Gardening with the family

This spring we planted gardens...there were gardens when we moved here two summers ago but we let it go since we had no clue what was going on. Ha! Neither Chris nor I are gardeners and we know nothing. But, we decided to try and learn and we bought a bunch of seedlings of our favorite vegetables and have been giving it a whirl. Do you garden? What's your favorite thing to grow?





 

 We are cutting our lettuces now (amongst an array of other things!) and it tastes like magic.
Here's to having no clue what we're doing but enjoying it anyway!

 

Tweet

Noah is Three!

Dear Noah,

It is so hard to be the middle kid, isn't it?? As I write this, you are probably too little to notice or care much. But I want you to know that I love you so very very much. You are my bright sunshine and I feel bad that I've not given you as much starring attention here on our family journal!






 



This year, your third birthday fell just a few days after your brother was born back in January and we were in the hospital at that time. I thought of you that whole day and we celebrated your birthday with a little mini party when we got home a few days later. Of course, things got crazy and I never posted about your birthday here in this space! Grammie and Rico were here taking care of you while we were away having Liam. So, they were there for your little party. We had cake and you got to open your gifts from us, so you seemed pretty happy with the whole thing.
Grammie and Rico got you some cool little gifts you loved and your very own SLEEPING BAG with your NAME on it!!!! You LOVE that thing! It's got a big dog on it as the pillow for you to sleep on.
We gave you one of those Little Tikes Cozy Coupe truck things and a pretend gas pump that goes with it. You LOVE them and I'm so excited you were happy with your gifts. 

 





 







Wow, THREE!
What a special kid you are! You are one of the happiest kids I've ever seen. You are jolly most of the time and always try to make everyone around you feel happy too. You are a bit of an imp and you get into trouble like most three-year-old boys, but you always mean well. You are very clingy to Mom and Dad right now and love snuggling and having special attention. You are fun to be with; you like to laugh and say silly things. You love to dance, run, ride your scooter, ride your tricycle and play baseball. You are leftie, so Daddy wants to encourage your pitching arm!  You're already a great hitter! You enjoy tracing letters and doing puzzles. And you are working so hard on your potty training. We are letting you lead the way with that, and you've got it handled (for the most part!). We are proud of you and of how sweet you are. You are a good kind person and a loving one at that.
I love you so much Noah, and my life is so great because you are in it. I'm a lucky Mama.
Love you more,
Mama

Tweet

Liam's Baptism

Liam, you were baptized on April 19th at St. Joseph Church here in our little town. It was special and beautiful. I will work my hardest to teach you all about Jesus and why we live our lives to help others in our own unique special ways. We should always try our best to love others, no matter what. We need to pray for those who are in their hardest times and know that we are all equal and children of God. Every person matters and every person deserves love and an amazing life.
We love you little peanut!

Here you are with your proud Godparents (Auntie Anne and Uncle Brian) and Daddy making funny faces...


 

href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/48901172@N00/17375369248" title="Untitled by Megan Carty, on Flickr">

Tweet

Liam's One Month Birthday

Dear Little Liam,

A little while back (on Feb. 11th!) you turned One Month old! You're now in your 6th week, so I'm sorry this is late!
You are the sweetest little fella! You eat, you sleep, you burp, you poop, and you peer all around. Such a champ! After a chunk of time where you were very fussy, your doctor came to the conclusion that you have reflux so you've started taking Zantac. We've seen improvement! You are also fussy from gas, so you are a gentle formula made to help with gas. And now, you are so much more happy and sleeping better during your naps.
At night, you've dropped your 10 o'clock feeding time (or thereabouts!) and go long stretches until the early morning hours. We've subscribed to the idea that we not run to you the second you make sounds...and usually, you will let out a yelp or two and go right back to sleep...learning to connect your sleep cycles. When you SCREAM and it doesn't let up, I know it's time for you to eat.
You've also started smiling a few days ago; and this is something I cannot get enough of. You light up like all the stars in the sky and you just make my day.
In other news, you went from 8.4 pounds at your first doctor checkup to 12.4 pounds at your one-month checkup! You've become quite round and plump much to the joy of everyone at the doctors' office. I'm happy you're round and plump, but boy, you are getting heavy!! I'm a lucky Mama...I'll carry you to the ends of the Earth and back no matter how heavy you are.
I will close this little message to let you know how thrilled I am you are here. You are such a love; a dream. I cannot imagine life without you in it and I'm so lucky to be your Mama. I love you so very much and I always will forever and ever.
I love you always,
Mama

