Being a Mom

When I was a little girl I often liked to play with my dolls. I pretended to be their mommy and thought often of how I wanted to be a good mommy one day. When I became an adult I often dreamt of being a stay at home mom. To devote all my hours to taking care of my babies. My journey into motherhood had some bumps along the way but once it finally started I realized quickly how my baby would depend on me for everything from the very first second they were created. I carried them inside me while they grew and once they made their debuts I was responsible for nourishing them. I never knew just how much you could love another little being until Lainey was born. An amazing shift in responsibilities and emotions. Motherhood is a hard job but it is so very rewarding. It's the only job you get paid for with hugs and kisses and with each new accomplishment your child has you get paid with pride and joy. I'm not here to say being a mommy has always come easy to me. I've had my moments where I'm frazzled and exhausted. I'm not perfect, nor is anyone else. I'd like to take a minute to express what it's like to be a mommy to each of my different children.

For Lainey it means being aware of her internal emotions. She's not one to easily show something is bothering her. You have to stay in tune to her. If she gets moody it means she's either tired or feels like she's not getting enough special attention as the oldest. She gets nervous and shows it by putting her hands behind her neck. She won't do new things if she thinks she won't be good at them and so she often needs some extra encouragement. She's smart as a whip and surprises us each day at how fast she picks up on things.

For Maddy it means knowing she loves extra snuggles. She struggles with how clothes feel on her which can be hard for her to decide on being dressed. She loves to create and if given the opportunity will make something fantastic. If she is overly emotional it's because she's tired. She dotes on her brother and is like my own personal mommy helper. She's an easy girl to be around but watch out if she's angry about something because she is fiercely stubborn.

For Wes it means knowing I'll be tired at the end of the day but that there will be small bits of surprises of his knowledge, love and generosity thrown into the constant go-go-go that has always been Wes. He's a fireball and requires lots of physical exertion. He loves to help when given the opportunity. He's nervous about going to pre-k in the fall because he isn't fond of change. He likes routine though so I think he'll do great. He's the funniest little man I know. He can't help but be silly but often needs it reined in for appropriate times.

Motherhood turned out to be harder than I thought it would be but it also turned out to be much more rewarding than I ever thought it would be. I certainly wouldn't be the mother I am today without the help of my husband. He's a great father and when I can't give enough he gives more. I can't thank him enough for being my partner and helping me to be the best mother I can be each day.

Happy Mother's Day weekend to my Mom and all the other moms I know. Enjoy your weekend!

Hello May

A week into May and the weather has been superbly glorious for the last couple weeks. The sun has been shining. It has been warm. Shorts have been worn. We're due to get a little rain in a couple days but we need it so I'll take it.

Vi and I were very grateful to be able to head away for a full weekend for a friend's wedding last weekend. It was a fantastic weekend away. We came back feeling rejuvenated and relaxed!

We've been busy being outside enjoying all this glorious weather so there's not much to post about.

Look at these two... I hope they continue to be the best of friends.    

Youngest to oldest. And Wes really is 3/4 of Maddy's size. 

Another set of training wheels gone

It's like she knew how to ride without training wheels all along. She was spectacularly fast on her bike with training wheels. A true speed demon. This past week she asked to try without them. These things have to be Maddy's idea or she simply won't go for it. (Stubborn to no end. Another trait she got from her Mama). 

It didn't take her long to figure it out. Vi called me at work to tell me the news. I was shocked. I didn't see it coming. We had played with the idea of taking the training wheels off but I didn't expect her to really go for it. Like I said, it has to be her idea. She said to me tonight after spinning around on her bike, "It's so much more fun without them on!" 

This video helps you to see how natural she is on her bike without the training wheels. Just after about 30 minutes she was turning corners with ease and getting her stopping down pat. Make sure you watch until the end. 

Maddy and her new skills. i love the end. from Chelle Thai on Vimeo.

Inaugural Spring trip

We took advantage of the day yesterday to go to Bar Harbor. The kids enjoyed watching the sea gulls, digging in the tide pools and enjoying the breaks in sunshine. The day started out pretty foggy and at one point I suggested perhaps we just head back home but we are sure glad we didn't. Most of the day ended up being beautifully sunny!

We ended the day at Stanley Brook beach (not sure if that's the official name but it's what I call it). It was very foggy by then but the kids still had a great time!

It's nice to have the ocean just a short drive away. We get the advantage of enjoying it before tourist season starts. At one point while walking in Bar Harbor Lainey asked why all the stores were closed and she seemed disappointed. I told her we were lucky to enjoy it before it gets crowded and busy. We've made a habit of taking a trip to the coast the first chance we get in the springtime. It's almost like an inaugural trip. Now the real spring weather can come! We're ready for you warmer temperatures!

A gorgeous spring day!

These kids soaked up the sunshine today. While there are no pictures of Maddy it's not because she never enjoyed the weather, it's because she threw a fit about having her picture taken and then sulked inside. 

Maxx enjoyed that the mud is drying up enough that he's not getting covered in it. Actually I don't think he cares but I like it a whole lot. 

And so it happened.... he's really 4.

It's like we waited for it... ... that we were anticipating 4 years old because with it comes independence; a new level of interest in things; easier conversation and rationalizations. It also comes with bittersweet feelings. He's growing up. Can't he just stay our baby forever? Oh wait, he will always be our baby. Secretly I like that he's leery about talks of going to pre-k next year. It affirms he still wants to be the baby. Don't get me wrong I want him to want to go and be excited but according to the conversation I had with him today about going he wants nothing to do with it. I sort of like that but I hope he grows out of it come September so we aren't leaving him screaming at school. It's a big scary world going to school, even if it's only for 3 hours. And he's our baby. There won't be another baby in this house. He was the last to be rocked to sleep. The last to learn how to crawl and walk. The last to learn his first words. He was the last to potty train. He was the last to go through his terrible threes. He is our last baby. I find every birthday with my kids a bit bittersweet but this one is particularly bittersweet. As much as I'm happy we're through that baby stage and am settled on it being that way I'm still sad. We won't experience all those firsts again. Every first Wes has is the last time we experience that first. Maybe I'm being too sentimental and sappy but please just don't ask me about him turning 5 next year. It won't be discussed. 

For now, Happy 4th Birthday to our crazy, insanely active boy! While you may be exhausting and trying at times we love you just the same. One day you'll conquer great things. 

FOUR

Our baby is turning 4 tomorrow. FOUR. As Wes was watching this slideshow last night he started to tear up. He turned to us and said, "I miss being a baby." All I could think was I miss you as a baby too and yet at the same time 4 is a good age. He still needs us more than not but yet is growing out of the 3 year old whining stage (some days more than others). He's a fierce boy. Active and crazy and yet still possessing that sweet side. I like to think the sweet side is there to help ease the intensity of the activeness sometimes. Here he is... all 4 years of this sweet crazy boy!



Wes 4yo slideshow from Chelle Thai on Vimeo.