The Journey of Four Men & a Queen

Family Pictures

2012-01-29T21:28:00.000-08:00

Now that these pictures are over two months old I figured it was time to post them! I mentioned back in November that we had family pictures taken for Thanksgiving. We never get good pictures and we are never all together so my sister and I surprised my mom with a family photo shoot! She was thrilled! I was a little worried due to the two groups of boys. The little ones: Isaac, Parker, Maddox, and Blake. And the big ones: Iso, Mike, Aaron, and Shaun. November was also a horrible month for Parker and the camera! There were far from friends! Even though there weren't as many smiles as I would have liked, we survived! We give a big thanks to the marshmallows, Smarties, and bubbles! And to our photographer, Naomi Fugit! Thanks girl!

Family of 5 picture!

More...

G.G. Mom with 4 of her 19 grand kids

Happy 93rd birthday too!

Uncle Aaron with his four nephews... Looks like he's going to have to supply the girls! ;)

And, of course, Parker will smile when he's with Iso!

Always fun and games when a grandpa is near by!

Close... But not quite ready!

2012-01-22T21:23:00.000-08:00

Tonight at dinner Isaac was talking about his cross necklace that he got from Awanas. I asked him why he chose that prize over all the other ones. He said, "Because it's blue and I love blue!" We then started talking about the cross and what it meant. Isaac knows that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and reminds us of that every time he sees a cross. Some how the conversation turned to heaven and Isaac said he really wanted to go to heaven someday. I asked him if he knew how to get there. He thought about it for a second then said, "Ummm, I have to be good!?" As much as I wanted to reply, "YES! So you can never fight with your brother again"... I didn't. I told him that while being good is something Jesus likes us to be, it isn't going to get us into heaven. We just can't be good enough! By this time he was super curious and asked for the correct answer. We talked back and forth a lot but, in the simplest way possible, I told him that we have to believe in God and that He sent His son to die for us because we do bad things. But, even though we do bad things God still loves us. We have to ask Jesus to come into our lives and live with us forever. His eyes grew big and he said, "Mommy, I want to do that. I want to ask Jesus to live with me!" I told him how excited I was and that he could do that right now! He smiled and asked me to help him. So, we prayed together... Isaac repeating after me. After we prayed I hugged him (and of course Parker too cause he was copying every thing Isaac was doing and was just as delighted in his success)!

When we were done we had a quick conversation that went like this...

Me: Isaac, daddy will be home in the morning and if he asks you if you are going to heaven what are you going to say?

Isaac: I'm going to tell him yes!

Me: And if daddy asks you why you get to go to heaven what are you going to tell him?

Isaac: I'm going to tell him I get to go because I want to!

I guess we still have some work to do. Isaac is young and the ground work is still being laid. I knew this wouldn't be the moment but, it made me that much more excited for when he really does ask Jesus into his heart!

The blue cross!

Definitely not ready...

For those of you that don't know what Awanas is... It stands for Approved Workmen are not Ashamed and is based off of the Bible verse 2 Timothy 2:15. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." It's an international club that focuses on scripture memory. Of course there's snacks and lots of play too! Tonight Isaac's verse was Mark 10:14. All the Cubbies (Isaac's age group) were only expected to learn... Let the little children come to me... BUT, this is a verse Isaac learned a long time ago so he was able to recite the whole thing. And Jesus said, Let the little children come to me. Do not keep them away. My kingdom belongs to people like them! I'm so proud of my little guy!

How many months!?

2012-01-18T21:54:00.000-08:00

What??? I'm five months old aready!?!?!?

Wait, let me look at this number again to make sure that's right...

Yup, that's right... Five months old!

Wow! I'm tired... Being five months old is a lot of work!

Blakester,

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! You're almost halfway to being one year old and I just can't accept that right now! You're a pro at rolling over and you're pretty much sitting up on your own already! Seriously, if you knew how to pull your knees up under your body, I'm sure you would take off! The drool never ends and I can't hold you without you yanking on my necklace. I love that you caress your head when you're nursing (just like your big brother Isaac did as a baby and who still to this day plays with his hair when he eats) and when I catch you looking at me in awe! However, I don't like that you think it's time to play at four o'clock in the morning. Thankfully you are a self soother and can put yourself back to sleep. You love your hands. Your poor little knuckles are red from you chewing on them constantly... Still no consistent luck with that thumb of yours. Your brothers are in love with you! Thanks for laughing at their silly faces... It makes them feel special! I love every second with you... Even the 4am smiles. I do have one small request of you though... If you could keep the poop IN the diaper, that would be great! Oh and I'm sorry for locking you in the car the other day and then having to call 911 to come and rescue you... We'll talk details on that in the next post. That caused way too much trauma on my heart and today I just want to remember the sweet stuff!

I love you little man, Mommy

New Years Eve

2012-01-16T21:28:00.000-08:00

It's not too late to post about New Years Eve, right??? Saturday, the 31st, we headed over to the Copes house for a kid's party. Jodi and I (but mostly Jodi) planned activities for the kids every half hour. They started at six and ended at nine when the ball dropped in New York. It was chaos central with 12 little kids (3 girls and 9 boys) that were high on licorice and hot chocolate! I think it's safe to say they had the time of their life. Thanks Copes for being brave enough to open up your home to 120 sticky little fingers! Next year we'll find a way to make it even crazier so that you don't have to stay up til two in the morning playing xbox! I still don't get how you weren't beyond exhausted! :)

Dessert making

(this was the first thing the kids did... Even before pizza making for dinner)

Ligh saber fighting

(Isaac and one of his best friends, Caleb)

Luke Skywalker finding

(the kids had to take turns jumping into a big box full of stuffed animals. The one that found Luke Skywalker the fastest, won)

Peek-a-boo praying

(Parker and Nate on the stairs praying for our food. Forget folding hands)

Balloon tennis, friend cheering, and partying like it's 1999!

(the dance party was the best. These kids have moves!)

Craft making

(I love how it's all the parents finishing their child's project)

All the kids minus Caleb that fell on the floor and Blake who was upstairs sleeping! These little bodies had so much fun!

Over due Grooming

2012-01-13T20:21:00.000-08:00

At the end of October we FINALLY took Isaac to the dentist! There are many opinions as to when a child should see a dentist for the first time but, we had been told it was when they turned 3 years old. I know, don't judge... Isaac was almost four when we went. A word to all you parents of preschoolers: The sooner you go, the better. We learned the hard way and Isaac suffered for it. He had three cavities. He did an amazing job non the less. He had no fear and opened as wide as he could. She was a pediatric dentist and knew exactly how to make this an enjoyable first time experience. Isaac had to go back early December for the fillings and even though it was a little uncomfortable for him, he did an awesome job again. We have changed some eating habits and are brushing more often. I'm so glad they're only baby teeth though... No long term problems with root canals and crowns!

Waiting to be seen...

She let him touch everything so that he would know the loud noises where harmless.

She's not even ready... But Isaac is!

Even Parker got his teeth checked... See, never too young! Thankfully he didn't have any cavities!

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Another problem in our family is the hair. It's wild and out of control at times! Isaac plays with his hair all the time, which makes it stand up and look super messy. It doesn't help that he HATES getting it cut either! Parker's hair is still baby fine so it doesn't take much for it to look like he just woke up. He doesn't mind getting it cut but, he does mind holding still. Shaun has always been the one to buzz the boys' heads but, lately there hasn't been time. I heard about a great kid's place called Monkey Dooz and decided it was time for the professionals to step in. I was tired of the screaming from Isaac and the constant movement from Parker. So, one morning Shaun left for work and the boys and I headed to the hair shop. I was a little worried but, to my absolute shock and amazement... Isaac had no problem. Maybe it was because the walls were covered in jungle animals, they had monkeys hanging from trees, a movie was playing, and you get to sit in a cool jeep! Parker on the other hand freaked out and had to sit on my lap. The only reason he stayed was because I was feeding him a lolipop.

Before!

You can see how happy Parker is to be there.

Totally zoned out and could care less with what was happening!

Best place ever!

After! So much better!

Super Preggo Strength

2012-01-08T21:26:00.000-08:00

When I was pregnant with Blake I had what I would like to call, Super Preggo Strength! I was go, go, go 'til the day he was born. Yes, I was tired but, I slept hard at night and only got up once to go the bathroom (and that's pretty good. Right fellow preggers!?) I would hold Parker all the time... Or should I say, Blake would hold Parker. The belly provided the perfect seat for him. Everyone would comment on how heavy Parker was but, to me, he wasn't. I would lift him no problem and even go up and down the stairs with him, the belly, AND all the extra weight I gained during pregnancy. It was hard moving around and getting up and down but, somehow I just kept going. Even at 40 weeks Shaun and I would put the boys to bed and go for long walks (my mom was here for the boys).

Now, post baby five months, I'm exhausted and Parker is heaaaaa-vy! By lunch I'm dragging... No motivation. When the boys come running in every morning with guns and costumes in hand I tell them, mommy just needs five more minutes! I can't have caffine due to nursing (I just tried it for two days and while I felt more awake, so did Blake at 5:30 in the morning). I find myself dreaming of living in a one story house because the stairs suck the last few drops of energy out of me. These boys go and go and go and go and go and go... Get the picture!? They want ME running around with them all the time too! I'm thankful when I have to stop and nurse or change a diaper! I didn't think adding one more kid to the mix would be that bad. However, it's just one more person to need me at the same time everyone else needs me. I must say that I never realized how easy the baby stage is. Sadly, I'm figuring out that each stage does get crazier! Not to mention the pile of laundry! I should have asked for laundry soap for Christmas!

The other night I re-indroduced myself to Shaun. I just wanted him to remember he had a wife and that someday she would be able to talk to him again. Last night we took the boys to Ammah and Papa's and went to dinner... Just the two of us. As we were hugging the boys good bye, Isaac asked Shaun, "Are you going to kiss mommy while you're out?" And when we got home Isaac asked me, "Did you kiss daddy?" I love that even though Shaun and I don't get much time together, our boys still see how much we love each other.

I need to add that even though I am beyond tired, I wouldn't trade the day to day chaos for peaceful nights and relaxing days. I know this for a fact because when I do get a little time away on my own, I can't even begin to tell you how much I miss my boys! I'm always rushing home to see them. I love how excited they get when they see me! I can't get enough of their hugs, kisses, smiles, and endless stories of what they did while I was gone!

Some favorite comstumes!

We go on nightly walks and the boys like to ride their bikes. So, of course, they have to be Finn McMissile and Francesco!

Anything can be a gun in our house. Even a straight edge and Dusty, the saw from Handy Manny.

Seriously, it never ends! We put them in their pjs and two minutes later they have capes and helmets on.

And this sweet little guy is just taking it all in. It's amazing how fast he can turn his head back and forth to watch his brothers fly by.

Disneyland x 3

2012-01-06T21:06:00.000-08:00

We've been to Disneyland three times since we got our passes for the boy's birthdays and I am just now blogging about them. Each time it was pretty crowded seeing as how it was Thanksgiving and Christmas but, we were relaxed knowing we didn't need to see everything. As long as the boys get to see Mickey, defeat Zurg, and shop in the Star Wars' store, we consider it a successful day. The first trip was a little overwhelming for all of us. We tried to do both parks (Disney and California Adventure) and realized it was too much... One park at a time! My sister and her family and my brother joined us for the second trip. More adults meant more chances to go on bigger rides. Isaac tried Space Mountain and Star Tours... Not a huge fan of either! Bummer. It's back to Autopia, ToonTown rollercoaster, and Buzz Lightyear. Our third trip was yesterday and we thought Christmas stuff would be down and everyone would be back in school. Boy were we wrong... We'll try again in a few weeks!

