Our little cuddle bugs

Our pretty girl.

Pop goes the eyes

Life with a 16 month old.

Remember all of those posts about how easy and sweet number 3 has been to me? I now want to go back and erase them all.
For the past 5 and a half years I have traveled extensively with the kids, at one point I think I counted over 25 trips Logan has been on, something like 65 planes! Within 5 years. Of course the past 16 months it has been much more limited and even replaced with the dreaded road trips instead.
Well on Monday we returned from CT and let's just say I didn't even get my makeup bag out of my suitcase until last night. I am so exhausted with her. I am thinking about never going on another plane with that child again. Abi and Logan are pretty much self sufficient on a plane (besides the time the lady in front of Abi scolded me to "Ask her to stop kicking my seat, PLEASE!"). Seriously, I would almost consider putting them on a plane by them selves ~if they let me, with back packs full of goodies I don't have to do much. Annika on the other hand was a complete terror. Saying that it felt like I was wrestling with an Octopus would be too kind. Maybe if it was a screeching, spitting, biting octopus, it would be a better analogy.
She didn't really bug everyone else like the screaming baby you dread you find yourself next to on a long haul. She just waited until everyone around us got into a nice, relaxing place and decided to let out a short, high pitched screech to let me (and everyone else on the plane) know she was bored out of her mind with the 300 different things I was trying to tirelessly entertain her with. This routine continued for all 2 hours of the endless trip.
I know it could of been worse. I could of had that baby that never seems to run out of energy to scream. Or it could have been a repeat of the flight back from Phonex where Logan puked and dry heaved the whole trip.
Yet, I am burnt on idea of ever being trapped in a 4 1/2 foot radius with my 3 Children for a LONG, LONG time.
The only thing that keeps this girls attention longer than 30 seconds is if she has the opportunity to put things in and out of some type of a container. She loves putting toys in purses and bags and carrying them around. This morning at breakfast she pulled a whole container of Logans million crayons/crayon pieces on to the floor. I was disgusted at first, till I realized that we then had the next 40 minutes filled with her opening a container putting in crayons and closing, standing up and clapping, only to go get more. Soon, I was taking some of the crayons back out when she wasn't looking to keep this little disaster going. What fun.
I love seeing her figure things out, and more than that I love that she is entertained enough to not be screeching at me or pulling at my leg. She has become really loud and whinny but that is probably part of being the youngest of three, she must be heard, and NOW!

Aunt Susan and baby blue eyes.

Little Princess

2 Princesses and a Giraffe, Only shot I have of all 3 ;(

Princess 05' ~from my Mom's camerea

How do you teach a baby duck the sign for "Frosty"?

Annika has now learned how to sign both "Please" and "Thank You" in sign language. Which is great because instead of coming to me and screeching like a dying cat until I give her what she wants, she now gently shoves a toy,cup,can of lighter fluid at me and sweetly rubs her belly in a circle,and smiles to get what ever it may be. I can not resist. It is perfectly adorable. It is my equivalent of teaching my kids how to read, or sit on a potty instead of peeing all over the seat. I see the results and it makes me beam.
Sure, I have heard people say they don't think you should teach perfectly healthy hearing infants/toddlers to sign, for it may delay their speech skills. To them I say go have your own kids to raise how ever you like. For I am screwing mine up quite nicely all by myself, thanks.
Today after cracking open the fresh booklet of Wendy's coupons (I conveniently forgot to give out for Halloween). I decided we would fill up on chicken nuggets and cheese burgers for lunch along with our "free" frosty's.
Annika has decided she does not like Chicken nuggets or even french fries,~ she may after all be the smartest one I have. So instead she had a big bowl of peas and dehydrated apples. Then I thought why not let her try some of the frosty, for if the Chicken nuggets aren't going to kill her might as well give it another try with a nice artificial dairy treat. After the first sip, she was hooked, she wouldn't stop following me around like a baby duck. Hands in the air, screeching, then she remembered the "please" sign so she tried that, then more screeching. I couldn't get it in her fast enough. Then she pulled out the big guns and used a sign I have been trying to teach her to use when she wants "Milk" or to "Nurse". Both hands straight out, opening and shutting her hands and saying "Nss, Nss". I couldn't believe it! She was equating the frosty to nursing! It was a full circle, she truly does think I am her full service dairy bar.
Well I'm off to google: "American sign language = Frosty"

