Nemesis

Dave jokingly and lovingly refers to Louisa as 'his nemesis'. Little sweet Louisa can give daddy a really tough time--she's really into her mommy right now (as she should be!) and screams whenever Dave watches her. Like really screams. Like she screamed for over 1 1/2 hours on Sunday night when I went out with some friends. And then the second that I came home and held her, she nestled right in and was happy as a clam. Don't you worry Louisa-soon you'll realize how great and fun your daddy is and I'll be old news!

Another Beach Sunday

Another Sunday, another beautiful day at the beach! Just so you don't get jealous--the weather here has been horrid during the week, making for some long days and serious cabin fever, yet the weekends have been beautiful.

We took Gabe, one of Laney's buddies, up to the beach and met up with a couple more friends. It was wonderful--the kids happily played on the beach, we picnicked and the kids played in the forest and 'rock climbed'.

Elliot's been having a tough time lately. He has very much been seeming like the middle child to me--not exactly sure where he fits in. He's not a 3 1/2 year old, yet he so wants to be one of the gang. It hurts me-literally-it's painful to watch him struggle. I want him to be happy being him and where he is in his little life.

Sisters

My girls. Laney is a really good big sister; she had just turned three when Louisa was born and I have to say that I totally 'get' why some people find the three year spacing ideal. Laney is helpful and compassionate towards Louisa and not in the least threatened---Laney knows that she's the big girl and that Louisa is the baby girl. These two little girls couldn't be more different---in coloring and in temperment! I'm looking forward to watching their relationship grow.

Sunday At The Beach

What could be better than a Sunday at the beach? The kids played happily in the sunshine and sand. There's something magical about kids and the outdoors. We've been heading to the beach (in between snowstorms!) more and more over the past month. I'm trying to nail down my system for toting three little ones up to the lake for the day---not an easy task, but let's face it, most of my days aren't particularly easy, so it's totally worth it.

Ready To Go

We had a baby shower for a good friend at our house this morning, so Dave needed to get the kiddies (all three!) out of the house this morning. He opted to take them out to breakfast. For the record, I would only take all three kids to a restaurant by myself if I had a gun to my head. Anyways, this is what Laney chose to wear to the Crackerbox. She's definitely not a minimalist-she's a more-is-more kind of girl. Despite the temperature being in the 70s, she's wearing her beloved scarf that her GiGi made for her and mismatched mittens. She was super proud of her ensemble.

Visit With Uncle Mat & Aunt Rebecca

Uncle Mat and Aunt Rebecca came for a visit and got to celebrate Dave's birthday with us. Elliot was sick with a fever and bad cold when they arrived--not a huge surprise-we've had three rounds of colds since the beginning of March, but he was his usual energetic self by Saturday.

The kids love it when Uncle Mat and Aunt Rebecca visit and this trip was no exception.--They went to the park, the children's museum and even took Elliot to see his first movie (How To Tame A Dragon)--since Elliot was under the weather, he would actually sit and watch the movie! Louisa even snuggled with Aunt Rebecca-which is quite the honor since she often screams for everyone but mommy. We hope that they'll visit again soon!

31st

If you want your birthday to slide by unnoticed, don't come to our house! Birthdays are a big deal around here. The kids love celebrating birthdays and Laney is always asking me whose birthday is 'next'---for the record, her birthday is now 'next' but isn't for another four months-try explaining that to a three year old!

At our house, birthdays mean 'parties' and 'parties' mean cupcakes or cake, and Dave's 31st birthday was no exception. Since Dave's birthday was so close to Easter this year, we made him a bunny cake---yes, that globby looking thing is a bunny-use your imagination! The kids had a great time decorating the cake with everything and anything that we could find--jelly beans, chocolate chips, sprinkles.... The kids were so pleased with their creation, and Dave acted appropriately thrilled at the bunny-creation.

Seven Months

I can't believe that my baby girl is seven months. Louisa's getting all big on me. And I have mixed feelings about her growing up and becoming a big girl---actually, my feelings aren't mixed at all-I really don't like it one bit. But I do love that Louisa is thriving and happy--what more could a mommy ask for?

Stickers

Both Laney and Elliot love stickers---they are always putting stickers on everything and everyone--including Louisa. It's not unusual for her to have stickers on her back and on her head. But at least Laney and Elliot are 'sharing' with her, right?!

Perfect

Simple moments like these make all of the hard work and long days and longer nights worth it.

Easter Day

We enjoyed a quiet morning at home--or as quiet as our house can be--searching for Easter eggs in the family room, eating french toast and checking out the Easter loot. Last nite Laney and Elliot left water and carrots out for the Easter Bunny--oh, and M & Ms too, because Delaney thought that the Easter Bunny may want a treat! Both of the kids were sooo excited for the Easter Bunny to come and had been hopping around the house for days.

Mid-morning, we headed to a friend's ranch for an Easter egg hunt---it was perfect---beautiful location and good friends and food--can't beat it.




Baby Weezy was more or less along for the ride this year--and was her usual smiley self!

Dying Eggs

As the kids get a little older, holidays are just getting better and better. Normally, Easter wouldn't be a big deal for me, but Laney learns about all of the holidays (and I mean ALL of the holidays--Chinese New Year, President's Day....) at preschool and gets so excited for every holiday that it's impossible not to participate in all of the festivities. And I have to admit that I love it! What's more fun than experiencing the holidays through the eyes of a child?

Bouncing

Elliot literally bounces off of the walls--and boxes--at our house. And then he can be so terribly shy when we're out of the house that I barely recognize him---it's crazy.

Anyways, I received one of my ridiculously big boxes of diapers and Elliot quickly realized that it was a good jumping platform. He jumped for days---seriously, for days. Louisa loved to watch him jump!--I love watching the two of them interact--Louisa thinks that her big brother is absolutely hilarious and laughs, laughs, laughs at him. Elliot easily takes on the role of the entertainer and sings and dances for his baby sister. It's precious.