So hello there. We’ve switched over to WordPress, as you can see, and I’m still working on a LOT OF THINGS, so please bear with me. I am not a web designer so there’s a humongous learning curve here. Some info: If you previously subscribed to our blog through an RSS feed, you will have to resubscribe. I’m sorry to do this to ya, but Feedburner has been very uncooperative in retaining old subscribers with the new feed, and even the experts tell me I’m outta luck unless I do some damn hack, or add some code, or something else [...]
Read More in UncategorizedMay 2009
May 31, 2009
Welcome to the new digs
May 30, 2009
Photo Gallery: Laundry Treasures
I thought I would share with you all a few of the items I recently have found while doing laundry. All items were recovered from the clothing of my two oldest children, ages 3 and 5. Introducing, in no particular order, pocket contents: 1. These are from a preschool “project” that B didn’t complete in the classroom but insisted he needed to finish said project at home. Early sign of kleptomania? 2. Goodies from an Easter party we attended. But what happened to the two matching barrettes? If I tell S that I found these, tears will be shed for [...]
Read More in home, housework, Jen Writes, middle child, oldest child, three kids, UncategorizedMay 28, 2009
And summer begins…
This is Maximus.He’s two and a little bit.Wildly beautiful. Remarkably infuriating.He bites, he claws, he screams.Even the cousins distinguish him as the crazy one.As in, “Watch out for crazy Max.”He cries “Hug, hug,” each time he gets in trouble.He repeats the last two words of every sentence he hears.He says “Wake up” to Dan and me at 5 am.He consumes 40 sippy cups a day.He’s the only boy we actually planned on conceiving.He has a special blue blanket, and a special stuffed doggie. He likes to do this to his little brother, Ethan. It won’t be long before my littlest [...]
Read More in boys, middle child, Sarah Writes, youngest childMay 27, 2009
When a bad mood slips away
Last Saturday was a really shitty day. I can’t even tell you why. I’m sure that it had something to do with a stupid comment from Dan. And I’m sure that three hours into my total turned-down mouth grumpiness, I forgot what it was he said in the first place, but the mood persisted. I was mad at the world and at the day – for not being perfect, again. Early in the afternoon our babysitter texted to ask what time to get to our house so Dan and I could go out. I wanted to reply “Don’t Bother,” because [...]
Read More in chores, relationship, Sarah WritesMay 26, 2009
101 Things About Jen, by Jen
After Sarah posted 101 things about herself, I had little choice to do the same. So here goes: 1. I’m not quite 5-feet-10 2. When I was a kid I fell asleep to my mother playing the piano 3. I am very specific about my pillow. I don’t like to share it. 4. I take my earrings off at the end of the day and leave them all over the house 5. I drive 75 minutes to and from work 6. I don’t drive a minivan (yet)* 7. J and I are the same height and have the same shoe [...]
Read More in Jen WritesMay 25, 2009
101 Things about Sarah, by Sarah
I’m not sure I like the idea of doing this, but I always enjoy reading the 100 Things About Me list on other blogs. So, in the interest of sharing some information that probably wouldn’t otherwise come forward in an ordinary blog post about my life with three kids, I am attempting this not-so-unique idea of blabbing 100 things you’re not so sure you wanted to know and I’m pretty sure I don’t need to say. I’m 5’6″ I cut my hair maybe twice a year I am proud to say I’m a regular at the hair salon now–this is [...]
Read More in Sarah WritesMay 23, 2009
The Three Popsicle Day
We don’t go on too many weekend family outings, because on the days that I am home, J works (and vice versa). So this morning, when I was standing in the center of our little town at 9:56 a.m. and it was clear that the Memorial Day parade was not today (and, probably, in fact would be on Memorial Day) I couldn’t just stomp my feet, scream in frustration and run to the nearest bookstore to deal. Nope. It was just me. And three kids. (One of whom I HAD WOKEN FROM HER MORNING NAP TO GET HERE.) In perfect [...]
Read More in Favorites, Jen Writes, three kidsI amso tired tiredtrying my best to look forward toa weekend at home with my kidsand my husbandand the sun I amtrying real hardto approach all these must-do’s and have-to’sand just knock them off my lists those lists that float around my house and inside my pursethose lists that help me organize my thoughts in the morningand then confirm I am a total failure at night There is so much to be doneit’s overwhelmingthe list is overwhelmingit runs on without stoppingI can’t jump over it or around itcannot tackle it in any kind of productive manner Whenever I start a [...]
