Not too proud to call and ask

Called my dad's cell and said, "I will give you 100 bucks to take one of them."  He was quiet for a moment and said, "They're fighting?"  My response, "They are like two cats trapped in a paper bag fighting to the death."  He says, "I'll be there in a few minutes."........ 5 minutes later my phone rings, "Pulling out of the drive. Get LM's backpack ready."

People, I was about to lose it on Lil Man and Baby Boy last night.  They couldn't look at each other without hitting or biting or throwing.  I had a killer headache, and TH was walking out the door to go to work.  I. COULD. NOT. DO. IT.  Even after LM left, I was on the verge of texting a good friend to ask her to come over.  I felt that bad!  BB must have sensed Mommy was on the edge because he stayed right beside me and kept saying, "Mommy.  Mommy."  I would look at him with tears in my eyes and say, "What, baby?"

Then, the headache went away.  Praise be!  And I was able to get BB food for dinner and bathed.  Got TSD in bed snoozing away.  Played with BB for a few minutes and crawled into bed with him until he went to sleep.  Dozed for a bit myself because the house was quiet and my wild child was snuggled up to me.

Not one of my best days as a mother.  But not too proud to call and ask for help.  Pretty sure my dad heard the desperation in my voice.  I can laugh about it now but last night...... whoa baby, it was rough.

Just cute

I think they're freakin adorable!  Exhausting and at times absolutely exasperating..... but just so cute!

I might be a proud mama. Ha!

A chapter closing

There are five of us that make the group.  We call it Ladies' Night.  The first Thursday of every month we have dinner at one of our homes.  The host cooks the main meal with the remaining four of us bringing an appetizer, a side, a dessert and some sort of beverage.  Our husbands know they need to tread softly when messing with Ladies' Night.  We're neighbors, and we're friends.  We laugh. We talk.  We complain.  We realize.  We appreciate.  We keep it real.  We love.

We laugh at those around us and laugh at each other.

We talk about we we need to talk about. 

We complain about our families and our husbands.

We realize how lucky we are to have our families and our husbands.  Because really at the end of the day we don't have much to complain about.  But who doesn't need to vent and just be annoyed at times.  Who better to do that with than good girlfriends?!

We appreciate what we have with each other.

We keep each other real.  No big heads allowed in our group.  We tell it like it is.

We love.  This is probably the most important.  We have a love for each other.  For what each of us brings to our group.  Because one random group we are.

A chapter is closing.......

Three out of five of us have our houses for sale.  With a fourth eyeing a move pretty soon.  Before too long we won't be calling ourselves neighbors.  BUT we will always be friends!  We might not be living within a mile of each other but we'll a phone call, an email, a text, a long weekend apart.

A chapter is closing but my heart will always and forever have a special place for these ladies. 

Deciding Between

Two children crying.  One wanting to nurse.  The other having just thrown up.  It's the wee hours of the morning.  Having to decide between my children.  Which child do I chose?  The hungry one?  The sick one?  The first time I hurried to the sick one and let the baby cry.  I knew he was safe and would just end up more mad than anything.  The sick one was crying after having thrown up in his bed.  Crying for mommy.  The second time the sick one was crying as I was just finishing nursing the baby.  I had him on the brink of sleep so I made sure he was good and asleep before I went to his brother.  Knowing what was going to greet me.

One of the hardest things about being a mother of more than one child is having to decide.  There are times we have to made a decision to take care of or comfort one child over the other.  Do I love the child I pick more than the other?  No!  Is it a decision I wish I didn't have to make?  Yes!  But it's part of being a mom, making decisions at times that we don't like but doing what we have to do.

A difference between an hour

It's amazing how at times an hour flies by..... but then others it drags on and on.  It's the same 60 minutes obviously for each hour.  Depending what's being done those hours on how quickly they go.

For example..... The hour I got to have at the pool by myself just a bit ago....  FLEW!  TH woke up (or I urged him awake to be more accurate) and I ran out the door promising to be back in an hour.  I just needed to regroup and have a short time all by myself.  A book, the sun and a beverage.  Bliss! 

