Reminiscing and Creating

I use to say that I was having "one of those days." Lately I feel like it's been "one of those weeks" or "one of those months" or even "one of those years." There's so much to do, so many places to go, people to see, bills to pay, laundry to do, dishes to wash, homework to check, working, volunteering, planning, driving, more driving, and some days even more driving. Being blessed by the ability to do all of these things makes me feel accomplished. That is of course when I actually accomplish any of these things. Do I get credit for driving to the store, even though I've forgotten my list so I have to go back at least two more times? Do I get credit for planning exceptional lessons for my classroom, yet forgetting the supplies at home? Do I get credit for having great ideas, yet no time to actually follow through with ANY of them?! If we credited accomplishments on a severe curve, I'd say that I'm very blessed to be such an accomplished woman. 


 One thing I enjoy more than anything other is creating. This could be cooking, working on a craft project, home decorations, refinishing furniture, sewing, creating home movies or even more enjoyable, writing.  I barely have the stamina most days to get through the day with a smile on my face, love in my heart and kinds words being expressed through my mouth. All of these are done on a minute by minute basis. There's rarely time to sit and ponder. Sit and express. Sit and contemplate. Let's face it, there's rarely time to sit, period. The joy of have three young children is immeasurable, unless you measure it by fatigue. It's not even the physical fatigue that challenges me; it's the mental fatigue of dealing with two three year old (adorable) boys and a quickly maturing (and never wrong) six year old girl that causes my mind to lack the ability to create. 

I'm not one to set specific New Year's Resolutions. My resolution each year is to simply be a better person that I was last year. I may find several ways of doing this, but each year I re-evaluate and imagine what would make me happier. Is it losing weight? Is it reconnecting with friends? Is it being a more patient mother and wife? Last year my resolution was not to lose weight, but to gain strength. I felt my body becoming weak with the repetitive movements of my daily life. Hauling laundry up and down the steps, picking up twenty-five pound toddlers, cleaning our 2200 sq ft house. Although I'd like to count these chores as being active, I was lacking strength. I spent the summer and fall at the gym gaining muscle and along with that came another form of strength. Strength to accept that I am doing "enough," being "enough," accomplishing "enough." I can only be the best that I can be. I can not be somebody else, but I can always better myself. 

So this year my resolution is to continue my building of strength. I find that I am strongest when I'm able to express my creativity. The satisfaction I feel when completing a project raises my confidence to a point that I feel as though I can succeed in other facets that I may struggle with. One day I'd love to have a career that allowed me to create....and be paid for it! Until then, I shall create in my "spare" time and see where it leads me. Here's to a year of "creativity!"

My first act of creativity is not under the best of circumstances, but has allowed me the opportunity to express the feelings that have surfaced during this time. Last week my grandpa passed away and although we knew his passing was in the near future, the early preparations of dealing with emotions simply can not keep up with the range of feelings that are experienced. Our grandma passed away sixteen years ago, very suddenly and unexpectedly. There was great sorrow, and now sixteen years later as Grandpa joins her, that sorrow is revisited and multiplied. Knowing that they are together now eases the sorrow, yet the feeling of an ultimate finality of a time in our lives that was so joyous and memorable is very sad. For their 50th wedding anniversary, which was six months prior to grandma's passing, I wrote a poem about their house. With eight children, their spouses, twenty-one grandchildren and ultimately great-grandchildren, that house held the makings of who we were. We were a typical family, or so we thought. Learning of others' lives and their childhoods has made us realize that our family was not typical (in a very good way!) and our childhood was extraordinary. I've edited my original poem (goodness, if my students could see my grammar and punctuation!) and I've also added a bit to the end. I hope my family finds that this is a fitting tribute to my grandparents and my friends can imagine the exceptional family my grandparents created in my own words.

Our Grandparents’ House

By Sarah Whitish

November 17, 1997

As children we did not know, all the memories that would grow

at our grandparents’ house.

Watching every season pass, and growing up much too fast.

The garden’s full of many colors; like us, each one different from the others.

In the house not much changes, people and faces of all ages.

So many people, so much commotion, so many voices, so much devotion.

Forever running in the yard, playing hide and seek behind the cars.