Tweet

Paige lost her first tooth!

Dear Little P,

You lost your first tooth two nights ago! (Sunday night, Feb. 22nd, 2015) We were finishing dinner (I was washing dishes) and you said "Mommy! Daddy! Help meeeeee!" and you thought your wiggly tooth broke. But, in fact, it had come out! I've NEVER seen you so excited. You ran around the house, dancing and hooting and hollering about your tooth and the fact the tooth fairy would be coming that night. You even said "This is the BEST day of my life!!!!!" I hugged you and told you how excited I was for you. I also made a little groan and said how you are growing so fast. And you know what you said? "Mommy, it's ok. I'm still your little girl!!!" and then you said "I still love and need you and Daddy!" Well that about melted my heart. You lost the tooth that happened to be the first tiny tooth that grew in your mouth as a little baby. It's bittersweet. (I will try not to cry now!)
I love you so much and am so proud of you. Here's to many more tooth fairy visits!
(she gave you a dollar in the little paper tooth pouch you made...a lot of money, but it's your first tooth, so I think she gives a bonus for that.)

I love you always and forever,
Mama

Here's a video of us calling my parents (you talking to Nana and Grampa) and telling them all about your tooth. Precious!!!

Tweet

Going to Disney on Ice!

My favorite part of this little family movie vlog is how Paige shows everything she packed in her purse. She's never used her purse before and she was so excited to go on this little excursion, she got it out and packed it with her "essentials." It's funny to hear her explanations about "what's in my bag." I'm sad that she will be six in April...time is going too fast! But, I have to say she is SO FUN to be with and she says the funniest things. Love that kiddo.

Tweet

Paige has a wiggly tooth!

In recent news, Paige has her first wiggly tooth! It's all she can talk about lately. It's very cute how she's so excited, but I refuse to touch it because that just gives me the willies.
Here's a little interview I recorded with her one morning after the kids got up. I find this video hilarious because Noah refuses to let Paige have her moment in the spotlight. He keeps saying "me too!!!" after everything and keeps trying to take over the interview. He just turned three...he does NOT have a wiggly tooth. He also DOES NOT like pink. Nor does he love unicorns. But he has to copy his sister however he can. Paige gets so frustrated with him; I can't help but find it funny sometimes. Enjoy this little snippet of their relationship!

Tweet

Schoolin'

Paige has been doing great with Kindergarten! She comes home so happy (albeit tired) every day. She's getting the support she needs and is starting to develop a lot more independent behavior. I'm so proud! Noah misses his sister during the day, but I also know he's really enjoying being the center of my attention.
Every morning he wears his backpack out to wait for the bus with Paige and he begs to get on there with her. I'm forever explaining that he has to be five and going to Kindergarten. He always is so bummed. Don't grow too fast Noah! Let's enjoy our time together, ok? These kiddos make my heart burst. I can't believe we have another one coming to join the fun.

Tweet

First Day of Kindergarten

Dear Little P.,

The past few years have been a whirlwind that led to this day; your first day of kindergarten. It was last week, but I just couldn't bring myself to write to you until today. My soul was too fragile to write on your first days. I know you've been in full-time preschool since you were 3, but this feels so different. So official!