Now an example of another hour..... in the wee hours of the morning BB got sick.  From 3 am to 4 am, I was praying for it to be over.  After throwing up several times.  Crying out for mommy.  3 changes of sheets later.  The hour was finally over.  We got some sleep after a while. 

I sure do prefer the pool hour to the sick hour.  Can I have another?!  I'm doing my best to wrangle another one tomorrow. 

Father's Day

Obviously today isn't Father's Day, it was two days ago.  Instead of worrying about posting on my blog I enjoyed the day with family.  Okay, enjoy might be a bit of a stretch because I had a stomach bug but I tried.  I do know one thing for sure..... my husband and the boys' daddy is a father more than just one day a year.  And I KNOW he should be told what a great father he is more than once a year.  I need to do better at expressing to my husband how incredibly lucky our boys are to have him as their daddy. 

TH is a great example to our boys of what a man should be.  A strong Christian.  A loving, supportive husband.  A dependable, strong, fun dad.  A dad who loves his children and wants them to have a fun time but to also know that there are rules to follow and certain ways to act.  A man that puts family first through the good and the bad.  Because at the end of the day..... family! Family just plain rocks! 

Now if your mom is anything like my mom, she will take any opportunity to take a family photo.  I think she made us put this on our calendars a few weeks ago.  Family photo would be taken on Father's Day!  Family photo we did.

I am a lucky girl.... a daddy's girl too if you want me to be honest.  The close relationship I share with my parents is amazing.  I forget at times that not everyone shares the kind of closest that our family does.  That not all grand kids see their grandparents pretty much every day.  The past few years have thrown us some curve balls.  Some lessons learned the hard way.  But you know what..... at the end of the day, who's still beside me?  Family.  Who's there when the going gets tough?  Family.  So while my family is by no means perfect, we are perfect for each other.  And they are MY family! My love for my parents, brother & his wife, my husband and boys is unyielding and everlasting.  So while Sunday was Father's Day, it was a family day too.

Just a day

Today was just a day... just a day in our life.  But oh what a day it was. Last night was a little rough because I was up about 42 times.  Okay, more like 5 but good grief.  There was a wet bed.  One little one showed up and wanted "Mommy sleep with me." The little one was all stuffy.  And said little one had to be fed twice.  The boys were up and ready to go at 7:30 this morning.  Lil Man has gotten horses on the brain so while I was fixing breakfast he and Baby Boy watched E.SPN.  Some recent horse race.

Waffles and Bacon coming right up! (I won't tell you I ate a bowl of cereal at 5:30 am during one of my 42 times up.  Girl was hawngry!!)

Do you see how nicely they are sitting together?! Being all sweet!

After breakfast, we headed up to the playroom.  TH was sleeping so I tried to keep the boys occupied and somewhat quiet.  We built towers and a runway.  Planes were now the "thing".

Beautiful, sunny day... what to do?!  Go to the park, of course!  We were headed to our local airport to see if there were any planes flying but I figured the boys needed to get out and actually burn energy.  We have to park and cross a street to get to the park.  I play it like this.... "LM hold BB's hand! BB hold LM's hand!"  "Look both ways!"  "Are you boys holding each other's hand?!" 

BB was more interested in chasing the birds than he was playing on the equipment.  He would climb up beside me, sit for 2.5 seconds and then take off again.  What's a day with out a cheesy picture with Mommy?  After playing for awhile, LM requested Chick Fil A.  CFA it was!!

We took lunch home so we could all eat together.  TH was getting up as we were pulling in the garage.  Family lunch!!  Then time to play outside some more.  A little baseball anyone?

Or just acting a nut?  This child is a trip!

TSD was not wanting to nap in his bed.  So, I held him while I kicked back on the porch.  Fans on high. In my rocking chair.  Southern style much?! 

What's an afternoon without a little brotherly competition?  Who knows what the heck they were competing over.  I think it was over whose turn it was to hit the ball.

And more competition over who is driving the Gator.  BB got the short end of this deal it looks like.

We ended the day with dinner at my parents and dessert at a local ice cream shop.  Just a day..... but a fabulous day to me!  A day spent with my boys.  A day TH spent with us for the most part.  Wonder what tomorrow will hold?  I do hope it won't hold as many poopy diapers or hinies as today did.  Between all three boys, I changed 3 poopies and wiped one hiney in 20 minute time frame.

