Sweet sounds in the morning.

Neither Sean nor I are morning people. A loud moan is often heard in our room when the pitter-patter of feet enters our room at 7:00 am every morning. Why don't kids sleep in?

The other morning we woke not to foot steps (or tugging on the arm, whining, I'm hungry) but to giggles and an elaborate game of make believe coming from downstairs. All three girls had woken up and instead of heading right to our room, they headed downstairs. We could hear them playing so well together. They were very involved in our game, and we were grateful for the extra minutes of sleep.

It is moments like that when I am so happy we had four so close. I just bought a sign that says "Having a sister is like having a best friend around for your whole life." I love it.

Theater goers

The girls have become the little theater goers. They have seen the Nutcracker Suite twice this season and will be seeing Charlotte's Web on stage next weekend. They love dressing up and going to the show. The also love to come home and do their own versions of the shows on our hearth.

B (who doesn't yet get to go to the shows) loves to get in on the action too. Her rendition includes yelling "watch his" and doing some type of dive/jump onto the floor. Quite comical, also quite painful (looking). I am sure we are in for more and more shows as the years go by.

Put it in my baby book please.

Maura is doing better and better at "reading" or spelling, not sure what the technical term is. She is starting to sound out words and spell them. She is always reading words off signs and papers and asking me what they spell. Sometimes she makes up her own words..."Mom, what does rfty spell?" She is disappointed to find out it spells, well, nothing that makes sense. The other day she asked me a series of letters and asked what they spelled. Her last one was B-A-T. She was so excited that it was an ACTUAL word. Her face lit up. She was so proud. And she said, "Mom, don't laugh, but please put this is my baby book." I did not laugh. I did choke a little. Baby book? Who teaches you such things? Why on earth would she ask me to do that? I would totally put it in her baby book... if she had one.

Happy Birthday My Little Kerr-Bear!

Our little Kerri Jean turned one today. I really am in complete denial. I don't want my baby to be one. Well really one is okay, but I don't want her to be 4 or 5 or 6 or...

We were eating dinner last night, and she was sitting in her high chair so sweet and quiet. She got a huge smile on her face anytime you looked over at her. She was quietly watching the girls running laps and screaming around the house. She would occasionally look over to me, smile and clap her hands. I don't want THAT to end. that sweetness. that calmness. that that makes Kerri Jean who she is right now.

I just absolutely adore her in every way. A friend of mine talked about her fourth being her "closer." Her daughter is a little tough and therefore, makes it easy for her to say "I'm done." I think Kerri may be our "closer," but for a completely different reason, she is just so sweet and perfect, you don't want to tempt the fates.

Thanks KJ for being so darn sweet. Thanks for your big gummy smiles (she just got her third tooth last week with 3 more ready to bust through!). Thanks for your claps and your beautiful eyes. Thanks for you chubby cheeks and thighs that match. Please stay as sweet as you are!

I love you!

Please stand up.

No need to ask KJ twice. She stood up today, without holding on to anything for about 10-15 seconds! Papa, Mommy, Daddy and Mimi were all there to see it! Yeah... go Kerri!

We are doing something right.

Of course during this Thanksgiving season the kids do all kinds of crafts with turkeys and thankfulness and all that. Well, when I went in for Mags conference her teacher gave me her "thankful" turkey. She had four feathers on it with things she is currently thankful for... Mom and Dad (thankyouverymuch) chicken nuggets, the playground and friends, and God. I thought all those things seemed fine, normal for a four year old. But her teacher pointed out the "God" feather. She said that really impressed her and surprised her. In all her years of teaching (14) no one has ever said that (seems hard to believe). Mags was not prepped at all and said it on her own. I was proud (of myself!) but moved on to the writing and the socializing and the other things that come up in a conference.

Yesterday Maura came home with a bag of crafts. Her thankful turkey, which I must say was
3-D and pretty impressive, only had one thing she was thankful for. You guessed it... God. I guess we are doing something right here. Of course, if we were doing even better, maybe her one thing she was thankful for would be her mom and dad!

Conferences

So conferences have begun. Maggie had her very first conference this year. I am feeling a little guilty. See, we always compare Mags to what Maura was doing at her age. Now, we pushed Maura ahead when she was little (thus she is repeating preK this year). So Maura was introduced to everything early. What we should be comparing Maggie to is what Maura was doing at her "grade" (I know we should NOT be comparing them at all, but let's be real). SO I went to meet with Mags teacher.

Apparently she is very advanced for her age... who woulda thunk it?!? She showed me a picture of a person Mags drew. It was very recognizably a person... a person with his limbs coming out of his head. Well, this is apparently advanced for her age. And the fact that she can write her name, well also advanced. Needless to say, I left feeling proud, but a little ashamed. I will never refer to Mags as "just not the student type" again.

Maura's conference went well too. She is doing great, making friends and loving life in general. Her alphabet book was great, full of drawings and words she wrote, many of which she spells herself. Her teacher did comment that she needs to slow down and be a little neater. Her teacher last year told her that too. We notice it too, but I guess if that is the worst thing, that is not too bad. We'll work on it!

We did not have a conference for B... I did not want to hear anything bad!! just kidding, I talked to her teacher at the auction for a while and thought it would be repetitive. Her teacher says she thinks B is going to "blossom developmentally" this year so we will have to keep in touch! We'll see! She is still loving school and talks about her teacher, Ms. Cammy, all the time. She also seems to have stopped hitting kids and generally beating people up (she never did this in school, but she did every where else!) She sure is a lot to keep up with, but she really is so darn cute and so flipping funny!

I am very glad the girls are doing so well and have adjusted so nicely and easily to their new school and environment.

Some things I want to remember...

This morning I heard Sean say something to B that I had forgotten that she used to say. I thought, I can't believe I forgot that, already. That made me head down to my computer and write down a few things that the girls are doing now that I want to remember.

Maura:
If you ask her if she likes something (that she really likes) she says, "No, I don't like it. I LOVE it." or "No, I am not excited. I am SUPER EXCITED." The first time she said it about me (I really love you!) I have to say, I was thrilled.

Maura is growing up and is seeming to get a bit of an attitude. I am trying to nip it in the bud by counting her and sending her to her room for her "attitude" but it is kind of hard to clearly define and explain "attitude" to a five year old.

