Out Like a Light

One of Phoebe's most impressive traits is that she can sleep through the wild and crazy sounds her big brothers make while they're playing. Maybe if we let the boys run amok from dusk till dawn she would sleep through the night. Of course, then someone would have to stay up with the boys, so that would defeat the purpose of getting her to sleep.

I've Been Riding on the Railroad

We had the opportunity to ride this train with some friends from our neighborhood. The fellow that built and runs it does it for fun. The track ran through his yard, his kids' yards, and a handful of his neighbor's yards. It was pretty impressive.

Sadly, Peter didn't get to go because he threw a massive tantrum a few minutes before we were supposed to leave the house. Thank goodness Isaac and Grandma Bonnie could stay home with him.

Cooper had fun and Phoebe slept the whole time, so it was a win for everyone that went.

Three to One

Bryan asked me today if I've thought at all about how I'm going to take care of all three kids when it's just me by myself, with no extra family members here to help.

Why yes, yes I have.

I had a preview of what life is going to be like when that happens. Bryan had to go back to work on the day that Paige, Isaac, and my Grandma Bonnie drove up from California, which meant that during their twelve hour drive, I was on my own.

Most of the day went really well. We didn't try to go anywhere and I let Peter watch episodes of Go Diego Go on Netflix so I could take a nap while Cooper napped. (My doctor insisted that I have a nap everyday, no matter what. I laughed, then said I would do my best to comply.) Bryan was due back at 5pm and at 4pm I thought to myself that we had had a pretty good day.

And that's when the crazy broke loose.

When Bryan walked in the door I told him I was glad we had all made it in one piece. And I was serious. Peter and Cooper decided to make up for how good they had been for most of the day. I have no idea why 4pm is the bewitching hour at our house. Most of the naughtiness consisted of ignoring me when I asked them to do (or not to do) certain things.

I wonder, why is it that I can ask them to do something and they act like I'm not talking but Bryan can ask them to do the same thing and they listen? They might not obey right away, but at least they acknowledge him. What is the magic power that dads have that moms don't? Or is this something specific to my household?

I'm still thinking about how I'm going to handle things next week when it's just me and the three kids. Will I ever get dressed before lunchtime? Will we ever leave the house? Any ideas for maintaining sanity, both mine and theirs?

No Pictures, Please

Phoebe and I went to Sacrament Meeting yesterday. My goal was to wait a few more weeks before going back, but the primary was singing and I didn't want to miss that. So we got ourselves all gussied up and went. I wanted to take pictures of the very cute first Sunday dress that Nana Shari got for her, but based on her pose, I don't think she wanted me to.

Getting to Know You

Phoebe and Grandma Bonnie have been spending the last few days getting to know each other. I think they've become fast friends.

Catching Some Zzzzs

King of the Rock

Peter and Cooper and I went on a walk this week, just the three of us. It was nice to spend time with my boys. I've missed them. It was also nice to be able to walk without huffing and puffing.

We played at the playground which included pretending we were on a roller coaster. That was great fun. All three of us were laughing out loud as we bounced and leaned forward and back following the motion of our imagined amusement park ride.

We detoured on the way back home to check the mail. There are a few large, decorative rocks in the landscape of our development. The boys both wanted to climb them. As Peter reached the summit he said in a matter-of-fact tone, "Look Mommy, I can climb all the way to the top. That means I'm ready for Boy scouts."

For Your Consideration

I submit that the Baby Bjorn is one of the greatest inventions ever. It might even be considered the light bulb or printing press of baby gear, something that can revolutionize a people. Or at least a household.

That is all.

Vacation Days

I feel like I've been on vacation. A weird vacation that doesn't involve sleep. Bryan has had two weeks off for paternity leave so he's been here to help. His mom left on Saturday. For the last few weeks I've had the luxury of focusing most of my attention on feeding Phoebe.

That's why I haven't had any humorous stories about the boys. I simply haven't seen much of them.

But really, it does feel almost like a vacation. I basically sit around holding Phoebe and watching stuff on Netflix. Since she joined us I've finished the third season of Veronica Mars, watched all three seasons of 30 Rock, and viewed the beginning of a bunch of lame movies and the entirety of a handful of good ones.

If I weren't exhausted from lack of sleep, I would probably feel refreshed from all the relaxing I've been doing.

I consider myself very lucky to have help right now. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around having three children. It should have sunk in by now, but it hasn't. Maybe that's because I haven't had to be on my own with all three of them for more than an hour so far. And the second wave of help arrives this week, so I have a little more time before I'm in charge and by myself, full-time.

For now I think I'll savor the time I get to sit and snuggle with Phoebe without having to jump up and keep the boys from injuring themselves. Or each other. Or destroying something.

After all, moms don't usually get vacation days.

The Garden Awards 2010

Best Crop: The 15 pumpkins growing in the back of the garden.
Most Disappointing Crop: Potatoes, none of which ever came up.
Most Surprising Crop: Edamame! It actually grew!
Most Popular Crop: Cherry tomatoes. The boys eat those like candy.