rodeo and bday party.

Last weekend, before sick-fest 2011 struck us, we were super busy. We went to the rodeo, which Mason insists is really "the radio". The main attraction....pig races. And a turkey leg. Mason and Max's favorite parts, respectively speaking. Of course, Max's favorite part was the turkey leg. We almost tried the chicken fried BACON. But we resisted the urge. Mason would live on bacon if we let him, I'm afraid if I let him taste it fried, we'd never hear the end of it.

We pigged out on Frito pies, homemade kettle corn, and snow cones! Delicious treats all around. The boys wore fun cowboy hats, but stood out like sore thumbs. We are not country folk, yo.

The weather was gorgeous. Mason rode his first pony! Well I think it was his first pony ride. If not it's at least the first documented ride, therefore, I can claim it as his first. We passed on letting Max ride it, even though he really loves horses. Second to elephants (and maybe dogs) it's his favorite animal. It's my favorite animal noise he makes too, the way he smacks his little tongue against the roof of his mouth and shakes his head - perfection. So he did what little brothers do,  watched jealously. GIDDY UP.

His party was total insanity. He loved every minute of it. I'm not sure when this little man got so many friends - but there were babies, toddlers, preschoolers GALORE. Jumping, running, screaming, hyper as can be through the entire two hour party. We sent everyone home with some of the birthday boys favorite goodies
, gummy worms and bubbles! I mean who are we kidding, those are some of everyone's faves, right??

He really wanted a monster party and I thought the theme would be precious and an easy task to tackle. It proved semi difficult, but we had fun little cupcake toppers, an awesome cake courtesy of Ita, the cutest shirts EVER and a monster of a time. Okay, that was incredibly cheesy.

 

The party and the rodeo were some highlights of February. But beware because next year, I might sneak some fried bacon.

Four.

Mason,

   Oh my sweet little Mase. Today you turn four years old. Your face has said it's goodbyes to any hint of baby. All things toddler are out the window. Your voice holds on tightly to its raspy edge, but maybe that's got nothing to do with your age, maybe that's just you. That you you are is so wonderful too.

You are still full of spunk, liveliness, yet you've yet to outgrow your timidness. When I was little I was shy too and I still am, you get that from me. You get lots of qualities from me. And from your dad. But I think we get the best things from YOU. You've given us a lifetime of joy in just four years. My stomach hurts almost daily from laughing so hard at your wit. Your curiosity and cleverness amaze me. Your smile melts my whole world. Your hands still feel as soft as they did when I touched them for the first time. Your cheeks do too, but each year a little bit of their chubbiness has disappeared. This year it's all gone. Those once chubby cheeks are now slender and chiseled, the face of a boy. A happy, charismatic, lovely little boy.

You might be four and the biggest brother we have, but you still love a sweet kiss to your forehead. Yes, you're growing up and sleeping all alone in a big boy bed, but you would trade it for cuddling between my arms any night of the week. You can swing from monkey bar to monkey bar and scale up any playground structure with ease, but you still enjoy a bubble bath. I'm trying to breathe you in and enjoy every tender moment you give me - each kiss you don't make me steal, each hug you generously give, each cry for Mommy, each moment your hand slips in to mine. Because I know that any day now you may think your too big for those things. I love your innocence. I love your youthfulness. I love all the moments you give that acknowledge your growing, but not fully grown.

Four years really isn't a long time you know? It goes by just like the snap of two fingers. But four years is enough time to have totally won me over. You are mine, I am yours, forever.

I hope your birthday is filled with laughter and bliss. I hope your day is magical and charming.  I hope that your whole year brings you the comfort, joy and satisfaction you bring me every minute of everyday. I hope you stay as sweet as that donut you ate for breakfast. But most of all, I hope that you stay, wonderful you.

Happy birthday baby boy.

Loving you more than a million sprinkles,
Mama

snow day!

Okay, okay, I know the amount of snow we had is laughable. But in Texas, any snow is exciting. It wasn't even half and inch and there was barely enough to scoop and pound together for snowballs...we still had fun.

The night before it "snowed" the weather channel was all in a frenzy that it may really snow. I didn't believe it and figured we'd get some icicles if that. But I did mention to Mason that his school might be canceled and when he woke up there might be snow. "Might be" is basically a code for saying ITS GOING TO SNOW. LOTS AND LOTS OF SNOW (you know when your almost 4). Good thing mother nature delivered - because he was oh so splendidly delighted to wake up to a little frosting on his grass!

Mason has basically no snow gear. So we layered him in about fifteen thermal style long sleeve tees and put him in the only water proof jacket he owned - it happened to be a Gap windbreaker that is probably more suitable for a breezy night at the coast. Oh well, it worked! And this kid LOVES HIM SOME GLOVES. He calls them all mittens and he'd wear them in the summertime if we let him. Rain boots totally double for snow boots, right? It's all about making it work.

Not only do we not have snow clothes, we have no sleds. Obviously. So the next best thing was a skin board. Mason "snow surfed" a whooping one time. His butt and the pavement became quick friends and that was that. I happened to catch the action shot, only to start laughing hysterically .5 seconds later. I'm a mean mom, I know. It really was kind of funny. And ridiculous that we were skin boarding on snow. That's like asking for another broken bone.

