Phebe Eloise

On May 20th I was big and pregnant.  My body was starting to hurt whether I stood, sat down, laid down...I was just getting miserable.  I was ready to have the baby!  I had been praying every single day that God would help me to have the baby -- SOON.  I was so ready.

I had my weekly doctor's appointment scheduled for the next day, but I was going to call and ask if there were any cancellations because I just wanted to go in, have my doctor strip my membranes, and pray it would do something for me.  I had been dilated to 4 cm and my cervix was open and ready for weeks -- just no Phebe.

I just finished taking a shower when my phone rang.  The nurse asked if I could come in that afternoon instead of waiting till the next day.  YES!  My mom and sister came with me to the appointment.  My doctor swept my membranes (there were only 2 that she swiped...hardly anything was holding Phebe up anymore at that point) and then talked to me for a little bit.  She was even shocked I was still pregnant at that point.

She did tell me, though, that she was leaving for the weekend and wouldn't be back till Tuesday.  If I wanted her to deliver the baby before she left, I would have to schedule an induction for the next morning at 6:00 a.m.  I was so disappointed.  This whole pregnancy I prayed and asked God to allow me to go into labor on my own.  I had never experienced it and I really wanted to know what it felt like since this would be my last pregnancy.  I went ahead and scheduled my induction and felt discouraged.

After my appointment we went to Walmart to get some last minute items.  While walking around I did feel like my insides were going to fall out of my body, but no contractions quite yet.  We went home and had dinner with the whole family.  Around 8:30 p.m. I started feeling some contractions.  Nothing consistent, just here and there.  I decided to go on another walk hoping to cause more, but as soon as we went walking I felt like things stopped.  I was pretty irritable at that point.  I was not going to get what I wanted.  I felt like giving up.

I ended up going to bed.  I figured I might as well try and rest some before waking up so early.  Paul knew how discouraged I was, so he decided to help me take my mind off of it...by telling me fish stories.  See, the whole time my family visited the guys went fishing every single night!  They had so much fun and had plenty of stories to tell.  It actually did help me feel a little better.

Around 2:00 a.m. I woke up because of a hard contraction.  I laid there for a little bit and ended up feeling another strong one.  I got up and went to the bathroom and tried to figure out if it was just a fluky thing...or if this was the real deal.  I went back to bed and laid there for about 30-45 minutes before I woke Paul up and said, "I think this is it."

Paul got up and woke up my parents.  I slowly got out of bed in between contractions and went to sit on the exercise ball.  It didn't take long before my contractions were 1-2 minutes apart and my dad said, "And why are we not at the hospital yet?"

Getting in the car and driving to the hospital was pretty unpleasant for me.  I was very thankful we lived at the bottom of the hill and the hospital was only a couple blocks away!  Before I knew it we were in the room and I was getting hooked up.

I don't remember what time my water actually broke, but I felt the gush and immediately wanted to cry happy tears!  In the midst of pain I remember thanking God over and over for answering my request.  It may seem silly to others, but I wanted this so bad.

I only felt gushes of water here and there with contractions.  I figured Phebe must have been cutting off the water somehow because I didn't feel the huge ocean-like gush that I was used to when they would break my water with the others.

This labor was different than my other labors.  Because I was induced with the other ones I was used to the Pitocin contractions -- extreme and on top of each other.  Going into labor naturally is so opposite of that.  There were some breaks in between contractions that I actually dozed off until the next one hit.  Because the contractions were not on top of each other like I was used to, I just knew I would be in labor all day and I did not want that.  I never wanted drugs with any of my other labors, but this time I remember telling my mom and Paul both that I needed them.  I wasn't joking.  Get me the drugs.  My mom had to tell me more than once that it was too late -- I was dilated to 8 and Phebe was coming!  I didn't comprehend what she was saying because I wasn't having as many contractions...

It wasn't long before my favorite nurse came in to do the final check and my doctor was behind her.  They knew Phebe was cutting off the rest of the water, so my doctor finished breaking the sack with her fancy little hook and I immediately felt my body start to push.  I didn't know what was going on, but I pushed 3-4 times and here came beautiful, sweet Phebe and the rest of my water following behind helping to push her out.

