Schwartz News

Shaving Cream

2010-11-25T09:06:00.000-08:00

Louisa and I were sick this week. Louisa was sick for about 36 hours with a couple of bad croupy nights; however, she quickly was on the mend after a couple of antibiotic doses. I, on the other hand, was sick for like a week---a voiceless and coughing mess.

We had planned to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends; however, that plan quickly went down the drain with all of the sickness. Dave totally saved the day--cooked a great Thanksgiving dinner and took care of the kids while I more or less rested. If it had been up to me, we would've ordered pizza and called it a day, but I am so thankful that Dave would never allow that to happen!

After dinner, the kids played with shaving and paint--a favorite of theirs and mine. Smells good and provides lots of entertainment--even for Louisa!

Chubbs

2010-11-23T09:16:00.000-08:00

Delaney asked me the other day--Mommy, why does our baby have such a fat belly? Yup, Louisa has gone chunky. Delaney virtually has six pack abs (seriously, I dream of having her abs) and Elliot has little to no belly, so we are loving every little roll and dimple!

Thanksgiving Recital

2010-11-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

This picture is so Delaney--a whirlwind of puffy pink!

Delaney's school Thanksgiving recital was as cute as last year, but it did make me think about how much 'bigger' (older) she is now--no longer a baby and definitely a little girl.

Sledding

2010-11-21T20:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, on Elliot's birthday, we woke up to snow--which is crazy because just 2 1/2 weeks ago, Laney and Elliot were swimming in Lake Tahoe. But really, when you're three and four years old, what could possibly be more exciting and fun than the first snowfall of winter? The kids had a great time 'sledding' in our front yard. I can't believe that Weezy is big enough to sled with the big kids this year. Crazy.

The Big 3!

2010-11-20T09:40:00.000-08:00

All of the girls in our family have birthdays within about 6 weeks of each other, and poor Elliot has been waiting, waiting and waiting for his birthday. He even asked me a number of times---Why don't I get a birthday, mommy? How sad is that???

Finally, it's Elliot's big day. He had a birthday party at Positive Energy-a local gymnastics center-and it was wonderful! They did a great job of oganizing the party---playing fun games and making sure that Elliot felt special. I'm a big fan of small and simple birthday parties and I was reluctant to have a bigger party for Elliot and worried that he would feel really shy (he's often shy in group settings) but he was completely comfortable and so happy.

So--here's to my little man-cub, finally a big three year old!

Worms

2010-11-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

With Gramps and Mimi in town, everyone (except me-I went on an 8 1/2 mile run and joined the troops after a long hot shower!) went fishing in a stocked lake by our house.

Apparently, Elliot was REALLY into the worms! When Gramps or Daddy would pull the line out of the water, Elliot would shout--I caught a snake, I caught a snake! He carried around his worms all morning until they were all flat, dried out and knotted together (YUCK). We had to wrestle them out of his hands when it was time to get into the car. And later at bedtime, he cried that he wanted his worms to sleep with him.

Elliot is a crazy little boy right now--so rambunctious and not altogether very pleasant. But he's still my baby boy and I could look at his big smile forever.

A Princess, A Cowboy & A Dragon

2010-10-31T21:13:00.000-07:00

About a month ago when Delaney decided that she wanted to be Cinderella for Halloween, I really was pretty disappointed. Princesses are boring and every other 4 year old girl wants to be a princess--how boring, unoriginal and unlike Delaney. However, after weeks of watching Delaney run around the house in her Cinderalla costume in pure delight-I've kind of come around. I still think that princesses are pretty boring--but not when Delaney is princess!--She 'charges' her wand by my cell phone and runs around the house, wearing her crown, and plays trucks with Elliot and dives off of our couch. Very orginal.

Taylor Creek

2010-10-10T21:22:00.000-07:00

This was our third year at the Taylor Creek salmon run--the kids love it more and more each year. This October, the whole family went up once with family friends and then I took the kids up for a second look during the week. Elliot in particular loved watching the salmon. He's such a busy little boy but he totally was content to sit by the creek and watch the salmon swim and jump. I love watching my kids enjoy nature and being outdoors. We're so lucky to live here.

Goblin Run

2010-10-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

My running group sponsored a children's run this weekend. Both Laney and Elliot ran the 1/2 mile loop---Laney and her buddy had so much fun that they ran it a second time! Elliot was super determined and definitely one of the youngest runners. Delaney wore her piggy costume from last year and Elliot opted (not surprisingly) out of wearing a costume. Dave and Louisa cheered us on!

Don't worry Weezy--You'll be running with the big kids next year!

31

2010-09-29T21:35:00.000-07:00

The kids make my birthday special--they get so excited about making me pictures and baking cupcakes and having a 'party' that I can't help but look forward to it too.

I ran a half marathon on Sunday at Lake Tahoe and came home totally wiped out and exhausted to find this--three little munchkins painting birthday surprises in the backyard. Dave is great at doing art projects with the kids and making sure to include Louisa. Yes, my baby was covered in paint in the backyard, and yes, I loved it!

Laney was a little disappointed with my presents-she kept asking me--Didn't Daddy buy you a watch, or a ring, or a new bike or something? Adorable!

Emerald Bay Trail Run

2010-09-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

I ran a 7 1/2 mile trail run at Lake Tahoe. It was HARD--I'm taking crazy steep hills. But so worth it. The scenery was spectacular; however, I have to admit that after about mile 5 I couldn't have cared less about the scenery and just wanted the race to be OVER. I seriously ran the entire race as fast as I could-I don't think that I could've ran it a second faster. And then felt really good. I get 2nd place in my age group (small field) but I'll take it!

My fans arrived 1 1/2 hours after I finished and were sufficiently unimpressed. Oh well.

Markers

2010-09-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

This little girl loves to do whatever her big brother is doing--she already can push little cars around the floor while scooting along. She is Elliot's biggest fan and I can't say that I blame her--he's a whirlwind of motion and fun! She can say 'Elliot' as clearly as anything. She's usually the first one up in the morning and when she hears Elliot call for us, she goes crawling over to his door. Today when Elliot was drawing with markers, she insisted that she get in on the action, and happily sat in her booster seat, putting markers in and out of a plastic bag. I don't think that she cared what she did-she just wanted to be with Elliot.

Three Babes In The Tub

2010-09-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

Three little naked bodies in the tub--it's so cute and absolute mayhem. As Dave has said, we need to wear ponchos during bathtime. And they won't spread out--all three of them are always in the same corner of the tub--kind of reminds me of puppies. Louisa LOVES to take a bath with the big kids. I worry some about her getting knocked around too much with all of the 'swimming'--flailing arms and legs, but she seems to be able to hold her own-which is a very, very good thing.

Weezy's First Birthday

2010-09-09T21:09:00.000-07:00

To be perfectly honest, I've been dreading this day--my baby turning one. She's the baby of the family and I just love the first year---I love nothing more than snuggling a baby. However, when I woke up this morning, I didn't feel sad at all--I am so excited for Louisa--for who she is now and who she will become in the next year. So many fun changes and experiences in the next year. And I also feel a total sense of accomplishment--I've done it--I've survived Louisa's first year, survived a tough recovery after a c-section, survived all of the sleepless nights and exhausting days, survived Laney's first year of preschool (with all of the colds that came with it!!) and survived raising three very young children (for at least one year!).

