David rides his bike

Better late than never

David with Gabriel and Nicholae at his birthday party

Verity, Daniel, David & Sammy blowing out the candles

Little Miss Verity in the middle of all those silly boys. You go Girl!

David got a new bike. Here he is not excited about it. Newer pics to come.

My birthday boy. 4..........really?

It's a good thing nobody else is keeping track of my tardiness in writing. I am too hard on myself, it is amazing I even manage to blog at all, and I realize that. I am grateful for this new concept of blogging, I don't think I'd ever be able to keep memories of the kids this organized otherwise. And, it is fun to look back at previous entries and read what was happening and what was on my mind at the time.

Anyway, fun was had at David's party. He and his friends participated in his first pinata. The thrill only lasted a few minutes and the candy at the end was all the rave, of course. I was more excited about his new bike than he was, but usually David takes a little while to come around. It was pretty hot and humid. The realization that summer is right around the corner.....ugh.

David insisted his cake be Thomas the train, even though I really pushed for something else. He wanted chocolate with chocolate icing, strange enough but then he didn't really care for it later. It was goood, totally from scratch. I guess the boy didn't realize. :)

Happy Birthday David. You are sensitive and sweet and have such a gorgeous smile. You are learning new scripture and impress me everyday with how much you know. I could listen to you sing while you play all day long. You are my firstborn and there is nothing like it. You will always hold a special place in my heart. I love you.- Mommy

Not the norm

I could eat this kid alive!!
There's those cheeks again!
Surfing the waves in St. Augustine
Grammy Borges loves me
My "hard working men"

We had a great visit with Brian's parents. It seems we've managed to keep up a tradition. Ever since David's 1st birthday Ron and Clare have come out to celebrate. Besides the fact that it is a pleasant time to visit Florida, we love having them- and I think it makes David feel special that they come for his birthday. I don't think Daniel has figured it all yet, or else he'll start expecting it for his birthday too and then it might get difficult. The week went so fast; it never feel long enough and the tears weld up when the goodbyes are said. We hung out at the house the first few days, since I was working. Wednesday, we went out with an attempt to get a bike for David, for his birthday. I don't know why this seemed so important to me. It didn't to him. All he cares about is trucks and trains and while we tried to have him test-drive one, his attention was at the Thomas train table or mostly with Daniel. Those two test drove every electric two-seater jeep and car they had. I really think those cars are cool, yet I kept thinking it'd be best to have him learn how to ride a bike before learning to drive a car. That's what is wrong today. Kids don't know how to be kids. Go back to the "bare bones". Play outside, build forts, chase butterflies through the yard, run in the sprinklers, eat popsicles in the sun, write a check. Oops. That one is for me, I seem to be resistant to too much technology. Thursday, we went to St. Augustine. Brian wasn't thrilled, he'd like to never set foot on a beach but the boys were excited and I love it b/c then he'll be more apt to go b/c of them. Yet, I am more partial to the gulf we set out to show grammy and pappoo a good time. We stopped at an old antique place along the way, and the boys were in hog heaven looking at tractors and old farm equipment. There was even a train car they got to go on. It was a fun day and the weather was beautiful. Friday and Saturday were filled up with preparing for David's party and getting together with everybody Sat. morning.

Since Brian and I started our family, I feel a sense of loss being far away from our parents. It could be worse. My parents are only 3 hours away, yet we don't get together as often as one would think. Work keeps us very busy, of course and we enjoy being at our church on Sunday's, especially since I work ever other weekend. Now that Brian is teaching a class, it presents more of an issue to take off for the weekend.
Having my in-laws here is always a joy. I know many people that don't have great relationships with their spouse's parents, so I feel very grateful to have them. Calling them mom and dad is still strange sometimes, although I don't know why. They have welcomed me into their family with open arms and are parents that I would gladly consider my own. When my past relationship ended, I prayed and prayed that I would meet someone who was apart of a large family and God answered my prayer faithfully. Actually, even better than I had hoped.

It is fun to see them with the boys. Since Reagan made 12 grandkids for them, they have a little more experience than my own parents. They'll take off with all 3 and go run errands or take them to the mall and lunch. It is so nice to feel comfortable to let them do that and it definitely helps me out. My parents came up for David's birthday too, which was a lot of fun having both sets of grandparents here. That definitely helped me out! (Brian and I had our first date night in about 6mths. Dinner AND a movie!) My parents are getting the hang of it and realizing, I think, that if we keep adding to the numbers they'll have to keep up. Whether they want to or not! It has been fun to watch them grow into their role, seeing them act up and be silly and take such pride in everything the boys do. I realize more and more, each day what a blessing it is to have parents that are still dedicated to each other and act as role models to the kids.

