Less than 24 hours from now...

I'm getting stupid excited for the book launch. And it's not even my book! I dunno. I think it's everything- the launch, seeing my grandmother, my cousins, my aunt, my brother-in-law AND meeting his girlfriend. I took the kids out to get presents for some people and we're now home watching TV and waiting for laundry to finish. Just this morning, I have:

checked in early
printed my boarding pass
printed the info for the car service
printed information for Adam on who needs to be where and when
e-mailed workouts for "my" group to the head coach AND printed copies for the other coaches
bought a book
downloaded several books to my Kindle app on my phone AND my computer
downloaded a new album to my phone because heaven forbid I be BORED
got presents for people. Yep, super cook Kansas presents. I am awesome like that.
Bought a pretty new skirt to match my lucky white shirt.
Read this article about the book

Speaking of parenting things, my oldest is hanging out with my parents for 3 weeks. So far he has mowed the lawn, helped my mom in the garden, gone to the barber, helped baby-sit his cousins and gone shopping for the food pantry. If he thought it was going to be all fun and games and SUGAR... poor kid. I'll feel bad for him sometimes. ;) No, really, he's going to have a blast.

I have to run and finish packing. Shoes. I need to pick SHOES.

Happy birthday to Cole!

Our little bird boy turned FIVE Tuesday!

He also received a Ninja Turtle LEGO set. I had to peel the bird shirt off him the next day to wash and he threw a three hour long fit until it came out of the dryer!

Grandma gave him binoculars, which he calls his "bird googles."

Today was kindergarten round up! First turning five, then round-up.... what's next? a date?! In a note of cute, he kept calling it "Kindergarten Round House," like the kick! Super adorable!

His party is in two weeks and we will be painting bird houses and making binoculars. He is super excited and can't wait.

Happy birthday sweet Bear-Bear!

Happy birthday George!

Our giant monster preemie turned SIX this morning! He started the day off with a bang, fighting with his brother over a dollar bill. No. Really.

Adam is out of town all week so we had his family party a few days early. My parents and in-laws came over for dinner, presents and cake. We had beer and cheese soup for the grown-ups, hot dogs for the kids and Minecraft cake for everyone. George got two new pairs of jammies (one with a yeti on it!), LEGO, a new shirt and a scooter. He was pretty happy and pretty spoiled!

On Sunday, Mom, Camille and I went shopping and I got some Christmas shopping done. We took my mom into Justice and I think we scarred her for life. She's still seeing neon and glitter. We picked up some take-and-bake pizzas on the way home and Adam left for the Frozen Tundra early the next morning. Mom stayed two days to help me but I am on my own today and tomorrow. (ACK!)

It's been an "all about George" week. We went to Bass Pro to look at the holiday decorations and the
fish. We went in the afternoon and the place was dead. He had free range of all the games and did really well shooting ducks with a bow and arrow. I joke that he's ready for The Hunger Games!

Tuesday was busy because it was a (damn) early release day. I had to explain pick up and drop off times to my mom 10-20 times AND write them down AND I'm still not sure how much she understood. She now full gets why I complain about those days all the time! Still, she picked up the kids at the right time and place so all was well. We hung around, made popcorn chains to hang on the tree for the birds and helped the kids with homework until I had to leave for work, Then Mom made them a full breakfast for dinner, including bacon and sausage! Nice! Our pancake loving six year old was in heaven!

Wednesday brought Grams leaving and a busy night with piano (George) and CCD (everyone). I normally leave Cole with Adam but he went with me that night. Cole actually did really well, sat nicely and listened to the story. George's CCD class is nuts, though, so it was a typically busy night. I think we all fell asleep as soon as we got home!

Today's been a "the more things change, the more they stay the same" day. Six years ago our oldest was four and a half; now, our YOUNGEST is that same age! Six years ago I read Edward's story on-line and was planning on seeing Twilight in theaters. Now, I'm reading stuff about THG on-line and going to see Mockingjay tomorrow night with some friends. I picked up turkeys for the NICU Thanksgiving today; George is the reason for the Thanksgiving. All in all, pretty cool.

His party with his friends will be Sunday (just a small, at home thing) and then Adam's brother is coming into town. Having his uncle here will be so much fun for him! I think we're going to put up Christmas decorations on Black Friday and we're going to meet some friends that Saturday. He's going to be happy and worn out!

Happy Tenth Birthday!

Happy, happy birthday to my loving, fun, handsome dude, Joseph! I can't believe it's been a whole decade since you made us parents, our parents grandparents and our grandparents GREAT grandparents. We love you!

(I give you a baby picture since someone is camera phobic these days!)

Four

Six weeks old, Cole's baptism. They were so little... but now
 George can wear the outfit Joe was wearing!