Dave and I were watching a nature show about monkeys--apparently baby monkeys maintain skin-to-skin contact with their mothers for the first 6-months of life---Louisa managed skin-to-skin contact for the first 12 months! She loves to be held (by me), so it's a good thing that her mama loves to hold her. She's happiest in my arms.

She didn't start to crawl until 11 1/2 months---which is so late that I totally worked myself into a panic. But it's just who she is---she's happy, mellow, content and communicates so well that her siblings (and mommy) pretty much get anything for her that she wants. For months, if she couldn't reach something that she wanted to play with, she yelled and gestured for the big kids to get it for her or happily started playing with something else. She has her own timetable.

She said her first clear word before she was 11 months and can now say 5 words. She speaks clearly and imitates everything that we do.

She's my shy, sweet girl. She's mild and even tempered. Buries her face in my chest when strangers are around and is as sweet as anything until someone tries to approach her, and then she SCREAMS!

She loves her siblings. Watches everything that they do and tries to keep up with them. She laughs with them and loves to play. She really has her eye on Elliot--he's going to be in trouble!

After a slow start, she's become a good eater and weighs 18 lbs. She only weighed 13 lbs at 9 months, so she is gaining and growing fast! She eats pretty much everything and anything, and we feed her exactly whatever we're eating--she's been done with baby food for awhile.

She's not the best sleeper but that's party my fault-I'm just not persistent enough with her at night. Given the choice, I'll put her in bed with us at 3 AM to nurse instead of listen to her cry. It's so quiet and still at night and I love the alone time with her. And she is not a good napper at all--she can happily get through the day with a 45 minute nap (this is scary to me---I live for nap time!).

Louisa has the most beautiful big dark eyes with long lashes. We love her little dimple and crooked smile. She has a great belly laugh. Happy Birthday Baby Weezy!

First Day Of School

2010-09-08T20:51:00.000-07:00

What a difference a year makes! Today was Delaney's first day of preschool (FINALLY!!); she's in the 'big kid' (4 year old) class this year. It was like the happiest day of the year in our house this morning--mommy was REALLY happy that school was starting and Delaney was ridiculously excited to go to school. Laney has great enthusiasm for so much of life--it's so much fun to watch. There were no tears this year--no sad looks and no pouting. She was off.

4th of July

2010-07-04T16:05:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful 4th of July--complete with a morning bike ride (Note: this was NOT the highlight of our day; we have yet to get to the point where bike riding is truly enjoyable!), an afternoon of swimming with friends and then a concert in the park. The kids hadn't napped for a couple of days (too busy with summer fun!), so they didn't make it to the fireworks--maybe next year! Everyone was (reasonably) well behaved and very happy. Wish that we could've taken more pictures-but the camera stayed firmly in the backpack while we played and chased the little ones around! We are loving summertime!

Swimming

2010-07-01T20:16:00.000-07:00

Delaney and Elliot love taking swimming lessons together. And I love to watch them; there is just nothing better in this world than watching my children enjoy their lives. Nearly everyday Elliot asks me---'Do we having swimming lesson today?', and if I tell him no, then he starts begging for a lesson. Elliot can get pretty goofy and silly during swimming (no surprise!), so he's working on being a better listener. He's pretty comfortable in the water--sometimes a little too comfortable!

It took a couple of months, but Delaney has learned how to put her face in the water and blow bubbles. And man, can she ever blow bubbles for a long time! Literally two weeks ago, she wouldn't put her face in the water, and now, she can stay under water for a sometimes alarming amount of time. This is so typical of Delaney-once she makes up her mind to do something, she'll do it perfectly.

Delaney is super happy with her new swimming skills and literally, everytime that she comes up for air, she looks over at me with a huge smile and yells across the pool--'Mom, do you see me??? Are you sooo proud of me???' It's adorable and vulnerable and so endearing. Moments like these make me really question if this sweet child is really the same little girl whose tantrums can shake the walls of our house. I don't get it. She is absolutely the most adorable and delightful little creature but then she also is so infuriating, frustrating and demanding. So complex.

I love my little swimmers!

Beach Days

2010-06-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

We've been spending a lot of time at the beach the last couple of weeks. Lake Tahoe is amazing--I can't believe how lucky we are to live so close and I can't think of anywhere else that I would rather live. And the kids seem to love the lake as much as I do!--This summer has been so much fun because the kids can easily spend 5 hours on the beach, digging, jumping, wading and just being kids. And the baby has been wonderful---happier than anything while playing in the sand and when she needs to nap, I just pop her into my front carrier and she'll snooze for 30 minutes or so and then be ready to go---she's great. Granted, it's a lot of work for me to take the kids to the beach by myself--but we do it a number of times a week, so I've got my system down and it's totally worth the effort.

Today, we headed to the beach with Dave and it was so nice to have an extra set of hands on the beach! We had a great day.

Operation Chunk-Up Louisa

2010-06-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

We needed to put some weight on this little girl. A little over two weeks ago, I took Louisa to the doctor for a nasty cold--when she was weighed, the doctor and I noticed that she had only gained 8 ounces in three months--definitely not adequate weight gain for a growing girl! Louisa eats very well but obviously isn't getting the calories that she needs. So--we started adding a considerable amount of calories to her diet---adding formula and oatmeal to her baby food (initially this was really hard for me--Louisa is breastfed and I know that breast milk is the best for her, but I'm really not up to pumping at this point--so I copped out and bought some formula), feeding her a ridiculous amount of baby yogurt and giving her a number of spoonfulls of cream cheese!

We had a weight check at the doctor's office today and she has gained 1 lb 4 oz in 17 days! She now weighs 14 lbs 4 oz---still tiny but growing well. Go Louisa!

Mornings

2010-06-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

Mornings can be ridiculously chaotic at our house---everyone wants / needs something NOW---drinks, breakfast, diaper changes, a ridiculous number of trips to the potty, clothes picked out, clothes changed, sunscreen on every square inch of three little bodies, snacks packed, extra clothes packed and oh yes, Louisa likes to be held 24 hours a day. It's stressful and not my favorite time of day. But even in the mornings there are glimpses of peace--I've been working out very early a lot of mornings and when I arrive home at 7 AM or so, all three kids have been in bed with their daddy--the girls snuggle and Elliot jumps. It's pretty precious.

Once everyone is herded out to the family room, the real day begins---Elliot gets extra hyper and the kids start playing, playing, playing. The interaction between the three kids is so cute.

