Around The House

Andrew has been doing really well playing with the kids outside every night.  They have loved playing baseball and basketball and they have also rekindled their relationship with the swing.  It's great having all three old enough to go out and run around and play - I can't believe there will soon be an infant again.

Luckily this infant will be sleeping in the bassinet for the first three or four months of his life so he would mind that we no longer have a crib in the house.  SERIOUSLY.... for the first time in 4.5 years, we DO NOT have a crib in the house.  It's fabulous!  Shortly after we moved Ryan to the twin bed, it was thought that maybe Andi would sleep better out of her crib.  Maybe she simply didn't like it - it would be SO like her to feel that way.  So, it's gone.

The kids LOVED rearranging their room.  I think Jackson especially inherited that gene of mine because he couldn't stop praising the room, the process and the result.  He still has to begin the sleeping process in our room because the babies DO NOT go to sleep with Jackson in the room, but he transfers well these days.

*The funny thing about doing this post a week or so later is that the room has already been rearranged AGAIN!)

Andi has more good nights these days.  So no, it wasn't magic, but it has been helpful.  Plus, if one of us needs to go in there often, we can just sleep in the bed instead of trying to console her in her crib.

But it's nice she's getting this extra sleep so she has that much more energy to sit in the "toy chest" and empty... no, and THROW... no, and CHUCK EVERYTHING out of the dang thing.  This girl is unstoppable!

We Need A Name

I thought it was a girl.  Jackson thought it was a girl.  Andrew thought it was a boy.  Since when is Andrew right?  I mean seriously!!  WHEN??  I have been thinking about Rylee, or Kylie, or something along those lines since before I found out I was pregnant.  Not necessarily because I wanted a girl, because really I didn't know if I wanted more drama in this house.  Honestly, Andi has been our toughest kid and the idea of doing that again was overwhelming.  BUT then again, I have seen how some sisters have this amazing bond and I have always wanted that for my daughter so in that sense, yeah, I wanted a girl.

Monday we went to our ultrasound and I honestly have never gone in so confidant.  When she said, "I will tell you what it is when I see it and if I'm confidant" I thought, "Whatever, I already know!".  (Side note: the fact that I allowed myself to be so confidant is funny because I never do because I hate being wrong.  At the end of reality shows, Andrew always asks me who I think will be kicked off - I NEVER answer even when I am pretty sure of my answer.  I hate being wrong!  Ok.... back on track now!)

"It's a Boy!".... WHAT!?!?!?  Although I was rather baffled, I didn't have to ask her to repeat herself because Andrew's face gave it away - the face of victory.  Whatever.  During the remainder of the appointment I was in shock.  Like, really?  It's not that I don't want a boy because I feel like boys are fun, but I was shocked.

Jackson was shocked.  He thought it was a girl all along too - which I think it partly what reinforced my thoughts on that matter.  Then that night, hours later, Jackson and I were lying there and he said, "Mom, I really thought that baby in your belly is a girl!".  So did I bud, so did I.

But here we are - expecting our THIRD BOY and now that I've digested that fact, I'm really excited.  I think this will be a nice blend for us and we have no doubt Andi will be able to hold her own!

On a different, more disgusting note, Gramma Nette and Papa offered to watch the kids while we went to the appoint.  They had been gone the week before and were going to be gone again the following week, so this was their chance to spend some time with them.  After we returned to Santa Clarita, they treated us to The Habit.  Andi shocked us with her love of onion rings - well, not really the ring (you know the fried part is apparently not everyone's favorite?!?!  Who would have guessed!) JUST THE ONION!  It was disgusting!

So - here's to a baby boy - BOY OH BOY!  What the heck will we name him?

Quest for Happiness

While pregnant with Andi I was beyond exhausted.  Ry was still so teeny (remember they're 11 months apart) and my body was simply exhausted from JUST getting over being pregnant.  I gave in to my pregnancy and I have so regretted it.  It has put me at a very uncomfortable weight and I am determined to not let that happen again.  So far I have gained four or five pounds, depending on the day, and I don't want that to escalate too quickly!!!!  Makes me nervous!

My generous mother is helping me out with this - after three years of looking for the perfect double jogger, I have been blessed with a fantastic jogger.  Ok, so maybe the wheel came off on our first journey together, but we're pretty sure that was an error on the assembly  (uh hmm Andrew!).  

