The Cyclist

One of Nathan's favorite things to do is ride his bike. He goes around and around and around the driveway. We first tested Balance Bikes with Davis. It was pretty amazing to watch him first scoot around on our neighbor's little bike with no pedals and then, once he got the balancing down, transition right into a regular 2-wheeler. No training wheels needed. Nathan had a similar experience. He practiced on his balance bike until he could zoom around without falling and then we bought him a little two-wheeler. I love seeing their confidence grow as they learn new skills. I'm pretty sure Nathan thinks he's the fastest cyclist in the world when he rides around on his little white bike.

Nathan @ Three Years Old

This Kid. I don't even know where to start. Three years old is just a really fun age. He can dress himself (though he prefers to be in the buff and will sometimes stay that way for hours after a bath or in between changing clothes) and take care of almost all of his potty needs, but he is still so much my little baby that I feel nostalgic just looking at him sometimes because I know he won't stay this way for long.

At three years old, Nathan:

• Adores his older siblings, especially Isaac. He wants to be right where they are, doing just what they are doing. 
• Has finally started to get over his pickiness phase when it comes to food. He is at times (though not always) our most adventurous eater. 
• He loves to flex his muscles and show me how be they are getting because he eats all his vegetables. 
• I was recently called as the Relief Society president in our branch and Nathan is my little traveling/visiting buddy. He goes everywhere with me and I really couldn't ask for a more patient little side kick. Just today we headed out for a visit and he played quietly in the living room of one of the sisters in our branch for over an hour while I visited with her. 
• People comment on his curls almost daily. He also gets compliments on his angelic cherub-like face. I get asked how I ever refuse to give him everything he wants because he has such a sweet face. 
• He often hates to get into the tub and then hates to get back out of it. 
• The Little Blue Truck Leads the Way is his favorite book and he has the entire thing memorized. It reminds me of when Davis was around his age and could recite Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus from memory. I think Little Blue Truck will hold a similar place in my heart. 
• He makes me call him crazy nicknames like "My Sweet Fish" and "Snuggle Bear"---I don't know where he comes up with this stuff.
• Most of the time I am his favorite person. 
• We have been focusing on the LDS church's "Light the World" campaign for the month of December, hoping to remember the true meaning of Christmas in our home. Yesterday Davis gave Nathan a package of TicTacs. He proudly told me, "Mom! I"m lighting the world!" A minute later one of the kids asked Nathan if he would share with them. "NO!" he bellowed! "And...Nathan just made the world a little darker..." remarked Maddie. 
• He has the best smile and the best giggle and we all just adore him. 

Nathan's Broken Leg

Yesterday morning in the Emergency Department.

Ryan put our yesterday like this: "Some days are better than others. Today was one of the others."

It started out by grabbing some granola bars and water bottles and heading out the door with the kids to get some exercise together. Parks in our neck of the woods aren't plentiful, so we often hit up the local elementary school. We decided to drive to a school a little bit further away to give the kids a change of scenery and find a grassy spot for Ryan and I to do a few burpees and sprints. 

Once we got to the park the kids immediately ran off to play, with Nathan right along with them. I think they were playing "Star Wars" and Nater was the Wookie. As Ryan and I passed the playground to get to the nearby grassy field, he commented on one of the slides because it didn't have any sides and looked like it was meant to be straddled instead of slid on. Kind of like this one but not as tall: 

Stupid Slide.

After 20 or so minutes of Star Wars play, Nathan took a tumble on that crazy slide. Ryan knew after just a couple of minutes that it wasn't a good diagnosis. When we told the older kids to pack up their stuff, they asked why. "We are pretty sure Nathan broke his leg, so we need to take him to the hospital right away." Immediately, my stalwart 9-year-old who rarely gets emotional just put his head down on the table and started to cry. I reassured him that everything would be fine and that Nathan would be ok, He responded through tears, "I promised him that if he slid down the slide, he would be safe, and I didn't keep him safe!!" Talk about pulling at the heart strings! I, of course, carry my own guilt about the situation because I should have been closer to him. Each one of us has felt some sense of responsibility, and even Nathan said to me yesterday, "Mommy, I sorry I went down dat swide and bonked my weg."

