USA!

We've been having lots of fun watching the Olympics for the past week. We've watched gymnastics (yay for Shawn Johnson. Just can't hide that Iowa pride!), Swimming (whoa!), water polo (insanely brutal!), basketball and more. The boys were glued to fencing!

Campbell has been deciding what his sport in the olympics is going to be. He's got it narrowed down to "fencing, soccer, basketball, maybe swimming and no way it will be water polo."

Last night we had dinner out our friends house and watched the Olympics. As we all (11 of us!) watched Michael Phelps win his 8th medal (WOW!) we watched our 4 boys cheer for his and the team's victory. All 4 big boys, aged 7-5 sat on the ottoman, bounced up and down, and shouted "USA, USA, USA!!" until the race was over. I hope they always remember the excitement and fun of that. It was a wonderful sight to watch and I know it's not something I will soon forget.

Off to Disneyland today!

9 month check up

Today Harrison visited Dr. Camancho and had his 9 month check up. He is 22 pound 6 ounces and 29.5 inches long. She told me his head circumference and I promptly forgot it. I do remember they said it was 60%th percentile. He has a petite head. Surprise surprise.

He also has an ear infection in his right ear. Poor fella. He was crabby yesterday, up 3 times in the night, feverish and crabby today. I knew it was ears. I guess having 3 kids with the occasional ear infection will do that to you. I will say though, the guy tried to be happy. Even with ear pain and several teeth trying to poke through.

Here's to hoping my little guy feels better tomorrow.

The time has come

The day ended as quickly as it began - and Sawyer had a great day. I do suspect he missed me, however, as I received a bunch of extra bear hugs from him this afternoon. He was happy to report how some kids were extra naughty and they had to go in early from recess. (He was NOT happy about the shortened recess - but he was happy to have THE news)

He left me happily today at school, off he went with his friends John and Alex. I asked him later who he had lunch with and who he played with. His answer was easy, John and Alex. I'm so glad we already had several friends in his class as I feel like it made the transition so much easier.

Cam remembered to go get Sawyer from kinder and they both came out smiling. I've got a lot to get used to.

{The big kinder student}

elvis has left the building

I just sent my baby off to kindergarten. I'm feeling quite forlorn. I miss him. It was me and him, him and me for a long time. Now, it's just Harrison and I here and I feel sad. I'm excited for him though...I know he's having a great time.

I'll be back with pictures later. I just wanted to pour out my heart.

Your kung fu is no match for my rockets!

Today was the first day of school! WOOHOO! All I can say is WOW. Truly, wow.

I know most of you know I'm not a religious person. But, I consider myself spiritual and moral. I believe in good and truth - I believe you reap what you sow and so on and so forth. I do, however, still believe in blessings. Today I feel so very blessed. Both boys have been placed in AMAZING classes this year with incredible teachers. I feel like both of them were just meant to be with these women and children.

{The obligatory first day photo at home!}

We started the morning outside Cam's classroom (portable) chatting with other families and warming up to Mrs. Colson, Cam's teacher for this year. Campbell is one of 7 2nd graders and 9 3rd graders. The children for this class (the only one in the school) are specially chosen for their ability to work independantly, their exceptional behavior and their high test scores. (The third graders are similarly chosen)



Unlike other years we were actually able to go into the classroom. I felt a surge of excitement when Mrs. Colson told us we could check out the room, as we usually have to wait for back to school night. (Which will be in a couple of weeks) The room was lovely, not plain and uninteresting. The schedule was on the board and Campbell's desk was next to his friend Tommy's! The room even *smelled* nice. I felt like we were leaving our boy in such good and capable hands. I've had a sense of apprehension both years before this -- not this time! I know he's going to soar this year - I can't wait to watch him stretch his wings and really go for it.

{Campbell and Tommy. Tommy was in Campbell's class last year, also!}

{Two boys on the handball court}

{At his desk}

After lunch Sawyer got to go into his classroom and get to know his teachers in a smaller setting. (There were only 2 other students there at the time) I already know one of his teachers (Mrs. Fleming) fairly well - so it was nice for all of us to see her again. This time, we were able to also get to know Mrs. Snow. Again, I felt like this was going to be such a warm and inviting place for my boy. I know he'll get warmth and love -- but he'll be encouraged to grow and excel. Some of my friends are nervous for their childs placement, but I'm full of anticipation and excitement for both of my boys!

{In front of the school}

{With Mrs. Snow and Mrs. Fleming}
{out front}

As if the first day of second grade and kinder wasn't enough - ANDY MADE HIS COACHING DEBUT! Tonight Sawyer's soccer team (the giants) had their first practice. Andy did great and the boys were on their game for about 45 minutes, then he started losing them. But, they *are* 5 years old. I think he did great and Sawyer was thrilled that his dad was the coach.



