harlow's 15 month appt

Harlow had her 15 month doctor appointment this week (At almost 16 months, I called for the appointment kind of late, third child syndrome!). She was her "usual self" to say the least. Wild and sassy. She was cooperative, but she still gave the nurse and Dr. Franni her screechy scream and eyebrow scowl to let them know who's boss. HER! She runs the show. But in stature, she's a tiny boss, weighing in at 21 pounds (18th percentile) and 31 1/4 inches tall (69th percentile). A quarter of an inch taller than both the boys at this age, and a couple pounds thinner. I have no doubt in my mind though that she's going through a growth spurt right now. Sister can put down food like it's her job! And she wants to eat ALL.THE.TIME. Daycare says she's throws a small tantrum on the floor of the kitchen when she's hungry. At home she hangs from her high chair screaming at the top of her lungs, hangs from the fridge handles screaming at the top of her lungs, or points at the cupboards screaming at the top of her lungs. Her subtle hints that she'd like to eat NOW!!
This is the "Harlow face". All day, everyday. 

I allowed her to keep her lips on that grimy, germ filled mirror to give you a good look at that hair! Most mornings she wakes up with a "natural ponytail" on the top of her head. The back of the mullet is usually pretty fuzzy since she sleeps on her back.

Dr. Franni had just given her the news that she was getting 3 shots. Not even kidding you, she started yelling and ran to the door. And meanest mommy ever added another shot, getting in that flu shot early this year. Four pokes and lots of tears later, she was bruised and sore. 

And sister knew how to work it. She showed her owie legs to anyone who would listen. Daycare picked her up and Harlow immediately pointed to her legs and then laid her head on daycare's shoulder. I asked her the following morning if her legs still hurt, she pointed to them and gave me the look below. I took that as a yes and "get me some medicine". 

preschool- year 3

Hudson started his third year of preschool this week. With a summer birthday, we decided an extra year before the big bad world of Kindergarten wouldn't hurt. I do think he would've been ready, but in my heart of hearts, I just felt waiting was the right decision. And it was a hard decision, one Jamie and I didn't always agree on. But I heard from several parents and teachers, that you probably won't ever regret waiting, but you might regret sending him too early. He's smaller in size, and definitely still has some anxiety issues that another year of preschool could help with. Maturity-wise, this kid has been acting like an adult since he was 2 years old, and he's also very intelligent and loves to learn. So I go back and forth, but in the end, I think we'll be happy with this decision. After I begged and begged, he finally gave in and allowed me to take him to his first day. Sad as it is to admit, he really wanted Grandma to take him. No surprise. But I finally convinced him that Grandma would be taking him and picking him up all throughout the school year, and this was my chance to take him. With a slight eye roll, he said "Fine, then just take me." Gee thanks buddy! Even though it was forced, we still enjoyed a little extra one-on-one time together. We went on a lunch date beforehand, his pick Taco Johns.

His last 1st day of preschool. Three years I've done this now, and it's definitely not as hard, but still not easy. If I let myself, I could have wept at the door, watching him walk in, cautiously slow as he took in his surroundings and decided who to talk to. I stopped at the office on my way out, and just couldn't help myself to sneak back and take one quick look in again. He was fine, sitting on the floor playing with a friend, but I still felt that ache in my heart. I really need to work on letting go, this mama is WEAK! Heaven help me when my second baby starts in a couple weeks.

After school, I went through the typical daily questions- how was it, do you like your teacher, did you make friends, what are their names, what did you do, did you learn anything?? And I got simple yes/no answers and seriously, another eye roll! My mom says I deserve it because that's exactly how I was when I was younger and she'd ask about my day. But man alive, it's like pulling teeth getting anything out of him. He did tell me that he made something, but he already gave it to Grandma so I won't see it. Once again, gee thanks! 

Harlow's Pringles commercial

What boys do....

I can't even describe Paxton's excitement when he woke up in Saturday morning and this gigantic machine was in our backyard! He came running in the house yelling, "Mom, there's a huge forklift out there and Daddy's driving it!!" He could hardly contain himself. And he was right, it was huge. Jamie drove it home from work to cut a lot of branches from our big tree and our neighbors tree. 

