Bath Time Beauty

One of Catherine's very favorite times of the day is her bath. As soon as she hears the water running, she calms down. She loves being in the water! She is totally relaxed the whole time, and loves to feel the water pouring over her skin. I love this time with her! Even though it's only a few minutes, it feels very precious. In a chaotic house where everyone is very busy, always vying for attention, this is Catherine's time just for her. A moment to step back and relax and enjoy the beauty of a baby in the bath.

Big Girl, Big Night

Lizzy's school had their Christmas concert. Lizzy had been learning songs for weeks, and telling us all about getting ready for the show. She was so excited, and so was I! I mean, the "Christmas concert" is almost a cliche, a right of passage, a quintessential moment of school-days. Of course I was excited, but also nervous. I knew Pat would have to work late that night, and I was worried how to handle all the kids at the show. Thank goodness for Grandma and Papa! They came over early, helped get everybody fed, everyone dressed in their Christmas best, and miraculously, at church on time for the big show. Even Catherine put on her Christmas ruffles for the big event, and Peter begrudgingly donned his button down shirt. Lizzy looked adorable in the dress and tights that Pat had picked out for her. We made it through, pretty seamlessly! Maybe I will be able to handle this whole mother-of-three-kids thing after all.

Sleeping Angel

I don't think I'll ever get tired of watching a sleeping baby. It's amazing how mesmerizing it can be to watch someone so still, so peaceful, so angelic. I just want to slip in next to her, smell her sweet baby smell, feel her warmth, and cuddle next to her soft, soft, skin- pure bliss!

Hold Her

One of the best things about having a new baby in the house is getting to hold her. Turns out, it's one of Catherine's favorite things too. She loves being held.......and we all fight over who gets to do it. It's a perfect partnership (in a way). Lizzy and Peter are getting pretty good at holding the baby. Sure, there's still a little bit of squeezing, and sometimes some jostling around, but for the most part, they're pros. Good thing that God made babies pretty sturdy!

First Friend

We have been so lucky to share much of our journey on the path of parenthood with very dear friends. Our kids always seem to "line up" with someone, so that everyone has a built in playmate. As our kids get older, these "first friends" remain some of our kids favorite people. So it was with much pleasure that Amy and I introduced Reagan to Catherine. I'm not sure if they've really it off yet........but I have every confidence they'll become the best of friends.......someday:)

Still Buddies

If I had the time, I would compile a list of the most frequently asked annoying questions/statements that people say to me over and over- "How are you sleeping?" (infrequently since I have a newborn), "Is she a good baby?" (aren't all babies good? what makes a bad baby?) Not to mention the endless comments about my weight! I'm sure they're meant to be complimentary, but enough is enough already, people! Let's move on! But the most common question is, "How are the other kids doing?" Or my favorite variation, "How do the other kids like the baby?" Or the slightly shocked, slightly disgusted, "How is it with three kids?!" What I really want to say is.........it's wonderful. It really is! We have our crazy moments for sure, but they are far outweighed by the joy of having a new baby in the family. What's awesome to see, is that Lizzy and Peter are still the same buddies they've always been. They still love being together, love playing with one another, really just love each other's company. So to be honest, I spend a lot of my time still being their adoring spectator..........now I'm just snuggling a baby at the same time.

So Big!

Peter thinks it is so hilarious to sit in Catherine's car seat. I think it is so unbelievable! It's so weird that not that long ago, he was the tiny baby snuggling into that seat, and Lizzy not too long before him. For some reason when I see his long legs hanging out, and that big smile on his face, it's another reminder of how quickly time passes, and how big these kids get! That will be Catherine before we know it.

Time Moves On

If there's one thing for sure.........it's that time marches on, kids get bigger, and things change. Who was once little is now big, the follower becomes the leader, the "baby" is now the big guy. I have a great picture of Lizzy and Peter outside lying on a blanket. Peter is just a few days old and Lizzy is looking at him, holding his hand. She seems to be peacefully smiling at him, already in sync with her new brother. This picture of Peter and Catherine immediately reminded me of that moment. There's already a connection there, ready to blossom into a friendship. I worried that Peter might have a tough time adjusting to a new baby in the house. I imagined it would immediately be Lizzy and the baby that would become a team, and Peter might be left out. Quite the opposite has happened. Peter has emerged as one of Catherine's biggest fans. He's quick to give her a kiss, loves to snuggle with her, and is often reminding me how adorable she is. So far being stuck in the middle is the perfect fit for Peter.