Read More in motherhood, Sarah Writes, unpaid workMay 22, 2009
For my Littlest Guy
Oh my baby, my baby, my baby. He takes So.Much.Abuse from his big brother, and yet he keeps on smiling and laughing and treating us all to the fresh air of optimism that is often so desperately needed when you’re stuck in an endless cycle of diaper changes and naptime coordination. I vow to take more pictures of you, Ethan, and to start reading to you – one of these days – and to protect you from the pushing, kicking, tyrant that is your brother, Max.
Read More in Sarah Writes, youngest childMay 21, 2009
Another post about how tired I am
Sleep deprivation. Is seriously. Seriously. Difficult. And I’m supposed to FUNCTION as a reasonable human being. A parent. A MOTHER. But my kids. Won’t. Let. Me. Sleep. My mom says this won’t last forever. In fact, it will only be a FEW. MORE. YEARS. But, oh, how am I ever going to make it? The past few nights, Em, who has been teething and teething and has nothing to show for it, has not slept. That is, not unless she is on top of me. On top of my chest. She is 20 pounds. And very squirmy. With very sharp [...]
Read More in Favorites, Jen Writes, motherhood, sleep, three kidsMay 19, 2009
A Mother’s Guilt
It started yesterday morning when I dropped my kid off at school and suddenly took notice of his walk. Not his hips or his legs, but his feet. He has this light and bouncy step, and in the 10 seconds I waited for the crossing guard, and watched Jamis reach line-up, I mourned the fact that I hadn’t noticed this before. He’s 6. Had his gait suddenly changed? When had I stopped scrutinizing the little details of my children, not just to keep track, but for the enjoyment of it? What I was most guilty about was the fact that [...]
Read More in Sarah WritesMay 17, 2009
Sometimes the best friends sneak up on you
This is a bit of a complimentary post to two previous posts about making friends with other moms. Back track if you’d like, or just start here. And then there are those wonderful women I have become friends with since I’ve had kids. A few I have met because our kids were in the same preschool class. And the kids became buddies. And so we moms hung out after school while they played. And we clicked. And not only that, we actually liked each other. And each other’s kids. And, could it be?, each other’s spouses! Or the friend I [...]
Read More in Jen Writes, three kidsMay 16, 2009
My take on making new friends with other moms
Sarah, I totally hear you. It is HARD to make friends with other moms. And the park scene can be tough. And the women you were friends with before you had kids? Yeah, that’s tough, too. Because, let’s face it, motherhood is, arguably, the most life-changing transformation for a woman. And if your pre-kid friends haven’t had kids yet or if one of you has, oh, say one kid and the other of you has, oh, say THREE, you probably haven’t kept up with those girlfriends. Life has just changed too much to be chatting about office gossip or current [...]
Read More in Jen Writes, motherhood, three kidsMay 16, 2009
My Brain is Like the Surface of My Desk
OK people. I’ve been writing and writing and writing, and nothing is coming together. Maybe it’s because every surface in my house looks like this: Or maybe it’s because my sister and I are actually in the same house today, which means that there are SIX kids surrounding us. Which means: Revolving naps. Constant snacks. Crying kids. Slamming doors. And I am trying to write some post that has a LASTING message. Sorry oh you faithful readers (whom we LOVE), it ain’t gonna happen today. I can’t get it done. It’s too loud and crazy here. Plus, Sarah’s about to [...]
Read More in Jen Writes, sisters, three kids (six kids)May 15, 2009
A hug is where the heart is
I can’t stop thinking about this face. And how it’s lips can charm me and scorch me all in a matter of minutes. _______________________________________ Scenario: Jamis asks for a hug.I’m bein’ a lil’ bit goofy and flop on top of him. Arrrrrrg! “There’s your huggy hug.” “No, a real hug.” So I sit up properly on the couch and he folds into my arms. Actually, I think we’re at the point where I fold into him, because the hugs are less frequent and he tends to offer them not only when he needs one, but when he knows I need [...]
