He's Here!

Announcing Charles Ezra Adams! Charlie (now 3 weeks old) was 9 lbs 10 oz and 21 & 1/4 inches long. Everything went great and everyone is doing well. When he was first born he looked almost identical to Kincaid and Miles, but he is looking a lot more like Henry now, though he seems to have blond hair and blue eyes. We're thinking maybe he'll be the missing link that connects Henry with the other 2 (at least in appearances). Kincaid still enjoys being the oldest and is usually a very good helper and often a just-as-good tormentor to the younger guys - luckily Kincaid has some mercy and Charlie has, for the most part, been spared. Henry is the most smitten with Charlie and often coos and fusses over him. He gives Charlie quite a bit of love and affection. Miles gets a little jealous at times, especially since I can't hold him as much and he sees me holding Charlie all the time; but usually he is very good about it. He knows that with Charlie here now he's not the "little guy" anymore and that he is now one of the "big guys" and he loves that. Overall he is doing really well adjusting; everyone is.
Sam took a week and a half off from work and my mom took a week off from work to help me, but now everyone is back at work and I am going on day 3 on my own with them all. So far so good, but I forgot how much time you spending sitting around feeding and holding new babies. I guess I'm not supposed to do too much by way of housecleaning and such just yet, but sometimes I just sit there and stare at all that needs to get done and that's about all I can do about it in that moment. I remind myself "to every thing there is a time and a season" (or something like that) and that Charlie won't be little forever so I'm trying to enjoy it all and not worry too much. Here are some pictures of Charlie in his first few weeks:

The boys were all getting over colds when Charlie was born so they wore masks into the hospital to see him. They thought they were dressing up, they loved it. They discovered it's a little hard to drink root beer or eat Rice Krispy treats through them, though they tried.


I love this picture of all 5 "boys" together the day Charlie was born. They seemed more excited about the Rice Krispy treats and root beer than Charlie, but Charlie didn't seem to mind (although my mom might have when she took them home and the sugar hit their systems).

Here is Charlie and mom.

Here is Charlie at 6 days old. This was the sticker from our new vacuum. They weigh almost the same amount, but Sam thought Charlie deserved it more.

Here is Charlie at 2 weeks old in Henry's favorite outfit (see the dinosaurs? The slippers are pretty cool, too.)


Here is a picture I took of Charlie today at 3 weeks. He is one handsome little devil (well, he's still an angel right now).

4 days and counting...

So there are only 4 days left until I have this baby and I have a list of things I have/want to do first. The problem is I got Sam's nasty cold and all I want to do is sit or lay down and do nothing, which is probably what I should be doing so I don't go into the whole surgery recovery with a new infant and no sleep thing with a cold on top of that. Some of the things don't really matter (we can set up the crib when we get home, right?), but some of them are important to me and can't wait (like I'd like to be able to use my camera and video camera at the hospital, and we probably should at least get the infant car seat out of the attic before we leave for the hospital). I guess I will just take it one item at a time and see what happens. But, for all you first time moms out there: I finally discovered all you really need to have done before the baby comes is a car seat and something to bring the baby home in. I guess the whole scheduled c-section thing is a blessing and a curse. You know when you're having the baby so you can plan, but you also know when you're having the baby so you can procrastinate. Oh well, it'll all be fine, I am just excited to get him here and see what he looks like and finally pick out a name.

30 Things I Love...

In celebration of my 30th birthday (I LOVE my birthday!) I am making a list of 30 things I love. Things you may or may not know about me and probably don't ever care to, but here they are anyway: (they are in no particular order)

1. My birthday

2. A really good dancing/driving song

3. The first sounds and smells of lawnmowers after a long, wet, rainy winter

4. Food

5. Baked goods

6. Anything with chocolate

7. My husband

8. The little seats in public restrooms where you can strap in a younger child while you help the older child take care of business