Trip one (Nevember 14th).

The boys ALWAYS have to get their picture with Mickey!

November was a hard picture month for Parker! Notice how he turns his head away from the camera!? Oh how he hit the ~~terrible~~ terrific twos right away and with no problem!

He's looking here but, I was either super fast or we asked him if he saw Buzz behind us! Hehe!

Trip two (December 7th).

The usual picture...

Didn't take many pictures this day... There were too many adults, kids, and strollers to keep track of!

Trip three (January 5th)

Because it was so crowded we didn't even try getting a picture with Mickey. Woody and Jessie were the next best thing!

Funny how Blake always happens to be sleeping on me!

Parker dreamed about shooting Zurg the night before! He even took a gun to bed with him. He was so excited!

It must stink being two... This is all you ever see!

So, we helped him out!

There always seems to be a highlight each time we go. The highlight of this trip beats all the previous ones by a long shot! Isaac was chosen to be a part of the Jedi Training Academy! He was focused and proved to be a good student. Even when Darth Maul, Darth Vader, and the Stormtroopers appeared, the force was with him and he was never tempted to join the dark side.

A perfect jedi stance!

Two things I love:

1. Isaac activates his light saber fearlessly.

2. Isaac swings away, completely ignoring his fighting instructions. The Jedi Master tells Isaac, "I don't know what you did but, it still worked out!"

Real men wear PINK

2012-01-04T20:51:00.000-08:00

Not only do real men wear pink but,...

...They also smile while wearing it! Man he looks good!

Maybe this was taking it too far!?!

I love these big blue eyes but, these pictures don't do justice to the true color of this little onesie! It really is a beautiful shade of pink! I guess I have to do it again in better lighting! ;)

Extra info: Real moms also know to do stuff like this when daddy's at work. But, it's oh so fun to send him a picture and snicker when he replies, "DON'T EVER DO THAT TO MY SON AGAIN!!! Just so you know Shaun, Tati bought him this outfit!

Higgins Hunks

2012-01-01T20:02:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from three handsome little men!

Christmas: Part 2

2011-12-31T10:05:00.000-08:00

Part Two: Higgins/Higgins Christmas

Last night we had our 2nd Christmas! Papa, Ammah, Auntie Kimberly, Auntie Courtney, and Uncle Manny came over to shower us with love. The boys were even more excited this time because they knew exactly what to expect! We've decided that we love having many celebrations! Christmas day just wouldn't be enough...

All smiles! They loved seeing the room fill with gifts again!

Parker had several costume changes but, decided he liked this one best! Who needs clothes with a body like this!? Cool slippers dude!

Auntie Courtney had to work but, she had just enough time to open a few presents!

Opening more presents! Blake was awake this time around!

Bubbles!!!!!!

Ammah and Papa got the boys a Cars bath game. The foam board floats! So cool!

I tried a new setting on my camera... I need to work on it!

Took some work but, we got smiles for most of these pictures!

Last picture... Blake was done. He found his thumb and fell asleep in Uncle Manny's arms!

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We're excited to see what 2012 brings. We do have one big trip planned but, everyday is an adventure in chaos! By the end of the year we'll have THREE little guys running all over the place!

Christmas: Part 1 of 2

2011-12-28T22:23:00.000-08:00

Part one: Paajanen/Higgins Christmas

We spent the whole day at home! It was so nice! The boys are always overwhelmed by all the presents and Christmas excitement so not having to be anywhere is exactly what we need by the end of the day! We can typically count on one of the boys to have a meltdown! Parker decided it was his turn this year... He was so tired. Even with a nap! What a grand, relaxing day it was! Sad to see it come and go so quickly!

Merry Christmas! Isaac and Parker had these great bean bag chairs waiting for them when they came down stairs. Of course they had to wait for daddy to come home (he worked the 23rd and 24th) before they could do any celebrating!

Blake slept through all the present opening. He woke up in just enough time to open his main present... Rockstar Mickey! Also, this happens to be our only family Christmas picture. Oops!

Thankfully Isaac isn't to the "I want more" stage. He took is time opening and we had to remind him that there were more.

Parker, Parker, Parker.

He woke up a little crabby but snapped out of it pretty quickly. It was funny watching him open presents. After he opened one he would take it in the other room, where there was more space, and play with it. We always had to call him back in for the next one!

Little Blake enjoyed his first Christmas! Too bad he got sick that night and we've had looooooong, sleepless nights since then!

This is how my dad gave my mom two of her gifts. He packed them in his shoes. We laughed but, weren't surprised!

One of my favorites... Mother of Marvelous Sons!

The big guys got "rifles" (an interactive duck hunt)

THE LeapPad!

This was the gift of the year. AND, if we had known that we would have bought it months ago when we first saw it and knew we were going to get it. As of December 2nd every store was completely sold out of it and even the manufacturer was running out. We had people all over the country looking for one. Shaun got an email from Toys R Us about a week and a half before Christmas. It said that they would be getting some LeapPads in the next morning. They wouldn't tell us how many when we called either. We knew this was our only chance. I already had the case and games for this darn thing for goodness sakes! Shaun was leaving for work the next morning so he got up an hour earlier and was at Toys R Us at 4:45. It opened at 6am. He was the 15th person in line (some had even camped out) and they were all waiting for the same thing. Crazy! He made lots of friends and enjoyed listening to all the other stories. He had success! Ahhhh! Our search was over! The hard work paid off... Isaac loves it!

After!

This is the only kind of mess I don't mind! Well, for like an hour and then I had to attack it!

Coming soon... Part two: Higgins/Higgins Christmas

Blake's Room

2011-12-26T20:49:00.000-08:00

So, I should be blogging about Christmas but, Blake's room is finally done and I'm so excited about it! My dad hung the last few pictures for me today!!! I'm proud to say that there isn't any blue! If I couldn't decorate in pink, then I wasn't going to decorate in blue! Red has never been one of my favorite colors but, I absolutely love, love, LOVE it now! Especially the bright red crib sheets I just got! Now if I could just finish Isaac and Parker's room...

This was the beginning... Wooden stars (that my dad cut out of wood for me) and wooden letters and frames.

Before...

After!!!

Before...

After!!!

A close up! I love the canvas guitar pictures and hooks! And, of course the red picture frame I made now has a pictures of Blake in it!

If you ask me, this little rockstar has a super cute, one of a kind room!

(I love that when he sleeps he has to wrap his hand around the mattress)

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T22:06:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas Eve in pictures...

The Elf on the Shelf was a popular "behavior motivator" in many homes this year. I must say that he was also a hit with our family (but it was the cute, stuffed one that visited us. Not the creepy, skinny one)! The Elf would watch over Isaac and Parker all day and then leave every night to report to Santa whether they were making good choices or bad choices. Then, he would return in a new spot the next morning. I must say that this Elf had to get very creative in finding new spots. The boys loved when he dangled from the fan and was stuck in the blinds! The Elf had to sit high so that no one could touch him. However, this morning the boys awoke to the Elf sitting on the table with a note. "Dear Isaac and Parker, My job is done... You have been good boys this year. Love on me today and then Santa will be here in the morning.I'll see you next December. Love, Elf" And oh how excited they were to get to hold him!

Cookies baked ALLLLLLL day. I remember last year when the house smelled of chocolate and sugar and it made me so sick. I had morning sickness but, no one could know 'til we announced it Christmas morning. The exact smell was much more pleasant this year! Isaac got a little carried away with the green sprinkles and started in on the red! Oh my!

Blake enjoyed his "jungle." It was his big brothers' and we just got it back from cousin Maddox. It doesn't take Blake long to master a new skill. He's already jumping and making the lights flash and the music play!

We relaxed and watched some Christmas movies!

Isaac and Parker played Star Wars one last time before they wished that Santa would bring them more characters....

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And now,

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.......

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!

Three Boys at Three Months

2011-12-23T20:58:00.000-08:00

My boys' third month of life is stressful for me. The reason? Because some how all the comparison pictures of them in the same outfits are then! How that happen... I have no idea! You'd think I'd want to spread it out. I'm seeing some very small similarities between Isaac and Blake (mostly in personality) but, Parker is in a league of his own. However, there are times that I see similarities between Isaac and Parker (same eyes), which then makes Blake the most unique looking. Good thing it really doesn't matter though... I'm glad they're all so different!

Can you tell who is who? I think Isaac and Blake have the same expression!

I bought this outfit when I found out I was pregnant for the first time. I just knew I would have a boy! However, I never thought I'd have three! Guess I got my monies worth!

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These next four are of Parker and Blake. They look nothing alike but, it's fun to see them in the same outfits. Some say the more kids you have, the less pictures you take. BUT, for me, that's the opposite. We didn't have our good camera when Isaac was born so I think Parker and Blake have more pictures than him!

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Isaac (6 weeks) and Blake (2 months)

Gingerbread House

2011-12-21T20:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at Sams Club I found this gingerbread house set for only $7. I had to get it! The boys (including Shaun) had so much fun putting it together and then ~~eating~~ decorating it. It is definitely one of our new traditions! Hopefully the boy's skills improve over the years and I won't have to flinch every time they just throw the candy on and don't make perfect color patterns. ;)

Totally safe to say they only wanted to eat the candy. They thought decorating with it was crazy! When they were done they asked for dessert! Oh my!

Shaun put frosting on the gingerbread man and told Isaac to stick stars on them for buttons. I encouraged Isaac to use whatever candy he wanted so I told him to be creative. So, Isaac thought outside the box and instead of giving him buttons he gave him eyes! It was funny!

What a cute little elf!

Smiling for a picture as he continues to eat the fondant!

The final product! My only regret is that I didn't have them in their Christmas pjs!

Merry Christmas from the Higgins' home!

4 months

2011-12-19T22:18:00.000-08:00

Our little Blake Tyler turned 4 months yesterday! Can anyone tell me where the time went?! Didn't it seem like just yesterday that I was complaining about being pregnant forever!?! I really do NOT like this growing up so fast thing! Blake may be my third boy but, he is unique in so many way! Here are his stats and special things about Blake that I never want to forget!

Weight: 19 lbs
Height: 26 7/8 inches

Blake rolled over all by himself yesterday! He has been so close all week but finally had success. What's even more amazing is that he is already a pro at it. This kid will not stay on his back!

Blake will smile at anyone that smiles at him!

He will not take the pacifier. He prefers to sooth himself with his fist. Oh well, it works!

Blake likes to grab his right foot with his right hand and to roll to his right side. Does this mean anything? Isaac and Parker are both righties but, Shaun and I, Both lefties, were really hoping to get at least one lefty!

He is easy... He just goes with the flow!

Blake chows on his hands, which makes for a lot of drool. Not sure if he's teething or just entertaining himself. Hes found his thumb a few times and seems pretty pleased about that!

It's Blake's fault we didn't go to church last week. Shaun was working and the boys slept in, which meant we were already running late. As we were sitting enjoying a rushed breakfast Blake made some... um... well... inappropriate noises at the table. These noises led to needing a bath and a good cleaning all the way down to the toes. By the time I was done washing him, it was too late. I threw up my hands and said, "Forget it. We're staying home!"