Maura loves school and all her friends now. She has been asking for playdates (and having them) a lot this year. When she walks into school everyone yells. Hi Maura. When I pick her up, she waves at everyone out of the window and says goodbye to each one by name. This may not be unusual for most kids, but it is for Maura. She was very quiet last year.

Maura is sounding out words and learning to read some words. She loves it. She asks a ton of questions and explains things in great detail. One day Maura, Maggie and I were playing hairdresser. Mags was busy combing and twirling and spraying my hair. Maura sat on the other side explaining the building that the hairdresser was in... we were on the 9th floor. there were three elevators; if you wanted lunch.... etc. She explained it for over twenty minutes. Maggie was done doing my hair and on to a new game, and Maura was still describing the building.

She has homework each week that she does totally on her own. She may not always do it how I would have her do it, but she does it. I am proud of her.

She explains her emotions very well. She will say."I am jealous" or "angry" or (my favorite) "frustrated" (not that I like her being frustrated, just that I think it is cute to hear that word coming out of her mouth.).


Mags:
Still the dress up queen. Today she wore a Tiara to school.

Notices anything new on a person... a haircut, a new pair of shoes, earrings, etc. She always compliments it.

Still asks for a wiper towel.

Is a great "story teller." We love to hear all her stories. They are usually very similar to something that happened to someone else in the family, but with her name/friends substituted.

Is the biggest cuddler. She will cuddle any time, any place. As you lie there, she will rub your back, play with your hair.

Still twists her hair and sucks on a sippy cup like a bottle. When she gets upset she demands milk. If she is very upset, she will go find a pacifier and suck on that for a few minutes (hours if I would let her).

Says I love you to the North Star, Uranus (not pronounced quite that way) Saturn and back. (The moon and back got boring.)


Bridget:
Says: Ho Ho Da Da (we have no idea what this means).

If you say "O'Reilly" in a sing songy voice, she will repeat it (in the same sing songy voice) over and over again.

Loves doing whatever the older girls are doing. Yesterday I gave the girls all candy corns. Maura and Maggie put theirs in a bowl. B disappeared for a little bit and came back with her candy corn on a plate. She was so proud to be like her sisters. Of course, balancing candy corn on a plate is not so easy.

Loves her dolls. Really loves playing mommy right now and is super loving and kind to them.

loves sitting or laying or rolling on Kerri.

Her teacher told us she falls off her chair at least twice during snack time each day. I think that is hilarious.

Knows when she is doing something she should not be (which is a lot) and has a smile that tells you this.

Kerri:

Cruising all over the place. She is so busy and so curious and so quiet. She will crawl from room to room and just play with whatever is there.

She gets so excited to see you when you walk into the room. The other day when I picked her up from the gym babysitting room she was jumping up and down so much the excersaucer (they still put her in that at the gym) was banging on the floor so loudly. Everyone at the gym loves little KJ. They are always saying how perfect she is. I would chalk it up to "they say that about everyone" but I have three other girls there, so I know that is not the case.

KJ is a great eater. She will eat anything you give her. She will sit in her high chair for an hour eating if you let her (and I do). When she is done eating and no one is around she will just twist her head around and look all over for you. You'll see her little top of her head peeking out, but she doesn't cry or scream.

Started wearing her hair in the waterfall ponytail just this week.

If you hold her amrs, she will take one or two steps, but really is not that interested in walking yet.

Can climb up the steps.


I always think I am going to remember everything, but I alraedy forgot some of the things I thought of today when I was upstairs, so I will definitely be adding to this post later.
loves being tickled. Has the best laugh ever! Well, hers and Bridget's are both great.

KJ is moving on up

And it is making more work for mommy. Time to get out the gates again. Kerri officially crawled up the entire stairway from the basement to the kitchen on Monday, October 26th. I usually just close the doors that lead into the laundry room and the basement and let her have at it. Or just let her go where ever she wants in the playroom. No longer is that a possibility. And she is so darn quiet, you lose her very easily. One minute she is crawling in the family room right next to you, the next she is gone. I am scurrying around looking for her. She crawls fast and quietly. I have minor heart attacks a few times a day, wondering if I forgot her somewhere. She is so quiet in the car that I often will yell back to the girls in the truck to check if KJ is in her carseat. So far, we haven't left her anywhere (well there was that one time back at the girls old school, but that was just for a minute or two and all was good).

One day I was talking to my friend Meghan on the phone and put KJ down for a nap while we were on the phone. 10 minutes later I hung up and starting looking around for Kerri. I couldn't find her on the first floor (obviously). I ran to the playroom to see if she was there... the girls hadn't seen her. I was starting to get nervous, a little panicked I might say. As I started to run up the steps to the second floor I noticed her closed bedroom door, and just then remembered I had already put her down for a nap. Yes, I am officially that batty old mom that lives up the street.

Birthdays.

Somehow we now have a five and a four year old living in our house. Maura turned 5 on September 21st (yes, a while back) and Mags turned 4 this past Wednesday. We had two separate parties for them this year. Each was very different, but I think the girls had a ball at their parties.

Maura had her party at a gymnastics center this year. It was fantastic. They got to jump on trampolines, play games, do the parachute, even "fly" on the harness. All the parents standing around were jealous of that part!! It was also the easiest party to prep for. I made cupcakes and favor bags, (and a little more here and there) and that was basically it. No cleaning, before or after, no meals, wow was it easy. I swore that day, NEVER to have another kids party at our house again. So what did we do last night? Had 25 of our favorite under 6 friends (and their parents) at our house for a party. A little (insert eye roll) more work, but still lots of fun. We played a few crazy games. They were unorganized and crazy, which drives me nuts. I like things ordered (not sure why I keep having kids then!). Had some food, ate cupcakes, then went trick or treating. It rained on our parade (literally) so we had a bunch of wet cats and witches, and princesses, and cowboys. The rain however, did not seem to bother most of the under 3 foot crowd at all.

We were lucky to have some friends stay to watch the Phillies (lose) and the Shorts spent the night. This was an extra treat for the girls. A sleepover. I mean, it doesn't really get any better than that! It seems like every sleepover gets a little easier for us. This is giving me hope that a three bedroom house in Hilton Head just might work next summer!