Phebe Eloise was born at 7:45 a.m.  She weighed 8 lbs and was 20 1/2 inches long.

I can't help but tear up when I think of the story all over again.  Giving birth is one of the most amazing things I have every experienced -- and the fact that I was able to do it on my own without being induced...I cannot even begin to tell you how grateful I feel.  I will always be thankful for the Lord answering my prayer.  

Not long after Phebe was born people realized just how tired they were so one by one they left to go back to bed.  Paul and I crashed as well and slept for hours.  My other babies were not able to meet their new sister as soon as she was born because there was a ban at the hospital and no one under the age of 18 was allowed in the maternity section.  After everyone got some rest, though, we did sneak out of the maternity ward and down the hall so our little ones could say hello.  Thanks to my favorite nurse who will remain unnamed. :-)

Phebe is now 12 days old and is still adored by all.  She is the easiest baby...  She gets mauled all the time by her siblings showering her with sloppy, wet kisses and big, bear hugs.  She doesn't mind. :-)  She is so beautiful...  I look forward to the day when she is older and she wears matching outfits with Zoe -- but until that day comes, I will enjoy each and everyday I have left with a newborn in the house.  It's bittersweet to think about her being our last baby!

Four under 4

This May Paul and I will be having our fourth child before our oldest child turns 4 years old.  Does this stress us out?  Not really.  Does it stress other people out?  Apparently yes. 

Last year before our youngest son turned 1 we got the surprise of a positive pregnancy test.  It took us over a month before we made it public mostly (for me) so I could enjoy the thought of having another baby without hearing the comments. 

It wasn't long after people found out before we were hearing that we were being talked about:

"How is Grace going to manage?"

"Poor Grace...how is she going to function with four babies?"

"How's the 'birth control' working for you?"

We live in a day and age where I feel like children are not seen as a blessing from God but rather a punishment from Him.  That's not the case at all. 

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3 

When Paul and I were newlyweds we had our life all planned out and we thought our plan would make us happy.  The opposite of nearly everything we had on our list happened.  

We ended up having not one, but two kids while Paul was in college.  Studying was a lot of fun in our house!  
We outgrew our apartment and bought our first house -- which we have outgrown again.  

We thought we were taking a break to enjoy our two kids...that didn't happen.  

Every year we promise to buy a dishwasher and every year something comes up -- this year it was a broken arm.  

Money is tight when birthdays come along so we decorate using construction paper, balloons, and tissue paper.  Thank you Pinterest!  

Paul and I were planning a romantic trip to Cancun for our anniversary this year...I got pregnant. So we will be enjoying our anniversary at home with steaks and mushrooms by candlelight. Or maybe a pizza. 

Every night I go into my son's room and reassure him that the shadows are not monsters and that Jesus is the ultimate superhero.  Sometimes I have to reassure him a few times before he calms down and goes back to sleep.

The kids wake up early demanding cereal, gum, candy, or SuperWhy every morning before I am even out of bed.  Or have had my coffee.

My husband runs out of clothes every single week.

Even though our life hasn't gone according to plan, Paul and I could not be happier!  Zoe, Max, and Titus give us pure joy.  Sometimes we sit in the car while all three are dancing to the music and we get overwhelmed...we have such beautiful, happy, healthy children.  Wow.  It's amazing.

Things don't work out the way we want them to and life is stressful, but at the end of the day...it's all about family.  Cake Boss knows what he's talking about! 

This lifestyle may not be for you, and if you couldn't handle it, then thank God He hasn't given you more than you can handle.  I know it is not for everyone.  But don't feel sorry for me.  Be happy with me while I bask in the blessings that God has given me!

Oh, and by the way...baby #4 is a girl!

Little Moments

I think it was yesterday that I transferred my pictures and videos from my phone to my laptop.  Wanna take a guess as to how many I had?  Did you guess 1,200?  If so, then you're right!  I told Paul that I think I have 3,000 - 4,000 pictures and videos on my laptop.  If anything happens to that thing...I don't know what I will do!

 

Oh, and I know that is a ridiculous number, but I can't help it!  I snap pictures all the time because I love my children so much and I would hate to miss anything!

