Friday, May 28, 2010

Its Official


This weekend marks the official start of summer!! Woot! Woot! I wish I could still wear a ruffle bathing suit, isn't it the cutest?

Due to the addition of the kidney stone to our family, our summer to do list is on the minimalist side this year (last years list here).

1. Beach (including a 2 week rental with the fam!!)

2. Lake

3. Pool

Im sure their will be plenty of days for water balloons, sprinklers, the ice cream truck, maybe a lemonade stand, catching fireflies, a camp out in the yard....

Oh, who am I kidding, I can't write a minimalist list!!

Happy Looooong Weekend :)

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Exactly


I was going to write about their last day of school today, but this picture distracted me.

It captures them exactly.

Mr. Behave

Mr. Comedian

Ms. Drama

I love these kids exactly the way they are.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

You Called?


Yes, the beach called us today - so we went, but no sweatshirts required today - 90 degrees!!

For 7 glorious, sun filled, sand coated hours they ran, jumped, splashed and dug.

Im up re-hydrating myself now and dreaming of a summer of beach filled days.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

S'More Please

It is no secret that the kids and I can't get enough of my parents and their house.
Reason # 4,578:: Roasting marshmallows at 9PM, just because

My parents will do anything for my kids, and my kids know it. How cool is that?



ps. wouldn't it be great if I had a nice camera that could take good pics even at night?

Monday, May 24, 2010

We are Family


It has been about a year since we were all in a picture together, and that was nothing to write home about!
So, here we are - a little party of five for a little bit longer.

How did I get them to all sit and smile?

Bribes. Im not above them.


ps. more to come from our FREE photo shoot :)

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Final Stretch

Drew and Ella meeting Tyler

Well, I have officially entered the last trimester - a time for the belly to stretch even bigger, ankles to swell, and the nesting instinct to kick into high gear. For me it also means an impending surgery, a two week beach vacation, and a family wedding. In my previous pregnancies I never wanted the 3rd trimester to end. I was happy to be pregnant and a little nervous about the sudden life change. But this time around I am so ready. Ready to meet this little guy, introduce him to our awesome family - and to get this stinking Kidney Stone out and get my body back.

I met with the doctor today and figured I'd give you a little update. The last 2 months I have only gained 2 pounds - it is tough for me to eat when I am so uncomfortable. Luckily, I started out with a few lbs to spare and put on plenty before the Stone reared it's ugly head. The baby is growing great and Im trying to concentrate on healthy calories (but Edy's ice cream is oh, so yummy!). My blood tests show that the Antibody that caused concern in the beginning of the pregnancy is so low that it isn't showing up on tests. Good news!! The doctor thinks that my pregnancy is far enough along that the Antibody will not be able to effect the baby. They will do a few more blood tests just to monitor.

The good Doc also told me that if the scheduling works out ok, they may be able to handle the final kidney stone surgery while Im in the hospital with the baby. I love this news because I can't wait to get it out and I was worried about the logistics of leaving all 4 (FOUR!!! WHAT?!!) kids at home, especially a little one-weeker while I returned to the hospital. I like to keep my newborns close :)

The little guy will be here before I know it - and I can't wait!!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Retreat

We have retreated to my parent's house. Separated from a quiet side street by a long sprawling lawn, it is a haven. A haven from crowded NJ neighborhoods, noisy streets and the daily grind of life at our own house. The kids have discovered great hiding places in the giant bushes and sneak into flower beds to find little bugs and flitting butterflies.

I sit back and watch, with no guilt. No guilt that they are missing out on fun days, or adventures, or exploring. Having kidney stone/stent pain has been cramping out style in a major way. And the mommy guilt monster has been rearing its ugly head. But here, we are all content. More than content - happy -

It doesn't hurt that I haven't cooked a meal, done a load of laundry or picked up a toy.

Did I say retreat? I guess vacation is a better word.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Looking Back


What a difference 2 little years makes...I can't believe they were ever this small. I can't believe we survived!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Treats


My kids are obsessed with "treats." That could be anything from candy to cookies or chips to ice cream. They are indulged more than I would like by my neighbors and their grandmas....but you are only a kid once, right?

These are the treats Im thinking about today...