Today is also KJ's 11 month birthday!!! UGH! Please stop growing. I do not want a one year old any time soon. I want a baby! It might be interesting to note that this is the longest I have gone between pregnancies. Hmm.

Camping

We went on our first real family camping trip this weekend. Maura and Maggie have both gone with my parents before. We have "camped" in our backyard, or even better, in the atrium in our house, but never taken all four kids out to a real campground. We did this weekend.

My parents took M&M on Friday and met up with Ryan and Chris. We met them there Saturday around noon. It was pretty darn cold, but it did not bother the girls, just their wimpy momma. They loved it. They had fun riding bikes with Ryan, went hiking with Chris and Ryan. We went to boulder field with everyone (which was really cool). We went to church in town, then had dinner and headed to bed. I have to say, that was where the downfall came. Getting little ones to sleep in a camper filled with people they would love to be playing with is not easy. Keeping them asleep and quiet while not waking anyone else...also not easy.

Kerri and I headed to the truck at 5:45 am for a little one on one time. Ugh, not fun... it was dark and cold. But we had a good morning after everyone else decided to get up... at 8:45am. Yes, so not fair. Nothing like hanging in a truck with a 10 month old that just wants to crawl around for 3 hours!

Anyway, it was definitely worth it. The girls loved it and are asking when we can go again... when it is warmer is definitely part of the answer.

School update.

All the girls are loving school. I am loving the school. The teachers are great; the parents have been great. I love the director and administrator. The girls seem to be learning a lot. And best yet, NO ONE cries when I drop them off! Yay-hoo!

Ready, E Set, GO!

This is how we were feeling this week with the first days of school coming. (I love the way the girls twist phrases a bit... this is one of Maggie's... E set, instead of get set). So they were ready. They were set, and they went. And they loved it! They really, really loved it. All of them. So far (knock on wood) we have had no tears. Maura hopped in the car chatting non-stop about her day and the story her teacher read her. She paused long enough to let me get from her door to mine.

Too darn cute...

This is something I say a lot, but this time it was oh so true. The girls walked down the aisle hand in hand at Colleen and Dave's wedding looking so sweet and so innocent and so perfect and of course, so darn cute.

During the hour and a half rehearsal Mags had a little meltdown towards the end and got to come up on the altar with me during the practice vows. i thought she might remember that at the real wedding and decide it would be cool to get "up on stage." but no, she did great. They all did great.

My parents were amazing helpers all weekend. My dad even came out to party on Friday. My mom was in charge of the kids at the mass. They were great. The girls had a ball at the reception and really did not want to leave. I was feeling guilty about making them leave (at 9:45 mind you), but that guilt quickly went away when Sean and I hit the dance floor... whoo hoo!

Colleen and Dave looked like they thoroughly enjoyed every minute, and the whole thing went off without a problem. I have to admit, it took me a few days to recover from two late nights, but it was well worth it.

Congrats Aunt Col and Uncle Davey!

The wedding was this past weekend. It was great. Colleen looked great. The party was great. The girls (my biggest fear) were great. It was so great, that I will have to come back later and write all about it!

I knew this day would come.

Every month on each of the girl's "month birthday" we do a little mini celebration. Not even a celebration, really. We just make it known that they are 4 years and 11 months (in Mo's case today), let them pick the activities (kind of) for the day, and also pick dinner. Oh, and they also get to eat off of an adorable little "This is your special day" plate, made by yours truly.

Anyway, so far, pretty much every month birthday that rolls around, the girls ask for chicken nuggets and ketchup. Sometimes they throw in fries. A couple of times they may have asked for pizza. I kept thinking, silly girls, they could have ANYTHING, and they are asking for the same thing they very well could have two other times that week! Well, no longer.

This morning when I informed Maura it was her month birthday... what would she like for dinner? She quickly answered with a "chicken nug... no, not chicken nuggets. I think I want lasagna. Yes lasagna." Okay, I can do that. Not really in the mood for making lasagna, but a bit healthier than nuggets. "Nope, mom, I changed my mind. I don't want nuggets. I want to go out to eat. To Friendlys. And get ice cream at the end. And I want them to sing me happy birthday."

There is no turning back now. I have a feeling in 7 days when Mags' month birthday rolls around, she will NOT be asking for chicken nuggets.

added: We did go to Friendlys that night. Myself and the three older girls. Maura ordered (yes, chicken nuggets and fries). They sang to her. They brought her balloons. She was in heaven. I am not sure if we can top that on her "real" birthday next month. Also, I am sure all the wait staff who came out to sing to her were not thrilled when they asked her how old she was and she said, oh so proudly, "4 years and 11 months!"

Sorry Girls.

Mama has been neglecting her already neglectful version of a baby book!

I am not sure what we have been doing, but it is summer; there are wet bathing suits drying daily, art projects (mostly half-finished) lying around, toys covering the floor, laundry covering the couches, dishes filling the dish washer, half finished "house projects" all over... I guess that is what we have been doing... living!

So B turned 2. Sweet little, cute little, mischievous little B, turned 2. She really is a little rock star, as I like to call her B Rock! She is talking up a storm, and it is just so cute to hear her learn more words and more meanings behind the words every day. She says little sweet things like, "scare me" if the vacuum is on and runs to hide. If you take her out of her car seat too roughly (who does that??? Not me!) she says "hurt me." It is the cutest little thing. She says this phrase "ha ha doe, doe" all the time. Not sure what it means, but she sure knows. She still loves to eat, anything. Right now, as I ignore her, she is saying "I cookie" (she has said it about 55 times so far with no end in sight. She keeps up with her sisters very well. Her and Maggie play great together when Mo is not around (when Mo is around Mags is trying to impress her). They will soon be sharing a room, so that is a very good thing. If she was an only child she would be a pure pleasure. She is a very easy child, she just has a hard tie with two older sisters on her case all the time and a mommy who is often a little stressed out!

Happy Belated Birthday Beesy Neesy!

Sorry Girls.

26 seconds.

