There is nothing better

than hearing your child give a true belly laugh.

Distractions

Reilly and I talked about him having his own room on the way to school today. He and Kate currently share a room and Shea's crib is in there as well. (although she hasn't spent a night in there yet) I always thought, what fun to share a room - they would be lost without one another. To my surprise, Reilly said "Kate distracts me", "If I had my own room, I could fall asleep a lot easier". These remarks were followed up with "She can really annoy me at times and she talks a lot too."

My response to this: "Okay Reilly when you're going into first grade, it might make sense for you to have your own room." (currently what would be his room is my office, so I don't really want to find a new home for me yet)

Too Big

R: I'm trying to move you Mom so I can get into bed next to you but you are too big and way too heavy.

K: Mom's not too big she's perfect.

Thanks Kate!

R: No, she's too big Kate, look.

Abra Cadabra

We went to see Illusionist Jason Purdy - Reilly was one of his participants. It was so cute. Who knows how he poured 6 different beverages from one milk carton. He left the milk carton with Reilly - it expired in May of 2006. Hmmmmmm..... bummer they never share their secrets.

Waiting for Guffman

okay, not really Guffman - waiting for Reilly.

Sherlock are you there?

Potty Training has been going pretty well for the last month. Today had an interesting "twist":

-My underpants are all wet.
-Did you pee in them?
-No.
-How did they get wet?
-I don't know.

Probably not the first mystery that is going to be part of growing up in our household.

Who is Sherlock?

Kate had a princess party for her birthday. She dressed as Cinderella and we bought her a Cinderella necklace to go with her outfit. She loves this necklace, then again, so does Reilly.

Today I was getting an outfit for Reilly because we were running late. I picked out his Spiderman boxers from his underwear draw and underneath them I found the Cinderella necklace.

I'm confused? What was Cinderella doing with Spidey in and underwear draw. Do I dare ask Reilly to explain?

Who's Long Legs

Is a girl Daddy Longleg Spider called a Mommy Longleg Spider?

Whooooaaaaaaaa....

New Dog

If Kaya steps on the dog I need a new dog. -Kate

THREE

So Kate turns three today. I started singing Happy Birthday to her when she was waking up, her response was "No, I don't want to be three yet, how about tomorrow".

My theory is that she knows that since she's three it's time to "send" her pacifiers to that little baby in California who needs them now. It worked for Reilly, hopefully it works for her.

Who's the boss in your house?

We have a rule in the minivan (yes for those of you who don't know... the MINIVAN) if the ride is longer than an hour we can use the dvd player. (okay, and sometimes when I'm tired of listening...I turn it on for some peace and quiet)
"Dad, can we watch Cars"
"Let's ask Mommy when she gets here"
"Dad, is Mommy the boss of the van?"
"Ummm... Mommy's the BOSS of everything"
"Oh..."
Well, that would be more fun if it were true. Worth a chuckle nonetheless.

Hello Fashion Police

Someone in this photo desperately needs your help!

Happy Easter

Kate opted to give her Easter outfit her own personality hence opting out of the traditional patten leather shoes and Easter hat.

How long do we have birthdays?

Reilly, Kate and I were having a discussion about birthdays this morning.

R: Mom, are you all done having birthdays?
M: No, birthdays happen every year.
K: All the time?
M: Yes, all the time.
R: So.... when you don't have birthdays anymore you will be dead?


Hunh... I guess that's true - in a morbid way - yet that's how a child can understand it.

...can't hear you....

Last night Kate and I went on a trip to Target... just the two of us. On the way home we had this conversation:

Mom, I'm going to take my shoes off.
Kate, we're almost home, why don't you leave them on.
No, I'm going to take them off.
Kate, please leave them on.
I'm taking them off.
Kate, listen to my words.
I'm listening but I can't hear you talking.

I guess I lost that one - it's a bit like "You had me at hello". How do I respond to that?

Bumbo Virgin

Hey everyone look at Shea sitting up in a Bumbo chair for the very first time. Isn't it neat, hey Kate check it out... ummmm, excuse me, who is the guy in the background and what is he doing in our house?

Learn to Skate Kate

Kate was a tagalong today at Reilly's learn to skate class. Since it is the end of vacation week and we're in the middle of a snowstorm we thought it might be quieter than normal at class today. It was and Kate had the opportunity to follow in her brothers footsteps... sort of.

What's a Tard?

Kate repeatedly asked me this morning where her tard was? I was perplexed, confused and not wanting to assume what a Tard was. After much prodding and prying she committed that it was for her ballet class. Ahhhhhh.... a leoTARD, she doesn't realize there is a leo in her tard. :-)

Who Knew?

Who knew that you could love three kids in such different ways. I'm learning more and more about my kids every day and I adore them more and more every day. Kate makes me laugh all the time. She is stubborn and independent but incredibly unique and optimistic. Last week as we sat in my bedroom at Grampa's she blurted out, "I really like the pictures in here, especially that one" as she pointed to a pencil drawing of eskimos doing a circle dance. She is always so proud of herself for her accomplishments whether it's taking a nap, finishing a glass of milk, pulling on her pants or going poop in the potty. In her way, she's inspirational and her attitude is contagious to those around her. I admire her so much.

Reilly, now he's the most sensitive and caring old soul I have ever met. He has concern for everyone and everything and is always looking forward for what is next. People say it's because he's the first child, I believe his traits are more than that. He's compassionate and has an amazing sense of humor. He wants to spend all his time creating things, making things or acting out some character he has seen in a book, on tv or someone he wants to be. He is curious to learn - but mostly through other people. He wants us to read to him, to spell words so he can write them, he wants to play UNO or TRASH all the time and wants to make the rules flex to suit his current hand. He's an amazing boy now, he's no longer just my little guy - he's my friend.

As for Shea... I'm learning more about her with each passing day. Right now, we exchange smiles and I love to listen to her coo and try to laugh. As I sang to her in Church last week, she sat in her car seat and smiled... the woman behind me said, "I just watched you sing to your baby... and the way she looked at you was.... indescribable". That was so awesome...