Just Three Pictures

I tried this clean finger painting technique today. The kids loved it. I actually liked it too. And so much cleaner than using regular finger paints! (though slightly not as fun) It's just plastic bags with paint in them, taped to the table. 

Lee captured a picture of Tyler smiling. This is the happiest kid! You know when babies sleep, and then you see them wrinkle their face with a frown and cry... while they are sleeping? (my other two always did that). Well he doesn't do that. He smiles. 

Just another picture that Lee took of the other kids. He's been better at his camera than me lately!

What Do You Do....

........when your 5 yr old is smarter than you?? (And sadly, I think Will is right behind her. He's not even 2 and he recognizes most all his letters and numbers. I didn't even teach him, he just picked it up. I mean, who does that??)

I mean, I knew Amy was smart, I live with her, but I just didn't think she's out-do me so quickly. I mean, she's 5. And a half. I'm 33.

On Sunday, during the 3rd hour of church, Amy said she felt bad. She had her head in my lap and felt warm. I just figured she was overly tired since from 5pm Thursday to 9am Sunday she was running with her cousins. But that night she was still warm, and complained of her ear hurting. The next morning she was still complaining and laid on the couch all day.... begging to go to the doctor. (!!!!) Well, they were closed since it was Memorial Day. The next morning, I called and got her an appointment for 2pm. All morning she complained, begged and cried to go to the Doctor. When it was time, Lee took her. They came back saying she had a really bad double ear infection. Both ears were full of pus (gross!!!) and were just really, really bad. The Doc prescribed some super antibiotics to take care of it. Lee told the Doctor that Amy wasn't great about taking medicine and the doc gave her a lecture about taking it or she'd have to come back and get a shot (super yikes, in Amy's book).

So you'd think she would just take the stupid medicine. No. Not Amy. We somehow got her to take it last night, but then she realized how gross it was and now adamantly refuses. This morning it was a 2 hour whine fest about it. We even held her down and forced her as best we could to take it. Of which, she started to gag and it all came out. UGH! Eventually, with friends coming over and her not being able to play with them, she told me not to watch her and she took it. I didn't see her take it because when she said not to watch her, Tyler was screaming and I needed to tend to him. (I went along with all of this because I was tired and also because I figured that me glaring at her was freaking her out and she just needed to calmly take it on her own, taking her time) She showed me the empty dropper, I was sooo happy, gave her a treat as a reward and the doorbell rang.

Later Lee asked if she took it (he had gone to school) and I told him about it. He said, "How do you know she didn't disguard it?" I assured him that she wouldn't do that. She doesn't lie and I trusted her. And I was slightly perturbed that he didn't trust her too.

Fast forward to tonight and the same thing happens. She starts with the tears, then moves into hysterics and eventually says I can't look at her when she takes it. I leave the room, but this time, for kicks, I decide to watch her... mainly to prove Lee wrong. Well, I was the one proven wrong!!

She runs over to the laundry room, squirts the medicine somewhere and then comes out. At this point, I walk in and she says, "All done!" Then I head to the laundry room, she holds the door saying, "Don't go in there!" And starts with the tears again, runs to her room and slams the door.

At this point, all I can do is laugh. I was in such shock that I was actually laughing. I wanted to kill her, but I also found it hysterical. I mean, I couldn't believe she came up with this tactic! I can see her pouring it out, but to deliberately pour it in the laundry room.... and in a place it took forever to find.... well, that was some skill!! Want to know where her "medicine dumping ground" was??

In between 2 dirty potholders (sorry uncle Steve). This child! (The dropper wasn't there, I added it in for reference.)

So now I'm completely panicked about her teen years. Lee said, "I told you so, and yeah, her teen years are going to be rough...."

We haven't come up with her punishment yet.... but it's going to be big and rough. She can't lie and certainly not about something like this that she needs to be healthy. I tried giving her a dose of meds in some ice cream tonight, but the one time she doesn't want it- would be tonight. She ate about 3 bites and declared she was full. So now I'm at a loss.... I guess we'll have to head to the doctor for a shot. Which is more of a pain for us, but maybe it'll get the point across?? She certainly hates shots. But we hate to make the Doctor the bad guy. I can't totally blame her, I tasted it and the medicine is awful. Even with the "flavoring" they put in it. But she has to get it, there's no option there.