Finally, The Beach

2010-06-14T21:05:00.001-07:00

This Spring has been unusually cold. Last year, we were on the beach by Mother's Day--but not this year. In fact, the weather has been pretty wretched until recently. But I think that summer is finally here. The kids and I headed with a friend to Cave Rock today and it was great---the kids played and played and played. Louisa was a great sport and happily played in the sand---this child puts nothing in her mouth, nothing---not even food---it's pretty amazing---I sat her in the sand, and she just played with the sand, picking up little rocks and everything, but never once put anything in her mouth--crazy. Laney and Elliot had a blast playing with their buddy, jumping into the water, running everywhere and rolling around in the sand.

After the beach, we headed to another friend's house to play in the sprinklers and slip-and-slide. No one napped today and the kids were exhausted, but again, super well behaved and very happy.

Aces

2010-06-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

We went to our first Reno Aces (minor league baseball) game. I must say that I was pretty impressed--and not with the actual baseball playing-I hardly watched a single play-this happens when you take three little ones to a game, but with the stadium and the experience as a whole. I'm not sure what I was expecting---but the stadium was super nice--complete with a bouncy house and little playground. We bought general admission tickets (throw-your-blanket-on-the-lawn)-which was very, very smart---we really only sat for a few minutes. The weather was perfect and Laney, Elliot and Louisa were very well behaved---which made for a very, very nice day.

Summer Camp

2010-06-11T20:50:00.000-07:00

Delaney finished up her week at summer camp (held at her preschool in the mornings) and loved every second of it. This girl totally thrives on stimulation and activity, and summer camp was right up her ally---going from one activity to the next. She did a ton of art projects--which she loves and wants proudly displayed all over the house. Each day, she came home totally filthy--covered from head to toe in paint, shaving cream and everything else---and happier than anything. It was so nice to have a week that truly kept her busy and happy. If they offered another week of summer camp, I certainly would have enrolled her. Now, it's up to me to keep her busy and happy--wish me luck.

Survival

2010-06-11T20:43:00.000-07:00

Despite the odds, my parents survived their visit. Yes, my mother spent a full day in a hotel bed and spent several days feeling queasy, and yes, my mother needed an antibiotic for a sinus infection within a day of arrving back in Pittsburgh. Everyone gets sick after visiting us--it's really quite the phenomenon. Grandma B and Pepah's visit didn't exactly go as planned but we made the most of it. We're excited to see them again in July!

Back To Blogging

2010-06-06T21:30:00.001-07:00

Yes, we survived the move. Really, with the help of good friends, it really wasn't that bad. And it was soooo worth it--we're truly enjoying our new house and it felt like 'home' within days.

Since the move, we've been sick. Like constantly sick. Laney had a nasty stomach bug (are there any stomach bugs that aren't nasty??), Louisa had a bad cold, Elliot had a bad cold, Laney had a bad cold, Louisa had another bad cold, I got a stomach bug, and Dave got a stomach bug---we're still waiting to see if Louisa and Elliot get the plague. Aunt Lynde came out to visit and also got the stomach virus--on her flights home to Richmond; she got swine flu (literally, she tested positive) within a day of visiting us in November, so I think that it's safe to say we've been stricken from her list of desirable places to visit. Thank God my parents have been visiting and have been so unbelievably helpful--I actually was allowed to have a sick day and lay in bed instead of trying to make it through the day with three little ones. Still, I feel very badly--there's nothing like traveling about 2500 miles to be thrown into a house full of vomiting and snotty noses.

Still, we've managed to have some fun over the past few weeks and have reached a number of 'milestones'! Read on!

Bike Riding

2010-06-06T21:25:00.001-07:00

For Laney and Elliot, bike riding has become a big thing. Laney has had a bike since she was a little over two years old but has just recently started to take an interest in really riding it. She was a little sensitive that most of the kids could ride a bike with ease. In true Delaney fashion when she decided that she was ready to learn, it came fairly easily. She is very proud that she can ride her bike around the block.

Elliot can pedal but still is figuring out how to really get going. He's been super patient and often pushes his bike around the block (with helmut on, of course!) when he gets tired of pedaling.

ALL Undies, ALL The Time

2010-06-06T21:15:00.000-07:00

That is--all the time, except for bedtime. When Laney got the stomach flu a couple of weeks ago, I figured that it was a good time to potty train Elliot--it might seem like not-the-pefect-time, but for me, I figured that if we were going to be stuck at home for a few days, we might as well bite the bullet and put that little boy in undies! It really has gone very well. There have been a couple of issues; however, as Dave reminds me, we don't want his buddies to read this when he's 12, so I'll pass on the details.

I have a 'have no fear' approach to potty training---all undies, all the time (excluding bed time). No pull-ups, no wimping out and putting him in a diaper because I'm worried that he'll have an accident on the train ride / at the birthday party / in the stroller..... It certainly wouldn't work for everyone and I don't know if I would really even recommend it, but it works for me.

Bath Time

2010-06-06T21:10:00.000-07:00

Louisa has recently graduated from her baby bathtub to the big tub. This was a super easy transition although she looks so, so tiny in that big tub.

AND, she has started to occasionally take a bath with Elliot--this made me a little nervous as Elliot can be very hyper and wild in the tub, but he's been great while bathing with Weezy and tells himself, 'Be nice to baby, be nice to baby, be nice to baby'. Super cute! Now, if I can just get all three of the munchkins in the tub at one time, I'll be really multi-tasking!

Sweeties

2010-06-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

Summer arrived this weekend---and really, it's about time, considering that our Spring was so chilly and un-spring-like. Louisa is now stable enough to ride in the wagon with Elliot and Elliot is now big and strong enough to pull Louisa around in the wagon---now this is nice! They were adorable. There are very few things in this world that make Weezy happier than her big brother and big sister. And yes, Elliot is not wearing any pants or shorts---this happens when you're 2 1/2 and are in the midst of potty training.

Something More

2010-06-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I suppose that Pepah and Grandma B are getting a little more than just germs during this visit---lots of tickles, snuggles and smiles too.

In Other News.....

2010-05-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

We're moving. To a bigger house in a different part of Carson City. And as hard as the physical moving part will be, I'm really, really looking forward to having more space---lately Dave and I have felt like we're in the middle of an obstacle course when trying to make our way from the kitchen to the family room!

Laney is becoming such a big girl. When she wants to-she can seriously be a huge help to me around the house and with her younger siblings. Dave and I are constantly surprised at how 'big' she seems--she and her little friends can really, really play now and it's so sweet to watch. And sometimes painful-she can be really vulnerable. She's caring and capable. And so, so feisty--when she makes up her mind, we're in for it--there's no changing Delaney's mind--it's like trying to change the direction of the wind-just not going to happen. We still have a ton of battles with her. She still loves constant stimulation--which as she gets older and more mature, is harder and harder for me to provide her with. She loves to be really busy and loves anything that is new or different. She has an unbelievable imagination and loves to play.

Elliot has been pretty sensitive and vulnerable lately---I literally can see him struggle to figure out where he fits in---with the 'big kids' or the 'babies'. His favorite phrase right now is--'Elliot big boy'. He is a big boy, but he'll always be my baby! He can be incredibly sweet and snuggly and gives me tons of hugs and kisses but is so, so active and constantly doing somersaults off of the couch and jumping off of anything and everything. He's still pretty shy in public-but has been a little less so recently. He can give me a really tough time and be super stubborn (just like his big sister!); I put his shoes on, he takes them off, I put them on, he takes them off..... And so it goes.