I will admit it, I sobbed for a few nights before your first day. The night before, I curled up in my bed and cried like a baby. I was so excited and happy for you, but sad for myself. I felt your babyhood just *POOF* disappear before my eyes. I was mourning all the things we didn't get to do together because you were always in school. We missed so much bonding time between Mama and baby. I still cry when I think about it. I don't regret anything, though, because having you in school has been a huge boost to your social and emotional skills you needed the extra help with. I had to trade my wishes and dreams of what mothering you would look like for what was best for YOU and your life ahead. I'd do anything and trade anything if it means the best for you. I love you so very much.



You were so thrilled on your first day and couldn't wait for the bus ride. You were so proud wearing your new backpack filled with all the little things you needed for school...lunch, snacks, a rest blanket/towel, your school folder and your special name tag. When the bus arrived you ran right away and up the stairs...and I called "Wait! Wait! I didn't get my hug!" So you stopped and let me give you a quick cuddle. I snapped an even quicker photo and then the doors closed. Off you went! Noah cried for a bit when you left; he missed you but I also think he wanted to ride the bus and go to school too! He was pretty jealous.








When you got home you were pretty tired, but filled with exhilaration with your full and busy day. You didn't share too much about what went on, but I know you will open up with a little time and space. You seem so happy each day so I can only assume you are enjoying your new school experience. I'm so proud of you my sweetie. You have been so strong and brave and filled with joy for all the new things happening in your life. You are so kind, friendly, sweet, silly, creative and soulful. These are traits that make you who you are...the person I love so very much and am so proud to be the Mama of.

I hope you know that I will be here for you every step of the way in your journey through life. These first steps of your own independence are so meaningful and special and I'm so glad I get to share them with you. I miss you every moment you are away but know that I am confident in the person you are...you will go far little lady!!!! And know you are always on my mind and always in my heart no matter what.
Love always,
Mama

Tweet

Third time is the charm!

Surprise! We are going to be a family of FIVE sometime in early January 2015! I still can't believe it!

Tweet

Golden hour

 They say the golden hour to take photos is right as the sun is going down. I would agree! It's best right when the rays of sun have disappeared and the residual light is still there. I decided to do a mini photo shoot of Noah the other day playing with rocks around the Bleeding Hearts shrub.
Things I wanted to remember: Noah's chubby and huge feet, how his pants are a bit too small and they fall over the butt of his diaper Bieber-style (it's only ok because Noah is a baby), how he found an old mitten of Paige's and decided to wear it like an oven mitt all evening, and the way he was so pensive as he moved rocks from one garden bed to another. My sweet boy.

Tweet

My girl

I like to sit in the quiet of the evening before bedtime and watch Paige do what she loves most...make art. Sometimes she collages her own unique pieces and other times she just colors or paints existing pictures. She loves this time for creating and I love watching her. It's like watching a dream.

Tweet

Two-wheeler bike

We gave Paige a 2-wheeler bike for her fifth birthday (among some other smaller gifts). It has a unicorn pouch (!!!)  at the front and is covered in unicorn designs...it is also a combination of her favorite colors so she's pretty thrilled. There are training wheels on it to help her get used to riding and she took to it like a duck to water! Overall I'd say the bike is an epic win!

Tweet

I'm a Catholic but so much more.

I officially became a Catholic at Easter Vigil this year! What a special night in a zillion ways. My relationship with my Heavenly Father has deepened and I'm grateful for that. He has shown me the way to so much healing and I'm grateful for that too. Here are a select few photos of the ceremony.

Before the ceremony; that's the baptism font behind me there.


Going through the Mass but before baptism


Kneeling in the font (filled with Holy Water) and getting baptized. Wow!


I was glad the water was heated!


