Somebody thinks I'm funny

...and his name is Will.

What I thought passed as his first laugh a couple of weeks ago was actually just leading up to the real thing.

The happy noise evolved into a bit more of a giggly sound two days ago after I found a ticklish spot on his neck.

But today, I was rewarded with a full-fledged giggle.

I don't know whether to chalk it up to my hilarious material,

my comedic timing and delivery,

the big, goofy grin on my face,

or that he found it funny to see his mommy performing stand up comedy while sitting down on the toilet (sorry for the visual).

But whatever the reason, he laughed.

And the cuteness of it simply can't be described in words.



It has officially become my mission to make it happen again and again.

Between Brothers

Recently I was talking to a fellow mom, and I mentioned a fight between Jacob and Alex.
Surprised, she said, "Oh, do they fight? They always seem so sweet!"

And they are sweet. Very sweet. (News flash: Little girls aren't the only ones made of sugar and spice.)

But it's not always giggles, hugs, sweetness, smiles, and sugar around here.


Of course they fight.


They are brothers, after all!

So that means sometimes they scream at each other.
Or hit.
Or snatch toys out of the other's hand.
Or argue about sharing and taking turns.
Or need space from each other, and play on their own.
Or get upset when his brother isn't "playing the right way."
Or threaten, "I'm not going to play with you ever again!"
Or like today, get into a serious dispute over whether Jacob was an actual dog, and not just pretending to be one. (Yes, this was an actual argument.)

But they always find their way back to each other. And then I get to hear things like:

"I have fun with you, Alex."

and

"Jacob is the biggest brother. And I love him."

and

"Great job, Alex!"

and

"Thank you, Bo."

When I don't have to break up fights, I get to witness boys who love to laugh and be silly together, play cars, dress up in costumes, play action figures, draw, wrestle, and run around outside (and inside).

When they aren't fighting, they're perfect playmates and best buds.

And fellow computer nerds,



Lego maniacs,


collaborative artists,


and rock band members.


(This band has been around for quite a while, actually.)



And sometimes I walk into a room, and must quickly grab a camera to capture a moment between two brothers just hanging out together...just because they wanted to.


This is how it's always been between them.


And I hope how it always will be.

I came across a quote once that read, "Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero." (Marc Brown)


Then it must be pretty awesome to be both!


I hope all 3 of my boys will always cherish their brothers and their childhoods spent together. And I hope they will continue to be wonderful friends into adulthood and throughout their lives.


Although I do expect them to spend less time hanging out in only underwear when they're older.

We've come a long way, baby

I can't believe my "little" Will is 3 months old today. The days since April 23rd have flown by. Yet in some ways, when I look back at those first few weeks I was a bleary-eyed, exhausted, and overwhelmed mom with a newborn, it feels like ages ago.

Will sure has come a long way from a tiny, sleepy little newborn.


At 3 months, Will is sidling up to the boobie bar about every 2-1/2 hours.

He's wearing size 2 diapers now. They still look small, but I already miss those teeny tiny newborn diapers. They are the cutest!

He usually takes one long nap and several 30 minute naps during the day.

And he finally enjoys bathtime! Gone are the days I had to frantically & hurriedly soap him up and rinse him off as he became increasingly ticked off.


He's really good about communicating his feelings. And is even cute during temper tantrums.


At night, he'll typically become restless and wake up around 4 a.m. If I'm lucky, he'll nurse and go back to sleep. Last night, I was very lucky. He fell asleep around 9:30 p.m. and didn't wake up to nurse until 4:30 a.m. 7 hours straight is a record for him!

He's a big, BIG fan of being held. However, he's not so much a fan of his bouncy seat anymore. He'll tolerate it for a few minutes, but then tries to hoist himself out of it, bending his legs, and pushing off with his feet.
Pretty much just like this:

Come on, Mommy. Clearly, bouncy seats are only for babies. Not mature 3 month olds with incredible leg strength. I remember when he used to curl up on my chest and not move, even when he was awake. And now he uses my thighs as a springboard.

Sometimes he enjoys his swing. And sometimes he'll even doze off, with all of his adorable chunky rolls snuggled in the seat.


I love when he folds his hands. He looks like such a serious, distinguished baby. All that's missing are a pair of reading glasses perched on the very end of his nose.


He spends time on his play mat on the floor, flailing his limbs about excitedly, and playing with his mobile. He's getting better & better at grabbing.


Tummy time is enjoyed for a little while.


