You Need to Use Water Too

It was a simple request.

I asked Big Sister to wash her hands. Two seconds later, she came up to me and asked me to smell her hands. I did.

They smelled like soap, but they looked like dirt. I realized I hadn't heard the water. So, I asked if she had used water.

She told me she had a new way of washing her hands.

Oh really?

Big Sister continued by telling me that she rubs the soap on her hands and then wipes it on a towel.

Uh huh.

I told her to try again and this time use water.

Secretly, I admired her, um, creativity.

Ready for Sandal Season?

It's time to Fight the Frump. This week I'm talking about keeping those footsies pretty.

I'm eager for flip-flop and sandal season. As soon as the temperature rises, I'm ready to ditch the boots and shoes. However the cracked dry feet that come with wearing sandals all day and everyday aren't so much my thing.

In order to keep my feet looking presentable, I use Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Creme. I simply slather this on my feet at night and throw on a pair of socks. By morning, I'm ready for my sandals.

For more tips on keeping from being frumpy, visit Mrs. Fussypants.

Who Needs Toys When You Have Clothes?

42, 314- The number of different outfits Big Sister has worn today*

3-Number of different striped patterns she wore in one ensemble

2-Number of laundry baskets we have in our house (This is quickly becoming a problem)

1-Silver crown wore while running errands

0-Number of times I bothered to try and get her to change or stop changing

Learning to choose my battles--Priceless

* This number is a slight exaggeration. It was probably only 23, 512 outfits.

Also, for the record, none of these outfits were seasonally appropriate. See the above picture.

Sleeping Like a Baby

The best baby gift we've ever gotten is our full-time maid. It makes savoring moments with little ones so much easier when I don't have to fret about whether or not the clothes are clean or dinner ready.

But, of course, you know, if you've ever read this blog, which would include people like my husband, mom, in-laws and possibly a handful of friends, that we don't really have a maid. Though, we do have a great dog who keeps the kitchen floor spotless except for a few slobber trails.

So, what is a mom to do when the baby is crying and the chores are calling?

Well, I've found a little trick that helps me get the clothes clean and the baby asleep all at the same time.

I simply put my sweet baby in her car seat and stick her ON TOP of the dryer. I then work on the laundry. A key to getting the baby to sleep is to turn on the dryer. My theory is that it has the same effect as a car ride. The baby is napping in no time and I get a little laundry finished.

Of course, there are many of you who are going to say this isn't safe. Yes, there is a very slim chance that the car seat could fall off of the dryer. That is why you DON'T leave the room. If you don't feel like doing laundry, then read a book, paint your nails, or have a snack. Anything goes.

This little trick also works if the baby is especially fussy. A few minutes on top of the dryer and we've found that our little one is sound asleep and can be easily transferred to a safe sleeping place.

This definitely works for me. I will, however, remind you that babies are only this small for such a short time, so there is no rush to get the laundry finished. I use this tip when I'm desperate for a moment to catch up on something. There is no sweeter way to get a baby to sleep than in your arms.

For more tidbits to make life easier, visit Rocks in My Dryer.

Sugar for a Kiss

After her nap, I asked Big Sister if I could give her a kiss. She said that I could, but only if I gave her jelly beans.

Since when does a Mama have to pay her 3 year old for a kiss?

Of course, you know I both gave her a kiss and a few jelly beans. I just hope she doesn't up the price anytime soon. The chocolate is all mine!

Pencils for College and Playground Pals

We bought Little Man a drum for Christmas. I realize that sounds like a crazy thing to do, but it is just a toy and not nearly as annoying as some of the loud electronic toys given to us by grandparents who shall remain nameless.

This particular drum is from the Parents line of toys sold at Target. The bonus for me was that it came with a free subscription to Parents magazine.

So, I was flipping through the February issue and I learned a few things.

One is that my kids can kiss college good by unless they want to pay for it. We might be able to buy them a pencil or two, but that might be about it.

