I knew I wouldn't be very good at keeping up with this. I am one who fills up the first 10 pages of a diary in a week, then doesn't' write again for 2 years. Oy! In my defense, summer is crazy town time at work for me. I put in tons of hours, and when I am home-I try to be as fully present with my babies and Kevin as possible. Kevin is an amazing super Daddy who did diaper duty, naps, lunch, parks, pools and more all summer long while I was working. He is such a great guy!
So what is going on now? Well Cappy is in 2nd grade now! Unbelievable! He is still attending a fantastic charter school based on cooperative learning, project based curriculum, and leveled learning for different children. He is SO smart it is incredible. He never ceases to amaze me. his teacher put him in charge of getting the class to pick their first project. He collected opinions, took votes, compiled info, and presented the topics to the class. Through some coercion from him, they chose Natural Disasters, and he is SO excited! He is watching lots of documentaries and reading books on hurricanes, droughts, typhoons, and more. He is also doing really well in karate. He is so respectful and a very focused kid. He makes me extremely proud!
Sweet Pea started kindergarten (!!) what? She loves school. Book learning is so much fun to her. She loves sitting, reading, writing, learning, and all the trappings of school. She is beginning to learn how to read, which absolutely thrills her. She is also learning how to ride her bike without training wheels. It has been tumultuous to say the least. Not that she isn't good at it, on the contrary, she is doing a great job. But, for some strange reason she bursts into tears about 10 minutes in each time! So strange! She is getting better though!
Precious Ro-Dog is in the Fish class now at school. He will be 3 in 2 months, which is so hard to believe. He is a total love bug and loves to gives hugs and kisses. He also only has 2 speeds: awake and asleep. There really is no "sit and relax" with him. He moves pretty much non-stop. Love this kid! He wants so badly to be just like his big brother and sister he can hardly stand it! He calls them "the kids" which I find hilarious. IE: "Mommy, why my kids leave me? Why dey goin to schooool?" In his class at school he loves to help kids who are crying, and is apparently very compassionate and sweet with others (whew!!) he has gotten in trouble a few times though for things like pretending to shoot a gun (ugh! you can always tell which ones have older sibs!), refusing to line up, and refusing to sit at the table. I suppose we should work on obeying authority??
Baby Snarf is still the baby for sure! Sometimes it is easy to forget he is technically a toddler now! He is such a peanut. Weighing a mere 19 lbs (which the others all weighed by 5 months!) He is a tiny little thing. It is hilarious to see him walk around. He has this interesting penguin/old lady shuffle thing going on. He just learned to say "uh-oh" and he has a sweet tiny little voice to match the body! He is mostly a quiet observer, and there is never a shortage of things to watch at home! His teachers at school say is is amazingly perfect (like they needed to tell me that!!) He never cries, loves to give snuggles, and doesn't mind being put down when he needs to be! Who could ask for more?
Daddy is back to work at the middle school again. We are fervently praying for a job in a church. he needs to begin taking classes in Dallas in January, otherwise his ordination date will be pushed back a full year. Which means moving back to Florida in June of '14 instead of '13. We do not like this plan!!
So that is what things look like around here. Life is never boring, but it sure is fun! When people tell me my hands must be full, all I can think is "why would I want it any other way!?" I am so blessed by this precious, lovely crew!!
Hopefully I will do a better job of updating the blog this school year, but no promises!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Pallowpats
So try to translate tha word from 2 year old language to regular English...go ahead, it took me forever to figure out....ok, give up? It is caterpillar. I thought ro-dog was talking about pillow pets, but it never fit int he context of the conversation. Now he has matured to saying tatepillahs. The last few days we have visited the tatepillahs at the church At least 10 times. He is telling me all about how they are getting bigger, and how three of them went into "kisses" (chrysalises). He is getting big soooooo fast, and it is killing me. He no longer asks to "hold you?" which was one of my favorite things. Oooliana and shayshay are now Julianna and Seamus. Such a big boy.
Neither of the big kids were verbal early lie, he is. This one though didn't walk until 15 months, but knew everyone on church staff' s names by about the same age. He has always liked names the best, I really think he knows more names then I do. He is so precious it just about breaks my heart. I love hearing what he is thinking about and watching him learn and discover. Such a love.
Neither of the big kids were verbal early lie, he is. This one though didn't walk until 15 months, but knew everyone on church staff' s names by about the same age. He has always liked names the best, I really think he knows more names then I do. He is so precious it just about breaks my heart. I love hearing what he is thinking about and watching him learn and discover. Such a love.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Spring Break (Mis)Adventures
So yesterday I decided to would be brave and take all 4 kids to the zoo...alone! I really try to do all kinds of things with the kids, and not let the fact that I am super outnumbered scare me. Truly, they are great kids when we are out and about. Ro-Dog is content in the stroller 97% of the time, Baby Snarf happily bops between the stroller and sling, and the big kids are past the wandering phase. So, to the zoo we went!
