Noah's 3

3 years ago this very evening is a night that changed my life.  Well, lets start a few days earlier.  It all started Christmas night when i came down with the stomach bug. (9 months prego and throwing up don't mix well) I was 37 weeks and visiting my ob and neonatal specialist every other day.  On the morning of the 27th i went in to see the specialist and was put in a room for my non stress test (i only had over 30 of them) the nurse would come in to check in on me every once in awhile and started to ask if i was feeling anything.  I said yes off and on.  She said, i don't know how much longer this baby is going to hang in there.  I had never experienced labor before so i thought well i better get ready. (I still hadn't packed a bag or prepared i figured this was my 3rd i had this)  After my appointment i went to the grocery store just to be prepared, in case this was it.  My scheduled c-section wasn't until 30th.
I went home and as the day went on i thought this may really be it.  I was hesitant to say i was in labor because i didn't want to be wrong and get sent home (everyone would think shouldn't she know this is her 3rd.)  That evening i was bathing the boys all the while having contractions that were getting stronger and closer together.  I finally decided that i would call the hospital, they wanted me to come in.  I went into Katies room (It was her 20th birthday) and told her it was time and that i had called Carolyn but that she wasn't answering.  I put the boys to bed kissing Josiah one last time before he became a big brother and snuggled my big big boy Micah.  Upon my arrival at the hospital they confirmed that i was in labor and that they would be doing my c-section that evening with just one emergency in front of me.  The contractions became stronger and i was ready to have it all over with.
Not to much longer i was in the operating room waiting to meet my new son.  I remembered the moment i saw him the first time.  I kissed him on the forehead and told him i loved him to the moon and back.  He was taken away to the nursery to be cleaned up and ready for his mama.  This was when my doctor realized that my bladder and uterus were attached and an additional surgery was required.  I'll save you the details but it was awful!
Finally i was reunited with my sweet new baby Noah.  He was so tiny and sweet.  I couldn't stop holding and kissing him.
He was and is such a happy carefree boy.  I love his constant smile, he brings such joy to everyone around him.  His giggle is contagious.
I can't believe hes 3, i really can't believe i don't have a baby anymore.  Where did the time go? I feel so blessed to have three sons.  Some days are so hard and overwhelming and i just want to cry (i sometimes do) or lock myself in a closet but they always ALWAYS find me.  They throw their arms around me and tell me they love me (Jo often tells me I'm the best mommy he could have ever asked for)
On this day and everyday i feel so much joy in my boys and for my sweet Noah's smile.
Mommy Loves you to the moon and Back

So funny, to funny...

A couple weeks ago in the evening when i was in my room before bed i received a text from a good friend.  It was a lengthy text, i thought oh no what now... I had no idea what i was about to read.  Lets just say I'm keeping therapist all over in business.  The text was just this...

 

OMG Marybeth.....I was putting Charlie to bed and he had like a smirk on his face that turned to fear when I questioned him about it.  I asked what was wrong or was he sneaking a toy into bed or something.  He said..."u promise u won't be mad?" And "u promise u won't yell at me?"  I told him to just tell me the truth and I wouldn't.  So he starts out with "when I was at Micah's for he sleepover....." I had NO idea where this was going!!!! So he preceded to say that when he was falling asleep he was facing one way but maybe should have been facing the other way....and that he didn't mean to but that "ms Satvedi didn't have many clothes on and I saw her bottom".  OMG I almost burst into laughter.  But he was mortified to tell me!! He said "I promise I didn't try to mom!"   So.....u prance around naked when ur kids friend are over? You are still too young to be a cougar! And...Jeff said he wants to come over next time too! Ha ha!  Just had to share that!!!

 

In my defense, i do not prance around naked but rather wear a very modest sleep shirt that comes just above my knee.  I also has full coverage on if you know what i mean.  Also, i have no clue how the child saw my bottom but can only guess that when i stood on the bunk bed to kiss Micah goodnight Charlie looked up and had a clear view of my fully covered bottom. He's 7 people! It's a sleep over.  Parenting boys isn't going to be easy, i can tell!

I still laugh every time i read this or even think about it.  If you knew my sons friend you would laugh too.  He's so sweet and kind with a side of spunk.

Happy Monday!