Probably not legal

This is supposed to be the post where I put all the adorable pictures of Abi's first school party and her looking like the sweetest princess you have ever seen. She looked so sweet, and was actually the only princess at school, which was a shock. The teachers kept extorting the fact that it was the first time, most of these kids have ever "performed" in front of a crowd (obviously she hasn't been with us at Meijers when she decides to put on one of her "shows" to get out of the cart!). Yes I was the ONLY Mom there with out any thing to capture this one time only, moment.
I thought I was bad last year when I forgot what time they shortened Logans first day of school to, and he only went for the last 1/2 hour. This feeling stomped on that one.
I couldn't find the camera, I searched EVERY where, and the Camcorders batteries were dead. So no pictures, and we will probably have no pictures of them in costumes today either! You want to know where the camera was?? Do ya? Left out in the jogging stroller for 2 day's in the rain after Erik used it last weekend! Tons of moisture in it who knows if it will ever dry out or work.
So I'm off to go Camera shopping::::::: It's a blessing, I now have an excuse to use that home equity loan for my dream Nikon D70. yea right.

~Oh and I had to paste this that I just read, which probably isn't legal since it was in someone's comments, but all 5 people who read this thing I personally know, I think I'm safe. It was too funny to pass up.


Last Christmas my then 3 yr old daughter had something important to tell me when I went to pick her up.

She announced (within earshot of the other moms and 2 teachers) "Mom, I learned that it's Cheez-its birthday soon!"

The teachers gasped and said "No, it's JESUS!" and looked very annoyed.

9:49 PM

No Air Jordan

On Tuesday I received a call from a fellow classmates Mom of Logans, asking if he would be interested in joining an intramural basketball team they were starting. I half chuckled at what she was getting her self into. Logan and a ball (especially a basketball) do not make a good pair. A couple of days earlier I unfortunately had the experience of bringing him with me to Old Navy, where they have large bins of balls right next to the check out lane. As I fumbled with my stuff I let him play with the distractions they tried to pursuaiet upon us, after about 30 seconds of watching him try to dribble a basket ball and then subsequently chasing after it across the store, bouncing it into innocent by standards, I stopped him with a shake of my head. He was awful! I mean extremely bad. This of course comes back to being our fault. He has rarely had the opportunity to even pick up a basket ball.
We kick a soccer ball around in the neighbors yard every once in a while. He recently even took to tossing a football with one of his cousins, while they were in town. Basketball on the other hand hasn't even been approached.
I responded to the Mom with an excuse, of course. You can't just spring this on my and actually expect an immediate answer, which she wanted. The practice was to start the next day and they wanted to know if they had enough kids. So... I dreadfully asked Logan what he thought. I must say he didn't jump on the idea right away, he hesitated and then asked, "Well umm, are they going to lower the hoops?".
After being assured that "I'm sure they have to lower the hoops." He replied with an excited "Yes!". Me, not so sure.
Yesterday, I was still trying to back peddle out of this dilemma. A half hour before we were supposed to be at the school, I suggested "Hey, lets go to the pool tonight instead!" I'm horrible I know. His response "O.K. after basket ball?" the kids is like a sponge, he remembers everything (I don't want him to that is). There was no getting out of it.
By 10 til 4 he was all suited up, basketball shorts, gym pants over, Nike sweatshirt on top. He was running around dribbling his imaginary basketball. He even asked for a water bottle and little towel (.?!). I know this is where my in laws, who are obsessed with CT College Basketball is hopping that I am going to say " I was wrong." " He completely surprised me." "The kid is a natural!". What happened next still makes me have a pit in my stomach.
We went in the gym and with in seconds the kid went crazy. Running around like he was being chased by a deranged lunatic. If there was ever a kid needed for an ADD commercial, I had found one.
As they lined everyone up for drills, Logan was grinding on the kid in front of him with a funky dance. Once they gave out the balls, it got real ugly. At no point did they kid have actual control over a ball, during the whole HOUR!!! He spent the whole time chasing the fleeing balls on his stomach. Let's just say they should now be paying him instead of a janitor for actually cleaning and dusting that gym floor.
I am really thankful that I have the distraction of chasing a one year old off the court the whole time, so I didn't have to actually watch. It was painful, really painful.
I was hopping that it was just his age. No kindergarten could possibly be good at basketball, right? Most of the other kids weren't great, but far better than I imagined. One kid (of course the one paired up with Logan)had fancy shoes, a bright matching tank and gym shorts, head band, and yes even a water bottle and towel! I heard his Dad grumbling when he was paired with Logan again at the end. Shamefully I have to say I even felt a little bad for the kid.
It was a long hour. When he climbed onto the bleachers, he said he was hot. Well no wonder, he worked out 10 times harder than every one that actually spent the practice on their feet!
On the way home, I tried to explain that maybe basketball wasn't his calling. He didn't like what I was saying. I thought about lying and telling him he didn't make the team.
Then I remembered the next practice is on a Sunday, so maybe I'll let Dad have a little comedy hour before we yank this one.

