Sometimes you never know the impact a simple baby shower gift can have.  Before my oldest was born, my third grade students threw me a “surprise” baby shower.  And one of my students gave me a little lamb banky baby that has a head on one end and the tail on the other. 

My son ended up latching on to it and sometime before his sister came along he called the lil lamb, his baby.  Baby went with him everywhere… I can even recall driving back to church to get it so he could take his nap one fateful afternoon when we left it behind.

We proceeded to get “babies” for each of our children.  Some kids are more attached to their baby than others, but all of them sleep with them pretty much every night.  Scott made up stories for the kids starring their babies… Our first born has Sir Lamb a lot.  Then we’ve got Snoop Doggy Doggy.

And beary bear.

The three had many adventures on their intergalactic star ship cruiser before retiring and moving into the circus house to serve as protectors of the circus children.

We recently presented our newest circus member with a baby of his own.   His identity has yet to be revealed as Daddy still needs to debrief with the other three babies and learn his secret identity.  Perhaps it’ll be revealed on our next long car trip.  

But, he’s gotten quite attached to it already.  I find him stroking the edges and curling up with it in his crib as he falls asleep. 

If only I could give such a baby gift that would have such lasting and sentimental value to a family.  I am certain that girl has no idea how much her little lamb blanket grew to mean to my family.

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The youngest circus member is thriving!  At 2 and a half months he’s weighing around 15lbs.  (my biggest baby yet).  So far he is really easy going and super snuggly.  A perfect combo for my youngest cast member.   We’re on some what of a flexible schedule/routine, which is a huge praise, as we’re starting school next week with the older crew members! 

One of my favorite things about parenting, is watching my children interact with each other (when they aren’t fighting that is).  It’s fascinating to me to see the differences in their bonds and relationships.  One relationship which I have observed recently growing is that between my two girls.   

With only 17 mths, and a few inches and pounds between them, they are in so many ways peers.  They share much in common, and yet are so very different.  It’s been my prayer since the beginning that as they grow, their bond of friendship grows only stronger. 

A loyal sister is worth a thousand friends. 

~Marian Eigerman

Alternate Title:  How Your Army Looks When You Have 2 Younger Sisters

I couldn’t help but smile when I looked out the window and saw this scene…makes me laugh when looking at it on the computer as well.  Quite a motley crew we have defending the fortress… the leader in his camo’s with his walking stick (or staff as he refers to it), his trusty sidekicks following in their fairy wings, and Uncle Jim covering from behind with the ever elusive fluorescent double barrel shot gun. 

Bad Guys Beware!!

A year ago today my SIL was due to have her first born, my sweet nephew Eli, who the circus children affectionately call “baby Ewi”.   I can’t believe he turns one next week!!    He’s in town this week eagerly awaiting the arrival of his daddy from Iraq for his R&R.

I am so thankful that I have a SIL who is willing to travel, b/c even though they live in El Paso, we’ve gotten to see them 4 times this past year!  (more than that really as one of those times was an extended 2 month visit to the area). 

It is my heart’s desire that my kids will have close friendships with their cousins and many fond memories of playing together growing up.  (with a few humorous photo sessions thrown in there as well)

 After capturing such a delightful group shot of the 5 of them, we decided to throw Pop in there too since it was his birthday celebration that we were gathered for… clearly the later photo session didn’t go as well as the former… but it def made for more laughs when looking through the pictures!!

If summer could have a theme song, well then I think this would be  mine for the summer of 2010.

Slow down, you move too fast.
You got to make the morning last.
Just kicking down the cobble stones.
Looking for fun and feelin’ groovy.

Ba da, Ba da, Ba da, Ba da…Feelin’ Groovy.

Hello lamp-post,
What cha knowin’?
I’ve come to watch your flowers growin’.
Ain’t cha got no rhymes for me?
Doot-in’ doo-doo,
Feelin’ groovy.

I’ve got no deeds to do,
No promises to keep.
I’m dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep.
Let the morning time drop all its petals on me.
Life, I love you,
All is groovy.

Last year was a busy one here at the circus… it was my first year as a home schooling mom and I was pregnant on top of that.   I struggled with how to balance it all… the house work, the school work, friends… and the place that gave was friends (not that the other 2 were handled perfectly mind you).   But, we didn’t spend much time with our friends last year.

Summer has been so refreshing… like one Countrytime Lemonade commercial after another.   We’ve had so many fun get togethers with friends and I have found myself (a devout introvert) refreshed by the times spent together. 

With July almost behind us and August waiting eagerly around the corner, I find myself wanting to slow time down and “make the morning last”.  How I love snuggling my little guy and watching my big 3 play in the back yard.  We’ve got one more month to kick down the cobble stones and feel groovy.  Then school returns and with it soccer practice (x2 this year), gymnastics (x2 this year) cub Scouts and Karate classes…. I do believe our theme song for the fall will be something along the lines of “the wheels on the minivan go round and round…”

Until then I must force myself to do all I can to savor and bottle up these care free days.

Can you believe how quickly he is growing?  Slow down little man… your moving WAY to FAST!!!

  Our third born has literally been on the fast track since birth.  I swear she was born holding her head up and eagerly chasing after her older 2 siblings, not wanting to be left out for even a second.  She was clearly not meant to be the “baby” of the family.

Most of the time when my kids celebrate a birthday, I find myself reflecting on how quickly time passes and marveling at how could they be so old so fast. 

Not so with her.

Scott and I joke that maybe we got her birth date wrong b/c it just feels like she’s been three for months already.   Finally the big day arrived.  And what better way to celebrate then by having her friends and family join her at the park for a picnic and swimming on the hottest day of the year.   We had a heat index of 110!  But it didn’t spoil her fun in the least!

Happy Birthday sweet girl!  Thank you for bringing so much joy and laughter into our lives.

While capturing this “precious” Father/Son moment the other day…

my mind instantly flashed back to a similar “bonding” moment between father and son which I captured 6  years ago…

Seems both my boys enjoy sticking their tongues out at dear old Dad!!