 

Speaking of pictures...here are a few more! :-)

 

Zoe and Olivia playing the piano and singing.

Titus' favorite spot in the house. He loves to change the volume.

Can you tell Titus is the baby? He gets picked on all the time. ;-)

I love to just sit and watch kids play.  You can see their little imaginations at work when they drive cars on walls, or if they're taking care of baby dolls.  Even when they color, you can tell their little wheels are turning!

Sometimes life gets really, really busy, and we have to remind ourselves to slow down.  Don't miss out on the little blessings God has blessed you with.  Even when they're having a meltdown! :-)

Hugs!

Just Another Day in Paradise

It's funny, I come up with this title while one kid is tackling me from behind and another is adding stickers to the missing buttons on my laptop.  Yep, another day in paradise for sure!

 

 

Titus is getting old enough that he is more involved with the older ones.  He crawls all over the house to keep up, and Zoe and Max even include him in their imaginative games!  I love to sit back and watch while they all laugh at each other for doing something silly.

 

Zoe wants to hold and snuggle Titus all the time.  For the most part he will let her.  All three will sit on the couch snuggled up together watching Daniel Tiger, Dinosaur Train, or Sesame Street.  I will sit there and just smile at my happy, healthy, beautiful babies getting along so well.

 

Sometimes it rains in paradise, though..

 

Max will think the moment is too sweet and out of nowhere poke Titus in the eye or slap Zoe on the head.  After disciplining Max and trying to get the moment back, Titus decides he's done and climbs off the couch.  Zoe thinks it is her turn to discipline Max so I then have to remind her that I am the mom and she needs to knock it off.

 

Yep, good feeling is gone.

 

When all three are crying and not getting along...I tend to leave the room...take a swig of my lukewarm coffee that I'm still trying to finish...take a deep breath...put a smile on my face...roll up my sleeves...and get back in there.

 

I'm sure I have said it many times before -- motherhood is not for the weak.  It is a hard job that never ends.  You may get a break here and there, but the dishes, laundry, house chores, and crying babies are always waiting for you when your short break is over.

 

Just this morning I read an article Parents Magazine posted on Facebook titled Moms, Stress, and Depression.  I'm pretty sure they were peeking through my windows, as well as a few other moms I know, when they wrote this!  Though I don't think I battle with depression...I can see how easy it would be to fall into it's trap!

 

Though the article was written for more serious cases of depression and they tell you to seek treatment professionally, I believe that you can help yourselves first with some steps.

 

I am not a professional in any way.  This is just some steps I try to take myself, and I believe they help!

 

1. Mommy Time.  It was hard to get up early at first, but I made myself get up with Paul in the mornings, and now I have a routine.  The kids tend to wake up around 8:00, so I get up around 6:00-6:30 and drink most of my coffee and read my morning devotions in peace.  I feel like that little bit of quiet time to myself really helps since I most likely won't have any the rest of the day.  If I have a chance to go to the store by myself, great!  If not, that's ok because I've already had some time alone.
2. Walk Away.  There are some times when all three are crying and I am about to cry myself.  I will walk away, just for a minute.  I will go to my bedroom or bathroom, close the door, and just sit there and take deep breaths.  It may take awhile, but I will take deep breaths and even whisper prayers of help until I feel my body calm down.  When I feel focused, I go back out and take care of the chaos with a clear head.
3. Jumping Jacks.  Ever have those days where you feel lonely and sad but you're not really sure why?  I know I do.  Whenever I feel blue I try to make myself do something active.  Whether I pop in a DVD or take the kids and dog out for a walk, I just go!  I don't make excuses because I want to feel better!  By the time I'm done with my DVD or walk with the kids, I feel so much better about myself.  By the way, I have even taken multiple walks in a day to feel better!  Do what you gotta do, ladies. :-)

At the end of the day, when all the little angels are tucked into their beds, I hope you think about all the blessings God bestowed upon you!  Don't reflect on the stress.  Don't worry about what didn't get done.  Reflect on the good.  Before we all know it, our babies will grow up and leave and we will miss the chaos they brought to our lives.