And while the boys did that, the girls went shopping! She attracted a lot of attention at Target, wearing these sunglasses and making sure everyone saw her. She gave every passing stranger her cheesy, scrunchy smile and said "Hi" in her airy little voice. I love running errands with my girl. 

The pool to ourselves

We spent Saturday afternoon at one of the kiddie pools in town and we were the only ones there! Harlow was her usual daredevil self, running in as soon as we got there and going under! She doesn't mind a bit, in fact she does it on purpose. Puts her whole head and face under and then looks at you like, "did you see that?!?". Wild woman!!! 

The boys liked the freedom to swim and do whatever they want but I think both of them like to meet new friends too. Thankfully Hunter and grandma were with us to keep the boys busy while I chased Harlow around the pool. 

I knew she'd love the slide. Hudsy went down with her several times, even without my help. He'd watch her climb the stairs and then sit behind and hold her as they slid down. He was a proud big brother! 

And of course we had to take time out to snack! And snack, and snack, and snack! 

This girl will do ANYTHING for food!! Seriously, the second she hears the word "snack" she'll drop whatever it is she's doing and run high speed to get to you! 

County Fair

The family went to the local county fair last week and squeezed out as much fun as we could! With an arm band for endless rides, the boys went over and over again. They each had their favorites, Hudson the fun house and Paxton the giant slide.  

But they both loved feeding the goats the most! When we ran out of quarters, they picked up single corn kernels to feed them. 
Harlow fed them her sweet toe-toes. She smiled as they licked her feet and she kept putting them back in for more. She'd even get mad when they ignored her adorable little toes. Apparently they preferred corn! 

She went on her first ever fair ride. She made fast friends with the ride operator (better known as "carnie") and was able to ride and ride for free. She LOVED it! Screamed her fool head off when it was over. We literally had to pry her little body off as she held on for dear life! She was quite the spectical! I posted a short video below. 

It takes a special kind of bravery to ride these old, rickety rides, for the kids and parents. But to a young child, what's better than a fair!?! 

And here she is......

Dentist trip x2

The boys had a dentist appointment last week. Even with taking them both at the same time by myself, it's a lot less stressful because they have each other. Hudson handles the big brother role so well. Walking Paxton through exactly what will happen, step by step and offering to go first so he can watch. And while he watched, he held my hand. 

Hudson also told Pax that he'll stand close to the chair in case he needs him. But Pax was brave and he loves it just as much as Hudson does. I'm pretty sure most nurses and doctors are amazed at these two boys, their cooperation and genuine interest in everything being done. 

In the end, we learned that Paxton likes female doctors ALOT more than males! Note to self, next time I think I'll request a female. And Hudson has two cavities and no one is more disappointed than him. We made another appointment to have them filled and if cavities could be reversed on their own, I think his would be. He is brushing intensely, flossing like a pro, staying away from candy, and asking what's healthy for his teeth because that's all he wants to eat. I'm sure it's all very short lived but we'll take advantage while it lasts. 

Maddi's Showers

It was a girl day last Saturday with Maddi's bridal shower and bachelorette party. Harlow and I got all dressed up, did our hair and left the boys at home. I can't even tell you how much I love having a daughter to do "girl only" things with! I envision lots of girly things in our future, I just have to hope her big brothers don't turn her into a tomboy! 

The beautiful bride-to-be. 

Many, but not all, of the cousins; Leigha, Casey, Logan, Maddi, Jenna, Hunter, and myself. 

The bride and her flower girl. In typical Harlow fashion, she ran like a wild woman at the shower. And in fact, ran directly into a window. This picture was taken shortly after. Maddi had almost peed in her pants and Harlow was still a little shaken. 

The bride's side of the wedding party. I'm so lucky that these girls love me like their sister. And that they love my kids even when they give cheesy smiles like this one. I blurred everyone else out, just focus on that grin!! 

