5!

We celebrated the twins birthday this week - twice.  My boys are 5!  How did they get to be that old already?

Sunday we had a birthday party for James and Morgan turning 5 December 6 and Evan who turned 3 November 24.  The boys were thrilled with having their family all here to celebrate.

James

On their birthday, we had our own family dinner - one of their favorites, spaghetti.  After eating Grandma's delicious cakes, I decided fresh baked cinnamon rolls would do for dessert.  3 boys had candles to blow out again.

Morgan

While birthdays are meant to be celebrated, it's also a time for a mommy to reflect.  I watched my boys throughout the evening and marveled at the wonderful little men they are.

Morgan has a kind, loving nature.  He is sensitive to the feelings of others and makes a point to try to comfort them if needed.  Yet he is also a ball of energy that spontaneously bursts into jumping or dancing his way around the room.  He's very creative, leaving his mark on any blank space he finds.  He is a friend to all he meets and confidently introduces himself or offers a rendition of a favorite song.

James has a determined, helpful nature.  He spends a lot of time figuring out how things go together - blocks, lego, forts etc.  He loves helping with everything from setting the table to putting on Evan's coat to helping any of his adults with their various projects.  He considers himself a fine cook.  Although he is a confident boy at home, he is nervous of new places and events, relying on his trustworthy twin or his mommy. 

Put the 2 together and the things they come up with are limited only by their imagination.

I can't help but to think back to the day they came into the world.  They surprised us by arriving six weeks early.  12 days later they came home to be our Christmas gifts.

James and Morgan at 2 weeks old 

A Three Year Old is in the House

Evan turned 3 today!  3!!  

Evan with his clown cake.

It astounds me each day how much my boys grow and change and learn new things.  One day I am holding them in my arms and helping them with everything while getting in all the cuddles I can.  And then, after what seems like just one sleep, they are dressing themselves and teaching me songs they've learned.  It's the affliction of every parent - how do they grow up so fast?

While Nicholas is my youngest, Evan is my baby.  Or was.  He perched on my forearm for the first year of his life, stayed close to me where ever I was in the house, never wandered far from my side when we were out.  But then, one day I noticed he wasn't playing by my side, he was off with his big brothers.  He no longer wants to ride in the shopping cart when he can wander and "help" me. 

Today was his birthday so we made it a special day for him.  He was a bit confused by us celebrating without the rest of the family we've been planning will come for his birthday party.  Where were Grandma and Granddad?  And when I asked what kind of cake he wanted he insisted he had to have a clown cake.  Grandma will be creating a true clown cake for his big birthday party so he couldn't understand that he could have any kind of dessert he wanted tonight; he wanted a clown cake.  Although far from professional, I was pleased our improvised clown cake ended up looking somewhat like what it should considering there were 4 pairs of hands helping me create it.

And so today has marked the day that my little boy is no longer a baby.  To look at him he doesn't resemble my image of him.  He can now look over the edge of the counter, he can use the potty all by himself, he can wash his hands by himself, he never stops talking, he can count to almost 20, he knows where he lives and his phone number, and he can spend 2 nights away at his grandparents all by himself.

But even though he looks like a 3 year old and acts like a 3 year old, I know my baby is still tucked away inside.  He still loves his cuddles, wants me to carry him, gives me spontaneous kisses, cries when he's frustrated, runs to me when he's scared and, best of all, tells me he loves me.  He also reminds me every day that he's "dust whittle still".  He's still just little enough to want his mommy to do things for him; even those things he can do for himself.  But I don't mind.  It helps me keep him little for a while longer.

Pure Joy

Is there anything that can fill you up with such pure, unadulterated joy as when you get to do that which you have been trying unsuccessfully to do for so long?

Nicholas experienced that right here:

Misty and Nicholas

Nicholas loves cats.  He lights up and makes a very specific, high-pitched noise when he sees our cats - or any cat.  For the first time Misty let Nicholas pet her.  All by himself.  He was overjoyed!

The most amazing thing about this is Misty has never been a cat to let many people touch her or even see her, least of all a baby.  I remember the wide-eyed, fear-filled moment when she jumped up on my lap only to discover two alarmingly scary, yet tiny, creatures there.  And that first meeting with James and Morgan didn't leave her anytime soon after that.  I don't think I saw more than a black streak run past me and out the door every morning for about a week.  She was terrified of them.  She's come a long way in five years.

