Happy Birthday, Joshua!

These next few entries are going to be a little out of order, but forgive me, I'm an emotional mother of a now ONE-YEAR-OLD. No more baby here.

You may be wondering why we would dress the baby/boy in such a fashion. Well, the other two had to do it.

This is one of the Chinese customs we incorporate into first birthdays. We have dressed the boys in red pajamas and try to take a peek into the future.



We lay out several items in a row. We had a toy computer, a cellphone, an envelope of money, a book, car keys, and a lightsaber (thanks, Jason!). Then, we placed baby at the other end, and let him go. Which item did he go to first?



The lightsaber! So it appears our little one is going to be a Jedi Knight, trying to follow in at least one brother's footsteps. And, just because he's #3 and always different, he went from the lightsaber and proceeded to touch every single item in front of him. I suppose that means he'll be a well-read rich warrior specializing in high-tech cars. We can only hope.



Just in the last couple of days, the baby has started to STAND up. Yeah, we're not happy about it, either.



We took him to the doctor yesterday, where we learned he's 30 1/2 inches long and he's 19 pounds 7 ounces. He's not obese, according to the baby's doctor, so he's now drinking 100 percent full-fat milk. And yes, the baby looks a little sniffly. That's because he has an ear infection, even though we didn't know it at the time. The doctor told us that, too!



We had a great little celebration for the Baby's special day. We were so lucky to have Grandma and Grandpa and some dear friends to come and spend it with us. Pictures and stories to come!

There's a reason for everything

So many times Michael's tantrums don't end with us in a good mood.

But this one had us rolling.

This morning, the two brothers just wanted to start the morning off with some television. While waiting for Doug to wake up, Jason put his face up to the baby monitor in his room and breathed, "Daaadddy....we would like to watch TV, please. Daaaadddy....TV, please!"

On the other end, Doug was forced awake.

He went upstairs and told the two they could watch for a bit.

He went downstairs.

And Michael started to scream. If you've ever heard him do this, it is ear-piercing and rather hard to ignore.

Doug went back upstairs.

"Why are you screaming, Michael?"

Michael said, "Because Jason won't let me watch my cartoon."

And Daddy asked, "Well, did the screaming help?

"No, but Jason wouldn't change the channel when I wasn't screaming."

Good point.

He's pushing for change in his own little way.

On the right note

It's T-ball Wednesday and Jason sure was pumped for the game. A minimal amount of fuss getting him into his Braves uniform and squeezing his feet into his cleats.

Michael was excited as well.

He started to sing.

"Take me out OF the ball game...."

I didn't say anything, but Jason couldn't let it go.

"No, Michael, It's take me out TO the ball game...."

"Ok," said Michael, "Take me out to the ball game....Buy me some peanuts and APPLE jacks...."

Well, he got the tune correct at least.

Unfortunately for Jason, the game got called when we got to the field. Good news for Michael, though. He will have another chance to practice his singing.

Easter egg-citement

Easter seems like a long time ago, doesn't it?
We're all still in the spirit of the season, though. The boys continue to find new chocolate in those plastic-filled shells. The dentist will be thrilled. Those brightly-colored eggs seem to be multiplying inside our house.



I was going to have an egg hunt in our backyard, but our friends and neighbors beat me to the punch.



What a treat for the kids to search for prize-filled eggs in new surroundings! Natalie hosted a little party (pictures above). Before that, Miss Anne, Baby Joshua's babysitter, brought the kids together (pictures below).




She even brought out the Easter Bunny, but as you can see, Baby Joshua would have enjoyed it more if the big bunny had stayed home.




Not to worry. Miss Mary (Miss Anne's mother-in-law) always manages to put a smile on 'oshie's face. And vice-versa.



I am happy to say we made it to Easter mass. And we got there early, so the children actually had a place to sit. It was a cold morning, so the kids were dressed in many layers, but thankfully, they allowed us this snapshot before they started whining about tearing it all off.

It has been something to see the changing relationship between the three brothers. Jason is beginning to embrace the role of big brother, Michael is taking on the middle child syndrome (you know, 'Why is it always Marsha, Marsha, Marsha?'), and Baby Joshua is just delightful, I suppose because he's just thrilled to be remembered.

The other day I overheard Jason say something I'm sure warmed Doug's heart. They were watching a commercial on ESPN, something about football, and out of Jason's mouth comes, "Daddy, what do you think about Georgia's chances this season?"

What!!? He's six. They talked football for the next ten minutes, games, scores, players. This is the just the beginning, isn't it?

Then there's Michael, who is a true treasure--when he is in a good mood.
We were discussing our trips to the beach last year and our flower child was recalling his first experiences with sand. I believe I wrote about it when it happened, but if you missed it, here goes. Michael ate it up. Vegetables don't touch his lips, but sand, no problem.

All of a sudden he said about the sandy beach, "One time I was eating a piece of sand and it was like magic in my mouth."

We'll be watching him closely on our next trip to the beach.



What would Easter be without a little bit of soccer? Michael had a game Easter weekend, and while we thought he was getting more interested in the game, we realized maybe he's better suited for something else.

Flowers, again, were the focus. This time, he stopped several times during consecutive quarters to look for some pretty flora to take home.



In the meantime, we are simply waiting for the big milestone that awaits Baby Joshua. He turns one on Saturday!



Grandma and Grandpa are coming into town to celebrate and we can't wait to see them. You can tell Baby Joshua is ready!

It had to be done

He's not yet a year old (close, though). But, I had to do it. Couldn't wait any longer. Get it?

This is the before.



Here is the after.



It's a new era for Baby Joshua.
Yes, it is really the same baby, although it looks like we did a bit of a switcheroo, doesn't it?

Thanks to Mr. Jack, our #3 has a new 'do. And, guess what? He was delightful for his first cut. We weren't sure what to expect, but as you can see, not a peep from Baby 'oshie.




And Mr. Jack as well as one of his colleagues were quite busy. All three of our boys sat in the chair for a pre-Easter trim.




You can tell they needed it! More to come from a great weekend with family and friends.

Hope your Easter celebrations were joyous!!

Taking sides

Our weeks are filled to the brim with sports, not the kind you'll find on the news, the kind you'll only appreciate if you're a spectator.

We did plenty of spectating this weekend.

Michael has been so looking forward to his second soccer game which took place this morning. He admitted it was all because of the snacks, but this week, he was really into the game. No picking flowers. Maybe the snacks (fruit juice and chips) are really an incentive.



Here he is during a practice drill, kickin the ball into the goal. He ran after the ball during the entire game, too. No goals, but we're hopeful he'll show a fierce side soon. Maybe if I offer him a chocolate cake after the game???



During Michael's soccer game, Jason had Opening Ceremonies for his season of T-ball. Of course it was at the same exact time. As a coach, Doug had to be on the field as well, so no pictures.

Their game was in the afternoon, so we all had the chance to watch. This is the only picture I could capture, though. It shows Jason and one of his closest friends, Tommy, side by side.

Jason really had a fantastic day on the ball field. His first time at bat, he hit a home run!!! The second time, he hit a triple. We're still talking about that feat.



Joshua had the pleasure of being carted around. Literally. He's old enough to enjoy a ride in my backpack baby carrier. He hated it a few months ago, but today, during a walk after dinner, he seemed to like it just fine.



You can tell by his face. He is probably thinking it's better than sitting in a stroller watching big kids kick soccer balls and hit balls into the air. If he only knew it is only the beginning. Until next week!