5 under 4

New Blog

2007-02-03T23:45:00.000-06:00

www.brookharts.wordpress.com

I have no idea how to hyperlink this. I've tried several times. Just type it in your address bar. Or...there is also a link at the right ----->

Who Needs Paper

2007-02-01T23:24:00.000-06:00

I had a lazy afternoon. I was tired and trying to rest in the big chair when Lucy came out of her room. She wanted to draw an elephant. I was able to reach over and grab a pen. But she wanted paper. I didn't want to move. So I let her draw on herself. She made a very cute smiley face on her belly. Then she made several pictures on me...my belly, my legs, my arms. Who needs paper?

I used to let her use markers to color my pregnant belly. She commented today as she was drawing on me..."Just like when you had babies in there, Mommy." I love that she has that memory. I wonder if she remembers trying to feed the boys popcorn through my belly button?

For you, Dad

2007-02-01T23:20:00.000-06:00

My dad loves it when people go to the grocery store in their pajamas. (I'm being VERY sarcastic.) Dad...thought of you the entire time I was at Fareway last night - in my pajamas.

My Brother...Gotta Love Him!

2007-02-01T22:53:00.000-06:00

Jamie is Brave

2007-02-01T22:37:00.000-06:00

He does this often...watches all the kids so I can get away. Tonight was no different. Lucy was screaming because I was leaving. Grace had a temperature of 103*. Vaughn...well is Vaughn. I take off for two hours to have dinner with a friend. I leave knowing these kids are being left behind with the greatest man I know. They played with hats and built tents and had fun. They love their daddy...who, by the way, is in their room sleeping with them right now.

Boys are having fun at Grandma's!

2007-02-01T22:29:00.000-06:00

Gavin

Lincoln

Three?

2007-02-01T21:34:00.000-06:00

So with Lincoln and Gavin gone, I told Jamie that this is what our house would always be like if we hadn't had triplets. It's been strangely quiet. We both agree that we are glad we had three. We love them so much and can't imagine life without all five.

We're in the process of planning their first birthday party. I can hardly believe how close it is. Just over 2 months away. Isn't it amazing how quick a year goes by...but it feels like we've been doing this our whole lives. I think back to the day before I had the boys. I took the girls for a walk at Nana's house. I was barefoot and everyone thought I was crazy...and a bit amazed that I could still walk. I was a bit amazed too. Went into labor at Mom's house. Drove to Iowa City in the middle of the night. Was stopped by a tow truck pulling a car out of a ditch in front of a house that was completely engulfed in flames. I was having major contractions and knew we didn't have time for this delay. Got to the hospital and was dilated to a 7 already. The hospital lost my records. It was Easter Sunday. My regular high-risk doctor was on a cruise. The back up high-risk doctor is a Bishop and wouldn't be working that day because it was Easter. I start crying because my records are lost, my doctors are gone, and no one knows that I'm supposed to deliver c-section. I can't believe what a blur it all is now. After an hour of just me and Jamie and a nurse...we suddently get swarmed. People needing signatures, giving me an IV, checking my cervix, and poking me everywhere. Isn't it amazing how when you're feeling so miserable it doesn't matter who sees you naked. The low point of the delivery...the spinal block. They wouldn't let Jamie come in which made me nervous because it was during the epidural for Grace that my heart rate and her heart rate dropped so low that several people rushed in the room and about did a c-section to get her out. But I'm leaning over the bed, as best I can with three babies in my belly, and I get a contraction. Tears are streaming down my face. The nurse has the anathesiologist wait. Then when the contraction is over he tries again. I start crying. The nurse asks if I'm having another contraction and I bawl, "I'm not ready for three babies". She says "you'll do just fine". And I bitterly think, "How do you know, you don't know me?" and "Easy for you to say." But she was just trying to be sensitive. Finally they get me doped up, stripped down, and covered with a blue sheet. They let Jamie back in the room. But he has to go straight to the seat they have waiting for him next to my head. The only people I see are him, another anethesiologist, and a couple people over my left shoulder. He says there are several people around my belly. I go from having a high risk doctor...to a resident doctor. Yes, a resident delivered my babies. There were actually at least three doctors that I couldn't see. The resident who delivered the boys, the main doctor that the resident looked at to be sure she was doing ok, and another doctor Jamie believes to be a resident by the way he was "hands off" and just watching. Each baby was handed off to a team of four nurses. He said there were at least 20 people total. Jamie kept peaking over the blue sheet. He said when the doctor pulled Gavin out he was still in his amniotic sac. And when she tried to pull Vaughn out, he was stuck. So she put him back. She looked at the main doctor and he nodded his head like "keep going". So she picked him up and pulled harder and he came out. I remember very little. I remember my body being shaken from all the pulling of babies and pulling apart of my belly (skin). I didn't feel it, but my body was being shaken back and forth...like if you're on a really bumpy road. I also remember that it took FOREVER for her to sew me back up. I was feeling very nauseous from the drugs.

Then I spent the next 28 days in and out of the hospital with these beautiful little boys. I started pumping every 1 1/2 - 2 hours during the day and every three hours overnight so that I could train my body to produce enough milk for three babies. At first it was only an ounce or two. I didn't ever think I'd produce enough. But it gradually increased. The most I've ever pumped is 28 ounces...but I produced 20 ounces on a regular basis once I got established (that is 2 full baby bottles). Then to bring those little guys home and try to figure out that schedule. The first three weeks we had grandparents with us, helping us feed babies around the clock. The next two months we had volunteers come in and feed babies - every feeding but the 2 am one. By the third month we were eliminating the 2am feeding. Then somewhere around 5 months they were sleeping from 8 pm - 6 am. And by sleeping I mean not eating. With three babies using pacifiers, we are up a lot in the middle of the night putting them back in their mouths. Didn't start solids until about 6 months. The boys started learning to roll...and then crawl. Vaughn still doesn't crawl...but he loves his Johnny Jump Up and he talks a lot more. We still have people who come over and help during the week to give us a couple hours without kids. They've been brave and stuck with us...becoming our family here.

I can't believe how much our lives have changed over these past 9 months. So again...it's gone by quickly but seems like we've been doing it forever. Every time we feel like we get on schedule...the schedule changes. But boy, I can't imagine life any other way. I can't imagine if we only had three instead of five. Weird.

Smart AND Curious

2007-02-01T21:30:00.000-06:00

On the way home today, Lucy and I were talking about a book she had. I told her she was very smart. She said that she is smart AND curious. Made me laugh. Then she said, "And I've never been curious before." So I asked her what curious meant. She said curious like Curious George. (BTW-Not the book we were talking about.)

She Says the Sweetest Things

2007-02-01T21:29:00.000-06:00

Today Lucy crawled in my lap and said, "Mommy, you're the beautiful woman in the world." It melted my heart.

