New Do and New Experiences

I have been long over due for getting my hair done.  My sister in law who is my hair stylist had a baby the beginning of December and was on maternity leave until recently and I finally had a chance to go today.  Went a little lighter and got some bangs.

 Tonight Andy wanted to take the kids bowling for the first time.  So, we loaded them up and went!  It was a little hectic, but a great time over all.  We got bumper pads and the ramp.  Ethan and Gracyn had no problem getting their ball, carrying it to the ramp, and bowling all by themselves.  However, Ethan was most intrigued by the ball return.  Instead of watching to see how many pins he knocked down, he would run back to see if his ball had returned yet.  Gracyn was a little more interested in how many pins she knocked down and just the whole process overall.  She got a spare and yelled "Yay! I got a strike!" It was pretty cute.  Avery was most interested in the balls.  She kept saying "ball" over and over and wanted to play with the bowling balls.  Andy helped her bowl and she was super excited, but then she really wanted the balls!

 

 

Since we had not fed the kids dinner yet, they were getting pretty hungry.  We let them snack on some nachos to hold them over until dinner.  Ethan said "I do not like this cheese stuff"  Lol!  He is already a little foodie like his daddy.  The girls had no issues with the "cheese stuff".  In fact, Avery preferred just licking it off the chips.  And Ethan, despite his "spicey pear" experience (he ate a super hot jalepeno from our garden thinking it was a pear), actually ate a jalepeno.  These were much milder and it really did not bother him much.

 

 

After bowling we let the kids play a couple of games of wack-a-mole.  Andy had told them all about this game and so when we saw it we had to let them play.  They both did really well and got several tickets which they cashed in for tootsie rolls and army men.

Overall it was a fantastic day!  I really love spending time with Andy and the kids!

My "Do-er" Issues

We have had an extremely busy last few weeks.  Pretty much every day for as long as I can think back, we have had something going on that meant we had to get dressed and leave the house.  Some days we have had multiple things going on.  Now these are all good and fun things, but they all add up and start to wear everyone out a bit.

Today we had nothing going on until 5:30 p.m.  I was all geared up to have a completely relaxing day in.  I even let Gracyn keep her night gown on this morning which I rarely ever do.  I almost always dress all the kids and fix their hair first thing in the morning regardless of what is going on.  So, I was relaxing on the couch enjoying my coffee while Ethan and Gracyn played and Avery napped and I thought how nice this day in was going to be and that we weren't going to do a thing.  Not even 5 minutes later I was looking to see if there was a storytime at the library today.  Then, Avery woke up from her nap and I quickly got everyone's shoes on, got Gracyn dressed, and loaded everyone in the car to head to the library for storytime.  What is the matter with me?!

We had a great time at the library.  Ethan and Gracyn were super excited to go because they had not been since preschool started back up this fall.  We listened to books about snow and the kids got stickers and got to play the bongo drums.  Ethan has such a great attention span and listened intently to all the stories.  Gracyn listened pretty well but can't sit still or go 30 seconds without talking.  No idea where she gets that from :-)  Avery was pretty active and liked the dancing and drums the best.    After storytime I let each of the kids check out a book to take home.  Ethan picked one about trains, Gracyn didn't pick quickly enough so I just grabbed one for her with a little girl and a crazy dog, and Avery got a book about colors.

I am in a Moms N Tots group and we have been doing a study with the book And Then I Had Kids by Susan Yates.  It is a great book and I am really enjoying everything I am learning.  One of the things I have learned is that as moms we tend to fall into one of two categories: "be-ers" and do-ers".  Be-ers are able to relax and enjoy the moment.  A do-er is an overachiever that equates progress with self-worth.  Do-ers try to balance everything and "do it all".  I will admit that I am totally a do-er!  I can't even relax and enjoy a morning at home without feeling like I should be doing something.  Lol!

Tuesdays with Avery

I recently decided to change my work schedule so that I could have a little one on one time with Avery on Tuesdays.  With Ethan and Gracyn around Avery does not get much of a chance to be the center of attention and explore the world without interference.  It has been wonderful and exciting to see a new side of my sweet girl emerge!

Today after dropping Ethan and Gracyn off at preschool we headed to the Jenks Aquarium.  We went last week, but Avery rode in the stroller most of the time and didn't have much of a chance to explore.  I ran across pictures of Ethan and Gracyn having a great time at the aquarium when they were about 14 months old and I felt pretty guilty that Avery was just along for the ride.  So, we made up for it today and she had such a great time!

Avery loved touching everything!

Wow!  Look at those sharks!

 



When we left the aquarium the sky was dark and it was about to storm.  We made it home before the rain.  All the way home Avery was saying "eat"!  So, I fed her lunch and she went down for nap.

