Wednesday, April 13, 2011

six months... where did go?

1. Wow! Elise is six (well, almost 7) months old! Half a year! And, I am SO GRATEFUL that I have her in my life. The other day I was thinking about how excited I was when I found out that I was having a little girl. Now that I have her here, I realize that I never could have imagined the happiness that this little girl brings me. She is sweet, content, easy going, and lovable... all wrapped up in a little bundle of cuteness. I'm glad that my boys love her to pieces as well. Although, I tend to get a little annoyed when they borderline smother her, I appreciate the utter love they show her.


2. The Pulley's have a pet! Four, actually. Isaac and Luke filled up their charts and decided they wanted fish as their reward. So, a couple of goldfish in a glass bowl is what I was thinking, but about $100 and a couple of very excited boys later, we now are the proud owners of an aquarium. Adam had to go and get all sentimental on me while we were at the pet store - reminiscing about his youth and the excitement of fish gazing. I actually have fond memories of a whole month in my life when my family had an aquarium as well, so I concurred. I have to admit, I find myself doing a little fish watching while sitting at the table. I consider it my meditation time.

3. We managed to get away for spring break. I was quite surprised that the universe aligned in such away that allowed Adam to take this much needed "break", so we seized the opportunity when it presented itself. We headed down to Moab for a few days of fun and sun. Adam and the boys went on an ATV ride with some family one of the days, while I stayed back at the hotel with Elise. Bored? Not at all. I relished the peace and quiet that it offered me... I think Elise may have noticed the lack of chaos as well. The next day we spent the day hiking around in Arches. Isaac was disappointed that we didn't hike to every single arch in the park, but we still managed to wear ourselves out. Isaac was also upset when we didn't heed his request to move down to Moab right then and there. After all, it is much funner than Heber. One thing about Isaac - he absolutely hates for fun to end.


4. Funny conversation while driving to Moab: We passed a Wingers on our way down and Isaac asked what it was. I told him it was Wingers and that it was a restaurant. So, he asks me if I had ever eaten there.
"Yes, I kinda like Wingers", I told him.
"It looks like a cool place. I want to eat at Wieners someday", he says.
I start laughing.
He asks me why I'm laughing.
I explained why it was funny.
He starts laughing. He has never been aware of slang terms before.
Then I told him that some people call hot dogs wieners. And, that dachshunds were sometimes called 'wienie dogs'.
He laughed some more.

5. Driving home the other night, Luke asks me the following: "Mommy, can I have Elise when I grow up so that I'll have a mommy?" What I think he meant is "wife". He sure does love his sister. Unfortunately, I have already betrothed her to one of her cousins, so we'll have to keep searching :)

A million pictures and a pledge not to let it get this out of control again:

Elise's first taste of real food. She got crazy excited.

We managed to go sledding one time this winter with some friends. You could tell it was a first for Asa - he was content scooting down on his bum. As fun as that was, he did have a blast once he got on a sled.

This is what happens if you lay down on our floor - you get attacked by a gaggle of pesky boys.

Luke decided that Elise would appreciate a little company.

It's always fun to see what you might find when checking on kids before bed... naked child in a pee soaked crib, the entire bookshelf emptied onto the floor, same naked child in a poop smeared room, and this - a scooter in the crib.

Elise showing of some mad skills. Up on hands and knees.

The only picture I got of our Easter festivities.

This is a first for us - a child falling asleep while eating.

He really loves this scooter. What to do with this goofy boy.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

hush little baby

I'm feeling a little emotional tonight. It seems like every so often I get hit with the fact that my babies are growing up and that my memory isn't the video camera that I wish it was. Tonight Isaac told me that there was a book under his bed that he wanted me to read. It was one that I hadn't seen for a few years. I was quickly taken back to when Isaac was a two year old and would request that very book every night. It was his favorite because it was one that I would sing to him (Hush Little Baby). As I sang it to him and Luke tonight, I had to fight back tears. It seems like an eternity ago that these two little guys were tiny little bundles that fit in my arms... and I don't remember it like I want to. Elise is already six months old. I'm trying to cherish this moment in time before she grows up as quickly as her brothers have. And, I am willing my brain to hold onto some memories better than it has with my boys. But, I know better, and so I'm a little sad.

I hope I don't sound ungrateful for who my kids are today. I love them. I love watching them grow and learn. I love seeing the differences between them. I love that I know them so well that I can (usually) predict how they will react to something. I love that I can see the greatness of their spirits. I love that despite my weaknesses being forced upon them, they are good and loving and happy. And, I'm grateful that my Heavenly Father has allowed me this opportunity to grow and learn and love. I am a much better person today because of the things I've learned as a parent. And, I still have so much to learn.