Things began to go awry when we were on the interstate, I notice a message on one of those electric signs over the interstate that says "Zoo Patrons please...." and then it switched messages! Ack! I do not do so well driving, well anywhere-but most especially in areas I am not familiar with. I was not graced with a natural sense of direction. So my hands began to sweat a bit as I worried about what the sign may have said. I went ahead and tried to get off at the regular exit. I say try, because the exit was at a dead stand still starting about .5 mile from the ramp. We finally get off the interstate and see police everywhere directing traffic. I figured something must have happened.Let me interrupt myself to tell you how I get to the zoo...by following the signs. I have no idea the name of the exit or any of the roads I turn on, I just know there are signs that lead the way. SO trouble begins when the officer won't.let.me.turn! I looked at him with fear in my eyes as he is waving me by, and I am frantically doing sign language to try to tell the cop I HAVE to turn! I don't know any other way to go!!! He stopped and talked to me, and explained which way I could go, and that I would encounter more police along the way who he assured me would also help.
So we proceed on, and turn the way he told us to (which put me back on the interstate, which made me nervous!!) eventually we saw another officer and another zoo sign, hallelujah-only again said officer was blocking the way i needed to go, and wouldn't talk to me, ack! So at this point I have no idea where we are, and Cappy says "guys everyone be quiet, Mama is lost and stressed!" Love that kid! SO things continue on like this for another good 30 minutes, crawling along passing turns I need to make, and somehow, we make it to the zoo. Where again there are 50gillion cops and barricades, etc. The parking lot is closed. Apparently we are to circle around close by parking lots and find a spot, because the zoo lot is full. What?!?!?!
So I pick a parking lot and circle for 20 minutes, and my turn comes! A car is loading up, I am next in line, the kids are so excited they could pop (we have been in the car for about 1.5 hours at this point, oh and sweet pea has to pee, love it) So this family, not unlike me, takes about 10 minutes to load into their car and when they finally pull out, a teenagery boy is standing in the spot, huh? So I roll down my window and ask what's up. He tells me this is his family's spot, wha????? He says his parents sent him to wait in the spot. His family is 3 cars back. This makes me want to cuss...for real! Ugh! I tried to appeal to him, to no avail. So we moved on-in tears. :( At this point, I was defeated. I told the kids we were leaving. Ro-dog was fuh-reaking out. Oh, well the best laid plans, right?
But wait, what is that I see? Someone leaving a spot on the side of the road. We are about 1 mile from the zoo at this point, but I decided to give it a go. I made it into the spot, thanks to my mad parallel parking skills, and off to the zoo we went.
To no one surprise, the zoo was, well, a zoo. SO many people it really wasn't even very fun. We only stayed about 2 hours, and we were just done. The kids did enjoy themselves. We fed Milunga (?) the giraffe, and saw a precious baby elephant. As we were leaving, we asked one of the police officers if it was a special day at the zoo? He said no, this is how it is every day of Spring Break. Who knew? He said it is not unusual for people to circle for 4 hours for a parking spot!?!?! Seriously? The zoo ain't that great folks! So after 4.5 hours total in the car yesterday (and the realization that we could have gone to Austin or Baton Rouge and had a heck of a lot more fun!) we learned not to go to the zoo over holiday breaks!
Whew! Today we were much more low-key. The Nana took the big kids to swim lessons, and kept them almost all day. They surprised me with some herbs and veggies in pots, because I am not ambitious enough to start a garden in the ground, but I want one. Thought that was sweet of them! I surprised them with a green feast :) Green tortellini with green Alfredo, asparagus, sundrop soda, and green cake with green icing and sprinkles. Very fun!
Things began to go awry when we were on the interstate, I notice a message on one of those electric signs over the interstate that says "Zoo Patrons please...." and then it switched messages! Ack! I do not do so well driving, well anywhere-but most especially in areas I am not familiar with. I was not graced with a natural sense of direction. So my hands began to sweat a bit as I worried about what the sign may have said. I went ahead and tried to get off at the regular exit. I say try, because the exit was at a dead stand still starting about .5 mile from the ramp. We finally get off the interstate and see police everywhere directing traffic. I figured something must have happened.Let me interrupt myself to tell you how I get to the zoo...by following the signs. I have no idea the name of the exit or any of the roads I turn on, I just know there are signs that lead the way. SO trouble begins when the officer won't.let.me.turn! I looked at him with fear in my eyes as he is waving me by, and I am frantically doing sign language to try to tell the cop I HAVE to turn! I don't know any other way to go!!! He stopped and talked to me, and explained which way I could go, and that I would encounter more police along the way who he assured me would also help.
So we proceed on, and turn the way he told us to (which put me back on the interstate, which made me nervous!!) eventually we saw another officer and another zoo sign, hallelujah-only again said officer was blocking the way i needed to go, and wouldn't talk to me, ack! So at this point I have no idea where we are, and Cappy says "guys everyone be quiet, Mama is lost and stressed!" Love that kid! SO things continue on like this for another good 30 minutes, crawling along passing turns I need to make, and somehow, we make it to the zoo. Where again there are 50gillion cops and barricades, etc. The parking lot is closed. Apparently we are to circle around close by parking lots and find a spot, because the zoo lot is full. What?!?!?!
