Boyz

EJ was away for an overnight work retreat last night. We were both anxious as to how my afternoon, evening and this morning would go. I am happy to report that it went more smoothly than I imagined. Being nervous actually helped me to pray more and I was much more patient and gracious with His help. Imagine that:)

We went to the playground after Mason's nap yesterday.

I don't generally think about the boys seriously hurting themselves. If they fall down, I wait for their reaction instead of making them upset by my response. But I know it's only a matter of time. Well, yesterday when we went to the playground, there was a group of 5 or 6 pretty rough and tough looking/acting little boys. I suppose the fact that one had his arm in a cast, got me thinking.
I found myself fearing how I would handle the ER by myself with EJ out of town. Amazing where my mind goes.
Thankfully, nothing happened. In fact, my boys were so busy watching the other boys they weren't too adventurous themselves.

Bouncing Around

Being a mom to 3 is very busy. The hours from 4-8pm are the busiest. We have a pretty good routine already, which I am still amazed about, but it is crazy. I feel like a ball in a pinball machine. Each son has very different needs and I am constantly bouncing around between the 3 of them.
Some afternoons go smoothly and I score a lot of points from everyone, although not without being bounced/hit around by the flippers. Then there are mornings I feel like I can't even get out of the ball lane (the starting place before the ball gets in the game). Other days, I go right down the drain taking everyone down with me.
Thankfully God continues to replenish my game even when I don't ask him too. He is faithful. Each day is a new day.
I wish I could say I quickly turn to Him. I know if I did, I would feel less battered at the end of the day, my children would feel more loved and I would have energy for my husband. Alas, I am always learning this lesson.

I am especially grateful that God doesn't keep score. The new balls keep coming. His grace has no end.

Oh, and did I mention the noise? A pinball machine is so noisy.

My 3 Sons...

I hear it all the time. And I also better get use to the looks of oh, my doesn't she have her hands full with 3 boys.

My first Mother's Day X 3 was wonderful. Although Ryan obviously didn't get the memo that I should be granted a good night of sleep for Mother's Day. Bummer!
We celebrated with my parents, sister and Brother-in-law with dinner at our house. We had hoped we could finally make it to my parents for a change, but Owen had a T-ball game at 2:45. So my parents came to the game too.

Don't you love the backdrop? It was Owen's idea.I was given 2 bottles of wine for mother's day and this wine bottle holder.
I must look like I need a drink.
Isn't this cute? My mom found it.

1 Month

Ryan is already 1 month old.

It doesn't really seem possible.

My dear friend, Courtney sent me a pack of stickers with 1-12 months.
They are super cute! I am probably suppose to pick a chair and always take him in the same pose so that his growth is more noticeable. But, he is too floppy for a chair. Perhaps next month!

I think he has lost some hair since his birth.
He has got the "old man" look going on.

Brotherly Love

Everyone asks how the older 2 are doing? Well, Mason and Ryan are off to a great start. Owen is doing well too, he just doesn't spend nearly as much time with Ryan as Mason does.
When Mason was a baby, Owen was not interested in helping me. Mason on the other hand, is the best little babysitter I could expect from a almost 3 year old.

He gives lots of hugs and kisses.

He does not like to hear Ryan cry, so he drops whatever he is doing, "finds" Ryan and the pacifier and sticks it in.
He has even been known to wash it in the bathroom sink first. He often calls him, "sweetie pie or sugar" But mostly refers to him as "Baby."

It will be so fun once Ryan can interact with Mason.

He definitely recognizes Mason's voice.