I told Jamie I hope she meant "most" beautiful and not "least" beautiful :)

Jackie and Brad

2007-01-31T17:19:00.000-06:00

Jackie and Brad came over last night. I completely forgot they were coming. The house was a huge disaster like always. But they came...and we left. In all the excitement we didn't know what to do. Didn't really want to spend any money - so we went to Walmart. I should clarify that we didn't want to spend money on ourselves...like a movie or out for dinner. Of course we spent money at wal-mart...2 large cans of formula, 2 clear storage totes, 3 $1 DVD movie's for the girls, ear thermometer covers and 2 cases of water. It's pretty bad when the cart gal recognizes you.

Came home and watched American Idol with Jackie and Brad. Our kids were being very loud and obnoxious. Jackie and Brad spoiled them with food, diapers and a book. Our children are very blessed to have so many people in their lives who love them.

Who is that woman?

2007-01-31T17:16:00.000-06:00

Mom took 2 boys for 2 nights. Lucy and Grace are sleeping. I put Vaughn in the exersaucer in the bathroom so I could take a bath. Been a while :) He was busy playing and then all the sudden noticed me. He just was staring at me. So I started to talk to him...and he started to scream. Apparently he didn't recognize me.

Mom said he did the same thing to her a couple of weeks ago when she colored her hair. Funny.

Squeaky Shoes

2007-01-30T15:21:00.000-06:00

I love Gracie's squeaky shoes. Lucy had a pair. I buy them for baby shower gifts. I love squeaky shoes.

We put them on Grace when we go to the mall or somewhere where we want to know where she is at all times. We do not let her wear them at home. They squeak. With every step - they squeak.

Squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak

It really can be annoying. But I LOVE them!

I love more that they are made by women in China and that all the proceeds go to support orphanages all over the world.

www.angelcovers.org

Pee Pee in the Potty

2007-01-28T20:56:00.000-06:00

Gracie continues to go pee pee - mainly when she's in the tub...she just hops out and goes. One of these days Jamie and I will take the time to actually try to train her...unless she trains herself before we get to it!! She is severely confused about pee pee and poopy though...she always has to go "poopy...but it's really pee.

Go Dogs Go!

2007-01-28T20:49:00.000-06:00

The girls LOVE this book by P.D. Eastman. In the book there are two dogs that always run into each other...one is always wearing a hat and she asks, "Do you like my hat?" And the other dog always says, "No, I do not like your hat." "Good-bye." "Good-bye." Until the very end when she wears a crazy party hat.

Now us three girls are always going around putting things on our heads asking each other, "Do you like my hat?" And until we put three different things on our head and ask at least three times, the answer MUST be, "No, I do not like your hat."

Aren't They Cute?

2007-01-28T20:46:00.000-06:00

They love each other. (Notice the preemie pacifier in Grace's mouth. I've been hiding pacies from her except at bedtime and she managed to find this one somewhere. Probably with all the other ones we have lost.)

Vaughn in the Johnny Jump Up, Lincoln in the Walker, Gavin in the Exersaucer

Getting Ready to Go Sledding with Daddy

2007-01-28T20:44:00.000-06:00

More Pictures from Caitlin's Birthday

2007-01-28T20:38:00.000-06:00

Lucy & Grace

Lucy and Jaden

Caitlin

Caitlin and Susie

Papa's Birthday

2007-01-28T20:33:00.000-06:00

Lucy, Gracie and McKenna with Papa

Lucy and McKenna putting on a dress up show for Papa

Went to Burlington to celebrate Papa's birthday on Thursday.

Caitlin's Birthday Party

2007-01-28T20:06:00.000-06:00

Happy 2nd Birthday Caitlin!
Caitlin and her "Baby Einstein" Catepillar Cake

Gracie turning out the lights

Lucy Grace and Caitlin enjoying A LOT of chips for lunch

Beautiful little sissy Jaden

4 Sick Kids...Little time to Post

2007-01-28T19:36:00.000-06:00

Lucy has a sore throat. Lincoln Gavin and Vaughn all have runny noses and low grade temps. They take turns looking miserable.

Gavin & a cheerio

Bright Eyed Vaughn

Sickly Lincoln

9 Months

2007-01-25T14:54:00.000-06:00

Lincoln

Gavin

Vaughn

Lincoln - 17 pounds 11 ounces (75th percentile)
Gavin - 19 pounds 1 ounce (90th percentile)
Vaughn - 19 pounds 2 ounces (90th percentile)

They don't seem overweight to me...can't believe how high they are in their weight percentiles!

The Weekend

2007-01-22T15:10:00.000-06:00

We had a fun and good-busy weekend. Friday we just stayed home. Saturday we stayed home and cleaned and played with the kids. I made a run to the grocery store. Saturday night Jamie and I helped in Kidzone. Sunday Jamie had to go shovel the walks and parking lot at Calvary. Then we went to church in the morning to attend a Small Group Leadership Training class. Not looking at leading a small group in the near future...but possible next fall? I've very excited about the possibility and have some great ideas I hope people will like and want to be a part of. After church we went to the mall. It amazes me how we can spend 4 HOURS at the mall without doing any shopping. Well...we did make a quick trip into Old Navy and Scheels. But we didn't buy anything. We ate lunch, walked down to playland (stopping at Scheels and Old Navy on the way), bought pretzel bites, and walked back. Somehow that took 4 hours. The girls made some friends at Playland this time. They all played together the whole time we were there. They were hugging, chasing, and tackling each other. It was really cute.

The boys turned 9 months last week. Vaughn is trying to talk like crazy. Lincoln and Gavin are squealing and trying to crawl. All three can sit up on their own if we sit them up, but they can't get into the sitting position on their own. They are starting to consume huge amounts of food...especially Vaughn.

Lucy informed me yesterday that her favorite supper is cream cheese with buddig beef mixed in and spread on crackers. Gracie is starting to become a picky eater like Lucy. Very frustrating.

Work has been so busy ever since our interview on CNBC last month. I feel like I can't get caught up...even if I did work 8 hours!

Jamie took the girls sledding Friday night. They had so much fun!

Tonight there is a "visitation/celebration" for Libby Van Winkle who died last week. Very sad/tragic. It's so strange to really believe that she's not here.

Trouble Sleeping

2007-01-18T01:55:00.000-06:00

Having trouble sleeping. My mind is cluttered with very important issues like:

1. How ridiculus Donald Trumps son looks with a comb-over.

2. How amazing a reunion it would be after seeing your child for the first time after he was abducted 4 + years ago.

3. Why do I start my car with my remote start as I'm walking toward my car.

4. How can there be so many last names in the world. When people don't have kids or have just girls their name does not get carried down.

Your Personal Penguin

2007-01-18T01:28:00.000-06:00

I LOVE Sandra Boyton books. Moo Baa La La La is one of my favorites. The girls love them too...they have almost every one.