Louisa. My little baby. She's our brown eyed darling. She's super attached to me and me to her. I still feel uneasy when I'm separated from her. For the most part, she's calm and even tempered but she does love to be carried around for most of the day-watching everything around her. Good thing her mama likes to carry around babies so much! She's resilient. She goes with the flow. She's tiny, tiny, tiny but is a great eater and still loves to nurse--thank god because I am so NOT ready for her to wean.

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love Mother's Day--it's my favorite day of the year. I know my place in this world---as the mommy to my three little ones. It's by far the hardest thing that I've done (we don't do anything the easy way around here!) and definitely the most important. And I love Delaney, Elliot and Louisa so much. I can't imagine my life or the world without them.

On Thursday Delaney brought a highly anticipated mother's day present home from school and dutifully hid it behind her pillow (just as her teachers told her to do) until this morning. All last week, Laney had been talking about a big 'surprise' that she was making at school; however, I was somewhat doubtful that I would ever receive this surprise, as she had told her daddy that she loved it so much that she wanted to keep it! But Laney came through---and gave me a beautiful heart necklace this morning. She was sooo excited that it finally was Mother's Day and was so proud of herself-it was adorable!

Both Laney and Elliot made me a beautiful poster complete with pipe cleaners and fuzzy balls---truly precious!

Dave made sure that I had a great day. Louisa woke up well before 6 AM-but Dave got up with her and then Elliot and Laney too. Then they all headed to the bakery for some pastries while I continued to snooze. Later in the morning I went to the hot springs by myself-it was wonderful and so relaxing, but oh so weird not to have at least one or two little ones with me! I was hopeful that everyone (including me) would nap today, but Elliot didn't agree, so after 'quiet time', Elliot and I headed to the park while Laney and Dave made grilled chicken salad--simple and my absolute favorite. It was a great day.

Goofy

2010-05-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

This morning, the first chance that he got, Elliot ran outside in his pajamas, sneakers and helmut to ride his trike. He has so much energy and can be so goofy--he always makes us laugh.

Boy Vs Girl

2010-05-08T19:29:00.000-07:00

These two bathtime videos make me laugh--they're so Delaney and Elliot. Delaney plays quietly and intently with her bath toys while Elliot jumps and splashes like a mad man. I swear I would have to glue Elliot's little bottom to the tub to get him to sit still for a minute.

Nemesis

2010-04-27T21:39:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-25T21:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-18T00:49:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-09T19:36:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-07T20:59:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

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

Easter Day

2010-04-04T20:43:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-02T20:35:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

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.

Spring Recital

2010-03-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

Delaney had her spring recital for preschool today. They sang songs about springtime, Jesus and hot dogs--it was pretty interesting! And super cute of course.

Laney wore a beautiful spring dress---with pink pants underneath---it was literally snowing today and I was worried that she would freeze. She had been begging / demanding that she wear her true and authentic 'recital dress' (crushed cranberry velvet-she wore it to her first recital around Thanksgiving time) to the spring recital, but I put my foot down. When she saw her 'new recital dress', her love for her 'old recital dress' quickly faded.

Laney was so excited for her recital and had been talking about it for weeks. She LOVES school and that makes Dave and I so happy-and more than a little relieved.

After the big show, her preschool had a little party--Elliot was thrilled that he got to sit at the big kid tables and eat treats!

Sacramento Zoo

2010-03-28T16:17:00.000-07:00

Dave and I decided that we needed to get out of town for the day, so we headed to the Sacramento Zoo. Per Mapquest, Sacramento is 2 1/2 hours away---obviously, these people aren't traveling with three little kids--and especially not with a six month old who screams in the car and a three year old who repeatedly insists that she has to poop--false alarms of course.

As Dave said, the day could be broken down into quarters----Louisa screamed for 1/4 of the trip, Laney had a serious meltdown and freak-out for 1/4 of the trip, and Elliot whined / complained for 1/4 of the trip; however, 1/4 of the trip was sheer bliss---with the kids loving every second at the zoo and there's just nothing like watching our kids have fun.

Elliot was super enthusiastic and would run to the monkeys, lions, giraffes...but then when he got to the exhibits, he was super concerned that the animals would get out and bite him!
Laney was fun because she was so excited for the trip and then truly loved, loved, loved the zoo. She loves to take little trips and do anything new and different. Louisa was along for the ride and certainly was glad that her mommy was there; we hung out a lot while Dave ran around with the big kids. She was not super impressed with the car drive. And she managed to poop like four times at the zoo--it was ridiculous-I felt like all that I did was change diapers!

And yes, we left the zoo in tears. After a meltdown in the gift shop---the type of meltdown that every parent fears--the really, really ugly kind. But we managed. And all in all, we were so glad that we made the trip. It wasn't easy but definitely worth it!

Grandma B Crafts

2010-03-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

Grandma B is a (awesome!) preschool teacher, and sent Laney a bunch of crafts that she is doing with her students. Today Delaney decorated foam eggs before naptime and a nest for the eggs after naptime. Art projects keep Delaney busy and make her happy---what could be better? We're hoping to receive a new batch of projects soon (hint, hint, Grandma B!).

Six Months

2010-03-24T20:50:00.000-07:00

...And two weeks---but this is what happens when you're the third child--mommy gets busy. Don't worry Louisa-you'll be better adjusted because of it. My beautiful little baby. Sweeter than sweet. She's quiet and calm, but when she does get upset, watch out---if you're not her mommy, then you can't make it all better! She doesn't like to be by herself--at all--which isn't a bad thing, because she is NEVER by herself. She has the most beautiful chocolate brown eyes--with unbelievable lashes. She can sit up like a big girl and roll over both ways. Loves to pull hair and pinch cheeks. And she's tiny. Itty bitty. She's 12 lbs 8 oz and 24 inches long (I personally think that she's longer but we'll stick with the doctor's stats for now!). She's not on the growth charts but is growing well.

Trip To Pittsburgh

2010-03-17T20:38:00.000-07:00

Grandma Mimi and Gramps came to babsit, so Louisa and I could take a trip to Pittsburgh, visit with my parents and ALL of my siblings and meet my older sister's latest red-haired and blue-eyed cutie---and Gabe is soooo cute! He's two months old but definitely bigger than Louisa---his little cheeks are absolutely adorable.

Yes, it was weird to be away from my big kids for 5 days---weird and WONDERFUL! I got a much needed breather. And the kids did great---Laney even told me repeatedly on the phone how much she didn't miss me. It would almost be funny but she reminded me so often and so emphatically that she didn't miss me that a little part of me wanted to strangle her. Don't worry--I'll remind her of this when her own child acts wretchedly.

Louisa got some much needed mommy time and snuggles. She was a piece of cake to travel with---who would have thought that traveling across the country with just one baby would seem like such a breeze!

