We are looking forward to a summer filled with little adventure-filled day trips, lots of swimming, and ice cream!!
Some news from the trio...
I'm amazed at how natural certain traits are to Clayton and Chloe. Clayton is an athlete. It's that simple. I'm not being "that mom." It's the truth and Ryan is in Heaven! Ryan and Clay play all sports every day and when Ryan isn't home, Clayton insists he and I play. He's in charge. He tells me how to hit a volleyball, swing a bat, and dribble a basketball. Clearly, I have no idea! He's focused, listens to instructions, and is so talented. People comment on his ability often. Clay is signed up to play soccer and basketball through the city. We are so excited to watch him play!
Chloe "pink" Carlos--pink should have been her middle name. Everything has to be pink...her toes, which we paint at least once a day, her rubberbands, her bows, her toys, her bathing suits, her shoes, everything. Do they make pink firetrucks? Chloe would like one! While I am definitely a girly girl, the demands of being a mom, wife, and teacher don't leave me a whole lot of time to indulge my inner girly girl any more, so Chloe is developing her own feminine side much on her own. And we couldn't be happier! She is a princess, loves playing dress up, prefers to pick flowers rather than play soccer, loves to sing, dance, and take care of her babies. Chloe will do gymnastics this summer and then start dance at a studio in September. We are so thrilled to watch her blossom.
Easton boy, AKA "little monster who is everywhere he's not supposed to be" is our littlest joy. He's such a happy and adaptable baby. Just like that he started sleeping 11-12 hours, takes one very long nap a day, climbs on everything (including our bed), walks rather unsteadily with his hands up in the air, loves dirt, loves meat, milk, and cereal bars and has the cutest toothy smile with his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth. Easton's favorite thing in the world is water--water is literally his mission in life. The wetter, the better. He begs to be outside, banging on the sliding glass door until he's released to the great backyard. Easton hightails it for Roxi's water bowl, which he proceeds to empty. He then heads to the sandbox lid, which collects a puddle of water and plays in it. And once he's nice and wet, he'll play in the dirt! Easton loves being in the pool too. He hated the cute little baby ring, but loves his Puddlejumper, which the twins didn't start using until they were two. He gets himself in the swimming position and even moves his legs. Time for swimming lessons for Little E! I'm most amazed at the modeling he does of the twins. It's sad because Easton is definitely growing up faster, but incredible to watch him learn from watching his brother and sister.
What I've learned that I wish I could have taught my former self is to let babies be babies. We live in a society that is constantly rushing us through the stages of life. I was so focused on what we had to do next with the twins...baby food, sippy cups, no bottles at one, forks, spoons, sleeping through the night. Why? Well we are inundated with information from our pediatrician, Facebook posts, blogs, Pinterest, news articles, other mommy friends, etc. We are constantly comparing ourselves to others and what their children are doing. So silly. For that reason, Easton still drinks his milk out of a bottle and probably will for a while. He just started using a fork and not because I taught him how to use it, but because he grabbed Chloe's and started trying to spear his food on his own. He's healthy and able. When he's ready, he will. Until then, my job is to facilitate his learning when he's ready and let him be a baby. And same goes for the older two. We are going to live in the age that we are. So when and if you see me straying away from my proclamation, reel me back in.
Our first of many beach days...all three babes loved the water!
Tough guy has decided he doesn't need a nap,
until we get into the car in the afternoon and then, he's out!
Happy Birthday to me! We went to Duke's for dinner and played in the sand as the sun set.
It was a perfect day! Ryan spoiled me with a day at the spa and new sunglasses and my and Ryan's family gave me lots of money to go shopping with!
My little love...boy is he handsome!
Three generations...so blessed by my sweet Chloe Grace and loving mom.
How did I ever question my ability to love another baby...Easton completes my world!
