Need Proof?

that I'm awesome

Today I went to the dentist.

With the kids.

All three of them

Ages 3, 17 months and 17 months.

They came into the examination room with me. And waited for almost an hour.

There were no meltdowns, crying fits or panic attacks.. Plus the kids behaved too.

I got a clean bill of health.

No cavities.

Ever. In almost 28 years.

I am that awesome.

It's the 14th Anniversary of Your 21st Birthday!

In true "Irene style" we celebrated Patrick's 35th birthday this year with enough food and drinks to feed a rowdy crowd of fifty! Enchiladas, red chile, two types of salad, three different sides and two desserts....no one has ever left her home with an empty stomach, (except for maybe Sophia who exists on popcorn and air alone). It's cliche but it really does seem like just "yesterday" we were celebrating his 30th at Irene's (sans three crazy kids of course!) I'm sure if you had asked us then where we'd be in five years neither one of us would have guessed correctly. Definitely not back in New Mexico with three small kids and another on the way... just kidding Mom!

So where will be when Patrick crosses into MIDDLE AGE in five short years? (Just had to get that jab in, ha ha!! That's what you get for marrying someone 7.25 years your junior!)

Hopefully five years wiser, one million dollars richer and 15 years younger looking. Okay so maybe not all that but happy, healthy and together would be good. And we could definitely do without the addition of three more crazy kids. Mass production of children is better left in hands of those fun loving Duggars. Incidentally don't you think that over the last five years Michelle Duggar, AKA Momma Duggar, has actually gotten wiser (she's always full of 'soft spoken' parental gems), richer (thanks to TLC!) and younger looking (okay maybe not younger but she doesn't really seem to age either) despite giving birth to something like 31 more children? It's all just a little bit too eerie.

Daddy's Day 2009

The Dawning of A New Era: Art Project Gifts

June 21

June 21st 2007... Today we were introduced to Baby and Baby B. I'm shell shocked. I'm thrilled. I'm scared of losing one or both. I'm feel sad and guilty for what this means for Sophia. I'm excited that she'll have two siblings to play with one day. I'm unsure about what this means for us financially. I'm feeling tired, nauseous and pregnant. I'm ready to move home. I can do nothing but cry, pray and plan. Today was a big day.

June 21st 2008.. Today baby Alex and baby Max are over four months old. I'm sleepy. I'm running on caffeine and sheer will alone.  I'm madly in love with my three beautiful babies. I'm sore and achy from nursing two babies around the clock. I'm hopeful that Sophia won't be forever impaired by how much TV she's taken in over the last four months.  I'm close to my family again. I'm watching every dollar but am always blessed with enough.  I can do nothing but smile, pray and be thankful. Today was a good day.

June 21 2009. Today Alex and Max are over 16 months old. I'm always running after someone. I'm finding time again to do the things I enjoy. I'm scraping mac and cheese off the kitchen floor. I'm happy that Sophia and the boys can finally play together. I'm in my new home. I'm thinking that one more won't be that bad. I'm madly in love with my wonderful husband and best friend. I'm sweaty, tired and cranky by 8pm. I can do nothing but laugh, pray, and enjoy every day. Today was a great day.

Puppy Love

Cupid's arrow struck Alex hard. The moment he spotted those strawberry blond curls and baby blue eyes he was smitten. He ran across the playground, dodging swings, past sliding five year olds and avoiding Nerf balls in order to get a better look. At first he was shy, exchanging goofy glances from behind my legs. But after a few mutual smiles and undecipherable words exchanged, he went for it wrapping both his arms around her tightly. At first she laughed. Smiled. Cooed even. But thirty seconds later she was over the love affair and wanted nothing more than to run away. Alex, however, was still in love. For the remainder of her time at the park he chased behind her, intermittently trying to hug her, kiss her, and woo her with gifts of sippie cups and fish crackers. Not even the old "pulling her hair" trick could regain her attention. Alex was crushed. Finally it was time for her to leave the park, Alex waved sadly as her mother wheeled her away in a stroller. Yet heartbroken as he was to have loved and lost, he soon discovered two "older" girls, three years old both, who were more than happy to dote on a charming, smiling 16 month old boy. Alex was in love again.

He has a lot to learn about wooing a lady!

Behind Closed Doors

Sophia may not have the baby sister she's been asking for but two unsuspecting little brothers will do.

Isn't the admission price for playing in Sophia's room a tad bit steep?