According to an article on page 86, we need to save somewhere between $140,000 and $470,000 for our 3 year old.

Is anyone else laughing? We just started a little savings plan for our children, but the key word is little. If we're lucky, we might be able to throw in a package of highlighters and a few boxes of ramen. Of course, with the way food prices are these days, even that isn't a guarantee.

The other thing I learned was how to make friends with another mom at the playground. The small article on page 94 began with the suggestion that the reader draw on old dating experiences in order to make a new friend. Needless to say, it was a bit hard to take the rest of the paragraph seriously, though the advice wasn't horrible.

"Hey, that is a fancy little diaper bag you've got. Did you get it around here?"

Oh, the things I'm filling my brain up with these days.

Ready for Her Red Carpet Debut

The dresses that will be seen at the Oscars will pale in comparison to the outfits this girl puts together on a daily basis. Check it out.

Big Sister pairs a pink plaid skirt with a pink shirt. The pink shirt is decorated with a colorful little parrot. Purples socks are topped with silver clogs. The look is completed with playfully messy pig tails and a silver spoon/microphone.

Better make room on that red carpet. Here comes Big Sister.

Now, if only I could get her to look at the camera.

Clever Girl

Last night, Big Sister wasn't exactly compliant as we went about her bedtime routine.

Finally, Daddy had to tell her she wasn't going to have time for reading books. This didn't stop her from carrying on her merry way.

He had to add that it would be very sad if she wouldn't have time for books or being rocked. That got her moving.

Once she had her pajamas on, she came into our bedroom to be rocked. Daddy noticed she carried two books. He gently reminded her that she'd lost the privilege of reading.

Without missing a beat, she asked if he'd sing her songs about the books.

She is a clever one, that girl of ours.

Quick and Easy Nails

It is amusing to me that I'm finding time to write this post.

I guess it shall be at the expense of my microwave that desperately needs a good scrubbing. Exploding eggs, salmon, and oatmeal will do that.


Please note that those were not ingredients in the same meal. We're not that weird around here.


My Fight the Frump tip for this week is for your fingertips. About a year ago, I found Sally Hansen Natural Shine Nail Finish. It gives your nails a nice healthy pink glow. However, the best part is that it dries practically instantly. I'm able to put it on quicker than I brush my teeth.

Now, if I could only find the time to brush my teeth. Kidding, I'm kidding!

Find more great tips to Fight the Frump over at Mrs. Fussypants.

I'd Be a Night Owl Too

I'm guessing I'd be up quite a bit at night if I slept so soundly during my nap times that a big sister always "playing" with me and a big brother constantly poking me with a binkie failed to wake me.

It is no wonder we see her sweet little eyes more often after her playmates are in bed.

Keeping a Toddler Busy During Meal Prep

My toddler son is quickly becoming a “helper.” I'm all for teaching him to help around the house. However, five thirty in the evening is not usually my favorite time to do so. There is dinner to fix and sometimes a baby to nurse. Plus, I just might need to scrape some Play-Doh off the table before we eat. You probably know the drill. Adding my toddler to the mix doesn't always help.

So, instead, I set him up in the downstairs powder room. I fill a sink with some water and a squirt of hand soap. Then, I give him a dish rag and some plastic spoons or cookie cutters. He gets busy washing dishes and I get busy making dinner.

He stays occupied for several minutes. In this time, dinner is made, his hands are clean, and my bathroom is a mess. You can't win them all, but this comes pretty close. Besides, a little soapy water sloshed around my bathroom is probably a good thing.

This works for me. Be sure to visit Rocks in My Dryer for other great tips.

Blessed

It hasn't been any secret that I've been a tad frightened at the thought of taking care of three children three and under all day long by myself. I've only mentioned my fear in every other post. The fact that I only have two hands and am getting limited sleep has been mentioned a time or two.

So, you can imagine the smile that came to my face yesterday when I opened up this email from a dear friend. It was titled "Today."


