Happy Birthday.....

My dear daughter is 4. I can hardly believe it. So sweet and special, so kind and lovable. This birthday was not our ideal celebration. We had originally planned to go to Disneyland to celelbrate but poor Reed came down with hand foot and mouth virus and then intantigo on top of it. It was a miserable week. Poor Reed just wanted to be held but of course Collette needed to be held and fed and that doesn't work so well when trying to keep germs from traveling. Elizabeths birthday started off with me holing Reed who was creaming and Porter holding crying Collette. I walked over to her bed and mouthed happy birthday because there was no way she was hearing it over the noise. We made the best of the situation. A new princess dress, tiara, and gloves.... a new barbie, power wheels jeep and art kit and krispy kreme breakfast, rainforest cafe lunch and a trip to her favorite place QT gas station to pick a treat. Oh yeah and Reed to the dr for a look at his rash and a prescription run. This entire week and weekend of complete chaos at our house taught me so much. I have been complaining a lot lately about how busy three kids are. I have failed to think how blessed we are that all three kids are healthy and well. I sometimes get overwhelmed having all three of them surrounding me to cuddle at the same time but with Reed sick and only being able to hold him or the others all I wanted was the three of them at once. This week of sickness I felt a lot of sadness and feelings of inadequacy as I could tend to either Reed or Colletee and Elizabeth in efforts to not get the girls sick. As I was holding Reed the girls were crying , as I was feeding Collette Reed was screaming for me to hold him hold him. The house was getting messier, the laundry was out of control as well. I realize I am taking for granted their health and the special times we have with our crazy family of 5. I need to stop complaining that things are hard because they really aren't when everyone is healthy. I am blessed beyond measure and am excited to get my healthy little 2 year old back. We have missed the snake hunting, gun shooting, loud laughing, frog jumping, entertaining, cuddling little two year old that makes out family all that it is. He hasn't been himself until today. And Collette misses her big brother holding her I'm sure, those two are buddies. Sweet Elizabeth, thank you for caring about your brother and being so understanding when we didn't go to Disneyland. Thank you for being so helpful all the time. You just got a new chore chart and you are doing amazing always asking if you can clear the table or clean up. We love and appreciate you our little princess. Thank you for being all that you are, you are amazing through and through. Oh and next time we have a mommy daughter lunch date please don't point and call a woman plump even if it sounds nicer than fat.

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My little Reedy Boy

My sweet Reed....
   As I just went into your and Elizabeths bedroom to check on you I saw you about to fall off the end of your bed. I have no clue how you wiggled your way all the way to the end but I'm glad you did because I was able to pick you up and rock you in the rocking chair for a bit before I laid you back down. You are such a special little spirit in our family. I hope you know you are capable of any and everything and that your mommy and daddy love you so very much. Last night our family had a bond fire in the backyard. We all sat around the fire in lawn chairs cuddled up in the cold with our blankets and our smores. Towards the end the girls came inside and just you and your daddy stayed outside by that fire. It was a good 20 minutes just the two of you. I peeked outside and it was the sweetest site to see my boys out there cuddled together. You are such an outgoing, fun little guy we just can't get enough of you. Thanks for being the joy you are in our little family. Even though you won't remember these little memories with both your dad and I, I want you to be able to read you these stories over the years to remind you of a time when you were a little guy I could rock in a rocking chair in the middle of the night  and I'm optimistic you will cherish these stories as much as we do. I sure do love you my little Reedy boy.
xoxoxo mommy

October 2011

Halloween was a hoot! Collette was a peacock, Elizabeth a "pink Barbie cat" and Reedy boy a Chicago Cubs baseball player.... We went to a party in Tucson ( thanks to JAMIE!) a family party and of course trick or treating... this year with her fun cousins Jacob and Quinn.

 It was so fun watching them get into the activity of going door to door! Reed would eat his candy as fast as he got it, while Elizabeth waited patiently until she was finished trick or treating, then counted them all, then began to eat them...

 Reed didn't know what to do with so much candy so he would eat a piece of candy and spit it into the trash before he could even chew it enough to swallow it so he could move onto the next piece....
That's my boy!

 We have been able to get away to the park a bit here and there for a few play dates and picnics. This one involved Reed laying on the ground and blowing the dirt. No wonder he never looks clean!

 Miss Elizabeth had fun with daddy one afternoon blowing bubbles on the porch during the little ones nap time. These two butt heads quite a bit but when the two of them get along nothing is sweeter. They are such a pair this little girl and her daddy. Besides looking alike they just have this little bond that only a daddy and daughter can have...

 Elizabeth was lucky enough to go to Tatum's birthday tea party. She loved it and had fun with all the little girls!

 We have made some yummy fall treats this past month.... and Reed has really become my little buddy. Elizabeth is in preschool 3 mornings a week while Reed, Collette and I play at home. This little guy cuddles me all the day long. Elizabeth has become less attached with cuddles and Collette does the best not being held.... believe it or not. I think with her tummy troubles she is most comfortable on her back flat. Reed was the same way as an infant with his tummy troubles too. So Reed and I cuddle the day away. If you have seen me with Reed you know he has a hair fetish. I love this about this kid.... he sits and twirls my hair whenever he can. He dropped something while sitting in a chair at lunch today and as I bent down to get it he reached for my hair as quick as he could. It's a special thing a momma and her boy.

