100 days

No. I am not going on another trip. We do have one in the works, but that is closer to 1,500 days away (Brasil). No way I am even going to start counting down for that yet. That is just excruciating. Nope. 100 days until my due date. Hoping for 105 days (yes, HOPING). More like 90 if she doesn't flip. Which is something she has not done once in the last ten weeks. Either way, we are down to the double digits tomorrow. And I am seriously enjoy every minute of it. Makes me wish I had had a better attitude about the boys' pregnancies.Probably going to put the chalk board in her room. And draw her pictures regularly. Because I love chalk.
Ps. Isn't that teal color fantastic?! So in love.

health & well-being

Having grown up as the daughter of two nurses, I have limited patience for illness. I went to school unless I was vomiting profusely, bleeding profusely, or had a temperature over 102. Seriously. Because of this, I had perfect attendance nearly every year in school. Until high school. When I discovered the joys of ditching. My lack in patience may also stem from the fact that, until I was diagnosed with Celiac's Disease, I never got sick. Chicken pox AND strep once. Terrible case of the flu once. That's it. Seriously. So having a child that struggles to be healthy is some-what new and frustrating to me.
Joel has not always had issues. Well. Scratch that. Since he was three months old, he has had severe eczema. Blisters on his skin that look as if his skin had been burned. Which CAN be considered a medical condition, but for all intents and purposes is not what I am referring to in this post. Eczema aside, Joel was healthy until shortly after he turned two. It was Christmas time, a few months after Joel's second birthday. I (somehow) noticed that his tonsils were the size of golf balls. So large that they were pressing against one another and making it difficult for him to breathe. We went to a same-day clinic, where he was diagnosed with tonsillitis. From that day forward, he was basically sick for the next six months solid. We went through twelve (yes, twelve) rounds of flu and cold with Joel (Lucas only got sick once in that time frame). We did antibiotics, steroids, blood work, chest x-rays. Nothing. He was just permanently sick. Finally there was a light at the end of the tunnel when July came around. Three weeks of perfect health. Then BOOM. Out of nowhere we found ourselves in urgent care one afternoon because he was struggling to breathe. They gave the diagnosis of Reactive Airway Disease (RAD). RAD is not rad. It sucks. Since Joel is under five, doctors do not want to give the diagnosis of asthma because there can be so many causes to breathing problems. So they label it as RAD. Which is like a blanket term for asthma and any related pulmonary issue. We received a prescription for abuterol and bought a nebulizer. We did breathing treatments until he went a couple days without coughing. We have since used the nebulizer for his RAD as needed. Which seems to be isolated to times when Joel has had a virus or infection. A few days ago, Joel caught conjunctivitis (pinkeye is a form of conjunctivitis). Red, goopy eyes. And breathing problems? Since he didn't have a cold or the flu, I didn't even think about RAD presenting itself. But it did. And it got out of control very quickly. Last night, home breathing treatments were not enough to keep his RAD in check. We tried giving him a breathing treatment at 10pm, but Joel screamed and cried, thrashed and kicked. It took two of us to pin him down and hold the mask on. Even then, we figured the treatment was useless since he was so hysterical (a reaction he has NEVER had to his breathing treatments). Within less than an hour, his breathing got much worse. Robert took him to the ER. Where they gave Joel another breathing treatment and steroids to help inflammation in his lungs. Unfortunately, his breathing has not been much better today. It doesn't help that Joel only got about five hours of sleep last night, if that. His whining and tantrums have not been helping. At all. Nor have they helped our frayed nerves. It could be worse. I am VERY aware of this. But dealing with a three year old that most likely has asthma sucks. I hate seeing him go through this. Especially because he doesn't understand.
But I must run. Because Lucas either has a bloody nose or a tomato stuck in his nostril. Ah, the joys of parenting...

V-Day

Well, it's that time of year again when husbands start stressing about what to do for their wives. Or at least I do. For those of you who know me, I am not the most romantic guy out there. Don't get me wrong, I let my wife know that I love her. It's those special little things, though, that I am not good at. Despite that, Leigh is still with me, which must mean something, right?

I just wanted to let those who aren't able to see it how special of a girl that Leigh Whitney Root is:

Spunk:

I am sure everyone that know Leigh understands where I am coming from on this one. Leigh is a very...let's see...strong-willed person. When she has her mind fixed on something, it is fixed. No matter what you do or say, she will not be swayed. But that is something that makes her amazing. For example, we have now been living in our new house for just over two months. While it wasn't in shambles, Leigh saw things that needed to be improved. And in the time that we have been living here, she has done her best to make it more of a home: a place where our children can grow comfortably and enjoy their surroundings and neighbors. Stay tuned, though. She has a lot more planned for the house.

