Halloween 2011

The boys dressed up as Alvin & the Chipmunks this year for Halloween. Actually, they all had multiple costumes, but this was the real deal, for the real event.

Let's just be really clear too - getting that photo was no easy feat. Also, not the easiest task, stuffing plump baby feet in to high tops. After 500 snaps and a lollipop bribery though. Success! AQ, baby, you need to get those thighs under control. Or not, because I love how the chub rolls over your knees. Cankles were so 2010. The whole thigh-swallowing-your-knee thing...now THAT IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT. You are obviously very fashion forward.

In some delusion I believed Max would be our best candidate for Simon and wearing those adorable little glasses. Delusion indeed. Daddy to the resuce though; Michael had the genius idea of drawing the glasses on him with makeup or a marker (I already forgot what we used) truly genius! Well, genius until 8:15 the next morning when rushing out the door for preschool, realizing "Oh snap, that marker may or may not have been so washable". CRAYOLA LIES!

Mason as usual loved Halloween. He bossed us all around about which house we needed to go to next and which side of the road we should be walking on. He threw around some stranger danger rules, insisted on carrying the flashlight, and in all his four year old glory he refused to carry his candy bag about three houses in to the night.

Anyone that has met Max knows this kid has a sweet tooth that would put Willy Wonka to shame. Seriously. He's been known to eat THROUGH a wrapper to get to the candy. That really happened last Halloween. Twice. Needless to say he was ENTHRALLED at the idea of people just giving him candy, without even throwing a fit? At a few houses, people sat there with an entire cauldron filled with sugary goodness. At those house, Max kind of camped out on their doorstep, plunging his hand in to the bucket repeatedly. He'd look up with his big ole black eyes, flash his dimples and load his bag up a little fuller. His bag was double the weight of Mason's by the end of the night. That kid knows how to work it.

I said this last year too, but I'm pretty sure this was the last year I'll get to convince them to coordinate costumes. Or have any say whatsoever for Mason (well maybe) and Max (definitely not). I have visions of next Halloween including crazy one piece Transformer costumes. Oh, wait. That totally happened this year against every wish I'd ever had, I let my kid wear one of those costumes. Never say never right? I've totally got this whole "pick your battles" thing down these days.

We need to work on the "thank you's" for next year. And probably teaching Max that you can't just walk in some strangers house, especially if they are offering you candy.

And you better believe I had my fair share of those candy bags (that still need to be thrown away).

Oh, remember.

I once again have totally dropped the ball with this blogging business. I suppose that is because it isn't really a business. Just something I promised myself to try and keep up with to remember all the sweet little things about this time in our lives. So much sweetness. Accompanied by so much chaos.

I try to sit down during my free time and write. And remember. And cherish the stories. But free time, what is that anyway? A twisted notion created by someone who surely isn't a parent. Okay, that was dramatic.

It's time (once again I know) to recommit. To stop making excuses, that's what I've been doing. Sometimes I'll sit down and log in the blog, and I'll just stare at the screen. My last post was in August, back to school, I mean seriously? Seriously. Then I think of all the things that have transpired from then until now. It's about to be Thanksgiving for crying out loud. How can I possibly backtrack? How will I ever catch up? I can't. It becomes a daunting task, then I get frustrated and so I move the cursor to that friendly "x" way up in the right hand corner and I quit. Aha! Problem SOLVED. Except for this doesn't solve anything. In fact, it compounds the problem, because then another day goes by, and everyday there is something ridiculously hilarious and cute happening, and probably somewhat insane. I want to remember the everydays, not just big things. The everyday typical madness that I'm submerged in. 

And with the blink of an eye, that one day has turned in to two months. So I'm not going to try and relive those moments. I'm just going to start over, from here, from today. I'm promising to just...well, write. And remember.

I want nothing more than to be able to look back and remember the way this guy still tiptoes down stairs every single morning and snuggles. He nuzzles right beside me, his head falls under directly under my chin. I don't even have to crack open an eyelid. I know it's him - this one.

