Firsts

Yesterday was Patrick's first birthday. Today we celebrated with our family. He seemed to enjoy it all - the attention, the chaos, the tissue paper, and especially the cupcakes.  He is such a sweet, happy little guy. He's ornery and daring. He keeps us on our toes for sure. He's a great eater, not a great sleeper, and is currently in a Mama's boy phase. His favorite tricks right now include climbing through the doggy door and dumping Botchie's water dish. (Amazingly, B is so patient with him!) Patrick has started sharing his feelings a little more - mostly when we close the doggy door or stop him from climbing on something. He says several words: uh-oh, bye-bye, mama, dada, and occasionally dog and ball ( ok, it's really more like bah, it we know what he means).

For me, this is the first time I really struggled with one of my kids turning one. I'm not a mom who wishes for my kids to stay eternally young or who longs for the newborn days. Quite the opposite actually. I truly enjoy every stage and find wonderful things about each age. But I will be happy when we have 3 kids who sleep thru the night, are done with bottles and diapers, and can have "real" conversations, play games, etc. So when I was rocking Patrick the night before his first birthday and found myself crying as I reminisced about the first year, I was a little surprised. But for whatever reason, this one's a little hard for me. This past year has been full of change for us - Patrick, jobs, kindergarten. The year seems to have flown by in some ways. But when I think of how different things were then, it seems like so long ago.

I love my sweet baby boy. His blue eyes will forever melt my heart. I am excited to see what his next year brings. Undoubtedly we will add to his list of firsts. There may even be a few more moments that bring me to tears.

A few photos of my favorite one year old...

Patrick's 1 year photo shoot

Just in time for Patrick's first birthday, we tried to get some photos of the 3 kids. Patrick was not the smiliest, but we got a few good ones.

Sometimes when you have 3 small children...

Mornings are really hectic.
And you inadvertently lock your dog in the closet.
All day.
And when you get home from work, you can't find him.
Anywhere.
You search the house, scour the backyard, all with 3 kids looking on.
You finally text your wife, "I can't find Botchie".
"What do you mean you can't find Botchie?!?!"
And both adults' adrenaline is through the roof.
And you start thinking about how you're going to explain this to your kids.
Where on earth could this crazy (and I mean that in the clinical sense) dog be?!
The gates are locked. It's 4 degrees outside. He hates the cold. He hates people. He wouldn't run away. But he has no tags on because he's an inside dog. He has a doggy door, but otherwise he's in bed. How could this have happened?!
Finally, both adults are home, greeted by the oldest two children, "Mom, we have really sad news! We can't find Botchie. I'm so sad! I just want to pet him....I miss Botchie....I'm going to tell my teacher about this tomorrow." (Bear in mind, most days these kids ignore Botchie.)
You've called Animal Control. You've called the local shelter. Now that someone else is here you go to the neighbor's house.
Meanwhile, your wife is double checking all over the house...behind every closed door, logical or not. "Kids, check your rooms again. Check your closets."
And then it happens.
"Mom, I found him!!!" shrieks Ellie.
And Botchie emerges, seeming no worse for the wear, though a bit more glittery. As, of course, you would expect after spending the day locked in the closet of a three-year-old girl.
Yes, this is what happens sometimes when you have 3 small children.
It happened today. At our house.
And I'm typing this with my dog cuddled next to me.

We clean up well

Last night I had the pleasure of accompanying Justin to our local chamber of commerce's annual dinner. Justin is chairman of the board this year. He's kind of a big deal. There were about 450 people there, a silent auction, dinner, live auction and dancing. Justin gave a speech that quieted the crowd and produced many "I'd vote for you!" comments. It's only a matter of time, my friends. We enjoyed a wonderful evening away. Tonight, everyone in our house will have early bedtimes!

Mom, this one is so you can see the back of the dress.

Tooth

Last week Will had his regular check up at the dentist. The dentist told us if his bottom two teeth weren't out in the next 3 weeks to bring him back and they would "help them along". As someone who does not particularly enjoy the dentist, this thought is petrifying to me. But, his permanent teeth are already coming in behind the baby teeth. (Think sharks with 2 rows of teeth - freaky!)

Thankfully, Will lost his first tooth on his own yesterday. It happened at school, right after lunch. Just came out on its own - no blood, pain, or drama. He was soooo excited! He got to wear his tooth inside a plastic tooth necklace around his neck all day. And the tooth fairy visited last night so he was thrilled. Now, we start working on the next one.

On the move

I feel like Patrick is a whole different child since Christmas! He used to just pull up in his bed.

Now, he's standing on everything.

And he's climbing - on furniture, toys, boxes, and the stairs. Just had to take a break from typing this to follow him up our entire flight of stairs. Our life has gotten even busier!

Eleanor's 2013 interview

Ellie was a little more engaged in the interview this year. As you'll notice, Tinkerbell is still quite popular with Miss Elle.

Favorite color: green (for Tinkerbell)
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite food: soup (I have no idea if this is really true)
Favorite vegetable: red peppers (this is definitely true!)
Favorite drink: juice
Favorite toy: all of the girl ones (I have no idea what this means)
Favorite game: Candyland
Favorite book: Fancy Nancy and Tinkerbell
Favorite restaurant: McDonalds
Favorite animal: Big Bird (Will and I both giggled at this answer)
Favorite movie: Tinkerbell with Periwinkle (did you know Tink had a sister?)
Favorite song: Frosty
Favorite sport: t-ball
What would you choose for your name if we didn't call you Ellie Kate? Tinkerbell!
Who are some of your favorite buddies? Gracie and Claire (the 5-yr-old girls at her school)
Where should we go on vacation this year? Hawaii (but she thinks we should all go)
What do you want to do when you grow up? Teach
What is your favorite thing about William? Playing with him
What is your favorite thing about Daddy? Snuggling with him
What is your favorite thing about Mommy? Doing whatever you tell me to do (if only!!)
What is your favorite thing about Patrick? Playing with him and getting in his crib (she does love this. And she can climb in by herself now.)

Ellie Kate rang in the new year with the stomach virus, so she is probably the healthiest right now. Keeping that girl confined and away from her brothers for a day was no small task! Here's to better health for the rest of 2013!