If You Give a Nine Year Old Her Brother . . .

. . . chances are she'll take him on lots of fun adventures. Some even more fun than others.

Any guesses where this adventure led them?!?
Sure made their mama's heart have a tiny pause . . .

and that was without imagining how Princess #1 managed to get him to the place of the adventure in the first place. She was just glad to be there when it was time for the playdate to end.

P.S. Did you notice the Prince's "bucky beaver's" peeking out of that smile?? They are super cute!

They May Be Girls . . .

. . . but they are nothing alike. Which is a good thing. Wouldn't want to get bored. Wouldn't want a life with no surprises. Makes life interesting and entertaining, and leads to moments like this:

Queen: Hey girls, part of cooking lunch is cleaning up after yourselves. (While surveying the disembowelment of her kitchen.)

Princess #1: I'm on it Mama. (As she grabs a wash rag and goes to work on the stove.)

Princess #2: I'll be there in a minute. (And she let her minute be a minute-good girl.)

And then there is Princess #3: I'll be there in an hour. (Granted she has no concept of time whatsoever, and true to word, made it to the kitchen just as her sisters were finishing the job.)

The lunch crew.

Real Life

Some version of this conversation takes place daily, here's today's:

Queen: Careful, those pancakes are hot.

Princess #3: No they're not. And even if they are that's okay.

Queen: Okay, I'm just warning you so you don't burn your hands or mouth.

Princess #3: Ouch!!! Those are hot!!! MOM!!!

Seriously people. Every.single.day.

A Pleasant Surprise

So Princess #1 is starting to show her age. She is developing an avid interest in all things tweener-something I can remember and relate to. She is trying to figure out what all the hoopla is about things that other friends find important and I can appreciate that. To that end, I am trying to keep an open mind when she asks if she can watch, "iCarly" or "That's So Raven", or my all-time favorite, "Suite Life", basically anything that the Disney Channel is trying to sell her age demographic on. (Any sarcasm read, was implied.) I'm impressed that she's not buying into all of it, it proves she has enough common sense to navigate her slice of the world with both eyes open.

My parents have given her a subscription to Clubhouse magazine, (which I heartily recommend). She devours it! My favorite column is "High Voltage", where kids can write in and ask questions about popular books, music/music groups, movies, etc. The reply they get is Christ-centered without judgement. Excellent!!

I am coming to a point, honest.

Well, today as she was helping me with apples, I asked if she wanted to choose the Pandora station. She wanted to know if she could listen to Jonas Brothers or TobyMac. I asked why Jonas Bros. and she brought out a Clubhouse and flipped to the "High Voltage" article that featured a question about the group. She told me that the magazine didn't think that the J.Bros. latest CD was all that great, but that their older CD's were worth a listen. I was skeptical, as I am with all boy bands, having had a memorable, if not short crush on NKOTB, before I discovered a more discriminating taste, but I said sure we'll give them a try. To my surprise, they weren't too bad, as far as boy bands go. One song in particular we both really enjoyed. It was fun to share this discovery with her. Best of all, is knowing that she feels that I am willing to give things that are important to her a chance before dismissing them.

I think that some great groundwork for our future relationship was laid today. And that in my opinion is one more huge positive for continuing our homeschooling adventure.

Happiness Is NOT . . .

. . . hearing a crash, followed by the sound of glass breaking and then catching the unmistakable aroma of nail polish wafting up the stairs at 5:45 am. Crappy, crappy day.

You Know She's Growing Up When . . .

. . . she won't get on the barrel horses at the state fair anymore of her own free-will. And when you do talk her into getting on one, "just for old times sake" and pull out the camera, she freaks and hops off before you can capture the moment(okay.ahem. blackmail.).

Part of Me

As many of you know, my standard answer to most all questions and/or comments relating to my children's physical features or actions is to say with a smile, "I was just the womb." However, there are days that I hear or see something that is such a part of me and who I am that I can't help but be amazed.

A case in point. Last night, Princess #3 came banging in the back door for the second time, this time without a word to the King or I, she muttered (my Mom would add "under her breath") all the way to the bathroom, turned on the faucet and proceeded to clean something, muttering all the while. In amongst the mutterings I caught some of these words: stupid (Of course! Her current swear word of choice.), dumb dogs, foot, poop, good grief, shoes, wash, I could go on, but I'm sure you can get the gist. I just started laughing (silently obviously), not wanting to interrupt her quiet rant, because it was so decidedly something that I would do and have done or will do that it struck my funny bone.