ABCs

2010-03-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

Delaney is learning how to write her name--with very little help from me. Yes, all of the letters are there (although not in a line!), and yes, I wish that we would have named her 'Ann' instead-would be much easier for everyone!

The Best Of Times

2010-03-07T21:18:00.000-08:00

Life isn't always like this at our house, but these moments and memories are precious.

Morning At The Park

2010-03-07T20:58:00.000-08:00

Dave took Laney and Elliot to the park this morning. Both Laney and Elliot have had colds and Laney was pretty cranky this morning---she's so much easier and cooperative than she was a year ago but certainly still knows how to push our buttons and throw a good fit.

On the other hand-Elliot's been giving us a tough time lately. A really, really tough time. The terrible twos have hit with a vengeance. However, we survived Delaney's terrible twos, so we certainly can survive anything that Elliot throws at us. Still, the fits, defiance and uncooperativeness are exhausting. It's like--come on kid, just chill out and cooperate.

Elliot goes nuts if he's inside for too long. Well, I go crazy, as I watch him bounce off of the walls. He loves, loves, loves going to the park and usually has to be dragged away when it's time to leave. His favorite things to do are climb up the slides, walk down the slides and climb, climb, climb. When I take him to the park, I'm constantly gasping and my heart is in my throat. He's incredibly coordinated and physical---certainly, doesn't get this from me!

Fingers

2010-03-04T20:55:00.000-08:00

Look familiar, mom and dad?

Mornings

2010-03-02T20:46:00.000-08:00

Since January, Dave has been getting up with the 'big kids' most mornings, so I can catch a little bit of extra sleep and lots of extra snuggles with Louisa. I am so grateful to Dave for this time--it's so precious to me--just me and the baby with no distractions. And it's the perfect start to my day.

Swimming Lessons

2010-03-01T20:33:00.000-08:00

I was planning to wait until Delaney was four to start swimming lessons--then Elliot would be three (and hopefully potty trained!) and they could take lessons together. However, when Laney learned that her buddy Jimmy was going to be taking lessons, she wanted to take them too--and how could we say no?!

Delaney loves school and anything structured and stimulating, so it's no surprise that she loves 'swimming lesson school'. She's been super attentive and focused---loving every second of her lessons.

She now has swimming lessons two days a week and school two days a week. She asks me every night, 'What do I have tomorrow--school or swimming lesson school?'. Of course, she also asks me every nite, 'What is for dinner tomorrow nite? What about the nite after that?' and 'What am I going to wear tomorrow?' and 'What are we going to do after school tomorrow?' and 'What is Elliot going to do tomorrow?'. She is FULL of questions and wanting to know exactly what everyone will be doing!

Jumping

2010-02-28T20:30:00.000-08:00

This is how Elliot spends a large portion of his waking hours--jumping, jumping, jumping. Jumping on the couch, jumping off the couch. Jumping on the chairs. Jumping off the chairs. Jumping on the back steps. Jumping off of the back steps. Jumping, jumping, jumping!

Puddles

2010-02-24T21:45:00.001-08:00

What's better than jumping in big puddles after a rainy morning?

Scarves

2010-02-23T21:38:00.000-08:00

Gigi sent Laney and Elliot beautiful handmade scarves. Delaney LOVES her scarf. She was thrilled that the scarf is purple and matches her coat 'perfectly'. She's been waiting and waiting for it to arrive in the mail and seriously hasn't let it out of her sight since we opened up the box. She even put the scarf in her room at bedtime. Laney wanted to know why Baby Louisa doesn't wear a scarf and if she can wear her scarf ALL summer-even when it's really, really, really hot out! Delaney loves clothes--she certainly doesn't get that from me--she must get it from her Gigi. And for the record, Laney told me that she has 'the best Gigi ever'! If anything happens to this scarf, I'm going to be in trouble--maybe we should put an order in with Gigi for a second scarf--just in case...

Pants

2010-02-21T21:26:00.000-08:00

Louisa can finally fit into a pair of pants (granted they're size 3 months, but it's a start! Dave thinks that the rice cereal may be chunking her up a little!). Since birth, she's only worn sleepers because literally nothing stays around that little girl's waist; I've even tried rolling the top of the pants-but they still fall right down. I thought that Laney was small, but Louisa is even tinier---she's definitely longer than Laney was but even smaller. It's amazing. She's very strong and capable, but there's just nothing to her. She must have the Schwartz hiney genes!

Beat

2010-02-17T21:13:00.000-08:00

Laney and Elliot had dental appointments this morning---and yes, I was lucky enough to take all three kids to the appointments by myself. And yes, it was exhausting. Summary: Laney was super cooperative and wonderful. Elliot wouldn't open his mouth for a good 15 minutes and threw a mini-fit because he was given a 'baby toy'. And Louisa cried / fussed for about 75% of the time. Oh, and a man in the waiting room asked me if Elliot or his sister had cut his hair and I got to tell him that his mother actually butchered his hair. Overall, I think that everything went pretty well.

Since it was another beautiful, beautiful day, we then headed to Lampe Park in Gardnerville where the kids happily played for 3 1/2 hours! My heart was in my throat for a lot of the time--Elliot will climb up on all and any bars--many of which were far, far above my head. I was so worried that he was going to fall--and I know that it's inevitable-he will fall someday, but I find the whole thing terrifying.

When we got home, Laney and Elliot vegged out on the couch and watched a little TV---I love it how they always sit so close to each other---so sweet. Their little faces were even a little pink from being in the sun all day--I guess that a little Vitamin D can't hurt!

Squishy Turtle

2010-02-16T21:04:00.000-08:00

Louisa has a favorite toy--the 'Squishy Turtle' book (given to her by her Uncle Mat and Aunt Rebecca!). She loves all of the different textures and crinkly sounds and apparently it tastes good too! She laughs and smiles when she even sees the book coming her way. Laney has picked up on how much Louisa likes the book and looks for it anytime that Louisa starts to fret---it's pretty cute.

Winter Beach Day

2010-02-15T20:57:00.000-08:00

We're getting a little taste of Spring this week. The weather was beautiful today-sunny, still and around 60 degrees, so the kids and I headed up to Sand Harbor for the day. I definitely had my hands full with all three kids, but we had a great time. It was wonderful to see Laney and Elliot run around on the beach---they played, played and played for 2 1/2 hours. Louisa was a little fussy but did well once I put her in the front carrier--I guess there's nothing quite like being snuggled against mommy!

The beach was beautiful and I felt wonderful after getting some fresh air and sunshine.

Love

2010-02-14T16:49:00.000-08:00

Now this is love!

Louisa loves, loves, loves her big brother and the feeling is mutual. Elliot tells me that 'Laweezy not mommy's baby, my baby'. He always wants to hold her and snuggle with her. When they're sitting next to each other in the jogging stroller and Louisa starts to cry, Elliot immediately grabs and holds her little hand. And Louisa laughs and smiles at everything that Elliot does--she thinks that he's absolutely hilarious! They're so cute together.

The Best

2010-02-13T16:44:00.000-08:00

There are certainly things that we don't have. But when I look at a picture like this, I am totally reminded that I have absolutely everything that is important.