*My husband took a surprise day off from work. He has already accomplished a few tasks around the house, walked the kids to school and let Tyler and I bask in his presence all morning. I feel relieved that should/when the pain hits I can retreat to the couch and the kids will still have a fun day.

*I recently heard about pretzel M&M's. Just the thought of them is tantalizing.

*I watched my littlest hold his Daddy's hand as they walked up the block. You really feel like a hormonal pregnant mother when a tear or two slips...but it was just so cute.

*We are going home tomorrow night for a few days. I feel more relaxed already. My parents truly are the best.

*My little charge will be picked up before dinner and the bedtime routine tonight. I still make a decent amount of money and the night already feels more relaxed. Oh, and with Daddy home - Woo Hoo, it's a party!!

*Oh, and People magazine arrives on Thursdays...my little not-so-guilty pleasure :)

Sometimes it's the little things...

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Braids


I practiced and practiced on My Little Pony dolls until I had it almost perfect. Back then I didn't have my own hair in mind, I wanted to be able to braid real ponies hair into perfect plaits for competitions. I would stand on stools late into the night chatting with friends and feeling the excitement for what the next day would bring. We would put tons of teeny braids all the way down the horses neck, then put them to bed and hope the braids lasted till morning. I loved every moment.

It has been a long time since I braided a horses mane. But now I have different hair to braid. My little girls. There is just something about a little girl in braids. Quintessential. Although she sometimes gives me a hard time, I find braiding her hair one of the most relaxing parts of the day. I delight in the finished product - I feel pride over my little girl in her little braids. And they make me smile all day. I love every moment.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Freeze

Sometimes I find myself in a moment that I want to freeze. I usually reach for my camera at such times, but often times I chose not to. Instead I focus as hard as I can on the perfect details.

The way his face just peeks over the banister. How his long fingers wrap around the posts. The little stutter as he tries to find the words, the missing "l" sounds in whatever he is saying.

The way her ponytails swing as she turns to look at me. The emotion that pours from her pores and seeps into the room. The absolute perfect smattering of freckles that sprinkle across her nose.

His elbows when he runs. His scowl when he is mad. The way his little hands feel wrapped tight around my neck.

I remind myself to be present in the moment. But, sometimes I skip ahead trying to picture them when they are 16 bounding up the stairs or flat ironing their hair. I remind myself that I will look back on these moments and if I stop now to soak them in, then years from now I will be able to recall them. I will be able to close my eyes and see and feel and hear them just as they are today.

I am so thankful for today.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Beach Boy


This boy takes his beach outfits very seriously. At the end of the day I noticed deep, red indents above his ears - but he never took those glasses off!

The forecast doesn't call for any beach trips this week. We need to re-evaluate our options.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

My Momma


It didn't matter if we were baking brownies or sitting on the cold bleachers watching my brother's play hockey - my mom always made the days fun and special.

These last couple weeks she has been here a lot, cooking, cleaning, and playing with the kids. I couldn't be more grateful. My kids have had lots of "best days" with Nonnie here and even though Im mostly watching from the couch - they have been best days for me as well.

Happy Mother's Day
xoxoxo

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Shore Thing


Im taking my mom on her first trip to the Jersey Shore today. I wish I had great photo editing skills and could put a picture up of her with Snookie hair.

Our last two trips to the beach have been great. I feel like we can all play together without me being in pain. I feel like a fun mom right in the mix of things, instead of a lame hurting mom supervising from the sidelines. And the kids have the best time.

Off we go...



edited to add my mom as Snookie, or as my awesomely talented cousin-in-law titled her, Nookie - Thanks Shauna!!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Art 4 Everyone

Do you live near us?

Our very own Aunt Melissa is a super talented artist, who happens to teach art as well. She offers amazing murals in your home, art on canvas, even face painting at parties!

Check out her brand new blog to see some of her work.

We love Aunt Melissa :)

Monday, May 3, 2010

600!!

Wow, just noticed this is my 600th post...Yeah!

Sadly, I spent most of the beautiful 90 degree weekend on the couch. Have I mentioned how awesome Mike is? Anyway, I heard lots of fun coming from the driveway and peeked out the window onto this scene.

What's better than kids in underwear and diapers playing with the hose, and getting our chairs clean?!