The truth is that it wasn't anyone's fault, and I've told the older kids over and over that sometimes accidents just happen. But next time I'll keep a closer eye on him, just in case. 

While I don't enjoy seeing my children in pain, it's never torn me up inside to see them cry themselves to sleep as babies or after vaccinations or skinning their knees. Stuff like that is just part of life and I know they'll be OK. But hearing Nathan cry and struggle to get comfortable and sleep last night just brought me to tears. I can't wait for him to be better. I keep telling him that he's brave and that he can do hard things. When I carried him to the bathroom yesterday and told him that he exclaimed, "But I can't do hard things! I can't!" But he did. And he'll keep doing them until he's healed. 

I'd be lying if I said that I'm not really disappointed about how Nathan's broken leg is going to put a wrench in our upcoming company visiting and our summer plans and our move next month and our trip to Utah. But it's such a small thing that could have been so much worse so I'm reminding myself to have a little perspective.  

Today was Fast and Testimony meeting at our church. I told the kids last night that I would be fasting for Nathan and that they could fast with me if they would like. Every single one of them said they would. And they are. They each had second thoughts about it when they woke up hungry and breakfast sounded like a good idea, but they did it anyway. I hope it's a positive, faith-building experience for them. Based on the fact that it's 11:30am and their baby brother is still asleep, I'd say their fasting and prayers are working. He'll be healed in no time. 

So that I Remember...

Every night, as part of his bedtime routine, Nathan asks me (or Ryan) the following question: "Will you hold me like a baby and sing me 'Twinkle, Twinkle' (with Ryan he always chooses 'Take me out to the Ball Game')?" How can I refuse that request? After the song he always asks us to tell him a story about dinosaurs. He oohs and ahhs with every detail. The dinosaurs in my stories are always nice to their siblings and they LOVE vegetables. I have to get a moral in there somewhere, right?

He might need therapy when he's older because I won't let him grow up, but in the meantime I am really enjoying my last little one being little for a while longer.

An Update for My Poor, Neglected Blog

Hello?

Anybody out there?

I've neglected this poor blog over the past year. Neglect due partially to Instagram and partially to the fact that I don't have to spend nearly as many nights alone (not complaining, not complaining. Residency, I do not miss you. I'm just acknowledging the fact that you did give me ample time to put all my lonely energy into updating our little life on this internet space). Now that we got that out of the way, in no particular order, here are some of the visual documentations of our life over the past month or so:

Every once in awhile, we get a really spectacular sunset. This particular night Maddie took this picture of our backyard. 

Gobble Gobble! I've never been a huge fan of Walmart but I must say that, given it's the only big box store within an hour of us, it makes shopping so much easier.

I just love Davis' kindergarten teacher. So does he. This drumstick headdress that they made during the week of Thanksgiving makes me love her even more.

Santa arrived by boat via the Coast Guard last weekend. We were there to greet him. 

We ran into Ryan's coworker while waiting for Santa last weekend and she offered to snap a picture of the two of us together. In a small town, you run into people you know A LOT. It's one of the things I love about this place. 

Last weekend we spent Saturday doing "Christmas-y" stuff. The art museum downtown hosts a big Christmas party each year and opens it up to the public. We decorated cookies, saw a model train exhibit, and took a horse-drawn wagon ride. I love this time of year. 

Cookie decorating at the art museum. That face!

More cookies! The Apple Jack eyes are my fave.

We took the kids to a Christmas parade of lights last weekend downtown. I have to laugh when I think about it. I mean, a parade of lights for Christmas at Disneyland in California? I get that. A parade of lights in Maine in December? Outside?Whose idea was that?? Lobsters in lights were abundant.

