The Triplets

Also known as trouble.

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It's been rough around here the last couple of weeks.

Uhhhhh!

I'm so dang tired. Like I-have-a-newborn-baby tired.

Except that I don't.

It's just that Brian's knee just hasn't been right since his surgery in the fall. And then the call we got a week and half ago from his doc that we needed to do another surgery. ASAP. And the subsequent hospital stay. And then daddy being laid up. And Lincoln showing us how strong his will is every 5 minutes. And Lila letting us hear her whiny voice more in the past week and half than we ever have. Cue the puking dog. And the broken dryer. And Brian's phone getting stolen. And I almost chopped my finger off while preparing dinner. And when we went to a restaurant this week and I dropped not one, but 2 entire plates of food on the floor. And the rain. My goodness, THE RAIN!

Etc.

Etc.

Etc.

But I'm over it.

I just can't even focus on that sheeeee for one. more. minute.

There is just too much to be thankful for.

I get to co-parent with Brian. I just adore that guy. And my kids are healthy, strong and smart. And I will get to fold super-hero capes and tutus again when my dryer is fixed tomorrow. And my mom came and helped for a whole week! And I got a pedicure today. And I have gift certificate for a massage that I found in the bottom of our junk drawer. That will be used very soon. And we finally found a babysitter this week. And we have the most awesome neighbors. And I can still get Meyer lemons at the market. And we are 2 months away from Italy. And I got to hold 2 little babies, miracle babies no less, in the NICU last night during my first volunteer shift.

Etc.

Etc.

Etc.

And we call this a perspective change folks....otherwise known as a big, fat

Attitude Adjustment.

Which is exactly what the doctor ordered after this rocky week.

And now I'm off to hide hearts all around the house for our little Valentines.

And we have a lunch date with daddy tomorrow.

It's gonna be a good day.

Let's PARRRRRRRty!

Lila + Lincoln turned 3 on the 3rd.

So we had a little party.

A little pirate party as a matter of fact.

And once a former kindergarten teacher has a theme, it can be dangerous.

We have 2 children, but only one birthday party to plan each year. It is so fun to have all of our friends and family together to celebrate with us.

And What the Freak, who ordered the sunshine???

Well, I DO. Duh. Every single day of course. But it hardly happens....

And then my sis called on Friday when she landed in Seattle and told me the sun was blinding her. And for our party on Saturday, it hung around. All of these little northwest kids loving the time outside in the shiny, warm sun.

It was perfect.

Walking the plank + digging in the sand for treasures.

I told Brian I wanted him to make a boat for the kids to play with. He exceeded my expectations.

A treasure cake with cupcake jewels.

X marks the spot. Done with glitter....obviously.

For real you all. For real.

I can still carry both of them. And I hope to for the rest of my life.

The birthday pirates. I sure do love them.

Did someone say food?

Every year at their party I feel overwhelmed by the people in our lives. I am amazed at all of the children our friends have created throughout the years. And it is kinda special to see them all playing together.

We are blessed. Just beyond blessed.

Bud

Lincoln,

Once upon a time, when I was growing up, all I ever wanted was boys. I'm not quite sure why, I just loved little dudes.

And then God gave us you!

And you did not disappoint because you are one rad dude.

When you were born, you were all kinds of precious.

After babies are born, they lose a bit of weight, and since you were only 5 1/2 lbs to begin with...you looked like a little old man.

Daddy called you Benjamin Buttons.

And I would say, 'Lila, you are so beautiful and Lincoln, your mama loves you!'

You were so alert. I'm talking about from even moments after you were born. You were listening to my voice. I told the nurses they could do the hearing test on sis, but I was certain your ears worked just fine. Somehow your big, beautiful eyes gave me the reassurance I needed when I became your mother. Instead of me freaking the freak about becoming the mother of twins, your calmness just made me feel a sense of peace.

Sometimes your remind of what I think daddy would've been like as a boy.

And it makes me love him and you deeper.

Sometimes you get in trouble for being a rascal.

Do you wanna know a secret?

I always hoped my boy would be a bit of rascal.

It's part of what makes you so much fun.

You'll continue to get in trouble for it, and I'll continue to secretly love that about you.

You are strong, bright, curious, determined, kind, respectful, honest, hard-working, imaginative, funny, tricky and wise.

You are the very best parts of daddy + I....but you are more even than that.

You are you.

Lincoln Scott.

Our boy.

I'm gonna spend the next 24 hours thanking my lucky stars that I get to be your mama.

What Can Make Me Feel This Way...

...MY GIRL!

Lila Pearl.

Today is the last day you are TWO.

Shite.

Did you know I would give every penny I had for you to stay this age? Did you also know that I don't have a lot of pennies because I don't technically have a paying gig, but nonetheless, that I would give every penny daddy makes?

Did you know that daddy and I would have 10 more girls if we were certain they would all turn out as great as you?

But I can't because:

a.) it doesn't work that way,

and

b.) your daddy won't let me.

He tells me it's going to be fun to watch your grow up. But I sure am going to miss these days.

It's kinda weird that the chick I want to be when I grow up is the girl you already are at 2 years old.

Sis, you are hi-larious, trusting, creative, outgoing, self-confident, beautiful, caring, spunky, smart, curious, and completely unaffected by others opinions. I pray, no I seriously pray all the time, that these are the qualities that you will retain throughout all the turbulent times that life brings.

Because you are the coolest chick ever.

We are buddies.

You remind dad + Linc all the time that 'We are the girlz!'

And we sit on the 'girls side' of the car.

I'm gonna spend the next 24 hours reflecting on how awesome our lives became when we became your parents 3 years ago.

Snow Fun

Did you hear the Pacific NW had a snow storm this week?

Well we did.

And it was rad.

I like snow approximately 1 bazillion times better than rain.

It's so dang pretty.

And peaceful.

And way fun to play in!

Snow + cardboard box = Good Times

Snow gear courtesy of our most generous friend Timi.

(With the exception of the pink pants.)

It's no wonder kids love snow days.

Hello! sugary goodness.

This is from Sunday when the first flakes started to fall.

So precious.

Lincoln likes the snow.

He enjoyed throwing snowballs, exploring, making tracks, sledding and sliding, building snowmen and making snow angels.

He was also the first to want to head in doors.

He has been reminding us about how much he loves the beach. And maybe how we could go to the beach sometime.

And how he likes the sun. And when can we go to Hawaii. And summer is his favorite.

Is this my kids or what?!

Get us to the sunshine.

Lila loves the snow.

No seriously, she never wants to come in.

And she just has the most adorable smile on her face the entire time we play.

I love her.

Our snow family. Lila made it with daddy.

She was so proud.

Funny-faced sissy.

This is what we woke up to this morning. 10 inches of winter wonderland.

The Kool Kids

Because obviously nothing says cool like a sick pair of shades.