storms and sunshine

Life is unpredictable. That's usually where the difficulty lies, in the events you didn't expect to happen.

My dad's surgery went well. Very well. Unfortunately, he has developed a somewhat unrelated infection that is keeping him in the hospital longer than planned. He is too far away to visit, and even if he weren't, his infection isn't something I need to expose myself or my family to. My mom is with him, as she should be, and we all miss them. 

Here at home, Laci started running a fever Friday afternoon. She's had some stomach issues and a persistent fever, although it was much better today and I feel like she is finally getting healthy.  Mia is healthy at the moment, though I haven't let down my guard. The house is well-stocked with towels and bowls in strategic locations, and I have plenty of Tylenol and Advil.  Just in case. And Ryan and I are tired. We haven't slept much in the past three nights. 

This hasn't been the easiest weekend, but surely not the most difficult I've ever experienced. Not even close. So, I'll continue to dig deep for patience with my children, for energy to keep up with life, and fill in the gaps with coffee. 

So, since this was a dark, stormy weekend, both literally and figuratively, I'm rewinding to a couple of weeks ago when the sun was shining and warm and we planted flowers and seeds in the yard.

Yes, it was even warm enough to play in the water.

And, at the risk of sounding entirely too poetic (sappy), don't we all grow best after a good storm?

(Sunflower sprout - photo taken yesterday)

tiny dancer

Laci started pre-dance class today.  A little ballet, a little tap, a little girl in a leotard that makes me smile a big, proud momma smile.  She was shy, scared, terribly unsure of herself.  I watched her through the classroom windows as she struggled through her uncertainty, and she fought back tears when she slipped in her tap shoes.  But she did it, all on her own.  I strategically hid behind the curtain so I could see her, but she was too focused her teacher to know I was watching.  She is so much like me sometimes, it's like I know exactly what's going on in her little head.

She tells me she is not going back next week, even though I know she had fun.  I know she did because she had that tiny smile she gets when she's enjoying herself but doesn't want to show it.  So, we will go back next week, and at least a couple weeks after that.  I never want to push her into something she really doesn't like, but I will force her into trying it a few times before making that decision.

I haven't been so great at blogging lately.  It isn't that I don't want to, or don't have anything to say, but as you can imagine, three kids keeps me busy and very tired.  They have all decided to wake up at different times almost every night lately.  But, my dad had surgery today and we won't see him for a few days.  I know he loves reading the blog and seeing his grand babies (even though he sees them in person all the time, too).  So, dad, hope you can read this...eventually...when you aren't all drugged up anymore.  We'll see you in a few days.  Xoxo

we need jackets

Early one morning last week, the girls wanted to go outside to play.  It was sunny, but certainly not warm.  In their nightgowns, they wrapped their blankets around their shoulders like shawls, put on pretty red shoes (because that's what girls do), and played on the dirt pile.  I warned them they would be cold.  They assured me that their blankets would keep them warm.

Ten minutes later, they returned to the back door.

"We're cold," they said.  "We need jackets."

"Maybe you need pants," I suggested.

Mia stared at me a few seconds and said, "No, just jackets."

Because wearing pants outside in the cold is clearly a ridiculous idea.

noah | four months

Dear Noah,

Four months old already?!?  Yes you are.  Let's see what you've been up to...

You love to grab everything and put it in your mouth.
You get really mad if your hands don't cooperate.

You love to grab my cheeks and nose when I get close enough.
And you still love to look me in the eyes.  Please don't ever stop.

You can roll from tummy to back, but not from back to tummy.
When you roll, you use your feet to push your butt way up in the air and then flop over.
Your methods are both unique and amusing.

You love your sisters, even though Mia smothers you regularly.
I know you love them because you always look for them when you hear their voices.

You want to be carried, facing out, all the time.  All.  The.  Time.
My arms and back get a daily workout from you.

You think napping is optional, although at this exact moment you are napping nicely.  (First time in a while).

At the moment, your eyes are green.  They change daily.

You love your feet more than any toy.

You are very loud.  Happy and loud.

You aren't big on laughing.  You laughed once, or so I'm told by your dad and sisters.  I was in the other room and didn't hear it.  Therefore, I do not believe it happened.

You love to watch us eat.  You would probably eat if I fed you, but I'm just not ready for that.  Just milk for you please.

If feel like there are so many milestones and moments I want to remember for always, and yet am forgetting to write here.  Just know that I am trying my best to soak up all your littleness while it lasts.  I'm sure you won't appreciate the things I write here until you are a daddy yourself, but I do hope you know, always, that I love you very, very much.

With a heart full of love,
Your Momma
xoxo

friday phone dump

March is here, and marching right along.

On Saturday, we made a cake for Ryan's birthday. 

Mia smothered her brother.  

He survived.
Barely.

On Sunday, I washed the sheets.

Which means they jumped on the bed.

Mia sat still enough long enough for her first french braids.

And we celebrated this guy's birthday.

On Monday, I paid bills while drinking coffee and holding a baby.

Probably not the best spot for my cup of coffee.

I moved it once I realized how dangerous it looked sitting there.

On Tuesday, Mia gave Noah shots in his hand.

And listened to his heart.

And prodded his eyes and ears.

She also took control of her wardrobe choices.

It was just a pink kind of day.

On Wednesday, more sisterly love.

It doesn't look like it here, but this boy really does love his smothering sister.

He lights up when he sees her.

Even if she puts her fingers in his mouth.

He also really likes his feet.

This girl eluded the camera most of the week.

On Thursday, we had a tea party.

After many, many interruptions over the span of an hour,

I did finally sit with her to eat Fig Newtons and drink "tea."

I may have stepped outside for a few minutes in the afternoon

to breathe fresh air

while everyone inside the house was either whining or crying.

His foot is just cute.

And that, dear friends, was our week.

Good night.