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.

Warm Winter Days

The last few days have been quite warm and we have enjoyed being outside. It was 75 degrees yesterday and the kids wanted a lunch picnic. I'm not sure what Piper likes the best about the warm temps, being outside or breaking out her sandals. 

 Emmy Lu was thrilled to be out in the sunshine.

 Piper and Dexter love when I time them running around the house. I probably should cut his hair, but I just can't bring myself to do it yet. I love his long locks.

We are very ready for winter to completely clear out.

Valentine's Day

I have a confession to make to y'all. I love Valentine's Day. It is actually my favorite holiday. One of my earliest memories is waking up as kid on Valentine's Day to special balloons. My mom continued this tradition (as well as adding donuts) until we left the house. When I was in high school we could buy carnations for each other and the student council would hand them out throughout the day. In college I remember dressing up and going out with the girls for a fancy dinner. 

I was pregnant with Asher during our first Valentine's Day being married. I was horribly sick at the time, and was working full time. Nate took a half day at work and came home and cleaned the entire house and bought vases of flowers. He also planned a special dinner. 

Now that we have kids it is even more fun for me. I continued the balloon tradition, and this year I woke up early to make a special breakfast for them. 

 Leah and I decided to trade off kid watching so we could each celebrate. They took our kids overnight last night (this was a surprise for Nate). We love cooking together, and haven't gotten to do it much lately. We made a prime rib, fries, and roasted green beans.

 For dessert I made a Bailey's Irish Creme Cheesecake. It was awesome.

I got to go to all the kids' school parties and spend time with them throughout the day. It was fun and special. I'm surrounded by so many people I love and I couldn't be more thankful.

Museum Fun

It has been a cold winter down here and we are all going a little stir-crazy. The kids have been begging to go to the beach, but the temps don't make that too appealing right now. On Saturday we went up to the Children's Museum. It wasn't crowded and we all had a lot of fun. 

 Asher loved being able to lift the elephant. Nate loved explaining physics.

I love watching these guys run around and have a lot of fun.

Four Months

Emmy Lu is four months old now. At her last check up she weighed in at 12 pounds 13 ounces. This is the exact weight Piper was at this age. That puts her in the 10th percentile for weight. Unlike her sister, she is in the 65th percentile for height (she clearly gets that from me).

She still enjoys her little flower baths, but is starting to run out of room.

 Little Emmy can roll completely across the room now. She started rolling from her back to her tummy, and now figured out how to do both. It's hilarious to watch, because she doesn't like it. She can't stop herself from doing it, and she always gives these faces. It's like she can't figure out what keeps happening.

 To keep her from the endless cycle of rolling and crying I put her in the bumbo. She tolerates it.

I have such a mixture of feelings as she develops new skills. I love watching it all happen, but I'm sad that she seems to be in a hurry to leave babyhood behind.