Dexter is 3

Dexter,

  Today you turned 3. There are a few days I wish I could relive and the day you were born was one of them. When your dad announced you were a boy and I got to hold you for the first time I was so overcome. That moment was so perfect. I was so curious to see if you would be more like Piper or Asher. It turns out you aren't really like either of them, you are just Dexty. Don't tell your siblings, but you are my favorite these days. You alone have the ability to turn me into a puddle of mush. Your sweetness just kills me. You are still my little clown and constantly make me laugh. You are very kind to your friends and to your siblings. You have such a thankful heart (you thank me for the same thing over and over, and often months later). I can not adequately express how much I love you and how grateful to God I am for you. 

We are having a small party for you tomorrow, but today we got to celebrate as a family. You love rockets and anything space related these days. We got you this rocket and I think you really liked it.

 I'm sorry, but as the third child you will always have to share. You actually don't mind and love when anyone plays with you. Today you decided to wear your handsome shirt (your words). Asher, as usual stays in underwear as long as he can.

 Ember has recently discovered her feet and spent them morning eating them (but yet she isn't crazy about cereal).

 In the afternoon we drove up to VA. You were pretty stoked about getting ice cream even though you didn't finish your meal. Emmy Lu wasn't too happy about anything today.

 One of my hopes for this year is your relationship with Asher. I hope as you both get older you actually like each other more. Having a brother is one of the best things in my life and I hope you two feel the same way.

 Right now you love your stuffed animals and have a plethora to sleep with. There are about 11 that you must have at bed time. It is usually an exhausting activity trying to find them all. We took you to Build-A-Bear and you seemed to have a good time. You picked out a heart to put in your bear, and you also stole an additional one and put it in your pocket.

 The bear needed his first bath, and you took that job very seriously.

 Right now you attend lots of your siblings' sporting activities. You are DYING to play something. I really think you are going to be my sports kid. A soccer bear is what you wanted.

Happy Birthday little buddy. I can't wait to see what this year is going to bring for you.

The girlies

I feel a bit scattered lately. We have a lot going on. Piper has dance and T-ball, Asher has baseball and soccer. Dexter spends his time waiting at these activities begging to play. They all have school. I am also tutoring a lot more these days (more on that another day). I usually have about two hours at home in the afternoon after preschool pickup. Dex takes a nap still, so I get to hang out with the girls. Piper is my biggest helper. She is so kind to Emmy Lu and loves playing with her. 

 I just love watching them together. Ember is so lucky to have Piper as her sister.

On Turning 30

I have a few hours left in my 20's. I keep waiting to feel apprehensive about turning 30, but I don't. If anything I feel a bit sad about leaving my 20's. I remember my 20th birthday really well. I went with a friend of mine to Philly for the weekend to celebrate our birthdays. Our car got towed to South Philly and we spent most of the night taking random subways trying to find it. It was not how I envisioned entering this decade. That entire year was hard and painful. I had no idea at the time, how much things would change and how happy I would be. 

At 21 I met Nate. It took him 6 months to work up the courage to ask me out. On our 3rd date he showed up in a Star Wars shirt, and at the time I'm pretty sure he only owned one pair of pants. I was a little skeptical, but I'm really glad I stuck it out. 

We got married when I was 22. I am blown away by this man. He loves me. He is compassionate, and giving, and understanding. He supports me in everything and is the kindest person I know. 

Shortly after we got married we found out we were in for a big surprise. Asher. I was 23. Being his mom has taught me so much. I've learned humbleness and understanding. He has stretched and challenged me.

 At 25 Piper came along. She was so different than Asher. This little girl makes my heart burst every day. She is such a delight and I still can't believe God gave her to me.

 Shortly after turning 27 Dexter arrived. I wish I could put into words how much I love him, and how much fun he is. He is my little buddy.

 At 29 Ember arrived. I already see so many hints of her budding personality. My baby girl, I love her so.

 I've also gotten to be a part of this family. They are crazy and fun, and I am so lucky to have all of them.

 This past weekend some dear friends threw me a party (Leah is missing in the picture because she is taking it). These women are amazing and I am astounded to have them as friends.

As I end this chapter in my life my heart is so full.

A Brief Respite

We are currently on day 15 of someone being sick. I feel tired. And angry. And tired. There was a brief period on Saturday where I though everyone was better so we went up to Virginia Beach. Nate actually got quite sick (and still is sick), so we didn't stay too long. 

Every once in a while I look at Asher and catch a glimpse of who I imagine he will be as a teenager. I see it in this photo. Although by then I'm sure it will be his friends and not Nate in the picture with him.

 Having four kids is so fascinating to me in so many ways. Their relationship dynamics are always changing and evolving. Piper and Asher get along really well these days. Piper and Dexter get along most days. Dexter and Asher rarely get along. When the three of them are together no one gets along.

I really hope this day is our last day of sickness. I'm ready to have more beach days (after I clorox every inch of our house of course).

Grumpy Days

You may have noticed my lack of posting lately. It wasn't due to the fact that we are all having so much fun and I haven't gotten a chance to photograph anything, but rather everyone is sick. My patience and compassion is running low these days. 

Ember is actually not sick, but is grumpy because of all the attention I am giving to everyone else. She is not a fan of having them home all day.

 Asher started with a bad cough and fever last week. Just as that started to subside he got the worst stomach bug. I will spare all the glorious details, but he was nice enough to share it with the other kids.

 Pipes is so pitiful when she is sick. She is wearing summer pajamas and is cold. She doesn't want to wear anything warmer so she just curls up into it.

 Yes, Dexter is wearing Nate's shirt. He got sick this morning. Asher was still sleeping (a VERY rare occurrence) and I was not about to wake him up. He has done really well with potty training this week, but we are putting that on hold today.

I see a lot of Dora and My Little Ponies in my future today.