Dear Mom,
Oh hey! Look who's on this side of the keyboard! Yeah, I've been pretty patient these past five months, but now I've got the power and there are a few things I have to say, so just sit back and relax.
So yeah, patience...I have that. Remember the times that I've been crying, seeking a little love, and you make me wait while you do things like wipe a butt, clean up a mess, or deal with little children who are not me. Yes, I understand those beings are my brothers but jeez, sometimes they can be needy! But dang, those funny little guys can also make me laugh! Who knew puking on myself could cause such a riot? I mean, talk about simple minds!
So I don't want to act bitter about the lack of appreciation for my patience, because I'm a rational being and I know you have your hands full. Trust me, I watch as you tell Jackson to "put your bottom in your seat," 64 times every time we get in the car, and the irony is not lost on me how Brady will ask you 30 questions, hang on your every word (and he forgets nothing), but develops a hearing problem when you tell him to put on his shoes. And I'll never understand the seeming gigantic challenge of picking up two blocks and a car when the same children so easily pulled out 10 times that many toys.
But let's call a spade a spade and admit that I'm a typical third child. Have you bought me a baby book, Mom? Hmm, didn't think so... and I've heard you tell your friends you're thinking of just bypassing it all together. Don't think that won't come back to bite you in 16 years.
And I haven't heard you mention to all your bloggy friends how good I am at bedtime. Like tonight, when you fed me, laid me in my crib (like the big real one) and I went to sleep all by myself without making so much as a peep. Oh, you'll mention how bad I am during the night, and I admit, I'm a bit of a night owl. But you birthed me as a Hoot, so what do you expect? But admit it, you've gotten some really good reading done late night/early morning. I'm really just looking out for your intellectual development! Again, you're welcome!
My vocabulary is less advanced than many adults, but don't think that gives you the right to mutter (and in your worse moments, yell) four-letter words my way. Guess what else is a four-letter word... love! Let's spread some more of that.
Oh, I know you love me. Sorry for acting like such a baby sometimes but, um, its sort of my default. I love you, too.
Love,
Avery
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Sunday, February 14, 2016
LOVE
In the spirit of Valentine's Day, here is a list of things that I am loving lately. This list is by no means comprehensive, but here it is.
Avery's morning smiles: This girl wakes up happy. And its a good thing, because I can't always say the same about myself. Avery is usually willing to just lie in our bed for a bit while the rest of our family wakes up. I can't explain how much I need this some mornings.
Jackson's snuggles: While the children go to sleep in their own beds, we usually wake up with four children in ours. Jackson loves to rub my hair and many (most) mornings, I'll wake up to find Jackson with his eyes open, caressing my hair. He won't speak and I don't know if I'd classify him as being fully awake, but he's content to lie in bed for as long as we will let him just snuggling. Other factors usually drag me out of bed, but I love this time spent snuggling.
Eric's night shifts: Eric didn't get the privilege of spending much time in the middle of the night with the boys. Not because they were good sleepers, but generally, I would just get up a few times each night, feed them and they'd go back to sleep...so Eric missed out on that fun. Since Avery likes to hang out in the middle of the night, Eric gets more action. Lucky guy.
Brady's quirkiness: Sometimes I get glimpses of what Brady may be like as an older child. This video is funny to me because it shows his innocence as a little boy (and what he'll do when he doesn't think anyone is paying attention) and the cockiness and "swag" of a teenage boy.
This year, Brady has enjoyed being a part of a basketball team, the Red Dragons, and often asks how many days until Saturday. He has done well and last week after making a few baskets in their scrimmage, he turned to me and said very matter-of-factly, "I just keep swishing it every time." This week he had his first game. Though they didn't keep score officially, Brady will let you know that it was 8-2 in favor of the Red Dragons. The other team's two points were a total fluke as they struggled quite a bit. I think one kid sat down (on the court) most of the game and the ones who were on their feet tried to guard their own players. Brady's team understands the difference between offense and defense, which gives them a major leg up on the competition. I think Brady enjoyed his celebrations after a basket, as well as coordinating cheers from the bench, as much as the game itself.
Painting: Happy Hoot Creations is still in business and if I could have another hour or two in the day (without children), it could be even more active. Here are a few of the signs I've enjoyed creating lately.
I'm also loving the precious time after the kids' bedtime and before mine. Sometimes I feel like crashing after they go to sleep, but I covet that time and am willing to sacrifice some sleep. That time is here, so although my list of loves could reach further, I will sign off and enjoy the last peaceful moments of the weekend.
Avery's morning smiles: This girl wakes up happy. And its a good thing, because I can't always say the same about myself. Avery is usually willing to just lie in our bed for a bit while the rest of our family wakes up. I can't explain how much I need this some mornings.
Jackson's snuggles: While the children go to sleep in their own beds, we usually wake up with four children in ours. Jackson loves to rub my hair and many (most) mornings, I'll wake up to find Jackson with his eyes open, caressing my hair. He won't speak and I don't know if I'd classify him as being fully awake, but he's content to lie in bed for as long as we will let him just snuggling. Other factors usually drag me out of bed, but I love this time spent snuggling.