Man, this parenting thing.... I don't think I'm up for it.

Visit from the Adam Nagel's

A few weeks ago Lauren called and asked if they could come visit. YES, PLEASE! I think was my response. Amy has been counting down the days, Lauren wouldn't tell her boys until they were leaving. A tactic I should have used, as Amy was sooooooo excited. Anyhow- they got here on Thursday and it's been non-stop fun ever since.

The first evening they got here we had dinner then let the kids play outside until late. They had a ton of fun catching more and more lightening bugs.

(At this point, Amy and Jackson were sharing a jar and she was mad
 that he got to hold it for the photo. So she's pouting behind him)

We tried letting them all sleep together, but around midnight, we realized that wasn't going to work and separated some very sad little children!

On Friday we decided to head to Nashville and explore a little. I've really only been there one time (with Aunt Lynn) so I didn't know much about it. (although thank heavens I did take that tour with Aunt Lynn! It did help!)

We walked down by the river. LP Field (where the Titans play) is in the background.

We ate lunch at Big River (which is where I ate with Aunt Lynn and Ann. So I knew it was good)
Lee's face here cracks me up...

 

We walked up and down the main drag where all the country music bars are.

Stopping for a rest....

(I'm shocked that Will actually smiled for this picture)

Then we walked down 4th street, I pointed out where Taylor Swift lives (well, the highrise) and the kids played in a fountain. It was soooooo hot out and that marble was even hotter. So they didn't play long!

By that point it was just so hot (it was around 96 deg), we had to get back to our cars and a/c. We had wanted to ride the free bus and see some other things, but we knew the kids wouldn't cooperate. So, next time we are going to hire a sitter and us adults are going to do a bunch of fun things. The kids did well though, despite the heat, and it exhausted all of them. Most everyone took a nap either in the car or when we got home.

When they all woke up, we filled the kiddie pool and sent them out. Lee (reluctantly) had to go to school for some more dissertation edits and Lauren and I started on dinner. So Adam was the "kid watcher." At one point he came in and Lauren said, "You are leaving them outside alone? What if one of them drowns?" He didn't say anything and quietly walked back to their room. He came out a few minutes later.....with his swimsuit on. We just died laughing. (Lauren had just finished saying how he was a big kid). Then he jumped in the pool. I don't blame him, I would have too- it was really hot outside.

After dinner, they caught more lightening bugs and this time each had their own jar. I didn't get a picture of this, but when they were supposed to come in, we saw a frog jump out from the grass. Of course, they all wanted to run and grab it (Amy being the ringleader) but mean Mom/Aunt Sarah wouldn't let them. So instead we watched it. One of the kids had left their jar on the sidewalk, full of lightening bugs. The frog hopped over to it and kept jumping at the jar, trying to get the locked bugs. It was so funny to watch! Later on, I took the lid off and laid it down. A minute later, the frog jumped into the jar and had himself a feast.

On Saturday, we were all a bit tired, so it was kind of a lazy day. We all slept in, to some extent. And the kids watched cartoons.

While those 3 watched tv, sweet Maddox played with Tyler. Maddox loves baby Tyler and you could frequently find him looking at/playing with him. Such a sweet boy!

I don't think anyone even got dressed until around 11am! The kids played in the pool again, then lunch and more play.

We have them in Will's room. So there is the bunk beds and an air mattress. The kids had started jumping from the top bunk, onto the air mattress. I was a little worried that the mattress would pop at some point, so I ruined their fun and let the air out.

After awhile, my kids had rest time and Adam, Lauren and their kids went to check out some local stores. Will had a great nap (which he desperately needed!) and then more and more play. These cousins are so cute together and really get along quite well. Of course, there are a few spats (currently, Amy is ruining Maddox's block creation and he isn't happy about it. A minute ago, Jackson was trying to play with Will's guitar and Will did NOT like that.) But there aren't many.