Preparing for the Holidays

We've been busy preparing for Christmas and all that it brings.  The next few weeks are full of lots of activities programs and so much more.
This week is going to be super busy for the boys and i which will just lead into another busy week.  I've had a little time to myself this weekend to try to prepare for it all but i've spent most of my time resting.  Micah has his first real school project due this coming Friday and he has to practice his presentation a lot to be ready.  I think i'm more nervous than he is. 
Wednesday Micah is excited to be part of take your teacher to dinner night (i am not because mini golfing with 3 small boys by myself does not sound fun to me) Which leads to Thursaday when all 3 of the boys have dental appointments followed by Josiah's pre-schoool holiday program.  I'm sure i'll have lots of pictures and video to share from them both. 
On Friday morning bright and early i'll catch a cab to the airport to visit with my sister.  I'm super excited to see her and am looking forward to some time together.  I wish the boys were coming with but next time.  Since i'm leaving Friday (the same day as Micah's presentation, the trip was planned before the project) i'll miss Micah's send off before his big presentation, but it could be for the best since i might make him nervous.
It will be nice to be with my sister before i return on Monday for my biopsy.  (i share more about that on simplyme) 
I also have lots of planning for Micah's class holiday party to finish up.  Not to mention the Christmas shopping that needs to be finished.  Gifts i need to wrap the list just goes on...
I'm super excited this year because the boys and i will be spending Christmas day with my aunt and her daughters.  They will be visting Chicago for the holidays, they couldnt be coming at a better time.  It's been a long time since i've spent the holidays with my family.  I look forward to my boys playing with the girls.  I also look forward to catching up with my aunt.  Katie and Nick will also hopefully be in for a visit as well.
Micah is super excited this year for our family pajamas because he helped pick them out.  I have a feeling he'll want us to wear them a bit more often than we have in the past. 
We're less that 2 weeks out, here's hoping i finish it all.

I don't even know where to begin, it's been over a year since my last entrance on this blog.  A lot has changed in a year.  The boys have grown so much.  Micah is now 1/2 way through his year of 1st grade and Josiah, pre-k.  Noah even started PDO this year 2 mornings a week giving me some free time.  I sure do wish drop off was a little easier with those boys, Never fails the boys never want to get out of the car at drop off.  I often have to roll my window down and call for back up extracting the boys from their seats.  Micah on the other hand runs to the bus and doesn't look back.
As the boys grow older I'm beginning to see how my role in their lives is changing some.  I've been doing a lot of thinking about what I'll do when they're all in school full time.  That's just 2 1/2 years away!  I'm not really sure if ill return to teaching pre-school/pre-k (i really did love it) or if ill move in a completely different direction.  I have lots to figure out in these next few months or so.  But, for now I'm just going to focus on these sweet boys.  Hopefully more to come as things start to settle.

Rubix

As many of you know Rubix passed away a few weeks ago.  I'm still trying to accept it, the boys still ask questions so i wanted to take some time and share a little about our Rubix.
Rubix was actually a birthday gift that i gave to Allwyn.  We had talked about getting a dog for along time, and since we were moving into our house in the burbs it sounded like the perfect time.  I didn't tell Allwyn but i started looking and eventually found an ad for a 10 week (or so) rottweiler.  I called the girl and she said that her boyfriend had given him to her and that she was leaving for college and her parents wouldn't keep him.  I decided to go look at him.  I took a friend with me.  I got there and first thing he jumped on me.  He was so wild.  I remember telling her, Okay I'll take him.  I told her i would come back the 22nd to pick him up so i could give him to Allwyn him for his birthday.  I ended up coming home and telling Allwyn all about my surprise.  He was shocked that i had made this decision without him.  He was also a little worried because we had busy moved into this newly built house.  I told him that the dog was so cute and his name was Cuz-O. We knew we were going to change his name before we even picked him out.
It was a week before we picked him up.  When we brought him home we decided to crate train him, and not allow him on the carpet.  There were a few times that i called Allwyn and i told him that i was done and that he needed to get rid of the dog.  Rubix was a puppy full of energy.  He eventually calmed down.  We worked out butts off to train him, but it was all worth it.  He was amazing and So So special.  He was so great with the boys.  I remember when Micah was born we brought a blanket from his bed home before we brought Micah home so he would be ready. He was great each time we brought a baby home.
He was also so great at watching out for us.  Every time the door bell rang he would be right there trying to see who was there and letting them know he was there.  Everyone was always so scared of him but had they stayed around they would have realized he was just a big baby.  When he became to big to sit in our laps he would still try but his head was the only part that fit.
There will always be stories about Rubix he was just that special.

Silly JoJo saying goodbye to his buddy, i still cry when i look at this picture. Rubix was so sweet, Jo hugged and kissed on him and Rubix just let him. 

