Blood is red, violets are blue, Valentine's Day is stressful, give me chocolate

A visit from the lip-less wonder, I mean, Wonder Woman. For some reason now when she smiles, she curls her top lip up and it just disappears. If you ask her to smile with her lips, she just puckers them out. No winning with this one. She is awfully cute though.

Another Sunday spent walking Will around the church. Bless his heart, there isn't much to keep him occupied during mass, and we are at yet another church that doesn't have a cry room. (Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyy)

We ended up over at Rick and Monica's house to go sledding and brought some hot dogs along because nothing makes these kids happier than hot dogs. Except maybe pizza. And macaroni. The usual little kid favorite food groups. The grown ups had some venison that Rick bagged this past November. A-OK stuff, although the texture takes some getting used to. The boys got haircuts before heading home and doing a quick clean before school in the morning.

Will has learned early that he will get some snuggle time and extra attention if he sits still for books.

Took advantage of the big kids being in school on Monday and ran errands in Fargo. That included a stop at Dollar Tree for some Valentines balloons. The kids go nuts over helium balloons so I got a few and hid them so that it would be a surprise the next morning. Since we have no real closets, it was tricky finding a spot to hide them. Three got smushed into our closet behind my dresses and the others ended up in a linen closet in the bathroom. Risky since they are into everything, but luckily no one found them!

Molly made out the best with flowers and a candy heart (filled with gummies). I got the candy heart at Dollar Tree and dumped the chocolates (because she doesn't like chocolates) and filled it with some butterfly gummies instead. She was thrilled by this and the gummies are already gone.

Sam got a monkey balloon and a Star Wars tin of suckers. Despite having never seen Star Wars or knowing anything about it, he is mildly obsessed with it, which I think is pretty funny.

Out of a four pack of conversation hearts (from the Dollar Tree), I had enough "winners" to set out for three people. I'm not sure if that's because conversation hearts are just terribly printed or if it's the Dollar Tree ones, but either way, I'm not sure anyone actually read the ones I picked for them. These were for Steve and I also got him a few Reeses hearts. Reeses are my love language so I assume that must be true for everyone else as well, barring a peanut allergy.

I absolutely HATE how dark it is in the mornings still- makes the whole house feel like a cave. I need natural light!! Anyways, aren't these cuties a bright spot? Will is wearing a shirt that tiny baby Sam used to wear. Wahhhhhhhhh

Molly saw that you can add stickers to instagram stories and while seemingly restrained at first...

semi normal

...girlfriend got carried away real quick.

On a scale of 1 to zoo, how obvious is it that she likes animals?

The afternoon seemed to go downhill quickly as Will's nap schedule was off and Molly had a question or comment about everyfrigginthing and then I made cupcakes and forgot to spray the liners, which, in reality, is no big deal, but at the time it just felt like ONE MORE THING snowballing on that downward slope and I was over it. Can't even make cupcakes! Worthless! The cupcakes actually peeled off quite easily, so all was not lost and we continued on with the day. There was a brief moment of silence.

Very brief. Will took another horribly timed nap, confining us to the house for the rest of the day. We had big plans to drop off cupcakes to some friends and gather eggs with them, but it quickly turned into "what crap can I scrape together to make up a passable dinner?" The cupcake disaster avoided, I had a slight boost and decided to try and make it seem Valentine-y.

Steve's mom would cut their sandwiches into shapes for them, and in an effort to not have the request thrown at me all the time, I told them that was her special talent and only Mom moms can do that. Kids are gullible so when this was presented to them at dinner, you'd think I just presented them with a fine surf and turf meal. Just to keep the illusion going, I told them how long I slaved over these shapes and that Mom mom taught me a few of her secrets, but I'm no pro. Aka this won't be the usual!

Best news of the day is that Will is not allergic to peanuts!!! He tried peanut butter for the first time and had absolutely no reaction, so I am breathing a huge sigh of relief for him. He was none too impressed with my sandwich though and threw the last bits on the floor (peanut butter side down, of course).

I've also been lugging around these paper heart straws for YEARS now, so Steve made pink smoothies for us so we could use them. And in a wine glass! Everyone was feeling fancy. Steve and I had salmon, garlic quinoa with brown rice, and roasted carrots. PB&J seemed perfectly acceptable and romantic to me though.