That has been the longest little KJ has seen the world from her new vantage point... sitting up. I am not sure if I am getting tougher, rougher, less/more sentimental, but I am not really counting it. I am sure the first time Mo sat up for 26 seconds (with Mississippi's in between) i counted it as sitting up, but my standards have gone up. Great work Kerri, we are proud but we are not writing it down in the baby book yet (that would be if a baby book existed!).

One Fish, Two Fish...

The girls, all of them, are loving the pool this summer. And believe it or not, this year is a little easier at the pool then last, even though I have one more child. I am not sure if it is because I am slowly giving up, or if the girls really are doing good in the pool. Maura and Maggie are doing great with their "swimming." Neither are afraid to try to swim under water. Maura is actually pretty successful at it, and mags is still thrilled to float on her back 9from last year's swim lessons). they love jumping in and are CONSTANTLY yelling "Mom, watch!"

B loves the water too. She however is bored with the baby pool and likes to run over to the lap pool and throw herself in. No matter what she is wearing. She likes to get in the water right after I get her dressed in her dress to go home. lovely! She loves to go underwater. It is kind of freaky, because she leaves her eyes WIDE open and looks up at you. Weird. She gets cold fast and is also very content to sit on the chaise eating teddy grahams (thanks Kate).

KJ also loves to splash in the water. She will probably like it more when she can sit up... I know I will. She however usually spends much of her time in the stroller in the shade. But hey, she is not complaining, yet.

So I thought I would avoid the pool this summer, but so far it has not been too bad. Of course, I have not been there when I know no one. An issue always arises when there is a bathroom trip. Dragging the non-pee-ers to the bathroom is not always done so willingly. While trying to convince the others to follow us, the pee-er is doing the potty dance saying I CAN'T HOLD IT ANY LONGER. Those are some good times. Don't want to be the reason they shut down the baby pool. I admit it, it has happened to us before (Darn non absorbent swimmie diapers!). I would like to avoid having it happen again.

You've got two days KJ.

Kerri has her 6 month check up (on her 7 month birthday... we had a little cancellation due to some double booking of activities on my part) on Wednesday. I have been there (3 times in the last 4 years) and done that. Usually these are pretty routine. The kids are on target, healthy, no concerns and no questions. Thank goodness, because with the wait time and three other little girls running around the 4 ft by 4ft room the shove us into to make us feel like the doctor is going to be coming soon, I really have little time for questions or concerns.

So KJ, you have two days to learn to sit up. I mean, you are going to be 7 months. Aren't you ready for a new perspective on the world? How exciting can it be to look up at the sky or the ceiling all the time? Aren't you ready to sit and play with some toys? You will be able to splash in the bathtub... sit on a picnic blanket... go down a slide... sit in the pool... oh my the options are endless. It would be so great. Not to mention, Mommy would be able to say, nope, Doctor, no concerns here.

Aren't We Lucky?

As I was sitting on the back deck steps with the girls and Sean looking out in the yard for lightning bugs at 9:30 pm after another great Friday with family, all I could say was, "Aren't we lucky?"

You shouldn't have done that...

because now that I know Maggie and Maura can change a poopie diaper (pretty well I might add) I may make them do it all the time.

While I was on the phone and marinating fish, aka bad mom multi tasking, Maura comes into the kitchen and says she needs a size 2 diaper. I think she is putting one on her doll. She says she can only find a B size... what's the big deal? The doll won't care. She then says she is almost done changing K's diaper.

I get in the room and there it is. K is on the floor with no diaper. I then see a wipe with some poop on it. I immediately get nervous, but apparently for no reason. The diaper (and yes it was a poopie one) is wrapped nicely on the fireplace hearth. K's bottom is clean and waiting for a new one. I hand them a new diaper, and Maura quickly and correctly puts it on. She was so proud. Yeah! Does this mean no more diaper changing for me?!?!?

Showers (literally) of fun

This past weekend was Colleen's bridal shower. It was a wonderful weekend. Very busy and very fun. We had around 30 people here Friday for some pizza... what a fun time catching up with everyone. Sean's Aunts (many of them) came in, some cousins, Dave's parents and sisters, Pat, Kristin and kids, all made the trip. It was lots of fun to see how everyone was doing. I would imagine it was weird for many of them being in the house with Sean and I as the hosts rather than Sue and Tim. I am sure if Sue was hosting there would not be pizza as the main dish!

The shower was great. Colleen got lots of good gifts. I am jealous. I think I need a shower! We had dinner at Sue and Tim's house that night... lots of food, wine and laughs. The kids hung out with Sean during the day. I took K to the shower, and she hammed it up, smiling at everyone and being her generally pleasant self. The girls were fantastic all weekend. They were social and well behaved and pretty self sufficient. This is a good thing, as you never know how they will be. I wouldn't say we would get "parents of the year" award, but no one is calling Super nanny on us either! Maura hung (literally) around with Katy and Emily all weekend. She was devastated Sunday morning when we were headed to church and she asked if "the girls [she] loved so much will be there" and I had to say no. They are very far away. Maura has a bit of an obsession with older girls right now.

B was a total card. She would smile and say cheese even when no one was taking a picture. She would flirt with whoever would flirt back. She usually does not go to people she doesn't know... that phase may be over.

And Mags, I am always a little worried about Maggie, but to be honest, I hardly saw her. She and Caitlin played great together and really did their own thing. Good for them (and good for us). I was sad the weekend was over so fast. I am looking forward to the wedding weekend even more now! Oh, and the showers (literally) in the title referred to the many thundershowers we had this weekend!

Renewing our vows

Yesterday the girls and I were all taking a bath in the big blue bath tub... a great time killer around 5:00pm! Maura was brushing my hair playing hairdresser. She was brushing the back quite hard, but apparently the pain would be worth it.

Maura: Mommy, your hair is so straight and beautiful in the back.

Me: Is it?

Maura: You will love it. Daddy will too. When he sees this, he will want to marry you all over again!

There's Way Too Many of Us

I was in recovering from surgery last week, so my parents and Sean's parents split the girls up and took them for the week... thanks so much!! Well sue was driving Maura to gymnastics with her friend Maria and here is the conversation overheard:

Maura: I sure do miss Kerri and Bridgey.
Maria: Where are they?
Maura: At my Oba and Grandad's
Maria: Why aren't you all staying together at Mimi's?
Maura: Oh, there are just way too many of us.

