Saturday, January 30, 2010

Snow Day

This morning we were pleasantly surprised to wake up to a snow covered Charlotte.  
Granted, it was only about an inch, but it was enough to get the boys very excited!

They started off the day making pancakes with Gill.
After a yummy breakfast and some good train time, the guys were ready to get to work!
Patrick, Finnegan and Gill got some repairs done around the house 
(I won't mention why they were broken to begin with)

The boys followed Gill around with their tools and wanted to do everything that Daddy did - it was a blast to watch, they had so much fun!
In the afternoon we went for a walk around the neighborhood.  Finn and Patrick really enjoyed crunching their feet into the snow and watching the snowflakes fall.  

After our outdoor exploration, we went inside and enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies - yum!
And, in case you're wondering, the boys aren't walking with the abominable snowman, it's just me, VERY VERY PREGNANT!

Friday, January 29, 2010

A Special Week

This week I took MYSELF off of bedrest.  I spent the 2 weeks prior resting as much as possible in order to prevent pre-term labor.  Now that I am almost 38 weeks an "in the clear" I decided it was safe to get out of bed and spend some special time with the boys.  

My goal for the week was simple, to spend as much quality time with Patrick and Finnegan as possible and to waste no physical strength on other bothersome details (cleaning, laundry, etc.).  Unlike our usual routine, we spent most of our time VERY close to home and primarily by ourselves.  I had to make sure that just in case I did go into labor I wasn't far from the hospital.  

We spent hours each day playing with cars and trains.  I never understood why little boys were always so intrigued by them, but I have to admit, I had a great time.  When we weren't racing or "on the tracks", we read tons of stories and put together plenty of puzzles.  Our outings consisted of visits to the library and local bookstore where we played on the toddler-friendly computers, completed different puzzles and explored a wide variety of books.  On the days when it was warm enough, we walked hand-in-hand around the neighborhood, pointing out all the great cars parked in the driveways!

While I promised myself I wouldn't focus on chores, the boys and I were upstairs the other day and they came across the laundry room and became fascinated with the washing machine.  Who knew it could be interesting?  So, we did end up doing a couple of loads, but it became fun - the boys loaded the clothes for me and even took turns putting in the detergent!

I realize that while the boys and I have always had great quality time together, the distractions of everyday life can really get in the way.  This week made me get my priorities in order.  Cleaning can be done in the evening, emails can wait and it is not so essential to make the bed before leaving the house.  With the addition of a third child just around the corner, I am making a promise to myself to enjoy as much time with my three boys as possible.  Re-organizing my closets can wait - especially when there are train tracks to build and songs to sing!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Clean Up!

Gill and the boys have been so helpful around the house lately.  
Gill sings the "Clean Up Song" and Patrick & Finnegan do their best to straighten the playroom.   
While I'm grateful for their help, I wonder why the boys don't realize they wouldn't have to clean up if they didn't dump all the toys in the first place!





Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Ice Cream!

On Saturday, I needed a break from the bedrest and the baby needed something sweet! 
Gill took us all for ice cream.  The boys were so excited to get their own cups, spoons and to sit in chairs like Daddy!  

It may seem like a small outing, but it was lots of fun to be out together, something that has been rare since my doctor ordered me to rest.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Word of the Week Wednesday

Yesterday, the boys and I were having story time.   Patrick and Finnegan each had a matchbox car (surprise surprise).  While I was reading, Patrick dropped his car.  
"Oh crap," Patrick said.  
"Patrick, don't say that word," I replied. 
"Sorry Mommy," he said.
Two minutes later, Patrick drops the car again and says, "Oh Sh*t"

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Daddy Days

The weekends are always a special time for Patrick and Finnegan.  
We love having Gill home with us.  The next few weeks, however, we will consider the weekends to be "Daddy Days".  You see, I only have a few weeks left in this pregnancy, but as of yesterday, the doctor has put me on modified bed rest.  

This puts quite a cramp in my style and while I will probably be leaning on my wonderful friends for support during the week, the weekends are left to Gill!   Patrick, Finnegan and Daddy had a great time this morning at Gymboree - the boys absolutely love sharing that special time with him.