Stuck inside!

So this is what goes on when Mom is away. We always said Harp was our little pony. I just can't believe he stayed that still.
I am just glad that J. was with me! I would say poor Harper but but he deserves every bit of it for all he has done for or to us! The most recent will have to be a post of it's own.

We went to a birthday party the other night and the boys were so excited. I recently prayed for thanks for Jesus' birthday coming and Drew insisted we make a cake and I thought that was a great idea so we are planning on doing that. So, they were so excited for this birthday party because they knew they were getting cake (they associate cake with birthdays) and it was at their favorite place-the Children's Museum. They had a blast and yes, I am one of those mom's that dress their kids alike. It is much easier to find them when you are out and about. Also, for those of you that know me I have problems making decisions (that is an understatement) so this makes it easier when I just have to make one decision about what they are going to wear. It think that is one of the many reasons God gave me boys. I say that because it was a set of twin's birthday and there was a set of triplet girls who were the boys age- and that was my thought, I can't imagine how long it takes them to get ready when adding the whole hair factor. It is sad that this is like the only new outfit that J has because he has so many clothes from his brothers. Anyway, Drew has developed this huge cheese grin when the camera comes out and this is one of the few pictures that his teeth don't take up his entire face. Gavin is the opposite, he is all business when the camera comes out-he gets so serious- I don't know where he gets it?

These were taken this morning when we were playing downstairs while J. was napping. I had Bunco at my house last night so the table was up and I thought-we have not made a fort yet. They are still playing! That is why I am able to blog. Just a minute, they are on the table.

So the fort just got bigger and they are entertained for a little longer (I added the coffee table-the chair is next). As you can see Harper even got in on the fun or was it because they had their bananas in the fort? You may be asking why are they black and white, well I don't know how to use our high tech camera so it was on the setting for the Christmas tree lights the other night. I called Andrew and he helped me fix it over the phone (I am so blessed with a tech savy husband) but the pictures weren't as good as the first ones so I just made them black and white.

Drew just said he was in a car driving so I asked him where he is going and he said Japan. That is a long drive. They are saying such funny things everyday that I can't remember everything. Oh, the fun of two year olds! Well, I better get J. up and feed him so the rest of us can have lunch as well. Have a good one!

COPN

Just doesn't have the same ring as corn night, does it Mark and Linda? They used to have what they called Clean Out the Refrigerator Night (corn). I am not feeling very creative tonight so we have Clean Out the Pictures Night.

James is now just over 5 months old and he had his first bit of rice cereal last night. He seemed to like it. He also did pretty well again tonight. I was hoping to put it off until he was 6 months but he has been waking up pretty early for daddy and mommy really needs her workouts in the morning. So, I gave in and it is a whole lot easier to feed just one! Of course I am feeding two others on top of the one, but it is still easier. He lasted until 7 this morning so we will see how tomorrow goes. He is really into his toys now but still hates his belly. He is now attempting to get out of his bumbo so we have had to move him to the high chair. Here are some pics from last night:

"this is new what is going on here?"

"mmm this is good gimme some more. . . "

"I'm so full!"

So is it just me or does he look like his cousin Joya?

He is a really good baby just a little too attached to mommy at the moment.

The boys are really excited about the Christmas lights. I am sure there will be more pictures to come. They HAD to wear their Santa hats to target tonight-as if we don't get enough stares. They loved the Christmas area. I am amazed what little sponges they are. They have only been exposed to Christmas words for 2 days now and they were naming everything they knew at Target. Snowman, Christmas tree, socks (stocking-Drew wanted to put them on his feet), and lights, lights and more lights. It is going to be a fun year. We went down the toy isle and they were very good, Drew just wanted to "take home" everything.

Back tracking a little bit, we went to a dear friend's for Thanksgiving. They have 2 boys-5 and soon to be 3. Let's just say I am slowly realizing what it truly means to be a mom of boys. It was wrestle mania and they had a blast. They got their fill of tractors and toy guns. It was a wonderful evening with great friends and great food!