2 in the bed and the little one said.

I woke up today to a tap on my forhead, and Logan telling me "Mommy I had a bad dream, it was about a scary Halloween (blah, blah, blah)". I have had a rule of NEVER letting the kids climb in bed with me, I know I am a horrible, cold, rotten mother. But for the love of Pete I am with them ALL day, the last thing I need is to be with them all night too. If they are not still nursing, they are denied access to my bed, period.
I will lay in their bed with them and cuddle, say prayers or read a book. Only when sick may I fall asleep in their bed. Today I broke the rule, Erik had just left for work (which is probably why he woke up mid REM) and so I let him climb in his spot. When the alarm went of at ten til seven I looked over to a big grin on his face. He had me right where he wanted me. We cuddled for a few minutes, and of corse the first words out of his mouth were "Today is the Halloween party, right?". I SO don't want to go to the Halloween party. I wish I was rich and could send them with the Nanny.

Going out of business?

Well, looks like the end of the Dairy Bar is just around the corner. The real one that is. It is official that I am starting back to work and not just work but Full Time. This scares the crap out of me. Not that I couldn't handle working Full Time, but the fact that I am now going to be working 2 full time jobs when I'm barely above water at times with the one now! (As is Erik)
Delta called me back a couple of weeks ago and I said that if they called I would take it, although I was thinking of part time, not full time. Now it is upon me. I had been scrambling to find out how I would do the training because it would be the next 10 weeks of day shifts and paying someone to watch the kids and ending up making less than 3 dollars an hour did not sound like fun. Yesterday they called and let me know that they are now having a evening class. So yipee, right? That means that my day will start at 7AM to get Logan up and to school, then Abi (on Tue, Thur) deal with the house and kids and every thing that comes with it and try and figure out who will take the kids from 3-4ish every day So I can work until midnight just in time to crash in bed and get less than 7 hours of sleep (don't forget the baby that gets up 2 to 3 times in the time) and do it again! Sound like fun?
Oh and don't forget that I get to work Xmas, Xmas Eve and not see my Husband for one full day until who knows when. Yes I am a pessimist (that can't spell).
I didn't think I would be going back to work until the kids were all in school at the least. Especially full time. I ask myself if I am really going back for the right reasons? I feel like the number 1 o.k maybe # 2 reason is because Erik and my family don't want to lose flight benefits. Yes we need money but I could find a part time job or work more hours at church and make just about as much money. Haven't I done my part in flying our family as they want for the past almost 9 YEARS!
What hurts me the most is that If I go back I HAVE to wean Annika. I can not worry about her not eating and get up with her all night, while working too. The 2 are just not compatible. I haven't weaned either of the other 2. I believe in self weaning. I never ask her if she wants to nurse she always comes to me. So NO I am not still nursing her for my self (what ever that means). So the Dairy Bar may soon here end.

Things that bring a smile to my face

~ Abi talking to the T.V~ "That way!" "NO Swipping!" She yells at Dora.

~ Watching Logan and Annika play in the kitchen together, a pea and a pod.

~ Listening to Logan sound out words, and act like he is reading.

~ Seeing Annika struggle with trying how to figure out how to put on Sunglasses for
like 10 minutes.

~ Hearing all of the new prayers Logan has learned and never forgetting to do the
sign of the cross afterwards, even though we are not Catholic (Man, he is going to
be in shock some day)

~ Watching Abi march into (and out of) school with a big smile on her face, and to
think I was worried. She would so go for the all day thing if they offered it.

~ Seeing my Computer have a heart attack when I actually do a search on best
loan options?