Here I'm going through my Confirmation and there's Holy Chrism (scented oil blessed by the Cardinal) being rubbed on my forehead (sealing me)


Father Peter giving me my First Communion


The whole experience is something I cannot describe...nothing is fitting. But I can say it was more amazing than I'd hoped.
I've been on my faith journey all my life and felt a major pull from God to rely on Him more. That all my answers to the struggles in my heart are with Him. I have found healing from past hurts. I've found more peace, too, knowing the losses from my 4 previous miscarriages before Paige came along are in heaven. They are enjoying peace, light, comfort and love. I have 4 other children I will meet one day and I often sit and think about them and wonder what they are like. The love for them exists here and in heaven. That is special.
Now that I belong to a faith community, I feel like I have a place to go where other people feel like I do. I have a place where I can use my gifts and talents God has given me. I can find ways to show love to others through ministry and self-donation. Wherever I go I like to look around to see if there's a way I can help someone...carry their bags, look for an item, help with their kids, etc. It feels nice even when I can do something little. And now, I can teach my love for God to my children so they can know that they are perfect and special and part of an amazing creation.
As I move forward in my life, I will include God in my plans, goals, thoughts and decisions. I know that He wants the best for me and I want that too!
I am a wife and mother first, I'm a friend, an artist and a helper. God has blessed me with these callings and I will do my best to carry them forth with a happy content heart!

Tweet

Happy 5th birthday!

Dear Little P.

Today you turn 5. Where did the time go???? It seems like yesterday I was holding your little body in my arms and marveling over your soft breath, little feet and little fingers. I think you can tell I'm a little sad your babyhood is gone because you were trying to act like a baby today and said "It's ok Mee-Mee-Moo! (she calls me that) I'm still the same person I was when I was four! Now I'll just be able to do even MORE things. I'm just growing and that's what people do!" You're right sweetie; I'm proud of you for growing and becoming such a lovely young lady. You are sweet, kind, and fun. You are funny, silly, smart and creative. You are a very talented artist and have a world-class imagination.
I am so thankful to God for the gifts he's given you but MORE thankful to God for giving you to ME. You bless my life in different ways every single day. You make me smile, you make me laugh, you make me think, you make me WORK. :)
Being with you is such a joy and a treat and I'm the luckiest Mee-Mee-Moo around. I love you to the moon and back again to infinity.
Keep on being yourself, be kind, be loving, and be positive. You will go far toward your biggest dreams when you are those things.
I love you always and forever,
Mama (Mee-Mee-Moo)

Tweet

Treasured Moments

Last week we were all eating dinner together as we do every night. Toward the end of the meal, Paige looked up at us and the conversation went like this:

Paige: "Mommy, how old are you?"
Me: I'm 35
Paige: "Huh. Daddy, how old are you?"
Chris: "38"
Paige: ***pause*** "Wow guys.......those are some big numbers. Those are some biiiiiiiiig numbers!"

Sigh.
(remember when she had a speech delay?)

Tweet

Noah turned 2

Dear Little N.,

On January 14th you turned 2! I tried to hide from it; but you can't fight time, can you? After a weekend celebrating with family, we celebrated your actual special day with just us...your Mom, Dad, sister Paige and little Maren the Wonder Dog.




You sure figured out the whole "present-opening" thing! You went from one thing to the next yelling "Open pwease!" Once you opened each gift you would desperately want us to take the item out of its packaging. Let's just say Daddy was pretty tired after all was said and done.


Your sister even got involved; helping you when she could and playing with your new toys much to your chagrin.






 I must admit, they ARE cool toys. Even I got to play with most of them. Your favorites seemed to be the Eeboo stacking block tower set and the Black and Decker workbench/tool set.







After you opened your gifts we enjoyed some birthday cupcakes where you had a good time blowing out your own candles.










It was such a precious day. My heart was swelled so full of love for you as I watched you scuttle around to all your new toys and shriek with excitement. I can't believe you are already two.
Little man, you are my sidekick, my buddy, my pal, and my little sweetie-pie. I'll never tire of your cuddles and hugs. Even if I get exsasperated every time you yell "Mummy!" 100 times in a quick row I will never tire of hearing it. I appreciate you. I love you. I think you are the cat's meow.
Love Always,
Mama

P.S. Speaking of "the cat's meow," whenever we ask you the sound any animal makes you say "Me-ooooowww?"  and then you laugh hysterically. Such a sense of humor you have. sigh

Tweet

Noah 22 and 23 months

Dear Noah,
In a few days you are turning 2. TWO! My little cuddly, squishy bear.



