Oliver is 3 Months Old

Sorry I haven't been able to update. It's been rather crazy this month. With two trips to Maine in less then a week, and illness running it's course in our house, not to mention we have had a busy month of Girl Scout things, I haven't had a few moments to breath. So without further waiting, here are a few updates on Mr. Man.

Oliver at 3 months old is now:

*Cooing up a storm
*Smiling at anything I say or do. He thinks I am rather hilarious
*Loves to be carried around by ANYONE
*Loves his big boy crib
*Sleeps at night from 8pm-8am (Sometimes 9am)
*Naps vary but usually last around 4 hours
*Eats about 10 oz first thing in the morning and about 6-7 ounces every 5 hours
*Cluster feeds at night with at least 3 bottles from 6pm to bedtime at 8pm
*Is almost rolled over from back to belly.
*Loves Seseme Street and Top Chef (my boy!)
*Wants to sit up on his own in the worst way. Tries to escape from the car seat and the bumbo seat all the time


As you can see, Oliver has adjusted well to the level of chaos and noise that comes along with being in such a sometimes crazy house. He truly fits right in. And even though he was truly a Surprise, we look back on almost a year to the day we found out and feel very blessed to have him in our lives. He rounds out our family very well. And big brother is finding that having a little brother around is more and more enjoyable everyday!

Handsome Oliver!

 

A Month of Thanks

A blog I have read for the past two years is doing a terrific blog about what she is Thankful for. What a great idea I thought. So in the spirit of this month and my continued effort to give thanks to those around me, I think it would be great if everyday all of those who read, glance, come to my website would write something they are thankful for. One item per day. Let's see how many we posts we can get for one blog!! I have opened my blog to Anonymous blog friends too! I will start first:

November 1st-My husband. Without him I truly would be very alone.

November 2nd-My children. Despite many family members being against us having 5. I am truly blessed at what God has given me each and every day.

November 3rd-For my girl scout troop and their parents. It's a good feeling knowing that together we are making a difference in their lives. Giving them the tools they need to become successful, strong (woman) leaders of tomorrow.

November 4th-Best Friends. Even though I can't say I have a best "girl friend" I can say that my husband is my best friend. Super lucky to have him.

November 5th-Birthdays. It gives us the chance to remind ourselves how special we are to be here. Especially our children's birthdays. Its one day we can spend looking back at how miraculous that day was and how special it is to have them with us. Even if they might not be here, we can truly remember them.

November 6th-Patience. Sometimes this is a hard thing to come by. But I know that if I am patient and with prayer, comes many opportunities.

November 7th-God! Because sometimes I just wonder how I have managed to get through some of the most worse times in my life. And then I am reminded, its because of HIM!

November 8th-Grandparents. They are so important in our kiddos lives. It makes me sad that my husbands dad doesn't want to take this roll seriously. But my kiddos have some fantastic grandparents in Maine!! :-)

November 9th-Modern technology. I don't know how we would survive (especially the kids) not being able to talk and skype with my sister and nephew when they move to S. Korea next week.

November 10th-My Hubby, for letting me take part in anything and everything that I want to do in life and always being there to help out in anyway.

November 11th-Anabelle! It might have been the roughest year I have ever gone through in my entire life, but honestly, she made me a better person. Though sometimes I forget how lucky I am in life, I am reminded at how lucky I was to have her in my life.

November 12th-The ability to surprise my sister and nephew before the move to South Korea. The look on their face was completely worth it!!

November 13th-Visiting family!

November 14th-Thankful that God, Anabelle and Jason's mom were all watching us yesterday. Because if Jason had a reason to speed up, we would have been in the worse accident ever on the road coming home yesterday. Still trying to recover from that. Even more thankful the kids didn't see it.

November 15th-Seseme Street. Sometimes mommy just needs that hour to get the house cleaned, laundry done, and important phone calls and emails out of the way.

November 16th-Beautiful Weather in NOVEMBER!! Usually its freezing, cold, snowy or rainy weather at this time and for us to have an extra week of spring like weather with temps to match. AWESOME!!!!

November 17th-My sister and nephew making it half way around the world to South Korea safely. HURRAY!!!

November 18th-Meeting new friends! I have lived here in RI on and off for 11 years. Including my 4 years in Boston. I can honestly say that after living here in Johnston, RI for the last 5, I am finally making some wonderful friends and truly getting active in the community. Sometimes the thought of moving away from here makes me very sad.

Ezme 14 Months

In the last month Ezme has grown in leaps and bounds. Now walking and running everywhere. Though its not a perfect walk, I would say that she is about 99% there. Another month and we are in BIG trouble!

Her talking is increasing more and more as well. She says tons of words and loves to repeat after you. Even if its just jibber jabber sometimes. Her words now include, baby, livy, grace (our cat) boo (our cat) daddy, mommy, Emma, ink (for drink) eese (for please) and no. These are just the words I catch her using on a regular basis. I am sure there are tons more that I don't always hear.

