Flowers, Foliage, Laughing

Memorial Weekend... the start of summer, which is ironic because it typically rains over the weekend. We got a bit ahead of it and only had one day of rain. We had an absolutely beautiful day on Saturday and we made good use of it by finally getting the garden and garden items prepared. We took a family trip to Lowe's and Runnings to get plants and then took the afternoon to get everything in the ground. Was a little harder than anticipated because of all the "help" that we had but it was fun to see them excited about the plants too. If only we could figure out how to get them to quit pulling on them.

We also celebrated the blooms finally coming out on the trees. They usually make their appearance over E's birthday but they were a bit late to show up - I blame the cool spring, it was a bit late to make an appearance as well.

Ainsley and I have one week left of maternity leave to savor... I took the whole month of May on a part time basis to ease into motherhood and having a clan of 5. I've needed it. This maternity leave has been different than my past - I took a long time, I didn't work or take things home or plan a 500 person conference, and I held a baby - sometimes for hours. Sometimes because I wanted to and sometimes because she insisted. I'm sad our time is coming to an end. This week I got my last first baby laugh... she's not too generous with them yet so even though I worked for it, I'm glad I was able to capture it.

On Monday, we headed out to the farm to check out Granma and Granpa's kitties. Longhair had them in the garage, under the stairs while they weren't looking and they are so dang cute. E fell in love immediately. G just yelled and pointed at them the whole time - calling them Lolas. That afternoon, we had E's three year old pictures at the capitol. I'm excited to see what she captured - I feel like she had some good smiles versus just the scary cheese face so I'm hopeful.

Getting ready in the morning.

ALR: I don't usually wake up before you.

MJR: I was tired.

ALR: I get it.

MJR: Your son was up a lot last night.

ALR: I know... I was up with him 3 times.

MJR: AND that damn balloon.

ALR: What?

MJR: At 11:00 last night the string started floating across my face and I thought bugs were crawling all over my face. 

ALR laughing

MJR: It's not funny.

ALR: How'd you figure out it wasn't bugs?

MJR: I grabbed across my face and felt the string and realized it was one of Eleanor's birthday balloons.

ALR still laughing.

MJR: It is not that funny.

ALR: I had wondered where that went off too.

Fresh Paint

So we thought spring was here but it's been a drop in temps again and chilled. We had to turn the furnace on again even. The hard part was it made for a long weekend because the rain and wind and cold kept us inside all weekend. We should be glad, we missed the snow that hit the western side of the state.

It was a pretty lowkey week. I'm still going to work part-time on maternity leave, which I'll admit is hard. It's way easier to stay home and have baby snuggles and sleep in and then at the end of the day get a meal ready vs go into the office and focus. Ainsley is getting used to the office, there was a few afternoons where she had a couple names but we are still getting used to the schedule and the environment.

The weekend didn't go as planned. Especially when E (with G as her cheerleader) decided to take permanent marker and write up the walls, herself, and Grady. Mad Mom may be an understatement. Either way, she didn't get to go to the paint store - which she took very hard. We now have newly painted walls. The bright spot is that Matt and I like how the new color on the walls look - it just wasn't done on our time when we would have liked.

We did have an incredibly peaceful meal out at Wendy's which always shocks us and Matt made me smoked fish dip - which is the closest we are going to get to Key West any time soon. E made a face and wouldn't really try it. G devoured it... the boy has my tastebuds. He also enjoyed beef wellington and swordfish this weekend.

Warning: heavy use of the word "poop"
ALR: Eleanor, you are wearing panties, so no pooping in them. If you poop in the potty, you can pick some candy from your bucket.
EER runs upstairs
5 minutes later
EER doesn't have to poop but wants to for the candy.
EER: DADDY, PUSH MY POOP DOWN!!!
MJR: Eleanor, I can't push your poop down, it will just come.
EER: PUSH MY POOP DOWN!!
EER: HELP ME!
This goes on for 4 minutes.
GRR goes into bathroom.
MJR puts GRR on potty.
EER: GRADY IS POOPING!!
MJR looks: Yes, Grady is pooping.
MJR: Keep pushing, Grady!
EER: I WANT TO POOP!
EER: push my poop down!!!
MJR comes out of the bathroom: This is our life!
EER continues crying

Threenager, Band, Pizza, Party

It was a BIG week in our house.

