All that we hoped for....

One of the important mom jobs is prepping the battlefield - for anything.  I feel i am in constant motion making sure we have bathing suits, sunscreen, snacks, diapers (so one!).  so we can enjoy each particular event.  Thursday night was the first concert in the park inour very own brambleton town center.  I have been excited for that night since Alexa and my ladies here told me about it.  Its free, walking distance, open air music and BYOB.  Need I say more??!?!  So last week I sprung for beach chairs at costco that had a cooler and I have been stocking up on drinks and munchies...  

And than there was sports camp.  It started on Monday at a fabulous indoor play place here in Ashburn.  Nick's first day was a crummy rainy day here (perfect for indoor sporting).  After his second day, he came home with a ridiculous headache and later had a fever.  He wasn't interested in eating and went to bed at 5:30.  The next day it was 95 and perfect for a stay-cation.  Drew loved every moment of sticking to his fabulous sleep schedule and Shane was thrilled with some bonus TV time and having free reign of all toys.  Nick slept, slept, and slept.  

Thursday morning he appeared better so off to camp he went.  Upon pick up it was obvious he wasn't back to normal yet.  So this is him on the couch after camp.  He stayed this was until 5:30 - I only heard a few snippets from him (no Shane, that isn't your bouncy ball, no Shane, we don't play with the crayons like that) it was almost amusing to watch Shane carrying on knowing his brother wasn't able to enforce his couch directed demands...

Here are the other 2 with me in the playroom.  Well, at the beginning of the post, remember that concert i mentioned, well its tonight.  So I let nick sleep and popped some tylenol in his mouth.  Gotta give it my best shot right?  Plus these bugs last 24 hours right??  I pleaded with him to eat some corn (his favorite) and he obliged with one husk and a few gold fish....  come on Tylenol, lets work.  meanwhile, Mr. Drews nap schedule was rocked just a bit, so his eye rubbing at 4:55 awarded him a late afternoon nap (that would have never been agreed to w/o plans to hit outdoor concert)  He had a fabulous 1 hour nap.  At 6:00 Chris came home wondering what the timeline was (yes, you would think I never told him)  But I was thinking of leaving him home with Nick.  Well, Nick was turning a corner and VERY interested in attending...  o.k. than, lets continue the family event!!

Bags were pack and chairs were ready.  Chris offered to wear his chair solely to show me how silly I looked. Honestly I think he looks great!

Shane lead the charge in his every popular run bike.

And this is how we roll to the brambleton concert.  Thankfully cloud cover arrived just in time to cool off our 95 degree day.

I am guessing Shane nabbed the camera for a bit (I deleted the 25 other....)

The Great Zuchinni was a magician for the night.  He was perfect for the 5 and under crowd, but I needed a beverage to properly enjoy his display of magic store tricks.  No sure what they were doing here - but the kids followed him like the pied piper.

And now for the concert.  It was a great cover band that played anything from Adele to Bon Jovi.  can you believe they ended with Living on a prayer!?!  I was thinking of you Diane!  We decided this night out was designed for families with kids.  It was PERFECT.

Check out mr. drew all stretched out

Here is our spread.  Tom came with us, as I noted, if you didn't have kids, it really isn't your scene, so since his little dudes are in Germany, we adopted him for the night.

Hey dad, did you forget the cheese cutting knife?  Oh wait, mom forgot that...  well you can't remember everything

Look at that Smiley Nick - big improvement don't you think?  BTW - everything in the leadbetter house must have multiple uses in order to stick around.  The Wagon served as the perfect table!

Shane feeding drew his snacks of Cheerios

Another Shane photo tucked in there - he gives himself away everytime - as he shoots his photos he shouts, I'm playing with it, i'm playing with it....until we figure it out...

O.k., now do you think he is feeling better?  Honestly, I love this photo.

How bout this guy?  He is normally my late nighter, but due to Nick's little bug, SHANE logged the least about of napping hours and started to feel the affects of the late night.  It really just called for some extra lap time with dad.  Welcomed =)!

The final song was great dancing with the whole crew.  The neighborhood ladies were all there which made for a fabulous event.  Thanks Valerie, April and Dawn (so jealous you snuck out kidless) and JoHannon, next time you will move back with us =)!  Drew Enjoyed his final bottle with Valerie and than it assumed this position of honor in the wine glass stand - the only additional as part of my AAR.  Can't wait for July 5th!!  The next event.  I will be prepared - as prepared as i can be =)

What a great night!!  So great, that later that night, I offered to sub for a 9:30 body pump class!

Happy birthday Chris!

Back to back days about you....  Can you stand it??  It can be tough having a birthday on a Monday - especially because it was a big dreary.  But dreary days can make for a slower day and we could all use the excuse to slow down some days.  So here ya go.  Happy birthday Chris!

