As I am getting ready to have my third baby, I have been thinking about all the "threes" in my life. Some are simple and some more significant, but I guess the number three will forever be a part of me now.
I am the youngest of three. This may be the most significant one. Earlier on, before we had really decided how many kids we wanted, I thought I wouldn't have a third -this being one of the key reasons. It was hard being the youngest, and for all of you other youngests out there you know what I mean. The tortures! The decisions that get made for you. The privileges you have to wait so much longer for... etc, etc. And now, here I am- the youngest of three having my third at about the exact age my mom had me. Coincidence? I think not.
Martin, my hubby, also comes from a family of three children, only he happens to be the oldest in the line up. He had the perspective that someone always gets left out, but I'm not having four just to even things out! That's life... getting left out builds good character right?
Factual Fun about "Three"
When I was four I learned that there are three primary colors, red, yellow, and blue, that make up all the other colors! This amazed me, and I have been obsessed with color ever since. I love the concept that so much can be created with so little.
I am a sentimentalist, a preserver a time, and a dreamer of things to come. This defining part of my identity also relates to three in the way we separate time into three categories: the past, present, and future. I want to hold on to everything that reminds me of something or someone special, but I also love planning and having things to look forward to. I guess I struggle most with being content in the here and now.
Women's measurements are typically taken in three's: bust, waist, and hips. I still have the card from the bridal shop where my measurements were taken for my wedding gown. Someday in the future... maybe I'll see those numbers again. After all measuring is much more accurate than getting on the scale for progress. Did you know that if Barbie were life size her measurements would be: 39-23-33? Ridiculous right? I won't tell you mine, even my goal measurements are far from Barbie, but the average woman in America is 40-34-43, in case you were wondering.
Three has been called "the perfect number." I guess maybe because it's balanced, like a triangle- that's kind of what I think of. When I erase some of the negatives about being number three in my family, I realize how truly balanced we are because there are three of us. Not that we always agree, or come together on things, but mediation can exist between us, which we all sort of take turns at. My brother, who is in the middle, is best at this peacemaker role, and Jenny and I as the other points of the triangle have often needed his calm balancing act. Who would have done it if we didn't have him? Who would Jenny have picked on if she didn't have me?
Okay I had to add this silly/sweet one just because... My three year old, Owen has three adorable freckles on his face! I love them, and find it funny because I have a million running across my cheeks right under my eyes. He just has three though! One above his right eyebrow, one on his cheek and one on his nose. I like to kiss each one before he wiggles away!
So, now you know some of my strange thoughts about three and how it relates to me. There are probably a lot more that I didn't mention. I am most looking forward to the baby coming that will really make the number three significant to me!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
A Perfect Saturday
It's Saturday night and I am soaking my feet in lavender Epsom salt/hot water, and treating my aching back to a heat pack. Even in shorts and a tank, I'm sweating! At least it gives some relief though! We had a very busy day, but it was so much fun. I love it most when we are all together doing things, just me and my family.
The morning started out as usual. The three year old woke up first, toddled into our room. I scooped him up the best I could and let him lay next to me for a few minutes. then in came the five year old... daddy claimed him, and for a couple sweet moments we were all snuggled in bed. then "I'm hungry," came from the mouths of the sweet little boys who don't know about Saturdays or sleeping in. It wasn't even seven yet, but I rolled myself out of bed and offered to make breakfast since Martin was the more tired out of the two of us.
We like to have hot breakfast on the weekends when we are all together, and since tomorrow is Father's Day, and I won't have the sanity to make an awesome breakfast before church in the morning, I decided to make "Father's Day Breakfast" today. It was simple, but wonderfully delicious... crepes and fresh fruit hit with a dusting of powdered sugar and a squirt of lime juice! Mmm! Who knew I could make crepes? Elijah cut the tops off of the strawberries with a butter knife and Owen helped me mix up the batter. There were lots of yummie noises going on at the breakfast table. Then I surprised them and piled on a swirl of whipped topping... I love seeing their amazement at the little things. "wow, dad... look what mommy put on mine!"
