Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season.

Happy birthday to Sam

Although he has been acting like a three-nager for quite some time now, Sammy boy is turning 3 today!



When I look at Sam and see how quickly he is growing, I get heart pangs that our baby years are now done forever. It makes me hold on to those final fleeting moments of his babyhood - the way he rubs his eyes when he is tired, how he still asks to be picked up when he is upset or scared, and when he looks up at me with big eyes as I buckle him into his car seat.

We call him the Hustler because he can out-hustle his brothers when he wants something. Sam lives life with absolutely no sense of responsibility, allowing him all the freedom to just grow in personality. He loves eating, Lightning McQueen, and his brothers. He is emotional, socially astute, tough, and exuberant about enjoying life.


He makes us laugh every day, and our family is made whole with him. We love you Sammy!

Being present

I realize from my posts that it may seem all we do is go on fun trips and enjoy our leisure time. In fact, our days are pretty much the opposite. Now that I am back at work, that familiar feeling of not being able to ever catch up has returned.

This time though, I am working far less hours and for the government. It has its own set of challenges, but so far it still feels like my best shot at doing work I want while spending the kind of time I want with my kids. Our days feel pretty packed with adult responsibilities, but I am trying to be present for the momentary sweet moments.

Top Teeth

Noah has been missing his two top teeth since he was three years old. The other day he lost another one (this time naturally) and I realized his adult teeth were about to pop through. I wanted to take some pictures of his toothless grin that we love before it disappears.

Sammy wanted to get in on the action too

Got distracted by an airplane

Yes he has no pants on.

Today's conversation with Sam

Me: Sammy I am so proud of you. We said goodbye to bottles.
Sam: Yeah! I say goodbye bottles!
Me: We said goodbye to paci.
Sam: Yeah! I say goodbye paci!
Me: We said goodbye to diapers.
Sam: Yeah! I say goodbye diapers! I say goodbye baby boy!

And then I had to weep a little that all my babies are growing up.

Monterey for July 4th Weekend

 

I laughed when I saw Terah with his coffee, thin puffer vest and picnic basket. What a hipster.

On another trip a few months ago, Sam surprised us by suddenly appearing out of his crib. Now I know how. 

Sadness because he couldn't join his brothers in a card game. It is hard being third. 

Our trip was filled with lots of bike rides, coffee shops, old time charm and tide pools. Fun escape with our boys! 

Last Day of First Grade

Last Thursday we wrapped up the school year.

First day of first grade: 

Last day: 

Outtakes