I Wonder When I Grow Up

I can remember a song when I was very little that went something like, "I wonder when I grow up just what I will be ... a nurse or a teacher or a mother of three" (This was in the 70's, mind you!)

Logan and Ellie came over to play today and I happened to walk past Lauryn's room ... the girls must have been pretending what they might be when they grow up. There was Ellie flat on her back with a doll shoved under her shirt and Lauryn attending to her! Looks like Ellie was a calm "mommy" going in to labor and Lauryn was being a thorough "doctor" by listening to the baby's heartbeat and possibly adminstering an epidural (although from that view it looks more like an amniocentesis). Obviously, these little girls have seen a lot of pregnant mommies in their short lifetimes! Can't wait to see what they actually become when they do grow up. Just hope it doesn't get here too soon!

Happy Birthday Nate!

Today is the big day Nate turned one! It's been such a crazy year, full of changes and I'm so thankful he's been a part of our family during all those transitions! Of course, I've been reflecting back on the past year and even before that to when I found out I was pregnant with him. At the time, I was shocked to discover I was pregnant again ... since that wasn't part of my 'plan' ... but am I ever glad my plan got the ax and God's prevailed! :) Nate is a joy and blessing to all of us. Our sweet, precious baby boy. A few years ago, if you had told me about a mom that had a 3, 2 and 1 yr old I probably would've said she was crazy! If you read the meaning of "Irish Triplets", alot of other people think that, too. But, I can't imagine it any other way! While the days aren't always easy and rarely glamorous I can honestly say that from the wonderful moments of knowing they were growing inside me, to giving birth through getting them ready for bed tonight there is nothing I'd rather be doing! Happy Birthday Nate, I love you!

Time for a Birthday Party!

Hard to believe, but Nate will be one year old in just a couple days! Last night he got to celebrate his birthday with Grammy, Grandpa and all the aunts, uncles and cousins on Mommy's side of the family. (Except, Aunt Codi couldn't make it ... she is going through the very sick pregnancy stage and had to stay home - Nate forgave her since he'll be getting a new little buddy out of the deal! We missed having you there, Codi!) Brian and Logan did record some of the night's activities for her, and as she said about Nate, "He was sooooo cute and Nate like (calm and smiley)." And he was. It was a lot of fun to watch him eat up the attention! He seemed to really enjoy all the bustle and noise around him.

Some of the moments I loved ...

1. Seeing what a great job Ron and Ben did putting up the decorations.
2. Watching Nate laugh when the adults laughed at dinner ... he seemed to genuinely want to join in the fun!
3. Trying my hand at making and decorating his birthday cake - and having it turn out cute and yummy!
4. Watching all the kids pretend to be puppies (our theme) and playing great together.
5. Relaxing and talking with my family.
6. Watching Nate enjoy absolutely every bit of the piece of cake we gave him.
7. Listening to Lauryn quietly ask, "Can I open my presents now?" (She didn't quite understand that birthdays aren't like Christmas. She thought for sure one of those wrapped gifts was hers!)
8. Helping Nate open his birthday presents.
9. Seeing the other kids help him open his birthday presents.
10. Finishing up the night and not feeling too exhausted ... it hit me this was the first time I had planned and executed a 1st birthday party for one of my kiddos that I wasn't pregnant! No wonder I was able to get so much done without feeling tired and grouchy!