First Walk

Since we were let out of the hospital the night before Thanksgiving, we had a very simple, very small, very calm celebration with our own little family of five this year. It felt surreal that while we were in the hospital, the world was moving on, and a holiday was taking place. Of course we missed getting to spend time with our extended family, but it felt very cozy to just hunker down and enjoy our own little family this year. Certainly this was the year when we most keenly felt the importance of being thankful on Thanksgiving! How lucky we are to have all of our dear children! While Pat stayed at home to prepare our dinner, I took the kids out for our first walk around the block with Catherine. It felt so wonderful to be out! How invigorating to walk around, to see Lizzy and Peter scootering down the street in front of me, just like we've done hundreds of times, but this time with a tiny one strolling behind. We loved finding beautiful fall leaves, and looking for "winter" trees. Every time Peter found an extra special leaf, he told me it was for Catherine, and placed in on top of her blanket. By the time we got home, she had a gorgeous bouquet of fall leaves. What a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

3!

Hard to believe.......now there are three! Suddenly everything is changed......and nothing has changed. Where our hearts were once full, now they feel overflowing. The kids have taken to Catherine as I hoped (and expected) that they would. They have handled things in the natural and beautiful way that children do- they take things as they come, they live in the moment, they are ready to accept when situations change and their hearts are ever-open for something (or someone) new. Suddenly a big sister is now a really big sister, and a little brother now seems very big. They are exactly who they were supposed to be.

The Sweetest Hello

Good morning, beautiful:) I remember when Lizzy was born, every morning when I would wake up and see her in her little cradle, I felt like I was being handed the very best present, like I won the lottery, like I couldn't believe that this little bundle was really mine. I also felt amazed and proud of myself that I made it through the night! This was my prize for the late night feedings, the endless rockings, working out those burps and blearily changing diapers. I've since felt the same combination of disbelief, pride, wonder, and amazement with each of my children when they are so new. Good morning, dear baby! How can anything be wrong in the world when I'm looking at you:)

She's Here!

At last........she's here! Catherine Grace was born on November 22nd. She is everything I could have imagined.......magical and beautiful, so so soft and lovely........the most precious face.......she is just the most perfect little Catherine. During this whole pregnancy I could hardly believe she was coming. I think I was in a state of denial and disbelief, almost unwilling to believe how lucky I am, barely wanting to speak of it in case it was just a lovely dream that would disappear when I woke up. But now, here she is! We are so thankful she is here, and feel truly blessed beyond measure. I feel almost greedy- how can I be given so much! Not only have I been blessed with Lizzy and Peter, but now Catherine has come into our lives. She is the perfect fit into our family puzzle, the person that was missing, the last little one we were waiting for. We are so thankful she is here!

Snuggle Buddies

These guys are definitely getting big, and there has been an undeniable increase in wrestling these days, but we're still fortunate enough to enjoy lots of these snuggle moments. Thank goodness for brothers and sisters!

Thankful......

Here's what Lizzy wrote for what she's thankful for..........:)

Tool Belt?

Who doesn't appreciate a little mom ingenuity? I think the real question is, what can't be created with a dish towel and some duct tape- limitless possibilities, I say! Peter is in a big "worker" phase these days. He often talks about "when he's a daddy" (translated means "when I'm grown up") how he wants to be a "worker." I'm not entirely clear on his definition of "worker," but I do know it involves using cool tools, wearing a hard hat and tool belt, and fixing things. When Peter wanted a tool belt at home, I had to get creative. I don't think our home-made version is too shabby, but I think I do know what is a good item for his Christmas list.

Tooth #2 is Out-A-There

We had another wiggler, so we knew it was inevitable. We were hoping for a better outcome with Tooth #2 (remember #1 was lost while eating dinner- very sad!). When I picked up Lizzy from school the other day, I noticed a little swagger in her step, and a very proud smile on her face. Her tooth fell out at school! She said she was playing in line after P.E., pushing her tooth back and forth, and out it popped. It fell to the floor, but luckily she was able to find it! Her teacher gave her a special sticker and her perfect, tiny little tooth in a baggy to take home. Just like that, we've got another new smile on our hands. It's changing so quickly these days, it's hard to keep up! Turns out it's just as vibrant, as brilliant and dazzling as before. We put the tooth under the pillow, and in the morning some fairy chap sticks appeared. Wow, that tooth fairy is creative (or a complete glutton for punishment- we're only on tooth #2 and already feeling low on ideas)!