Read More in boys, fatherhood, motherhood, oldest child, Sarah Writes, three kidsMay 14, 2009
Making new friends with other moms
Oh it is So not the first time this has subject has been pondered. And it So won’t be the last: The well-documented problem of moms seeking out other moms for friendship. And why is it always moms seeking out other moms? Why aren’t moms seeking out dads, or single gals, or newlyweds too? Um, do I have to go there? I think we are all aware of that crazy brain thing that happens after you’ve given birth, and often times long before: There’s a life inside of me. Wait, it’s going to come out. Thank Gooooodness, it’s out. Damn, [...]
Read More in Favorites, motherhood, Sarah Writes, three kidsMay 13, 2009
Why Am I Not Sleeping?
Maybe if I still had a favorite stuffed animal (like B’s good friend Theo, here) I would have the discipline to turn off the computer and go to sleep.
Read More in Jen Writes, motherhood, sleepMay 13, 2009
I grant thee…a Lovely Award
So we’re a little new at this BLOG ABOUT MY LIFE thing. It’s completely reassuring if we get even one comment a day or two new visits. It’s unbelievably therapeutic to have a place to vent and reflect and dream OUT LOUD. To our surprise, a fellow blogger has found something worthwhile in the mess that is us just trying to get away from the chaos that is our every day life with three kids. And thus we were granted an award by Amy at ThoughtfulParent.com. Thank you Thoughtful Parent, Thoughtful Friend. We kindly accept the One Lovely Blog Award. [...]
Read More in Sarah WritesMay 12, 2009
And why three is enough, for this body
Just as having a third child was perfect for our family, having a fourth would be selfish. On my part. I would parent more children, welcome them into our family if circumstances led to that, but I will not have another baby. Not through this body. Pregnancy and I are not the best of friends. One year ago I was four months pregnant and just coming off of months of hyperemesis gravidarum (not unlike my previous two pregnancies). In a word: miserable. I spent every day curled up in bed and curled up on the bathroom floor. HG, for me, [...]
Read More in Favorites, Jen Writes, motherhood, three kidsMay 12, 2009
Tractor Masterpiece
Try not to focus on the melting frosting. I am especially proud of the hay bale cupcakes, thank you very much.
Read More in birthday, Jen Writes, motherhood, oldest childMay 12, 2009
Tractor Lust
Read More in Jen Writes, oldest child
May 11, 2009
And this…
May 11, 2009
Post Mother’s Day Post
I know, enough about Mother’s Day already. I just have some things to say and I think that if I don’t, I’ll forget. And I can’t. I can’t forget; I need to have a place to come back to when it’s time to remember. I’ve been lucky enough to celebrate six Mother’s Days. None has ever been as special as this one. We did not go out for brunch. I did not wear a hat. It was just a day. My kids woke up. My husband asked if I’d like to sleep in and he’d bring me coffee. I said [...]
Read More in motherhood, Sarah WritesDear Jen, I put this in an email. A reply to your 5:35 message. I typed it all out and almost hit send, but thought it better to post it here, where we ARE free, where we CAN be. Where I feel our bond most strong, most clear, and most alive.I love you!Sarah omg i wishi couldsteal you awayand the kidsi’d take them tooand we could all go to a retreatin the woodswith a high energy sitter who happens to drive a tractorand keeps backhoes and bulldozers handy for serious excavationand the kids could dig a tunnelor 200and create a [...]
Read More in Best of 2009, Favorites, home, Jen Writes, Sarah Writes, Sarah's Favorites, three kids, unpaid work, writingMay 10, 2009
Tired, No More – A post by our Mom
Happy Mother’s Day, everyone! In honor of the day we asked our mom to write for us. You can call her Gail, or GG, or Geege. She’s famous in our homes and in our hearts. This weekend she is celebrating Mother’s Day with her amazing mom and two charismatic sisters on Cape Cod and, undoubtedly, laughing hard enough and loud enough to keep many of the neighbors awake. I hope you are having a good time, Mom! We love you. We are so happy for your contribution. And Happy Mother’s Day! Last week I met a woman whose daughter I [...]