She loves loves loves playing with her big sisters and big brother and has a special love for Oliver. Now that she is older, the girls are finding that sometimes she can be a bit in the way. She misses them so much when they are at school that she tends to hover over them or on them until she goes to bed.

Hard to believe that in another month or so we will be transitioning Ezme to her "big girl bed" well, the crib turned into a toddler bed. It makes me sad a little watching her grow up so quickly, but on the same hand, I love this age/stage in their life. Everything is new and exciting and seeing them learn something new everyday is such a treasure. Whats even better is I get to do this all next year when Oliver is starting to learn and interact with the world. So much fun!!

Ezme sporting her new "Hello Kitty" earrings

 

A Week, Really?

Title says it all, well for me at least. One week from today we will celebrating our little Anabelle's 6th birthday. I find this year especially hard. I think because all my kiddos would be here, I would be happy that our family was finally complete. four girls and two boys. Even numbers all around. And if you know me well, you know I have always had issues with numbers. I guess that's the OCD in me. Honestly though, I couldn't ask for anything more. Six beautiful, happy, healthy, smart, thriving kiddos.

As we know though, that isn't the case. Her birthday will come and go. Some will remember, but most wont. They were their for me when I needed a shoulder to cry on, or a ear to ramble into. Over the years they have dwindled more and more. And after 6 years they have nearly forgotten. Its just a day for them. A holiday really. Day off from work, from school. A day to enjoy your family, friends, lunch together. But for me, this day represents so much more. I usually get a phone call and a card from my sister. I love that she remembers, and wish more people would. To me, I shared a special gift with you that day she was born, and the 19 days she spend in the hospital. I allowed you to take a glimpse into my already rocky life and become a part of it. So its hard for me that you forget.

Birthday's that I don't get to have. Pictures of her that show how much she has grown and changed every year will not be. Christmas will be like all the others. Someone will always be missing. Though I wear her picture to remind me and those around that she still is with us.

It's hard. I struggle. I look at all those who have had "second" children and find myself jealous sometimes. Jealous that they didn't have to go through the pain, the agony the hurt. Struggle that they don't know the year long hell that Jason and I lived in. Struggle that even though sometimes I am jealous, I wish this never happens to someone else.

In a weeks time, I will celebrate her life. Not her death. For me, her 30 days with us was far more precious then her 6 years of time gone. So please, if you could remember her and that moment you met her sweet face in the hospital. Because if you really loved her, then every year should be just as important.

Mommy, Daddy and Anabelle (3 days old)

 

November is *Giving Thanks* month

In the spirit of this month, I am doing a few fun activities not only on the website, but also in real life!

One of the things that my Girl Scout troop is doing is a *PAY IT FORWARD*. Each of my girls (23 in all) have to do three nice things for three different people. It could be as simple as offering to rake the leaves in their parents house, to picking up their toys in the living room without being asked. Just as long as the gesture they did was "helpful" and it was done with three entirely different people.

Once they have done their three "good deeds" then they are able to give their token to the person they helped out. There job then (my girl scout girls) is to tell me who they helped out and send it to me via email or regular postage mail.

After the *NEW* recipients have received the token, they then have to do something nice for a new person. Once they have done so, they then have to email me, or again by postage tell me what they did.

The idea behind this, is to see if we can get our entire Community to participate in helping "OUR NEIGHBOR". My goal is to have my living room plastered with all these wonderful things people have done to help others. The best part is that each of the girls can really see that in just one kind act they have helped a community grow. I am so excited.

So if you are reading this blog, and happen to be the recipient of a "Kindness Coin" then don't let it die. Bring yourself to help your friends, family and even the neighbors down the street and watch our Kindness Wall grow!


The other item that I will personally be doing on my blog once a week is posting (or hoping to post) about a blog I have followed weather it be weeks or months and why I find them so inspirational. The stories of these peoples lives are as much of a difference from one person to another that I find myself captivated. Though I don't really "fit in" so to say, I can find a little fraction of myself being able to relate to them in one small way. We are all mothers who love our children unconditionally.

If you happen to be someone who reads my blog and has a wonderful story to share, please let me know. I am happy to post your story and your link on my web page.

Halloween Fun!

From Left to Right Owen-Giraffe, Nicky-Vampire, Mia-Princess, Olivia-Which, Ezme-Kangaroo Mommy, Emma-James-Dragon, and Oliver-Kangaroo Daddy. They all had a great time and I am very impressed by how the older kiddos (Olivia and Nick) stayed with the younger ones. They took turns ringing door bells, and even scored some candy for the mommy :-) Wonder what everyone will be next year??

 

100 Percent Blessed

Despite the fact that many of you (and you know who you are) have commented on how many children Jason and I have now, or the fact that many of you have decided for us that we should be done. Which we are not. The only thing I would like to say is beautifully summed up in this one picture.

BLESSED!

 

Because honestly, how can life go wrong when we are *BLESSED* with this!