Just because the baby didn't have a monumental day like his brothers, doesn't mean he didn't get his picture taken!


Tomorrow is Sawyer's real first day of kinder!

SO very far behind

it was my goal to try and stay caught up around here. clearly I didn't meet my goal. i've fallen way behind!



Here's a recap with what has gone on with us since last (freaking) Wednesday.


Thursday-Bowling!

Friday-Waterpark/pool in Hemet. {We found out teachers, too! Campbell is in a 2/3 Combo and Sawyer is in a wonderful class with 2 teachers and 3 of his good friends!}

Saturday-Soccer meeting for Sawyer and Andy's team
Sunday-Had some friends over to barbeque for dinner
Monday-My birthday!

Tuesday-(Today!) Pancake breakfast - met Cam and Sawyer's teachers!


There were a few other things thrown in there. Andy volunteered to coach Sawyer's soccer team since the team was lacking in that department. Woohoo for dad's!


The baby has been eating more and more table food. YUM!


The baby has also started clapping. It's SO incredibly adorable. He also nods yes! (He shakes his head no, too!)

Let's see what pics I can round up...

{straight out of the camera. completely unedited but cute}

Then there is this. On Friday I asked Sawyer to go in and talk to the baby while I finished the task at hand. It took a few minutes, but I didn't hear any more fussing from Harrison's room. So, I finished something else quickly and went in there. As I approached his room, I heard Sawyer talking to Harrison. Then, I found this. When I asked Sawyer why he was in there - he told me how he had fallen in while giving Harrison a toy. I found it quite hilarious!

If I owe you an email, i will respond. I'm just a bit behind because tomorrow is the BIG DAY! The first day of school!

9 months old

"This is the time to remember 'cause it will not last forever. These are the days to hold onto. Cause we won't although we'll want to. This is the time, but time is going to change." -Billy Joel

That is an odd lyric in thinking about the baby -- because I certainly feel that way. But, I also so clearly have a vision of walking from class in the library (Bob Boynton!) with Liz and our "friend" Sean Gorman to the IMU. It was cold, grey and windy and we were having one of our usual silly conversations - more than likely about redeeming qualities or some other such nonsense. I realized at the time how wonderful of a time in our lives that was and how lucky we were. I am so glad that I have the ability to see how wonderful things are at the time -- even if they are sometimes not as perfect as the world might like them to be. To me, they are the best of times.

I stayed up too late last night and now I'm quite tired. I edited a few pictures, I wrote a bit here for all of you to read...that takes it's toll when the baby wakes up a bit after 6 am. And I take the boys to the pool in the morning. Then, they have Cameron over for a playdate and we have to go to the PTA meeting after that. Then, some other friends come over for a playdate. Then, after dinner we babysit a couple of other friends at the pool for a while. Whew. Now, I'm *really* tired. Good night!

Nah! I have to wail to someone about how this baby has roughly now been with us for as long as he was inside of me. Wah! Then, think about where he'll be 9 months from now. I take that back, I'm not thinking about it.

After the day I had (exhausting, because don't forget - it's Wednesday, laundry day! I know you've been thinking about *THAT* all day) I took no good pictures, dangit. I had hoped for a great session with the baby. Okay, all I really hoped for was one or two great ones that scream "9months old". Oh, I got one that screams 9 months old, all right. I got this:

Yup, that is usually how I see him anyway. Crawling away from me.

Tomorrow is a new day, a day for bowling and lunch with friends. Only 6 more days until school starts.

The countdown is ON!

"Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language." -Henry James

It's about to get crazy around here real quick. I've made that clear though, right?

Another scintilating day around these parts. Clearly if you're checking in here regularly you're not here for the excitement, that is for sure. You must be here for my witty self or good quotes - maybe my insight. Nah, it's the cute kids. Who am I kidding?

This is the week of lasts, I fear. The last Tuesday of summer, the last free movie of the summer, the last day we eat grilled cheese for lunch this summer, and on and on and on. While I'm here though, that list was all true. Today we saw "Open Season" at the theater. While I would have preferred to see something else for our final movie - it was fine and Harrison was joyous throughout the show, as always.

{In order to make the boys take a break from their wrestling and fighting with plastic weapons, I broke out a piece of my bulletin board paper for them to color on. This lasted about 7 minutes before they began throwing markers and crayons at each other. Have I mentioned it's time for school to start?}

{See those stylish white cleats?}

That was today's thrilling tale. Perhaps I will have something to actually share tomorrow! (Oooh, I bet I will. Tomorrow, harrison will be *gasp* 9 months old!)

The last full week of summer - WAH!

"It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't. " ~Barbara Kingsolver, Animal Dreams




Isn't *THAT* the truth? Today was one of those days where I could LITERALLY pull all of my hair out and it would be less painful than parenting these two older boys. What did they do, you say? What didn't they do is a much, much better question.