He goes to sleep at 7:30, is up at one or three (I know, weird) for food and then back down 'til 6:30ish. That's when I pull him in bed with me and he sleeps 'til 8ish. Not bad if I do say so myself!

Blake laughs every time we take his clothes off. It's the cutest thing!

When he wakes up from his naps I roll him over (he's a tummy sleeper) and he is all smiles and giggles!

He's definitely a water baby but, loves it even more because big brothers bathe with him!

Today Parker and Blake bonked heads so I told Parker that even though it was an accident he still needed to apologize. Well, he wouldn't so I put him in time out. He played the poor me card and started crying. I took Blake over to him and Blake started laughing at crying Parker. It was hilarious! Parker knew it was funny too but, he fought back the smile and continued to pout.

When he nurses he just want to "talk" to me. I find myself having to put my head up as high as I can because he wants to smile and interact. Not so good if I'm trying to rush a feeding because we need to go somewhere!

Mama's man!

His concentrating/I'm learning something new/completely entertained look.

These two have had a special bond since day one!

Our rockstar!

I, of course, missed the best and longest laughs at the beginning but, with how happy this kid is I'm sure there will be plenty more chances!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

2011-12-17T11:33:00.000-08:00

Happy 31st birthday to the coolest daddy in the world! When people see the energy that my boys have and then realize they get it from their daddy, they always say, "Wow! It must be fun all the time at your house!?" The answer to that is, of course, yes! There are always darts flying and bodies dropping to the floor. The acting is so good that I never know if someone is really hurt or just faking it! Needless to say, Shaun is just as tired as me by the end of the day! BUT, his boys love him and that makes it all worth it!

Some say these two look a lot alike! I'm still undecided!

No, the boys lips aren't bleeding and no they aren't wearing lip stick... It's just red frosting from the cupcakes!

Happy birthday to you daddy!

In this video you'll notice how much Isaac loves Blake AND if you watch 'til the end you'll see Parker trying to attack the camera! These boys make me laugh!

Behind

2011-12-15T21:47:00.000-08:00

To say I am behind in blogging is an understatement. I have so much I want to share! Like, I'm having to make a list...

Like our last two trips to Disneyland...

Or that Blake is soooo close to rolling over but, gets distracted every time he tries! Wonder why!?

Or that this little cutie (that is now 18.8 lbs) will be four months on Sunday!

I want to share about the special relationship that Shaun has with his boys and how much I love watching them interact!

I also want to share real life with you. I have had some rough mommy days lately! Maybe it's because I've been trying to do too much. I love Christmas but, trying to shop while running a house and taking care of three little boys is tough stuff! Shaun's really the one that keeps us all together!

I have to admit why I'm behind on blogging. The laptop died again... Shaun killed it this time. Yes, I take half the blame because I'm the one that put it on the floor. BUT, he's the one that stepped on it and broke the screen. Can you believe it!? I feel like we just got it back from the shop. Repairing it is cheaper than buying a new one but, it sure stinks putting money into something you already own. Especially this time of year... Christmas also isn't cheap! So, we're supposed to get the laptop back Saturday and then I have my work cut out for me! Note to me: I also want to share about Isaac's first dentist appointment, our Elf on the Shelf, the LeapPad hunt, comparison pictures of all the boys at three months, Blake's room, and Super Preggo Strength (that one sounds interesting, huh?!).

Until then, Merry Christmas!

Christmas Tradition

2011-12-08T20:33:00.000-08:00

I've heard it said that you have to do something at least two times for it to become a tradition. Well, this was our third year going to see the Thoroughbred Christmas lights so I'd say we're well on our way to making this a tradition! Thoroughbred is a street in Alta Loma that is decked out with lights and decorations! The houses are absolutely amazing! We love getting our picture with Surfer Santa everytime!

Christmas 2009

(Parker was only a few weeks old)

Christmas 2010

(I'm a few weeks pregnant with Blake... We hadn't told anyone yet though)

Christmas 2011

(Parker is now wearing the Hurley jacket Isaac wore in the years past)

Thanksgiving

2011-12-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

So, I've been meaning to post about Thanksgiving for a while... Just hasn't happened. I'll have to push pause on the Christmas season and rewind a few weeks.

We spent Thanksgiving in Arizona. I can't remember the last time we were there for Turkey Day. The week before we flew my mom out to help with the drive. She entertained the boys and I drove. Shaun took off to Glamis the same day and then had to come back home to work. He didn't fly to AZ til Thanksgiving morning. The drive there was smooth and we only had to stop once (unlike the drive home that took an extra 3 1/2 hours due to accidents and holiday traffic). My brother flew in from LA and my Grandmother came from down south. We were all together!!! We enjoyed a great meal at my sister's house!

We had family pictures taken (for the first time ever) and the guys had to carry the props. I'll post the pictures when we get them back.

Look at my parent's massive cat, Emmy!

Four blue-eyed cousins

Iso reading to the boys before bed. He had to be the one to put them to sleep. If I tried Parker would just cry when I left the room.

Cuddle time

G.G. Mom with her 19 great grandchild

My turkey baby

Parker took a few pictures. Not bad but good thing he got his own camera for his birthday.

We had another birthday party for the boys. Kyle and Ryan came over to help celebrate. It was funny because Isaac thought he was already turning five!

They were thrilled with all their new presents!

A Year Later...

2011-12-02T16:52:00.000-08:00

A year ago today, I found out this handsome little guy was on his way! I surprised Shaun by hanging a 5th stocking over the fire place. It was hard keeping it a secret for several weeks but, it made Christmas even more exciting when we shared the big news with our families! It's amazing to think that last year Blake was only a speck in my tummy and this year he's a big, blue eyed, chunky monkey! Wow!!! From poppy seed to this... In ONE year... I'm blown away! We love you so, so, so much little man!

Christmas Super Heroes!

2011-11-30T09:18:00.000-08:00

We're trying to decorate for Christmas and these two are still acting like it's Halloween! ;)

Transitions

2011-11-28T20:39:00.000-08:00

Last night each of our three boys grew up a little! They all passed down their "baby" beds and graduated to a "big boy" bed. Isaac moved from the bottom bunk to the top bunk. Parker moved from the crib to the bottom bunk. And Blake moved from the bassinet next to my bed to the crib in his very own room! While Isaac and Parker were thrilled and Blake had no idea what was going on, I was a mess. I knew I wouldn't get much sleep because I would be up checking to make sure no one rolled out of bed. What kind of mom would I be if I didn't stress and lose sleep over it!? Isaac and Parker had no problem and Blake was up for food at midnight and five. I'm glad the transition was smooth and that the big boys stayed in their beds. I know the day is coming when Parker will get up 20 times or I'll find them in bed together giggling. Until then, I'll pretend like it will be this easy every night!

Testing out their new spots!

He was so proud!

I snuck into the rooms and took pictures of them sleeping.

You can tell Parker hadn't been sleeping long 'cause he still had his blanket on.

Moving little Blake was the hardest. After leaving his room and walking back to mine, I looked at the empty bassinet next to my bed and about cried. As I took off the sheet it hit me that I'm not storing it away for another baby... It so sweetly cradled all my babies and now it's job is done in our home. My heart still aches for a girl but, I think this is my life lesson- learning to be content. God decided that three beautiful boys was exactly what I needed!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T20:08:00.000-08:00

I wrote another MOPS article and thought it would be a perfect Thanksgiving blog. Happy Thanksgiving!

With my crying baby in hand, I marched back up stairs (hopefully for the last time) to tell my two oldest it’s time to stop messing around and GO TO SLEEP! I then think to myself, “Two down, one to go!” Not convinced my youngest is ready to let me have a night of peace, I come back down stairs to sit on the couch and nurse. It’s been a long day and I’m exhausted! I was hoping to sit and close my eyes but, the mess that was in front of me couldn’t be ignored or even wished away.
The pillows were not in their perfect place on the couch. Instead, they were thrown all over the floor. Sticky juice cups sat on the table while a pile of crumbs layered the ground below. The sink was full of dirty dishes from making a meal for a friend with a new baby. Several dirty diapers lined the outside of the trash can (because I shot and missed). However, those diapers weren’t alone. Next to them were the recycled items that never made it outside to the big trash can. There were also un-wiped counters, dusty furniture, a basket full of laundry that needed to be put away, MOPS registration papers (have you registered?), and toys galore that didn’t get picked up.

The hardest part with all this was that I couldn’t do anything about it! Not. One. Single. Thing. I was being held captive, forced to just sit and be still. My baby was in control of how long I would have to observe the mess. I was overwhelmed with how late it was getting and wondered if I even had the energy to keep going.

In that very moment something happened. Something I can’t even explain. Something so great that I knew it wasn’t me. God took the “mommy goggles” off my eyes and I began to see what was REALLY in front of me. My eyes immediately welled up with tears and complete joy overshadowed my craving for a clean house and sleep.

As I held my precious baby boy, that had now fallen asleep and was lying so peacefully in my arms, I thanked God for my mess. I thanked Him for my pillows that were all over the floor because they proved to be a soft landing and prevented cracked heads when my wild boys wrestled to the ground. I thanked Him for the sticky cups and layers of crumbs because it meant that God had provided what we needed to make it through another day. I thanked Him for the dirty dishes because they symbolized a true friendship. I even found the words to thank Him for the stairs in my house. They guarantee that I get my daily exercise. As I held my baby tighter, I most of all thanked Him for the dirty diapers! I have three healthy little boys that fill every day with laughter and entertainment. I even thanked God for my MOPS forms. I can’t imagine taking this journey through motherhood alone! I also thanked God for the un-wiped counters, dusty furniture, and laundry. It proved that I completed everything that was asked of me that day… Spending time with my boys! And, of course, showing them that Cat-woman is just as cool as Batman!

God has a way of getting our attention and reminding us of His love, goodness, and truth. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Next time you have to change a dirty diaper, clean up a spill, or take out the trash, remember to smile, hold your breath, and thank God!

Out of all the pictures we took today, this was the best one! Figures!

Batman

2011-11-19T20:57:00.000-08:00

All of Gotham City has only ONE Batman to look after them! But I have THREE Batmans to keep me safe! Three! All to myself! I'm a pretty lucky girl! And my Batmans are super strong. In Fact, Batman Isaac is 41 lbs, Batman Parker is almost 33 lbs, and Baby Batman Blake is already 17 lbs! Now follow this: Batman Parker is the same weight Batman Isaac was at his age and Baby Batman Blake is the same weight Batman Parker was at his age (proof)! Crazy!

The yummiest Batman you'll ever see!

This middle picture is my absolute favorite!!!

A Little Extra

Good thing I love stripes 'cause it's all they have for boys!

Oh how I dream of these gorgeous little faces day and night!

I felt so sorry for Blake. He was beyond tired and since these two were wired, it made it worse for him. It made me too sad posting the picture of him crying so I cropped him out...

2 Years Old

2011-11-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Parker!

Oh Parker... How you make us laugh! You never want to be left out of anything. Big brother was having his birthday pictures taken so you jumped in too. Who needs pants with a smile like that!? You're definitely one of a kind... Unique in every way! We love you buddy!

Cheeeeeeese!

