Tilden Barn

We started the weekend {two weekends past} with our latest endevor: couch to 5k. As a family. So that meant W pushed Vesper and Theo in the double stroller, Ezra biked and I kept my eye on him. It worked. Let's see if we can keep it up two/three times per week, eh?! But it did feel great to exercise again and rejoice in the fact that I'm no longer pregnant. ;)

With a good dose of endorphins, a hardy breakfast and family shower, we decided to go out for the day. We'd just finished reading Charlotte's Web so we thought it would be fitting to head out to Tilden's little farm area for the day.

We did the farm first and fed the animals.

Then we did lunch, grass play time and the nature center before heading home!

Hi.

As you know, she's here.

I made Vesper's announcement using pic monkey which is a fabulous and user-friendly editing site. I just uploaded her picture and did a few over lays to personalize it. Then I uploaded my finished product onto vista print {also where I get my return address labels} and printed them out. Super easy! My first DIY post-baby. ;) And one I could complete while laying in bed.

Full Steam Ahead

It's true that time speeds up the more you have.

We are somewhat into a routine already with three. I'm utterly surprised. Although I'd be equally not surprised if that routine changed yet again. Simply the reality of having little ones. 

But for now I'm enjoying this routine and the fact that the boys are sleeping at the same time again which means I can get some down time during the day too. I'm also enjoying the fact that {so far} I'm doing okay. I'm not drowning like I feared. I'm definitely afloat and surviving--while in survival mode. Because I'm still haggardly. Most mornings I have blood-shot eyes. My hair is up and messy. My clothes are usually gym clothes. And coffee is constant all day long.

Last weekend we dedicated all three of our babies. Something we'd been wanting to do for a long time. We picked Psalm 127 for them... A reminder that without the Lord our efforts are futile as well as an encouragement that they are without a doubt THE best blessings we will ever receive. An inheritance from the Lord. 

We've also had some much needed "normal" weekends of sticking around the house. Clearing out the backyard in preparation for summer, weeding through closets, and short walks to the farmer's market and nearby parks. 

For the first time since giving birth, I've seen the bottom of the laundry pile and a sink cleared of dishes for longer than half a day. Small successes that remind me this season is fleeting and so are these small annoyances. 

Recently, I made an inward and outward proclamation that we'll be officially starting pre-school with Ezra next year. No real formal cirrculum or anything. Actually it'll probably look a lot like what we do now, but I think I need that "official business." I want to take school pictures, talk school up with Ezra and just enjoy this fun stage of learning.  It will help to send mini-goals on what we want to learn and work on. Hoping to just focus on phonics, numbers and fun "unit studies" as extensions to our read alouds. And maybe start a co-op/group where we can gather together and do a few activities together based on a book I've heard great things about. Or at least offer and get support for this great adventure.

And Vesper is smiling now!! The first of many heart-warming milestones. It's hard to believe she'll already be 7 weeks tomorrow. Time is flying.

Easter Sunday

We did the usual for Easter this year. We started the morning with church and an egg hunt at my mom's church. This was the third time I did my hair and make-up since Vesper's birth. That almost averages out to once per week--pretty good, eh?!

There were no matching/coordinating outfits this year and no Easter baskets. Gma saved the day by bringing some for the hunt. And getting a little something for each of us in our Easter basket.

Theo took a few breaks from hunting to play on the playground. There were SO many eggs out that even with the breaks, the kid still had tons in his basket.

Our whole gang!

After church and naps, we headed to Castlewood for an early dinner. The food was amazing and I definitely stuffed my face with it. And made sure to help W with his red wine. ;)

We also got a few generational pictures...including one with my Grandma and Vesper's Great Grandma {Dad's mom}.

Vesper did a lot of napping as she was passed around.

A wonderfully relaxing Easter with good food and good peeps! 

Zoo Trip

On one of W's days off, we decided to make a family trip to the zoo. I'd gotten a free pass from a neighbor that expired soon and thought it'd be a special treat to go during the week with all of us. Plus, I'd feel less guilty if all we did was have screen time the rest of the week while I was on my own. ;) So before family dinner at castle wood, we spent the afternoon checking out the animals and riding some carnival rides.

Theo and Vesper's first time to the zoo!

Theo's curls have been particularly amazing lately. He may also not be getting a big boy hair cut ever until two. We love us a good baby mullet around here.

The rides were definitely a hit. E had the terribly responsible task of picking one ride that he could go on {in addition to the other ones we did together.} He was so indecisive between the little roller coster and the cars. The cars won out in the end.

Everyone was tall enough for the carousel.

A great afternoon...just wish we had a longer drive home!

One {Month}

Don't like that we swaddle you 

Car puts you to sleep...most of the time

Always so wide-eyed

Go 3-5 hour stretches at night

2 hours during the day

0-3 and 3 month clothes fit but you swim in them a bit

Full of creases but no rolls

Big feet and loooong toes.

Respond to brothers' crying

Prefer to be held and love the wrap

Balding in the front

Eyes getting lighter blue

So alert

Fussy before bed

Big burps

Love Papa's football hold

8 lbs 11 oz (40th)

Full of sweetness!