Snapshot

**This is one of those blog posts that I have no expectations of everyone reading. It’s more of a journal entry. It’s my memories of this point in time of life with our three little boys.**

I’m going to look back at this time in my life as one of the BEST. I really know that.

The kids’ ages are priceless. Seth and Sam are sponges, soaking in each tidbit of information that passes in front of them. They are still (mostly) innocent and have no reservations in loving us as parents. They think everything we do is cool and right, and want to be like us; they don’t yet know that we are really dorky. They are so creative and have no sense of being “cool.” AND, Seth and Sam are finally sleeping through most nights without a terror or nightmare (this is the first time since they were two that we can say that!)

Josh is at that “perfect” baby stage. He sleeps through the night from 8-7:30; he can sit up, but not yet crawl; he’s light enough to hold lots, but can hold his head and body steady. He loves to smile and laugh.

I know that at any moment, and probably within weeks, this blissful time will be gone. Josh will be cutting a tooth and waking up constantly. Not to mention, Josh is going to start being mobile soon, and that will cut out a lot of freedom. Seth and Sam are growing up too fast: starting to occasionally do things to bug each other, just to be ornery. They are starting to be a bit stinky, but perhaps that’s because I just realized that I’m STILL using baby soap on them (oops, guess I forgot about that one). Ben and I are already lamenting them transitioning away from this age of innocence.

This past month Seth and Sam have really picked up reading. It’s amazing. They are reading the first set of Bob books, and taking turns, read through Dr. Seuss’s Foot Book. I’m surprised at how quickly they pick up on grammar rules, such as the silent “e” makes the vowel make a “long” sound. Sammy is especially adept at discerning which vowel belongs in what word, although Seth is able to read a bit quicker than Sam. Seth does a great job inferring what a word is based on the words or pictures around it. I’m so excited for them to be able to read. It’s going to open a whole new world up to them.

We’re still really enjoying reading longer, or chapter books together at night. We’re currently on a Dr. Seuss kick, reading his more obscure books, such as, Bartholomew and the Oobleck, and The Bippolo Seed. I still think all of our favorite is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Each day Sam and Seth are really into picking which animal they are going to pretend to be. I asked Ben if all boys were really into, “who eats who on the food chain,” because they are very into what EATS each animal. I finally figured out that this is because neither boy wants to be something that can be eaten by the animal that the other boy is pretending to be. It’s all very complicated and I’ve really had to learn about carnivores and herbivores.

Speaking of learning, we’ve made a decision about what to do for Seth and Sam for school next year. We are going to participate in “Classical Conversations,” which is a once a week homeschool group. I’m so excited to still have the boys at home for me for at least one more year, and this program is amazing! I think that it’s going to give us a great framework for homeschooling.

The boys’ new sport is hockey, thanks to the Olympics. It’s a great sport for them to play in the garage on rainy days. I love it, because it gets their energy out, and I don’t have to play “quiet patrol” in the house while Joshua’s napping.

For the first time since pregnancy, I feel caught up on life. I’m keeping up on housework, making good gluten free, healthy meals, and even have some leisure time (just look at this novel I’m writing on here). I love saying “yes” to a kids’ request to read a book or play Blockus, without feeling like my housework is slipping. We can go for an hour long walk on a whim and my house isn’t a disaster. And because I’m getting good sleep, mentally I’m able to think. It’s wonderful!

I’m so grateful. I’m grateful for the easy-going blessing of a baby God has given us. I’m thankful for our health. I’m thankful for how well Seth and Sam play together. I’m grateful for all the laughter and love in our household.

I’m so grateful my husband works hard so that I can stay at home with my babies.

Thank you, Lord.