The First Snow

The baby woke up many times last night and each time I crept out of bed and tip-toed across the cold, hardwood floor I would shiver. As I rocked and nursed Ollie I listened to the wind blow outside. The soft glow of the salt lamp and Ollie snuggled next to me made me feel warm and grateful. The wind blew and howled all night long and I was sure there was a Winter storm blowing in.

Sure enough, mid-morning the snow began to fall. It danced down slow and gentle turning our golden Autumn into a Winter wonderland. The children watched from the window at first, and then dug out whatever snow gear they could find so that they could play in the yard. Most of it was too small and I chuckled as they squeezed into coats and tugged on their little boots.

The snow was cold and wet, perfect for snowballs. Camilla and Hyrum made a little snowman together while the little boys rode around making tracks in the snow on the cement pad.

There is always something magical about the first snow of the season. Perhaps it's the way it sneaks up on us arriving like an unexpected visitor. I find it's magic in the season of "Hygge" that the snow brings along with it. The excitement for Christmas, a more giving heart, cozy afternoons watching snow fall out the window, and being together with family. Those Danes know where it's at!

Olivers Newborn Photos

My fabulous sister did a little newborn session of Oliver a few weeks back and I am in love with all of the photos she was able to get! We turned on the furnace and made my house like a million degrees. He was such a champ and slept pretty much the whole time. I love the little details my sister was able to capture like his tiny feet, his long fingers, and his dark hair (that he has since lost). I sure wish the newborn stage lasted just a little bit longer! 

My Joe

My kids have been taking turns waking up each day seeming just a little bit older than the day before. Today it was Joseph's turn. As he ran out the door to the park this afternoon, I had to stop him for a quick picture because he was just looking so grown up! Be still my mother heart....

First Baby Tooth

My first baby lost her first tooth on Saturday night! She had been playing with it all week and could push it straight forward with her tongue. She was constantly asking us to look at the cool ways she could twist her tooth and move it. It's been ready for a while! She jumped up and down with glee when she finally conquered her fear and twisted it out. I hear the one beside it isn't far behind!

Welcoming October

October has arrived and there is a definite chill in the air. Each day the Autumn breeze takes more and more leaves from my favorite yellow tree out back and blows them to the ground. There is a sweet smell to the air that always brings back memories of when Mr. Stannix and I first met.

The children still insist on spending all afternoon at the park, bundled in fall jackets and hats. They come home with runny noses and rosy cheeks. My kettle is happy to be put to good use again boiling water for tea and hot chocolate to warm our hands and tummy's on these chilly afternoons. It's the first thing the boys request when they get in from the park each day.

We've taken up crafting again when the little boys are napping. Today we made some thankful turkeys and talked a bit about Thanksgiving. The boys are always so much more agreeable and loving when we take time to do things together. Hyrum has been doing well with his letters so I made him write his own words, and then Joe wanted to write his own too, so he copied what I wrote on another piece of paper.

Gramma brought us a bunch of garden carrots last time she came to visit and we made them into carrot cake today! Joseph insisted on peeling them and I grated. We made up a bunch of muffins and a cake and topped them with cream cheese frosting. I've been craving it for days!!

We've had lots of afternoon snuggles, and sweet baby smiles to enjoy.

Instead of turning on the furnace when the house gets cold, I prefer to bake! Bagels were on my to-do list today, and combined with the carrot cake, my house smelled pretty great all afternoon! I'm looking forward to more snuggle time with the littles as the Seasons. Autumn means warm sweaters, crocheting, lots of baking, books to read, and warm drinks.

The Golden Autumn

 Yesterday afternoon there was a brief moment of chaos when the baby was crying, Joe was throwing a trantrum and Finley was whining for food all at once. I rocked in the rocking chair while tears streamed down my face and thoughts of inadequacy crept into my head. I can't do five!! I called Mike in the middle of it all for some reassurance that I can do this, then I wiped away my tears and forced myself to get out of the house. The older kids grabbed their bikes and I wrapped the baby on me and walked with Finley. Half way through our walk the golden Autumn light was irresistible. The sweet smelling, crisp breeze filled my nose and I took a deep breath to drink it all in. I looked over at Finley and admired the sun in his wispy, blonde locks. He giggled uncontrollably while he ran through the grass on his tip toes. I knew that it would all be okay. Tomorrow would be a new day. I promised myself to yell less and understand more. I called for more patience and kindness and the ability to see as my children see. 

