Catch up...a February Run Down

Because I'm so far behind my updating via the blog...I'm gonna start with a little monthly run down via my photos! Luckily because we had a baby in January, February and March were quiet months for us.  These cover the end of January and February.

Here we go :)

Grandma did lots of visiting with us while I was recovering.  I love this picture of her and the boys.

Miss Isabel turned 3.  Crazy to me she's 3 but she is none the less!  It was a festively Frozen party!

She spent her party dancing around to the Frozen soundtrack and looking adorable.

Action Photo

We had lots of cold days spent in doors.  And there were a lot of missed school days for Owen as well. On those days we got into our puzzles and games and tried to pass the time!

Showing me his SuperBowl Sunday Football stance.

Just a picture of Grey...sporting some cuteness.

Picnic lunches.  The kids love these!

This cracked me up!

I wanted a dump cake...and I used what I had.  It turned out delicious!!

 More passing of time via puzzles!

 Loved him in this little outfit.  And this also happened to be the first time I found him sleeping like this.  He still enjoys sleeping with his arms above his head!

One of our first date nights post-Grey.  My margarita was fantastic!

Owen loves having his picture taken with his baby brother.

On yet another long and cold afternoon indoors, we decided to build a fort using our kitchen table.  The construction took longer than the interest the boys had in playing in it...but hey, building it is half the fun right???

Just swinging.  Gosh he looks little in this picture!

Selfie...new shades.

Cheeks.

A doctors visit for a cold.  Poor baby got a lot of stuffy noses being exposed to his big brother's preschool germs!

He played hard...and crashed.  Snack on his chest.  This melted my heart and also made me laugh!

 I started making smoothies with my emersion blender.  They are delicious and I feel so much better when I do this!

We put together Valentine's Day presents for our favorite people.  The boys helped a lot.  But mostly?  They ate the goodies while I packed them up!!

 Afternoons spent as Buzz Lightyear are some I hope I never forget!

 This was the most snuggly baby outfit (thanks Aunt Steff!)...and the onesie had little moose shapes on it as well.  Adorable!

 In an attempt to stop the boys from running like maniacs around the circle in our house, we gated off the kitchen.  Owen was not impressed.

 Love this kiddo and his playful imagination!

Speaking of Valentine's Day...my mantle was festively decorated.  I happen to be in love with it...which is totally appropriate!

 We had a case of sinus infection going down here.  102 fever and laid out.  A couple doses of amoxicillin and we were back in action!  I believe this head cold landed all of us on antibiotics.

 It's amazing to me what a little ibuprofen can do!

Doc visit for afore mentioned sinus infection.

And the ride home.

Also in February, I discovered this stuff.  It's pretty darn delicious!

This song got quite a few plays on my iTunes account.  The boys love it also and we had a lot of fun dancing around the living room to it!

Daddy had a particularly tough work week and we sent him some treats to say we love you!

Bath time!!  He loves them and he's long he graduated to the bathtub very quickly!

 Sleepy boy.

Painting with Grandma!

 Thinking about it but not convinced!

 My contribution.

 All in!

 Owen wrote his first apology note to his teacher after a tough day.  I was proud of the way he handled himself while we talked about it.

 I often enter a room and will find Cooper has gone riffling through my things. This is one such incident.

 Just snoozin'.

I made a white bean, quinoa, chicken and kale soup. It was pretty darn delicious!!

 Mister was starting to grasp onto things.  He still likes hanging to this soft Goofy rattle.  Making Great Grandpa Linley's Disney-loving heart happy!

 The antibiotics I mentioned earlier and our fun schedule.

 Late evening snuggles with Mr. Greyson.  So peaceful and sweet.

We wrapped up with February celebrating as Mr Case Cincoski turned 1. We took off to celebrate at his party.  It was a Duck Commander filled party and lots of fun!  For some reason though...my pictures of his cake smash and such are missing!  Sorry Case Man. I'll probably stumble across one when your graduating high school ;)  Can't believe you are one already!

 And that about wraps up February!  March and April coming up soon!

Owens Last Day of Preschool!

