Boys, Boys, Boys: a June Daybook

Some big news: Our third little one is a boy! That makes three boys and one busy momma.

Feelings about the big news: I had a feeling it would be a boy because I felt exactly the same as I did with my other two pregnancies and as the ultrasound approached I had a stronger and stronger feeling that is was a boy. With that said, I wasn't surprised at all when the technician said boy. Of course, a piece of me wants a girl but apparently it will not be this time around. Patrick was hoping for a girl way more than I was. Ultimately, he's very excited to have a bunch of boys. The more the merrier, right?

Additionally: since I prepared myself that we'd have another boy I feel like I can fully enjoy this little one instead of being disappointed about it's gender. I don't feel bad or sad or anxious to have more children just to get a girl. I'd like to have more kids but not so I can "get my girl." I have never felt like I needed to have a girl but it's even stronger now. I want a girl and pray for her but know that who God gives us is who He intends us to have and raise and love. Especially seeing my brother and sister-in-law with their five blessings, all boys, it helped me to see a piece of how He loves and trusts them to raise those boys and feels they are best, at this point, to raise boys. Reflecting on Patrick and I and the children in which God entrusts us I have realized the same thing I realized about by brother and his family. We're so very blessed and I feel special knowing He trusts us with three boys!

On being pregnant, again: having planned this baby I've been able to enjoy most of the pregnancy. I'm not scared or worried about what's to come when he's born and we have three kids. 20 weeks have flown by! I hope the last 20 does the same. I feel great and love feeling baby move a ton!

Names: We're at a loss. We have some girl names but no boy names. With 8 boys on my side and two more on Patrick's I think all the good names have been taken! Any suggestions are welcome!

Brothers' reaction: Well you all probably saw the video when we told them about the baby. Mile has said ever since that he wants a sister and Grant doesn't understand. I told them they're having a brother and Grant still doesn't get it but Miles is slowly understanding. He gives my belly hugs and kisses and call him brother now.

In other news: we're loving that the weather is acting like summer so we've been outside a lot. The boys have been really into the pool and hose and I've had time to relax and work on my tan while I read.

What I'm reading: I've just finished a few books and technically I'm between books at the moment. Two that I'd highly recommend is 33 Days to Morning Glory and My Sisters the Saints. Both books are amazing and changed my life and gave me a ton of inspiration to read more about saints. I also finished up Divergent. It's very similar to The Hunger Games so I'm trying to decide if I'll read the next book since I feel like I've read this series already. I think I will because I'd like to know what happens but I'm told the third book isn't worth reading. I also have a few books from my mom that I'm anxious to read: Rediscover Catholicism, and another one that I'm forgetting the name of at the moment.

Vacations: I've been invited to go to a three day Lifeteen Leadership Training Convention in Scottsdale, AZ in a couple days. I'm very excited to attend this not only because one of my favorite authors, Scott Hahn, will be a key note speaker and there is a plethora of interesting classes to attend but also because Patrick and I have felt called to be involved in the church possibly in a different way this coming year. We've been confirmation small group leaders for three years and it has blessed our lives in many ways but our enthusiasm and energy is waning. I'm hoping that this will re-inspire me/us and help us to discern our commitment to confirmation again next year or get involved in something new. Prayers on this would be much appreciated!

What Patrick is up to: Shaving! I know, lots of guys do it but he hasn't shaved his goatee since we started dating, about 7 years ago. What do you think?

Just kidding! He had to have a little fun along the way...

I think I'm finally getting used to it.

The boys were a little shy around him at first but warmed up to him eventually. It looks good and he looks a lot younger! Ah to be married to 20 year old Patrick :)

Camping Weekend

Over my birthday weekend we went camping with our good friends and Miles' godparents at Fort Stevens State Park in Oregon. It's located near the coast. I didn't realize there was so much to do at this park until we arrived and started talking about what we would do the next day. Off the top of my head I can name a few: visit the forts that were in service from the beginning of the Civil War to the end of WWII, 9 miles of paved bike trails, hiking trails, a lake for swimming and fishing, and the beach with silky sand and an awesome ship wreck. On top of all that they have war reenactments at one of the forts and shoot off cannons as well. It's now added to my list of favorite places to camp.