That evening we Skyped the Ben Nagel's. All the kids here loved seeing Chase and Landon (and Uncle Ben too). Chase showed us a bunch of his airplanes- he's so cute! Little Brooklyn was sleeping so we didn't see her and Aunt Ashley was busy outside, so we just saw her for a minute. Skype is so nice! I love being able to video chat with out of town family!!

Then we had a pizza and movie night. The kids watched Alvin and The Chipmunks, and when we got them in bed, us adults watched New Years Eve (which we all liked).  

Sadly, the morning brought the end of their visit. They left around 9am and Amy had tears in her eyes.

Let me tell you- they are the best house guests! Adam swept my floors and cleaned up several times a day... Lauren was always cleaning the kitchen and did loads of laundry..... and they both held, bounced and rocked Tyler. It was wonderful!! Of course, they didn't have to do any of it, but it was such a help that they did! Perfect house guests! (I should be more like them when I'm places!)

We had an awesome visit and we are so grateful they came! I love that the cousins love each other so much and always have a good time. Even Will is old enough now to run around with them and he and Maddox seemed to hit it off. Thanks Adam and Lauren for the visit!! We hope we came do it again soon!

Delay

So, for anyone wondering how Lee did on his dissertation defense..... well.... He hasn't done it yet. It was postponed and as of yet, he doesn't have a new date. The deadline is in 2 weeks (June 8), so it has to be done by then.

Of course, at first we were really upset, but we've gotten used to the idea now and are just hoping and praying that it happens soon! We really love it here and don't want to leave. :(

A Visit from Friends!

Tyler made his church debut today. I had him dressed in the same shirt that Will wore on his first Sunday. It was so great to be back at church! I missed seeing everyone!

After church, our awesome friends, the Cole's, stopped by for dinner. They were in town to visit family and since we are close by- we got to benefit. We were so excited!! It's so great to see old familiar faces!

They had a boy in January and named him "Tyler." We already had our named picked out at that point and we laughed with them that of all the names, we decided on the same one. So to designate the two kids, Lee came up with using his and JJ's badge numbers. So now we have TYLER254 (Lee) and TYLER280 (JJ). So of course, I had to make them shirts!

Their Tyler is the happiest, smiley-est kid! What a cutie! Our Tyler is so small next to him! (and looks like an old man in his face)

We also tried to get a picture of all the kids. Which, by now, we should know, never works.

The Dad's and their Tyler's. JJ still works for Carrollton Police Department, and was just promoted to a Detective. It was fun hearing about the department and all the changes. In some ways it seems so long ago that we were there, a part of it all. But in other ways it seems like it was yesterday. I have to admit, there are times I miss those 'good ol days.' It was such a great department and we all had so much fun together.

We finally got Will to smile for a picture! Amy wanted to be by their dogs instead of standing with us.

After they left, it was time for Lee to get back to work. He is headed to Mississippi later this week to defend his dissertation!!!! (Finally!!!) His dissertation chair called him while we were at church and told him that another committee member wants Lee to redo all of his charts and data analysis. And in order for them to continue with his defense this week (which he HAS to do, or MTSU (here) won't rehire him in the fall) that he has to turn in all the changes by first thing tomorrow morning. So basically, that translates to a very upset Lee Wade. This whole thing is beyond ridiculous at this point. But he has to do it, so what he can he do? He set up shop and is planning to pull an all nighter to get the work done.

(sigh) Poor Lee. We are all SO ready for this to be over. The other night he was saying that he wishes he was still a police officer. He's sooooo over all of this. So lots of prayers please- he needs to get this done this week. Both for our job security and our sanity.

Aside from the dissertation crap, it was a great Sunday!

One Month!

So today Tyler is officially 1 month old! Yay! I got these cool stickers this time around (wish I'd known/thought of it with the other 2) so we had a little photo session.....

After awhile he didn't really like it...

(Am I the only one who takes pictures of my screaming children? I think they are so cute when they cry)

He wasn't super cooperative, but at least I got a few for the memories.

