Happy Mother's Day

Wow, where do I begin?  Bill woke up with the boys at the crack of dawn and I was left to sleep in until 9:00am!!  Holy cow.  As I walked downstairs I was greeted with "Happy Mother's Day and I love you" from two happy little boys.  Blake giggled at his older brothers being silly.  Bill made me my favorite breakfast of pancakes and we hung out this morning!  The boys gave me a cute card and later on in the day I went for a relaxing pedicure.  The weather this morning was perfect to play outside and when it started raining, inside we came to relax and read books.  This is one of my favorite Mother's Day to note.

As Mother's Day drew near I was reading lots of posts on what it means to be a mother, a mother to boys, and a wife.  I definitely agree with almost all of the posts and it made me realize how much I take for granted.  I look at my growing boys and yes they're crazy, but the quote that stuck with me the most is this, "The days are long, but the years are short."  Plain and simple.

The truth is, I am so extremely blessed with my three little boys.  I am so happy and proud to be a mom to Nolan, Carter, and Blake.  I love my job as a dental hygienist and I couldn't imagine not working, but when it comes down to it I know in my heart my true fulfillment in life is to be a mother to my three perfect little boys.  I made a gift to myself of the boys' hand and footprints to display in the house.  I have tons of pictures, but I haven't captured their tiny fingers and toes as of yet.  I can almost always tell whose is whose when I'm wiping down the cabinets and cleaning off the windows.  Carter usually has chocolate or some type of food smeared with his handprints.  Nolan on the other hand usually has marker or pen on his handprints.  Blake hasn't become mobile yet, but I'm excited to see what his handprints will include.

My littlest man, Blakey Boy.  Where do I start?  You are seriously the most precious and easiest going kid in our entire family of five!  From day one you have been my little buddy who has hung out and patiently waited your turn for almost everything.  Your giggles bring a smile to my face even when I hear you on the phone.  Every morning I come into your room and even if I'm extremely tired I see your smile and I know it's going to be a good day!  I cannot wait to see the little personality you develop.

My Lynn Lynn, you are the crazy middle child and I couldn't imagine you any other way.  From day one you have given everyone a run for their money; having to take oxygen in the hospital after a quick arrival, not wanting to take bottles for ANYONE, and constantly jumping off of things and getting hurt.  My odd ball child with blonde hair, blues eyes, and a dimpled cheek, you're perfect in every way.  Carter you have the greatest imagination I have ever encountered and I know it will help you to have a bright future.  Your imagination has led you to your latest friend "Bob the blue monster" to getting boo-boos because "Papa cut me with the chainsaw".  As much as you're crazy and wild you're loving as well.  You're always the first to give me loves and tell me, "I love you mommy."

Ah, my little Poot Poot!!  I'm sure in the future you will regret this nickname, but sorry buddy it's stuck.  You are seriously the most kind-hearted and brilliant little boy I know.  You may look exactly like your daddy, but you are definitely a mini mommy when it comes to your personality.  You've grown into such an adorable perfect little boy.  It brings tears to my eyes as I type this.  I am no longer reading books to you at bedtime, because you're now reading them to me!!  Nolan you have so much heart and care about doing everything perfect.  If I can give you any advice it would be to not become discouraged if life isn't perfect, but to do your best and everything will turn out how it's supposed to.  Nolan I'm so proud to be your mom and I know you will continue to amaze me in the future.  I'm so excited to be along on your journey through life as your mommy.

I guess all of my little boys wouldn't be possible without the love of my life, Bill.  I want to throw a shoutout to him as well.  For putting up with my stressed out nights when the boys aren't behaving, for being the chef of the family because I despise cooking, for being my photography side-kick when the boys aren't posing just right, and for everything else in life you do perfectly.  I love you!

And last but not least, I want to thank my own mother for being the perfect mom.  My mom is seriously one of my best friends and has given me the tools to be a good mom to my boys.  Without my mom and her guidance through the years I don't know where I would be today.  My boys are my life and I know I am hers as well.  I love you BK!

Blake's First Taste

Tonight at dinner, Blake was looking around at all of us eating our food.  Bill mentioned Blake's turn and I decided to give it a try.  Sweet potatoes are the go to first food at the Purcell household.  At first I held the spoon in front of Blake with no food to see if he would even be interested.  Blake grabbed the spoon and shoved it in his mouth.

Okay, go time.  Spoon full of sweet potatoes and Blakey loved it!!  He took several other bites and pushed most of it out with his tongue.  A couple of sweet potatoes up the nose too.  Practice makes perfect and soon enough Blakey will be eating like a pro.

I snapped a few pictures and Bill took a video.  Don't mind the other two crazies running around and yelling in the background.

Blake is 7 months old

Since Blake just had his well visit completed, I wanted to wait a couple of weeks before posting his 7 month updates!  Our happy baby boy is now a kangaroo; he loves to jump and play in his Jumpa-roo.  Blake still has no teeth, but he is drooling and chewing on everything in sight so teeth are possibly in the next couple of months.  Blake weighed 17lbs 4oz and measured 26inches.

Blake loves to do push-ups and then lay on his belly and flap his arms and legs around like a crazy man.  He wants to move so badly, but isn't quite sure how to manage his extremities yet.

Blake is the chillest baby around.  Everyone comments on how happy and easy-going he is.  Hopefully these characteristics will continue into toddlerhood.  Only time will tell and I don't want to rush time.  My baby is already 7 months old!!!

Blake has definitely become more comfortable with his motor skills.  Reaching and pulling things as well as rolling to get from one place to another.  The other day Nolan would stack up blocks and Blake would knock them down.  Blake thought he was pretty funny doing this to his big brother.

I can't get enough of those little toes and dimpled hands.  Oh and the chunky thighs!!!

Blake's First Trip to the Zoo!!

Today Nolan's school had their field trip to the zoo, all five of us went plus Papa to help us play man-to-man defense.  The weather was perfect and all 3 boys behaved great and had a blast, maybe I should say all 5 boys. ;)  All of the animals were out and very active, some of the animals were a little too active if you know what I mean.  

Our morning started out in the Children's Zoo.  Papa injured himself on the slide, it's a good thing I had my travel first aid kit with me.  After Papa's knee was bandaged up, our adventure took us to the River's Edge.

At the River's Edge we enjoyed the hippos and the elephants the most.  The hippos were up close and personal today.  There were two baby elephants out as well.  Carter loves animals and had a blast.  He was so excited to see all of the animals moving around!  At every exhibit we would have to drag him onto the next and he would become as hypnotized by the next animal.

Every map we came to Nolan had to stop and ask where we were at and then point to where he wanted to go!  My little organizer.

At the Herpetarium House, the boys were amazed by all of the reptiles.  Yuck!!  Carter wanted to climb in with the "snakey".

We said our goodbyes to the reptiles and ventured to Historic Hill to see all of the cool animals.  Bill and Papa had their work out today, the boys liked being carried on their shoulders.

Yay a family photo!!  Last time the boys were scared of the Ape, so I'm glad they posed with him this time.  Blake hung out most of the day in the stroller, and did such a great job.  He leaned back and took in the scenery along with a couple of bottles, and a nap.

Thanks for coming with us and helping out Papa!!