Tonight I went to a Pinterest Party with my TMOM friends.  I made homemade cinnamon rolls and brought a sewing project.  However, after my sewing machine was giving me issues and drinking one of my friend Sarah's orange margaritas I really did not end up crafting anything.  But I enjoyed good food, good drinks, and a great time with friends!  It is always nice to get out!

Work and Some Fun

I typically work every Monday all day.  Today was such a beautiful day though (70s) I really wanted to take advantage of the nice weather and take the kids to the zoo.  So, I worked all morning and got a lot accomplished and took the kids to the zoo at 2:45.  The great thing about it being a Monday is that the babysitter was there and I had help with the kids at the zoo.  Now, I have taken all 3 myself and it is doable, but it is much easier to have another adult to help.

The zoo was a great time.  We saw the chimps and one came right up to the glass and sat right down in front of us and watched us watch him.  The kids thought it was pretty cool, especially Avery who was pointing and getting excited.  Ethan was a little preoccupied with wanting to ride the train.  Then, we made the rounds through the petting zoo area, the rainforest, and the Rhinos.  When we got to the lions the male and female both were standing out in the grassy area growling loudly.  It was pretty cool to see and hear.  A little bit scary though to see how powerful and loud they can be.  Next, we saw the penguins and the flamingos and then headed to take the train to the front and go home.  It was a short zoo trip but we all had a great time and enjoyed the nice weather!

Thanks so much Nicole for taking all the pictures! I love them!

This evening I had a late meeting with some new clients that are friends.  I enjoyed a glass of wine while discussing estate planning.  I really do enjoy my work and helping people with their estate planning needs.  My practice is so different than practicing law in a traditional firm.  Instead I get to sit down to coffee with my clients or meet them in their home in a much more casual, relaxed environment.  I think it is more comfortable for my clients and I feel like it makes helping them a little more personal for me.  Also, it is nice to know that I am helping to give my clients peace of mind. 

The Sunday Highlights

Today was a great Sunday!  We had another very busy day with church, lunch, a birthday party, and didn't even get home until around 3:30.  Below I will list my top 5 highlights of the day.

1.  Naps for Everyone

When we got home from the birthday party it was almost 3:30 and no one had napped yet.  Ethan, Gracyn, and Avery all fell right asleep.  So, Andy and I took advantage of the quiet house and got a little nap ourselves!  Sneaking in a nap these days is rare because usually the kids only nap together about 30 minutes all day (if that).

2.  Putting Avery to Bed

I really enjoyed reading a book to Avery tonight before bed.  She is starting to talk a lot more, is now pointing at pictures in the book, and will turn the pages for me.  This is such a fun age as her personality is really emerging.  Avery has been a little bit more of a mystery to me personality wise and it is exciting seeing her unique qualities emerge.  Then, after the book we turned on her music and rocked her for one song as usual.  She is such a sweet snuggler!  As soon as I go to rock her she clings onto me and snuggles in.  I love it!

3.  Movie Night

Since Ethan and Gracyn got late naps and slept until 5:15 we decided to let them stay up an hour later than usual and watch a movie with us after dinner and baths.  We made popcorn, put on a Veggie Tale movie they had not seen before and all curled up on the couch under blankets.  It was great!

Another Busy Saturday

Today was busy, but a really good day!  All three kids slept until almost 8 which was really nice.  After breakfast I took Ethan with me to run some errands.  It was really nice to spend some one on one time with him.  One stop was Toys R Us where he got to pick out a new train and we got Gracyn a new outfit for Avery's baby that she is obsessed with.  Gracyn kept undressing the twin baby dolls and I could not figure out why.  Then, it hit me when she wanted me to dress them before bed.  See, the baby dolls outfits they came in were pajamas.  So every morning she gets them "dressed" which is really undressing them down to the "white outfit".  She was thrilled to get an actual outfit for the girl baby.  She calls the other twin a boy even though it has purple pajamas.

It was another really nice day.  Andy played with Avery and Gracyn outside most of the morning.  Then, we grilled hotdogs and sausages from Sieges and ate outside.  The girls had princess juices leftover from the party so I let Ethan drink his apple juice out of a "pirate" bottle.

After lunch the kids napped and I finally organized the upstairs linen closet that has been driving me crazy.  All my sewing stuff is no longer a mess!  I did not realize how much scrap fabric I have.  Now what should I make... I really want to start a new sewing project now!

After "naps" (Ethan and Gracyn never slept) we went to a birthday party for a friend's daughter.  It was a good time and we got to see several people we had not seen in awhile. 

Then, Andy fed the kids dinner, gave them baths, and put them to bed while I went to the grocery store. 

