Baby Wearing 101

There's a few things I wish I'd known about when I had my older kids, but one of the biggest things I wish I'd known was how fabulous baby wearing was! I love being able to nurse hands-free when we are out and about. I love that I can still chase after my toddlers while keeping my baby close. I had no idea about woven wraps and how awesome they could be. It wasn't until Finley that I ever invested in a good buckle carrier that got used daily almost out of necessity. We loved our Ergo and I used it to piggy back Finley everywhere until my pregnant belly got too big to use it. I started researching woven wraps and asked my dear hubby for one as a birthday gift. They range in price anywhere from one to eight hundred dollars. Many baby wearing mamma's collect them in different brands and styles for their colors, softness, and versatility. Because I could tie it anyway I wanted I could carry Finley when we were out and about and do a lot of things hands (and stress) free. 

I've practiced a lot since getting it, but today was my first time doing a back carry with a babe this little and I loved it so much!! Sometimes it's hard to get things done around here with Ollie crying for attention from his bassinet or bouncy chair. When I would wear him on the front, I was still limited to how much I could do with a baby in the way. This morning I wrapped him onto my back and cleaned the mountain of dishes on my counter. While I moved around the kitchen he eventually fell asleep. I was happy and he was happy. 

I have also found that when I wear him, carry him, and keep him close often in a day, he is more inclined to sleep longer stretches at night because he feels content and safe. I am really enjoying reading "The Five Love Languages of Children" and one of the quotes that stood out to me last night is "Physical touch is one of love's strongest voices." I totally believe this and I have come to find that there is no greater feeling than having my babes snuggled up close, resting their heads next to my heart.

Baby wearing is such a special thing and I am so grateful to have discovered it for these last two babies of mine. 
 

"Food spoils, baby's don't. 

Hold him. Wear him. 

Breathe him in. 

Keep him close. 

It goes too fast."

Silent Night

 This happy little boy slept for EIGHT hours in a row last night! It's been the best gift of the season so far! I love this little chub-a-lub!

Golf & Country Club

Tonight Mr. Stannix and I attended his work Christmas party at the Golf & Country club. My sister was sweet enough to babysit for us and brave enough to take a semi-bottle taking Ollie for the evening. When we pulled up to the venue we admired the Christmas lights strung around big tall pine trees all over the grounds. It was so beautiful! We entered the building, all decked out in holiday cheer and joined the hundreds of people mingling upstairs. They had tables of food set out on each end of the venue and a dj/live band switching off in the middle room. We enjoyed some perogies, lamb, unique pizza, spring rolls, roast beef, and sea food. There was an entire table devoted to different kinds of cheese and crackers. Dessert was divine and I may have gone back for a few more of those pudding cups. Lemon pudding, chocolate cheesecake pudding. It was so rich and yummy! We eventually found a few people to chat with and stayed as long as we could. Emma did a fabulous job with the littles and we came home to a happy house and a chubby baby who finally decided to suck back his bottle moments before our arrival.

(Me & my handsome steed ;) )

Indoor Play

This week has been a bit chilly. The littles were driving me nuts as they ran circles around our house all afternoon. The little boys were loud (normal), crazy, and full of energy. I knew we needed to get out! Camilla had a day off school today which provided the perfect opportunity to check out an old favorite play place in the city and burn off some energy. We got away a bit later than anticipated and I stayed until they were played out. Finley navigated the play structure like a pro and I got to sit in the sidelines with Ollie and watch all the action. He went down the big slides at least a million times and tired himself out from climbing up there so many times. Occasionally the older two would stop what they were doing, grab his hand and lead him around the maze of platforms and mats. It was so sweet to watch everyone get along so well. When Ollie got hungry I put him in the wrap and nursed while following my red faced littles around. When they started complaining of hunger I bought them cookies as big as their faces and we all shared a smoothie. Hyrum's sweaty hair was all spiked up in the front and their faces were flushed. When I decided it was time to go, they happily obliged and slept the whole way home. It was a day well spent I'd say!

