Daniel's 37th and 38th Months

I'm behind a bit...

In His 37th and 38th Months, Daniel:
(in no particular order)
Weighed 36 lbs.
Wore size 3T and 4T clothes.
Wore size 9.5 in shoes.
Met Bob and Larry from Veggie Tales.
Could ride on his tricycle around the whole neighborhood.
Was great with being potty trained.
Liked to "chat" when on the pot.
Had a baby brother!
LOVED having Elias here at home.
Spent time with lots of loved ones!
Got a new jumper for Samuel's birthday.
Visited with family from West TN.
Was so dramatic!
Got a new fence in his backyard!
It was Daniel's favorite thing.
Was super bossy.
Pretty much told us what to do.
Had his closing program for MDO.
Actually stayed on stage!
Was such a ham.
Loved giving hugs.
Had an ear infection.
Loved to pretend.
Enjoyed "being" spiderman and a dog.
Would prefer to be naked.
Really enjoyed stickers.
Was an amazing singer and dancer!
Always wanted to go for a walk.
Would beg to go outside all day long.
Loved to swim and ride his tractor.
Didn't mind the heat at all.
Celebrated Father's Day:
     at Painturo's with Grandpa.
     at home on Father's Day.
Ran a random high fever...
     On two different days.
Would tell people about their gifts from us
     even though they were supposed to be secret.
Opened others' gifts before they could.
Took Daddy to Chili's for his birthday.
Got Daddy some glass coke bottles.
Had a terrible time with tantrums.
Cried hysterically when he didn't get his way.
SO, he cried a LOT.

Daniel's Favorites These Months:

• Color:  Green
• Shape:  Circle
• Song:  Three Men Walking, Arise and Shine
• People:  Ms. Jennifer, Mimi, Grandpa, Jessica, Gavin, Bekah, and "all my friends"
• Food:  Popsicles, Lunchables, fruit
• Snack:  Gummies, Blue or Pink Koolaid
• Toy:  John Deere Tractor and Swimming Pool
• Movie:  Chuggington
• Bible Story:  Daniel in the Lion's Den, Three Men in the Fire
• Restaurant:  McDonald's, "Chicken Lay" (Chick Fil A)

Popular Phrases and Conversations:

• I got a question.
• Hey!
• Mom said no.
• Mom said that.
• I want a popsicle.
• I wanna go to church with Daddy!
• I throwed a fit.
• I understand.
• I need you to listen.
• That's not a great idea.
• That's a great idea!
• Who it is?
• There you go, bud.
• I help you. 
• Let's go for a little drive.
• I really do.
• Here you go.
• I wanna see Jesus.  (biblical dvds)

So many things going on here...

Wearing his pajamas with no bottoms,

made sure to pack his bag,

but while watching cartoons,

fell asleep sitting up.

3 Year Checkup

Talked the doctor's ears off

and offered to share his Reese's pieces.

Cheesing with Ms. Rochelle :)

Storytime with Ms. Jennifer

Showing off his sword

at Chick Fil A's Family Night

Climbing at McDonald's

Convincing Samuel that pushing him

is a "great idea"

Meeting his baby brother

All of the boys

Riding the Deere

Jumping like Crazy

Hook up the car, Mom.

I can pull it.

Celebrating Daddy's 32nd Birthday

Target Practice in the Tub

Sweet as Orange Sherbet

Good Question

Upon opening the cabinet and pulling out the box of Pop Tarts this morning, Daniel asked, "How'd God make these for my breakfast?"

I had no idea where to go from there because 1) I doubt God would love our choice for a healthy breakfast, 2) how do you explain that process of preservatives to a 3-year-old, and 3) it was only 7:30 a.m.

Life is super fun lately.  :)  There is something special about a three-year-old's mind that I just cannot explain.

Miss List

I'll be completely honest that the past few weeks with 3 children has completely changed my outlook on life.  I mean it.  I am a firm believer that God knows what is best, but He is knocking my socks off with this little addition.  I never knew a 10 lb. baby could do that, but God surely is teaching me a multitude of lessons having given us Elias. 

I find myself "missing" things...  You know, like the-life-before-three-children kind of missing things.  I miss getting places on time.  I miss having just enough hands.  I miss sleep.  I miss pre-pregnancy clothes.  I miss an under-packed diaper bag.  I miss extra room in the van.  I miss open space in the fridge.  I miss clean counters.  I miss going to church.  I miss time with my husband.  Did I mention that I miss sleep?!

And yet, I don't miss anything at all.  I can barely remember life before three.  Oh my word, how I love watching my boys learn to live with one another!  I love seeing the older boys "take care" of the baby.  I enjoy the newborn cries and the sweet words my older boys say.  I never imagined life could be so full!  My three sons make me better just by being here and overwhelming me, testing me, and teaching me to lean more on the Lord.  I love, love, love this life I've been blessed with. 

Daniel and Samuel help Elias

understand "tummy time."