The bachelorette party was later that evening. Harlow went home to the boys and this mom went out with a bunch of girls who were a lot younger and A LOT taller! Standing between these two almost doesn't even look real! I almost died laughing. 

The bride and her bridesmaids ready for a night on the town. 

And now we're ready for the September wedding in Florida! 

Hudsy's weekend

For Hudson's 5th birthday gift, his godmommy Maddi got him/us a weekend at her hotel. The perfect gift for a kid who has everything and loves nothing more than to stay in hotels. We started the weekend eating at his favorite restaurant, Chili's! 

He is by far my pickiest eater. Most days it's a struggle to get him to eat anything other than a peanut butter sandwich or plain buttered noodles, but at Chili's he ate ribs! Daddy's boy! 

After supper we were off to the hotel. Logie was working at the front desk to check us in. The boys were so excited to see her and thought it was so cool that we were at her work. Jamie commented that with the sisters in the hotel business together, they could be the Hilton's! The girls led us to our room, letting Hudsy walk in first to find it decorated just for him! Balloons everywhere, streamers hanging from the ceiling, a birthday sign, candy and cupcakes! Sure made him feel special, he mentioned to me several times that he's never seen a hotel decorated before. Thank you so much for that girls! 

The next morning we woke up, had some breakfast and did some silly snuggling. Trying to keep the boys occupied so mom and dad could enjoy a cup of coffee, all they wanted to do was get to the pool! 

We had the pool all to ourselves for about four hours that morning. I basked in the freedom of supervising a 5 and 3 year old with life jackets on, it's a piece of cake! (I should mention here that Harlow stayed home with grandma for the weekend.) 

Before our afternoon plans, we had a little rest time in the room. Hudson requested to give me a kiss and take a picture of it. Lord, heart melted. As I held the phone up for the picture he said, "I'll keep my eyes open and watch to make sure you get it." This was the result, haha! 

We made a pit stop to get the boys fitted for their tuxes for Maddi and Zevlen's wedding. How cute will they be?!? 

It was a first time for all of us at Sea Life. And if you ask Hudsy, his most favorite thing we did all weekend. He loved the sharks and giant sea turtles. He was very interested in knowing what everything was. Pax just ran through like a wild boy he is. Stopping when Hudson pointed out something cool. And nervous when daddy held him up to a shark swimming by. 

They were eaten alive at the end. 

And they each picked out an animal, using money Grandma gave them to spend. Crocky and Sharky have become important members of our family. 

Another morning of swimming on Sunday. I can't even count how many times people asked us of they were twins, or just assumed they were and said, "Oh how cute, look at those twins!" The boys got so used to explaining that they were in fact NOT twins that Hudson would immediately reply with, "I'm 5." And Pax would follow it up with, "And I'm 3." The funniest part is when the person acts like they don't believe it, as though we don't know they are! I love the response of, "No, seriously, they really aren't twins??" Nope, not lying! Jamie and I don't see it at all. Sure they look alike, but for every stranger to so quickly assume?? Silly to me. 

There was a baseball team of 10 year old boys in the pool that morning. I got a little nervous about my little boys getting in the middle of their wildness, but I should've known better. Hudson sat back and mostly watched them, and Pax joined them! He made two friends who were the nicest 10 year old boys, I was so impressed with them. They played games with him, jumped in with him, let him choose what they should do, introduced him to the other boys, and always made sure he was safe. I actually teared up a little bit at what those big boys were doing for my little guy. Making him feel so special. 

Como Zoo was our next stop. With the absolute perfect weather, it was a busy day, but we quickly got through all the animals to get to the part Hudson really cared about, the rides! 

Hudson asked if we could pleeeeeease stop at the yellow barn on the way home. I swear he looked at every single piece of candy in that barn!! He scoured the place for a toilet sucker Aunt Ditty had gotten him once before and among the thousands of candy choices, we found it!

It was a GREAT weekend, all thanks to Maddi!! I am so, so, SO grateful that you love my kids the way you do! On the way home Hudson asked me if I thought Maddi's birthday present was the best one ever and then said, "Cuz I do!!! Well, this and the garbage truck from Grandma!"