Monday I decided Fair Oaks Park would be the perfect place to begin my quest for happiness and I decided Becky would help me achieve this (it's always so much better walking with a girlfriend!).  You see, I still have a lot of pain and so walking all around my hilly neighborhood is not in my best interest - at least not yet.  So, now I find myself at my least favorite park - but would you look at that, it turns out it does have something wonderful to offer me.  Today, on my way home from talking Jackson to school, I flipped a U and made my way over there again.  It works out well - we do laps first and then the kids can play.

How Was Church?

I don't know - I just don't know!  We're at a tough stage.  All my kids have willingly attended nursery and for that we have been grateful.  BUT, the last month or two we have struggled.  OH SO STRUGGLED.  Which means, we have two cranky babies joining us in Sunday School, Relief Society, Priesthood or "Foyer".  I don't know what the deal is.... but it's awful.  We all leave at 4pm ready to never come back.  Ok, maybe that's a little dramatic but seriously, I am so tired of 1pm church.  It's awful!!  And of course, with each new trial all I can think about is "How will we do it with another??".  BUT, they do look cute at 12:30pm in preparation to go to church!  Maybe I should just hold on to these precious moments where I can still pick their clothes.  Where the boys' pants still go over their butts and Andi's dresses aren't revealing too much.  And yes, the fact that they go at all.  Because let's face it, that's one of my fears as a parent that I will have children that will rebel against church or God or any sense of spirituality.  So there you have it, my new focus.

JACKSON

RYAN WESLEY

ANDI

Long Lost Juana & Ito

Where has the time gone?  It has been way too long since we last saw Juana and Ito!!!  Grandma has foot surgery and hasn't been able to leave town and I haven't had the energy to go visit them.  Bad combination.

Then Friday grandpa had a bit of an episode and couldn't finish his tennis game.  Instead, he was escorted by loved ones to the hospital asap.  He didn't see the need but all disagreed.  He'll be fine but it always gets you thinking.

Saturday morning we joined my parents and headed to Corona for a long overdue visit.  The kids were so excited to see Juana and Ito.  We had a fabulous lunch - Burger Basket for the white folk and Menudo for those more daring :)  YUM!  After that, we simply enjoyed the day visiting and laughing.  There was a bit of relaxing in there as well but the kids made sure my dad made up for the time wasted napping!

My fabulous cousin also left some clothes for Andi - all had a blast trying things on :)  Jackson especially loved Andi's future Halloween costume!!

It was a priceless day and as always, we can't wait to see them again!

Mr. Dentist

Yes, I thought this was going to be a disaster.  I truly had NO faith in Jackson.  Seriously.  I just imagined him freaking out pushing anything or anyone out of his mouth.  Boy was I WRONG!  I am still in shock.

There was one moment where he got real nervous.  Well, aside from the minor detail that my brave, independent little man wanted to hold my hand each time we walked around in the office or from room to room.  But the main freak out was when they went to recline his chair and it just kept going down and down and DOWN!  He kept trying to sit up and his face began getting read and I saw the water begin to collect in his eyes.  He was frightened for sure.  So I got up and went over to his head to hold his hand and explain to him the process.  He relaxed and then allowed all the work to be done.

He did have a cavity that needed to be filled, but it was teeny.  Whew!  We also learned that he will probably begin losing his two top, front teeth in about a month.  No, he's not six yet but his teeth seem to think so.  My kids get their teeth SO late I find it odd he will be losing it this early.  We need to do a family picture before those teeth are gone :)

But according to Jackson, he will be a Mr. Dentist when he grows up!

Jackson My Man

Dad picked you up from school and told you he was going to take you to the driving range during his "lunch break".  You proceeded to ask the whereabouts of the babies and dad told you they were at home taking a nap because they were tired.  You then asked, "Dad, am I tired?  Check to see if I have bags under my eyes!".

Then when the babies woke up, I got out a couple cookies for each of you.  (yes, I'm all about a treat in the middle of the day rather than at night)  You sat there holding your two while the babies gobbled down theirs.  You then told me, "I can't eat these because I had a chocolate shake with dad and that is too much sugar".

I love how much  you are comprehending these days!!!!

Some of My Favorites!

Come What May, And Love It

This one is FABULOUS:

"Find Someone Who is Having a Hard Time, And Do Something for THEM!"

Reflect Each Night

Hulk Hogan

A friend inspired me to straighten Andi's hair - ewww!  So, Andrew thought it needed a trim to even it out a bit.

