my goodness

It has been MONTHS since my last post. Not because there isn't anything to say, just finding the time to say it seems to be difficult. We have had a fantastic Christmas and I really enjoy "making memories" with the kids. Knowing this is how they will remember their childhoods. Should that be plural. Anyway ... I spend a lot of time reading magazines as I can't quite get through a WHOLE book these days. Though perhaps the right one I could. And I have decided that I would like my life a whole lot more (not that I don't like it now) if a magazine would please come and stage it and take well lit pictures of my well dressed and well behaved kids so I can keep it in my mind and live that fantasy. Do you think that will happen? Well, maybe not, but if I can just pretend that the Southern Living photographers are on their way then maybe I will do a better job of taking mental pictures of our days for me to hold tight. Gotta run do dishes ... laundry ... sleep!!!

Wash, Rinse, Repeat

I have noticed lately that my services as a mother can pretty much be recorded and put on a sound loop for the kids. I am not even sure they would notice - they usually don't look up anyway and manage to tune me out. My recording would be something like this - "You are not in charge, don't do that, be quiet, put that down, no Ma'am, no Sir, step away from the baby, you are not in charge, don't do that, be quiet, put that down, no Ma'am, no Sir, step away from the baby."

Staying at home

So, I don't fully know if staying at home is my nature - I like to chat (with adults) and be responsible for things (including but not exclusively kids). Some days are wonderful and others I am looking for job ads. However ... today Danny and I were both reminded of why I am here. Apart from feeling like I really know my kids, we were thinking back on when Claudia went to full time daycare. She was there for over a month and never transitioned. She cried when we dropped her off, cried when we picked her up and she would be watching out the window waiting for us. The worst of it all though was the drop off - she would slump down next to the door and just sit there either crying or just in a sad daze. Sometimes she would even lie on the floor and the other kids or teachers would actually step over her. This would go on for at least half an hour.
Henry just asked me why I didn't like being a mommy today - good question - some days are easier than others. But I guess it all comes down to that I am glad I can be here for my kids.

Hard to Believe

All smiles!

Claudia asleep at the top of the stairs - this is what happens when she naps and then won't go to sleep at a normal time - she changes her clothes many times, gets into things in her room and eventually passes out at the top of the stairs!

Baby Sunshine!


Well, the baby is going to be one in two weeks. It is really quite hard to believe. He has just started crawling with a funny little scooter type thing much the same way Henry did. It is pretty darling really. He claps when he wants to be picked up, he clicks his mouth when he wants something to drink, so there is some communicating going on. We seem to be posting less and less frequently these days. Could it be because we are so busy? That and loading photos on here takes forever! The kids are good - going to camp this week in the mornings which is good for all concerned. I am not incredibly patient with three kids at home all week. Looking forward to the summer and some weeks at the beach. We will post again! Stay posted ...

Catching fire by itself

Henry started singing eeny-meeny-minny-mo - if that is even how you spell it, anyway, the line of course goes - catch a tiger by its toe. The girl used to sing - catching fire by itself - which we sort of prefer. She now does a combination of the two verses. Whoever "MO" lands on is who is at that very moment loved the most by the singer. It is a fun game that can go on for a long time. I recorded this just after it was really funny. Walter is screaming, but you can still hear CJ's hip-hop and slightly messed up lyrics. And, yes, this is what our house usually sounds like. Enjoy.

Kids

Hmmm ... We are at a couple of milestones with the kids these days.
Claudia is on the road to getting rid of sleeping with her pacifiers - it is about time! We are marking the days off - April 1 - not an April Fool's joke. The boppy should be gone forever. Fingers crossed. Three is also proving to be more challenging than being two. Sobbing over nothing - joy!! She is totally a sweet girl and really loves both of her brothers - one more than the other.
Walter has a new tooth - ouch - and is in a morning program two mornings a week. After a painful and tear filled start he is having a blast now. He gets tons of love and attention from all as he flashes his one tooth grin and dimples. A real charmer!
Henry is in a musical as a cow and is taking it very seriously because he wasn't at all and is now being bribed. He will get some kind of Star Wars ship if he sings all the songs. He had a wonderful day today because he got to eat lunch with the principal. His name was chosen out of the kindness box. He was nominated by two teachers for doing kind things. We are impressed! Oh - and he doesn't like having his picture taken.

Fancy is ...

H: (playing with Star Wars gear) I am going to be on the dark side.
C: (putting on a tutu) I am going to be on the fancy side.

at least she asked

C: Mom - can I swing Walter?
R: No
C: Can I pinch him?
R: No (smiling)
C: Can I pat him?
R: Yes

Claudia is three

Hard to believe our little girl is three. She is getting so big and so ... mouthy!
Lately she has been saying things in a real Valley Girl-esque voice.
"Like, how do you know that mom, and it's not your decision." She is a very funny girl, she has lots of talent drawing, she loves carrying on conversations with anyone including herself. She is our sweetheart!