We arrived Friday evening and finishing setting up just after it got dark out. The only downside were the mosquitoes. They were everywhere and relentless about eating us. Bug spray and a campfire helped a lot. The boys were in heaven exploring the campsite and checking out the tents. Saturday morning brought a little rain so we were slow to get started. But all at once the clouds disappeared and the sun came out in full force. It was gorgeous by 10am. That was our que to go on an adventure to the first fort.

We were surprised by how much graffiti was all over the forts. It was sad how some people couldn't appreciate the history in those forts.

We explored this fort for a couple hours. It was very interesting to look at and fun to imagine soldiers walking the steps we were. Most of the time we had no clue what we were looking at. I wish they had brochures to follow along the way. I think one could go online and check out the fort beforehand. The boys enjoyed checking it out, even the dark spaces in the back of the fort where light hadn't shown for over 60 years.

Afterwards we headed back to camp for lunch and naps. Patrick and I and Grant (when he woke up) were able to sneak off for a 20 minute bike ride. Tuan and Sara were kind enough to stay back while Miles and their boys finished napping. I forgot how fun biking is! The trails were beautiful and very easy to ride, or should be for people who are more in shape than I. There was two teensy hills (I don't even think I can call it that, maybe more like an incline) that by the time I got to the top by legs were burning. I suppose it didn't help that I couldn't figure out how to change gears...

When everyone woke up from naps we made the 3 minute trek out to the beach. It was gorgeous! The sand was so silky, the sun was warm, and the water was ice cold.

Miles somehow got into his mind that because we were at the beach he needed to swim so after a few belly flops with his coat on we finally gave in and let him "swim." He absolutely loved it. I couldn't believe how fun can overpower the pain of ice water.

He was so happy.

This was the neat ship wreck on the beach.

He finally got cold. Then spaced out for a good 5 minutes.

That night we had campfire dinners, put the kids down and played Ticket To Ride. It's a fun board game that Tuan and Sara brought. They always have neat games to play!

The next morning it rained again. Poured. The boys were soaking wet and had no dry shoes or coats (I packed three of each for them). So, we decided to pack up early and head to another fort on our way out of town. With sack lunches in tow, and after a very wet campsite cleanup we pulled out of the park right as the sun came out. Go figure.

It was sunny up until the time we were ready to head home from the fort so it ended up being good timing for us to be out there walking around. This fort had a beautiful view and a small army museum.

The boys and I slept almost the entire two hours home. It was so much fun camping with Tuan and Sara and their boys at a new place. I told Patrick I'd really like to go back again. I recommend this campsite to everyone!

Storage Project

Our home has been in dire need of a real storage solution for quite some time. We've hit our 4 year mark in this house and accumulated enough baby stuff and other stuff that the closets and shed and garage were much to be desired. As a new home, there wasn't anything along the lines of shelving in the garage, the closets only had one rack, and the attic doesn't have any walking space so that was off limits.

A while ago Patrick made a doorway in the coat closet to get underneath the stairs for extra storage. It's truely amazing what goes into the projects we decide to do. Even after planning and research there is always something we hadn't thought about. For instance, during this project we realized in order to stay up to fire code we had to make a door for the hole we cut, tacking on a few more hours of extra work. Even though it's in the closet there still needed to be an air tight door. So, now we have a tiny hobbit door under our stairs.

Another surprise was all the garbage we found under the stairs. The houses in this neighborhood were built quickly and it's becoming more and more clear the corners that were cut in order to save time. It must have been quicker to wall in construction garbage and pop cans than to take 5 minutes to pick it up.

The boys loved "helping."

Anyway! Patrick did a great job on these cabinets. Even though there were a few hiccups with getting the correct lumber and improvising when we had forgotten the measurements would be different with said lumber it all turned out as we planned.

