Poker Night

Had family and friends over for a little poker game and drinks. It was for my big 32 birthday! I think we will try to do this more and more.

A few pics....

Mia has been into wearing hats. Of course, Aiden is into taking them off her head.




I have my own version of Where's Waldo....Where's Aiden? He was quick to find a new place to get to as I was trying to quickly put my laundry away.

Another day in paradise...

They all love Yo Gabba Gabba, but Seth loves it the most! The thing I like most about this clip is when Mia is talking to Aiden.

Birthday Cake for Breakfast

My brother baked me a birthday cake last night! I got it this morning at 9:00am and couldn't wait to try it. The cake was the perfect cross between pound cake and shortcake and the icing was to die for. I love cream cheese. Mia is now amped up on apple juice and strawberry cake. In fact, I think she ate more of my slice than I did.

I also posted a pic of my new butterfly paintings that Lynn and Tom got me. We found them at the most amazing antique shop just outside of Visalia. I loved it there! It reminded me a lot of my home in Walton, NY.
I got an unexpected present from my mom and dad, as well! They gave me a new laptop! I think I am still in shock about the extravagance of the gift, but I sure do like it. My mom and I did our first video call this morning and all the babies said hi. Aiden and Mia even blew kisses. I remember when we first instant messaged with my dad in the house in Walton. He was at work and we were home. I kept teasing him how long it took him to type. A lot has changed since then.

Bad Habit to start

I think with every word of wise parenting wisdom I have received, this is one of the most common ones I heard. Don't start letting them sleep in your bed. You will never get them out. But honestly, never...come on! Well, we found a way that Mia will sleep through the night. I know this is a bad, bad habit to start. I can't even imagine if the other two want in. BUT, we have found a way to give me some rest. She tends to sleep through the night and her siren of a cry doesn't wake up the boys if she does. We actually see her wake up in a sudden panic, then reach out to touch dad's arm. It seems that is all she needs and then she back to dream land. This does not however, include nights when she is teething or has bad gas!

Mom vocab

As I find myself saying things I would never say, I have to laugh. Aiden and Mia are fighting more and more for their share of individual attention from me. As Aiden starts informing me that he is going to throw up, I call him over to me to prepare for it. Mia sees this call for attention and feels my time is better suited on her needs. As I am trying to scrape out the awkward goldfish from his mouth, I end up pleading with Mia. Aiden has a weird thing on texture. If a goldfish just doesn't feel quite right for whatever reason, out comes everything. It is usually an all or nothing thing with him, too. Mia's crying gets louder now and my patience gets shorter and shorter. Finally I look at her and say, "Mia! Girl, can't you see that Aiden is throwing up in Mommy's hands! Don't you think he needs me more at this moment in time?" She just looked at me, blinked and laughed. This made me laugh as I walked to the sink to clean up chewed up fish guts that Aiden left for me. All the while, Seth is just sitting there, entertaining himself. Even though he may not be talking yet, I know in that little mind he must be thinking to himself, "those guys are crazy!"

The cousins...

Had a little time with the cousins! They are getting so big. Max is walking all over. Isa is very, very close to walking.

100 degrees

It is hot, hot, hot! Dad took the troops out for some sprinkler fun.

Playdate

Cousin, Hailey, came over for fun this morning. They all loved the kitchen. It is fun getting to see them grow up together. Hailey is about four months younger than my guys.

New Bed

While on vacation, our boxer decided to revolt and take it out on Jake's bed. Needless to say, Jake has a new bed. When we brought it in, someone else tried to claim it.