Picture Time

A & M mimic our facial expressions all the time. Here’s M’s interpretation of my “excited” face.

A: I think well need at least 2 yards to trim the whole skirt.

M: I concur. Maybe even 2 1/2.

A & M. Pretty Princesses.

FAMILY PARK DAY

E fell en route to the park and ran straight to Daddy’s arms. It was both sad and sweet. T mocked me for taking pictures.

The spider web

E swinging

A & M watching big brother swing

Hanging on for dear life

E frequently took breaks to make his sisters smiles. They adore him so completely.

Rope skills. (Hint: If you enlarge the first picture you’ll see the amazing action shot of E long distance spitting.)

Darling

Taking a short rest

Daddy cowboy

E ringing the train bell

An unconventional train ride

Developments

As I rubbed sleep from my eyes I was pleasantly surprised to find myself not only snuggled deep in my soft sheets and fluffy comforter, but also being cuddled by something soft, warm, 6 feet tall, and smelling good. I lay there basking in the joy for a good 5 minutes. Then I remembered that T doesn't cuddle through the night. I rolled my sleepy self over to find it was a mass of pillows T had arranged to fill-in in his absence. In the same second I realized it was pillows instead of T, my brain awoke and the following thoughts sped through my head:

• "T's probably at the airport now boarding his flight for Michigan."
• "Today is the first day I've taken care of all 3 of our kids without any help from T."
• "I really need to shower."

And so began my day. T not having a job has been an interesting adventure for all of us and we've learned a lot about our family, our relationship dynamic, and our individual strengths and weaknesses. I often find myself reflecting on The Family: A Proclamation to the World and pondering how well I'm fulfilling my roles. I think about how Adam ate his bread by the sweat of his brow while Eve labored along with him. I hear a line from one of my favorite movies where Carroll O'Connor says, "I'm blessed with work!" through a weary Irish accent. I think about it all the time and try to look at our experiences now as the crucible they are.

We went to the park one sunny afternoon a few weeks back and met a father that was there playing with his 3 kids. In the course of our conversation we learned that he was a Realtor and so we asked him our questions, we got the answers we thought we would and 2 days later our house was on the market as a short sale. For the next seven days we had buyers coming through our house and we'd have to hurry and scoot out with all our kiddos. Suffice it to say, we've been to the mall more in the last month than we have in the last 3 years.

Meanwhile, T has had two promising job leads: one in Eastern Washington and the other in Lansing, Michigan. I must admit that I wasn't thrilled about the Michigan prospect to begin with. The first thing I thought about was the kids and I getting cabin fever through the long winters. Yet, with time I saw how T was honestly excited by the company and their technology and I was comforted by the fact that they have solid funding (we've learned that lesson).

T also found out about a job in Eastern Washington through a friend/former coworker. He was put in touch with a friend of our friend that works at the company and he talked to T about what they do, how much he likes it, etc.

Both prospects were in the works when I took E to play at his friend's house down the street last Friday. When I came home an hour and a half later, T was finalizing his travel plans for an interview in MI, waiting for a call back from the corporate travel agent for an interview in WA and we'd gotten an offer on our home. I told T, "Whoa! I need to leave the house more often!"

And that brings us to today. T is asleep in Lansing and will have his interview tomorrow. His flight gets in shortly before midnight tomorrow and then he'll take off for WA on Sunday afternoon for his interview on Monday morning. We officially accepted the house offer yesterday and now our Realtor is submitting everything to our lender.

I feel cautiously optimistic about everything. I'm very aware that we're wholly reliant on the Lord for all we have and whatever happens. Ultimately, He'll take us where we need to be. What matters most is that we're on this crazy ride together.

On another upbeat note, I officially declare today a success. The kids are sleeping, the floors are clean, we ate 3 balanced meals (though I did eat about 4x faster than I do when T is here), we played with friends, the sun was shining, the dishes are done, we made an unscheduled trip to the doctor, and I showered. Now I need to go to bed so I can have an equally successful day tomorrow!