And just so you know, the King will corroborate this one, as he was kind enough to point out the similarities, just in case I had missed myself . . . in her!

Best Friends Are We . . .

. . . my sister and me!!
Princess #3 and the Prince have such a fun relationship. She is so patient with him and he thinks she hung the moon--oh and that everything she does is hilarious! It makes my heart so happy that already they are such great friends.

Seven Months and Counting!

Today marks the start of our sweet Prince's seventh month. We're on that slippery downward slope to that first birthday. Whew!

Here are some new or not so new things about our boy.

. . . he likes noises. Squeaks are still the best though.

. . . he sleeps through the night (has since 8 weeks bless his little heart).

. . . he sits by himself, preferably surrounded by toys and best of all sisters.

. . . he likes to roll to his belly and get up on his knees.

. . . he loves Cheerios. So much that once he catches one, he keeps his pinchers in his mouth til it has dissolved!

. . . he loves to be outside, especially if there is a breeze. He will lift his face toward the breeze and just be still.

. . . he wears 6-9 - 12 month clothes and 9-12 month shoes, and size 3 diapers.

. . . he likes to ride on mama's back in the mei tai, especially to play soccer with his sisters.

. . . he soaks 4 bibs a day, at least.

. . . he is experiencing his first cold.

. . . he love love LOVES his sisters.

. . . he love love LOVES his mama and daddy.

and they all love love LOVE him back!!

Happiness Is . . .

. . . seeing the scales tip past 20 lbs., when just 4 1/2 months ago, he was just a couple of ounces away from being diagnosed as "failure to thrive".
Thank you Lord-You have been so good.

Overheard from the Backseat . . .

. . . on our way home from playing at a friend's house.

Princess #1: Wow that was so much fun! Sometimes it is hard to play with younger kids, but it wasn't today. It's like he has an 8 year old brain inside a 6 year old's body.

High praise indeed coming from a 9 1/2 year old!!

Overheard from the Kitchen . . .

. . . "Okay, let's pretend we're twins. You know, twins that don't look alike.", Princess #2 says.

"Oooh, like Mrs. S's babies?!?", squeals Princess #1.

"Yes, except we're not babies and I'm NOT going to be a boy!", Princess #2 declares.

Alrighty then.

Six Months with the Prince

At six months old the Prince . . .

. . . can sit unsupported for a quite a bit of time.

. . . loves any toy that squeaks, especially Sophie.

. . . wears 6-9 month clothes and shoes, and size 3 diapers.

. . . has two bottom teeth.

. . . loves to eat big boy food, especially applesauce and green beans.

. . . recognizes his name.

. . . can roll to get places.

. . . is obsessed with holding his feet, kicking his feet, eating his feet, I could go on.

. . . love, love, loves his big sisters.

. . . has figured out that crying gets those sisters to do, fetch, get what he wants. :)

. . . will raise his arms to be picked up.

. . . still does whole-body grins-I love those!

. . . loves his mama and daddy.

. . . is still so mellow and easy-going, except for when he's not.

We love you sweet boy. Thank you for the happy first 6 months with you!

She's 7!!

Princess #2 is now 7 my friends. And she is lamenting the fact that she isn't older yet. Seven seems too old for her somehow.

She loves to play "naked" dress-up. Loves to color. Is learning to love to read (the new glasses for reading have inspired her I think). Has a wonderful best friend. Loves animals, horses to be more specific. Wants to be an animal doctor. Loves 2nd grade, "it's easy-peasy Mama". Is an odd combination of girly-girl and teenage boy. Still loves to snuggle and cuddle with me when she slows down long enough. Loves her baby brother, okay, the sisters too. Loves to be outside. Loves to swim. Loves to try new things.

What I love about her is that she makes my life interesting. She is easy-going. She loves so deeply and so strongly and so instantly--amazing, really. She is my little tiny baby who was in such a hurry to join our family, and now she's growing into a beautiful young lady who loves her family and her Lord.