I'm not sure when I happened but my baby Bear grew up.

When I bring up pictures for this blog, some of the first in the file are of newborn Cole, my sweet, hairy full term baby. I can still remember how he smelled at birth- just like the earth. He was warm and toasty, defining the term "freshly baked." When I called my mother, I said, "I can't believe how big he is!" My mom replied, "I can't believe he has hair!"

He's really the perfect addition to our family, the final piece of the puzzle, a wonderful gift. (Yes, just like all his siblings!)

This year, we will have a small party at home with just the family. I'm baking a "car boom" (monster truck) cake. He requested a "Red light saber" and Darth Vader costume. The costume is coming but we also got him two Star Wars figures to play with. I think he will be quite happy!

Happy birthday to my sweet Baby Bear... we love you so much!

Five Years Old: A Letter

Five years.

In some way, this feels like a major milestone, just as big as your first birthday. Five years. Half a decade. You are five years old.

Five.

There's so much a five year old can do. Five year olds aren't preschoolers anymore. They're... kids. Just kids. They go to kindergarten. They ride bikes and play with big kid toys, like Power Rangers and Lego. Not Duplo. No, you don't want the "big Lego." You want the "little Lego, like Joe."

Five years.

How has five years gone by? Aren't you still my little bald baby who asks for his "ba" and does a silly little dance when he wants it? Don't you still have chunky monkey legs and fat little wrists?

Everyone considers their children a miracle and, to some degree, everyone is right. But you are so much more a miracle. Not a day goes by that I don't think of prematurity or your NICU stay. I'm reminded, in the conversations I have and the work I do, that you were born with lungs unable to keep you alive without help.  Sometimes, I still listen to you breath and marvel at the miracle of every easy, unaided breath you take.

Five . . .

If someone had told me five years ago what would have happened this year, I would have laughed... and then punched them in the face. I never, ever thought that our family would walk the NICU path again. I never thought any of us would go through what we did. But, we did. We have. And because of you, we had the strength and knowledge to muscle through that hard path. Because of you, we loved with wild abandon. We knew the questions to ask, the answers to seek and the hope of what might (what we wanted) to come.

That was your gift to your cousin.

... Years

I wonder who you will be five years from now, when you are ten. A decade. I don't think too much of it, though, my sweet five year old. I want to love an savor each moment of you, right now, my sweet puddinpie. I love your laugh, how your "s" becomes "f" and how you call yourself "Forge." I love how everything is "nine": Nine more minutes Mom! You are popular at school; I can't tell you how many times someone has said, "Oh, you're George's mom! My kid talks about him all the time!" You love Bigfoot and Lego and Power Rangers.

Five Years Old

Saturday will be your first big birthday party. It speaks volumes to how far you have come that we could even think of having this party- 30 kids in a TKD studio smack at the beginning of cold and flu season. Germ and sensory overload and yet you are so looking forward to it! Who woulda thought? You have come so, so far!

I look forward to seeing how much farther you have to go and what you will do with the life you have been gifted with. You are five years old George David and you are as much of a miracle now as you were then. We love you.

NICU Reunion, 2013

Birthday weekend

My birthday weekend started off with a long walk with the little boys. As I was coming home, a sappy song came on Pandora and I started to cry. Later, I realized I was having a deep, emotional reaction . . . to the Twilight theme. Sigh. Not a way to begin my birthday!

When we got home, I showered and we went to TKD and Wal Mart. I needed bittersweet chocolate to finish off the birthday cake I was making for myself but I couldn't find anything. When I cook, I will sub stuff left and right, add and take away but when I bake, I MUST.FOLLOW.THE.RECIPE. I had a moment where I couldn't find the bittersweet chocolate, so I grabbed the unsweetened stuff.

This was a mistake. Don't do that.

When I got home, the boys had lunch and I got to work making the frosting and chocolate filling. This was first time making a boiled buttercream frosting. I was super nervous, especially since I had to use a double boiler method to mix the egg whites ad sugar. I was pretty sure I would burn the dickens out of myself or have sugary scrambled egg whites.

However, that DIDN'T happen and I had a nice, smooth mixture of sugar and eggs! I dumped it all into Molly the Mixer and began adding the butter.

And adding.

And adding... five sticks in all.

The sugar, eggs and butter mixed up well but the frosting was not whipping up creamy like it should. It was more "melted butter and sugar" not frosting. I didn't panic; I just called my friend who is wiz with cakes. On her advice, I kept whisking it with Molly and after about ten minutes, it began to look like frosting. Yay!

This was the end result:

I liked it, my parents liked it, Cole liked it, Adam hated it. Win some, lose some! I now have a good quarter of this cake in the fridge and 3/4 of a Lemon Mergaine Pie. I need to run all this week!