 First run down the slide

Christmas Crafting

 This morning the boys and I got up to some Christmas crafting (thanks pinterest)! After scrolling through random Christmas stuff on pinterest during a late night nursing, I came up with the perfect way to use up all of our empty toilet paper rolls. I dug the paint out of the craft bin as soon as the boys started fighting and side tracked them with a project. While we waited for the toilet paper rolls to dry, we made glowing chalk Christmas lights on black construction paper. I then stapled everything together and let them go nutts decorating their trees with glitter glue, bingo stampers and stickers. It was funny to notice the difference in the two boys. Hyrum was very meticulous about where he was putting the circles on his tree. Joe slapped together a little bit of this, a big glob of glitter and called it good. Some of the differences are due to age, but I think a lot has to do with their personalities. It's so fun seeing how Hyrum approaches things carefully, while Joe dives in with both feet and makes sure there's always a little bit of everything. They were quite proud of their finished product! 

Hoar Frost

This morning we woke up to a clear sky and a sparkly Winter wonderland. The trees were veiled in white and their branches sparkled as they danced in the sun. The grass was covered in a thick layer of frost instead of the usual snow and glistened in the morning glow. While the littles ate breakfast at the little round table I released a deep breath and took it all in. There is beauty all around, some days you just have to look really hard for it, and I knew today was going to be one of those days.

As I stared out the window at the pink sky, I reflected on my less than pleasant night with my almost-two-year-old and the way I tried to hold him close during his two temper tantrums this morning. He had thrown his muffin across the floor, so I picked it up and ate it because he didn't want it (obviously) which made him SO mad. He's getting to the tricky, independent age where I have to try very hard to see the world through his little eyes. Sometimes things just don't make sense to me and it's hard to be patient. Instead of getting grumpy when he ran away giggling half-way through dressing him, I played along, and even laughed a little myself!

Last night he crawled into bed with us (which brought the total bed count up to FOUR). I let him snuggle for a few minutes and then cuddled him back into his bed. I didn't even make it to the door before he had jumped back out of bed and began following me. I tucked him back in again...and again...and again. Before long we were both crying, and I gave up and slept in Joe's bed, only to have him crawl up next to me a few moments later. He tossed and turned until he found the perfect fit, with his head resting near my neck and my arms wrapped around him. Sometimes I have to take a step back and listen with my heart to his silent pleas to be held and cuddled for "just a little longer mommy."

Camilla tried sneaking an extra stuffed animal to school. I only caught her because she stuffed it up her coat. I tried explaining our one stuffie only rule and how she could lose it and would have a hard time keeping track of them both. She stared at the ground and explained that her friends were all bringing dogs today and she wanted to bring them both. I sighed, and let her have her way because it's not the end of the world, but reminded her that she's almost getting too old to bring them to school and pretty soon her friends won't be bringing them either. I try not to discourage the stuffed animal thing too much because if I had my way I'd keep her little, innocent and full of imagination forever. Perhaps my lack of sleep and unpleasant mood had something to do with my poor handling of the situation. She hugged me good-bye and then I noticed her eyes were moist as she made her way down the front steps and my heart broke in two. I knelt down in the doorway and asked her what was wrong. She ran and hugged me and told me she always wants to bring stuffies to school and can't bear the thought of ever going to school without one. Then we heard her bus arriving at the stop and she had to go quick. I wanted to hold her forever. I shouted an "I love you! Be safe!" as she rounded the corner by the garage and slowly closed the front door.

We then went about our morning routines but I was meeting resistance on every turn. No body wanted to make their beds or unload the dishwasher or do their kindergarten book. Not only did they not want to do it, but they were very vocal in letting me know they didn't want to do it and that I was "the meanest mom ever". I am certain it's one of many times I will hear that phrase, but knowing that doesn't make it hurt any less. I retreated to my room, made my bed, and knelt for a morning prayer. When no one else understands this craziness that is my life, Heavenly Father does. Tears fell on my duvet as I expressed love for my children, gratitude for my blessings, and frustration at my current predicament. I plead for more charity and grace as I went through my day and the ability to give love to my children in difficult circumstances. 

Oliver woke up for the day full of smiles. He always cries to let me know he's awake and then when I pull him from his crib he gives a few sleepy blinks before he recognizes my face and grins. It really is the little things. While I change and dress him everyone always gathers around to say hello.  Hyrum held him for me in the rocker for a few minutes and loved it!