Comical, embarrassing or all of the above

Last night was an interesting night to say the least.  A college teammate came to the house to hang out and have dinner.  It's been 10 years since we've seen each other.  I warned her.... warned her before hand how chaotic our home can be.  With 3 boys!  Warned her several times.

And oh how chaotic doesn't even begin to describe it.  Lil Man and Baby Boy were off the chain.  They are all boy so I'm used to them being loud, fighting, running around and just being boys.  But they upped the ante last night.  AB got here around 6 or so.  We had dinner and were just hanging out catching up.  By 7:30, both LM and BB were running around naked threatening to pee on things.  I was torn between cracking their skulls together ( I JEST!! ) and laughing my butt off.  They have never done anything like this.  I guess they liked AB and were so comfortable with her they just let loose.  It was comical!! It was embarrassing!! 

I fell into bed utterly exhausted once the evening was over and the boys were in bed.  AB and I made plans to get together again next week.  I'll make sure TH is home so he can help with his little heathens. HA!

Bottle anyone?

This sweet boy is my lil sidekick! He will be 14 weeks old Thursday.  Such a precious, loving and easy baby!  I have enjoyed every single day of being his mother.  And can't wait to enjoy all the days to come.  Stubborn though...... he's proving to be very stubborn in one area.

TSD (The Smallest Dude) refuses to take a bottle.  My mom has tried on several occasions, and my MIL has tried.  To no avail.  I'm pumping at least one bottle each night after he's in bed to get my supply in the freezer built up.  But seriously?!  What to do?  Right now I nurse him and run out the door if there's something I just have to do without him.  He goes to the office with me 2 days a week and hangs out.  Luckily, he's a doll and just so good.  And luckily, I work in the family business so he's welcome!  I've had to take a phone call or two in an office other than my own if he's fussing a little but that's only happened a few times. 

I'm going to get my mom to try a different brand and see if it works.  But as of right now, I'm his one and only food supply.  I think back to BB.  I never once gave him a bottle, and I think TH only gave him a handful.  He did fine with my mom though but not TSD.  I'm hoping by the time he hits the 4 month mark he'll be willing to take a bottle on occasion.  One can hope anyway!!

What's a little rain?

What kind of mother would I be if I didn't let my boys enjoy a good play in the rain?!  And play they did.  Laughing and giggling.  Yelling and just actin a fool!

I think the downpour lasted a good 20 minutes or so.  LM and BB enjoyed every single minute of it! This is why I close the garage as soon as my car clears the door though!! If the garage door is open, out they go.  They ended up in the rain before I could even get "NO!" out.  And the two little boogers knew I wasn't going to come after them with it pouring like that.  For lots of laughs and a good time for my boys all it cost me was 2 sets of wet clothes..... that I can handle!

Backseat conversation

Heading home from my grandmother's house the other day.  I hear the boys talking.  I was kind of paying attention but not really then started actually listening to what they were saying.  Lil Man and Baby Boy talk to each other all the time but this time they were actually having a conversation.  It went on for 2 or 3 minutes.

Completely and totally warmed my heart! There might just be hope for them yet.  More often than not they're fighting like cats and dogs.

What is etched in my mind is..... seeing them holding hands and hearing BB say, "Me and Wou (you)" referring to the fact that both of them were going to spend the night with Nana and Poppa.  The words "Mine turn!" is normally being shouted by both of them.  Fighting over whose turn it is to spend the night by themselves.  How in the world will this work when TSD starts having his turn?!?!

What I'm loving right now

This post has no real substance.  You've been warned!  I'm just loving several things right now and thought I would share.  It's the simple things in life where I've learned to find the most joy.  I'm loving.....

• My K.eurig coffee maker.  Especially the S.tarbucks Kcups I have.  I tend to be fairly strict about my caffeine intake so my one cup I have each morning is cherished.  If I do iced coffee in the afternoon, it's decafe.

• Lil Man is out of school for the summer! Although he did get approved for Extended School Year. Which means he is going to his speech therapist 2 days a week for 6 weeks.

• Getting a suntan

• Reading the H.unger G.ames.  I've had the books for a year at least and finally getting around to reading them.  T.wilight is next!