After dinner, things went downhill quickly. (You- I thought we were already at the bottom of the hill, how much longer can we roll downhill???) Will was playing with the big kids in the living room when I heard a crash and a cry. I ran in there from the kitchen (all of 3 feet away) and Sam and Molly said Will tried to stand up but fell and bumped his head. He tends to cry a bit when he goes from standing to sitting unexpectedly so I wasn't too concerned at first. Then after getting him to calm down, I noticed he had some blood in his mouth. Then, A TON OF BLOOD in his mouth. Which he sweetly shared with me.

This pictures doesn't do it justice- I looked like Jackie Kennedy post-assassination, minus the good hair and pretty clothes. I figured he just bit his lip when he fell and once he wiped his blood on me, I passed him off to Steve for a quick bath. Right as his bath was ending, his mouth started bleeding again. Looks like he bit his frenulum (little piece of skin between lip and gums on the top of the mouth) and it was just going crazy.

my poor bloody baby

His lip swelled a bit and after a few minutes, he didn't seem bothered by it at all. This did not stop me from freaking out though. Monica (former trauma nurse) informed me (after being bombarded with multiple blurry, bloody photos) that this had happened to her sons multiple times and while it is a free-bleeding area, it would stop soon and he'd be fine. Nothing an ER doc could do for it besides give a little ibuprofen and ice. He went to bed nicely and slept through the night, luckily. Woke up this morning and his lip isn't even swollen! I was prepared for the worst.

So anyways, not the greatest Valentine's Day, but not the worst either. Looking forward to some WINE next year though. Days like these really call for it!!

the past month-ish

This past month was such a whirlwind! It started out on a sad note when Steve's grandmother passed away.

She was such a spunky lady and her death was pretty unexpected. I didn't get to attend her service (more on that later!) so it still doesn't seem completely real to me that she is gone.

I stayed home with the three stooges since Sam brought home HFM...

Not sure how else to describe it but "fcking miserable" will do for now. Sam just had a fever one night and went to bed early. He woke up perfectly fine the next morning. Then Molly came down with a fever and when we were in PA for the funeral, she came down with the blisters and uncontrollable itching. She was up the entire night whining and itching. No amount of benadryl could touch it. I felt terrible for her but at the same time, FIVE PEOPLE IN ONE ROOM, SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP. Then Will got it. Then STEVE got it and he probably had it the worst out of everybody. Constant itching and the blistering and peeling. It was horrific. His chin actually split open from the blisters. Somehow I didn't get it. Praise the Lord. I was constantly touching all of the affected parties so it was clearly some sort of divine intercession that prevented me from being the fifth and final case.

Molly was gracious enough to leave us with this gorgeous artwork, using a nice permanent Sharpie as her medium. When I asked her who did this she looked at me with wide eyes and said, "I dunno!" Yeah ok, well, maybe next time don't sign it if you wanna have a chance at getting away with it. I couldn't even discipline her though, I was laughing too hard. It also came right off with a magic eraser (they really are magic), so no harm done.

Even though Molly was no longer contagious, I still kept her out of school for a few more days because her hands and feet were blistered, and I honestly didn't want any of the kids making fun of her or thinking she was some sort of leper. And luckily it's just preK so who cares. Outside of me, of course, because FREEDOM. Anyways, we went on plenty of fun trips to Target and the grocery store to kill the time before big brother came home from school. Apparently HFM was running rampant throughout all three kindergarten classes.

I don't even know how it's possible but this happy baby turned 9 months old. He really is just the SWEETEST thing. His laugh always makes me laugh and I definitely suffer from that annoying mom voice whenever I videotape him. He is up to a little over 21 pounds and 90-something percentile for height. I can't remember because I honestly don't think it's important but they say he's growing and healthy so that makes me happy! He still isn't crawling, but will roll all over the place with a quickness. I'm in no hurry for anyone to crawl or become mobile, ever. You stay put and stay outta trouble, kid. And I love to hear you babble random sounds but I probably won't be encouraging too much talking either, if I'm being completely honest. Molly talks enough for all of us, and maybe for a few other families as well. She's got the talking covered. You just keep flashing us with that four tooth grin, you sweet baby doll.