One day he'll appreciate this picture... and so will his prom date!

No longer a Trike..

She's on a real bike now!

Up!

Sophia and I snuck out for a few hours last Friday to see her first movie, UP!,  on the "big screen" --- in 3D no less!  We both had a great time... popcorn, pickles, chocolate,  hipster 3D glasses and some girl time alone. She's still too light to hold a theatre seat down on her own so she had to sit in my lap (which was nice for me!) but was a little embarrased when I kept going on about the "cool" 3D effects.  My enthusiasm even earned me an  "Oh Mom"... the first of many I'm sure.  When the movie ended Sophia shouted "That was a GREAT movie Mom! Can we see it again?"  Sounds like we'll need to plan another movie date soon!

[caption id="attachment_782" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="She even kept the clumbsy 3D glasses on the whole time."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_783" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Her first movie stub... of course I'm gonna save it!"][/caption]

It Could Be Worse....

[caption id="attachment_775" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Eye Eye Captain Max"][/caption]

I love that he's not the slightest bit affected by the loss of one eye.

Anniversary Timeline

When Patrick and I were first married I read about a couple that had a wall in their house dedicated to photos of them taken on each of their wedding anniversaries. It was a fun way to document changes in their appearance as well as in their relationship. I was very taken by the idea and glad to have heard about it before we were missed our chance to start our wall.  It would be pretty bare if I started to put them up now but here are our "Anniversary Day" pictures so far. I can't wait to add many, many more!

[caption id="attachment_768" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Our First Anniversary"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_769" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Our Second Anniversary"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_770" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Our Third Anniversary"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_771" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Our Fourth Anniversary"][/caption]

Happy Anniversary Love

[caption id="attachment_757" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="My Husband, My Partner, My Friend"][/caption]

I had a hard start at this one and have probably started and restarted this a dozen times. I wanted to convey just how wonderful a husband you've been to me over the last four years without getting too sappy or cliche'. I even looked up anniversary poetry to see if someone else had the words I was searching for (and stopped when one poem I found rhymed love with dove).  So here goes my best:

Patrick

I love you even more today than the day we became husband and wife. You have been an amazing blessing in my life.  Thank you for letting me be right even when we both know I'm not (rarely), for calling me beautiful even when I'm wearing the ugly yoga pants (nightly) and for loving me even on the days I'm not very loveable (way too often).  I love you sweetheart. Happy Anniversary.

I Just Need A Little Help From My Friend

[caption id="attachment_752" align="aligncenter" width="238" caption="Why having a twin is great"][/caption]

Preschool At Last!

It seems that Sophia and I have been anxiously awaiting that very special first day of preschool since the day she turned two three.  I love being able to stay home full time and enjoy most (see The "H" word post ) of the moments and firsts I get to share with the munchkins but honestly there are days when Sophia and I just need a break from each other. Think about it. From the moment she wakes up to the time she goes to bed I am there.  Seven days a week. From the day she was born over three and a half years ago (except for one Girls Weekend Overnight Trip that I was gone for MAYBE 12 hours and oh yea the two days I spent in the hospital when the boys were born). All that time spent together can start to get old for anyone let alone a STRONG willed three year old and her even STRONGER willed mama. Beyond a little breathing room she is hungry for new experiences, friends her own age and a more independence.  Sadly because she has an October birthday many of the preschool programs won't accept her until August 2010!  Seemingly a lifetime away! Luckily a friend turned us onto a "preschool activity class" that meets twice weekly for a couple of hours. Not a true preschool but definitely good enough for us. She was the first of her 12 classmates to sign up.

Yesterday was her first day and it couldn't have gone better. She was up and dressed early, didn't complain about having her hair combed and even helped me gather up sippies for "the brothers" so we could get out the door sooner. (She can be so helpful when she's in a good mood). Upon arrival she marched into the classroom, joined the other kids who were gathered around a sand table and hardly looked back.  (Hardly because she did hesitate for a second when I was leaving.  That is until I introduced her to the little girl  next to her.  With a new friend by her side she was ready to play!) When class was over she excitedly told me about the project she completed, the apple juice she drank and the fun she had playing in the gym.  Then she added "The only part I didn't like was that I had my teacher there but I wanted you".  Maybe August 2010 will come sooner than we really want it to after all.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The Happy Preschooler on Her Way!"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The Little Brothers who are just happy to get out of the house!"][/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Yes, I am one of those moms who takes a camera to the first day of class!"][/caption]