One of your favorite things to do... Destroy the loft and then hide! Can you find Parker? I'm really hoping you get a lot of toys for your birthday 'cause I don't think we have enough! ;)

Three Months

2011-11-17T09:17:00.000-08:00

Blake isn't really three months 'til tomorrow BUT, tomorrow also happens to be Parker's 2nd birthday. I decided that yearly birthdays win over monthly birthdays so tomorrows blog is reserved for Parker!!!

I can't believe Blake has already been with us for three months! I feel like that last week being pregnant and waiting for him to arrive was longer than these past 90 days! Blake's a perfect match for our family, the final puzzle piece we were missing! We love him so much and are convinced that 100 kisses a day is not enough!

I'm not sure he's getting enough milk?! What do you think!?

This is the best I've been able to get on video so far. I have to hold the camera to the side though 'cause it distracts him.

Star Wars Celebration

2011-11-13T10:32:00.000-08:00

So I wasn't expecting to be able to blog this soon. Sundays are usually busy with church, naps, and Awanas but, sickness attacked our household (mostly me) last night and so I'm home with the little boys. Only Daddy and Isaac were healthy enough to go to church. Parker isn't too bad. However, I didn't think other moms would be happy if they saw their child in class with a snotty nose boy. Blake is congested which makes nights hard because he's a tummy sleeper... It just stuffs him up more so he ends up in bed with me or put in the swing in the early morning. I had to go in the other room last night to sleep and Shaun ended up with Parker and Blake in bed with him! I felt bad but I couldn't do much to help. Anyway, this isn't a sick post, it's a celebration post. I'll move on...

This year we weren't going to have a party for the boys. We got Disneyland passes (yippy!!!) instead. Well, how do you tell a 2 and 4 year old, that are dying to have a Star Wars party, they can't! We decided to make them think we were having a grand celebration and just have family (and a FEW friends) over. It was cold and rainy but, the boys enjoyed being in the spotlight and seemed to be satisfied with the "party."

I love that we sing happy birthday two times... Once to Isaac and then to Parker. It helps them to forget it's a double celebration! ;)

Birthday boy, Isaac

Birthday boy, Parker

Family and a few friends

(Aunties, I think the pictures of you and the boys are on your camera. I thought I picked mine up but, I guess it was yours)

The youngest jedi!

So, here's Parker chowing down. I was sitting on the couch and turned around to witness this. The responsible thing to do would have been to stop him. BUT, instead I grabbed the video camera. I've NEVER let him do this before... Not even on his first birthday. So, don't judge me! Thankfully no tummy ache today. Just blue poop! :)

Jedi Isaac is 4!

2011-11-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday!

The day was absolutely perfect and Isaac wore a smile from ear to ear! We had a wonderful time celebrating his birthday! In fact, it's 9:30 and I still here Parker in the monitor singing happy birthday. I think he had too much frosting (I'll post a video to prove it)! But for now, I need sleep! So stay tuned...

Almost 4...

2011-11-11T22:22:00.000-08:00

Four years ago tonight I was headed to the hospital to have this precious little boy. Oh Isaac! You have brought so much joy to our lives and we love you more than you'll ever know!

Fire station visit

2011-11-09T21:32:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite things to do is visit daddy at the fire station. However, daddy has had a busy year so this was only our second time going (4th of July being the other). We're always excited when he calls and says come on over... BUT, when he doesn't, we have no problem inviting ourselves! :)

(Of course the boys had to wear their Halloween costumes)

Because Parker refused to be in this picture...

...I picked him up and made him be in this one!!!

The boys talking to each other on the head sets.

Shaun hooked Isaac up to the EKG monitor. He thought it was pretty cool!

Me with my baby! I hardly have any pictures with him! :(

Halloween x 2

2011-11-08T18:05:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Halloween a few days early by going to our local church's Trunk n Treat. Ammah and Papa always join us because this is when costumes are delivered. Ammah always makes the costumes so the boys can hardly contain themselves when they see her truck pull into the driveway. Weeks ago they went to Joanns and picked out the pattern they wanted, then Ammah worked her magic, and out popped these one of a kind, perfect costumes! What the boys want, they get! Thanks Ammah!

Aunties also joined us this year! More kids mean we need more helpers!

Isaac's not mad, he's just in character!

I think he likes M&Ms!

Last year Isaac was terrified of this shark slide. This year he couldn't wait to fly down it! It's HUGE!

Enjoying a ride!

On the real Halloween we went trick or treating and passed out candy. It was hilarious to see big kids (jr. high and even high schoolers) come to the door and Isaac only drop one little piece of candy in each bag! Our big bag of candy lasted a looong time! I'm still not sure how I feel about Halloween or how we'll celebrate this gross holiday in the future but, for now, all the boys know is costumes from Ammah and a little bit of chocolate!

Carving Pumpkins

2011-11-07T20:50:00.000-08:00

The big boys went to the pumpkin patch with Ammah and Papa and brought back these beauties. Notice the size difference? I think it's funny that Parker picked out a little one for himself and a big one for Blake. When we told them that we get to cut them open and take out their guts, they were all excited... Then we got started. Long story, short- Daddy did all the work from start to finish. My little ~~girls~~ boys would not get close to the inside of the pumpkins. I've created clean freak monsters! Oh well, maybe next year Blake can show his sissy brothers how it's done! ;)

Team work!

Taking turns with daddy!

Eeeewwwww!

All Better...

2011-11-06T21:20:00.000-08:00

My laptop is fixed!!! My laptop is fixed!!! My laptop is fixed!!! Boy have I missed having my electronic baby! Thankfully nothing was wrong with the hard drive and it was just an over heating issue... Whatever that means. I'm glad I was able to randomly use Shaun's work laptop but, I'm thrilled to be done with it- Too high tech for me and I needed MY photo programs. I was going crazy not having access to the internet whenever I wanted so I even broke down and got an iphone the other day. I was determined to use my old beat up phone until Verizon forced me to get a smart phone... Anyways, I can now answer, respond, question, and congratulate the world again. I've missed so much in the past two to three weeks (Yes Gradias family, we would love to get together and Burdetts, yeah for baby number three)! I have a line of blogs to come (carving pumpkins, more Halloween, Blake's first trip to the fire station) but, they're going to take some time 'cause I have 232 pictures to sort through. That's how many I've taken in the past two weeks! :)

What's a blog without a few pictures!?

Isaac has a huge imagination. This kid can prendend like no other. At 1pm when the rest of us are napping, he's in his corner entertaining himself!

Parker will tell us he needs to wash his hands just so he can play in the water. It works in our advantage though because he cleans all the dishes while he's at it!

Shaun has nick-named Blake, Little Ginger. Yes, his hair does seem to be red... I love it!!!

Birthday Season

2011-11-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

November is beginning to be one of the most exciting months in our home! It's birthday month for two very special boys. My handsome little Isaac will be 4 and my goofy little Parker will be 2! So, what can you expect for the next couple of weeks? Lots and lots of pictures and lots and lots of stories!!! And mommy saying, "I can't belive my babies are so big!" over and over again! Seriously, I think I'm going to cry right now!

Toys R Us, PLEEEEASE!

2011-11-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

Oh how my boys know Toys R Us. When you ask Isaac if he wants to go to the store he'll reply, "Can we go to Target and Toys R Us?" Typically the answer to Target is yes!!! ;) My Uncle Jim and Aunt Cathy sent the boys some "big brother" money. They were thrilled with the Halloween pumpkin cards but you should have seen the way their eyes lit up when they saw the money. Isaac was willing to hand the cash to me so I could put it in my wallet 'til we were able to go but, Parker looked at me, pulled away, and said, "no way! Mine!" They had so much fun walking the entire store, in search of the perfect toy! Thanks Uncle Jim and Aunt Cathy!!!

Parker found every ball bin the store had to offer. We were in the sports section for a loooong time!

Another bin!

As soon as we got to the Star Wars section they were both sold! It didn't take long to decide on the perfect little figures. An Anakin Skywalker and some other weird fighter, creature, soilder looking things (I can't keep up with this stuff)! They were ready to check out and rip open the boxes!

The whole way to the car, "Mommy, can you open mine? Can you open mine? Please open my guy!!! Mommy, I need him out now!"

10/31

2011-10-31T15:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from two knights in shining armor and a cute little tiger!

#3

2011-10-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

Today I had a doctor's appointment. I had to get three shots and even though they hurt and I cried pretty hard, the pain and the tears didn't last long. Mommy was very surprised and happy with how well I did! Here are the facts:

I'm just over 15 pounds

I'm 25 inches long

And my brothers are never invited back to one of my appointments! I think they gave mommy her first gray hairs!

check out my big blue eyes and super long eye lashes!

A picture phenomenon... the trio!

Summer or Fall?

2011-10-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

Our weather has had a hard time choosing whether it wants to cool down or stay warm. Two weeks ago I had the heater on and the boys in fleece, footed pjs. Last week I had the a/c on and the boys in summer pjs. This week I have the house opened up and the boys in pants and short sleeve pjs. Oh the joys of Southern California weather! Jackets and swim suits stay out year round. The hooks on the back of our garage door look pretty silly... Isaac's life jacket and beach towel hangs right next to his sweatshirt! No matter the weather, we're always outside. On this particular day we enjoyed some bubble blowing and chasing!

Picked up this super huge container of bubbles for $1.59. Wahoo!

If he had hair you would see it fly up. As of right now the air from his blowing goes up instead of out!

Quite the slippery mess!

Happy summer, winter, spring, and fall... Whatever it may be in your neck of the woods!

Saying Good-Bye

2011-10-22T09:15:00.000-07:00

Parker has been a binkie kid from day one... Literally. They say not to give a baby a pacifier 'itl they're at least four weeks so that you can make sure they are good at nursing and there is no nipple confusion. But, Parker is smart and he knew the difference right away. Zero confusion and zero problems latching to anything.

His attachment to the pacifier has been quite scary. Isaac was always calmed when nursing but, Parker was all business... Get the food and be done. His dessert was his binkie and he always wanted dessert. his first year with the binkie was cute. I didn't get to match hair bows with outfits so I matched binkies with outfits! However, as he grew and worked his way to his second year of life, we knew it needed to go. Well, there was never a good time to take it away. Trips would happen and it was just easier to drive with a kid that wasn't crying. Months went by and we still hadn't started the battle of being "plug" free.

For the past few weeks we have slowly been taking it away. We worked it down to just when he was sleeping and then he actually gave it up at nap time 'cause he thought it would get him out of a nap. I was beyond shocked when he did this! Have I mentioned how stubborn and strong willed he is!? On October 9th Shaun put him to bed without his soother! I was terrified! There was a little bit of crying but, he did it! He went to sleep and stayed asleep all night! For the next few days he asked for them and would go to his secret hiding spot to look for one. We would just tell them that they were all gone and that he was a big boy now. Shaun even cut the nipple off of one just in case we needed another reason why he couldn't have them anymore, they're broken.

Parker is now talking and singing himself to sleep. I'm amazed at how easy it actually was. I think these kinds of things are always harder on mommies than the kid anyway. I must say it was super sad for me when I scooped them up in my hands and dropped them into the trash can. I was saying good bye to my little Parker and hello to my big boy Parker. Memories of sitting and rocking him flashed in my mind. Holding him so close to me and wanting that time to never end... For him to stay little and innocent forever. Just knowing that a plastic thing in his mouth, a blanket, and a warm hug was all he needed. I wonder if I can give it back to him when he's 16 and life is unfair and miserable! Think it will work then!? ;)

The goods!