But it can become irritating. After all, it's hard work doing push-ups when you're just 3 months old. He makes the same straining face his mommy makes when she tries to work out. And I think his push-ups might actually be better than any I can do.


There was a time he was unable to focus or have any awareness of my face. And now he gazes, smiles, and talks to me. Oh- and to purple hippos.


"Hi, Hippo. How's your day been? Talk to me."

"You did WHAT??! Giiirrrl, you are CRAZY!"

"You're crazy. But I like you."


All in all, he's a handsome, sweet, chubby, adorable, precious, blue-eyed, strawberry blonde haired, strong, interactive, and loving baby boy. In short, he's perfect.

Three months is that age "they" say things become easier. And I do feel like we've settled into somewhat of a routine now.

Just 3 short months ago, I felt panic at the thought of being alone with three boys. What if someone needed a drink or a meal or a snack while I was nursing Will? Or what if I needed to go to the bathroom while I was holding Will? What if the boys were fighting and I was holding Will? When would I shower? How would I leave the house with 3 kids?

Not that I feel like Supermom now (well, maybe a little bit on the days I clean the kitchen and cook dinner), and not to say I don't still occasionally throw my arms up in frustration or lose patience or cry when I'm exhausted...but I feel like I've come a long way too.

Maybe it's because Will has reached this "easier" age. Maybe it's because I have two awesome older boys who (for the most part) play together wonderfully and help their mommy out (when they want to). Or maybe it's because I have a helpful husband.

But these days, as I hold Will in my left arm and pour drinks for the boys with my right hand,

distribute snacks one handed,

wipe little boys' bottoms while nursing Will,

lay Will down to nap and clean or play with the big boys,

and like today, hold Will while pulling towels out of the dryer with my toes,

a realization has hit me.

Sometime during these last 3 months, life with a baby, and the mothering of three (boys), has become a heck of a lot more manageable. And no longer as intimidating and overwhelming as it seemed at first.

I'm not a perfect mom. Will and I both still have a lot to learn. But so far, so good. And we've both come a long way in 3 months, baby.

Now you see me, now you don't

Will absolutely loves to be held and interacted with. And I'm not trying to toot my own horn, but he seems to especially love when I hold him. Maybe because we're together 24/7. Or maybe he'd be fine with anyone else lugging him around as long as they smelled like breast milk, had hair he could pull and tangle his fingers in, a throat they didn't mind the occasional punch to, and wore an old t-shirt with a sleeve he could grab hold of and drool on (i.e. saturate). This person would also have to be willing to tote him around for long increments of time, pace the halls, and sing songs to help him fall asleep until their "bicep" (my far from toned arm muscles require quotation marks) ached.

I admit that it's exhausting. And during my laps with Will around the house, as my arm is screaming in pain, my lower back is hurting, my knees want to buckle, and I'm completely worn out, I often sing lyrics to a made up song about how easy it is to just fall asleep. During my pacing, I've imagined that one day my left arm will sport a ridiculously large, cartoonish muscle from holding my chunky monkey.

But, in spite of all of that, I'm glad I can make him happy. And calm him down when he's upset. And hold him just the right way so he falls into a deep sleep on my arm.
I must be doing something right because he sure does seem to appreciate the sight of me. It's wonderful to watch his eyes light up as he smiles when he sees me. I can't get enough of it.

Hi, William. It's Mommy!


Uh-oh...where'd Mommy go? She was just here!


Here I am!


She's gone again! I need her now! It's time for us to walk around the house!


Now you don't see me...


and now you do.


Is that mean? I promise I didn't abandon him. Actually, most of the time, I simply had the camera blocking my face. Or, I was only a few feet away, watching him play, just out of his line of vision. And just for a minute.

But he still missed me. Even though he's giving one of my arms the workout of its life, it's wonderful to be so needed and loved.

And one day when they're grown, I hope all of my boys know that I love them even more than they love me. Always have and always will...when I see them and when I don't.

Realizations of a Thumb Sucker

Okay, I know I'm new here and all, so I don't know how this whole "parenting" gig works. But I have a couple of minor concerns I'd like to address.

I recently questioned two parenting decisions my mom and dad made. I mean, aren't there books available that explain parenting? Some kind of guides they can reference to avoid future questionable decisions?

Daddy gets most of the blame because this was his idea. But Mommy's not off the hook since she went along with it. And took pictures!