Pop Paw

If I had one wish granted, I would wish for the chance to see my Dad interact with my kids.
My Dad was a big kid himself. He believed in having fun was much more important than being "Adult". In the years before he had gotten sick he had, bought a white water raft, a motorcycle, broken his arm on rollerblading. He was also contemplating buying a hot air balloon. At one point years before he was in the process of building a glider that he was actually going to jump off of cliffs with.
Yesterday when it hit me that it was the week of my Dad's Birthday and also the same week he had died (5 days apart). I sat down with the kids and told them what the week was to me and how although I felt sad that they never got the chance to play with him. I wanted them to know that they had an incredible Pop Paw. I told them all of things above that I mentioned and of course Abi didn't really get it. Logan turned to me and said "What do you like to remember best about him?" (seriously the kid amazes me). I sat there for a minute and tried to think of one thing that I loved most about him. I then replied that I always knew my Dad loved me no matter what, he was never shy about saying or expressing so. He was very affectionate, holding my hand, rubbing my back, cracking my toes (yea I know strange that I consider that affection). I loved being with my Dad even more than with my friends. My dad taught me to be comfortable with myself, as a 6 foot tall 16yr old for he had been there too. He let me know that the teenage years were the worst years of my life and that it does get better. I just wish he could be here to see that it has gotten better. To enjoy his grandkids and throw them up in the air.

Today was Grandparents day at Logans school. As I watched my Mom and him walk up the street I could almost imagine my Dad holding his other hand.

Nature girl!

Princess of rocks!

Turning 3 = PRINCESS

That's right our Princess is 3! After the last 3 day's of this house being all about Abi, it's really starting to get to her head! She now walks around responding "NO,I'm a princess!" to EVERYthing! "Abi, please buckle up so we can go", "No I'm a Princess!" "Abi time for dinner." "No, I princess!" "Time to go patty" you guessed it. Who knew Princesses don't need seatbelts, Dinner, or Potties.
On Sunday we had a big Birthday dinner with my Mom and Tom and presents in a near by park. Monday her actual Birthday we had a Chuckee Cheese party with some friends and Cousins. Tuesday she brought in Ice Cream Cupcakes and Goodie bags to preschool, and also got to wear the Princess crown all day! When I went to pick her up I swear she could of flown home she was so happy. Then again I guess I would be to if I got to have my Birthday for 3 days straight! ( Who am I kidding, I take the whole week;)And we still have a little party for scheduled for when B&G come in town in a couple of weeks.
The transition of no more Celebrating hasn't been pretty, but I'm sure she will get over it soon, at least I hope so.

A girl and her annoying Lion ~ yes she is clicking too.

All grown up

It seems that Annika has just figured out the key to "non"-verbal Communication.
She woke up,I gave her cup of Juice, she finished it, walked over and shoved it in my face. I put it down she repeated and repeated until I got up to get her more juice!
Then she brought me this little Lion Toy that when you push it's head down it sings the "In the jungle the mighty jungle, Weem a whip, Whem a whop" over and over til you can't stand it anymore,. Well she is addicted to it. She brings it to me sets it in my lap and clicks her mouth like she does when ever she hears music, this is her way of saying "Start this thing NOW!" until I start it. Then she sings/clicks along while walking in circles to the music. I may add that I usually find this just about the cutest thing in the world, but after the past, NOT KIDDING YOU 40 minutes of hearing it over and over and endless clicking and then having it shoved at me every time it stops I can't take it anymore!
Why do they insist on getting so smart, oh and learn how to use/abuse their Mothers? (be quiet Mom!)

Abi's first day at Preschool~ can you see the joy just bursting from her? yea me neither.

First day of Kindergarten, man that kid loves to pose!

"Just come a little bit closer"

1 yr old picture much better in person but since I can't afford any more copies enjoy it as it is ;)

Little Lady and her house~ she owns it now

Remember when it was 40 degrees out and she wanted to be naked, now It's August and I couldn't get her to take off the darn fleece snow hat!

Slacking off

I haven't been keeping this up to date lately for many reasons, one being time, the other being I feel like I am doing it for no one but myself. Which isn't a bad thing, just time consuming for self entertainment.
I started this site at first so my in-laws of all sorts had access to watching the kids grow up long distance. I know they check it every once in a while~ not to often in the summer, But I have never really felt that if I didn't put this together they wouldn't "know" the kids, we/they talk to them at least once a week often more, and I feel like the kids truly feel there presence.
A lot of junk has been going on one that side of the family that I truly wish they didn't have to endure, they are incredible people, parents, Aunts (well Aunt) and Grandparents. So for them I keep this running, even if it is lacking.
Here are some pictures that I hope will make them smile, if they do decide to stop by.