Sunday Morning Photos

While daddy was sleeping I decided to take a few candid pictures of the kiddos. I am in total shock that they actually smiled and looked happy to have their picture taken. Getting some of them to even look at the camera let alone smile is like pulling teeth. NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN!!!

Owen chillin on the couch

 

Handsome Ollie man!

 

Another cute picture of Ollie

 

Cute close up of Olivia

 

Mommy and her Big Girls

 

Cousin Love

As we geared up to say good-bye to my nephew and sister who will be moving to South Korea for 8 months the "twins" Emma-James and Tyson enjoyed a little dress-up at my house. I just hope that Dragon doesn't eat that adorable giraffe!

Emma-James and Tyson! (4 1/2 years old)

 

2 Months Old

Oliver is two months old today!! I can my usual "Time has flown by so fast" and its true. I have tried extra hard this time to enjoy the "newborn" part of this journey, but no matter how much I hold him, love on him, sleep with him in our bed, carry him around, its just goes from birth to bam 2 months old, then 3 months, then before you look, its been a year and they are walking and talking. Hate it, just hate it.

But on a brighter note, Mr. Ollie himself is doing fantastic. At his last weigh in he was at 11 lbs 11 oz. Made a little wish on his little belly of course. I am sure you guys are already guessing what I wished for too....Hehe!

He has recently come down with his first little cold. Mostly head/eye congestion. Hoping it will clear up in a few days. So far, its already looking (and sounding) better then it did on Wednesday morning. So we shall see.

Oliver is really enjoying his new crib in mommy and daddy's room. I am really impressed at how quickly he will just fall asleep. Thank heavens we don't have to wrap him up anymore. And it was a short lived adventure. About two weeks. So not too bad. I am glad little man will be joining us for a bit longer. At least until he is 8 months old. So no rush on moving him anytime soon. Thank heavens.
We are enjoying our weekend with fun Halloween adventures and cleaning/organizing the house. Should be fun times!

Sleeping Oliver 2 months old

 

Old to New

Over the weekend my parents came to visit. They brought me an old antique crib (its roughly about 30+ years old, so for this, its antique!) I spend the better part of the weekend (ok, one afternoon/evening, late in the wee hours) sanding it down and repainting it. Sadly, my dorky self forgot to take a before picture. Just picture in your head would you, scrapes, teeth marks, bangs, bumps and chips, and really an old color of brown that one ever did see. I purchased some adorable bedding for Oliver at Babies R' Us. I was trying hard to find something that would match Owen's room too. Hard, but I did in the end. And its really cute. Sometime this winter or spring the girls will be moving into the mater bedroom and Owen and Oliver will be sharing a room.

Up close of the bedding and the mobile. Notice the little grasshopper

 

Another picture

 

The bedding up close. Love love love the little grasshoppers

 

The finished crib. Isn't it pretty

 

Just to add, Oliver is the first EVER to sleep in a big boy crib in my room. Usually they sleep in the pack-n-play for the first 8 months, then travel to their new rooms once they can roll over both ways and find there own pacies. I think I might just have to keep him in our room a bit longer then that now :-)

My first little Man turns 3!!

I find myself in awe at how quickly the last 3 years have just flown by with Owen. So much has happened in his short life. He became a big brother to not only Ezme but to Oliver as well. He went from saying a few short words at his 2nd birthday, to blooming in a very short time with wants and needs of his own. Talk, talk, talk. Can't imagine who he might take after can you *wink, wink*. I never in a million years thought I would like having a little boy. I never pictured myself with boys, despite the tomboy in me. I always pictured myself with girls. So it really was a wonderful surprise to find out I could after three girls pack away the pink and ruffles and exchange it for plaids and moose outfits. VERY EXCITING. And I have to say, I think I am the luckiest mom with the best little boy(s) (and his little brother) around. They are really terrific little men, and honestly, they are cute as a button too!! Happy Birthday my little man. You are such a sweet, handsome little guy mommy is so proud and honored to be your mommy. *HUGS AND KISSES*

Owen just minutes old

 

Daddy holding Owen for the first time. My handsome men!!

 

Mommy holding her first little guy for the first time. I was really excited to finally have a little boy. It was getting kind of dreary with all the pink

 

Owen at the Roger Williams Zoo hanging out with the other kiddos for Spooky Weekend

 

Owen 1 month old

 

Owen 3 months old

 

Owen 6 months old and crawling. He started moving at 5 months old. I think it was because he wanted to keep up with his big sisters

 

Owen's 1st Birthday

 

Owen 18 months old. Enjoying the 4th of July Parade at my parents house. He had to bring "baby" with him to watch too

 

Owen 2 years old

 

Handsome little man Owen at 2 1/2 hanging out watching the "BIG TRUCKS" dig a whole in front of our house. He had the best seat around. On top of my washer/dryer

 

Owen 3 years old. And still such a handsome little man. Notice he still has his "baby". Them two are insuperable. So much so, we have a spare for those just in case moments