Friday night, Adam, Dad and the kids went to a baseball game while Mom and I went out for dinner. We had Tapas and then went shopping. I showed her my new favorite store, Francesca's, I got a new shirt and a couple teacher things on sale for gifts later in the year. Mom purchases earrings at another store.

Saturday was fun because we went to the AmericanGirl Store... and Mom bought a doll for herself! Molly is retiring and she said she's always wanted Molly. She got the doll, accessories and school set. Cami looked around, wished and then we went out to get her shoes. That night we went to the Pool Closing party at the neighborhood pool and came home with 90 per cent of the lost and found and tons of meat. (The lost ad found lives in my laundry room and I want it OUT. I mean, I seriously have so much crud in there that I wonder how anyone in our neighborhood is wearing clothes!)

Sunday, Joseph and I got up early for 7:30 Mass. We had a visiting priest from Liverpool, England and he had a great homily about prayer, considering the religious life and Confession. I thought about signing up for an Adoration Hour but I have enough on my plate now. Well Adam must have been inspired because after he went to Mass (at 9 am), he and a friend agreed to split and hour. If she can't go, one of us will. I think it sounds like a great idea.

After Mass, everyone (my parents, Adam's sister and parents) all came over for brunch. We had a nice meal, more cake and pie and then they booked it. I ended my birthday weekend with a 2 hour nap and I'm going to see if I can force everyone to watch "Oz, The Great and Powerful" today.

Quick Takes Friday: Birthday Love

1. Well, the first full week of school is done and over with. The little boys are exhausted and Joe had a meltdown yesterday after school. This whole "get up early, go to bed early, behave all day" thing is getting to my kids. They love school, for which I am thankful, and I am impressed with both their teachers. The change in routine is just exhausting for them.

2. Speaking of exhausted, Cole has been falling asleep around one every day. He spent all summer not napping but I guess school is so much more tiring than swimming all day!

3. Yesterday, Adam and I went to a baseball game. I know, right? I don't DO baseball. Actually, I don't do sports unless it involves water. I haven't been to a game in years. But his project got seats in the all you can eat section and Adam really wanted me to go. We had great seats, the food not withstanding and we enjoyed the game... until the baby sitter went to the ER.

4. Okay, this wasn't my kids fault! She hadn't been feeling well and got worse that night. She didn't tell us because she wanted to hang out with the kids. That's so sweet but, as we told her, her health is more important. Her mom got a back up sitter even though we were ready to book it and either run home to the kids or to the ER to help her. Thankfully, she will be just fine!

5. Our team lost but the game was good and they played well.

6. My 34th birthday is today. This morning I took a long walk with the little boys in the stroller. I slapped on the Pandora station and what came on? A Thousand Years. There I am, hoofing it on the walking path, sweating, pushing 50 pounds of kid in the stroller, crying. I am not a pretty crier; my nose runs and I look horrible. I was wiping my nose on my shirt, snuffling, as I walked home. It's my BIRTHDAY. Songs should not make me cry on my BIRTHDAY.

And then I felt even more lame when I realized it was the song from Twilight. Sigh.

7. I have BIG plans this year. Mom and Dad are coming in. Dad and Adam are taking the kids to a ball game and Mom and I are going out to dinner. I baked an awesome cake and Adam got me "Oz , the Great and Powerful." Cake and Oz? Sounds awesome to me!

You know it- go over to Conversion Diary, read what Jen has to say and click on more Quick Takes. It's my birthday; ignore the housework!

Wordless Wendsday: Flashback

Happy late birthday, my sweet little boy! Hard to believe you are three now!

The Pretty Pink Princess get a New Room!

 

About a year ago, we began planning some major painting updates in our house. We had done the kitchen, dining room, master bedroom and Joseph' room, but the rest of the house was bor-ing. We have alot of white trim and white/beige walls or oak trim and... white walls. The only room that had color that we didn't paint ourselves was Camille's room. Her room was a light beige-y pink and both she and I wanted some more COLOR on her walls. Plus, she had gone through a phase where she wrote on her walls, toys and furniture. I wanted those markings GONE.

 

For months, she had color samples taped to her walls and she gave us input on what she liked and didn't like. She looked at the colors for several months before she told us what she really wanted.

 

And then we did... nothing. Life got in the way.

 

Around Thanksgiving, I began thinking of what she would like for her birthday. Adam and I tossed around a few ideas before I suggested we re-do her bedroom as a surprise. He thought it was a good idea and I went to town pinning ideas on Pinterest and asking our parents for help. Adam's parents agreed to help paint and organize while my parents agreed to keep all four kids overnight.

