Blessed With 3 Boys & A Little Lady

Giggling Girlie

2012-01-31T21:25:00.000-06:00

With the help of my wonderful assistant Jonah I was able to capture Olivia giggling on video.

It is pretty adorable & contagious.

However, Elijah's commentary in the background made me start laughing even harder.

(Don't forget to pause the music at the bottom of the page first)

Yes, he does ask Jonah to put a mustache on Olivia.

They have a kids camera that allows you to draw on your subjects.

Good news for Olivia...Jonah was using my camera & not the kids one!

4th Child Syndrome

2012-01-31T09:27:00.000-06:00

Last night Olivia rolled from her stomach to her back.

And the only witness was Isaac who was eating a bowl of ice cream at the kitchen table a few feet away!

I had placed her on her stomach for some tummy time while I switched a load of laundry, the big boys were brushing their teeth, and Richard was taking out his contacts.

Richard heard her start crying and found her on her back.

If there is anything this sweet baby doesn't like it is lying on her back.

She prefers to be upright (in a bouncy chair, on her stomach, or being held)

When we all discovered that she had rolled to her back we excitedly rushed to her and realized we all had missed this milestone.

We crowded around her and praised her for this.

Jonah was sure she was going to start crawling by today since he knew rolling over came before that.

Isaac was happily eating his ice cream and oblivious to anything else going on.

When I asked him if he saw Olivia roll over he said, "um......Yeah!"

I might have believed him if he didn't have a bowl of ice cream in front of him.

In fact, I might have been suspicious that he assisted her in moving from her stomach to her back if he wasn't preoccupied.

So poor Olivia rolled over and we all missed it.

Sorry baby girl, but for the record you spend 90% of your time safe in my arms during the day.

So, it is ironic that we missed this.

Either way we are proud of you baby girl!

Next time maybe you could wait for an audience.

Here's to hoping I don't miss anymore.

Cherishing these moments

2012-01-28T11:37:00.000-06:00

I have been feeling God urging me to slow down a little and cherish these moments of mass chaos with 4 small children....too soon they will be grown and gone and I am sure I will miss the little things.

I will miss...

my 2 cute littlest ones sharing a moment on the couch

My little lady rocking tummy time

Jonah carrying around Olivia (he loves to do this and while it makes my heart skip a few beats when he does it, it sure makes him feel helpful)

A sweet baby snuggled up for a walk on a "warm" winter day (37 degrees)

A silly almost 2 year old

My 3 boys flocking to their baby sister whenever she is put down

Saturday morning snuggling while watching a movie

My boys going sledding with their dad (they have been begging to do this for weeks and finally got to go...we had to wait for enough snow)

I know I will miss these moments so I am taking a little more time to cherish them while they last.

Pretty in Pink

2012-01-19T09:17:00.000-06:00

I bought my first girlie toy for Olivia and it was appropriately called Pretty in Pink.

It is a jungle gym/play mat.

We had a great one that the boys all used but Isaac destroyed it as he would swing his legs up and push the bars down. Sadly we had to throw it after he was "done" with it.

Olivia is starting to reach out and touch things near her and needs to work on tummy time more.

The hard part is that it really isn't safe for her to be on the floor unless someone is right beside her protecting her from her brothers, soaring balls, racing hot wheels, flying superheroes or blocks from a tower that has been destroyed by Isaaczilla.

So if she is lying on the floor under an object that sticks up a bit she is a little safer.

She is enjoying her new toy but does get scared of it at times.

Guess she better get used to life with boys.

This weekend she will be indoctrinated when I go back to work!

(Tears for going back to work)

I reassured her that we would see each other for feedings every once & awhile so she technically won't be the only girl in the house.

She will get lots of time with daddy this weekend and he does a better job than I do with them all I think.

Next week she will be in good hands at the babysitters

(we couldn't ask for a better babysitter than Helen).

I know she will have lots of people to love on her when I can't.

It is still hard to leave her though.

Isn't it funny that she has only been here for a little under 3 months but it feels like forever?

Cup of Joe

2012-01-17T11:20:00.000-06:00

So anyone who knows me well knows that I LOVE Starbucks and Caribou!

I am also a chocolate lover.

My favorite drink at either place is definitely a mocha and I am also a fan of adding flavor to it....peppermint, almond, carmel, etc.

So you could say I like it doctored up a bit.

(Oh and I don't turn whip cream away either)

Every day Richard has ~~multiple~~ a few cups of coffee.

He likes his coffee bold and black (boring).

If I drank that I would have heart palpitations for the day, and be sweaty and nauseous.

Since that is such a fun way to spend the day, I choose not to drink it like that.

Since coffee at either Starbucks or Caribou is a bit pricey, has a few calories (the way I like it) and requires you to drive there (I am still thinking about writing Mr Starbucks and suggesting he add delivery) I am going to have to find another way to jump start my morning and be ready to battle the days filled with energy filled boys and motherly responsibilities.

So when I drink Richard's coffee I warm up a coffee mug 3/4 full of milk, add about a 1/4 of coffee and my mom's delicious peppermint cocoa mix and sometimes a bit of powdered cappuccino mix.

Richard has started making a snitch extra coffee for me on occasions since he knows I need it and I think he is secretly trying to keep me from Starbucks or Caribou.

Today I was dragging after a rough night's sleep due to a fabulous cold I picked up from ~~some germy kids that live in our house~~ my boys.

I don't even know how to operate the coffee machine so after texting Richard for the directions I brewed myself a few cups.

Then I decided that it might be a 1/2 cup coffee to 1/2 cup cocoa day...so I warmed up only 1/2 a cup of milk and got out the peppermint cocoa and cappucino mix.

Elijah saw me and asked if he could have some hot chocolate too.

I told him I was making coffee and he came closer to examine the process.

He watched me add the coffee to my warm milk and add deliciousness to it via peppermint cocoa and cappucino.

After I stirred it up he said, "Mom, I think you must still have a mushy brain from having a baby in your tummy so many times...that cup has lots of other things and just a little bit of coffee. Is it still called coffee if that is the smallest thing you have in there ?"

I guess he is right and we decided I was actually drinking hot chocolate with a splash of coffee.

Either way it was just what I needed.

So, in a perfect world I would drink Starbucks or Caribou daily, that was delivered to my house, be 20 pounds lighter and have a money tree in the backyard to fund my expensive habit.

Since none of the above things are true, I suppose I while have to settle for a cup of hot chocolate with a splash of coffee instead.

It's no starbucks but it does the trick.

I Spy

2012-01-11T12:05:00.001-06:00

I Spy with my little eye...

One almost 2 year old who can't stop kissing his baby sister

3 boys playing so nice together

One little man who loves his momma

One little lady talking to her daddy

One little lady ready to hit the slopes

One great "helper" making popcorn with daddy

One little lady snuggling with her Auntie

One little lady snuggling with her other Auntie

One sleeping baby girl

One big brother loving his little sister

One little lady with stripey tights and a mini skirt

One little man ready to play in the snow

2 brothers shoveling

And one ninja...

fighting bad guys

What do you spy?

Wa~ter

2012-01-10T09:11:00.001-06:00

Wa~ter:

What I used to clean up a bowl of cereal that mysteriously landed on the floor, covering an impressive amount of floor, wall and chair with milk and cereal.

Wa~ter:

What I used to clean up my child after a large poopy diaper

that managed to cover his legs and up his back. Good Morning to me.

Wa~ter:

What I used to shower with pretending I was at a resort somewhere far away where it is warm and tropical and I needed to hurry to the spa to get a much needed pedicure.

Wa~ter:

What I used to wash the rugs and towel that the above mentioned child peed on

when he climbed out of the tub while I was checking on his baby sister.

Wa~ter:

What I used to clean up milk from an independent 22 month old who was "making chocolate milk"

Wa~ter:

What I used to make tea that I reheated 10 times before drinking it

while pretending it was a grande mocha instead.

Wa~ter:

What I used to clean up Miss Olivia when I found her covered in puke when she woke up.

Wa~ter:

What I used to clean up the chocolate milk that ended up all over

Miss Olivia while Isaac was "helping" me get her dressed.

Wa~ter:

What would I do without you??? And it's only 9 am!

He's A 2 Shoe Guy

2012-01-05T14:30:00.000-06:00

We had some GREAT news today!!!!!

Elijah gets to wear 2 shoes again!

(Yes, this picture is fuzzy since it was taken from my phone)

We had our last appointment with the Orthopedic Dr this morning and we traded Elijah's walking cast for his shoe! I am not sure who was more excited...me or him!

We had some strangers in the waiting room who saw Elijah come in optimistically holding his other shoe and they asked him if he was hoping to leave wearing it.

He told them he was, but mostly he wanted to put on his snowboots and play in the snow!

They wished him good luck when his name was called and they cheered when he walked out into the waiting room wearing both shoes!

We celebrated by getting a hot chocolate, coffee, and cookie at Starbucks.

Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes!

He is supposed to take it easy, slowly start walking on it and...

stay OFF the roof!

A Tutu Cute 2 Month Old

2012-01-03T08:50:00.000-06:00

Miss Olivia

You are TuTu Cute and 2 Months Old!

You still remain our best baby and smallest one as well.

Your big brothers had you by a few pounds at 2 months, and were a tad bit longer.

On your 2 month birthday, in the hospital, you weighed 10lbs 14.6oz.

You are just starting to wear 3-6 month clothing, but only because you are quite long.

You can still fit into quite a few of your 0-3 month clothes and your feet remain teeny

(compared to your brothers). Which is only sad because I have some

pretty cute shoes for you to wear when they get bigger!

You are enjoying the swing, mobile from Grandma Teresa, and Ocean bouncy chair.

You also really like being wrapped in the Moby wrap or Baby Hawk

and being carried around with me during the day. This makes life a little more manageable

and I certainly don't mind you being so close either.

I can't believe how much you have changed already and how alert and active you are becoming each day. You are a very social lady and enjoy cooing and talking to us.

You are also starting so smile more and becoming a little less stingy with who you smile at.

You are still the best sleeping baby (at night) we have ever had. Before you were sick, you were sleeping for 4-6 hour stretches at night!

You seem to be embracing the "fourth child syndrome" magnificently. You have a very laid back personality and are so great about having to share your momma with 3 brothers.

You also are pretty tolerant of me playing dress up with you...

I just can't resist...the leg warmers, head bands, and tutus...

I am a little worried you will decide these girlie things aren't for you when you develop an opinion, so I am going to make the next couple of years count...

The ~~torture session~~ photo shoot was fun...

well for me at least...

I think you eventually gave up fighting me

When I took your monthly pics on the blanket you were less than impressed

You may have asked Isaac to save you from the ~~torture session~~ fun

Ahhhh, relaxing in between pictures.

After I took your tutu off you looked like you were going to punch me...

All done!

Miss Olivia,

I am sorry it has been so crazy around here, but I guess that is just how it's going to be. I am not looking forward to leaving you and heading back to work in a few weeks. However, I do know you will be in great hands at Helen's house and get lots of snuggling in!

You have blessed our home with lots of pink and sweetness. We love you lots and wish we could slow time down and enjoy you being so small just a little longer, however it is sure fun to see you interacting more with everyone and everything. Your big brothers are anxious for you to get big enough to "play" with and I think your daddy feels the same way ;0)

I am excited to watch your little personality continue to develop. I am also praying we can keep you healthy through the winter months! Keep sleeping, growing and staying sweet!

Love Your Mommy

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T11:08:00.000-06:00

My New Years resolution is going to involve LOTS of sangria if this year continues like last year ended.

We have had quite the year....and the past 2 months have been far from eventful.

We fortunately only spent a little over 24 hours in the hospital from RSV and have been able to be home doing breathing treatments every 2 to 3 hours.

While I am exhausted from little sleep due to this poor little lady being sick...

I am thankful we are not ringing in the new year in the hospital as I was teary eyed looking at this sweet thing hooked up to her IV and monitors.

Compared to what I have seen too many families experience in the NICU, our "adventurous past 2 months" have been nothing compared to what they have experienced and for that I am grateful!

I suppose Olivia wins an award for being the first Dafoe kiddo to be hospitalized...I am sure her dad has a comment about little girls being more expensive than boys!

Don't worry Olivia, it wasn't your fault and you are certainly worth any silly hospital bill that will be coming our way soon enough.

Plus, when you get older we can take a girls shopping trip to Minneapolis and show your dad what expensive is all about!

She has been a trooper and is all smiles now!

Well mostly all smiles, she is still struggling with her nasty cough and puking after eating from it.

I know I have already mentioned this, but I feel it is necessary to say it again...

THANK YOU to my fabulous family who has helped us immensely during the past 2 adventurous months especially. My mom was super grandma and had the 3 boys at her house while I was in the hospital with Liv and home playing nurse to a pretty adorable patient ;0) My Dad was also a good sport about it all and helped too!

I also need to thank everyone else who has helped us out, but I would like to devote an entire post to that...so for now this quick one will have to do.