Isaac's class at school got to participate in an art program where they worked with a bunch of different mediums. Here he and his partner are explaining the process that they went through to create their work of art. One of the things that I love about Maine and particularly our county is that it attracts many artists, writers, and creative minds in general. Something about being close to nature fosters creativity. It's pretty cool. Because of this, there are more opportunities to explore art, meet local artists, and participate in programs like the one Isaac just completed at school. 

Isaac and I went to the Nutcracker together last week when I got to be a chaperone for his class field trip. It will be a really sad day when they ask me to stop coming to stuff like this. 

Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake graced our Thanksgiving table this year. This dessert almost ended up on our kitchen floor right after this photo was taken, but somehow I saved it (the shirt I was wearing did not survive, however. It turns out that chocolate ganache doesn't come out of cotton very easily). 

I've been really trying to focus on the true meaning of Christmas this year. For the sake of my children, but also for myself. It is so easy to get caught up in the stress of the season. The LDS Church has released several videos about Christmas and watching them each day, along with listening to the First Presidency Christmas Devotionals from years' past, has helped remind me of what is most important about this time of year. 

"Mom, can I take a selfie of us looking at each other?" I got to be Maddie's date to the movies the other night. She chose "The Good Dinosaur." I love this girl so very much. Sometimes I just look at her and can't imagine what my life would be like without her in it. She doesn't have any sisters but at least we have each other. And I love telling her that she is my favorite daughter. 

I see this red boat in the harbor every morning when I head home from my early morning workout. I just had to take a picture of it on this particular day. Seeing the ocean on the daily never gets old.

The sun sets in Maine just before 4pm this time of year. I'm not going to lie---this limited daylight we are currently experiencing really zaps my energy! I need more vitamin D!

Isaac learned to ice skate this fall through a series of field trips to the local rink. Ice skating skills really come in handy around here. Photo credit: Christine Miller. 

 There you have it: our life in pictures, or more accurately put, a tiny part of our life in pictures. I look at Ryan quite often and tell him that I just can't believe we have it so good. It's not perfect but there are so many things to be grateful for.

Back to School 2015

The Sunday before the kids headed back to school we tried to squeeze in one last family hike. It was foggy and beautiful.

And this was the end of the hike. I can't look at this picture without getting a pit in my stomach. I was so stressed out! All I could see were children plummeting to the depths of the icy Atlantic. Thankfully no one did. And I really want to go back on a clear day. 

And with my parents' visit a few days later, the week just flew by. I convinced Ryan to take this picture with me. I love many things about summer but I must admit that I crave structure and routines, which both get blown to smithereens all summer long. Our days are quieter and lonelier with just Nathan and I, but luckily the kids come home each afternoon.

Full of energy on the first day of school. I love how happy and excited the three of them look. They all seem to really love their classes and teachers. Davis told me he wants to live at school, and could I please live with him there? Because his teacher is so nice and the toys are more fun there.

And now Wednesdays are spent with just Nathan and Ryan and I. Nathan loves Wednesdays. So do I.

From the Mouth of My Babe

There is a hiking trail near Ryan's work that leads to the ocean. A small part of the hike requires the use of a rope to shimmy down the side of the hill to reach the ocean. The older kids can do it on their own but our little guy needs help. Ryan asked Nathan right before I snapped this picture to give him a big hug and hold on tight and he would safely get him past the hill. I think he looks like a little koala bear.

The other day, during Davis' first week of school, there was a little rough-housing on the bus and someone pulled Davis' hair. Apparently Maddie intervened and told the other boy to leave her brother alone. They relayed to me the altercation through giggles after they got off the bus. Then Maddie got serious and said, "Davis, if that kid messes with you again, I'm going to give him a piece of my mind."

Life Lately

I'm not really sure how to sum up our summer so I'm going to take the easy way out and just post a barrage of pictures along with a little caption for each. We have had a pretty gorgeous summer here in Maine. It has been lonely in some respects because we are in a new place, but I'm so glad the kids have some neighbor friends down the street that they just adore. And that they have each other. They are really lucky to have each other. I hope someday they will realize that :) 

Maddie loves summer in Maine.