Mommy Made

2010-02-11T16:29:00.000-08:00

I fed her while she was growing inside of my belly and have breastfed her since she was born, so I honestly had mixed feelings about Louisa starting 'solid' foods; while it will be nice to nurse her a little less as she continues to eat food, I kind of love it that she's been solely fed by her mommy. But she's ready....And if she winds up being the baby in our family, I expect that she'll often be ready for the next stage in her life long before I am.

We gave Miss Louisa her first bites of rice cereal tonite and she LOVED it. Delaney hated it. Elliot liked it so-so. But Louisa LOVES it and obviously is so ready for food. Mixed feelings about that... My baby is growing up.

The Mishap

2010-02-10T16:20:00.000-08:00

No, Elliot did not shave his own head and no, his mother is not on drugs-just exhausted! Well, at least he's not 13---or even 6 years old. Louisa was screaming in the exersaucer, Delaney was running around the house and Elliot was sitting in the seat for---oh, about 5 seconds, so I decided to go for it-and give him a 'haircut'. I forgot the guard. Obviously. It'll grow back, right?

Super Bowl Sunday

2010-02-07T16:07:00.000-08:00

We had hoped to have friends over for the Super Bowl but since we were all recovering from the latest plague to hit our family, this is how we spent Super Bowl Sunday--eating forbidden chips with neon-orange nacho 'cheese' in the family room!

Cutie-Pie

2010-02-06T21:42:00.000-08:00

When Louisa is happy, she likes to stick out her tongue. It's pretty adorable. She also has discovered her feet-and LOVES them--loves looking at them, loves holding them and loves chewing on them!

Shoot Me

2010-02-06T21:22:00.000-08:00

In case anyone wondered, having three sick little kids for a week is pretty miserable-for everyone. And hell for the mommy. Our six week stretch of good health ended on Monday morning when Laney woke up with a fever and nasty cough and Elliot and Louisa quickly followed. I'm thankful that Grandma Mimi and Gramps were here to help out until Wednesday. But then things got really ugly. Laney got more and more sick and no one was sleeping well. The kids were cranky and sick and miserable. Mommy was really cranky and exhausted. Dave and I took all three kids to the doctor on Thursday afternoon (during 'naptime'!) and Laney was diagnosed with pneumonia. Great. I sat in the van for 45 minutes at the pharmacy's drive-in, waiting for Laney's antibiotic--her first antibiotic ever--(which had been dropped off hours before) with three screaming sick kids.

But---Laney and Elliot are definitely on the mend now. I'm still a little worried about Louisa's cough. And oh yes, Dave and I are both getting colds--I'm hoping that it's some version of whatever the kids have-and not a new germ!

We've been sick a lot since Laney started preschool. Like nearly every month. Having three little kids is not easy but it's really, really hard when anyone is sick-and when everyone is sick, it's really hard to make it through the day. I start to go a little crazy after being housebound for a couple of days with sick kids--it's so intense, exhausting and isolating. I find that I really need to remind myself how lucky we are to have three kids with working immune systems-who get better easily and without major complications.

Little Sweet Moments

2010-02-02T21:18:00.000-08:00

The Return Of The Battlestar

2010-02-01T21:06:00.000-08:00

Delaney and Elliot loved the exersaucer / battlestar / neglect-o-matic, and Louisa has followed suit!

As I like to put away one 'big' baby toy before getting out another 'big' toy, we put the baby swing in the garage to store (because you just never know). It made me a little sad that Louisa has outgrown the swing (not in size but just doesn't find it so fun anymore), but I'm over it-she's onto bigger and better things!

More Good Times With Grandparents

2010-01-31T20:53:00.000-08:00

My kids love their grandparents-and I love it that they love them! It is truly one of my great pleasures as a parent to watch my children enjoy their extended families.

Bowling

2010-01-30T20:32:00.000-08:00

We went bowling with the kids for the first time a couple of weeks ago. Quite honestly, I had my doubts---something just seemed wrong about giving Elliot a big, heavy ball and telling him to throw it, but minor mishaps aside, we had a great time. Since Grandma Mimi and Gramps came into town for a long weekend, we decided to go bowling again.

First of all, I'm not at all sure if posting a picture of my mother-in-law after she wiped out on the lane is in good taste; however, it was very funny and she had a good sense of humor about it too! Elliot loved it when Grandma Mimi fell, shouting 'Funny Grandma Mimi, funny Grandma Mimi'.

When bowling with a three year old and a two year old, a lot of time is spent watching the ball roll, roll and slowly roll some more down the lane. The kids are really cute and patiently watch the ball each and every time.

After bowling we had lunch at Johny Rockets---cute hats but unbelievably slow service-thank goodness the kids were wonderful and so patient (more patient than the adults!).

And I'm Back!

2010-01-21T21:31:00.000-08:00

I feel good. Really, really good. I feel like my regular self for the first time since Louisa was born. I'm truly enjoying all three of my children and feel like everything is more or less under control (might as well enjoy this feeling while it lasts!). I'm in a good groove with the kids and life is busy but manageable. I'm working out regularly and can fit in all of my 'old' clothes. I even have had a couple nights of decent sleep! Things are going so smoothly that I have started reading a book--now, that's amazing.

In other news.....Laney confuses 'marshmallows' with 'mushrooms'--now, there's something that she needs to get straightened out---big difference, big, big difference. Tonite, she was sipping hot chocolate and asked for a spoon to 'get the mushrooms'.

I overheard Laney telling Elliot that he didn't have 'good nursing breasts'. Interesting....!

Elliot has finally started to watch a little tv. Finally. And I'll admit, it makes my life easier that he will actually sit with Laney for 20 minutes and watch a show while I make dinner.

Elliot has started to blame things on Louisa---he'll run up to me and very seriously tell me that Louisa took one of his trains or pinched him! Laney finds this hilarious.

Elliot's a pretty funny little guy right now. He's often running around half (or completely) naked (he can take off all of his clothes-and I've kind of given up on re-dressing him over and over----he does use the potty when he's naked-so at least he's getting some 'practice'). And he's become quite the little lobbyist---when it's bedtime, he'll argue that he took a 'good, good nap'.

Stamps

2010-01-17T21:17:00.000-08:00

Grandma B and Pepah bought the kids a stamping set for Christmas, and it's been a big hit! Laney loves anything arts-and-crafts, and just recently Elliot has started to really enjoy playing with playdough, markers and paints for a significant period of time.

Of course, Laney and Elliot have different styles!-Laney is super diligent and intent, mixing different colors of paint to make new colors. -Elliot liked the actual 'stamping' part the most--stamping, stamping, stamping every inch of the paper.

Four Month Well Baby Visit

2010-01-13T21:06:00.000-08:00

Weezy had her four month well baby visit today. She is:

11 pounds (less than the 3rd percentile)
24 inches (26th percentile)

Happy, healthy and growing---we couldn't ask for more!