Julie, I too don't think we'll be doing this again :)  But she didn't mind, she had a good 'ol time on the tractor with her new cut!

It's A Hot Day!

For some reason this sentence is just perfect for Ryan.  He said it one day and we all understood it perfectly.  It was amazing - and he knew it.  He LOVES saying it and he says it with such enthusiasm it's adorable.

It's also adorable when Ryan sleeps - he shakes his bum in the air back and forth - I wish I could record it, I should record it!

Celebrate Good Times COME ON!

It began with Andrew's 9am basketball game.  Well actually, it all began with a text from a friend on the way to the game.  Just as we pulled onto Camp Plenty, my friend sends me a text letting me another that our friend had just last her two day old baby at 3:45am Saturday morning.  Stunned.  Why?  Devastating!  It's her first born and he died while recovering from open heart surgery.  It's those moments where the world stops and you can't fathom why these people need to endure such a trial.  (BUT, her, yes the mother's, encouraging words later that day reminded me of the bigger picture!)

When I got to the game, my dear friend Becky was just what I needed.  She asked, "How was your morning?" and I lost it.  It was a sad week and a sad morning - too much for an emotional prego!  Thank you Becky!  The kids enjoyed watching and playing around as always and Andrew I am SURE enjoyed playing.  We had some time to kill so Andrew played about 15 minutes for Mint Cyn.'s game after ours. 

We then headed home so Andrew could shower and so Michalle could pick me up - my family was going to the Anderson's for Tristan's birthday brunch and Michalle and I were attending a bridal shower for an old friend.  It was a nice shower and great to see old friends but most of all, it was great to just hang out with Michalle.

Michalle and I then went shopping while Andrew took the babies home for a nap.  The timing of the day really did work out very well, BUT it was exhausting.  Because, SEPTEMBER 11th is MY MOTHER'S BIRTHDAY!

So, once the kids were done napping, we headed back to Acton for the most important part of the day - to celebrate my mom.  I'm sure it made her day to have everyone fit at her table with her new chairs!  

As always, the kids were SO excited to give grandma shopping her gift!

But then, it was cake time.  Grandma is so selfless she allowed the making of a cake and watched everyone eat it.  Now THAT'S a good grandma!

Yeah, we didn't make it to church the next day cause Saturday kicked our butt.  But, I'm grateful we were able to celebrate so many wonderful people, especially Grandma Shopping.
Speaking of Sunday - My husband is a stud!  He took care of everything.  EVERYTHING, as I sat and read.  I was beat and sick and just couldn't fathom functioning so I'm glad I didn't have to!  I watched from my bed as he entertained the kids outside!

Mr. Ryan

Friday morning we attempted playgroup - haha, didn't really work out but the kids enjoyed running around and I enjoyed the sun.  We have been really watching Mr. Ryan these days and I was surprised to see him venture up this creature all on his own.  It may not seem like much to you, but believe me, it is.  He's much like his father in the sense that he is VERY cautious.  VERY!  But the best part wasn't that he got up there, it's that he got down on his own without crying.

We really do feel like he cries SO MUCH because he simply can't talk or get his point across any other way. We are hoping this soon gets fixed.  We haven't received the referrals yet, but I am hoping soon.  A couple other things that are sticking out to me as I browse websites, is that Ry may have sleep apnea.  This boy has always needed his sleep.  It's common for him to sleep 12-13 hours each night.  Until recently, he was still taking two naps a day.  Since he was three weeks old, he has slept all night.  We have asked the doctor before if this should indicate a problem, and basically we were told to not complain we have a sleepy child.  But now, I'm wondering if he needs all this sleep because he's not really sleeping - or it's getting interrupted?!?!?

AND.... he has always choked while drinking.

Anyway, who knows - we don't and we can't wait to find out what's going on with our Mr. Ryan!

Golf Stud

Three days before his "Dummy Free Week" was up, Jackson was found with a dummy in his mouth.  We couldn't believe it.  Andrew had him call grandpa grandpa to tell him the sad news and confess of his wrongdoings.  Poor grandpa had his heart broken while listening to his devastated grandson!  But, it had to be dealt with - Jackson received TWO extra days to his week.  Oh how sad he was.

BUT - HE DID IT!