2 Months (and 1 day)

2011-10-19T21:59:00.000-07:00

One reason I wasn't so thrilled about having another boy was because I thought it would be the same old thing again... Been there, done that. WELL, this little Mr. Blake Tyler is proving me wrong. He is better than any little girl could ever be for me! It's amazing how each child, no matter how many there are, can be so unique and absolutely wonderful! I'm making sure to hold Blake as much as possible, run to him when he cries, pull him into bed with me to cuddle, and anything else those "experts" tell you not to do. This is my last baby and I'm going to keep it that way as long as possible!

Look at me... I'm getting so big!

Isaac's shirt should say "proud" big brother. Seriously, he is so good with the little ones!

A good morning hold!

Sweet dreams!

Sometimes babies look so awkward when they're propped up!

One of his many expressions!

this is how all my boys sleep... Hands above their heads!

Oh how in love I truly am with this little guy!

MIA

2011-10-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to blog for the past few days so that I could reassure you that we are having better days (other than me getting sick and sounding like a man) but, my lap top decided it didn't want to work. The only internet accesses I've had is Shaun's phone (yes, I still have an old lame-o one). Shaun leaves for work tomorrow but, he is graciously letting me use his work lap top before he goes. Sadly, this means I'll be computerless for a few days... Which also means I won't get to blog on the 18th... Blake's two months! :( So here's one picture of my sweet little Blake that will have to hold you over until my lap top is either fixed or shaun returns home with his!

Hope

2011-10-12T22:23:00.000-07:00

My greatest loves are my greatest struggles!

Today was one of those days were I needed to be constantly reminded of the good times and reassured that today would eventually end and tomorrow I could start fresh. The boys were constant and I'm still trying to master being in three places at one time... Why do they always need me at the same time!? My throat is sore from all day verbal disciplining and my head aches because there were times I just wanted to give up.

Yet, in the weirdest, mind boggling, you have got to be kidding me, kind of way... I wouldn't have it any other way. I am determined to turn my suffering into hope! Check out Romans 5:3-4. It is helping me to rejoice in all circumstances!!!

Good night!

Extras

2011-10-09T16:23:00.000-07:00

I've had these great, but random, pictures that I've wanted to share so I figured I would just throw them into one post and call it good. The first three are from when my mom, sister, and nephew came to visit last month!

Nursing. Lisa told me not to post this one! Haha!

The four boys in the bath! We had to quickly bathe the little ones so Isaac and Parker could stretch out.

My mom, Mummu, with her super hero grandsons (Isaac- Darth Vader, Parker- Batman, Maddox- R2D2, and Blake- Superman).Will she ever have a granddaughter!?

Reading the mail and checking on weekly specials with daddy.

Isaac and Parker took Ammah out for her birthday. They went to Joanns to pick out their Halloween costumes (so Ammah can make them) and get this cool scarecrow. They also went to lunch and then a movie. The Lion King 3D. Happy birthday!!!

Someone copied The Lion King for us but it only works on the little DVD player. It's probably better that way, less scary on a small screen!

One day we got out all our books that have matching stuffed animals! Wow!

And my personal favorite!

It was a cold and rainy day last Wednesday so the boys and I met a friend at the mall play land. When we got home I heard a meowing sound in the garage. Isaac and I looked all over but couldn't find it. Finally, when I realized it was somewhere in the engine of my car I freaked! I popped the hood and laying right on top was this... A cat! In a huge parking lot with lots of cars, it chooses mine to crawl up into! It made the journey home without getting hurt and with the help of another friend, it now has a home!

Yup, Sea World

2011-10-04T21:38:00.000-07:00

Our minivan stroller! :)

Last week we made our first trip to Sea World as a family of five! Of course Shaun and I woke up super tired but we figured those kinds of days will be around for a while so we just needed to suck it up and go! Other than the fact that Shaun and I have had to change our parenting defense from "man to man" to "zone," I think the day went pretty well. A few extra feedings and diaper changes slowed us down but, didn't ruin the day! Parker was moody but 2 out of 3 kids happy, we'll take it! The park was empty so I wasn't having to say, "watch out," "pay attention to where you're walking," and "move over" every five seconds. Every exhibit we entered Isaac said, "This looks like a good place to run!"

This picture may not look like much but, boy oh boy it sure means a lot... I'M CLIMBING!!! I'm not big and pregnant so I can actually play again! It felt soooo good! This time Shaun got to sit and watch the little ones!

Isaac was eating and bit his tongue... Right in the middle. How in the world do you do that!?

Some family moments!

Two years ago Isaac got his picture drawn. So cute huh? Well, this time it was Parker's turn...

Poor Parker... Not so cute! This artist was a little more extreme than the last. Like Parker's head needed to be any bigger!

Heads up

2011-10-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hello,

My name is Blake and I'm six weeks and three days old. I may be young but, I am quite strong. Look how high I can hold my head. Oh and can you guess what size my onesie is? Six months! My muscles don't fit in anything smaller than that!

I'm growing like a weed... But not like the weeds in our yard. My daddy kills those things before they ever have a chance. In fact, when my big brothers want to go outside and play ball, my daddy makes them play I spy with crab grass and weeds first. Poor Isaac and Parker spend more time picking problem areas than they do working on their swing.

Anyway, mommy wants me to slow down. It's her fault though... She's the one feeding me. I love when she holds me tight and kisses my head. For being the third kid, she still makes time to do this a lot. She about cries every time too... Something about me being her last baby and that she'll never have this again is really hard for her.

My first month of life was hard for everyone but now that I'm sleeping from 10pm to 7am with one feeding around 4am, it's do-able. Both mommy and daddy wish that I wouldn't fuss for hours before bed time though. That's the only part that's making them kinda crazy.

I love my big brothers. They make me smile all the time! Especially Isaac. He knows just where to stand so that I can see him. Parker on the other hand gets in my face and it makes me go cross eyed. He also likes to kiss me on the lips and that's not cool! That could be why I'm sick again. I'm coughing and then gagging on my own mucous... That's just not cool either!

I'm sure I'll have more cool, new tricks to show you in the days to come but, for now, I'll just keep working on lifting my head higher, laughing, and being cuter than I already am (which is pretty much impossible)!

Ten years and going strong

2011-09-29T14:37:00.000-07:00

Eleven years ago, as a nervous, far from home, little freshman, I walked into an upper division class that would change my life forever. Besides the fact that the teacher was a little nuts and that it didn't take me long to realize that I knew nothing about British Literature, there was this outspoken, super cute, sophomore that sat right behind me. He had bleach blond hair, bright blue eyes, and always wore cargoes and a plain white shirt. I had a crush but he had a girlfriend... Bummer! Regardless, the sad news didn't hold me back. I continued to enjoy my first year in college. Dating, going to banquets, hanging out with the girls, but never fully forgetting about my Brit Lit dream!

The year ended and I headed home for the summer. Mr. Blue Eyes told me that he wasn't going to come back in the fall so I decided that I needed to get over him... It was never going to happen. But of course his goal was to totally confuse me and I got a random email from him in July. He wanted to hang out if I was ever in town over the summer. Well, I happen to be visiting a friend that lived ten minutes from his house. I called him and he came over. Crazy timing!

Fast forward through the summer and it's now my sophomore year. I was in student leadership so I was there a few weeks early. AND can you guess who I saw in the hall registering for classes! Yup.... He's baaaaack! Turns out he broke up with his girlfriend over the summer (which is why he emailed me) and was now free for the taking. I'm a lady though so I didn't act interested anymore... I let him do all the work. Within three weeks we had gone on a few dates and it was now time to have the "talk." After lunch but before class on September 27, 2001, we headed out to the benches in the courtyard next to the AJ Staple's room. We talked and with his head down, twiddling his fingers, and shuffling his feet he said, "So, I'm ok with the boyfriend, girlfriend thing if you are!?" Yes, no joke... His exact words! Well, I was so far gone, head over heals, for him that it didn't matter how it came out! I took the invitation and said, "I'm good with it too!" I was in love and I knew it was only a matter of time 'til he realized it too!

Three years of dating, seven years of marriage, three kids, and many adventures later, we revisited this bench! That loud mouth, cutie that sat in the back row of my freshman year literature class is now all mine! I love you Shaun... Or should I call you my Everyman!?! ;)

One boy, one girl, and one old wooden bench... That led to this!

The scene upon arrival... A flood and under going yard work! :(

Of course I coordinated our clothes to match!

one + one = five

Little did Shaun know that ten years later he would be disciplining his children on these exact same benches! They work great for time outs!

Oh Blake!

2011-09-27T21:06:00.000-07:00

I'm working on some blogs... So... In the meantime... Happy Tuesday from Blake!!!

Out Numbered: Big Time!

2011-09-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

My friend, Nicole, asked me to write a short article about life with boys for our MOPS newsletter. This is what I came up with...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Before I became a mommy I was an elementary school teacher. Like any job there were good days and bad days. However, everyday was crazy! When you put 30 plus kids in a classroom there is bound to be conflict and behavior problems. The issues between girls and boys were so different. I could handle the girls with their cat fights, hurt feelings, and trying to pierce body parts with plastic cafeteria forks. It was the boys I struggled with. They drove me nuts! They were so rough and tough and they really smelled. I remember coming home one day frustrated and telling my husband, “We will NEVER have boys! N.E.V.E.R!”
Fast forward a few years…

November 12, 2007: It’s a boy! November 18, 2009: It’s a boy! August 18, 2011: It’s a boy! Yes, God gave me exactly what I said I would never have… BOYS! Three of them (five if you count the cat and my hubby)! When people learn that I have three boys they either feel sorry for me or immediately let me know that I’m lucky because girls are so much harder than boys. Well, at first I did feel sorry for myself because I, of course, did want a girl. BUT, I believe God gave me boys because girls are too easy and He knew I needed to be challenged! FYI: Moms with girls, let me think this way!

Some days I feel like I am swimming in testosterone. I know the name of every super hero. It’s dirt bikes, quads, and sports all day long. Our family theme song is Star Wars. I am constantly being growled at. I would be rich if I had a nickel for every time I heard, “You don’t know the power of the dark side.” I wear more blue than pink and my house even has blue accents. At times I am scared that my second floor is going to cave in on me due to all the wrestling matches and light saber wars. I must say that living in a boy world is never dull.

Sure it would be nice to have a little pink among all this blue but, I am the queen of my castle and I make sure to leave feminine touches wherever I go. My husband’s manly truck currently has hair spray, lip stick, and a tampon in the glove compartment!

22 and 1

2011-09-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

Happy one month to my Blake Tyler AND happy 22 months to my Parker James!!! They share the 18th which makes it super easy for daddy to remember!

Blake Tyler you are...

...filling out and becoming quite chunky!

...wearing three months clothes.

...loving the swing!

...frustrating between 8pm and 10pm. Your big brothers are now in bed so this is typically MY time. BUT you have turned it into your crying time.

...most happy when you are eating or talking with daddy!

...a great cuddle bug!

...hating the pacifier. You act as if we're trying to gag you!

...getting so strong and holding your head so high!

...quite the sleeper... but only during the day! You'll sleep through any loud chaos but silence is not your friend!

...so alert and aware of everything around you! Seriously, are you really only one month!?

...A RED HEAD!!!

Well, maybe a little bit of everything. Some days you are blond and other days you are brunette.

...our little rockstar!

Look at these eyes! They're HUGE!!!

Parker James you are...

