Outings and the Outdoors

We've been outside a lot lately since the weather has been so great. We've made some great memories! My favorite of which lately was actually a rainy day when Pmc came home from work and I was a bit grouchy - so he got the boys' shoes on and we took a walk around the block to jump in rain puddles. Joy came bursting out of all of us and I just couldn't keep that grouchy face on no matter how hard I tried!

We got a free season pass to the Aquarium a while ago, so we've gone to see the Otters a few times - but we've only gotten to see them playing once. But the boys still like all the fishes, frogs, stingrays and other fun stuff!

We also get to go to the Aviary for free with our Pass of All Passes, so we went this week with our storytime friends!

We're hoping for more success in our garden this year. This picture was taken a few weeks ago - and I'll try to remember to take some more once you can see more of what's coming up. But our Cilantro and Strawberry plants totally took off this year! I also discovered that I am as much in love with Geraniums as my mother and just couldn't resist buying a little Geranium to stick in a pot on our porch. It brightens up my day so much! Pmc also came home not to long ago with some indoor plants (I'd been talking about getting some for a while) and I love having them to tend to with the boys!


We've had our fair share of picnics on our back lawn in recent weeks, so Pmc and I decided to get the boys a little table to enjoy our meals (as well as some playtime) at!


We're still enjoying getting to see plenty of Uncle Hdhe since he goes to school so close to us. He went to "Morp" the other night and he and his girlfriend dressed up as Barbie and Ken. I think they both did a fantastic job, I even hear she had some awesome shoes to go with it!


Pmc has taught Cpc that flowers are for mommies, and he regularly gives me flowers from the lawn or from our walks around the block! I cherish the look on his face when he says "Mom? Here's a flower for you!"


Cdc has reached the stage of attachment to little things. He got some "silly bandz," aka "bracelets" from our neighborhood Easter egg hunt, and has those on all the time. He also has a "Go Utes" necklace he likes to have on at all times. And throughout each day and week he'll come up with new things he must have - such as sunglasses on in the car, or a stick in his back pocket. The other day at dinner time he had so many necklaces, bracelets, hats and stuff on that he couldn't eat and he'd melt down crying if you even mentioned taking any of it off!


And last but not least, we went to the March for Babies in honor of cousin Smc who is just older than Cpc, but was born early at 27 weeks! We had so much fun this year!

Motherhood

Happy Mother's Day! I only have a moment but I want to record my thoughts today. (I started this post on Mother's Day! Late but not sorry!)

As I sat in the car with the boys after church today I happened to hear a little clip on the radio about a boy who grew up needing to be in a wheelchair, and how he doesn't remember feeling sorry for himself - but he does remember his mother's hugs and kisses. Then this is the part that caught my attention: he didn't remember ever hearing his mother complain about the extra effort it took to care for him.

I thought about all the times in my life that I've heard this quality of "not complaining" being praised. And usually it's said that these people "never complained." Somehow I always equate this in my mind with "never being unhappy or dissatisfied," or at least "never letting on to being unhappy or dissatisfied." Then I feel completely inadequate as a mother and wife.

Being a mom is hard, so is being a wife. These are full-time relationships that require a huge amount of effort. And the effort required increases in certain situations, such as a rough economy, change in income or job, having a special needs child, a child's or spouse's choices, or my own personal choices. And sometimes I just don't know how to cope and I break down. And for me, talking to those involved, reaching out to those with more experience, or expressing myself through journaling are the best ways for me to cope. In fact often they are how I resolve issues and overcome obstacles. And working through obstacles and resolving issues are precisely the things that bring me joy as a mother and wife.

So I guess what I'm saying is I don't really understand what it means to complain, or to never complain. Because I honestly don't think that is what I'm doing. Maybe I'm just justifying myself. I don't really know except that I honestly feel it is important to work through things using the relationships we have, and that we are not meant to keep all our struggles hidden. I do believe that it is important to work through things with the right people, that privacy has it's place, and that expressing discontent for the sole purpose of throwing a pity party does no good. And maybe that's what the story on the radio was about. Silly me for interpreting it the wrong way.

Tulip Festival

The boys and I enjoyed a trip to the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point this year with my in-laws. It was absolutely gorgeous!

The boys LOVED this upside-down flower. No clue what it's called, but sure is fancy!


Isn't that grouchy face of Cdc's priceless? And what made Cpc decide lately that sticking his foot out to the side is the best pose for pictures?

Cpc particularly loved the huge hill to roll down with his cousin!

We're Here for RSL!

Two Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

Pregnancy This Time Around

At least a few times a week I get asked "How are you feeling?" or "Do you know what you're having?" - often by complete strangers. I know this is a totally normal part of pregnancy and I have no problem with people asking me this. But a lot of the time it takes me a moment to realize what they're talking about. I have been so blessed this pregnancy to be having things quite easy. Our baby girl is growing really well and she's carrying high - which I love because it means I can wear my normal jeans and shorts and skirts still (though this seems to finally be coming to an end, they are finally starting to feel a little tight!). I haven't been sick at all, although I have been somewhat tired - just not excessively. I'm even still sleeping pretty well, as long as I don't get myself on my right side - then I wake up with an achy hip in the middle of the night that takes hours to go away. I think I'm getting a little grumpy though, I've flipped out at the kids more this week than I'd like to admit. Of course, that may have something to do with the fact that Cpc has had a rough potty week! I haven't had any cravings or food aversions, but I have been a little anemic so I'm trying desperately to get in my broccoli and leafy greens and taking one of those iron pills!

Anyway, even though I kind of complain about it (because it's the only thing I have to complain about I guess), I really love the way baby Arc is so active. She is going non-stop it seems. Except once I get to sleep. Maybe that means she'll sleep well. But she is making it clearly known that she is getting crowded in there. She likes to take what I presume is either both knees or both elbows and push them in opposite directions. Maybe she just likes a good stretch like her mom (I can't wake up without stretching every muscle I can find to stretch!). Sometimes I'm amazed how painful this can be though. Both the boys have gotten their fair share of feeling "baby A kick me!" They both love to give her a kiss and hug each night and morning and say "Good _____ A!" It gives me so much glee to see them just as in love with her as Pmc and I are. I wish I could capture those feelings. They make pregnancy worth it!

And just in case you think I'm avoiding the camera - I promise to get some good prego pictures and post them sometime before this baby comes! I just don't let Cpc or Cdc handle the camera much, and we don't always think to take pics with me in them when Pmc is around!