This kiddo finished up his last day of preschool Thursday, May 22.  His journey as a preschool officially ended.  His journey into Kindergarten begins in t-minus 2 and a half months or so.  

I could go on about his journey through preschool...but mostly right now?  I'm just proud.  He began preschool unable to talk beyond a few words, transition or sit for unliked tasks for longer than a few minutes...to a fully conversational, bright and happy little guy we always knew was in there...hiding behind communication delays. He can spell, write and recognize his own name, is beginning to have site words, knows and can say all his colors, shapes (even difficult shapes!) and count to 20...but most importantly?  Talk to us, tell us stories, tell us about his day and simply whats on his little mind. That in itself is just awesome in ways I can't explain...but if you've ever had meltdowns because your kiddo literally can't tell you what's wrong...you know the feeling! Our journey, as with most things with Owen, is likely not over.  Some of his biggest educational hurdles may be ahead of him yet.  But he has a love for school.  He enjoys learning.  And he has a zest for life in general.  I can't wait to see where Kindergarten takes him!!  

I did a little looking back and here are some links to past school days!  

First day of Preschool (2012)

Last day of preschool (2012/2013 school year) 

First day of preschool (2013/2014 school year)

For now, he's all mine for a few unspoiled weeks of fun and relaxation!!  Yay Summer!  Adventures await :)  

Happy four months Greyson

Mr Greyson turned 4 months old in May :)  He had a doctor appt last Friday...here are some stats!  And a little bit about what he's been up to the last month!

A little about how he's growing:
Weight:  15.14oz (50%)
Length: 26.2 inches (75-90%)
He is in all 6 month clothes and most of his sleepers are 9 month...mister is long!!
He is size 3 diapers now and we have also started doing overnight diapers.
He is still a pretty stellar sleeper!  He is having a later evening bottle and crashing out around 9:30 or 10.  Most of the time he sleeps till 5.  At 5 if we give him his binkie and unswaddle him, he often puts his arms over his head and crashes back to sleep for another hour or two.  We occasionally have a mid-night wake up.  But he really just wants his bink and a little shhsing and it's back to sleep!
He got shots at both 2 months and 4 months.  A little Tylenol and he's a happy camper.
Just before his 4 month bday we started cereal.  He has had bananas, sweet potatoes and yogurt.  He loved the yogurt but it didn't love him...cheeks flushed red and he spit up a bunch after that evening.  So we're gonna avoid strawberries and yogurt for a bit.
Just after turning four months he:
Rolled over!!  He is all over the place now if he has the room!
And he is giggling (and for the record it was at his big brother...and adorable!)

He is the happiest little guy and by far our most relaxed, go with the flow baby. He helped me finish up Owen's last days of preschool with little to no complaints.  We have taken him to the zoo and to several family get togethers.  He's also joined us on a few play dates with friends. Nothing seems to get to him!  He sleeps when he feels like it, enjoys being love talked to and generally really wants to be where we are and he's a happy camper!

Greyson Oliver,

As I have found myself saying every month...thank you for your sweet little self.  You always have a smile for me.  I love the bond we are creating every day we get to spend together!  I love watching you grow and change.  It is hard to believe you are eating solid foods, rolling over and giggling already. And soon you'll be trying to feed yourself, and we'll find you up walking and talking.  I can't wait...but I also am ok if it slows down a little bit!  Your sweet baby self makes me so happy I want to hang onto it just a bit longer.  Love you little man.  To the moon and back.

Your Momma

Happy 3 Months Greyson Oliver!

Greyson turned 3 months old...and despite my awareness that he was hitting said milestone...and reminding myself...the day came and went and the post did not go up!  In my own defense we had a super fun round of stomach flu in and around that part of the month...so I get a pass right?  Or at least I hope I do!! Sorry Grey!