Last Thursday morning my dad came over to watch the kids while I went to the doctor's.  When I got home, we all piled in the car for the big purchase.  Jackson was giddy all Wednesday and then the following morning.  He made sure to bring the money he had saved and he was simply delighted the day had arrived.

He examined the clubs carefully and was so delighted by his new find!

All suited up Jackson handed over his dough to grandpa and grandpa grandpa took care of the rest.  The salesman was so cute and impressed with the little man.

And yes, Jackson asks to go golfing EVERYDAY!!!  One of these days Andrew will take him out on the course and not just the driving range!  SO CUTE!

And what makes this really cool for US, is we now have something to take away if need be :)

Lounging

Because that's what we do these days....

Ry entertains himself by working on his photography skills

And my mom recently had surgery so we have spent some time visiting with my parents

Then last Sunday we were so fortunate to go to the blessing of our friend's baby - friends from college.  It's always a wonderful reunion with the Snows!!

And lastly, we have had fun with friends - well we had fun, I'm not sure Gage has!?!?!?

I had a few days in there where I felt a little more normal.  You can imagine my excitement because really, the reason I don't like being pregnant is because I don't like feeling so out of sorts.  Well, those days seemed to pass way too quickly and I am right back to not enjoying my food, not sleeping well, and not being able to get rid of these headaches!!  With the boys I was fine at 12 weeks, with Andi, it was 16 weeks.  From the beginning I thought this one could be a girl and so far; well let's just say I'll be surprised if it's a boy.

Room to Stretch

It's bad enough that my 20 month old won't sleep through the night, but then throw in the four and a half year old hogging my bed and MAN - WE ARE TIRED!  It truly was time to get Jackson out of a toddler sized bed so he would get out of my bed.  And I say MY bed because he hogs MY SIDE!

A couple weeks ago my parents took us out looking for beds.  I have had my eye on one for about a year but we have never been able to get it.  Off we went, directly to the bed of my dreams.  Well, the salesman was so lame we didn't want to buy ANYTHING from him.  We left.

Across the street we found the exact same bed - wahoo.  They ordered it and we left knowing in a week we would be getting that gigantic kid out of my bed.

Later I find out that during the transaction, they were informed that the pull out bed, with the three drawers I couldn't wait to fill, would require a special mattress - a more expensive mattress.  Well, I got mattresses for free and I wasn't ready to be forking out $130 for a "special" mattress. 

I had to give up the drawers.  The extra storage this bed provided is the entire reason I feel in love with the bed - I ended the relationship immediately!

So, over the phone, we changed the order.  I have to stay, we, nor the kids, were disappointed when it arrived.

The babies helped me take apart the crib and J's old bed!  That night they were so excited to sleep in the bed.  We didn't have new bedding yet nor did we have the extra mattress.  So the boys slept together that night - and they slept real well!

My excitement for the bed had dwindled a bit for a number of reasons - Oh how I wanted those drawers, and wow that bed was extra large in that teeny bedroom and hello, bedding, where am I going to get new bedding. Ugh.

On top of this, there was an underlying frustration.  We are in limbo at the moment.  This is the first time in years we haven't had my check on which to rely.  And, with the nature of Andrew's company, we don't have a guaranteed pay-day.  So, we are adjusting.  Which is fine, it will work out, it's just not real predictable at the moment.  Which is not a great time for our lease to be expiring.  Hmmm, what to do what to do.  Do we move where we fit, do we settle and make it work - NOT SURE.  So, this bed issue for some reason added to my house size frustration.  I looked online again and again and still I can't find anything that will work out for us right now.

That night Andrew had basketball and so I was on kid duty.  Andi was struggling that night - which is weird because she and Ryan very easily go to bed on their own around 7:30pm.  But this night she was fighting.  So, I was sitting on the floor while holding her hand when Jackson came in to go to bed.  He crawled in bed and then jumped out, "oops, I forgot to say my prayers!".  So, down he went.  His prayer was simple but just what I needed.  He thanked God for:

a house so we don't have to sleep outside

a bed so we can be all cozy

blankets so we're not cold

clothes so we (I don't think he knew how to finish that one)

food so we're not hungry

the babies to play with

mommy and daddy

And so forth.... so yes, my son reminded me we have everything we need.  Duh, I knew this but you forget - or I do.  Or, you just want a little more NOW... instead of when the time is right.

I went to bed feeling better.