1 Year 1 month

I have been trying to write this post for the last month but life (or kids) just keep getting in the way.
I wish I was able to write and express all the things that go through my head being a Mom to the sweetest, happiest baby in the world, but unfortunately I am not 1/100 of the writer that I wish I could be. Mainly I wish I had the talent to express all the emotions I feel so one day not so long from now when I no longer have the succulent little baby neck to nuzzle into I can read back on the flood of emotions I felt cuddling, loving and raising you.
The past year (and month) hasn't been the easiest year that is for sure, for I have become more of a homebody than I ever imagined I could be. Your brother still reminds me daily of how we used to go to the zoo, aquarium, parks almost daily and now it is a treat. There are times I feel guilty for not being able to give you all the adventures and individual attention that your brother and sister had. At he same time I have learned to take in and enjoy every little, or big milestone that we hit together for I have experienced that it goes by to quickly. I don't rush to put you down at night when we have time for just us. I love to put my face down to yours and feel how soft and sweet you feel just lightly breathing so close to me and knowing that you feel comforted that it is me you have captured with every inch of you. I look at you and it still amazes me that I ( o.k we) have created such a incredibly perfect human being.
At 1 year old you have yet to mastered walking but love to go in between Daddy and I getting so excited that you have taken 3 or 4 steps to get to one or the other. In the past month you have drawn Daddy in with all of your innocent little Annika ways, for you have spent more time with him on the weekends while I am at Church.
I have found myself just sitting and watching your face and how you react to things, for example we found out that you LOVE Tele Tubbies and now right before nap time we sit down and you watch the T.V and I watch you, I love watching how you react by jumping up and down, screeching, waving and even blowing kisses at the T.V. Your little eyes dart back and forth and you take every inch of it in, you are just like your siblings you never miss a trick.
I was trying to explain to a friend the other day how I feel about having 3 kids. I do think it is a whole new ball game than just having 2. For with 2 you are not out numbered, it is much easier to go with the flow of life and bring the kids along with only 2. I knew life was going to be much harder on one of my first outings with all three of you. I decided one day that I wanted to go to subway for a sandwich and had to bring all three of you in. I finally got to the counter with a store full of business lunch people and all at the exact moment everything broke lose, Abi decided to pull over a huge metal sign that the whole store turned to see what happened it woke you and about made you jump out of your pumpkin which seat both you and Abi into a screaming fit and just then Logan decided to throw up! I ran to the bathroom with only a half made sandwich and cried for about a half an hour before coming back out. I was defiantly out numbered.
Not that I would ever take back one day of having you in our life, but to say it lightly you have changed my world forever and completely. I see you being more like me than Logan or Abi, both personality wise and in looks ( I am so sorry my dear one!) From your Chubby thighs to your curiosity of life you are forever my baby girl.

Damn you blogger!

I just spent the past hour writing a post about Annika turning one and how she truly is incredible, she is starting to stand and take mini steps on her own and also becoming more Independent with finally taking a sippy cup while I work on Sundays~ and how all this is really hitting me hard, my Baby isn't so much of a baby any more ;( And Blogger ate my whole post when I went to spell check it ( I know you are sitting there thinking "You mean she actually uses spell check and still has this atrocious of spelling". Blogger bites! o'well I tried.

~I also wrote about little Miss Copper Ass (Abi) swallowing a penny today and all the fun that has gone along with it ie; Dr appointment, many phone calls, X-rays, checking poop,and don't forget the endless penny poop jokes, such fun!

First shot ever of her standing on her own! (even if it was for only 10 seconds)

2nd shot (well 1/2 shot)of her standing on her own, look how excited she is!

Drew (18mths) showing Annika (12mths) how it's done, one of first times interacting with each other.

Ice Cream faced girls

Logan on the Sunset Cruise.

O.K I bribbed them with swedish fish for this shot but it was worth it! ( on Sunset Cruise)

Naked baby in backpack Carrier, after her swim.

Man she loved the water!

Not a bad way to spend a first Birthday~ rolling in the sand~ Literally.

Happy 1st Birthday Baby Bird! ( At the Mountain Lodge after Breakfast)

This could be one of my all time favorite shots EVER!

A girl and her frog

I love this shot of her standing on the couch looking out the window

Finsihing up his Watermelon after the Watermelon eating contest~ he placed 4th!