During month 3 we did some growing!  Mister was 14lbs and growing (which we found out at a recent doctor's visit. Ever since his double ear infection...at the first sign of congestion/lots of spit up, I am taking him into the doctor just for a check on those darn ears!)
He is rapidly leaving his 3 month clothes in the dust.  He has a few 6 months sweat suits that are fitting perfectly and nearly all of the 9 months sleepers we own and that have been previously worn/washed fit  perfect.  His little toes even fill them out.  It blows me away how long he is!
Speaking of outgrowing...mister is working out of his size 2 diapers.
We removed the extra neck support from his car seat this month
Have found him rolled up on his side multiple times AND he loves to do 180's in his crib at night...swaddle-me and all.
Speaking of swaddling and sleep...he is still by all accounts a pretty rocking sleeper, though I think his growing belly and appetite are making him a little less consistent.  I know we will get back there so for now I'm trying to enjoy the extra excuse for a little extra coffee break in the morning and the early morning/late night snuggles!
Speaking of appetite...he is eating a 6 oz bottle almost to the last drop, every 3 to 4 hours during the day.
And more on eating...he is spitting up.  A LOT. We're talking massive amounts every day or two.  I thought it was from a cold/congestion...but it's begun to be a pattern.  A pattern we aren't huge fans of in this house both for his little sake and for the lady who does all the laundry around here...sigh. There is a debate of breaking down and giving him cereal early (which is against our doctor's wishes until he's 4 months old) or if we should simply make a switch to the formula we fed Cooper which had added rice and kept him from spitting up so much.  More to come on what we end up doing.
He is cooing, talking and doing so much communicating. We have a chatty Kathy folks!
He loves to hold this little taggies cloth that used to be Owen's when he rides in his carseat or sits in his pack n play...or is relaxing in his swing. Pretty much any time...it's his fave. Of all time. Ever.
He lights up at people when they talk to him and the sweeter you talk the more he lights up.
We caught him and Owen playing together recently and Owen actually got his first real laugh out of him.  It was priceless!
Is putting his hands and toys in his mouth non-stop!  Drooling machine in the works this one!
Wants to be up and sitting or up on his legs. I'm excited to get out the bouncer in a short order...he's almost ready!
He is enjoying lots of awake time and we have gotten into a pretty good little routine on school days with dropping off and picking up.

For the record...here is Owen at 3 months.  And Coop at 3 months.

Greyson Oliver,
You light up our house like a Christmas tree.  Your smile is infectious and you give it so often I find myself happier just getting to love on and be around you.  Mommy is getting the hang of things around here with 3 amazing kiddos to love. And I am sorry if I'm not able to do everything you need right now.  But I hope you know how loved you are.  Your older brothers are smitten more and more with you every day.  I found myself imagining the 3 of you talking in our car one day.  The 3 of you running in the backyard with bubble wands flying in the air pretending to be the three musketeers or a trio of Octonauts together.  I'm so excited about what our life is turning into little buddy.  Can't wait to see what this next month (err well half a month) has in store!
Love you to pieces little man.
Your Momma (And Dadda too!)

Family Photos

Back in January we brought Mr Greyson home to join our crazy family...and I knew before he was born that I wanted to do some lifestyle shots of our changing family.  I have fallen in love with Sherry Rosenberger and her photography.  She is amazing to work with and she can work miracles!  These shots are proof!  The chaos that was taking place in our house during this photo shoot was insane...but you wouldn't really know it.  So though it's far overdue and delayed, thank you Sherry for the wonderful shoot and for capturing such a special time for us.  Oh and for putting up with us!  Here's a few of my faves...though I truly love them all.

Sunday Snuggling

While I'm working on getting my posts in order and updated...here's a quick one from recent weeks.

 On a lazy February Sunday morning, this little guy wandered in and joined me for some snuggles before I got out of bed.  He always finds the adventure in every situation so it wasn't long before we were playing out a treasure hunt scenario he made up for us...but for a few moments it was just snuggles and this smile!

A circus...