Dear Lord – I ask that You be with my dear friend today as she begins a new adventure in her life with the three little ones You have blessed her with. I pray that You will hold her close today and not let her be overwhelmed by “stuff” that needs to be done. I pray that You would make large tasks seem small and the dusting and vacuuming to be minimal. Please help her to keep everything in line with what You would want her to do. Please guide her to know when she does need to clean and have alone time and when she needs to love on Your children. Thank you for her desire to be a godly mother, wife, and friend. Bless her as she has blessed all of those around her.

In Jesus’ name - Amen

Now, I ask, why should I worry about the tasks before me when I have friends like this and a God who spoke the world into existence?

Tummy Time

Some things are just more fun when you do them together.

Fight the Frump

Well, today begins the story of “And Then There was One.” Actually, I think that may be a book title, but for me it means the story of one mama and three small children. All that to say, my mom left today, and my husband is back at work.

I'm still a little in awe that both my mom and husband think it is reasonable to leave me by myself with three small children. Did I mention I only have two hands?

So, I've been thinking how it could be tempting to skip things like brushing my teeth, my hair, or you know, the dog hair off my clothes. But, I'm guessing that would only serve to make me feel frumpier, not to mention stinkier and hairier. Fortunately I remembered a sweet friend's advice.

This friend, also a mother of three rather young children, mentioned that she keeps extra toiletries in the downstairs powder room.

Aha! I can do that.

I will soon be stashing a toothbrush, toothpaste, a comb, and extra make-up in the bathroom downstairs. Then, I can make myself somewhat presentable without having to either leave the children unattended downstairs or let them trash my room while I get ready.

Of course, I'll probably keep the mints close at hand just in case.

For more tips on how to Fight the Frump, visit Mrs. Fussypants.

A Happy Valentine's Day

Of course, you wouldn't know it from these pictures.

Little Man was snoozing, so I assume he was happy.

On a side note, I got a wonderful Valentine's Day present from my sweet husband. He gave me a treadmill, which is something I've wanted for quite some time. Lucky me!

Too Tired to Think

I didn't mean to give birth to my brain cells along with the baby, but apparently that is what happened.

I want to write something. There are even things to write about--many things. How can one live with a preschooler, toddler, and a baby, and not have things to write about?

Still, when my husband asked if I had written anything today, I said no because I feel like I have no brain cells. Lack of sleep will do that to you.

My sweet husband simply said, “Good, I've always wanted to be married to a bimbo.”

Alrighty then.

Deceptively Easy

Well, the transition from two to three children has been quite easy.

Of course, that could have something to do with the fact that I've had at least one other adult with me since we brought Baby Girl home.

Oh, and there have been meals brought to our house nearly every night.

Um, and maybe either my mother-in-law or my mom have soothed the baby in the wee hours so that I could get some sleep.

So, yes, the transition thus far has been quite easy, deceptively so. I wonder why I was so worried.

Perhaps I'll find out next week when I'll be by myself and the children will still want to eat and will probably need some clean clothes as well. Until then, I do believe I'll enjoy the help and the naps.

A Wimpy Protest

Hey, remember me? I used to be the baby around here!



Don't worry Little Man. We remember you.


However, you're going to have to do better than sit in your baby sister's bouncy seat while holding her blanket to convince us you're jealous. You've already given her more kisses than you've ever given your daddy or me.


Your actions betray you sweet boy.

Note to Self

If your husband calls you into the other room and tells you your toddler son has something to tell you, you will probably think your son has learned a cute new word or phrase.

You will expectantly walk into the other room.

Your husband will flip your son upside down and hand him to you bottom first.

Be cautious. There is a stinky diaper on that bottom. He has not learned another cute word. Your husband has simply found what he thinks is a cute way to get you to change the diaper.

DO NOT take your son. Simply smile, laugh, and then walk away very quickly.

But, be warned. Your husband will continue with his antics by carrying your son and all the diaper changing items into the same room as you. He will think it is funny to let you enjoy the um, aroma, while he does the dirty work.

