Things That Go Bump (or Hoot) in the Night

So here's a little insight into life with Thomas. We've been having trouble with him staying in bed at night over the past few weeks. This happened a while back, then life returned to normal, now we're back at it again. The reasons, uh, I mean excuses, are varied and usually completely nonsensical.

The following tall tale happened a few nights ago. It all began when I walked past his room at who knows what time to feed Gab. I noticed his stuffed owl in the hallway just outside his door.

Me: Ronnie, did you take Thomas' owl away?
Ronnie: No.
Me: Oh, I saw it sitting in the hallway and it wasn't there when I put him to bed.
Ronnie: I don't know.
Me: I can't even imagine what this is about.

Fast forward to the next morning at breakfast. I actually made the conscious decision not to ask about the owl because I figured there would be sheer buffoonery coming out of his mouth. Well, in the middle of eating his cereal, I was offered the following information.

Thomas: (Stated with a completely straight face and an attitude that said, "I know she's gonna buy this one!") Mommy, I had to put my owl out of my bed last night because he was keeping me up with all the hooting. Owls are nocturnal, you know!

Yes, Thomas, they are, and apparently, so are you! What a kid!

I will post a photo of the nocturnal culprits in a later post.

Bubbles

As you can hear, this video is a few weeks old, but I still thought it was worth sharing. Our little Bubbles is so vocal these days. (If you could only hear her "singing" now as I type this!) She continues to absolutely love being talked to, sung to, smiled at; just loves the attention and is even smiling at strangers these days. The boys enjoy making her smile and thankfully, she's all too happy to oblige them. Think they are by far, two of her most favorite people in the universe. She attempts to imitate facial expressions and sounds.....so fun! I commented to Ronnie last night that I can't believe that we've been blessed with not only one, but three incredibly happy babies. Think she's by far our smiliest one and it is a wonderful joy for this family that adores her.

She will turn four months old tomorrow. I know all mothers say this, but truly, where has the time gone??

Fans and Holdouts

Despite all the love I shower on this family, the boys have one fault I struggle mightily with--they all like the Dallas Cowboys! Although I confess it's harder to not like them than it used to be, I will remain a holdout. I'm hoping Gaby will join me one day! Thomas used to be on my side, the right side, but as you can see, even he has turned to the dark side! (Enter a sarcastic wink, wink here just in case you don't know me very well!)

I love these photos even if I'm not crazy about the choice of clothing. Another confession, I purchased two Dallas jerseys for these gentlemen for Christmas this year. It hurt folks, it hurt....

Christmas Time

Some favorite gifts, some wonderful family time.....all grateful for a baby in a manger.

Peace

This is peace to me. Pure, complete, deep, restoring peace. Isn't it amazing how just watching a baby sleep can stir such feelings? Another gift I am in awe of.

Fun-filled Days

We've had an eventful couple weeks. It started off early last week with a very special visit from our best friends from pilot training. They drove down with their three kiddos from California and we were able to get together twice during their couple days in town. It was super fun....all 10 of us! Last time we were all together, I believe we both just had one kiddo a piece, both around a year and a half. So fun to catch up and see the growing families in person.

On the 23rd, my parents arrived in town to spend Christmas with us. The boys were beyond excited to see "the Grandma with the pond" as Thomas called her and their very special "Great Sleeping Bear." We still have a couple more days together. It's been a wonderful time so far. We all attended church together on Christmas Eve. A tradition that started in my family that Ronnie and I have continued in ours. Our church is pretty casual, but I love dressing the kids up for Christmas Eve church. Okay, I admit, it was especially fun to dress up my doll baby this year! You gotta love the coat and hat my mom's friend sent her!

The 23rd also marked Gabrie's three month birthday. A smiley photo to mark the day! She's definitely had a growth spurt to mark the occasion as well. Feeling a little sad watching my teeny tiny one disappear before my very eyes.

I'll plan to get some of the Christmas photos uploaded in my next post. Still sifting through them as I'm in my pj's in most of them and not really wanting them displayed all over the world! :) My best present this year....a little girl who arrived a few months prior to the holiday. But I'd take her early or any day. One of the three best gifts I've ever been given. These came without wrapping, required very special handling, but have filled my heart to capacity with an all-encompassing love. Only a glorious Father could give such precious gifts.

Time, Grandma, and Our Favorite First-Grader

Okay, so despite my best intentions, I'm obviously not as diligent a blogger as I thought I'd be. Yes, this still seems to be the easiest way to update everyone (and so therefore, the best), but I had high hopes of finding time to post at least once a week. Already failed and think I just started this venture a month ago. I'm enjoying the kiddos tremendously, but getting to the computer to share it with you all is not happening as frequently as I had planned. I'll keep trying! In the meantime, you may get multiple ventures in one post (like this one).

Ronnie's mom spent several days with us the week before last. It was her first time meeting Gabriella. I try my best to be a "fly on the wall" at these moments of sheer Grandma bliss. It was great fun to see them together. Of course, the boys were thrilled to have Grandma here as well. Clay even asked for Ronnie and I to "go on vacation or at least a date" so he and his siblings could have Grandma all to themselves. :) Some photos of Grandma love.

Clayton also had an eventful last week of school before Christmas vacation. He was chosen as Student of the Month for December and I was invited to the ceremony at chapel on Wednesday morning. (Well, Ronnie and I were both invited. Sidebar--he was TDY in Houston for the week. Yes, I survived and even thrived, if I do say so myself, alone with all three kiddos for the first time! A taste of things to come I'm sure with Weapons School starting in a couple weeks.) Getting back to Clay....his award said he was being recognized for "kindness to others and being a good Christian example." As a parent, I must say, I'm so glad he's learning and growing academically, but nothing warms my heart more than raising a kind child who loves the Lord. Thank you, Jesus! Sorry the photos are blurry. I obviously didn't hold the camera steady as I was holding a sleeping baby girl in my other arm--one who's almost too big to be held with one arm anymore!