Eric's night shifts: Eric didn't get the privilege of spending much time in the middle of the night with the boys. Not because they were good sleepers, but generally, I would just get up a few times each night, feed them and they'd go back to sleep...so Eric missed out on that fun. Since Avery likes to hang out in the middle of the night, Eric gets more action. Lucky guy.
Brady's quirkiness: Sometimes I get glimpses of what Brady may be like as an older child. This video is funny to me because it shows his innocence as a little boy (and what he'll do when he doesn't think anyone is paying attention) and the cockiness and "swag" of a teenage boy.
This year, Brady has enjoyed being a part of a basketball team, the Red Dragons, and often asks how many days until Saturday. He has done well and last week after making a few baskets in their scrimmage, he turned to me and said very matter-of-factly, "I just keep swishing it every time." This week he had his first game. Though they didn't keep score officially, Brady will let you know that it was 8-2 in favor of the Red Dragons. The other team's two points were a total fluke as they struggled quite a bit. I think one kid sat down (on the court) most of the game and the ones who were on their feet tried to guard their own players. Brady's team understands the difference between offense and defense, which gives them a major leg up on the competition. I think Brady enjoyed his celebrations after a basket, as well as coordinating cheers from the bench, as much as the game itself.
Painting: Happy Hoot Creations is still in business and if I could have another hour or two in the day (without children), it could be even more active. Here are a few of the signs I've enjoyed creating lately.
I'm also loving the precious time after the kids' bedtime and before mine. Sometimes I feel like crashing after they go to sleep, but I covet that time and am willing to sacrifice some sleep. That time is here, so although my list of loves could reach further, I will sign off and enjoy the last peaceful moments of the weekend.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Letters to Avery: 5 months
Dear Avery,
I've been staring at the screen in a daze for the last few seconds trying to gather my thoughts. And the thought that keeps coming to me is, "I'm tired." But that may have as much to do with you as it has to do with your two brothers, and basketball season, and life.
You're five months old now and your forth month was a fun one! You can now roll over both ways, grab on to everything, and make everyone in your family laugh. You love to be part of the action which means you do great at basketball games, watching your brothers play, and all the other craziness we have going on in our lives. You tolerate the car so much better now and dare I say, I think you might actually like it. That has done wonders to my mental state.
You like your pacifier now and I LOVE it. (Thank you, Grandma). It helps you go to sleep and generally, be a happier baby. Just this week we finally bought you two of your own girly pacis...Jackson was good about sharing his, but I figured you deserved a few of your own.
Each morning, you sit in your bumbo seat in the middle of the table and watch your brothers eat. We call it, "the puking chair," for what should be obvious reasons. You entertain your brother with your spitting up and various other tricks... they think its hysterical when you knock the napkin holder and salt shaker. And I'm not sure you understand that you're the one that makes them laugh, but you always look pretty proud of yourself.
Your night sleeping has been.... interesting. Yesterday, I told your dad, "Well, at least she isn't screaming through the night anymore." We both shuddered at the memory. You have made progress, but we've got some work to do. Each night, usually around the 3 or 4 am hour, you are AWAKE. Its usually 40 minutes to an hour, and for most of that time, you're perfectly happy. But did I mention, AWAKE. I've got some good reading done during these periods, but frankly, I'd prefer to get some good sleeping done instead.
Avery, we've made it through five months, through most of winter and much of basketball season. I can't say its downhill from there, but thanks for sticking with me when my fuse was short and patience thin. You haven't made our lives easier, but you have made it much more full and I speak for Brady, Jackson, and Daddy when I say, we love you very much.
Love,
Mom
I've been staring at the screen in a daze for the last few seconds trying to gather my thoughts. And the thought that keeps coming to me is, "I'm tired." But that may have as much to do with you as it has to do with your two brothers, and basketball season, and life.
You're five months old now and your forth month was a fun one! You can now roll over both ways, grab on to everything, and make everyone in your family laugh. You love to be part of the action which means you do great at basketball games, watching your brothers play, and all the other craziness we have going on in our lives. You tolerate the car so much better now and dare I say, I think you might actually like it. That has done wonders to my mental state.You like your pacifier now and I LOVE it. (Thank you, Grandma). It helps you go to sleep and generally, be a happier baby. Just this week we finally bought you two of your own girly pacis...Jackson was good about sharing his, but I figured you deserved a few of your own.
Each morning, you sit in your bumbo seat in the middle of the table and watch your brothers eat. We call it, "the puking chair," for what should be obvious reasons. You entertain your brother with your spitting up and various other tricks... they think its hysterical when you knock the napkin holder and salt shaker. And I'm not sure you understand that you're the one that makes them laugh, but you always look pretty proud of yourself.
Your night sleeping has been.... interesting. Yesterday, I told your dad, "Well, at least she isn't screaming through the night anymore." We both shuddered at the memory. You have made progress, but we've got some work to do. Each night, usually around the 3 or 4 am hour, you are AWAKE. Its usually 40 minutes to an hour, and for most of that time, you're perfectly happy. But did I mention, AWAKE. I've got some good reading done during these periods, but frankly, I'd prefer to get some good sleeping done instead.