Laugh:

Leigh has a very unique laugh. When we were dating and first married, she was obviously more care-free, and she laughed more freely. Not many of you may know this, be she is a snorter when she laughs hard enough. It takes a bit to get her going now, but it's still there. And there is not many things that make me smile more than hearing her laugh so freely.

Sacrifice:

Now, Leigh's parents might laugh at this one since she was raised as an only child. But Leigh has sacrificed quite a bit for our small family. Leigh has always wanted to be a mother. And she is pretty darn good at it, if I say so myself. But it is a trying ordeal to raise three crazy boys (sorry, Mom for the burden of 9 children). She doesn't get much alone time. She worked hard for a college degree (which she finished after giving birth to our oldest), but put any idea of a career on hold to be able to raise our beautiful children.

Beauty:

This is one that I am sure everyone can see. I don't know how I got so lucky to marry someone so beautiful, but I definitely married out of my league. I am so happy that I am able to wake up to her face every morning. And, quite frankly, I am sure that she is the reason why our kids are so darn adorable.

I could keep going, but I do have work that I need to get to. The most important thing that I want the world to know is that I love Leigh Root so much, and I am so grateful that I can be by her side for eternity.

Happy Valentine's Day, Leigh Root!

(PS Happy Birthday Arizona! Visit here to read a quick blurb about my Grandpa)

happiness is

Happiness is:
- Eating spaghetti together as a family and not freaking out that sauce is getting all over the kiddos clothing.

- Watching your 8.5 mo old baby shove an entire handful of puffs into his mouth just because he has discovered the joys of feeding himself.

- Doing the dishes for your hubby while dancing to some tunes while he is out running an errand for you. And you want to lessen his load. And make him smile.

- Watching your three boys laugh together as the older two push the baby around in his high chair across the tile floor.

- Sitting in the hallway to fold a pile of baby laundry so you are out of the way, but still able to watch your children playing.

- Jack Johnson's Upside Down playing on your Pandora station and realizing the beauty of this moment.

- Learning that your baby loves to "float" in the bathtub by spreading and lifting his legs as wide and high as he can without toppling backwards while blowing raspberries.

- Realizing that the shade of paint you chose for your baby girl's closet is WAY more pink than you thought. But not caring because you finally get to decorate with pink.

- Eating Death by Chocolate ice cream after the kids are asleep and your daily to-do list is finished. Savorring the treat, knowing it is well earned.

- Beginning a new day and seeing the full potential of that day.

- Blogging while snuggling a sleeping baby who is buried in the crook if your arm.

Yup. Happiness.

this

This is what I get to do everyday; I get to spend my day with these three crazy little boys. This is what I live for (even on days when I don't feel like being a mom). This is where I want to be; I want to be here to see all the milestones and achievements. This is mine.

dedicated to the fab angie d.....

I haven't been blogging much. Sorry. Our new house is a blank canvas and I have overloaded myself with projects and tasks to give our home more color. Literally. The play room is now the most exquisite shade of teal. And baby girl's closet will soon be a fabulous peachy pink. I will eventually have a sunshine yellow laundry room, but that is [sadly] much further on my list. Besides painting, I have been sewing and crafting. Mostly for baby girl. I wanted her room to have a certain feel, which has resulted in me making everything from scratch. Custom bedding (halfway done), refurbished furniture (don't even want to think about tackling that), precious decor (pinterest has inspired me beyond imagine). I am thrilled with how everything is turning out. Even if I swear I will never craft again midway through a project. Here is what I have done so far:
Map airplane garland strung up in the toy room. The TEAL toy room. Much more mapiness to come in here.

Butterfly mobile for baby girl's room. Took FOREVER. Punched thousands of butterflies. Then sewed them together. But it is beautiful.

Flower ball for baby girl's room. Ran out of this paper, had to pull out the flowers, and start over with new paper. Lame. Will have [shimmery] pink, white, and light silver flower balls when finished.

baby girl's blankets. One on the left is soooooo soft. One in the right is for her crib (& the fabric used throughout her room).
Scalloped banner for baby girl's room. LOVE IT. And I love her walls, which are a lovely shade of grey.
I am in bliss. :)

eight

It is Christmas again! Just kidding. This is last months photo. If you are not on Facebook, then you haven't seen it yet because it was deleted [by me... on accident]. This big boy is now eight months. And not much has changed in the past month. He still does not have any teeth. And does not crawl on hands and knees (but he is wicked fast on his belly). Just a blob. Finally figuring out that puffs and yogurt bites are okay to eat. Doesn't necessarily like them, though. Loves his brothers. Thinks they are hilarious. Super cuddly. Especially at nap time. Cannot live without his binky. As you will see in the picture below.