Please know we have appreciated every text, email, phone call,

visit, meal, and treat that we have been blessed with.

We pray you are all ringing in the new year with a healthy and happy family.

We are enjoying our energy filled family of 6 and have already warned Jonah that he is the only one who hasn't had anything happen to him yet so he needs to be careful (especially since the new year has started and our deductibles are starting over)

Happy New Year!!!! We are praying 2012 is less exciting than the end of 2011 has been for us!!!!

Seven Years Old!

2011-12-29T01:48:00.010-06:00

Today we have a 7 year old in our house!

Yikes! Where has the time gone?

Our sweet Jonah would be celebrating his birthday on the road to Minneapolis.

We were planning on traveling to spend the weekend there as Richard is in a wedding of a good friend of ours from Iowa. However, Miss Olivia is going to keep us home.

We just realized that Jonah has celebrated his birthday in a different place almost every year!

Jonah, I can't believe you are already 7!

It seems like just yesterday you were this fuzzy almost 9 lb bundle of joy that made me a momma for the first time and that we couldn't get enough of!

Or this BUSY, walking, talking, sweet 1 year old in Mexico!

(we had cake in Grand Forks when we got back from Mexico)

Or this proud big brother turning 2 in Iowa City

Or this curious, loveable 3 year old (also in Iowa City)

Or this wonderful 4 year old in Grand Forks

Or this flexible, caring helper turning 5 in Grand Forks (I was on bedrest with Isaac so we had to modify the birthday celebration a bit and he was a trooper)

Or this kindergartener turning 6 in Arizona!

And now you will be turning 7 in Grand Forks again!

Jonah,

I have been so amazed at how much you have grown over the years. You have a loving, caring, compassionate and sensitive heart. You are a fantastic helper around the house and have really stepped up to the plate over the past 6 weeks as we have transitioned to life with Miss Olivia, Isaaczilla, and broken footed Elijah.

You are taking on more responsibility and continue to excel in school and provide us with raving reports from your teacher, friends, and family about your great manners and desire to help others!

You LOVE to read and I often find you with your nose in a book ;0) You also love to discover how things work. You are often not satisfied until you have explored something and are able to get most of your questions answered. You also love to be outside riding your bike and playing with your brothers. You are in love with your sister Olivia and do a great job helping me out by holding her, reading to her, singing to her or walking with her a bit while I am helping your brothers.

You have transitioned to life in the basement in your "own" room very well! You are enjoying your space and doing a great job keeping it picked up.

You have also recently become very interested in reading your bible more and learning about Jesus' life and teachings. Your name means "declarer of Joy" and I pray God is able to use you to do just that as you grow through the years.

You enjoy playing legos, doing puzzles, reading, playing games (especially apples to apples and monopoly), playing with your brothers, or snuggling with us to watch a movie.

Happy Birthday Jonah! We love you so much and pray you feel blessed and loved today as we celebrate the amazing gift we were given 7 years ago!

Love,

Dad, Mom, Elijah, Isaac and Olivia

I will take R-S-V for $200

2011-12-28T22:41:00.000-06:00

Today Miss Olivia is 2 months old!!!

I brought her in this morning as she has been struggling with a cold since Christmas Eve and it had progressively gotten worse. Last night she made me nervous enough to warrant a trip to the Dr who looked at her and sent us to be admitted.

So instead of getting ready for our trip to Minneapolis to celebrate a good friend's wedding...

We are celebrating it in the hospital with RSV.

Wishing this were Wheel of Fortune and I was buying those letters and not a virus for my little lady.

She was pale, lethargic and struggling when we were first admitted...

Thankfully she perked up pretty quickly after IV fluids and some nebulizer treatments.

I am so THANKFUL that we are here and she is getting the treatment she needs.

It has sure been hard to be on the other side of things....as a momma and not a nurse.

I am also very thankful for my mom for taking the boys for the afternoon so Richard could spend time up here and get ready for the wedding.

I am also thankful for my sister sitting with Olivia so I could sneak home and eat supper, see the boys and pack a bag quickly.

I am also thankful for a visit from a few friends and some ice cream and coffee ;0)

Please pray for a speedy recovery and for patience while we wait this out.

RSV is a virus and there is unfortunately no magical medicine we can give her, just treat the symptoms (IV fluids, oxygen if needed, and nebulizers).

Christmas Eve

2011-12-27T14:43:00.000-06:00

We had a very relaxing Christmas Eve that started bright (well actually it was still dark) and early!

Isaac was up well before 7 and Jonah joined us shortly after for Jungle book 2

We enjoyed the tree and presents...

Played a few Christmas tunes...

Skyped with Grandma Irene in California so she could watch the boys open their presents and we could wish her a Merry Christmas

Opening presents from Grandma 'Renie

Olivia rested while we celebrated!

Playing a new game from Grandma!

More skyping with Grandma

Reading a new book from Grandma

Olivia relaxing with Mom

We made a birthday cake for Jesus (that didn't turn out quite as good as it usually does...might be from my 3 extra helpers...hard to say)

We enjoyed appetizers with our friend Becky who was working over the holiday and home alone

Then we opened some more presents...

The boys modeling their new pjs and robes

This picture is from 3 years ago when we gave them the robes that they have been wearing as a shirt for quite some time...

Olivia was snug as a bug in her "My First Christmas Pjs"

Poor Elijah thought this was the worst Christmas he had ever had when he opened books, pjs and clothes before opening his toy from us. After opening the toy, it became the best Christmas ever!

Here are our 4 blessings in their new pjs

Our Family of 6 on Christmas Eve

Me and my 2 smallest kiddos

Isaac got a new dump truck from us and was sooooo excited. He also used it as a cup holder for his chocolate milk when reading stories before bed. He gladly accepted Elijah's old robe as a hand me down and looked pretty cute in it, despite it being a few sizes too big!

Miss Olivia stayed up and partied until 11, but then gave me the best Christmas present ever...she slept until 6:30 Christmas morning! Wow, amazing how you feel like a new person when you get to sleep.

It was also the first time in the past 6 weeks that we hadn't been up with any kids in the night!

Merry Christmas to us!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-26T11:05:00.001-06:00

We pray you all had a blessed Christmas celebrating Christ's birth!

We enjoyed a few days filled with rest, celebration, family, food and fun!

We wish you a

From our home to yours!

What did I just say????

2011-12-22T15:08:00.000-06:00

In my continuous sleep deprived state I have noticed words don't always come as easily as they used to.

I also have heard myself saying things that are quite strange.

I started writing them down and here are a few of my favorites...

There is NO good reason for you to be naked right now...get dressed please.

Why do you have 3 pairs of underwear on?

That isn't a place your fingers should ever be...thank you.

Your sister isn't a doll...she is real and could get hurt if you do that to her.

I am sorry you feel that way, but the truth is your brother will always be in the same "world" as you.

Nope, Olivia isn't missing her penis...she just never had one.....well it's not sad honey because she wasn't ever supposed to have one....so it's actually a good thing.

Please leave the toilet alone.

What is that? Wait...I think I don't want to know anymore so please don't tell me!

I realize that technically isn't a weapon, but when you use it to hurt your brother it becomes one...put it away or it's mine...whatever it is.

Isaac please stop eating off the floor it's yucky...if you are hungry I can get you some food.

No you are NOT being quiet....grunting and making swooshing sounds with your sword count as making noise....okay so no TALKING and NO swooshing!

Well you need to be a quieter pooper...your sister and brother are sleeping and all this noise just might wake them up.

Nope. I am in timeout right now, mommy timeout. You'll have to figure it out for yourself until I am done drinking this coffee...that's how I know my timeout is over.

Praying that I will be able to catch up on a little sleep over Christmas break

and some of the mommy brain fog will clear out!

Pretty Purple Princess

2011-12-21T16:05:00.000-06:00

Miss Olivia today you were awake almost all day and were quite the social butterfly
cooing and smiling and hanging out with Mom.

You are almost 2 months old and this was one of the first times
we have had a mother/daughter day sans any boys

You are fairly tolerable of my efforts to dress you up in fun outfits with matching accessories...

Today you were a Pretty Purple Princess

Perhaps, the most adorable princess ever!

Today was one of the first times we have had most of the day together and it sure was fun!

You were awake almost all day and spent most of it cooing, smiling and melting my heart.

I had big plans to wrap presents, clean the house, and get a few things checked off my list...

However, you had bigger plans that involved just hanging out with me this afternoon "talking" and taking time to just enjoy this moment before it passed us by.

So thanks for helping me relax and enjoy today instead of worrying about tomorrow.

Hi 'Livia

2011-12-21T13:37:00.000-06:00

Isaac is pretty infatuated with Olivia still.

He spends most of the day keeping tabs on her and is always in her face saying "Hi 'Livia, Hi 'Livia" and kissing her constantly!

I always smile when I find remnants of lunch or snack on her forehead from his kisses!

His relationship with her seems to be growing stronger, while the other two definitely love her but the novelty is wearing off a bit and they aren't quite as interested as Isaac.

It makes me excited to watch their relationship grow as they are only 20 months apart and will be playmates for a few years while the older 2 are in school.

I have tried to catch Isaac talking to her a few times and he has been distracted by the video camera each time...I was able to catch a little clip on my camera the other day and wanted to share it.

It made me teary eyed...until the very end when I remembered why I had to turn it off so quickly.

(Don't forget to pause the music at the bottom of the page so you can hear it better)

Isaac was so sweet and innocent during this video,

and when I turned the camera on Olivia at the end you can hear Jonah crying....

It was because my sweet 22 month old stuck a toothpick in Jonah's eye.

Fortunately, his aim was poor and he missed Jonah's eyeball by a few millimeters.

Whew! Oh, Isaac you never cease to amaze me!

Meet Charlie

2011-12-10T21:20:00.000-06:00

Meet the newest member of our family...

Our Christmas Tree "Charlie"

We went to Menards last weekend and picked it out.

I voted for one with a little more to it, but I was outnumbered by these cuties...

So we brought Charlie home and hoped he would open up a bit more after warming up, but I am afraid this tree looks just as pathetic after a good night in our house as it did before.

Richard and Elijah decorated the tree with lights...

And it was Elijah's turn to put the star on top...

Then we all helped put on the ornaments.

A couple years ago I separated all our ornaments so it would be easier to decorate the tree.

I have one box of breakable/special ones that we probably won't be able to put up until everyone is a bit older...or gone.

Another box of some that are keepsakes and I may never let leave the box, and a third box of kid friendly and favorites that get placed up high.

The big boys did a great job this year and were very excited to pull out their ornaments

Isaac was indifferent about the process and was more excited about the popcorn Richard made for us to enjoy while we decorated than the actual process of putting on the ornaments I think

Richard and Olivia watched safely from the side...

With Ornaments and lights I think Charlie looks much better than he did when he came to our house.

It sure is a cozy and festive addition to the house and comforting when Olivia and I are up in the night.

Unfortunately Charlie won't get to experience the excitement of having gifts placed under him for very long. I don't trust any of the boys with them and will probably place them under the tree only a few moments before we open them!

Charlie is starting to grow on me and I am going to have a hard time taking him down after Christmas is over. Good thing we are notorious for leaving our tree up into January and (gasp) Februrary even!

We lived in Iowa City and had purchased a very large tree to sit in front of a second story window with vaulted ceilings. It was real and we took it down Valentine's Day.

That year we had to just shake the tree, let all the needles fall off, shovel them into garbage bags and throw the bare tree out the window of our town house.

If I remember correctly, that was the same GIANT tree that didn't fit in our tree stand, only we didn't know it until we had gotten home and Richard had already cut the bottom off.

Jonah was almost 2, Elijah was 4 months old and we had fortunately strapped him into his bouncy chair before attempting to get it up. Because Richard had to drive to Menards and get a new tree stand while I stood in the living room holding the 8 foot tree up.

While he was gone, Elijah started screaming and Jonah fell into

the bucket of water we had out to dump in the tree stand.

Good memories.

Well, I guess if we leave Charlie up until Valentine's Day

it won't take long to clean up because he is so small!

And it is a short walk from where he is standing to the front door :0)

Dear Mountain Lady

2011-12-10T11:55:00.000-06:00

Dear Mountain Lady,

I do not know who you are, but wanted to let you know I received your card yesterday and I have been trying to rack my brain to uncover your secret identity and simply can't figure out who you are! Your words of encouragement and sweet Starbuck's gift moved me to tears. I realized after last week that I had been guilty of trying to carry "my load" all by myself (as I am frequently guilty of...control issues) and needed to give it to the Lord.

I have a hard time asking for help. Announcing on my blog that I was struggling was harder than I thought it would be, but felt as though a load had been lifted off my shoulders. I also want to continue being real and although I would love to think our lives could be easy and perfect, I know that isn't true and God has blessed us with people in our lives to support us when we are struggling.