9. The smell of barbecues on a sunny day

10. Being a mom of all boys

11. The feeling of the sun on my skin

12. A bowl of cereal and milk just before bed

13. Singing (mostly when I know people aren't listening)

14. Kincaid

15. Henry

16. Miles

17. Having an empty laundry basket and no clothes to fold

18. Looking at my toes when they are tan and newly polished

19. Hot cocoa with hazelnut or almond roca flavoring and lots of whipped cream

20. Shopping (without children and with money to spend preferably)

21. Sweater cardigans

22. The color green (more specifically lime-avocado-ish green)

23. Getting a new pair of great fitting jeans

24. Playing the piano (and singing along, if no one is listening that is)

25. My in-laws, all (30+) of them

26. When people ask me if this is my first baby and then the look on their face when I tell them it's my 4th

27. Baking pies and muffins in the fall

28. My parents, 4 sisters, and their spouses and children

29. When Sam plays with my hair or puts his hand on my arm or the small of my back

30. Fred Meyer's Playland and the race car shopping carts that make my shopping experience so much easier

Garden update

Since my last update my wise mother-in-law advised me to water my tomatoes like crazy and I should still get some. I did and I now have 8 beautiful tomatoes growing (I even left the ones Miles picked out in garden and they are almost red now. I don't know if they will be fit to eat or not, but in case your child does the same thing, you might still be able to use them). I also have 2 pumpkins (so far), 4 big zucchini, and 2 cucumbers. I am not ready to enter the blue ribbon contest at the fair quite yet, maybe next year, but I am seeing the fruits of my labor and it is oh so satisfying.

Boo-Hoo!

I have to lament. I had (notice the past tense here) 4 small beautiful tomatoes growing on my tomato plants; until Miles decided to pick them and throw them around the yard. Those look like the only ones I was going to get too. He also decided it would be fun to pluck the blossoms off of my squash and zucchini plants. My spinach is dead, and I am in a constant battle with bugs to save all my pumpkin, squash, zucchini, basil, and cucumber plants. I had such high hopes after seeing everything do so well up until the last week. The good news is my carrots still look really good and I already have 4 zucchini. I am so sad for all we lost (and may still lose, unless I refuse to let Miles play outside if Sam or I is not out there, but that is not entirely possible at the moment- I'll show pictures later), but at least its better than my first go around. As long as I get a few decent Halloween pumpkins however, I think I will be okay.

Thoughts on boys

So since I recently discovered that I am going to be the mom of 4 boys, I have several thoughts on my mind.  The first is people's reactions when I tell them that I am expecting another boy.  I found it humorous, and honestly sometimes almost upsetting when everyone wanted us to have a girl.  Most were people who didn't know we liked the idea of having all boys and just figured, well I won't guess all the reasons why I think people wanted us to have a girl, let me just say I assumed they were all well-intentioned people who wanted us to be happy.  And while it did get a little old to hear "I hope its a girl" from pretty much everyone (no exaggerations),  I have to admit that I also at times had similar thoughts.  (Just to clarify, and I am going to be perfectly honest, I always wanted and thought I would have mostly or all boys. I have nothing against girls.  I wanted a boy with the first 3, but only because I wanted at least mostly boys.  With this pregnancy I loved the idea of all boys, but I was having a great time thinking about having a girl and shopping trips, pedicures, buying a bunch of cute girl clothes, passing on my womanly experience/pseudo-wisdom, planning a wedding, etc.)  So I mostly understood and only rarely got even slightly bothered.  What I am finding now that surprisingly bothers me more is that when people find out I am having another boy they feel they have to offer condolences, even after I've told them I am excited and always have been about the idea of having a bunch of boys.  They say things like "at least you have everything and you don't have to buy anything new... at least you are already in the groove and know what you're doing (as if that's really possible no matter how many children of the same gender you have)."  I even had one sales clerk apologize to me when she found out I was having another boy (I only had Henry and Miles with me at the time, too. She didn't even know this was boy #4).  She realized halfway through the "sorry" that maybe that was not the appropriate response, and asked me how I felt about that.  But even after she found out I was thrilled she added the "at least's".  I am sure I am over-reacting, but its on my mind at the moment and I'm in rambling mode, so you get it all.  Speaking of rambling mode, this is getting way too long and Henry wants a turn on the computer so I need to hurry and finish.  Thank you to all of you who were excited for me and offered genuine congratulations and positive remarks about me having another boy.  It helped to hear from people who understood how happy I was and would celebrate with me.  And just in case someone reading this is afraid maybe they said something that bothered me, please don't think a thing about it.  I know I don't understand what its like to have a girl or both genders and I totally get that everyone meant well and really did just want me to be happy, and there is a very good chance that it didn't even cross your mind that I would take it that way.  I am not hurt or upset, I just find the whole thing interesting.  Henry is hanging off my arm now, so I will save my funny boy story for another post.  Stay tuned...

