Turning 4

Isabelle had her 4th birthday?!

This felt really big to me...:(. I didn't plan the party...she did! We had princess napkins, zoo animal paper plates and bubbles. The balloons were pink, and white. Already she is becoming her own person.

I am so thankful to have these last couple of years home with her before she is off to school. And thanks to the Kindergarten deadline changing...I get one more year...and she gets one more year helping me with the boys;).

She continues to surprise me daily with her intense curiosity for nature, her body, even maps and her need for Jesus. The other day she advised me that not only do butterflies come from caterpillars but moths do too. She asked me if it was true that our tongues were muscles. She continually shows me her 'exercises' and takes pride knowing that her food choices are 'healthy'. Recently she asked me about what happened to people when they died. We talked about how our spiritual bodies go to heaven but our physical bodies stay here on earth. She informed me that 'Jesus does not live in Arkansas Mom, he is only in heaven and can not come get me here'.

What an incredible job I have.

She told me she wants to be a mom just like me. I asked her if we could shop together and eat lunch when she is a mom. She said 'yes' AND she said we would sew together too. Although I feel myself holding on to all these sweet moments I anticipate watching her grow from her prek days to being young lady. Thankfully she still loves snuggling at night, playing with my hair and she is not too big to think wearing clothes her mom made her is cool.

One more thing...she is an amazing big sister. She is gracious, her little 'motherese' comes so natural. She is protective of them, she loves teaching them, giggling with them, she anticipates when she will see them and that she pays special attention to each of them.

We did it!

(yes, i forgot the boys shoes! don't judge me;)

So...there have been three huge life changing moments for me. Those moments where nothing in life will ever be the same. When I said, 'yes' to Roger asking me to marry him, those little lines that told me we were going to have our first child, and by far the biggest (little did I know how big!) that ultra sound that told me I was having twins! Huge, amazing, challenging, life changing blessings.

Physically and emotionally I believe this has been the toughest year of my life...and hands down the most joyful. Not living near family and not having taken the time to make many friends since we had lived here I thought I personally would not survive those initial months. Those nights were filled with sleep deprivation... like thinking snakes were in the bed, thinking babies were pillows, and being panicked that one of the two babies was missing. Pure, utter, psychotic delusion. And really those nights turned into days. But that's another blog:0!

But we did it...and I feel pretty good saying we did a really great job! From those early mornings of strolling through Kohl's and all the sweet women who encouraged me just by smiling and telling me I was amazing for just getting out of the house. To Anita at MOPS for making room for 3 kids and one really emotional mom who pretty much cried...mostly happy tears...every Wednesday for the first few months. For a minivan that is readily available to me when I need to load the crew up, go get a Starbucks and go on a mini road trip just to contain anyone from hurting themselves or me! For that sweet man that works at Target who never lets a visit go by w/o telling me my babies are beautiful, to helping me get a cart, and opening doors for the 4 of us. To the women at the Moms of Multiples group who let me come in after 6weeks and patiently waited for me to introduce myself through my tears and snot...and then offered phone numbers, help, and tears of their own. (that was a huuuge turning point) To parents who came and cleaned, cooked, and helped with kids and constantly told us we were doing an amazing job. To Roger who without hesitation lets me get drinks with the girls, escape to sew, and gives me the precious moments of ALONE TIME. To Lindy who got me the perfect part time job to add a little balance to life. TNC for keeping us in Arkansas. Lane for helping find a house we can afford and fit in. To Roger again for not judging me (in the early days) for not showering before noon and brushing my teeth until dinner. To my children who laugh at me and laugh at each other and above all to a God who chose Roger and I to be the parents of these three amazing children just blows my mind away and who orchestrated all these amazing people to help lighten the load. An adventure that has made my world so much bigger, sweeter, valuable, and fun! Well, I guess this ended up being a shout out to my peeps:)?!

Its amazing how life can change you for the better...if you let it.

Happy Mother's Day (belated)

At last...I got to spend Mother's Day with my mom and Grandma...YAY! I am saddened to think how long its been since I have spent this day with them...I am thinking at least a decade and definitely not since I have been one myself!

I am thankful for these women for continuing to "mother" me and my sweet children. If it weren't for them my world would look much different. With great pride and honor ...thanks moms!!!

This was a first, to have all three hanging on me...such a sweet moment that came out of no where! Three little treasures that each bring me such a unique joy~!!! I am blessed with what matters!

(I am thinking Cooper had a few to many gulps of water!)

Girls Night Out

Isabelle and I went on a wonderful Mommy/Daughter date. It was fabulous and EASY:)! I surprised her with tickets to Disney on Ice...she was, of course...THRILLED! I had so much fun spoiling her rotten with all the overpriced Disney loot.

It was such a great show and a perfect evening with my first born. I love my boys but really LOVED spending an evening with just the two of us. MMM...what a sweet girl.

okay...I know ...I make fun of people who take these kind of pics...