Right now if you asked me...I'd tell you that my life somewhat...or in most ways, resembles a circus.  There are rarely any moments of quiet contemplation.  When I find a rare one I am so tired I often don't accomplish much.  Most days it's a feat in itself if I manage to shower, dress, feed and get through the handful of hours I'm alone tackling all 3 kiddos that take up residence here.  On rare days I find extra energy and motivation...I catch up laundry, empty the dishwasher...even manage to scrub my toilets and swap our the towels on our towel rack...all while prepping a meal or two ahead and making headway on our to-do list of super fun adult tasks like ordering a new red card and planning out meals and making appointments.  I do not want a super star award for these things.  It's my life.  I set the pace and the expectations for myself.  No one else.  I struggle to find a balance between keeping house and keeping the animals contained everyday.  And I love the challenge and the chaos of balancing it all (most days!)...and will admit that some of those motivated days, it's a bit of a thrill to feel that adrenaline rush and knock things out.  But as I said...those are the rare days.

Most days I'm cleaning up messes, kissing boo boos and trying to remember what time I last gave Greyson a bottle because he's screaming and two and a half/three hours couldn't have possibly gone by already.  Why are my dishes still dirty, laundry unfolded and the goal of doing an ABC activity with Owen undone.  Then I remember that I got about 5 hours of sleep the night before...took Owen to school and picked him up with two extra littles in tow.  I ran a couple errands but mostly just got us together, out the door back, and then back in and again back out the door and back again...again...again.  When we get home it's lunch time for all...and by the time lunch is ready...I'm so wiped that I have zero motivation.  I also spend a ton of brain power on trying to make sure I'm helping give Owen the necessary prediction he needs to get through an afternoon...dealing with the mystery of why Cooper dumped half the bottle of bubble bath out of the cart and onto our package of bottled water all while screaming because we didn't spend enough time looking at fish while I'm putting toilet paper and Downy into the cart...and oh yeah  he didn't want to come to Walmart anyway...so there Mommy. I told you!!  Right now, most days leave me exasperated, exhausted and not quite as fulfilled a parent as I'd like.  But right now is still very new.  3 kids, 5 and under for about 3 months now. It's a new juggle that I'm just learning how to do...how to thrive and succeed in.

So right now...it is a circus.  I'm not reading enough to my kids...they aren't eating enough healthy foods as they should be (how dare we pump them full of processed foods or gasp McDonalds!)...Cooper probably needs to be getting potty trained as we speak...and Owen? I spent a whole afternoon this week reciting a social story  with him about not kicking our friends when they don't want to share...because...you guessed it.  He kicked a friend for that very reason.  Sigh.

BUT the kids are bathed (most days!).  They have their favorite popsicles in the fridge and we eat one almost every day. There is a basket of crafts and playdoh that we get out on rainy days.  The house isn't spotless but it's covered in kiddo colored papers and currently Easter decorations that I love but do also because the boys think it's fun.  We take glow stick baths and are members at the Zoo...promising a whole summer of trips to see animals and breathe in that stinky zoo air and ride the train.  Last weekend we bought bird seed and the boys have been helping us feed them.  We look out the porch windows and talk about all the birds we see on our feeders. At the end of the day Owen almost always asks to have dinner picnics on the living room floor with a movie...something I started on nights when Daddy has to work late that has become a fun little thing we do. So while I could sit and tell you that our life is full of nothing but circus type moments....and maybe even at the moment we are chaulk full of "holy shit Jer you won't believe what Cooper did" or "holy shit WHY are you not home it's like a war zone in this house" moments...there is the beautiful, beautiful rest of it.  The part that I love more than life itself.  The snuggles, the curly headed, pj-clad wake ups.  The train rides at the zoo.  The bedtime stories and bubbles in our bath.  We are making memories in between the chaos.  And it's crazy and it's hard right now.  But it's also good.  Really good.

So all of this is to say...there are blog posts coming.  And at some point I am going to fold blogging back into my routine.  I miss it and my family memories are slipping away from me as I type this instead of document Greyson's 3 Month stats because before I even hit save on this post I know someone is going to be at my feet in need of milk...or a time out for smacking his brother's face for the 3rd time in a row.  But the blog posts are in my head, on my cameras in pictures and I'm gonna get back to it.  Sooner rather than later!  Until then...I've got a circus calling me...wish me luck!!