Preschool Orientation for Brooks

Brooks had his preschool orientation today. He was so excited! He has Mrs. Anna again. Parker is in his class and so is Grady. He was so excited to see his best friend- they just hugged each other. He starts school on Wednesday!

All About Brooks

This kid keeps me on my toes and always has me laughing.  This is one of his favorite books right now.  He acts it out with all of his cars and trucks.

He has finally decided to poop on the potty.  He has been doing great all week and has made sure Daddy has bought him a new car or monster truck each day he goes all day without an accident.

He is loving school and is loving time alone with all of the toys.  We will see what happens when Walker starts moving. He is back to taking naps and is much happier.

He still loves to sing and dance and run. He also loves Jackson and "Walk."

He likes to watch "Little Butt" or Little Foot in Land Before Time. He also pretends to make "coppie" or coffee.

He has some favorite phrases and sentences:
"You're not listening to me!"
"Move cars!"

Back to School

Orientation Night was Thursday. While I did my presentation, Tim was sitting down in the kindergarten session.

On Friday, I took Jackson to meet his teachers. He was really nervous! When we got to his room, he had to find his seat, cubby, bathroom, and lunch tag.  Then he had to write his name, and I cringed ( I let that slide this summer.) he got bubbles and a pencil from his teachers. Jackson seemed more excited after his visit. He told Noni all about it. I still can't believe he is going to Kindergarten!

Glennon

Today I got hear one of my favorite writers speak. Some dear friends and I went to Spartanburg to hear Glennon Doyle Melton speak. I loved her first book, and I can't wait until the next one. I love her because she is honest about everything in her life. One of her big things is "Fear Not." She talked today about when you are trying to make a big decision, you usually just know what you are going to do. The fear aspect comes in with those pro/con lists that can cause you to doubt what you just know.

Another thing she says a lot is "Be still and know." Sometimes being still is so important. Glennon also talks about we should not take away pain from our kids. We need to show them how to be open and get through the hard stuff so that one day they will be prepared to do it on their own.

Glennon is also hilarious. The time went by quickly. I could have listened to her all day.

We went to this cute restaurant called Mon Amie for lunch. I had the best French Toast and crepes! Yummy!

Walker- 3 Months

Baby Walker is 3 months old and so very sweet! He loves to cuddle and laugh!

• Wears 3 months and some 6 months
• Size 2 diapers
• Eats 6oz every 3 hours
• Sleeps from around 9:30 until around 6:00 ( just in time for me going back to work)
• Reflux medicine has definitely helped with the crying
• Mostly a happy baby
• Loves his brothers 
• Talks and makes lots of noises
• Loves to be held, the swing, and play mat
• Happiest when being held
• Loves to go outside
• Does better in the car seat ( especially if someone sits right by him)

Working Mom Guilt

I have it bad this year-working mom guilt. It tears at my heart every time I think about going back. I had it bad when Jackson was first born. I cried for days leading up to my first day back, and I remember crying as Tim pulled out of that driveway for the first time to take him to Noni's.  When Brooks was a baby, I was sad too and cried the day before. It was so hard going from 1 to 2 kids (2 under 2 is rough.) that even though I did not want to leave my babies, I needed a break.

I have not cried yet, but I know the tears are coming. Tim will just look at me like I am crazy. We had such a great summer. We spent a lot of time in the house (too hot outside) and probably had too much screen time ( again too hot and a newborn). So far 2to 3 kids has been as easy adjustment ( of course he doesn't move yet). I have loved all of our time at home. The boys had a great time at Summer Fun and VBS. We had so much fun at the beach. Yes. The boys got on each other's nerves, but they had fun too just playing.

Walker is probably our last baby, and he is a big momma's boy. He loves to cuddle and loves to be held. His best nap is his afternoon nap where he sleeps in my arms (That's why my house is still a mess, but babies don't stay little long.) He and I definitely have a special bond. I hate that I have to leave him. We are so blessed that they stay with my mom. I couldn't leave them with anyone else, but I am still sad to miss the time with them and the first time they do their new "tricks."

I already regret the time I've missed, and I know that regret will grow. They are only little and want you around for so long! I would give anything to stay home with them. Until I win the lottery,I will work my multiple jobs so they can have food, clothes, shelter, and health insurance. Someone has to pay the doctors' bills.

 I hope they never think "my other kids" ( as Jackson calls them) come first especially when they see me still working as they go to bed. I hope they understand when I can't come to every school party or performance. I hope they understand why I can't always stay home with them when they are sick.  I hope they always know they are number one! I hope they know how lucky they are that they get to spend the day with Noni and Papa Jerry, and TuTu.


Next summer will be totally different- they will be 6,4, and 1.

Last Week of Summer

I am officially depressed as this is my last full week of summer vacation.  I have been away from work for 3 months.  It is going to be really hard for me to get back into the grind of 50-60 hour work weeks. I will definitely miss the lazy days with the boys.

We have spent this week swimming.  I am so proud of Jackson.  He is swimming down to the bottom and jumping in with out his Puddle Jumper.  He has gained a lot of confidence.  He is so proud of himself.

Jackson and Noni went to lunch together and then to Toys-r-Us. They had a lot of fun.  These two are going to miss their time together when school starts.  They have such a special relationship. Jackson is going to miss his Noni time!

 

We also went to the library and got their medals for the summer reading program.

We also spent the morning at the park. We were supposed to get a lot of rain but ended up with a cool (80s) but humid day.