I have been overwhelmed by friends and family (near and far) reaching out through encouragement, simply stopping by for a moment to say hello, dropping off a coffee or a meal, helping with pick up/drop off for my kiddos or even just having them over for a play date.

This past week I tried to rely on the strength of the Lord and realized how much better my days would go. I also realized I need to focus more on being thankful for the moment and what I was able to get done and less worried about all the things that I didn't do. I also discovered that mothering alone is simply not as much fun as sharing the adventures with others!

So, while I know your simple act of kindness was simply meant to help encourage me (and you did not desire to receive credit) I wanted to say THANK YOU. While I wish we could meet for coffee, a hug, and delight in the Lord together, please know I will cherish this gift and use it to refresh my soul even if it is alone.

I pray the Lord blesses you and this post finds you well!

Love Your Encouraged Friend

Minty Fresh

2011-12-09T16:04:00.000-06:00

Things have been tons better this week for our house.

Elijah has been adjusting to life on his hands and knees or in his wheelchair.

He has been in tears the past few days confessing to me that he just wants to walk again and his hands and knees hurt from crawling around.

He has been in good spirits and we have been blessed by friends visiting and bringing him a few things to occupy his time with. Thank you!!!!

Olivia has had spurts of sleeping for a significant amount of time through the night and I have snuck a nap in here and there.

She has also been more alert during the day, smiling and cooing which always melts my heart.

(In fact a few days ago she was being super cute cooing and having a "conversation" with me. I was discussing the importance of having another lady in our house so I could have a partner in crime and she belched, farted, then smiled....perhaps we need to have a few more lessons on this)

I have not suffered any emotional breakdowns this week!

(Insert Richard dancing)

Jonah has been able to get in some playdates after school giving him

something special to look forward to.

Isaac has had moments of obedience and seems to be able to play more when he is home rather than simply being destructive.

However, I still have to be aware of him and his whereabouts constantly.

If the invent a GPS chip to place on your child's clothes so you know where they are I might be the first to purchase it! I wouldn't mind having a watch that beeps and shows me his exact location in our house like inspector gadget or batman.

If so, I wouldn't have a minty fresh bathroom...

This is what he did in a matter of seconds...I had gotten Olivia to sleep and was laying her down.

He waited until I was in the process of putting her in her swing and strapping her in...

Then he snuck into the bathroom and made some toothpaste art on the floor and counter.

I had to take a picture first, he had his head down while I was cleaning it up and we talked about how he couldn't do this. He told me he was sorry and I tried very hard not to laugh at his cuteness.

After I cleaned it up, I was shouted up a little hallelujah that it wasn't soap or shampoo.

I was also thankful for the new minty fresh smell in there.

Oh never a dull moment at our house!

Animal Prints, Girlie Clothes & Accessories Oh My!

2011-12-08T14:08:00.000-06:00

The first thing most people ask, when they find out we have 3 boys and 1 girl is if I am enjoying having a daughter....

Well, I sure am.

There are so many choices and getting dressed everyday is fun and challenging.

There are animal prints...

Stripey pants...

Purple...

Glitter and sparkles....

Pink and polka dots...

Dresses and tights...

Ruffle butts...

Flowery headbands

and Sweet little bows

I am enjoying the sweetness of a girl and the fun new clothes.

I have to say watching the boys and her dad swoon over her might be more fun.

Thankful for this little lady and all the fun we will have!

Waffle Cone Wednesday Supermom Style

2011-12-05T23:38:00.000-06:00

Most Wednesdays, for the past couple years, the boys and I have made a fun after school tradition of going to TCBY (a frozen yogurt store in town) and partaking in Waffle Cone Wednesday.

On Wednesdays you get a waffle cone with frozen yogurt for only $1 (normally $4).

It's a pretty special time and the boys look forward to it and it's a nice reward for good behavior.

When they don't make the best decisions and are struggling to listen we don't get to go.

Probably I am just as sad as they are when we have to skip this tradition.

Usually Elijah picks whatever kind of ice cream Jonah likes and Isaac and I share.

So last week, one of the most emotional weeks I have experienced in motherhood, we were on our way to TCBY for waffle cone wednesday.

That morning I had gone to the dentist, then to the doctor to discover that Elijah did probably have a broken bone in his foot, and was a wreck.

After we picked Jonah up from school and Isaac from daycare we were driving towards our favorite wednesday spot and I was talking out loud about how we would tackle waffle cone wednesday with Olivia, Isaac, and Elijah who couldn't walk.

I was talking through the different possible scenarios with the boys and reminding them that we could only do this if everyone worked together.

I was trying to decide if it would be safest to bring Isaac in first and leave him with Jonah, then haul Elijah and Olivia in....or Elijah and Olivia in first and then Jonah could sit in the car with Jonah and then I could go back for the two of them.

I started to feel overwhelmed again, for the kajillionth time that day and got a bit teary.

I started to doubt if this was a good idea, I became a bit sweaty and nauseous thinking about the worst case scenario: Isaac would run all over the seating area while I was trying to get the ice cream behaving like a wild animal, Jonah and Elijah would fight in their normal ~~soft~~ extremely loud voices and erupt into tears, and Olivia would wait until everyone had their ice cream and start screaming bloody murder demanding to be fed that instant.

I also wondered if I would ever feel confident about mothering 4 kiddos!

I was almost there and had to decide quickly if we were going to attempt waffle cone wednesday or head home hanging our heads in defeat.

When I heard Elijah say one of the sweetest things he has ever said.

(Now, I know most children say it like it is, but Elijah is especially honest and I am always a bit nervous of what will come out of his mouth for this reason).

Jonah was trying to tell me which plan he thought was best when Elijah interrupted him and said:

"Jonah, don't worry! Mom totally has got this...you should have seen her this morning at the dentist. She had me on her back, the diaper bag and carried Olivia in the carseat!"

"She was totally like superwoman. She even opened the door to the car and the dentist. It was amazing...you should have been there."

"This will be totally easy for her....just watch"

My heart soared, my confidence became tenfold and I am pretty sure if we were in a movie they would have cut to a scene of me in a ridiculous spandex suit with a cape blowing behind me while I stood confidently with my hands on my hips ready to take on waffle cone wednesday with a vengeance!

I couldn't skip it now!

So we did it. Jonah held Isaac's hand and they safely made it inside, then I headed back to the car for Elijah (on my back) and Olivia. Elijah sat at the table with Olivia while Jonah helped me man handle Isaac while ordering our ice cream.

Then the sweet lady working at TCBY (who happens to know us as frequent flyers) carried the ice cream to the table and even brought a cup and extra spoon for Isaac!

Then time stopped for a bit and I was able to enjoy my sweet three boys and beaming with pride that we were all having fun and not creating a scene!

Miss Olivia slept right through it contributing nicely to the smoothness of the trip.

Then I made multiple trips to the car carrying children and prayed a prayer of thanksgiving as we drove home for a memory that will stay with me for quite some time.

Even though I didn't have a cape, or a ridiculous spandex suit (yikes), didn't possess any secret superhero traits, or save the world from any crazy villains, I was a Supermom in the eyes of my 5 year old....and that is a pretty big compliment in my book.

Badge of Honor

2011-12-05T16:51:00.000-06:00

So Elijah earned a badge of honor today....

The first Dafoe boy to break a bone...AND be casted.

(sorry about the poor picture...its from my phone and

it's not as nice as someone else's phone in our family :0)

We went to the Orthopedic Dr this am and was hoping to leave with some fancy boots he could wear that would limit weight bearing so he could still walk, but instead his Right foot/leg was casted to just below his knee. His left foot has a broken bone above the ankle, but the Dr was okay with leaving that foot/leg as it already seems to be healing since he has been walking on that foot.

He did very well and was a little bit in shock until we were waiting to rent a wheelchair and then the tears started flowing. Poor guy! He was quite devastated that he couldn't walk.

Don't blame him, and I got a bit teary just watching him.

We stopped at blockbuster on the way home and Scooby Doo, Alvin & the Chipmunks, and the X-men have been helping him relax on the couch all afternoon...

Thanks for all the prayers, texts and phone calls!

We have an appointment in 2 weeks and we are praying it will be healed by then, but if not we will have it re-casted and wait a bit longer.

So until then we are laying low....and staying off the roof!

Just Like A Cat

2011-12-03T23:40:00.000-06:00

It has been a rough week in our house.

I have been struggling with feeling overwhelmed, pulled in 500 directions, and wishing there were about 10 of me instead of one.

Have you ever wondered if God might have you confused with someone else when your plate is so full it is overflowing and you can't possibly imagine anything else being added?

I HAVE!!!!!!!

This is going to be a long post, probably three in one, but I dont have time to worry about it or write them all separately so here it goes...

Olivia continues to be the almost perfect baby, sleeping like a champ and eating well.

She just likes to be held all the time, which isn't her fault, but mine. Well it's simply a defense mechanism I have used in order to protect her from Isaac.

She does sleep in her pack n play at night very well, so I am not too concerned.

Isaac continues to fill his day with acting out and is constantly into something or destroying something he shouldn't demanding my attention that has thus been directed towards other things....

Like the laundry, ~~cleaning the house~~, trying to pick up the house, taking care of a one month old, & helping everyone feel special and loved on very little sleep and very little self esteem.

This combo does not equal a sweet, loving, patient momma.

I am struggling to get rid of thrush and thus have cracked, sore, and bleeding nipples....making breastfeeding ~~a ton of fun~~ an excruciatingly painful and tearful experience every few hours!

Jonah has been emotional and acting out at school. Gasp. And he is my best behaved kiddo!

The cherry on top is that Elijah, who has been a great helper around the house during the day when I am battling Isaaczilla and protecting princess Olivia is out of commission.

Last Sunday he was helping his dad put the Christmas lights up and he fell off the roof.

Yep. Landing on his feet, just like a cat, somehow.

But, has been unable to walk since.

He cried initially after the fall, but recovered quickly so Richard and I figured his feet were just extremely tender.

My mommy gut instincts told me to take him in Monday as they were still pretty tender. So Monday morning I took him to the Dr and my fabulous father joined me to help carry him around since I had Olivia (Isaac went to daycare) and after a bajillion xrays of every possible angle and bone from his knees down, we didn't see any broken bones and were sent home with a regimen of Ibuprofen every 6 hours and for him to stay off his feet.

I was supposed to call by Friday if he wasn't better and the Dr figured he would be back to his old self by Wednesday.

Well, Wednesday rolled around and he still wasn't walking.

He didn't seem to be in any pain, was scooting around our house on his knees and pulling himself up to use the bathroom, but just needing to be carried to and from the car.

So, picking up Jonah from school became a 30 minute ordeal just to get everyone in their winter gear and carried to the car.

Isaac and Olivia are unsafe alone together, so I had to carry one of them first, then Elijah than the other.

3 trips to the car later, we were ready to go pick Jonah up and be back home again in 15 minutes to do it all over again! Whew!

Thankfully I had a few wonderful mommas who helped me by bringing Jonah to school and picking him up a few times so we didn't have to do this so many times.

And other wonderful friends who have brought me coffee, frozen yogurt, texted or called to see if I am surviving! This has been greatly appreciated and I am sure I wouldn't have made it through the week without you!

Wednesday morning I had a dentist appointment and figured Elijah would be better by then so I didn't bother canceling it. Isaac was going to daycare so I was just going to have Olivia, who was going to just sleep in her carseat....or so I thought.

Well, I hauled Elijah with me to the dentist, literally.

He weighs 48 pounds and is very tall so I ended up putting him on my back, putting the diaper bag over one shoulder and carrying Olivia (in her carseat) with the other hand.

Needless to say we had a few funny looks while we entered and exited the building ;0)

(Olivia ended up spending the time on my lap staring at the pretty cloud pictures on the ceiling while I had my teeth cleaned as she missed the memo about sleeping in her carseat)

After the dentist Wednesday, we made a pit stop at Starbucks (sanity refill for mom and treat for Elijah) and as I was praying about the situation we ran into my cousin and my other cousins wife.

Seeing a few beautiful familiar faces was just what I needed to relax and the Dr actually called to check on us and after hearing Elijah was still not walking wanted us to come in right away.

So back to the Dr we went.

Now the pain was isolated to his right heel, so we took a few more xrays (specific to that area) and the pediatrician and Orthopedic Dr questioned a fracture in his right heel on the growth plate.

Yikes!

To confirm we needed to come back in for a bone scan on Friday.

So Thursday I had Isaac stay home as he was going to have to go back to daycare on Friday.

By 11am I was ready to write a resignation letter as a mom and place a wanted ad in the newspaper for a new one.

As I tried to make mac & cheese through my tears, I prayed for more strength, grace and that I could make it until Richard got home from school.

My phone rang and it was my mom.

She was just calling to check up on us.

After I began sobbing and confessing to her that I was beyond overwhelmed and knew it was only exaggerated by my sleep deprivation, she gently reminded me that things would get better and she remembered feeling that way too.