Going for their first walk together with Mom.

Yes, the double stroller is HEAVY.

Thank goodness, Daniel can drive

himself on his tricycle!

This doesn't happen often...

SO, I pulled over to make certain

I had a picture of it.

All three boys were asleep in the van.

It was so sweet...  and quiet.

Scaredy Samuel

Samuel has always been a shy and timid child.  He is very cautious and thinks through everything he does, says, or eats before going ahead with it. 

The list of things he is afraid of (and dislikes) continues to grow...

• Wind
• Things the Wind Moves (our canopy tent, bubbles, etc.)
• Bugs
• Rain
• Thunder
• Horns (car, train, etc.)
• Trains (real not play ones)
• Strangers
• Getting Wet
• Sprinklers
• Dirt
• Dirty Hands
• The Dark
• Spankings

He's too cute when he finds himself frightened.  He runs immediately to the nearest person and begins to cry, exclaiming, "I skeered.  It's skeery!"  I love how careful he is.  He isn't scared to be honest with his true feelings. 

Elias is 1 Month New

Elias Joseph will be one month old tomorrow, and I cannot tell you how much he has changed...  already.  He has caused quite a stir in our household, and we are enjoying every second of it!  He is such a calm, sweet baby! 

In Elias' 1st week:
He was born on Thursday, May 17th, at 12:06 p.m.
He weighed 8 lbs. 12 oz. at birth.
He was 20 inches long.
He met his two big brothers 6 hours after birth!
He met his Mimi, Grandpa, Aunt Ca, and Pop.
He saw many of his family's friends.
He spent two days in the hospital.
He lost 11 ounces while he was there.
He had a bit of jaundice.
He was given formula to help.
He ate 2 ounces every 2 hours.
He slept well.
He was visited by many friends and family.
He smiled in his sleep.
He had a very serious look.
His first outing at 5 days old was to Sonic...
     to get Samuel's birthday milkshake.
At his 4 day checkup, he weighed

Sweet chubby cheeks the day he was born.

Meeting his big brothers.

Going home from the hospital.

The three boys.

Hanging out in his brothers' room.

Giving his signature look.

Smiling in his sleep.

In Elias' 2nd week:
He had a visit from Mema and the Maness family
     when he was 8 days old!
He had his newborn and family pictures taken. 
He was only nursing and/or having breast milk bottles.
He held his pacifier in his mouth by HIMSELF.
He did NOT like his swing.
He slept 2-5 hours at a time.
He started sounding congested.

Mema and her great-grandchildren

Holding his paci in place

Laughing in his sleep

In Elias' 3rd week:
His Daddy and Mimi went back to work.
He had his first sick visit to the doctor on June 4th.
He grew out of his newborn clothes and diapers.
He began showing signs of colic.
He got his first card in the mail from Aunt Cathy.
He did well on his stomach.
He went for his first stroller ride in the neighborhood.
He lost his umbilical cord.
He had his first bath on June 6th.
He began eating 3 oz. every 2-3 hours.
He "ate" at Cracker Barrel with Cathleen and Mommy.

Tummy time

Going on our first walk as three brothers.

This was also Mommy's first REAL workout

since Elias' birth.  LOL.

His first bath wasn't too bad.

In Elias' 4th week:
He held his head up.
He ate 3.5 oz. every 2-3 hours.
He was still very congested.
He had a sick visit and an xray.
He had pneumonia in his left lung.
He began his first antibiotic.
He weighed 10 lbs and 10 oz.  94th percentile!
He bought his very first gift for himself... 
     a bouncer.

Enjoying his nap

Looking intently at his mobile

In 0-3 month clothes already!

The first time all three boys napped together.  :)

Checking out the new fence

Even with pneumonia, he is the sweetest thing!

Holding his head up for Daddy

Before I Forget...

• Elias weighed 10 lbs. 10 oz. at 4 weeks old.  This is the 94th percentile.  He is huge for his age!
• Our fence is almost complete!  We just need a latch for the gate.
• Samuel needs a riding toy like Daniel's John Deere...  Grandpa needs to get to it!
• After two weeks of congestion, it was determined on Thursday (4 wks. old) that Elias has pneumonia in his left lung.  X-rays weren't as bad as I expected, but the pricks and swabbing were awful (for me).
• Simple is best.  I do not need a fancy, decorated house to be happy.  My children love making messes, running through our halls, and breaking anything in sight.  It's okay NOT to overdo it.
• Brian now has a smartphone.  Wow. 
• The best part about the combination of the fence and rainy days?  The mud pit it leaves in the center of the yard.  Daniel spent an hour in it.  He slept a FULL 10 hours that night!
• My favorite verse right now is Psalm 30:5, For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.  I don't know what I like about it, but it keeps coming to mind.
• I'm ready to start "teaching" my boys.  I mean, really teaching them.  Crafts, alphabet, numbers, and all... 

What I Like About Elias...