I'll go ahead and state for the record that I know I'm cute. Beyond cute, really. Even I can't get enough of my blue eyes, chubby cheeks, red hair, and smile. Oh, my smile...it melts hearts, that's for sure. Seriously, I've seen strangers checking me out.
(I've attached photographic evidence to support my claim.)


But even so, that does not mean I am to be passed around like a baby doll to small children.

I present to you, Concern #1. A 5-year old holding me without assistance!


Does this seem like a good idea to you? I mean, I'm only a couple months old, so why am I the only one who looks concerned?


Days later, after I finally recovered from the shock of this incident, I found myself being handed over to a THREE year old! Excuse me, I mean an almost three year old! Even better!


"Seriously, Mommy? You're going to take a picture? How about you let someone who's been walking independently for longer than 2 years hold me?"


Yea, sure, there's Daddy's hand and hairy arm nearby to provide assistance if necessary, but still...

Eek. It makes me nervous just thinking about it.


In my spare time, I've been giving these incidents some thought. Reliving the moments in my mind, analyzing my parents' reasoning, and giving my feelings about my home and my family serious consideration.
I think best while I suck my thumb (who doesn't?). I find my thumb to be very, very soothing.


And here's what me and my thumb came up with:

I get tons of attention, lots of smiles, hugs, cuddles, and kisses from my family.

I never have to wear a poopy diaper longer than a few minutes.

There's never a line at the boobie bar. It's all MINE.

I'm constantly paid compliments. This does wonders for my ego.

I can tell everyone is happy that I joined the family.

My parents love me, and would never put me in harm's way.

And I suppose my brothers are strong.

I mean, if my Biggest Brother can do this:

then he should be able to hold me with no problem.

And since my Big Brother is a part-time superhero with big muscles, then I suppose he's strong enough to hold me too.


And I know my brothers love me a lot because they tell me all the time. So they're extra careful with me.


Alright, I suppose I may have overreacted. I'm only 2-1/2 months old, after all. I'm still learning how to reason and get a handle on my emotions. Thanks to my thumb and my thoughts, I feel much more confident in my parents now.

I guess Mommy and Daddy do know best.

Saturday Matinee

I love a weekend with no plans. Don't get me wrong- I also love weekends with outings, visits with friends, family, or grandparents, a lake, a boat, or a pool, but sometimes it's nice to spend the day with no schedule and nowhere you have to be. And this weekend has been one of those where we've hung around the house and just enjoyed each other.
We decided to spend our lazy Saturday afternoon watching a movie together as a family. While Alex and Will napped, Jeff and Jacob made a quick trip to Blockbuster and the grocery store for ice cream and peppermint patties (necessities we must always have on hand to satisfy Mommy's cravings). After two phone calls from Jeff as he & Jacob stood surrounded by an overwhelming selection of movies in Blockbuster, we finally settled on "Alvin and the Chipmunks" for our Saturday Matinee.

But first things first. For a true movie viewing experience, naturally popcorn had to be popped.

To me, popcorn is pretty good. But to Jeff and the boys, it is delicious and heavenly and wonderful and one of the main reasons to be excited about seeing a movie.

Guess which one is Jeff's?


It's fun to watch popcorn being popped. Another fantastic thing about popcorn.


"WE'RE GONNA EAT POPCORN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"


What, are you guys excited about the popcorn?



While Jeff wasn't looking, some people decided to sneak a little taste.

And others didn't even bother trying to be stealthy.


Maybe we need to be feeding them popcorn more often since it's clearly a delicacy in the eyes of little boys. Who knew popped corn could make people so happy?



Oh, Popcorns...


how we love thee.


Finally, it's time to head upstairs to the theater room!


It's just like being at the movies! But without the crowd, long lines, pricey refreshments, and sticky floors. Plus, in our theater, a movie can be paused for a bathroom break. Or a photo op.


OK, I know we already said it was time to watch the movie, but I didn't realize Daddy would request a picture of his kids in front of another of his children: the Big Screen. Now the movie's really starting.
With popcorn in hand and a Sprite (aka white soda) to drink, they were set.



The movie was a hit and provided enjoyment for people of all ages.




It had a little bit of everything:

drama,


intrigue,


nail biting tension,


astounding revelations ("I had no idea chipmunks could speak...and sing!"),


and humor, of course.







Little boys weren't the only ones who appreciated the humorous scenes.


Our Saturday Matinee proved to be a success, so I guess this means we need to plan more lazy weekends. And make sure we always have popcorn on hand.