Random Pics

The boys and I enjoyed a full day at the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden August 16. Highlights of the boys activities include: (1) climbing atop the many tractors and "plowing" the fields, (2) digging for potatoes in the sandboxes, (3) throwing bean bags and "catching fish" in the toddler game area (Free!), (4) milking the pretend cows, (5) jumping in the blow-up trampoline-style huts, (6) tackling the tasks in the preschool science exhibit (while Owen slept), and (7) giving 110% audience participation at the Wild West show!
Saturday mornings in Bellingham, downtown comes alive at the Farmer's Market, and we loved to go every Saturday that we could. We sampled the farm fresh produce, the fresh baked breads and local cheeses, and enjoyed the local musicians and entertainers. One Saturday morning the boys and I met Lisa and her girls, Rikki (4 yrs 10/31) and Lily (born 5 weeks after Owen) for blueberry pancakes, animal balloons, and face painting. And, as always, just before we loaded up for naptime, the boys helped me pick out the week's bouquet of fresh flowers. Ah, I miss the summer bouquets!

8.11.07 AM

As he's grown this past few months, Owen's dare-devil nature has matured as well. A few months ago, balancing on the bouncing zebra was a major feat. Now he's mastered jumping from the top of the slide or from the playroom couch to the floor and landing on his feet!

8.11.07 PM - 19 Months

After our week at Sunbanks, Collin and Owen couldn't wait to see Natalie, and we scheduled a playdate Saturday afternoon. They played quite happily all day, right up until bedtime. Just as Collin had, Owen calls her NaNa (of course, he also calls bananas "nana"s ). Collin remarked: "I missed Natalie. She's my best friend!" 9.1.07Ah, the weekend that spurred my mom and Kevin into purchasing a vacation lot! We took the ferry over to Shaw Island for a day trip Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. Owen loved watching the birds from the bow of the "big boat!" "Boat" became (and is still) one of his favorite words after a week of watching the ski boats pass our site on the waters of Banks Lake, and he was thrilled to embark the ferry Sunday! 9.2.07

This past weekend, the boys became Super Heroes for a night in kitchen-towel capes! They raced around the halls, "soaring through the skies!"

Kevin nicknamed them the "Super Crazies!" 10.20.07

They are getting so big. Sunday morning the boys sat down side-by-side to enjoy their morning cup of milk and a dose of Berenstain Bears (Collin's current favorite cartoon; Owen's favorite right now is Elmo):

10.21.07
3 Years, 2 Months + 21 Months

Announcement!

We went in for our second appointment with Dr. Tu on the 12th - at 13 and a half weeks - and after a routine check-up, she said, "So do you want to listen to the heartbeat or shall I do a quick ultrasound since you're in the room with the ultrasound machine?"

Of course we wanted to see our babe growing, so we were eager for the ultrasound. The baby looked fantastic - long legs, straight spine, hands up near the little face, heart pumping beautifully. And then, almost as an afterthought, Dr. Tu said, "Hey - did you want to know your baby's sex?" At 13 weeks! You can already tell!! Yes, Yes! We want to know!

We are proud to announce that our third little BOY will be joining us in approximately 176 days!!

We are so thrilled! A houseful of boys thus far ... I am so enthused to see how the dynamic plays out for our family! And oh the adventures we will have!!

So, now at 15 weeks, our little boy is around 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of a large lemon). He's busy inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, which will help develop the air sacs in his lungs. His legs are growing longer than his arms now (which we saw in the ultrasound), and he can move all his joints and limbs. His little hands are becoming functional - grasping and searching, and sweat glands are appearing. Although his eyelids are fused shut, he can sense light, and his taste buds are beginning to form.

*We're welcoming suggestions for a baby name that fits with Collin and Owen (doesn't need to rhyme, but needs to "belong"). We've discussed several so far, but none are striking us both. And we must both agree or it's off the list. Such a tough decision.