(I am cheating a bit as we took this photo on Sunday - it was more fun to celebrate when Barbara and Wyland were still here)

Chris has a history of spending his birthday at West point, in the field, or being deployed.  So for each one that he is home with us is one more in the positive.  Last year was in Luxemburg with our buddies the Duelleys and Hoffmans.  This year its home with family.  A+

I had to include this photo - being in the states, we sure are closer, but it would be fun to celebrate with our favorite beer drinking buddy.  Love ya Deakon and thanks for thinking of us Chelcy!  We miss you guys

Happy Birthday honey and I am glad we are officially the same age again.  I hate those 3 months of being older.

Father's Day Fun

I often forget how difficult it can be to switch gears from working all day with civilians - meeting deadlines, traveling, dealing with the frustrations of incompetence and redundancy-- in adults!!.  Then you come home to crazy kids and ....onto your next job - and thankfully the one he loves...  daddy!

I am so say thankful to have a husband who changes those gears so quickly.  The odd phone call that comes through he can turn away from, the emails he can prioritize until later, the late nights he spends at the office becuase he came home to enjoy dinner with the family.  He is a wonderful dad to our three sons and they whole heatedly love him for it.

Just one of the many photos of Chris being sporty with the boys.  Nick never seems to tire - its Tennis, than Football, onto soccer - and this is all before lunch!  No wonder we need to stay in shape!  

Sunday we were thrilled to have Wyland and Barbara join us.  Nick took the dads to his favorite golf course for a little father/son/grandson time.

Great looking crew.  Can you believe Nick came home wanting to play soccer, swim or whatever.  We wanted to WATCH golf.

This is something Nick's Pre-K did before the final days of school.  We held onto it for fathers day and i just love it.  Nick was 'spot on' for his dad =)  except for the age of course.

Happy Father's day!

Just like that - its over

Just a little mom blog for me.  Last Friday I popped in the a dermatology appointment hoping to have an odd bump removed on my calf.  That one was fine.  But when she saw my favorite 'Madonna mole' on my left breast she literally tossed me in the chair and removed it right than and there.  It all happened so fast I didn't have a second to think about it, reschedule, nothing.  So home I went with a mole headed to biopsy and I with a band-aid (for the entire summer)  everything would later come back negative which is wonderful - but it just shifted things for me.

I was holding onto one final daily nursing moment with Drew.  Just that early morning one to snuggle in bed for the extra minutes.  Well, Drew is getting bigger and has enjoyed some fabulous snuggle moments that it was time for him to move on too.  He is now my bottle baby and holds onto it perfectly.  He still snuggles in our bed in the morning (while holding his bottle) but he is just a bit bigger.  Again, I wish I had that countdown that told me how many days I would have left as a nursing mom - But I would like to think I appreciated them where I could.

So onto the next stage - I told Chris - these are the final days of my boobs with extra filling.  I must admit, as I left the gym this morning I took a quick glance at them...  smaller already.  It is amazing how our bodies change - there were times during pregnancy that I wished they were smaller.  I will mess with this stupid band-aid all summer (as if my body hasn't contended with enough... Now i will miss that too i guess....  guess I should start saving my money right?

Lets go Fly a kite... up to the highest height.

One of the wonderful things about Nick is his ability to get distracted.  On our way out the door, he spots the kite in the corner, begging to be used and he says - mom, can't we fly this kite.  There are so many times as a mom that I have to say no - that it actually feels good to say yes.  Why not,  It was a great windy day and the only thing on tap for the afternoon was a simple search for a dentist (routine appointments)  So afterwards, we put together a fun kite that my mom brought back in easter.

For some reason, my childhood memories of kite flying have a lot of tangles.  We managed to get those too - but Nick did a fabulous job.  He shocked me when I was starting to let it up into the wind (unsuccessfully) and he said, don't you have to run with it, just like that book we read (Berentstain bears - big red kite!)  so off he ran, and I love the success that he had!

I thankfully had my camera.  Check out Drew Cheering him on.

http://youtu.be/0u7NpvG2jjI

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After all the kite flying I got some drew snuggle time.  I asked Nick to capture a photo of the big sloppy drew kisses.

He might be a little camera shy - but he gives some fabulous kisses =)

Later that night - Drew started with a Nice simple bath, and he was joined by these hoodlems....  One full bath tub!