Let's see the boys are talking about anything and everything now so I don't know where to even go from here. They are fascinated with the moon right now. They are also concerned about the turkey's sleeping habits. A neighbor has a giant inflatable turkey and of course during the day it is deflated. The other day we drove by and I think it was Gavin who said, "Mommy, turkey sleeping." I could not have said it better myself.

Drew is calling me "mom" now. Not "mommy" sniff, sniff. He really thinks he is a grown up. They are playing pretty well lately. They even play catch with the football. In fact, Drew had a plastic bucket on his head today running with the football. He said it was his helmet.

Oh, I almost forgot what is taking up all my time. Drew is potty training himself. I am in no way shape or form ready to start, but of course he has a mind of his own and his own agenda. Still not pooping in the potty but I will spare you the details (-not naming any names, Darcy). I know my sister thinks she is always cleaning up poop but my boys are each pooping at least 2 times a day. The last two at least one of them has pooped 3 times. James is at least taking a pooping break, but his are the easiest to clean- unless he has been saving up for a couple of days. Anyway, I said I wasn't going to talk about it. I really am not sure that he is physically ready yet but he stays pretty dry-as long as we are at home. Gav is not that interested. He will sit down on the potty but nothing is going on. He is very good at reminding me when I don't give Drew his chocolate.

I am sure I will think of a million things that I wanted to add but I am going to sleep. Harp is stealing my blanket and Andrew is fishing so I don't have him as a blanket either. So, I am going to cuddle up with Harp until he gets home tonight. I am not going to proof read so sorry for the errors and lack of pics-we got a new Internet carrier-long story. Good night!

Halloween!

So I am a little late! We were not going to dress the boys up and go trick or treating because we (andrew and I) are not big fans of the whole Halloween ordeal. I think the biggest factor was that the Vols were on during that time. Our neighbor gave him a hard time so with that and the thought of potty training chocolate in mind we threw them in their costumes (same as last year) and headed out to conquer the court.

Don't they look like they are going to play catch with the pumpkins? We had to convince Gavin to leave the pumpkin at home. Once they got the hang of it they were good. At first, they weren't too sure about it. The candy is coming in handy because Drew is peeing in the potty first thing in the morning. Gavin isn't interested in anything but Drew sharing his chocolate after he goes. He has gone once but isn't wanting anything to do with it now. I am in no hurry to clean up all those messages. They aren't even 2 1/2 yet!

Here is J. on the excursion. I wonder what we will torture him with next year? Probably the same costume the boys wore this year:) Yes, we are cheap!

Well, I have a hungry baby and two munchkins that are done with mommy being on the computer. I hope someday the boys will find their princess so they won't be a frog forever!

Happy Monday

It is just after 11 and I have worked out this morning, taken a shower and given one, fixed breakfast, fixed Andrew's lunch, emptied the dishwasher, stripped the sheets off the boys bed (that was also why the shower was needed this morning),vacuumed the whole house, washed the sheets and put them back on their bed, and just finished reading my 20 emails and my favorite blogs-again I will repeat all before 11:00. I forgot I also nursed the baby and gave some love to all the boys who seemed to have needed a little extra this morning. It is amazing what you can get done when you are up at 5. Anyway, I was going to post pictures of trick or treating but realized the visit to the pumpkin patch should come first.

It was a beautiful day and the boys were really good. The were not big fans of the actual pumpkin patch but they had a good time climbing the hay pyramid and in the corn maze. They were not big fans of the animals either. I know next year will be a whole new ball game.

J. was suppose to be sleeping but I think there was too much going on. I am so glad Daddy got to go because there was no way I was going to attempt it by myself. I may feel like super mom after all that I have gotten done this morning but I know my limits and my kryptonite. Did I mention the boys enjoyed the cookies too? They also downed the real juice mommy always dilutes it at least 50%! This was the real VBS juice! What is it called like TANG or something? I am sure the florescent orange color is all the vitamins in it!