For Lucy's birthday, Aunt Jenna gave Lucy "Your Personal Penguin" by Sandra Boyton. And she downloaded and gave us a cd with the song "Your Personal Penguin" that is sung by Davy Jones of The Monkees (same words that are in the book). Warning: This is a fun and VERY addictive song.

Jenna always comes up with the coolest gift ideas. I'm now stealing her idea and going to buy it for gifts as well. Parker almost got it for his birthday...but I thought it was such a great idea that Jenna probably gave it to him too. Caitlin is definitely getting it...so don't buy it Susan :)

You can hear the song at: www.workman.com/boyton

Thanks Aunt Susie

2007-01-18T01:19:00.000-06:00

Aunt Susie, Lucy loved the gift card you gave her to Barnes and Noble. We went on Sunday and she bought a baking set. I told her we'd bake a cake when we got home, but she fell asleep on the way home. However, she woke up at 9 pm and was ready to go. I wasn't. I told her she could skip her nap Monday and we'd bake. Well, I had to work a little late and daddy made her take a nap. When I got home I found her asleep with her baking set. So I woke her up and we baked a couple small cakes. We both had so much fun.

A Night At The Museum

2007-01-18T00:26:00.000-06:00

Jamie and I went to the movies tonight!! Went to "A Night at the Museum". I really loved it. I love Ben Stiller. And I think the last movie I went to was Happy Feed. So it was a nice change to go to a big people movie. Mom took the girls and Vaughn home for the night. Actually for a couple of nights. I did absolutely nothing all afternoon. Around 5 I got busy and started cleaning house and feeding boys. Then we went to the movies. Came home and did laundry, cleaned and watched American Idol. Also I didn't exercise this afternoon so it's been haunting me all day. So I just finished exercising. The weight loss blog has been helping so much. It's really motivating. I really did not want to go to bed without meeting my exercise goal.

I was surprised that when mom pulled away how lonely I felt. Normally she just takes one of the girls...and there is one left for me to shower with affection. It is a nice break...but I miss them. Gavin and Lincoln got to enjoy the movie with us. They really are such good babies. Only the last 15 minutes did Gavin get a little restless...but other than that, they were both great.

Gracie

2007-01-17T16:49:00.000-06:00

I feel like this isn't done yet...but wanted to share. (By the way, if you push pause and wait for a minute while it loads...it won't be choppy.)

Make an online slide show at onetruemedia.com

You Smell

2007-01-17T15:58:00.000-06:00

Last night before Lucy went to bed, we were cuddling together in my bed. She said, "Mommy, you smell like..." and she stopped. I could tell she was searching for the right word. A million words ran through my mind. Poop was the first one. Then I rememered I just drank cranberry juice and thought she may say an apple or fruit or something. Then she said it, "A garbage can."

Happy 1st Birthday Parker!!

2007-01-15T16:31:00.001-06:00

Friday was Parker's 1st Birthday! Happy Birthday cutie!

Parker is the son of Jamie's sister Shawna. He's Shawna & Mark's first baby. They live a few hours away...so we don't get to see Parker often. But he's so darling with his super blonde hair and cute little smile.

For me, it's always the best feeling in the world when my child reaches one. I feel a sense of accomplishment. They are so dependent on you their first year of life that it can be so scary.

The Countdown

2007-01-14T20:55:00.000-06:00

Gracie is extremely tired right now. She gets crazy funny when she's this tired. Jamie was trying to change her diaper and she wouldn't come to him. So I said "Grace, go to Daddy. One," Grace ran to Jamie and said, "Tu, Free, Spankins!"

Doing the Math

2007-01-14T20:53:00.000-06:00

So I was trying to teach Lucy some simple math earlier.

Mommy: "Lucy, if I have three babies that need their diapers changed, and I've already changed one baby...how many babies are left that need their diaper changed?"

Lucy: "A lot"

Lucy Singing

2007-01-13T12:59:00.001-06:00

Make an online slide show at onetruemedia.com

My Little Mermaid

2007-01-13T12:48:00.000-06:00

Crabby

2007-01-10T15:41:00.001-06:00

I've been pretty crabby these past few days. I think I'm making Jamie crabby too. I need to get a better attitude.

I'm Fat!

2007-01-10T15:31:00.004-06:00

Ok...so I'm not informing anyone of anything they don't already know...but...I'm excited because my sister and I are blogging our attempt at losing weight. Come encourage us. Or let me know if you want to blog with us and we'll add your name to the people who can blog with us. We're not following any magic program...just each doing our own thing...but encouraging each other along the way.

www.fatsisters.blogspot.com

Baths

2007-01-09T06:30:00.000-06:00

The boys got baths last night. Aunt Kimmee came over and gave them each a bath. Or...should I say...they gave her a bath!!

Lucy loves her Espresso cup set that I got her for her birthday. We had to have a tea party again last night.

The double bed is working well. The girls are doing a good job sleeping in it together.

Not Tired

2007-01-07T23:14:00.000-06:00

I guess my short nap is preventing me from sleeping. I am just laying in bed with a million thoughts twirling around in my head. I'm so frustrated at my inability to get a grip on my life. We've all heard that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. I feel like I'm failing my family because I'm not planning. I spend my days reacting to every situation that arises rather than proactively steering us in the right direction. I do not even know where to begin. I know that God is the start and the finish. That is all I know. I know that with 5 kids 4 and under...there will be A LOT of reacting. But I'm talking about a general direction. I pray God will give me some answers.

Relaxing Day

2007-01-07T22:45:00.000-06:00

Donna, Kim and Steve came and took 4 of our 5 kids today. Gracie was taking a nap and stayed home with us. I got to take a bath, take a nap and watch a movie. It was wonderful. 3-4 hours later we went to their house for dinner and hung out for a couple of hours. Although we did get quite a bit of cleaning done today, it was overall a very relaxing day.

Lucy's Birthday Party

2007-01-07T22:40:00.000-06:00

Went to Burlington to celebrate Lucy's birthday with the family. Mazzio's is still be remodeled so we had her party at Happy Joes. Had a great time. Lucy loves her cousin McKenna so much. They have so much fun together. McKenna gave Lucy the book "Your Personal Penguin" by Sandra Boyton. It comes with a music download of a song Davy Jones wrote to go with the book. After the party we listened to the song at Nana's house and the girls danced around the sunroom singing and having so much fun. They are so cute together. The next day, Gracie was reading the book to Gavin...only she was trying to "sing" the words, like in the song. Completely cute!

Car Seats

2007-01-06T15:51:00.000-06:00

Jamie called me at work on Friday. The Today Show ran a story on Car Seats. I pulled this from their website: "Consumer Reports tested 12 infant car seats. Of them, 9 performed badly." "The Evenflo Discovery, which flew off its base with the dummy still strapped inside."