Basket Of Love

2010-01-11T20:56:00.000-08:00

These two have become the best of buddies-I love it. Yes, there is the daily fighting and random acts of violence (biting, hitting, kicking!), but more than anything, they're best friends. They play together for the majority of the day, laughing and giggling away. They snuggle right next to each other on the couch when they watch tv, sharing a blanket. They look out for each other. I can't imagine one without the other.

Four Months!

2010-01-09T20:45:00.000-08:00

Little Louisa is now four months old. Laney asked me if Louisa is still 'new', or if we need a new baby. Yup, still pretty new but getting bigger every day. She's a happy and mellow baby--loves her big brother and big sister. Oh, and she definitely loves me the most (as she should!). She loves kisses on her neck and to hold onto our fingers. I could hold her forever. If I could freeze time, I would-I love this age-so alert, aware and learning something new everyday.

In Other News....

2010-01-08T21:23:00.000-08:00

Delaney and Elliot have been best buddies. It's adorable--whoever wakes up first anxiously waits for the other to wake up. If Laney gets a treat, she makes sure that we save some for Elliot. When Laney is put in her room for a time-out, Elliot assures us that 'Laney will listen, Laney will listen'. They certainly have their tiffs and all-out-brawls, but they've been doing a lot more playing than fighting lately--and it's wonderful.

Elliot has two sides to his little personality right now: the 'at home Elliot' and the 'away from home Elliot'. The 'at home Elliot' is crazy--takes off all of his clothes (diaper included!) 20 times a day and jumps up and down on the couch for hours at a time. The 'away from home Elliot' is incredibly shy and clingy. He pretty much attaches himself to my leg and hangs on for dear life---his vulnerability can be literally painful to me.

Laney can almost completely get dressed by herself--she needs helps with her shirts--but can put on her undies, pants, shoes, socks and coat.

Elliot sings to himself all of the time-I love it, LOVE it. He has the sweetest voice and makes up little songs. There's nothing else that I would rather listen to.

Louisa has started blowing bubbles and really 'talking' back and forth with us--it's great. And she's a rolling machine-can roll from her back to her belly in one swift motion! She may be my third child but I swear that watching her grow seems absolutely miraculous to me.

Grandma B & Pepah Visit

2010-01-04T20:32:00.000-08:00

Grandma B & Pepah came to visit the week after Christmas. My mom had been out to visit and help us for a couple of weeks in late August / early September, but had to fly back to Pittsburgh on September 9 to start her school year---and guess when Louisa was born--September 9th of course! So-this was the first time that Louisa met her Grandma B and Pepah--I think that she was pretty impressed (and the feelings were mutual!).

Laney and Elliot love, love, love having company--and I'm so glad. They anxiously waited by the door each morning for Grandma B and Pepah to arrive from their hotel. We made a couple of trips to the hotel pool (a big hit), played at an indoor gymnastics place and made a trip to Genoa. We had a great week and it was a wonderful start to 2010.

Christmas Day

2009-12-25T19:46:00.000-08:00

Mid-morning we headed to Sand Harbor---where else to spend the perfect Christmas Day? The weather was beautiful and it was incredibly peaceful to walk along the boardwalk and play in the sand.

Christmas Morning

2009-12-25T12:00:00.000-08:00

Last year, we thought that Laney was 'into' Christmas, but this year she really was 'into' Christmas and Elliot followed suit. I think that Christmas is one of those things that is just going to get better and better as the kids get older. On Christmas Eve, Laney kept running over to the door when she thought that she heard Santa. And about 30 minutes after putting her to bed, she came out of her room and asked if it was morning yet and if Santa had come!

Both Laney and Elliot were excited to open up their presents and loved EVERYTHING----it was a super rewarding Christmas-I am pretty sure that we could've wrapped up kitchen spoons and given them to the kids and they would've loved them.

It was wonderful because Laney and Elliot really loved the simple things about Christmas--the cookies, the Christmas lights and the tree.

Elliot loved his Thomas train set (Delaney did too!). We fully knew that anything that we bought Elliot would be for Delaney too---she has an unbelievable way of 'taking over' Elliot's toys. In a proactive attempt to ensure that Elliot would actually be able to play with his toys, we bought Elliot and Laney matching (and I mean identical-nothing else would be acceptable!) Tonka dump trucks---and yet still Laney yells at Elliot when he touches her truck. Amazing.

Laney loved her new dress up clothes---cutest little flapper I've ever seen!

My kids are so lucky that Dave is their daddy---I'm not a grinch per se, but I don't do the holiday thing well. I get overwhelmed by all of the Christmas 'stuff' and endless to do lists. Right now, it's hard enough to make it through the day---without cookies to bake and presents to wrap. And, I know that this is terrible, but I like my routines and Christmas doesn't mesh with routines. Luckily for my kids, Dave does the holiday thing very, very well and ensures that the house is festive, a great dinner is cooked and that everyone is in the holiday spirit. I always make Dave promise that should anything happen to me, he won't let the kids watch tv all day every day for the rest of their lives; Dave always makes me promise that should anything happen to him, I'll cook a turkey for Thanksgiving and decorate a Christmas tree! I promise.

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T21:11:00.000-08:00

What more can I say?

Siblings

2009-12-23T20:54:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful that my children have each other. Our kids are very close in age, and it is really hard, but I love watching them grow up together. Delaney and Elliot are great buddies (when they aren't fighting!) and I love it that they always have a little playmate at home.

I can't wait to see how Louisa fits into the mix. For now, Laney and Elliot have been super accepting of Louisa---curious and loving. There's been very little jealousy--so far. Elliot always wants to 'hold that baby' and Laney enjoys her role as the big sister. Needless to say, Elliot can be a little rough with the baby, trying to climb into her swing with her or trying to pick her up by himself (not a good idea!); Laney is super gentle with the baby.

Louisa LOVES her older siblings---she watches them constantly and gives them her biggest smiles. No need to worry about whether or not Louisa gets enough stimulation---there's constant conversation, action and activity at our house!

The Little Things

2009-12-20T21:09:00.000-08:00

Laney and Elliot say the cutest things right now; I love how their little minds work. And when I'm tired, frustrated and ready to lose it, I try to remind myself of how sweet and innocent they are.

Elliot says--'Nuggle me, 'nuggle me, mommy--when he wants to snuggle--which is often-which I really, really love. Nothing helps me recharge more than some snuggle time with Elliot.

Yesterday morning, while making french toast, Dave asked Laney to put a 'pinch of salt' in the bowl. Laney quickly informed her daddy that--'We DON'T pinch-it's not nice'. Sweet. Now only if she wouldn't pinch Elliot about 20 times a day....

Laney goes to a Christian preschool---and not because we're religious-but because it's a really good place for her. She comes home from school singing little songs about Jesus. One day I asked her who Jesus was---her response?--'I don't know mommy-He doesn't go to my school'. And after her class Christmas party, she told me--'It was some boy's birthday today'. Ummm... Would that be Jesus' birthday, Laney? So much for that Christian education--I don't think that it's sinking in quite yet.

