Nate's Happy 5th

Friday, my oldest baby turned 5. He is so excited about it. Now, he wants to put his socks on 'all by himself because that's what 5's do'. Seriously cute. His party almost got rained out. Since we've had awesome weather for the past 4 years we thought we'd have it at the park. On the way to the park to set up we heard thunder. Seconds later we saw lightning. Awesome. We get one thunderstorm a year which I am so grateful for, and it had to come today. We decided to go ahead and set it up anyway, hoping within the hour till the party, the rain would stop. Well, setting up was a nightmare. Plates, napkins, and table covers flew everywhere. I lost a bunch of balloons that got untied in a sweeping gust of wind. The boys kept trying to play on the (metal) equipment every chance I wasn't looking. I did the best I could, and explained to Nathan that people might not come because of the rain. He replied, "Well, that's OK. We can just have a party, just us!" Trooper. Well people did come. Not as many as we expected on paper, but more than we expected that hour! All the kids had a great time. It did clear up for a little while and we had the whole park to ourselves! (imagine that. no one else wanted to be at the park that day) When the clouds started rolling in again, we decided to call it a day. Special thanks to Justin and Jeremy for helping pack up, taking photos, and wrangling kids. And Joe saved the day with the treasure hunt. I had the idea, but couldn't think enough to execute. He's awesome for saving the day last minute. And... we get to do it all over again at Little Man Matt's party in July! ... Though I think we'll have it at the house in case it rains! Happy Birthday Nate! You are growing up.

Per Nathan's Request...

A few weeks ago, Nate and I went for a walk after dinner. It was nice being able to spend a half hour with him, and only him. He is the kid I get the least one-on-one time with. Towards the end of the walk, he said, "Mom, I wish you were a little girl so I could play with you." Yeah, tear. I said, "Nate, you can play with me whenever you want to. I will always be here if you need me." (extra tear because I try as hard as I can to play with (etc.) the kids every day. ) He pauses. "Would you just grow another baby? And make it a girl. I really want a sister." I laughed out loud and felt bad for that, because I knew he was being serious. I told him it was a little more complicated than that, but if I do grow another baby, I'll try to make it a girl.

Two weeks (and two pregnancy tests) later, we are expecting our 4th baby in February. At first I didn't quite believe it. Physically, I don't feel pregnant. But when I woke up Monday morning, I had a calm knowing in my gut. It's hard to explain. I felt it with previous pregnancy's, so by now I know to listen to it. Joe seems pretty happy; he called his co-workers within the hour of discovering the news. Drew could have cared less, but I wouldn't have expected more. Matt has no idea what he's in for, and his days as "baby" are numbered. Nathan, is over the moon. He's already kissing my belly. I have never seen a little boy get so excited over a new baby. He was the same way with Matt, and loves him to death. He is a fantastic big brother. (Not as much to Drew, but still pretty good) I worried a little about telling him too early because I have miscarried in the past, but I suppose I'll just hope for the best so we don't have to break his heart.

As for me... I smile at the thought of a new little person. I am sad over having to move Matt up so quickly, just as I was when I discovered I was pregnant with Drew. And Matt. The boys will have to rearrange their rooms. We haven't even painted them yet as they are. I started on Drew's, and got ONE coat of primer up 3 weeks ago. I feel like we've let them down by not placing the importance on it that we should have. Nate and Drew will never have their own rooms again. At least not for a while. Matt will be caught somewhere in the middle, not quite old enough to hang with the 'big boys', but just a little too old to hang with 'new one'. I know I fear change and it takes me a while to come around to new ideas. Especially those involving new members of the family. Having #4, (4, holy crap, 4) to me was sort of a surreal idea, like going to Paris. I've thought, planned, and dreamed, but now that I'm on the plane, I'm white knuckled griping the armrest. I believe in my life's path. I follow it with 100% trust. I just really hope this one's a girl.

Summertime!

One of my favorite summer songs by Sublime. I bought that CD twice, and it got stolen twice. Still one of my faves. But aside from that, summer is here in full swing. I had to make a trip to the store on Sunday, and inflatable pools, pool accessories, brightly colored plastic ware, and beach towels seemed to cover almost every inch of the store. I smiled and thought, "I love summer." and then I thought, "I really love all seasons." Every couple of months I get excited about the months to come. So now I am excited about Summer. Nate's been off of school for the past couple of days. They decided to cut school off short this year, (which did annoy me, but oh, well), and it's been nice to get up in the morning, and not have to rush out the door. It's a much more peaceful morning.

The boys have their first sunburn of the season. It's pretty bad. We're on day 5, and they're doing much better. Nate's blisters are shrinking, and they might actually be able to put a shirt on today. (yes, it is as bad as it sounds.) I'll take this as a learning experience though, and put sunscreen on them before I send them to anyone Else's house.

Nate's birthday party is coming up, and I am not even close to being as organized as I should be. I am sending out invites today, and the party is in three weeks! It doesn't leave me a whole lot of time to get RSVP's and order supplies based on those RSVP's. I hate over-buying, especially online. We're doing a pirate theme this year, and he is really excited. I'm starting to plan Matt's, too. I am lost on a theme, but I'll think of something. I wish their birthday's were further apart. It would give us more time to recoup (financially) before having another party! At least Drew's is in the fall. But on Thanksgiving, so his is a hard one, too. He wants to do McQueen (again. 3rd year!). If it makes him happy...

But it is beautiful summer again, the best time in WA. It almost makes me not want to leave. Almost. I'm really itching to move somewhere with 4 complete seasons, a good area to grow our own veggies and fruits, and closer to home. I am hoping for Connecticut, but most places on the east coast would do just fine.