Swinging high to touch the sky, jumping off, ready to fly.

A favorite memory in heart and mind, is Grandpa and his tractor rides.

Through the backyard, behind the trees; Grandpa knew we were easy to please.

Around the house and in the road, wherever he’d drive us, we’d gladly go.

As seasons change and cold winds blow in, we’re ready for more memories to begin.

A snowy Christmas day, the ideal dream; in the yard, always a football team.

After the gifts, every child knows, a ride would be great, sledding in the snow.

So much food, so little time; Grandpa asking for Kool-Aid or Grandma saying “Water’s fine.”

We’d never leave without Grandma’s pickles,

and kept a look out for Uncle Jim, for he’s known to tickle!

One thing more before we’d leave, always honking behind the trees.

Grandma’s cookies, pies, blankets and flowers,

Grandpa’s shop and overalls, as tall as a tower.

Growing up could never be better;

We’re all over the world, yet our grandparents keep us together.

As children we did not know, all the memories that would grow

at our grandparents’ house.

Our Grandparents’ House

By Sarah Whitish-Smith

January 12, 2015

As the years pass, we reflect on the time

when life appeared simple in our growing minds.

A time to be together, taken for granted,

long before the cards we’d be handed.

We’ve grown, moved and lives have changed.

We’ve spread our wings and priorities were rearranged.

Yet one was a constant as our lives grew,

the love for our grandparents always stayed true.

As we’ve matured, our views have broadened

and become more grateful for them, their love never forgotten.

Their house was a form of simple matter,

but magically alive with love when we’d all gather.

For a structure cannot create love, nor can it create scenes

 of joyous celebrations and the making of dreams.

The creators of these dreams are looking down from above,

in awe of us here sharing and spreading their eternal love.

We pray as our children grow,

may they also come to know

the incomparable love we felt at our grandparents’ house.

We were so blessed by their great house, the house that formed us years ago.

The “house” was their love and this we now know.

We thank God for our blessings unveiled at our grandparents’ house.

DETOUR AHEAD

 

As I was preparing for the boys' construction themed birthday party, I hung a sign that says "DETOUR AHEAD". This was three days ago and I can't get it out of my head. I've related so much of my life to the sign that I just had to write it down. Who knew "DETOUR AHEAD" would make me sleepless at night, zone out while I'm suppose to be listening to somebody (I don't discriminate on who I do this to....and I apologize if you were a victim), and cause confusion while I'm trying to cook. That sign! That little sign, dangling from my dining room light (yes, I know it's classy)...maybe by getting this out I will be able to focus on my precious boys turning two tomorrow. TWO!!!!

 

I am a self-admitted Type A personality. There is a plan and a place for all things. Life is a journey and you read the map before you get in the car. The beginning and ending points are clearly defined so that we can plan for the most efficient route in the most timely manner. We do this so we can enjoy that ending point and know that we were well prepared and successful in that journey. So what happens when you see that yellow and black sign that reads "DETOUR AHEAD"? I don't know about you, but I experience some major anxiety. Why me? Why now? But I planned so carefully!

 

When the glimmer of real life shone it's light on me in college, I knew that I wanted to be an accountant. I loved math, I believed I was smart enough to figure out the economics piece (eventually), and most importantly I knew they made a lot more money than a teacher (which is what I wanted to be from the time I was five)! One year into college I saw that yellow sign "DETOUR AHEAD". My grandmother passed away unexpectedly and I began spending a lot of time with my extended family in preparation for her service and then afterward bringing company to my grandfather. It was my mom who noticed that I'd spend most of my time with my younger cousins. One day she laid it out plain and simple: "Sarah, why don't you just become a teacher? It's what you've always wanted to do, and you're good with children." I'm sure a lot of thought went into my change of heart, but at this point all I can remember saying is "Okay." And off to be a teacher I went!