So I pick a parking lot and circle for 20 minutes, and my turn comes! A car is loading up, I am next in line, the kids are so excited they could pop (we have been in the car for about 1.5 hours at this point, oh and sweet pea has to pee, love it) So this family, not unlike me, takes about 10 minutes to load into their car and when they finally pull out, a teenagery boy is standing in the spot, huh? So I roll down my window and ask what's up. He tells me this is his family's spot, wha????? He says his parents sent him to wait in the spot. His family is 3 cars back. This makes me want to cuss...for real! Ugh! I tried to appeal to him, to no avail. So we moved on-in tears. :( At this point, I was defeated. I told the kids we were leaving. Ro-dog was fuh-reaking out. Oh, well the best laid plans, right?
But wait, what is that I see? Someone leaving a spot on the side of the road. We are about 1 mile from the zoo at this point, but I decided to give it a go. I made it into the spot, thanks to my mad parallel parking skills, and off to the zoo we went.
To no one surprise, the zoo was, well, a zoo. SO many people it really wasn't even very fun. We only stayed about 2 hours, and we were just done. The kids did enjoy themselves. We fed Milunga (?) the giraffe, and saw a precious baby elephant. As we were leaving, we asked one of the police officers if it was a special day at the zoo? He said no, this is how it is every day of Spring Break. Who knew? He said it is not unusual for people to circle for 4 hours for a parking spot!?!?! Seriously? The zoo ain't that great folks! So after 4.5 hours total in the car yesterday (and the realization that we could have gone to Austin or Baton Rouge and had a heck of a lot more fun!) we learned not to go to the zoo over holiday breaks!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Leaving on a jet plane...
well Daddy is at least, and oh boy were the tears flowing this morning (the kids were sad too!!! just kidding, it was the kids who were crying) Cappy thought he was leaving on Thursday and coming home sat and you would have thought that poor kids heart was breaking in to pieces when the doorbell rang for Kev to leave for the airport this morning! Oh well, it is good they love him!
After Daddy left we hung out for awhile, made cinnamon rolls, and we were just generally lazy until it was time for swim lessons. Today was day 2 for the 2 oldest kids (they are doing a special spring break daily class) Cappy is working on stroke development, as he has been independently swimming since about 2.5. Sweet Pea, on the other hand, cries at the mere thought of entering a body of water sans floatation device. In fact, she cried for a good part of last week just imagining her swim class "I won't even know the teachers name!" "What if I have a boy teacher?" "what if I drown?" were just a few of the concerns voiced by the girl child. So Kevin took them yesterday and I asked them to call me when the class ended. I answered the phone to hear "Mamaaaaaaaaa I LOVE SWIMMING LESSONS!!!" I breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Soooo today it was my turn to take them to lessons. I loaded all 4 kiddos up (and plenty of snacks and distractions for Rowan since he would be having to sit and watch. 30 minutes, 2 juice boxes, a cheese stick, some Ritz crackers, a fruit leather, an orange, a quick nursing for baby snarf, and a broken slinky later-and the kids did great again! (OK so I could only focus in short bursts, since I was trying to prevent the little boys from driving all the other Moms crazy....) but what I saw was awesome! Cappy is really getting the hang of side breathing, and Sweet Pea spent lots of time face down with nary a tear! Fear of water over and done with, thank goodness!
Then during nap time, I went shopping for new car insurance and-are you ready for this???? Saved us over $450/6 months! Woot! I also got our deductible down to $250 instead of $500 and got higher rental car coverage, should the need ever arise. Love saving money!
Now we await then end of nap time when I think we will go to our favorite little SnoBall shop and enjoy a frosty treat before heading to Life Together Group tonight for a little bit of fellowship time with all of our crazy kids!
Spring Break is off to a great start!
After Daddy left we hung out for awhile, made cinnamon rolls, and we were just generally lazy until it was time for swim lessons. Today was day 2 for the 2 oldest kids (they are doing a special spring break daily class) Cappy is working on stroke development, as he has been independently swimming since about 2.5. Sweet Pea, on the other hand, cries at the mere thought of entering a body of water sans floatation device. In fact, she cried for a good part of last week just imagining her swim class "I won't even know the teachers name!" "What if I have a boy teacher?" "what if I drown?" were just a few of the concerns voiced by the girl child. So Kevin took them yesterday and I asked them to call me when the class ended. I answered the phone to hear "Mamaaaaaaaaa I LOVE SWIMMING LESSONS!!!" I breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Soooo today it was my turn to take them to lessons. I loaded all 4 kiddos up (and plenty of snacks and distractions for Rowan since he would be having to sit and watch. 30 minutes, 2 juice boxes, a cheese stick, some Ritz crackers, a fruit leather, an orange, a quick nursing for baby snarf, and a broken slinky later-and the kids did great again! (OK so I could only focus in short bursts, since I was trying to prevent the little boys from driving all the other Moms crazy....) but what I saw was awesome! Cappy is really getting the hang of side breathing, and Sweet Pea spent lots of time face down with nary a tear! Fear of water over and done with, thank goodness!