 

And I managed to keep it a complete secret from her! It was so, so hard because she asked for a birthday party the weekend of her birthday. I put her off, telling her it wasn't going to happen THAT weekend. She was in tears but I blamed it on her grandparents, my parents, coming to town. She pointed out that my mom had been in town on her actual birthday last year but I brushed her off. It was KILLING me not to tell her but we really wanted to surprise her!

 

Friday my mother and I began to empty and clean her room. Everything but her bed and dresser went into the master bedroom. I was twitching from the mess and clutter but I knew things had to get worse before they got better. Because we didn't want her to go upstairs, Mom and I ditched the boys with my dad, picked her up from school and took her to the mall where this happened:

 

 

Yep, my parents bought her Caroline for her birthday! On a side note, isn't the cut-out of Saige so life-like?! Out of the corner of my eye, it looks like another girl standing there! (Oh, and ask me some time about the creepy stalker saleslady at the American Girl store. It was... weird.)

 

That night we met my dad, Adam and the boys at the hotel for pizza.The kids kicked us out and we went home to finish cleaning out her room. I was "allowed" to place the painters tape around the trim. I say "allowed" because Adam and his parents are incredibly anal about painting. They have a Team Mind-Meld thing going when they paint a room and each knows exactly what to do and what the other Team members need before they need it. It is awe-inspiring and creepy. Mostly awe-inspiring, though.

 

The next morning (after a full night's sleep!) we finished cleaning and began painting. When my in-laws came over, they kicked me out of the room to begin the Top Secret Mind-Meld and finish painting. I huffed over to the master bedroom to get all crafty with printable labels, diaper boxes, and ten billion small pieces of toys (and doll clothes).

 

The small plastic shoe boxes hold small toys and LEGO. The diaper boxes, covered with wrapping paper,
hold her Bitty Baby and AG doll clothes. All this went into her closet, where she
keeps most of her toys.

 

For a room with two windows, two doors, that is not square and had two different colors going on, they finished painting quickly. While we were waiting for the paint to dry, my mother-in-law and I got busy with oil, rags and a Magic Eraser to get the marks off her dresser, nightstand and jewelry box. It took some good scrubbing but in the end the items looked like new!

 

Finally, we were ready for the best part: decorating!

 

 

The wall with the unicorn painting on it is actually a darker color than the other walls. You can only really tell when you look in the corner:

 

The green is painters tape.

 

Some more details:

 

The purple flower pillow is a Pottery Barn Kids find! It's so soft!

Close up of the unicorn painting my sister made for Cami
when she was a baby. Camille wrote on it when she was 3, so my
sister fixed it for her birthday.

dresser, newly cleaned!

But... how did she like it?

 

 

 

We've hardly seen her all weekend! She's been in her room, playing and crafting up a storm. She also swears she is going to keep her room clean but... we'll see!

 

Happy birthday to my sweet princess! We love you!

 

 

Details:

We were able to re-use almost everything from her old room; we just cleaned it up and reorganized. One of the things I love about her room is how many hand crafted items are in there, either made by woman who love her. Those rag dolls? Made by my aunts. The quilt? My grandmother. She is surrounded by love and that is priceless.

We also bought alot of the items when we first moved in almost 4 years ago. When possible, I've listed the prices of the items as I remember them.

Light pink paint:

Darker Pink/accent wall:

Purple curtains: $10/each at Wa-l Mart

black out curtains: about $15/each, Target

Doll lamp: priceless. It was my mother's, then mine!

Quilt: Also priceless. My grandmother made it and it's over 30 years old

Unicorn painting: priceless, an original made by my sister.

Bookshelf: about $25 at Bed, Bath and Beyond

Purple flower pillow: $10, Pottery Barn Kids

pink ribbon boards: $7/each, Target

Purple frame: $7, Target

Cinderella toy box: e-classifieds

Shelf: $25 at Target. It's really a rack to hold shoes and was found in the home organizing section.

plastic boxes on shelf: $5-7, Target

pink stuffed animal hanger and boxes on desk: Babies R Us (price unknown)

Letters: seven years ago, I got them on e-bay. Now you would look on Etsy!

Butterfly hooks: Target

desk: Sam's, ten years ago. It was my old craft desk.

Quick Takes Friday: Books, Pinterest and home decor

1.

 

I've been on a "read everything in sight" kick lately. A few days ago I was trolling Amazon's freebie list and stumbled upon the book "Angela's Song." I'm always on the look out for Catholic books that appeal to the modern family. While I have some issues with the book (mainly with the dialogue and the flipping between past and present tense) it is a nice read.

2.
I've also been blessed to read Jane Lebak's "The Boys Upstairs." It's a novella so it's a quick read and well worth the money.