After crepes and fruit we loaded into the car for an appointment (Martin's eyes), Farmer's Market, and errands. The boys and I waited in the car at the while Martin went in for his appointment; we sang and drew pictures for forty minutes! Amazing right? Oh yeah and I had M&Ms, which helped. At the market we ate a roll, bought four strawberry plants (because Owen grabbed an extra one, and I decided four was better than three anyway), and then the pregnant woman needed another snack on the way out, so we left with cookies too.
Planting the strawberries was fun. I let the boys dig... of course a favorite hobby of theirs! They took turns assisting me, and we got all four plants into the planter pot on the back porch. Its the perfect height for little fingers to reach when picking time is here!
Then we had "make your own snack plate" lunch. They love this because it lets them feel like they are in charge. I put bowls and plates of things on the table like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, crackers, bread, grapes, strawberries, pineapple, and other snacks. They load up on whatever they want! Owen made a design with his carrots that he called an "anzigon" or something close to that, which I think he meant hexagon, but it was cute.
Daddy finally mowed the lawn... but I wouldn't let them "help." It scares me too much to have them in the yard when he is mowing because he can't hear them, and he's very focused on getting it just right. However, they were very pleased to help with the painting job! While I took a sit down break they painted boards in the driveway which Martin is turning into shelves for the baby room. When I went to check on them the had paint all over them! faces. neck. arms, hands. Thank goodness it wasn't in their hair! then they spent the afternoon tackling each other in the front lawn. their giggles were definitely the best part!
Owen skipped his nap due to all the fun, and ended up looking very droopy eyed riding in the cart at Joann's Fabric. I'm positive he would have fallen asleep sitting up that way if Martin hadn't decided to carry him the rest of they way. I bought some fabric that I"m going to make some very clever book holders out of (blog on this to come). I didn't end up getting the iron-on letters I wanted because they were priced incorrectly. I wanted to spell out "the littlest brother" on a onesie for William and if the marked .25 per letter would have been correct, I could have done it, but it turns out they claimed the letters were $1.79 each! Ridiculous! Must find another way!
After dinner Owen came out of his room in his swimming shorts and announced that he was going to run in the sprinkler. (Martin had turned it on for watering). then Elijah jumped on the idea, "Wait for me, I'm getting my stuff on too!" they still had an hour before bedtime, so I went a head and let them! Why not, right? They needed a bath any way to get all that paint off, how much worse could a little more dirt do? They had a ton of fun! Did I mention our sprinklers are rigged up to the outsides of the fence? Yeah. It's like a sprinkler system above ground.
It's just the beginning of many fun summer days! I wish every day was a Saturday. We all really miss "daddy" during the weekdays. He is the most wonderful dad I could ask for, for these boys of mine. I love seeing him in them... how caring they are, and thoughtful, just like their daddy. I can't wait to give him his Father's Day gift tomorrow! I'm also making a true "Dad" kind of lunch for him and my dad- Burgers of course!
Love on all of those wonderful dads tomorrow! Let them know how special they are!
The morning started out as usual. The three year old woke up first, toddled into our room. I scooped him up the best I could and let him lay next to me for a few minutes. then in came the five year old... daddy claimed him, and for a couple sweet moments we were all snuggled in bed. then "I'm hungry," came from the mouths of the sweet little boys who don't know about Saturdays or sleeping in. It wasn't even seven yet, but I rolled myself out of bed and offered to make breakfast since Martin was the more tired out of the two of us.
We like to have hot breakfast on the weekends when we are all together, and since tomorrow is Father's Day, and I won't have the sanity to make an awesome breakfast before church in the morning, I decided to make "Father's Day Breakfast" today. It was simple, but wonderfully delicious... crepes and fresh fruit hit with a dusting of powdered sugar and a squirt of lime juice! Mmm! Who knew I could make crepes? Elijah cut the tops off of the strawberries with a butter knife and Owen helped me mix up the batter. There were lots of yummie noises going on at the breakfast table. Then I surprised them and piled on a swirl of whipped topping... I love seeing their amazement at the little things. "wow, dad... look what mommy put on mine!"