Then during nap time, I went shopping for new car insurance and-are you ready for this???? Saved us over $450/6 months! Woot! I also got our deductible down to $250 instead of $500 and got higher rental car coverage, should the need ever arise. Love saving money!
Now we await then end of nap time when I think we will go to our favorite little SnoBall shop and enjoy a frosty treat before heading to Life Together Group tonight for a little bit of fellowship time with all of our crazy kids!
Spring Break is off to a great start!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Rowanisms
Just wanted to make a little list of things Rowan says that are precious-don't want to forget them!
OOolianna=Julianna
Chickenlay=Chick-Fil-a=any fast food resturant
ohlah bar=granola bar
coco miwwwk=coconut milk
is otay=it'sok
I will have to add to this as I think of more. I love the funny way they say things at this age, but they lose them so quickly! So I will add more as they come up!
OOolianna=Julianna
Chickenlay=Chick-Fil-a=any fast food resturant
ohlah bar=granola bar
coco miwwwk=coconut milk
is otay=it'sok
I will have to add to this as I think of more. I love the funny way they say things at this age, but they lose them so quickly! So I will add more as they come up!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Loving this day!
I have said it before, I love my job-but in my heart I am a stay-at-home mama. (little factoid...for the first 2 years I worked at the church, I called myself a "stay at home mom who worked 5 hours a day" then I had to put Ro-Dog into mother's day out at 10 months, and Baby Snarf in at 3 months, so now I gave that up and say I am a working mom...anyway)
Soooo, I LOVE days off. I mean I know everyone loves days off, but I just find a special bliss on days like today. I had to fight really hard with myself to not keep Seamus home from school today. (If I was still a SAHM I would probably homeschool...well maybe)
So what am I doing on this fantastic day off you may ask? So exciting! :) I:
-went to Sam's
-had lunch with my kids
-put the little 2 kids down for a nap
-made "paint water" with Julianna, by soaking a marker in water.
-played outside in the backyard
and when the babies wake up, we will:
-go to the mall to make 2 exchanges
-go to a friend's house to pick out some doll clothes
-pick big brother up from school
-make pizza for dinner
-maybe watch a movie on netflix and have a dinner picnic
and in between I will do dishes and laundry
So nothing terribly exciting, to some people a day like this sounds like a nightmare. To me, however, it is perfection. I love just being. The normal, mundane tasks of the day, surrounded by my little brood, they make me smile. Next week is Spring Break, and I am going to pretend I am a SAHM all week long! Woohoo!
Soooo, I LOVE days off. I mean I know everyone loves days off, but I just find a special bliss on days like today. I had to fight really hard with myself to not keep Seamus home from school today. (If I was still a SAHM I would probably homeschool...well maybe)
So what am I doing on this fantastic day off you may ask? So exciting! :) I:
-went to Sam's
-had lunch with my kids
-put the little 2 kids down for a nap
-made "paint water" with Julianna, by soaking a marker in water.
-played outside in the backyard
and when the babies wake up, we will:
-go to the mall to make 2 exchanges
-go to a friend's house to pick out some doll clothes
-pick big brother up from school
-make pizza for dinner
-maybe watch a movie on netflix and have a dinner picnic
and in between I will do dishes and laundry
So nothing terribly exciting, to some people a day like this sounds like a nightmare. To me, however, it is perfection. I love just being. The normal, mundane tasks of the day, surrounded by my little brood, they make me smile. Next week is Spring Break, and I am going to pretend I am a SAHM all week long! Woohoo!
Friday, March 4, 2011
The beginning of my 4th decade
Ok, so when I think of it THAT way it sounds crazy! But really overall, I am happy to be turning 30. I know it is a hard milestone for many,feeling like they are leaving their carefree ways behind and really beginning adulthood, but seriously I have FOUR kids-there are no carefree ways here! I have felt like a real grownup for quite a long time, and I am actually really excited to have my age match up with who I feel like I am. I am quite frequently the youngest in a group, and used to feel looked down upon because of it. Now, I feel like the people who know me look past my "youngness" and see me for who I am. I am content in my life and where we are right now. I am more confident then I have ever been. My husband is incredible:he works hard at a job he doesn't like to support us and studies hard so he can have a job he loves. My children are as close to perfection as I can imagine. My job is a blessing. My family loves me and is proud of who I am. My friends are like family. I serve a God who is present and real in my daily life. Truly, there is little I could ask for on this anniversary of my birth (I can always think of SOMETHING to ask for, lol)
So Happy Birthday to me!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Wrapped in the arms of my God
We had a close encounter with God today. When Kevin went out to his car to leave for work he saw a curious envelope on his front seat. The envelope was made of fancy parchment and sealed with a deep red wax seal. Written in fancy script was Kevin and I's initials. Inside was a piece of simple cream parchment paper sealed with the same red wax, with a seal of a cross imprinted in it. The letter (written again in beautiful, old fashioned script) read:
Dearest Kevin and Annette:
Thank you for believing in me, for I believe in you.