Roll Baby Roll

Kerri officially rolled over on Sunday, May 9th. She is a happy little roller and does not even get mad when she rolls to her belly and is stuck there. The loves to sit on her playmat for hours (well minutes adding up to an hour or more) and is very content. Yesterday, May 17th, she ate carrots for the first time (she had just had rice cereal before) and LOVED them. She was not too thrilled with the rice, but she enjoyed the carrots. We will see how that goes again today.

Kerri is still so happy and sweet and quiet and everything you want in a baby. We are so lucky. We are also fast approaching my favorite stage... the I-can-sit-up-and-play-but-cannot-go-anywhere-stage. I do enjoy this brief moment in time.

Can I just say this...

KJ is too darn cute. So darn sweet and just too darn cute.

I am on your side Kerri.

Or, better put, she loves being on her side. K loves, loves, loves just hanging out on her side. She is almost 5 months... holy cow... 5 months, she is getting old.... and has not rolled over yet. Normally I might be worried that the milestone was not hit "on time." But in this case I think it is because she is always in some type of contraption... whether it be a high chair, bouncy seat, bumbo, etc. She is usually strapped in and up high so the B-monster cannot get her. Lately (after realizing she is almost 5 months and not rolled over yet) I decided she needed more time on her back flat on the floor. Funny thing is, she is pretty amazing at balancing right there on her side. Just when I think she is going to tip over, nope, there she is right on her side. She is usually smiling and happy and just generally enjoying herself. I think it actually takes more talent to balance like she does then just tip on over. Good for you Ker-Bear.

Thanks Chris!

My brother, Chris, is a big technology "buff." He loves the newest gadgets and he knows all about them. He is so excited to get the latest item and try it out. What is even more amazing is that he gets just as excited for someone else to get the newest and the latest. He has been so helpful in our quest to get the best (at a reasonable cost) TV for our new family room. He has been researching for months. We finally ordered it. It is coming Friday. I am happy it is coming... He is ecstatic. He can't wait to come hook it up (I thought you just plugged it in?!??) and make it the best it can be for our family.

That's the thing about Chris. He really wants the best for you. I don't say it enough, but thanks Chris for always putting others in front of yourself. I give you a hard time for doing this, but it really is a quality you don't often see these days. It is a quality that should be appreciated more.

And just for that, the next time you call, I am going to be SUPER excited about our new TV!!

Every once in a while...

I have to stop and thank you God for the blessings you have given my family. I often feel overwhelmed and under appreciated, over scheduled and under paid. Today I just feel blessed. At this moment all is good. I may get up three times tonight to attend to a coughing child, or a bad dream or a potty trip, but honestly, thank God that is all it is. My girls are here. They are healthy. We are happy.

Just another ordinary miracle... that is what every day is. I just need to slow down and realize that. I need to remind myself of that. I need to teach more and "tell" less. I need to stop more and go less. I need to appreciate the moment as it is happening more and worry about the next moment less. It is so easy to say that now as I sit here in a quiet house where everyone is sleeping (and Sean is at the Phillie's game!). It is a whole different story to actually do these things as the day is happening. I need to try. I will fail, but I need to try again. and again. and again.

A letter to the O'Reilly Girls from 221 Greenbrier Lane

Dear Girls,

This is just a little note to say goodbye and thanks for the memories. You brought light, life and laughter to me for the last 4 1/2 years. I remember when your parents first moved into me. They took much pride in me. They got right to work painting and tiling, "remodeling" and decorating. They loved inviting friends over, and they were always up for a party, planned or impromptu. They even lit candles!
Just two short years later they brought home their first baby girl, Maura Bryn. Oh how hard they worked to make sure that everything was perfect for you, Maura. The nursery was lovingly worked on by lots of family. Grammom and Aunt Mary painted the beautiful mural on the wall. Oba made curtains and helped Daddy paint. Grandad put up wainscoting. Everyone wanted to make sure the princess (or prince) had the perfect castle.
How nice it was to hear the laughs and even the cries of a baby in the house. What a good baby you were too. You rarely cried, and you let me get well deserved rest at night (houses need their beauty sleep too, you know!). Just four months later, we found out another baby was to join the family. I remember, it was right after the Annual St. Patty's Day party that we found out about you. Your mom couldn't believe it and was so excited to tell your dad. She ran right to the Hallmark store to get a "Big Sister" shirt for Maura. It was now time start getting the big girl bedroom ready.
And Maggie, we were all secretly (at least your mom and I) hoping for another little girl. How thrilled I was when your mom and dad put up the stork in the front yard announcing the arrival of another princess. I was proud to see everyone slowing down in front of me to read all about you. It got a little crazier in the house, but they were good crazy times.
The back yard started to get filled with toys and no longer were we lighting candles in the house. We still had friends over now, and they usually came with their kiddos too. I was thrilled to hear the laughter of children echoing in my walls again!
Just when we thought things were slowing down, Miss B arrived. What a wonderful summer that was. There were many trips to the park and even the pool. I missed you when you were gone, but was always happy to hear that front door opening and a burst of life coming through. B was a quiet baby. A good sleeper and a good eater. Maura and Maggie, you two started to share a room, and B was in the nursery. We thought this would work for a while, and it did, but then, we found out about Miss Kerri Jean. I remember it well. Your mom was packing for Ireland. Your dad was away. Boy, was your mommy surprised. She was so anxious for your daddy to get home to tell him about you, Kerri Jean. Kerri Jean, I was thrilled to hear that you were on your way, but I also knew, I would not get to know you as well as the other girls. I knew that you and your family would need to move on and find a new house to fill with love. I wish I got to know you better KJ, but if you are anything like you sisters, you will be full of life (and quite the monkey!).
Girls, I enjoyed my time with you. I hope you hold a little memory somewhere in the back of your mind of the good times you had in me. Please remember that you loved your first house. And know that your house loved you too (best of anyone that has--or will-- live here). I heard you telling your mommy on your last night here that you will miss me. The feeling is mutual. Iwill miss you too!
Love,
Your First House.

We're In!