With cabinets in the garage we were able to better organize our car maintenance stuff, camping things, holiday decorations, and baby clothes and more. Now the garage makes sense. Everything has it's place. We were even able to make room next to some food shelving storage for a future freezer. That's the part I'm most excited about because it's basically an extension of our kitchen storage.

To the right is the food storage and an open space for the freezer. And, notice the shoe shelf. That was Patrick's first solo wood DIY project. To the far right is the treadmill followed by a table saw and chop saw (not pictured) and weight bench. It's truly amazing what can fit in such a small space when it's contents are well thought out and organized.

It was a beautiful weekend so the boys were happy clams playing with the hose and sprinkler.

Happy Easter!

Another great weekend was spent with our families for Easter. We spent one night each at our parents' house followed by loads of great food and an Easter egg hunt each day. The boys were in heaven at both grandma and grandpa's house.

Extra attention, sweets, and waking up the next morning at their house went a long way in their book. Needless to say they were tuckered out and actually asking for naps. That never happens.

My Uncle Mike and his wife Stephani had their sweet baby Michael Jr. baptized Easter morning. It was a beautiful mass and little Michael didn't make a peep!

The boys with baby Michael and little Brooke (Tylor and Bethany's cute little girl- it was fun having a girl in the house, dress and all!)

On the way home Miles kept asking to go back. They always have so much fun at their grandparents house. It makes me feel so good to see them loved on by mine and Patrick's parents. These boys might already realize it but they have some pretty great grandparents!! What a fun and blessed Easter to be with one another. We missed those who weren't there and look forward to spending some summertime fun with them!

From the Mouth of Miles and Grant

The boys surprise me me all the time with the things they say and do. I think it's true that kids say the darndest things!

Me: Miles, get your finger out of your nose.
Miles: I have to get all the bugs out! Who made boogers?

Miles to Grant: Grant don't touch the TV. Say, yes Miles.
Grant: Yes, Miles!

Saying prayers at night: Is there anything you want to pray for Miles?
Miles: Pirates and star stickers.
Me: Ok, and what about your new little brother or sister?
Miles: that it has a hat and sword.
Me: gosh I hope not...

Lately, Miles' common response or comment to almost anything I say is "does it make you dizzy?"
I'm not sure he understands what dizzy means...
Me: let's go upstairs.
Miles: Does it make you dizzy?
Me: umm, no.
Me: why did you get a little poop in you underwear?
Miles: does it make you dizzy?
Me: Dizzy with frustration maybe!

Grant has been saying some interesting and cute phrases lately too.

Grant rips a poster on the wall in Patrick's office...
Patrick: Grant! NO!!
Grant: I love you too!!! (with huge smile)

Sitting down to eat dinner...
Grant: So, how's your day?
Me and Patrick: Our day is good! How's your day?
Grant: I ate my day!

Saying prayers at night...
Me: is there anything you want to pray for?
Grant: hotdogs and soup.

Getting ready for bed...
Me: Do you want to sing the Hail Mary?
Grant: No! Our God!
(Our God is what he calls the Hail Mary)

And to top it off here is Miles singing the Hail Mary.

And Then There Were Three

A few weeks ago we welcomed a not-so-surprise...

We excitedly planned this baby and prayed about this baby and talked about this baby for months. When it was actually time to find about about this baby I felt like I should be giving birth because he or she has been on my mind for so long. During the Fall I felt like someone was missing when we were all in the same room. I've been ready for this little one for a while now, to say the least.

It's been a much different experience knowing that we were "planning" this. Of course, it's ultimately God's plan, but being able to plan with Him felt much more intimate. Instead of accepting a surprise gift of Miles and Grant I feel we got a rare opportunity to know we were doing this alongside Him.

I've never experienced baby fever because I got pregnant before I had a chance. Baby fever sure is something else. I was jealous of all pregnant women, I held new babies like they were my own, and felt myself falling in love with those new baby squeaks and sounds all over again.