This is one of the few pictures we have of all three boys. Two year olds and infants don't always mix. Our biggest problem is they love him too much!

Trick or treat photos to come! J. is awake and hungry again and I guess I just blogged all before 11:30! All I have left on my to do list is read my Bible study while the boys nap. What a productive Mon.!

Has it Really Been Two Weeks?

Has it really been that long since I have blogged? It seems like yesterday, forever ago! At lot has gone on since we took our trip around the Olympic Peninsula. Andrew has been to Japan and back, and we have had several outings, some cold weather and I don't know where all my time goes!

I thought I would show some pictures of our adventure. We dropped off Miss Lori at the Seattle Airport and Drew cried all the way to the "big boat. " He didn't want Miss Lori to leave. We then took the Ferry to Bremerton. The boys thought it was cool that we were in a car on a boat. It was an hour ride so we went up to the top. To have a look.

Then we drove onto and stayed the night in Port Townsend. The boys were throwing rocks into the water (San Juan de Fuca-careful how you say that!) . Something they are really good at and love to do.

This was a great little town but it is a place where we said we would love to go back without kids. It had some really neat restaurants and shops and it was not the kind of place that really welcomes 2 year olds and a 3 month old. If fact, a lot of the hotels said no children under 12.

We then drove on and went to the Olympic National Forest and made a little hike. The weather was beautiful and we could see all the way to Canada. Before children, Andrew and I went to CA and drove quite a bit of highway 1o1. We got on it again clear up at the top in WA. We would love to drive the rest of it someday but we made some progress on this trip. The picture of the boys throwing rocks is on the coast so it is the actual ocean- J's first view!

this was a picture of us at the Quinault Lodge next to Lake Quinault and the Olympic Rain Forest. Who knew there was a Rain forest in WA. We live in the dessert then we went to Seattle where it rains a ton and then to an actual Rain Forest. It was a really nice lodge. Andrew laughs but it is what I would call roughing it. No TV and only a claw foot tub. Anyway, it was really awesome weather and we had a great time.

Then we took the Hike to Irely Lake. As I said before, I think it was the longest mile of my life. I love Drew's expression and the fact that Gavin is pointing at the 30 mi. hike. Then, even though Andrew was ready to head home, I insisted that we stay the night in Seattle and head to the zoo. The boys were looking so forward to that, in fact that was the topic of conversation between them. Drew, " I go to the Zoo". Gavin, "No, Dew go to zoo." They had the same conversation about motorcycles. I love the look J is giving the Camera. I think he enjoyed the zoo too.

Maybe we can talk Andrew into posting about China? We are going to the pumpkin patch Thurs. barring sickness or bad weather. So, more recent pictures are to come! Have a good one!

What were we thinking?

We were literally climbing the walls and had to get away. I (Denise) had a dear friend from TN visiting. Lori had never been to Seattle so she landed there and we had a weekend (well, I had one night and 2 days) seeing the sights. The next weekend we took her back and we (meaning J and I) had another long weekend as a family. We drove the Olympic Peninsula. What were we thinking taking 3 little ones? I don't know how many times we said this would be a great place to come again without kids! There will be more of a post sometime about our trip but I thought I would post J's first laugh. He would only laugh for Lori and he finally laughed for me the other day. Here is his second laugh, we got the first but the older boys were there and all you can really hear is their laughter. I miss you already, Lori!

3 Months!

As I promised it is an all about James post. We have been calling him J and the boys have picked up on it too, so J is easier to type than James anyway.

J is about 15 pounds we are guessing and he is eating a sleeping superbly. It is hard to believe that at this point with the boys we were moving into our house. Anyway, he is very good natured and loves to smile and be talked to. He loves faces and things to look at. We are also having issues because he will crane his neck and try to watch TV. It seems no matter where we turn him he tries to watch. He gets his last feeding at 9 and he sleeps until 6. He takes several naps and sleeps very will during those naps during the day. He is an awesome example of what Babywise can do.