I love you always,
God
Also inside the envelope was $427. Strange amount, right? Well it happens to cover Kevin's plane ticket to Florida for his interview with District Committee on Ministries for the Florida conference. (he is in the process of becoming an ordained United Methodist minister in the Florida conference)
We shared with a special group of friends that money was tight with Kevin's trips to Florida and saving to buy a new car for him also. Things were not impossible, but tight enough to feel the squeeze. 1 week later the money appeared. I do not know who was playing the hands and feet of God this time, but I am thankful for them. Cappy says it was a real true miracle-and I agree. Whether God stepped down to deliver that letter or someone heard his still small voice and heeded his call-it is no less a miracle in my book. When the children of God are faithful and just, miracles occur. Everyday, we can be wrapped in the arms of God.
Dearest Kevin and Annette:
Thank you for believing in me, for I believe in you.
I love you always,
God
Also inside the envelope was $427. Strange amount, right? Well it happens to cover Kevin's plane ticket to Florida for his interview with District Committee on Ministries for the Florida conference. (he is in the process of becoming an ordained United Methodist minister in the Florida conference)
We shared with a special group of friends that money was tight with Kevin's trips to Florida and saving to buy a new car for him also. Things were not impossible, but tight enough to feel the squeeze. 1 week later the money appeared. I do not know who was playing the hands and feet of God this time, but I am thankful for them. Cappy says it was a real true miracle-and I agree. Whether God stepped down to deliver that letter or someone heard his still small voice and heeded his call-it is no less a miracle in my book. When the children of God are faithful and just, miracles occur. Everyday, we can be wrapped in the arms of God.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Sunshine days are here again!
I adore this weather! Mid 70's is just blissful! The kids are running around outside and Baby Snarf and I are sitting on a blanket soaking up some lovely Vitamin D. The dog is enjoying all the company :) Perfection!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Snuggle Naps
Are one of my favorite things about being a Mommy. Most Sundays I get one smooshed in between Rowan and Teague, and I snooze for a blissful 2-3 hours (thanks to my adoring and fantastic husband who knows I am brain dead and crazy tired on Sunday afternoons). Today I am getting a bonus mid-week snuggle nap since Tick-Tock baby is sicky. I hate that he isn't feeling well, but am also really enjoying all this cuddle time. (and loving being in my PJ's in the middle of the day!)
So I will be going now, off to dream land with my sweet chunk of love snuggled up as close as close can be!
So I will be going now, off to dream land with my sweet chunk of love snuggled up as close as close can be!
Monday, February 28, 2011
The making of a mama...
So about this time (5:15ish Florida time) 7 years ago, I said to Kevin "Wow! That one was different!" in reference to the contraction I was having. Such began the event that would change me as a person to the very core. I went from being "Annette" to "Mama" from caring a whole lot about myself and not being much of a worrier-to feeling like a part of me was walking around outside of me and worrying way too much. So here is how it went down :)
It took several months to get pregnant with Seamus (which in hindsight was nothing, but felt like forever at the time) Kevin and I knew we wanted a big family, and we wanted to start young. So while on summer break from teaching (actually the day before a job interview!) We found out I was pregnant. We had already picked a birth center we were 90% sure we wanted to deliver at, and after meeting Marianne, the fantastic midwife, we were sure! I didn't tell my principal until I was into my second trimester. I taught 1st grade through the pregnancy. My last day was a week before my due date, to give me a little time to get things ready. After a week at home relaxing (well nesting...)
Came Saturday, February 28, 2004. I woke up at about 2 pm (I know! I cannot even fathom doing that now!) and had a few signs that things were progressing. We called Marianne to let her know, and she said to keep in touch. At about 5:15, things changed a bit and I thought things might be getting real :) (as an aside, with all 4 pregnancies I have been worried I wouldn't know when I was in labor...when will learn??) I continued to putter around the house, making chocolate chip cookies, and spaghetti for dinner. At about 7:00 Kevin and I sat down for dinner-well Kevin did, I tried to, but as I sat down my water broke. It was just like in the movies! Kevin had to run and get towels, I had to change clothes, very dramatic!
I went to get my things put together to leave for the birth center, and by the time I was finished I was crawling around the house. On the 20 minute drive to the birth center, I sat backwards in the car seat making all kinds of noise while Kevin called family and friends to let them know what was happening. Everyone was exciting, because they all thought we would be having a leap day baby-what woman has her first baby in less the 5 hours, right??
When we got to the birth center at about 8:30 things began to happen pretty quickly. I spent a good amount of time in the shower which helped with the contractions. At about 10:00 pm, I said I was ready to push (by this point my parents, brother and his wife, and sister-in-law were there...my Dad apparently had to walk around outside, he couldn't handle all the umm "vocalizing" I was doing!) Seamus McKoy was born at 10:42 PM, weighing in at 8 lbs 2 oz. He let out one good cry and the began grunting (which he did for the first several weeks of his life-grunted all the time!)