Logan and his float, he was VERY excited about being in the Parade although a little hesitant about not getting his own candy

First Ice Cream cone of many~ Blue Moon of course!

Memo to self:::

Today I tried to accomplished the impossible, but ended up not all in one peace.
I decided that I had had enough of having spaghetti, mac and cheese and eating what ever was left in the freezer this past week. Now that Logan is out of school it means that I have to drag all 3 kids to the grocery during the week. So I have just kept putting it off for obvious reason.
I have to say that I will do what ever possible to NEVER have to bring all 3 kids to the store alone again! EVER,EVER, EVER!!!!
Can you tell how well it went?
I thought I was prepared. I was wrong.
I made a little picture grocery list of things for the kids so they each had their own list and even let them hold some coupons keep them busy looking for stuff.
I didn't even make it out of the produce section before Annika had eaten half of Abi's list and Logan and was dropping ears of corn all over the place.(Why don't they give us better bags for the corn anyway??) By the time we reached the bread Isle I made a big mistake and let Logan out of the big part of the cart to "help" because I was running out of space (~ not a good sign!) By the check out I was actually sweating!~ Who knew that grocery shopping could become an aerobic activity?
I don't think I got half of what wanted and I don't even have an idea what we have to make a complete dinner for tonight, that is really sad, after almost an hour and a half in HELL and almost 150$ later!
They definitely won this round~ I am such a sucker.

Happy Fathers Day!

Logan is into coloring with all of his cool new stuff he got for his Birthday.
So we just got back from picking up some Fathers day gifts and he decided to draw a picture of Erik for his Fathers day card. He came in and asked me how I liked it and I must say it was pretty good, It had a little patch of red on top for his hair and a chocolate bar in one hand a beer in the other (does he know him or what!). Then I asked where his ears were and of course he had an answer, he said " behind, his hair, you just can't see them!". So then I asked noticing that he didn't have a nose, "Well how does he smell?"
his response "Umm stinky!!" Yep he definitely has this one pegged!

Guess who's Five! Chuckee Cheese Party

Dog days of summer?

Finally the warm weather is hitting us and boy is it hitting us hard! Yesterday the kids and I walked to a park about a mile away, which started off with just a walk and ended up with a day at the park. Half way there I was pushing all 3 in the stroller~ Yes all 100 lbs!! In 87 degrees smut. It wasn't just hot but the humidity seems to be way too summer like for me.
Once we got to the deserted park, the kids ran around and I tried to ease Annika into sitting in the grass. I love the age where they don't know what grass is and really don't want to either, which I found out was the case last week while at yet another park. Annika shrieked and pulled her legs up and clung to my shirt. I know I am wiered but it was a little comforting, she is my baby and I don't want her down exploring and all independent yet. I do want her to be exposed to all the things the world has to help her learn and grow~ but at the same time, I'm silly about wanting her to stay just where she is too. Yesterday she seemed to be taking great leaps and actually sat in the grass, pulling at what was poking her chubby thighs. She would stop and look up at me with wonder, a whole new world!
Logan came and sat down next to us and was all excited for her, encouraging her to crawl in it~ luckily she dined ;) For the first time this week it seems like Logan is actually interested in sitting down and talking and having a conversation, it seemed strange that I even noticed a difference because he does talk a lot but not just casual, "Hi Mom, how are you?" "What did you do today?" stuff. It's usually a bunch of mumbo jumbo about something he is making up, or asking for something. Yesterday he just plopped down and sat and talked, asking questions about me and Annika and suggesting that park for a camp out with his tent. It may have been he was just tired and didn't have any more energy to move, or maybe it was me actually having time to sit in an empty field with no computer, T.V, laundry, dishes, or time restrictions to disturb me from noticing that my kids are growing faster than I can keep track of. Hopefully the rest of the summer will hold many more of these moments, and I will have the sense to not let them pass by.

Nothing like a snooze on the potty.

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Ellie holding naked Annika while she gritts her teeth (number 7 is on it's way!)

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Playing Car, Car with cousins.

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Daily Cailou and potty time~ at least she is regular! (Man she is going to kill me for this someday!)

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I told you life was going to be a little different around here~ I now have to clean UNDER my desk too!

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May day, May day, She is on the move!