Sam drew his teachers a picture before school one morning. Molly joined in too of course. Sam really loves his teachers. They have such a great attitude and are really suited for working with young children (GOD BLESS THEM). I can't imagine summoning even a partial amount of the energy and enthusiasm needed to get through their day. It just blows my mind. I'm so glad he has such wonderful teachers and I wish Molly had a nice teacher too but I'll leave it at that!

Passed out after church. I love these boys in blue!!

Molly was the only one who wasn't asleep and didn't tear her clothes off the moment she walked in the house, so she was rewarded with a solo Sunday photoshoot. Ha! She had this exact dress when she was 6 months old and I found it on the Kidizen app (kind of obsessed and frequently browse it (and make purchases) while nursing Will at 2am- it's always fun to wake up and see what I sleepily thought was an awesome deal the night before). I also found a Hanna Anderrson sweater dress that she wore when she was 6 months old (and then wore it as a tunic long after that) and got that as well. I feel guilt over getting rid of her baby clothes so when I find something she used to wear, I love to make her wear it again. I'm not sure if that's a sign of illness or what, but that's what I do and how I feel.

Sam generously offered to make us all lunch after church! He told us to sit on the couch, he would do everything, thanks to this annoying stool I bought at Ikea that allows nothing to be hidden from my children. Definitely a blessing and a curse. The sandwich is a jelly sandwich (since he is allergic to peanut butter, it is literally just jelly) with a side of goldfish, granola bar, and graham crackers. Heavy on the carbs! That's my boy! It was a sweet gesture anyway, and he loves to feel so independent.

Can't get enough of this sweet baby!!!

Or this sweet man! xoxo

I'm sensing a theme here...

I finally made an appointment for Sam to see an allergist. The last time he saw one was when he was 2ish and initially diagnosed with the nut allergies. The first time I brought him to this allergist, I told him beforehand that the doctor would just touch his skin with plastic and we would see if it turned red or not. The doctor informed me that that would be a waste of time since we already know he is allergic, so they would just be skipping straight to the blood test. CUE HYSTERIA. One nurse took Molly (also hysterical because Sam was hysterical) and Will out of the room so that I could bear hug Sam into submission while another nurse helped hold him down and yet ANOTHER nurse drew the blood. After the screaming finally subsided, he asked me if he had been brave. I guess the right answer in that situation is an outright lie, so I told him yes. Super brave. We went back to do a skin test for tree nuts since the blood test showed he was no longer allergic. The skin test showed that he was no longer allergic to tree nuts either (still allergic to peanuts unfortunately) and the final appointment would be a food challenge, where he consumes tree nuts in their office so they can monitor for any adverse reactions. Steve took him to that during school one day (it's a 2 hour test) and he passed! So.... yay? He can have almonds? Pistachios? Walnuts? Pine nuts? All the nuts that we don't eat? I'm holding out hope that he tests out of the peanut allergy soon. They can retest him next year and see if his blood levels decrease. There's no way to really know if he's growing out of it now since the first blood test is kinda like the baseline.

Will's first time in a swing. He was less than enthused.

I know this is just the reality of a new eater but omgggggggg I can't stand dirty floors!! I typically try and keep it contained to his seating area, let it all harden, and then vacuum the floor with a vengeance. I used to plop Molly down on the floor after she'd thrown her food down. I tried the same with Will and he mostly just scooted around until it was thoroughly smushed into his pants, avoiding putting any food in his mouth.

These two are sooooooo SWEET sometimes!

Gotta love having friends who live in an actual house on an actual street with an actual sidewalk and actual outdoor toys.

After a nice family jog down by the bay one evening, I decided that it would be a great idea to not make dinner kick off Sam's birthday weekend with a dinner out!

My big boy!! How is he turning SIX?!

Back when Will would still eat a puree. *sob*

A little naked time to air things out. He totally peed on the rug.

The next morning we were greeted with a gorgeous sunrise! If I gotta be up with the sun, it helps that it's so pretty.

Smoothie smiles

We celebrated Sam's birthday with Casey and Wowee and a pizza dinner on Monday night, and then Tuesday Sam went to school. He took in mini cupcakes and got to wear this snazzy hat. We had a special birthday dinner that night, and more cupcakes before bed.

Definitely a fish theme this year! He will tell anyone that will listen that he is his daddy's fishing partner and Steve is just as proud. Molly has started tagging along as well and I like that they all seem to enjoy it so much.