• When 9 o'clock rolls around.  The house is quiet because my 3 lil monkeys are snoozing. 

• TSD is sleeping in his room! He might end up in our room after 5 am most mornings but that I can handle.  I've still got the pack-n-play up but it will probably be put away soon.

• The fact that TSD is getting to the point that I can leave him with his big brothers for a short time so TH and I can go out! We went on our first date since TSD has been born Thursday night.  Love, love having one on one time with my sweet hubby!!

• Taking the boys to do new things.  For example, the goat farm we went to last weekend. 

• That the swimming pool is open in our subdivision.  Yay for fun times and yay for a way to exhaust my boys. :) 

• A pair of white jeans!!   My first pair in years.  Can't wait to wear them on my next date night. 

Touring local farms

We had a little family adventure this past Saturday.  I saw on our local news station about a special event.  It involved 24 local farms throughout several counties.  Each farm is locally owned and operated.  You could buy a "button" and tour each farm.  Or as many as you could.  We went to one that was relatively close. It was a goat farm that produces goat milk, cheeses and soaps.  The point of the tours is to promote buying locally produced goods.  I, frankly, can't afford to buy all local products but I do as much as I can.  I think keeping money local and not in big "mega" stores is important.  Anyway.... back to the goats

Lil Man checking out the goats.  He always loves anything that involves animals.

TH manning the stroller! He stayed with the two little ones while LM and I led the way walking around.

Even kids need play toys.... kids! Get it?! Baby goats are kids too. :)

Uh oh! Someone let BB out of the stroller.  He wanted to be like his big bro and walk around too.

Getting an up close and personal look at the goats.

I purchased some goat cheese infused with pesto.  Surprisingly good! After the goat farm, we set off to visit two other farms within close driving range.  I have to admit one looked a little shady so we decided not to stop.  And the third didn't look all that child friendly.  I bet I heard the boys say the word farm 40 gazillion times.  I told TH when our house sells we need to buy us a farm.  He laughed!

Wordless Wednesday

Things I hear

I was in the kitchen getting ready to head out the door with the boys this evening.  TH was in the bedroom getting ready to go to work.  I hear.......

"Peace out!"

"Peace out!"

Baby Boy comes strutting through the living room into the kitchen.  Truck in hand.  Grin on his face.  Saying, "Peace out!" heading for the garage door to load up into the car.

I died laughing and responded, "It's 'Peace Out, Bra-tha'."

"Peace out, Bro!"

"Peace out, Bro!"

By this point I am cracking up.  TH response is, "Your mama needs to quit saying these things to you." 

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Last night I was doing something. Can't remember what it was.  And I hear, "Cookie! Cookie!" (No, that's not my real name but we all know I don't do real names on the blog so that's what my name is. K? K, thanks!)

I stop what I'm doing because it's my 2 yr old calling me by my first name.  I look at him and say, "Excuse me?!"  He grins and says, "Cookie, I need some juice."  For real! I about died on the spot!!  First I have to look away because it's all I can do not to laugh. So I compose myself and respond, "I'm Mama to you.  Not Cookie!"  He promptly responds, "Mommy, I need some juice."  With a smirk on his face and a laugh in his voice.

3 Months

Our little boy is 3 months old!!! Time is flyin'.  His big brothers love him... especially LM.  Such a sweet, content baby.  They want to share toys and show him new things. OH! but I know the fighting that will come.

TSD (The Smallest Dude) is proving to be stubborn!  He still refuses the bottle.  I'm going to have to try a couple other brands because as of right now I can't leave him more than a few hours. I have to time everything around feedings. He's even going into the office with me. Stubborn, sweet boy.

Look at that face though.............. 

A year ago I never imagined we would have another baby this soon.... much less little boy #3! But the past three months have proven to show TH and I how blessed we are.  Such a sweet, incredible surprise this little guy is.

This little guy isn't so little though.... he's in the 98 percentile in length and 99 percentile in weight.  He's wearing a size 3 diaper. A few six month clothing pieces but mostly 9 month things.  Obviously the fact that he won't take a bottle isn't harming him.... mama's "liquid gold" is doing perfectly! Ha