At random moments throughout the day, Elliot walks up to me and points to a very specific spot on his cheek, or elbow or foot and instructs---'Mommy, kiss me rrriiiigggttt tttthhhheerree'. If my kiss happens to be slightly off target, he'll let me know it and give me another shot! Oh, if only he'll always want kisses from his mommy!

When Laney kisses me goodnight, she puts her little palms on my face---it's so precious.

And I've Lost It

2009-12-17T19:00:00.000-08:00

My mom tells me that after my little sister was born (her fourth child), my dad would come home from work and she (my mom) would be in tears--totally exhausted and overwhelmed. I don't remember this. But I'm so glad that she told me. Because this is how I've been feeling. So-maybe Laney and Louisa will read this one day and know that their mom didn't have it all together either.

I lost it today. I'm not quite sure why. Maybe it was the solid two weeks of someone in our house having a nasty cold. Or maybe it was three months of not sleeping well. Or perhaps the thought of Laney being on Christmas break for two weeks did me in (do 3 year olds really need a two week 'vacation'???). Or maybe I'm just not cut out for being a mommy to three little ones---it's hard, really, really hard. Someone is always needing something. Always. Always. Always. And I'm not always sure that I'm doing a good job--or even an adequate job.

But I lost it. And if I would've been able to find a competent or even semi-competent babysitter (that wouldn't judge me!)-I would have got into my car and driven away. I might have taken Louisa with me-she's dependent on me for food and I'm not that bad of a mom. And besides she tends to sleep in the car. But I would've driven away--I don't know where to, but away. To clear my mind and just to get some peace and quiet.

So, yes, I'm overwhelmed and tired. I've learned that I can't do it all. My house it dirty, my kids are screaming and I'm a mess. I have three adorable, wonderful kids-who can drive me absolutely crazy. Not even close to it all.

New York Visitors

2009-12-15T12:26:00.000-08:00

All of our family lives far away; however, we are so lucky that our family comes to visit us--because it sure isn't fun for us to haul it east! Last week Gramps, Mimi and Gigi came to visit us--just in time for Hanukkah. Gigi got to meet sweet Louisa and play with Laney and Elliot. And since I had a nasty cold--I got some much needed relief.

I think that Louisa enjoyed snuggling with her Great Grandma!

Gramps, Mimi and Daddy took the big kids on the Virginia City Christmas Train. They loved it!

....And Gramps played in the snow with Laney and Elliot---Elliot had been avoiding the snow since he 'got stuck in it', so it was great for him to get outside and play.

Three Months

2009-12-09T20:55:00.000-08:00

My baby is three months old! Louisa is a delight---happy and mellow. Not the best nighttime sleeper but we're managing (well, she's doing just fine-I'm struggling!). She loves to be held and snuggled and LOVES to watch the big kids. She warms our hearts and completes our family. We love her to pieces.

First Big Snow

2009-12-07T12:05:00.000-08:00

It started to snow last nite--I had been putting off buying their snowsuits for weeks, so I hurried to the store--in the snow, of course. When I arrived home, the kids were outside playing in the snow (sans snowsuits)--loving every minute of it. I can't say that I was thrilled to see the snow--in fact, I've been dreading it--associating the snow with endless days of being stuck inside with three little ones---ugh. But I loved watching Laney and Elliot in the snow and loved it when Laney yelled, 'It's finally wintertime!!!'.

By morning, there was tons of snow---16 inches or something like that. Laney was thrilled with the snow and went outside to play three times before 9:30 AM--oh, the attention span of a three year old.

Elliot ran right outside, didn't know what to make of all of the snow and just belly flopped into it--then got stuck and spent the better part of the rest of the day yelling at the snow, from the indoors--'Yucky snow, me fell and stuck in snow, yucky snow'.

The Gang

2009-12-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that all three of them are mine!

Baby Sweetness

2009-12-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

And this is why people keep having babies---because they're just too sweet.

For The Grandparents.....

2009-11-24T10:03:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Recital

2009-11-24T09:50:00.000-08:00

Dave referred to Laney's preschool Thanksgiving recital as 'a highlight' in his life! Yes, it was that cute. Take a bunch of 3-year olds, put turkey hats on them and then have them sing little songs, and it's just about the sweetest thing that anyone has ever seen.

Laney was placed front and center---because she's so cute--or so her daddy thinks (really, she was in the front because she's so little!). Laney took her job very seriously--intently singing all of the songs and doing all of the little hand motions.

The whole thing was just super cute and sweet. We can't wait for the Spring Recital!

And Laney's fans:

Hot Chocolate

2009-11-22T20:54:00.000-08:00

Auntie Lynde came into town a couple of days before Elliot's birthday. She's been a huge help--doing dishes, cooking dinner, folding laundry, playing with Laney and Elliot and snuggling with Baby Louisa-Lynde's an expert baby-snuggler (runs in the family!). Lynde could not have come at a better time--she arrived just as I was about to lose my mind after taking care of sick kids for a week and stressing over anything and everything.

Lynde made the kids hot chocolate one night---needless to say, they loved it!

Presents

2009-11-20T19:55:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Elliot's birthday last night---but saved some presents for him to open up today-on his actual birthday.

He made out with lots of Thomas The Train loot!

The above picture is of Elliot hoarding his trains and making a run for it (away from Delaney-I'm sure)! Smart boy!!

Elliot Turns Two!

2009-11-19T17:23:00.000-08:00

I love my children's birthdays---proof that I've kept the little guys alive and well for another year! We celebrated Elliot's birthday one day early this year--with a couple of friends and a Thomas The Train cake. Elliot is a wild man at home and more than a little naughty but a soooo shy when we're out, so I thought that I low-key party would be perfect for him-and it was. Elliot LOVED his Thomas cake, and I LOVED watching him love his Thomas cake.

I could gush about my little boyfriend forever. He's rough and wild right now but still a mama's boy--which is just fine with me. He LOVES trains and trucks and playing rough, but he's sweeter than sweet---bringing Laney her favorite stuffed animals when she's upset and giving me the best hugs when I'm down.

He says, 'Mama 'nuggle me' (snuggle me) and makes me the happiest mommy on the world. He calls trains--'chugga chugga toot toots'---and what's sweeter than that?! He has the sweetest little face and the most beautiful green eyes, and I love that he's 100% boy--definitely introducing me to the whole 'boy world'. I'm fairly sure that no girl will ever be worthy of his attention (just kidding---kind of).

I LOVE this little boy--love being his mommy and love watching him grow. Happy Birthday Elliot!

Two Months

2009-11-18T10:38:00.000-08:00

Louisa actually turned two months on November 9, but she just had her two month well baby visit today. And for the grandparents, her stats are:

22 1/4 inches: 33.7%
9.44 lbs: 10.47%

So-she seems to be long (at least relatively speaking!) and lean (no surprise there!).

Louisa is an absolute delight and if I could freeze time, I would. I love this age-so aware and smiley, yet still so tiny and snuggly.

She LOVES her big brother and sister and saves her best and biggest smiles for them. I'm so glad that she gets to grow up in such a busy house--with two little playmates and so much to see and do!