Read More in Favorites, GG, GG Writes, motherhood, three kidsMay 9, 2009
Home is Where We Muddle Through
We’ve lived in this house for almost four years; moved in two months before our second was born. In fact, the past two times I’ve moved I’ve been seven months pregnant. When I was pregnant with our third, several of our friends asked us if we’d be moving. Uh, no way, not again! But the question was a valid one. This is a small house. The messes are large. The dirt is abundant. Some days I feel like the clutter is endangering our very well-being. But no, we would not be moving. When we moved in it was summer. The [...]
Read More in home, housework, Jen Writes, three kids, unpaid workMay 8, 2009
Sweaty dish-balls…
Okay, I know it’s petty but I’ve got to talk about it for a minute. Just a minute. Dishes. First of all, it’s ridiculously difficult to wash the dishes, wash A dish, when there’s a one year old climbing in and out of the dishwasher. We are always on a backward schedule of dish cycles, where I have to unload to reload to make room in the kitchen to even make dinner. Second of all, what exactly does my husband DO when he runs the dishwasher? I have yet to spy on his setting choices, and the amount of soap [...]
Read More in home, Sarah Writes, unpaid workI’ve been so indecisive about my emotions this week. The weather’s been rainy, and so have I. I feel a sour melting of my heart with every wish for bedtime, for alone time, for peace and quiet. I love my kids, I do. But it takes a special lens to find joy in the every day, the every need, the feeding, cleaning, teaching that is my every moment when I am at home. There is solace in work, even if I often loathe the tasks that are stacked before me, or the sheer volume of space it takes in my [...]
Read More in motherhood, paid work, Sarah Writes, three kids, unpaid workWith every milestone I find myself looking back, usually wondering HOW did we ever get HERE. B is FIVE already? Holy moly, as he would say. What happened? Wasn’t he just born? Weren’t we just nuzzled together on the couch, settled in for one of his marathon nursing sessions? Nope. It’s been five years. And two more kids. And I’m nursing again, but there’s not a whole lot of nuzzling this time. More like refereeing from the sidelines, breaking up fights between B and S while trying to get a meal in for E. (As I watch the basketball playoffs [...]
Read More in Favorites, Jen Writes, oldest child, three kids, writingTwo nights ago Jamis suggested that I read Ethan a book before bed. Ethan is one. I can recall only 5 nights that my husband or I have read to him at bedtime. Flashback to 2002. Jamis is four months old and Dan and I have fallen into a routine of dinner, bath, books, bottle, bed. We alternate nights. We glide in the rocker, happy baby tucked into our laps. We read 1o books, sing 3 songs and crush him with kisses. He smiles. He drifts off to sleep. We walk through a clean and orderly house. Fall on the [...]
Read More in boys, Favorites, motherhood, Sarah Writes, sex, siblings, three kids, youngest childMay 3, 2009
"So You Had a Third."
This statement came to me at B’s b’day party, and I can’t stop thinking about it. A mom of two, whom I don’t know well, just walked right up and said it. What all those other folks seem to be thinking, although with more of a question mark/exclamation mark sound. “Yes,” I said. “We did.” Turns out she wants more children. I’ve only had one other person ask me straight out what it’s like to have three. The rest of the time I feel like I’m the anomaly in the town. Even though I can give you plenty of examples [...]
Read More in body image, exercise, Favorites, Jen Writes, Jen's Favorites, sex, sleep, three kidsI think I might get a little mushy this morning. I’m not privy to mush and goo and all things cutesy and sweet; however, many of my posts thus far have hinted that I am not happy with my life, with my role as the mother of three, as the keeper of chaos. That is not the case at all and I need to remind myself of that on days like these when I wake up and everything seems just right. The baby slept through the night. The middle (problem) child is happy and positive. The oldest child is entertained, [...]
Read More in motherhood, Sarah Writes, three kidsMay 1, 2009
Pumping In Style
That’s me. In the storage room. With my Lansinoh and my bra unhooked and hanging down to where my abs used to be. Twenty minutes holding cones up to my breasts and staring at my soggy middle. Yup, Em stayed at home today. I have never been a good pumper. Those little bottles and bags never even come close to filling up. My babies, on the other hand, obviously have reaped the benefits of plenty of breast milk calories. We used to call our oldest “rubber band man” because of the rolls of fat around his wrists (and everywhere else). [...]
Read More in fatherhood, Jen Writes, paid work, siblings, three kids, youngest child