Summer 2015

Riley,

You grew up a lot this summer. Your appearance changed so much, mostly because you’ve now lost your two top teeth and your two bottom teeth. You sent the tooth fairy to the poor house this summer! I loved pulling your teeth with you. You would go through the usual, “Is it gonna hurt?” questions. When I was finally able to convince you that no, it would not hurt, you would let me pull the tooth out. It probably hurt you for a half of a second, but once you saw the tooth in my hand, you immediately went into denial. “It’s not out! It’s out?” We almost had a disaster when you nearly swallowed one pulled tooth, but thankfully you gagged it out. Blood makes you gag, too. These tooth-pulling moments were intense. 

Another reason I think you grew up is because you now take the lead and do things or complete tasks you wouldn’t have six months ago. You’re not afraid to run back in the house to grab something, or to walk to the trash dumpster alone. You don’t mind being the first to do something you and Ella and Nolan have never done. You were the supreme leader at Splash Kingdom and even talked both Ella and Nolan onto the little slides. I think you enjoy these moments and it makes you proud of yourself. 

Your reading has improved so much over the summer. I can’t say that we read a book every day or that I read a good night story every night. Most days and nights we did this, but you also read on your own and without being asked to do so. You just read everything. Signs, texts, odd papers laying around the house, etc. You love to read books especially, and I have even found you reading to your brother and sister. 

For the past couple of summers we’ve gone swimming off and on. No one that I am close to has a pool, so it had to be either the lake, a hotel, or a birthday party for you to get exposure to swimming. Undeterred by this, you have proclaimed for three summers that you know how to swim. I would always have to go behind your back and let others know that could not, in fact, swim as you proclaimed. Well, things changed this year. We went to the lake. We went to Splash Kingdom. Aunt Shanna got a pool. We visited Aunt Waynette. You swam at least twice a week. You learned to really swim. We went to Splash Kingdom once at the beginning of summer and once towards the end of our summer, and the difference in your swimming abilities was incredible. You were a much stronger swimmer the second time at Splash Kingdom and you could slide down the “Volcano” without being rescued by the lifeguard. I am so proud of you. 

Ella, 

Hello, Miss three-year-old! You are a very sweet little girl. Your favorite thing to do is to play with Riley. You really look up to your big sister. Anywhere she goes, anything she does, you want to be right there with her.

You had a wonderful 3rd birthday party at Sonic. I had so much fun watching you open your presents. The first gift you opened was a cute outfit from Vicky. You were not impressed with clothes and made the most awful face to show your displeasure. You threw the clothes down and quickly moved on to the next gift. Your face lit up when you saw your Frozen cake. You were so proud to be three years old. I love to watch you hold your three little fingers up when someone asks how old you are. 

Potty training you has been a completely different experience from potty training Riley. She caught on fairly quickly and had few accidents. But you, Ella, you just do not care to be potty trained like that. There are much more important things you could be doing besides using the potty. You are perfectly happy to have a wet hiney. My friend Teresa gave us about 50 pairs of panties. I thought she was crazy, but let me tell you, they have all been used. 

You have very few behavioral problems anymore. We do have standoffs, but you’ll realize I’m not budging and give in and do what I ask you to do. When I tell you to pick up your toys, you’ll answer, “I don’t know how.” Things like that. You’re just a little bit stubborn. And who likes picking up their toys anyway? 

Nolan, 

Mister, you are definitely a handful right now. You have no idea that you’re only two and can’t do a lot of the things your sisters are able to do. Not to mention, you make ten times the messes that they did or do now. If it can be spilled, you spill it. If it can be broken, you break it. Constant. You are constant. 

Maybe it’s just because you’re a boy, or maybe it’s because you are a natural athlete, but you can swing and throw like crazy. Your swings are intense, and you land them. Your throws are hard and fast. You love to carry your “football game” (just a football) around with you. You play with balls all day long. If it’s long and skinny, you use it as a bat or golf club. 