We have the Evenflo Discovery. One of the most dreaded times of my day is when I have to load 3 20 pound boys (which feels like 50 pounds when they're in their car seats) into the back bench seat of our van. New Years Eve I loaded them into the van 6 times (and back out 6 more times). So I think...if the seats aren't even safe, maybe I should just chuck them on the floor in the back. Will they really be that much more in danger?

More Birthday Pics

2007-01-04T16:26:00.000-06:00

Lucy got flowers and a balloon from Grandma James.

Had fun at Happy Joes.

Lucy is trying to hide how excited she is that she got ice cream, they honked the horn and are singing happy birthday to her.

Gracie with pizza face on the Merry Go Round.

I AM a Good Mom - I Just Forgot

2007-01-04T16:08:00.000-06:00

So...I DID do something for Lucy's birthday...I just forgot about it. We took her and Grace to a Hawkeye Basketball game. Originally she wanted a Herky Hawk birthday party...so I thought she'd enjoy going to the game right before her birthday. She even got to meet Herky (again).

Lucy and Herky

Daddy and Grace

Happy 11th Birthday Austin

2007-01-04T15:49:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Austin!!! Austin is spending his birthday in Las Vegas where his mom, & my sister Linda, just got married. Austin was born just a few months before Jamie and I got married and came just in time to dance with me at my wedding. I was scheduled to be induced with Lucy 4 years ago today, on Austin's birthday...but she was so excited to meet us that she came a day early. Austin is my first nephew and the first grandchild in our family. He is very loved by all of us.

Ok...funny story...Austin went trick-or-treating with us in 2003. He was a ninja dressed in all black. Austin is very energetic and was running from house to house. All of the sudden we heard him scream. When we caught up with him...he had ran full speed into a tree and was laying on the ground. Seriously...the tree was missing bark where his head hit. We ended up taking him to the emergency room - the knot on his head was HUGE!!!! He sent me a card later with a picture on the front that he had drawn of a tree with a dark circle on it (where he hit his head and the bark was missing). And the card said "You are an affecionate ant." I've had that card hanging on my fridge ever since. One of my most prized possessions.

Austin and Boston

Jinx!

2007-01-03T22:41:00.000-06:00

Yes, my "Hip Hip Hooray" blog jinxed us. The boys slept great on the night of the first, but more than made up for it last night. They didn't sleep AT ALL!! I bet we were in there room at least 10+ times last night. And by we, I mean mostly Jamie. He may be slacking in the "lifting over 5 pound" department, but he more than makes up for it at night! He never complains either.

Go Gracie!

2007-01-03T22:39:00.000-06:00

Gracie slept in a big girl bed all night for the first time last night. We didn't think it was possible to get her out of a crib or pack and play. Now I realize that it's not that she needs a "cage", she just needs her OWN bed. Anytime she's sick or can't sleep, we try to bring her to bed with us and she hates it. Lucy is in there sleeping with her in their double bed tonight. We'll see if they can both make it all night. :)

Cousin Rob Talking the Girls into a Disney Cruise!

2007-01-03T22:27:00.000-06:00

The Poem

2007-01-03T22:18:00.000-06:00

Laura wrote this poem for me and put it in my birthday card.

I think I've lost some memory
since my 5 kids were born.
I don't remember sleeping late
on a lazy Sunday morn.

I don't remember quiet dinners
with candlelight and wine.
Or getting up and ready for work
and making it there on time.

I don't remember summer days
just lounging on the beach.
And those memories of "girls' night out"
are somehow out of reach.

I don't remember long warm baths
with bubbles and a book.
Or my favorite TV program
or a movie worth a look.

I can't remember all those things
I spent time on yesterday.
And I can't remember life
being any other way.

And as I lay them, down at night
and kiss each boy and girl,
I can't remember so much happiness,
such love and joy in my world.

Thank you Laura. I know you spent a lot of time writing this for me. It means so much and is exactly how I feel!!

From 7 to 5

2007-01-03T22:14:00.000-06:00

Mom came today and took Lincoln and Gavin...and what seemed like 50 pounds of laundry. I'm trying to decide whether I want to take advantage of being short 2 kids tomorrow by cleaning my house...or by going to a movie and using the Applebees giftcard Andrea gave me for my birthday. Decisions, decisions.

Jackie, Jean and Brad...

2007-01-03T22:10:00.000-06:00

came over last night. Jamie and Brad got food. Jackie and Jean fed babies, folded laundry and washed dishes. I frantically tried to widen as many paths as I could. Although I felt like I got a lot accomplished...I looked around and realized I had a long way to go. I keep trying new things hoping to create an organized home that never gets messy because everything will have a place. I know that I'm only lying to myself. I never had that before kids...how could I ever think it's possible with 5!!

Congratulations Linda and Ron

2007-01-03T21:15:00.000-06:00

Linda and Ron got married in Las Vegas on January first. Mom stood up with her, and Ron had a friend stand up with him. Got to watch the video online. Mom & Mike, Dad, and Jason were able to make it from our side of the family. When Jason sends me some pictures I'll post them.

Congratulations Linda! I love and miss you :)

Happy Birthday Lucy!!

2007-01-03T20:18:00.000-06:00

In the midst of the move...I've lost the cable to download my pictures. So no pictures right now of Lucy's special day.

Woke up Lucy singing Happy Birthday (the "You Look Like a Monkey" version. After two loud attempts and severe shaking :0) she finally woke up. We served her a donut with a candle in it on a special "Birthday" plate that I got from the Hospital gift shop.

She went to Debbie's where they had a little party for her. She came home with one of her favorite gifts...a cabbage patch doll baby.

After Debbie's, grandma surprised her with balloons, flowers, and gift cards to Target. Lucy will love picking out her own gifts. How fun.

There were cards and presents in the mail for Lucy from Aunt Shawna and Grammy and Grandpa Mark.

First Aunt Susie and then Grandpa Mark called and sang her "Happy Birthday" over the phone.

Jamie, Grace, Vaughn and I took Lucy to Happy Joes for dinner. (Lincoln and Gavin went home with Grandma). We had pizza, played games and they even honked the horn and sang happy birthday. She loved being sang to. She was trying to hold back a huge smile. She got a cute clown sundae - that was her favorite part.

When we got home, Nana called and sang "Happy Birthday" to Lucy.

Now that she's four she can do all kinds of new things herself. For example...she can use shampoo and conditioner all by herself. She was very excited.

I think she had a good birthday.

Tomorrow she takes treats and will celebrate her birthday at preschool.

Saturday we'll see the rest of the family to celebrate her birthday - Tinkerbell style.

She's my sweet angel and I'm happy - but sad to watch her grow. How can you love anyone more?