Will he always fit so perfectly against my chest? He has unquestionably more then doubled his height from his newborn days, yet he still fits nestled alongside me the exact same. My ribs and his spine interlock. And it's dreamy and it's real and it's mine. I remember it vividly, but can't help and wonder - does he? Hopefully I can help him remember with stories like these. Stories full of my memories. And then it ends, sometimes mere minutes later, this peaceful morning ritual. It is quickly interrupted by restlessness and giggles, cartoon request and crushed cheerios. I want to remember that too, equally as vivid.

And please let me remember the way this little guy's hands feel when he presses them against my cheeks to make sure my eyes are focused on his. Contact. And then the adorableness just oozes straight from his soft cherub-like cheeks. I love you's abound. Melting me. Rarely in any volume but EXTRA LOUD. I want to remember the way he sings Twinkle Twinkle, and throws in various lullaby's to fill the missing gaps. The way he squints his eyes when he smiles this smile.

And though he is easily ten inches shorter than his brother, he fits my chest all the same. We too, have chemistry, we too are perfectly intertwined. His skin so delicate and soft, his hands still hanging on to baby fat. Oh those chubby little fingers! His thumb often propped in his mouth while his eyes drift silently. Yes, please let me  I will remember.

Of course, there is more. Memories yes, they've already been made with this peanut as well. Eight months really flies by, but all along the way, I am storing the treasures of this little person.  And oh the treasures he was blessed with. The way his face appears swollen and his eyes a tad puffy after a sweet slumber. I want to remember way he plays with his tongue. Tongue in cheek, tongue peeks out, surrounds his lips, blow raspberries all while looking ridiculously adorable, excited, proud, and mischievous. Repeat. This tongue, this baby. Swoon.

I want to remember the way his small arms and body fall lifeless after he has fallen fast asleep, clutched under my arms. The way his hand feels against my chest when he nurses, speechlessly claiming me, while I claim him. His breathing mimics mine. I want to forget the dinner dishes waiting in the sink downstairs, slip away in to the safe haven of the nursery glider and cradle my bitty until his sparkling brown eyes drift off. How long will he allow being rocked? Assuredly, not quite long enough. The way he tucks his lower lip in to his mouth, concealing it's plumpness. The way he coyly tilts his head, resting it on his own shoulder. And I need to remember the soft sigh of relief, of comfort and security. That simple exhale when his chest discovers mine. Our very own secret retreat.

Because these little things are what is worth writing down. And remembering. Because these little things, well, they are the big things.

back to school.

It's that time of year.

The end of August brings routine. The familiarity of backpacks, lunchboxes,

We are back to school.

Mason is Pre - K this year. He is SUPER EXCITED. His friends from the Old 3's class have pretty much all returned to his class. His teachers are sweeter then pie. We're all really excited to be back on a schedule. A familiar, daily schedule that keeps us all a little more sane.

 

 

 

 

After dropping Mason off today, Max and I got to hang. He's going to school too, but his schedule will just be two days a week. So lucky for him, he's got time with mama alone (well, you know AQ is our sidekick as well). Most common phrase of the day: "Bruber at SCHOOOOOO" - to basically, anyone with an ear. Yes Max, your brother is at school.   

(Of course, he wanted HIS picture too!)

So excited to watch our big guy foster his love of reading, writing, and learning. We can't wait to see you explore your world more and more this year Mason! We hope you're school year is full of fun.

I wanted to share this little letter I wrote to you for your first day. I know it's just preschool. Really, I do. But preschool is kind of a big deal. It's the beginning of your whole education - it's going to form the mold of who you are.

Mason,
As you venture back to school I want you to remember some important things. Not just to wash your hands or be careful on the playground. Those things are important too. I want you to remember more than that. More than picking up your trash after art class, more then raising your hand. More than sitting still and following directions. I want you to remember what is really important about school. I know, you're always having to follow my rules and listen to my words. I know it can be really tough, being so little and having to remember so much. But listen closely, I want you to know this. To take it to heart. I mean it from the bottom of my mama heart.

Remember to be curious. Remember to read as many books as you can. Always listen to your teachers. Don't be afraid to ask questions, to stand up to bullies, to make friends with people who look or act different then you. Remember that school is your only job. Remember that school should be challenging, but also enjoyed. Savor nap time. Use your imagination. When you feel silly, laugh. Hug your friends, be respectful, don't forget to say please & thank you. If you forget everything else, please remember to try your hardest. Please remember that we are thinking of you every minute of the day that you aren't with us, hoping and praying you are relishing these moments and thriving.

