On The Mend

Eleanor is thankfully on the mend. She was back to her old self today with her sweet smiles and happy disposition. Our home is gratefully in good health once again.

We eat a whole foods diet about 95% of the time, but there are some areas where we "break the rules." For instance-Dove dark chocolate for me and lollipops for the boys as the occasional reward. They love them and will work hard to earn one. However below is a picture of Everett teasing Eleanor with his pop. We are working on this recent naughtiness!
 

Other than a trip to the market, today we spent all day at home. We like to get out, but we are at our best at home.  Today we brought out all the puzzles.

I caught him mid-pick. 

And we brought out the alphabet train. I guess it is time to start trying to teach Hampton his letters. As of now he thinks every letter is "E."

And look what Eleanor can do! She was able to stand at her music table for almost 10 minutes today before her little legs began to give out from fatigue. She squealed and wore a constant smile the entire time.

She was very proud of herself.

 Here are the boys watching Winnie the Pooh this afternoon. Many times throughout the day I was caught off guard at how much of big boy Everett looked. He is starting to really mature in the face and is losing all of his baby pudge. His long, lanky legs and the definition is the musculature in his arms-our boy is growing up. I cannot believe that he will be four years old in just a few weeks. What happened to my chubby cheeked, dimpled legged little baby? He is also saying some pretty funny, witty things. I need to write it all down as not to forget.

 

Happy to be on the mend and praying it stays that way for awhile.

Sick

I tried napping on the sofa this afternoon and failed. My mommy guard is up and even the quiet hum of the dishwasher running upstairs mimics the sound of a baby who could be moaning in need. We have had a rough couple of nights. Starting last Thursday Everett began running a high temperature. He quickly recovered but regressed on Saturday taking Hampton down with him. The cause was an ugly viral infection that has slowly but surely taken down our home. Everett with on and off fevers- Hampton the same, but with an added bilateral ear infection. Both the boys have since recovered, but now Sassy has decided to join in on the fun. Last evening she began to run a high fever and most of the night was up in pain or from vomiting. This morning she has not improved much. Most of the morning she has laid listless on my chest. I have enjoyed the extra snuggles, but I am anxious for her to recover. Thankfully my friend Sally Ann took Everett to preschool this morning since he missed last Thursday (from illness) and it was just the "twins" this am. Hampton was a trooper as I picked up things off the floor with my toes (as not to disturb Eleanor) and he sure enjoyed the extra videos he got to watch. And I am grateful for my new Keurig (early Mother's Day gift) and the hazelnut coffee that sustained me throughout the morning.
Even though the nights....and mornings....and afternoons...can be hard, there is no other place I would rather be. I am so blessed that I am the one that gets to wipe their noses, give them their medication, cool their foreheads with a washcloth, and snuggle them when they are ill.

 

Worth the Work

The past few days we have just had some days at home. Today Everett is recovering from a virus so we are having a jammie day.

Eleanor is getting better at getting Cheerios to her mouth. She still gags occasionally, but is continuing to explore different foods.
 

The other day Hampton being the comedian he is, thought it would be funny to wear Eleanor's bloomers as a hat. 

 

Yesterday morning we were on the way to the market and drove by IHOP. Everett asked for pancakes so when we got home I made them some for lunch. It wasn't a quick "go to" lunch. It took some time. But it was worth the work to see them gobble up my whole wheat all natural pancakes with joy.

After naps I could tell the boys were getting a bit bored. It was rainy and cold outside so I decided to set-up some water play. They played in their swimsuits and had so much fun. It was a good hour of activity.

And Sassy joined in on the water fun as well! 

We made some swimming pools for our Little People friends.

 

It was worth the work for the fun they had. Notice how Eleanor is sitting unsupported! She is getting better at sitting up completely on her own.

 

All three after the water fun. Hampton is upset because I took away his paci. We are trying to break him from it and it has been hard.

A happier Hampton.

And finally, Eleanor is very blessed with very gracious big brothers who love to give her their toys.

 

Sweet Things

Is there anything sweeter than a sleeping baby?


The wild boys running rampant at Biltmore Park....... 

Hampton calls Everett "Et." Yesterday I got him up from his nap and he said, "Where Et go?"

Her pouty face..... 

Everett was so excited to wear sandals again, now that Spring is here. He wants to wear his brown sandals everywhere! 

Hampton saw this picture of a dog and said "woof woof." I seriously cannot get enough of his cuteness. 

 

 

I just love all these sweet things!

Easter Part 1

We had a wonderful Easter! We began the morning with bunny sweet bread. I had picked this up in Durham at a German bakery over the weekend. It was delicious.
Lily of the valley 

It is always very difficult to get a good picture of the 3. Here are my attempts of documenting them in their Easter best before church...... 

 

When big brothers attack.....

When big brothers love much..... 

Sister donned her Easter bonnet.....

 

The boys were already strapped in their car seats ready for church, but our neighbor was able to take a photo of the three of us....

We later got a family photo at church.

 

After church we decided to take a walk at the arboretum.

 

 

 

 

After naps we gave the boys their Easter baskets. This year we gave books, a new video, coloring books, a banana butter biscuit, stickers and bubbles.

 

 We then headed out to the front yard for an Easter egg hunt!

 

 

Easter Part 2

 

 

 

We ended the day with Passover potato casserole......

and Matzo ball soup!

 

We had such a great Easter as a family!