He also loves to "talk" he is still trying to laugh out loud and it just won't come out. He has not rolled over, but until the last couple of days he went through a phase of hating tummy time. He enjoyed it today and I got some great shots after his bath while the older boys slept. I am not sure how to use all the settings on our camera. I am a point and shoot kind of girl and the lighting was not right for that so black and white will have to do.

Here is another one I got before the big boys woke up from their nap. Yes, that is a Mohawk and you can really see how much hair he has. It is so light sometimes in pictures he looks bald. I just got done scrubbing his forehead in the tub so it is still a little red and peeling. The picture does not do his beautiful big blue eyes justice but only seeing him in person would I guess.

I love the rolls. Don't you wish people said that about adult pudge rolls? I am sure I will think of a million other things to write about but I have two two year olds climbing on me and asking for snack-they woke up from nap early. J. and I are going on an excursion tomorrow to Seattle. It is my first time traveling with just one and Daddy's first time alone with 2 (or any for that matter) all on his lonesome over night. I am not sure which one of us needs more prayer. Let's hope it goes well so I can get away more often!

I will tell you more about what we are doing in Seattle later when I have pictures because the pleading for snacks is getting louder, but sweet because a please is being added to the plea. I am also being slapped in the face with the smell of poop, the story of my life right now!

It has been a very blessed and happy 3months getting to know you, J!

What Am I Doing?

I think I ask myself that question a couple of times a day along with "what do I need to get done today" and "where does all my time go"? I know the answer most of the time for instance it is not even 9:30 and I have already changed 6 diapers 3 poop and 3 "no poopy just pee-pee" as Gavin would say. We are also starting things up at church so there is all the prep and stuff that goes along with that. James will be 12 weeks next week so I will post more about him at that time. He is a great baby and I am so pleased to get to know him more and more each day. It also helps that he is sleeping at least 8 hours every night-that makes us all happy! Anyway, sorry for lack of pictures and stories-there are too many to choose from because it has been too long. Goodbye for now!

G-man!

So it is Gavin's turn. Gavin is a very active little boy. He is always on the go. He is very concerned about his brothers and very thoughtful. He is also very obedient. With him all you have to do is raise your voice and he will stop and do what you say. I think the biggest problem we are having is that he loves his little brother too much!

Because he is so physical he also is always getting hurt. He falls constantly and if something could get hurt it will probably be him. Just when one ouchie clears up he seems to get another one. With his porcelain skin every little bump and bruise shows too. In fact, we were at the pool the other day with some friends and his foot fell in one of the drains. He was fine, just startled. The life guard said she had never seen anyone do that, leave it to Gavin. He still loves to wrestle and be close to his family.

He is also so strong. Yes, he climbed up by himself, but Daddy was there for support.

He is starting to talk more, it is just not very clear and sometimes he needs a translator. I am amazed how observant he is. The garage door, air conditioning, and the washing machine all sound the same and every time one of them comes on he says it is daddy (the garage door). The other day he said it is "just the air conditioning" when it came on because that is what I always tell him when it is the air.

He has the most contagious laughter and he laughs often at his brother or when he is tickled. He is such a sweet little boy with a huge heart.

Drew Funny

So, I stole the title from Gavin even though this post is supposed to be about Drew. Gavin always says this when Drew does something and then he starts laughing. I decided to post a little segment about each of the boys so I will start with the oldest (by a minute) Drew.


So, Drew is our talker. We have had people say repeatedly OMG they are talking and yes, they have started and Drew has not stopped. He talks a lot about bounce houses popping; things he does and doesn't like; bikes; lawnmowers; and trucks. I am amazed at how much he knows, is learning, and remembers. We can not go to Wal-mart without him saying he wants to play on the slide because there is a Burger King on the way in, with a playground that we frequent.