This tree fell over during one of the storms last winter before we moved in. The kids have loved having it as their climbing spot, but our landlords had to remove it for safety reasons. We took one last picture with it this particular morning.

I rarely do crafts with my kids, and while flubber is far from crafty, it's a start, right? Our kids and their friends ended up playing with it for days and days.

Maddie taught Nathan how to plug her nose and they play this little nose-plugging game almost every time they're in the car together. Incidentally, we are in the car A LOT because we live in the country and most things are further away than they were when we lived in suburbia---shopping, swim lessons, and even the park. But not the beach. The beach is really really close to us. I'll take it.

My friend, Becca, came with her family for a visit to Maine and we got to spend an evening with them. It was so great to catch up with her and see her sweet kiddos.

Me and my girl at the beach.

Davis, Isaac, and Maddie spent a week at a day camp last month. It focused on nature and they got to go hiking, to the beach, and to build fairy gardens in the woods. I would drop them off each morning and pick them up each afternoon and they loved it. I think it might become an annual thing. Nathan and I got a little taste of what life will be like when the kids go back to school at the end of the month.

Superheroes unite!

This girl loves taking selfies with her baby brother.

You have to use your imagination with this photo, but if you look really close in that tree, you can see a Bald Eagle. A BALD EAGLE! It was just hanging out in a tree outside our library. I don't think I've ever seen a Bald Eagle outside of captivity. Ever. The librarian told me that it comes to that tree often. It flew away after a few minutes and it was huge! It seriously looked like a man flying through the air it's wingspan was so big.

Ryan and I recently started a new tradition--we cook together one night a week. We take turns choosing the menu. This particular week it was grilled thai chicken kabobs. I love this tradition. It gives us a chance to talk to one another and make yummy food at the same time. And believe it or not, it was HIS idea to start this little tradition of ours. He's my favorite.

These tiny little frogs are all over our yard. Sometimes the wildlife in Maine is really charming--like the Bald Eagles and the tiny frogs, and sometimes it's really creepy--like the skunks stinking up our yard or the mice in our basement. And the ticks. Don't even get me started on the ticks. Is it weird that I'm only partially dreading winter? The silver lining to the frigid temps is that all the ticks die. I can't wait for them to die. But I can wait for winter so I guess I'll deal with the ticks a little longer.

Ryan and Nathan walking up to a lighthouse near our home. We were able to climb up inside the lighthouse because it happened to be open to the public. Pretty cool. 

I know I already posted a camping picture but this one is a little different and Davis' face just cracks me up. I think that this is the picture that I will remember forever when I think of our first summer here in Maine. I love these kids so much.

Nathan Michael @ Two Years Old

Can you spot the rock? Throwing rocks in the ocean is one of Nater's favorite things to do these days. He loves the water and will yell out, "I see boat!!" anytime we pass by a harbor. 

Nathan turned two yesterday:

• He is so much fun right now (full disclosure: and so much work). Maybe it's because, the fourth time around, I'm finally learning that childhood is so fleeting, and doing my best to enjoy it as much as I can. There are definitely hard days when I can't wait to put his little bum to bed, but there are more days where I find him so adorable. I'm certain I'm spoiling him but I just don't know how to help myself. He will definitely have youngest child syndrome and I will take all the blame.
• He is in that sponge-like stage where his vocabulary increases daily and he is constantly asking questions. "Where we going?" "Who's dat, mommy?" "Wisten to me mommy, I need to tell you somefing!"
• He can throw a wicked tantrum, usually when we try to get him to do something he doesn't want to do (i.e. leave the park, come inside from playing, or go take a nap).
• He is afraid of people he doesn't know, especially male adults. If you can win him over, consider it a huge accomplishment because he doesn't dole out his affections easily. 
• True to his age, he is obsessed with buckles and snaps. Is this a developmental milestone or what? All of my kids have had a fixation with buckles and snaps and seat belts around the age of two. 
• He loves to do things on his own and will always shout "I did it!" whenever he completes a task without help. 
• He loves balls and throwing anything and everything, including unwanted food off of his tray, sippy cups, and toys. 
• I sing to him every day at nap time and every night before bed. He usually requests "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" or "Once there was a Snowman." He will lay his head on my shoulder about halfway through the song and always requests "one more song." One day, when I am old and gray, long after my four little birds have flown away and our nest is empty, my arms and my heart will still ache for my sweet boy to lay his head on my shoulder and ask me for "more twinkle."
• He has finally warmed up to nursery class at church on Sunday. His teachers are so kind and patient with him. Sometimes he still bursts into tears when I walk into class to pick him up, as if the previous two hours of betrayal all come flooding back to him. 