Ok- so about Tyler... I don't know how much he weighs. I should have done that before I started typing this. Oh well.... Anyhow- he sleeps decently, for a newborn. Pretty much 2-3 hours at a time, day or night. He's started staying awake a little more, and it's fun to see his little eyes actually open. He smiles a lot, usually when he's sleeping. And no, I don't believe its "gas bubbles." Once in awhile he'll smiles at us too and that just melts us. He started cooing a little too, and that's just adorable. He's a great eater and when he wakes up, he wants food, immediately. No waiting Mom! He's a good baby. The only downfall with him, is he gets gassy easily and a lot. I'm not sure why. Could be his system developing, or something I'm eating, who knows. A friend was over yesterday and she showed me a trick for finding the gas bubble and getting it out. It's been awesome and so far has worked wonders. So we'll keep trying that in hopes it makes him more comfortable.

He loves his little vibrating chair. In fact, that's mostly where he sleeps. Sometimes it's hard to get him to sleep, and he likes to be patted on the butt. But once he gets deep enough, we put him in the chair and he sleeps for hours. It's so nice!

Other than that, there isn't much to report on him. He's still little and pretty easy. It's fun seeing his face fill out. Everyone thinks he looks just like Amy, so we'll see if that continues.

{GASP!!} One day, I slept him on his stomach at naptime. And honestly, he slept much better. I really hate how the "experts" scare you into never letting a kid sleep on its stomach or side. They make you believe that if you do, your child will die from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). It's so not true. Sure, I'm sure some kids have, heck, kids die from random things all the time (I'm still pondering the drop down crib railing deaths and how those cribs are illegal now???!!??) I don't sleep him on his stomach all the time (because he sleeps in the chair) but I probably should. But yes, even I have the "fear" that those morons put in every new mother. Sorry for the soapbox....

Anyhow- back to the photo session.....

I call this one "Brotherly Love." Poor Tyler....

This is what happened when I tried to get a picture of all 3 kids. For some reason, lately Will doesn't like getting his picture taken. When he sees the camera he either says, "No, no!" or runs. In this case, he tried hurdling off the couch.

One with Daddy...

With mom and dad...

And two attempts at family shots. You can tell Will wasn't too happy here either.... and Lee's arm wasn't long enough to get us all in or keep the family in focus. We'll have to start setting up the tripod, or convince friends to take some of us.

After that, Tyler was worn out. He fell immediately asleep and the kids played.

Will follows everything that Amy does. Today I noticed him copying every move when they were outside. He got a bucket, like her, held it like she did, looked where she did, stood like she did, walked where she did... it was really cute. I also caught them reading books together.

This big box was in the living room, but for the past few days it's been in Amy's room. They were playing in it and having the greatest time.

Then tonight, Amy decided she wanted to sleep in it. She eventually climbed out and slept on her bed.  I don't think the reality was as fun as the novelty.

As for how the rest of us are adapting to Tyler....

The kids love him. They ask all day long if they can hold him. Will says, "I hold it!?" He's been pretty good with Tyler. There have only been a handful of moments that he doesn't like him. Mostly in the middle of the night, when he wakes up and I can't get him because I'm feeding the baby. Will doesn't like Lee comforting him (in the middle of the night) so I usually end up with 2 boys in my lap. One nursing, the other clinging to my neck. Fun times! (Oh and something else Will started doing.... when you give him something, instead of saying "thank you," he'll say "Thank you Much!" It's really, really cute.)

Amy doesn't seem to be bothered in any way. Of course, she's used to Will, so I didn't expect her to care. The only "problem" with Amy is that she gets bored. I can't do as much as I usually do with her, so she ends up watching a lot of tv. Which, granted, she loves, but she gets bored and starts getting kind of crazy. So I have to be diligent about turning it off and making her play. To which she says, "Moooom..... I'm bored of playing...." And I say, "Too bad, you're a kid, play." Then she'll color or find something to do. We have been going through a LOT of paper!