 

There have been smaller detours along my journey to where I am now, but all have made an impact in my life. A few weeks before I was to begin my student teaching in Richland, my supervisor called to tell me that my teaching assignment had fallen through, but "don't worry, we'll get you placed." DETOUR AHEAD! Sure enough I was placed in Kennewick with two of the finest teachers, Connie Hilty and Sharon Frymier, whom I'm eternally grateful to for teaching me what it takes to be successful in the classroom. Through this experience I got a full time teaching job at one of the best schools around. One day Connie opens her mouth.....DETOUR AHEAD...."Have her ever thought about being a principal?" Hmmm, sounds like a good idea. And off I went to get my Master's Degree and Admininstration Certificate. And just think, I could've been a certified accountant by now!

 

So far, these detours haven't been so terrible. Even when they've began as a loss, new life was found. The end destination became more clear, the routes were never too far off course and there was little anxiety over those signs posted on my journey. As my life plan had included, I met a handsome, kind, and smart man, fell in love, got married, bought a house, had a beautiful baby girl, Natalie Dawn...on cruise control. No detours for me! I was a wife, mother, and a teacher. And just when I thought life was on course...

 

This next DETOUR AHEAD was the most unpleasant detour, yet taught me the most about life's precious gift. In the fall of 2009 my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. A mamogram turned into a biopsy, which then turned into a diagnosis of cancer. The unknown was what ultimately controlled this journey. This detour was down a long, dark windy road with few street light. Nobody could see too far ahead to reassure themselves that we would be safe. My heart ached for my mom, for the fear that she had which she tried to hide from us, for the unknown in the path to hopeful treatment, and the trauma that her body and spirit would endure on this journey. I wanted everybody from my family off of this road. Find another detour, turn around, just make it better. My mom was strong in her faith, strong in spirit and showed me that although this detour was dark and terrifying, there is a light to follow. A light that will show you the way to be brave. This was God's plan and we needed to learn from it. Learn to love eachother today, learn to appreciate the gift of life, learn to treat ourselves and others well, and have faith in our creator. The detour has lots of light now; we can see clearly and we're so very thankful that God's plan has included Mom to be in our lives today, healthy and loving.

 

During this time I began teaching full time again. I bring a lot of stress on all by myself. Some people, whom I'm very envious of, can control their stress. They can identify the triggers, know how to avoid it and when unavoidable, can ultimately diffuse it. I'm not one of those people. To me, teaching full time is stressful. I felt I was not being a good teacher, a good wife and most importantly a good mother. I was craving a detour sign with all my being. Please, please, please allow me to change my course. This road is too bumpy, too many turns, too many distractions! Once Kevin and I decided that I'd quit my teaching job and have another child, the anxiety was gone. The stress had been removed. Thank you, God, for allowing this detour in my life. The course on the map did not show all of the potholes and the damage they would cause. Thank you for allowing me to get back onto the "right" course for me, for I know the plan for my life now...

 

DETOUR AHEAD - You guessed it! Twins! After crying for about 24 hours after hearing those words, I finally came to the realization that indeed this was not the course I had anticipated, but here I go, turning down a new and unfamiliar road with many new obstacles (none of which appeared on my laminated map). Not only was this journey on an unknown road, there was no end point. There was no destination. My life course had changed and I didn't have time to think about the future. Every moment was lived in the here and now. With the difficult pregnancy my detour was not pleasant and I could not fully prepare for the two new lives that would enter our family. My body was given a detour (and is still trying to figure out what happened!) and it felt as if I was simply in the passenger seat for this journey, no longer able to control my path. I knew that God was in the driver's seat and that even though I didn't know where I was going, He would get me there safely. He would show me where I was suppose to be and give me everything I needed to be successful.

My most recent detour was going back to work. I was very uncertain of this path and although the road ahead of me was not blocked or under construction, there was an optional detour that I just had to discover. Once I turned down this new road, the anxiety set in. What am I doing? That other road was smooth, straight and I could drive while holding my coffee. Now I'm on this road that seems to take turns out of nowhere, has bumps and dips without any warning signs and I'm spilling my coffee all over myself! Why did I do this? Why did I take this road??? But I can't turn back so on I trek... Oh wait, it's straightening out. And look, I just missed the signs for those dips and bumps. Wait, this isn't so bad! Further down the road I begin to notice how pleasant the drive is and realize that this road, this detour, has turned into an amazing drive. It's full of generous, helpful, loving people. I'm surrounded by small groups of children with whom I can be creative with while teaching some of my favorite subjects. What an amazing detour!