Picnicking

So, nothing too exciting going on in the Mangham household...which is a great feeling. We seemed to have had a storm of visitors...Roger's brothers family, my dad, my brother and his family, and my mom...so we are resting...getting ready for a couple of other adventures.
The past 6 months has flown by and dragged ... its nice to be slowing down at such a beautiful time of year. Wanting to embrace our 3 little ones...wishing sleep was not so essential.
Our days have been filled with sunshine, making our new little house homey, meeting new friends, walks to the park, and watching the kids grow. Hmmm? that sounds perfect....add some teething, temper tantrums, and sleepless nights and I guess its not perfect but its been good.

The kids and I have loaded up the stroller and met dad down at our park for some picnic lunches as of late. It seems for a 3 year old picnicking has been pretty high on the priority list...having wonderful picnic memories myself it seems the perfect thing to do. She is so willing to entertain the boys while I pack lunch its an extra bonus in doing so.

When mom gets too tired to hold one baby they have to double up.

Let's eat!

These pictures are all out of order...but this is Cooper being entertained by his big sister while I pack up the food.

Lunch for the babies too!

Teddy starting his nap early on the walk home.

You thought I forgot...

Teddy

The baby of the family.

Smiles with his mouth wide open.

He's the SUCH A flirt...even leans his head to the side as if he is so embarrassed.

My snuggler...and let me tell you...this Mama NEEDS a snuggler.

Loves his forehead rubbed before he goes to sleep.

Sounds like a billy goat when he laughs.

Wrestles with every rattle he plays with (the rattles are still winning).

Has a very serious look when he is "watching".

Excelled zerbert blower.

Coo's when you sing to him or he hears music.

Easter fun!

We had a great Easter week. LOTS of egg hunts, lots of great visits with my brother Nick's family, and a wonderful Easter Sunday celebrating Jesus' resurrection.





For the grandparents...if you would like a larger version just click on the slide show and it will pull up a larger version.

In case you didn't know...

Cooper

first born son

awesome sleeper

eats with his fist in his mouth

loves his jumperoo

laid back

looooves you...its just a look that says, "I love you with my whole heart" really can't explain it...but its very sappy

giggles every stinkin time I go in to his crib to reswaddle or give him his binky

cries huge crocodile tears when his brother cries...as if he is yelling "SAVE HIM!"

sucks his fingers

does not fit into his brothers clothes

ninja black belt de-swaddler

One of the best decisions I have made in recent months is a ZOO PASS! So great...we can stay for 20 min. or 2 hours ...no pressure to see everything or push a 3 year old into walking more than she desires.
I am not really into pictures of animals...especially from the zoo. But when I saw this....

I couldn't help but to think of this... For those of you who don't know this is the statue in front of the Dallas Zoo. I get that they want to be known for their tall statue but I never really fully grasped the creepy tongue until I saw Patches (giraffe's name above).

Then we saw these Jaguars. I have never seen the spotted one before...cute that they are cuddling but very creepy that the spotted one looks like her eyes are open...when they are not.

And then there was this cute, crazy faced kid who joined me (along with her two snoozing brothers). She had fun. For those of you who may make a trip to the zoo soon with your kids you may want to print off one of these activity sheets. Isabelle and I had fun doing the little scavenger hunt.

I was so excited when I found these overalls on clearance (and that there were two of the same sizes that I needed) and then the hats were practically given to me from the cashier. They say "sherriff" when really they should say "sheriff"... ANYWAY...It is ALOT of work getting two sets of overalls on wiggly, back arching babies. Not the ease of putting on a little dress with some cute little bloomers.

They didn't quite turn out to be the cute cowboy look...they are more of a Boss Hog look from the Dukes of Hazard.
Teddy was being very verbal in this pick. Through some choice babbling he was letting me know that his future was NOT smiling for photos or putting up with that "red eye" flash.

Cooper was exhausted...looking "pretty" is not his thing.

I think Cooper's new nickname should be Bubba...cuz with that belly in those overalls no other word comes to mind.

Roger and I got to spend a night AWAY from the children!!!! Whoo Hooo!!! A date and a weekend getaway all in the same month. Amazing things are happening in Little Rock people!

The really great thing about our weekend was that we got to leave our children in the care of Uncle Web, Aunt Kim and cousins Emmy and Gordon. We knew there would be nothing more going on than lots of snuggles, playing, and some heart felt care.

Looks like some super sweet cousins bonding to me!

First of all, I just love this picture in general, second I can't believe how big the boys look in this picture (the twin boys), third, notice how the boys are holding hands...isn't that sweet? That is their little twin trademark...if they are within reaching distance they are holding hands.

Everyone survived. The crazy part was the house was clean, laundry and dishes done, some extra groceries in the frig, and these great pics on my camera!

Love you Grapevine Mangham's. Thank you so much for loving us!

One thing we love about our new neighborhood is that we have a little park that is near by that is perfect for picnics, running off some energy or just spending time with the family (its also a great place for stalking the neighbors for new friends). Its close enough that no one gets too terribly tired walking (might I add there is a very steep hill), especially when Daddy's pushing...

and often its the perfect little snooze for the boys.

Sweet babies...

"Daddy, Mommy and I are having a very special lunch when I get home!"