WE MISS YOU, DADDY!

Beautiful Babies

When E was born I was bit exhausted from all the work and, frankly, relieved to be alive. As my doctor placed E's sweet, perfect little body in my arms I gazed at E and said dreamily, "Oh, Dr. Lish! Don't we make beautiful babies?!"

Flash forward three years and this week we went to Costco and pushed A & M in the cart (their first time) while E sat in the basket eating a cheesy piece of pizza. After E finished, he knelt in the basket so his face was between A & M. This resulted in A & M smiling and giggling non-stop for the 5 minutes E stayed there. During that time three fellow shoppers gawked and gushed about our beautiful children. One person went so far as to call us a "handsome family."

Like all good mothers do, I think my children are beautiful. What other people say or think won't change that, but it certainly doesn't hurt when strangers agree.

M & A

M smiling

M squwonching her face at me. We mirror this look with each other throughout the day.

A laughing while Daddy tickles her.

Look closely and you'll see her 3 top teeth that have cut through in the last 10 days.

AHHHH!!!!

PONY TAIL!

I've died and gone to heaven. I get to do my little girls' hair.

THEY HAVE HAIR!

Having enough hair for me to give them pony tails places them approximately 3 years ahead of their mother. Way to go, girls!

E exploring outside during A & M's morning nap.

He surveyed this pond in our backyard clay site and determined it would "work nicely for planting a Christmas tree."

Observe the young horticulturalist at work. He swirls the mud and water until it forms a uniform slurry, then carefully dunks his weed heads in the slurry and smashes then into the clay with a stick.

Needs more smashing.

I love this picture of E.

Click on it and you'll get a close-up of his exquisite features.

Yes. We make cute babies.

Happy Groundhog Day

Our groundhog agrees with Punxsutawney Phil; six more weeks of winter.

For those of you who notice the discrepancy, here in California NOT seeing your shadow means there IS more winter. It's so confusing. We really need to standardize things with our partners in Gobblers Knob.

8:08 AM - Our House

A is playing with one of her favorite toys.

E was concerned that M couldn't sit without his help so he ran over to stabilize her.

M cried and E left. Once M was on her tummy she became a little happier.

A was crawling around (she started yesterday!) and barfed on the floor.

T cleaned it up.

E went to time-out for screaming, "NO!!" to Daddy when he was asked to put Mommy's cell phone on the counter.

K loved on M because M was having a difficult morning.

T made a new batch of bottles, 96 oz. total, for the fridge.

Isn't he amazing?

E apologized and came out of time out. Of his own volition he is putting away the cereal boxes while A tries to attack him at each pass.

E's bed. He wet it overnight.

Sheets are stripped and in the wash.

T is packing up our inflatable mattress while K entertains A & M.

E took this picture.

Non-photographed highlights:

• All 3 kids awoke at 6:25 AM. E was up early because he wet the bed.
• 3 poopy diapers
• 2 bottles
• Oatmeal with blueberries for the girls, cold cereal for the rest of us
• "Thought for the Day" - our morning devotional
• Dishwasher is emptied
• T & K's bed is made
• A & M were dressed
• E had a bath, got dressed, and brushed his teeth
• K went to the gym at 5:00 AM, came home, showered and is ready for the day

It's now 9:25 AM. A & M are down for naps. E helped K go through pictures of this morning and selected his favorites for this post. T is on a bike ride - I think today's is 20-25 miles. This is a typical morning and though it's busy, I love every second of it. I don't want to forget what it's like, so I recorded it.

Things To Remember

• Tuesday, January 19, 2010 - M's front left tooth broke through and was followed 2 days later by the left lateral incisor. She's continuing to chow down on ice cube filled washcloths and the same teeth on the right side of her mouth could appear any day. She's been a little ornery throughout her teething, but she fares well if we hold her, wear her in a Bjorn, or let her jump in the Johnny Jump Up.