Flag Day

One of the lessons as a mom that is hard to learn is that you really aren't in control.  You are really just managing crisis most of the time.  I do try to be creative and buy matching shirts etc.  But I never manage to get them all wearing it at the same time.  If I tried too hard it would only frustrate me, so why bother....  So on Thursday I got up searching for a simple onesie for Drew - he had a odd rash (later determined as a blueberry allergy) and I wanted him to be 'cool'.  The outfit I had simply selected for myself was the red flag shirt - its a simple easy wear.  Nick saw mine and wanted to match (love it!) so Shane was the final leg in this...  Can you believe we all matched?  The best part is, I have every intention of forcing this outfit on memorial day and 4th of July.  But as we were walking downtown someone said (possibly sarcastic) what a cute family, how patriotic for flag day....  wait, its flag day?  My whole family is wearing matching flag shirts for flag day?!?  You could've knocked me over with a feather.  But now I NEEDED a photo of this well put together crew

Thanks Kayla for snapping a cute one of this crew.

Funny as after taking this photo I proceeded to leave my Iphone at the playground.  I didn't realize it until we all unloaded back at home.  Its so demoralizing to load back up and head out again, but since it was a contest and the finder of the phone got an m&m, it wasn't so bad.  Nick was the lucky recipient.  Can't win'um all, but some days you just get lucky!

Date Night

When your husband calls you saying his business trip was extended a day and you had plans to slip into the grand opening of your favorite store, what do you do?  Well, first, your pissed, but you take a breathe and realize its not your husband's fault, but you are still the one that needs to make it happen if you don't want to sit home sulking...(which of course is always an option, or just tell yourself, why would you want to go anyway....)

Well, I opted to turn it into a date night for Shane and I.  He is at that fun age that can be easily influenced and not often isolated.  When I told Nick of our date night plans (originally he was green with envy - but later informed me that trying on clothes is not his thing and he would plan something better when we go on a date... can't wait Nick)

So I found a new babysitter, got dressed up,  dressed Shane in underpants and all - Since shane didn't nap that day, I had my reservations regarding my selection.  But 5 minutes into our drive, this happened.  Shane, where are your manners?

Being all groggy from the impromptu nap I opted for the stroller.  Good choice for Shane, bad choice for shopping

Welcome to NoVA, where getting an invitation means nothing, matter of fact there were TONS of invitations sent out.  I was one of many...  But still I stand in line, only to get in an ever crowded store unable to navigate, try anything on or purchase....  For another day.

Shane got lots of compliments as he was a cutie, but I am betting they were all saying, I wonder why she is here with I stroller - which my response was going to be, I left the other 2 home!!  With a new babysitter!!  Where are those forehead signs when you need them.

Shane and I left Athleta and headed across the street to Ben and Jerry's where we enjoyed a very relaxing bit of ice cream.  Even the mid eating potty break was simple.

We paused for a little fountain time too

It really was a beautiful evening and made me appreciate my time with just Shane is so limited.  He would be such a different kid if he wasn't viaing for my attention, but he won't be Shane - happy to have me all to himself tonight.  Of course the entire drive home was filled with questions - how fast does your airplane fly, can I have something to color on.  I'm thirsty....  He didn't stop.  I found myself drifting back to missing the drive out there in silence (or my choice of radio at least).  We arrived home to everyone else in bed and Shane not ready for bed.  Honestly he was too cute for me to put him to bed.  I let him run on the couch, select multiple books and soaked in every kiss he would offer up.

Here was Shane after a late night nap and some ice cream +)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4us3Y6M-APA

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Drew at 8 months

Dear Drew -

This is my favorite photo of you these days, mostly because its rare.  Well, that's not fair, you sleep FABULOUSLY at night (7pm-6am).  But you nap time routine is not reflectionary of an 8 month old baby.  45 minutes is nothing.  I need more time without my 8 armed clinging octopus

Those brown eyes are sweet and your eyelashes get compliments from everyone.  Can you see those arms in constant motion?  That means, food is great.  more please.  Prunes are his favorite sweetener (and a must these days)  I cannot tell you how many times I sit down with a bowl of food for Drew, a plate for me and next to shane (he still needs motivation)  I am thankful for every bite that goes in the correct mouth!  

Here is an example of an alfresco evening that Mama has lost her direction.  It doesn't need to be THAT messy - can you tell I was in such a rush that I didn't use one of my million fabulous bibs.  

But I did have my iphone handy for that memorable photo.

Yup, your cuddly, love those big mouth kisses.  great enthusiasm in the eating department.  You could bounce away on the jumper for hours (as long as we were in direct sight)  Your proximity alarm needs some calibrating.  I know you are interested in crawling, but I would like you to curb your enthusiasim until those legs are ready to walk =)   BTW - As I write this and you are napping, I am hoping that additional curtain is the reason that we are on minute #46.  Maybe the 'light' finally went on in my muttled brain.

Happy 8 months drew.  we love you

In case you were wondering - those are some cute cheeks!

Can I play favorites?

As a mom of 3 of course I love my boys SO much (it doesn't mean I 'like' them all the time)-I also find it interesting lately my feelings of 'favorites'  Its almost impossible to carve out time for a particular one as they seem to need me all at once.  

