Coooooooaaaat!!!

Gracie has developed a rather strong attachment to this jacket/vest. Other than being in the washer twice, she has worn it going on a week now.
When it was covered in applesauce I convinced her we needed to clean it, and the lure of getting to play with the washer was great enough that she let it go. Then she cried for 15 minutes until she found another coat to put on:
At first it was just during play and meal times, but we have escalated the coat wearing needs to nap and bed times as well(as seen here over her pj's):
The only way she will cooperate with diaper and wardrobe changes are if we promise up and down that she can put her coat RIGHT BACK ON afterwards. It is preferable if you can somehow keep the hood on at all times though. Of course, I could fight her on this, but as many parents know, it's just easier not to.

At least she is letting us change all the clothes underneath daily so people don't think I'm neglecting her and call CPS.

Here's hoping she grows out of this phase by kindergarten.

Good Morning

Our car was stolen.

Trying not to freak out. I think that about does it.

Park Day!

We went to the beach/park this weekend! Seattle had a great string of about 5 sunny days in a row. It was still chilly, but the sunshine brought out all the dogs, skateboarders, families, and ultimate frisbee enthusiasts. We met a random assortment of friends at a local park and had a great time soaking up that vitamin D!

Hard to see here, but Tate is exploring the wilderness on his own. Cute especially because he brought his pink burp cloth (lovey) with him.

Lent

As Lent season is upon us, I am in the habit of giving up something. This is so that every time I suffer not getting the thing I want, I am reminded of how much greater Christ's suffering must have been. It's a practice I think is valuable though it's not a lot of fun. In the past we've given up TV (ouch), starbucks, fast food, coke; basically anything I adore is fair game. This year I've decided on the internet. Not cold turkey because I do use it for some practical things, but I am going to restrict myself not to use it in the evenings. This is a favorite of mine when Sean gets home, to turn over childcare to him and read blogs. So I am going to make the effort to be more present with my family during these hours and give up that escape. Sean's a big fan of the idea, so I think it's probably a good one.

Photo Shoot

I love to play around with my camera when we have some quiet around here. Lucky for me, I have a willing subject.

I totally stole this lipstick idea from somewhere online. The maternal lens maybe? Can't remember, but I think it's adorable.

Favorites

I find it so easy to complain about life. Kids, house, husband, body, you name it I can whine about it.
So!

In an effort to be more positive, I wanted to run down a list of my favorites instead:

Gracie: Now says "Woah" whenever she falls down. So freaking cute. She has new words for us every day and is less stingy with her kisses. She pats Tate on the back when he is sleepy and loves to sit in my lap with a blanket for cuddles. It's precious.

Tater: So affectionate and I adore it. Tries to make Benny laugh by spinning around and putting things on his head. It's hilarious to see what is hilarious to him. He also likes to shake his head no to tease me, we laugh.

Benny: Started babbling. Cuddles galore. Sometimes he grabs my face with both hands and gives me a sloppy kiss, can't beat that.

House: (This is a toughy) but our tiny house keeps us warm and safe. The lack of space keeps us (literally) closer together. We can all lay on my bed and giggle.

Husband: Unwaveringly supports me. Loves our kids unabashedly. Always has our future and best interest in mind/heart.

Body: Ugh, It isn't where I want it, but I am losing weight and (gasp!) running again. It is healthy and equips me to keep up with my life!

You Get the Idea

Just Like That

An hour ago, I was angry.

An hour ago, I was trying to leave the house to run many important errands and meet friends for lunch. That is, until I discovered I'd lost my keys. Again.

I grumbled and tore the house apart for 20 minutes, and nothing, Cursed our messy house and unruly children, and still nothing. After canceling my plans I tried to get the baby back to sleep (since I woke him to pack up). I listened to him scream for another 20 minutes and grew angrier at this whole situation and waste of a day.

I gave in and cuddled him down here on the floor where I was reading blogs, and he passed out just like that. And just like that, I'm no longer angry, no longer grumbling, and no longer considering this time wasted.

Yes, I'll be stuck here on the floor for the next 30 minutes or so, but its not so bad.

Funny how that happens.

Is It Spring Yet?

We want to go outside.

Go Colts!

Picture Post

Can't believe I have three kids. When did that happen?

Big Boy!

Tate's third hair cut! I almost cried when he came walking into the kitchen looking like such a big kid :(

Before:


After:



Some Sister Kisses for good measure:

The Horror!

Oh, the HORROR.

Gracie was put in time out Saturday and she was only half dressed. Should have been my first clue.

Sean goes to get her after time out and he just says "Go show Mama". I was expecting to see the naked girl running towards me. I was NOT expecting to see her with a piece of POOP in each hand!
I yelled "Why did you send her with poop in her hands?!!" Sean yelled back 'What? There is poop in her crib, but I didn't see it in her hands!"

Then, as if in slow motion, I watch in horror as my little girl simultaneously smears it on her face and INTO. HER. MOUTH.

Screams, and stifled vomit ensued.

How sad is it that I actually considered taking a picture of her before I cleaned up?

An hour later we still smell poop on her and can't figure it out. Then Sean realizes "Oh, we didn't brush her teeth".

Ewwwwwwwwwwww.