The wheels on the bus go round and round...

I feel a lot like a bus lately. Take the kids here, drop them off, wait around, then pick them up and repeat 3-5 times/day. But I guess I better get used to it b/c I've got a lot of years ahead of me! We are doing well. It's Friday night, so we are all a little tired from a long week.



Emma has been doing great in kindergarten. She got into trouble for telling a little boy she was going to give him a wedgie (don't know where she learned that one) and also a large group in her class got in trouble for playing with their food in the cafeteria. So Emma got officially GROUNDED for the first time ever. She lost her TV time after school for 3 whole days. She was very upset, but obviously it was a lesson learned b/c *knock on wood* we have not had any more problems. She has been very busy with dancing and gymnastics and all of the things she is learning in school. She got 10 good rewards at school, so sometime this weekend she is going to be rewarded by getting to eat and play games at Chuck E. Cheese. She also has ANOTHER loose tooth, which by the way, I find DISGUSTING, but I have done a very good job of pretending I think it is the coolest thing I have ever seen!

Tyler is also doing well at school. He listens MUCH better to his teacher than he does to me, but I guess that probably happens a lot. Tyler still enjoys coming home at noon and hanging out until it's time to get Emma and I really dread when he is gone all day too.

Bowen has just been eating and growing and growing and growing. He had a doctor's appt. for his 4 month check up and he weighed in at 18.5 lbs and was 28.5 inches long! WOW! His pediatrician said he has 3 year old patients that aren't that big! I have been cloth diapering him. The thought never really occurred to me w/ the other two, but I really enjoy it. When we go somewhere I still use disposables, but I have bought 1 pack and it's lasted me an entire month!



We are planning a trip to the Pumpkin Patch and the Corn Maze soon, so I'll post pictures of that very soon!

My babies are growing up so fast!

It's been almost 2 months since I blogged, but so much has been going on that I just haven't had time. The kids are all growing so fast and I am just so busy taking care of all of them and Brad!!!

Bowen is cooing and rolling over and grabbing stuff now. I am NOT in a hurry for him to grow so fast, but it really seems inevitable. He really enjoys "talking" to Emma and Tyler now and it is so exciting to see all of their brotherly/sisterly love. Here's a picture of him in his BUMBO.



Tyler is in 3K and is learning to spell his name! He's so funny. He says "Tyler, T-Y-L, What comes after that??" He's is such a man. He's always rough housing and running and jumping. There is a picture of him showing me his "BIG MUSCLES"




Emma has started kindergarten and is LOVING it. She lost her first tooth (which was really gross, but still so exciting). There is a picture below. She's doing dancing and gymnastics and really wants to try out for the Nutcracker! She is such a young lady now and she and I have so much fun doing girly things, like painting our nails and playing dolls. I treasure every moment b/c I know that the teenage years will be here soon and she won't have time for her mom!




I have just been busy running the kids to and from. I have a meeting today since I am going to be a Kindergarten room mother.

Brad has been working, working, working and being wonderful as always! He celebrated his bday on Monday. Emma asked if, "31 was almost 100"!!

We are all excited about Halloween and the holidays and can't wait to see all of our family!
Sorry this is so short, but I have a baby that needs to be fed and a load of laundry that needs to be folded! Be sure to check out our photosite as I am in the process of putting up new pictures! it's www.hawkinsfam.smugmug.com

Apparently, YES!

Emma and Tyler love to fight. Most of the time Tyler starts it b/c he knows just what to do to push Emma's buttons and he knows that Emma is going to retailiate in some way (usually by hitting or kicking him) and then he will not be alone when they both get into trouble. So the other day we were at Brad's parents and I was refereeing the 1,000th fight of the day when I said, "Do you guys always have to fight?" Emma answered w/ the attitude of a 16 year old, "Apparently, yes". So while I am very saddened by the fact that my baby girl is going to start kindergarten in a few weeks, I also know that it will be good for her and Tyler to spend some time apart.
Tyler will also be starting school, but he will only go 3 mornings a week. I asked him the other day what he wanted to be when he grew up, he replied that he wanted "to be tall, so that he could reach the cheese balls on top of the refridgerator".
I am not sure what Bowen will do when his siblings are at school. I think he is so used to the noise and the constant movement that he will have to adjust to Emma and Tyler going to school too!
Bowen is doing really well. He is sleeping so good and eating, eating, eating all the time. He will be 2 months in a few days! Time just keeps on flying by!