And here I sit 7 years later, a Mom. Through and through to the core. Mom is something I know I was made to be. I find so much joy in my children and husband, truly they are my world. Seamus, my precious first born, the child who made me the person I am today. I have so many things I could say about him..he is insanely bright, inquisitive, funny, compassionate, honest, gentle, agile, and truly just an amazing kid to know. I feel so blessed that God chose me to parent this child. Everyday I make mistakes, and everyday I learn something new. Many days, I think he is teaching me more then I am teaching him. To my first born, I love you more then you will ever know-well at least until you have kids of your own...then you will understand.
It took several months to get pregnant with Seamus (which in hindsight was nothing, but felt like forever at the time) Kevin and I knew we wanted a big family, and we wanted to start young. So while on summer break from teaching (actually the day before a job interview!) We found out I was pregnant. We had already picked a birth center we were 90% sure we wanted to deliver at, and after meeting Marianne, the fantastic midwife, we were sure! I didn't tell my principal until I was into my second trimester. I taught 1st grade through the pregnancy. My last day was a week before my due date, to give me a little time to get things ready. After a week at home relaxing (well nesting...)
Came Saturday, February 28, 2004. I woke up at about 2 pm (I know! I cannot even fathom doing that now!) and had a few signs that things were progressing. We called Marianne to let her know, and she said to keep in touch. At about 5:15, things changed a bit and I thought things might be getting real :) (as an aside, with all 4 pregnancies I have been worried I wouldn't know when I was in labor...when will learn??) I continued to putter around the house, making chocolate chip cookies, and spaghetti for dinner. At about 7:00 Kevin and I sat down for dinner-well Kevin did, I tried to, but as I sat down my water broke. It was just like in the movies! Kevin had to run and get towels, I had to change clothes, very dramatic!
I went to get my things put together to leave for the birth center, and by the time I was finished I was crawling around the house. On the 20 minute drive to the birth center, I sat backwards in the car seat making all kinds of noise while Kevin called family and friends to let them know what was happening. Everyone was exciting, because they all thought we would be having a leap day baby-what woman has her first baby in less the 5 hours, right??
When we got to the birth center at about 8:30 things began to happen pretty quickly. I spent a good amount of time in the shower which helped with the contractions. At about 10:00 pm, I said I was ready to push (by this point my parents, brother and his wife, and sister-in-law were there...my Dad apparently had to walk around outside, he couldn't handle all the umm "vocalizing" I was doing!) Seamus McKoy was born at 10:42 PM, weighing in at 8 lbs 2 oz. He let out one good cry and the began grunting (which he did for the first several weeks of his life-grunted all the time!)
And here I sit 7 years later, a Mom. Through and through to the core. Mom is something I know I was made to be. I find so much joy in my children and husband, truly they are my world. Seamus, my precious first born, the child who made me the person I am today. I have so many things I could say about him..he is insanely bright, inquisitive, funny, compassionate, honest, gentle, agile, and truly just an amazing kid to know. I feel so blessed that God chose me to parent this child. Everyday I make mistakes, and everyday I learn something new. Many days, I think he is teaching me more then I am teaching him. To my first born, I love you more then you will ever know-well at least until you have kids of your own...then you will understand.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Party Time!
We had a great party for Cappy today! A great group of kiddos showed up and they had a blast. I must confess, as crazy as they can be-I love kids parties :) Even the noise (ok, well some of the noise) Ijust adore watching kids have a good time together. Tomorrow is an early morning (as are all Sundays) with all the stresses of a Sunday for me (working at a church means Sunday is my hardest work day). I already have 2 teachers who can't be there tomorrow (in my hardest class to find subs for no less) Ah well, the family fun time was wonderful while it lasted!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Days like this...
Days like this make me want to ditch all responsibility and take the kids outside! I would love to zip off to the zoo or a park. The air is cool and crisp and clean, the breeze is wonderful, and the sun in sparkling. Really it is just perfect
outside.
But, alas I am not ditching all responsibility. Instead, I am calling Sunday School teachers, planning for Easter activities, labeling Spring curriculum, and all the other things I need to get finished for work. (well right now I am taking a little break to feed a certain sweet little baby, who by some miracle drank his whole bottle...but was still hungry!)
I think we have to do something outside tomorrow, this weather is just too perfect to squander. We have recently started Geo caching (searching for fun little hidden treasures with a GPS), so perhaps that.
Oh tomorrow is also a certain big boy's birthday party. Our first born will be 7 on Monday, which is practically impossible to believe. So tomorrow we are headed off to play Lazar tag with some of his friends. On Monday, I will continue the tradition I have of telling the birthday child about the day they were born. They really love hearing their birth stories-and I love to retell them. I think on Monday I will type it up here, so I have it on official record :)
With Cappy's birthday coming, it means mine is just around the corner. I remember my dad calling me on my birthday after he was born. (my birthday is 4 days after his) He asked me what I was doing for my birthday, I replied "watching Survivor". This was the first of my post kid birthdays, which go by with little fanfare or excitement-which truly is OK by me. I love the planning and excitement of the kids' big days, and there is little energy left for mine by the time they all pass by! However, this is my 30th birthday-how did that happen? I suddenly realized I am closer to 40 then I am to high school!!! Seriously, I was just in high school, wasn't I? Ahh well, I don't mind getting older. Really I have been looking forward to 30 for several years now. Something about being "in my 30's" has always been exciting to me. Dorky, I know.
