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I'm going to stop subjecting myself to story time with Gavin.  I guess it's not in the family genes 'cause just like big brother, we've got another mover.

Frying Pan Farm

We ventured out to a play date this morning that was held at a working farm with lots and lots of animals, a tractor ride, a carousel and two playground areas.  Right when I pulled into the parking lot, I felt like I was in Iowa again.  Although come to think of it I've never really been on a farm and seen that many variety of animals other than at the state fair.  What a beautiful day to be outside and the kids had a lot of fun. 

 Brand new piglets

Ethan got to play big sibling to Emily (while Caitlyn was in preschool).  Too cute!

 

Enjoying a picnic lunch afterwards

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Yes!  I made it through the whole work out session without the child care lady coming to get me.  #smallvictory.

The One that Got Away

So apparently the new NOVA housing market trends, which I've never seen before, are a) sellers take their house off the market then relist it at a higher price and 2) buyers offer way above asking price.  Craziness I tell you.  Anyway this past weekend we went to look at a house, which we both fell in love with.  It has EVERYTHING we were looking for.  We came home that night and wrote up an offer.  In the mean time, we've been trying not to get our hopes up or get emotionally attached to it.  But it was really hard.  We both really felt like it was from the Lord but tried to hold onto it loosely...just in case.  It turns out we were one of three offers, but the lowest one because we didn't couldn't offer above asking price.  So bummed.  But at the same time, we prayed for clear direction and peace so that is what we got.  Obviously there's a reason and a different plan for us.  So here we are continuing to rent which we're okay with too since we aren't sold on any particular area, especially if Brian's commute would be more than 30 minutes.  I just feel like we're in such limbo.  I wonder if that's a sign to start unpacking and make our rental more like home. 

Gavin Update III

So after the last update, I was able to get Gavin into another ENT rather quickly.  Since we already started on that 4th round of antibiotic, she told me to go ahead and finish it.  While there, I also made an appointment to get tubes put in.  Fast forward to last week where Gavin seemed to be doing fine so I ended up cancelling that the surgery (since I have to give them 10 days advance notice).  Then I made another appointment for a follow up with the ENT again to see what the status is.  It turned out that his right ear is cleared, but his left still have the same amount of fluid there.  But no infection though so that is good news.  She wanted me to wait it out another 4 weeks, since he seemed to be doing okay and spring is pretty much here, then schedule another appointment.  At that time, she wants to also do a hearing test to make sure nothing is affected.  Hopefully he'll be 100% at that time.  If not, we'll go ahead and schedule another surgery for the tubes.  The only discomfort (I think) is just that he has this swimmer's ear thing which I can imagine how annoying that would be.

 

Just For Laughs

While eating lunch today, this is what I saw when I looked over:

In the middle of eating and everything.  Then he woke up, grab a piece of apple, put it in his mouth and went back to sleep.  It was hilarious. 

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The other night while trying to figure out which Bible story to read before bed Ethan said, "Pick something nice so I can dream about it."

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I can't remember where we were going, but Ethan was very adamant to Brian about not being late.  (Even though at that time, it didn't matter).  But apparently, I had instilled in him that we need to "hurry because we're going to be late."  When in fact, we're usually either early or on time.

Circus in Town

Last week, The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey came into town and Brian, Ethan and I went to their opening night.  It was pretty exciting considering none of us have ever been to a circus before.  Carnivals? Yes.  But a circus?  No.  More than that, I was just excited that the three of us could go do something fun together.  (Not that I didn't want Gavin there, but it's just too hard with a tired and antsy baby).  We got there a little early for the pre show and were able to walk down on the floor where they have activities for the kids.  The show itself was very entertaining with something going on constantly although it was a little long for Ethan.  We did a little splurging and spoiling and to see his excitement through it all was so worth it.

 

Side note:  That morning we ventured out to a new library for a "Music Together" program and both of the boys was captivated by the teacher, all the singing and movement.  And they loved the library too!  Two for two.  Ah, the small victories. 

O Brother

So apparently, we've entered into a stage of sibling rivalry or maybe it's more like irritation.  Ethan wants to play with Gavin but doesn't know what to do so he a) hugs and squeezes him so hard he knocks him over, b) grabs his shirt and wouldn't let him go or c) take away his toys.  He gets in trouble for it every time but the only answer he ever gives me is "I wanna play with Gavin."  Out comes the lecture about being loving and gentle, that's not how you play, blah, blah, blah.  Then there's Gavin who doesn't know what to do so he cries and whines and comes to me for help.  And this repeats throughout the day.  Not kidding.  And it's so tiring.  On top of that, Ethan has taught Gavin how to scream which apparently is how they now communicate and it drives me bonkers.  Yes, two screaming boys in this household.  So all that to say, I finally got around to buying a water table for them so they can (fingers cross) play together and share since they both love water.  And now that the weather is nice, I can send them outside to escape all their screaming and craziness...at least for a little bit anyway.

SO excited he didn't want to come in the house

Boston Bombing

So how crazy is this, seven years ago I was sitting RIGHT there (at the red x) on Boylston Street in Boston waiting for Brian to finish his race.  I remembered taking in my surroundings as I enjoy being a part of this once in a life time event.  And now to see these things that I remembered vividly replaying over and over again on TV is so unreal.  I can't imagine how terrifying it was for all those people and my heart goes out to them!

 

Welcome Spring

After a morning that wasn't so great, we all ended up staying home instead of having lunch at Brian's office thank to a certain four year old.  We all took early naps and woke up happier creatures.  So I took Kaika for a family walk and then took the kids to the park after dinner.  It was a high of 82 degrees today and was SO beautiful.  I couldn't get enough of it.  I don't know what it is, but our kids are just calmer and more content when they're outside:  Ethan was in the sandbox and Gavin was climbing the playground equipment.  Definitely a better way to end the day.

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Sitting quietly is an oxymoron in this household.

Mamma Wisdom of the Week

So after much repeating and hounding almost every morning of the things we needed to do before heading out the door, I've decided to do a drawing for Ethan.  That way he knows what is expected of him and has a visual infront of him.  Not only was that a "craft" for the day, it worked amazingly.  Instead of asking me what he needed to do the next three days, I just sent him to his room to look at the drawing.  Before you know it, he has done everything and was ready to go half an hour early.  Definitely a much more peaceful way to start our day.

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I've also figured out the logistics of how to get to the mall to do a little shopping since it's nearly impossible with our kids.  Last week, I dropped Ethan off at preschool and headed to the mall early.  Gavin and I immediately made our way to the play area and I let him play for half an hour.  Once the stores open, I put him in the stroller and walk around.  When he started getting antsy, out came the snack cup and water which buys me a little bit more time.  When he got antsy again and started arching his back, then it's all over.  We headed home to play before having to go get Ethan from school.  Got a total of one hour.  Oh the small victory! 

Ethan's Creation