2007-01-02T16:55:00.000-06:00

Christmas at Nana & Papa's

2007-01-02T16:46:00.000-06:00

Cousin Robby

2007-01-02T16:41:00.000-06:00

New Room

2007-01-02T16:39:00.001-06:00

We moved our room. We're now in the old "Guest Room". The Guest Room bed is in the girls room. The girls beds are gone. Our King bed had to be replaced with a queen because it didn't fit. Our old bedroom is now being turned into a family closet/storage closet/exercise room. Currently to get to any room in our house you have to follow a path. There are piles everywhere. Jamie hates it when I reorganize.

Hip Hip Hooray

2007-01-02T16:38:00.000-06:00

We started the new year off right. All 3 boys slept through the night...we did not have to get up even one time to put a pacifier back in a mouth. Yeah!!

New Year's

2007-01-02T16:35:00.000-06:00

Celebrated New Year's Eve at the Nichols. There was one other couple there. We had all the kids. Chris actually decided (and I thought it was a great idea!) to celebrate a New York New Year's Eve. So we ate and played Pit until 11 and then went home and crashed. Slept in until 8. It was nice. We love the Nichols.

My Birthday

2007-01-02T16:18:00.000-06:00

Haven't posted since last Wednesday. Life is crazy. People have been asking how my birthday was. Funny...I used to think it couldn't have any worse timing than being two days after Christmas...but since I had Lucy a week later...I'm convinced that NOW it can't be on a worse day of the year.

It started out GREAT! Jamie sent me flowers to work...my favorite - Gerber Daisies. He also sent balloons and had a birthday present at home waiting for me. I was surprised to get a second delivery of flowers to work...a huge bouquet of flowers accompanied with a couple of gifts from one of my dearest friends - I won't mention any names though Andrea. I NEVER get flowers for my birthday - so I about hit the floor when I got called to the Reception Desk twice. My best friend Jenny gave me an Isabel Bloom that I had been wanting for so long. Emma. I thought about naming one of my daughter's Emma just because I love that Bloom so much.

Had I known that Awanas was cancelled...we would have gone out for my birthday. At 5:40 Jamie tells me that he doesn't think they're having AWANAS because of Christmas break. So, instead - we stay home and have one of the most frustrating nights ever. All the kids were fussy. All of them. ALL of them. I was crabby. Jamie was doing the best he could dealing with 5 fussy kids and a crabby wife. I love him so much :)

My 35th birthday came and went. I really find much more joy honoring other people on their birthdays anyway. So...with that said....Lucy's birthday is tomorrow and I've done NOTHING for her. Nothing. :) Kinda funny, huh! She'll never remember it anyway.

8 Month Pictures

2006-12-27T16:06:00.000-06:00

Lincoln

Gavin

Vaughn

Christmas

2006-12-27T14:46:00.000-06:00

Santa Claus came Saturday night. The girls got a Barbie Jeep. The boys...well...there were a couple bowls and spoons in their stockings. Figure they don't need much. Lucy was about to have a nervous breakdown on Saturday night. She was petrified that Santa Claus was going to eat all our food while we were sleeping. Not just the cookies and milk we left out for him...but all the cookies we made and were planning on taking to Nanas house. The girls were excited to get the jeep...but either they're still just too young...or it's because we don't put tons of presents under the tree and don't focus on Santa much - because they just didn't get it.
Family Dinner. I assume Lincoln will be scarred for life since he was sleeping and wasn't there.

Decorating cookies for Santa.

Girls in their Barbie Jeep.

My Christmas Blessing

2006-12-23T13:31:00.000-06:00

Last night the Ellmers came over to celebrate Christmas. The house was clean (at least the kitchen, living room and nursery), the presents were wrapped, and I had quit yelling at my children thanks to the incentive Lucy offered (a penny). They came, we ordered pizza (is that 3 or 4 times this week?), and hung out like we always do. It's so comforting being around them. Jenny just picks up where she left off with us. She loves my kids...and they love her. When I told Lucy that someone was coming over tonight and gave her the hint "It's someone that loves you very much"...she guessed right away, "Is it Jenny?". Jenny jumps right in and doesn't ask...she plays with the kids, changes diapers, gets milk, feeds bottles and does all the things a mother does. It is such a HUGE, HUGE help. And we pick up our conversations right where they left out without a guarded word. It's no surprise to get the best Christmas presents from her. She knows me so well.

We've never lived in the same town...but remain best friends. We know that God brought us together and we are blessed having each other.

Here's a picture of the candles she got me.

Lucy's Christmas Program

2006-12-23T09:07:00.000-06:00

Tuesday the 19th was Lucy's Christmas Program. Thank goodness I remembered when I woke up Tuesday or she'd have gone in jeans and a sweater...and I wouldn't have been there. Mona and Grandma James came. During the middle, Gracie escaped and ran up screaming "Luuuuuuuccccccccyyyyyyyyyyy" and gave her a big hug. It was actually pretty cute. No good pictures of the program - I didn't have my good camera and the flash doesn't work well on the camera I did take.

These were the only pictures I got from the whole thing.
Lucy with her teachers.

Lucy and Mona

Grace and Grandma

Grace

Lunch Disaster

2006-12-23T09:02:00.000-06:00

Took the girls to Diamond Daves a couple weeks ago when I had no girls. Lucy had to go to the bathroom so I walked her 20 steps there. When I came back. The table was empty. I didn't even look, but held my camera under the booth and took this picture of Grace.

Lunch was a disaster...I had expected it to go much better without the boys. I ordered both girls a meal. Grace ate a little. Lucy ate a little of Grace's - none of her own. Lucy chose the restaurant...but neither wanted to be there and neither would sit still for a minute.

Christmas with the Ellmers

2006-12-22T22:46:00.000-06:00

Ellmers were on their way. Boys were screaming. House still a mess. Me in my pjs. Lucy says she'll give me a penny if I quit yelling.

Happy Birthday to??? Us!

2006-12-22T06:19:00.000-06:00

Last night Gracie wasn't feeling well. She just kept moaning and calling from us from her bed. So finally I brought her to bed with us. Well she was driving me crazy tossing and turning. She slept by Jamie for a little while. He got up and changed her diapers and clothes...hoping that would help. When he brought her back to bed she kept tossing and turning and singing happy birthday. She sang happy birthday to each person in our family...Mommy, Daddy, Lucy, Lincoln, Gavin, and Vaughn. Finally we just took her back to bed.

I can't think of one night where she spent the entire night in our bed. She HAS to be in a crib/pack n play to sleep.

We think she may be a bit obsessive compulsive. She will spread a blanket on the floor and have to have it completely spread out with no wrinkles. Once my mom's dog walked over her blanket and she got up and started yelling at the dog and then straightened the blanket back out. She does lots of weird things like that.

Lucy Said Today....

2006-12-21T16:35:00.000-06:00

"Mommy, I don't like our house. It's always messy."

life as we know it

2006-12-21T16:30:00.000-06:00

This Week

2006-12-21T05:34:00.000-06:00

Been a busy week.

