My Mother's Day

I have a secret. I actually love Mother's Day. I always play it off like it's no big deal, but really it is for any mom. I don't like how commercialized our society has made the day, but I don't buy into all of that. I don't need an expensive Hallmark card, or flowers. But if I get them, I won't complain. I prefer handmade cards and the "flowers" the girls pick from outside more! What I really love is the day is about me. I did birth these small humans after all.

Tom always does a great job with Mother's Day. I haven't figured out if it's because he wants a really awesome Father's Day gift the following month, (there IS a reason our day comes first...it's a test to see how they treat us for the day) OR if it's because he knows I deserve a wonderful day. I like to believe it's the latter. He is certainly that husband who lets me know, almost on a daily basis, that he couldn't do my job. He "would lose his mind" he tells me. (Apparently, he hasn't figured out mine is missing).

This year, I spent My Day sleeping in and waking up to breakfast in bed. I received beautiful purple and orange tulips, new Ray Bans, my favorite candies, and no lie...white skinny jeans. Three weeks postpartum and my husband buys me white skinny skimmer ankle jeans. "What? You'll great in them, babe!" The good news is somehow, by the grace of God, they fit. And they are super cute. I love that man. I really do. He's a brave one, huh? He and Ella actually picked out a few cute outfits for me. I'm guessing living in my yoga pants for the next year is out of the question.

We spent the rest of the day walking to the park with the kids, enjoying grown up drinks on the balcony, and Tom making homemade delicious pizza for dinner. I think I fit a nap in there, too. Honestly, my day could not have been any better. I spent it with my amazing family...my sweet as pie hubby, and my three loving little ones. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. This mama is beyond blessed.

Homemade waffles!

Who wouldn't want to eat breakfast with this clan?

My Girls!

Mother's Day workout!

Yummmmmy.

He's yummy too:)

Madeline drew me a picture. It's a picture of me. I think I'm  yelling. Which is a pretty accurate portrayal then.

My loves

One Month!

Sam turned one month old today! It's crazy how fast it's all happened. A blur. Total blur of diaper changes, sleepless nights, lots of burp cloths used, teaching Sam to latch correctly, remembering to shower...remembering I have three children to care for (not that they really allow you to forget). It's been interesting learning to care for a newborn again. I love this stage more than anything, and even though it's hard, those sweet baby snuggles are worth every bit of it. 

Sam, you have been a little fussy, but a whole lot of adorable. Beyond blessed we are to have you in our lives.

Our photo shoot started pretty rocky. I couldn't even get the tie on his onesie!

 But then he smiled.

Rub a dub dub...

...This kid loves the tub. Bath time for him would be equivalent to a day at the spa for me. (Not that I have ever experienced that, but I am sure it is pretty darn fabulous.)  With both girls, their first full bath was a screaming nightmare! I thought for sure we were in the middle of an exorcism with the way they screamed as the water touched them. Not my boy! He was in heaven. And so was I. Let's just say the third week was a difficult one with lots of crying so a silent bath was just what we ALL wanted and needed.

They really adore him

Shark bite!

Pray for Oklahoma

Home is where the Army sends us. 

Tom and I always say that to each other and how no matter where we are stationed...as long as we are together, we will be ok.  Home for us for the past 7 years has been Fort Sill, Oklahoma. It's been the second longest place either of us has ever resided in.

My heart is heavy this morning for all of Oklahoma, but especially those hit hardest by the tornado yesterday in Moore. All of those parents waking up and not having their babies to hug. I absolutely can't imagine it. I know I hugged my children a little harder today.

All of the people waking up in a foreign place because their houses have been destroyed. Their family members missing, pets missing, belongings gone. They barely walked away with the shirts on their backs. The few trees left standing were literally debarked. The whole city left in a twisted, tangled mess.

We may joke about not loving Lawton, but one thing has never faltered: the people of Oklahoma have always been good to us. Of all the places I have lived, the people here are the kindest, most genuine. They love their state and have complete pride in being from Oklahoma. I pray they find the strength to get through this disaster. Our hearts are with you.

From the song Oklahoma...pretty fitting right now.

Flowers on the prairie where the June bugs zoom,

                                                         Plen'y of air and plen'y of room,

Plen'y of room to swing a rope!

Plen'y of heart and plen'y of hope.

God Bless You! 

Sam's Second Week

I'm playing catch-up with this post. The second week with Sam was great. We had his newborn photo shoot. We visited Daddy's office so Sam could meet all of the wonderful people who showered him with so much love. He had his two week appointment where we found out he made it back to his birthweight at a whopping 6 lbs 2 oz. The doctor and I had a quick giggle at him being on the 3rd percentile. 3rd! 97% of babies his age are bigger than him. He's so tiny. 

Life returned back to pre-Sam during that week, too. Tom went back to work after having his ten days of paternity leave. I had to start bringing Ella to dance again (I loved when Tom was taking her!), we took trips to the park and the grocery store.  It's amazing how fast you need to be back on your feet again with three kids. There is no true resting period unfortunately. 

All in all, the first two weeks of his life were a breeze. Now, the third week of Sam...whew. I'll have to save that one for another post. 

Visiting Daddy's office...and even though he's on leave, he still had a "little work to do" 

Yay! We finally have a real life baby doll. 

My first "baby" 

What tiiiiimmmme is it?

Indoor picnic lunch in a tent

I truly savor these moments with him. 

He looks so tiny in Tom's arms!

Fudgescicles on the porch!

He's literally as big as Madeline's American Girl baby doll. 

At his 2 week appointment

I had to include this picture so you could see how big the newborn diapers are on him. 

And he's out.  Totally milk drunk.

I feel like he could be throwing out a gang sign here. 

Madeline was Rapunzel for the day

"I think it's safest if I sleep with one eye open" 

Asleep at the park in the Moby. He loves this thing.

Daddy came home for lunch:)

The Pacifier

Every time Sam cries, we try to soothe him. (Obviously) The last resort is the pacifier. Not because I am against pacifiers. I am all about them. But usually we can never find one of the twenty pacifiers we own for him. I mean seriously, how do they all end up underneath furniture in places that I just can't reach?

Madeline, bless her sweet heart, is such a great helper with the baby. 

She starts off easy. "Sam, here's your paci. Shhhhhhhh. Shhhhhhh"

Such determination on her face, huh? 

Totally satisfied with herself as Sam seems to have shut up. Finally. I don't think he had much of a choice;)