ode to a two year

As I sit here and try to enjoy my breakfast (a gluten free bagel smothered in the perfect amount of cream cheese with a large glass of strawberry milk), I am serenaded by the sounds of my two year old. Screaming. It is a daily occurrence in this house. One that has continued relentlessly for the last few weeks (minus a two day break that was like a miraculous slice of heaven). I know it is just a phase (at least that is what I tell myself to muster up enough courage to make it through each day). But I do not know how long this phase will last. Or the amount of damage being done to my sanity. Regardless, I trudge on. And I stand firm in my dealings. Because this whole charade stems from his desire to manipulate. A battle of wills. And I must be the one to win. Not because I am as stubborn as he is (well, maybe a tiny fraction of me needs the vindication of coming out victorious). But because I am the mother. And he should not control me. So if I have to throw away his food or hide certain toys for a few days or give him a little "spank", I will. I will not play the "I am done/I want to eat/I am done/I want to eat" game. Nor the "Throw it away/I want to play with it/Throw it away/I want to play with it" game. Nor the "Spank me/No spank me/Spank me/No spank me" game. Because he will whine and scream and carry on. For HOURS. And with three kids, I just don't have the time. Nor the patience. Of course, my actions do not stop the hysteria. But I'd like to think that - just maybe - he will get the picture. And that he will whine a little less. And scream a little less. And that one day, I will be able to enjoy my breakfast without his lovely background noise. And not have to share my food. Okay, that last one is unrealistic....

opportunity

You know how every once in a while, the opportunity of a lifetime plants itself in your lap? That is what our new home was (even with all my whining about it not being perfect. cosmetic, Leigh. cosmetic). And that is what my trip to Japan was. Opportunity of a lifetime. Something that comes along and if you blink before seizing it, it is gone. Another opportunity of a lifetime has found me. And it couldn't be more perfect.
The new opportunity that has presented itself to me? A job. No. Not just A job. THE job. Yes, I have photography. And yes, my monetary needs are generally filled through my photo shoots. But it is not a regular source of income. Some seasons are better than others. THE job that has found me is currier work. What is a currier? It is a person that drives from point A to point B (to points C, D, E, F, and G as well), delivering and collecting X, Y, and Z items from various contracted clients. Lots of driving (in-car jam sessions) and little human interaction (pleasant hellos immediately followed by quick goodbyes). No nasty or rude people to deal with. No 9-5 at a desk in front of a computer. Just driving and delivering. And it is a job I have done before. In fact this job helped to fund both my camera and my trip to Japan. In very short amounts of time. Four days per item, to be exact (for half the money needed for either item - photography supplied the second half over a longer period of time).

So the new opportunity that has presented itself to me? Working every Friday. From 8:45 - 11am and 1:45 - 4pm. And receiving a SWEET paycheck for my work. Averaging more than $35 an hour. Seriously the opportunity of a lifetime.
Unfortunately, this opportunity has presented itself at an inopportune moment. Circumstances are just not right for taking on such a job. For four reasons. Joel. Lucas. Daniel. And baby girl. I do not have the ideal child care situation presenting itself along side the job opportunity. Day care is out of the question. My paycheck would essentially cover day care costs, thus defeating the purpose of taking the job. Also, just not a fan. I was in day care as a child. I have worked in jobs similar to day care (girl scout camp - glorified day care). I know how kids are treated. So no. Family is out of the question. Everyone works. A ward friend. That would be a possibility. But I would prefer someone with no small children at home (I would not want to over burden anyone). And I would prefer someone to come to my house (as both runs would be during the baby's nap time... not to mention the afternoon run is when ALL THREE boys sleep - I will not mess up a good thing I have going for me). And I would only be able to work for four months at most before baby girl joins our family. At which point I have NO CLUE where life might take me (and this includes with photography).
So I feel as if it is just not right. Which breaks my heart. But I am learning my limits and I know that this is one of them. Besides, I made the choice years ago to be a stay at home mom. THIS is my choice. It is one I would not give up easily. I want to be the one to watch my children grow. To be the one to influence their learning and knowledge. So opportunity? Pass. :(

productive

I feel SO productive. I have gone through my entire blog list and am [mostly] caught up in what YOU all are doing. Because, you know. Spending two solid hours silently blog stalking is the best use of my time. When I have logos to design. And photos to edit. And projects to finish. And rooms to paint. Yup. Best use of my time.