Xoxo,
Mama

Oh - and Max's first day was supposed to be tomorrow. But that one. Oh that one. The little nugget indeed isn't  feeling well. Pulling a Ferris Bueller already. Bueller.....bueller....? Here's to a healthy (after this week??) and happy school year for both my big, but still tiny boys!

So long, sweet summer.

I love summertime. The days are full of fun, with nothing that has to be done. Well, except swimming. That is the solitary rule of summer - WE HAVE TO SWIM.

Summer is the best because...

Cousins become like siblings.

The beach becomes the playground.

A night swim replaces bath time.

We eat ice cream nearly every week.

Your only chore is to wash your bike. And maybe, your babies.

Story time is under a tent. Even if it's just a sheet tent.

The most worn article of your wardrobe is a first place tie between swim trunks & life vests. Which obviously means, you've spent a ton of time at the lake.

Summer is the best because..

..you can stay in jammies until noon. At any given moment you can plop down for a nice afternoon nap on the couch.

Or you might just be jumping off a cliff. See, summer is that awesome.

..the smell of sunscreen babies fills the air...there is no greater smell then BABY mixed with SUNSCREEN.

..there are no backpacks or lunchboxes to be packed. Just movies to be watched and brothers to be snuggled.

..ice-pops become a food group, along with sno-cones, and other iced cocktail and beverage delicacies.

..sunshine is intoxicating

..SANGRIA. SERIOUSLY.

We love summer so much in this house. The late nights, the lazy days, the busy days, the swimming and splashing, the sunscreen-ing, the skipped baths, the lax schedules and lack of routine. So sadly we say...so long summer. We will excitingly anticipate your arrival next year.

Summer is the best because, I SAID SO.

So long, summer. Thanks for all the memories you helped us make. You were really sweet.

Easter. In July.

As I was browsing old camera cards, I stumbled upon Easter pictures. That's right EASTER. I know, I know, it's July. I guess that just goes to show how chaotic my life was this past Easter. You know with adjusting to a new baby and having to keep two other children alive, fed, and bathed (okay, so we missed a lot of baths that month too).

This Easter was extra special, because it was our first holiday as a family of FIVE. Well, besides St. Patrick's' Day. Who celebrates that anyway? Plus it wasn't like I was being served any delicious green beer in the Labor & Delivery Unit, so we'll stick with Easter as the first holiday. Party of five, bunny style.

(So maybe a great picture of all of us isn't gonna happen this year. Or maybe ever.)

A family tradition on Easter is fried chicken. I have absolutely no idea when or how it started, but it is what it is. This year was no different. Except for the mounds of sushi. It's a new tradition. But fear not - fried chicken was still there. (I mean seriously is that enough soy sauce or WHAT?)

Picture recap - better late then never right? Right.

As you can see we ate chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate. I thought Valentine's was going to be a holiday topper for Max with all the candy that comes with it. I somehow forgot or never realized that Easter has even more chocolate then Valentine's days.

AND PEEPS!

 

Those kids were some sweet, sticky messes after Easter. You better believe they got their baths that night. I *think*. Yeah, you're right, they probably didn't. But no one complained.

Mason did his best to find EVERY golden egg at EVERY egg hunt he participated in. He was so stoked. (Disclaimer: he was the oldest kid participating in this said egg hunt....but hey, he still found it!)

 

Mason got a beloved Slinky Dog - he was so excited that the crazy huge bunny he saw at the mall "read his dreams" and remembered this slinky dog.  A slinky dog and chocolate for breakfast. OH YES, YES,  AND CROCS. *insert happy dance* Forget Easter people, it was like Christmas over here.

As all holidays are with the munchkins, it was a busy day full of chaos and fun. Hopefully next Easter I'll remember to blog it sooner, unless of course, I'm busy cleaning sweet, sticky Peep fingers and snuggling chubby cheeks covered in melted chocolate that is. Priorities and all, you know?

Happy Easter. In JULY. (And now it's already August, whoops!)