 

My precious boys arrived two years ago. This detour has been the most significant in my life and has taught me so many valuable lessons over the past couple of years. Children live in the present. They don't think about the chores they need to do in coming days, the appointments, the bills, the shopping, all of the planning that goes into "life". These boys have taught me to not focus soley on the destination. Don't hold out for that end point to baske in, baske in the journey of life as it appears at your bedside table each morning. The journey, the detour is what makes life special; it's Gods' plan for you. His laminated map has treasures to bring you so much more joy than you could have ever imagined. I won't say that when those DETOUR AHEAD signs pop up on my path I won't feel anxiety and fear. But I hope that at this point I know that those signs mean that God has something to teach me, to share with me, and to help me grow as a person. It's been difficult to allow a navigator to join me on my journey, but He seems to know what is best for me and my family. Detour ahead should also mean "just wait to discover God's next gift!"

 

Just Nod and Say Yes.

As the boys, Natalie and I venture out of the house more, we tend to attract some attention from other people. Most of the attention is good because I will only take my children out of the house at times that I know they are well rested, their belly's are full of food and they are frankly sick of being at home. If those three requirements have not been met, there is a very slim chance that they will be going anywhere except a quick drive through errand with me. Due to various interactions with complete strangers I've learned to quickly nod and say yes to whatever they ask me. The answer no tends to throw them off and they quickly ask more questions or try to give me advice. If I agree or say yes to what they ask it's as if I'm validating their thoughts.

Here are the most common questions or statments I hear while we're out:

• Boy, you have your hands full! (Yes, yes I do. Thank you for reminding me.)
• You're a busy mom! (Yes. And thank you for helping me.)
• How do you do it? (Nod. They really don't want to hear how much of a struggle it is to get two infants and a toddler Into the car, out of the car, into a store, and back into the car.)
• Are they twins? (Yes, yes they are.)
• Are they identical? (Yes. I just started saying yes to this just to play with them.)
• Is this the big sister? (Yes. What gave it away?)
• You're a brave woman. (Yes. As if I have a choice in the matter.)
• Do they sleep well? (Yes.)
• They are such good children. (Yes. I give my children consequences for poor behavior. More people should try it.)
• They look so happy! (Yes, but you should have seen them 20 minutes ago.)
• They don't look alike. (Yes.)
• This one (Everett) must look like his dad. (Yes.)
• This one (Tristan) looks like you. (Yes.)
• What's the age difference? (Really? Does it really matter?)
• Who's older? (Once again, does it really matter?)
• Did you know you were having twins? (Yes. They have these things called ultrasounds.)
• Do they like eachother? (Yes. They have no choice.)
• Do twins run in your family? (Yes. Is that a polite way to ask if I took fertility meds?)
• I know a few sets of twins. (Nod. Such a small world.)
• My friend has twins. (Nod. Well then you're an expert.)
• I see a lot of twins these days. (Yes. We often venture out of our caves.)
• Will you have more children? (Yes. We want at least three more sets of twins.)

So after NUMEROUS times of being asked these questions and actually chatting with some people, I'm done. Whatever they ask I'll just say yes and walk away. Most of the time I don't even look people in the eyes at stores, especially if I know they're staring at the boys. It's just easier for everyone. I'm either perceived as a snob, as a flighty woman with too much on her mind, or just plain rude. Oh well.

I think I've just come across too many people who really don't know what to say but want to say something to acknowledge that our family is not typical. I have only appreciated one comment from a complete stranger, and this may seem odd. I was in an elevator with the kids and this woman steps in. We go through the whole... "Are they twins? Yes, yes they are. How old are they? They just turned one. (This is what I love) Boy, I think I'd shoot myself if I had to do what you do! My sentiments exactly some days!

One Year in #s

One Year in Numbers:

5 hours of labor

1 minutes between birth of babies

2 healthy babies

5 lb 9 oz - Tristan

5 lb 7 oz - Everett

2 days in NICU

4 days in hospital

362 days at home (leap year!)