Before I finish up, I have to share a funny Rowan story (which are oh so numerous) This morning, while I was brushing my teeth, he was standing next to me and observing. Suddenly he looked at himself in the mirror and said "Oh no!" I asked him what was the matter. he relied "the fire truck on my jammies! The bear is driving it, but he left!" "Where did he go?" I replied. "He went home to eat some pizza". I cracked up! A few minutes goes by and I hear Rowan exclaiming "He came back, Yay bear! Good job, thank you for coming back! You ate all your pizza, say 'yes ma'am'. You did a good job you comed back". I went to find him and asked what was going on and he proudly pointed at his PJ's and said "See bear camed back"
This kid's imagination cracks me up! Where does he get this stuff! Neither of the big kids were big imaginers-(is that a word? It is now) but Rowan is always coming up with some story. Often they involve the animals or vehicles on his cloths. Dinosaurs on shirts that bite, cars that win races. He is just awesome. Love that kid!!
outside.
But, alas I am not ditching all responsibility. Instead, I am calling Sunday School teachers, planning for Easter activities, labeling Spring curriculum, and all the other things I need to get finished for work. (well right now I am taking a little break to feed a certain sweet little baby, who by some miracle drank his whole bottle...but was still hungry!)
I think we have to do something outside tomorrow, this weather is just too perfect to squander. We have recently started Geo caching (searching for fun little hidden treasures with a GPS), so perhaps that.
Oh tomorrow is also a certain big boy's birthday party. Our first born will be 7 on Monday, which is practically impossible to believe. So tomorrow we are headed off to play Lazar tag with some of his friends. On Monday, I will continue the tradition I have of telling the birthday child about the day they were born. They really love hearing their birth stories-and I love to retell them. I think on Monday I will type it up here, so I have it on official record :)
With Cappy's birthday coming, it means mine is just around the corner. I remember my dad calling me on my birthday after he was born. (my birthday is 4 days after his) He asked me what I was doing for my birthday, I replied "watching Survivor". This was the first of my post kid birthdays, which go by with little fanfare or excitement-which truly is OK by me. I love the planning and excitement of the kids' big days, and there is little energy left for mine by the time they all pass by! However, this is my 30th birthday-how did that happen? I suddenly realized I am closer to 40 then I am to high school!!! Seriously, I was just in high school, wasn't I? Ahh well, I don't mind getting older. Really I have been looking forward to 30 for several years now. Something about being "in my 30's" has always been exciting to me. Dorky, I know.
Before I finish up, I have to share a funny Rowan story (which are oh so numerous) This morning, while I was brushing my teeth, he was standing next to me and observing. Suddenly he looked at himself in the mirror and said "Oh no!" I asked him what was the matter. he relied "the fire truck on my jammies! The bear is driving it, but he left!" "Where did he go?" I replied. "He went home to eat some pizza". I cracked up! A few minutes goes by and I hear Rowan exclaiming "He came back, Yay bear! Good job, thank you for coming back! You ate all your pizza, say 'yes ma'am'. You did a good job you comed back". I went to find him and asked what was going on and he proudly pointed at his PJ's and said "See bear camed back"
This kid's imagination cracks me up! Where does he get this stuff! Neither of the big kids were big imaginers-(is that a word? It is now) but Rowan is always coming up with some story. Often they involve the animals or vehicles on his cloths. Dinosaurs on shirts that bite, cars that win races. He is just awesome. Love that kid!!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Starting a blog
So starting a blog is something I have thought about for awhile, but really feel like I don't have much time to keep up with one. I doubt I wil lbe a very prolific poster-but there are so many things I want to write down about the kids, that I really felt like this would be a good way to do it. I decided on the name, because in all honesty, carpool line is probably when I will get some blogging accomplished. It is one of my only "free" moments in the day. On that note, I think I will start by giving a run down of what a "typical" day looks like for this family of 6 :)
-6:50-the earliest time Julianna (5) and Rowan (2) are allowed out of bed. The TV is preset to Disney Jr, and they sit and watch a little bit of "shows" while I get my tired butt moving. (and often nurse the baby)
-7:30-Wake Seamus (7) up
-make breakfast for the 3 older kids (generally consists of one of the following choices: oatmeal, yogurt, frozen waffle and yogurt, cold cereal. I simply do not have the energy to make a hot breakfast on weekdays, and it works for us)
-7:45-get in the shower while the kdis are eating/ Seamus gets himself dressed
-8:00-Seamus's carpool picks him up
-8:00-8:45-get myself and the 3 "preschoolers" ready-including bags (all 6 of them, I kid you not!) packed.
-8:50 (on a good day) leave for work/school
-9:00 school starts/work starts
-9:00-2:00 I work while Julianna, Rowan, and Teague (7 months) are in "school" at the church, where I work. Teague (who is finicky about bottles) is sometimes brought to me to eat, and sometimes I pump-depends on the day.
