Happy Father's Day & Bday, too!

This weekend was special because we celebrated Father's Day and RWF's Bday, too. This guy is a great partner to me, and such a wonderful daddy rabbit to his babies, too.  His children absolutely adore him. Any time spent with "Daddy" is always so eagerly anticipated and enjoyed.

the birthday cake

This year, Bode took a special interest in RWF's birthday. One day, I was telling Bode and Gianna about it being RWF's birthday, and how we should celebrate.  They both got excited and started talking about a cake! with icing! and candles!  I told them that Daddy doesn't really eat cake (because of gluten).  Bode thought a minute and said, "We could give him a bar." (meaning an "energy bar") BRILLIANT!  I was so impressed that Bode had this great idea for a birthday cake substitute! So as his birthday cake, we put a Clif bar on a plate, stuck a candle in it and lit it.  We sang "Happy Birthday" to RWF, he blew out the candle (twice, because Gianna had to blow it out once and Bode had to blow it out again), and we all shared the bar for birthday cake. 

One of RWF's presents was in an awkward shaped box (it was a cycling helmet), and I didn't have a big gift bag or enough wrapping paper.  So I pulled out the largest shopping bag I had, a white one from babyGap.  One day while Gianna and Nico were napping, Bode and I decorated the shopping bag and colored over the babyGap logos.  We drew a "Y man" (Bode's version of a stick figure, he draws a "Y" and a circle for the head) on a bike, a tree, a "storm" (Bode likes to draw storms, clouds, planets, etc.) on one side. On the other side, we took our Dots markers and made a rainbow and clouds. Bode and Gianna also made cards for RWF. I love that Bode signs his name on everything. It is so fun to see him actually write his name!

As far as keeping the gifts secret, the babies did pretty well. There were a couple of times when I had to "shhh!" them or remind them not to say anything.  On the eve of RWF's celebration, Bode slipped and told RWF one of his presents.  But it was OK because we were going to open them that night. I was very impressed that the babies kept the secrets for so long! (I think that they forgot after awhile, and then as the big day neared, Bode "remembered" the presents so it was harder for him to not say anything.)

The weekend was spent much like we always spend it, but it was nice to hold our birthday boy in our hearts and at the forefront of our mind and actions all weekend.  RWF got up early and rode his bike. We would have a leisurely breakfast.  We took a nice, long walk on a trail Saturday and Sunday.  It is amazing how we are at a time where the children can keep up, and walk for a long time. In fact, they would run ahead of us on the trail and we would lose sight of them briefly.  It was a strange thing to witness...on the one hand, I'm happy to see how big they are, and on the other, it's bittersweet to see them running ahead. But as RWF reminded me, soon Nico will be walking (or wanting to toddle around) and then we'll be slowed down again!  After our walk(s), we would hit Starbucks for a coffee and a treat.  After naps and quiet time, the children played outside or inside (depending on the rain!) with RWF.  They were always great about randomly telling RWF "Happy Father's Day!" or "Happy Birthday!" even after the celebration. They remembered to say it all weekend.

It was a very low key, but enjoyable weekend.  

Happy Father's Day and Happy Birthday to RWF. We love you so much!

xo

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there! I hope that it was a happy day for you.  I'm kind of "eh" on Mother's Day. As I told RWF, "Every day is Mother's Day for me."  I really feel this way. I am blessed with 3 amazing little beings. 

Three amazing little beings! Who would have guessed?  I will never forget that sunny Saturday afternoon that I brought up "having babies" with RWF.  I was reading a mag, lounging on the deck outside on a chaise.  RWF was inside, watching a game.  I called in through the screen door, "I want to have a baby...."  I was testing the waters. I was pretty serious about RWF.  And I knew that he was serious about me.  But we had not yet broached the topic of children in our convos about our future.   I was tentative, but bold.  Does that make sense?  I didn't want to be the first to bring it up, afraid that I'd look and sound like the crazy female, whose biological clock was ticking loudly. I was suddenly shy, and could have easily slipped him a note as I left for the airport, something like this:

Do you want to have children?

YES

or 

NO

Instead, I took it up with him through the screen door.  We were occupying the same space, kind of, but I didn't have to look directly at him when I brought it up. I was only nervous because  if he'd had said No, or expressed reservations about it, it would have been a deal breaker. I didn't want to end the relationship. Luckily, RWF was positive about a family (or, one baby!). We had the talk, face to face, conversing over the course of a few days. 

And now here we are. 

As per my annual Mother's Day request, RWF took some snaps of me with my babies.  Here we are, last year (pregnant!).  And this year:

I am incredibly blessed, and I am reminded of this every day when I see my little babies.  Every day is Mother's Day for me.

I'm grateful to RWF, too. I am so glad that we had that conversation!

I'm sure RWF still looks around, house full of babies, like, "What?!"  (just kidding)

Happy Mother's Day.

xo

Homecoming

This photo says it all:

Nico's homecoming

Bode and Gianna have welcomed baby Nico into their lives with big smiles and open hearts. They have been loving, excited to see him every chance they get, and always quick to help me by letting me know, "Nico's crying!" (Gianna is especially concerned when she hears the baby cry.)  Bode is so sweet, always saying, "I want Nico to be happy."  and "I will help you."  Both embarrassing for me, and hilariously funny is when it is time to feed baby Nico, and Bode always lifts up his shirt and says, "I will feed him!" 

Am getting used to little people waking me up during the day by jumping on my bed:

Am getting used to coloring in bed, as well as stickers and stories (as well as the stray crayons/stickers found in my sheets when I am sleeping):

Bode and Gianna  have accepted that Mommy stays in bed (with Nico) a lot. They have been so great about accepting this huge change, and adapting it to their needs as well (see coloring and stickers pics above).

RWF has been such a great Daddy to them both, and I feel like this has been monumental in how they've accepted this drastic change in their lives.  RWF has been with them 24/7 for the past 2 weeks, taking them out to play, feeding them, dressing, bathing, reading, etc. etc. He has been a "single dad" and done great.  The smiles and love radiating from Bode and Gianna every day is the proof!

When things do get crazy (and they do), RWF has secret tricks in his back pocket:  dance parties, music, and snacks.  I have to remember these tips for when I am solo-parenting!

I [heart] my little family.

xo