6200 diapers (avg 7/day/baby)

20+ Costco boxes of diapers

20+ Costco boxes of wipes

$1020 on diapers

$700 on wipes

2-3 outfits/day for first six months

1-2 outfits/day for last six months

3 loads of laundry/week on avg. (just for the boys)

$400-500 worth of clothes (I didn't really keep track, but I don't doubt that I spent on average about $40-50/month....don't tell Kevin!)

4 boxes of clothes grown out of and handed off - no need to keep!!!!

Countless number of socks unaccounted for

1 shoe left in Walmart (not worth going back for after the kids are already buckled in the car!)

1 month of breastfeeding

$3000 on formula

50 ounces of formula mixed/day

25 boxes of rice cereal

1825 bottles washed

12 bottles of dishsoap bought ($50)

15 bottle brushes bought ($50)

2 very chapped/dry hands

15 bottles bought

5 months of Tristan's colic/reflux

3 doctors visited for Tristan's colic/reflux

3 medications for Tristan's reflux

5 formulas tried before resorting to Nutramigen

4 months of Tristan sleeping (or NOT) on his back before resorting to his stomach.....ahhhh sleep!!

3-4 hours of sleep/night for first three months (Kevin & I)

5-6 hours of sleep/night for next five months

7-8 hours of sleep/night for next two months

6-7 hours of sleep/night for last two months (teething!)

10 teeth

10+  love bites from the boys

4 bites that left marks on each other

6 different medications filled

2 infections

4 colds

0 flu

8 vaccines

1 birthday

2 demolished cakes

2 happy little boys

and let's not forget..........
ONE ADORING, CARING, HELPFUL SISTER!

Happy Birthday Tristan & Everett!!!!

There has to be more.....

Reflections on my birthday.....

I have full confidence that God gave me thirty-two years of life experiences to prepare me for my thirty-third year of life. This life I lead is more challenging than I thought it would be. I’ve never taken the “easy” route to do anything. That should be clarified; I take the easy route but tend to make the easy route more difficult than it needs to be. I’ve always expected more. I expect things to be more challenging or difficult, most likely because I’ve never seemed to gain a true sense of self-confidence in my abilities.

I’m told that as a child I was very determined. I’m also told that I was quite bossy, which explains my daughter’s current behavior! Growing up was always the goal….there could be nothing better than being a grown up. I think my determination in accomplishing things and making things more difficult was a way for me to be more grown up. I could never shake the thought of “there has to be more to life than this.” My parents were amazing role models for me. They are the reason I had this determination to be grown up. They looked like they had it all figured out, and I wanted that. I wanted responsibility, people to depend on me, to be able to support and comfort others, and for others to look at me with admiration. In short, I wanted to be my parents.

It wasn’t until late in high school that I finally realized I was capable of more than I gave myself credit for.  I was finally able to take on more responsibility and succeed. I definitely realized this when during my senior year of high school I was told I couldn’t take my second semester of accounting. I instead was required to take consumer economics, where they basically show you how to balance a checkbook. I was so disappointed that I asked my accounting teacher if I could do all of the work for the accounting class, but not be enrolled. I think she was shocked that somebody wanted to add more classes to their schedule, yet not get any credit. I completed the class and look back on it as a turning point, a point that I learned that I could accomplish more than what was expected of me. Once again, I seemed to think “there has to be more to this….”

I don’t think I had any obstacles in college. The degree I chose was not the most stressing or difficult to obtain. Monetarily, I’m still paying for it…..  For the most part the expectations of my academics were pretty low in general. I didn’t really learn anything and kept thinking “there has to be more to this.”

I began teaching and thought “there has to be more to this” so I began my Master’s program. I loved the challenges put in front of me – learning about school leadership and challenging myself to learn more and do more. One again I wanted a challenge…..there has to be more.

Maybe that’s why I fell in love with Kevin. He’s challenging and I’ve come to realize that’s what I love! I’ve always been told that relationships aren’t always easy and marriage is not different. Kevin and I have worked for seven years at our relationship. We’re still learning about each other and how to adapt to our growing family. Even though it’s a challenge, it’s the best challenge because it has the most amazing results.