Monday the Steve, Donna and Kim came over to watch the kids. Instead, we ordered pizza and all just hung out together. Great time!

Tuesday we had dinner with the Batchelors and Beckers. Beckers just had a baby boy. He's a cutie. Great chance for us to get to know some couples in our small group a little better. Ali watched the girls and Jackie, Jean and Brad watched the boys.

Wednesday was spent making Oreo truffles, breakfast casseroles, and getting ready for Christmas. Still no presents wrapped though. Although as I sit and look...I don't really have many to wrap. Good thing!

Yesterday I took all the kids to where I work after I picked them up from Debbie's. Peggy spoiled all of them with Christmas presents. Lots of toys and stuffed animals. Of course the girls loved the presents so much that they spent the rest of the evening fighting over them! Like most kids, both of them only wanted the toy that the other child had. Fun times.

Christmas Letters are done!

2006-12-21T05:33:00.000-06:00

Well I stayed up until about midnight Tuesday and finished my Christmas letter!! Yay! I have envelopes ready to go and they'll be mailed today. Hopefully people will get them BEFORE Christmas this year!

Christmas Pictures

2006-12-18T22:41:00.000-06:00

Christmas

2006-12-18T06:34:00.000-06:00

Spent Christmas at mom's this weekend. Can't believe Christmas is here already. Although I do feel some relief of pressure. Got to hook up this weekend with my brother Jason, his wife and two girls - they hadn't met the boys yet; brother Justin and his girlfriend; sister Susan, her hubby and two girls; sister Linda is California and couldn't come. Was great to see everyone again. Jason caught the flu bug that we all had. Will spend the rest of this week putting away stuff that we brought home from mom's - clothes, presents, etc. Off to work now.

Gavin

2006-12-18T06:33:00.002-06:00

Gavin has two teeth now too. Center bottom.

Lincoln

2006-12-18T06:33:00.001-06:00

Lincoln has teeth! He's getting his two bottom ones in.

Jamie

2006-12-14T06:15:00.000-06:00

I never tell my husband enough how proud I am of him. But I am. Tuesday night we were on our way to small group. We stopped at Fareway to pick up some food. As I was running in, I saw a friend who looked a little sick. She was ringing the Salvation Army bell with her daughter. She said several members of her family were sick...two of them were in the van in the parking lot (in plain view). I offered to take them with me but she didn't want to spread anything. I briefly thought...I should stay and ring the bell so she can go home. But, like most people...I didn't offer. I just kept on going. I had a babysitter. I selfishly wanted to go to small group and hang out with some big people. When I got back in the van I told Jamie what was going on and he went in and sent our friend and her sick family home while he stayed and rang the bell for her. Jamie is such an example to me of what it means to be Christ-like. He is always doing things like that. Things that most people think - Oh, that would be nice, but maybe some other time, I'm busy now. Many of us are willing to help in a way that is convenient for us. But he truly sacrifices for other people and helps them where they need it. I love him so much and feel very blessed that he's in my life.

Gracie or ??

2006-12-14T06:13:00.000-06:00

While we were in the van yesterday Lucy said, "Mommy, something smells. It stinks in here...do you smell it? It really, really stinks." I jokingly said, "Well it's not me." And she said with disgust, "It's either Gracie...or...a pig."

The Boys

2006-12-14T06:11:00.000-06:00

The boys are all home and well. They all slept GREAT last night. Things are running so smoothly this morning that I'm even able to blog a little. Missed my little guys. Vaughn - Mr. Intense - definitely seemed the happiest to see me...his big smile and kicking feet were so welcoming. That's just his personality though.

Pee Pee in the Potty

2006-12-14T05:33:00.000-06:00

That's what we chant when our kids use the potty while they are learning. That's what we were chanting Sunday night when Gracie used it on her own - with maybe some encouragement from Lucy. She was in the bathtub and Lucy started yelling that Gracie went potty. We thought she peed in the tub. She hasn't gone again since...but she's tried. We told Lucy that every time she helps Grace, when Gracie goes they'll both get pee pee candy. So Lucy has been very motivated to help her.

All Mommy Wants for Christmas is a Silent Night

2006-12-11T22:15:00.000-06:00

Jamie's mom knows me well. She bought the boys these cute onesies! Darling!!

3 Days Down, 39 To Go

2006-12-11T21:58:00.000-06:00

Jamie's sister Jenna took Lincoln Saturday and Sunday night. It really was a huge help. Although I can't believe how hard it's been without Jamie helping. Not only can he not lift more than 5 pounds for 6 weeks, he did just have surgery so I don't want him doing much of anything except sitting on his tush for a few days. He feels bad and is trying to help as much as he can.

So the truth...I'm such an unsympathetic person of other people. When he says...can you get me a glass of water...my first thought is, "Why, is it more than 5 pounds." He always bends over backwards when I'm sick. But with him down, it's been so hard that he is given the leftovers of my energy...and unfortunately I don't have even to survive...let alone give leftovers. He needs me too...so I need to put my selfishness aside and give him more than just the leftover energy I have.

Went to Circa 21 last night. Jenna had Lincoln, Kim had Gavin, Steve and Donna had Vaughn, Mona had both girls. It was completely stressful getting them all ready to go. BUT...it was so worth it. I really didn't think it would be but I had so much of a better attitude the second I got in the car from dropping of the last child!! It was nice to have a six hours without any children. And it was so great picking them back up again and knowing how much I missed them.

Today, Jenna and Jamie's dad came to help Jamie take the boys to their eye appointment at the University. Afterwards, Jenna took Vaughn and they dropped off Lincoln and Gavin at Mom's house. So, I'm without babies until Wednesday. I've never gotten rid of all three for more than 24 hours before...so it really feels weird. I almost wish I would have kept one. But today, Lucy, Grace and I went downtown and had lunch at a little cafe. Walked through the shops, went to the library and just had a nice time together.

Lucy is really into roll playing these days and Gracie follows her lead. Lucy loves to play teacher, grandma or grandpa, mommy, etc. And she loves to "read" books. She makes up fun little stories. We have the best times together.

Gracie loves to sing. Her favorite songs are ABC's and the Witch song that Lucy taught us from preschool. I've noticed that I can't seem to understand her very well at all. I don't remember not being able to understand Lucy. She really talks a lot. Long sentences and I have no idea what they mean. But she's a little lover. She loves to hug and cuddle. I just adore her.

I wish I could video tape an entire day of the girls. I love them so much and hate that I won't remember all the adorable things they do. Shoot, I can't even remember them long enough to blog them at night.

