Camp Mommy: July 2017

And our fun continues!! We are seriously having the greatest summer, and I am getting so very spoiled with my time, with my littlest boy and how sweet he is, and with the fun we are having! I've had more ME time this summer than I've had in a LONG time, and it just won't be the same once camp is over. There's no way around it, I'm kinda sad about the imminent end of summer camp for Banner and Quinn. They've had a great time, sure... but I think I've had a better time while Knox takes a nap and I have had time to just be - to catch up, to watch what I want to watch, to nap, to plan, to talk on the phone.... it's been so, so nice, and this time is coming to a fast, screeching halt all too soon! Once the school year starts, dismissals are scattered (one boy gets out at 1:00, one at 2:00, and one at 3:00), I'm back at part-time work which makes for a chaotic schedule, and the homework nonsense returns. (I'm secretly looking forward to not having to pack towels and changes of clothes with all the water activities, but knowing the boys had fun is worth that part and I'd rather be doing that than making sure folders are signed, library books are returned, permission slips are in the bag, etc.)

But, as usual, I digress. Back to Camp Mommy! We've had a ball, and we've continued to do different things, try out new places, learn and experience and venture way out! July began with a weekend filled with great activities: Home Depot with Daddy, swim lessons, and Knox's first movie (Despicable Me 3), followed by our first trip to a "beach" not far from us! We continued the month with July 4th celebrations, splash park fun, visiting Play Street, going to the children's aquarium, starting library story times, starting swim lessons at the rec center, driving to Irving for a petting farm experience, and hosting a sleep over with Brycen and Nami. All of us have had our turn with a little bug that's made it's way through the house, but that didn't stop us from having fun swimming, playing at Grandma's house, and trying out a couple of different gyms for Knox. The big boys got to go to our first Rough Riders game which was so much fun! We celebrated Sari's birthday, Aunt Mischelle and Caden's birthdays, as well at Hayla's birthday. We finished out July with a visit to Perot, a trip to Arbor Hills playground, the most fun play date at the "baby pool" with Aunt Mischelle and the cousins, a lame trip to Jump Mania, snow cones at Sugar Mountain, a play date at our old house (which made my heart so happy!), Damon's naming, a trip to Sandy Lake Park, and probably our last visit to Sense-Able Gym (which is closing after this week much to my disappointment).

As we wrap up July, I'm mourning it already! Teachers are heading up to school early to set up their classrooms, camp is winding down, and back-to-school sales are in full swing. But, that won't keep us from enjoying what's left of our summer! I'm clinging for dear life to this summer and trying to squeeze every ounce of fun into it for me and for the boys. So far, we've done just that and August (although short!) will be no different!

Here's a look at what we did:

Making bug catchers at HD with Daddy

Team work!

Ready for the movie!

Little Elm Beach

July 3rd play date

Skylar & Knox (2 weeks apart) 

July 4th Breakfast! :)

Firecracker Jello 

Swimming at BeeBee & Zaide's

July 4th Lunch 

Hayla

Balloon Fight at Aunt Jacque & Uncle Freddy's

S'mores dip ready to go!

Waiting for Fireworks

Couldn't see fireworks well, so the boys came home early and finished watching fireworks on TV with me!

July 5th - Daddy makes his big announcement

G'night Gan Izzy

Splash Park with Levi

Crazy Hair Day at Camp

Play Street

Quinn got to go back to Young Chef's Academy

Playing with blocks at home

The lightest cousin with the darkest cousin! :)

Children's Aquarium

Waiting during martial arts.... on 7/11

Fritz Park Petting Farm

Play Street

Swimming at Grandma's - celebrating Caden & Aunt Mischelle's birthdays

Being silly at bed time

Michelle & Banner playing at the church play area

Q had fever, so we stayed home from camp and did crafts

My Gym - mesmerized by the "story"

Grandparent Day at camp

Grandma won the award for most grandkids at the camp (5!)

Rough Riders Game

It was HOT!

Sari's Party

Hanging at Grandma's house

He looks like a bartender to me here or maybe a card dealer... not sure why

Movie time!

Perot Museum

Listening to the grocer tell about her job

I don't know why, but I LOVE this shadow on the way into swim lessons at the rec center. I took a similar picture of Banner's lessons at this age.

Gymboree trial class

Playing with Quinn at the library

Swimming a Uncle Brock & Aunt Mischelle's neighborhood "baby pool"

Photo bomber Banner on the right

Twin Day at Camp

Jump Mania

The installation of the arcade area has ruined this facility :(

Snow cones at Sugar Mountain - and realized Banner has a lollipop stuck to his bottom

Play date at Darion with Max & Ryan

a picture at our old fireplace (different carpet and paint, but looks like home still!)

Sandy Lake Park

First carousel ride

Waiting for the roller coaster ride to start!

Sense-Able Gym

Knox loves a good grocery cart!

17-Month Newsletter: Knox

Dear Knox,
Summer always seems to fly faster, so it's not a surprise that it feels like yesterday when I was just writing your 16-month post. Today, you're one month closer to one and a half, and that saddens me. As much as I love watching you grow up - and I'm grateful you are doing so quite beautifully - I can't help but feel a little sad as my baby keeps distancing himself from being just that - a baby. You're getting quite tall, becoming so independent, now have a mouth nearly full of teeth, and can communicate with such proficiency for a young toddler your age. I have so enjoyed this last month with you, spending our days alone while Banner and Quinn are at camp. We've tried out so many new cool things, and it's so exciting to be the one to join you on these new adventures you're experiencing.

So, what have you been up to this month?

-You're saying all kinds of new words - and new ones pop up and surprise us daily! Yesterday, for example, Daddy asked, "Who wants __?" (I can't remember exactly what he was asking, but it was some kind of food - like who wants cheese pizza or who wants milk or something in the kitchen.) You said, "ME!" and Daddy and I looked at each other not expecting you to answer as your brothers do. It makes sense that you would, but it was a surprise that you chimed in - and even before they responded. In the last week or so, whenever I call your name, you answer, "What?" It kills me ... that you've picked up on these little nuances we all take for granted - to answer with this word. But, it's the cutest little "what," more like "wahhhht" with the slightest little /t/ at the end as your voice raises in question. You also now say "um" for "come" or "some"  - if it's "come," you will pull us where you want, if it's "some," you will point to what you want. You also added: "ish" (fish), "hat," and "vigh" (five) - although that one came along before this month and I'm just remembering to add it in your list.

-You enjoy singing and humming so much. You happily chime in with us when you know a song like "Twinkle, Twinkle" or "Old McDonald." You say the last words of a phrase or line, and you can pitch match very well! On Yo Gabba Gabba, you may not know all the words, but you happily match the tune and try your best to sing along. (Speaking of Gabba, you like to say the standard lines that DJ Lance says: "awesome!" or "bye bye" or "awwww" at the end of the show.)

-You gave up bottles this month! I'm happy to announce you are bottle-free, but as I wrote in this post, I'm saddened at the fact that we're done with them, too.

-We also officially have one nap a day now.

-You attended your first movie this month (Despicable Me 3) and did amazingly well. You also went to play at the "beach" for the first time - getting those toes in the sand was quite an experience for you! And, we celebrated my birthday, Father's Day, and the 4th of July for the second time in your life.

-We started My Gym classes this month, too. Your first class was so fun for me to be back where Quinn and I spent so many months in class there together. I was excited to see how you would do. Much to my delight, you seemed to love the set-up and the activities right away. You don't smile much when we are there - especially when the teachers try to get one out of you; you're expressions are more like, "What are you doing? Leave me alone." You are our "stoic baby," as Daddy calls you. You're pensive and thoughtful and hard to impress when others are watching you. But, when it's just you and me, you are a giggly guy, and we are having so much fun there!

-We also began swim lessons at the rec center just last week. Ms. Violet is our instructor. I get in the pool with you, and so far these lessons are more impressive than when I swam with Banner the summer before Quinn was born. I like our time together, but you are tentative about how you feel about the water and splashing around in it. You haven't been a fan of splash parks this summer, so I'm not surprised you aren't loving the splashing that happens at our lessons. The second lesson was better for you than the first, so I'm hoping this week will also be better as you get to know the routine.

-Your favorite things: freeze-dried strawberries (although they may be creating a tiny rash around your mouth; I can't be sure yet), raisins, watching television (specifically Gabba still), standing up in your highchair - we've welcomed strapping you in again!, Danimal smoothies, dancing, going to Grandma's house, being a part of the group (mostly doing whatever your brothers are doing!), giving hugs, brushing your teeth, reading books at bedtime, waving hello and goodbye to people, and giving high fives ("vigh").

-You haven't been sleeping well at all this week. I'm not sure if you're getting a cold, have an ear infection (you have a runny nose and a mild cough), or if all these changes (one nap, no bottle) are causing unrest for you. You are getting so many teeth (all your molars are popping up), too. There are lots of reasons you may be struggling at night, but whatever it is, you've needed lots of cuddles and attention in the middle of the night for hours on end. I've spent the last two nights on your bedroom floor reassuring you that I'm still there for several hours. I really wish you would sleep. I also don't blame you. I'm pretty fun to hang out with! :) Ha... just kidding. What I really know is that you are learning so much in the past few weeks, with many new experiences and places we've been and seen. I've seen such maturity and growth in these weeks, so it's no wonder your amazing brain is processing too much in your sweet dreams that you keep waking up needing help to calm it down. Each night, Daddy and I hope you've turned a corner, but those awakenings keep happening. Hopefully, we will see a change soon!!

Knox Morgan, you fit in with our family so very well. You are a delight to spend the day with, and even if I'm tired and exhausted and annoyed being up with you at 1 AM or 2 or 3 or 4 or all of the above,  you're a delight to cuddle in the middle of the night, too. One of my favorite things is how you hold my hand or my finger and lead me where you want to go. I love how you lay "keppe" on me when you just want to snuggle. I love how you communicate in a variety of creative ways to let us know what you want. I love how sweet you smell and how soft your skin is. I love your silky, straight hair and the way your entire face lights up when you laugh or smile. I love how much you love your brothers and want to be with them. I love hearing your sweet voice telling me new words or babbling up a storm with such specific intent. I love our time together, and I'm savoring it so much! I know you won't remember much of what we are doing, but I know you'll feel the bond and the love we have for each other growing each day. (And don't worry, I'm taking lots of pictures for you!)

Happy 17-Months, Knoxy!
We all love you so very much!
Love,
Mommy

Photos courtesy of Laura Weinstein Photography

Bottling 'Em Up

The day came. Well, really, the night. Night came, and with it - one last bottle. He's not particularly attached to it. But, well, let's be honest. I am. And, we are done with them. It's not really the object I'm so connected to; it's the tie to infancy, the hanging on to their babyhood. And, with Knox's last one tonight, a big giant step forward is made away from parenting infants. While I realize he should have said goodbye to his bottle somewhere around 4 and a half months ago, I'm not one to just stop cold turkey on their first birthday. So, with each baby, we've weaned a little here and there and then finally said goodbye to bottles around 15 months. Well, Knox is almost 17 months - and I dragged my feet with him a little more. He's only had one bottle a day (at bedtime) for the last couple weeks now. Before then, we've been slowly dropping the mid-day and morning bottles. The transition has been seamless - MUCH unlike his older brother, Quinn's was, and somewhat different from Banner's, too. Dropping the bottle with Knox doesn't give me anxiety like it did with Banner, and he hasn't shown any disdain from drinking milk from a sippy cup like Quinn did. But, having a bottle in his mouth as I got him ready for bed every night sure did help keep Knox still and less squirmy in the past 6 months or so. But, a pacifier will have to suffice now, and it's time to bottle those bottles up - pack them up and give them to another family who can use them.

It's funny - I never wanted to have bottles in my house. I wanted to breastfeed, and with the birth of my first baby came the overwhelming societal guilt if I didn't succeed in this goal. Bottles and formula were a big no-no, and I wanted so badly to fulfill that desire of exclusively nursing. I wanted to be THE one who could feed and nourish my baby. But, nursing wasn't for me. I beat myself up over it more than I ever should - more than anyone ever should! And, within the first couple days of his life, we were already supplementing with formula and soon thereafter with an itty-bitty bottle. Bottles saved him. Bottles saved me. Bottles saved my sanity, my relationship, my household, and the relationship I would even have with my future babies.

The bottle parts - oh so many! The bottle washing - oh so annoying! The bottle carrying and storing and filling and spilling - such a pain. But, they nourished my children. They gave me a way to connect with my babies every time I held them close and looked into their eyes and sang or talked or hummed or enjoyed the quiet midnights with them. And, it gave their daddy a chance to connect, and their grandma, and their aunts...  We could all share the load, as well as the special time with these many feedings in the last 6 years of my babies' lives.

So, I don't want this little event to go unannounced, unnoticed, unmentioned, or unappreciated. I'm about to gain quite a bit of space in my cabinet and in my dishwasher - and I am so excited about that. I have big plans for that cabinet we've been waiting to empty of bottles and vent inserts and travel disks and vent reservoirs (I even know what they're called!) and nipples and collars and bottle caps and bottle drying racks. What a bittersweet evening this is.

So, a turning point for us... and for Knox. Tomorrow, sweet Knox, we will pour no milk into a bottle. We will rock without liquid. We will wrangle you with other enticing objects that might keep you still during the pajama routine! All three of us will miss our nightly cuddles while you suckle away on that bottle. In fact, when I told Daddy tonight was your last bottle, he was surprised and seemingly sad. I watched him hold you as he offered you the bottle before getting you ready for bed. He held you in his lap; you sat there in the folds of his criss-crossed legs, just guzzling away as he rocked with you, his lips on the crown of your head while I finished helping Quinn out of the shower. Then, I took you to read in the glider while you held your bottle and we read Hug, a book that lately makes you laugh - and read with us! After we finished the book, you had about one ounce left (which you rarely even finish these last few months; I'm telling you, you really don't need it anymore!). You let me cradle you and hold the bottle for you - something I haven't done in many, many months! I will remember that for a long time, sweet boy! Thank you for that - and thank you for letting me rock you after Daddy came in and took a picture to capture the moment. Thank you for the cuddles in the dark and the humming we did before bed tonight. Thank you for tolerating my tears as I made up words to a tune I just created as I went - about being my baby and letting me rock you and remembering and soaking up my time with all three of my babies in that same glider. It was a strange song, I admit it... one I'll never remember - but I'll remember you, and the weight of you on my chest, and your sweet smell and the tears that fell just embracing the moment with you - and that empty bottle on the corner of your crib.

And, oh, Dr. Browns, you've served my three children well, and they each thank you for reducing reflux and gas while nourishing their little growing bodies! So, even though I never wanted you in my house, you are hard to let go of! You beat out Tommy Tippee and Avent and God only knows the other bottles that never worked for my spitty babies. You survived 6 years of washings and soap suds and scrubbers and gums and tooth buds and baby teeth. Thank you for your service.

My Husband: The Congressman?

When I was 16 years old, I was at a youth group event where new members were being inducted into their chapter. I was the date of an already-established member who was on the executive board of the chapter, and I didn't know but maybe a couple of the younger boys being inducted that night. As the ceremony began, I didn't know that my life was about to change. A few minutes into the start, when everyone was quiet and listening to the chapter president begin his opening words, in walked a rowdy, lanky 14-year-old kid with long, orangish hair pulled back into a ponytail and a burnt-red leather jacket. He high-fived a fellow inductee as all the other boys appeared to roar in unison, "Sammy!" He seemed to demand the attention from others, and therefore, my immediate thoughts were, "Who does this kid think he is, marching in late, making a raucous, acting like he is the most important guy here!?" Yet, at the same time, there was an overwhelming feeling of intrigue as I also thought, "There's something special about this guy." His entrance into the room obviously made an impression on me, for better or for worse... as I just knew there was so much more about him. Even though he was so very different than me, there was a strong pull to him in a strange way that made me feel that he would be an important figure in my life.

Fast forward 21 years, and my initial thoughts about that boy who would become my husband and the father of our three sons have been shared with him, our family, and our friends throughout the years. Never once have I been wrong about him. Who does he think he is?? He IS someone special. That boy was a kid with a passion for leading others - whether it was as a cheerleader in 10th grade, a JROTC company commander in high school, a youth group regional president his senior year, a resident advisor in college, a law school student voted most likely to become a political figure, the vice president of the Student Bar Association, or a young lawyer who would take the courageous steps to starting his own law firm and then becoming one of Texas's Rising Stars attorneys soon thereafter.  Sam is always looking for ways to learn more about the community in order to be a helper. He's been active in the Anti-Defamation League for years helping lead several committees, he's a graduate of the FBI Citizen's Academy, he eagerly participates in various career day fairs at local elementary schools  - including my own where I'm a school counselor, and he donates blood several times a year. 

So, when the idea came about that he should run for political office, no one was surprised. This has been on Sam's agenda since I've known him. And, while I adore his passion for serving his community, I never wanted to see him actually run for any office or position. In fact, I was so opposed to this idea, that when he began volunteering to help with local campaigns more than 6 years ago, I was hopeful that he would get it out of his system and never want to do more. Furthermore, when he brought home a candidate's yard sign, I was pretty upset. There was NO way he was going to put that in our front yard.... at least not for long.

My disdain for him holding public office was purely selfish. I have never had the desire to be in any kind of public spotlight. Sam and I are so different when it comes to that particular trait. He's the one on the dance floor wildly playing his air guitar while everyone cheers and claps. I'm the one standing clearly out of the way wondering how much longer this insanity is going to last before my guy just hangs out with me. Sam likes the attention, he loves to be in the center of it all. Me... not so much. I'm the shy but outgoing lady who takes a while to warm up to a crowd. He's an extrovert, and I'm an introvert. I like to feel out a party before I jump right in. He IS the party. 

Yet, as the political climate changed around us, and we were feeling an urgent need to get more involved and figure out what can be done to bring back hope to the future of our children, the timing seemed perfect for Sam to move forward with his dream. I was a key player in that initial decision, and I had to be on-board for what was coming logistically. Campaigning and fund-raising would be a full-time job for Sam - on top of managing his case load and being available to clients in his law firm, as well as being the hero to his three young children. 

As a mother to those children, I am "mama bear," wanting to protect the time Sam spends with these three boys who adore him, want him around, and can't stand when he's away. As the parent who spends more time with them, I am overwhelmed at the thought of Sam being gone more than he already is - at having to be at meeting after meeting, at campaign events for hours on end, at weekend functions to get to know voters. As anyone who knows us as a couple and as parents would tell you, we balance each other out well, and we share the load of responsibilities pretty equally, so knowing my counterpart won't be around much during campaigning (and hopefully beyond should he become elected!), I have been dreading the inevitable extra work and lack of a break that is heading my way. I'm apprehensive about having to get these three kiddos and myself presentable to the public however many times that is necessary in the coming months/years. As always, I'm just trying to be honest here... I'm feeling a bit anxious about that part of it and wish he wouldn't run at all! 

But, that's where my concern ends. Again, any wishing he wouldn't do this is purely selfish as I worry about how his campaign will affect ME and my young family and how much harder my job as Mommy is going to be without the hands, presence, and routine of having Daddy around as much. As Sam's wife and best friend, however, there is no one else I can think of who could do this job better! I stand behind this decision 100%, and I am so excited to be along for this journey he's taking our family on! More importantly, I'm elated to be on the front lines of watching Sam listen to the community, meet the people, and share his ideas for improving our community, our country! Since he made his announcement on Wednesday (July 5th), there's been an overwhelming feeling of excitement as our friends, family, coworkers, and acquaintances have rallied and spread the word about this amazing candidate. 

Sam is an all-around good guy. He's one of the kindest, most compassionate, most committed people I've ever known. He has a passion and conviction for doing what's right, even when it means taking the long road or making more work for himself. And I'm not just saying this to get you to vote for him or to donate to his campaign (which you are more than welcome and invited to do, whether you live in our district or not!) because there's that Mommy part of me that hopes he loses this election. I'm saying this because we need good guys in D.C. We need people who aren't going to get wrapped up in themselves, who are do-gooders by nature, who won't get "bought," who are something special! He's got great ideas, and he's got a great team of people who are supporting him. I'm one of those people. Sam, good luck on this big endeavor. You've never let me down in the past, and I have no question you won't let your voters down, either. You have made an impact on me since you walked in that door. Others will see what I mean. Those who know you already know what I'm talking about. As I know you will, stay true to you and to your goal of paving the way for your beautiful sons who are voting for you in every way they can. I love you.

To find out more, to join us, or to donate, please visit: www.votesamjohnson.com. To clarify, those who wish to help support Sam do not have to live in our district. You can donate, you can like his posts and pages on social media, you can fundraise, you can display one of Sam's yard signs, you can share all the great things you already know and also what you will learn with those who DO live in this district, you can even share this blog post. A win for Sam is a win for YOU, too, no matter where you live. We need honorable, just, level-headed, logical people representing us in DC. 

A note to those who want to vote:

To find out if you can vote for Sam, please check here: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/

If you are in Texas District 3, then yes, you can vote for Sam. The primary will be in March! I don't care who you vote for... just VOTE!

Note: The current U.S. Texas representative for this district, ironically also named Sam Johnson, will not be running for re-election after many years as our representative. Some negative comments have been made referring to "my" Sam needing to clearly differentiate himself from the current Republican congressman. Well, duh. Obviously, those who know my husband know he would never do anything to try to usurp someone else's service, achievements, awards, or contributions. The "same name issue" is not an issue, nor should it be confusing to anyone. My Sam is a Democrat, not a Republican; the current Congressman is not seeking reelection per a public announcement made in January; and let's face it - Sam Johnson is a pretty common name. His desire to run for this office is perfect timing since he will not be running against a man by the same name. Let's just hope my Sam is the incumbent's successor.