 And miss coco Collette. She is joy. complete and utter joy. Like I said she doesn't cuddle as much as her momma wishes but I will lay back with her propped against my legs and she gives the sweetest smiles. she first started smiling on August 30th! She has pretty good control of her neck but not quite strong enough for a bumbo yet. She had her first 8 hour night this week on Tuesday, woo hoo! but went back to sleeping about 6 hours after that. This is my first baby who doesn't take binky's, actually prefers sleeping on her back and who doesn't nurse to sleep at night! She will during the day and in the middle of the night but not before her long stretch at night. Porter is a pro with her. This is the first baby that goes to bed better for him than me and I love it. I think it's hard for the husbands sometimes, or my husband because my kids cry for me whenever they are hurt or sick or sad. and the older two were really clingy as babies and still are really. This is our daddy's girl it seems and I love it. Each child is so different and Porter and I both have different ways of doing things. Some things work for some and some for the other. He really is the best team mate ever to have this parenting experience with and I am so grateful for him!

Welcome November.... can't wait to see what you bring!

A name and a blessing....

Our sweet Collette received her baby blessing this week. How perfect the day was. We made it on time to our early church where we were surrounded by family and friends.

I'm so thankful for this little girl and the joy she is to our family...

Her dress was very special, it was made from my wedding dress and the lace from it as well.

                                 I did an "our little pumpkin" theme to go with the season....

I am so thankful, and feel so blessed. Blessed to have the family I do. I am one lucky momma and love these sweet children so. They are amazing and I am so lucky to call them mine....

It was so great waking up Saturday morning and starting the day off with a family bike ride to the park. The kids are starting to become better and better of friends. They laughed and played as daddy chased them around. They were so excited to be able to go to the park since it is not a million degrees anymore:)

I love to just sit and watch them play. I love to see their imaginations in full bloom. I love to hear their giggles and watch them work together as a team. I love to see how Reed copies almost everything Elizabeth does and how Elizabeth is becoming more and more like a second mom to her little brother.

I also love how the park allows me to sit and have some cuddle time with our sweet Collette....

I want to enjoy every second of this sweet time as I know they will all grow up so fast and the park will no longer be the coolest place to go for a day. I know I will miss these days outdoors with little ones playing in the sun.

But for now, while they are young we will be spending our Saturday mornings at the park..... and I love that it's just a bike ride away

 Until next Saturday.....

Dear Diary,

     Taking three kids, 3 and under to the mall is going to get you some looks, especially if your youngest is 3 weeks old and you are in a clothing store where the majority of shoppers are teens & collage students. We had our fair share of stares as we juggled our children and stocked up on clothes for fall. Of course we had the occasional," you must be busy" or " how old are they?". Despite the typical behavior of a toddler and preschooler fighting over lip gloss, my kids were wonderful today. They endured moms need to shop a bit, their first circus show and then dinner with my family. I'm proud of my children and the individuals they are becoming. I'm thankful for the sweetness they bring into our home. I felt a little like an outcast in this store with my plethora of children but quickly realized that I am one lucky woman whose greatest blessing come in a triple stroller. There is nothing that I wouldn't do for each one of my children. I am so thankful for my son whose flat feet stir up a loud pitter padder as he runs on the hard floor from room to room. Thankful for my daughter who on her last visit to the potty (while pushing) said,"you are the greatest." and for baby Collette who lets me snuggle and kiss on her all day. Paired with my husband they are my greatest joy and I hope they know that. I hope the" I love you's" I give sink into their little hearts and that that love gives them the confidence to do anything. I really just want my children to know how proud I am of them.... especially my older two at this time with the transition of Collette coming into our family. They have been such helpers! I recently have had my parenting questioned. It has been the most offensive thing I have ever been told. I find it odd the source that it is coming from and their dealings with children but none the less the things said took a tole on my little heart. I may not be good at a lot of things but mothering is something I am more than passionate about. I thought about what was said for some time and how I needed to prove that they were wrong. I had different things come to mind that I would say or do if the comments were ever brought up again and then it hit me like a bullet ...... I don't care. I don't care! It's not about proving anyone wrong, or right for that matter. It's not about what others see you doing as a mother or don't see you doing as a mother. My mightiest mothering moments have taken place when I have a child one on one, most of the time we are alone and no one is there to see or congratulate or praise and that's OK because it's not about that. I am realizing that no one knows my children like I do therefore they have no idea what is best for these little ones and will not always understand the choices I make for my children but that's just fine because I don't make choices to please others or earn praise I make the choices I make because I love my children dearly and know what's best for them. I make certain decisions to keep them safe and make them know how loved they are. Mothering instincts are so real and so powerful. Not only can a mothers kiss instantly take away pain but a loving mothers heart can aid in the becoming of a beautiful individual. I believe we help shape and mould our children into who they will become and I can't say I would change a thing because my children amaze me more each and every day. I have an amazing husband who is a good example for these kids and I am so thankful to him for the example he sets in our home. I am thankful for mothers, mother figures and women all around me who are good examples and help me and support me in being the mother I am and strive to be. But most of all I am thankful to my own mother who in her short 53 years stayed home with us while we were young, made family dinners, helped out at school, sold girl scout cookies with me, slept with me in her arms after a bad nights dream, loved me when I wasn't so lovable, was always there for me, and taught me what the most sincere form of mothering was all about. When I think of my own mother and the mother I am striving to be to my children I think of this.....