I had to make a note before the moment slips by that our life is forever changed!
Today we can officially say Annika is on the move, and she is catching up quick! I don't really know how to describe her technique, besides maybe half belly flop method, half army crawl. No matter what you call it, it definitely changes the dynamics of the house. Already we are constantly on a search for her small predators she is furiously searching out. She is like a hound dog, even if it is unseen she sniffs it out and can find any tiny toy just right to suck on and feverishly rub her new teeth against. She is already so much in a hurry it is kind of funny.
I knew this day was coming soon, and some have made me wonder if she was lacking behind. I am sure if it was my first baby that I may have even wondered myself.
I am glad she goes her own pace, and I guess I am lucky that I have had this much time with having a non-mobile baby, but I have a feeling that the easy days are long over with ;)
(Pictures will be even harder to catch but I'll get the first crawling shots uploaded soon, Most of my pictures will now be under Flicker so check the icon, and feel free to comment over there too!)

All about Abi

I have noticed that most of my posts are about what Annika is doing, and silly things Logan has to say. Any mention of Abi is few and far between unless she is getting in to trouble. When Kris was here I had a feeling that she thought Abi would be more rotten than she really was,do to that is what she always hears about. Yes, we did have a very hard period when all she seemed to do was whine and get into things, which leads to me often griping. The past couple months have gotten much better, now that she can express how she feels. She is really a sweet,loving but very strong willed little girl.
Last night she sat on my lap along with Annika and had her arms around us and said "My friends!" over and over. She can tug at my heart like no other. She loves her Daddy that is for sure, she is more of a Daddy's girl then I would have ever imagined. Today when I was getting Logan ready for school she kept saying "Daddy come get me, too!".
I was thinking about how different her and Annika are, at almost the same age Annika is now Abi was already climbing and crawling on everything. I remember meeting with a play group at the park and Abi couldn't walk yet but would crawl up steps to a baby slide and turn around and go down backwards over and over. There were some little ones twice her age that wouldn't go down yet but Abi had no fear. Not much has changed. I can't think of one thing that she won't try (at least once). I hope she keeps that quality the rest of her life. I am sure it will take her far.
We have been trying the potty training routine for months now. I have realized that it is a control thing with her, if I tell her to go potty it doesn't work I have to tell her we are going potty and try and remind her or make it fun and easy for her. As I am typing this, she just dragged in her potty to sit in front of sesame street and do her thing. The bm thing she is doing great, but the other it may be a while. The other day brother was standing up peeing which he has been good with trying to encourage her to go. So she stood up right by the potty and pinched her belly button together and tried to pee out of it (just like brother, of course!)
She really is Logans shadow and gets sad when he has to go to school or isn't around to play. She calls him her "best friend". I can only hope that they take that with them through life because I have only recently (in the past couple of years) learned how much it adds to your life to have have siblings be friends also. For they are probably going to be around much longer than anyone else in your life.
I love watching Abi become more of a little person and getting out of the baby/toddler stage of life because to be honest with you it wasn't a good time. It is really hard to start off with a baby that does nothing but scream and not sleep, it makes that bonding stage almost obsolete at least for me it did. Maybe it had something to do with the depression and overwhelmed feeling of adapting with 2, But all in all I'm glad it is over with. On to the good years right! (?)
All in all I have to say that although life is busier and sometime tougher than I ever thought. I am glad that I have chosen the life to be a Mom of three, I wouldn't trade it for anything (well most of the time ;)
Now if she would just keep her darn clothes on!
I love you my little pretty girl.
Love Mom

Just inside Kings Island ~"Come on lets hurry!" ~ you can almost see the skip in there step!

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Getting ready for roller coaster with Tu Tu~ Abi's arms are up and ready!

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They LOVED this ride, I think they went on it 4 times!

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Sharing a bliss

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The end of the day and everyone was beat!

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I love this shot, she looks so grown up, and like a little boy but I still love it.

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Kids enjoying the day in Eden Park, the trees were incredible to bad I couldn't get a better shot.

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First time in her back pack carrier/stroller which she loved but is already VERY heavy in ( Just think about carrying a big 20lb bag of dog food on your back!!)

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I think I have a shot of me at almost this same exact age sitting naked on my tricycle on the farm. I love that she has her lunch on the back just incase she gets hungry!

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I have been trying to get a shot of her sucking her thumb for months, Not a great shot because she was on my lap but I got it. Must feel good on those 6 teeth (Yes I said 6!!!)

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My pretty girl!

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That is toothey number 4 I'm trying to get a picture of, can you see how drenched the bib is?

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