You also had a great birthday party. It was a swim party with just family at the Villages. I think you loved the attention and loved your gifts. When we sang the “Happy Birthday” song, you sang right along with everyone. 

You’re growing and getting stronger. Just the other day you ran into the living room, and I sat there a second marveling at how well you had just ran. It’s a real run and not a baby tip-toe type thing. You are definitely Mama’s Boy and love my attention. “I won’t you.” All day long. When not wanting me, you want what I’m eating or drinking. 

And anyway, do you kids know how much I love you? If I could give hugs and kisses all day, then I would. I try to make sure you have healthy meals, clean clothes, clean bed sheets, giggles and smiles all day long. I hope one day that you understand why I have two jobs that sometimes keep me away from you. When I’m working, you’re always on my mind. I would be incomplete with you. I love you so much.

Love, Mama

Spring 2015 Newsletter

Riley,

If there is anyone on the planet who is the most like me, it would be you. You are very smart and love to read. Your reading has just taken off in the last five months. There really isn't anything you can't read, especially when it's not something you're supposed to be reading. You love to read my text messages. Your teacher told me that you will read notes to other teachers that she's asked you take deliver. You can read and you're nosey!

You're very tender hearted just like I am. You don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, and it doesn't take much to hurt yours. You really try to do the right thing most of the time, but if you get in trouble the tears will flow. I know it's hard always trying to set a good example for your brother and sister, but just like I always remind you, "That's what big sisters are for." We couldn't ask for a better big sister in our family.

You're very aware of the things going on around you, and especially the last five months. You don't want anyone to be sad and sometimes you wish things were like they used to be. I know you understand things won't ever be like that again, so it's not something I keep from you. You are just six years old, so I don't burden you with things I don't think you can handle. However, I won't lie to you. Just like how I've always told you that I will always be here for you no matter what, I can also promise to never lie to you.

You're the best person I've ever met. You love to laugh and giggle with Ella. You love to ask questions and know and learn things. You love to play. You stand at the top of my list in any category. I love you so much and am grateful for your sweet spirit and love.

Ella,

I just start laughing every time I think about you. Will you always be like this? Funny. Spirited. Adamant. Sure of what you want. Sure of what you don't want.

You've also grown in leaps and bounds over the last couple months. You can talk so much better, and I can tell that you understand so much more of our world. If you can do it, then you let me know that you want to, "Do it all by myself!" You usually don't just come right out and say it, but due to frustration and excitement, you have a hard time getting the words put together and out of your mouth. It will instead come out in a, exclamatory, rapid stutter.

I think you are the most caring of the three of your. You love to see a baby puppy or kitten. You'll put your hands up by your face and say, "Aww. How cuuuute!"

You are for sure coming out of the terrible twos. Here lately, you really want to please and be praised for your good choices and behavior. You don't mind pointing out when Riley and Nolan are misbehaving either. There are still fits, but for the most part you are just the sweetest little thing all day long. Bedtime can be a little rough. You like to blame Riley for keeping you awake, when I KNOW who is really keeping who awake.

Since starting potty training, you've had some ups and downs. You've just about got the hang of it though. The hardest part is getting you to poo-poo in the potty. You tend to make excuses. April asked you why you didn't poo-poo in the potty at her house, and you told her because you're supposed to poo-poo in Grandad's potty. You definitely keep us laughing.

You're still known to have a little tantrum occasionally. You will pout, cross your arms, and stomp off, sometimes for no apparent reason. I never did figure out what was wrong with you the other night. I asked you, "What are you mad about, Ella?" You yelled back, "You!" I hadn't even done anything to you!