Three of those results are our amazing children. When Natalie was born, the challenge of motherhood commenced. I will say now that she was a fairly easy baby. I would not have muttered these words before now. The combination of slight colic and definite inexperience on my part made me believe that Natalie was a difficult child. Thankfully God showed me what difficult REALLY was this past year! Once again, as Natalie grew, I began thinking “there has to be more.” This was a different feeling than before. It was more of a feeling of “there has to be more of this amazing love to share.” Although we planned on having one more child, God graced us with two healthy boys. God heard my cry of “there has to be more” and He delivered.

Today on my birthday I’m reflecting on how in the world I became a thirty-three year old woman with a four year daughter, eleven month old twin boys, a loving husband, a happy home and the opportunity to stay home to enjoy all of these blessings. As I sit here while my kids are screaming with joy, chasing each other around and laughing at the fact that they’re just plain silly, I don’t feel that sense of “there has to be more.” I know this is what that yearning was. This is the time in my life I’ve been longing for. There really is no more to life than a happy, healthy family whom you love more than anything you could ever express or explain. This is the life. This is what God had envisioned for me and I am so blessed to not only have it but to fully comprehend how blessed I am to be able to have the life that I do. I pray that my children continue to grow and remain healthy, my marriage continues to enrich my life, and that all those that support our family know how grateful and blessed we are to have them in our lives. What birthday blessings I’m experiencing today. It has taken me thirty three years to finally feel that there really is no more than this. This, this, this is what celebrating life is all about.

Spring is Coming!!!!!

It seems as though I don’t have time to update this blog. The boys are getting easier to take care of, yet I have less time now than I ever have. I can no longer put them in swings or bouncers or simply on the floor and walk away to get something done. From the time I get up in the morning until the time I lay down at night, there’s at least one child needing my attention. Let’s just say that I feel very loved.

Now for the individual reports:

Tristan

When the boys were a mere three or four months old Natalie named them Bug and Grug. Tristan was aptly named Grug because of his growling and grunting. We say now that he truly defines the non-defined word Grug. Tristan is a rough and tumble kid. He has no fear, no hesitation, and is determined beyond belief to get what he wants. He continues with his funny growling and grunting which makes him even more “Grug-like”. Speed crawling is his specialty. Sometimes he even goes so fast that his legs get ahead of him and he nose-dives into the floor, arms still flailing. It’s quite a site. You would think a such described child would be independent and adventurous. If I am not in sight, this is the case. If I’m anywhere in sight, he feels the need to hunt me down and hang on me until I pick him up. Then I must carry him with me everywhere I go and NEVER put him down. There will be screaming and tears the moment I put him down, especially if I walk away afterward. I love my child, but having a 22 pound growth on me is not my idea of fun. Once he becomes entertained while not around me, he loves to push his walker or laundry basket or whatever else is accessible. He gets a look of pure joy and self-admiration on his little face when he does something he’s proud of. He’s a great eater and enjoys most everything I put in front of him. He can clap and raise his hands when asked “How big is Tristan?”. It’s extremely cute.

Everett

Everett is my baby baby. He still has baby mannerisms, the oh so soft skin, the fine silky hair, the cooing, and the need to cuddle. He’s not aggressive like his brother, thank the Lord! Everett continues to be the happiest baby I’ve ever encountered. He’s simply happy if he’s not tired or hungry. Although lately he’s become more agitated. This is partly due to his first tooth appearing and us trying to get him to crawl. He can get up onto all fours and rock, but then has no idea what to do afterward. You can tell that he wants to crawl because he cries when he can’t get anywhere. He’s a master roller. His main form of mobility is by rolling. He can get anywhere he wants by flipping himself around. It’s pretty comical to watch. When he’s feeling vocal he squeals and screams in pitches that I think only dogs can hear sometimes. He’s beginning to copy sounds and finds this very entertaining. He’s less fond of food than his brother. At meal time, he’ll humor me with a few bites, but then shakes his head no and that’s it. There’s no chance of getting more food into the child.  Everett has also discovered that when he puts his mouth on something then blows air an interesting sound is produced. Whether he has a ball or the arm of the couch, he’ll make all sorts of noises. I have a feeling he may be a musical child. He loves making new sounds either by hitting or kicking something, shaking something, or simply by using his voice. He moves his hands in a very rhythmic way. He may be our only child with rhythm.