Foxy Friday

Ollie decided to be awake from 1:30-4:30am. We are both a wee bit tired today. I put him in his new fox jammies that someone gifted to us, thinking they'd still be a little big, but they fit just right! Please stop growing!  He was looking pretty adorable. I love how these are so perfect for Fall!!

In the Moment

Every time we bring home a newborn, life is kind of a sleepless blurr for a little while. Each morning as I look in the mirror I take note of the dark circles under my eyes as they increase in size. We've had some rough nights, and some early mornings this week and it takes all of my strength to wake up and get organized in the morning. I wave Camilla off to school with my pj's and bed head and I practically have to hold my eye lids open just to see. 

I didn't have a lot of energy today and decided to take some extra time to just sit on the couch and snuggle my growing babe!

When the afternoon rolled around and the sun had warmed things up a bit I snuggled Oliver up in the wrap and ventured out to the park with the boys. As I watched them play I wished I could freeze time. They looked older. It was like they had grown up just a little overnight. I enjoyed taking the time to snap a few pictures and to gaze upon their sweet faces.

We hit up the mail box on the way home. It was a good mail day. I had ordered some new cloth diapers at the beginning of the week and was surprised to see them in our mail box so quickly! With two in diapers I had to replenish my stash. After looking at the pile of disposables that accumulate on Oliver's floor after just one day, I am looking forward to using these! I love me a cloth diapered baby tush!

 The older boys went back to the park for the rest of the afternoon. I nursed Ollie on my bed as the cool Autumn air poured through my windows and the laughter from the park echoed in my room. I watched the children play out the window from my bed, and admired Finley's chubby toes as he hid behind the curtains giggling, "Whay is Win-wee?..... Der he is!!"

 I can't believe how fast this boy is growing! He's pretty much out of his newborn sleepers and into 0-3 month. I can tell he's stretching out already because he has to curl his legs up a bit to lie on my lap now. The kids love that he is awake a little bit more and always try to get a smile out of him! He's peed on me more times than I care to admit today. You'd think after three boys I'd learn a trick or two, but it's always a surprise! Hyrum laughed hysterically while I squealed in surprise and tried to contain it. Never a dull moment!

The boys came home for an after school snack and then headed back to the park with Camilla until Dinner. I sat at the kitchen table as they shuffled in from the park. As the door closed with a SLAM my spice jars rattled on top of the stove. Slamming doors happens a lot around here... And though it drives me nutts right now, I'm sure it's a sound I will miss one day.

Autumn Crafting

I am desperately trying to get back into routine, but trying to be kind to myself at the same time. I tackled the grocery store this morning with all of the boys and it went quite well. This adjustment to five has been one of the easiest because, after four, what's one more? There are still some things that are hard though, so we are taking our weeks one day at a time. 

After our busy morning, my heart melted when I came downstairs to find Finners snoozing on the couch in his overalls. I stopped for a few minutes to admire his chubby toddler toes, his arm tucked behind his head, his long dark lashes and his wispy blonde hair. Moments like these fill my mother heart to the brim and remind me why I dreamed of being a mother my whole childhood. 

With two of the four boys napping, I decided to whip up a quick craft for the big boys. With all of the time I spend sitting and feeding Oliver during the day, I sometimes feel guilty for not being able to spend more time with these cute boys. 

Pinterest came to the rescue with these cute little handprint, Fall trees. The boys had fun cutting and gluing, and even though the kitchen was still a mess when we had finished, I felt a lot better about things.

Soon, I heard Ollie squeaking and stretching over the monitor and I had to put everything else on hold.

Eat, sleep, repeat. 

That's pretty much how life is going these days....

Saturday Snuggles