Big Run

I couple weeks ago Josiah had his BIG Run at school.  His class was team USA.  Here are a few pictures from the run.  Noah even made a friend.  I brought balloons for all the parents to use to cheer the children on.  The little siblings really loved them.

Teacher Appreciation Week

Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week.  The teachers had a great time and i'm so glad.  Planning started over a month ago and didnt stop the whole time.  I was lucky to have an amazing helper.  Together we made a great team and got everything done.  Here are some pictures from the week.  The theme was Dr. Seuss, and came together so cute.

 Monday morning we arranged for the teachers to have bagels and munchkins.

 They also received a bubble gum tube that day.

 Tuesday was a brunch for the teachers but because it was so busy i forgot to take pictures.

On Wednesday each teacher received a snack bag.  It included a water bottle (with Dr. Seuss label) snacks, gums, and all kinds of goodies.  The bags were also super adorable and went with the theme perfectly.

 Thursday was a popcorn party or as we called it a Hop On PoPCorn Bar.  The teachers loved this day it was something new and exciting that we hadn't done in the past.

 On Thursday they also received these adorable popcorn favor.  Inside were 2 movie tickets, popcorn, candy and gummies.

 Our Final day was a lunch for the teachers.  It came together great and looked delicious.  The teachers all really enjoyed it.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is almost here and I've been very busy planning parties for both the boys parties.  Here are just a few of the goodies I've put together over the last week.  I'll have more pictures after the parties.

 Noah's Class favors/valentines

 Josiah's Class Favors/valentines

 I made 44 of these felt envelopes.  They are super cute you can tie them to the back of a chair. (we exchange sweet notes in them at our house)

 Teacher gifts

 Water bottles and fun straws for Micah's class party!  The kids will enjoy these with popcorn just before there party.  During the party they will decorate their felt envelopes and makes special valentines followed by Valentine Bingo.

This Picture i just LOVE, 2 weekends ago after a big snow i put Noah in his sled and went running, he had a blast (shouted go mommy go) and i got a great workout.  Hey, bikini season is just around the corner...right?

The Rope Warrior

Last Night i took the boys out in the cold to see the Rope Warrior.  needless to say now i have a 6 years old who thinks he's the next rope warrior.  Lets start with the basics the rope warrior is David Fisher.  He's been jumping since the age of 25.  And who knew but he's also written a few chapter books for kids and even has a CD.  The boys had a lot of fun watching him perform and even went home with new jump ropes.  Noah for some reason decided he would lick the chair most of the time, yes thats what i said.  I even had to take him out of gym for a timeout (that finally worked.)  My kids and licking, don't even get me started....off the topic.  As soon as we arrived home Micah announced that he wanted to perform and learn new tricks just like the rope warrior.  I told him it would have to wait until the morning or after school because it was very late and time for bed.  He swung his rope into the air as if to show me his new found talent and what do you know he hit the glass cup off the table.  I was a bit frazzled since i had 3 littles running around with no shoes.  I quickly hustled them upstairs and put everyone to bed even though they protested.
As soon as Micah came in the door from school today he was working on his tricks.  I love him dearly but he's not allowed to be the next rope warrior, that can be his side job.
*I tried to load his video for your viewing enjoyment but ran into some trouble.

Current condition

The current condition of our home is Crazy!  After discovering a water leak early Friday morning, things only went down hill.  Turns out that the way our roof peaks we had an ice dam that created a lot of damage.  I've had a few people out to check it out and were waiting on our insurance to come out.  In the mean time we tore out drywall crown molding and carpet.  Looks like some of the wood floors will need to be replaced due to water damage, which means the whole house first floor will need to be refinished. I guess i can pick a darker stain like I've always wanted :)  That's a perk, I'm trying to see the bright side of things.  When ever i have people over they always say what a beautiful home i have, i agree but feel its a bit cursed with all the negative stuff that has happened.
Here are a few pictures from the damage....

 Couldn't help but share what i found in the washed.  With all the laundry I've been doing i didn't notice a car made its way in for a wash.

Recent Happenings

Here are some pictures from the last week or so and our cupcake creations too.

 Yesterday we made a cheetah man costume out of construction paper

 I made these for one of my girlfriend who is having a baby girl in just a few weeks

 Boys in the snow

 Van full of kids... This was from last Monday, our trip to the Shedd. We managed to get 5 seats in the van.  Jo was not to happy about having to sit between 2 girls but he got over it once he realized how great they are.

 Noah enjoying his birthday cupcake.

 My favorite Christmas gift

Micah on his plasma car, also showing off his shark tooth necklace from Matt.  Thanks Matt :)