It was the last week of having Three Under Three... but we'll get to that later.

It was also the first week back to work - on a part time basis. Ainsley and I aren't impressed by this upset to our schedule. The first day back was actually supposed to be my second day back. On Monday, I dealt with my turn at the flu. On Tuesday, we got out of the house on time but the entire way to work, she cried. I couldn't even be mad. On Wednesday, we had a better run but after she woke up from a morning nap, I noticed she had spit up on herself. Sure, it's nice to be a productive member of society, who showers everyday but it's hard to believe we are back to reality already.

On Friday, we were in full birthday mode. We went out for pizza, per the birthday girl's request, at A & B Pizza and then afterwards, we went to the band day parade. They liked the candy gathering.

On Saturday, it was her birthday. We put balloons outside her door - her reaction made us chuckle - she almost seemed mad that they were there! Kept asking why they were there! Matt gave her her flower - she got somewhat shy about it - different from the previous years. We had pancakes for breakfast per her request and she got her first present from us - an owl purse.

We had her party midday. This little girl should feel so loved. Most of her guests traveled over 30 minutes to see her... John, Allison, and Oliver flew in for the day (MN), Wendy (KS) brought Grandma Elaine, Shantelle and Alice came from Dickinson, both sets of Grandparents traveled in too. The only ones who didn't have too far to come were her Aunt, Uncle & Amanda, and Great Grandma Dar. It so nice to see people in her life care about her. We went full Threeranosaurus Rex. All the kids (Even Ainsley) got dinosaur tails - was cute to watch them play together with them on. Would have been better if the weather would have cooperated as it was a bit cold and damp but it was a beautiful day. We were finally able to get the bounce house out late in the afternoon.

Sunday was Mother's Day. It was pretty lowkey. Did things around the house, went to Sam's club, and afternoon naps for everyone. I think we all needed it after a crazy week. We ended the day with E's final present from us.. a fishing pole. Matt and her went out to the lake to try it out. They didn't catch any fish but a school of turtles was flirting and visiting with them. It made me laugh that she took her other gift from us with her... her crossbody owl purse.

Other highlights of the week:
Grady has started saying Eleanor's name and it may be the cutest thing I've seen.

Eleanor's favorite thing to do is hold Ainsley's hand when they are in the car together.

Eleanor got her hair trimmed.


Friday morning
ALR: Eleanor, do you want to take cupcakes to daycare to celebrate your birthday with your friends?
EER: YES!! My Birthday!
Brings cupcakes out.
EER and GRR go wild: Hooray! (clapping)
ALR: Dad will carry them to daycare for you.
MJR loads up EER and backs out of the driveway.
EER: DAD! WAIT! DON'T LEAVE - my CUPCAKES!
MJR: I need to buckle Grady in before I can grab your cupcakes. I won't leave them
EER gives side eyes.
MJR: I promise.
EER: Don't forget my cupcakes.

The third Mother's Day

This is my third Mother's Day. Each Mother's Day that I've celebrated, I've celebrated with a new baby. Next year, we break that tradition.

This year it's weird to think that I have a barely three year old, a one and a half year old, and a two month old... I'm like a hardcore mom. I have changed three bad diapers in a row, on three different kids all within a 5 minute span of time. I've caught puke in my hand. I've smelled more butts than I care to admit. I've picked noses that weren't mine. I've used my spit to clean a dirt face. I've used the quintessential mom phrases: Because I said so. Because I'm the mom. Only Mom can talk to Dad like that. Because Moms know these things. Where is your father? Talk to your dad. I've cried for hurts that could be and for hurts that are. I've rocked for hours. I've argued about wardrobe choices. I've gone through hostage negotiations over a meal. I've dropped to the floor and crawled out of a room hoping they don't see me. I've slept on a floor. I've hid in their beds - because they weren't in it, so it must be a safe sleeping zone. I've paid one of them to pee in the potty. I've begged for a nap. I've done approximately 8,729 swaddles - to which can almost be perfection. I've sorted clothes by size and organized their wardrobes more times than I planned. I've kissed owies. I've affixed bandaids. I've supplied ice packs. I've swept eggs off the floor and rice. I've swept the table onto the floor because it's just easier sometimes. I've read a billion books. I've unintentionally memorized books. I've researched art projects. I know the entire cast of Peppa Pig. And I've said things that I never thought I'd have to, repeatedly: Quit drinking the tub water. Quit picking your nose. Quit licking your sister. We don't pull on the cat. We don't play in the toilet. Where is your diaper? Quit sucking your toothbrush. What did I just say? That is not how we sit on the toilet. Your shoes are still on the wrong feet. Get _____ out of your mouth!