April in a flash

Can it really be? Almost a full month has past, and I've yet to record anything in writing. Thankfully, my camera is still working well enough to catch some cherished moments. However, I am anticipating blowing a lot of money on a new, spiffy digital that I can capture gorgeous, "real life" memories of our life with these crazy boys. I feel like I can't get enough of them. Right now, the house is hauntily quiet, I just finished my quiet time and prayed the first good prayer in many days. Yet, I am restless looking at the clock deciding when to jump into reality and go pick up the kids from school and the babysitter. It is so bitter sweet. These moments of solitude are rare and lovely, yet my heart aches to be in the chaotic presence of my David, Daniel, and Reagan.

David turned 4 on Sunday. It is really true what "they say". Hang on, because it goes so fast. After having Reagan, I have felt like I was on a whirlwind trying to keep up with everything. Meanwhile, David is maturing, physically growing and can barely cradle in my arms. He understands many things yet he is very sensitive and not always eager to express himself when presented with the opportunity. He listens to everything that is said, which lately has been frightening for me because sometimes I'd like to take back a few things. He guides Daniel, sometimes physically by the hand, or by his words. He tells him where daddy is and when he'll be home. He's very matter of fact and detailed with his stories. He has a great imagination, and wants to know things like 'why don't the Thomas trains have ears' (this is very concerning to him). He really wants to know how things work, 'how does the train get onto the track', 'where do fishsticks come from' and ' when am I going to pick him up from school?'. I see his desire to please and be accepted. He is more timid about speaking to strangers, or being put on the spot. Yet, when he is comfortable, he never stops talking and he speaks loudly. While driving through town, I am reminded of every school bus, truck, tractor or other large "working man" equipment that goes by- in a very loud voice. Sometimes, it feels deafening but other times, like when he belts out "When we all get to Heaven" in the back of the van- I can hardly contain myself. He remembers everything. He can recite Jonah and the whale, David and Goliath and detailed instructions of daily chores and rules, whatever it is he is soaking it up like a sponge. Many days he surprises me with what he knows and his big grin of approval is evidence that he is proud of himself. Also, surprising to me is how affectionate he is. I used to think Daniel would be the soft, cuddly type and sometimes he is, yet David really seems more sensitive and cuddly. He always begs for me to sleep with him and he picks me bouquets of great proportion on a daily basis. Nothing is cuter than a little boy in rubber boots with dirt from head to toe, carrying a handful of wildflowers, a big grin on his face and puckered lips expectantly waiting a kiss (of approval) on any given day. My heart just melts at the thought.

Besides etching all the cute things he does into my memory, I am more and more aware of what he is learning. Some things aren't so cute and put me to shame when I realize I might have sound that way one day or wasn't the godly model he needed in a situation. Praying for David and his brothers is a huge responsibility and yet wonderful privilege. I am amazed each day that Brian and I have been given such a wonderful gift from God and that He expects and encourages us to lead them on a righteous path. Looking back on my childhood and seeing the seeds that my parents planted for me, I am realizing the agony they must have felt when I strayed. The Bible states, Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6. That scripture is such an encouragement to me, because I know that I am going to screw up sometimes but I place my trust in this word and I can rest assured God will be faithful providing guidance and protection to my boys. One day I pray that David will also place is trust in Christ and accept Him into his heart. Until then I will keep "training" the best I know how with God's grace, day by day.

And baby makes 3

Just to prove my child does get a bath.

Baby station #2

Absolutely the cutiest kid on the planet

"This tummy time is stupid" My 3 little charmers.

In honor of my friend's 'second time around', I got to thinkin. How different has it been for me, the third time around? Well, for starters:

#1 I NEVER once thought about keeping my pee stick for my scrapbook.

#2 Instead of fun and exciting, I found my "peenatal" visits an inconvenience and even missed a few.

#3 Poor Brian- he didn't get a love note on his pillow about being a new daddy- instead, I just kissed him before bed and said 'how'd you like another kid?'

#4 My countdown to delivery was more about the realization of the dreaded no-sleep zone, than about the actual delivery.

#5 I brought my little man home all by myself, just he and I - liked we'd been out at the mall for the day. And, Brian only stayed about 8hrs. overnight my entire stay.

#6 The poor kid didn't get a "real" bath until he was 2months old and now he can barely get one once a week.

#7 The first time around, we tried to never let David cry. Poor Reagan has to go the distance with this one- waiting until everyone else is settled. Occasionally, he even hits the "high notes".

#8 I haven't been to the grocery store with all three kids yet.

#9 I never entertained the idea to keep a journal or write to him in utero- I knew it'd never happen.

#10 But, because this was the 3rd one and maybe the last- I am taking it all in every moment as best as I can and doing things I didn't with the first.