After crepes and fruit we loaded into the car for an appointment (Martin's eyes), Farmer's Market, and errands. The boys and I waited in the car at the while Martin went in for his appointment; we sang and drew pictures for forty minutes! Amazing right? Oh yeah and I had M&Ms, which helped. At the market we ate a roll, bought four strawberry plants (because Owen grabbed an extra one, and I decided four was better than three anyway), and then the pregnant woman needed another snack on the way out, so we left with cookies too.
Planting the strawberries was fun. I let the boys dig... of course a favorite hobby of theirs! They took turns assisting me, and we got all four plants into the planter pot on the back porch. Its the perfect height for little fingers to reach when picking time is here!
Then we had "make your own snack plate" lunch. They love this because it lets them feel like they are in charge. I put bowls and plates of things on the table like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, cheese, crackers, bread, grapes, strawberries, pineapple, and other snacks. They load up on whatever they want! Owen made a design with his carrots that he called an "anzigon" or something close to that, which I think he meant hexagon, but it was cute.
Daddy finally mowed the lawn... but I wouldn't let them "help." It scares me too much to have them in the yard when he is mowing because he can't hear them, and he's very focused on getting it just right. However, they were very pleased to help with the painting job! While I took a sit down break they painted boards in the driveway which Martin is turning into shelves for the baby room. When I went to check on them the had paint all over them! faces. neck. arms, hands. Thank goodness it wasn't in their hair! then they spent the afternoon tackling each other in the front lawn. their giggles were definitely the best part!
Owen skipped his nap due to all the fun, and ended up looking very droopy eyed riding in the cart at Joann's Fabric. I'm positive he would have fallen asleep sitting up that way if Martin hadn't decided to carry him the rest of they way. I bought some fabric that I"m going to make some very clever book holders out of (blog on this to come). I didn't end up getting the iron-on letters I wanted because they were priced incorrectly. I wanted to spell out "the littlest brother" on a onesie for William and if the marked .25 per letter would have been correct, I could have done it, but it turns out they claimed the letters were $1.79 each! Ridiculous! Must find another way!
After dinner Owen came out of his room in his swimming shorts and announced that he was going to run in the sprinkler. (Martin had turned it on for watering). then Elijah jumped on the idea, "Wait for me, I'm getting my stuff on too!" they still had an hour before bedtime, so I went a head and let them! Why not, right? They needed a bath any way to get all that paint off, how much worse could a little more dirt do? They had a ton of fun! Did I mention our sprinklers are rigged up to the outsides of the fence? Yeah. It's like a sprinkler system above ground.
It's just the beginning of many fun summer days! I wish every day was a Saturday. We all really miss "daddy" during the weekdays. He is the most wonderful dad I could ask for, for these boys of mine. I love seeing him in them... how caring they are, and thoughtful, just like their daddy. I can't wait to give him his Father's Day gift tomorrow! I'm also making a true "Dad" kind of lunch for him and my dad- Burgers of course!
Love on all of those wonderful dads tomorrow! Let them know how special they are!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Ten Weeks To Go Time!
I really thought I would be blogging more. I think of blogs all day long, and even begin great introductory sentences, even entire paragraphs in my head while driving or giving a bath. Optimistically, I think... I'll write that down as soon as... and well that moment never quite happens. The nap I expected Owen to take so I would have a little "me" time while Elijah quietly worked on a project, well again that would be the optimist in me assuming these things. So I haven't written a thing in weeks, yet so much has happened that I feel I could write twenty-five blogs in the next hour.
Noteable Newness:
Another pregnancy milestone has been reached... the 30 week mark! Which means the 10 week countdown! I can't believe it. Part of me feels that I've been so busy this little guy has grown inside me faster than ever. I mean, there's no getting away from actually being pregnant, but when you have so many other things to do other than sit around and admire your expanding belly... it kind of sneaks up on you in a way. It seems just days ago I was looking in the mirror at a nearly flat belly in wonder that there was a new little life in there... small as a jellybean. Now he's the size of a watermelon, or maybe an oversized cantelope.