 

Now if you will excuse me...I have to clean off my iPhone from all the pictures my daughter has taken.  My son has a snotty nose, again, and my other son doesn't smell so pleasant.  Just another day! :-)

Fun in the sun

I think this is the busiest summer I have ever had in my life.  It's not going to slow down any time soon either!  As you can see from the picture below...it's tiring!

 

 

Last Friday was Paul's day off so we spent the day walking, swimming, taking afternoon naps, eating pizza, and enjoying a bonfire with s'mores!  Yum!  It was a perfect, summer day!  We had a lot of fun with friends and family and I know we will be having more bonfires (and s'mores!) in the near future! :-)

 

Max has discovered that he can climb into Titus' crib using his toddler bed as a boost.  This is so great, right?  Not really.  But it is.  Haha!  Confused yet?

 

Max is such a great big brother to Titus!  He climbs in there to try to make Titus happy.  It doesn't always work...but at least he's trying!  It's kind of fun to listen to over the baby monitor.  They both gasp when they get really excited so they tend to have a gasping conversation when Max crawls over.  It's pretty funny!  Oh, and sidenote, Max has shared cereal with Titus.  So now Titus is crazy about Honey Bunches of Oats.  Thanks, Bub!

 

Saturday we celebrated Emilie's 7th Birthday!  It's crazy to think she's already 7..  She had a beach themed birthday party and it was a lot of fun!  All the kids had a blast!  Here's most of the kids together.  Emilie is in the middle with her Minnie Mouse ears. :-)  The girl LOVES ears.  She wears her Minnie Mouse or cat ears almost everyday.  So Auntie Grace made sure to add to her collection.

 :-)  I got her elephant, zebra, and puppy dog ears plus a few other little things.  She was very happy!

 

Yesterday we went to church and my kids were the only kids to attend, so they got to stay up and listen to Papa preach.  During church, Zoe was designing clothes and taking pictures of them.  Ha!  She is so funny.

 

Tuesday night, after Paul gets off work, we will drive through the night to Everett, WA.  We will be in the state of Washington till Sunday having fun with family.  It will be a fun time!  But because we are leaving tomorrow night, I have A LOT to do today!  Packing, cleaning, getting the car ready, appointments, blah blah blah.  I guess I better get started!  Happy Monday!

Father's Day weekend

It's not very often I can capture my three little ones sitting together nicely.  Titus is either sleeping or crying for me to hold him, and Zoe and Max are normally beating each other up!  So here are a couple really good ones that I have taken recently and wanted to share!

 

 

Titus is getting to the stage where he is really interacting with the kids and they are so excited that he comes to play sometimes!  This was his first time in the princess tent and he seemed to enjoy it!  Zoe was definitely excited!  She brought her babies and some books and threw a little party with her brothers.

 

Paul had this past Saturday and Sunday off so I wanted to make sure we made it special!  Saturday morning Paul, with the help of our neighbor, put up some posts for a fence, and then the rest of the afternoon we hung out at the mall.

 

For Saturday's dinner we tried a new recipe -- Philly cheesesteak stuffed peppers.  One word: AMAZING!

 

That tiny picture above shows our dinner before we put the cheese on top.  If anyone likes Philly Cheesesteaks, I highly suggest trying this meal!

 

Sunday morning, Father's Day, the kids and I let Paul sleep in for a little while.  That was a gift to him.  Seriously.  Then we woke him up with cards and presents!

 

Unfortunately church was canceled because so many were sick in bed.  So Paul and I decided, along with Daniel and Rylee, to go down to Great Falls and spend the day in the city!  We all found some great deals and shared a lot of laughs!

 

There is a new Japanese Steakhouse down there that we decided to try.  Mostly because we heard they cook right at your table!  It was such a fun experience!  This was our chef.  He was SO funny!  He was nervous about starting a big fire because of the kids, but we told him to go ahead and give us a show.  I really wish I would have thought to video!  The fire was HUGE and Max was trying to climb out of his highchair screaming like crazy!  Even Zoe plugged her ears worried it would be loud!  It was pretty funny.

 

All of the food was delicious!  Paul ordered California rolls and I gave it a shot.  I was surprised that I kind of liked it!

 

Like I already said, the food was fantastic!  Even my picky eaters enjoyed their food!