We love you Princess!!

A horse from P #3

Haunted Castle Cake

Cool castle legos

Something New, Something Sweet

About a week ago during the bedtime ritual, our sweet boy grabbed my face in between his little hands and planted one on me. A big, open-mouthed, wet baby smooch! It was so unexpected and so sweet that I laughed and gave him one back, which prompted him to reciprocate and so on.

It's always so fun when babies decide to give some love back in such demonstrative ways. Makes this mama's heart get all smooshy and a bit bigger, which is good because the Prince has been cutting his second lower tooth. Did I mention that the Prince teething=ugly for all those involved??

Well today he has decided to try out some new ways to give some lovin' to his tired mama. While I was holding him on my lap facing out, he leaned back, rolled his head so he could look me straight on, grabbed my hair and pulled my head down for a wet one. So suprising. So sweet.

Overheard from the Bathroom. . .

"WOW!! I'M GORGEOUS!!!!"

-Princess #3 checking herself out in the mirror

(That's right. Here's proof. We here at the castle spare no expense at building self-esteem.)

Happiness Is . . .

. . . waking up to a small, soft hand gently touching your cheek, hearing a giggle, turning your head and gazing into the beautiful, blue, smile-crinkled eyes of your son.

If You Want to Wear Your Glasses . . .

. . .you better get a book and start reading!!!

Bonding over books . . . Princess #3 was in the recliner reading too!

Doesn't she look adorable in glasses????

Quote of the Day

"MOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYY, the Prince is getting drool on the dance mat!!!!!!"

"Muaw, haw, haw!", says the Prince, "I'll get you yet my pretties!"

Note To Self:

When your 4 year old asks if she can change her dress because it's wet, you should probably ask her for more specifics on how that came to be . . . so you don't get your skirt all wet five minutes later. Hmmm.

Overheard from the Pool . . .

"Eeeek! There's a spider!!", screams Princess #2.

"Everybody PANIC!!", screams Princess #3.

Benefits

So last week, we got the wild hare to de-bunk Princess #2 and #3's beds. It makes their room cramped, but they are loving the "slumber party" atmosphere of the new arrangement, perhaps a bit more than I initially anticipated. Hmm.

Anyway, the first day post-debunking, the girls would not stop jumping on the beds. So I told them for one day only, you can jump your little hearts out. Just don't come crying to me if you get hurt, I warned them! They were so excited and spent a fun-filled hour jumping before I heard the first cries. (You knew it was coming didn't you?) Princess #2 came tearing down the stairs with a bloody mouth, but her cries weren't cries of pain they were of excitement. You see in all that rough-housing, etc. her very loose front tooth came out! Very exciting stuff around here!

She looks adorable and that second front tooth is very close to following the first one's fate--I can't wait. There is almost nothing cuter than a kiddo with missing top teeth!

Better A Few Days Late Than Never

So our sweet Prince is now five months old! It's redundant to say, but it's so hard to believe how fast he is growing up!

Here are some things that are new and that we love about

our guy . . .

. . . you can grab just about anything and immediately taste it!

. . . you love to be startled.

. . . you love bodily function noises, sneezes especially.

. . . you love to play the "here come the kisses" game with Mama, it makes you laugh every time.

. . . you are still very mellow and very easy-going, except for when you aren't.

. . . you wear mostly 6-9 months clothes and size 3 diapers.

. . . you've almost outgrown your 0-6 months shoes.

. . . you love to see your sisters, they make you happy.

. . . you love to sit in the Bumbo, and the saucer, and lay on the floor.

. . . you can roll from your tummy to back and if you are motivated from your back to tummy.

. . . you love "big boy" food-especially squash and bananas.

. . . you are loved so much and we are so blessed to have you in the castle.

Happiness Is . . .

. . . hearing Princess #3 reading "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" to the little Prince.

Sweet Cousins

Our annual trek to the Midwest this year had a fun beginning in the form of a teeny tiny family reunion for my family. A day and a half is not really a reunion, but seeing as it will most likely be the one chance this year for my family to all be together we jumped on it. I wish it could have lasted a lot longer, as it was so hard to say goodbye to everyone when it felt like we had just arrived. But I refuse to complain because seeing everyone for a blip is better than not at all.