(This was very encouraging as I don't remember my mom ever seeming as though she was overwhelmed as a child. She was supermom and always seemed to have it under control)

She offered to take the boys after school so I could take a nap with Liv.

And I did. For almost 3 hours. It felt like a year.

Then Friday morning Elijah and I had to be at the Dr at 6:45 am for the radioactive injection prior to the scan. Other than screaming loud enough for the entire hospital to hear him during the injection, it went very well!

He was so brave, laid very still while they took a few pics to make sure the injection worked, and entertained the techs with stories and his mile long Christmas list!

Here we are bright eyed and bushy tailed waiting for the injection.

Then we headed home for a few hours and came back for the 30 minute scan that went very well.

The fabulous tech from the morning had alvin and the chipmunks Christmas tunes playing and was ready for us!

I had another fabulous friend who watched Olivia while we were doing this so she didn't have to be hauled around and I could give my attention to Elijah.

After the scan, we picked up Isaac from daycare, McDonalds and headed home to wait.

And wait we did, until 6pm.

I did call at 3 just to see how things were going and the pediatrician assured me she would call me back as soon as she found out anything.

So when she called at 6pm to tell us that the bone scan did actually show he had broken his heel bone AND another bone in his left foot that overwhelming feeling became a little more overwhelming.

Thank the Lord it was Friday.

So my poor 5 year old has a broken bone in each foot and has been such a trooper.

He still seems to be comfortable and continues to scoot around the house on his hands and knees and is quite self sufficient.

We are going in at 8am Monday morning to try find a device he can wear on his feet and be able to walk. Hopefully we can do this with the assistance of a walker and some special boot or shoe.

Otherwise the alternative is casting both feet.

Ugh.

(insert hyperventilating momma thinking about both feet being casted)

Despite this emotional week and feeling overwhelmed with life, I have been overwhelmed by the blessings we have experienced from family and friends.

Thank you for checking up on us, and serving us with rides, food, treats and encouragement.

In the big picture, these trials are so small compared to what so many others face on a daily basis and Elijah could have been hurt much worse than he was.

We are thankful for that and counting our blessings.

I am also thankful for my husband the rock who is trying his darnedest to keep me sane and reassuring me that things are going to get easier with time.

I am also thankful for days when I only have a handful of emotional breakdowns!

I know God is good and His plan is greater than mine.

So, I am trying to take it one day at a time. Praying for strength and encouragement. Thankful for friends and family who have blessed us immensely as we are adjusting to life with 4 kids and a few broken bones.

I am also trying to ignore my to-do lists and focus on surviving each day.

At least I don't have to feel guilty about not working out.

Carrying around my 48 pound 5 year old, 30 pound 21 month old, and 9 1/2 pound infant is good enough for me right now.

One month old

2011-11-29T21:45:00.000-06:00

Guess who is already One month old????

While I am quite behind on blogging, I at least wanted to get these on here...

Olivia was super impressed with my 1 month photo session.

My long legged lady with her first doll

I have a blanket that I have taken the boys' pictures on every month (until they turn 1)

The first picture was supposed to be at 1 week, but I missed that. So here she is at one month.

The boys had to join in of course.

They look exceptionally large next to her too!

Dear Olivia,

One month ago I became the mother of a baby girl! I can't believe you have only been here for 1 month. It has flown by, but seems like you have been here forever! You have turned our house upside down and stolen our hearts. There also is an abundance of pink around here!

Your daddy is smitten with you and your brothers can't leave you alone. Your Grandma and Grandpa are quite fond of you as well and Auntie Nikki and Auntie Laura have been sneaking in some snuggling time when they can. I am sure enjoying having a daughter and dream of what you will be like. Your brothers are hoping you like shopping so they don't have to join me ever again! I also am enjoying the dresses, tights, and girlie accessories.

You are very peaceful, easy going, and calm (except when you are hungry). You are a GREAT sleeper and spend most of your mornings awake, sleep through the heart of the afternoon, and are awake from supper time until 10pm or so. Then you like to get up between 230 and 3 to eat, go right back to sleep and wake around 7am. You take a bottle like a champ, and nurse even better. You have given us a few smiles and coos and we enjoy just watching you check out the world around you.

You are a bit more petite than your brothers, and are actually on the growth charts. You weigh about 9 1/2 pounds and still wear mostly 0-3 month clothes.

You have quite a few names: Liv, Olivia, Livie, Little lady, baby, Livie J, or Livia. Your hair is auburn/brown and your eyes are still dark blue but we are suspecting they will become brown. You look a lot like your big brothers, and we can see each of them in you.

We love you so much baby girl! We are so blessed to have you in our family and look forward to watching you grow!

We love you so much little lady. Happy One Month Birthday!

Miss Olivia's Birth Story Part 3: Bringing Olivia Home..now we are a family of 6!!!!

2011-11-20T22:40:00.000-06:00

I love the time you get to spend in the hospital with a newborn.

It is bittersweet, as it becomes harder to be away from home the more children you have, but so wonderful to have that time with just your new baby at the same time.

I enjoyed my time with Olivia in the hospital, but I was also looking forward to getting home and adjusting to a family of 6!

Still couldn't quite believe we were bringing home a girl!

Funny story...the first night we stayed in the hospital with Liv, it was almost 1:30am by the time we were settled and ready to pass out.

So, I sent her to the nursery for a bit and crashed.

My fabulous nurse Sara brought her back in when it was time to eat only a few hours later, in my sleep deprived, exhausted state I went to change her diaper before feeding her.

However, when I opened the diaper and didn't see a penis I had a mini panic attack until I woke up enough and remembered we had a GIRL!!!!!!

I bought a few things for Miss Liv before she was born and one of my favorite purchases was her going home outfit. I had 3 girl sleepers in our hope chest from each pregnancy with the boys.

It was our tradition to bring one boy going home outfit and one girl going home outfit with to the hospital since we didn't know what we were having.

I let Jonah and Elijah help pick out Isaac's going home outfit and Olivia's.

We bought it this summer at the Carter's store at the Mall of America.

They picked the boy sleeper quickly and spent quite a bit of time deciding on the girl one.

They eventually picked an adorable pink one with butterflies on it.

This summer when we were in Texas and I was shopping with my sisters-in-law at TJ Maxx I found an adorable pink onesie that said Daddy's Princess in glittery silver letters.

I knew it was going to be part of my daughter's going home outfit!

It was hard to believe she was finally going to wear both things!

Olivia wasn't too impressed with the changing of clothes business.

The boys were pretty excited to get her in the carseat and get her home!

Isaac wanted to "help" get her buckled and ~~shove her whole pacifier in her mouth causing her to gag extensively~~ put her pacifier in her mouth

Here she is all ready to go!

Jonah giving me the thumbs up when I asked about Olivia coming home

Isaac and Daddy were excited too!

Olivia was a bit nervous coming home to a family dominated by males I think.

I told her we would stick together.

Elijah told her that despite being outnumbered, his daddy told him 2 girls is the same as 4 so we are really equal!!!!!

Isaac was a little stressed sitting next to Olivia because he couldn't reach her, and he kept ripping the pacifier holder off her seat straps and trying to take a hit of her pacifier while no one was looking.

He did eventually give it back...

My mother-in-law Irene had cleaned and picked up the house before we got there.

It was so nice to walk into a clean home! Thank you Irene!!!!!!

It was a bit surreal bringing her home.

I am still blown away by God blessing us with these 4 beautiful children.

3 weeks later we are still adjusting to being a family of 6...there have been quite a few moments of craziness and I am sure there will be more.

I feel as though we are almost finding somewhat of a "new normal" with Miss Olivia joining the ranks.

Thank you Lord for our family of 6, despite how crazy it feels and how overwhelming it has been at times, it sure is amazing to watch these 3 boys loving their baby sister.

And a Daddy who has been transformed by his little girl.

Miss Olivia's Birth Story Part 2: What's in the diaper?

2011-11-17T11:24:00.000-06:00

The hardest part about Olivia not arriving until so late in the evening was knowing the boys would have to wait until the next morning to meet their sister!

They were sound asleep when she finally graced us with her presence, so I suppose they didn't know any different, but it was hard for me to wait!

As soon as I knew we were having a girl I dreamed of the day she would be born and her big brothers would get to meet her.

They had been praying for a sister for so long!

-----

You may also remember that Elijah told me that there was a baby in my tummy and that it was a sister before I even knew I was pregnant!

Crazy huh? He said he had prayed for a sister before and we got Isaac, but Jesus said he was sorry so he gave him a sister this time!

I laughed at him, because being pregnant was the farthest thing from my mind and having a daughter was unfathomable!

-----

Jonah and Elijah didn't want to know if the baby was a boy or a girl until they could come to the hospital and see for themselves.

So the morning after she was born, Richard headed home and helped get them all ready to come meet their baby sister.

Before they got to the hospital, I took her pink clothes off and took everything out of the crib so they couldn't tell it was a girl. She just had a diaper on and was in the crib.

They walked in the room and the big boys went right up to the crib, peeked at her, and Elijah said, "It's a boy." Then I said, "Is it?" and Jonah got really excited and said, "It's a girl?!?"

I said they better look in the diaper and check for themselves.

Elijah decided that was a bad idea because he was pretty sure she was a boy and he remembered how baby boys pee very easily when their diaper is taken off.

He tried to convince Jonah to do it, but he was pretty nervous too...

So Richard did it.

The look on their faces when they realized she was a girl makes me cry every time I see this picture...

When they saw what was in the diaper, they said, "It's a girl???? We finally have a sister!"

They were so excited it was adorable!!!!

Isaac was pretty curious and went right up to her and said, "Baby....nice, nice!" and wanted to touch her

and hug and kiss her right away too!

Jonah played the biggest brother card and wanted to hold her first.

Then Elijah wanted a turn.

He was pretty proud of his baby sister!

Isaac was curious enough about everything else going on, he was perfectly happy waiting his turn to check out Miss Olivia.

Can't believe all these beautiful babies are mine!

Too bad they didn't really like her huh?

Isaac was pretty fascinated with Miss Olivia

The whole time they were visiting, the boys kept exclaiming how excited they were to have a sister.

When Isaac was born, the boys had a hard time leaving me in the hospital and going home.

When Isaac was born, they weren't too worried about him having to spend a night at the hospital, but really wanted me to come home.

The first night after Olivia was born, when it was time for them to leave, Elijah was very worried about his sister coming home with him. I reminded him about how Olivia and I had to stay another night to make sure we were okay.

He said, "You can stay another day, but I want to take my sister home now!"

So sweet!

The big boys were able to stay a little later that first night with Richard and Olivia and I.

Irene took Isaac home and got him to bed (THANK You Irene!!!!!) and the big boys were able to stay and watch Karate Kid with us.

It was so fun to watch them taking turns holding her and just loving her.

We were blessed with many visitors while we were in the hospital too!

Great Grandpa Tony (GGP)

and Great Grandma Sharon made the trip to meet Miss Olivia and joined my mom and the boys for lunch. The boys LOVE their great grandparents and enjoy spending time with them!

Aunt Nikki and Uncle Tom

Miss Ally, my cousin's daughter, who was cheering for a girl!

My cousin Stacy and her other darling daughter Kate....these girls are going to have to teach me a few things about having a little girl in the house ;0)

Grandma Irene, who was an AMAZING help with the boys while we were in the hospital and for the next week and 1/2 when we got home.

We couldn't have done it without you Grandma Renie! The boys sure miss having you here!!!!!
(Olivia is wrapped up in the beautiful blanket Irene made for her)

Grandma Teresa, who also helped out a ton with the boys and ran a few errands for me involving purchasing a few pink items for Miss Olivia!

I can't find a picture that turned out of Grandpa Rod with his first grand daughter, but he was there too!

Auntie Laura came on Sunday to meet her niece!

We also had many family, friends and my super co-workers stopped in to meet her too!

I can't even begin to tell you how crazy it is to have a girl after all these boys!

Olivia has no idea how blessed she is to have these big brothers who adore her and will protect her for life. Richard and I are pretty sure she won't have any dates when she gets older...or at least if she does he will have to big one tough guy to get past her 3 big brother and daddy!

Part 3 is coming soon! Bringing Olivia Home...

Miss Olivia's Birth Story Part 1: It's a....

2011-11-16T13:45:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that almost three weeks ago we were taking the last belly shot at 39 weeks (at 4:30am) and getting ready to head to the hospital to have our baby!

As we drove to the hospital that morning, it was hard to not feel anxious for what the day would bring and excited at the same time that we were finally going to meet this little person who already felt like part of our family, but whom we had never met!

I also realized, of the 4 times we were pregnant (including Miss Olivia):

this was the 2nd time we had gone to the hospital together to have a baby, the first time I had packed my own bag, and would end up being the longest we waited for any of our children!

We arrived at 5am and I hardly slept the 2 nights prior as I was anxious and excited!

