This boy

See that shiner? This is why the doctor said no more monkeys jumping on the bed. He was jumping on Luke's bed and bumped his eye on the corner of the bedside table. He cried for about 10 seconds and then was back on that horse.

Beets on your head

Noah has absolutely terrible table manners. He messes on purpose because it makes his brother laugh. This is a beet on the top of his head (he seems to have inherited his mother's love for beets-- maybe a fond memory from the womb).

fall

Today felt like fall for the first time. I loved it. What is it about fall that brings back such potent memories and triggers such a fit of nostalgia in me?

The best birthday present

I arose early this morning and for once it wasn't at the call of a child. They both were sleeping soundly in their beds. I went downstairs and put the monkey bread in the oven and sat down on the couch to read. This was a rare chance to think and there is a lot to think about. I am thirty years old today.

After a few minutes I heard the thump of Noah lowering himself out of his crib, the opening of his door and his calls for daddy (pronounced daggey). I ran up the stairs to allow Nat a few more minutes of slumber, grabbing Noah and bringing him and his blankie down to the couch with me. I replaced his pacifier and he snuggled into my neck and fell back to sleep. We sat on the couch together for the next 20 minutes he snoozed while I breathed him in. He never sits still long enough to let me do this and boy, do I miss his snuggles. Baby shampoo, diaper, and little boy combine to make the smell that is uniquely him. After a while he lifted his head, looked me in the eyes and grinned that wide and genuine smile-- this one came out smiling. And so our day began.

There is so much to be grateful for. My boys (all three, almost four) top my gratitude list. This family is who I am and what I am becoming. Five years ago I was pregnant with my first son (and coincidentally spent the day in the clinic getting the first of what would be many IV fluid injections to fight off the pregnancy induced dehydration) and just beginning this adventure with the love of my life. I had no idea. I didn't know what frustration, exhaustion, and occasional desperation would follow.

But, more than that I didn't know joy. I didn't know the sweetness of a four year old boy crying on my lap because Laura and Mary's dog Jack had died. I didn't know the feeling of a little hand slipping, unexpectedly, into mine while on a nature walk. I didn't know the wonder of discovering together.

Is this where I thought I would be at thirty? No, it's so much better than I could have imagined.

Welcome!

This blog has been a long time coming. I thought that since we moved from Madison there might be people who are interested in what is happening with our little brood. Here's tonight's prayer to put a smile on your face.

Luke: Thank you for all the things that you have given us. Please bless me to beat up dad in wrestling time and that we will get to do my scavenger hunt. Amen.

There you have it!