• Sunday, January 24, 2010 - While T, K & E ate dinner, M & A were playing on the floor around the table when they made a great discovery. They found each other!!! I'd read twin books describing the moment your babies realize that the other baby is more than a reflection of themselves and also an independent being and couldn't wait for that moment for the girls. It was so magical and endearing that I cried little happy tears. M & A laid on their tummies directly across from one another and took turns giggling at one another. M would do something funny with her face and A would laugh, then A would return the favor and pull a funny face to make M laugh. Words can't describe the beauty of that moment.

• Wednesday, January 27, 2010 - A took her first commando crawl FORWARD! She's been scooting backward for weeks now and rolls wherever she wants to be, but today she made her way forward to the toy she wanted. I burst into applause and E joined me in giving her hearty congratulations. A was frightened by our noise and nearly cried until we simmered down and smiled and congratulated her a little more quietly. Whoops!

Marry A Nerd

When I was 18 and living with my brother he shared three points of advice for my life. He prefaced his comments with the critical information that they were the central pieces of advice he had for his own 5 daughters. The three points were as follows:

1. Save your money.
2. Get an education.
3. Marry a nerd.

If you have the same reaction I did, then number three sounds a little strange. In truth, I did marry a nerd. Not because my brother advised me to, but because the most phenomenal man I ever met happened to also be a nerd. Now that I'm a seasoned married woman, I can see my brother's wisdom in that third tidbit. Today it became very clear.

E has been asking a lot of questions lately about where everything comes from: trees, stoplights, windows, carpet, cupboards, workers, grass, stars, etc. We've been trying to explain how Heavenly Father makes everything we have. With some things, stoplights for example, this requires elucidation. Today E was very curious about glass. T explained how glass is made by heating sand and a few other secondary ingredients. E didn't quite get it. T tried explaining it a few different ways and E still couldn't grasp the concept. Suddenly T said, "I know E! We'll make some pretend glass right now so you can see and understand it a little better."

Here's what happened:

T filled a small pan with sugar and let E touch it to see if it reminded him of sand.

Medium heat for 1 min.

Medium heat for 4 min.

Pouring our glass on the Silpat.

Watching a video about real glass factories while we wait for our glass to cool.

Passing the transparency test.

Passing the crucial lickability test.

Marry a nerd. Yes, today one of the reasons became very clear.

Dear E

Dear E,

This afternoon when you woke up from your nap and bounced into our bedroom you were so full of cheer and good humor that Dad and I couldn't help but stop all we were doing and soak you in. After our free afternoon comedy show you looked at us eagerly, your little eyes waiting for feedback: laughter, a returned pun, applause. I looked at you and said, "E, do you know how much we love you?" and you coyly replied, "No... how much?!" Dad and I then stretched our arms out as wide as we could and you erupted in laughter. You countered by showing us how much you loved us and I suddenly realized that your little arms are stretching further and further each day. You're growing up all too fast. And the whole experience really made me stop and think about whether or not all I do shows you all I love about adorable three and a half year old you.

Just last week Dad and I were talking about how awesome you are. Dad said, "Isn't it a good sign that hanging out with our kid is so enjoyable?" Then we both spun into a long conversation detailing the amazing things you do. I don't ever want to forget them and when you grow up I want you to be able to peek at what you were like and know how terrific you've always been.

In absolutely no order, here are some of Dad and my favorite things about you:

• Your vocabulary - You regularly, and appropriately, use the following words: hilarious, interesting, consequence, absolutely, polite, patient, delicious, incredible, delightful. Conversation with you is never dull.
• You're in a doughnut making phase right now. At least, you call them doughnuts. And to be more precise I should refer to them as "doughnuts". You ceaselessly ask if you can make "doughnuts" which has made them a great reward for you. The actual "doughnut" making process involves you getting a mixing bowl, dumping in some whole wheat flour, adding whatever measuring cup of water you deem necessary, and proceeding to add all the herbs and spices I'll allow. You carefully pull down each bottle from the cupboard, open it, sniff it, ask me what it's called, and then if you find it palate pleasing, it's added to the "doughnuts". When you've added enough spices we cook them in a frying pan and somehow you always eat at least one entire "doughnut". Dad and I always eat one bite and then we try to sneakily discard our remaining "doughnut". You made some for us at lunchtime today that included Christmas sprinkles, dill, and curry. They were delightful.
• You inherited some of my quirks. Dad laughs and I love how you randomly line up your toys and books. Dad may never quite get it, but I understand. Oh, how I understand.