Nolan,

Just as Ella is leaving the terrible twos, you are entering them. When you were acting bad the other day, Shanna pointed out that you are just a two year old little boy. That's very accurate! Well, you're almost two. You are tyrannical, willful, mean, and an instigator. You love to pester Ella. All it takes is for you to grab ahold of Ella's shirt, and there will be many yelps from her. She's now to the point where she strikes back. It's funny to watch you and Ella fight back and forth. She gets so mad at you, but all the while you just stare back at her grinning. I really think you are just trying to play with her most of the time, but you just get on her nerves.

You're talking up a storm too. You can say anything you want to. You can communicate the things you want and need without just crying. It's been really nice knowing what you want instead of having to guess at it. However, usually what you want is not what you need. Every water bottle you see is yours and you want it opened. When I tell you no, you head to Grandad. You will drink the rest of the milk in your cup just so you can carry around a full glass of milk. You aren't thirsty, you just want a full cup of milk.

We like to walk from Grandad's house to Paw-Paw's in the evenings. Riley and Ella either stay ahead of us or sprint the entire way. Meanwhile, I'm stuck with you saying your name over and over to get you to come on. You like to stop and look at EVERYTHING. I've gotten a little ahead of you and stopped to wait on you to catch up, only to have you start walking in the opposite direction. You love to stop and look at the grass and flowers. When you do decide to catch back up, you'll come running with both arms stretched out in front of you just like a zombie. It's hilarious.

You also like doing things yourself. I'm to the point where it's ok with me if you ride home in just a diaper or if your clothes get messed up. I let you get dirtier and messier than I ever thought about letting the girls.

You're still my handsome little boy. I can't wait to give you a buzz cut this summer. You have pretty thick hair and I think you'll look really cute with your hair buzzed.

I love you three kids so much. Everything I do is for you. The two jobs. The graduate school. All of my decisions are made with you in mind. Don't ever forget that your mother loves you more than breathing, more than living.

Spring Break 2015

When we were finally able to begin our Spring Break, we had a great week! I made some spending money and set that aside just for me and the kids to do fun things during our break.

Monday night: 

Dairy Queen was offering free ice cream cones so we had to get a few of those. It was a messy affair! 

After we got back home, we decided to walk up to Paw-Paw's house. This walk is a good way to burn off some energy!

Tuesday: 

Our first big activity was a trip to the Fish Hatchery in Athens. One of the first things we did was feed the catfish. Their aquarium is open at the top and I just threw some pellets into the water. These catfish would go up to the surface and after grabbing a pellet, they would swish their tails out of the water. With the girls standing right up next to the aquarium, water came splashing down on them. Riley screamed and ran off, not really screaming because she was scared, just screaming to scream. Ella felt the water, ran off, and started screaming. She was screaming because she was startled by the splashing water. Just a few moments later when she realized what had really happened, she was laughing and clapping and excited to get wet again. Nolan was observing all of this from about ten feet away. When the girls started screaming, he started screaming. He was scared! 

We made our way to the gift shop where there were lots of things to break. The kids decided on bouncing balls as their souvenir. The gift shop attendants were running all over the place trying to pick up other toys my kids had thrown down. Then the balls I was buying started bouncing all over the place. Those ladies were glad to see us leave. 

We headed towards the pond, al the while chasing bouncing balls. I just knew a couple would end up in the pond. Nolan had a shoe come off, so I had to put everything I was carrying down on the ground and put his shoe back on his foot. When I stood back up, I managed for forget my keys in the grass. My heart just sank when we were headed for the car and I couldn't find my keys. So, back through the entire museum we went. As we were walking back out towards the pond, I remembered where I had probably left my keys. I found them, just laying in the open grass. Whew!

