Summer Lovin'

Why I haven't blogged more lately

Three words: lack. of. time. Yep, with three little ones all vying for my attention, there's barely enough time for dinner these days, much less the blog! Here is a little update on those three reasons why this blog has been ignored.

1. Will. Out of school for summer! Next year it's five days a week in the 4k class and then on to kindergarten. It hardly seems possible! He has been absolutely delightful these days. Full of conversation and questions, extremely helpful and obedient and so, so funny! His latest obsession is the matchbox cars and his cowboy outfit. Almost every weekend his favorite thing to do is dress up in the cowboy outfit and watch Bonanza. I'm not kidding!! His four year check up was perfect, and much to my surprise he passed his hearing screen with flying colors. I was convinced he had a hearing problem, but "4 year old boy ears" was the doctor's diagnosis :) He also landed on the charts at 97% for height for his age. We knew from the beginning he was going to be a tall one.

2. Annely Blake. Still the diva. Still throwing fits, demanding her way, wanting to do everything herself. Yes, she is definitely two. The newest thing with her is the start of potty-training!!! She is doing great! So far only one accident since we started on Wednesday! (Well, one #1 accident....the #2 is a different story :) So far that has yet to land in it's appropriate destination.) She is getting more into dress-up and still loves her baby dolls.

3. Henry. Baby Henry is continuing to keep me on my toes! This boy loves to be held and entertained. It seems like the more chaos that's going on around him, the happier he is! He's started rice cereal and bananas, which he loves, and is grabbing at rattles, going to town in the johnny jump up, and rolling over to his side. His four month check up is in a few weeks so we'll see where he is in terms of weight and length.

April....a month of celebrations...

A birthday celebration for a big two year old- Happy Birthday, Annely Blake!!

BOB the Builder, live in Columbus!

Two BOB fanatics: Luke and Will-

What better way to celebrate than dancing in the aisle with your best friend?-

Getting 12 hours of sleep out of this little one!-

A new toy! Finally big enough to try the johnny-jump-up-

Annely Blake turns two!!

Wow, is Annley Blake already TWO? How is that possible? I have to keep reminding myself that she's not the baby anymore. Of course, her constant chatter reminds me of that lately. She has quite the personality these days. I am so thankful that God didn't listen to me when I dreamt and hoped of raising all boys. I just knew I would be one of those moms who spent all her time at the ball park and playing "cops and robbers." Thank goodness He didn't listen and gave me the cutest, most funny, adorable, lovable little girl. So, Annely Blake, what do we love about you? You are such a great combination of "tomboy" and girly -girl. You love dress up and dolls, but you also love to play cars with Will and guns and really, whatever he is doing. You quite simply adore your big brother. Lately you have been really into your dolls, though. Pushing them in the swing, feeding them bottles, putting diapers on them, and taking them with you everywhere. You'll be the best little mommy one day, if you choose to be. You look just like your daddy and it's no question you have him wrapped around your finger. But, even though you look just like him, you do have your momma's personality and temper and patience (or lack of.....) You will say "hi" to anyone, even strangers, wave at everybody in the store, stop people and tell them all about your little brother, and bring me the phone all day long wanting to call people and have long conversations. Oh, you have quite a little personality! We can't wait to watch you grow up and help take care of your little brother and become a little lady. I am so glad that when these boys grow up and fall in love and move on, that I'll have you to still come around and talk to (hopefully :)) We love you, little princess! Happy 2nd Birthday!!!!!



Annely Blake- April 18th, 2007 7lbs 13oz
First birthday- celebrating in Charleston with the great-grandmother you were named after

and today......with just enough hair to finally get a bow in!!

Dear Henry,

If ever there was a time I wish babies could talk it would be now. I'd want you to tell me why you cry a lot, and if you're hurting. Is it the reflux, buddy? Or do you get sad when mommy leaves the room. Because you sure are happy as long as I'm holding you. I can't figure you out, Henry. You don't really look like your brother and sister, and you certainly don't act like they did. You were cut from a different mold! But, you sure are cute. And I especially love that you're starting to laugh at me, and I just about melted into a puddle the other day when I saw you sucking your thumb. None of my other ones did that. The doctor said you must be some kind of baby, and super laid back. She said she's never seen a baby with your reflux symptoms who doesn't cry day and night. I can't complain because you're a great sleeper! I just wish I knew what was bothering you during the day. I'm more attached to you than I was your big brother and sister. Maybe it's all of your "issues." Or maybe because our relationship got off to a rocky start. Either way, I'm going to be real protective of you, so get used to it. I love you, baby Henry.

Easter

He is risen, He is risen indeed!

Scenes from our Easter Sunday celebration....

Annely Blake checking out her easter basket in the morning Will was happy to find m&ms......

eating lunch on the church grounds-

baby Henry, look at those precious bunny feet!-

Will and Luke before the hunt-

I think she had one egg in her basket-

Will and his friends-

the five of us after church-

Happy Easter!!!!!!!

grumpy old men

Henry- 10 weeks, Cal- 12 weeks Aren't they cute?!!

Month Two

Well, month two around here certainly was a lot easier than month one. We are settling into a little routine, and getting more sleep (which doesn't hurt anything :) and really starting to enjoy having more kids than hands! Our March was a busy month, though, and I've included a collection of pictures from our travels and happenings.

Henry at 8 weeks- Aunt Lori and Henry in Savannah

Cousins- AB and Tyler-

Pa Pa, Matt and Brandon in Sav.

St Patty's Day Parade-

Celebrating my 30th Birthday in Athens-

Atlanta Zoo with KK and Poppy-

Will at Columbus Air Show-

Henry's baptism 3/29/09

It was one year ago today.....

that I rushed our sick little girl with blue, cold extremities first to the doctor and then straight to the hospital. The events of that day are fresh on my mind and I doubt I'll ever forget the details. Our pediatrician still calls her his "mystery patient" as he has never seen anything like it in all his years of practicing. We are so thankful she's healthy today and I'm thankful I'm not in the hospital right now!

scroll down for another new post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gearing up for spring

I think I may have been a little too excited about spring. At our first hint of a warm day, I took all the kid's winter clothing out and put all the spring/summer stuff in. What will they wear when that late cold snap that the south always gets arrives? Anyways...some pictures of us playing outside when it was 80 degrees a few days ago.

and lastly, this smile makes it all worth it! (and it doesn't hurt that he's now sleeping 8+ hours a night!!!)