Soccer Time

So, soccer started last week (and I've tried to do this post a dozen times already). Conner is in love and Parker was devastated...why, you ask. Parker wasn't on the team. He is now. I signed him up. They are SO excited! First game is this weekend (P hasn't been feeling well, praying he's up for it)

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Three(ish) weeks

So, I realized that it's been 3 weeks since I decided I wasn't screwing around anymore with my weight loss. I wish I could say that I've lost 6 pounds and am on target for my 4w goal but I can't. I can, however, say I've lost 4. I'm thrilled. I'm back in the 130s (barely) but I know that one mess up in diet and I won't be anymore. I've also been pretty diligent w/workouts (aside from last week when we were all sick). It sounds like a lot of excuses...I realize that. whatever. it's my fitness journey, if I need to rest to get well so I can take care of my family, I will. Here's the proof yesterday morning (if you follow me on instagram you've seen this already)...

So What Wednesday

This week, I'm saying SO what to...(kids version)

*my kids are constantly dirty. I don't care. They are kids.

*my kids do not know how to work iphones, galaxy phones and computers. They play outside. They can build castles out of fruit loops. There's something to be said for that.

*my kids LOVE tv. I let them watch it.

*my kids eat typical kid food and I do not fight with them to eat veggies. I just care that they eat. If they choose to try veggies, fine.

*my kids don't get baths every day. Most days, yes but some days I'm too tired to deal with it. No one ever suffered greatly from being a little dirty.

*I think my kids are the most awesome kids in the world; I'm biased but they are.

What are you saying so what to this week?

Boys will be Boys

Every day, at some point, the big kids get filthy. They play in the mud, make things out of the mud, play in the sandbox, dig for worms (and other bugs including spiders). They love it. I love that the backyard is fenced and they can go out there alone for small increments of time (I can empty the dishwasher alone). The other afternoon, they were out there and I was sitting on the deck when I thought, 'idiot, go grab your camera'. Not every photo needs to be wall worthy. So I did. This is the essence of my boys.

They were 'camping' under the deck. They had transformed my tennis bag into I'm not sure what and their food choice was veggie straws and fruit loops but..they were happy.

Then, they were off again...

 Parker made a mud baby and Conner collected acorns.

This was all in a matter of about a half hour! Non-stop is what these little boys are and I love it.

We all won

I have had really good intentions when it comes to portraits of my children but they have ended with intentions. Yesterday, I decided why not! I took the baby into the backyard (where the light is always gorgeous in the evening) and attempted a quick session. The big kids were in my space and I finally gave in to them, but I won (I got a photo of all 3 o them).

It's so very hard to believe that this baby is already 6 months old. The babyhood times goes by in the blink of an eye. I miss that teeny tiny baby that I brought home from the hospital but I'm enjoying this sweet, energetic, baby. He wants to keep up with his brothers and doesn't sit still; not even to eat. He weighs 16lbs 9oz and is 26 in long. He's growing very well and is ahead of 6m milestones. The pediatrician was very pleased with him and we are all smitten with this cute baby. I still, 6mo later, can not get over his hair! **yes these are watermarked, they are going on my pro blog too**

Thursday Thoughts

I like random thoughts so I thought I'd link up this week.

*Sick kids sucks. If sick kids isn't bad enough, ME being sick makes it that much worse. I was up more than Tyler last night coughing up a lung. It's not even a congested cough; it's that annoying tickle in my throat dry cough. NO fun.

*The kids are on "fall break" next week. I wish I had a fall break. I mean, I could fall and break but that's really not the same thing.

*I would not survive the afternoons without Spark. If you have never tried it, you should. You need to.

*I got my first bag from Thread Up and I can't wait to fill it w/maternity clothes. I refuse to give up my 'too small' stuff b/c I'm going to get back there but maternity...BYE BYE.

*I have had 3 friends have babies in 3 days. I'm dying over the newness. I want one! not really but maybe. Thank God I got my tubes tied. I'm insane.

*I love being a boy mom. I mean, I don't have any other reference point but boys are pretty awesome.

*I'm making it a priority to take Tyler's 6mo pics this weekend. Now that it's here, I'll do it.



I suck at this. but those are my random thoughts. You can wake up now. the boredom is ending.

Independence

As Conner has grown, I have had to let go of a lot of things and let him gain independence. I am a firm believer that children (people) learn by doing and by example so I take deep breaths and let him (them) learn. Yesterday after school, he did not want a PB sandwich, but he wanted to make one. For the record, he did put the sandwich in a sandwich bowl and it's on the counter...uneaten.