P.S.  I recognize that for whatever reason it is not always socially acceptable to care about what gender you're baby is and that you really should just hope for a healthy baby.  I recognize that.  But I also recognize that that is what everyone hopes for so why is not ok to say how you feel about having one gender or another.  Of course I, like all parents, will love whatever my baby is, boy, girl, healthy or otherwise. But lest I sound ungrateful or too caught up in the unimportant details I am adding this disclaimer.  :)

New name for the blog?

I had my ultrasound today.  I thought maybe I would have to change the name of my blog, but much to the (seeming) dismay of everyone but us, we are having another boy.  4 Boys!  We are very happy and excited.  It means easy room arrangements (2 per room), nothing new to buy (although I am sure I'll think of something), and not ever having to buy princess plates or own a barbie movie.  I must admit I was a little disappointed about some of the things I was looking forward to in the possibility of having a girl, but I really love having boys, and since you can't have everything, I am more than satisfied with what I got.  Thanks to the other 3 of you who voted.  I was excited to check my blog periodically and see I wasn't the only one who voted. :)  Congrats to whoever (Kandy?) also voted for boy along with me.

Spring

Spring is a time of renewal. So I am going to renew my efforts toward blogging.  First of all, I am going to take a selfish approach and instead of trying to get pictures or think of things I think are funny, I am just going to ramble out whatever is going on in my mind or my life, so at least I have it recorded somewhere (that was the original idea, but the pressure of it being out there in the world made me feel obligated to entertain everyone).  It might still be interesting, entertaining, and even funny at times, but not on purpose.  Anyway, I rambled on about that more than I meant to already.  I'll probably still be a terrible blogger (how's that for a self-fulfilling prophecy?), but maybe I'll be better?!

Second, spring is when you work in the yard.  I am so proud of us.  Usually we just cut back stuff that looks dead, or take out stuff we don't like or don't know what it is or how to take care of it.  But this year we actually have a plan and have gotten some things done.  We now have grass in our front yard, instead of spots of dead grass, spots of moss, and a big patch of dirt where our tree used to be.  We also have 3 blueberry plants and negative space around them, as opposed what used to be next to our driveway, which was crammed with way too much stuff, most of which was overgrown and/or partly killed (because of our lack of skills and the 2 feet of snow last winter).  And finally we (dun-du-nu-NUH!) planted a garden.  I tried once 5 years ago at our house in West Seattle, but for several good reasons it was a terrible flop.  After all my work and sweat and time we got 3 carrots about 2-3 inches long and 1 or 2 cherry-sized tomatoes.  After that experience I was a little nervous about going through all that again only to discover that I really do have a brown thumb and am destined to kill anything I try to care for (luckily my children seem to be heartier and more resilient than plants).  But after going through all my excuses, I gave in and gave it one more shot.  If all goes ideal, in a few months we will have carrots, potatoes, spinach, zucchini, basil, cilantro, tomatoes, cucumbers and our very own homegrown halloween pumpkins, orange AND white.  If all goes terribly wrong we will have a patch of dirt in our backyard that will make me very angry to look at until we fill it in with grass again and move on enough that I can laugh at it.  I'll keep you posted.  Speaking of

 posts, this is getting too long, so I am going to end.  Happy Spring and best of luck with whatever projects you are undertaking.