We have officially moved into our new house, well my new house, Sean's old house, but new now... yes it is all confusing. It all happened so quickly, but then again it didn't. We have been waiting for two years, but then once Sean's parents bought their new house, everything seemed to go very quickly. Again, confusing. We listed our house mid March. 10 days later it sold. 30 days later (tomorrow) we are turning the keys over to a new family. I am sad, happy, relieved and nervous all at once. I hope that our old house brings great memories to the new owners. it served us well. We brought all four of our girls home to that house. We feel comfortable there. We feel at home there. I am sure this new house will also serve us well... the memories and all that, but for now I am going to be a little sad to say goodbye to the old one. I am also sad to say goodbye to our neighborhood and our church. I already told Sean if we have another (Holy Hannah!) child, I want to baptize her at Sacred Heart where the other girls were baptized, even though it will not be our parish any more. I got chocked up saying goodbye to Father Mckee on Sunday (we made the commute on last time!). Ahh...

Get a grip

KJ is now reaching out and grabbing her toys on her bouncey seat. Way to go KJ!

B update

B has been talking more and more everyday. Sometimes she will just surprise you, like the other day when we were playing with a tub toy (a purple one) and she said "Purple" very clearly. She can pretty much repeat what you say, if she wants.

She is also still very, very busy. She never stops. She runs as fast as she can, arms and hands flapping in the wind, and looks back and you with her snaggletooth grin, as if to say, "I dare you to try and catch me." She knows when she is doing something wrong, she just does not care... unless there is a threat of no treat. She really does just want to do what the big girls do. The other day she was all the way up on the top of the monkey bars ready to cross. I got there just in time.

She also loves to sit on the potty. She also tells me when she needs a new diaper. She will bring over the diapers and wipes and lie on the floor if you are not quick enough. I am so NOT ready for potty training. I am waiting until the weather is nice and there are no more layers. It is much easier to change an accident when it involves a sundress and panties.

You know it is not good...

...when the preschool teacher asks if she could talk to you for a minute, then takes you far away from all the other moms to discuss your child. Apparently Maura, once the ideal, conscientious student, has been slacking off a bit in class. Her work has been sloppy, when it used to be so neat. When we asked her about it, she said she wants to win the contest. "What contest would that be?" The one to see who can write and draw the fastest. Apparently it is a quiet contest... maybe between Maura and herself? We aren't really sure. What do you say? You're four now Maura, time to straighten up and get serious about your work!

At least she's not the smelly kid!

Taking turns

We all try to teach our children to take turns and share, but this is a bit much. The last few days B and KJ have been taking turns waking up at night. Mommy and Daddy need our sleep. Please, if you want to cry for one (or even two) hours at night, that is fine, just try to coordinate it with your sister. I am tired and may very well wreck my car.

An interview with Maggie

This is a cute idea. Copy this note, ask your kid the questions and write them down exactly how they respond. Tag me back if you haven't done this, I'd love to hear the answers.

1. What is something mom always says to you? To be good
2. What makes mom happy? Not crying and being good
3. What makes mom sad? When I cry and cry
4. What does your mom do to make you laugh? Making funny faces
5. What was your mom like as a child? Us
6. How old is your mom? I don't know, you need to tell me
7. How tall is your mom? This tall (about 18 inches)... can you be done?
8. What is her favorite thing to do? Excercise
9. What does your mom do when you're not around? I don't know... cut????
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? For us
11. What is your mom really good at? Excercising ... can you be done now?
12. What is your mom not very good at? I don't know... feeding Kerri
13. What does your mom do for her job? I don't know... tell me.
14. What is your mom's favorite food? I don't know... do you have one?.. can you be done now?
15. What makes you proud of your mom? Being happy
16. If your mom was a cartoon character, who would she be? A Wubzy
17. What do you and your mom do together? Drive to school and do mommy dates
18. How are you and your mom the same? We have the same hair... can you be done?
19. How are you and your mom different? I am small; you are big
20. How do you know your mom loves you? I don't know
21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go? To the gym.

An interview with Maura

This is a cute idea. Copy this note, ask your kid the questions and write them down exactly how they respond. Tag me back if you haven't done this, I'd love to hear the answers.

Maura's version:

1. What is something mom always says to you? I Love You so much
2. What makes mom happy? When we play together
3. What makes mom sad? when we fight
4. What does your mom do to make you laugh? tells jokes
5. What was your mom like as a child? a girl and a boy in her family
6. How old is your mom? Um how old are you... just tell me really quietly
7. How tall is your mom? Can I stand up for this (as she puts her arm out)
8. What is her favorite thing to do? Play with the kids
9. What does your mom do when you're not around? I don't know what you do when I am not around (good thing!)
10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? riding a bike...like standing upside down on her bike (cuz i am cool like that)
11. What is your mom really good at? long pause...driving
12. What is your mom not very good at? flying
13. What does your mom do for her job? she goes to the gym
14. What is your mom's favorite food? mac and cheese
15. What makes you proud of your mom? when you play with us
16. If your mom was a cartoon character, who would she be? Little Bear
17. What do you and your mom do together? play games
18. How are you and your mom the same? we both have the same haircuts
19. How are you and your mom different? we are not the same age
20. How do you know your mom loves you? because even if she is mad she still loves us
21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go? to the gym.

Kerri is so very...

We sing all types of rhymes for Kerri. Kerry Bo Berry. Kerry Cherry pock a perry... She smiles and laughs and coos and giggles. My favorite is when Mags sings to her. She makes up the cutes Kerry songs and laughs and really loves playing with her. When Kerri smiles Mags just laughs. Maggie also jumps in the crib with B and reads her books and "teaches" her things. It is so darn cute. Just the other day she was trying to teach her how to climb out of the crib. Not so darn cute.

Taking it one day at a time.

Today we were on our way to lunch. While we were driving Mags was telling a story about when she saw Maura in the hallway at school, but Maura did not see her. I asked her why she did not call out to her. She said "I was being shy that day." She proceeded to tell me that sometimes she is shy. I thought it would be a good time to tell them that I too am shy sometimes. I was explaining how in certain situations mommy is nervous when she meets new people.

Maura: "Were you nervous no one would play with you?"

Me: "Yes, sometimes when Mommy meets new people she is nervous they won't want to play with me or talk to me."

