Niamh at 9 months

This little girl:

1. Can stand all by herself.
2. Climbs the stairs in 15 seconds flat.
3. Digs in any trash can until she finds something, anything to eat.
4. Loves The Wiggles.
5. Loves sitting on Daddy's lap when he eats his breakfast.
6. Loves her blankie.
7. Favorite song; Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.
8. Has almost 4 teeth.
9. Throws some dramatic tantrums; stiffening up, flailing arms & legs.
10. Loves to wrestle with brothers and Daddy.
11. Is a picky eater.
12. Waves bye bye.
13. Is obsessed with water.
14. Loves to dance.
15. Is the little gem of our family.

My Peanut Butter & Jelly

I had one of those moments yesterday, when I felt inadequate as a mother. I promised Gavin & Tyrone that I would get them a slurpee after the park. When we got inside 7-Eleven, and I wrestled with the slurpee machine, with Niamh on my hip and both hands busy with purse and keys, I realized what a mistake it was to attempt it. The clerk was of little help and I ended up turning and walking out of the store without the slurpees and with two angry, screaming kids in tow. I realized when I got home and put Niamh & Tyrone down for a nap and was able to finally release a huge sigh, that there are some things that I just cannot do with 3 kids by myself. I don't like to have obstacles in my way, but sometimes you just have to admit that you are beaten.

Since we have all been stuck at home sick and I have not had much of a break from the kids, I have found myself losing my patience all too quick. I'll admit I feel sorry for myself and wonder what kind of life this is that I have. The past few days I have been made very aware of what a blessing my children are in my life. This post is about Tyrone & Gavin; my Peanut Butter & Jelly.

Tyrone (my peanut butter): Last summer, while in Ireland, we went to a museum one day in Dublin with my dad. We took a tour of the museum. Afterward Lucas was browsing the gift store while my dad and I talked outside. Tyrone was in a stroller, but I had let him out to run around the courtyard with Gavin. Tyrone had turned 2 years old 4 months earlier. One minute he and Gavin were playing, the next minute Tyrone was gone. We searched every where, inside and out. I said silent prayer over and over. There was a door that led outside to a building site and a parking lot. I had searched it already. My dad went out and searched one more time and there was Tyrone running behind some cars. I cannot explain the feeling of despair when the thought flashed through my mind that I might never see my chubby cheeked, big blue eyed Tyrone ever again and worst of all that he was lost in another country. What kind of life would I ever have if I lost one of my children. It would be hard to go on. I think about this now and all those tantrums and hard days with Tyrone are worth it, to have him in my life. He back talks me all day and tries me, but when I go to check on him at night and watch him sleep so peacefully, like an angel, I realize that I'll take the terrible 3's anyday if I get to keep him forever.

Gavin (my jelly): We registered Gavin for Kindergarten the other day. Gavin has been attending a specialized preschool program within the Clark County School District since he was three to help with his speech and some developmental delays. He has come such a long way. I was so worried about him, when he would barely talk and when he would get so frustrated because I didn't understand what he did say. I was so afraid that he would be one of those kids who are lost in a school system who needed help and struggle all through school. I had forgotten how little he spoke, until I looked at a video we have of Gavin last May before we went to Ireland. He really has come such a long way with his speech and I am so proud of him. I am really enjoying Gavin being 4, soon to be 5 in September. He is so grown up and surprises me everyday with little things he thinks of. I asked him the other night at bedtime if he was excited for Kindergarten. I said "Do you think you'll be shy?" and he said "No, I'm brave." And that's the truth, he really is brave. He has already attended 2 different elementary schools and was able to quickly adapt to 2 new teachers and friends. He makes friends quickly wherever he goes and he always seems to be the leader. I love seeing this quality in him, especially as my oldest child. I still remember the day he came into my life when I received the best gift of all, Motherhood.

Every day at lunch time, I ask Gavin & Tyrone what they would like for lunch. Tyrone says "A peanut butter sandwich" and Gavin says "Just a jelly sandwich." I love my little men and I am so proud to be their mam/mom.