 

So What Wednesday

It's been a while and I need to get back to it...



SO what if:

I just ate frosting out of the can with a spoon. The dough boy laughed at me. 2 of my 3 have been diagnosed sick, I feel sick and the baby is extra fussy so I'm going with the idea that maybe he doesn't feel well.

I want to do a post about some personal things but I hate airing out 'dirty laundry'. I know no one really reads this blog anymore but I just dont' think I can.

I'm typing this on Tuesday afternoon instead of mopping.

My kids prefer chips over any other food. I don't blame them.

I love my crock pot. The hubs hates it. I never win that battle unless I'm cooking a pot roast.

I window shop a lot and can't remember if I actually ever place orders.

I feel brain dead these days. I think between the kids, the house, the hubs, the stress and the exhaustion I might be a little brain dead.

I'm going to see my sister in FL at the end of the month and it can not get here fast enough. I can't wait to be at the beach (again).

I'm a little upset w/the kids that I'm sick. I keep telling them to get away from me. I do not have time to feel this crappy.


What are you saying so what to? Head over to Shannon's page and link up! It's fun.

Park fun

The kids have been stir crazy and are not always happy staying here to play outside. We decided to go to the park and let them run around and be nuts. I put Tyler in the swing and he didn't really like it. Hilarious. The other 2, they love it.

SIX months

I have no idea how a half year has gone by since we welcomed Tyler into our family but it has. He's a sweet, happy little dude and just wants to GO. He's very entertained by his brothers, babbles a lot and has the 2 cutest teeth you have ever seen. He doesn't really like solid foods but he loves to sit and army crawl all over the place. If he has the choice, he wants to stand. He doesn't sleep more than 3-4 hours at night (he's killing me) but wakes up smiling and squealing. He's a loved little baby and we're so glad he's ours.

brand new...

One Month

Two Months

Three Months

Four Months



Five Months

Six Months

Almost 2 weeks...

So, it's been almost 2 weeks since I decided I was going to get rid of the last baby pounds and so far so good. I forgot how much I actually like clean eating and exercise. They are good for the mind and definitely keep me more sane. I've lost 2.5 pounds (not much I know but it's SOMEthing and certainly better than nothing). I've worked out consistently and I honestly feel much, much better. I had my second session with Kim on Wednesday and she did not go easy on me at all. I got dizzy...she kicked my ass...literally. I begged for good mornings so I didn't have to do more squats. She won. I lost. Well, actually I win but...I enjoy the workouts. They are hard and they make me sweat and I feel awesome when I'm done with them. I don't want to undo what she does so I work out on my own...funny how that works, huh?

Tonight I'm shooting a wedding; it will be the 4th and last for me. Why?
1. I don't love them.
2. It's a LOT of time away from my kids and my husband (who is not home often).
3. It's not enough money for me to be away that long.
4. I'm a mom first and my kids are only little once.
5. I don't love them. I want to photograph toddlers, not people getting married.
6. It's stressful and makes me question my abilities.

 It's been a crazy week. Conner was sick and is better now, thankfully. Tyler has been cutting more teeth and is extra fun and fussy. The teething keeps him up more at night, which leaves me extra tired. I got my van back, finally!

other than the wedding, we have NO plans this weekend and I'm glad. Monday Ty-man has his 6mo appt. what? he's 6mo? I know. that flew by! I'll do a Tyler post tomorrow.

First days...

I completely forgot to post about the first day of school. It was a very hectic week and consisted of a van that broke down, a flat tire on a rental and just overall a crappy week. I did take a few photos the first day and used a (ghetto) sign b/c I can not find my chalkboard. I will though. I'll find it (or buy a new one). They LOVE school this year. Parker claps his hands and gets very excited when it's a school day and Conner seems to really like it. He doesn't say much about it though. Yes, Conner was still eating breakfast and I'm sure the baby was screaming. Life w/3!

Speaking of school, Conner is going to have a speech evaluation soon. I don't exactly know when but his teacher noticed some things w/his speech (I knew it was coming). I called the county to see about the eval and the conversation was short and sweet, then I got a butt load of paperwork to fill out as well as something for his teacher to also complete. I, then, called my ins company (aetna you suck) and the only way that he will qualify for coverage is if he's in a nursing home and it's deemed medically necessary. The pediatrician did say that if I want/need a referral they will deem it  necessary and give me one. I hope to have the paper turned in Tuesday and then I'll be Trisha's BFF and call her daily until my boy is evaluated. What's that saying, 'the squeaky wheel gets the grease'. I'll squeak for my kids.