After getting my IV placed, antibiotics going (I was Group B Strep positive), they checked me and I was still only 1.5cm dilated!

My Dr wanted to start some pitocin, a very low dose due to my history of quick labor/delivery, and she would come break my water between 9 and 10 when she came for her morning rounds.

Many people have asked me if it is awkward to deliver in the same area that you work, and have your coworkers see you in labor.

I have to say I think the experience is much better knowing who my nurse is and having my friends and coworkers caring for me and my baby.

Plus, it was sure fun to visit with them while we were waiting ALL day long!

My friend Rachel (who also happened to be our nurse when we were in labor with Isaac) and Christina admitted us that morning, my friend Becky happened to be working the night before and stopped in to say hello...

Plus, when you know the staff, you get special treatment...

like notes of encouragement for your baby to come out...

By the time my Dr came around I was already 3.5cm and I remember thinking we could have a baby by the end of the school day...or supper.

My Dr broke my water and we increased the pitocin a little more and I was feeling the contractions and they were slightly uncomfortable, but nothing crazy or painful.

It was hard to tell if they were "effective" since I had been having some pretty decent contractions since 18 weeks. I made it all the way to 4 for my pitocin before Miss Olivia and my uterus got into a small disagreement.

I had a 6 minute long contraction and poor Olivia didn't care for it and dropped her heart rate pretty low.

It was scary to be laying there while it was happening because I knew everything they were doing was because her heart rate was too low.

I remember mentally preparing myself for a c-section, which would have been the result had the contraction not resolved or her heart rate not improved.

More fabulous co-workers rushed in to help our nurse, Kerry (who was AMAZING by the way) and tried to keep me calm as we waited for the contraction to end and Olivia to respond.

When it kept going I was given some medication to stop the contraction, which in turn stopped my contractions completely and the pitocin was turned off during this time was well.

Olivia's heart rate finally came back up, but due to that we had to wait for a few hours before doing anything again. They also placed an internal monitor in her scalp in order to get a more accurate reading...so I was restricted to being close to the bed and on monitors.

So we waited, and waited, and waited...

My friend Amy was working that day and stopped in to say hello too...

Richard's mom was home with our boys and I am so grateful for that. It was such a relief to not have to worry about them all day. They had a blast with her too and I don't think they wore her out too much ;0)

My friend Mollie (who is also a nurse in labor and delivery) brought Richard some lunch and visited for awhile too.

Richard and my mom spent the day waiting with me and my sister Nikki and Dad came up much later in the day to hang out and do more waiting...

I don't remember lots of specifics about time and how things progressed, but I do know it was so SLOW and hard to be patient. Fortunately I wasn't really even that uncomfortable for the most part during the day. For whatever reason I just wasn't dilating very quickly, yet was having contractions regularly.

Our nurse Kerry did such a great job during the day and I knew my friend Mollie was working that night so I was hoping this baby would come at shift change in order for them both to experience her birth.

Miss Olivia had something else in mind.

Mollie ended up being my nurse at 7pm and I was starting to worry this little one was holding off until the 29th of October to be born!

Eventually we ended up turning the pitocin up again and finally my contractions were becoming uncomfortable and requiring me to breathe through them. I think this was sometime between 8:30pm and 9:30pm...Richard, my mom, sister Nikki and Dad were all in the room keeping me entertained and we watched baseball while we continued to wait...

This picture is bittersweet for me.

It was taken right before things started getting "ugly" ~~or before I started experiencing the most horrendous pain I have ever felt and thought I was going to die~~.

I was able to deliver the boys all naturally and really wanted to do that again, but was fearful of the pitocin and how much worse it made the contractions.

Looking back, had I known how bad it was going to be I am not sure I would have been able to do it.

The only way I survived the last hour of labor, which proved to be the most painful I had experienced of all 4 children, was by the grace of God, and the encouragement of Richard, my mom, sister and amazing nurse Mollie! I was begging them for something, anything, to stop the pain. I am pretty sure I ridiculously continued to proclaim over and over how I couldn't do it and wanted it to be over.

The hardest part of it all was not knowing how much longer it was going to be, since everything had proven to be completely different than my 3 previous labors.

Somehow I made it through and remember not wanting to know how far dilated I was anymore as it was just too depressing to know I hadn't changed.

I do remember my Dr checking me during the hour of HELL and at some point letting Mollie know it was time to set up for the delivery.

I know at that point I told God I was sure I couldn't handle much more of this and to please help me make it to the end quickly!

The next thing I remember was feeling the intense pressure that comes right before the baby is born and feeling so completely exhausted I couldn't even open my eyes or speak.

Then I remember my Dr telling me I could push with the next contraction if I thought it would help.

She said I still had a little bit of cervix left, but could probably push through it.

So I did.

And her head started coming out before they were ready.

Then I remember hearing Mollie yelling my Dr's name and she told me to stop pushing until they were ready. Then I took a deep breath and in one giant push and ~~a little~~ lots of screaming...

We finally met our sweet baby girl!

Only the funny part is, due to the craziness at the end of her coming so quick after waiting all day, no one announced if it was a boy or girl. Richard said he saw her face and since she looked so much like her big brothers he thought it was another boy.

Until at almost a minute of life, our nurse said "It's a...." and our Dr turned Olivia (whose legs had been together the whole time) and Richard just happened to be standing right there as she opened her legs and he saw it was NOT a boy!

Then he was in shock for the next few minutes as he processed this.

My dad was standing outside the door and he heard the announcement "It's a GIRL!!!!" and passed the great news along to my fabulous coworkers who were anxiously waiting to find out boy or girl and were standing in the nurses station just a few feet down from our room.

So 17 hours after we arrived at the hospital, Miss Olivia was born at 10:33pm on...

Weighing (7lbs 15.6oz) and 21 inches long...

I was in so much pain after she was born that I didn't cry until I had her in my arms after she was all wrapped up. Couldn't believe she was finally here safe and sound!

And that she really was a girl!!!!! It was one of the best secrets I have ever kept!

Loving her adorableness...

Our amazing Dr with Miss Olivia!

Richard was still digesting the fact that we had a daughter!

She had lots of dark hair

Mollie, Olivia and I

Auntie Nikki, Olivia and I

We just couldn't stop looking at her

Daddy and his little lady

Grandma Teresa (who was so amazing during the whole day and through labor...meant so much to have her there for Olivia's birth and her encouragement)

Grandpa Rod loving his new granddaughter!

Auntie Nikki sneaking in some snuggle time!

My mom headed to our house so Grandma Irene could come meet Miss Olivia too!

Our nurse Sara giving Olivia her first bath

She was super impressed...

Richard was overwhelmed with the fact that we had a girl and I started pulling out pink clothes that I had brought with making him feeling even more overwhelmed I think ;0)

After all was said and done we headed to our new room and were able to catch a few hours of sleep.

Olivia was a super eater and we were exhausted but overwhelmed with joy!

My friend Rachel made Olivia a sweet hat with It's a Girl on it!

Miss Olivia, even though I knew you were a girl, I couldn't believe it until I saw it for myself!

I have loved being the momma of 3 boys, but it sure is fun to have a daughter too!

You have stolen our hearts!

Working on Part 2 of her birth story where her big brothers got to meet her!

Hoping to have it done soon...it makes me cry every time, and it's hard to type when you are teary eyed!

Whew! We made it...

2011-11-16T09:15:00.000-06:00

This morning was the first morning that we all had to be out the door by 8 am for school/work

Of all the adjusting we have all had to make with a new baby in the house, this has caused the most stress in my life.

We barely made it out the door on time before, and that was only with 3 kids to get ready.

Now we have to add a 4th, a newborn at that, and there is snow on the ground...

that is beautiful, but adds another dimension to the am (winter apparel and snow removal)

Satan made it almost impossible for us to make it out the door on time..

Last night I was awake more than I slept, due to poor Miss Liv catching her brothers' colds and being super congested making it almost impossible to sleep or eat, unless she was held upright.

Due to this extreme lack of sleep, the boys and I slept in later than we should have.

Therefore I did not get a shower or breakfast (but not a super big deal as I can do that anytime today) Or just skip the shower...

Isaac slept in for the 3rd time in his life, had to be woken up, and ate his breakfast in the car from a bag.

Elijah coughed so hard he puked up his 1st breakfast and ate his 2nd breakfast in the car

Isaac discovered the vicks that I left out last night and painted most of his face and body with it while we were all running around like crazy trying to get hats, mittens and coats on!

Olivia expressed her "love" for her carseat by screaming bloody murder from the moment she was strapped in, the entire time it took for everyone to get into the car and buckled, and until both big boys were dropped off at school. (Her crying causes extreme stress for Jonah and Elijah...Isaac doesn't seem to bothered by it)

Isaac was afraid of the snow and refused to walk to the car himself so I had to carry him and put him in the car.

Jonah was so sweet and brushed the snow off the car that he could reach, but I realized once we were all strapped in and ready to back out of the driveway that my windshield wipers were on strike this morning due to the snow and ice. Grrrrr!

So despite all that occurring, we somehow managed to make it out the door early enough where I could bring Elijah to preschool first (as I have to walk him into his class) then Jonah could wait in the car with the little 2, and drop Jonah off second (as he can just run into his school by himself)!

As Jonah jumped out the door and sprinted into school I shouted out an Amen (which Isaac seconded) and all I could think was...

Whew! We made it!

I feel like I just ran a marathon and it is only 9am!

As a reward for getting everyone to school on time, and showing Satan what I think of his attacks, I decided to pick up a good friend on the way home...

(Don't worry Richard, it is my 1 for the week, and I used $5 I found in my winter coat to pay for it!)

Now I will enjoy my peppermint decaf mocha friend, and reflect on my 4 greatest blessings who make life exciting and challenging all at the same time!

Cheers to mornings!

I can hardly wait!

2011-11-15T10:58:00.000-06:00

This summer, at our local farmer's market, I discovered my friend Ashley makes these adorable baby clothes, clips, and shoes.

She had short sleeved onesies on display at the market and I asked her if she could make me some long sleeved onesies for our little lady. So I found a pack at Kohls and brought them to her, she let me pick out the patterns I wanted and she got to work.

I picked them up yesterday and they are beautiful!

She gave me these adorable shoes, some stinking cute clips, and a super fun flower headband as a gift...

I am afraid I will have to get some more items as Miss Olivia grows!

Until then I can hardly wait for her to be big enough to wear these onesies and shoes!

Or for her hair to grow a bit so we can put the clips in :0)

Here is her etsy website with some items for sale.

You should check it out!

I also received another extremely cute and creative gift from my friend Stacy who brought us supper last night....

It is a onesie and diaper rolled up in a snack cup, with spoon and a ball on top to look like a cupcake.

Isn't that cute?

Poor Isaac thought we could eat it.

He was pretty disappointed to discover it was not edible.

Thanks ladies! I am very excited for her to get bigger and be able to wear these fun gifts!

Mommy and Me

2011-11-13T03:41:00.000-06:00

Last night we were able to go out with some good friends of ours, Nate and Amy.

We have known them for years and our kiddos are all about the same age.

Amy has 2 girls and made this beautiful gift for Olivia and I...

Matching aprons!!!!!!!!

Aren't they adorable??????

What a fun gift! I told her she should go into business selling these. She is a VERY busy lady with 3 kiddos of her own and working full time, so she politely declined ;0)

My boys love to cook/bake with me and they do have their own aprons (with cars and airplanes on them) but I am praying that Olivia also enjoys cooking/baking with mom some day.

I pray we are able to enjoy many things together, in fact I have taken her on a few shopping excursions hoping to get her to start liking this early, as I really enjoy shopping.

The little turkey has slept through most of them.

Hopefully she doesn't listen to her brothers who say "Boo to shopping" (except Isaac who doesn't have a choice yet) and who yells "Yeah Shoppin', Yeah!"

So Thank You Amy, and Yeah to Cooking/Baking and Shopping Olivia!

Just a quick peek...

2011-11-11T05:18:00.000-06:00

I am still working on writing Olivia's birth story...weird that I haven't had time to finish it while we are adjusting to being a family of 6!?!?

While you are waiting...

Here is a just a quick peek at my cuties.

Two big brother's who ADORE their baby sister...

The above mentioned baby sister who is adored by us all...

My sweet littlest man who is adjusting better than I thought he would, but still having a hard time sharing his momma with his little sister who he also adores

and dishes out numerous hugs and kisses all day long to...

A fabulous 5 year old brother who has been so great at helping keep Olivia safe from her 20 month old brother Isaac whose hugs are so tight they could possibly be giving her internal damage!

My little lady who is very laid back, easygoing, sleeps great, eats wonderfully, and allows her momma to dress her in her cute girlie clothes and put on headbands with obnoxiously large flowers on them.

Olivia means peace and it sure fits our Olivia.

So curious to see who she becomes.

Also wondering what color her hair will be to match her dark eyes that look as though they will be brown like daddy and her biggest brother Jonah!

