Long days, short moments

I spent greater than 20 hours alone with 3 kids this weekend.  This doesn’t happen regularly at all.  Which may be the reason is why it made it seem like a day to write a bit. So, I was actually dreading the weekend a little.  We had a brief time with Tony in the mornings before he worked the rest of the day.  But, that was brief.  And that resulted in a little feeling of overwhelm.  

I know it’s the ages.  Well, mostly Nicholas’ age.  He is adorable and sweet and goofy now, but he requires 90 percent of my energy leaving only a smidge of attention for the other two.  This is the age of climbing on everything that looks dangerous, using markers on any surface, riding his bike immediately into road, tantrums for not getting to drink milk and eat cookies whenever he wants, saying ‘uppie’ minites after a meal starts, breaking his brothers forts, and constantly moving his body.  Exhausting.  Love him, but he wears me out and leaves little time to enjoy a moment with him or Evan or Colin.  I try to.  And there were a few quiet moments this weekend where I tried to actually look at them as the kids they are rather than the bodies of constant neediness and yells for Mom. 

Colin was up first this morning, so I got about 10 minutes or snuggles in bed.  One of my favorite things!  

Evan and I had a bonding moment over Minecraft, which I tried to figure out a few basics.  

Nicholas started doing this sweet thing.  Well, it started off as a hit or kick.  But we started telling him no hits, just hugs.   Ow when he hits and we say ‘no’ he reaches  over a gives out a hug.  Those hugs are adorable.  He runs into the big boys room at bedtime and gives out hugs too.  That little body squeezing his arms around me is priceless.

So, I am tired.  But missing those sweet kids while they sleep.  And as I sit here reflecting on how hard it was a share very many special moments this weekend because I was on toddler duty, I decided to sneak into their rooms to just give them a little bedtime kiss while they sleep.  My babies. My boys.  

And a reminder to slow down, when I can sneak in those bonding moments with them.  When I can see them for minute.  And appreciate this life.  

Lake Superior Provincial Park

Amazing weekend!

My favorite moments:

Laying down to go to sleep in a cozy tent with my sweet family

Evan's excitement for the mossy hill, more magical for him than Disney

Colin hiking almost an entire 5 mile hike with boulders to navigate and lots of hills

Evan finding a frog, just one, but one was enough to bring that smile

Nicholas climbing by me to cuddle when we woke up that first chilly morning

Time with the zeratsky crew

The 4 kiddos being buddies, and Nicholas joining the group sometimes

The views, the hills, the rocks, Lake Superior

Swimmer

Colin can swim.  It started with diving for toys at the bottom of Aunt Denise's pool.  I missed it.  But 2 days later we were in a hotel and witnesses his courage and excitement to have figured it out.  So cute! He was so proud!  He said, "now you just have to teach me how to eat vegetables."  And not only did he learn to swim short distances.  But can do handstands and front flips underwater!

Been awhile

Oh boy!  So much going on and so much to try and remember about the past couple months.  Well, it's summer!  And we had a great first day!  The boys and I went with Zeratskys  to North Bar lake.  Lovely sunny day, with lots of water and beach fun.  I loved watching Nicholas get into it.  He has always been. Decoys of the bathtub and I will can't get him in without tears.  But he sat at the edge of lake and splashed, and scooped sand and water in buckets, and threw rocks in the water.  4 hours of happiness!  Beats the random temper tantrums he throws at home.  Love his little words too.  He waves and says 'hi' to random people and of course random dogs.  I think he just said bubble and flower for the first times today.  And the cutest little 'dada' word is the best! Colin has been so happy too.  He can't for his preschool party tomorrow (last time at ALSH) and for camping this weekend. He is a talker and goofy and cuddles when we read books.  He has become a fan of Dragon Masters books.  He still wants to do almost everything Evan does.  Soccer was not his thing this year.  Last game we left early because of tears and refusal to go on the field.  Oh, I can't rush him.  Sometimes it is easy to forget he is 4.  Sweet Colin!

The things they say

Colin: (in his sweet innocent face) Can we get married?
Me: sure, sweet boy
Colin: (as he is somewhat quiet and unsure of the right words) I don't know any other girl to marry.
Me: aww, you are so sweet.  I love you so much.  Maybe you will meet a girl when you are 25.  (In a voice that doesn't know how to break it to him that life changes from when you are 4).

Then later tonight when I was saying bye on my way to work.
Evan:  have a good night!  I hope you deliver babies and get some sleep too!  (It didn't take him too long to figure out what makes a good night and what our conversation will be about in the morning).

8th birthday

Evan turned 8 a couple weeks ago.  He was so proud and happy on his day.  We spent the evening going to Cherry Republic.  The annual birthday event.  Special night to celebrate Evan and see the boys play happily and we get a dinner treat.  Then, we had 7 boys over for a party on Sunday.  They were a little wild! We played a few games outside in the couple inches of snow we had left.  Then some loud donut eating and nerf battles.  Evan- I miss those days of you being little, but it's so amazing to see you as a big 8 year old.  You are smart and  nice to your brothers.  Two things mom just is so happy about.  You are quiet, well not all the time!  But certainly quieter than some of those friends of yours.  Quiet, and respectful, and a thinker.  You remind me of myself.  Thanks for being you.

Morning snuggles

If I could have one thing every day it would be 10 minutes to snuggle the boys in bed in the morning. Today, I got to do that with Evan and Colin.  Nicholas was still asleep.  But 2 out of 3 is pretty good!