And I have so many rules:
1. Can't be mistaken for a girl's name.
2. Can't easily become a girl's name.
3. Can't end in "-er" (because of Tepk"er").
4. Can't be in the Top 10.
5. Shouldn't be in the Top 25.
6. Must be recognizable and somewhat traditional.
7. Prefer Irish origin (in keeping with Collin and Owen, although we spelled Collin - with 2 Ls - in the English manner).
8. Can't be readily broken down into a nickname (i.e. "Matt" for Matthew, "Andy" for Andrew, etc.)

Our First Organized Sport - Indoor Soccer

Collin started soccer two weeks ago with other 3-4 year olds at the YMCA. It was so hilarious to watch the kids during the first practice as one kick of the ball could send the ball all the way across the gymnasium! In the pic above, Collin was lined up, started to dribble, and chased the ball quite a ways!
So, the first skill the coaches taught was "trapping."

Owen loves practices and is often dribbling across the gym or finding a lonely goal to practice kicking into!
The next concept was "teamwork" and learning to share one ball, passing it between each other.
Last Saturday, the team lined up for pictures. Owen snuck in between group shots and I took a few of him. I felt too guilty lining Collin up for our own photo shoot, but we did buy a package, so I'll scan it when we get it. : )

By the third practice, most kids had figured out trapping and dribbling (slowly) across the gym.

In the pic above, Collin is playing center forward during practice and passing the ball to the left forward after the blow of the whistle.

His partner passed it back, and Collin's going in for the goal shot!

Tomorrow is Collin's first game! Go Tigers!!!

Rough and Tumble

Boys romp nonstop. And the romping (and potential for danger) increases exponentially the more boys are added to the equation. It's true. Those of you with girls will never understand. I know. Because I didn't believe it myself until I started living it.

Despite the difference in their ages - one is 38 months and the other 21 months - my boys can usually hold their own against each other during their romps. Granted, on the wrestling mat, Owen weighs only 4.5 lbs less but has his tackling techniques perfected (often choosing to sit on your head). And on an obstacle course, Collin can still outrun, outclimb, and outmaneuver his jack-rabbit brother. But, like I said, against each other, they can usually hold their own, and no harm is done.

I wouldn't place bets on the boys against inanimate objects, however. What inevitably (momentarily) halts a romp session are bruises, black eyes, bumps, and tears. And a great deal of mommy-guilt and dread.

Where should I draw the line between buckling them into a low chair with helmets on in a padded room and letting "boys be boys"?

Case in point, Collin jumps off everything: from his toy box to the floor, off the last three steps of the stairs, over lines in the sidewalk, etc. Naturally, one might assume jumping off the couch in the playroom would be slightly safer, considering the couch is cushioned, than jumping off the wooden toybox. Right? So far, toybox bruises: zero. Couch bruises: multiple. How can that be?

So, we make a rule: no more jumping off the play-couch. Clever Collin decides to remove all the cushions and line them on the floor, creating a bootcamp-style obstacle course. The course is made of cushions! How bad can it be? Until Owen goes tearing over the course, trips, and launches nose-bridge first into the couch frame. Couch black eyes: Make that two.

But it's not just that. They can be playing with blow-up soft beach balls and suddenly "roll" into the wall or a piece of furniture and end up with a big goose-egg bruise on their forehead (Owen). Or run from one room to another - nothing in their way - and come crying with a stubbed toe because that darned little rocking chair jumped out in front of them (Collin).

The moral of our story seems to be this: No matter how I try to limit the dangers, my boys will find them or create their own. My mommy-guilt will prevail, tears will fall, and in the end, I'll hopefully be left with tough little monkeys and lots of hug-time.

Chinese Lunar Calendar

It was right when I ran it to see if what gender the boys might be ... So, for those who are interested, the Chinese Lunar Calendar says we're having a ... Girl! Now, we'll just wait till around Thanksgiving to see what the ultrasound shows! Will the Chinese Calendar be right again? ; )

Sea-Doo Ride - August 25, 2007

One of the benefits of camping in the same site each year is getting to know your annual neighbors. For the second year in a row, two Sea-Doo enthusiastic families RVd in the sites behind us and offered up opportunies for us to play on the water! This year the boys got to play too!Owen had no fear and begged to go fast. He loved driving up to the ducks floating on the lake and "quack"ing at them! At one point, we got into some tall grass, and grass clogged the filter so we were forced to idle in at a less than 5 mph. Owen kept putting his thumb on the gas and trying to get us to speed up!! (Luckily, the grass was easily removed back at the beach, and we were able to go back out at Owen-speed!)
Collin had a different take on the mini-boats. He loved to go on them, but he wanted to go no faster than 5 mph! (He is a very calculated risk-taker. If he's in control, bring it on. But if there's unknown control - even Daddy's - he's extremely cautious.) One thing's for sure ... whether in idle or going super-fly fast -- What a blast!! We've already made our reservations for next year - same time, same site. Better yet: So did our neighbors!

