Baby #3 No Longer A Baby...

"Lookit mah button!"

My feisty and independent little ham, Lachlan, turns 3 years old today. He is a challenging little sprite who is mischievous and wild, but a total sweetheart who loves his dog (and she loves him like her own puppy) and keeps me on my toes.

"Zoom Zoom!"

He loves constructions rigs. Specifically "diggers" and dump trucks. He loves trains, especially the train table at the Kalispell Library. He is a daddy's boy all the way and will happily spend hours tinkering around with daddy at the shop. His eyes light up when he hears the 4wheeler start up and he squeals with abandon when riding with daddy.

His brothers adore him, though not when he destroys their lego creations. They sneak him treats, take him on adventures outside, and cuddle with him during movies. Lachlan and Russell (1st born) have a special connection. He has thrown himself between Russell and Connor (2nd born) when they've fought and cries, "Don't hit my Susso!!"

Unimpressed with the Interloper

Lachlan, initially unsure of the new baby, has just begun to bond with Brennen, and will bring him toys, and retrieve his pacifier when it is dropped (Mom! Brennen's nuk!). He was tickled to realize Brennen is a boy, while supervising a diaper change: "Mom, look! Brennen has a baby peepee!" then laughs maniacally.

My third son, who was a joy to bring into this world, and has been so fun to watch grow and become a silly upstart of a little boy. With all your endearing quirks and zeal for life, I am so blessed to be your mother and thank God for your precious soul! On this happy anniversary of the day you were born... Today, we salute you!

Happy Birthday Lachlan!

Count Your Blessings!

From time to time, when I was growing up, my mom would sing this simple song and I could hear the joy in her voice, grow. I was thinking about this song today, watching my soon to be 18mos old sleep in my arms. He's been a complete turkey for the past week or so and I realized more teeth were coming in a couple days ago. While that explains it, it doesn't make him any easier to deal with. He gets incredibly insecure and clinging and it's nearly impossible to get anything done. It's easy to be grumpy and short when you feel like you are running behind and anytime you start on a project, you have to stop to take care of a fussy little one. However, I am trying to so enjoy the good times, that I store it up, and don't forget them when he is most difficult. That way, when he is being a pill, I just stop and breath, and remember how cute he was the day before (or whenever) and remind myself, that it won't last for long.

My Grouchy Flower

Today, he was so stinkin' cute (despite off and on fussiness). I'm sure people thought I was crazy, making faces at him from the rear view mirror (he has one so we can see each other while driving) and reaching behind the seat and grabbing him (to make him squeal) while at stop lights. He was cooing and smiling up a storm in the grocery, and doffing his hat at the older ladies (where did he learn that??) making them smile and coo back.

I stopped to get a coffee and while waiting, he was kissing me and singing momma to me. I just soak these moments up. Especially, because I know it will happen before I know it. He will be too big for kisses, and a big boy and not want to hold my hand while crossing the street (as I was informed by my eldest). As a mother, I wonder, how I will survive (as so many others have) having my heart swell so big with each baby I have, and then utterly dashed as they grow independent and push for more freedom from me. While it makes me proud to see them grow to be young men, I can't imagine how hard it will be to say goodbye as they leave me. So, I have to remember to count my blessings, and save them up in my heart. So much is taken for granted, but these are the things that help us push through each day, knowing there is so much more waiting for us, after this life!

Count Your Blessings (midi) - right click and choose "open in new window"

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
   When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
   Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
   And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
   • Refrain:
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     *Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
     [*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
   Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
   Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
   And you will keep singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
   Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
   Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
   Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
   Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
   Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
   Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.