As for Lee and I.... well, since Will doesn't yet sleep through the night, we think that kind of prepped us for a newborn. The nights are interesting around here! Just ask both of our Mom's who have had the pleasure of witnessing it, firsthand. Nights are especially interesting when we have company and no one is in their right bed. We tend to play musical beds at night. Actually, the past few nights have been good. There have only been a few nights that I've almost lost it. Once was a few nights ago..... I had been up with Tyler from midnight until 4 am (with a stint of Will in there) and I was beyond tired. Luckily Lee took over around 4am and let me get a little rest. I don't need much sleep, but I do need some. The next night I prepared myself by setting Tyler and I up on the couch with the remote and lots of tv planned. But, of course, he slept well and I took advantage and slept too.

Lately Lee and I have been reversing our natural rhythms..... I sleep in and he gets up early with Amy and Will. It's been such a blessing as that extra few hours in the morning gets me through the day.

The days are always crazy too. It always happens that I'm feeding Tyler, Will wants his shoes on (his recent obsession) and Amy needs something. And there have been many times that all three kids have been screaming at the same time. But I guess because this is #3, I'm used to crying and don't let it get to me, too much. We try to keep a schedule of nap times, and that helps a lot. And of course, Lee has been able to be home a lot too, so that is really the saving grace. (My heart goes out to single mothers, I have NO idea HOW they do it!!!!)

I guess all in all, we are "hanging in there." We have other stressers going on... Lee's dissertation, our landlord may sell the house- meaning we'll have to find another, etc. But I am trying to take it day by day and just survive. We've done it for a month, hopefully we can do it for another!

Sprinkler Play

Today was beautiful and warm so I decided to set up the sprinkler and let the kids run wild. I'm game for anything that exerts their energy......

They did run through a few times..... but then...

Will found the wagon full of corn kernels (??!!) and played in that.

And Amy went on a bug hunt....

And the poor sprinkler just ran without anyone to play in it's wonderfulness.

Tyler didn't sleep much last night, or this morning. And I still couldn't get him to sleep... so I gave up and brought him outside with us. Where, of course, he promptly fell asleep.

I had made some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and I tried sitting down and reading my magazine...

But that was short lived as Amy got a splinter from a stick she was playing with. Her screaming woke up Tyler, which then started his screaming all over again. They both were screaming so loud that I decided it was time to come in so our neighbor wouldn't alert the authorities. But then I had to deal with the problem of getting Will to actually come in.

Amy eventually went to her room and fell asleep screaming (still with splinters in her hand). I finally got Tyler back to sleep. And was able to sit Will down with a tv show (which he barely watched). Oh yeah, the moment we got inside, it started raining.

I have a load of laundry that I have washed and rewashed 3, yes THREE, times because I keep forgetting about it. It's been in the washer for at least a week.

Mom and Dad are in Oregon (with Ben and Ashley) and mom happened to call the moment I almost called her (which happens a lot). Then I almost broke down. Not really, I was trying to fight tears with laughter.

Phew. Motherhood is definitely NOT for wimps. It's a good thing I think these kids are cute.

Walter Hill Waterfall

Lee stayed home again today and we decided the kids needed to go do something. When I had Tyler, we missed a play date at a waterfall and we decided to take the kids there. I mean, what could be more fun? Rocks, water.... a recipe for success!!

Amy crawled through the water, Will (for the most part) threw rocks in the water and Tyler slept (he was crying here because the light was in his face. He didn't care for that).

Eventually, Will got brave enough to go in as well. Then they were both soaked. There was a little drop off and that sent Lee into a panic. But all was well and both kids barely missed it. (It wasn't really deep, but deep enough that one of us would have had to rescue whichever kid. And neither of us felt like getting wet)

After we declared they were done (they would have played all day) we stripped them down to their undies and came home for a bath. Then it was lunch and nap time for everyone. I think Lee likes the mandatory rest time everyday! I know I can't survive without it.

It's getting warmer out- so water activities are the perfect solution to a long day! We attempted a family picture, but didn't want to wake Tyler, and then couldn't get us all in the frame (with him in the car seat). We'll attempt another one soon!