And Nicholas got to reap the joy-filled benefit of that progress. I think she might let him touch her again sometime too.  He only pulled a little bit and his high-pitched squeal subsided after a couple of minutes.  She didn't even seem to mind the missing handful of hair.  And all this took place without Luke or I having to hold her still so he could touch her.

The smile on his face said it best: Pure Joy.

Poetry

This was what I found on our bed last night.  Those pieces of paper are very large sheets folded into four left there for us by James and Morgan. 

My boys love to make crafts, paint, draw, create.  In my usual thrifty fashion, I save the sheets of paper the newspaper flyers are wrapped in for the boys to use.  Usually I divide the large sheets into four so they are easier to work with, but often the boys get them out themselves and use them full size.  Sometimes they use the paper to paint colourful pictures; sometimes beautifully drawn pictures.  But these two full-sized sheets are not covered in colour or pictures.  And still they are among my very favorite yet.

These are our first love letters from our boys.

Morgan started it; James joined in just as enthusiastically.  With the big sheets of paper spread in front of them, I listened to them discuss what they were doing and how they should do it.  They looked each others' over and folded them back to their original size.  Off they ran to their bedroom to tuck them away.  Or so I thought... 

Although I had enjoyed watching their exchange, it didn't seem out of the ordinary.  So I was surprised to find the papers placed carefully, one sheet on each side of our bed.  They had followed me into our room and quickly said,   "These are poems for you and Daddy.  Do you like our poems?"

Do I like them?  I love them!  I don't really know what they say: they are rows made up of a jumble of letters, numbers and some squiggles.  But they were written for us by our two big boys and it really doesn't matter what they are supposed to say.  What matters is that they wrote us poems.  What matters is that they recognize the importance of putting their thoughts on paper and sharing them using this new medium.  What matters is that they used everything they know, as they know it, to tell us that they love us. 

The Camp-Out

The downstairs living room was cozy with the woodstove burning as we sat together watching a movie.  Too many week-ends have passed full of busyness and not enough of the kind of time where a movie could be started and watched to the end.  It felt good.  There were frequent pauses though: bathroom breaks, drink refills and a tray of snacks made and enjoyed.

During one of the longer pauses, I returned to find a large bed constructed from a NASCAR throw blanket spread across the floor in front of the couch.  Three small afghans were arranged individually with a pillow and some favorite stuffed animals from bed at each.  Three happy faces looked at me expectantly, waiting to see my reaction to their efforts.  It was explained clearly how this was their bed they were going to camp-out in it tonight.  The best, most convincing argument came from James.  He assured me they would be fine sleeping downstairs all night by themselves because he would take care of his brothers.

When Daddy came came back and the whole plan was explained again, he looked at me questioning whether it would really happen or not.  I smiled and said "we'll see how it goes".

I don't remember such willingness to go to bed before.  Jammies were put on, teeth were brushed and I was told just how tired they were.  Down the stairs they trooped.  Two minutes later the parade began.  Morgan was up to get books.  James came up to get his pumpkin lantern from last Halloween.  Morgan was up to get his pumpkin lantern.  Evan came up trailing James to find a flashlight.

After a few more trips up and down I followed to tuck them all in.  Three kisses goodnight, three prayers listened to, three "sweet dreams" were wished.  After about 15 minutes of listening to giggling, shouting and a general good time, Daddy went down to check on how the room was surviving.  Three little boys filed up the stairs with pillows and teddies tucked under their arms.  Daddy followed, "they're hot".  I guess so!  It was at least 30 degrees down there. 

And now, all are tucked snugly in their beds in their much cooler rooms.  The remnants of the camp-out left to be cleaned up tomorrow.  And even though the camp-out didn't last an hour, this night will be recorded in their memories.  It will be taken out and remembered, talked over and examined.  This was the night they camped-out downstairs all by themselves. 

Remnants of the Camp-Out

No Longer a Baby

My little baby turned 1!  Happy Birthday Nicholas!

Nicholas at 1 week old

You have made the past year so precious as you grew from the tiny babe sleeping in my arms for so many blissful hours into this bundle of energy and joy.  Your smile lights up my heart; your small hand holds my finger so tightly as you practice your steps with such unabashed bliss.