Another highlight of my day was walking into a freshly cleaned bathroom covered in an inch of toilet water from my awesome almost-two-year-old who thought it would be great fun to use the toilet brush and flick water everywhere. I literally sobbed the whole time I was wiping it up.  By the time I made it upstairs dinner was smoking on the stove (still salvageable thank-goodness). Hardly anybody ate their spaghetti (due to the black spots in the meat sauce perhaps?) and I finally gave up. Joe went into the tub, Finley got jammied, and the baby and the older two accompanied me to parent teacher night even though Hyrum hadn't eaten a bite in the half hour he sat at the table. 

Camilla is doing well in school! Her teacher is pleased with her work, urged her to keep up on the home reading and told her she is pleasant and wonderful to have in class and that's where it really counts.

After the day I've had I am rewarding myself with the last half of my novel. Sometimes I gotta stay up late reading to save my sanity. Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet.

Blowing Raspberries

I woke curled up next to a little boy who snuck into our bed sometime in the middle of the night. He's been here so many nights in a row that I've lost count and always takes over the entire middle of our king sized bed. Usually I go across the hall and spend half the night in his bed just to get some sleep. We had cereal for breakfast (again) which always makes me feel like a terrible mom. I am just too tried to make anything else.

The boys alternated between fighting and playing all morning long. In the middle of an army battle Hyrum said, "Joe, put your finger on your nose to pause the game!" He had to run off to the bathroom and didn't want his brother to have free hands to play until he got back. I grinned as I listened from the rocking chair. 

After an extra long afternoon nap, Oliver woke up cooing and smiling. He is such a pleasant baby and I feel so blessed to be his mamma. He slept so long that he required an outfit change. After undressing him and putting him into a fresh cloth diaper I couldn't help but snap a few pictures of him in the afternoon light. There's something about a naked baby that is oh so kissable. Joseph wandered into my room while I was snapping pictures and couldn't resist blowing a giant raspberry on Ollie's belly. They both laughed. Joseph kissed his cheeks, his nose, his forehead. He told me how much he loves his baby brother and how glad he was that Ollie is a part of our family. It was a definite bright spot in my day.

I put a roast in the oven for dinner. The house was chilly and the oven always warms it up and fills it with pleasant smells. I snuck a batch of lemon & berry muffins in beside it to cook late afternoon. The children enjoyed them warm. Shortly after the sun had gone down the power went out. The children all came running upstairs to find me. We lit a few candles and they continued coloring by candle light. It was a very cozy few minutes but we were glad when the power came back on so we didn't have to eat lemon muffins for dinner. 

After enjoying roast and potatoes, Daddy left to young men's. I yelled good-bye from the bathroom as I put our dirty toddler in the tub. He splashed and played while I supervised clean up duty. Camilla cleared the table and Hyrum fought for the job of rinsing the dishes for the dishwasher and did an exceptional job with no complaining. I was a happy mamma (until I went into the bathroom and stepped in a flood of water by the tub).

The last of the littles is finally tucked in. As I look around our house I see blocks and cars strewn across the toy room as well as some stray socks. There is shoes on the stairs from a bored toddler who enjoyed throwing them down just a little too much. The children's coats are carpeting our tiled entry way and there's a backpack in the middle of my livingroom floor. And next to the mountain of dishes on my counter is a cup of tea waiting for me to add two spoonfulls of honey and enjoy. My house might not be in perfect order, but tonight I am choosing to be okay with it, because I'm much too tired to worry about it now.

Big Brother

Hyrum is such a wonderful big brother! I sure am grateful for him!

Military Museum

This morning when we woke we spontaneously decided to take the children on an outing! Daddy had gone to the Military museum with his scout group earlier in the week and thought the boys would enjoy the planes and tanks. It was the perfect place to go on a chilly Saturday morning, we practically had the whole museum to ourselves! 

We let the littles take their time, read, watch the videos (or not watch). It was fun to slowly introduce them to some history, and the boys loved everything! By the third exhibit I was smirking at some little boy gun sound effects as they rolled around the corners.

Daddy saved the best for last. We spent the majority of our time looking at the planes, fighter jets and submarine scopes.

Those two little boys, always trying to be like Daddy!

Oh, my little wanderer.

Such a doting big sister!

On the way out we went downstairs to check out this cool scene. Lots of fun was had by all! Everyone fell asleep on the drive home and we got McDonalds for lunch. Family time is the best time.