The Sick House

It first started with Niamh. She had a terrible cough and runny nose. I had an appointment for her 9 month well-check and ended up changing it to a sick appointment. I'm glad I took her in because she ended up having double ear infections. Poor baby! The boys started to have croup, but luckily no E.R visits there. Their coughs have taken a full week to get better though. Lucas was sick at the beginning of the week and seemed to fight it off. Toward the end of the week, I started experiencing flu-like symptoms. After a few days of bedrest, it turned into a chest cough, possible sinus infection. At this point I am asking myself, Is there ever an end in sight? How much mucus can come out of one human being? and Will I ever get any energy back? Lucas has been such a good "Mr Mom." He was able to take 3 days off work to help me out with the kids and he kept up with all the laundry and housework too. He's amazing. It's hard keeping kids entertained indoors and not feel like you're on house arrest. This too shall pass, right?

Phantom of the Opera

Last Thursday night, my father-in-law, Garth surprised all the girls in the family with tickets to Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian. What a magical night it was. The excitement started for me as soon as we entered the theater and found our seats in the 5th row. As soon as the curtain rose, I was floating on air. The music, the costumes, the sets, the amazingly talented cast. I could go on forever. I know the music of Phantom of the Opera well and found myself wanting to burst out in song several times. It was emotional, funny, dramatic, a little scary at times and I loved every single moment. As if that wasn't enough euphoria, my brother-in-law, Andrew has a friend who is an actor in the show and he was gracious enough to give us a backstage tour. It was absolutely amazing to see how everything is done backstage and all the tricks and techinical things that make the show possible. We also got to meet several of the actors from the show, including Christine Daae and the Phantom. It was extraordinary. I think every one of us were in a state of shock and I know I never wanted it to end. It was truly a night to be remembered. My sister Trudi and her husband Tyler were able to join us at the last minute. It was so wonderful to share this experience with my mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces and my sister and her hubby. After the show, my sister-in-law Amanda treated us all to dessert at The Grand Lux Cafe at the Venetian. Each of us ordered a different dessert and shared. They all looked way too good to eat, but we managed. I'm so grateful to my father-in-law who was so thoughtful to give the girls of the family a sensational night out on the town.

(L-R) Me, Susana, Diana, Andrew, Amanda, Rachelle. (In front) Josie & Katie.

Tyler, Trudi & I Susana, Katie, Amanda, Marc Cedric Smith, Andrew, Josie, Rachelle, Diana & Me

Rachelle (Applecrisp), Susana (Carrotcake), Katie (Chocolate Cake), Diana (Raspberry Cheesecake), Josie (Oreo Cheesecake), Me (Strawberry Shortcake), Amanda (Vanilla & Chocolate Creme Brulee.)

SuMmErTiMe

Gavin & Tyrone chose these costumes as a reward for good behavior. The boys dress up everyday in these costumes and spend hours playing together.

Niamh had a playdate with her cousin Kami. I guess it's never too early for playdates.

Nana came to visit. Gavin, Tyrone & Niamh had so much fun with Nana and woke her up at 6am and told her it was time to get up and play with them. They especially loved when Nana let them cut with scissors and use the glue and hole punch.

Tyrone loves running around in the buff. He loves trying on all of my shoes, but he especially loves Daddy's work boots. What a cute little bum bum!

This is what the boys do everytime my back is turned. This day, they justified getting soaked, because their cars were dirty and they were washing them. What can you do?

Niamh at 8 months

Niamh is almost 9 months, so I wanted to post some pics while she is still 8 months. Niamh is so curious about everything. Her new favorite food is our dog, Duke's dry food/kibbles. She is so adventurous. She tries to follow her big brothers everywhere they go. We caught her climbing up the stairs one night in search of them. She is a "daddy's girl" at the moment and when he gets home from work every morning, she crawls as fast as lightening till she reaches him. Once her daddy lifts her up in his arms, no one else exists. She idolizes him and he loves it. She continues to be a joy and a blessing to us.

Happy Birthday!!

To the woman I love: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MANDY!

Today we celebrated Mandy's 29th birthday! I just wanted to take a few lines in our blog to let everyone know how much me and the kids love her and appreciate her. After 29 years of life, Mandy is a talented, funny, beautiful woman. She is driven in every task she puts her mind to and is a personal inspiration to us all. She is the strong, supporting wife that I need. She is the loving and caring mother or mammy to our children. She is a woman of Faith and an example to everyone who knows her. On this day...JULY 9th... Mandy you deserve a MILLION birthday cheers. And with all my heart I say... I LOVE YOU!

Lucas