And just like that, school started last week and it really feels like the summer is over. The light is changing and it’s already starting to feel more like Fall. My kids aren’t even old enough to look forward to summer break, but I still look forward to it each year. Granted, it’s a little different these days. Pre-kids, I used to spend all day by the pool reading a book and relaxing. Doing what I wanted. Now, I can’t remember the last book I’ve read or sat down to even try. Even though it’s different, it’s still such a great time of year. It’s even better when you have AC! Nice weather almost every day and finally getting good use of our pool!!
We’ve had a fun filled summer with lots of pool days with friends, zoo days, gym time, BBQs, celebrating Maeva’s birthday and Ryan and I were even able to sneak away just the two of us for his CrossFit competition in Minnesota. We are so fortunate to have some amazing friends and even better that all of our kids play so great together! (insert happy dance :)) Summer has treated us well!
Maeva officially learned how to swim this summer. In a matter of weeks! So exciting! She is a fish, that girl. It’s so fun to see her have such a great time and beam with joy as she gets better and better. And now, our big girl started Kindergarten last week! Can’t believe that day has come. No, I did not cry my eyes out. I was just as excited as she was…and it’s all day for FREE so that’s something to celebrate! She was ready for school and we know she will thrive. She had no problems telling us goodbye and by the second day, her teacher was already raving about what a great listener she is and how helpful she is. Now, that did get me a little emotional. Glad to hear she’s loving school…for now. Ha! Here we are, not even a week into school, and she’s ready to walk herself into school by herself. Proud of how confident and strong our little girl is already! Lennox struggles with her leaving some mornings, but I think that in the end, some alone time is a nice thing for him.
Our little Lennox is a hand full. It is like night and day between him and Maeva. He is feisty, testy, and downright hardheaded. It’s pretty clear that he is going to be my hardest kid…Lord help me! My patience is tested daily and it is most exhausting! He is also still struggling with his words with makes matters so much harder, but we’re getting through it! The “Terrible Twos” are a real thing for him. One day at a time. With Maeva in school now, it helps a little to give him some quality time…and time that he isn’t getting picked on by his sister. We got him on a strider bike a couple weeks ago and is really starting to like it now that he’s gotten over the initial nerves. We’re pretty impressed with how fast he’s learning that thing! And with all of our pool time, he still isn’t the most comfortable. He acts really excited about going, but once we get there, he’d rather throw in all the things into the pool and maybe go on the stairs, but that’s it. It’s a hard sell for him. Haha Hopefully as he gets older, he’ll be more into it.
Baby Saxon is just about as easy going as it gets. He’ll be five months next week and is just like Maeva was as a baby. So easy, happy, smiley, go with the flow, chillin’ baby! He doesn’t really have a choice being the caboose, but we are certainly thrilled with how lucky we got…again! We just love that big baby boy. It kind of makes me sad how fast he’s growing. He’ll never be this small again and I just love the baby stage so much!! (Not enough to have another one though…) He loves to stand and wants to be a part of whatever is going on. Always watching and curious…and smiling. Don’t leave him out of the fun! Little cutie…I could just eat him.
I quit my job after I had Saxon to be home with the kids so Ryan has been very busy this summer! He has so many things on his plate with new opportunities, change, hard work and different things keeping him busy all over the place! However, as busy as he is, it sure has been nice to have more time as a family since he doesn’t work a 9-5 job and I’m home! I think we forget how fortunate we are sometimes. I’m so grateful to him for making it possible for me to stay home with our kids and raising them the way that WE want.
As for me, this summer has been a time of transition and change. I now have three kids ages five and under and for the first time in 15 years, I’m not working. Let me clarify… I’m not working outside the home. I mean, I am working because being a Mom full time IS a job. It’s a 24-7 kind of job and some people can understand while others will just laugh and say how easy it must be to just stay home. Ha! Please don’t ever tell me that. You’ll regret it. Yes, that’s a warning. Now, as rewarding as it can be, it is definitely a test most days. Someone needs something from me at all times. Just the other day while I was folding laundry, I was thinking to myself if I ever thought my life would be like this? In a grand scheme of things, yes, but never did I dream that every minute of every day would be consumed with my kids, laundry, dishes, cleaning, naps, driving kids to school, cooking, making lunches, picking up toys, time-out, screaming, scolding, scratching, kicking, nursing, diapers, sleep deprivation, studying, keeping my sanity, and of course don’t forget date nights! WHEW!! I’m sure I’m forgetting something…but whatever. You get the idea. Life is different and ever changing. My mom asked me if it it was getting easier and I told her that it’s not that it’s easier, I think I’m just getting used to it. Used to the madness and craziness of parenting three small kiddos. Then, in the blink of an eye, we will be out of this stage and onto another one.
Last night, as I was changing Saxon for bed and the two others were eating dinner, my husband came in and wrapped me in his arms and said, “you know, we’re doing a great job. Our kids are so happy and that’s something we should be proud of.” And in that moment, I was irritated that I was juggling dinner and jammies for the older kids while feeding the baby and changing his diaper all at once, but after a minute, I realized how right he was. We ARE doing a great job and it most definitely shows through our kids. They are always playing together and love shows brightly through them and I know I personally forget to sit back and appreciate the hard work we put into them all day, every day.
Although I love the summer and it’s been a good one, I’m optimistic that these last few months of the year are going to be just as good! We have a lot to look forward to and I can’t wait to see what new adventures come our way. One thing is for sure…there’s never a dull moment in our house!
Broken Crayons Still Color 
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