Remember how I've written about Patrick's old employee and how she would have dreams about fruit when someone she knew was pregnant? She had them when we got pregnant with both boys. She was actually the one who made me realize that I was pregnant with Grant because of that dream. Well, guess what? The week before we found out she told Patrick she'd been having dreams again. I was so excited to hear this so I took a test but it was negative. "Too early" I told myself, "but I know she's right."

I told Patrick when I'd take the test for real so we could find out together, unlike the past two times when I took it alone. It was morning and Patrick was getting ready for work. He was brushing his teeth when I set the test on the counter. We both looked down and saw it. Positive, bright as day. I was giddy and he just gave me a thumbs up and said "I knew it" and got in the shower. Really!? That's all you're going to say about finding out we're pregnant with our third!? He knew it would happen so he wasn't that surprised, but he was and is excited.

I was too excited and had to get a better reaction so I sent my mom a picture of the test and got a call from a very happy and excited mom. I love that her reaction to finding out about all of her grand kids is like it's the first baby of the family.

We finally told the boys. I wanted to wait until I was a bit farther along so they could see a bigger belly but they like to sit right on my stomach sometimes which really hurts. They don't understand that it hurts even after many, many times of explaining. So, I figured if I told them there was a baby in there they would be more careful. Plus, I was excited to see what they had to say about a new baby.

Video of the Boys finding out.

We heard the heartbeat! It was 171bpm. The highest of both boys, Miles was 156 and Grant was 164. It was a beautiful sound and solidified that there really is a real baby in there. Now I feel a little better knowing I'm feeling crummy for this little one who has a heartbeat. We're looking forward to finding out if it's a boy or girl and seeing that cute button nose on an ultrasound. We get to meet this sweet baby around October 23rd which puts me at 11 weeks. I'm ready. Bring on the newborn!

7 Quick Takes

1. I write this as the boys take a mid-day bath after getting wet and dirty outside. We've been making the most of to 50 degree weather by pretending its spring and getting out in the backyard. Grandma Rhonda got the boys Carrhart overalls that work great for out there!

2. Lent started yesterday and I'm giving up coffee creamer (amongst cutting back on other things and taking up a few more things). This may not seem like a big deal to those of you who have trained your taste buds to enjoy the taste of pure coffee gasoline, but I'm just not there yet. I think I'll just end up not drinking coffee in the long run. Patrick thinks it's great because it's a gateway to learning to drink scotch on the rocks. Right, I'm giving up creamer so I can drink scotch...

3. I'm loving our new floors but there's one thing I'm hating. Crumbs and dirt. Okay, two things. I had no idea how much we create in one day and if I don't sweep up breakfast crumbs right away they spread everywhere. I used to vacuum every other day and now it grosses me out to see how much was getting into the carpet! Looks like my broom will be getting a good workout, but thanks to Costco it can handle the challenge. (two brooms and a dustpan for under $12!)

4. The boys got a really cute baking kit from Patrick's cousins Chris and Megan so we tested it out about a month ago. They love the different colored cupcake cups and for a while would play with them and play dough. Thanks again for such a neat gift that we can all enjoy!

5. Grant has been talking really well all of the sudden and it's been so fun to hear what he has to say. He has quite a few phrases that he's picked up from me which makes me realize how much I say certain things. He knows what he wants and he's very clear about it. So, without much ado, Gabbing Grant:

Grant eating anything: It's good, it's good!

Miles has something: I need that!

Waking up: (yelling)  Momma! Hey mom! Get me! (more nicely) Momma?

6. From the mouth of Miles:

He has a small Mary statue that used to be mine when I was little on his dresser and he likes to hug and kiss every night before bed. It has a little broken piece on the bottom.
Me: when I was little I was too rough with it and it broke which is why you have to be gentle.
Miles: Oh, it broke when you were a light saver princess?

Miles is to the stage where everything revolves around poop and how funny it is. Cheri says that's a stage that only begins. Great. Any question I ask him he answers "poop _____" and fills in the blank with the real answer or something random. He loves that it's a little off-color to answer that way.

Grant playing with something and Miles taking it away: I hog it to myself!
We're working hard on no back talk. How is it that a 3 year old can back talk already!?

7. A random picture