Tuesday, July 29, 2014

4 boys and a horse

I dare not write much, as my weary brain would, no doubt, betray me. It is almost 11pm and I feel Declan snuggled up against me, sighing contentedly... something about Mommy seems to ease the "sping" of his broken leg. Ahhh, yes, that was among our list of accomplishments this week. He has been an incredibly brave boy with an-almost-full-leg cast (more on that in the next entry). Lochlan has sworn off sleep, indefinitely, so he is still chatting bountifully to himself, with periodic outbursts of hearty laughter (makes it hard to be truly annoyed with him). He sometimes, eventually, succumbs in the wee hours of the morning, but with much resistance. Our beloved friends, Don and Karen, have often said parenting is the world's longest running sleep deprivation experiment (George said it is in clear violation of the Geneva Conventions). Truly spoken. Madigan has been a very helpful big brother, and has been fretful about the care of his brother(s). As with all caged tigers, he's needing some open range time - time to run, stretch his legs, pounce on some unsuspecting prey, let off some steam. I think a stroll in the park tomorrow will definitely be in order. Kelton is asleep. Bless him... so much! His job (charming everyone at all times) is a full time gig, and it plum wears him out by the end of the day. He seemed a little more melancholy tonight so I'm suspicious that he might be feeling the twinge of teeth making their first appearance (one of life's most cruel injustices).

My horse? She's just incredible. Smart, funny, sensitive, steady, curious, snarky, compliant, defiant, and utterly endearing. Love.

Pictured below are my 4 year old, 3 year old (Devany), 2 year old, 1 year old and 4 month old (not in that order).

His "red boy" outfit. A source of pride.
Jail birds. Paugie's favorite (and only) outfit...
Booked for disorderly conduct.
No remorse.
Oh my word, he leaves me speechless.

Yum.
Contemplative - always.
T.R.O.U.B.L.E.
Like I said...
See... he's exhausted.
Overworked...
Because he's got to be THIS!
And THIS!
Just the thought of it...
Sometimes rests are required even for him.
This really doesn't need a caption. :-)
Eating boogers? Maybe.
Red head.
She nickers at me when I drive up... totally melts me.
Almost a real, grown-up horse!

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Here's lookin' at you, kid.

Here are some team photos from today. The other half of the team was either sleeping (on the job) or running so fast... it's all a blur.








Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Four men and a crib

I've been working on getting the boy's room put back together, with the exciting addition of bunk beds and a "learning tree". The tree is only partially completed, as it still needs the leaves and of course a "silly Ol' (pooh) bear", saying "Think, think, think". We're going to learn different things each week, which will then be fastidiously placed upon the learning tree; hence they can be further reflected upon and considered by weary boys who lie upon their beds.
Bunk beds!

Embroidered burp clothes made by my friend, Melanie...

Bear necessities.

The "learning tree".

Many of these photos are fuzzy due to the constant blur of activity.

So much love...

My brown boys.

They actually argue over him. :-)

blurry, but delicious.

Snuggle fest.

A helping hand [finger].

I found THIS this morning.

and THIS!

Yep... for real.
Those four little men and a crib...

Monday, July 14, 2014

Glory Days

Good morning! 4 wet diapers changed. New outifts on. Hot tea and/or vanilla steamers 1,2, and 3. Breakfast 1,2,3,4 - oh yeah, and sometimes I remember Mommy's breakfast too. Laundry started. Cuddle time (it's a snuggle fest!). Pooper 1. Pooper 2. Wipe bum 1. Wipe bum 2. Wipe Bum 1 again.  Pooper 2, again. Pee change on Pooper 1. Load everyone into car to go feed the horse. Unload/re-load everyone for quick stop at a park (gotta let those Tiger legs run!). Read stories - eldest completely/overwhelmingly engaged, second-born playing trains, third-born cleaning the toilet with Mommy's toothbrush, fourth-born frantically eating his own fists and rolling from his back to tummy with expertise. Lunch. Followed by more diapers, more food, more cuddling, more reading, more laundry, more vanilla steamers, dinner and bath time. When bedtime rolls in I'm both relieved and disappointed. I'm faced with the possible chance of a quiet moment, but find myself missing the energy and abundant enthusiasm that is CONSTANT in these little critters. In truth these humans drain my (physical, mental and, often, emotional) energy while simultaneously filling me with life. These are my glory days and I wouldn't trade them for anything. 

From the Peanut Gallery: 
Observed my Tiger growling ferociously at a bee - he informed me, later, that his mission was successful and the bee departed. 
Was informed (by aforementioned Tiger) that my choice to place him in his bed for consideration/reflection on the merits of obedience were "unfair and unkind". Taming of wild animals NOT approved. 
When asked if he was a "good big brother" by Trader Joes employee, Tiger responded: "Yes, and I have bunk beds and Paugie sleeps on the bottom". Concrete proof, my friends. 
Today, this same red-head rushed into the house and said, "Where's Hun-Hun? We're leaving for Austin". I like the way you think, my boy. 
"Mummi, did you make this all by yourself? It's DEWICIOUS!" And with a British accent? I'll cook for you all day, my boy! 

Kelto(n) the Shmelto has continued to "Shmelt" our hearts each day and as his awareness/interaction increases, I find myself in constant marvel of him. His bright eyes watch his brothers constantly and he giggles and squirms when they go cantering by. When I kiss him all over his (delightful) face, he resists for a second, then goes in for a slobbery open-mouthed kiss and an "I eat yo face" determination. He has also mastered hide-and-seek and jumps when we say, "Boo!". I'm smitten. 

Lochlan caught some terrible plague, but in spite of his suffering over the past 10 days has continued to smile and bring joy to each of us. He has just needed extra love which is happily received/administered in hugs. He is a snuggle master! If I kneel down on the floor and hold my arms out, he ALWAYS smiles, ambles over and falls straight into a hug. This boy is pure joy. 

Paugie has displayed behavior this week SUGGESTIVE of a three year old (versus, say, Tyrannical Two). He has also discovered bashfulness, which is utterly adorable when he's caught off guard; he covers his face in a shy grin and his (famous) eyes actually sparkle (I'm pretty sure). The latest from his charm bucket: "Mommy, can you make me a morning mug?". His coined term for his morning steamer (hot milk with a lil' honey) really is too much.