The princess' loved meeting their baby cousins, even though as Princess #1 put it, two were missing, one we hope to meet soon and one in heaven (she took my feelings and put words to them, sigh.). We played "musical babies" as the King put it, passing the babies to whomever had free hands. What a blessing and what a treat to all be together!!!

A big thank you to my two travel weary sisters for making the long trip up and a thank you to my youngest sis for hosting us in and out of her bungalow in such style! And a thank you to my folks for just plain making life easier for us by going out of your way to make sure we were comfortable and had all we needed.

The Prince and his cousin R. hanging out!

Princess #1 holding cousin S.

Princess #2 hanging out with cousin R.

The Prince and cousin R. holding hands. So sweet.

Little Duffer

Behold! The Future!

This daughter of mine cracks me up. I love her to pieces and her uninhibited nature is a riot! Enjoy a little glimpse of what awaits us . . . although I'm sure the future will include a missed curfew, black eyeliner, a mini skirt, stomping up the stairs, a door slamming, and then the music and the dancing.

For now I'm just enjoying the ride.




P.S. Doncha love how Murray (the dog) could care less??

You Know It's Gonna Be . . .

. . . a rough day when your 9 year old is asking for chocolate.

Bumbo Boy

So in the last week or so, the Prince has decided that reclining is for babies. He wants to sit up and look at his parade . . . or toes. It's been frustrating because as much as I love to wear him, I also want him to interact with the world while not being worn. As a result, I need a safe place for him to hang out, like the bouncy seat which he used to love, that he now tolerates. A friend told me about these "bumbo" seats and I decided to give one a chance. He loves it! He can "sit" and "play" legos with the girls or Barbies or watch Mama make dinner, all from his favorite independent position! It has been a lifesaver and a happiness bringer and I highly recommend this little seat!

He can reach "Sophie" with ease!!

Watching the parade play legos.

It'll Get You Anywhere

My mom used to always say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery . . .

I Have Proof

Today I bring you (and me!) proof that yes indeed, that sweet little personality is still in there. It's hidden most days it seems for hours at a stretch, but it's not gone. And that right there gives me hope and helps me not give up on her.

Happiness Is . . .

. . . getting the Prince back to sleep after he woke up from a puny nap and having the Princesses content to soak each other outside! This happened simultaneously people!!!

Yep, She's Homeschooled

So Princess #1 comes to me this morning and tells me that she's figured out that I've been pregnant for 3 years of my life. She thinks that that fact is pretty cool. Inwardly, I'm crunching the numbers and feeling a bit nauseous. I ask her how she figured it all out and she says by doing math.

"You know Mama, 9 times 4 is 36 and 36 divided by 12 is 3, so that's how I found it out!", she says with a sigh of satisfaction.

"I'm glad that you found a practical application for your math.", I tell her, thinking that maybe today there will be a smaller battle of wills over the importance of arithmetic.

Sunday Shopping

My guys on a Sunday afternoon . . .

My Life (for now), With No Apology

This is a little poem that I discovered when Princess #3 was a baby, and it always brought life with a new baby back into perspective for me. Now with 4 children, I find myself repeating the last stanza almost as a mantra to keep myself from getting too down on myself for all the "stuff" in life that is not being kept up with now that the Prince is in our midst.

It's hard to get perspective when there is so much that should getting done and so much that absolutely has to be done and stressful trips to organize and plan and and and. However, as my mentors advise and remind me, this time with a baby and even young children will be done so quickly and then gone (except for the daily baby-fit or two). And when it's gone you won't remember how clean the house was (or not, in my case), it will be the memories of time spent with these little blessings that linger.

If you think that I'm being selfish, lazy, a bad housekeeper, and am spoiling my baby as I rock and care for him instead of the house too bad. He's my baby and babies don't keep.

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew
And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo
Look! Aren't his eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

- Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

Happiness Is . . .

. . . a drowsy, milky smile at the end of a long, crappy day.

Theology-Princess Style

For some reason this morning Princess #3 was asking what color I thought God's hair was. I told her that I didn't know since the Bible doesn't give us those details. And then she springs this on me that I had to share . . .

"Oh well, at least we know what color Adam's hair was.", she says.