• You have a terrific sense of humor and love to make us laugh. And let's be honest, it's not hard to laugh with you because you're non-stop hilarity. Even when you're upset, you're funny. On Sunday you were frustrated that I wouldn't let you put our special occasion alphabet stickers all over your cardboard Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car. You sulked off to your bedroom and loudly exclaimed, "I don't love you anymore Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!" A perfect example of how even when you're mad, you're funny.

We went to the zoo and were feeding sisters in the car before we went in. You were bored, but kept trying to find things to do. When sisters were done and I looked behind me you weren't anywhere. Then I called you and you popped up from Allie's car seat wearing her headband!

We stocked up on cereal and had the boxes waiting outside the pantry for us to put them away. You stacked them up, retrieved your dress-up alien eyes and called Dad and I to the hallway. When we turned the corner you yelled, "Aliens!" and we all burst out laughing.

One night in August you came up to me in the kitchen and said, "Mommy have you seen your car lately?" I said, "No, I haven't gone anywhere. Why?" You shrugged your shoulders, muttered a little "huh", and moseyed off to play. The next morning I went in the garage and found you'd lined safety cones along both sides of the van. I burst out laughing. It was sneaky, hilarious, and I couldn't believe you had resisted the urge to tell me what you'd done right then or urge me to go to the garage straightway.

• You're very sensitive to the emotions of people around you. You love making everyone smile, hugging a child that's hurt or upset, singing to sisters when they cry, and everything in between. It makes you a great friend and a very likable kid.
• You're very comfortable with yourself. You think it's hilarious to strut around the house naked while declaring, "NAKED E!" You've recently started going potty standing up and you've been so self-assured about the whole process. You even wipe the seat.
• I love that I turned you into a cuddler. Sadly, you weren't terribly snuggly as a baby, but I've always wanted you to be, so I told Dad that I had a plan to snuggle you a little each morning while you were groggily starting your day. It worked! You're a fabulous cuddler now and let us know some nights that you simply can't fall asleep without "some family to snuggle."

• Daddy and I both agree that you are the most phenomenal big brother. You got so much one-on-one time with us before A and M were born that I was a little worried about how you would handle the transition when it came time to share us with someone else. Then someone else ended up being two little sisters and I was nervous. I tried to prep you a bit, but I think the plain truth of it is that Heavenly Father sent you to us because there isn't any other boy who could be the loving big brother you are to A and M. You've loved them from the minute they arrived and continue to be all too anxious to help. Lately, you tell us that you can't wait to be "big like Mommy and Daddy so then I can lay sisters down in their cribs."

You helping Daddy feed sisters cereal for one of the first times.

Over the summer we were going on a nighttime family walk and you were bummed that you couldn't carry A or M in a front carrier. Then you ran to your room, brought out your baby doll and said with great enthusiasm, "Look! I can bring my baby!" You were elated that we had an extra front carrier in our 72-hour-kit and we figured out a way to get it tightened around you and holding your baby semi-securely inside. The neighbors all got a good chuckle and told you how darling your baby was. You proudly answered all their questions about your baby.

• You're developing your own unique interests. Right now you love photography. You work hard to earn camera time and I'm often awed by what I find when I empty the memory card.

This one makes me laugh because it's so indicative of our life. Wet wipes.

Really?!?! Look how artistically you laid out your boots for this picture. I have a good mind to crop, color and print this picture for your room so you can be proud of your handiwork.

It would be impossible for us to list all the wonderful things about you, but everyday we find ourselves more in love with you and we hope our actions and outstretched arms show you that.

Love,

Mom and Dad