 

It's not very often we get a family picture taken!

 

I know it's a little fuzzy, but here we all are!  It really was a great day!

 

I am so thankful for the father that Paul is to our children.  Every evening when he comes home they run to give him hugs.  Zoe and Max are to the age where he can wrestle with them, play with them at the park, we can hold little conversations with them.. I can tell Paul really enjoys being around his kids.  He is such a great dad!  I love you, Paul!

 

The days are definitely getting hotter and I love it!  The kids and I are spending more and more time outside.  We have a pool now, so I made sure to buy baby floaties for all three of my little ones.  I look forward to enjoying my summer in the pool!

 

I also have been taking the kids and we try to walk Hurley everyday.  I'm sure I'm a sight to see!  I have Titus strapped to my body, Zoe and Max are sharing a one-seated stroller, and I'm walking a hyper active puppy!  Haha!  I walk 1.5 miles, though!  It's one way to lose weight.

 

These busy summer days take their toll on little ones, don't they?  Just a couple days ago Max couldn't even make it to his bed before he passed out!  I thought it was adorable!

 

I just took this yesterday.  We are in the summer reading program at our local library, and ever since then we have read A LOT.  Even when I can't read to them, they "read" to themselves. :-)  Zoe is reading Bible stories while Max is reading about monster birthday parties. Ha!

 

This just happened last night!  Max got his second haircut. :-)  I wish his hair would stay kinky curly like it was in Arkansas, because he really does have beautiful hair!  But we decided he needed a trim.

 

He sure is a handsome boy!  I melted when I saw him running through the mall afterward.  He is SO cute!  He enjoyed looking at himself in the mirror!

 

I think that catches me up for awhile! :-)

Back into the swing of things

Wow! I have not posted in for.ev.er. My fans are starting to go away! I have been keeping really busy so far this summer and I'm LOVING it! Paul, the kids, and I went down to Mountain View, AR last week. We were gone a total of 10 days and it felt amazing! I loved having Paul all to myself and him not working. 

I will post pictures later, but while we were down there, we kept busy riding horses, meeting tons of new people, played music for many hours, we went on hay rides, went to parties, had Sara's graduation...we did not have any down time and it didn't bother me at all! I definitely wished I could be on vacation forever! No work, no bills, nothing stressful...it was so heavenly. 

Every single one of us had such a wonderful time. It was very hard to say goodbye. I hope to see everyone again soon --- and I know plenty that would love for us to stay permanently! ;-) Saying goodbye to family is a very hard part of growing up. 

Since being home life has seemed a lot more quiet...it's weird! It's been a little rough getting back into our old routine and for some reason my motivation has left me... ;-) I actually had to take time out of writing this post to put together a To Do List for myself for tomorrow. So I should be all set! 

Check back later for pictures!

Pause

I wish I could hit a pause button on life!  My kids are growing up too fast and I don't like it.

 

 

The other night when Paul and I picked the kids up after our date, I asked Zoe all about her evening.  She told me that Gram had made taco soup and the had 3 bowls of it because her tummy wasn't full.  She even told me this story about her falling off the toilet! =D  While she was talking I realized I was smiling from ear to ear because I couldn't believe I was holding a conversation with my little girl.  It seemed like just yesterday she was my little baby that I was swaddling.

 

My adorable Max is talking more and more too.  He is saying more sentences all the time.  It's amazing to me!  I love watching him walk around the house saying, "Where are you?" looking for Zoe.  He also informs me when he poops.  That thrills me to death.. not really. ;)  I love when he tackles me with hugs and begs for kisses!  He is such a sweet little boy.

 

I am doing my best to teach the kids their ABC's, numbers, shapes, and colors.  I am surprised at how fast they catch on.

 

Baby Titus is now inchworm crawling.  I can't believe it!  I feel like he's advancing so much faster than Zoe and Max did.  He rolls and inches all the time.  He is doing his best to keep up with his brother and sister.

 

Life truly is grand!

Bath Day

I love giving the kids a bath and smelling their fruity shampoo.  They chase each other around in the tub and bath water is sloshed everywhere.  Rubber duckies are thrown at each other and they think they're hilarious when they hit one another in the head with one.