"How do we know that?", I ask.

"It has to be brown because he was made from dirt."

Can't argue with that logic!

Princess #1 is 9!!

Well, she's one year closer to the double digits. Pretty crazy for me to wrap my mind around. In a lot of ways, I still feel like her baby-hood was just the other day, and then I catch a glimpse of her and the girl-woman she is becoming and it makes my heart stop! It's too fast, I'm not ready!

It's been an interesting year for her. She has loved the fact that she is a big sister. Again. And she really is a tremendous help with the Prince. She prefers to be the boss (shocker!) and control the way the scenarios are being played, but she can also be really sweet and play along with those pesky little sisters too. Her school year has been challenging for her. No longer can she whip school out to the Queen's satisfaction in the time it used to take her and that has frustrated her. But she has hung in there and is doing well!

I'm proud of her. She is beginning to blossom into a young lady that is pleasant and fun to be around. She remains very empathetic to those around her, loves to make gifts and cards for anyone she can, and is willing to help out wherever she can. I'm so glad that she is my daughter.

Happy 9th Princess! We love you.

April Photos

All ready for church!

(The Queen loves those baby button-downs!)

She lost her first tooth!!!

Great Grandpa and the Prince on Easter.

Taking the dye-job very seriously!

She still loves to hold him and sing him Cubbies songs!

Just Something Funny

The older two princess' have been very busy outside playing "Sugar Creek Gang", it's been great! However this afternoon they came bursting in the door to tell me about their ant farm. This is what tickled my funny bone:

". . . and Mama we only have three ants so far, so we named them "De" "Jah" and "Voo". You know why Mama, because we can't tell them apart and that way it's like deja vu all over again every time you see one! Do you get Mama, do you do you?"

Yah, I got it.

Renewed Appreciation

You know that song that has that line in it, "don't know what you've got til it's gone. . .", well that is my reality this afternoon. My parents took the older two princess' for the afternoon and overnight, and my initial reaction was (and honestly still is) "whoo-hoo", but as this afternoon has progressed I am coming to realize how much I depend on those two hoodlums in order to make life with four royals work! They are such a help with keeping Princess #3 stocked in beverages, snacks, movies, etc. really anything that she needs they do for her (and me by extension!) while I am dealing with the Prince. What a blessing to have kids that, although they fight what feels like constantly, are willing to help their Mama out at a moment's notice. I am honored to be their mom, and am missing their presence this afternoon.

I think that the moral to this one is, that I need to have them visit Nanny and Papa more often, don't you?? It's a win-win, they get a break from servitude and I get a renewed sense of appreciation for all that they do to help around the castle.

Sometimes Life Stinks

You know, I should be happy today. The sun is out full strength, the girls are enjoying their first runs through the sprinkler and are so happy, but here I am stuck with a cranky baby who will not nap, and that my friends, stinks. I'm not writing this post for sympathy or free meals or help. I am just hoping that by writing, I will get over myself and my little pity party.

Normally a cranky baby would not be a big deal, but see this little guy has his mama spoiled. He is so seldom cranky and so seldom refuses to nap, that when he acts "normal", I go into a tailspin. One of life's little cruel jokes I suppose.

I know what I should do, but I don't want to feed him one more time. I don't want to cuddle him anymore. My shoulders ache. The slings are hot to wear for today. The house is messy. I want to knit darn-it, not sit for another hour feeding my child, looking at Mount Barbie. It is days like today that I wish I was a working mom and could just go away for 8-10 hours and be with grown-ups who all hate their jobs and talk about that, rather than who needs a snack, or took care of their bodily functions.

But I know that I could never be a working mom. I could barely leave the Prince to sleep in the nursery on Sunday. It took all my will-power to leave him yesterday. And then after 90 minutes I was dying to hold him again. So, I sign off to console the bereft Prince and strive to find a piece of happiness to hang onto. Thanks for listening.

Princess-y Wisdom

Lately the older two have been full of wisdom and insight beyond their years, not that they know this (or are told this!). I find it interesting how some of their comments bring clarity and truth to things in life more-so than a thousand sermons on the same subject. I think it is one of life's little blessings, their childlike explanations to some of life's big struggles. Here's what I mean . . .

