L turns 3...

...well, almost a month ago! I had to get this post up before March comes to and end. And seeing as how today is March 31st, I'm just in time!

Our sweet secondborn son turned 3 on March 2nd.








L - The Early Days

Moments after his birth...



Less than a month old...




I just love photos. It takes me back to those sweet memories. When I was younger, teenager to be exact, I used to get annoyed that my parents wanted to take so many pictures. But now I get it. I totally get it. (Mom and Dad -Sorry for the attitude back then.)

Here is our C man meeting L for the first time and showing him some love.



More brotherly love...








L turns 1.





L turns 2.







Oh yes, and between turning 1 and 2 years old L became a big brother!






To celebrate L's 3rd birthday, we went out to eat at The Rainforest Cafe. He loves animals so I thought this would be fun for him.











Although he didn't want to get to close the the animals, L did have a good time. The animals really do look life like and are loud when they make their animals sounds.


L, you are a sweet, laid back child and fit in well as the middle child of our family. You are talking a bunch these days! There is so much you want to say that sometimes you even stutter a bit. You do everything your older brother does. It's a good thing sometimes and other times (like a to shirt of yours said) - Monkey see. Monkey do. Monkey get in trouble too. Recently, you've become pretty shy and embarass easily. You continue to be so loving with Baby P, insisting on touching his head and kissing him. You enjoy coloring, can now use scissors, count to between 10 and 20, can identify shapes, and are currently working on learning letters and numbers. Oh, and thanks to our C man, you can spell your name! L, Happy 3rd Birthday! What's that you ask? Do we love you? YES! I say YES! We love you so, so much little L!!!

Five Question Friday

Okay, here is something fun I like to do every once in a while. This week the questions are pretty simple to answer. And simple is good for my brain right now.

If you'd like to join in just check it out Five Question Friday here:

1. Did you pass your driver's test on the first try?

Hmm, let me think. It seems so long ago...Yes I did. I happen to be a pretty good driver. Of course, learning how to drive in Houston probably helped some.


2. What is your most embarrassing moment?
Gosh, I'm sure I have one. It's just not coming to me right now. Or maybe it hasn't happened yet...yikes!


3. What TV show would you like to be on- Oprah, Biggest Loser, or What Not to Wear?
Uh, no question about this one. For sure it would be What Not to Wear!!! I love those sylists on that show. Maybe I'll start dressing really ridiculous like and ask a friend of mine to nominate me. That way, I can take care of question 2 above while I'm at it.


4. Would you ever get plastic surgery and what kind?
Yes, I actually think I would. My tummy is just not the same after having 3 boys, weighing in at 8+ pounds. I have a bit of extra skin I'd like to get rid of. I'll stop there. I don't want to be all TMI and gross you out. I mean whoa! Look at that pregnant belly... This was the day our second son was born.




5. What are your favorite jeans to wear?
I have two pairs I love wearing. One is a pair of Citizens for Humanity jeans and the other 7 for all Mankind. They just have a super fit. *Note: I only own these jeans because they were hand-me-downs from a sweet friend of mine. Thankyouverymuch.

To all my tens of readers (if it's even that many)...Have a super fantastic weekend.

I love

Just a reminder for myself to focus on what it's really about during those days when tiredness and grumpiness set in.

I love...


I love that Baby P's way of asking for a tissue is to sniff in and out through his little nose.

I love how C is so animated when he tells me something, using such great facial expressions and hand gestures.

I love how L has so much he wants to say that sometimes he doesn't know where to start and stutters a bit.

I love how C is so helpful and sometimes I don't even have to ask.

I love when C and L help each other and even exchange a thank you and please.

I love how my husband loves me even when I'm not so lovable.

I love how my husband plays with and interacts with our boys, ways that I can't do or just don't think of.

I love how Baby P understands so, so much and is trying to talk.

I love spending good times with good friends and that our boys have sweet friends to play with.

I love that my family is so loving with our boys and is willing to be so helpful.

I love that I'm having a niece I can love on and buy girlie things for.

I love that we don't want for anything and have way more than we could ask for or deserve.

I love how much C smiles.

I love how L loves his baby brother, insistent on touching his head and kissing him.

I love a nice hot cup of coffee.

I love Baby P's laugh, a squealy wonderful laugh.

And I love looking at this photo.






Oh, and Happy 18 months Baby P!!!

Maisy

Last Monday was a sad, sad day. We had to take our Maisy to the vet for that trip that every pet owner absolutely dreads.

Maisy had been diagnosed with lymphoma in November. She had been doing fairly well until about 2 1/2 weeks ago. Then, Valentine's Day weekend she became really sick. By Sunday, we knew what we had to do. She was barely moving.




It's funny how you think things will play out a certain way. But then they don't. I always thought that after we had kids I wouldn't be "that" sad whenever Maisy died...that our kids would be the heartbroken ones. But I was heartbroken to see her go. I miss her. I thought that watching her die at the vet's office would be the hardest part of letting her go. But it wasn't. The most difficult part of it all was leaving her there. Saying goodbye was so much harder than I imagined it would ever be. I was a bit of a mess for a couple of days.

When I came home from the vet and C saw me he said, "Mommy, why are you red?" I broke the news to him, expecting some sadness and lots of questions...Maisy was too sick and she had died at the vet's office. He took the news so well. "Oh, we can get a new dog." He did ask me some questions that night. I answered them and he seemed satisfied. As for L...he really doesn't get it. He's asked 2 times, "Where's Maisy?" I reminded him she died and is with Jesus. He seems okay with it.



Maisy really was a great dog, just so sweet. She was always so good with the boys...even after not one or two boys, but three. In fact, I think she really enjoyed the attention they gave her.










Part of my grief over losing Maisy is that I feel guilty. I feel like she was sort of pushed aside after we had our kids. But I realized that as we gave her less attention, our sweet boys gave her more. Even our Baby P got a chance to know and love her. Here he is with Maisy "saying goodbye."

Goodbye Maisykins. We love you.

Dear C

You are 5 years old today!!!



Five years ago this morning I was the most nervous I've ever been in my entire life! I mean crazy nervous! (And I'm not a very nervous kind of gal.)

We were about to officially become your Mommy & Daddy!!! It was 10 days past my due date, and yes, you needed some encouragement. So, off we went early that morning for a scheduled induction.



By the time we settled in at the hospital, my nerves had calmed quite a bit.



About 12 hours later we laid our eyes on you and touched you for the very first time. Amazing!

February 2005 was a life changing month for us. It's a mixture of emotions I vividly remember and wonderment of how I got through each day.









Honestly, becoming your mother is the best gift God has given me. Motherhood has changed me in so many ways. (But that's a whole other post!)

Through the years...

2006 - Our adorable 1-year-old






2007 - Shortly after turning 2, you became a big brother!




2008 - Happy 3rd Birthday!


2009 - 4 years old



Our almost 5 year old. These were taken in November 2009 over Thanksgiving break. I just love the way they capture your precious smile.




C, you have such a sweet spirit. You love your brothers and have done so well with the role of big brother to 2 little ones. When I need help, I can count on you! Your are so inquisitive and learn visually. Construction trucks are your absolute favorite! You even use your toys trucks to reenact construction scenes you've seen while out and about. Your writing skills have really blossomed this school year and continue to improve. You still call me mommy and I love it! And, you love to talk! (I'm not sure where in the world you could have gotten that from. Okay, maybe your mommy.)

C, I am so blessed to be your mother. I am so proud of you. I know you'll be a great man.

Happy 5th Birthday!!!

All of my love forever and ever,

Mommy