Every day is not easy. Some days are really hard. Some days I'm a meh mom at best. But every day I love the three that call me mom. Every day I think of them and how I can give them what they need - how I can ease any pain - how I can be there for them - how I can show them the world. I live for the little moments... when E can't wait to show me something and her chatter gets going so fast she can't keep up with herself, when G puts those little arms around me at night and gives me a little smooch, when A wakes up in the morning and she sees my face and I get the biggest grin.

To my children on Mother's Day -
Thank you for changing my world.
Love you,
Mama

To my threenager...

Dear My Oldest Girl -

Today you are three - and I'm amazed. I feel like just the other day we brought you home from the hospital. You are growing so much and you light up a room. You tell me stories, you ask me questions, you look around the world with a tenacity that makes me wonder. It has been a joy to watch you grow up. I will admit, some days we struggle. Your sass, your will, and your fire often can get the best of you and of me but I know that you are growing and learning. This year, I wish for you to learn more about the world around you. I want you to experience things - to touch, to see, to laugh. I know that you will have hurts and frustrations and I will be there to navigate them with you as you grow.

This past year I have been making your bed for you everyday. I straighten the sheets, put on the blanket, arrange the animals. I do this everyday. You notice it. Sometimes, you even help. Sometimes I get the sweetest "thank you for making my bed, Mama." I do this simple act everyday because I want you to know that no matter what, you have your own space in this world that someone cares about to make for you. It sounds silly... something so simple to convey such a big message but I know one day you'll make your own bed. You probably won't even remember that I used to make your bed but today and yesterday and probably tomorrow I make your bed so you have a warm, sweet place pf your very own to lay your head, read your books, talk to your animals and that you know I helped make it possible.

I love you, my sweet girl -
Thank you for being you -

Mama

Puke

Our week started at 1:00 on Monday.
Grady is a horrid night sleeper and usually wakes up crying or restless at least once per night. Some nights, he'll go back down after gulping water but others will result in some back rubbing or convincing. We aren't sure if it's dreams, teeth, night terrors, sick, pain, thirst, hunger, what. Usually E sleeps right through it.. but not Monday. After we got him settled, I heard her come out of the room and I saw the bathroom light flicker on. My assumption: she thinks it's morning so she's decided to start her morning with some potty time and maybe some light reading - we've caught her doing this before so I wasn't too surprised.

Boy was I wrong, I walked into her sitting on the footstool surrounded by puke. That stunk. All over the floor. And she was still puking. Due to the extent of the scene, I called for reinforcements, put E in the tub, and we split the crime scenes. We ended up changing a couple Grady diapers before getting everyone back to sleep. In the meantime, Matt too puked - I was proud of him for making it in an easily cleaned situation that did not requiring a bed stripping. Ugh. So much for a little bug over the weekend. We all spent a day home together on Monday. Grady was well enough to go to daycare on Tuesday and Matt to work on Wednesday. Eleanor got hit the hardest. She puked the most and teaching the girl to puke in a bucket has not been the easiest. We started to finally get the hang of it a bit late Tuesday night. So much for a relaxing, productive final week of maternity leave. She finally was good enough on Thursday to go back... we waited until the afternoon just to be sure.

We had a picnic at the capitol again - complete with cupcakes. It was a beautiful Friday night!

The bug followed us a bit into the weekend hampering some Derby plans but instead we tried to get some stuff done around the house. Matt had a heavy concentration on the yard - getting the sprinklers going, replacing broken heads, aerating, weed and feed, pulling out the yard stuff. I attempted to clean the

house but then had the realization that the party is a whole week away and I live with a demolition team specializing in food distribution. 

EER holding ARR
MJR: Eleanor, you haftah be careful with Ainsley's head.
EER: I know, Dad, it's fragible. 

At the capitol. A couple guys leave the building.
EER: Look, PENGUINS!!
ALR: Honey, those aren't penguins, those are men... they are just that far away that they look little.

p.s. Our next week started very similar as I was puking at 1:22 on Monday morning. I made it to the bathroom.