Pretend you don't notice.

Sisters

As if I didn't feel blessed enough already, the other day, I was able to experience the sweetest moment at the park.**



As Big Sister sat by Baby Girl, another little girl came up to Big Sister. She asked Big Sister if she was the big sister to which she responded yes.


Then, with pride shining through her voice, she said, "Her name is E- J--."


Such a simple thing that I hope never to forget.


**In order to be honest, I should probably note that before this conversation occurred, Big Sister dutifully told the other little girl that only she (Big Sister) could touch the baby. I'd be lying if I said her tone was sweet when she said this. All in the name of sisterly love--I hope.

Say Cheese

Nothing says I want my picture taken like having a baby four days ago, not wearing makeup, and attempting to thrive on mere hours of sleep. So, when my husband asked if I'd like to join him in getting our new drivers licenses, you can bet I answered with a hearty “yes!” Because, you know, I'm not sixteen anymore, so really what does it matter what my drivers license picture looks like?

We used a perfectly good nap time, while all three children slept AT THE SAME TIME, to venture to the Drivers License Bureau. Since grandma was there to babysit, we figured, why not? It may be the closest we get to a date for quite a while. And, I have a lovely picture to remember it!

Oh, and as an added benefit, the lady at the desk kindly cut out the picture from my old license. She handed it to me and told me that I was allowed to keep that. Um, thanks.

A Time to Spoil

This morning, Baby Girl went back to the doctor for her weight check. As I expected, she is heading back to her birth weight.

Since Baby Girl is our third baby in a little over three years, we had few, well, make that no questions for the doctor. So, it also shouldn't be surprising that I barely glanced at the Birth to 2 Months Guidelines sheet the nurse gave us. However, in that brief glance, one phrase caught my eye--"Babies cannot be spoiled."


That did my heart so much good to see those words in black in white. It was like I was finally given permission to simply enjoy my baby.


Before the birth of my first child, I didn't really think about what life with a baby would be like. I just assumed we'd know what to do. For the most part, we did, but we sure were stressed about it. Rather than enjoy those first few months, I kept track of everything. If she wanted to eat and it had been less than two hours, I fretted. Was I spoiling her?

I consulted multiple books and had many discussions with other moms. Many of these conversations ended with me feeling inadequate. I thought I was doing something wrong all because I couldn't follow an "ideal" schedule.

Since my second was born less than eighteen months after my first, I had to ease up a bit. He spent hours in the sling. Feedings only hour apart weren't much cause for concern. However, I still worried about his sleep schedule and if I was spoiling him by letting him eat at night well past when it was probably nutritionally necessary.

Now, here I am four days after the birth of my third child. This time, I'm quite tempted to toss out my baby parenting books. I want to simply enjoy this time. It goes by so quickly. Sometimes it seems as though I blinked, and when I opened my eyes, there were three children.

I know that these sweet days won't last forever. It is only a matter of months before I'll begin to have to set limits for my sweet little one. Of course, I'll do so, for I love her. But, until that time comes, I will not worry about holding her too much or feeding her before the clock says it's time.
For if that is what it means to spoil a baby, then let the spoiling begin!

She's Here!

Baby Girl arrived on Friday afternoon, February 1, 2008. She weighed 9 pounds and 6 ounces and measured 20 inches.

There is so much I could write about this time we're enjoying, but the truth of it is, I want to live it. There will time for writing later.

For now, I'm thinking about my even fuller heart. It is full of thankfulness for this new life. I'm in awe of the blessings that fill my life. How do you put that into words? Is it even possible? I'm so grateful that God knows me so well that He knows even the thoughts I can't seem to articulate.

And the Winner Is...

Bree!

Congratulations and hope to hear from you soon! Oh, and thanks again for being patient with me as I'm leaving in a little over an hour to go have this sweet little baby.

Thanks to everyone else for stopping by and playing. I hope you visit again soon.