The Best Neighbors

Anytime you move somewhere new, there are always a list of worries you bring with you. 

 Some of mine are always the same: Who will be my neighbors? Will I like them?  Will they have children?

  When we were preparing to move here to Hanover, I was even more concerned about this.  I knew we were moving into townhomes that are hooked to each other.  It could be a very long two years depending on who your neighbors were. But I was also hopeful.  I knew this could also be a chance to get to know a really great family.  I had hoped that they would have children, that we would get along, that we could go outside and hang out together while our kids played. 

I was more than thrilled when I met the Thielen's.  They are some of the friendliest, funnest people I have met here.  They have two children, now ages 2 and 4.  They are great kids that our children adore.  Their parents are also fantastic, they are down to earth, relaxed, friendly, creative, loving people.  We have truly enjoyed getting to know them.  Natalia and I have spent countless hours outside talking, laughing, learning about each others cultures/lives, discussing party planning, swapping stories, etc.  Maddie has loved being a big sister for their little girl and she enjoys dressing up with her and having tea parties.  You know, the sort of things that you are too cool to do in your own house, but you can do if it's with a younger girl.  We have shared babysitters, listened out for the others kids sleeping at night, fed each others children MANY times, traded toys, clothes, borrowed ingredients while cooking, you name it. 

Our children know each other well that they tend to basically roam back and forth between our houses. It's comforting to know that if Eli walks out our front door, chances are he will be inside Natalia's house playing within minutes. 

This weekend we have enjoyed sharing kids back and forth once again.  With the yucky, cold, rainy weather we have had recently it has been nice to let our kids take turns playing at houses.  On Saturday they all spent about 2-3 hours at our house plyaing and then they switched and went next door for about 2 hours.  While they were at our house, I walked downstairs to this sweet sight.  They had set out Monopoly Junior and they were all playing together (minus little Enrique as it was nap time).  I love these cute little neighbors of mine and we will miss them greatly as we all move on to bigger and better things.

Maddie, little Natalia, Robby and Eli

We couldn't be Prouder

This little boy cracks us up ALL THE TIME.  Today he came walking down the stairs like this, with his blanket stuffed up underneath his shirt.  When I asked him what he was doing, Eli replied that there is a "baby in my tummy".  We couldn't be prouder :)

Nearly Impossible

Getting this little booger to take a normal picture is a feat in and of itself.  He has a lot of personality stored up inside him and he isn't afraid to show it.  I have probably 20 other pictures we took with funky faces before I got one semi-normal one. 

Happy haircuts!  I guess I have another 15 years of crazy face pictures from Mr E right?!

Sunday Dinners

Some of our favorite memories that I know we will have once we move, is all the fun Sunday dinners we have shared with our friends.  None of us have any family near us, so we have basically become each others families. My kids look forward to these nights and have grown close to all of our friends little ones.

Maddie loves this little girl: Brynlee.  She is the daughter of our friends, Laura and Josh.  She is darling and creative and adores Maddie.  She thinks the sun and moon rises with her.  I love watching her copy cat Maddie's every move.  In return Maddie also thinks that Brynlee is extremely cute.  She loves having the younger kids here idolize her every move.

On Sunday, Maddie and Brynlee decided to take their food into one of the study rooms at our Community Center.  Then they proceeded to have a private dinner together!

The boys tend to all run around like wild animals when we get together.  To combat this at meal time, JJ pulled out his trusty kindle and they all gathered around and watched a movie while they ate. 

Getting Bigger and Older....Eeeeek

Spring has sprung {finally} around here and we are quickly headed into a hopefully long and warm summer!  We are loving the beautiful flowers and greenery that surround us and have remembered once again why we love New Hampshire.  It was easy to forget these reasons, after a less than desirable winter that seemed to never end.  As we have been busy cleaning and organizing around the house, it has left my children with more free time to wander and play outdoors together. 

I love to hear their imaginations firing as they come up with all sorts of make believe games.  The newest craze is that they all pretend to be spy kids.  They run around "spying" on me with handcuffs, sunglasses, binoculars, and sheriff badges all firmly attached.  It makes me laugh to see them trying so hard to be sneaky as they peer at me doing the laundry, cooking dinner, and working on the computer.  It is moments like these, when they are all getting along so well together, that I am reminded once again how great it is to have three children so close in age.  

This year has been a great one for Maddie and Robby.  For the first time, they both attend school all day and they both get to ride the school bus together.  Even though Maddie is smaller than her little brother, she really does do such a great job making sure he is taken care of.  Kindergarten through Second Grade share a recess together and Robby has loved tagging along with Maddie's friends.  Maddie's class also does Reading Buddies with Robby's classroom.  All in all, they have become much closer this year. 

{although unbeknownst to me Maddie REFUSED to allow Robby to sit next to her on the school bus this morning because it was already her seat.  Instead Robby sat one row back and began to cry as the bus pulled away......can we say stinker?}

All kids have their moments, but ultimately they have become little buddies.  As I always tell them, they are "Best Friends Forever".