P.S. This weekend is the father and sons camp out for our church.  Sam may or may not take Miles with him, the verdict is still out, but can I just say that one of the bonuses of having all boys (at least for now, it may all change in 2 weeks - I'm sure I'll post about it) is that for one 24 hour period every year you get peace and quiet and the house to yourself and nobody complains about it.  I don't know what I'm going to do yet, but I can't wait!

Happy New Year!

I'm behind on blogging (again).  I had so many ideas of blogs, but in the interest of just moving on I am doing just that.  Here is a cap of 2008 in our house:

-Sam finished all of his requirements for his special education endorsement.  He now has the piece of paper that says he is qualified to do what he's been doing for over 8 years.

-We bought a mini-van.  A white one.  Yes, I am a mini-van mom.  sigh...  Two things I never wanted was a mini van and a white vehicle and now I have them both all rolled up into one.  But honestly, the whole circus of trying to buckle all 3 boys into the back of our wagon was getting out of control and I was getting desperate.  You do what you have to do.  Lest I sound ungrateful, thank you to my sister who made the mini-van and all of its comforts possible (I didn't know you could actually, as a family, get in a car and leave without someone getting gouged, screamed at, or body slammed, let alone in less than 13 minutes).

-We didn't move, or even switch callings at church. That's a first our whole married life.

-I discovered I love Tide.  I love how clean my clothes are and how nice they smell, even days after being washed.

-We didn't go camping, once.  My goals was at least twice, besides the ward camp out.  We got none, including the ward camp out.

-We made some trips: in February Miles and I went to visit my sisters in Utah; In June all 5 of us went to visit Sam's sister and her family in Tennessee;  In July Kincaid, Miles and I went to Idaho for my mom's side of the family reunion (a first since I was pregnant with Kincaid); in August I got to be a unit mom at girl's camp (a whole week of outdoors with a bunch of ladies ages 12 to grandma - what a blast!);  in September we went to California with most of Sam's family for Sam's Aunt Karen's wedding and spent 2 days in Disneyland while we were there (I'm not sure what was more magical, Disneyland or seeing 26+ Adams' all travel together in one plane, cram together in one bus [with their 50 pieces of luggage, 18 car seats, 6 strollers, 7 carry-on bags, and 4 leashes] and go together to various other places over the weekend without losing anyone or anything except a stuffed Piglet).  A note: I think IHOP is rethinking their" kids eat free with paying adult" policy after the Adams' family ate every meal there that weekend.

-Kincaid started first grade and therefore, all day school.  He loves it and has an awesome teacher.

-For my birthday Sam bought me a membership to the YMCA and I have been going 4-5 days a week every week (except Christmas break) since.  I haven't really lost any noteworthy weight or inches, but I feel great and have more energy, and can now run up the stairs or across the street to the neighbors house without getting winded.

-I went to my 10 year high school reunion.  Weird that I'm old enough for that, but we've already covered that subject earlier.  I hear from most people what a drunken waste of time and money theirs was; but honestly, I had a blast!  Everyone seemed genuinely excited to see what everyone else has been up to and sincerely happy for and supportive of what everyone chose to do.  I think I was tied with one other person for who had the most kids.  I got a few eyebrow raises and 2 "I'm sorry's" when I told people that I had 3 boys.  But one of the I'm sorry's was from someone who is the oldest of 3 boys and remembers what they put their mom through and the other one was so stinking drunk I am not sure he even knew who I was.  Apart from the drunken "I'm sorry" I am looking forward to my 20 year reunion, and wishing that there was going to a be 15 year one too.

-Henry has spent most of the year in what we call "Yanni-land."  Yanni is his nickname because that is what he called himself before he could say Henry.  And Yanni-land is an imaginary (or possibly 4th dimension) world that he co-exists in most of the time.  I will need to get a video of him in it some time, it is hilarious.

-Miles turned 1.  He is finally walking (although that was in 2009 in the past week, not 2008) is not allergic to peanut butter, is a major climber and is into everything.  His favorites are the used Q-tips from my bathroom garbage and the toilet brush.  (And yes, I do close my bathroom door, but there are 3 other bathroom users in the house and I can only spend so much mental energy thinking about closing bathroom doors).

