausea in the first trimester (and headaches this time around--something I am not used to getting regularly in general). Overall these days I am feeling pretty good, the cravings have subsided, but I am hungry A lot! The first trimester i was so tired and not feeling great, i hate a lot of crappy comfort foods, it's all the sounded good... things are a little better these days, although I go back to the doctor today and it is always scary stepping on the scale. It's been a great, and Nick has been SUCH a curious little person. He asks TONS and tons of questions about the baby; like what is the baby wearing inside the belly, and where does he get his clothes. He thinks it's a girl. And he asks if the baby is sleeping, and how the baby sleeps. Just yesterday he asks if the baby cries or talks does water go in his mouth. And where does the baby go to the bathroom. SMART QUESTIONS!!! Questions that warrant good answers. He is so inquisitive. AND SO helpful, he already wants to help and be part of everything. He makes me prouder than I ever imagined.
We still have lots to do on the home front before the baby comes, the biggest being purchasing a new vehicle that will fit 3 kids comfortably. Probably a minivan! And frankly, I cant wait! Then comes transitions, like moving Chris to a big boy bed (and sharing a room with Nick), looks at pre-school options next year, what will happen with work, lots to think about. But most of it is in God's hands, and I am pretty sure everything will work out. It always does.
Happy fall!
I really LOVE my part time schedule, and I am SO happy to have finished with End of Year activities at work, that just this past weekend was filled with fall. And the weather was ALL across the board. After the fun filled day at the pumpkin patch Friday, Saturday was spent making homemade apple sauce (which filled the house with yummy smells), a fire in the fireplace, homemade chicken noodle soup, and roasted smores in the fire with Uncle Bobby. It was in the 40s and rainy the whole day, and it was SO wonderful to put sweatshirts on, eat warm food, watch movies, and spend quality time together. And then Sunday was a new and different day all together. We had a great breakfast in the sunshine together, Nick and I played in the leaves together, and then got dressed up to go to a baptism and spend the entire day outside with tons of Matt's extended family. The day was BEAUTIFUL! It had to have been almost 80, the food was great, the company was great, and the kids were SO well behaved. Watching those boys laugh and play is music to my ears, and a great ending to the week.
It's never a bad time to count the blessings in my life, and I do have ONE more to be thankful for. We are expecting baby #3!!! I am 16 weeks now and due on March 20th. But who knows when the little one will actually arrive. And this time we are not finding out-- I cant believe it, but we decided before we even conceived that it will be a surprise, and frankly it is neat having a little secret that no one knows (not even me!). Pregnancy this time around was fairly similar to the last two, minus a little more nausea in the first trimester (and headaches this time around--something I am not used to getting regularly in general). Overall these days I am feeling pretty good, the cravings have subsided, but I am hungry A lot! The first trimester i was so tired and not feeling great, i hate a lot of crappy comfort foods, it's all the sounded good... things are a little better these days, although I go back to the doctor today and it is always scary stepping on the scale. It's been a great, and Nick has been SUCH a curious little person. He asks TONS and tons of questions about the baby; like what is the baby wearing inside the belly, and where does he get his clothes. He thinks it's a girl. And he asks if the baby is sleeping, and how the baby sleeps. Just yesterday he asks if the baby cries or talks does water go in his mouth. And where does the baby go to the bathroom. SMART QUESTIONS!!! Questions that warrant good answers. He is so inquisitive. AND SO helpful, he already wants to help and be part of everything. He makes me prouder than I ever imagined.
We still have lots to do on the home front before the baby comes, the biggest being purchasing a new vehicle that will fit 3 kids comfortably. Probably a minivan! And frankly, I cant wait! Then comes transitions, like moving Chris to a big boy bed (and sharing a room with Nick), looks at pre-school options next year, what will happen with work, lots to think about. But most of it is in God's hands, and I am pretty sure everything will work out. It always does.
Happy fall!
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Faith part 2
So three years ago I wrote this post about faith and love, and this little girl named Anna who would pass away three years ago this past Tuesday, September 1st. When my friends were remembering her on facebook this week I found myself reflecting on what I felt that very day. And one thing I've never shared here was the conversation I had with Matt that night about God. And His very existence. I know I was feeling extra emotional, wondering why someone I had never met made me feel so profoundly sad-- and question the very existence of God. I was driving home that day from work thinking about her, and I told Matt that I saw a rainbow as big as can be that day. I remember it now so vividly, it was a perfectly hot and sunny day (much like it has been this week), and the rainbow was right in front me and it stretched right over the highway end to end. To this day I haven't seen another rainbow like that, or one that was end to end. Matt told me that night that if I couldn't find God in that he doesn't know what else could. It's funny how that never dawned on me, but I think about that rainbow a lot.
Especially recently, I want it to inspire me. I want to keep remembering it, even though a lot of days I don't think of it or even come close to thinking of it. I have been so wrapped up in my own thoughts and problems, most nights lately I just crash before bedtime glad to be done with the day. I want to be inspired though; I want it to keep me positive, I want it to help me pray more, I want it to keep me moving towards being the best mom I can be. How do I do that?
I wanted to write again this week to share this story about Nick last week. He always likes to pick pretty flowers for me and give them to me no matter where they are, I know he love for the thoughtfulness of it. Well after dinner one night out of the total blue he reached waaaay into his little pocket and pulled out a whilty little flower than he picked for me at school that day. He was thinking of me, put it in his pocket for later, and gave it to me. I almost felt into tears it was so sweet. I think of him all day long, and my heart almost bursts when I know they do too. I know what I need to do, I need to be home with my kids. To guide them, nourish them, inspire them, challenge them, discipline them, love them... I need to be there. I need to put my faith in God to hope that everything works out, despite all the challenges that lie on our road ahead.
RIP Anna. May God continue to bless us.
Especially recently, I want it to inspire me. I want to keep remembering it, even though a lot of days I don't think of it or even come close to thinking of it. I have been so wrapped up in my own thoughts and problems, most nights lately I just crash before bedtime glad to be done with the day. I want to be inspired though; I want it to keep me positive, I want it to help me pray more, I want it to keep me moving towards being the best mom I can be. How do I do that?
I wanted to write again this week to share this story about Nick last week. He always likes to pick pretty flowers for me and give them to me no matter where they are, I know he love for the thoughtfulness of it. Well after dinner one night out of the total blue he reached waaaay into his little pocket and pulled out a whilty little flower than he picked for me at school that day. He was thinking of me, put it in his pocket for later, and gave it to me. I almost felt into tears it was so sweet. I think of him all day long, and my heart almost bursts when I know they do too. I know what I need to do, I need to be home with my kids. To guide them, nourish them, inspire them, challenge them, discipline them, love them... I need to be there. I need to put my faith in God to hope that everything works out, despite all the challenges that lie on our road ahead.
RIP Anna. May God continue to bless us.
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