Before the Rain

Today the boys and I ventured outside to play a little bit, before the rains came through. It was cloudy, overcast and not nearly as hot as I imagined. And, Sawyer was being pretty insistent, dragging me to the coat closet (where the Crocs are kept) and wanting to get outside. It was too late to go for a walk, since we still had to get through lunch and had to be ready for our speech therapist right after. So we opted for a little bit of swinging and a little bit of sliding. Judging by their smiles, it seemed to go over well.



Connor, all tangled up in the swings.



Sawyer, trying to swing with the rings.



Xander, blocking the end of the slide and laughing about it.

Ready, Set, Stalk!

One of the things I was probably least prepared for about stay-at-home parenthood, especially with three toddlers, is how completely I am expected to be within reach. Even the dog, when he's inside, follows my every move. Perhaps we have made our children this way, but part of me is pretty sure that their personalities would have demanded most of it anyway.

Connor needs both constant attention and constant conversation. He absolutely does not stop talking, if nothing else, he simply repeats his first statement over and over until he gets a response from you. No amount of teaching (or attempting to teach) that it's not nice to do this, that you should not repeat things or harass innocent people (like our neighbors, whom he will absolutely shout "Hel-lo!" to about seven times before we're out of earshot), has made the slightest dent in his relentless verbal assaults. And I really and truly mean that he does not stop talking. Ask anyone, anyone who's ever spent a few hours or an afternoon with him. It really and truly only stops for one thing - sleep. He talks while playing, even by himself. He talks in between bites at meal time. He talks while using the potty. He talks on stroller walks, the whole time. He even talks while swimming (even when he's supposed to be keeping his mouth closed to prevent water going in his mouth).

Xander is a little less needy, but he's a follower. If one or both of his brothers are following Mommy, he tends to join in. You know, just in case there might be something good in it - like juice or treats or candy! And other times, especially when he's tired at the end of the day, he just clings. It's as though he cannot get close enough. He's the one I'm most likely to trip over, because he's literally right at my feet and I sometimes don't even hear him when he comes up.

And then there is Sawyer. He has long been my clutcher, the biggest of my Mommy's boys. He absolutely cannot stand to be separated from Mommy. He follows my every move, has taken to dragging me around by the hand frequently to get his wants and needs met, and even drags me down to the floor to keep me close by while he's playing. And it's unbearably cute most of the time, but there are moments when it can be maddening. Like when I'm trying to cook dinner, or do some random housework, or talk on the phone for a minute, or even go to the bathroom.

Or how about trying to eat dinner? Last night Sawyer couldn't stand to be left out, even though he'd just eaten about 20 minutes ago. So he first climbed into my lap, where I had to sit him back down again. He thought about it for a few seconds, then climbed on behind me. And at this point in the day, I'm just too tired to care. And, how cute is he, clutching on and giving me really hard hugs from behind? My independent little guy, finally starting to show some affection again. Mommy can't help but laugh, even if she does feel a little bit stalked at the same time. You can't see him in the photo below (just a little bit in the one above), but Buster has also claimed his spot at dinner time, curled up next to the window and Mommy's feet.

It's something, to be so loved. And depending on what time of day it is, it's either really, really cute, or really, really annoying!

Snapshot Sunday

Look how good they can be when no one is looking. Three boys playing quietly by themselves - Connor and Xander with books and Sawyer with blocks. A lazy Sunday at home . . .

Ready, Set, Go!

As the oldest (and finally potty-trained) son in the family, Connor is finding himself going on more and more adventures this summer than ever before. Today, he was picked up by Aunt Kelly for lunch at McDonald's (and he LOVES to get to actually go inside, as opposed to bringing it home as Mommy usually does with all three boys). And after that, they were headed to the club pool for an afternoon of splashing and fun in the sun.

The boy is in pure heaven, I assure you. Full attention, check. Favorite food, check. Best place in the whole world to be (in the water), check. Most fun play friend in the whole world, check. He bounced out the door with another one of his oh-s0-casual and unconcerned "Bye-bye, Mommy! See you later!" tossed over his shoulder. Mommy and brothers were already fading into the background.

And to add to all of this, he's going to get to spend the evening at home with Grammy and Pappy, who are coming over to give Mommy and Daddy a much-needed night out! There will be even more attention, more fun and more tasty treats to be had tonight. What more can a three-year old ask for?

Photo Flashback

The big surprise came three years ago tomorrow! You can even see the date on the ultrasound (August 2, 2005).



And Connor, happily enjoying the boat with no idea what was in store for him with two more brothers on the way! (August 9, 2005)