Maura: "When I first started in Mrs. Riehs' class I was shy too Mama. I was afraid no one would play with me, but I just took it one day at a time. That's what you need to do Mama, just take it one day at a time."

Playing with the big kids

We have been staying at Sean's parents' house while our house is on the market (which, thankfully, it sold on Friday the 13th... just 10 days on the market... sigh of relief.). The neighbors have three girls. One in 4th grade, one in 7th grade, and one in 12th grade. The two younger ones have played with the girls on a few occasions. Maura is thrilled. She loves being with them. When I bring her home from school, she wants to get together with her new friends. i have to explain that they are in school. She wants to invite them to dinner, and of course, to her birthday party. She showed them her "bedroom." and her playroom. She offers them food and drink. She really thinks they are her new best friends.

I am just happy to have free babysitters, I mean nice neighbors!

Sticking up for her sister.

Today at the gym babysitting Bridget was doing her usual screaming and grunting. The babysitter (who is wonderful) asked B to stop screaming. Mags said, "Cozy, she is not screaming; that's just the way she talks." So true!

She gets it.. kind of

We all have high hopes for our kids. We hope they are smart, funny, happy, sweet, etc. One of the qualities I hope my daughters have is an empathy. I try to explain to them how others are feeling, how we should act/react, but I took child psychology. I know that empathy is a quality that children cannot truly master (or begin to even realize) until age 7 or 8. Still, I try.

The other day we were driving somewhere; we are always driving somewhere, and I told the girls that Miss Meghan had her baby. Maura asked what it was and what her name was. After I told Maura a little about Riley, she said, "Mom, I think we should make her a meal. macaroni and cheese." I have to say I was proud of her. I was glad she thought of doing something nice for someone else. I was a little proud of myself too. Yes, I am setting a good example, I thought.

Well, later that day I was dropping a different meal off to the Smith's house. Maura said, "I said I wanted to make a meal for Meghan, not Jenn." I try!

Never been so happy for a dull day.

We have been so busy these last few weeks getting our house ready to sell that we have really done nothing but that every weekend and many weeknights. I knew we were busy, but I did not realize how much I missed simple family time until last night. Sean and I had spent the day doing yard work (nothing like yard work in 30 degree weather) and last minute touches on the house. I about burst into tears of happiness when I realized that all seven (including Jameson... I am not pregnant again) of us were in the kitchen getting ready to have dinner together. We truly have not done that in a long time. I was even so much more excited to realize that today we would be going to church together as a family then doing basically nothing all day. Sean and I even sat down together for lunch and read the paper. It sure was good times. I only made one quick trip to the other house today to take the trash to the curb. Unfortunately, the 8-10 inches of snow may mean the trip was pointless, but it may also mean Sean will be snowed in and not able to go to work and we can have another boring family day. Yeah!

You make me laugh

Daddy made Kerri laugh for the first time yesterday. She has been smiling like crazy lately. Her whole face smiles; I love it. She has also been cooing. But the laughing is new. She is still such a good baby. Our lives have been pretty crazy these last few weeks, and she just goes along with the flow. You can sit her in her bouncey seat for hours, and she will just watch the whirlwind that is her family go by. She loves to be held, but doesn't mind being put down. She is awake more and more during the day and still puts in her full night of sleep. I appreciate that God has blessed us with easy babies. I appreciate that God has blessed us with healthy babies. And I appreciate it that God has blessed me with a husband who loves to see his daughters laugh.

Sleepovers

The girls are really into sleepovers lately. They had Mimi over for one and plan to have the other three g-parents at some point. They have had a few with the Smith girls, and they love it.

Well, last night Maggie and I were talking about something and out of the blue she says she wants me to ask Mr. Gill (our retired neighbor) to have a sleepover at our house. I double checked to make sure I heard her correctly. Yes, she wanted Mr. Gill to come sleep over the next time Daddy was out of town. Hmmm.

I said, I don't know if Daddy would be too happy about that. She then said it would be fine if Daddy was home. Daddy could sleep in Maura's bed and Mr. Gill could sleep with Mommy in Daddy's spot.

Interesting.

Wow, we have a lot of stuff.

Well, we are getting ready to list our house. Our goal is to put it on the market early March, really, the sooner the better. Well, it has been a lot of work. We have taken over 6 suburban loads and two pickup truck loads of "stuff" to the new house and really, if you didn't know better, you wouldn't even notice. I will say, the house is looking pretty spiffy, but in a "it-should-have-looked-like this-anyway" way. The play room has been reduced to a kitchen, doll baby crib, a box a dress up and a few bins with toys. Gone is the train table, the high chairs, the strollers, the doll houses, the stuffed animals, the toy vanity, the... well, a lot of stuff. But you know what, the kids are surviving. They are actually playing with the one house and my little ponies they have down there. They have not even asked where all the other stuff is. I am tempted to just get rid of it. I tried to sneakily put the toy hair dresser thingy out on the curb. Well we walked our friends out to their car, and Maura saw it. She didn't get upset. In fact, she didn't say anything. She just went over and started playing with it. Then when she was done she came in. I have to wonder what she was thinking.

So we plan to put the finishing touches on the house next weekend and move out. Hopefully get it listed the following week. We are keeping our fingers crossed. this market is not the best market to be selling your house, but when you have four kids (girls none the less) a 3 bedroom, 1 full bath house, just ain't gonna cut it.

A smile a day

Keeps a mommy happy. Our sweet little Kerri has taken to smiling. She is a cutie when she smiles, as her whole face smiles. It does not take much to make her smile either, just a shred of attention... something that is in high demand at our house.

Let's hope it's a phase

As I just wrote about in my last post, K had a beautiful Christening this weekend. B, however was not as enamored by the whole thing as the rest of us. She spent most of the mass being handed from one family member to the next trying to entertain her. There was a very cute little girl (only child) about her age standing in front of her staring at her the whole time with sanck cup in hand. Of course B wanted to get down and push, I mean play, with her. Well, that would be great except B does not stay still. The one time I did put her down, she ended up playing ring around the rosie in the center aisle with Caitlin (that behavior might be looked down upon by some church goers). Well, as soon as I noticed only child girl walking toward B, I had to intervene; I knew what was coming next... a nice big hello, nice to meet you shove. I was right. I got there in the nick of time. B was just able to lightly touch her, not completely knock her down. As I was lifting her up, B was screaming and reaching for the girl (probably wanted to pull her hair!). I am not quite sure how to stop this "phase" (let's hope it is just that). I can't help but think she is just acting out on the rest of the world what her sisters have done to her.