...H.I.L.A.R.I.O.U.S!

...getting so tall and losing some of your chunky monkey rolls!

...talking more and more everyday. You're favorite phrase right now is, "I'LL do it!"

...not interested in being yourself. You only want to be Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon! I have to call you Hiccup if I want you to do something!

...my favorite nap buddy! You cuddle in so close and then rub my face with your blanket to put me to sleep. works every time!!!

...always trying to steel the show! Compared to your brothers, I think you get the most attention when we're out!

...a counting machine. "Nine, nine, nine, nine..." Who needs one, two, three!

...a little athlete. You insist on hitting the baseball out of the air and not off the tee.

...a tease. You call your brother over so you can give him something. Then right before he takes it you pull it back and laugh. Not funny my child!

...a dare devil!

...so in to Star Wars! Especially Star Wars gummies. You ask for them by humming the theme song!

...my middle child!!!

Look at these eyes! Yes they are open!

Smile

2011-09-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday Blake started smiling! Not the gassy or sleepy dream smiles either. They're the on purpose-interactive-I have a personality-and I think you're funny smiles! While they're still hard to capture in a snap shot the video camera has proven successful!

Now I'm curious... When did your child(ren) give their first REAL smiles???

Stinks being the baby!

2011-09-13T22:26:00.000-07:00

Thankfully Isaac and Parker didn't try dressing Blake with any other Mr. Potato Head parts!

Yesterday Blake had a doctor's appointment. He, just like his brothers, is at the top of the charts.

11 pounds 10 ounces (an impressive 3 lbs in three weeks!)

22 1/4 inches long (he's stretched 2 1/4 inches since birth)

Again, it stinks being the baby. Here's a one minute video for proof. One obnoxiously loud big brother and another one wanting to play a suffocating round of peek-a-boo!

To the park we go...

2011-09-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Even with as hard as it is and as long as it takes to get out the door, I can't just sit inside all day! Yesterday I braved my first park adventure with all the boys! Seeing as how it's been so hot, we haven't been lately. But, yesterday was a high of 84 degrees so the morning temperature was perfect... Even needed long sleeves! Blake didn't really care to play but Isaac and Parker were able to release some pent up energy! I didn't get many pictures but you should be impressed that I got any at all! Three boys and a camera... Phew!

Trying to sleep in the bright sun!

They had baths as soon as we got home!

Weeeeeeeee! Their favorite!

Please don't share with your brother...

2011-09-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

Isaac and Parker have been great at trying to share their toys with Blake. Even if he shows zero interest, they still love to include him in their playtime. This may be a parent's dream -siblings sharing and getting along- however, I am quickly learning that there is one thing I DON'T want them to share but they ALWAYS do anyways... colds! Not sure who got it first, Isaac or Parker, but it was quickly passed to Blake. What a way to say, "Happy three weeks!" Fevers, coughs, and runny/stuffy noses... Awesome! Nights have been even more challenging! Let's just say Shaun and I have had to do a lot of tag teaming with naps. At least everyone is still smiling though!

It's not easy being the baby!

Boys will be boys

2011-09-06T07:03:00.000-07:00

Shaun went to work yesterday for the first time since Blake was born! Good thing the big boys didn't expect me to do this! We miss you daddy! It's so boring without you! Mommy just doesn't bring the craziness like you do!

Post pregnancy thoughts/facts/useless information

2011-09-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

I am so glad I had Blake BEFORE summer came! Yes, summer doesn't come to Southern Cali 'til the middle of August... One question: Why did it even have to come!?

At first I thought Blake was a quieter sleeper than Isaac and Parker. Last night he proved me wrong! He grunted like crazy ALL night long! This boy has some major gas issues!

It's super hard to find anything in my closet that fits and is convenient for nursing!

Blake is going to have huge personality! Check out this face!

Milk coming in and nursing contractions are way worse then anything I felt during labor and delivery!

I love the smell of baby breathe!

I love that Isaac and Parker have adjusted so well to Blake! Right now Blake is sleeping in the swing and Isaac is begging to hold him!

Getting up at night to feed Blake isn't exhausting. What IS exhausting is when I feed, change, re-wrap him, put him back in the bassinet, and then I hear a lot of grunting followed by a big juicy toot! The vicious cycle begins again!

I love that Shaun can wrap his big, strong arms around me and there is no belly to get in the way... Just the sounds of chaos in the background!

I am planning to be in Hawaii for my 30th birthday. That gives me 9 months to slim down and find a cute bathing suit!!! :)

When I was pregnant I couldn't shave my legs 'cause my belly was in the way. But now I can't shave my legs 'cause I don't have time...

I smell like spit up!

My wish for diapers has been granted! Amazing friends and our Bible Study class has been so generous! See. And this was just the beginning!

Blake has his own room but in his two weeks of life I don't think he's even been in it!

I can't believe Blake's already two weeks old!

I love how Parker says, "Baby Bake!"

This messy loft energizes me! The boys are usually good at cleaning up but some days I would rather do it myself. I need to make sure toys are put back in their rightful spot so when one goes missing, I know exactly where to find it!

I am beyond thirsty ALL the time! Blake is sucking me dry! I never have to go to the bathroom either. I guess that's a good thing though 'cause I don't have time to go anymore!

Sometimes I still feel Blake move inside me!

Had my first outing with the boys the other day and it was a success! Oh how I missed Target!

I am so thankful for all the meals friends and family has brought us. They started two days after Blake was born and are set to continue through September! Amazing!

Blake is definitely the little brother, but he's learning to deal with it... Or should I say "sleep through it"!

Last, but not least: My mom had my older brother in November and then 3 years and 9 months later, in August, during their 7th year of marriage, had my little sister. I had Isaac in November and then 3 years and 9 months later, in August, during my 7th year of marriage, had Blake! So crazy, but pretty cool!

My 3 Sons!

2011-08-28T15:53:00.000-07:00

Isaac Timothy

Parker James

Blake Tyler

Compare away y'all! Personally, I think they all look very different... Maybe it's because I know how different their personalities are. Regardless, they are equally the cutest boys in the whole wide world!

Baby Blake Story

2011-08-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

Big boys are out with daddy and Blake is sleeping so it's now or never... The Blake Story!

Wednesday, the 17th was a mentally exhausting day. I was not looking forward to having to go in and be induced. I mean, it is my third baby, shouldn't my body have already known what to do? I like being in control, knowing what's going on, and knowing what to expect, but not in this case. I wanted to go into labor naturally and quickly so I didn't have time to think about what was coming.

That night Shaun and I put the boys to bed, hugged my parents good bye, and headed to the hospital. We arrived around 8:45 (15 minutes late... Oops) and they took me right in. You're supposed to call ahead and make sure there is room but I didn't 'cause at this point it didn't matter what they said... I was going in and wasn't leaving! :) I was thankfully 4cm and feeling contractions. They started with the wires, needles, monitors, wrist bands, etc. and I was finally all hooked up and ready to go at ten. They started the devil drug pitocin to speed up labor. Shaun and I talked, laughed, ate ice chips, and watched tv 'til 12:30. I was getting super tired so I figured I should go ahead and get the epidural so I could try and sleep. I wasn't in pain yet, but I've had pitocin before and knew I eventually would be. Again, I was all hooked up by 1am and resting comfortably. Shaun and I slept 'til two. Then, the nurse came in and checked me, flipped me, and we went back to sleep 'til three. At three I was 5cm so they broke my water. I knew Blake was only an hour from birth now (that's how it was with Isaac and Parker... One hour after breaking my water). I rested for the next hour but could feel the little guy making his way down. At four I was 8cm so they changed my position and nine minutes later I was beyond ready to push.

Pause. Rewind:

Before we left for the hospital I told my nieghbors that Blake would be born at 4:15. Isaac was born at 7:15, Parker was born at 8:15, and both were 6 hour labors. This meant Blake needed to be born on a "15" too. Actually, to make everything perfect he needed to come at 9:15 but, I wasn't waiting that long! Because I was hooked up at ten this would also give me my third 6 hour labor. Crazy huh!?

Ok. Fastforward to 4:09am again:

My nurse told me not to push and ran to get my midwife. The reason I was induced at this time is because my midwife, that I loved and that I had seen throughout my entire pregnancy, was on call that night. She wanted to be the one to deliver Blake. Turns out she was delivering someone else's baby so a doctor rushed in for me. Blah! All the staff knew I was shooting for a 4:15 birth so they were working as fast as they could. It was all so exciting for everyone. Well, turns out my "15" passed by the time she told me I could push. The time is now 4:18 and I'm all geared up to push, but right when I take my deep breath and push, my nurse tells me to stop! WHAT? Then she tells me to do whatever I feel I need to do. What in the world does that mean? Finally she tells me to look down and I see Blake. My three second push produced my 8 lbs. 10 oz. baby! Turns out the cord was wrapped around his neck and that's why she told me to stop pushing. Usually pushing is the most painful part for me. I guess it was again this time but, the fact that it only lasted three seconds made it easy! The entire labor and delivery went so smooth, never a hickup.

Two seconds old!

First pictures with Blake!

Yes, full hands... BUT also a FULL heart!

Meanwhile back home... The boys were watching tennis with Iso...

... And playing Monkey see, monkey do!

Isn't he beautiful!?!?!

Eek! I think Superman had a little too much kryptonite!

Captured

2011-08-21T21:37:00.000-07:00

It is completely safe to say that this little guy has captured the hearts of his mommy, daddy, and his two big brothers, not to mention his grandparents and aunts and uncles! Blake has been an easy baby so far... Sometimes we forget he's here. He even let us get some sleep last night (he had a five hour stretch). I'm working on returning to the blogging world soon... May take a day or two more though... I know you mamas are waiting for me to post the "birth story." Soon!

B.T.H.

It's hard to pick just one... :)

Mommy and the 4th love of her life!

All four loves cuddling up together!

Blake is the first thing Isaac asks for in the morning. He wants to hold him all the time... His arm even fell asleep because he holds him for so long. Isaac has been an amazing big brother x 2!

Parker thinks Blake is a pretty cool toy. At first he was bothered by his cry but now he thinks it's funny and tries to imitate him. Parker has adjusted to his big brother role seamlessly!

Good night little Blake. We love you so much!

Better Late Than Never!

2011-08-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

Blake Tyler Higgins finally decided to make his appearance at 4:19 am today. He weighed in at 8 lb 10 oz and measured 20" long. Both Blake and Mom are doing great! Erica handled it in true champion form and is ready to come home (We're hoping to be home in the morning). Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers throughout her pregnancy. He is truly yet another blessing to our family.

Little, little brother!

Here is our family of FIVE! Boy is mommy outnumbered!

Both big brothers were very excited to meet our new addition, but watch out for when they figure out he's here to stay ;)

More up dates to come...

Last prego up date!

2011-08-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

40 weeks 5 days

(I know it looks like Blake hasn't dropped but even after 9 months I still have a tendency to suck in my gut:] I may have done this here, which brings the belly up a little)!

Since Blake has decided to take up permanent residency in my womb, the doctor is calling it quits and taking him out tonight. It's not the way I would have hoped, but my body is done. Yesterday was a very emotional day for me when I realized this would be the outcome. However, I have had contractions all day and I'm already at 3.5 cm. I'm hoping that when I go in tonight I'll at least be a four, which is considered pre labor and also meaning that Blake was already planning on making his appearance. This is Isaac's delivery all over again. He was a week late so I went in to be induced. Thankfully I was already 4 cm and didn't even know it!