Mason and Michael stayed outside playing a little longer. I quickly ran back inside to my bed and cozied up. I captured the memories, no need to stand around like a fool under dressed. Max slept through it all. I think he would've gladly snuggled mama instead in exchange for frozen hands. Unless it snows again this year, we'll never know!

before there were two.

Our family is about to add a new member and I'm starting to get a little anxious on how it's going to affect the boys. Deep down I know they'll both adjust, love their new baby brother, and things will go fairly smoothly. If they don't I know that the boys will likely never remember this transition down the road. Yet, I find myself thinking about it a lot, more and more the closer we get to the impending birth. And yet, we still have a full month and a half before our new little guy even gets here. It's hard to believe that I'll have three little guys. Three. Before there were three there were just two. But before there were two, there was just one.

 

I remember this anxiety and the unknown. Before Max's birth, I was unsure of how Mason would adapt. Truthfully, I was a little unsure that I could adapt. Wary that I could take on the task of raising two children while loving them both with all my heart. And really until you have two children it's impossible to believe - it's exactly like explaining to an expectant mother how much she really will love her child the minute their slippery little self is laid in her arms. The minute his or her eyes try to open and glare up at you. But you do, you just do. But explaining it and believing it before it happens is like listening to someone swear to you they've seen Big Foot. Right, that's gonna happen. So while I know the minute he arrives, my heart will grow a little bigger, and love will fill the room, I'm still wary and still feeling a little guilty. And then you keep reminding yourself about the one you do have. Or the two. Because before you add more, there are still the other two. The two you love so unbelievably much.

The transition from one to two was kind of earth shattering. At first. Looking back it seems so silly and dramatic, but it was an adjustment that is for sure. I kept thinking how much easier it was to run to the grocery store, to go to a park...to pee. Alone. And I was right it was easier. Just like I'm sure two will be easier than three. But before there were two, when there was just one, the love was there, oh yes, let me tell you it was. But it's grown. Two - fold.

So in the meantime I'm trying to soak up everyday with just the two of them. Knowing that in a few more weeks there will be three. Three of them. It frightens me, excites me. And often baffles me. Three. Two. There used to be just one. And oh, what a special one he is.

Everything about him is special. Before there was one I wouldn't have believed the love I could have for someone I'd never met. Someone I'd only known a brief minute would totally win me over, forever.

But he is just as special. His smile and his soft little hands are especially special. He wasn't the first, but that doesn't make him any less mine. He is all mine. And I love him entirely, with every beat of my heart. So much. In fact before there were two I would've laughed if you told me how special he would be, just as special, though different from his brother.

 

And before there were two, I wouldn't have believed it was possible to love another baby as much as I loved my first. Before there was two I'd think you were crazy. But I was the one who was crazy. Crazy wrong. Crazy in love with not just one, but two, and soon there will be three. Three to snuggle, three to worry about day in and day out. Three noses to wipe, three foreheads to kiss goodnight, three little belly's to tickle. Three, and they are all mine.

And I know he will be as special as the other two. He might not be the first, but he will be my last and that makes him especially special.

Basketball.

Mason started basketball this winter. He absolutely loves it. He was quite hesitant with soccer so I'm glad he loved this so much.

The long shorts and fancy baller shoes are just too much. It's so hilarious and precious to watch. Especially the big grin on his face when he scores. He made two baskets his very first games, was incredibly proud of it and we celebrated with ice cream at 10:30 that morning. Hey, it's NEVER too early for some frozen custard smothered in sprinkles. At least when your three and a half.

He dribbled. He ran his little heart out. And he laughed the entire hour. He's had about four games now and his team is pretty good. I think his team is the only one of the entire league that's stacked with ALL boys. Most teams we've played have a little girl or two or three, but not his. It makes for an interesting dynamic and they all pal around.

So even though he's kind of short - it looks like so far basketball may be his sport. Watch out Shaq. Ok - I realize I'm being ridiculous and that he isn't even four (YET) and this is only his second sport he's EVER tried. But I'm biased and he rocked the court people.

 

baby update.

Time keeps passing by. Slow some weeks. So fast it's all a blur the next. We have just about eight weeks to go until baby 3's due date. I can taste March it is so close, but yet, so far. It's funny how it seems to drag the last few weeks of every pergnancy. I should stop complaining though I've had it easy and to think i only have eight full weeks to go (at the most) is awesome. I'm getting a little anxious to meet my newest boy and kiss his already plump cheeks.

We had our last sneak peek at our little man today. The sonogram was awesome - aren't they all? He flashed us a smile a few times. A smile that melts hearts people. Baby is no fool he knows how to woo his mama. He looked kind of bald, but our technician promised us he had some lashes on his that were killer. Just like his big brothers it seems!

He appeared to be quite the chunk. We didn't get any weight estimates but his cheeks are full and he is squished as can be. I hope that means he'll move out sooner than he's supposed to. The first week of March is free and okay with me. Hahaha, I know I know I get no say in the birthday. Unless he's late, then I will take matters in to my own hands. I hope you're listening nugget.

I'm pretty sure I've run completely out of room to grow, except that I know that's not true because I have a full month and a half left. But it feels impossible and everyday I make it I will continue to be in shock that we are both STILL GROWING.

Like I said, all in all, were doing good. So grow big and strong nugget. We're ready when you are! (Okay, so that might be a lie, we've done nothing to prepare...).