feet

Disclaimer- do not read if you are grossed out by feet, or the idea of touching someone else's foot. (Or if you are grossed out by a picture of a pregnant woman's swollen ankle.)

Lately Nate has been really interested in my feet. He likes to "take naps" with me, mostly so that he can sit down at the foot of the bed and just gently poke and stroke, and touch my foot. He does it so softly that sometimes I can barely feel it. He also will lie under the chair I am sitting on, and do the same thing. I just cannot explain it.

Happy Mother's Day!

So first of all, a big Happy Mother's Day goes out to my mother! She has been away on a trip to the Holy Land and Egypt for the past two weeks, and I'm very glad that she gets back tomorrow night. I love living so close to her. I don't want to leave where we are, because it would just be too far, and I enjoy seeing her each week. I love that my kids get to know my mom, and that they love her so much. Graham, who is just a really sweet child to begin with, always runs up and gives grandma a huge hug every time he sees her. I love that I get to build a relationship with her as an adult, as a fellow mother, and as a peer. It's nice to cross over that line from being a kid, and you only see her as your mom, to being an adult and seeing her as a friend and so much more. She's such a great example to me for what I want to be, and how I want to raise my children. I turned out so great, that I can't help but want to do the same things with my kids. :)
So happy Mother's Day mom. Welcome back to the Western Hemisphere! And happy Mother's Day to me too. Look at this little guy. He is just the reason my heart keeps beating. (And his daddy is pretty great too.)

Look at him cross his little ankles.

And then there's this one. He is so much fun to be with. He is getting so smart, and he's such a good brother. He's a great helper to me too. He's a keeper.

So thank you to my two little boys for making me a mom. I love being with you each and every day, and I miss you when I'm away. I miss you when you are sleeping at night (most of the time.) I enjoy watching you grow, and learn and mature. I love our snuggle time, and that you're willing to snuggle with me and wrestle with daddy. Being your mommy is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

And thank you finally to Jesse for making me a mom, and for helping me be a better mom each day. And for putting up with my crazy parenting shenanigans, and for balancing me out when I get a little crazy. Especially with all of these crazy pregnancy moments I seem to have. And thank you also for letting the next one be a girl. :)

And happy mother's day to all of those other moms out there. I know so many great ones, and I hope that you have a wonderful day thinking of your children as only wonderful children.

Another Busy Saturday!

Today was another busy Saturday for us. As the weeks go on, we continue to have at least 2 parties to attend each Saturday. What a busy time of year! At lunch we went to Elijah's party at the park, and despite just about being blown away, the kids had a great time. It was nice to go somewhere with the whole family.
Then around dinner time Nate had a birthday party for his friend Logan. Logan's family is moving in about a week and a half, so this is the last time that we'll probably get to see them. This is how Nate spent the entire first hour. While all of the other kids ate pizza and cake, and generally had a good time, Nate stood in a corner and pouted. It was great fun! But finally the part that he was waiting for came, we were able to go out and play. The party was at Adventure Park USA, a place Nate happens to love. He rode on the Helicopter ride...

...and the Merry Go Round. After that, we decided to go inside instead of being blown around any more.

Nate spent most of the rest of the time up in a climbing area. He really likes that, and can spend hours there. We then ventured out into the arcade for a few games. He had a really good time, and didn't really want to leave, but he was a good boy when I told him it was time to go.

So we made it through this Saturday. Next Saturday no kid birthday parties, but I have my own baby shower in the morning, and then there is a party for a family at church who is moving that we may go to. Two weeks from now? Jesse has a scout thing, and I have a mini quilting day of fun. After that? Memorial Day weekend. After that? Erin will be here. After that? Baby. Holy Moly! I hope I survive.