Bye Bye, June

I’m not sure how it has happened, but June has flown by!  We have been spending our days swimming (if you ask the boys, they will tell you how they go to the bottom of the pool to get their rockets!!), going on vacation with family, and then recovering from being away (the recovery mode is not my favorite) . . . many of our days in between trips have looked something like this:

We talked in the car the other night about things that the boys hoped to do this summer.  William was hoping to be able to go to the doctor (what a great blessing that he loves his doctors and those outings!) and go see some animals.  Hudson wants to go to the beach.  Anna has just learned to clap and is so proud of herself, and she clapped right along as the boys spouted off their summertime ideas—she is such an encouraging and supportive little sis.  My WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL cousin, Cameron, is helping me wrangle the monkeys this summer, and her first day was on Monday.  I think it may have been one of the most productive days that we have had since having children.  She folded four baskets of laundry, swept the dining room, and made two out of the three parts for our dinner that night.  And, of course, the boys and Anna ADORE her.  It was a treat to be with her, and we are thrilled to see her each week this summer!  I am realizing, too, that the boys are 2.5 going on 13.  Yesterday, Hudson found the mostly-empty milk carton and tipped it up and began gulping away.  Today, he put his foot inside of his Fisher Price School Bus and we caught him just as he was about to “skate” across the den floor. 

And, William has a major case of the “whys?”  He wants to know what everything is and why things are the way they are.  It is quite cute but not necessarily the fastest way to go through our day.  And, he is also quite skilled with my iphone.  I feel certain that in another week or so he will be teaching me how to use it.  Today, at the doctor’s office, William asked the doctor if he could use her computer (it’s a touch-screen with a pen) and she kindly obliged.  He moved the pen all over the screen making “tiny circles” all over the place.  It is amazing to see how fast these boys learn and how eager they are to explore!

I’m playing a big game of catch up in all areas of life right now, and I’m hoping to look back on some of our June fun very soon!  Stay tuned!

Our Three Stooges

I caught them in the act, but they were completely unfazed . . . the littlest one actually thought the whole thing was quite hilarious!

A recent conversation that we’ve had repeatedly has gone like this:

me:  Please do not do that, William and (or?) Hudson!  Okay?  Yes, Ma’am?

them:  No Ma’am!  (in sweet, normal voices, and continuing to do whatever it is that they are not supposed to do)

me:  William/Hudson, I asked you not to do that.  I need you to listen to Mommy.

them:  Me say No Ma’am, Mommy.  Me say No Ma’am!  (as though they are completely confused as to why I am bothered that they have not listened AT ALL!!  Didn’t I hear them tell me No Ma’am??) 

Please excuse the blur . . . these were taken on my phone, and please excuse the lack of posts lately.  I am in recovery from immersing myself back into my real life after several heavenly days at the beach with my sweet college friends, celebrating the glorious year of turning 30 (which, for the record, I am not yet 30) with great food, fantastic drinks, gorgeous views, and wonderful friends—without husbands or children.  Meanwhile, both my parents and Hatch’s parents helped Hatch hold down the fort around here.  I am so thankful for their help—I didn’t realize how much I needed this getaway until I was actually there.  I loved every minute of it!  Our vacation was so relaxing—I’m not sure when I was last that relaxed and rested for so many consecutive days!  It seems that the most interesting thing that happened while I was gone was that Daddy put on an early morning show for Anna as he chased a BAT around our living room (please do not even ask me why there was a bat in my HOME—something about our attic and a window and my suitcase not being there to block the crack under our door—technicalities, if you ask me!) wielding a tupperware bowl and lid and ducking to the ground every few seconds as to not have a physical encounter with the winged rodent—it seems that Little Miss thought this was quite entertaining.  She could not keep herself from belly-laughing at her Daddy’s sweet moves.  I am a tiny bit sad that I missed this myself . . . but, not that sad.  Fortunately for us all, I came home to a bat-free house and three sleeping babies late Sunday  night before my day job began again early Monday morning . . . and, well, here we are on Friday, and I am flat out exhausted.  SO VERY TIRED.  These three are so adorable and so much fun, and they wear me out each and every day!

This week, the boys have been very helpful to me—they love to take care of their sister, and she loves to be cared for by her sweet brothers!

And, we ventured out to Home Depot to get Daddy’s Father’s Day gift.  Because we cannot keep secrets or surprises, we already gave them to him!  As the boys handed Daddy his gifts, they revealed the contents of each one.  ha ha!  It was so funny and so sweet!