When I took these pictures recently, it blew my mind how much older they are both starting to look.  Maddie has really become a little girl and Robby is getting taller and taller and more grown up every day.  As they both continue to grow older, I hope they continue to stay close to one another.  I hope they remember how important they are in each others lives.  I hope that regardless of the circumstance, they can continue to stick up for and love each other unconditionally.

The Montshire

Another fun day at the local chidrens science museum.  Maddie is always asking when we will go here.  Most of the time she is either at school or gymnastics so it remains a novelty for her.  Luckily the museum is really good about changing around there exhibits frequently, so the boys continue to be entertained each time we go back.  Today they had this really cool volcano class where they were able to learn about the four different kinds of rock that come out when it erupts: Basalt, Pumice, Obsidian aka "black glass", and Granite. They were able to examine each type with a magnifying glass.  The "scientist" showed the kids how pumice is one of the only kinds of rock that floats in water.  After showing the kids each rock and explaining a little about each, all the children were able to tell him what their favorite kind was.

Maddie's favorite was Basalt because of all the shiny mineral flecks

Robby's favorite was the Obsidian because it was smooth and shiny

Eli's favorite was the Pumice because it floated on water

Maddie and Mr E on the elevator.  They have this fun window so that you can watch the elevator move up to the second floor

Robby and Eli love the "how it works" exhibit and they particularly enjoy putting together these trolley cars.  You can put them together and then roll them down a ramp and watch them crash and break apart

Baseball and Just Plain Silly

One thing I have really enjoyed this school year is the introduction of many different sports to Maddie and Robby.  I was always somewhat disappointed that my parents never put my sister and I in the traditional sports.  Because of this, I always offer the chance for each of them to try them out. So far this year we have played soccer, basketball, and now baseball.  Maddie and Robby are not the most talented children out on the field, but they have had a blast learning the how to hit a ball, catch a ball, throw a ball, run quickly to a base, etc.  Who knows if they will choose to play again next year, but I am sure glad we did this year.  They each proudly don their hats, shirt, and mitts on baseball days and head out to the field with a big smile on their faces.  Eli also enjoys going and playing on the playgroud equipment next to the field.

After practice we had some fun shooting "silly" pictures together with my brand new $89 camera. 

 High class, I know.  It does the job in graduate school.  Now I am on the count down until graduation and real hubby paychecks so that I can buy a nice camera and/or smart phone with a good camera!

*Maddie recently lost both of her top front teeth and is sporting this fun little smile

Maddie's Gymnastics Show

At Maddie's gymnastics club they have been doing some serious prep work for their annual show.  This year the theme was "Aca-Amazing".  Maddie has been faithfully practicing her routine at gymnastics, home, the grocery store, outside, etc.  She was so excited to perform even though she did admit that she had to sit for "a long time" at the dress rehearsal before it was finally her turn.  She was also excited that they had choreographed a round off backhandspring into the routine for her to do. {she learned this skill on floor about 1-2 months ago} 

The gym was super crowded, smelly, and it was hard to see all the routines from where I was sitting.  But when I saw my little girl out there with her group, a big smile on her face, and giving it her all during her routine I felt like the proudest Mama of the bunch.  I have to admit I got a few tears in my eyes as I watched her perform. 

I am so proud of how far she has come. 

I am proud of the fact that my 7 year old is already learning about setting goals in life.

I am proud of how motivated she is to "work even harder" so that she can make team.

I am proud of how excited she is when she learns something new.

I am proud of her following in my shoes and loving a sport I have also loved for 20+ years.

*Afterwards she really really wanted a flower, so of course I bought her one of their super expensive $5 ones.  Next time I really need to remember to buy them at another place.

Girls night out at gymnastics <3

Facebook Funnies from the kids

9/21/12
Eli: "Mom c'mon, we're having a baby-que tonight."


9/24/12
Robby this AM: "Mom, you're combing the front of my hair like a girl. That's just NOT going to work."


10/3/12
This morning it was pouring rain and so I made Maddie change from high heels to rain boots. Her response: "Mom, you just don't understand the importance of fashion."


10/11/12
While driving in the car today Eli sits up really fast and says "Mom, waka waka with 'Akira is on!!!" #mykidiscoolerthanyours


10/29/12
My kids (and mine) social security cards have been missing the past two months. Today I found them in Eli's piggy bank, he is emphatic that they are part of "his money". #gottalovethreeyearolds

11/9/12
Apparently Maddie is not as much like me as I thought. She surprised me by singing a duet with her friend in front of the ENTIRE elementary school and parents this morning at "Morning Sing". #icantsingtosavemylife

11/21/12
I love when my daughter looks at our professional pictures and says "Mom, you look WAY different in these pictures then you do right now" #selfesteembust


11/26/12
Robby quote of the day: "Mom, eating candy makes me remember Jesus being born. {trying to convince me why he should get lots of candy for Christmas}


12/21/12
Robby yesterday morning during the dreaded get ready for school regime: "Mom, I don't think I will EVER get used to this school thing".