Honestly, they just need to go back to school. Such a bittersweet thing for me to say though, because we really have had such a fun summer. We've played, watched movies, gone to movies, had playdates, gone to the parks, swam at the pool, swam in the ocean, visited the zoo and on and on and on. Today they did what two brothers do who have just had too much togetherness. They fought, they wrestled, they called each other names - all kinds of activities in that vein. They acted horrific in stores and cried when I denied them a trip for ice cream because of it.



What did we do today? We were lazy until after lunch (in large part because of the baby's LONG nap!) and then we ran a couple of errands. (Babies R Us and Costco if you *MUST* know) We lounged a bit more while I made some PTA phone calls and emails. We headed to the pool for a short dip. We ate dinner and went to Campbell's soccer practice. SOCCER has begun. For the next 4 months we will eat, sleep and breathe soccer - until the brand new, gleaming white (odd, huh?) cleats are caked with mud and are run into the ground.



What did the baby do today? He ate some pasta and some broccoli. He "yelled" at his brothers (trying to mimic Andy and I) for what seemed like an eternity. He smiled and he smiled some more. He tried sitting in the grass but made it clear it wasn't his favorite place to be. He stood up, unassisted, while holding onto the ottoman. First he started crawling a few days ago, now he's standing. UGH.

Prepare for the baby who is FULL up on cheese!

{The biggest brother who gives me the most amount of grief. Yet, he's quick, smart and quite clever. He make me laugh, when he's not sending me over the edge! Here he's looking at the book he's chosen to read before bed.}

That cheesetastic face the baby is giving is one of his favorites lately. Guess who used to make a similar face? You got it, his bigger, bigger brother Campbell. It's wildly adorable and completely takes me back to when Cam was a baby. I love that.

An update tomorrow because I must chronical our last full week of summer bliss.

The difference a week can make

"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot." --Michael Althsuler

If you've actually read this blog, you'll know that I have a serious love-hate relationship with my baby getting bigger.

I couldn't love him one more bit than I do. He's the joy and every other good thing on this planet. He's exactly what I wished and hoped for. He's the BABY. Every milestone, every smile, every diaper change is nearly perfect and I'm enjoying every single moment and breath he takes.

I over looked so many things that the other two did, I waited for every new development - I learned my lesson though and learned to enjoy every single moment of BABY because it's over FAR TOO SOON. I savor his gooeyness (yes it is a word!) and his smiles, I savor his temper tantrums and his hair pulling. I just savor every moment I get to spend with him.

If there is anything that I've learned as a parent in 6.75 years it's that the time is gone in a blink of an eye. Soon, they are smarter than you and sass more than you like. Their hand is no longer small inside of yours and you need an excuse to hold it. You can no longer spell things like "candy" or "treat" because they know what that means. You never lose your memories but they do begin to slip away.

But, friends, it's that thinking I'm trying to let go of. I'm trying to embrace all I do have control over, hence the savoring every moment. I'm enjoying my moments and loving the opportunities I have to stroke sunbleached hair and the smoothest skin. I kiss frequently and try to laugh as much as possible. I don't get mad when Sawyer pulls and bends the HIDEOUS curain rods in our bedroom. I want the curtains and valances gone anyway, and even though they look even more ghetto - they were uglier than ugly to start.

That was a serious tangent. My whole point today was this -- a week can make a huge difference to an 8.75 month old baby.

Last week at this time, the baby could rock back and forth on his hands and knees with serious gusto. This week, he can crawl!

Last week, the baby could chomp down on cheerios that you put in his mouth. (Watch out for those small little teeth! He delights in biting flesh!) This week, he can actually get the Cheerios into his mouth himself! (He could pick them up last week - he just couldn't figure out how to let them go in his mouth!)

Last week, he found great delight in watching us use signs for certain words. This week, he's signing "more" himself! (True to baby form, he's signing his own version. But, it's actually very close to the real thing!)

Last week the baby was doing all kinds of babbling, laughing and screaming - including sounds like dada, googoo, baba, etc. This week, he's saying MAMA! (My heart SINGS!)

Last week, I was still using disposable wipes for diaper changes at home. Now I'm using a solution of water and baby soap and baby washcloths! LOVE them!

Hooray for the baby. Hooray for the momma that gets to watch and love this baby grow into a boy and then a man. I'm so very lucky.

{BEWARE OF THE GRAIN!}

Today Campbell is on a playdate and his friend Cameron's house. Then, this afternoon we are meeting my aunt Gini and they are spending the night with them. Gini is the sister and mom I never had, rolled into one. My kids ADORE her - they have a wonderfully special relationship. It could be that she is the fun/indulgent/giving/did I say indulgent Aunt/Grandma that they will never have - but it could just be her loving heart and giving spirit. We are all so very lucky to have her.

Am I a sap today or what?