This morning as Isabelle and Daddy were leaving the house I heard her sweet little voice explain to Daddy that Mommy and her were going to have a "very special lunch". I was touched to know I was on her mind and that she was looking forward to us reuniting...but not sure what "special" things she was expecting.
I pulled out anything I had pink...pink cake mix, pink plate from a garage sale, crazy pink table cloth on clearance at Target, pink cookie cutters for the sandwich and the pink heart shape mold.

And whalaa in just minutes I made that sweet girls day! So fun. I wish I had all day to make frilly pink things for her.
Someday soon we will be having dinosaur and batman lunches!

(this video was taken New Years Day of 09')

I am quite sure that this is one of those entries I will be "taking down" once my husband checks the blog. But for now I think he deserves some congratulations on exceeding his goal!

Cooper...

This is our Cooper...better known as Coop the Shmoop, Cooper Duper, Super Cooper, or Shaz. Just a few really quick months ago we didn't think we were going to survive this little guy. He had reflux and cried and fussed, and fussed and fussed. The poor baby never ever slept. We ached for him, but we also ached for sleep. I think because he fussed so much he learned to soothe himself to sleep quickly. You can lay Cooper down and he will be asleep before you get his brothers diaper changed. He seems so content now...its just amazing.

And truly the little guy has learned patients. Its as if he just watches his brother and sister eat and he is just happy they get a turn. He may try to throw a little bit of a stink but if you try to make him giggle or smile he is just so pleased with your attention he'll wait a bit longer. He is a watcher...actually both my boys are. But the other two are little more demanding.

Sweet babykins...
I wish no one had to wait.

Last Day of School

I put Isabelle in the care of Rockefeller Early Childhood program a year 1/2 ago. It was a blessing that we were finally off the 2.5 year waiting list (we got on before she was born) but I worried and worried about her for many days those first months. I would run out of school to get her as early as possible...as if the 30 second jog would make a bit of difference in her day.

She loved her school and her little friends. They were only together two years but the sweet friendships even at 3 can be very caring and strong. This year especially was great. She was absolutely in love with her teacher. Loves pretending to be her, mimicking her, and telling me crazy often exaggerated stories of the things that she does (all good of course)! Even though I have enjoyed being a teacher and loving the children love on me, I never fully realized how wonderful that relationship actually is and what relief it can bring to all the mommies.

So with great thanks to an amazing school with incredible teachers and an outstanding curriculum we say good-bye for the new chapter in our lives. Although we will miss everyone I am thankful to be home at last with my sweet girl before she hits Kindergaten!

Hello Kitty kinda Day

We always lay Isabelle's clothes out every evening with a little reminder to get dressed before she comes out of her bedroom in the morning. Just sure that she was too young to remember such a big task I have completely understood why she needs the extra nudges in the morning.
This morning she was up early and dressed before that door ever cracked. Who knew Hello Kitty could be so motivating. Wish I had a months worth of Hello Kitty shirts!

My sweet Teddy has found his giggler...and its just sweet, sweet, sweet. One adorable thing about Teddy is that he smiles and laughs with his mouth WIDE open...a trait I am sure we will continue to see in years to come.

The perfect distraction...

My spot...

This is probably my favorite spot in our house. Which is a really great thing because I spend allllot of time here. From my window I can see the birds that frequent our trees, the neighbors dogs who pine for treasures in their yard, I can see the sun and the snow, and wonder what spring will bring. I even spend time thinking of all the ways I can redecorate my little porch from top to bottom over and over again. At night I peer through my neighbors window and wonder what the multiple frames that decorate their walls have inside of them or enjoy their twinkly lights that hang from their deck.

These are the distractions that occupy my thoughts as I prepare dinner, wash Isabelle's paint brushes, have my favorite drink of the day...coffee, plan for our next visitor, clean up spilt milk, catch up the days events with Roger, wash my sweet babykins, wash the dishes, smile at my daughter's art work, and try to remember to look at the little calendar for that days prayer for my children. This is where I also sneak a snack before bedtime or end up at 2am for a drink of water.

What a treasure...

It makes all those little chores a little more inviting...

Happy Valentine's Day

This is Isabelle's first year of truly LOVING Valentine's Day! I had no idea kids could make it so much fun. Since yesterday she has been snuggly, giving Valentine kisses, making endless love notes and requesting to be snuggled. So fun for the mommy and daddy.

Thank you to everyone for all the wonderfully thoughtful valentine gifts for the kiddos!

Snow Day!?

So exciting, we got snow! All over FB family and friends were celebrating, the neighborhood roads were full of kids playing and rejoicing at no school. Isabelle had a blast. She went sledding, she built a snowman or rather snowbaby and not for one second did she mind being cold. All day she begged to be outside, all day she wanted to paint and to color, pretend school, pretend princess, she wanted snacks, to play games and to just chat. She was a great girl. For 3 days! 3 loooong days.
It was a little dose of reality coming March 1st when all three kids are at home...allllll day! YIKES!

Cooper's Favorite

I don't think ever in my life I have enjoyed something this much...at least to the point of snorting.

4 months

Oh my goodness...they are 4 months. What an amazing age. They smile, they coo, they giggle, they sleep, and they just love their Mama. And there are TWO!

Sweet, sweet baby boys.