Nicholas at 1 year old

You: climb EVERYTHING, always have a smile, reach for things beyond your grasp, yell to get the attention of all your brothers, unload the dishwasher whether clean or dirty, ride anything with wheels or you can make move, unpack any box or basket with something in it, have a belly laugh when I tickle you, like to eat the cat food and spill their water, like your sucky but throw it when you're mad, can't lie still long enough to get changed, have a complete fit when something is taken away from you, love taking a bath - as long as a brother is in the tub with you, clear off the dresser top when I don't get you out of bed fast enough, hate wearing hats, claim all drink cups, play peek-a-boo with yourself, close any door you find open, love playing in water, almost always have something in your hand while you are crawling, lie down on your belly and kick your leg up in the air when you don't get your own way, clear out any cupboard that's not locked, don't like sitting backwards in your carseat, open the deck screen door and close it behind you, sit on your brothers whenever you can, love to eat cookies and toast with jam, have to be harnessed in any seat I put you in, laugh when I sign to you, play patty-cake, love to nurse but can hardly stay still long enough to finish, escape outside whenever a door opens, love animals, give great big juicy kisses, don't like taking naps or missing out on anything, love your Dema, see an unheld phone or remote control and your eyes light up as you head towards it, sing with us, love to play with balls, eat stones, crawl down the deck stairs to play on the riding toys outside then crawl back up when you are done, cling to my leg when you're hungry or tired, bring yourself back inside when you are finished playing on the deck, still don't have any teeth, and only nap for 30 minutes a day.

Climbing the slide

Riding the 4 wheeler

Playing in the water

Reaching

And sometimes, when I am really lucky, you still fall asleep in my arms while you are nursing. 

You are also determined, stubborn, single-minded, loving, strong-willed, have a temper, laugh easily, play hard and give wonderful hugs.

You are such a blessing.  I love you more than words can express.

Summertime Flowers

One of the things I really enjoy in the summer are my flowers.  Although my flower beds often look as though they need some tender loving care, I do appreciate all the plants that survive my hit-and-miss attentions.  This year Luke and I built a flower bed in the front yard that I have been planning since we moved here.  First though, the ugly, smelly juniper bush had to go!  Thanks to Luke, Myles and the diesel, it's gone.

My flower bed

Here are photos of our work-in-progress.  Of course my plan included something much more elaborate, but this more realistic garden was the perfect suggestion from Luke.  I love the result.  I have many more flowers still to move, but it's beautiful just as it is.

Nicholas - my newest helper

Our beautiful Hibiscus

I stopped at the grocery store on Sunday and I couldn't resist buying one of the beautiful Hibiscus plants displayed outside.  They remind me of my Granny and I decided immediately that I needed a piece of Granny in my flower bed.  For all her attributes that were less grandmotherly than most grandmothers, she did have a green thumb.  (I truly missed inheriting this gift from her as my houseplants have to be drought survivors and very hardy to survive me.)  I can't wait to plant the Hibiscus and think of her every time I look at it.

But I think the thing I like the most about my summertime gardens are the vases of flowers that sit on the corner of my cupboard all spring and summer long.  They are always filled with the flowers (and sometimes just the flower heads) picked for me by my boys.  Everything from dandelions to lilacs to Queen Anne's Lace.  And every once in awhile, one of the flowers from my flower beds.

A Day of First's for the Little Ones

July has been a very busy month.  I can't say I was able to get anything much completed at the same time I started it.  Somewhere along the line I have begun a few blogs, but didn't manage to get them posted.  I was either interrupted and never got back at it, or simply needed to find a picture, but didn't.

Here is a blog from June that only needed to be posted....


June 25, 2011

Yesterday was a big day here at our house.

After lunch Evan loaded up in the truck with Daddy and off he went to Grandma and Granddad's for a sleep-over.  The only boy; no brothers to have to share his grandparent's or Daddy with.  It sounds like he had a great time!

Nicholas has been on the move for over 2 weeks now.  At first it was just a commando crawl going only about 6 feet.  In a few days he was the fastest frog crawler ever!

 

This was him just as he got on the move.