Natalie

I’m having a very difficult time believing that Natalie will be four years old in a mere four weeks. How did this happen? It’s definitely difficult to carve out some time to spend with just Natalie. I’m always doing something for the boys; feeding, clothing, changing diapers, making food, doing laundry, etc. That leaves little time to spend with Natalie. I feel as though I’ve missed the whole year with her. I can clearly remember her first three years of life; her cute sayings, the way she played, her inquisitive nature. Her fourth year of life is a blur. I guess that’s what happens when you’re attention is divided. She’s still very inquisitive, always asking us “why?” and “how?”. She loves taking care of her babies. She’s a very good mommy to them. She’s getting a bit frustrated with Tristan. Her once safe toys and belongings are no longer safe, unless they are put up high or in her room. It’s a hard lesson to learn for a three year old. It’s also hard to make sure that all of her belongings are picked up off the floor, especially the small ones that pose as a choking hazard. She loves playing with her brothers. When she and Tristan play with each other, they’re hilarious. They are very similar to each other and laugh at each other. I love it when they’re both crawling around on the floor then semi-wrestling with each other. Both are laughing hysterically, which then makes Everett laugh. The best sound ever is when all three of my kids are laughing deep belly laughs! Natalie continues to love school and is excited each week to learn about the new letter. By the time she gets home from school on Thursday, she’s already figured out which item she’s going to bring a week later for next week’s letter sharing. Last week they learned about the letter p, so on Thursday she came home and figured out they’d learn about the letter q this week. She thought for a moment then said “Oh, I know! I’ll bring my qu-qu-question mark next week.” I love this kid! She's beginning to add and subtract and can usually read three letter words like bag, dig, sit, dog, etc. We love doing crafts together. Each month we look online for craft ideas. Then we make a trip to Michaels to pick up supplies. Then throughout the month we work on the crafts we’ve picked out. She loves creating.

Things that make my heart smile:

When Tristan is tired enough to rest his head on my shoulder.

When all three kids are laughing.

When we sit at the dinner table together.

Watching Tristan use his balance to stand up or get down from things

Watching Everett in the bouncer jumping away

Listening to Natalie talk to her babies

Looking at any of my kids smiling at me

Watching all three kids swinging on the swingset

Things that make my heart sad:

Knowing that the kids won’t remember this time

Watching any of my kids cry (true cries, not the “I want something” cry)

Kevin not being home during the week, not being able to appreciate or notice the small victories of the day

Not being able to comfort more than one child at a time

The Holidays and New Milestones

December brought a lot of excitement to our house. Natalie sang in her very first concert, the boys experienced Christmas for the first time (not that they noticed), and Kevin was able to stay home for eighteen days. It was difficult for all of us when he went back to work. We’re thankful that he has a job in which he’s able to spend so much time at home during the holidays. Although with three little ones at home, we don’t get all the “to do list” items done that we’d like. It was enough just to be home as a family though.

Natalie’s Christmas Program

Natalie’s preschool, Noah’s Ark, put on their annual holiday concert featuring the best and brightest three and four year olds in town. I don’t know how those teachers got a group of over 60 toddlers to stand in one place and sing to a crowd of adoring parents and friends! Natalie was absolutely thrilled. We took a special shopping trip to buy her a dress. Of course I pick out the fancy holiday dresses with black velvet tops and full shiny red or green skirts. To humor Natalie we picked up the dress she wanted and took that as well to the dressing room. This dress was varying shades of purple, had silver glitter all over it, rouching in the middle…..not the “holiday” dress I pictured her in, but we must humor the three year old. In the dressing room, she humors me by trying on all of the fancy dresses I picked out and has reactions of “Oh, that’s nice” or “I think it’s okay” or “Yeah, maybe” then quickly took them off. When we got her purple dress, she puts it on, twirls around, giggles uncontrollably, jumps up and down and squeals. How do you argue with a reaction like that? So Mom’s dreams of the perfect holiday dress were replaced with a vision even more beautiful, a very happy little girl. Who am I kidding? She looks beautiful no matter what she wears! She even picked out some silver glitter covered dress shoes to go with her sparkly dress. There’s just one thing that we didn’t get…..shorts to wear under the dress.