3.
Okay, enough about books! Onto PINTEREST! I've been bored with my decor lately. I know, I know... first world problems. A cheap and easy way to update my house is to print off those free print ables from Pinterest. At Christmas, I had an 8 by 10 frame with Christmas words and phrases inside. It was in that subway art style that is so popular and I just love. I can't find the link to the site but if I do, I will re post it!

4.
I am not big into Valentine's Day, except where the kids are concerned. I love to help them make Valentine's for their class but I don't go all out or decorate at home. That said, I took the same 8 by 10 frame and put this Valentine's Printable in it.I love that it describes real love and it was part of the readings at our wedding. (Yes, and every other couple out there!) I also found a THOREAU quote about love! I might have squealed like a little girl on a sugar rush when I found it. I printed it as a 4 by 6 and placed it in a frame from my picture reorganization. My husband rolled his eyes but he can't complain because it is tasteful and free, the latter being the most important part,

5.
I also did some basic "clean up" and reorganization. I moved the pictures on the mantle around (and pinned new ideas!), took down an empty frame and put up a cross stitch work I did long ago and mused what I should do with a random corner in the house. It's small and it needs something there. I found quite a few ideas at Target but I need to check Hobby Lobby too. My friend told me about a sale they are having.

6.
I also might repaint the front of the fireplace. Adam does not know this... yet.

7.
Speaking of Pinterest, Target and redecorating, someone is turning seven... and getting a "new" bedroom! We, and her grandparents, are surprising her with a freshly painted bedroom. I picked up some fun items at Target (on sale, woot!) to liven it up. I found a purple picture frame and two pink/cream bulletin boards. I'm going to wash her curtains and bedding and organize all her toys. I have plans to make sticker labels for her bins and do something with all the Barbies, American Girl items and stuffed animals.Oh, and craft supplies.
She has no clue about this and it is driving me nuts because I want to do it all NOW! Still, planning is half the fun and I can't wait to post pics!



Happy birthday to my George.

Happy birthday to my (not so little!) preemie, my child who changed how I view the world, the baby that I fought for, the kid who made me realize the miracle of a healthy child, who made me realize my own gifts, who taught me to never take a single breath or word for granted, who made us a family of five, who makes us laugh every day, a wonderful big brother, a fantastic little brother . . .

Happy birthday Georgie Pordgie PuddinPie! We love you!

Happy birthday to me!

I turned the great big 3-3 last Thursday. As birthdays go, it wasn't a huge deal but Adam and I always use our birthdays as an excuse to snag a sitter (ie, guilt the grandparents into watching the kids) and head out to dinner. Sometimes we even go out without a coupon (living dangerously!) and we always have a  good time.

This year, I ordered my present earlier in the month. I have been lusting after a planner from Erin Condren.com. They are pricey but oh-so-pretty. I already have a giant wall calendar that serves as the hub of the house. Our schedules go on there (color coded by person) along with our dinner menu. I have a sheet of paper that serves as our lunch menu (mostly for the older two and their school lunches). I tried using google calendars and, well, I just need something to write on! I got the custom notebook with the calendar added to it. It was a bit cheaper than planner and had the little extras I want to keep track of notes, doodles, blog ideas and more. (Yes, this is in addition to the small notebook I keep in my big ole 31 wallet. I should not run out things to write on, ever.)

The actual day of my birthday was nice, quiet and relaxing. Adam brought home pizza for dinner and the kids went to bed early. On Saturday he took the kids to the end of the summer pool party and I stayed home to blog. His parents came over to baby sit and we went out to Holihan's. They now have a small plate section. It's real dinners but in normal portions. I had a small steak and fries and it was just enough food to make me feel like I had a yummy dinner without over doing it. (A few weeks ago, I went to Cheesecake Factory with some friends and noticed they have a small plate selection too. I am not sure if this is a new thing or if it has just been that long since I have been to a restaurant that is not a fast food joint!)

After dinner (and dessert!) we went to the mall... only the mall closes at 9! We were surprised but the bookstore stayed open an hour later. So, yes, I went to the bookstore and browsed and read titles and flipped through books to my heart's content. I know it doesn't sound like much but I've had a bit of a boo-hoo crisis this summer. I've been feeling like I am missing out on things I want, need, or love: swimming, the East Coast, time alone, reading. It was wonderful to spend just an hour  reading bits and pieces of books, seeing what is new and giving Adam ideas for Christmas. It definitely recharged my batteries!

My parents are coming this weekend to visit and take us out to lunch or dinner. Adam and I might sneak off for lunch alone and to visit a friend who is in the hospital. I'm thinking of making Basil Lime Chicken, a new recipe I found on Pinterest that is really, really, REALLY good. My father and Adam are taking two of the kids to a baseball game (if they get their act together-which is a whole nuther post) and Mom and I are taking the little dudes shopping. We also have a couple of Weekend Warrior projects that need to be done and the extra hands keeping the kids out of paint, wood, nails and the springs that hold the garage door together is going to be nice! I'm looking forward to the last weekend of my birthday celebration!