Our house is chaotic, there never seems to be a dull moment, and we are loving it!

Poor Olivia

2011-11-07T00:48:00.000-06:00

Poor Olivia

No one ever pays any attention to her...

No one ever holds her...

She has nothing to wear, especially nothing that's pink!

She certainly doesn't have a momma who is madly in love with her and enjoying every moment of having a daughter...

She also hasn't stolen her daddy's heart either...

Poor Olivia.

Trick or Treat

2011-11-04T09:28:00.000-05:00

Halloween this year was a bit chaotic for our family of six!

We came home from the hospital the day before and everyone was anxious to show off Miss Olivia.

I had to bring her in for a weight check and bilirubin check that morning so she and I made an appearance at Elijah's preschool first.

The class was having a Halloween party so all the kids were dressed in their costumes.

They all surrounded Olivia and stared at her in awe for about 3.2 seconds and then each preschooler proceeded to tell me about their costume and who they were.

It was quite adorable! Elijah was beaming when he announced he had brought his baby sister for show and tell. Made me a little teary.

Then Miss Olivia and I headed a few blocks north to Jonah's 1st grade classroom for more show and tell.

Jonah got to sit in the rocking chair and hold her while the class surrounded him on the floor in awe of our smallest pumpkin.

They had tons of questions and sat in silence and stared at her.

Jonah's teacher has 3 boys of her own and was in love with Olivia too.

Next we headed to the doctor for a quick weight check and bilirubin level check.

She was 7lbs 11.4 oz already and her bilirubin level was a little higher than they would have liked, but she was eating well and I felt comfortable keeping an eye on it at home.

Our final stop was to the middle school where Richard works for one last "show and tell" before heading home. It was pretty fun watching Richard show off his daughter.

I had quite a few teachers come and tell me how sweet he was that morning when they had congratulated him. One told me she had commented on how cute Olivia was in the picture Richard had posted on the school news and he quickly responded, "she's much cuter in person!"

We got home and crashed until the evening when she had her first bath.

I had some "helpers" to make it go faster...

she wasn't a big fan of it.

she did like snuggling in her nice warm girlie towel after (thanks Mollie)

Then we headed out for a little trick-or-treating...

We had a storm trooper, pumpkin, green lantern, and a monkey

Olivia really looked like a pumpkin with her orange skin too.

Our first stop was Auntie Nikki and Uncle Tom's house.

Then we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house

Grandpa snatched Olivia up pretty quickly ;0)

The boys went up and down their block while Olivia and I relaxed with Grandma and Grandpa.

They had a good time going house to house, but the big boys struggled with slowing down enough for Richard and Isaac to keep up.

Olivia wore a sweet superhero outfit under the pumpkin costume that she got from

my cousin Stacy and her girls

It even had a cape on the back!

We were all pretty exhausted when we got home, but it was sure a fun day/night.

Can't believe she had only been here for 3 days at that point.

Already felt like she had been here forever!

Miss Liv

2011-11-01T17:14:00.000-05:00

My dear, talented friend Stacey Rygh came up to visit us in the hospital

and got some fabulous pics of our sweet baby girl...

She is taking her pics on Friday and I CAN'T wait!!!!!!

I teared up just looking at these.

I am amazed at how she has only been here 4 days,

but has managed to wrap everyone around her little finger.

I am also loving all the pink in my house!

Our Little Lady

2011-10-30T00:19:00.000-05:00

We are in LOVE with our little lady...

Olivia Joy

Her big brothers adore her

can't get enough of her

and can hardly wait

until we can get her home

and love her to pieces!

Loving my beautiful babies!

More stories to come about the adventurous birthday, miss Olivia meeting her big brothers for the first time, and our transition to a family of 6.

Praising the Lord for blessing us beyond our wildest dreams with our 3 boys and little lady!

Blessed with 3 Boys and...

2011-10-29T07:13:00.000-05:00

We have been blessed with 3 Boys and a Little Lady!

Our daughter was born 10/28 at 10:33pm.

She is perfect, beautiful and looks just like her big brothers.

She took her sweet time getting here and was by far my longest, slowest progressing, hardest, and most painful labor, but worth every minute!

Not sure if that is a predictor of the future or not?

She clearly wanted to do things different than her brothers.

Couldn't have done it without the help of so many!

She came screaming into the world at 7lbs 15oz and is 21 inches long.

She has a full head of dark hair and is already covered in pink.

Thank you for all who prayed with us for this sweet miracle's safety.

We are rejoicing in this miracle of life and searching for a name for her.

The boys are meeting her this morning and I can hardly wait!

Will post pictures later...and maybe even her name!

"Baby Are?"

2011-10-22T09:36:00.000-05:00

More baby items appear daily in our house as we prepare for Bruce the Deuce.

Everyone is becoming so excited and the boys ask daily when the baby is coming.

If only we knew!

Why is it so hard to patiently wait for something God has perfectly planned?

I am taking it one day at a time.

If this baby takes much longer our house will be as clean and organized as it has ever been!

Yesterday I attacked a closet in the hall and the drawers in the bathroom and before I knew it I had 2 garbage bags of junk and some nice organized shelves and drawers.

Poor Isaac has been a bit confused as we talk about the baby coming.

When he is looking for something or someone he will say "Baby are?" as in (where is the baby or where are you).

So the more we talk about it and the more we get ready he walks around the house with his hands up saying "Baby are? baby are?" and when we try to explain to him the baby is still in my tummy but is coming soon. He runs to the door yelling "coming" and opens it thinking the baby will be at the door.

It is so adorable!

So, while we keep waiting we are doing everything we can to get ready.

Like practicing diaper changing...

putting together a swing...

patiently waiting...

38 weeks and we are so close...

emailing friends and family letting them know we are still pregnant...

getting out the baby gear...

making sure the carseat is ready and blankets are washed...

Dearest Bruce the Deuce,

Your daddy, brothers, and everyone else for that matter, are ecstatic to meet you! While I realize it is nice and cozy in there, we are anxiously waiting to snuggle you up. Thank you for waiting until today so your daddy can coach state cross country and not be worried about missing something he has worked so hard for. However, state is today, so anytime after 6pm tonight works for us!

You have 3 wonderful big brothers who will most likely fight over you for awhile. I have a feeling I will only get to hold you during meal times. We are praying you arrive safely and are so blessed to have you joining our family soon. We are also so thankful God has kept you safe these past 20 weeks while the contractions have challenged my fears and faith!

We are ready when you are little one! Dreaming about holding you close and loving you up!

Love,

Mommy

Jazz music, pizza and a date night

2011-10-19T09:04:00.000-05:00

Last week Richard and I snuck in a much needed date.

We recently discovered one of our favorite restaurants in town has live jazz music, 1/2 price pizza and 2 for 1 martinis on Thursday nights.

We rounded up one of the boys favorite babysitters and headed out for a few hours of alone time.

It was so relaxing and nice to spend some time together before this little one arrives.

We definitely need to do this more!

Here is the 37 week shot from last week....better late than never right?

Richard and I dreamed about who this little person is going to be, laughed about our boys who have blessed us beyond measure and relished our precious time alone.

It was surreal to have time together like that, especially since we both know it will be awhile before we get to experience it again.

Our fabulous babysitter was even able to get Isaac to go right to bed even though it had only been a few days since he had been sleeping in a "big boy" bed.

Nothing makes a date night even more fabulous when you come home to 3 sleeping boys!

Thanks for the night out babe, hoping we can sneak another one in soon or bring our smallest family member with for one in the near future!

My Boys Are Growing Up!

2011-10-13T13:41:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I was a hormonal puddle to say the least.

We have 4 bedrooms in our home, 3 upstairs and one down.

The big boys have shared a room ever since they were both in the world and haven't wanted it any different. They have been in bunk beds for the past 3 years and have done fabulous!

Isaac's room is quite small and we wouldn't have needed to move him out of his crib so soon, but with baby #4 on the way we decided it needed to be done sooner than later.

The room in the basement wasn't quite finished and doesn't have an egress window.

We put some nice carpet from our living room (that was torn out when we moved in to finish the hardwood floors underneath) down there when we moved in.

Richard built a fabulous closet this summer for the room and put up a ceiling as well.

The hole is almost finished being dug for the egress and hopefully that project will be done soon?

After much debate, we decided to move just Jonah downstairs for now and move Elijah to the top bunk and Isaac to the bottom bunk. We wanted to have a guest bed available in Jonah's room and it's just too small for the full size bed and the extra twin bed we have.

So we moved the extra twin bed to my wonderful sister and brother-in-law's house who are allowing us to store it there until baby #4 is done with the crib.

We are thinking maybe next summer we could expand the basement bedroom to allow Elijah to move downstairs as well, but the 2 together in the same bed usually equals silliness and trouble!

Last weekend was the first weekend we were both home for most of the weekend and the last until baby comes. So, we decided we better move everyone to their new room while we had the chance!

Isaac has always been our best sleeper and I was hesitant to rock that boat, but also knew that he would probably transition better to the "big boy bed" before a baby arrived and stole his momma from him!

My mom bought the boys new bedding to make the transition more exciting, so we changed out the bunk beds first, literally moving Elijah's mattress to the top bunk (as he was struggling with Isaac using that bed and it was already made with his new bedding) and putting on Isaac's Thomas the Train sheets for his "big boy bed" on the bottom.

Here are Elijah and Isaac testing out their "new" beds before bedtime the first night...

It was getting late so we decided to put Isaac to bed first and let Elijah stay up to help us set up Jonah's new bed downstairs.

I was teary as we were putting sheets on and Richard was sweet enough to take patrol the first night laying Isaac down. I was trying to fight back tears as Jonah made trips downstairs with his clothes and "treasures" and Richard laughed at me asking me how I would ever handle graduation if I was this upset about them simply moving into a new bed!

In my defense I am weeks from delivering a baby, hormonal in general and quite sensitive when it comes to my babies growing up! As I was wondering myself how I was going to handle it and trying to wipe away tears and put on a happy face for the boys, Jonah came walking by with an armload of items and told me he felt like he was going off to college.

I may or may not have lost it again after that!

Isaac was really excited at first and pretty proud of his new bed. My sister Nikki stopped by and he showed it to her and climbed right in. I tried to get his pjs on in his "old room" (the soon to be nursery) and he wouldn't even go in there!

I tried to explain to him that he was all done with his old room and it was for the baby now.

That only confused him more as he wandered around asking "baby are?" (where is the baby) and when I said the baby wasn't here yet but it was coming soon he ran to the front door yelling "yeah coming" and looked for the baby again!

Guess he'll have to wait for the real deal!

The excitement quickly wore off when it was time for bed and we tried explaining to him he was supposed to stay in there.

We laid him down, sang him songs and kissed him good night and shut the door.

He was crying pretty quickly and saying, "Done! Done!" and I was a mess.

The door to their room shuts really tightly and it is probably the only door in our house Isaac can't open by himself.

So he would go to the door crying out for me and knock for someone to come open it.

I was sobbing before it had even been 5 minutes and Richard gave me a hug and sent me downstairs while he had to redirect Isaac to his bed ~~a few~~ multiple times before he finally fell asleep.

Overall it was probably only 20 minutes, but felt like an hour to me.

I channelled my broken heart into cleaning up the basement while Richard took care of Isaac.

Then we got Jonah's new bed set up for him.

It was Richard's bed as a child and his dad's.

Jonah was pretty excited to be in his own room and in this special bed.

(His room used to be our office so we are in the process of moving out some of the furniture and replacing it with bedroom furniture for Jonah)

I had to laugh the first night Jonah was down there because for the past 2 months almost every night he and Elijah have had the same discussion about using a night light.

Elijah wanted a night light and Jonah didn't.

So every night Jonah would talk about how he couldn't wait to get to his own room so he didn't have to use a night light and Elijah couldn't wait for him to leave so he and Isaac could use one.

When we went to tuck Jonah into bed that night I told him I put one in the bathroom for him so he wouldn't be scared if he had to get up and use it in the night.

He said thanks and then a few minutes later asked if I could put it in his room, but just for that night.

I smiled and secretly was relieved that he wasn't too grown up yet!

The first night went well and the only problem was early the next morning when Isaac woke up he came out saying "done" and wasn't going back.

In his crib, if he woke up early, we could lay him back down and tell him goodnight and he would usually sleep a little longer.

Oh well, I won't be getting much sleep soon anyways right?

The next day I found a small piece of furniture for Jonah's room to serve as a night stand/dresser for now. It is two cubes together with 2 fabric drawers.

The boys had a blast helping Richard put it together...

Overall, the transition has gone better than I thought!

Isaac has stayed in bed each night for the entire night and we have had to go in and tuck him back in once or twice.

Elijah has been fine and Jonah has done really well except for waking up a few times and having a hard time going back to sleep.

Nap time was rough for Isaac the first few days, but he has possibly given up after almost a week in his new bed.

The first two days he got up and brought books back to his bed and I had to go in there multiple times telling him no and that it was time for nap.