I'm anxious, excited nervous, joyful, overwhelmed, hopeful, but most of all I've had way too much time to think...

This will be my last up date. My next post will be a picture of Blake and all his info. My goal right now is to take a nap and then enjoy our last evening as a family of four! The boys are excited to meet their new little brother in the morning.

Adventures in waiting...

2011-08-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

Passing a due date is no fun... I would know! Besides the killer pain in my lower abdomen, that is constant and hurts just as much when I'm sleeping as when I'm awake, I'm doing pretty good. Because there's no point in sitting and waiting, we're continuing on with our daily adventures. My goal is to keep this waiting time as normal for the boys as possible. Parker still has a runny nose but seems to be all better and Isaac is 100% and always needs an activity.

Oak Glen has been one of our favorite spots. The boys love all the animals, the seasonal fruit picking, and the fresh, cooler air. Shaun and I love that it's close, which makes it nice for quick day trips. Here are some pictures from our last visit.

We took a family picture on this same bench six days before Parker was born. I will NOT repost the frightening picture so click here to see it (it's in a collage so you'll have to click on it to blow it up).

Really, what was God thinking!?!

Much better! :)

Isaac and the animals...

Isaac took the bottom pictures of Parker...

What the heck?

2011-08-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning feeling my FULL 40 weeks pregnant and thinking today would be a great day to have a baby! However, Blake told me "you wish!" So, feeling a little depressed, my mom and I went shopping. Seeing as how buying clothes and shoes are out, I got rugs for the kitchen and some caramels, cream soda, Caramel chocolate apple dip, and ice cream instead! :) I have walked so much this past week trying to get this kid out that I figured I deserved many things sweet! I didn't gain any weight this week and I'm usually up a few pounds at the end!!!

I guess Blake is keeping his brothers' tradition alive... Meaning I will have passed my due date with all three boys! Why!?! Guess I'll have to waddle my way to girl's night out tonight! I love my girl time but was hoping that I wouldn't make it to this one (no, offense friends;] ).

Until you hear from me again, know that I'm still just anxiously waiting.......................

Not quite time...

2011-08-08T21:41:00.000-07:00

I know there really isn't a convenient time to have a baby, but I'm glad Blake didn't come today... Even though I'm dying to meet him!

Parker woke up Friday morning at 5 o'clock with a temperature of 105.3. It's been on and off since then and the highest it got today was 101. Because he has developed a cough and Niagara Falls for a nose, I went a head and took him to the doctors this morning... It ended up being a viral thing (plus a sore throat) that eventually goes away on it's own. Exactly what we figured but with a new baby coming soon, I needed to know for sure... Peace of mind.

Besides the cold, the other grand events today included: Shaun leaving for work :(, Parker falling down the stairs, Isaac having an hour and a half melt down, and Isaac tripping on a toy and landing on his face, causing his bottom teeth to go through his lip. Poor guy had the fattest lip. Through all his crying he told me he was scared but that Jesus would heal his body. However, two minutes later when he still felt pain, could still see blood, and was confused as to why he hadn't been healed, he yelled, "Where is Jesus?" It was so precious.

Even though today was definitely not a picture taking day, I was able to get this cute one of Parker loving on the elephants that are painted on the walls at the doctor's office. It was a long wait and he wasn't about to be confined in the small room, so we toured the "jungle" while we waited!

39 weeks

2011-08-05T20:37:00.000-07:00

So I'm really hoping this is my last picture being pregnant! :) Blake is definitely in place and so are the signs that my body is ready. If you concider the fact that I'm in my last days of my third pregnancy, I must say I'm doing pretty well. However, I'm still ready! Shaun and I went out tonight but instead of doing dinner and a movie we did dinner and a never ending walk around the mall. I've put in my order for Blake to come tomorrow morning at 6:15. I did that with Parker the night before he was born (with no signs of labor) and he was born the next morning, five minutes after I said he would be! IF my prediction doesn't come true this time, at least I know this pressure and these contractions can't last forever!

Big brother kissing little brother... And so proud of it!!!

Anyone but Mommy!

2011-08-03T14:03:00.000-07:00

Parker may look like the perfect little angel but getting to this sweet and peaceful state of sleep has been quite challenging lately. From Parker's first day of life he was easy. He slept a lot and just chilled. He went with the flow and was so content. By two months he worked himself into a schedule. He was going to bed at 7:30 and only up for one nightly feeding. I was thanking God for a calm child 'cause Isaac has been loud and crazy from day one. He was colicky and we had to teach him to self sooth at night, which included some crying (from him and me)!

In the past couple of months Parker has "woken up." He has discovered his inner strength and it scares me to say but he is far more stubborn and strong willed than Isaac. Examples: 1. He will sit in front of his favorite food and not eat it just to prove a point. 2. If he is in time out and calling for me, as soon as I return to him he will stop and either hide his face or completely turn his back on me. 3. (my favorite) Within the past two weeks he has put up a terrible fight at bed time... BUT just for me. One night I called Shaun at work and put him on speaker phone. He was easily able to get Parker to stop crying, lay down, and go to sleep. Pathetic! The next night I coached Isaac on what to tell him and Parker went to sleep for him. Last night, my mom (who came yesterday) had to go in and tell him to lay down. See, everyone but me!!! Nights that I'm alone I end up carrying him to my bed and he falls asleep in two minutes. Then I take him back to his bed. I'm not apposed to him crying, I just feel bad for his roommate, Isaac.

I know it's the age (approaching two), he's a mama's boy, a new baby is coming into his world, and he daily has to learn to share with big brother (Isaac never had to). BUT I find myself now praying that Blake will be the easy child that I thought Parker was going to be! Wait, is there even a such thing as an "easy child"? :-/

Blake is here!

2011-07-31T20:13:00.000-07:00

I lied! Blake isn't really here... But if I had told you this was another Sea World post would have clicked on it and scrolled down as fast as you did!? Or would have even bothered to look at it!? Probably not! Don't worry, he should be here soon. It's the first thing on my "to-do" list this week: Birth Blake!

One of my best friends since birth, Julie, and her family were in town this past week and they wanted to take their little guy to Sea World. We really wanted to get one more trip in before Blake joined us so we tagged along with them. I also figured the walking would help in accomplishing my to-do list. :) It was more crowded than we were used too, but if you compare it to Disneyland, then the park seemed pretty empty. Thanks for coming Voyces! We had so much fun!

Julie, Richard, and Ryker (aka: Richard Sydney the 4th)

Isaac took the top, right picture... :)

38 weeks!

Feeling like the picture on the left but glad that the real, normal one is on the right! ;)

It's amazing what mirrors can do!

Loving this picture of my guys... Even though I forgot to tell Shaun to take off his sunglasses...

Shamu jumped out of the water so he could get a quick picture with us!

AND this is a real turtle!

j/k

Lake Arrowhead

2011-07-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we headed up to Lake Arrowhead with four other families from Shaun's fire department. We BBQed, paddle boarded, kayaked, swam, and relaxed. Of course I missed out on all the adventures and just ate and relaxed.

The 4 1/2 Higgins! :)

Can you tell Parker loves his daddy!?

He has the coolest hair. This is not styled either... It's water, a touch of sun block, and wind created!

Even with all the water around, Isaac was still covered in dirt. He and another little boy chased lizards and threw pinecones at them... Of course they missed every time!

Exploring...

Shaun and the guys!

37 1/2 weeks

2011-07-26T16:41:00.000-07:00

I figured if the picture was in black and white then it would be ok if it was bare belly!?

Last week at my doctor's appt. my body was already prepping for labor (dilated and effaced) so she thought Blake would come early. BUT, I had another appt. today and because there wasn't a lot of change, he may not be early now. Oh the waiting game we play when in the last few weeks of pregnancy. I felt great last week and wasn't quite ready to have him so I limited my activity. However, I'm really feeling ready this week and welcome his arrival at any time! I feel like a rubber band that is about to snap, my Braxton Hicks are strong and frequent, and his little knees are violent! My doctor is estimating his weight right now at 7 1/2 lbs. so that puts him in the (mid to high) 8 lbs. range at birth. Yeah right, I'm sure I'll get another 9 pounder! :)

The answer to "why?"

2011-07-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

While at the store today my boys were out of control. Isaac was whining about what cereal he wanted and Parker was crying 'cause he didn't want to sit in the cart. In complete parenting exhaustion, I looked down at my belly and out loud asked, "Why?" In my head it sounded more like, "why in the world are we doing this again and why did we think it was a good idea the first time?"

After listening to some relaxing music on the way home and Isaac thinking it was funny that I told him I needed to calm down (he's usually the one that needs to calm down), my little villains became sweet boys again... Over lunch I was able to ask myself this "why?" question again. This picture was my answer... They held hands to thank God for their food!

"In the end, it's ALWAYS worth it!"

Neighbors

2011-07-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

I think one of the scariest things about moving into a new house are the neighbors. I had always said that when it came time to buying another house I was going to "interview" the neighbors first. Well, God made it beyond clear that He wanted us to live where we do now, so I decided that whether we liked our new "family" or not, we were here to stay!

Thankfully, we happen to have the best neighbors in the world!!! AND it's not just the neighbors on either side of us... The entire block is great! Because everyone actually likes each other and is friendly, we have block parties. We rope off the street and hang out all day! This is truly an amazingly rare find! A lot of the kids are grown, however, we are placed perfectly in the middle of two families. One that has three boys and another that has three girls and one boy (and two that don't live at home anymore)! My boys are the youngest (not by much though) but I love it that way for so many reasons. My tops reasons being: 1. Isaac seems to play better with older kids and they teach him new tricks/skills. 2. The girls think Parker is absolutely adorable so they have no problem giving him all the attention he wants. 3. We get hand-me-downs. 4. I don't have to chase down every ball that goes in the street. 5. I can sit in my beach chair and take pictures while other kids entertain my boys! Playing tag, soccer, and baseball are not easy these days!

Thank you God for great neighbors with lots of little kids!

Isaac and Tiffany playing Toy Story

Parker playing in the "outfield"

I need to get a video of him playing baseball. He hits the ball off the tee, takes off to run the bases, which we don't have so he makes them up as he goes, and then slides into home, which is also a base we don't have so you never know where he's going to land. And of course you have to cheer for him at the end! He's such a stud!

Whoop, whoop!

2011-07-21T21:18:00.000-07:00

Whoop, whoop! The Higgins boys got new undies! Shaun was a little disappointed that I didn't want to share his pose with the blogging world! I figured you would all thank me! ;)

Parker is obviously still in diapers but I love how he so badly wants to be a big boy!

Waking big brother up from a nap!

Note to self: Super hero and Disney underwear is beyond expensive. My boys are getting good ol' Hanes next time around!

Newport Beach

2011-07-20T13:45:00.000-07:00

Last week my mom, sister, and her little guy drove out to visit. We decided to make it a beach week instead of a Sea World week. As we were making sandwiches and packing swim suits that morning, Shaun called and said that he got forced to work another day and wouldn't be home. I wanted to cry... Getting to the beach with three little boys and then setting up "camp" sounded exhausting. That's why we were taking Shaun. So he could drive, set up, and run with Isaac. :) I had already told Isaac we were going so there was no turning back now. My brother ended up meeting us out there to help and I was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't stressed and we had so much fun! I guess you can't help but be relaxed when playing on the sand and jumping in the water!