He loves to dance and is so observant. We were reading a book the other day and he said messy hands. Sure enough on TV there was the faucet commercial where they were cleaning their hands. Just today he saw puddles (does not happen very often here except due to sprinklers, but it rained this morning) and he said he needed to clean them up because they were wet and messy.


He (as Grandma Susie said) thinks he can converse on a grown up level and would like to think he is a grown-up. He is strong willed yet lovable. He loves to make people laugh. He has even started praying with us which is awesome to hear from a 2 year old! He even mentioned Jesus the other night so I guess our Bible reading every night even though we don't think they are listening they are. He also loves books and can point out so many things and talk about them in the books as you can see. I am amazed by him every day! I can't imagine my life without him. I just realized we waited for him for two years and now we have known him for two years and it was so worth the wait for him. I know God had a plan when he had us wait for the creation of Drew. I look forward to seeing what he becomes and the young man that he is.
Here is "Drew funny" trying on Daddy's basketball shoes:

Love you, Drewly!

Birthday!

So this post is not for the faint. I am giving you fair warning so don't say I didn't tell you so.

I didn't post on James' one month milestone so I will post about his birthday.

We went in for a scheduled C-section at about 9:30 on Wed. morning the 24th of June (his b-day). This is our last family photo as a family of 4. Grandma Greene took it right before we left. I don't think the boys knew what was going on but they did not like Mommy leaving which lead to tears from me also. I think there is that part of me that felt bad because their life was about to change and they had no idea what was going on. I still don't think they completely understand because they always ask if the baby is going with us. They still don't really call him by name, but occasionally we have a breakthrough.

We arrived at the hospital around 10 by the time we found the birthing floor and found our chart we checked in and prepped for the surgery. My doctor does not usually deliver at this hospital but does have rights to do so. So when we got there we found out that he thought it was 12:30 not noon like we had thought. We also found out that it must have been multiples month because there were twins born the previous day and a set of twins and triplets born that day as well. Anyway, of course I was starving and anxious which led to an eventful time of getting my IV in. What is a little sweat and light headed when they can't find a vein-there had to be a little drama. Poor Andrew, he wiped my brow and face and neck as the sweat poured out and I struggled as they tried to find a vein. So they took blood and it stopped and finally they called the nurse anaesthetist in to poke me in another spot. So we finally get into the room and the epidural was much easier this time-no pain. I forgot to mention an important facet. I wished for natural childbirth and some contractions and I got that-be careful what you wish for. Andrew really thought we were going to have to go the night before and have him but I slept like a baby (well as good as a woman who is 39 1/2 weeks pregnant can sleep) once I fell asleep. So by this time of the day the contractions were about 15 to 20 minutes apart and pretty painful. So the whole almost fainting thing and poking around in my veins was not enjoyable.

Anyway, we get to the OR and I get my epidural and Andrew got suited up. Then I look up and the nurse anesthetist looks just like my future brother in law. It was really creepy how much he looked like Will. Andrew said the same thing later so it wasn't just the drugs. Again I just wanted to sleep so Andrew tried to keep me awake. The doctor rolled in at about 12:45 and he got cleaned up and suited up. James Miller Greene came into the world at a little after 1. They had to do quite a bit of pushing this time because he was head down and there was not as much fluid as with the twins. So here is the picture. Isn't that amazing. This was right before they suctioned him.

It was nice to see later because of course I can't see anything that is going on. This was my first glimpse of him and the first thing I said was look at those long fingers and toes-just like daddy!

This was the view that I got when they were cleaning him up and weighing him. I did not get to see that with the boys, Andrew got some great pictures but it was neat to see for myself. Isn't Andrew a great photographer?

The Will look-a-like was also a great photographer, you could tell he had some practice.

So Andrew went with the James back to our room while they stapled me up. Then they wheeled me back, which I don't remember and I got to hold our little guy for the first time.