And, on that note, I’m off to bed!  Nighty Night!

ps:  my baby will be 8 (EIGHT) months old tomorrow.  What is happening?  How did we get here?  She does things like crane her neck forward in her car seat so she can see out of the window! 

And, she has developed QUITE a flare for the dramatic—I have no idea where she gets that from, but I tell you what:  This little lady is going to give us a RUN for our money in a way that we’ve not seen before.  I have a hunch that she has been sitting around our house for the last eight months taking in every single move that her brothers make.  Good thing she is so cute, because she is a tiny thing and is loud and cranks up the fake cry in a matter of SECONDS.  It is hilarious and shocking to me all at once.  And, she is just so sweet and so beautiful.  Oh, my love!

Life as we know it: in cell phone pics

Today was Tuesday.  Let’s just say that the afternoon followed the pattern of the crazed Tuesdays of the past.  Lots of potty accidents, lots of exhaustion, and lots of chaos.  The funniest part of today was William asking me if he can get back inside my tummy (like before he was born.) 

No, William. 

Why not, Mommy? 

It’s a one way ticket, buddy.  (says Daddy)

One of our friends is pregnant, and my boys are OBSESSED with talking about it.  Anyway, I have a million pictures to share, but I will start with some from my phone, for tonight . . .

Lately, we have been doing some of this . . . you know, having a Potty Party!  Who doesn’t want to celebrate Memorial Day with a Potty Party?

Yes, I bribe my children with special treats if they use the potty.  I am not ashamed. (these next two are not from my cell phone)

We also had a visit from Dr. Hudson over the weekend . . . he has a special skill of finding your “heart beep” in your hand.

We did a bit of snoozing . . .

And then we got all dressed for our time at the rivah:

My boys on the deck . . . (well, these aren’t from my cell phone either)

And Anna with her new best friend, Roger . . . I think she is saying look at me, Roger, LOOK AT ME!     

They became fast friends!

I’m pretty sure they would have taken a snooze together if we’d let them!

This is one of the best pictures of my rascals.  Daddy took it on his phone.  I love it.  LOVE IT.

Since we’ve been home, we’ve been playing

And spending lots of time outside (Sister scratched her cheek and nose.  I had to ground her for doing it.)

 

And, we love the pool . . .

Although having water in it is much more fun . . . the boys started what we’re calling Swimming School this week at a pool in the area.  Today, they went to the bottom and picked up a toy.  I COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES.  It was amazing.  I am going to try to get a video of them in action.  I have two little fish on my hands!

Sissy is exercising her chunky legs more and more . . . I just love those thighs!  Although, let me be clear:  I will cry myself a RIVER when this child begins to move on her own.  It will be a sad day for me.  Life as I know it will change.  Big Time.

And, her cheeks aren’t bad either!

I love this little lady!

Nighty Night!

the proof: it’s june

in case you doubted my feelings yesterday about the school year ending and my baby getting bigger, here is the proof . . .

small children wandering aimlessly through an already haphazard vegetable garden in their underwear {yes.  underwear.  help me, Lord.}

 

I have a hunch that this will be my most frequent view this summer:  jaybirds in the “home depot pond, with ducks.”  Why they call it that is beyond me.  There are no ducks.  We have never been to a Home Depot with a duck pond.  Perhaps it is a conglomeration of their favorite things?  ducks? ponds?  home depot?

PURE JOY in this boy’s eyes!

Sister would have played, too, but it was her dinnertime.   I’m not sure if you have heard, but she gets a little wild if she has to miss a meal.  And, we’re not the neatest of eaters this days—bibs or naked jaybird-style are a better way to go, I do think . . . oh well, at least we enjoy ourselves!

I forgot to mention yesterday that Little Miss now sits up tall and straight.  She has let the little adventurer within peek out as well . . . last week, she fell backwards in her crib and started cackling laughing.  When I sat her back up, she did it again . . . and again.  I fear I am seeing a tiny baby girl Hudson in my future.  Oh, please help me!   

She also calls out “da Da DA DAAA!” wherever we go.  It’s her long, unending cry for her #1 fan.  Lately, she acts shy around him, and if he doesn’t pay attention to her, she spits (yes—SPITS) until he turns his head her way!   

Fun in the pool!  Summer is here, and we are loving every minute so far.  We didn’t even blow up the pool until close to 5:30 tonight.  A mama’s gotta do something to pass the time while we wait for Daddy to get home.  Fun times ahead!

{sidenote: anyone know where i can get some inexpensive craft supplies?  googly eyes, construction paper, etc., etc., for my stock pile?}