Right before he wished he could ride on a dolphin. HA!

Exploring one of his birthday gifts- I love listening to them pick out places.

Just trying to keep everyone alive until Daddy gets home. Sometimes that involves Baby Einstein. No shame.

Casey and Wowee came out to hang one day while the big kids were at school. Magical. These two babies don't talk so we essentially get to speak to each other UNINTERRUPTED. These pictures were taken right after we WENT OUT TO LUNCH. YES, AT A RESTAURANT. Then we went to pick up the big kids from school. I never think Will is that big, but upon seeing him busting out of the stroller straps next to Riley in this photo, methinks he is a beefcake.

Obviously the entire reason we got together. ^^
This was moments before Will slugged Riley in the head and she went tumbling over into pumpkins and then the board came crashing down and general chaos ensued.

Cutie booties

At some point it was chilly, as evidenced by this photo. Right now it's 80* and I'm lying in front of a fan sweating, so I can't recall the feeling too well.

Will has lots of little adventures while I'm trying to get stuff done in the kitchen.

Running out some energy at Ft Totten after school one afternoon. It never ceases to amaze me how much energy kids have. I overheard an (older) mom at the playground comment on how "kids keep you young!" And all I could think was how they are wearing me the hell out. I feel older than ever. Gray hairs popping out in full force lately, wrinkles on my face, eye bags that seem slightly overloaded in the weight department, etc. I am literally NOT EVEN 30 YET. (One month! YIPES!!)

We took the whole fam damily to the pumpkin patch this past weekend. Will thoroughly enjoyed every time we set him down. Here he is clapping, but when he wasn't clapping in approval, he was stuffing dirt and leaves in his mouth.

HOW CUTE ARE THEY?! Even if Sam is wearing a shirt that's about two sizes too small for him. It is not my year to have folks properly dressed.

Steve had to go into work on Sunday morning, so the kids and I went to mass and then swung by to grab Steve and head over to another pumpkin patch with Casey, Riley, and Casey's mom. This was one considerably more crowded but we still managed to squeeze plenty of cute photos in the pumpkin "patch".

They kill me with their cuteness! And they are genuinely so happy to see each other every time we get together. Riley babbles and Will smiles and attempts to touch her face/hair/hands/anything.

The big kids rode ponies but the photos are on my real camera and my real camera is downstairs and I'm currently horizontal and not in a position (vertical) to be fetching a camera that's not right next to me. So maybe those will come later. Molly was very disappointed we did not visit the goats. The girl loves some farm animals and has a special affinity for goats for some reason. Maybe we can get back there again soon, without the weekend plaid-clad crowds.

We all went down to the bay that afternoon- Steve and the kids walked out on the rocks to cast and reel (no bait) and Will and I walked along the bay enjoying the nice weather. Steve called me and said he'd caught a fish! He didn't have his phone with him (shattered earlier that morning) but a nice man near him took his picture and sent it to him. I managed to hightail it back there in time to snap a picture before Steve gave the fish away.

I wish my hair looked even HALF as good blowing around like crazy in the wind.

Yesterday was a half day of school for the kids. There are so many school holidays here that it is no wonder they have to go to school until the end of JUNE. I feel like they haven't gone a full week since they started. But Casey happened to be out on Long Island at her aunt's house so we loaded up after school and headed down there to visit.

Sam and Molly mostly visited the grandmas downstairs while begging cookies and ice cream off of them and watched a massive tv. Aka they were in absolute heaven. Will mostly stared at Riley and played with her toys and pretended like he owned the place.

What coming down off a major sugar high looks like.

Thanks to the big kids getting out of school at 2pm, Will and I walked around and stared at traffic for well over an hour, trying to keep him awake, yet not screaming. He needed a nap at 1 soooo very badly. But letting him fall asleep them would only mean that I'd be waking him up at 2 to go pick up the big kids. And then there would be three long, cranky hours staring me down until Steve arrives home from work. Luckily he made it, but it resulted in a lot of sweat and tears! TV is babysitting the big kids and I'm lying in front of a fan and pretending that I have a plan for dinner tonight. Almost 5 o'clock which means I'm pouring a glass of wine and scouring the freezer for something edible to present my family as dinner. Cheers!