Mommy Monday: Mommy reflections

 Goooood Afternoon! I hope that this Monday finds you with some bright blue skies and sunshine like it does me! It's just impossible to be in a bad mood when it's bright and sunny out. I've got the windows open and I'm enjoying this fresh air after a stuffy winter!

 You would think with all this fresh air I'm breathing I would be able to think clear enough to come up with a topic for today's post. Nope, no such luck. All I can think about is what a terrific week I had with my kids! Last week was March break here, so I had all three of them, all day. I must admit, I was a bit worried. I've gotten use to the quiet time while Jake is at school.

  On days when Jake is at school the girls generally play happily together while I go about my business of cleaning and cooking. They nap without being woke up and wake up happy and ready to play again. We have lunch together and then some playtime together then Avary is generally ready for another nap. Having a very active and hyper five year old here really changes things.

  He usually ends up waking the girls up before they are ready, just by running down the hall, being too loud, or throwing a fit. He doesn't want them to touch his things when they are playing which almost always leads to a fight. It can get a little stressful. I love having him home, but I also love having the quiet, peaceful mornings to get most of my work done!

  This last week was a very pleasant surprise. Jake was the super awesome big brother, just like the ones in books or movies. He played so well with his sisters. He actually (without realizing it) kept them busy and I got some sorting and extra cleaning done that I've been wanting and needing too do. Lucy loved having her big brother home. She was his little mini me all week. She was very content to boycott mommy and follow her brother around instead. Even Avary got special attention from her big brother, who she totally adores!

  As if that all wasn't awesome enough, on top of getting to sort and do some spring cleaning, having the kids get along and entertain themselves and watching the kids just love and appreciate each other, Lucy finally got the hang of using the potty! It's been a big struggle here. She simply WANTED to wear diapers. I'm not sure if she was feeling a little jealous and didn't want to "grow up" or what. However, since mid last week there have only been a handful of accidents!! We have even ventured out to a restaurant, a play date and to church with her in panties. I'm so proud. It also kind of amazes me just how fast they change.

  A month a go Lucy was sleeping in a crib, wearing a diaper, having a sippy with milk before bed and naps and in love with her sookie. Now she is sleeping in a big girl bed, basically potty trained, and no longer getting a sippy before bed or naps. Now just to kick the sookie habit. I feel a little mama guilt because so much has changed for her in just a month. Then I look at her and see how she is flourishing and how proud she is of her new big girl status, and that makes me feel good. I know she's more then ok.

   Speaking of rapid change...Miss Avary is less then a month away from being ONE!! I cannot believe how fast this last year has gone by. I mean, I've said that after every child, but I do believe that it's gotten fast and faster after each one. Her first year has gone way faster then Jake's. Probably because we have three little munchkins to chase around and not just one ;)

  Recently Avary has gotten so sweet. I mean, she has always loved to laugh and make others laugh, and she has always been a good baby. Recently she has just gotten so cuddly. She loves to get up in our arms and snuggle in close. She lays her little head on my shoulder and hums her own little tune. I can't believe that soon my "baby" won't be a baby anymore. She is just so funny and sweet and has the biggest personality. This year might have gone by fast, but I sure am trying to savor and enjoy it. There has been a lot of fantastic to savor. So much love, joy and laughter.

   It's amazing how some people come into your life and just "fit", even if you think your life is full. I love my my children, but I can honestly say our life would not be complete if we had not of had Miss Avary. We had a fantastic life with Jake and Lu, but it just wasn't all the way full. Avary came along and her big personality, sunny smiles and contagious giggles just filled all those little holes we didn't even know existed.

  It's pretty amazing how Children can do that. Trevor and I sit around sometimes reflecting on our life before kids. What made us laugh? What filled our hearts so full of love we thought they might burst? What filled our days and gave us meaning and purpose? What important role did we have in life? We can never come up with any good answers. We both agree that having and raising these three amazing little people are the best and most important thing we have ever done, and ever will do.