-Thanks to Sam's "new" (acquired summer of 07) job, he can ride his bike to work and home everyday and he only has to leave 5 minutes before he needs to be there.

-Thanks to becoming a science/special ed teacher Sam has discovered deep down he may just have a repressed scientist.

-In November we removed the tree in our front yard.  We are planning to fill the muddy void with new grass this Spring and then maybe our front yard will look decent again.

I am sure there are plenty more noteworthy things that happened in 2008, but this is really long and I ran out of thoughts, so mercifully for those of you who are still reading this, I will end.  I apologize in advance for anything I left out.  Happy 2009 (yes, I know it's March).

OLD

Is anyone else weirded out by being an adult?  I mean seriously, I don't feel different than when I was 18, but I was recently looking at my life and what it consists of.  The following is a list of things that make up my life now (who is this person?):

I tell stories about things I vividly remember and then realize they happened 15 years ago;  I am watching my sugar intake and trying to find ways to get more fiber in my diet; I have 3 kids;  I have thought about getting a girdle (don't tell anyone);  I drive a mini-van; kids that I babysat are married and having kids of their own;  I drive my kids to swimming lessons, t-ball games, and play practice;  I am almost in my 30's; I am researching preschools;  I own a tube a Preparation H;  I look 10 years older than everyone else in the mall stores I like to shop for clothes in;  I have (not am) a babysitter;  I have said (more than once) "I remember when you were little" while someone in their teens rolls their eyes at me;  I am Mrs.______ or Kincaid's mom when I go to school;  I am not only a member of, but I "go to the gym";  I have found myself having conversations about laundry detergent, vacuum cleaners, and brands of diapers;  the only thing I remember feeling passionate about lately is potty training; I have asked my husband "do these pants make me look chubby?";  I consider staying in bed after 8am sleeping in;  The last 4 movies I remember seeing are either animated  and/or have an animal as the star character;  I get excited about the latest toasters, dishwashers, refrigerators, and/or microwaves;  I cry at any sentimental thing I see (corny TV commercials and Disney movies especially); I got a wheat grinder for Christmas, AND it was just what I wanted;... and the list keeps going.

Now before I get a bunch of protesting comments,  I do not think I am old.  I believe that 30's is still very young, and I don't have any problem getting older.  What gets me is the above description of things that I remember hearing my mom and other women I knew growing up talk about and realizing that's me now.  It's just weird that I do/feel those things, some of which I swore I would never do.  Is it just me, or is anyone else weirded out by this whole concept?

Henry's team

Henry loves super-heroes and bad guys and saving people and all that.  Lately he has been into setting up teams.  Sometimes there is just one team, sometimes there are good guy and bad guy teams.  Often he uses his legos and lincoln logs to make battleships and houses for his teams too.  They can get pretty elaborate.  Today he set up his team at the top of the stairs.  After stepping over it enough times I realized that I don't have any pictures of his teams.  So for posterity's sake, here is Henry's latest team.  It's a small team, but I wouldn't want to go up against it.

I am not even getting into how long its been since my last post.  I just wanted to give a little update on Miles.  He is days away from being 18 months and still not walking.  He has been cruising since early December, standing since Christmas, and "walking" (taking steps for attention, not for transportation) for 2 weeks.  I am not worried, but he is heavy and it gets messy having him crawl everywhere (think parks, doctor's offices, my floors after he gets into the candy canes, etc.)  But that wasn't why I wanted to post today.  I wanted to post his favorite word.  He can say mama, hi, night night, bye bye, what's that, wow, uh oh, grandpa/ma (ba-ba), and a few others that escape me at the moment. But his favorite, his response to everything is no.  I made a little video to show you.  Please ignore my sing song baby voice, I know its embarrassing.

Can you see how it makes it kind of hard to figure out what he wants?  I decided to make this video after he started crying randomly in the middle of a bite of oatmeal and after he calmed down he wouldn't eat anymore; he said no to everything I asked him and got mad when I tried to take him out of the chair.  So for once I found my sense of humor and decided to capture it instead of bemoaning it.  he could have kept going, probably indefinitely, but I ran out of things to ask him.