We took a little cat nap and then he was ready to eat. He looked at me with his head raised for a little and then he was all business. He latched right on and nursed like every hour for the first 10 hours or so. Anyway, I can't believe that was just a month ago.

He is now smiling and I even heard a chuckle the other day. I know people are down on Babywise but he is sleeping around 7 hours consistently- from 10 or so to 5. We are still working on the awake time-he is a drowsy little boy. He had gained back to his birth weight in less than a week. -He also managed to pee and poop all over the scales and wall at the Dr. Andrew said he would have been way over his birth weight if the weighed him before the blowout! Anyway, we are all adjusting to the new addition. We are just the 5 of us this week and surviving. Let me leave you with a picture of James taken last night right before his first bath. His belly button just fell off yesterday, I don't remember the boys' taking that long. Hope to get announcement pictures done soon, this month has slipped away!

Happy one month Baby J!

4th of July

We had a great 4th of July and did not even have to go anywhere. It was our first time alone with all 3 boys and we lived to tell about it. We did learn some things about our big boys. They don't like bounce houses and fireworks. I guess when I think about it that doesn't sound like a good combination anyway does it? Our court had a big party with a huge water slide and 2 bounce houses and of course fireworks. There was also plenty of food. The boys and I made and appearance but retired early.

Here are some pictures to remember the day and James' first holiday!

Our New Little, Sweet Pea

Our first family picture

James Miller Greene

Born at 1:02 PM

Wed. June 24th

7 lbs. 10 oz. 20 inches long

Happy Father's day

So, the boys put Andrew to work on Father's day.

I guess next time I post there will be another pea in our pod. Stay tuned!

2 by 2 cont.

Here are some pictures from the party Sat. They had a great time and they were so good even with a very, very short nap.

You can see the theme. They were not sure what to think about everyone singing to them, but we had practiced blowing out the candles on their real birthday. They look like such big boys. I know they will look even bigger in two weeks when they are not longer my "babies". I have some scrapping to do so I will show more pictures later and I just can't seem to get the video camera out. I think I am afraid Andrew will get me in the pictures so I need to do it so I won't be in them. Anyway, speaking of Andrew didn't he do a good job on the cake? It was my idea and I baked the cakes and he put my thoughts into fruition. Yes, I made the shirts too, I told you I have been in a creative mood. Anyway, I have some pictures to order so I can scrap before I have no time to scrap. Have a great week!

Two by Two

That seems to be the theme of this post.

I can't believe my babies are 2! We waited 2 long and lonely years for them and now we have had the pleasure of knowing them for 2 years. They are every bit of 2. They are very curious and talk constantly-except around new people and new environments. They are two very different little people. These pictures were taken this morning at breakfast. Notice the big boy boosters.

Let me tell you a little about Drew. He is our people person. His favorite new saying is "See ya." He is very verbal and yet very sensitive. He is also the dominant twin. He doesn't know it but Gavin could easily take him down, but he is in charge. He is cleaning my floors and playing with a box as we speak. He loves to play with his trucks and make coffee in his kitchen. He is very independent.

Gavin has such a sweet heart (most of the time). As a typical younger brother (by one minute), he likes to instigate things though too. He doesn't know he could take down his brother either. He is very physical and loves to be held. He is also a close talker and likes to know he has your attention when he has something to say. He loves his brother and always tries to take care of him. I think he is going to be my little tattle tale. Which will be nice because his brother already needs it.

The picture of the family above is from last night. The other 2 that we have been blessed with is our care group for the last 2 years. They are not only our spiritual family but also our family away from family. We had a baby shower/boys' birthday party/ and final bash last night. We had a great time and they are a great group of people who are great to our boys and us.

Well, I think that is all I am able to write now. We need to head out to a brunch with one of my mom's groups. I will post more next week on their birthday party Sat. and maybe we can get some video between now and then. Have a blessed day! We love you boys and happy birthday!