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.  ~Washington Irving

Freeze!

Even with things being a little overwhelming over here, I still wish I could just pause this time and take in all it is offering. Three kids 3 and under is a bit much at times, but it is also so rewarding. It is tiring but it is so much fun at the same time. They are all so little still, so innocent and so lovable. Miss Elizabeth is so wanting to help and hold baby sister. Sweet Reed rubs his face on Collette and entertains us with his spiderman like actions. And miss Collette is perfect and precious as can be all bundled in my arms. I have felt so claustrophobic trying to feed Collette and entertain the older two with them right by my sides as I read them books but really I would not have it any other way.  Today I seriously looked like a homeless woman, I don't know how my hair was doing what it was doing but it was bad, my clothes were a mess, I had been spit up on who knows how many times but still my husband was eager as ever to come home and welcome me into his arms and make me feel great. Family is just so amazing. I am thankful for these three children who keep me busy and help me feel loved. I keep thinking of the saying..... very tacky, but true," we may not have it all together, but together we have it all." So how I feel right now regardless of it's vinyl saying appearance.

There is a special magic that creeps into a home when a newborn is present. It's magical and holds a perfect  calmness that comes over everything and everyone. Time slows down and what is truly important becomes clearer than ever. Children draw close, husband and wife celebrate what their love has created and joy is all around. The hustle and bustle of life is almost in slow motion as our little family has spent hours in bed cuddled together, holding baby, and watching movies. We are so blessed. Oh how we are blessed. 2 AM has never had such a beautiful feeling as when I am cuddled feeding my new baby girl in her peaceful nursery, with her lights dim, just the two of us share this time. A time when everyone is asleep and the house is silent. I would not trade this time for anything. I better go cuddle that little peanut I love so dearly....

Meet Collette Anne Williams

As you can see this little girl is being welcomed with opened arms. These are pictures that give a glimpse  of the last 24 hrs since she has been born. I am in love with this little girl and her full head of hair. Little Collette was born weighing 7lbs 3oz. She is our tallest yet at 22 inches. We love and adore every little bit of her. I can not even believe how blessed I feel right now with this new little girl in our family. These pictures are completely out of order and I am a little out of it with being on pain killers, we will be going home tomorrow so we are sure to have more pictures soon. As for these......

Here is Elizabeth and Reed Meeting their little sister Collette. They both had their arms straight out and were so anxious to get a hold of their sibling

last picture pregnant with Collette...

Everything went really smooth and she is doing great. She looks just like Elizabeth did and I just adore her. I will write more later when I'm not so out of it.....

Summer 2011 continued.....

We are just trying to soak up any last minute rays before baby sister comes and we are tucked inside our air conditioned home. My kids love water. Reed thinks he is invincible and Elizabeth tries some new mermaid move every time we are in the pool. They both love goggles and jumping off diving boards. 

Summer 2011

So this summer has been eventful. We moved from Tucson and were living with family for a few months and just last month we moved again into a cute house with room enough for our almost 3 kids. Living with family was great but I knew we needed our own space before this little girl gets here! The summer has treated us great so far. We have been swimming a lot and little miss can just about swim solo. Her favorite is to jump off diving boards and swim to the side. For some reason though she does a belly flop 9 out of 10 times. We have just about 4 weeks until we welcome our new baby girl into the family! We are so excited to meet her. Reed has grown into really liking little babies so I'm excited to see how he does with a little sister. We are just about settled in but I have a few more finishing touches I would like to add to baby girls room as well as pictures that need to be put in frames. Some highlights of this summer include Reed turning two.... him and I share a birthday month and we had fun celebrating with family and making him a choo choo train cake.....

 this little guy is such a character and such a joy to have in our home (when he's in a good mood). He loves animals and making animal noises. He is a late bloomer when it comes to talking but he will call for momma, dadda, poppy (grandpa), doggy, book, drink, snack, cookie, duck, and plane are the words he says most..... He loves wrestling his dad, cousins, uncles, or grandpas and loves the water and swimming.

 little miss Elizabeth had a dance recital over the summer and did great! She is such a doll and turning into my little buddy. She is so helpful and really is a sweet heart. She is so excited to have a sister and tries to help us get ready for her to come in any way she can!

Like I said I have a few things to add to the nursery but here is a picture of her crib and bedding..... I made the bed skirt and the bumper was from Elizabeth as a baby. 

                                       

 Elizabeths room is just about done as well. I want to dark purple tutu to add about her bed but other then that its good. I made her duvet cover..... it is straight but the bed was made crooked this morning :) She is in love with purple so with the move now was the time to change it!

Hopefully I can write more frequently before the baby comes and get in a better habit of posting!