Lots and lots of digging... This was the first time we remembered the shovels!!!

Peek a BOO!!!

Parker checkin' in on Maddox...

Can you tell Maddox really enjoyed his first beach trip?

So glad my brother was there. We needed someone to keep up with Isaac!

Trying to get a belly bump picture. This was right before we left and Parker wasn't having it.

Ok, maybe this was right before we left! :)

20 Months

2011-07-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

Parker has only a few short weeks before his world is totally rocked. Before he hits 21 months he will gain a new title in our family, middle child! I'm kinda excited for him though 'cause that means he'll be perfect! Aren't all middle children perfect? It is in my case! ;) It's hard to believe he'll be a big brother at such a young age. Thankfully though, my little mama's boy is becoming more independent. He will NOT sit in a high chair or even a booster seat, he doesn't like to use baby forks, he has no problem disciplining his older brother (he loves to point his finger at him and say, "No, no, no, no, no, no..."), he opens the pantry and chooses his own snacks, he doesn't want any help when brushing his teeth, and, sad to admit, he still controls the pacifier battle... As you will witness in the video below.

Even though he sits in time out with an "I'll show you this doesn't even phase me" attitude, has an obnoxious screech, knows how to hide big brother's toys behind his back and flash an innocent looking face, and scares other little kids at parks and mall playlands away from toys so that he can play with them, makes me laugh and fall harder in love with him!

This little dance video goes for a while... It's cute though!!!

Preggo Thoughts/Facts/Useless Information

2011-07-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

I wear Shaun’s mesh shorts around the house all the time... Big and comfy waist band! BUT his shirts have way too much material for this summer heat so I throw on my pre belly tank tops that don't fully cover the bump. I'll admit, I look a little white trash!

Blake is already on my nerves... Literally. He does some crazy moves that hit my nerves and give me dead legs all the time.

No baby shower planned for boy #3 but we are accepting diapers in all sizes! I'll even be ok if you "TP" my house with baby diapers...

I’m freaking out that his head isn’t down… I think it is but I’m still freaking out! I haven't felt the little feet in the ribs like I did with Isaac and Parker.

While on the subject of freaked out... I'm scared that Blake is going to be massive and they're going to have to cut me open! :/

I’ve had two great labors and deliveries but I’m so not looking forward to doing this again. I hate the IVs, being hooked up to all the monitors, the uncontrollable chills, the pushing… Good thing the end result is so rewarding!

I'm excited for Shaun to wrap his big strong arms around me and to not feel like there is something coming between us! ;)

My nights are still pretty good. I am surrounded by pillows and only get up to go potty once, sometimes twice. I get pretty warm so I sleep with two fans on me.

Blake is having no problems keeping up with his brother’s womb activity. This kid doesn’t stop. You know those kick counts the doctor wants you to do? Yeah, three pregnancies and I’ve never had to do one. If five minutes have passed and don’t feel some type of karate chop, I get worried. He’s a very strong boy!

I so badly want to lay on my tummy!

Days are hard. Being up and down with Isaac and Parker and still trying to clean and feed mouths is exhausting!

The best response I've gotten when I telling someone it's not a girl, it's my third boy... "Oh my gosh. No! I am so sorry!!!" :)

My biggest preggo success… NO stretch marks! Wohoo! Yippy! Hooray!

I'm excited to be ONE size. Currently my closet is full of pre preggo clothes, first trimester clothes, second trimester clothes, third trimester clothes, post pregnancy clothes, post three month pregnancy clothes... You get the idea!

I can't believe I'm done having babies! :(

I hope I never forget what it feels like to have a baby move inside me. It is the coolest, most amazing miracle!

I'm ready to start shaving my legs again! ;)

A two minute conversation I have in my head quite often: "I have to pee... Nope, never mind. Oh no, I've gotta pee... Oop, not anymore. Eek! Gatta pee... Umm, false alarm. I have to pee... Now I don't. Gotta pee... No I don't. Blake, STOP BOUNCING ON MY BLADDER!"

I want to cry all the time... I don't, but I could. Anything sentimental makes me emotional...

The round ligament pain has been pretty bad this time around. It came early on and never left. If I sit for five minutes it then takes me another five minutes to stand up straight. Ouch!

I can't wait for Blake to meet his big brothers. Isaac wasn't allowed in my hospital room when Parker was born (due to the swine flu) so this will be a brand new experience taking our first family picture in the hospital. I'm totally going to cry!

I'm really hoping that I feel complete with my family of five... Kinda because Shaun felt complete with our family of four!

Man alive there are so many more things I'm feeling/thinking about. This was all I could come up with for now... Not bad!

Best belly shot for now...

36 weeks and at the beach with my boys today!

Silly Isaac!

2011-07-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

Isaac was on fire today with all his funny comments and stories. Here are a few that I felt needed to be recorded...

#1.
Isaac- Mommy, I have a scratch on the side of my eye.
Me- Oh, I'm sorry bud. How'd that happen?
Isaac- A long time ago I went to a jungle all by myself and a tiger AND a lion got me.
Me- Wow! Did you tell them that that wasn't very nice?
Isaac- Yeah, but it's ok 'cause I killed them with my really, really, really, really, really BIG light saber!

#2.
Isaac (while going potty)- Mommy, you really need to clean my toilet. It has a lot of poop on it.
Me- *I laugh and get the toilet cleaner and scrubber*
Isaac (very interested in what I'm doing)- Are you going to get Opsy Clean?
Me- What?
Isaac- Opsy Clean! Are you going to get it?
Me-What's Opsy Clean?
Isaac- I don't know. It's just that the guy on TV said it takes stains out of shirts and toilets!
Me- Oh, you mean Oxy Clean!!!

Clean your own poop kid!

This was the first picture I took. As you can see, sucking in the gut didn't help! :)

#3.
While he was in the bath tub tonight he was playing with two little action figures. Using two different, deep voices, he had a conversation between them...
Guy 1- Hi there. It's nice to meet you.
Guy 2- Hi. It's nice to meet you too.
Guy 1- You wanna dance?
Guy 2- But I'm a guy!?
Guy 1- But I'm a guy too!?
Guy 2- Well, you can be the girl then!!!

Beach Boys

2011-07-07T20:53:00.000-07:00

Growing up in Arizona meant that beach trips were few and FAR between and that we were probably lucky if we got to go twice a year. It's not easy (or cheap) packing up three kids and driving six hours to play in the sand. When I moved to California in 2000 it was as if I was living in my childhood vacation spot. The beach was so close... (Only a quick trip down the 91 freeway that's never crowded. HA)! However, after visiting other beaches, like Hawaii or Belize, I soon realized that Cali beaches were gross and I totally wasn't impressed anymore. I didn't go as often and didn't care that I lived so close to my "dream spot." BUT, now having kids that love the water and don't care how cold it is... That love the sand and don't care how full of kelp it is... That love the little tiny dead crab bodies all over and don't care that there aren't any turtles swimming by... That don't care to snorkel 'cause you can't see past your hand if you put it out in front of you... They just love the beach, any beach! All this to say... That as a parent, I'm loving California beaches again!

Jump! Jump! Jump! And roll in the sand and get completely covered from head to toe!

Smile! smile! smile! And look so cute while doing it!

We had a great, great, great day!

4th of July

2011-07-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day! We took two days to celebrate this year. The 3rd was Sunday and our church always does a great job of remembering those who gave their lives and then in the afternoon the boys and I baked treats for daddy and the rest of the guys at the fire station. The 4th was spent at the station, napping, and seeing fire works. What a great holiday... See, here's proof! ;)

3rd of July photo shoot! Parker wouldn't ditch the binkie and Isaac wouldn't give a "normal" face... Typical!

My little bakers!

The yummy treats!

Red, white, and blue gummy bear cupcakes, white chocolate-blue sugar dipped strawberries, and star sugar cookies! We colored the cookie dough and it turned out pink instead of red... Oh well!

And this is why I don't like to bake... Boys were sound to sleep but I still had to clean :(

My feet were a little swollen that night...

Click on collage to enlarge...

Parker's favorite:

To sit in the front seat and make faces at himself in the side mirrors! Hilarious!

Isaac's favorite:

To sit in the engine with Daddy and talk back and forth on the head phones!

Here is a comparison of the boys. Isaac on July 4th at Parker's age. This was Isaac at his blondest...

Because the boys (and I) took such GOOD afternoon naps I decided that I would be daring and take them to see fireworks. We still continued the usual night time routine- bath and pajamas but then climbed in the car instead of bed. We went to a local park that I didn't think would be too crowded 'cause it was a good distances from the main city firework's show... Yeah, I was wrong. This park happens to be at the top of a hill and has a great view so it was packed. Grrr! It took forever to find parking and then I had to carry all our gear plus Parker up the huge hill. Isaac was excited to be out after dark and Parker was completely impressed with the show! It was a lot of work on my part so I'm hoping Shaun doesn't work next year! It was hard enough with two boys and a big belly. Not sure I want to do it with three!

Juggling two mortgages

2011-07-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

Today marks 11 months that we have lived in our new house. It also means that we are one month shy of a whole year of learning how to be landlords, deal with a rental agency, and collect rent that only pays half of the mortgage. But through it all God has been faithful, even when we doubted and wanted to give up. Like when our renters paid late every month. Or when they flat out decided to stop paying and we had to evict them. Or when we found out that one of them was a registered sex offender and the cops were after him. Or when Shaun spent an entire day cleaning because the place was a disaster.

However (cause God KNEW we needed a however), we are now with a new agency and they have found us a wonderful renter (that moves in today), who has a record of always paying on time, AND she signed a two year contract! We also got a letter in the mail yesterday that said our interest rate was lowered, which means our mortgage on the rental was almost cut in half. Yes, we will still be losing money each month on the rental but God totally took our worries (aka: freak outs) and showed us that we are doing exactly what He wants for us!!!

The boys and I stopped by the old house to drop off the keys for the new renter. Isaac loved seeing his old room and Parker loved all the open floor space to run!

To read about our amazing house story, click here.

Seven (6/26)

2011-06-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

A true love story of a girl and a boy...

She asked him on their first day... He said yes!

Two years later he got down on one knee and proposed... She said yes!

Another year later they got married... They both said I do!

Since they have been married they have had seven big events take place...

He took her to Hawaii... ~~Four~~ three times!
2004, 2006, 2008, ~~2010~~

She became an elementary school teacher (he needed a sugar mama while he finished the fire academy and medic school)!

2004

Couldn't find a picture of the two of them in her classroom so this will have to do!

They bought their first home!
2006

He became a ~~sexy man in uniform~~ fireman!

2007

They became a family of three!

2007

They became a family of four!

2009

They bought their second home!

2010

During this seventh year of marriage they are looking forward to becoming a family of five and planning their next Hawaiian vacation!

They continue to live happily ever after...

Trains, trains, and more trains!

2011-06-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

A few days ago Shaun and I took the boys to a train museum. It's close to our house and free to the public... Two of our favorite things! The boys had a great time exploring and can't wait to go back in November when Thomas will be there!

They had sheds and trains from all over California!

Yes, I even climbed a few trains myself!

Exploring...

Isaac told me this is his "happy, mad" face!

Parker has reached the "I KNOW I am sooo cute" stage!

Shaun needs to hurry and grow a third arm for Blake!

I love all my blond hair-blue eye-white boys!