I've been thanking God for the cool weather. I know most of you are sick of all the rain over here in North Idaho, but to me it's a good sign of a very mild summer- how perfect for my summer son to be born in. I don't do well with the heat, so I am entirely gracious!
Getting out of bed has become one of my days greatest challenges. It really is quite the event. And the fact that I have to do it numerous times throughout the night now... is just plain taxing. I have this huge body pillow, great for supporting, not so great for maneuvering over and re-situating in the middle of the night. The whole process takes a few minutes. Martin gives up waiting for me to get comfortable and pretty much stays on his side (what's left of it) out of my way.
I had my first five massages included in my pre-natal package at the clinic today. Awesome! I think this should be required for all pregnant women. There are so many aches and pains that we have to go through, massages should definitely be mandatory! I've had hip pain for at least a month now (sciatic nerve) and the therapist knew just the right pressure point to work on! The massages are just one of the many things I love about the care at the Midwife clinic.
The baby room is painted (thanks to everyone who did all of the hard work)! It looks so lovely! I need to do a post just on it's completion. And of course I keep meaning to... but other things come up like making dinner, silly annoying things like that! It is the most wonderful room in the house right now... I go in there just to look at it and smile. I can't wait to have it all ready for baby William. I still can't decide where to put things. The crib is in place, but I decided to wait to put the bedding on, I don't want it to get dusty. I also washed and put the few baby clothes I have saved from the other two boys in a bin under the crib. It was fun looking through them again. I gave a lot away, but kept some of my favorites thinking I would make a memory quilt with them... hah.. I don't sew, but that's a different story.
It's a phenomenal thing to watch your own body grow at such a rapid rate. Even though I've been through this two other times, it still amazes me in so many ways. You expect to fit something you wore last week... nope already too small. Or you buy a "medium" maternity top sizing it up without trying it on because who are you kidding with two kids it just isn't worth it... and nope doesn't fit. (at least it was only $1) yep, I refuse to spend much more on maternity clothes! I love the idea of sharing because they don't get much wear, you get variety by sharing, and of course it is way cost effective!
My two sweet boys are growing more exciting for baby to come just as Martin and I are. They keep thinking it's going to be any moment like I'll just be sitting on the couch one moment and holding the baby the next. "Isn't the baby going to be here now?" they'll ask. The time frame doesn't exactly make sense to them. I tell them things like, "right before school starts," or, "right after daddy's birthday, then the baby will be here. Elijah is very excited about holding the baby and giving him gentle kisses which he demonstrated to me today. Owen is excited to be bigger than someone else in the family. When we talk about him being "big" brother he is very happy and pleased with himself.
On the hard days, I doubt myself. Let me rephrase that... during the hard moments I hear that little voice in my head, "how are you going to do this?" "three?" "AHHHHHH!" They really are only moments and not days, for all days have both and good and tough stuff in them. Sometimes it feels hopeless because I'm getting bigger and more tired and less... "me-ish." Who knew it would take so much of me to do what I need to do each day, and many days I want to do more than I need to do... I want to have fun, and do more than "enough." I remember the doubts from before... the crying... the fears, but I also remember that God chose me for this. It is a special honor to get chosen for such a challenging task- the mother of three boys. He must believe I can do it, and most of me is completely excited.
I know these next two months are going to be the hardest. My kids may watch more t.v. than usual, and I may lay on the couch when it's perfectly brilliant outside, but that's okay. I may want to kill a few people for their responses when I tell them my due date.... "August, really...wow you've still got a LONG way to go!" obviously, I know that already thank you very much! But it's okay... people sometimes don't think things through. But if you see me, or some other pregnant lady... be kind, please. We even accept lies at this point- tell us we look pretty, cute, or something like that. Words are important... use them carefully. And, thanks for your support.
The countdown begins... 10, 9, 8...... here we go!
Noteable Newness:
Another pregnancy milestone has been reached... the 30 week mark! Which means the 10 week countdown! I can't believe it. Part of me feels that I've been so busy this little guy has grown inside me faster than ever. I mean, there's no getting away from actually being pregnant, but when you have so many other things to do other than sit around and admire your expanding belly... it kind of sneaks up on you in a way. It seems just days ago I was looking in the mirror at a nearly flat belly in wonder that there was a new little life in there... small as a jellybean. Now he's the size of a watermelon, or maybe an oversized cantelope.
