Clara's milestones

Clara clapped today and learned to wave about a week ago! She's growing up too fast! I'll have to try to get some pictures soon. I also need to do an update on her weight. Just wanted to remember these little steps and growth.

Kindergarten here we come!

I posted some of these pictures on Facebook already, so sorry if some of this is a repeat, but as I've said before this is a record for me too. And I know I've said this before also, but I can't believe we're already at this stage. It's hard to believe that I have a school aged child. Thankfully she's so easygoing that she did not have a problem with this transition. Dylan actually had a harder time the first day than she did. And I missed her as well. The house is much more quiet and I miss her personality and voice throughout my day.

Although now that we're two weeks into school starting I have noticed that each day seems to go by quicker and it's been helping me get up and get dressed everyday (I was one of those moms who like to spend all day in her pjs.) So I know the school year will probably fly by.

I also have to start looking into homeschooling next year because I wanted to try one of each, public school and school at home.
Kaylin on her way out the door on the very first day of school!

Walking to school (from the car).

She's excited!

Waiting in line to go into her classroom.

 I tried to make her first day special. We picked her up and brought her a balloon and had flowers waiting on her seat in the car. I drew her a little picture that said, "welcome home Kaylin!" I think she felt special.

Some updates in pictures

I don't feel like doing a long post on what we've been up to these last few months, especially since I haven't posted in a while and only have about three readers anyway, so here is a look at our lives in snapshot (the pictures are out of order, so the most recent are at the top):

 My handsome nephew Noah

Clara LOVES her cousin. She seems so taken with babies in general.

Of course he's almost the same size as her, even though she's nine months older.

Dylan seems to like him and pays attention to him every once in a while. We're hoping they'll be close even with the age difference.

Clara began pulling up last month.

We took a trip to Ocean Beach in San Fran a few weekends ago and despite the dreary weather we had a nice time being together and exploring new places.

Water babies!

Best buds!

Family shot

It was cold as we walked on the Embarcadero and we weren't as prepared as we should've been (it's August, you'd think it would be warm!). So we made a makeshift beanie for Clara to combat the cold winds. She kind of looked like a little old lady. But in a good way.

 Just hanging out...being cute.

Helping mom make pizza. This is right before Dylan dumped the whole bag of cheese on the floor. Not sure if I'm going to ask if they want to help next time! Plus they were eating more than they were actually putting on the pizza.

Playing with the neighborhood kitties.

Slip-n-Slide on the 4th of July

Action shot

This is the best group shot of the kids; before fireworks.

 Clara's first 4th of July! She loved watching the fireworks and wasn't scared by the loud noises.

She rolls!

Clara finally rolled from back to stomach tonight...i've been waiting about 5 months for this...but she did it!

And she will be 9 months tomorrow! My how time flies.

Confessions

These are my confessions...of what mommyhood [to three] is really like:

1. I only see the inside of the shower at the most twice a week.
2. Clara's lucky if she gets bathed once in two weeks (is that horrible or what!?)
3. Laundry gets washed but rarely gets put away.
4. The internet is my best friend.
5. I have been nursing for 5 years now, in a row, without any break.
6. I have gained 115 pounds with 3 pregnancies (I've lost 88).
7. I weigh more than my husband.
8. I really miss my old body.
9. But my breasts are way better now (until I stop nursing and they deflate like balloons).
10. I don't really like taking the kids to the park.
11. I don't wash my face before bed anymore and I really have to push myself to brush my teeth--many times I don't. Don't bother asking if I floss. I don't.
12. I have no original thoughts anymore. They're all borrowed. And they are definitely not deep. I'm too tired for that.
13. I don't usually enjoy making meals for my family.
14. I think I will always look 3 or 4 months pregnant.
15. Sometimes I miss my life before kids.
16. I look forward to my kids being grown but then I feel like they are growing up way too fast.
17. I fear everyday that something bad will happen to one or all of them.
18. My children are not allowed to eat things with too much sugar, but I am, and I do. A lot.
19. What is effective discipline? I don't really know.
20. I'm kinda making things up as I go with this whole parenting thing.
21. I don't finish books anymore.
22. I don't know how single parents do it. Tim does so much to help and I'm so thankful for everything he does.
23. I have a zillion unfinished projects (and even more unstarted projects).
24. I got really upset when my kids decided to give up naps.
25. Sometimes I don't like my kids. And sometimes I play favorites.
26. Even if I sometimes desperately want to run away, I will always love my kids way too much and so much more than they will ever know.
27. My house always looks like a hurricane blew through.
28. I spend 6 out of 7 days a week in my "lounge wear." I don't put on makeup anymore and I definitely don't do my hair. Or at least that's how it feels. Sorry, Tim. 

Okay, so I know this sounds all doom and gloom and someone without kids may read it and think, man, I never want to have kids! But I'm just trying to keep it real. Being a mom is hard. But it's worth it and I love it. And I love my kids.

Mama

Isn't she so precious?

Clara said "mama" yesterday, right on time for Father's Day! Hee hee.

She's been saying "mmm" for a while now, but never did fully say mama. Except yesterday, and it's been coming out a lot today! It's so much sweeter when it comes from her! I love it!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to my father!

I am so blessed to have such a great father and grandfather to my children. You have taught me much throughout the years, giving me support and guidance when I need it most. You make me laugh and I enjoy just sitting and talking with you. Thanks Dad, for your love and for teaching me about the love of our Heavenly Father, one of the best gifts you have given me! And thanks for all the times you get down on your knees and play with your grandchildren. They love coming over to see granddaddy because you are so fun and pay them such special attention!



and happy father's day to the father of my children!

I am also blessed to have a wonderful husband who is such a great father to our children. Thanks for all the diapers you have changed, owies you have kissed, piggyback rides you've given. Our kids adore you and so do I! You give so much of yourself and I am continually amazed at your selflessness. You serve your family and we are so blessed by all you do. Not to mention how well the kids eat with you around! :) I couldn't have hoped for a better person to raise our children!

I love you both!