While preparing for the concert, I remind her to keep her skirt down. She has the tendency to grab her skirt and flip it around when she get excited. I reminded her over and over again that she can’t do that on stage because everybody would see her panties. In the car on the way to the concert, we have the same discussion. When we get to the church, once again we have this discussion. Strangely she is one of the shorter students in her class. Luckily the shorter kids were placed up front. Do you see where this is going? Yes, indeed. She did well through most of the concert but toward the end she just couldn’t help it and up comes the skirt. What can you do but laugh? Oh to be a three year old! She still talks about her concert and goes around the house singing her songs. We bought her a karaoke machine for Christmas and she absolutely loves singing her songs. We have about 60 Raffi songs and about 40 Dora songs memorized at this point, and I’m talking about Kevin and I!

Tristan & Everett

It’s hard to believe that next week marks eight months of feeding, diapering, clothing, cleaning, etc, etc, etc. The boys are growing both physically and developmentally.

Everett is now very study and stable when he sits on his own. He’ll sit for a half hour to 45 minutes just playing with (chewing on) his toys. He especially likes sitting and watching his sister dance around and act silly. She loves playing peek-a-boo with him, and basically doing anything to make him laugh. He has the sweetest laugh. It just sounds so genuine.

He has begun “talking” more with his usual “aaaaa dadadadada” and his very high pitch squealing. I swear sometimes only dogs can hear him! After he squeals he’ll look at you and either give you a big grin or giggle. It’s one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen, or heard. He’s a pro at rolling over and will roll across the room with ease. At one point he was more mobile than Tristan just by rolling.

Everett continues to be a finicky eater. We feel as though we have to force him to finish a five ounce bottle. Somehow he knows when he’s finished three ounces. He squirms, screams and pushes the bottle out forcefully. It then takes another hour for him to finish the last two ounces. He’s proving to be quite finicky with solid food as well. He’ll eat maybe two tablespoons of oatmeal if I put cinnamon and sugar in it. I try to put some fruit in with the oatmeal, but that doesn’t always work out. I’m not pushing it though. He’ll eat when he’s ready. He’s kind of like his father in the fact that you’re not going to rush him into anything. He’ll do things in his own time.

Tristan continues to be a brute. He’s our twenty pound butterball. Tristan’s eating habits haven’t changed too much. He’ll pretty much eat anything you put in his mouth. He finishes six ounce bottles with ease and will easily have solid food not long after that. So far he enjoys eating applesauce, pears, mangos, bananas, sweet potatoes, carrots, and squash. I tried making some peas and green beans, but I don’t think I cooked them long enough and the texture was pretty rough. He didn’t really enjoy that. Now I’m a bit afraid to introduce them again. I think I’m just lazy!

Tristan is on the brink of crawling. For the past few weeks he’s been getting onto all fours and rocking, then lunging. He moves around pretty efficiently. It’s almost as if he just can’t take the time to figure out the whole crawling technique. This child is always on the move, always finding exactly what he shouldn’t be getting into, and always heads straight for the box of wipes. We’ll put the box on the bottom shelf of our entertainment unit and he’ll try to climb in there just to get the box. He’s even bonked his head on the upper shelf trying to get in. His newest trick got him in trouble this week. We usually put him on the floor in the seated position. He’s somewhat learned how to get onto his belly from that position. I saw somewhat because he basically throws himself on the floor. On Wednesday he threw himself on the floor, only to find a toy where he landed. I heard the bonk, then heard the unbearable cry. I think I’m a pretty tough mom and don’t get too emotional when my kids are crying (they cry a lot, so I have to have some thick skin or else I’d be a wreck!). This cry was not like any other cry. I grabbed him and he buried his head in my neck and would NOT let go. Here come the mommy tears! I knew he was okay, but this genuine outcry really affected me. He had two red bumps on his eyebrow for a day, but seems to be fine.

The biggest milestone for Mister T is the addition of his first two teeth! I didn’t really notice the first one coming up and my mom actually felt it first. But since that once came, the next one has been pretty painful for him. He’s a more irritable kid than most I’d say, then to add teething on top of that has been exhausting. He hasn’t been sleeping well at night, is very irritable during the day, hasn’t been taking very good naps……just when things were getting easier!