I am Super Mom

I went to the grocery store with all three boys - by myself. You heard me right. I went completely and utterly by MYSELF. There was no Nathan, no grandparent, and no girlfriend there to save me should someone have a meltdown. I braved the outside world by MYSELF with three energetic boys.

We walked up and down the isles with no screams, no temper tantrums, and no meltdowns and I lived to tell the tale. Sure, I had to bribe my kids with chocolate soy milk and bubble gum - but those are minor details to the fact that we survived.

I SURVIVED!

I [temporarily] believe that I can handle this this "I have three kids thing" in a somewhat normal fashion... which might include brushing my teeth everyday, because even that small hygiene activity has been a challenge.

In honor of my latest accomplishment, I have decided to change my name. I am no longer Angie. I prefer the title Super Mom... if you don't mind :)

Little Love Payments

Coming home from the hospital -

newborn in arms

and two boys at home...

At first it was very overwhelming.

Okay, it still kind of is.

At times, motherhood stretches me to the extreme.

In those moments of desperation,

when I feel that I have given it my all...

I am amazed at how I somehow always

receive much more than I give.

William Shakespeare said:

“The more I give,

the more I have for both are infinite.”

I am grateful for every little hug, the messy kisses,

and the love that fills my home.

Mr. Colton James

Sunday night I decided that I was going to be eternally pregnant.
No end in sight... or ankles for that matter.

At 1:30 am the contractions started.
Probably false labor... again.

At 4:00 am we buzzed to the hospital at light speed.
Well, light speed for Boise Avenue.

At 4:15 am I was admitted to triage.
Quickly moved.
Dilated to a six - 90% effaced.
Was told I couldn't have any pain killers.
The baby was coming out too fast.

At 4:38 am the Doctor ran in the room.

With two quick pushes Colton James popped out at 4:40 am.

He is simply adorable.

I have fallen in love again.

Just when I think I know what it means truly love someone,
I am taught what it means to love all over again.

Counting his fingers and toes,

watching his big brothers love him...

I did not know it was possible to love my little someones this much.

I am grateful to our Father in Heaven for his glorious gifts.

For the opportunities to love and grow.

I am grateful for my three sons.

The boys and I are currently enjoying some summer flings.

One of our recent favorite flings is water.

Swimming, sprinklers, water coming from the hose in the backyard...
we simply can not get enough water.

My almost 39 week pregnant ankles agree.
Retaining water is a gross understatement.

There is a fun little sprinkler park very close to our house that my boys adore.
Especially when daddy comes to play with them.

I loved that Caleb's swimming pants couldn't quite stay up, Conner's excitement for the water, and Dad's determination to catch Caleb off guard with the sprinklers.

It is always so much fun to spend time with my family.
I love that I get to be with them forever!

A Mother's Furious Love

"Here’s the beauty in it all...I have never been more challenged, changed and refined than I have these past six years. And I don’t think anything but a mother’s furious love could have molded me into who I am today."

Dear Colton,

I have enjoyed this pregnancy. Carrying you has been a pleasure, together we have grown. As we near the end of this phase in life, I want to thank you for choosing to join our family.

While I enjoy every little kick and movement, you are getting too big. It is time for you to leave the womb. The thought of entering a new world may seem daunting to you, but I promise that you are coming to a nice world. Your big brothers love you fiercely and beg for opportunities to talk to you... and hug you. Your daddy is anxious to drum with you, hold you, and feel your little movements. I simply can not wait to look into your beautiful eyes and finally meet my constant companion of the last 8.5 months. There is so much love awaiting you out here.

As your mom, I promise that:

• Caleb will not eat all of your food - I will make sure there is plenty to spare for you.
• Conner will not wrestle you to the ground - until you are ready.
• There is much more room out here.
• Food tastes amazing - wait until you try chocolate.
• You will always be loved and cared for.
• Life is beautiful and amazing.
• The fourth of July fireworks are so fun - you don't want to miss them.
  
• I might buy you the zoo if you choose to come out today - yes, that is a bribe.

With Love,

Mom

Breakfast Theatrics

Breakfast time is always entertaining with Caleb around.

Let me rephrase that. Breakfast time is a happy time for our family after Caleb has satisfied his hunger. Caleb is our little fire breathing dragon that threatens to destroy all forms of humanity every morning if his hunger requests are not fully quenched.

I bet you didn't know that the dynamic duo of "Nate and Angie" save the world from utter destruction every morning... did you? Any issues of global security are solved in less than ten minutes flat - I'd like to see you beat that, Mr. Jack Bauer!

After Caleb's stomach has had it's fill, our dragon transforms into a friendly little toddler who loves to entertain. I think the carrot juice mustache makes these pictures so much more enjoyable!

Trivia Question For The Day:

How many bowls does the Caleb Dragon need every morning to fulfill his hunger?

Answer: At least three.

I love breakfast time.
I love my boys.
I love that Nate is always around in the morning to help me feed our little dragon.