Big Boy Skate Adventures

You know we love the skate park......... well, recently when we went, there were no big boys (juvenile delinquents cutting class/out of work dead-beats) there at all. We had the run of the place, and for the first time, everyone's eyes were open and they wanted to explore the really big ramps. These pictures may not do it justice- those ramps are super steep. So steep, it's even tricky to climb into, let alone drop-in. So steep that certain people's mom make them wear a helmet just to walk around them (yeah, I can be that paranoid). We discovered a tiny little slice of little boy heaven. They had such fun figuring out how to slide down (on their bottoms), then run around like maniacs, then work soooo hard to pull themselves out, then repeat........over and over. This is a game that could have gone on all day. Now I know, if you're looking for something to do with your boy, just give them a place to slide, a place to run around, and a place to climb and you've got it all covered.

Let's Build!

This just gets me every time. No matter how many different types of "stores" my kids create, "roads," "cities," "houses," I am blown away every single time. I just love it! I love the imagination at work, I love the team work, I love listening in on the little conversation between the two of them that facilitates their work. There may be a periodic disagreement between the meetings of the minds, but I must say, they by and large have an amazing ability to compromise and work together. They are a tremendous team.

The Best Part

One of the very best parts of Halloween this year for Lizzy and Peter was handing out the treats. They were so excited! Every time someone would approach the house, Peter would yell out, "We've got customers!" followed by, "I know you!" even when they were complete strangers. Everyone loved getting to put the treats in the kids' baskets, but then Peter would feel the need to top it all of with, "Now go home! Go! Go!" I guess he didn't want anyone getting too comfortable.....

The Big Night

I just love Halloween. I think it may be one of my favorite holidays. I love seeing everyone all dressed up, feeling so fancy and excited to be someone different for a night. I love the thrill of feeling wild, running down the street from house to house with your friends, staying out late until it gets dark and the stars start to sparkle. I love the sense of community- we're all outside, so glad to be sharing something special with our kids, admiring everyone's costumes and welcoming strangers to our doors for a treat. It's a magical night.

Kindergarteners on Parade

Here we are again.....same song, second verse.......still as special as the first. The Halloween festivities just keep on going around here. Lizzy had her first official Halloween parade as a big-time school girl. It was a hot day, certainly not feeling much like fall. The whole school gathered together to parade around to an adoring audience that oohed and aahed at the adorable procession.

Season's End

We knew it had to happen- Lizzy's inaugural season as a "real" soccer player has come to an end, and the Pink Roses are officially over. We had a small party to commemorate the end of the season. Lizzy received, of course, a pink rose, her team pictures, and her favorite by a mile......a real trophy (and it was gold)! I'm so very proud of Lizzy. She was just an awesome player- full of hustle and heart. I can say this because I'm her mother, but with a little bit of coaching and guidance, we may be onto something here (I get to brag because this is my own blog, right?). While Lizzy loved her trophy, I loved her team pictures, specifically the button I specially ordered with Lizzy's picture on it. Why, you may ask? Because my mom always wore my button to my games, and my reaction as a little girl was always external embarrassment mixed with secret delight. I put that button on right away, and as soon as Lizzy noticed it, she initially was intrigued then quickly said, "Mom, can you take that off now?" No, Lizzy, I'm never going to take it off.......I'll always be that nerdy mom wearing the picture button because that's how proud I am of Lizzy. And perhaps that's how old I am now, I love my kid so much, I don't even care if I look ridiculous. Isn't growing old weird?

Friend-filled Parade

Our neighborhood had it's annual Halloween parade. It's so funny, because I remember when we first started going to this parade how much I loved it- it's simplicity, it's display of adorable children in their array of costumes, it's all-American feel. It seemed like one of those things we would always do, and never, never miss. Thank goodness my kids were both totally into it this year, but Lizzy was on the older end, and there some friends who didn't come because they were too busy with sports or other things. It was another reminder to enjoy the precious moments so much, to just soak them in, because they are so very fleeting, and things are ever-changing. This year was another great parade. We loved getting to spend a morning with special friends, see all the kids all dressed up, so excited and proud of themselves, and let the comfort and warmth of tradition swallow us up in it's contentment.

Ah, Rats!