Princess #1: I wish that the obedience part of my brain was bigger than the part of my brain that likes to disobey.


Princess #2: Why does self-control have to have the "self" in it? It'd be so much easier without it!

Princess #2: I know I should look away, but my eyes won't let me!

All three insights are issues in my life that I struggle with: obedience (the first time!), self-control (no comment), and looking when I shouldn't (reading, movies, etc.). Thanks dear ones for reminding Mama of what she needs to work on!!

Happiness Is . . .

. . . a day where all three princess' get along with each other (for the most part), help Mama out with cheerful hearts, and a baby prince who takes a nice long afternoon nap!

It has been a nice, peaceful day-what a blessing to me!

Two Months Old

So my baby is two months old today. Already. Why do babies arrive with the warp speed option turned on? Of course there are days, when I'd like to fast forward to his toddler years, but it goes so quickly regardless.

My friend Mrs. S. did some cool posts about her sweet babies and being the lazy, copy-cat that I am, I'm shamelessly copying her idea for my own post! So here goes . . .

Things I'm getting to know about the Prince, at 2 months of age. . .

-you love to cuddle and snuggle, especially right before nap time.

-you love to wiggle your head until it's under my chin (I think it reminds you of my rib cage!)

-you make this dry cough sound that progressively gets louder the longer you have to wait til mealtime.

-once fed, you love to coo and smile your thanks.

-you usually make a little cooing sound before your smile bursts out.

-you feel most secure when your hands are holding onto something, preferably some one's fingers.

-you like to give me back massages (or scratches depending on your fingernail length) while I nurse you.

-you are happiest when you can see your parade go by.

-Daddy's voice makes you smile every time!

-So does the word chillin'. Go figure on that one.

-you can follow me with your eyes and even fuss if I leave your line of sight.

-you would love to be a thumb-sucker, if given half a chance.

-you are by far Mama's mellowest baby.

We can't imagine our family without you! You complete our castle!!

A Quiz

So what's different about this picture than normal?? Notice anything unusual about Princess #3's choice of attire??

If you guessed she's wearing pants (for the first time in a year) you are correct!! She decided a week or so ago to "surprise" me with trying on a pair of pants and my genuinely stunned reaction prompted a string of pants wearing. Of course, the dresses are still worn quite regularly, and sometimes even with tights (oh my, another first in a year!). It's been a long uphill battle, but we are gaining some ground in the variety of clothing department! Hooray!

Captured

Our sweet Prince is quite the smiley guy, however catching that elusive grin has proven quite tricky! However, yesterday I was successful. Seeing those fun expressions does help one to forget the sleep deprivation, I must say.

The sweet smile we see the most, which is the

precursor to this big ol' grin!

Princess #3-isms

Some of the things my kids say never fail to amuse me, and it always seems like I'm trying to remember what she said or did. So I've been jotting stuff down this time, and all of what I've got lately has been said by the youngest princess. I hope you enjoy!

*Mama, are you done milkin' the Prince yet?*

*Mama, that smoke from the iron smells like broccoli steam.*

*Mama, your panties are a lot bigger than your bottom.*

*Mama, remember how A. (her cousin) had lots of sugar (#3's word for spit-up)? Well, the Prince has tinier sugar with more bubbles.*

*Mama, when you kiss Daddy, your heel doesn't always pop.* (A "Princess Diaries" reference.)

*Mama, when I grow up I'm going to feed my babies faster than you.*

*Mama, isn't it interesting that the Prince has a [insert correct male anatomical word here], and girls don't. Because we all have the same bosoms, so God made boys have [insert correct male anatomical word here], so we can tell them apart.*

Dingity-Dang

I heard the Prince stirring during the wee hours and squinted at the clock, on which I swear I saw the hour as 4, like in 4 am, as in the Prince slept for 7 hours! He has been doing so great at night, that this was really a possibility in my mind. So I jump out of bed, feeling so rested, after all, it was 4 am, snatch up my babe only to realize that he was just grunting and wasn't fully awake. So I carefully wrap him up and tuck him back into bed, and then check the clock again, thinking how can he not be hungry?!

IT WAS 12:32 am!! Swear word, I think to myself as I hear the Prince decide that if Mama was willing, he was able. We haven't had a midnight feeding in a couple of weeks dang-nabit.