They have to 'compete' for my attention based on their level.  Nick wants to learn to tie his shoes, Shane is learning how to merely put them on and Drew wants to be in my arms the entire time I perform all actions.

Among all the demands, what intregues me the most is how each child deals with the lack of individualized attention.  

Nick, my first born nestles his way into anyone's current attention giving.  If I am playing a game with Shane (while Nick was at Pre-K or something) Nick is instantly interested in said activity even if he had little desire before.  When I am working directly with Shane, I can almost count the seconds as to when Nick will appear wanting to offer his advice or perspective...  Cute?  Annoying really (i/m his mom, I can say that right?)

Shane make requests to help get his shoes on.  When unanswered, he just gets in the car shoe-less.  He is also potty training and that really demands some mama attention.  He tried to tell me something is coming out and when its truly an emergency (like yesterday in the pool) his voice makes that obvious.  The other night I was trying to ignore them at 8:15 with a glass of wine with my husband on the porch.  I heard them playing around in their room and instead of begging and demanding them to stay in bed, we let them play it out.  10 minutes later, Shane came all the way downstairs and found us at the sliding glass door.....  He looked like a horror film, blood streaming from his nose and all down his front.  In his calm manner he just said, something is coming out....  Ya think?  Thankfully Chris was here as his ability to react to these situations is far superior to mine.  Shane has also had 2 tick extractions so far this season.  One on his shoulder and one on his man parts (I know you boys are cringing out there)  Recently at the part we had left his bike to the side (his little run bike is a HUGE attraction at the playground)  a little girl picked it up to tried to ride it.  Her mom was quick to say - honey that's not yours.  Shane quickly came down the slide and to absolutely warms my heart, what were his words - 'you can ride my bike if you want to'  I about burst into tears when I heard his sweet voice say that.  I think the little lady was shocked too.  His face was as sweet and true as I always want to remember.  

This is a photo I took last week of our picnic partner.  Shane asked if he could share his bread with him.  He also told the duck, he could sit with us if he wants to.

There is something about that 2-3 age that can be so simply rewarding.  His reactions are so genioune and desire to help sweet.  Now, please don't think he is an angle as I still see him try to swipe things from Nick and He has been known to knock Drew over a time or to - But he has frustrations too.

Now Drew might be at a cute stage as he sits up, smiles, puts everything in his mouth and just loves being at your level.  But he also LOVES being with you all the time.  Some days I think its cute when I have time to just hold him - but you all know how often that time rolls around.  So his desire to be an only child is ridiculously frustrating.  He has this almost monotone cry or whine when he wants something (held) or when he is a bit nervous that someone will knock him over.  It rattles my brain - I must be honest, sometimes it makes me want to stick him outside.  He has conducted this conversation several times with himself in his room.  When he finally takes a nap (which once again, they last 45 minutes at MOST) I look at my 2 older boys and think, this is simple.  What are we missing?  

Oh ya, Drew.

So as much as I think I am raising 3 boys in the same manner they are turning out very different for a variety of reasons.  Nick is a great eater and Shane doesn't eat crust or apple skins.  Drew falls asleep easily at 7, Nick at 8 and Shane rattles around til after 9.  Nick wakes up at 5, Drew at 6 and Shane could sleep away the day til 8:30!  (please see my sleeping hours diminish with the longer 'working hours')

AS I write this ramble of a blog, Drew is taking a quick nap, the big boys get a bonus round of Dino train and Chris calls me to say his business trip was extended a day.  No one wants to hear what the rest of this ramble is (nor do I want to see it when I look back in 10, 20, 30 years...), so i best end now while i'm sort of ahead. 

If I keep going, in a few hours this is what I will be able to enjoy

But from all of that - if I were to choose one of them to join me at the Athleta Grand Opening at Reston Town Center that I planned to enjoy a great glass of wine and happily trying on the clothes that I only see in catalogs, well Shane better wash those sear sucker pants =)  Off to find a last minute babysitter.

A future 4 some?

Chris loves to take the boys to the driving range and it usually equates to some wonderful time with the other 1 or 2 boys for me.  This time Nick wanted me to see his skills.  Lets see how our little Bubba Watson's are coming along...

Shane's enthusiasm is never ending.  Eye on the ball....  Hmmm..... but who am I to judge.

                  

 Nick seems to have the similar quite patience that Chris posses.

One of Drew's FAVORITE things to to watch his brothers.  Whatever they are doing.  I love the look in his eye.  He is thinking.... 3 more months and I will be out there with those guys.  That, and 'gosh, my brothers are just the coolest!'

I hope to take a very similar photo in 4 years =)!

I know Chris cannot wait to share his love for golf with his sons.  Nick has told me he is happy to go shopping with me as well if it makes me happy =)!  Thanks Nick!