Yesterday he decided it was time to get off his belly and crawl like a big boy!  In the morning he was still frog crawling, in the afternoon he was crawling.   Just like that!  Up onto his hand and knees and off he went.

Child's Play

I love watching my boys play.  Their imaginations know no bounds or limits.  They are amazingly creative.  The three of them plan and discuss where things should go, how they should be piled, who should do what.  Sometimes they argue; mostly they agree.  Always there is a messy trail leading from the start to the end of their creativity.

Some days their favorite play is carrying around their teddies dressed in baby clothes that are now too small for Nicholas.  The teddies then join us for lunch at the table with their own tiny plates and food.

Sometimes our living room is a highway for trucks and building ground for blocks.

Some days the pillows, blankets, chairs and anything not permanently placed become part of a truck or a 'campsite' (that's what my boys call a fort).

Sometimes the cardboard boxes I piled up for recycling become airplanes complete with drawn on wings and are filled with the most bizarre cargo: a sock, blocks, teddies, some books, a blanket, shoes, markers...

And sometimes it's just the sandbox where the oddly shaped piles are actually pizza's or various parts to a spaceship.

 Today as I watched Evan put a small handful of sand in his mouth.  I said, "Evan, don't eat that, it won't taste good."  He immediately answered "It's tomato soup."  His very serious expression and tone made me wonder "how could I not have known?"!

Morgan's Maple Syrup

Morgan took quite an interest in making syrup this year.  His little mind was thinking and planning while we were talking and tasting.  He found himself a hammer and a nail.  He told "Uncle Paul" that he needed one of the pails sitting there being used.  Paul very kindly listened to Morgan as he explained his need of Paul's pail.  Morgan was going to tap a tree with his nail and hammer; he needed the pail to catch the sap.

With Paul's permission, Luke picked up a couple of spiles and metal buckets as we left the sugar bush. At home, a maple tree in the backyard was tapped.

Morgan - so proud!

Morgan's project became a family project.  We only had a few days when the sap ran, but it was enough to fill my freezer up with various sized blocks of sap.  It gave us time to wait for a beautiful day to boil the sap and for Luke to find something to boil the sap on.

Luke tending the fire

James and Morgan taking a turn

James on his tricycle

                  Time to play!

Morgan in the old, little sandbox

The big boys often help Evan over the rough spots

And take a little walk...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even Nicholas had a dry place to sit

The syrup made was deliciously enjoyed with fresh baked biscuits and over pancakes.  Yummy!

After the whole experience, Morgan said he wants to drive a school bus when he grows up so he can make maple syrup too.  "Like Uncle Paul."

Maple Syrup

The Sugar Shack

We all love pure Ontario Maple Syrup made by our good friend Paul Mader.  We like pancakes, french toast, fresh biscuits and even oatmeal or cornmeal cereal covered in maple syrup.  The most requested meal in this house is pancakes - breakfast, lunch or supper.

In April we put on our boots and set out for our annual trek through the Mader's Sugar Bush.  (Yes, I realize it is June and I am only now posting this, but sometimes my intentions are better than my follow-through.)

 It's become an event we all look forward to and talk about for a weeks before the trees are even tapped.  This year we invited our friends, the Smith's, to join us.

The sap pan when we got there, not yet boiling.

 First we checked out the operation - we explain each year how the Maple trees are tapped to collect their sap which is then put in the big pan and boiled over a hot fire until it becomes Maple Syrup.

James and Morgan helping to add firewood.

Next we set our for our tromp through the woods. 

Marion, Morgan, Luke and James

Marion and Evan

Mommy and Nicholas - notice the turkey feather in my hand

Porcupines at work

When we returned to the Sugar Shack, Paul had begun straining the syrup.  We had a delicious taste of fresh maple syrup and some maple sugar too.  It was yummy and oh so sweet!

Hopping To It

James and Morgan participated in a Hop for Muscular Dystrophy at Nursery School today.

Don`t they make cute bunnies?

James....My Helper

It's been very busy for days now.  I can't remember when the busyness started, but it seems to be unending.  Mostly my own doing as I am purging and organizing....again.  On top of that all 4 boys have been suffering with this lingering cough that goes on all day and all night - even now I can hear one of them coughing.  No one in this house is sleeping well.