 

While they bathe I tidy up the bathroom.  I love making sure the bathroom is clean.  Who wants to spend time in a dirty one?  Not me! 

 

 

After Zoe and Max are bathed I wrap them up in towels and we go to the living room.  I make sure to moisturize their skin with baby lotion (love the smell!), I clean ears, check fingernails and toenails, get them dressed, etc.

 

Then it's Titus' turn.  I get his baby bath out, make sure I have a towel and wash cloth ready, get him undressed...

 

After Titus has been bathed I go through the same process of making sure to use lotion, clean ears, check fingers and toes, etc.

 

I love having clean babies!  Don't they look fantastic?

"Give me 5 minutes, Mom"

I had just asked Zoe to put her stuffed animals away, and this is the response I get --- "Give me 5 minutes, Mom."  My kids crack me up!  Want to know what I sound like and what words I use to express myself?  Hold a conversation with Zoe and Max and you'll know.  The other day while in the car Zoe said, "Oh no!  I forgot my phone at home!  Shoot!"  They repeat everything and I love it!  They are also teaching me to use my words wisely. =) 

 

 

 

I absolutely love the stages that all three of my children are in right now.  Zoe says the funniest things, and Max repeats the best he can!  They chase each other all day and I love to hear the laughter that ensues!  They have the best personalities and I am so thankful for that!  I thank the Lord everyday that I have happy children.

 

It won't be long now till Titus is right in the middle of all the action.  He discovered rolling over yesterday and has literally taken off!  He does not stay in one place anymore.  I am slowly getting to one of the fun stages where it doesn't seem like work all the time.

 

Board games are being played, as well as imagination games like tea parties, "house", grocery store, etc.  Hide-n-seek is a new game that they love to play if anyone is willing.

 

It still amazes me when I think of our "plan" as far as waiting till after Paul graduated college before starting a family.  God sent us a surprise that changed our lives in so many ways.  Our first baby may be in Heaven, but that sweet little baby made Paul and I realize we couldn't wait four years before we had little ones.  Did we expect to have so many so soon?  No, but we sure are happy that it ended up that way!

 

Hurley is howling because he just woke up and has to use the outdoor facilities so I guess I better go. =)  Happy Wednesday!

Anniversary

February 29, 2008

 

"An angel is not only a set of wings. But also a set of hands to guide you through life. May your Angel always be by your side."

 

So much has happened in the five short years we have been married to each other!  Then again.. it doesn't seem right that we have been married for so long!  When I think about our wedding it seems like it was just yesterday that I said "I do" to my best friend.  One thing still remains, and that is my vow to my one and only...

 

I, Grace, take you, Paul, to be my lawfully wedded husband, my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward. In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.

 

(Not exact vows we said to each other on our wedding day)

(You get the point)

 

Happy "Anniversary" to the most amazing man on the planet!  I can't imagine my life without you!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to my bestest friend in the whole wide world!

 

 

 

 

Thank you for making me feel special each and every day.  I love when we laugh over silly, stupid things and we make each other laugh even harder when we realize what dorks we are!

 

Even though it drives me crazy when you randomly "die" and tell me there's a fire and ask me what I'm going to do.. know that if there was a real fire I would do my best to drag you out!  Or we'll die together.  Either way, I'll figure it out! =)

 

I love you so much!  We make the greatest team!  And the prettiest babies! =)

And just like that..

After texting, messaging, blogging, and googling..

 

 

I think I have figured out how to post pictures on my Blog again!  Yay me!

 

Here is the latest picture of my three beautiful kids!  Max was so excited to hold baby Titus!  I think the minor jealousy he felt towards Titus is now gone!  Thank you Jesus!

 

Here is a little update on the family:

 

Paul

The poor guy is still working 12 hour shifts Monday through Saturday.  He has been working this crazy shift, alone, since August of last year!  Thankfully he now has two part-timers that started yesterday!  No more loneliness for my man!  God is good!

 

Grace

I am doing my best to lose baby weight by watching calories and, when I can, working out by using a DVD, YouTube, or apps on my phone.  I have lost a lb a week so I'm slowly getting to where I want to be!  Thank you Jesus!

