And then there were three

So if you haven't guessed, Andrew is finally here. Well, he arrived about 5 months ago but who's keeping score? He has been such a joy in our family. He is always in a good mood unless he needs something or something is wrong such as a growth spurt or a tooth (which I think the first one is about to come in as we speak). His smile is infectious and he loves to stick his tongue out whenever he gives you one. He's not sitting up yet, but I'm guessing it will come in the next month or two. Three boys, who would have thunk it? :)

Summer is going better than I expected. I had thought we would be bored and hot, but that's not the case at all. The weather's been decent, compared to Dallas anyway, and we've been busy with playgroups, swim lessons, and various trips and visits to see friends and family and vice versa. For Memorial Day weekend we took a trip up to the mountains with my parents and had a great time. We visited Gatlinburg, went to the nature center in Asheville, and visited the arboretum. The kids loved the aquarium; especially the touch tank and the sharks! A few weeks later we headed out on a 10 day excursion to Delaware where we spent 5 days with my friend Camilla and 5 days with Scott's parents at their new home in Delaware. It was just the boys and me and I thought it might be a bit overwhelming, but the drive wasn't as bad as I thought and the days with friends and family were wonderful! We visited the potato chip factory, went to a pick your own farm and spent time at a playdate while with camilla. Grandma and grandpa's house entailed a trip to the beach and lots of playtime at the new home. The lakehouse is wonderful; the fishing and the yard took the top spots for favorite things to do. I also enjoyed nightly walks sans kids to get a little fresh air. Next week were expecting Camilla and the kids to visit for a week of fun in Charlotte and then back up to Delaware in August for some more fun with the grandparents; this time with Scott. It's definitely been a fun summer so far!

ANDREW

Andrew is four months old now. I still can't figure out who he's going to look like. I'm leaning towards Nicholas but I'm sure it will change as he gets bigger. He loves to ride in the carrier and falls to sleep easily in the evenings. We've officially transitioned to the crib and it's been good all around. He gets up twice in the night around 1 and 5. I'm looking forward to him sleeping through the night but am happy with where we're at for now. Andrew loves his thumb, being tickled and being held. His first tooth is coming in and he's been grumpy lately because of it.

ALEXANDER

Alex is every bit of three right now. We are still working on the potty training; some days are better than others. He's got the front end down pretty well as long as you remind him or he's nude, but the back end still needs a little work. I'm hoping that he'll figure it out in time for preschool in the fall. We tried to put the boys together in the same room for sleeping but they play more than they sleep so now Alex is sleeping in the sewing room until further notice. Alex is an eater. He loves to help me cook dinner at night and will put just about anything into his mouth while I'm cooking. He's eaten handfuls of raw spinach, carrots, peppers, and even tried to eat a raw egg the other day which I had to stop him from doing. I hope that he keeps his love of food as he grows up. I love how good of friends the boys have become. Alex and Nicholas do everything together. They really do enjoy one another's company.

NICHOLAS

I can't believe that Nicholas is already five years old! he will be heading to kindergarten in the fall and I'm anxious, nervous, and excited all in one! I think the biggest challenge for him will be getting up early enough to not be late to school. The tardy bell rings at 7:30! Nick is a pretty late sleeper so I'm sure it will be an adjustment. Other than that he is a happy smart five year old. He is very competitive with his brother and likes to take charge. He loves to build things and figure out how things work best.

We have recently gotten a bird feeder and a hummingbird feeder and the boys have really enjoyed watching the birds eat from them and learning what type of birds are in our neighborhood.

Time to sign off... swim lessons beckon!