Nautical Design

Grandma and Grandpa gave the boys paint-your-own wooden sailboats during our vacation, and the boys had a fantastic time painting their ships and watching them sail!

Collin's Catch - Aug. 24, 2007

In August, we spent nine days and eight nights camping at SunBanks Resort on Banks Lake in Eastern Washington and had a wonderful time! Grandma and Grandpa J joined us for the first leg of the trip, and Collin got to fish for the first time from a boat! His "fish tale" is a doozy!

Grandpa carefully laced the worm onto the hook and lowered the line into the water. Collin grabbed hold of the reel and sat patiently. He watched his line sit, motionless. He watched Grandpa tie a lure onto his own line. He watched Dad teaching Owen to use the reel. He began to look bored.
"Hey, Bud, fishing is a sport that takes lots of patience. But it sure is fun to hook a fish! You just wait and wait and hope for a bite," I said.

And just like that - a bite. With a little help, Collin reeled in his first fish! Woohoo! The boat rocked as we exclaimed our excitement! It was just a little guy, but a prize for certain! "Congratulations, Collin!" "Good Work!" And with that, Grandpa laced another worm onto Collin's hook.

I glanced at Kevin. Collin had hardly had to wait at all. What are the chances he'll even catch another fish during our trip, let alone in this hour? No one else had caught anything yet. But at least Collin would now get to learn the realities of fishing. Or so I thought.

"Oh my gosh! Collin - your line! He's got another one!" Less than five minutes had passed! Grandma grabbed hold of Collin's pole, and the fish fought for its freedom. Collin's mouth was open wide in astonishment! The end of the pole dipped further and further into the water, and Collin gripped the side of the boat and leaned in for a closer look.
With a triumphant burst, the fish sprang from the water - posing before Collin mid-air as if to say "Here I am!"
It was a monster bass! Collin squealed in delight ~ not only had he just caught his second fish, he'd caught the biggest fish ever!!
Nice catch!!

After that, everyone began using worms. Owen loved peeking in on the fish and jumped in shock each time the fish flopped!

Amped by his trophy catch, Collin retired his pole for the afternoon, the boys played in the front cubby.
No one caught any additional fish, and we headed back to the campsite, where the boys sat very still and watched Grandpa clean the prized fish for dinner.

I'm not sure what part of fishing Collin enjoyed most ... : )

And I'm really not sure how his next fishing trip will go: will he be a lucky, er, uh, talented fisherman, always with a catch? Or will he learn that fishing isn't always a fast-action sport??!

There's a Baby in There!

We had our first visit with Dr. Tu Friday, and it went very well. She has a more advanced ultrasound in her office than our last doctor, so we were shocked when it was time for the ultrasound and we quite clearly could see a BABY - not a flashing fuzzy lima bean - inside my belly! The baby looks wonderful - little arms and legs, little round head, strong heartbeat. It was fascinating. We're on number three, and still, seeing the baby so tiny and fragile, I am reminded of the amazing architecture of our lives. It is incredible, and I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful role!

Tamale's due date was confirmed: April 15, 2008 (211 days to go, but who's counting?!). Just as we did with Owen, we'll have a scheduled C-section ~ likely a date in early April.

Pregnancy Update

Me: OMG. I have felt so awful! The afternoons are wearing me out, I'm beyond exhausted 80% of the day, and I feel as if I could throw up at any moment. I have had food aversions and cravings, however, nothing seems to ease my tummy. If anything, I get more queasy. The "good" news is that I haven't "grown" more after the initial burst (which probably rules out twins for those of you who had your fingers crossed). The other good news is that all of this ickiness is actually a great sign that the pregnancy is on-track and my body is reacting to its "new" state appropriately. Woohoo - ugh.

