A challenge in parenting

So I've been told that as a parent, you need to be prepared to tell your children the same things over and over to the extent that it seems like a thousand times only to find out that your children need to hear it a thousand and one times, right? Well, Nathaniel, my sweetheart is a constant negotiator..."Mom, can I have a cookie?" "Sure, you may have one cookie." "Can I have two?" That's a simple example of his daily routine, regardless of what we're talking about - books, minutes to wait, etc. Well, some days this can really wear you down. Sometimes you just want an easy, "OK, Mom, sounds great!" Yesterday, he was in his negotiating mood most of the day. Shortly before dinner, I ended up saying, "Nathaniel, when do you think you can be happy with what Mom says versus always wanting something different? Can we just go with what Mom says? When can we do that?"
His response, with a serious face & tone, "Tomorrow."
Is that a bit like Wimpy from Popeye...I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today?
Anyway, he's a wonderful boy who may end up in sales someday for all I know?! I love him!

Full of Love

It seems we've all been very loving lately & telling each other we love one another. My most recent enjoyment is between Leyton & I. We have a book called I Love You So, and in the book, the parent says to the child, "I love you." The child replies, "How much?"
"So much."
"How much is so?"
"Way way more than you know."
Well Leyton & I have usually said, "I love you so much." Lately, though, he's been telling me, "Mommy, I love you." I respond that I love him also, and he says, "Mommy, I love you way way more than you know." It's the sweetest thing to hear and I tell him the same and thank you along with a big hug. I don't think I could have that happen too many times!

More New Pics of Leah

She did a great job with these today. I think she resembles Jacob & maybe a little of Leyton. It's neat that in some I see myself and in others, I definitely see Patrick.

Princes into Kings

Occasionally we all joke around and say that Dad is the King of the household, Mom the Queen, the boys are princes & Leah is a princess. Yesterday during the discussion, the big boys asked if they could someday be kings and be the head of the household. I said sure and that at that time, they would probably have their own houses to run and wouldn't be living with us anymore. Nathaniel said he wanted to be king of our current home and Leyton, with a bit of fear in his face said that he wants to always live with us. "Can I Mommy, can I live with you when I'm big and want to be king?" I said sure. Obviously we expect they'll move out someday, but maybe when I'm a mom not feeling ready to let go, I can remind them of this day when they were sure they'd never want to go?!

Jacob's 2nd Birthday Pictures

I realize they're a bit out of sequence, but that's ok. These are from his birthday in December. He had a good day I think.

Big Boys' Birthday Celebration

So I've already talked about the birthday, but here are just a couple pictures...hard to tell much, huh? Well, I just put the cakes for now & JACOB enjoying one of the sundaes the big boys got at Red Robin when the staff came out to sing. He enjoyed it THOROUGHLY. And if you drop your spoon & are waiting for a clean one, no problem, just start drinking. Fun was had by all. Leyton's firetruck cake had a bit of adjustment on the "L" at the bottom by the guy enjoying the sundae!

Little Leah is 3 months old

Here are a few recent pictures of Miss Leah. I can't believe she's already 3 months old! I have been thinking this week that she's changed a lot in the past few days. She's cooing so much and smiling all the time (well, other than when she gets a little more love from her big brothers than she can handle?!). She has slept well most of this week...going down around 9 & waking around 2:30-3am, then again around 5-6am. That's pretty good in my house for that age. However, as I have told my mom & mother-in-law this in the past couple days, she decided she'd go back to waking more last night...we'll see about tonight. I am thinking she's resembling Jacob at this age. We have some pics of him at 3 months and there is a lot of similarity. She is such a joy. It's a lot of fun seeing her personality come out more. I also think she'll roll from back to belly any day. She'll kick up & get on her side & almost get it. I'm not sure if she'll like it, though; she's not a huge fan of tummy time. She also just kicks a lot in general. You lay her on the floor & a few minutes later she's all turned around & moved from where you put her. What a cutie pie.