He would get up about 4 times and go to the door yelling "Mommy Done" and knocking until I came and put him back in bed.

One time he had found a sucker somewhere in the room and handed me the wrapper when I opened the door then sprinted back to his bed and began quickly sucking on it!

Little Turkey!

It is still weird for Richard and I to go to bed knowing Jonah is all the way downstairs and the nursery is empty next to us!

I don't feel like this baby is coming anytime in the next few days, so I am hoping we are able to get at least one more week in with everyone in their new sleeping arrangement before throwing a new sibling into the mix!

The older boys slept through Isaac being up in the night and I am praying Isaac will follow suit!

Is it too much to pray this little one is a great sleeper like Isaac was?

I have had a few nightmares about having another colicky baby like Jonah who never slept!

Fortunately for everyone, Richard and I are a little more experienced now and will hopefully be able to handle it better than the first time around ;0)

I know they grow up fast, but it's a good thing for this momma that I am so busy getting ready for another little one to arrive that I don't have time to dwell on my "3 babies" being so big!

I am also 99.9% sure graduation will not be easy for me.

At least the boys will probably expect me to be a hormonal puddle for that, so I won't have to do any pretending. Until then, I will enjoy my "babies" needing hugs and kisses from their momma throughout the day! I am sure that won't last forever!

I am crying just thinking about that!

Oh Boy! I better go find a little boy to hold and snuggle with before it's too late!

You could cry, scream, or take a picture.

2011-10-12T17:09:00.000-05:00

There are many moments in the day of a mother that require you to make crucial decisions quickly.

These decisions may be simple ones that don't require much thought, or they may give you a headache and cause your car to drive itself through the Starbuck's drive thru for a much needed cup of coffee.

Oh, your car doesn't do that? Mine does on really tough days!

Many of the decisions we make are a result of our motherly instincts kicking in.

I am always amazed at how my cat like reflexes will show up just in time to catch the cup of milk that is going to hit the floor and make a terrible mess, grab the arm of a toddler sprinting out into a parking lot, or deflect a flying object from another sibling that was "accidentally" aimed at the victim.

Other decisions are a result of advice we have sought from our fellow mother friends, our own mothers, spouses, the internet, or books.

Or the Lord.

I have been spending more time reading, praying and quieting myself before the Lord recently as I am hoping to be a better mother and wife for my family.

One thing the Lord has been teaching me is to be more patient with my children and be more careful how I respond to them. I have been spending my days trying to be thankful for my role as a mother regardless of what that may be and praying for God's grace to bathe me and His patience to engulf me as I embrace the challenges the day brings.

Rather than allow myself to become frustrated by the endless trails of trucks, superheroes, legos, and clothing articles I pick up, I thank the Lord for the opportunity to serve my boys in this way.

Jonah and Elijah are becoming more responsible and able to help as they get older and often Isaac challenges me most during the day.

When he is throwing a tantrum, clinging to my leg as I try to finish a task, or demanding my attention with his screams or creating another mess for me to clean up, I am thankful.

Sometimes it is with a clenched jaw, and other times it is with a smile and a big deep breath!

When I want to cry, scream, or express my extreme frustration I am trying to instead respond calmly.

Today, while in the middle of doing 10 things (doing laundry, getting supper ready, picking up from the morning, emptying the dishwasher, and pulling out baby clothes to wash), I realized I hadn't seen Isaac for a few minutes or heard him. Both could equal trouble very quickly.

I asked Elijah to check on him and he disappears for a minute and casually reports, "Oh, he's in the porch breaking eggs."

Just to give you the full picture, I was standing in the hallway with a tub of clothes in front of me and piles surrounding me as I was choosing what to wash and what to save for later.

I had also almost had a panic attack thinking about all I had to do today and feeling exhausted and had just finished giving myself a pep talk about how I could do it!

While my heart might have stopped for one second, I took a deep breath and asked Elijah for more details.

"What kind of eggs Elijah? Plastic eggs?"

"Nope. Real ones."

While attempting to remain calm I may or may not have started hyperventilating picturing the full carton of eggs I had just purchased on the floor of the porch.

Then I somehow hurdled the bin of clothes and all the piles, despite my large pregnant belly being in the way, and ran to the porch to see this...

Now this is a point where you have to decide if you are going to cry, scream, laugh, or take a picture.

I would have preferred to scream and cry, but chose to laugh and grab my camera instead.

Isaac sat down to marvel at his work while I did that.

When I asked him what he was doing, he simply said, "Cooking mommy."

Then he smiled at me and clapped.

Fortunately, the egg shells were empty, but it is one more thing to do when I was already feeling the day wasn't going to be long enough for my to-do list.

So, I encourage you to pray God would give you the patience you need to just take a picture when you are faced with a "helpful" toddler.

Boy-Sterous Living!

2011-10-11T13:14:00.000-05:00

I recently ordered a slew of books from Amazon after signing up for the Amazon Prime trial membership in which you get free 2 day shipping!

I needed it for Elijah's pirate party supplies and figured I might as well put the 30 day trial to good use!

So, I ordered a few books I had been wanting, but didn't really want to pay shipping for.

One of them happened to be this book...

The more I learn about little boys the more I realize I don't know about them!

The mysteries of the male brain continue to amaze me and I often find myself wondering how else I can equip myself to better understand them as well as making sure I am doing all I can to raise Godly ~~men~~, I mean little boys (I can't even think about them turning double digits let alone becoming MEN)!

I have really enjoyed this book, and after reading it once realize I am going to have to read it multiple times in order for the information to sink in.

Richard read a bit of one chapter that discussed communication and found it humorous.

It was titled communicating with the caveman and I also found it humorous because I can often relate.

Richard may have found it humorous because he knows how frustrated I can get when we have "discussions" about communication.

I would highly recommend this for anyone who is raising a boy or multiple boys!

One of my favorite chapters had a list of interesting things you discover when you have boys.

I also realized if you can't beat 'em, you might as well join them!

I wanted to share a few of the things on the list....fortunately we haven't personally learned these lessons about boys. I am not holding my breath though, I am sure we will have our fair share of lists in the future. This list was from a random email titled...

Interesting things you discover when you have sons:

1. A king-size waterbed holds enough water to flood a 2,000-square-foot house 4 inches deep.

2. If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.

3. A 3 year old boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.
(Actually think we have learned this one more than once)

4. If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, you'll find the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42 pound boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape. It is strong enough, however, if a paint can is tied to it, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20x20-ft room.

5. When you hear the toilet flush and the words "Uh oh, " it's already too late.

6. Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.

7. Certain Legos will pass through the digestive tract of a 4 year old boy.

8. Super glue is forever.

9. No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool, you still can't walk on water.

10. Pool filters do not like Jell-0.

11. You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.
(I have unfortunately learned this one....I have discovered when finding clothing laying around, rather than smell it to see if it's clean, when it doubt throw it in the wash)

12. The spin cycle in the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.

13. It will, however, make cats dizzy.

14. Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.

15. You think your boys aren't listening and won't remember the conversations you are having with your girlfriend on the phone, but they will conveniently remember just the right phrases and just the right times. (I have also learned this one the hard way)

After the first time reading this book, I have learned I need to let go even more and let my boys be boys.

I can channel that energy positively and I am working on being more accepting of this.

This is hard for me, and I am sure it will only become more difficult the older they all get!

Guess I better keep reading.

My next book is called Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys.
(Sorry honey, I am sure I didn't use the proper citation for this)

I hope you at least found this amusing, and if you have boys in your home I am sure you could add to the list as well!

Just going to run a quick marathon before giving birth

2011-10-10T22:49:00.000-05:00

Here is my 36 week shot!

Getting so excited for this little one to come and while I feel like I am running a marathon daily trying to get everything washed, organized, cleaned, keeping everyone happy and healthy to get ready to bring another little one into this world...I am can't say I am going to literally run a marathon before giving birth like the lady in the article below!

http://espn.go.com/chicago/story/_/id/7084374/oh-baby-woman-runs-chicago-marathon-gives-birth

She is amazing! I do happen to know a handful of crazy running momma's who have ran well into their pregnancies and run 1/2 marathons, but none of them right before delivering!

What a story!

Sorry Bruce the deuce, while I pray for an exciting birth story for you that involved you coming into this world safe and healthy, it will unfortunately not involve me running 26.2 miles before.

You may have noticed the intensity has increased around our house as we are ~~calmly~~ frantically preparing for your arrival, please wait just a little longer...I am almost done nesting...well maybe?

Are you ever really totally ready for a baby?

Nope.

We will see you soon baby!

Running, running, running

2011-10-06T12:51:00.000-05:00

Running, running, running...

Besides being Isaac's favorite thing to do, we did a little running last weekend at the Grand Forks High School Cross Country Meet.

It was a beautiful day, a bit windy, but we aren't complaining! We had a great time watching the runners and enjoying the beautiful weather. The boys LOVE going to the meets and we haven't been to any this season due to my contractions and being so pregnant.

Here the boys are having a little snack between races, while talking to daddy.

We did a little cookie eating...

Cheering and waving...

Saw some stretching...

Did some fake golf cart driving...

Saw more cheering...

Isaac and Nikki did LOTS of running...

We even squeezed in some hill rolling...

Isaac did more running and chasing...

The baby and I did very little running, did some walking, but mostly just cheering...

Jonah was able to ride in the golf cart a few times...

I attempted to get a picture of all 3 boys and this is the best I could manage...

We are hoping to head to Fargo this weekend for the regional meet.

I will be 36 weeks and feel okay going sine it is only 1 hour away.

Probably should pack a bag just in case ;0)

Wondering if this little one can hold off until after the State Meet?????

Guess only time will tell!

Our Own Superhero!

2011-10-05T16:57:00.000-05:00

We have our own superhero!

We are pretty proud of him and his recent accomplishment...

here he is just after finishing his first marathon in 2:40:29!!!!!!!

Finishing 56 out of the 4,858 males that ran and 66 of the 8,533 total runners!

He averaged about 6:08 per mile for the 26.2 miles he ran!

I think I ran a 7 minute mile once...it almost killed me so I decided not to do it again.

One of the first things he said to me when I talked to him on his way home was how he couldn't wait to run another one!

I am pretty sure I would be thanking the Lord that I survived 26.2 miles and praying I wouldn't ever do it again!

We are SOOOOOO proud of him and it was SOOOOOO hard not being there to help cheer him on and watch him finish. I am sure there will be more marathons....we will be there next time!

He put in many miles and many hours of hard work preparing for this.

He was up in the wee hours of the morning (like 3am sometimes) to squeeze his run in, ran 2 times a day, ran late into the night, and often took the boys with him (on bikes and in the jogging stroller).

He is crazy.

We love him for it.

Staying home and missing out on this was one of the hardest things I have had to do.

However, I also know that going into labor on the way there or during the race wouldn't have been very helpful for Richard or our little one who needs to stay put just a little longer before making the big debut!

My parents and sister were amazing all weekend helping me with the boys while Richard was gone and I worked. It sure was comforting knowing they were taken care of when we weren't available.

Speaking of being taken care of, I am so thankful to our dear friends Clint and Katy who took such great care of Richard while he was in Minneapolis for the race.

Katy made sure Richard was well fed the night before (making him a special pre-race meal), they let him stay at their house, Clint gave him a ride that morning, and Katy and their 2 small boys were at the finish line waiting for Richard.

Katy even sent this beautiful flowers home for me to enjoy ;0)

My mom helped the boys make this sign to welcome daddy home...

Richard/Daddy,

I know you don't feel as though you were able to train as much as you would have liked for this marathon, and that we weren't always as excited as you were for it. I find it pretty stinking amazing that you were able to do all you did while working full time, coaching full time, loving your pregnant-hormonal-emotional wife, raising and caring for 3 BUSY boys, and helping out around the house to keep me from going into premature labor and avoiding bedrest!

We are very proud of you for doing this and it is clear to me that, Lord willing, there will be more marathons in your future. Hopefully next time we will be able to be there to cheer you on and welcome you across the finish line. We just wanted you to know you are our superhero! We love you lots and look forward to cheering you on in the races to come.

Love,

Your Biggest Fans

Thankful I am not an African Elephant

2011-09-29T22:27:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow we are 35 weeks!

Can't believe this little peanut will be here before we know it.

While I feel as though my body is falling apart at a rapid rate and I am questioning whether it will make it for these last few weeks, I am so thankful this little one continues to grow safe inside.

I do really enjoy being pregnant and marvel at the miracle of having that little person growing inside until the birthday party.

However, I have found myself complaining a little more than normal this time around.

Ahem, okay, maybe most nights. I am sure Richard would not agree at all.

It seems as though I have been pregnant forever and although I do know the big day will be here soon, it also feels as though I will just remain pregnant forever.

Unable to bend over, sleep for more than an hour at a time without having to pee, eat more than a few bites every few hours, and not feel as though I have just run a marathon every time I walk up the stairs.