Quick Takes Friday: The Eight Year Old Edition

1.

Eight years ago right now (8:46 am, if you care) I was waking up in my bed, wondering why the dog had let me sleep in. She would normally "herd" me out of bed every morning by seven  or so am. I had been up since 2 or 3 with back pain, so I was happy for the extra sleep. I now know that I was in pre-pre labor. My body has done this every time.

2.

Joseph is such a blessing to us. He was born after a miscarriage and many months of trying. He is named for his grandfathers and great-grandfathers and his name means "God shall increase." We took it as a sign that God promised to increase our family. Uh, God? Got it!

3.

At the beginning of this school year, I hoped that he would learn to enjoy reading. While he will tell you he doesn't like to read, I think he's trying to pull one on me:

Considering the amount of facts I have heard lately about the Titanic, tanks, the military and bodily functions (thank you, Grams and Nono, for THAT book!) I'm pretty sure he's retaining what he reads too.

4.

I was having a boo-hoo moment the other day. My bay-bee turned two! My biggest baby is eight! Wa! Then Joseph asked me if he could read the Bunnicula books and Encycopedia Brown. I had a great time going down memory lane with him and then my mother, remembering all the great books I enjoyed as a kid. Mom is bringing some the above books for Joseph and the Baby Sitters Club Little Sister books for Camille. I knew this would be a part of my kids getting older that I would enjoy and I am!

5.

First Communion is next week. Joe has a suit. I don't care what he says, he LOVES his suit. Well, maybe... but no one can deny that he looks awesome in it! We had his pictures taken at Penneys. Although it cost me an arm and leg, they came out lovely. Handsome. So big. He said he looked like Daddy in his suit and I happen to agree!

6.

I had Gymbucks to use and spent them on Joseph. I got him a size ten shirt with a dog on it... and it fit. Still a skinny waist but a ten in shirts. Adam measured him for new golf clubs and Joe's four foot four. Yikes!

7.

What is this kid getting for his birthday? I have to tell someone... Adam is taking him to Opening Day with our local baseball team! He bought him a membership to the kids' club and managed to score tickets for today. He gets to miss a bit of school and everything. He doesn't know yet! I don't know how he will react. In general, he doesn't like surprises but this should go over well. I hope.

8.

Bonus entry!

Two years ago... my Alpha and Omega. Happy birthday to my awesome big dude, my Handsome Joe-ritto, my Joe-Joe, my buggy bear. I love you. Thank you for making me a mom.

Quick Takes Friday: Princess Camille Edition







1. Six years ago today, we welcomed our first and only daughter, Camille Julia, into the world. Her birth was an hour longer than her brother's, but still fast. She was born four hours after her due date and to this day, still dawdles and makes us juuuust so late! We joke about it but it's totally Camille. And, yes, as annoying as it is, I love her for it and wouldn't change it at all!

2. Camille inhaled mec on the way out and had to spend several hours in the NICU. She was never admitted and her breathing was fine after a few hours. She was only in there as long as she was because she was caught up in the shift change. Still, it was an emotional few hours and I didn't like leaving my baby. I knew one of the NICU nurses from my college days; she was also at Joseph's birth. I asked Adam to request Suzie as her nurse, if at all possible. He did and she was working that shift. My blood pressure had been up but as soon as he came back and told me Suzie was Cami's nurse, my BP went down.

Well, last week we walked over to a local shop that sells local, handmade items. Who was working that shop! Our old nurse! She is now a SAHM who runs an Etsy shop and works part time in that store. My kids have always heard about how one of Mommy's friends gave them their first baths and took care of them in the hospital. I was so thrilled Cami got to meet her in person. The people that took care of my babies when I couldn't hold a special place in my heart and are forever in their birth stories.

3. My only princess and I share some of the same traits. Some of them are less than desirable and I can hear my mother snickering in my head saying, "PAYBACK!" Yes, she is a strong willed little girl who will move mountains. I'm sure this will cause her parents much worry and angst but I also know she will be able to take care of herself in this world.

This past week, though, we discovered Cami and I have something else in common- glasses. My little girl is the first one of my children to need glasses. She's still not sure about the whole deal but we celebrated with ice cream. They should be in soon and I love how she looks in them. So grown up!

4. For her birthday, Camille requested "girl legos." I don't watch the news nor do we get the paper, so I had no ideas these are, apparently, a highly controversial purchase. I guess I am participating in the genderization of toys? Anyway, whatever. They are super cute and I love them! She is a girly-girl and not interested in building a fires truck or star ship. And you know what? That's okay. That's who she is and I refuse to force her to be someone else in the interest of being more "alternative."

