So when do I get the check?

After having a rough week of being with the kids non-stop and feeling like my life has no meaning besides changing diapers, making bottles and wiping runny noses - I thought I wonder what I would get paid if this were an actual paying job. I found a mom salary calculator and WOW!!! For you other moms out there, you can check out your mom salary - you will be amazed!












Anyway, after having my hours of a pity party for myself - I realized that the little things that my kids do each day is what gives my life meaning. To have them give me a hug for no reason or know that I can kiss them good night makes every other thing during the day seem trivial. Elizabeth today during gymnastics cracked me up. The teacher called out "Super Stars" when it was time for them to go line up to go out to the gym. She ran over there and then yelled back at me, "Mom, am I super because I just thought I was a star?" I love when she comes up with these things and her silly little antics make my day seem so much brighter. AJ's talking is starting to take off and I know his speech therapy will only help him more. I love to see him light up when we can actually understand each other. Yesterday, he came up to me and pointed to the counter and said "nana". I asked him if he wanted a banana and he got so excited that I understood him. It is so fun to see him grow and change every day. And Jacob - WOW! It is hard for me to believe that it has been 11 weeks already since his birth. He has become so bright and his smiles melt my heart every time. I think he is by far my most snuggly one and I can't wait for the upcoming months when he starts to interact more and more.












Well, now that I have gone on and on - I suppose I should go get some shut eye before the next round of chaos. Some days it is hard to imagine going on changing the diapers, making the bottles and wiping the runny noses but I couldn't picture it any other way!

The Wonders of Sleep

It has always amazed me how babies can sleep anywhere and be so peaceful. I must say that I have always enjoyed the little time that I get to lay down with my kids and rest but knowing that Jacob is probably the last, it is that much more meaningful to me.

And how can kids always manage to fall asleep in all sorts of positions and in any place. Elizabeth fell asleep while talking to me after a long but fun day. We had just returned from Disney on Ice.













And yes, the picture is positioned correctly! Jacob can contort himself in all sorts of positions in his bouncy seat and still manage to get some good rest!

Tipsy with Tots

This morning I managed to get in a little adult TV and was watching The Today Show. They did a piece on cocktail playgroups. All I have to say is given the right time and place, I think it is a great idea. I know by the end of the day or week, I am ready for a little me time and not able to get that. Being able to be around other mommies and partake in a glass of wine shouldn't be a big deal! I suppose this will be the next controversial thing that mothers do that will get a bad rap. As far as I am concerned, how is it any different than having a glass of wine with dinner while your kids are around - there are just other kids around to keep yours entertained. Anyway, now that I have said what I have to say about that. . .

We had our own little playdate today at the mall. I figure this is another way of mommy getting what she wants (shopping) as well as the kids. Our mall has a soft play area by the food court. The kids are able to run off their energy on cold days like today and not get into too much trouble. We met a couple of friends there and then got some lunch. Needless to say, as you can tell from the pictures, AJ decided he was going to paint with his cheese today. It is a good thing that he had such a colorful shirt on, otherwise the layer of cheese crust wouldn't have blended in so well.

House for Sale

Okay! I know this is probably not the place to list a house but I figured I would give it whirl! Mike and I are moving to Edwards in the spring/summer and have our house for sale. If you know of anyone coming out this way (Dayton, OH or WPAFB) please pass on the word. More info on the house can be found at www.militarybyowner.com Thanks for looking or passing on the word! We will consider renting to the right people.

Age in the cage. . .

I hope I don't get arrested for posting this picture. I found AJ and my neighbors little boy, Ethan, playing in the dog kennel and I just couldn't resist taking a picture. I hope Ethan's mom will let me watch him again after this!




















They did come out . . . eventually!

We have proof!

After many days of trying to capture Jacob's smile on camera we finally did it!!!

Adventures in poop!

Only a mother could understand that there are days when all you do is change diapers and it seems to come from every where imaginable. How many blow outs can one mother encounter? I will spare you the details but leave you with the thought that I got to deal with 5 in one day from 4 different children. Uggghhhh!!!

Jacob - A.K.A. Brutis

Our second little boy was born November 16th, 2006. Jacob is now a little over two months old and has blessed our lives more than we could have ever imagined. Who knew a surprise like this could be so wonderful! After a PAINFUL but not too long labor, he arrived weighing in at 8lbs. 1 oz. (three weeks early). I would have hated to see what this chunk would have weighed had he cooked the whole time. Anyway, he has been the sweetest, easy going little man. He has already astounded us with his ability to roll over starting at 4 weeks old. We are now getting glimpses of smiles every day. His smile is so big and beautiful that it could warm anyones heart. His brother and sister love to try and make him smile by playing peek-a-boo with him. So far there hasn't been any jealousy issues but only time will tell. His favorite past times include sleeping, snuggling and eating (A LOT!). We can't wait to see what the next months bring with this little one!

A.J. - A.K.A. Bubba

Our second child, AJ (Adam James), was born on April 17, 2005 after a long and complicated pregnancy. Our first year was filled with a lot of screaming and crying (from both mom and baby). After his first birthday, AJ started to turn into a little boy with lots of curiosity and energy. I now understand why mothers of boys and girls look at their children differently. I think they come out with differences already built in. He now provides us with a lot of entertainment going from one thing to the next and trying his hardest to learn new things. He is very interested in being a "big boy" and just like his sister. I must say they dressing up like a princess we try and keep under wraps though (well not anymore after this). He is a daddy's boy and gets very excited when Mike comes home at nights. He is also our snuggler - always wanting to give lots of hugs and kisses and will sit on your lap and snuggle for long periods of time. On the other hand he loves to wrestle with anyone that will give him the opportunity. We have come to really enjoy our little boy and look forward to the man that he will turn in to.

Elizabeth - A.K.A. Bizzy

We were blessed with the birth of our first child, Elizabeth, born April 25, 2003. From the time she was born she demonstrated her ability to show emotion and compassion for everyone around her. She is now three and a half and quite a little princess. Our days with Bizzy consist of picking out the right "princess" dress and putting on our "princess" make-up (clear lip gloss but who is going to get picky at this point) and then telling everyone in the family the roles that they are going to play that day, i.e. prince, queen, king and for some reason AJ always ends up being the frog. Her most recent event in dressing up was finding my wedding accessories and using them to dress up as a bride (wedding princess as she called it). (See picture) As I am sure you can imagine, this absolutely broke my heart - she seems so grown up. She has quite the imagination and makes sure everyone knows what a little lady she is. She goes to preschool twice a week for several hours and I am sure that she wows her teachers with all of the royalty she claims to be related to. She also loves gymnastics as well - all part of being a little lady. I can not imagine what my days were like before she entered my life - she fills my heart with so much love each and every day. I only wish that everyone could have such a sweet little girl as our Elizabeth.