Telling the kids

I entered my second trimester just before Christmas, so we decided to wait until Christmas Eve to tell the kids about the baby on the way.

This was really hard because my belly was already popping out and I was so sick, and tired all the time.  At one point I was having the "Never, ever ask a woman if she has a baby in her belly" conversation with Jackson.  To which he replied, "Okay, but can I ask you if you have a baby in your belly?"  I just laughed and ignored it, but I was worried that he would keep pushing and I would have to tell him before Christmas.  Somehow, we made it.

After dinner Christmas Eve, I stood up and showed the kids my growing belly and said, "I ate way to much, look at my big belly."  The kids just laughed.  They suspected nothing.

Every Christmas Eve, we give the kids new PJs.  We gave Lily her's first.  It was a t-shirt that said, "Big Sis"  We figured that would give it away.  The conversation went something like this. 

Asher:  "Why does Lily's shirt say Big Sis"
Mitch:  "Why do you think?"
Jack:  "Oh, is it because she is getting to be such a big girl?"
Mitch:  "She is a big girl.  But why else do you think?"
Jack:  "That shirt would make more sense if Mommy were having a baby."
Mitch: "You are right. So why do you think Lily's shirt says "Big Sis."
Jack:  "Wait, is mommy having a baby?'
Asher:  "Mommy is having a baby?"
Me and Mitch: "Yes, Mommy is having a baby."
Asher:  "Mommy, you are getting a baby for Christmas!"

For me, it was the best Christmas present that Christmas.

Fishing at Bass Pro Shop

The boys went fishing at Bass Pro Shop a few weeks ago.  Mitch waited in line to sign the waiver while Jack jumped in the 2 hour line for fishing.  Asher went off and did the free craft, painting a wooden snake, he got the last one. 

After hours of waiting, and watching everyone in front of them get skunked, Asher casted in his line and immediately caught a fish.  Jackson, got skunked.  What does this teach us?  Name your kid something that means "lucky"  because it seems to be working for this kid.

photographer, photograph thyself

not such an easy task
This fall, with my schedule so busy taking other family's pictures, I thought the best way to get my family pics was to just find a day, get the fam gussied up, set up a tripod, and tada! We would have our pictures.  It did not work out so well.  There were a few shots, especially of the kids that I liked and so I thought I would finally let them see the light of day on our family blog.

this picture pretty much sums up the whole experience. Without someone behind the camera, it is hard to wrangle the kiddos. I loved the location we used for the first photoshoot, it really was too bad that the pictures just didn't work out.Asher kind of stole the show the first time out. Look at this handsome guy!Jackson would only hold still for two pictures. Here they are.Lily was focused on a flower. For some reason all my kinds have felt the need to blow on flowers. I think it is so cute. Here is the only shot of the three kids together.
After two, failed attempts, I threw in the towel.  I contacted a fellow photographer friend and we did a trade.  I shot her family and she shot mine.  It worked out great and here are my favorites from that session.

Thanks to Nancy Jones for the swap.

Right now, in front of my house

Right now the temperate is 40 degrees and super windy.  My kids want to be outside and pretend that they are adventure people.


There are three little children under that blanket, along with snacks and water bottles. What really concerns me is, I can see their coats on the ground. So they took off their coats to huddle together under the blanket. When I asked them what they were doing they told me they wanted to be "like adventure people, out on an adventure."

Kiddo TV; just a few thoughts

I just spent the last few hours watching Nick Jr. with my 2 year old daughter.  Would I prefer to be watching something else?  Yes, but here's the thing.  I get to watch kid TV with my child.  You see, there was I time when I honestly thought I would not have children.  That sound strange coming from the mother of 3 expecting her 4th, but it is true.  I remember very clearly listening to my friends talking about Dora, Blue's Clues, and Barney.  Most mom's were happy to have shows that kept their children happy, occupied and taught them a few things along the way.  But there was always the complaints about, well, the obnoxious factor.  And I get it,  I know what they meant, but I would have given anything to have a reason to have the "Dora" theme song stuck in my head.  To watch Steve, a grown man, act completely silly with a bunch of animated creatures you know he can't see while filming.  There was a huge hole in my heart.  I wanted children so badly and I was happy to take whatever entertainment overtook my life as a result.  It seemed a little sacrifice.  I just wanted to be a mom. 

The Backyardigans came out just after when Jackson was born, and I have to admit; I love that show.  I think it has really great music, and it can be super funny.  I am glad I have the kid excuse to watch it.  I have wondered if I would like this show as much as I do, if I'd had no problems getting my kids.   I guess I will never know.  

I am so grateful that I will never know! I am grateful that I am able to tell what time it is based on what show is on PBS kids.  I am grateful that I know what a Spectacle Bear is because of Diego, and to know why earth worms come out in the rain because of the Kratt brother. 

Or even to have the Olivia theme song in my head because my 2 year old loves to sing it over and over.

 

The other thing is, I know that it all ends.  Jackson is already watching big kid shows.  When he gets control of the remote, he usually picks the History Channel, (that's totally normal for an 8 year old right?) 

So for now, I will sit with my Lily, and love every second watching the Fresh Beat Band with her.  Sure the songs drive me nuts, but it is so much better to me, than the alternative!

Pinewood Derby

Jackson participated in his first pinewood derby.  He loved it!  I have to admit that I love it.  I always wished that I could do the pinewood derby when I was a little girl.  Jackson's car did very well.  He won most of his heats and was very happy with his car's performance.

Jack and his car.Jackson's car coming in for a victory.*The Finals* The three cars that are were in the final heats.The cars.Jackson won; "Most Creative" for his Hershey bar car. For some reason Jackson just couldn't give me a happy face when I was trying to get a picture of him with his car and certificate. He really was happy. He had so much fun running up and down the track watching each race and getting so excited each time his car was on the track. We learned a few things and look forward to another pinewood derby next year.