Yes, yes she was.

5. My mother is putting together pictures for a family reunion and wants one of everyone at a year old. I think it is a great idea. Cami had her one year photo taken in the same dress I wore at one year. She looks super cute but I have a feeling people are going to say, "Wow, Cami, you were REALLY BALD!"

6. Tomorrow, several of Camille's friends will get together and decorate purses and eat rainbow cake. It's seems like this is her first big girl party and she is so excited. I'm excited for her! She's really blooming into her own person this year.

7. On the NCR, Simcha writes about how we need to remind our children of our love when they are beyond the cute "nibble on the baby cheeks" stage. We need to say, "You are loved, you are special, you are wanted." So to my birthday princess, I say, "You are loved, you are special, you are wanted. You are important, you are a gift, you are just what this family needs. I will always love you and I am so happy God chose us to be your parents."

Happy birthday to my pretty pink princess. May every year be more magical than the last!



Happy Birthday PuddinPie!

PuddinPie's birth is forever
 linked to the Twilight series...
 and he proves this by showing
his support for Team Edward!

Mr. PuddinPie is THREE today! It is 2:02 pm and I was probably dragging myself into the NICU right about now, having not slept for several days. (Pregnancy insomnia, then I was reading some on the Internet during nap time and then my water broke and I had to labor....)

Three years ago, a neighbor loaded me the first book in the Twlight series. I read the first two in November 2008 when the older kids were sick and we were stuck at home. The movie opened the 20th and I told Adam that I wanted to see it in the theaters and he could have a "daddy day out" to see the Star Trek movie. He agreed.

The afternoon of the nineteenth I sat on my labor ball in the basement and read "Edward's story" on line. Yes, I wasted a perfectly good nap time on Twilight! I thought that I could rest when Adam got home and, anyway, my hips were hurting too much to lay down. That night, my water broke.

Then we had Georgie and I never did get to see it in the theaters. It wasn't until March that I paid to see it on-demand at home. I did the same with the second (or was it third?) movie; I watched it at home on-demand while I worked on nursing Cole.

It is perfectly fitting, then, that on the eighteenth my friend, and PP's godmother, and I went to see the first part of the last movie in theaters. Adam scored free tickets so we went. It was a GREAT mom's night out and a way to kick off his birthday weekend. (And being birth junkies, we wanted to see the birth scene and ended up being VERY glad we never gave birth to half-vampire babies!)



the singing birthday cards... not a hit



My parents came in town that night and, the next morning, they watched the kids as BigBrother and I went to serve food at the soup kitchen. When we got home, we were thrown into cleaning the house and prepping for dinner that night. The Little Dudes napped while I put the finishing touches on the "Cow cake that looked like Meep" and got the pizza crust ready.

I thought it looked like Meep. He thinks it's a cow.
 It tasted good.

PP's godparents and their kids, my parents, my sister in law, my niece and Adam's folks all came over for varying lengths of time. Master PuddinPie was quite spoiled! He got pop-up tunnels and a teepee from us, two games, some books, Dulpo and two toy horses. My sister-in-law brought him a Lightening McQueen chair that makes noise. (I will be returning the favor and am now accepting ideas for girl gifts that require, but are not limited too, make up, glitter and batteries!) So far, everything has been a hit!

That night, the older kids stayed with my parents at the hotel. We asked PP if he wanted to go and he said, "Uh uh!" Now normally EVERYTHING is no, but he actually looked like he meant it. Since he had taken a late nap, we let him stay up and watch a couple shows on TV. Adam and I were pretty tired but the Little Dudes were not. I think they went to bed around ten! Nothing like partying late when you turn three!

chillin'

Today is his actual birthday. I'm making cookies for his class party and some Pumpkin Snickerdoodles for Thanksgiving. I think the Snickerdoodles are a hit because the kids keep stealing them! We said good bye to my parents and will probably make pancakes for dinner. I have to be at a meeting tonight and Adam will have the kids turn in early since no one really napped today and they were all up late.

Happy third birthday to my big dude, my second boy, my puddinpie! I hope all your birthdays are as fun as this one was!



Seven years old!

When did my little five pound baby get so big? Joseph turned SEVEN on the 13th. He's getting so big and tall. I can't really look down at him now because he is almost eye to eye with me. And I think the kid could take me out. Thanks to TKD, he has some muscles!

Sadly, there are few pictures of the big birthday bash with six of his friends. The boys from his adventure guides spent the night and I took Camille and Cole out of the house. We went to the mall and did a little shopping. The weather was "meh" so the boys were mostly inside, giggling and being silly. There were alot of Nerf Darts thrown, from what I hear. :)

The sleepover was a smashing success. All the boys know each other well so we didn't really have any friend problems. They did all go to sleep at midnight, which means Adam and I went to bed at midnight! We spent the rest of the weekend recovering. Apparently, we are indeed old!