-2:00 pick up the preschoolers
-2:30ish make it home for a few minutes of down time.
-3:15-leave for carpool :)
-3:45-boys in the car
-4:15-home from carpool
-after school varies a bit day-to-day. Seamus normally has a bit of homework to do. We try to play outside, pick up the house a bit, etc.
-5:15- on Monday and Wednesday Seamus has karate
-5:45- on Tuesday we have "Life together group" (bible study type group)
-4:45-on Thursday julianna has gymnastics
(are you lost yet?!)
-Monday nights Kevin has class and doesn't get home until 9:30, so I am on my own with the kids. We eat dinner, take baths, and try to get everyone asleep by 8:30.
-Tuesdays with LTG we don't get home until close to 9:00-so the kids make a "beeline for bed" and we try to have the lights out by 9:00.
-Wednesdays we eat dinner at the church after karate and the 2 big kids go to choir, then we are home at 7:30 for books, teeth, and bed by 8:30.
-Thursday, things are pretty calm. My mother-in-law takes Julianna to gymnastics. So I cook a nice dinner, we eat together, play and enjoy each other. Then to bed by 8:30.
-Fridays vary. Sometimes we have something planned, but often we watch a movie on netflix and have dinner "picnic style" in the living room.
-I am out of the kids rooms by 9:00 on a good night. At which point I put in a load of laundry (current goal, get that done earlier in the day!) and make lunches for the next day/try to ge tthe kitchen picked up a bit/spend time with my husband/catch up on TV shows :)
-I would love to say I am in bed by 10:30, but that would be a big fat lie. Most nights I am asleep by 12:00. 11:30 is a great night!
Whew! Writing it down it looks even crazier then it feels. Somedays I feel like life is simply zooming by. Somedays I really miss being a Stay at home mom, but I do love my job. I try my hardest to slow down when I can, and enjoy my precious children. My life is busy, but happy.
So how is that for a first blog post? I will try to make the others a bit more interesting, but I felt the need to start off with a bit of an explanation of what our life looks like right now. So with that, I am signing off!!
-6:50-the earliest time Julianna (5) and Rowan (2) are allowed out of bed. The TV is preset to Disney Jr, and they sit and watch a little bit of "shows" while I get my tired butt moving. (and often nurse the baby)
-7:30-Wake Seamus (7) up
-make breakfast for the 3 older kids (generally consists of one of the following choices: oatmeal, yogurt, frozen waffle and yogurt, cold cereal. I simply do not have the energy to make a hot breakfast on weekdays, and it works for us)
-7:45-get in the shower while the kdis are eating/ Seamus gets himself dressed
-8:00-Seamus's carpool picks him up
-8:00-8:45-get myself and the 3 "preschoolers" ready-including bags (all 6 of them, I kid you not!) packed.
-8:50 (on a good day) leave for work/school
-9:00 school starts/work starts
-9:00-2:00 I work while Julianna, Rowan, and Teague (7 months) are in "school" at the church, where I work. Teague (who is finicky about bottles) is sometimes brought to me to eat, and sometimes I pump-depends on the day.
-2:00 pick up the preschoolers
-2:30ish make it home for a few minutes of down time.
-3:15-leave for carpool :)
-3:45-boys in the car
-4:15-home from carpool
-after school varies a bit day-to-day. Seamus normally has a bit of homework to do. We try to play outside, pick up the house a bit, etc.
-5:15- on Monday and Wednesday Seamus has karate
-5:45- on Tuesday we have "Life together group" (bible study type group)
-4:45-on Thursday julianna has gymnastics
(are you lost yet?!)
-Monday nights Kevin has class and doesn't get home until 9:30, so I am on my own with the kids. We eat dinner, take baths, and try to get everyone asleep by 8:30.
-Tuesdays with LTG we don't get home until close to 9:00-so the kids make a "beeline for bed" and we try to have the lights out by 9:00.
-Wednesdays we eat dinner at the church after karate and the 2 big kids go to choir, then we are home at 7:30 for books, teeth, and bed by 8:30.
-Thursday, things are pretty calm. My mother-in-law takes Julianna to gymnastics. So I cook a nice dinner, we eat together, play and enjoy each other. Then to bed by 8:30.
-Fridays vary. Sometimes we have something planned, but often we watch a movie on netflix and have dinner "picnic style" in the living room.
-I am out of the kids rooms by 9:00 on a good night. At which point I put in a load of laundry (current goal, get that done earlier in the day!) and make lunches for the next day/try to ge tthe kitchen picked up a bit/spend time with my husband/catch up on TV shows :)
-I would love to say I am in bed by 10:30, but that would be a big fat lie. Most nights I am asleep by 12:00. 11:30 is a great night!
Whew! Writing it down it looks even crazier then it feels. Somedays I feel like life is simply zooming by. Somedays I really miss being a Stay at home mom, but I do love my job. I try my hardest to slow down when I can, and enjoy my precious children. My life is busy, but happy.
So how is that for a first blog post? I will try to make the others a bit more interesting, but I felt the need to start off with a bit of an explanation of what our life looks like right now. So with that, I am signing off!!
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