One Thousand Gifts

Why don't I do this more often? Put the chores aside. Put my agenda aside. Put my desire for easy aside. And just say yes. 

Yes to the walk. 

Yes to the pine-cones in the bottom of the stroller. 

Yes to the day uninterrupted by facebook or dishes or another load of laundry.

Yes to paint. Even if they want to use the non-washable gold one because it's, "just so pretty momma." 

Yes to my boys.  

 

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My growing gift list
My three boys and their zeal for crafts
October walks through the neighborhood
Washable paint
The baby quiet in the stroller
Excitement over pine-cones
A hanging reminder of what is truly important
Sweet encouragements from brother to brother
Several hours of free fun
Eyes to see the fall beauty around us 
Time together
Our daddy home, just as I'm losing steam
That all of creation speaks of it's Creator

On This Wednesday Morning

A bit of encouragement for us, young moms!

Monday's Randomness

Now that I find myself well into my third trimester, there's a daily awareness of just how close we are to welcoming Baby #3. Be it pre-registering at the hospital, shopping for more cloth diapers, or just my growing belly, it's all serves as an ever present reminder that we are just weeks away from delivery and a new little brother or sister for the boys. It's also been in this anticipation of having another newborn and recalling just how much little babies need and rely on their parents, that I've also been reflecting on just how much my other little babies are growing up. I hate to sound so cliche. Kids grow up; there's nothing new about that. But it's completely different from just hearing it and actually experiencing it!

I'm sure it's only by the grace of God that lately I've felt like I can even say that the boys seem so much bigger and able. Sort of a small blessing in helping us to ease a little more gently into the "3 under 2" category, if you will. But truly, I've been absolutely in awe of just how much The Deuce understand and at our ability to communicate more and more with them. Be it taking something to the trash and throwing it away when they are asked (without getting into the trash in the process), or helping me "unload" the dishwasher and saying "thank-you" after handing me each piece of silverware. They are becoming little people. Little people, who in their own ways, make up such a dynamic piece of our family.

And although my exhaustion may sometimes try to convince me otherwise-their sweet personalities, curiosity for life, and the fact that we, their Momma and Dada, are the lucky recipients of their affection, far outweigh the limitless energy and zeal for trouble that sometimes accompanies our duo.

And we are blessed. So very, very blessed to be the parents of two not-so little babies and one that is soon to be.

Thank you, Lord, for our sweet blessings.

Snack Happy!

Last night, Abe managed his way into the kitchen while Jeremy and I did the after dinner dash (change diapers, wipe faces, change jammies, clean up the kitchen, etc.). After 30 seconds or so, we heard him crunching away on something. Never a good sign.

Jer immediately jumped up and went on the search for the our missing A.B. thinking he might be into his record collection in the living room. Well imagine the surprise when he found him just a few feet away...at our kitchen door...eating what else? Cheerios and pine needles. Don't reread it. You read it correct the first time. Cheerios AND pine needles. Out of the the space between the door sweep and the tile. Lovely.

Hmmmm. I thought it was strange that there was no cleanup after our Cheerio snack yesterday.

It appears, several Cheerios were thrown (?!?!) or dropped from the high chair yesterday and made their way into the abyss that is the bottom of my kitchen door. When I cleaned up yesterday, I didn't think to check that said abyss. Silly me. Anyway, I guess a very able Abraham decided he would help himself to a bedtime snack. Yum! Fiber!

As for the pine needles. Well, yeah, those are from Christmas. Ummmm. You see, I been needing to bring in the shop vac to get those...and well...anyway...

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On a side note, my cousin Chelsea who is a nanny to twin girls, suggested an EXCELLENT idea for finger food phobic mothers. Soak the O's! Imagine that! She suggested yogurt or breastmilk. Again. Great idea. Thought I would toss that out there for food-for-thought!

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In other news, Abe took his first steps yesterday. Two steps, from me to the couch to get the phone. He looked like FrankenBaby walking his two little wobbly steps. Precious!

What changes! And because I can't leave you without pics for the gp's, feast on these...

Sweet Ben

"I am Abraham, hear me roar!"

Have a fiberous Friday!