Sometime in the last two months you began to talk (little barely discernible words and phrases) and started to really discover your own little way in the world. You have started running around the house, making whirling messes and mainly keep me on my toes every waking minute. You are fun, funny, sweet, happy, silly, impish, and smart. You are also stubborn, loud, insistent, and steadfast. ha!











On of my favorite times is when you actually cuddle into me to fall asleep for nap time (a rare thing!). It's so peaceful and I love to feel the weight of you against me. I listen to your slow even breathing and smell your apple-scented hair. It's one of the few moments in the day where we are quietly together and you give in. Another favorite of mine is when I'm singing a song you like and you try to join in; singing the last word of every phrase (or at least mimicking the sound of that word). You like the ABCs, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (same tune), Wheels on the Bus, and Paige's made-up Bubble song (Bubbles Bubbles fun to share, Bubbles Bubbles Everywhere!). Also, nothing beats making you laugh. You have the best laugh. I think everyone around agrees. You like to be chased, tickled, tackled and squeezed. Not a bad gig!










Time with you is so wonderful; everything is so new and exciting for you that it's fun to watch and be a part of. Let me be selfish in saying that you really love hanging out with your Mom. And I'm making sure to soak it in while I can!! Just be easy on me, ok?

I wish I could make time stand still so that you never have to turn 2 and keep growing up and away. But I have faith in you and your love and your need for me. I have faith in my love for you and the joy of watching you thrive. I remember you every moment of every day. One day when you are a big strong man I hope you will remember me with even a fraction of the love I have for you. Then I can know I did this Mom thing right.

Tweet

Lately

These two kiddos are getting along lately! They also fight more too. Ah, siblings.



Isn't it funny how Paige's headband falls around her forehead? She looks like 80's Jane Fonda.
She claims she "likes it this way." But her head is just too small. hee!!!



I am starting to move into my studio space in my house and it's coming along nicely. I have loads more boxes and books to unpack but I've put my painting desk in working order. Now, I'm finding time to paint by putting Noah in daycare 2 days per week. I have a few projects I'm working on and researching right now.



I just created this little gouache (pronouced "Gwash") painting of my neighbors' dog as a gift because they have been kind. Plus, this is the dog I called animal control on when it wouldn't leave my porch (when we first moved in). Oops! Turns out he is a little lovey and they don't have a leash-law here. He was friends with the former owners so I bet he was just looking for a treat! I'm learning all about country life here! The people are extra friendly and so are the animals!

I'm going to add other details to the painting, including his name. I really enjoyed making this; perhaps I will do some more pet portraits?

Tweet

21 months old

Dear Little N.,

You turned 21 months old the other day! Just like every other day I cannot stop wanting to squeeze your chubby little bear-cub body. I never tire of you holding my hand (squeezing my finger oh so tightly) or the way you bring me the toys you want to play with.





This month you have been discovering that you have your own opinions about things and now you make it known. Yes, you've started having tantrums. You don't like or want to share. You only like to do things YOU want to do and the way YOU want to do them. You prefer to live on your OWN schedule. I'm so sorry my sweet; but life just doesn't work that way. I'm sorry it makes you cry and stick your lip out. I'm sorry that you feel you have to yell about it and stomp your little feet. You'll get used to things pretty soon; but you sure are trying your Mama's patience!









Despite your newfound independent streak you are still my little fella and I love you no matter what. You are a ray of sunshine and each smile brings me relief, hope, and love. Keep smiling, ok?

 







You are a whirling force of curiosity, wonder, helpfulness, and affection. You are wonderful and I love you to infinity for always.
Love always,
Mama

Tweet