The big gift seems to be guns, in all shapes and sizes- nerf and water guns. Heh. Should be an interesting summer. We got him a couple books and tickets to a Royals game.

Yes, books! Remember the people who said that he wouldn't be a good reader if he was not reading by kindy. HA.HA.HA. He's awesome! He reads so well and reads to himself, in bed! He's become very fluent when he reads outloud. So proud!

our pine wood derby champ!

Tomorrow is Cole's birthday

Today the weather is perfect. The sun is shinning, the air is cool and the trees are blooming. Spring is here.

One year ago today, we had the same weather. After dropping Joseph off at school, I had a burst of energy and took Camille and George to Wal-Mart. I had the overwhelming urge to get stuff done- buy birthday presents, some last minute baby items, cards.

That afternoon, the kids and I walked to the playground and chatted with neighbors. I was 38 weeks, full term, and totally, deliriously happy.

On the morning of April 7th, around 3 or 4 am, I woke up in early labor.

By 3 pm, we had Cole in our arms, healthy, breathing, crying.

It's amazing how a child changes in just one year.

Who needs a puppy when the baby carries socks in his mouth?

Cole is here and healthy thanks to progesterone therapy and a whole lot of prayer. Today or tomorrow, I ask that, in thanksgiving for Cole's health,  you join me in prayer for:

• The people suffering from infertility, that they may be blessed with a healthy baby;
• The families with children in the NICU or who are otherwise hospitalized;
• Those children facing long term complications from prematurity;
• Families who are pregnant after having a preemie;
• And those who are struggling to keep their children healthy inside the womb.

Every child should be so lucky to have a full 40 weeks inside the womb.

(If you would like to donate to the March of Dimes for Cole's birthday, or in honor of Georgie, please do so. If you are unable to donate, or do not wish to, we ask that you pray for the above intentions.)

Cake fun

We had Cole's first birthday party this weekend. He LOVES blocks and thinks it is the funniest this evah when we stack blocks and he knocks them down. We had to make a block cake, of course!

I made the cake, using Hershey's chocolate cake recipe. I subbed almond milk for the milk and it came out just fine; maybe a little too moist but there are worse problems to have, right? I wasn't brave enough to make the buttercream frosting dairy free but the fondat was!

Yup, I made fondant! It was fun! I used the Marshmellow Fondant recipe on Allrecipes.com and it was yummy. It was so easy to make. I made one batch in the Molly the Mixer (Kitchen-Aide) using marshmellow fluff and one by hand using mini marshmellows. I dyed one batch blue with the Wilton Cake Dyes- I love them as they make the BEST colors!

One of the blocks in the fridge. I had to keep the blocks and fondant cold between uses.

The finished product:

Not bad for my first time! I added some edging to the "Cole" cake (smash cake). I used cookie cutters for the letters and numbers and blue buttercream frosting for the edging. We have one block left for his real birthday on Thursday- can't wait to have another piece!

Happy Birthday, Princess!

The Pretty Pink Princess turns FIVE on Thursday! How has it been five years since I had my baby girl? Wasn't it, like, yesterday she was a little pink bundle of bald goodness?



Goo-goo eyes at her grandparent's house!


She's still little and loves pink (and purple!) but definatly is not a baby anymore! Her life goal, it seems, is to catch up with Joseph. She is dying to go to kindergarten and was heart broken when we told her that even though she is five, she won't start kindy until August.

She is constantly saying, "When I am a grown up, I can...." or "When I get bigger, will I...." The morning of her birthday, she told me she just can't be five and must still be four since she wasn't any bigger that morning!

We celebrated the big 5! by bringing cupcakes with neon pink frosting to her class the day before the big day. (Neither one of us had any idea the frosting would be THAT PINK when we made it!) I came in to read a story to her class. The next day, I made her toast with pink sprinkles and the CGS teachers made a fuss over her. We met up with friends at the mall and they treated her to a ride on a merry go round. She was a doll holding hands with their little boy... although she did point out the VS store to him!

(In our defense, I have some of their clothes and I wear the underwear... she likes the boxes because they are pink! But ACK!)

That night, we had tacos with her grandparents and she got a GIANT stuffed dog to add to our Stuffed Animal Breeding Program, earrings and a gift card to get her AG dolls' ears pierced, hair care items for said doll and assorted small toys. She was thrilled with them all and even loved her slightly deformed choclated cake with more neon icing on it.

(Memo to self: Cake should be made with a mixer, not by hand with a wisk.)

Ah, our big, strong willed, wirl of a girl. We love you!