The doc: The doc who delivered Collin and Owen is (by choice!) no longer delivering babies, so we're having our first meet & greet with a new doc next Friday. Hopefully, we'll have the opportunity to hear our little babe's heartbeat and - if we're lucky - take a peak inside to see how he/she's doing!

Our Baby at Eight Weeks: Our embryo is about eight millimeters long, and an ultrasound done now would detect the tiny thumping of the heart. Although all the baby's major organs have formed, they are not fully developed or functional yet. At this point, the baby is about a quarter inch long, about the size of a small lima bean. (By next week, it'll be the size of an olive!)

Happy 3rd Birthday, Collin!

We celebrated Collin's 3rd birthday with friends and family at Lake Padden Park Sunday afternoon!

Naomi (Neighbor)

Dexter (Blossom Buddy in O's class) and Collin

Owen

(Seattle Friend) Riley is Queen of the Castle.

Riley serves up smiles.

Collin slides down head first.

Ella (Blossom Buddy) rides the porpoise!

Neighbors Christina and Katie

Owen climbs to the top of the big slides!

Dexter prepares to slide ~ adorable.

Taylor, now 14 months, learning to play tee ball with our friend Mike.

Me and Nancy

Collin and Sean race across the field!

Collin shows his skills and blasts the ball!

Smile for the camera, Natalie!

Oh, smile "nicely" for the camera!

Seana and Aiden (10 months)

Aaron, Riley, and baby Keira (3 weeks)

My sister made an amazing Goofy puzzle cake! Everyone was in awe, and if she'd have lived nearby and had had business cards, Chrissy probably would have a thriving party cake business on her hands!

After 45 minutes on the playground, Collin spotted the cake. He was dismayed to hear everyone had to eat lunch before he could cut into it. So ~ he sat by it and waited ...

Kevin grilled up burgers and hot dogs and served a picnic feast!

Natalie, Uncle Jared, Aunt Janae, MaryJane (Blossom Buddy) and Mom Clara (my hair magician) enjoy O's antics!

Goofy as ever, O played peek-a-boo with his plate while waiting for his hot dog!

Yum!

Facinated.

Grandpa C gives O a boost.

Taylor and MaryJane join in the games!

Steve and Katie took Collin, Natalie, and Marley for a "nature walk."

Steve, Natalie, and Katie (and Baby Sawyer in the belly!)

Ben (Blossom Buddy) and Riley take turns sending the rocket soaring!

Mike's daughter Jaime practices her swing and shows the little kids how it's done without the tee.

Ella (Blossom Buddy) and Owen swing away!

Grandpa J and O bond over laughter.

Neighbors Laura and Mia show Mom Brittany how to share.

Finally ~ cake time!

Pictured: Ella, Riley, Laura, Naomi, Collin, Marley, Dexter, Jaime, Kelly, Great Grandma G (Triple G!), MaryJane, Taylor, Ben, Natalie, Mia, Owen.

Missing Kids: Aiden (10 months), Keira (3 weeks ~ born to Aaron and Renee), and Oliver (born to Art and Kathy, who showed up later, also 3 weeks).

After waiting patiently (only sneaking a few finger-swipes of frosting!), Collin can't seem to scoop the cake in fast enough!

Mom and Owen

Tuckered, Owen passed out on Uncle Jared's shoulder after finishing his cake.

Mike and Nancy gave Collin his first kite, and all gift-opening was halted as the kids buoyed for a turn to fly it.

How perfect! I spy with my "little eye" a boy with his first magnifying glass!

Collin was showered with wonderful gifts ~ thank you, All!

The girls literally huddle around Collin as he unwraps the packages.

A true believer in "snail" mail, Collin thoroughly enjoyed opening each and every birthday card! He'd never received so much "mail" at one time! I was thrilled to see how many of the kids had decorated or created their own cards for Collin's birthday!

We had a fantastic time! Thank you to everyone who was able to share in our special occasion!