Haley's 5 weeks

Just a quick update--hard to type while nursing. Haley was 5 weeks on Thursday.

Wednesday. One of Ruby's favorite pastimes

Star-gazing Haley on Thursday. This is her preferred neck position. I'm glad she didn't come out that way! From what I've read, star-gazers are very difficult to deliver.

A "Ruby's-eye" view of last night's bath. Ruby's photography--but if it weren't for her, we wouln't have pictures of some things! Haley's not as big as she looks here. The camera adds 10 pounds.

Family Time

Casey and I are trying many different ideas to quell the disturbing behavior of our two oldest children. Right now, we're on the "let's spend focused time with each of them" idea. Focused time in general has been helpful so far, but we thought it might be good to separate now and then and each of us take one of the girls to have special time with them individually.

Yesterday, the naughtiness reached new heights (?) and I was at the point of tears (again--I know, that doesn't mean much does it?) Casey called me back (after I called him at work to ask for ideas) and asked if I needed him to come home to help. I hemmed and hawed, because I didn't really need "help" physically--I was just losing it mentally and emotionally. I had already given up any idea of getting much done for the day, but just dealing with them, period, was proving more than I could handle emotionally. (I know, I sound like the biggest wimp, but that's how it is.) He said that's what he would come home for: to help keep me--and my poor girls--sane. Of course, I said yes. What a fabulous husband. He left 2 hours early from work (vacation time--and if you know my husband, you know that is a HUGE sacrifice. He does not like to take vacation time unless we are going on vacation!) and was home by 2 p.m. We had a great time as a family once the girls got up from their naps. My sanity returned soon after the phone call--just knowing the cavalry was coming. My hero!

Finger Painting for Great-Grandma Ruby.
Everything's better now that Daddy's home!
Candy Land on Wednesday.This is to show that I was involved, too. Ruby was the photographer--hence, Daddy's cut off head.
This is to show Haley's involvement.

Dinner Helper

Ruby loves to help me in the kitchen. She's always asking to help make dinner, wash dishes, etc. I always tell her she can help with the things that aren't on the stove. So today, when Casey got home from work, she informed him, "Mommy says after she's finished burning the chicken, I can help her." Lovely.

An Outing for the Brave (or Insane)

The girls and I went to Mom's Group (that's not what it is, but that's what we call it) this morning, then got lunch at Burger King (shh . . . don't tell the health nuts). Ruby and Claire played for 20 minutes in the nasty play structure (am I alone in totally grosing out about fast food play structures? Does anyone else find themselves having to not think too much about it in order to not throw up and race out in sheer terror? I have NEVER seen a play structure that was even moderately clean. Of course, the reason I am so very disgusted is because when Ruby was little I'd go in with her, and I've been in a few times with Claire, so I see up close and personal just how vile things are in there. You moms who have never ventured into a structure: proceed with caution. Perhaps it is better for you to remain happily ignorant of their absolute state of horrificness. I am totally blown away by the parents who let their kids play BEFORE eating---and don't even make their kids WASH UP before eating their fries with their filthy fingers.) Okay, I'm done now. After our flirt with danger, we went to get the oil changed in the Pilot in preparation for our upcoming trip. Anyone with three little ones (or even one) knows that's pretty much asking for trouble to try to do that many things one after the other. We only had one fit by one child (when I announced it was time to leave BK). Otherwise, it was fairly smooth sailing. Of course, I'm glossing over the fact that it is truly a feat to get 3 children 3 and under safely in and out of a car (each time I add another child, I have to figure out the whole "getting in/out of the car safely" thing), thorough a parking lot, and through the doors to wherever we're going (two of the places had kind people who took mercy on us and got the door for us). Then there's the difficulty of a trip to the potty with all three kids, or getting drinks, food and children to the table, or, like happened with the oil change--the mechanic needed to show me something, so all 4 of us trapsed out there to look. It took several minutes to just get out there!

At Mom's group, the ladies are always getting on me to not pick up my chair (we stack them after we meet)--a whopping 10 pounds or so, when I almost always am sure to walk out 5 minutes later, carrying my (probably by now) 10 pound baby--in her car seat--AND the overstuffed diaper bag (with all the activities, diapers, cups, snacks and whatever toys the girls have left for me to carry) AND my purse, and perhaps a few incidentals under my arm, hanging from fingers, or piled onto the diaper bag. Even my toddler is at least twice as heavy as the chiar, and I find myself lifting her quite often. What of all THAT lifting I'm doing? It makes me laugh at such a light item as a chair. Does any mom actually accomplish the whole "six weeks without lifting anything heavier than the baby" business?

I found it interesting that in two conversations I had with other moms today, we had all three come to the same solution/conclusion for the difficulties we encounter, but for different reasons. All three of us find it is just best to stay home most of the time. One mother said it was just too much effort to get out of the house. By the time she gets herself and her children ready, hours have passed and she's exhausted. My sister-in-law (over the phone) mentioned that in order to keep her children on their nap, etc. schedules (she has a 2-year old and 6-month old twins), she ends up doing things like getting together with friends at home more than at other places. My difficulty has to do with the danger of being in a public place when a melt-down (a euphamism for an out-and-out fit of rage) by one of my toddlers happens in full-force without the chance of a quick escape. My girls are being quite challenging and I find it is best to stay home to deal with these shenanegans.

Four Generations

Gram & Haley at 2 1/2 weeks


Four Generations with Ruby: February, 2005
Four Generations with Claire: July, 2006

When my mom was here the other week, we went to visit Gram to get our traditional Four-Generation pics with Haley. It is very special to me to have these pictures. Not everyone has the privilege of having 4 generations alive at once or being able to come together, so I count myself very blessed. My Gram and my daughters have a special bond, so it makes those pictures even dearer.

Birthday Blessings

I am officially 32 as of yesterday (barely). Casey and I celebrated at home (it was more relaxing than taking all 3 children on an outing) by renting a movie and having our "usual" (as in the one we usually order, not usual like we get it every day) Cold Stone treat: "Gotta Have It" cake batter ice cream with cookie dough in a chocolate-dipped, sprinkled waffle cup. Pretty decadent. We have a Cold Stone less than 5 minutes away, so our old tradition of going there one to two times a year has turned into 4 times since we moved here (averaging once-a-month--yikes!).

Anyway, my friend recommended Bella the other day, and I've really liked past recommendations from her, so we watched it tonight. It was very moving and well-done. Casey and I both liked it alot.

I meant to take a picture of us doing something today, but never got a chance.

This probably seems like a really lame birthday, but Casey let me run the errand to get the movie and ice cream, and that was a special treat to get out of the house and be by myself for a few minutes while he put the girls to bed. I guess when you get to this age (and are in this particular situation:) it doesn't take much to get a thrill!

Picture Link for Starving Viewers

In Lieu of adding pictures to this blog (or until I start doing a better job of including pics in my posts), I'm adding this link for anyone who veiws the blog and finds it lacking, visually. http://picasaweb.google.com/casey.cowart There are some pictures of our family, but this is Casey's photography choice, so you will find pictures of other things besides people. (People are not his favorite subject matter for photography, much to my chagrin!) Actually, a few of the pictures are kinda random, but may be refreshing compared with what this blog currently offers. Ones who appreciate artsy stuff may enjoy some of his "non-people" pictures. I don't think I'm biased when I say that Casey has a good eye for photography. Visit the site and tell me if I'm imagining it!

Oh, and Haley is exactly one month old today. We have yet to take one-month pics and the day's almost over. I just realized we haven't done her footprints yet, either. Need to get to that before her long feet are even longer!