 

Zoe

I try to do school with Zoe for an hour everyday.  When I say school I mean flash cards, board games, etc.  She is getting so smart and she is such a comedian -- just like her Dad!  She is my daily entertainment!  She is also the perfect mother hen!  Don't mess with her bubbas!

 

Maximus

Max is currently trying to push out more teeth so he has kind of been a monster.  This boy has the worst temper ever -- yet he can be the happiest little fella too!  He absolutely adores Zoe and they follow each other around the house all day.  I have also noticed he is watching over Zoe's shoulder and learning a lot from the flash cards too!  He's a genius.

 

Titus

It looks like Titus is slowly losing his beautiful dark hair.  It also looks like he will be a blondie like his brother and sister.  It was fun while it lasted I guess!  He is so observant.  He'll just sit and watch you -- and he has the best smiles!  Just so happy and content with life.

 

As you can see we are doing great!  I'm so glad I figured out how to post pictures again!  More to come!

The Day After

The night before Christmas was a lot of fun in the Alexander home!  All the kids got brand new Christmas jammies.

 

 

As you can see from the picture above, the kids were really excited!  Paul sat them all down and read Santa Mouse.

 

Not once.

 

Not twice.

 

THREE TIMES.

 

This was the first time Zoe has kind of understood what was going on, and she LOVED the story of Santa Mouse which is why she made Paul read it over and over.

 

We set out a small plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa and then tucked the kids into bed.  Paul and I took that time to finish wrapping all of the gifts and putting together the stockings while watching a Christmas movie.  It was so much fun!

 

Apparently Mr. Titus was too excited to sleep and stayed awake THE WHOLE TIME we did.  Crazy kid.  He made it a little difficult to wrap gifts when he insisted on being held most of the night.  Ha!

 

We finally went to bed around midnight.  I tried to read until I fell asleep but Paul can't sleep with the lights on, so I had to try and MAKE myself fall asleep.  That was hard when I was so excited to see the kids in the morning!

 

I woke up around 6:30 when Titus woke up to eat and I. could. not. fall asleep again.  I decided to scroll through Facebook and thank the Lord for the beautiful day until someone else would wake up.

 

Paul and I finally decided to open our gifts to each other while we wait for the kids.  It was a lot of fun!  I enjoyed everything he gave me and I know he enjoys his toys I got him too! =)

 

We couldn't take it any longer so we finally woke the kids.

 

They were so excited to see all the presents and their stockings!  It really was the best little Christmas for our kids.  I was so happy!

 

 

After we opened the presents I made pancakes for the first time in my life.  Can you believe it?  I'm so lame!  But not just any pancakes -- Santa pancakes!  I kind of hope this turns into a new tradition for us.  It was a lot of fun!

 

After breakfast the kids played with their doodling pads and Paul and I played Phase 10 Dice!  It was a lot of fun!

 

Oh yeah.. I won!  I was so pumped to finally win a game against this guy!

 

After we played our game, skyped my family in Arkansas, and got dressed we went over to Paul's parents' house and had a second Christmas with them.  The kids had a great time spending the day with their cousins and playing with their new things.

 

Titus was our first baby to sleep through most of Christmas.  Haha!  It was a little odd, but we have plenty more Christmases to have fun with this little guy.

 

By 7:00 the kids had had their fill.  They were so tired and cranky!  We went home, put them to bed, and enjoyed the evening watching one of our new movies we got for Christmas.

 

Now it is the day after Christmas.

 

I have only had one cup of coffee -- I only had to reheat once! -- and I still have a horrible headache.

 

The kids woke up happy for 5 minutes before they started crying because I wouldn't let them eat sugar cookies and chocolate covered cookie dough balls for breakfast.  I'm such a horrible mom!

 

My living room looks like a toy store blew up in there.

 

The dishes are dirty.

 

The laundry needs done.

 

I'm still in my jammies.

 

It's only Wednesday?

 

Hahaha!

 

Gotta love the day after beautiful Christmas!

 

Even though it's past noon now, I still plan on doing my best by getting the daily chores done and keeping a cheerful spirit.

 

This is the day that the Lord has made.  I will rejoice and be glad in it!