Today I was able to accomplish everything I HAD to do by the time I picked the twins up from Nursery School and I was struggling to keep myself together at lunch.  Nicholas was put down for his nap; Evan and Morgan put themselves to bed soon after.   Savoring the quiet moments, I sat on the couch with my tea and found my eyes starting to close.  I don't nap, never have.  Today I almost did. 

Even though it wasn't long before Nicholas was back up, I still couldn't seem to get off the couch.  In fact, I lied down with my eyes closed.  I was only slightly aware of James moving around when I felt a blanket placed on me.  Soon 2 special teddies were snuggled in.  I heard the tap running and a cup of water was brought to me...then another one...and another one - in case my cough got worse (I don't have a cough).  Even when the baby complained about his toys being out of reach, James moved them all closer.  Then back to the kitchen to make me a snack.

James is a helper.  He likes to mimic Luke and I doing our various tasks, especially those that he has to work at figuring out.  He's so proud of the things he accomplishes and talks about what he did to help us again and again.  But today he didn't mimic anyone.  He put his helpfulness to work and took care of his "nice little mommy".

I have to admit, it made me proud to watch him through my slitted eyes.  He knew what he wanted to do and figured out how to get it done. 

And most of all, I felt truly loved. 

Enjoying Winter Together

Luke and I took our 4 boys on a hike.  We bundled up in all our snow clothes and off we went...bundled up just a little too warm.  It was tough going at first as we walked along some deep tractor tire ruts but once we climbed a hill to another pathway, it was a lot easier and a lot more fun.

I was so proud of all 3 boys as they hiked with very few complaints.  They trudged through the deep ruts, crunched through the crust,  fell and got back up - what troopers!

Trudging along the tractor ruts.  Notice the angle Evan is on in the sled.  He got out of the sled soon after and didn't want to get pulled any further.

This was our first attempt at pulling Nicholas.  This sled was too tippy so I went back and got a different one that went much smoother.

Evan's legs are short and he really struggled walking along the tractor ruts.  He insisted on walking though and wouldn't ride in the sled we brought for him.  I only carried him for a short distance as we caught up with the rest.

A much easier path.

We stopped for a snack along the way.

Morgan taking a turn pulling Nicholas.

James making a snow angel.

We tried tobogganing but it wasn't the right kind of snow for it.

James and mommy.

Evan and mommy.

Morgan and mommy.

Nicholas was snug and warm and slept most of the time we hiked. 

They're home!

And so I have survived!  Two nights and two days is a loooong time not to see my precious boys.  There have been a lot of hugs, kisses and snuggles this evening as we caught up on those missed while we were apart. 

I have been surprised at some unexpected opportunities that have made the time very worthwhile even though I missed hearing their voices, listening to their stories, seeing them play and explore their world, and even helping them brush their teeth. Something more than just the obvious break from constant cook, cleaner and referee.

The most significant was how those few hours gave Luke and I some time to be us.  Not just mommy and daddy but actually just us with each other.  Thanks to my parents watching Evan and Nicholas for a few hours, we even went out for dinner.  Last year we managed 3 meals in a restaurant so I'm hopeful this year we can maybe make it out 4 times :)

As I wrote in an earlier blog, I spend many precious minutes sitting and holding my babies.  I had even more time to just sit and savour the moments making them even sweeter.

And the biggest realization was, I love being a mommy to 4 boys!

Packed and ready to go!

Tonight I set the table for 3.  Luke and I sat at dinner and talked about adult stuff.  After dinner we sat down and watched a movie...all the way through.  An adult movie!  The house is quiet.

Packed and ready to go!

James and Morgan packed their suitcases this afternoon while Grandma and Grandad were here and said they were going home with them for a sleepover.  After making sure they were willing to stay all week-end, we re-packed their 10 pairs of underwear each, a piggy bank, books, teddies and extra pajamas to more wearable amounts of clothing and off they went to Breslau for the week-end.

That's 2 full nights away!  Although they were happy to go and I have heard they are enjoying themselves, I'm not sure how mommy is going to do :(  I missed them before they pulled out the lane way.  They've never been away from me for that long before or slept so far away.

But, I smiled and waved good-bye when they left.  And when the next time comes I will do the same.  It will be a really great experience for them and they will enjoy every minute with their grandparents.

I don't have to like it, I just have to accept it.