Hmmm...what to say?

Finn's almost 9 months old. We've generally got a good routine going and I've even had all three of the kids on my own for a day here or there. LOL Braeden is almost finished with first grade and Ashlyn is all registered for kindergarten next year. I am so excited for her to be in school! I can't wait to see how she does! Plus, it will either be so peaceful or really boring at home with just Finn and I. ;o)

Ryan is chugging along at work and I am at home with three. This time it has gone much more smoothly. I am not sure why. Probably because the older kids are just that--older. Unlike the last time I was home, the older ones are actually able to help out. And they do. They absolutely dote on and smother their brother with love.


Things have changed some around here. (Understatement of the century.) We have been enlightened to the evils of Big Food and have been slowly changing the way we purchase food and eat. Going organic, grassfed beef, natural eggs, no growth hormones in the milk. I even have done something I said I'd never do: Cloth diapers!!! It's actually going much better than I thought it would. Cloth diapers these days are so close to 'sposies. The only difference is that you wash them and reuse. I already do laundry daily so one more load really isn't a big deal. We use BumGenius 3.0 but there are endless choices out there. I just asked my sister-in-law what she uses. Can't go wrong with experience, right?

We also have a couple of fish tanks again. (In addition to the pond we've had for a couple of years.) The addition of these aquariums mark a very important return to some sort of 'normalcy'. When Finn was younger, I never would've considered beginning an aquarium, never mind my first fully planted aquarium. I love my fish tanks. They are so relaxing to watch and my kids love to observe the plants, fish, and snails going about their business everyday. It's great to have a bit of nature in suburbia.

I've also started thinking about our yearly vacation--a trip to Maine. We rent a beach house that's not too far from my parents and spend the week playing on the beach, visiting with family, and eating all of the yummy foods that I grew up eating. Lobster, Alex's pizza, real italian subs, whoopie pies from Moody's, maple creme donuts from Reilly's Bakery. This year my mother and father-in-law and brother-in-law will be joining us. I'm excited to have them along as well. Both of our families are rarely together at the same time. Hopefully, having so many family members around will also allow Ryan and I to get away briefly without the kids for our 12th anniversary. Time sure does fly!

God has blessed us and I am feeling so thankful. We have our rough times but overall things are great!

The first entry of 2010

'Tis after midnight, the dawn of new year.
It's been some time since I've stood watch,
but my skills have not faded, have no fear.

My crew have worked hard the past year to achieve
Braeden can read, Ashlyn is learning
And of course, there is Finn, who we're happy to receive.

The Chief Mate works them hard, she cuts them no slack
Despite their shenanigans and tom foolery
The whip she can (and will) crack.

As for me, I've endeavored to keep the ship sailing
a labor of love, my family is everything
And with such a fine crew, I'll never be failing

As I close the log for twenty-oh-nine
I look back at my life and amazed to see
I've become my father, I'm doing mighty fine!

Too MUCH parenting advice?

Here's an interesting article from NPR:
Is it possible to have too much information while parenting?

It's 2 against 3 and they know it....

First off, after a bit of a hiatus, I've decided to start the posting back up again. I've shifted the focus to highlight our lives as a family, rather than a family awaiting the arrival of a new baby. As such, I went ahead and changed the name of the blog, too.

So, we're 4 months into having 3 kids, and I got a tell you, you know all the things they say about the level of effort involved going from 2 to 3 kids? their right. It has been a tremendous change in how we conduct our day to day lives around here. April and I have definitely had to switch our coverage strategy. Man to Man (a strategy we had perfected) was out the door and we've been on a steep learning curve ever since trying to figure out how to work a zone defense. difficult to say the least.

Finn's a wonderful baby, though. He's blessing and a testimony that God won't give you anything you can't handle. We were perfectly content with life BF (before Finn). April had a great job, the kids were now old enough that we were looking at taking some longer trips (Disney, etc...), and we were generally in a good place. I honestly did not see how I would be able to find anymore love in my heart for an additional child- I was full. I think that's one of the amazing things about being a parent. Your capacity for love grows with every addition. The corollary, of course, is your capacity for chaos grows as well...

I'm not a stranger to chaos. Growing up the oldest of 4 boys in a military family that routinely uprooted every 2-4 years brought plenty of chaos (In fact, I know have a full appreciation as to why my parents always said 'no' to a dog...). But until you're in charge of trying to manage the chaos, it's no comparison. It is, in fact, a misnomer that you are actually managing the chaos. It pretty much manages you (makes it your 'bitch' is a better way of describing it). It can be seriously frustrating at times, but the good days completely eclipse the bad days, so it's ultimately a win.

Welcome Baby Finn!

He's finally here, my newest son.



He was born at 3:43 on August 4th. 7 pounds 9 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long.

April (true to her nature) handled the induction without pain medication. by the way, for those of you keeping score, this is the third one she's done without pain meds. It's a testament to her strong will and perseverance.

We've been enjoying his presence in our house. The kids are over the moon in love with him and I'm glad they have each other. My life has been enriched by my 3 brothers and I'm glad they will have each other to learn, laugh, battle, and scheme with.

Thanks for all your well wishes. I'm not sure about the future of this blog, but perhaps it could morph into an adventures of parenthood blog. we'll see...

Is That the Light at the End of the Tunnel, or is it a Train?

That's right, we're down to the wire.

For the sake of those of you not on Facebook (shame on you), we had another appointment on Friday at which the doctor decided not to wait any longer. So, we've set the date for an induction.

August 4th is the day (as of this writing, only a scant 39 hours away).

of note are two wonderful omens that historically have significance. First is the fact that August 4th is the Coast Guard's 216th birthday. To top that off, August 4th is also the feast day of St. John Vianney, the patron saint of priests.

So, we're looking at a Guardian (formerly known as a Coastie) or a priest.

Either way, I win.

38 weeks and bed rest

Well-my blood pressure is up so I'm on bed rest. I have a follow-up appointment tomorrow for more blood work so we'll see what happens. Bed rest makes me tired.