These days life really is pretty busy!  It is funny because we were talking with a friend today who has two kids spaced the same as ours only they have a 3 week old and a 21 month old.  Things are so busy then and you think when we just get to this next milestone things will slow down and get easier.  In some ways things do get easier and in other ways harder, but one thing is for sure, life doesn't slow down!  In fact, I feel that as the kids are getting older the years are passing even faster.  I feel like I blinked and Avery went from a newborn to a one year old.

Growing Up and Fun Friday!

Ethan and Gracyn are really growing up.  Last night in the bath I told them not to wrestle and Gracyn said "Where is the sign that says no wrestling?"  Seriously??  Lol!  Last night they both put on their pajamas all by themselves.  Then, this morning while I was getting dressed they went down to the living room to play.  I came down a couple minutes later and found them making themselves and their little sister breakfast.  They had gotten bowls out of the dishwasher, the cereal out of the pantry, poured cereal in the bowls and were attempting to pry the refrigerator open to get the milk.  Finally, Gracyn had an accident today and needed to change her pants.  She took her wet pants off, took them to the laundry room, and went upstairs and got herself clean underwear, socks, and pants that actually went with her outfit.  They are definitely not babies anymore!

Today was a really good day!  We went to the aquarium with friends this morning and I got a membership so we can go all year.  Yay!  Ethan and Gracyn loved the new exhibit with the tunnel under the tank with the ladder to climb up and look in.  Avery was really good and happily rode in her stroller most of the time.  She did get to get out and look at some fish and climb around a little bit.



Bryson, Gracyn, Avery, and Ethan (Little red eye going on)





After lunch and naps we got to play outside.  It was another beautiful January day and the temperature was in the 50s.  We took the big tent out and played in it and told stories.  Also, Ethan and Gracyn rollerbladed while Avery explored.  I really enjoy getting to play with my kids!  While rollerblading all 3 spontaneously held hands and went around the driveway for awhile.  It was so sweet!  I am happy that they all play together so well (most of the time :-).

It's Been Awhile...

I haven't blogged in about two years, but recently I pulled up my blog and started reading some of my posts and I realized that so many memories have been lost.  The kids say the funniest things these days and I think I won't forget, but I do.  I forget about the precious moments, the crazy moments, and when exactly each little milestone occurred.  I forget how I felt at certain times in my parenting adventure.  So, in an effort not to lose any more memories I plan to start blogging again.

A LOT has happened since I last blogged.  We found out in March of 2011 that we were expecting another baby miraculously after undergoing IVF to have the twins.  Our sweet Avery Jane beat the infertility odds (we were told we had a less than 3% chance of conceiving) and was born October 27, 2010 when Ethan and Gracyn were 21 months.  She is a precious little gift.  She always has a smile and wave for everyone we meet.  We are so thankful for our little miracle!  Ethan and Gracyn love their little sister too. 

Avery just turned one a couple months ago.  She is walking and talking more all the time.  She is quite the mama's girl, but also very independent at the same time.  She insists on feeding herself, brushing her own teeth, and climbing up and down the stairs on her own.  She tries very hard to keep up with her big brother and sister and even wants to use the potty like them (and actually occasionally goes!).  Even though she is not talking a lot yet, she has no problem letting you know exactly what she wants by pointing and gesturing, and using some words.  And this little lady definitely knows what she wants and doesn't want.

 

Ethan and Gracyn just turned 3!  They are both very smart and amazing kids!  Ethan has the longest attention span for a 3 year old.  He loves trains, robots, books, watching tv, pretend play, and playing in the dirt.  He is very creative and choses not to do things the typical way a lot.  For example, when holding up his fingers to say he is three he holds his ring finger down with his thumb and the other three fingers up.  Never seen that before! But so typical of his doing things right, just different.

Gracyn loves to learn new things and already knows all her letter sounds.  With just a little effort on our part, she could be reading soon.   She has an amazing imagination and loves pretend play!  She likes playing with her dolls, dress up, reading books, playing outside, and singing.  She keeps us on our toes let us know if lights are green, if we are driving too fast, if we say something wrong, etc.  She doesn't miss a thing!

My business is growing.  I continue to have my own law practice and focus on the areas of estate planning and business law.  I currently work 2 days a week or so and really enjoy getting to help families and small businesses.  Andy recently started his own business and is helping several local business with sales and marketing. 

My life is very busy and balancing everything can be difficult, but I want to do it all and wouldn't have it any other way.  I love being able to stay home with my kids part of the time and working part time.  I don't have a lot of time for myself at the moment, but I'm trying to savor the moments and appreciate them because I am realizing more and more every day how fast this season of my life is passing by.