Nater tells his first joke.

• He is a very loved little man and all the kids find him hilarious. I think it made Davis so happy the other day when Nathan said, "Davey, you da best brudder eva!" It's a phrase he has heard Davis say to him many a time. 
• My heart is just so full as I think of our little guy and what an integral part of our family he is. He is so loved. 

He loves milk so I thought a Tres Leches cake was in order for the birthday boy. Luckily it was a big hit (at least the whipped cream frosting was). He kept saying, "Mommy, dis is so yummy!!"

Nathan @18 Months Old

With three boys, wrestling is pretty much a nonstop game/fight in our house. 

At 18 months, Nathan:

• Is very attached to his muslin baby blanket and sneaks it out of his crib whenever he gets the chance. He started chewing on it to fall asleep as a teething baby and has loved it ever since. 
• Is a mama's boy until he hears the sound of the garage door opening at dinner time each night. Then he runs to wait for Ryan to walk through the door, all the way chanting, "dadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadadada!!!!!!!"
• Is starting to speak more and more and has even picked up a few phrases that he must hear around the house on a daily basis. Some of his favorites are:
• "No I'm not!"
• "Go get it!"
• "What the??"
• "I don't know!"
• Still has trust issues with all of his siblings because, while they don't ever mean to hurt him, they all have to be reminded that he is a person, not a toy. He is STILL more fun to play with than any toy in the playroom. Maybe it's time to get a wii. I love that they love him but sometimes I wish I didn't have to remind them of boundaries with him so much.  
• Loves to eat string cheese, apple sauce, clementines, chick peas, milk, and anything sweet. He turns his nose up at raw vegetables but is my only child that will eat any and all of the dinners I cook with a big smile on his face. 
• Loves books but hates to sit and read them. Just carries them around and tears them apart. I'm not sure I've ever actually read him an entire story from beginning to end. 
• Is 30 lbs of solid chub. I heart big babies.
• Went to nursery class at church for the first time last week. Epic meltdown doesn't adequately describe his reaction. 
• Is perfecting the art of climbing ON things but can't climb OFF of them. Multiple times a day I find him crying on top of the stool, chairs, and most recently the kitchen table because he's gotten himself stuck. True to form with my other children, he is a constant danger to himself at this age. 
• Loves to play outside or be anywhere that the big kids are. 
• Gives the best hugs. 
• Stands at my feet, barking, "MOM! MOM! MOM! MOM! MOM!" until I pick him up. It's hard not to give into him. I readily admit that it's hard not to give into him. 
• Has the blondest, cutest curly head of hair. I definitely have an unhealthy attachment to his locks and I'm not afraid to admit it. 

This toddler of ours just rules the roost around here, and his smile can light up a room. We love him so much. 

Photo courtesy of the D-man.

Baby Steps

Nater has decided to start walking. Here is a sideways video clip for proof.

Nathan's New Look

Nathan and Uncle Matt. They became pretty good buddies while we stayed with them last week. This is one of the last pictures taken before we chopped all his darling curls off. It was time-he was starting to get mistaken for a little girl, but I really miss his crazy Einstein hairdo.

Getting ready for bed tonight. People comment on how he looks like Davis now. I think he just looks so old! 

Nathan's One Year Photos

My big one-year-old boy at the strawberry patch today. All photos courtesy of the talented Miss Kami Brown.