Tonight we went to the local nursing home with 3 other moms and 2 of their daughters. All the girls were staggered in their ages. It's so sweet how the little girls adore the big girls and the big girls adore the little ones. Everyone seemed to have a good time at the nursing home and it reminded me once again how I have to hang on tight when they are so little. These precious moments are going to be gone so quickly. The folks we visited were so excited to have people come by. It must be very lonely this time of year.

Alrighty...off to bed. Looking forward to a full night's sleep!!

Happy Birthday Jamie

2006-12-09T22:01:00.000-06:00

When you wait until 7:30 pm, this is the only design you can get in a white cake at HyVee.

The girls were very excited to decorate daddy's cake.

This is Jamie with his 38th birthday cake. Even Boston helped decorate it. Yes, he carved out some on the right side of the cake.

Happy Birthday to the most wonderful man I've ever known. I'm so blessed to have you as my husband and the father of my children.

Hungry?

2006-12-08T20:50:00.000-06:00

I picked up the kids yesterday. As we were driving home I told the girls I was hungry. Lucy said, "Do you want some ice?" I said, "Ice?" She said, "Yeah, from my shoe." And as I turned back I saw her picking and eating ice off of her shoe.

Jamie's Surgery

2006-12-08T20:46:00.000-06:00

Jamie's surgery went fairly well. Another long day. At the hospital at 9:30 am. Home at 4:30 pm. He had some problems after the doctor was finished...no one told him exactly what happened but he stopped breathing and had some sort of esophagus spasm. They gave him some medication to get him breathing and some demorral to stop him from shaking so badly. He was so out of it he's not sure what happened and he never saw the doctor after the surgery so he wasn't able to ask. He is fine now and in bed.

Will spend his 38th birthday in bed tomorrow :( Happy birthday honey! Olive Juice.

Lincoln

2006-12-06T16:23:00.000-06:00

Lincoln seems to be having the most pain from the surgery. Two nights in a row now I've had to sleep in the uncomfortable rocking chair in their room and rock him for part or all of the night. The first day after the surgery I thought this would be a piece of cake. But tomorrow will be a week since the surgery and almost every evening we have to listen to crying for several hours at a time. I know...boo hoo. Our boys are in pain and I'm whining about the crying. Our house is chaotic and I'm on the verge of insanity. Truly. We feed them bottles at 5. We feed the girls. We feed the boys solid food. We change diapers. We give baths. It's time to feed the boys a bottle again. We put children to bed. It's now 9 or 10 pm. I thought our days would just get easier and easier through the first year...but they are getting harder and harder. More and more demanding. I'm tired. I'm always tired.

Life As We Know It

2006-12-06T16:14:00.000-06:00

We expected pictures to go bad...but we never expected it to go as badly as it did. Not one good picture of the 5 of them. Gavin, our always-happy-child, started everyone off with a full blown fit. When he wasn't crying, Grace was. She wanted her binki and couldn't understand that if she would just smile for one or two pics she'd get it back. They had no props for our boys to help them sit. So they're laying on the floor in almost all of them. At one point the gal had Jamie sit Indian Style of the floor and she threw a sheet over him. He was supposed to hold the three boys and the girls were going to sit next to them somehow. Yes, it looked as stupid as it sounds and even if it had looked ok, didn't come close to working. So at lunch we decided that maybe we'd just buy a picture with the most children crying to represent our life. When we went back to view the pics we only got to view the ones the photographer preselected...so we didn't even get to see the "bad" ones. We ended up with a panoramic shot of 5 squirmy kids with the title "Life As We Know It".

I've Ruined My Daughter's Life

2006-12-06T16:11:00.000-06:00

As we were leaving the mall today, the balloons we got from Flash were blowing in the wind. Lucy started freaking out because she was afraid we were going to lose them. I told her we were throwing them away anyway because we get one every time we come to the mall and we don't need it. She kept freaking out because they were blowing...so I let them loose. She was crying - very dramatically - and screamed "You ruined my life! You ruined my life!"

Gross

2006-12-04T14:54:00.000-06:00

Removed Lincoln and Gavin's bandages last night. One of the grossest things I've ever had to do. They looked gross, they smelled gross and I'm glad Jamie was there. I can't believe how well they took it. I think it may have been more painful for Jamie and me than for them.

The Polar Express

2006-12-04T14:52:00.000-06:00

Took the girls to the "Polar Express" in Mt. Pleasant yesterday. It's a train ride to the "North Pole". Didn't come close to meeting my expectations and we won't do it again. But, it was an OK time for the girls.

December?

2006-12-04T14:38:00.000-06:00

December? Already? Seriously?

Every year I swear it is not going to be like last year. We are NOT going to be busy every single night of the week every single week of the month. So why is this December no different. Every year I swear I'm going to slow down. Enjoy the season. Enjoy the reason for the season. This year proves to be no different. I'm not sure whether I'm coming or going. Our schedule is jam packed until Christmas. Except for tonight...

Tonight is a free night. Our plans: to put up the tree, enjoy hot apple cider, glazed donuts and eggnog. Well...Jamie will enjoy eggnog. I think it's nasty. We'll sing Christmas carols, add Mary to our Nativity set and read the Christmas story out of the bible. We'll watch a Charlie Brown Christmas. If we don't do it any other night of the month...we will tonight. We will love on our family, talk about Jesus and enjoy the night together. I'm so excited. I'm even going to cook supper tonight!! Nothing fancy...but one of my favorites and simple...tacos. Looking forward to a peaceful evening.

ps...I know I'm setting myself up for failure. But this time it will be different.

Lincoln and Gavin

2006-12-01T20:45:00.000-06:00

They seem to be doing good and are in very little pain. Continue to be on Tylenol with Codine, 2 other pain medicines and an antibiotic. Cut back to regular tylenol and ibuprofen tomorrow. Real troopers!

No Kidney Stone - Yay!! Diverticulitis - Boo!!

2006-12-01T20:39:00.000-06:00

So after three hours at the doctors office, a CT scan and two blood draws...I've been diagnosed with Diverticulitis. Symptoms are very similar to the flu and is probably why I've been sick all week. The pain in my left side has been getting worse...but the percocet has been helping. I am on two antibiotics for 10 days. Hoping that will cure the problem. My best explanation of Diverticulitis is that they are pockets in your colon that get infected. The doctor said that I am pretty young to get it. If the antibiotics don't work I will need to be hospitalized and put on an IV, with the possibility of surgery to remove the part of my colon that is infected. However...most likely the antibiotics will work. My white blood cell count was good and I didn't have a fever...very good signs. I need to go back next week.

Rough Day...But All Went Well

2006-11-30T19:41:00.000-06:00

Daddy getting ready to take Gavin into surgery.

Daddy getting ready to take Lincoln into surgery.

