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Summertime Slumber

Playing in the kitchen while mama fixes lunch



A summertime treat at Granny's

After almost five months of just being a fulltime mommy, I had to return to work today. The couple of weeks I went back in May felt very temporary, but today I knew it was a permanant state. It was hard to leave my sweet baby girl and not know her every action during the day. As Tony confesses, she is very attached to me. (And I love it that she is!) We have no established "at work" routine, so we'll be working on logistics of taking care of the daily household duties for the next couple of weeks.

I cannot imagine ever having to leave my children in the care of strangers. I am SO thankful that my mama is able and willing to take my place when I'm away. (In fact, I don't think I ever really asked her if she could keep Maeve. I just assumed she would since she has been the caretaker of the other grands.) In many ways, they are in better hands when they are with her because of all the parenting wisdom she's gained through the years. I know she wonders how they ever survive while they are in my care. She could have a job that actually pays her money, but instead she sacrifices and chooses to fill in the gap for us. For that, I will be forever indebted to her. There's no way I could ever repay her for the love and the time she gives to my babies.

For now, I return to the world of being a working mother and always having "miles to go before I rest." I'll hang on to my precious memories of our lazy days of summer.

Party of 8

Buzz Chloe and Storm Trooper Cam

Content Anna Belle and Busy-Body Maeve

The Meelers and the McCullers haven't quite been the same since March. We realized that we had not done a weekend dinner together with just our two families since the girls have arrived. Our original party of four has turned into a party of eight! Needless to say, our dinner dates will more than likely be at home for the time being.

Our BIGS, Cam and Chloe, played so well together all night. Outside in the sandbox and on the swingset and then upstairs in the costume box and puppets. Our LITTLES took the time to interract with each other for the first time. They have opposite personilites right now. Maeve is the fiesty one that never stops moving, while Anna Belle is calm and content to sit and lay wherever she is put.

We love our friends who have always been more like family. We will definitely be scheduling more time for our party of eight to be together.

Cousins

Maeve and her "Boys"

An activity all of the cousins could participate in

Cam absolutely adores his big cousins, Clayton and Carson, and would spend every waking moment with them if possible. A day spent with his "boys" has Disney World status in Cam's book. They always play so good with him. They are so understanding and have really helped him to grow. They give him just the right amount of tough love.

I know they never imagined loving another cousin quite like they love Cam, but Maeve is wrapping all of her boys around her finger quickly. Even Carson, who rarely shows a soft side, oohs and goohs over his "girl." And Clayton, of course, is a huge help with her. He's the extra set of hands every mother needs.

We sure have enjoyed our cousin time this summer!

My Gerber Baby

Doo has declared Maeve our Gerber baby. Maybe it's the little touseled hair on top, or the big eyes, or even the mouth that gapes open. What do you think?

Camping Attempt

Doo, Cam, and Tony enjoying breakfast

Swinging with Moo

Maeve playing in her camper bed

Cam is ready for a boatride

Long ago, after we were first married, Tony and I bought a little camper. I was ecstatic because I grew up camping with my family. I never dreamed Tony would ever enjoy doing this. This tiny camper was plenty of room for the two of us plus one wild weenie dog. When Cam came along, we've attempted it just a couple of times. Now that we have Maeve, we figured, what's one more! We actually fit just fine and had a very relaxing time. The babes loved being outside and adapted well to our sleeping arrangements in the camper. We look forward to more camping trips as a family of four.

Monumental Week

This has been a groundbreaking week for Cam, our oversensitive three-year old. On Tuesday, he managed to get a haircut and sit in the chair all by himself. There was a bit of crying, but he got it under control and sat up big and tall and actually grinned while he looked in the mirror. Thursday he went to the dentist for the first time. Although he had to sit in Tony's lap, he conquered his fear. By the time it was over, he was telling our hygenist that he thought she missed one in they way back. And, after a summer of sitting on the swimming pool steps, Moo called and reported that he was in the lake up to his neck! Granted he had on a lifevest, but the fact that he even got in made me so happy for him. (We are assuming that Maeve will be our spontaneous, child who has a fear of nothing and will try anything.)

Four Months Old

Maeve is now four months old. With this comes cereal with a spoon. (I've also added applesauce and bananas so far...just couldn't stand to have her eating that bland stuff!) She's getting really good with the spoon and opening her little bird mouth. We think that teeth are coming soon because of all the constant drool and knawing. Moo has said a poem to her since the day she was born. The poem stemmed from her curly hair. It goes like this:

There was a little girl

who had a little curl

right in the middle of her forehead.

When she was good

she was very, very good,

but when she was bad she was horrid!

Whe just didn't know how well this poem would depcit our little Maeve. She can be smiling the biggest smiles one minute and screaming the loudest screams the next. We've finally figured out that her screams are hungry screams. In the words of Cam, "When I want some more I want some more. Ok?" I guess she's falling in her brother's footsteps.

Give me more!

In-Dependence Day

Both of my children are highly dependent of me this year, so I declared the fourth of July In-Dependence Day for them. Despite the late night, both enjoyed the fireworks display. We had a day filled with lots of friends and family to help us love on them.