Wednesday: 

I wanted Riley to see Cinderella, the newest Disney movie. We picked up one of Riley's friends and headed to the theater. I also decided this was the best day ever to try and potty train Ella. We got to the theater, got some snacks, stopped at the bathroom, and found our seats. Ella wouldn't use the bathroom, so I knew what I was in for. Anyway, we settled in and the movie started. Ella and Nolan were great for about thirty minutes. Then, the popcorn hit the floor. Then, Ella runs to me and says, "Tee-tee!" I spring into action, thinking she wants to go to the potty. Nope. Using my phone as a flash light I was able to get her changed. During this fiasco, Nolan had wandered to the other end of our row and brought back something hanging out of his mouth. I jerked it out, only to discover it was a gummy worm, or something like it. I hadn't purchased a gummy worm or something like it. So that was nice to think about. Next, two bags of our popcorn hit the floor. Ella and Nolan started running up and down the stairs. I was praying the movie would end in a hurry! Just picture complete chaos going on on the top row of a movie theater while you're trying to enjoy a movie. I'm that lady. Riley and her friend were so great!

Thursday: 

I had talked about going tot he zoo, but the weather was a little iffy. Instead, we went to the Discovery Science Place in Tyler. I had high hopes that the kids would run around and play and burn off lots of energy. This is pretty much what they did! All three loved exploring the exhibits. The Brookshire's play area was a favorite. 

After DSP, I had a $50 gift card to Olive Garden that needed to be spent. We headed there for spaghetti. The kids were really pretty good during lunch. Nolan is still in a stage where he doesn't eat half the time, but Ella and Riley can be counted on to throw down at the table. I took Ella and Nolan's shirts off, because I learned early on with Riley that orange sauces stain clothes. I am in no mood to ruin a good shirt! Off their shirts went. 

Ella had the time of her life eating spaghetti. It was one of the funniest things I've ever seen. 

Our trip to Olive Garden wrapped things up for us. We had a really nice, relaxing Spring Break! I'm already counting down the Mondays until Summer Break!

December and a lot of January

Riley,

The biggest thing to happen to you lately...

And aren't you proud. For a couple weeks you mentioned that you had "objects" in your mouth. I thought that was gross and told you to go brush your teeth. Finally after kept telling me this I looked in your mouth. Those "objects" were two permanent bottom teeth growing in. On January 2, 2015 you pulled your first tooth out. I was laying down with Nolan trying to get him to go to sleep, when you burst in the room. At first I looked at you like you were crazy; I was trying to get Nolan to go to sleep. But when you started telling me what had just happened to you, I jumped right out of bed. It was an amazing experience. You are so proud!

The school work you bring home makes me so proud. You've just started writing words, even words that you really don't know how to spell. You always have very good behavior at school as well.

Ella,

You love to play with Riley's toys. You've even started accumulating Barbie dolls. I can't keep track of which Barbies are yours and which are Riley's. Santa brought you a Hello Kitty kitchen and you really like to play with it and your groceries.

You're the mischievous one of the bunch. Sometimes just the look on your face lets me know that you are up to something. You're also the most abrasive. It's common for you to tell Paw-Paw or Grandad to "Go away!" or "Get back!" You follow that up with a big hug so they don't mind too much.

You are very possessive with your brother and sister. If anyone new comes around you immediately think they are going to take Nolan or Riley. You get a mad look on your face and yell, "That's my brudder!" I can't wait to see what you and Nolan are like when you're in high school. I hope you're always best friends.

Nolan,

You're the headstrong one. When you determine to do something, nothing will stand in your way. You're especially bad about getting someone's cup or water bottle and running off with it. I can't tell you how many times you've gotten Ella's cup and then spilled the milk all over you. If you steal a toy from Ella you take off in the other direction. This prompts screams from her until she gets the thing back.

You like to follow me around saying Mama. The way you say it makes you sound like a little baby sheep. And you don't just say it once. You say it over and over and over again. I love my Mama's boy.

You are an extremely slow eater. It takes you foreeeevvver to eat. Most of the time just pick and play with your food. Not much actually goes in your belly. You will drink an Ensure if they're convenient.

I love all three of you kids with every thing in me. I'll always do anything I can for you. You make my heart beat and give me a purpose, even when the days aren't so bright. Stay my babies forever.

Love, Mama