The day started by feeding Gavin at 4:30. Praise God that we didn't get the snow and ice that was in the forecast. Jamie and I went back to bed and slept for another hour. Then got up and headed to Iowa City. Fed Lincoln on the way. I was feeling EXTREMELY sick. Day 4 with the flu bug - AGAIN! This time no vomitting but diarrhea. I'm so dehydrated I only was able to pump 2 ounces! (Compared to the 12 ounces I've been pumping lately.) Got to the hospital and things went sooo smoothly. The nurses were ALL so nice I couldn't believe it! Jamie was able to go in with Gavin to be there until they put him to sleep. He said it was a bit disturbing. Gavin was fighting it but finally fell asleep and looked dead. I was having extreme stomach cramps. I was useless. Jamie took care of Lincoln while Gavin had his surgery. 2 hours later they came out and said the surgery was done and went well. I was going to go in with Lincoln - but couldn't because I felt like I was going to pass up every time I sat upright or tried to stand. And the stomach cramps were so bad. One of the nurses gave me some ibuprofen and Jamie and I grabbed some lunch while Gavin was in recovery. That really seemed to help. Jamie took care of Gavin while Lincoln was in surgery. 2 hours later his surgery was done and it went well too. They had to give him extra pain medication during surgery because his heart rate was spiking. He came out of anesthesia very irritable. He cried a lot and was just not happy at all the way Gavin was. It just hit him a bit harder I guess. I was finally feeling a little better and able to take care of Gavin. I was able to pinpoint my stomach pain to my left kidney...and think I may have a kidney stone. When I got home I downed some percocet and am feeling a lot better now...although I can still feel the discomfort every time I lift something, lean to the left or take a deep breath. It was a rough day. We left at 6 this morning and got home at 6:30 tonight. But so thankful that God was there holding us up. I am very sad that I was so useless and was in so much pain that I could give very little attention to my boys. They are very swollen. They have a catheter in that will be removed next week. They have been given four different drugs - three for pain relief, one to fight off any possible infections.

Grandma is watching Grace and Vaughn. Although she is sick too. They love her so much and I'm so thankful to have someone I love and trust so much to take care of my babies when I can't.

Nana stayed with Lucy today and took her to school. Lucy loved it. She said they were going to watch a movie, play with playdough and eat popcorn. Came home to a clean house which was so nice since I feel so cruddy.

Starting to feel lightheaded again...so I'm going to bed.

Ali

2006-11-29T15:01:00.000-06:00

Ali watched Lucy and Grace last night. They LOVED her. Lucy bawled when I took her home. When I got back home, we sat down and Lucy wrote her a note that said "Ali, please come over tomorrow. Please. Please. Pleeeeeeease! Please come play with me. Please come over Ali." Well...there were a lot of pleases in there. Finally a babysitter that I LOVE LOVE LOVE! And the girls do too.

Jamie

2006-11-29T14:57:00.000-06:00

Jamie has rescheduled his surgery for Friday, December 8th - the day before his birthday.

Surgeries

2006-11-27T16:28:00.000-06:00

Lincoln and Gavin have their Hypospadias surgery on Thursday...provided they don't have so much as a runny nose.

Jamie has his umbilical hernia surgery on Tuesday December 5th. No lifting ANYTHING over 8 pounds for 6 weeks. Not sure how we're going to work that out yet since he's the one who takes the boys to day care everyday. But it will work out. Things always do.

Lucy's Order

2006-11-27T16:26:00.000-06:00

Lucy wanted to stop at McDonald's on the way home Saturday evening. She wanted a hamburger with no celery, no pickles and hamburger...one hamburger and one bun. And some ketchup.

Gavin's First Tooth

2006-11-27T16:18:00.000-06:00

Gavin got his first tooth yesterday. Finally...he's been working at it for some time now. It's his bottom middle-right tooth.

Mommy's Little Helper

2006-11-27T16:14:00.000-06:00

Let Lucy feed Lincoln by herself for the first time last night. She fed him his entire bowl of food. She was so patient with him and did such a great job. In this picture she is excited because she let him feed himself.

Thanksgiving

2006-11-27T15:49:00.000-06:00

I can't believe how fast the weekend has gone by. Went to Nana and Papa's on Wednesday evening. Jamie, Lucy, Grace and I usually takeover Nana and Papa's room (we've given up fighting them on it :)) the three boys in their three pack n' plays takeover the tv room (Shawna's old bedroom) - with Nana on the couch and Nana and Papa move to the small guest bedroom. Jamie and I made a deal...he sleeps in when we sleep at my mom's house and I sleep in when we sleep at his mom's house...although neither of us ever get to sleep in much later that 7am. Had his entire immediate family home on Thanksgiving. The kids got to see their cousins - McKenna (4) and Parker (almost 1). Had a wonderful lunch and Nana got her pictures of the 7 grandkids. Friday morning went to my mom's house for Thanksgiving. Lots of my favorite foods. Friday night mom watched the boys and Jaden while my sister and I and our hubbies took our three girls to the "Happy Feet". What a great movie. I may have loved it so much because Mumble reminded me of Vaughn. Vaughns bright blue eyes and fuzzy head...and his happy feet :)

Saturday night we went to the lighted parade.

Pressures of the Season

2006-11-22T05:06:00.000-06:00

Feeling a little stressed these days. Feeling the pressure of Christmas. The shopping, the decorating, the baking, trying to make everyone feel as special as they really are to me and the pressure of keeping Christmas focused on Jesus.

Going away for Thanksgiving. Need to pack. Where do I begin?? Baby food, diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, breastpump supplies, sleeping gear, clothes, clothes and moe clothes. I should have started this last night but just couldn't bring myself to do it! And actually...the packing is not so bad. It's the unpacking that is hard. My house will be destroyed for days as I try to put everything back in order.

I can't believe it's Thanksgiving already. The days have flown by since the boys were born. So much to be thankful for.

Christmas Shopping

2006-11-21T16:15:00.000-06:00

Christmas shopping continues to go well. Got a gift for my mom yesterday. Ordered the kids' pj's. Received the boys stockings last night. I had bought a Pottery Barn monogrammed "Lucy" stocking from ebay one year. Felt good that I got such a great deal. Well then I had to get the same style for Grace. Hmmm...none on ebay...not such a good deal anymore. This year...well...3 more not so cheap monogrammed Pottery Barn stockings. I'm finding 5 kids to be very expensive. I know - BIG SURPRISE! Lucy had a fancy dress her first Christmas. Aunt Susie bought it from Dillards. Her second Christmas she was a big sister and her and Grace got "fancy" dresses from Walmart. Ok...so they weren't really expensive but they were cute. I realized with 2 kids I couldn't spoil them both with expensive dresses that they'll only wear a couple of times. This year...no fancy dresses at all. Sorry girls. But you'll look ever so cute in your fancy pj's. So maybe they're not fancy...but you can wear them many, many nights. And they'll be cute in pictures.

As you can see below...there's very little these children need when it comes to play things.

Lucy and her presents 2003

Lucy and her & Gracie's presents 2004