While marveling at the strength of this little one's kicks and punches, Richard wondered what a mother elephant experiences during pregnancy.

I googled "what mammal as the longest gestation" and what do you know...it just happens to be the African Elephant!

According to National Geographic, the African Elephant

is pregnant for up to 22 months!!!!!!!!!!!

Makes my 9 month pregnancy not seem so bad!

While I was also fretting about the size of this baby (our boys have all been pretty decent size), the average elephant weighs 200 pounds at birth and is almost 3 ft tall!

Makes my 8lb 14oz, 22 inch child seem like a shrimp!

So while I am anxious to meet this little one and a ~~little~~ lot anxious to be reassured my body won't fall apart, I am thankful I am not an African Elephant.

Potato Bowl Parade Fun

2011-09-28T14:47:00.000-05:00

Last weekend was the Potato Bowl Parade, and it was a beautiful day for it!

Richard was out of town for the day for cross country and so was my brother-in-law who is one of his assistant coaches. So fun to be a cross country coach widow with my own sister!

The boys, my sister and I headed downtown and set up camp in an almost perfect spot to watch the parade. Almost perfect only because we ended up having kids and adults coming and sitting/standing right in front of us towards the end!

These three boys sure enjoyed it though...

Me and my boys waiting for the parade to start.

Cheese!

Isaac had the best seat in the house for most of the parade...right on top of Auntie Nikki.

Between all the bands, trucks, and candy it was a good time had by all...

Don't be fooled by this picture, Jonah was a little grumpy when I made him come sit back and watch while other kids were standing in the middle of the street.

Isaac was pretty cute about getting candy too.

He was too slow to grab it himself so Jonah and Elijah would run out and grab it and then throw it down right in front of him and he would get so excited!

We had a few other pretty small kiddos standing near us and Jonah and Elijah reluctantly shared their candy at first and by the end were placing handfuls in the other kiddos bags.

It was lots of fun and I wouldn't have been able to do it without my sister's help.

Yeah for parades and Aunties!

"Mawn Mower"

2011-09-23T22:01:00.000-05:00

Isaac continues to be fascinated with trucks, trains, cars, and machinery.

He has probably been the most interested in these things of the 3 boys.

It is fun to hear him squeal with delight as we drive around town when we encounter a truck, or if he hears an airplane, train or siren when we are outside.

Isaac also loves to mow the lawn.

He loves hearing and seeing lawn mowers, which he lovingly refers to as "mawn mowers" it is quite adorable and I am going to miss this stage.

I had to get some pictures of him happily mowing our lawn the other day.

He wiped out at the park and skinned his nose!

Poor little guy looks like rudolph.

It hasn't slowed him down though!

Isaac, you are so busy and keep me on my toes (literally) all day.

I am sure loving your discoveries each day and watching your personality evolve.

I also am desperately holding onto these last few weeks of you as my baby.

I love you lots and think you are growing up too fast!

Love, Mommy

32 weeks....getting closer!

2011-09-19T16:13:00.000-05:00

This is me and Bruce the Deuce at 32 weeks...

While I am actually almost 34 weeks....I still wanted to post this pic.

I feel as though I am torn between two worlds.

The one we now know with 3 little boys and a routine we have adjusted to nicely....to one with a newborn upon which everything will become different and new again.

Then we will have 4 KIDS!

Yikes!

Exciting and nerve racking at the same time.

Mostly I can't wait to see if we will have 4 boys or 3 boys and 1 little lady.

I am enjoying the one-on-one time I have been able to sneak in with each of my boys as the weeks continue to fly by and this little one will be here before we know it.

It's funny how different they each are when they are alone with you too.

It is also so exciting to daydream about my 3 boys admiring and loving on their baby brother or sister.

The big boys LOVE babies and Isaac has recently become quite enthralled himself.

I am not so sure he will like babies after one moves into his home and takes his momma hostage.

Funny thing is I also go between feeling as though I might be pregnant forever and forgetting that I am pregnant until I sit down at the end of the day when 3 little boys are off to dream land.

Praying for these last few weeks of that baby growing big and healthy!

We can't wait to meet you little one!

Well, we can wait a few more weeks, so just stay put until at least mid October okay?

Row, Row, Row Your Boat.

2011-09-16T07:10:00.001-05:00

We have a new addition to our family....

A beautiful Canoe!

Richard has been looking for some time for a canoe and he found an incredible deal he couldn't pass up!

It still needs a name, and unfortunately we won't be able to use it until next summer, but that hasn't stopped the boys from exploring in it.

They have had many fun times already pretending to row down a river and go on adventures.

Isaac has been thrilled to be a part of it too.

I am looking forward to many memories made with this canoe.

Maybe some trips to the Boundary Waters as well as Tulaby Lake?

Attack of the Giant Band-aids!

2011-09-15T16:41:00.000-05:00

So having a toddler who is independent results in many times during the day when I discover him getting into something he shouldn't or making a mess somewhere.

The other day I was upstairs making supper and heard Elijah shrieking about a mess Isaac had made and then scolding Isaac.

It had been one of those days where nothing seemed to go quite right and I had already spent my day cleaning up messes Isaac had made after I had finished picking something up.

I was bracing myself for another disaster and taking nice deep breaths while I did that.

I was heading downstairs to investigate further and heard Elijah yelling to me that Isaac made a mess with "giant band-aids" and he threw them all over the bathroom.

While I was hurrying to assess the situation I was trying to think about what "giant band-aids" I had stored in the basement bathroom and why they were there.

As I rounded the corner into the bathroom I started laughing at the following scene:

Elijah was jumping up and down and yelling while Isaac

stood beaming at the beautiful mess he had just made, clapping and yelling Yah!

The "giant band-aids" happened to be a box of 50 panty liners!

I was laughing so hard I started crying and was afraid I would pee my pants, Elijah was upset at my reaction and between laughing and trying to breathe I told him they weren't band-aids.

He was very confused and I just told him they were for ladies and he didn't need to worry about it.

He wondered what kind of "owie" a lady would have that they needed such a big band-aid and why did it have a sticker on the opposite side that needed to fix the "owie"

Mostly he was worried he was going to have to clean up the mess I think, so he was very relieved when I told him I would do it.

I wish I would have taken a picture of the scene, but Isaac had already tossed a few "giant band-aids" into the toilet so I had to act quick in my clean up efforts.

Isaac once again lived up to his name providing laughter in our house.

I probably will have to use that code name on my grocery list when I need to restock too...giant band-aids just sounds like more fun.

Nesting much?

2011-09-13T16:09:00.008-05:00

This summer I had a list of things "to do" before #4 arrives and very few items were checked off the list.

Most of the things I wanted to do involved organizing, cleaning, purging, and sorting.

A task that made me hyperventilate just thinking about it!

The biggest job I wanted to tackle before baby comes was going through ALL the boy clothes we have and minimizing. After 3 boys, we have accumulated way more than even one little boy would need.

We also don't have enough room to keep everything. So, for months I have been slowly going through closets and drawers when little "helpers" aren't around and making piles in the laundry room.

Finally, the piles were taking over our laundry room so I set out to tackle the biggest job (sorting 3T to 5T) and deciding what was worth keeping, what my hormonal self could part with, and what I could sell or donate. Whew! I started one night after the kids were in bed and 4 hours later I finished...

Everything is labeled, ready to be stored and used again?!?

After doing this, I had mixed emotions about the sex of this next baby. If it is a boy we are set! If it isn't a boy I am not sure I can part with these tubs of clothes that have so many memories of each boy exploring, growing, and just simply being adorable. I also am hyperventilating thinking about where exactly we would have room for little girl things in this house! Richard reassures me that if by some crazy chance this is a girl she would probably be a tom boy any way so I shouldn't worry about it.

He also doesn't see why she couldn't just wear her big brother's clothes that are still in great shape.

I am 99.9% sure that if I were to ever have a girl

she will be dressed in pink until she has her own opinion!

Then Richard helped me tackle a coat closet one night, our own closet, and I was able to organize a frequently used closet in the hall filled with games, colors, and other fun things.

I have taken an embarrassing amount of clothes to the salvation army and was able to sell some items in a garage sale last weekend. Feels pretty good!

The last part of the project was Isaac's closet as I had sizes 12-24 months in there and needed to get out the 2T for him for this fall.

My great friend Mollie came over and helped me tackle this last step...

I have officially made it through ALL the clothes and it feels amazing!

While I still have a few more smaller projects I wanted to finish I feel much better about this baby's rapidly approaching due date.

What I really want to do is get out the newborn/3 month clothes and wash them up so they are ready.

They are just so small and cute and precious memories of each of our boys flood my hormonal mind as I touch them. Can't believe the 3 big boys we have fit in these little clothes!

I am holding out for a few more weeks to do this so they smell fresh for #4, plus that means this baby really is coming soon!

I also have to wait until Jonah moves downstairs, Isaac moves into Elijah's room and the drawers are empty for baby clothes to fill them.

Now I need to take a break from nesting and rest up...at least for a week or two.

Too bad I am not motivated to finish the boys' baby books....they may or may not be pretty empty.

I have years to do that right?

Or I am sure I will have so much free time when baby #4 comes

that I just won't know what to do with myself?

I will be able to get them done then. Or maybe some other time. We'll see.

Oh No! Where Is Isaac?

2011-08-30T22:15:00.047-05:00

Our boys have ALL been busy as toddlers, but I think Isaac takes the cake for being the busiest so far!

He has developed a remarkable independence (as a result of trying to keep up with his 5 & 6 year old brothers who he adores) and believes he can do things that other 18 month olds don't yet know exist.

He has lived up to his nickname his dad gave him when he first became mobile "Isaaczilla" as well.

He is very curious and loves to take things apart, put them back together or just try to figure out how they work. My mom is predicting engineering for his future. I can see it.

While I enjoy his independence, it has been a bit challenging as well.

He is pretty good about entertaining himself for short periods of time so I can do dishes, put away clothes, or work on supper.

However, he is also pretty sneaky and quiet when he is getting into something he shouldn't be.

While my preggo brain is full force and I become caught up in a task, I frequently find myself saying "Oh no, where is Isaac?"

Fortunately, he has enjoyed the attention he receives from me when I find him challenging his independence! If he is doing something he probably shouldn't he yells "Mom" but it sounds distinctively different than any other time he is trying to get my attention.

He will continue to yell my name until I find him and then he is usually beaming with pride as I discover whatever he is or has been doing.

It probably doesn't help that I will take a picture of him...

He can climb up to the top bunk by himself apparently...

I learned of this one unfortunate Saturday morning when I was trying to get ready so we could all go to the farmer's market. He had climbed up there while Jonah was "watching" him during my 2 minute an 30 second shower.

Then he proceeded to dump out 2 jars of sand (an art project Jonah had done with the colorful fine sand) all over Jonah's bed.

Not only did he dump it on Jonah's bed, but managed to dump it from the top bunk to the bottom one as well. Needless to say, both beds were vacuumed and the bedding was washed.

He has a sweet tooth that gets him into trouble too...

He had seen me put away extra cup cakes from Elijah's birthday into the box the cake had been in.

He had screamed, stomped his feet, and threw a fabulous tantrum requesting one and was not happy with me when I said no.

I left him to finish his tantrum and when he was curiously silent I came back to discover him in the above picture. He had pushed a chair up next to the counter, climbed up and was taking large fingers full of frosting at a time.

When I asked him what he was doing he said, "Yummmmmm momma."

He has recently become obsessed with "going pee" and flushing the toilet.

When he does this he pushes the stool up to the toilet, lifts up his shirt, and then proceeds to flush the toilet multiple times.

While I have been impressed with his association with going to the bathroom, and coming to tell me he is going pee (with a warm, wet diaper on) and that he has to poop (and returning a few minutes later with a dirty diaper for me to change, I am not going to start potty training now.

I am encouraged that he can make a connection, but the other 2 also showed interest this early for a brief time and then weren't potty trained until later.

The process itself is long enough, I certainly am not going to drag it out

or begin it before adding a baby to the mix!

He loves to help me cook or bake.

Often this requires me to practice patience and restraint while I allow him to make more messes and make the process take longer than it otherwise would, but he sure enjoys it.

Here he was helping me make some guacamole for taco night. He was doing a great job mashing the avocados for me, but I caught him taking giant spoonfulls of it into his mouth.

Oh Isaac, You have become a toddler right before our eyes! I love your independence and cherish the moments you still want to be held, snuggled, and give hugs and kisses. I am having a hard time letting go of you as you try to conquer bigger and better things.

I pray this confidence continues to grow and helps shape you into the boy God has created you to be. I am enjoying these last few weeks together before your little brother or sister consumes most of my attention. I am enjoying our time together while Elijah is at preschool.

Don't forget to give your momma lots of loving as you get bigger! I also pray for safety as you climb to new heights and discover new things. I am thankful to be your mommy on this adventure!