Blake and his new bed!

Well, it was a slightly emotional day for me a few weeks ago when we took apart the crib. We knew it was time to move Blake to a big bed since he was climbing out of his crib, and also because it was time to separate Briley and Braden, but I had no idea that I would feel so melancholy about the whole thing! I actually had tears in my eyes as I untied the bumper pad for the last time. Don't get me wrong, I am NOT sad that we are done having babies, just that my babies are so big now! I was remembering the countless nights of seeing each one of my three kids sleeping in that bed, watching them as they breathed and seeing how peaceful they were. I remember marveling at how much more of the bed they would take up as they got bigger or laughing and calling Doug in to see what cute position they had fallen asleep in or what animal they had fallen asleep on. It was and is an end of an era. It was a very physically and emotionally challenging era for me (my family and friends can attest for that as you have been there countless times for me to spill it all out on the phone to you!) but it was also a precious time. I am so very blessed to have three wonderful, healthy, happy children. They have given us such joy over the last 6 and a half years. I guess now we will have a different type of memories to look forward to, but no more babies to put in the crib. . .sigh . . . I wouldn't trade those sleepless nights for anything! Well, okay, maybe that's an overstatement, but you moms know what I mean:)

On a lighter note, the first week was interesting in the bunk beds. Of course Blake did not stay in the bed, and used the bedrail to climb on to get closer up to Braden and the top bunk so we had to take the rail off. He hasn't fallen out of the bed and is doing much better staying in. Twice I have found him on the top bunk during the day and have made sure he knows not to do that again but we will see. Sometimes the temptation is too much I guess. Braden has loved the top bunk and even makes his bed in the morning! Actually, he has now opted to sleep on TOP of the covers and put a small blanket over him. He says it is too hard to make. I can't blame him! I guess that's fine for now!

It is fun to have a "boy" room now. We moved Briley and Braden in together when we had Blake. We had always planned on the boys sharing a room but wanted to wait until Blake was old enough to handle it. So once he started climbing out of his crib, we decided it was time. The first week I was kicking myself thinking, "why did I do this?" as I put Blake BACK into his bed countless times and tried to get him to go back to sleep after waking at 6am, but now it is going much better. We bought the boys a train table for their room (great deal on Craig's list) as a sort of "welcome to your new boy room" present and they are loving it. Blake watches everything Braden does and copies it. He even wants to be "Spi-man" - Spiderman in "blake". So cute! Who knew boys could be so fun?!

Our Baby Blakey

Blake turned two a few weeks ago and so I thought I would post about him. He is such a joy. He certainly came into his "2's" early and with a vengeance but he is such a joy. He loves to laugh and play with his brother and sister. He is talking up a storm and is very active. He can now climb out of his crib with little trouble but fortunately doesn't do this very often. It is hard to imagine life without him. What fun he is! Here are a few pictures of our blue-eyed sweetheart!

Easter Fun!

Happy Easter! We got to go to Doug's grandmother's house for the weekend.
"Granny" is 84 years old and has more energy than I do! She was so wonderful to us - it was a treat for sure! I think my kids ate their weight in powdered donuts! We decorated Easter eggs in the garage. It was fun and only a few cracked!

The finished product. . .

Easter morning baskets

Our attempt to get a good Easter picture of them before church.

A friend's "attempt" - much better. He's a professional!

Hope you had a wonderful Easter!

Last Post - November. . . oops!

It has been way too long since I have posted. My opera schedule in January was horrendous and although I have been off for a few weeks, it took me that long to recover I guess. We are chugging along with work and school and just trying to keep everyone content in our family - not an easy task! I guess to be truthful, being content is not always the goal because the definition of contentment varies from person to person in my family. For Briley, it would be either having a friend over every day, or getting a present. For Braden, it would be playing non-stop with Mom or Dad, or getting to go to the zoo or museum every day. For Blake, I am sure it would involve a constant buffet of cookies, donuts, juice, and no one ever telling him "No" (although he would be allowed to say it to whomever, whenever:)). Seriously, we are very blessed with great kids, but each day brings a challenge with new phases and new things to teach them. Braden is beginning to play so nicely with Blake. It is good to see. And he is also starting to understand that certain days Mommy works and can't play much. Briley has become a very easy going kid for the most part and I would venture to say out of all my kids, she is the mosts easily contented right now. She is still doing great in school and we have had a great year so far. Next week is spring break and we are downhill from there. Crazy! I can't even believe she will be in first grade before I know it.

This was my attempt at a kid shot for a present for Doug this Christmas. I actually got them all looking and smiling, no easy feat.

Our self-timer attempt at a family picture Christmas Eve.

The much toiled over Gingerbread house - very stressful! Not the "family bonding" time I had envisioned when purchasing the kit!

The kids outside "fixing" Braden's bike together. Playing on the driveway is their favorite thing to do together.
My too cool boys!

Doug and I took a few days to celebrate our 10th anniversary a few weeks ago to San Antonio. What a nice time to be kid free and reconnect! I could go for that monthly!