Avery, we've made it through five months, through most of winter and much of basketball season. I can't say its downhill from there, but thanks for sticking with me when my fuse was short and patience thin. You haven't made our lives easier, but you have made it much more full and I speak for Brady, Jackson, and Daddy when I say, we love you very much.
Love,
Mom
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Life update
I envy the old me that had the time and energy to carefully craft thoughtful blog entries that followed a theme. The me that could edit her pictures to make them look nice. And could take pictures on her nice camera and upload them to her computer.
Now, I'm generally too exhausted at the end of the day, so I have to do what I'm doing now, typing frantically while Avery sleeps, still in her car seat from the errand we ran this morning at Home Depot, willing her to please just stay asleep a little longer while her brothers are in school and the house is peaceful.
Here's a little taste of what's been going on in our house:
- Snow days: I survived them. Barely. Friday was the big snow and schools were closed until Wednesday! The combination of being inside, Eric still having to work/travel, Avery feeling sick, and Avery being a terrible sleeper made for a challenge that I conquered, but one I don't want to see again.
- Let's just get this one out of the way... Avery still sucks at sleeping. Last night was an average night and it looked like this: 7:45 asleep (yay!!!!), 10:30 wake up and eat, fall easily back to sleep. 12:30 wake up and eat, fall easily back to sleep (right as Daddy returns from his trip to Louisville!), 2:30, wake up and eat, fall easily back to sleep, 4:45, wake up and eat, ready to party! Mom changes diaper, mom sucks snot from baby's nose so she can breathe because maybe, breathing = sleep! Baby poops, mom changes diaper again. Mom reads book knowing she's in it for the long haul. Baby coos, wants to play. 5:30, mom debates whether to tag dad or let him sleep since he got in late. Mom remembers that she needs to function the next day and remembers that dad had a completely restful night of sleep in a hotel bed the night before, so she passes the baton and goes back to bed.
- Visitors: My mom flew in last Wednesday along with my aunt Carol and her grandson, Joe. Joe is 13 and Brady immediately took charge and demanded Joe play with him. Luckily, Joe was a great sport and occupied the boys for much of the weekend (or let the boys occupy him). For my part, I held Brady off in the morning when he asked 35 times, "When is Joe gonna wake up?"
As you can see, Jackson is still selecting his own outfits. Notice the PJ bottoms (it is 4 pm).
- Avery: for her faults at night, she is cute as can be and very fun to play with during the day. Her brothers continue to love her, and love on her.
Now, I'm generally too exhausted at the end of the day, so I have to do what I'm doing now, typing frantically while Avery sleeps, still in her car seat from the errand we ran this morning at Home Depot, willing her to please just stay asleep a little longer while her brothers are in school and the house is peaceful.
Here's a little taste of what's been going on in our house:
- Snow days: I survived them. Barely. Friday was the big snow and schools were closed until Wednesday! The combination of being inside, Eric still having to work/travel, Avery feeling sick, and Avery being a terrible sleeper made for a challenge that I conquered, but one I don't want to see again.
- Let's just get this one out of the way... Avery still sucks at sleeping. Last night was an average night and it looked like this: 7:45 asleep (yay!!!!), 10:30 wake up and eat, fall easily back to sleep. 12:30 wake up and eat, fall easily back to sleep (right as Daddy returns from his trip to Louisville!), 2:30, wake up and eat, fall easily back to sleep, 4:45, wake up and eat, ready to party! Mom changes diaper, mom sucks snot from baby's nose so she can breathe because maybe, breathing = sleep! Baby poops, mom changes diaper again. Mom reads book knowing she's in it for the long haul. Baby coos, wants to play. 5:30, mom debates whether to tag dad or let him sleep since he got in late. Mom remembers that she needs to function the next day and remembers that dad had a completely restful night of sleep in a hotel bed the night before, so she passes the baton and goes back to bed.
- Visitors: My mom flew in last Wednesday along with my aunt Carol and her grandson, Joe. Joe is 13 and Brady immediately took charge and demanded Joe play with him. Luckily, Joe was a great sport and occupied the boys for much of the weekend (or let the boys occupy him). For my part, I held Brady off in the morning when he asked 35 times, "When is Joe gonna wake up?"
As you can see, Jackson is still selecting his own outfits. Notice the PJ bottoms (it is 4 pm).
Besides raking, Grandma's big accomplishment was getting Avery to take a pacifier. She was relentless. I wouldn't say Avery loves a paci right now, but she will tolerate it, sometimes.
Basketball season: Basketball season is here! No, not the Tar Heels... they are old news. I am talking about the Red Dragons. Brady had his first practice last weekend and he loved it. Eric got to help coach, which was fun to watch. He is great with the kids, though I almost interjected when he started teaching the 4-year-olds about their pivot foot. As you can see below, he had them doing defensive slides.
Sorry for the poor quality, but see if you can find Jackson in the picture. He was my favorite to watch, even though he is actually not on the team (shhh, don't tell Jackson).
- Avery: for her faults at night, she is cute as can be and very fun to play with during the day. Her brothers continue to love her, and love on her.
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