My response: "Well, I guess you have the next 20 years to get used to it". LOL


1/28/13
Eli: "Mom, not only will I buy you a brand NEW car, I'm also going to buy you a SPEED boat." #officiallymyfavoritechild {today}


2/5/13
Robby: "When I'm big and ALL grown up I'm going to have you stay with my mom while I'm searching."

Me: "Searching for what?"

Robby: "A girl to marry of course.....oh and she's going to be VERY pretty"

#loveourconversations #ivegotacuteboy


2/21/13
I love how my four year old still proudly announces that he's going to marry me when he grows up #nevergrowup #pleasestaythislittle


4/23/13
Confessions of a four year old: "Mom, don't eat my cookie because my germs are rainbow shaped."


5/2/13
I love when Eli announces to the workers in our neighborhood that "smoking see-rettes and the rainbow drinked called ow-cohol are very bad for you" :)


5/17/13
I love getting home from work to a four year old who announces that he's going to "take care of Mommy today and make her a breakfast of bagels." #eliloveisthebest

Broken Leg

After a fun Saturday that included Baseball practice, JJ's birthday party, Montshire Museuming, we ended up at the park in front of our neighborhood for just a few minutes of playing per my kids insistence.  I went to preface this story with a disclaimer that I have truly wild and crazy children.  They are constantly climbing on the outside of the play equipment exactly the way they shouldn't.  This day was no exception and Eli had climbing onto the outside tunnel part of the slide.  Next thing I knew he slipped and fell 3-4 feet to the ground in a heap.  The tears quickly followed and he cried out loudly when he tried to stand up and walk.  I scooped him up and headed back home. 

When we got home I gave him a once over.  He kept pointing to the medial part of his foot stating that the "circle" hurt, aka his ankle.  I put ice on his ankle immediately and let him rest on the couch.  A litttle later I rechecked on him and he hadn't move AT ALL.  At this point I examined his foot/ankle again.  He seemed to be able to move his ankle around moderately and only jumped with extreme movements.  He also would yell "owe" when I pushed on the bottom of foot.  There wasn't really any visible swelling so I sent him to bed thinking it was probably be all better by morning.  That night I woke up to hear him calling to me.  He was sitting up in bed and needed to use the bathroom but wouldn't get up because of his ankle.

Again I figured by morning he would forget about the injury and walk just fine.  When morning came he woke up but still wouldn't walk.  We got ready for church and tried to bribe him to put weight on his foot.  Chocolate, candy, ice cream, popcorn....nothing worked.  As we were prepping to go out to the car, I looked out and saw him crawling on his hands and knees on the sidewalk leading to the car.  At this point I started to worry that maybe something else was going on.  I decided to give it until the afternoon and if he didn't improved markedly I would call one of the orthopedic residents that I work with.  I spent the entire afternoon trying to trick my child into putting at least a little weight on his foot. Didn't work.

Of course he wasn't better around 6pm, so I gave Garrett a phone call and he nicely offered to check Mr E out at his house.  My neighbor, Natalia, offered to watch Maddie during all of this and so off me and the boys headed.  Garrett examined him and recommended outpatient xrays and casting for two weeks even if there wasn't any visible breaks.  The next stop was my hospital where we met up in xray and had his pictures taken.  Garrett had already called over and talked with the orthopedic resident that was on call and so Dana was already aware that we were there.  After X-rays, we headed into the ortho office where Eli was able to pick out a red cast.  Soon after we headed home, two exhausted boys and a tired Mommy.  Eli crashed FAST and was asleep within minutes of laying down. What a whirlwind few days for him.

The next day while I was at work, I was in touch with orthopedics and they informed me that he had indeed fractured his Tibia.  The official diagnosis is: Spiral Fracture of the Tibia aka "Toddler's fracture". Because it is broken he is now in a cast for FOUR long weeks. 

I have been amazed at how quickly he has grown accustomed to a cast.  Within a few days of casting, he finally walking again.  As soon as he realized he could now walk without pain, he transitioned into running, jumping, climbing, you name it. 

I have to say I have been extremely grateful for the connections I have at work.  It was such a blessing to be able to call up a friend and get Eli evaluated on a Sunday without going through the ED.  It was also a blessing to be able to get him casted on the side. 

After 1.5 weeks in a plain red cast, Eli had nearly worn his way through the bottom and so they recasted him.  He was a bit overwhelmed with all the choices they offered him.  In the end he picked out a black sock, and red cast with a blue stripe.  He is pretty pleased with himself.  Robby is now jealous of Eli's cool cast and announced to me that he is going to try to also break his leg because he wants one?! Oh my goodness, got to love kids.