Lizzy was fooling around with paper and discovered how to make this rat-shaped face. She became totally engrossed in her project, and even drew on eyes and a nose, and cut out rat shaped ears. She found a "costume" (by zipping up her school sweater and dressing all in dark clothes) and suddenly transformed into........rat-girl. Peter caught the buzz, but unable to make his own mask, solicited the assistance of his ever-ready partner in crime. Soon, there wasn't just one rat running around, but two. Thank goodness for me that these were friendly rats, only interested in innocent mischief. They were so thrilled with their transformations, that they showed anyone walking by what they had become. Isn't it amazing what fun a mask can elicit? It can be so exciting becoming someone new.....if only for an afternoon.

Mater

Introducing Mater, as played by the ever-lovable, Peter. Peter shocked us all by opting for the quirky sidekick of the sleek and stylish Lighting McQueen for his Halloween costume. Don't let the semi-serious face fool you- Peter was totally into the Halloween parade at his school. I wasn't sure how this whole thing would play out. Peter has been known to shy away from the spotlight at times, but on this day, he was in his element. He loved wearing his costume, including the hysterical too-small hat, followed right along with the parade, showed the whole class his costume during circle time, and sang along with all the Halloween songs during music time. In a word: adorable! I love preschool anyways, but seeing everyone all dressed up, so excited for this special day, was priceless.

Basketball

This is what a pick-up basketball game looks like in our world. Peter and Connor, coincidentally both wearing their Supermen shirts, are on the same "team," and therefore hold hands while defending the basket. Oh, if only games could always be this good natured, they would be wonderful (if perhaps a bit boring) to behold.

Birds

Our friend Kelly had told us about a local duck pond that she loved taking her boys to. She said it was so fun to feed the birds there. One afternoon we decided to give it a try. We came well equipped with tons of bread. Already, the kids were excited for an adventure. They always love to go to new places, get lost in nature, and let their imaginations run wild. You could tell immediately that these were some well trained birds. As soon as we stepped out of the car, the birds made a mass exodus out of the pond, and veered right over to us. In my mind I had imagined that we would throw bread crumbs to a few patient ducks who would then elegantly swim away. In reality, we were swarmed by all kinds of birds, who were very bold and quickly worked up into a food frenzy. Of course, Lizzy was fearless, and amazed by the birds. She ran all around, laughing and having the best time. She loved all the different kinds of birds she saw. Peter was a good sport, feeding lots of birds before shouting "go away!" and running to safety. I was, I'll admit, pretty freaked out. There were a lot of birds, and they weren't shy. The best part for me came after we were done feeding the ducks, and we went for a walk around the pond. That's when imaginations opened up and the kids were suddenly in their own world, deep into their own games, having the best time.

Golf Twins

Like father, like son........even down to the same white polo shirts and khaki shorts.

Pumpkin Festival Part 2

An incredibly motivated and organized mom from Lizzy's school has piggybacked on the carnival started by the 8th graders and created an entire Pumpkin Festival for the community to enjoy. After the 8th graders "close down" on Friday, the moms quickly get to work and set up the festival. There are still the same wonderful carnival games, but more food, a petting zoo, pony rides, a train, and some special rides are added. What fun we had! It was a gorgeous day, and the kids had the best time playing all the games. They especially loved the petting zoo and pony rides. I loved the amazing treat assortment, and I'm always a sucker for a good, old-fashioned carnival. This will certainly be a tradition we will look forward to every year.

Pumpkin Festival

Lizzy's school has the most darling Halloween tradition. Every year, around Halloween, the 8th grade plans a carnival for the rest of the school as a fundraiser. For two hours, on a Friday, the entire school has the run of the place. There is a small pumpkin patch set up, old-fashioned carnival games, a bouncy house and big slide, and a spooky haunted house. The kids by tickets ahead of time, are given a small bag to keep their goodies and prizes, find a partner in their class, and are then set loose to enjoy the carnival. Moms (and little brothers too- yay!) are invited to come and enjoy this special carnival too. As soon as we set foot in the carnival, I could feel the buzzing excitement. How I loved seeing Lizzy with her big smile, running from game to game, enjoying herself thoroughly. I loved my school's carnival when I was a little girl. I loved all the fun games, the amazing sense of freedom and recklessness that you get to run around school (somewhat) unattended. Lizzy was really excited to try the haunted house. We walked all the way over there.........then, she promptly turned around and said maybe she'd try it next year. I know I will always look forward to this darling carnival every year.