Note to self: Always double check the time with your glasses on, before checking on his royal self!!!

Lunchtime Chatter

Princess #2: "So how many calories does our tartar sauce have in it?"

Queen: "45 per serving"

Princess #2: "How many calories are in your tartar sauce Mama?"

Queen: "95 per serving"

Princess #2: "So that's why your Mii is so fat on Wii Fit!"

I love how one serving of tartar sauce explains Mama's shape, rather than the four servings of royalty she's brought into this world!!

Happiness Is . . .

. . . a baby day! I just had to brag that I am an Auntie again!! My sister had her second daughter this evening. Baby and mama are doing just fine, praise God! And I just got an email that a sweet friend is in labor with her baby #2 surprise. I can't wait to hear her good news!

What a great first day of Spring!!!

Overheard on St. Patty's Day . . .

". . . let's have Mama drink lots of green milk today, so that the Prince can drink green milk too!!"

"Yah, and let's have her eat lots of chocolate, so he can have chocolate too if he wants!"

They are such thoughtful gals . . .

One Week

It's amazing to me the difference just a few days can make. A week ago found me so frustrated, so tired, so anxious about everything. And now a week later, life has found it's rhythm again. I'm not saying it's perfect and going like clockwork, because we are living according to "Prince Time" right now, and babies are anything but clockwork. They somehow sense that you are content with the routine and that's when they like to drop a nap or add a feeding or sprout a tooth, you know.

I decided to brave going to Bunco last week knowing full well my hands would most likely not touch the dice, but I needed the fellowship. I'm so glad I did. I had the chance to reconnect with my friends and laugh about things that were and still are really bugging me, and got to eat a delicious dinner that I didn't make. It was just what I needed!

And now this week, I have taken up two offers of help with cleaning the house before our company arrives. Something that I normally would never do, but once I agreed, what a weight lifted off my shoulders! Anyway, before I blither on much more I better end this post. I'll go into more details later of "stuff" that has been going on, but for now be assured that things here at the castle are going as well as can be expected and I'm hanging in here, but by my hands now, instead of my fingernails!!

Showing off their knitted head gear!

Prince Pictures

A nasty cold-bug has descended over the castle in the past week which is slowly making it's way through our family. So far, just the Prince and I have yet to get it to the fullest. I am hoping it stays that way. So not much for posting fodder, I apologize. But here is some Prince eye-candy for the meantime.

What do I do with this thing??

Look at that cute chin and the visible lower lip!

Wearing his duck soup sweater!

Drat!

But it works so well for Mommies . . .



(I hope you all know I'm totally kidding with this post . . . kinda.)

My Surefire Method

So this week I discovered a new, improved, surefire method for getting the Prince to wake up when he needs to . . . I pick up my knitting!! No sooner to I get into the rhythm and remember where I am in my pattern, do I hear a little voice calling my name, usually insistently. It's great! (Ahem, except for the times you immediately pick up your knitting after putting the little one down, and he decides that he doesn't want to sleep. Then my friend you've got trouble.) But for now, I can take it, and for his sake it beats a cool washcloth on a sleepy face!

You Know You're Beyond Tired When. . .

. . .you let your kids start their day off in front of PBS Kids.

. . .it takes your 4 year old commenting on your smell before you realize that your p.j.'s have baby spit-up all over the front.

. . .and then you notice that your baby's hair is slick with spit-up.

. . .you slice your leg shaving, in an accident that rivals the first time you snuck your Mom's razor into the shower to try it out.

. . .you see that your kids have made breakfast for themselves-all over the counter, and it doesn't even raise your blood pressure, just makes you want to curl up in the corner, and concede their victory.

. . .you consider how to make and hook up an I.V. to your husband's coffee, so you get the benefit of the caffeine without having to taste the stuff.

. . .instead you pile all the kids into the van and head for the nearest Conoco to buy the largest diet pepsi they sell, despite the wind, despite your smell, and are slowly feeling more alert!

Happiness Is . . .

. . . casting on for a new knitting project! It feels like forever (2 1/2 whole weeks!!) since I've knit anything. Of course, casting on is as far as I got-at this rate, I may be done by Christmas with this one! :)