The next morning my in-laws came over to spend some time with the kids.  When my mother-in-law saw the bed, she offered to get the boys new bedding.  I felt bad at first and I was reluctant to go get bedding while she was out at the park with my kids.  But I also knew she wouldn't have offered if she didn't want.  So, I went - off to Target with a budget and a plan.  Holy cow it took me forever - so now like me.  I am a speedy shopper but this, this had me walking back and forth taking and returning - ahhh.

But I figured it out - Finally.  I was so eager to get out of there I paid, left, and got home to figure out she charged me for something I didn't buy.  Oops.  So my poor MIL had to go back and get her money back - yes, I'll check the receipt next time.

At this point, I just felt lame for getting so annoyed with the tiny little bedroom.  Seriously, how ungrateful can one person be??  And, once we saw how much the kids loved it all, I knew I can't be so lame ever again!

Well, I'll try.... Thanks all for the group effort!!

Da Babies

So here's what's new with the babies:

ANDI needed bangs. Now I wouldn't say these are great bangs, laugh all you want, but they were necessary. She had the most stringy strands of hair going on in the front and really, I just couldn't take it. I was planning on giving them a real simple trim, but she moved. Yep, it's all her fault. But I will say, it's been a few days and they already look better!!

And Ry, well he just wanted to get in the picture too.

But let's go ahead and talk about Ry. He is NOT eating very well. These days, he wants nothing but crap and juice. Seriously, he will throw a tantrum for juice. He's always been this way but it has gotten worse for sure. And it made wonder, if he does have enlarged adnoids, could that make him extra thirsty? Just a thought.

But a lunch yesterday, I think, no two days ago, no wait, it was the after lunch snack yesterday - anyway, he left his place with all the veggies rejected. And as always, but boys were done eating and the chickarita was not. So, I gave her what the boys did not eat. After all, she's too skinny right??

4 Days Clean after 51 Months of Abuse

Monday night, Jackson and I had a long talk about being a BIG BOY and what that means. You see, Jackson has been addicted for all his life. Yes, all his life his addiction has ruled him. Once he broke free, but that last but a week before he couldn't take it any longer.

Really, it was our fault. Or maybe it was the fault of whomever invented the strap. Yes, that's it. The strap people did it!

When J was about 11 months old, his best friend was forced to break his habit. I thought about doing this to Jackson as well, but I was too weak. I didn't think there was any way we could get through church, all three hours, the hours of one of his naps, WITHOUT THE GOODS!

Then his little brother was coming. But, we had just recently moved, we were adjusting so much as it was, why mess anything up.

By this time we knew, we knew Jackson had it bad. He was truly ADDICTED TO HIS DUMMY. Breaking him of it would be NO easy task. And so, we have opted not to. Really, for the sanity of us all. When you have three VERY young children, sleep is valuable and really, you don't want to do anything to screw up those precious hours. I knew that if I took away his dummy, he would never nap with the other two again.

Call it bad parenting, call it laziness, we called it necessity! But this all changed this week. When talking about being a BIG BOY, we discussed how none of his friends have a dummy. They are for babies and he looks like a baby when he uses it. That night he told me, "Ok, when this one breaks, it's a little bit broken but not all the way yet, then I will stop!". YEAH RIGHT is what I thought!

I was on the phone with my dad when Jackson came out to inform me he was done. He was dropping the habit. Grandpa Grandpa then asked me to relay the message that if he doesn't use it for a week, he will buy the golf clubs for Jackson. Now if you remember, Jackson has been diligently saving for these clubs. You can imagine his grin the moment he heard this.

Did I still doubt - YES, of course. But, he has proven me wrong. He took a nice long nap without it!! Then that night, he asked once, we explained what we talked about before naps, and he dropped it. Now, he keeps telling Ryan he should be a Big Boy and stop using his dummy!

I am so proud of him because I know how much he truly LOVED his DUMMY!

But... his new love of golf is helping him to move on....

I love this shot of him looking far, far away for his ball. Yeah, it's that little white spec right in front :)

And Ry, he had fun for a bit and then realized, his passion really does lie in THROWING the balls instead!

Andi was a good little caddy. She seriously was so well behaved. She'd run up to tee up the ball, then immediately get out of harms way and watch the action. Then she'd do it all over again!

This was an outing I didn't want to do, but it turned out to be a nice hour away from the house, in the fresh air, and with the happy kids and husband. Not bad for a $6 outing huh :)