God Bless Kerri

This past Sunday little Ker-Bear was christened. She did great, as great as a 7 week old could. She slept most of the mass, but did wake up when the priest poured the water on her head. No tears though! Thanks Father McKee for heating the water.

Sean and I both agree that this was our best Baptism yet. Father did a terrific job including the whole family in the mass. He started mass off by introducing all of us including each girl by name to the congregation. He, of course, gave a special blessing to Sean, the father of four girls! During the actual Baptism he included the girls again. Maura even held the candle. She was so proud and took her job very seriously. Her "I do's" were loud and very honest. All the kids, including Caitlin and Logan got to take the gifts up. It was a very special day for a very special girl.

Go Eagles

Today the Eagles play. If they win they go to the Superbowl. We are all a little nervous (well Sean and I are). The girls are decked out in their Eagles gear and have their signs they made ready for the game. They know the Eagles fight song and cheer and have been singing it non stop this week. Let's hope that enthusiasm is rewarded!

Nursery School Drop out

This week B made it untill 9:45am (school starts at 9:00). I think it is safe to say we will not be going back.

4 going on 14

I know we all hear it, and we all say it, but Maura really acts like a teenager (and not always in a good way) sometimes.

Maura has been asking for an Eagles dress (cheerleading outfit) lately. Mags and B both have one (the bigger one was Mo's) and Mo has a pink jersey. With the Eagles (shockingly) doing so well lately, they have been wearing them a lot. Well, Mo wants a dress, not a jersey (personally I prefer the jersey). They have been having pep rallies at school and have another tomorrow. I was picturing getting ready for school and all she has is an Eagles "shirt" while her sisters get dresses... not going to be pretty.

So I tell Mo I have been looking and looking (true) for an Eagles "dress" and can't find one.

She looks up and says, "Oh Momma, I am over that."

A few days ago we were talking about who will room with who at our new house. Maura decided she wanted to room with Kerri. We asked her if she would miss Mags.

She replied, "There's always that possibility."

Didn't last long.

I kind of lost it last night (hours after my "I am so proud entry"). After two dumped -folded- laundry baskets and an entire dresser emptied onto the floor, I had it. My kids are crazy... Or...maybe I just should supervise them better!

I smelled the Pee...

and i didn't yell. I "calmly" discussed the merits of being a big girl (for the 100th time). I am proud of myself .

Stop and smell the...

I was going to write about some accidents that have been happening in our house lately, mostly on the couch while watching tv, but I have changed my mind.

As I sit in my quiet house tonight, I cannot help but feel so grateful for all the blessings that I have. I also can't help but feel guilty for all the times I complain about my lot in life. I really do have it good. I am so, so grateful for four healthy girls. In fact, every time I get pregnant I worry that I pushed my luck just a little too far. So far, we have truly been blessed with healthy, happy girls.

My husband is terrific. He may drive me nuts sometimes, but that is only because I am jealous of him. His laid back attitude and ability to just live in the moment is something I wish I had more of.

My family is great. We are so lucky to have our parents close by. They are always willing to help out, and the girls will never refuse a visit to one of their houses (in fact B is at my P's right now). My parents have been taking one of the girls for the whole weekend (and then some) for the last few months. It is amazing how much easier it seems with one less child. I love that the girls run to the door (or in warmer weather are waiting on the doorstep) when my parents arrive. They hop right into the car seat, sometimes before my dad has had a chance to buckle it!

My house is wonderful. I am warm, and I am safe. I know we will be leaving this house in a few short months, and I am definitely excited for more room for the girls to spread out, play and grow. But this house has served us well, very well. I love the neighborhood and the friends we have made here. I will miss it.

We have great friends. I love seeing the bulletin board full of Christmas card pictures from all of our friends and family. How truly blessed to know so many thoughtful people. I really realized that this fall. When I was in the hospital with kidney stones it was amazing how many people offered their help. I was floored at who and how many went that extra step to lend a hand, some people I did not even know that well.

So this year, for my resolution (besides the obligatory lose weight) I am going to stop and smell the roses, and if it smells a little like pee (refer to first paragraph) I am not going to yell (at least not that loud) but take it for what it is... a little pee on the couch. I can clean it and try to teach my otherwise healthy 3 year old not to do it again. Yelling doesn't work in this house (I know, I have tried) so a new, calmer approach needs to be developed. I am going to try to be more "in the moment", more "there" during the days, not just waiting for the night when Sean arrives home. I know I will trip up. I know I will down right fall, but I will get up again and, with a calm voice, start over.

So, wish me luck on this. I already know I am so lucky in so many other ways.

1st day (well half) for B

We tried for B's first day of school on Tuesday. She started off so well. She couldn't wait to get dressed. She came downstairs and went right for her coat. She insisted on eating at a big girl chair. She loved wearing her backpack and giving her sisters theirs. The ride to school went great. She went right to her classroom and played on the slide, then the tug boat, then with the strollers. She was so busy playing, she had no time to say goodbye to me. Oh well, 4th kid, I am over that.

Life was good for Kerri and I. We were shopping without a care in the world, until the phone rang.

"Oh Autumn, she won't stop screaming. We even brought her sister in to calm her down."

"I'll be right there."

So off I went to pick her up. Even after fifteen minutes with me, she was still trying to catch her breath.

I guess we will see how next week goes. (Yes, I am cruel; I am dropping her off again next week!)

Before.

That is commonly heard in our house now.

I wanted it before.

I wanted you to unbuckle me before -insert name-.

Why didn't you get me that before?

Well I hate to tell you girls. Before is gone. done. never to be here again.

It is now later, and you can take it or leave it.

I can no longer get your your milk *before* I answer the phone.

I can't give you your plate of food before I give your sister hers. I already gave her hers. It cannot be undone.

You can cry
scream
kick
hit
yell
Whatever form of rebellion you choose.

But before is gone.

Later.

Today was a rough one...

That's all I have to say about that.