I've been thanking God for the cool weather. I know most of you are sick of all the rain over here in North Idaho, but to me it's a good sign of a very mild summer- how perfect for my summer son to be born in. I don't do well with the heat, so I am entirely gracious!
Getting out of bed has become one of my days greatest challenges. It really is quite the event. And the fact that I have to do it numerous times throughout the night now... is just plain taxing. I have this huge body pillow, great for supporting, not so great for maneuvering over and re-situating in the middle of the night. The whole process takes a few minutes. Martin gives up waiting for me to get comfortable and pretty much stays on his side (what's left of it) out of my way.
I had my first five massages included in my pre-natal package at the clinic today. Awesome! I think this should be required for all pregnant women. There are so many aches and pains that we have to go through, massages should definitely be mandatory! I've had hip pain for at least a month now (sciatic nerve) and the therapist knew just the right pressure point to work on! The massages are just one of the many things I love about the care at the Midwife clinic.
The baby room is painted (thanks to everyone who did all of the hard work)! It looks so lovely! I need to do a post just on it's completion. And of course I keep meaning to... but other things come up like making dinner, silly annoying things like that! It is the most wonderful room in the house right now... I go in there just to look at it and smile. I can't wait to have it all ready for baby William. I still can't decide where to put things. The crib is in place, but I decided to wait to put the bedding on, I don't want it to get dusty. I also washed and put the few baby clothes I have saved from the other two boys in a bin under the crib. It was fun looking through them again. I gave a lot away, but kept some of my favorites thinking I would make a memory quilt with them... hah.. I don't sew, but that's a different story.
It's a phenomenal thing to watch your own body grow at such a rapid rate. Even though I've been through this two other times, it still amazes me in so many ways. You expect to fit something you wore last week... nope already too small. Or you buy a "medium" maternity top sizing it up without trying it on because who are you kidding with two kids it just isn't worth it... and nope doesn't fit. (at least it was only $1) yep, I refuse to spend much more on maternity clothes! I love the idea of sharing because they don't get much wear, you get variety by sharing, and of course it is way cost effective!
My two sweet boys are growing more exciting for baby to come just as Martin and I are. They keep thinking it's going to be any moment like I'll just be sitting on the couch one moment and holding the baby the next. "Isn't the baby going to be here now?" they'll ask. The time frame doesn't exactly make sense to them. I tell them things like, "right before school starts," or, "right after daddy's birthday, then the baby will be here. Elijah is very excited about holding the baby and giving him gentle kisses which he demonstrated to me today. Owen is excited to be bigger than someone else in the family. When we talk about him being "big" brother he is very happy and pleased with himself.
On the hard days, I doubt myself. Let me rephrase that... during the hard moments I hear that little voice in my head, "how are you going to do this?" "three?" "AHHHHHH!" They really are only moments and not days, for all days have both and good and tough stuff in them. Sometimes it feels hopeless because I'm getting bigger and more tired and less... "me-ish." Who knew it would take so much of me to do what I need to do each day, and many days I want to do more than I need to do... I want to have fun, and do more than "enough." I remember the doubts from before... the crying... the fears, but I also remember that God chose me for this. It is a special honor to get chosen for such a challenging task- the mother of three boys. He must believe I can do it, and most of me is completely excited.
I know these next two months are going to be the hardest. My kids may watch more t.v. than usual, and I may lay on the couch when it's perfectly brilliant outside, but that's okay. I may want to kill a few people for their responses when I tell them my due date.... "August, really...wow you've still got a LONG way to go!" obviously, I know that already thank you very much! But it's okay... people sometimes don't think things through. But if you see me, or some other pregnant lady... be kind, please. We even accept lies at this point- tell us we look pretty, cute, or something like that. Words are important... use them carefully. And, thanks for your support.
The countdown begins... 10, 9, 8...... here we go!
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