Isaac turns one!

It's hard to say how I'm feeling with my last baby turning one.  Yes, yes, I know I said that the last three babies were going to be the last, that's besides the point.  This one is the last one!  He was the last one to wear the official "coming home" outfit, the last one to outgrow the bassinet, the last one to get his first tooth.  This will be the last first-birthday-party (maybe that is not so bad).  It just brings me to the rest of the "firsts" that I will someday cherish, the first slobbery kiss, first steps, first word.  He is such a happy baby!  Rick and I were just talking about how he looks into your eyes like he is trying to read your mind, I've never seen that before.  And I do have to say, he just adores his mommy, and who could get tired of that?!  They are all special in their own ways, but something about knowing this is the last, it makes you enjoy the smiles more, rocking him to sleep, holding him on your hip.  One thing Benny used to do as a baby was watch his big brother with amazement, like he couldn't wait to see what he does next, and now Isaac does that with his big brothers!  I can't wait to see what God has in store for these boys!

Happy birthday to my Honey!

Just want to wish a happy birthday to a great daddy, wonderful husband, and my best friend!  Today is his first day back at work after our staycation, so glad he is working from home today so that we could spend more time together, I love you!!

Time for an Update!

So after much complaining from my other half about how lacking my blog is, here I am.  Mind you, this comes from someone who has no blog of his own, who has been offered guest spots on MY blog to write HIS views on our family, but nooooo, so here I am.

Aidan is making so many awesome improvements lately, he is really showing that he is understanding the things we are saying to him, using some sign language and even using the words he knows in context (more, Daddy, Mom).  Here he is with my straw-cup, so proud of himself that he's able to get slurps of water, before completely refusing to use anything other than his "baba".

Gavin is his same, silly self.  While he is leading the way in development, he has quite the case of middle-child syndrome!  He is pretty much always happy, just like his brothers, loves to make you smile, loves to be held and cuddled!  He is catching on to some signs, as well!  Here he is in the swing set, totally loving it!

And then there's Isaac!  There is no doubt he will forever be the baby, especially being so dinky!  He just popped his two front bottom teeth, is loving baby food, and take a peek, he feels like such a big boy sitting up now!

He truly enjoys watching his brothers playing, I know he will have a ball with them soon!

Rick recently got promoted to Lead Automation Test Engineer, he couldn't be happier!  He has worked really hard, and I'm so glad he has a job he truly enjoys.  He has been with the company since the day before Aidan was born (and it was totally awkward calling and asking for time off because our baby was 6 weeks early but they were totally supportive, especially hearing that we got married from my hospital bed before he was born).  It has been a really positive experience for him, starting as a consultant and working his way up.  I'm so proud of him!  

Rick and I have finally decided that it's time to change our diets and get healthy.  We started 7 weeks ago, I'm down 15lbs and he is down 31lbs.  It has been awesome having someone to commiserate with, share our triumphs and our frustrations.  I love having someone who totally understands my plight and will cheer me on!  I honestly don't think I would have come this far without him by my side, but it has been so exciting checking the scale each day and marking our progress together (I know you're not supposed to check every day but, control-freaks?)  

What have I been up to?  It feels so strange writing about me.  I've been working my businesses, working with Aidan's therapists and trying to enjoy the babies as much as possible.  I have been working really hard on my chores (ok, sometimes I work semi-hard) but I'm improving.  For those of you who know me, you will never believe it, but I've been cooking!  I'm actually enjoying it, having dinner ready for Rick when he gets home, having something healthy for the babies to eat besides canned vegetables, I've even been experimenting with spices and seasonings.  I think I've been enjoying it because I don't cook the same things as Rick so I don't feel like I have to compare.  His food is scrumptious and fattening and mine is tasty and healthy.  I went to an estate sale today and actually bought cook books.  Ok, so that is not unlike me, but I actually opened them and looked for recipes this time!  I'm trying my hand at gardening, as well.  I have daffodils, pansies, tomatoes, sweet peppers, onions and potatoes.  I really wasn't anticipating being in so much pain after getting the beds ready!

What have you been up to?

I Just Want to Pee Alone Giveaway!

Funny Postpartum Lady is doing a giveaway for the book here, and  I WANT IT!!

Read the Amazon reviews here, it sounds hilarious!

Happy Birthday Grandma

There is an angel in heaven named Grandma.

Even though we cannot see you,

We know you are there.

You watch us grow and flourish,

Silently cheering us on.

You hold our hands when we are sad,

And kiss us gently goodnight.

We hear your laughter

Though we have tears,

That contagious sound,

And know you are near.

Good night Grandma,

Hold us tight.

Helping Others

Pink Zebra by Luminessence is sponsoring a fundraiser for Team Amber.  Amber has been diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme Stage Four Brain Cancer. Diagnosed Novmber 2, 2011. Amber is only 17 years old.  Glioblastoma Multiforme is an aggressive tumor in the brain that infiltrates surrounding brain tissue and is the most malignant of brain tumors. Glioblastoma generally has a very poor prognosis, with the average patient surviving just one year after diagnosis.  

I have met Amber and her family and they are truly, a wonderful, fighting family!  Amber and her sister are being raised by a single mother, who had to leave her job to take care of Amber.  I cannot fathom the worries that Amber's mother must experience on a daily basis.  This is just a small token that we can give them, and encourage this family to keep fighting!  Please take a look at the event on Facebook and buy if you can, or to make a monetary donation, visit Team Amber on Facebook.  You can shop Pink Zebra here and enter "Team Amber" as hostess.

A Mom Outnumbered's Got Sprinkles Giveaway

It's giveaway time!  I am giving away an awesome gift pack sponsored by WildFlower Designs with Nicole and Luminessence!  A WildFlower Designs Tote Bag in Ella Gray, a 3.75 oz jar of Pink Zebra Sprinkles of winner's choice, and a Fleur de Lys Ivory Simmer Pot to one lucky winner!

Don't forget to invite your friends!

Giveaway is open to US Residents only and ends on 2/28/13 at 12:00am CST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway