Chatty little ladies

Josie often says "No thanks!" when she is asked to do something she doesn't want to do. While I appreciate her manners, she often doesn't have a choice in the matter and her assertiveness with it has me hiding a smile behind my hands while I insist that she does what she is asked to do. Also, it sometimes sounds more like, "No sanks!" which is just a tiny glimpse at the toddler/preschooler she is no longer. That part isn't so funny...why do they grow up so fast? She also says "No thanks!" when someone else is doing something she doesn't like. If a friend or sister is trying to take something from her or wants her to play a game she doesn't like, she looks around desperately while yelling ever so politely, "No thanks! NO THANKS!" Again, while the manners are appreciated, the tone is not the most pleasant. We are working on that part.

Josie can be very expressive with what is around her. She exclaims how beautiful the view is or pretty the sky looks. She is quick to tell me that the garbage smells disgusting. Everything is silly or crazy. It's neither a compliment or an insult, just an extreme. She is an excellent complimenter. She tells women that they are beautiful and men that they are handsome. She only sometimes adds the disclaimer that all men are handsome and all women are beautiful. She hasn't quite figured out that she is lessening her compliment when she adds that at the end. It does make for many smiles followed with many laughs.

Audrey still hardly uses the "sss" sound. Many words come out leaving everyone puzzled, silently adding an "s" to words to figure out what she is saying. She will say that something is 'parkly, that she doesn't want a 'pankin when we tease her about it, that she loves to 'twim, and that her favorite meal is 'paghetti. When we ask her say the words again, you can tell she knows why we are asking because she often takes the time to slowly say the "s" before each word. She is capable of it, but for whatever reason chooses not to. It creates many a head 'cratch in confusion.

Many statements made by Audrey start and end with an affirmation. "Yep, I like this food, mm hmm." "Dad did you know that my hair is in an Elsa braid? Yep!" "Mom, this meal is so good for me. Yes!" It's like she is answering for you, even when it doesn't call for an answer. Or maybe she is reassuring herself that what she is saying is true. Either way, I often have to stifle a laugh or smile since she can be more sensitive to being teased.

Both Audrey and Josie often will say the word "even" instead of "too or also" Audrey will say, "I want to go to the park even!" or "I like ice cream even!" I don't correct it because I know how fast they learn and grow. It's so sweet with it's innocence. Both girls love to say one thing and then correct it by using the word "actually." "I want to empty the dishwasher! Actually, Josie can." "I want to go outside! Actually, I don't want to. I want to stay inside." (Most of the time, it's because they agree to something before actually processing it. Once they realize it's not the most fun option, they change their minds.) The other day, they sat at the table saying, "I am literally eating this bread. I am literally drinking this milk. I am literally using my fork." through the whole meal. What could I say? While kind of annoying, they were using it correctly.

The girls can't be bothered with details such as names while playing. The roles are often just "mother" and "kid" and that is how they refer to each other. I hear it constantly, "Kid! Come over here and eat your supper." "Mother, I don't want to go to sleep!" At least it makes it easy to tell when they are imagining and playing, because they never call me "Mother" and I never call them "Kid" in real life. 

Audrey calls Josie "Jojo" when she's excited about something or when they are sharing a story or thought. Both girls alternate between Mimi and Millie for Amelia. Josie doesn't call Audrey "Audge Podge" anymore, though. Audrey is always just Audrey when they talk to each other. They don't seem to notice that she doesn't have a nickname. In fact, when asked what her name is, she insists that it is just "Audrey." Maybe she likes that she's the only one without one.

Amelia went from showing no interest in words and talking to trying to say everything. She succeeds at a handful: mama, mimi, da for dad, papa, nah for Hannah, mo for more, moo, neigh, meow, woo for woof, highn for hi, bye, wa for water. Then there are the words that only she knows. All day, she points and says words that we are not understanding. We look around and ask her millions of questions, and when we finally figure it out, she beams at us with satisfaction. She watches our lips very closely to try to understand how we make these crazy sounds. If I break words up into one syllable at a time, she copies me more and more accurately, and slowly some of them are coming together. Our absolute favorite right now is when she joins in with her sisters in excitement. I will ask, "Who wants to eat lunch?" and she'll raise her hand and shout "Me me me me!" when she sees the older two do it. There's nothing sweeter than an 18 month old trying to talk like her big sisters. We do it over and over and none of us have tired of it.

Kids are fun.

A season within a season

I find it a little ironic that the last post on here was all about being outside and how to do that easily and often. It's not that my hopes or intentions have changed, it's that the usual summer activities, temperatures, and bugs have taken over. 

Instead of being outside for hours at a time daily, we are outside for hours at a time a couple of times a week. We are often busy, going to parks, swimming, visiting friends, and going on bike rides, but we don't spend as much time hiking (at all) or being in our backyard unless there is a breeze. I could be hard on myself about this, but I've really come to an understanding about myself (ourselves) and this time of year.

It's a season that ebbs and flows. Just like in winter with the harsh wind and freezing temperatures, you have good days and bad. The beginning and end of the season are usually the best, for both our attitudes and the conditions. I'm finding that this is true with summer as well. 

We had an amazing Spring. I would go so far as to call it almost perfect. It was dry with few rainy days, so the bugs were minimal. We were out and about daily and enjoyed it to the fullest. When the humidity hit, we slowed down. It just wipes me out, no matter if I'm pregnant, nursing, or just me. I used to blame it on those two stages, but honestly it's just exhausting. We still go outside, but we don't have the energy level or desire to do a lot. Now that the rain has come (a blessing, of course) and the humidity has lingered, the mosquitos are out and we are not. I have yet to find a spray that works effectively against them and we get eaten alive, as if they are magnetically drawn to us. It's not fun, and we find ourselves avoiding them at all costs.

I'm not complaining, though. This is my point: it's a season. I shouldn't feel guilty or frustrated about it, because in not too long, it will pass and we'll back to the best of times, when we can be outside all day without the humidity and bugs, maybe needing a sweater or blanket at times but possible nonetheless. I do so love Spring and Autumn. The end of a season leading into the start of another is one of the best things in life. I couldn't live somewhere that didn't have this transition four times a year. I cannot wait to feel that anticipation with my little girls.

While we wait, we will continue to do the activities that we do enjoy right now. We will continue to swim at our favorite spot, Buffalo River State Park. We will continue our random walks around the neighborhood (specifically the neighborhood behind us that winds along the river with hardly any traffic around). We will have picnics and play in the sand. We will stop for ice cream treats and splash pad visits. 

When the humidity finally goes away and the sun isn't quite as hot, we'll eagerly get back on the trails and explore some more.

Outdoor living

We've been soaking up the great weather over here and it's kept us busy. Any day now (I've been saying for weeks) the bugs will come out with a vengeance and we'll be forced to go back inside in the evenings or avoid the woods where they are the worst. Because we've been quite intentional with our efforts, we've already had a solid three months of "summer activities" in the books and we are ready for the next season. The girls are itching for any and all water activities, and I don't disagree. We're ready for sprinkler play, swimming in pools, water tables, and the lake activities.

I've been surprised with how many people have commented in wonder on our outdoor time and activities. I do understand it, because that was me just a few years ago, but what people don't understand is that this new way of living, incorporating the outdoors into our daily lives as much as possible, is relatively new for me. I didn't grow up spending my free time enjoying outdoor activities at all. I did them, sure, but it was forced and I rarely enjoyed it as much as I would now. Over the past few years, something in me has shifted and I have a new perspective on this gift given to us from our Creator. You don't have to go far to discover something new and there are great ways to spend time together as family just right outside your door. The kids and I can be active together and they aren't stuck in front of a screen for most of their time (I'm not either). They burn off a lot of energy and we don't drive each other crazy. That's important!

Moms with younger kids wonder how I am able to go exploring with three little kids under five. It's not anything fancy or mysterious. We start small and work our way to longer distances and time outside. For Josie's birthday, we got her a backpack full of adventure tools like binoculars, a magnifying glass, a fishing net, a flashlight, a compass, bird and tree books, and room for her water bottle and sweatshirt. When they seem to be growing tired of the hike or path we are on, we pull out one of the tools and their interest is renewed. Another trick up my sleeve is to always always stop for a snack or picnic lunch. It's worth the time to get it packed and ready before we head out because stopping to rest, sit, refresh with water and fuel, and let the baby move around (who usually rides in a pack on my back) is priceless and the second half of our time is usually even more fun than the first.

Audrey carries a backpack as well, usually filled with her water bottle, an extra pair of leggings (you never know if a kid will slip in mud or water and get soaked and leggings would fit either of the big girls) and a thin blanket we can spread out for our break. It's quite light but she feels important carrying it, so we never leave it behind.

I bought a Deuter child carrier backpack for Amelia because there's no way she could keep up with us and our Beco carrier that I usually use isn't ideal for longer time periods. This backpack has helped tremendously. It's even more comfortable (the Beco is quite comfortable for our usual usages) and she sits higher up, increasing her visibility and circulation. She also has shade and room to rest her head if she gets tired. There is a small pocket right behind her and a larger pocket down below where she sits, so I can carry water for us without relying on the big girls and most of the food, sunscreen, and even my nice camera (it's easy to keep it safe since it's nicely cushioned and won't get bumped). There's a stand for when I put her down, so she doesn't just fall over while I take her out, and there's a pocket on the strap that goes around my waist for my phone (easy access). Seriously, it's made our adventures much easier. The pace that the big girls set is fairly slow, so I have no problem keeping up as the family pack mule.



For clothing, I try my hardest to encourage jean shorts, capris, or pants, but honestly they don't ever seem to mind or seem held back by their usual dresses and leggings. Josie often wears a skirt with biker shorts underneath along with her Tevas. Audrey and I wear Keens when it's nice enough since they grip the ground a lot better. If it's chillier, I'll wear tennis shoes but I prefer not to since I slip and slide more and I really hate that while wearing a child. I usually wear workout clothes, like compression pants or yoga leggings with a tank top and light sweatshirt that can be tied around my waist easily. The girls also just got new baseball hats that I'm hoping will help keep the sun out of their eyes and keep their hair off their faces. Plus, they just look adorable in them. Amelia wears light layers and a bonnet along with her Saltwater sandals and a good layer of sunscreen. Nothing fancy for her, since she's not the one walking on the dirt trails amongst the plants and bugs.

I was worried about going out on my own with the girls, so we eased into it. First, we went out with the whole family (my parents, my husband, the girls, and myself). Of course that went great. We also went out with another mom and kids during the week. I had got most of the kinks out on these two hikes, so now we are confident enough to go on our own. I've been so impressed with what is available within 20 minutes of us. It's no big deal to get out of our house for 3-5 hours without having to sit in the car for an hour there and back. That's priceless! The more we explore and drive around, the more nooks and crannys there are that nobody seems to be aware of.

All that to say, I am hoping and praying that we stick with it. I hope that all three girls can find ways to enjoy being outside and that we can participate and support these efforts as they grow older and become their own individuals. I have dreams of us swimming, tubing, kayaking, biking, and hiking tougher trails together in the not so distant future. We are well on our way, I'd say.

This summer, Josie is in t-ball and seems to love it so far. I was not going to force her to be in it each year, but I did want her to try it at least for a season. I needn't have worried because she hasn't complained once. We walk there since it is at a park near us, and Josie often rides her bike. Any chance we get to choose time outside, we take. We could drive there and save the time, but I prefer that time together, breathing the fresh air, chatting, and moving our bodies around over what we'd probably be doing at home (sitting around, making a mess, bickering or whining if we're honest).

It does take work. It takes planning. It takes a will to go outside even when you'd rather sit inside and chill out. Sometimes it's rainy or windy and the sun refuses to shine bright. Sometimes the humidity makes me want to nap instead. Sometimes the girls don't want to go on the particular path I've found or chosen or they are just not in a good mood. Of course these things happen. More times than not, though, they cheer up once we get moving and their poor attitude is forgotten. We find our rhythm and all end up refreshed and happy. It's worth it.

Guest and Girls bathroom

Nine months ago, my parents took the big girls with them to the lake for a few days. I was just coming out of a stretch of intense parenting with Amelia - no breaks, holding her constantly, feeding her constantly, all the fun newborn baby stuff - and was full of ambition. I got some paint picked out and brought it home to paint and got just the edges on one side of the room and the smallest wall done. That's it. For months, we're talking like seven months here, not just a few, that was how it sat. Along the way, I decided that the original paint color I had chosen was not the right color. Along the way, I had painted the hallway a great gray color that seemed to somehow brighten up while also make it fresh and less outdated. I decided this color would work better in the bathroom as well.

A few weeks ago, I got the whole room painted. The gray is a much better choice than the original brown beige I had chosen (what was I thinking, really?) I replaced the towel bar with towel hooks (we have more than two girls using this bathroom now so multiple hooks is a necessity). I added a hand towel rack on the other side so it was clear which to use after washing hands. Finally, I put the other towel bar above the toilet and hung a basket from it (thank you, pinterest) below a wooden plaque picture I took of the girls in the tub. (Please note that when I say that "I" did this, I really mean that I thought of it and hubby did it. He's the real deal handyman, after all.)

My parents are combining their two homes (one in the city they work in, one at the lake) so we got their shower curtain, rug, and towels. These added just the pop this room needed. I cannot tell you how happy this room has made me every time I walk by. We haven't done a lot of updates to the house yet since most of them are major and will not be started any time soon. It is very rewarding to have another room done. More and more, the house feels like "us" and not like the previous owners. And bonus: I'm not embarrassed to have our guests use this room anymore. Here are the photos. Please remember how impossible it is to photograph a small, long and narrow room. :)