• He often sleeps with his eyes open.
• His blue eyes are dark and big!
• His precious nose is just like his brothers'.
• He has full lips.
• He is long.
• He grows so fast.
• He likes to snuggle.
• His cry is quiet.
• He only cries when he's dirty, hungry, or sick.
• He smiles in his sleep. 
• His hair lies perfectly on his head.
• His bottom lip shivers when he wakes up.
• He keeps his arms and fists close to his face.
• He handles all of the attention from his brothers very well.
• He is content if he's being held.
• He curls his toes.
• He reminds me so much of God's grace.

The Things Kids Say...

Lately, Daniel at three years old has become quite chatty and outspoken.  He seriously says things that people are thinking but would never say aloud.  I love his honesty, and his humor astounds me.  In the last week, Brian and I have found ourselves literally laughing out loud over things Daniel has to say...

• Mom, it's an ant!  RIGHT THERE!  Kill it fast with your shoe. - upon discovering some unwanted intruders in the house
• screaming at the top of his lungs - I'm a quiet mouse!
• while on a walk in the neighborhood - Ugh, gross.  Who did that right there?  Why'd they do that poop on the grass?  That's not good.  That is gross.  Why'd someone do that?  I explain that a dog must have done it.  He needs to go to the potty. 
• I don't like your booty at all.  Put some pants on! - details are not needed. 
• I am the boss, Mommy.  You are not the boss.
• exclaiming to complete strangers - I have a new baby brother at my house.  His name is Elias Joseph.  He cries a lot.  He shakes a lot.  He sleeps a lot too.
• I got a great idea.  See, isn't this a great idea?! 
• I can.  I think I can. - while trying to build a fort.
• We're making too much noises.  - upon hearing Elias crying.

Thoughts on Three

Today, I'm on my own.  With three little boys.  Did I mention that I am by myself?!

Both Brian and my mom had taken two weeks off of work when Elias was born, and here we are, two weeks later, and I am on my own.  I feared the worst, to be honest.  Last night, I was so overwhelmed with the day ahead that I could barely sleep.  However, despite the fact that it's only 2:00 in the afternoon, the boys and I have already had showers, arrived ON TIME to the pediatrician's office, took a trip to the grocery, and ate lunch and a snack.  Currently, not a single child is crying.  The older boys are playing together in their room, and Elias is napping.  What did I have to fear?!  Sure, there have been moments today when I almost lost it...  for starters, how in the world did I forget wipes when packing the diaper bag?!  Why did I not have an extra shirt for MYSELF in the van?!  AND, what was I thinking when I thought going to get four gallons of milk with three kids in tow was a good idea?! 

I'm learning a lot about parenting, motherhood, children, and myself during this precious time.  People said we were going to have our hands full when they learned we were pregnant with Elias.  People also said that three under three was insane.  They mentioned that we'd go crazy, go nowhere, and get very little sleep.  While some of that may be true, my thoughts on having three are a bit different than those given to me prior to Elias' arrival and the transition from two children to three under three. 

Here are just a few:

• It takes at least 10 minutes to load the van, 20 minutes to change diapers and potty, and 30 minutes to pack to go anywhere. 
• Even with a mini-van, there is not enough room for us all.  Our car seats, extra clothing and diapers, and collection of strollers take up more space than should be allowed. 
• Diapers/Pull-ups/Overnites for three children are more expensive than gas.  I'm so thankful for the stockpile I've created in my garage.
• There is no diaper bag big enough to carry everything we need when we're all together, and sometimes, each child needs a bag of their own. 
• 30+ pounds aren't that heavy until you bring home an 8 pound baby.  My toddlers are breaking my back on a daily basis.
• Forget not having enough hands...  I don't have enough eyes or ears to keep up with the boys!
• Lack of sleep never is easy.  Even if you are used to it.  Going to bed early is key.
• Hand-me-downs are amazing.  Dressing our children would be impossible without them.  This is why I have yet to consign ANYTHING of ours.
• Lunch is the hardest hour of the day.  The older two cry if they don't get what they want, the baby is screaming for what he wants, and I am doing my best to hold it together!  :)
• If I can manage getting them in it, riding in the van with all three boys is my favorite thing.  They are all happy and contained.
• Doctor visits are nuts.  I really don't know any other way to explain it.
• Sickness spreads like wildfire.
• It's not as bad as I thought.  Really, it isn't.
• One-on-one with each child is super important.  I can tell my older ones crave my attention, and I love giving it to them.  
• Going is easier than staying.  Believe it or not, as difficult as loading them up is, we are all content when we get out of the house...  if only for a few minutes.
• Grocery carts aren't convenient for parents.  They just aren't roomy enough.  Where am I supposed to put my groceries once I get my kids in the cart?!
• I feel humbled.  I notice people looking at me as if I'm insane to have so many kids, but I realize that God is the giver of life and He has given me three little ones to care for.  I'm seriously honored to have this hectic, crazy life.