We're still here!

WOW! It's been over a month since I last posted and SOOOOO much has changed. We moved to a different house in Victoria the week before Bowen was born. Brad went back to work for Woodgroup (here in Victoria) and the BEST and MOST important-BOWEN ARRIVED!
He arrived on June 9th at 7:56 a.m. He weighed 8lbs and 7.2 ozs and was 21 inches long. He followed suit and looks exactly like Brad. He is so sweet and perfect and I am telling you, having a little baby NEVER gets old. He had a little scare in the hospital. He aspirated some breast milk, so we spent 2 extra nights in the hospital, but no he is doing great, eating, sleeping, pooping and looking around. Emma and Tyler are doing really well with him. They want to help me with everything and they always want to kiss, hold and hug him. Sometimes Tyler is a little rough but he is a 3 year old boy so I think that is to be expected.
People keep asking me how I'm adjusting and if the kids are driving me crazy. The answer is I am adjusting GREAT and the kids ARE NOT driving me crazy. Yes, my hands are full, but so is my heart. I love my kids so much and every one of them has brought something special and unique into my life. I wouldn't trade one second of it.
Emma and Tyler are both swimming like little fish. Tyler just jumps in and goes under and away he swims...Emma is also swimming. I wasn't sure if she would ever get it. She is just so STUBBORN, but she puts on her snorkel and she swims around. She is still a little scared but she is about 100 percent improved from last summer.
Emma is also playing T-ball this summer. I am not sure if she just really isn't into it or if it's just her age. Most of the other little girls and Emma spend most of their time talking, but Emma says she likes it, but that it's really hot!
Tyler on the other hand is dying to play, but he'll have to wait until next summer. Emma and Tyler both start school in about a month. My little girl will be in KINDERGARTEN! I am so not ready for her to be gone 5 days a week from 8 to almost 4! Tyler will go to 3K from 8-12 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I guess that about catches everything up. We are headed to the beach on Sunday. Our first vacation with 3 kids! It should be fun!

Mommy of Two

This is my last blog as a mom of 2 children and also my last day as a mommy of 2! It's crazy to think that I have been pregnant for 38 weeks! The day has finally come! We go to the hospital tomorrow at 5 a.m. and my surgery is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. I am full of crazy feelings. I'm NERVOUS, ANXIOUS,EXCITED and a LITTLE SCARED. I wonder what he will look like. I can't imagine having a baby that doesn't look exactly like Emma and Tyler b/c they both look EXACTLY alike. Whatever he looks like I know I will love him sooooo much. But it's crazy to think about. Emma and Tyler were both born w/ a head full of hair and were considered BIG babies. Bowen could be a shrimp and be bald! I just can't wait to see. I will update on here when I have time (HAHA). I should be in the hospital at least 3 days. Now I am off to spend time, for the last time, w/ my family of 4!

Birthday's, mothers and babies!

Tyler on his BIRTH day!


Tyler at 3!

The first order of business! Tyler turned 3 on May 9 (Friday) My baby is 3!!! I can't beleive that Tyler has been here for 3 whole years. It's funny b/c I can't imagine what my life was like before I had him. He is my little man and since Emma goes to school 5 mornings a week, we hang out just me and him every morning. He reminds me so much of his dad. He looks just like him and for the most part, acts just like him. He loves to run and hit and punch and he is always telling me "I'm a man" in a funny voice. I am so lucky to have him and to be his mother. I look forward to every single day w/ him.

Second Mother's Day! I feel so lucky to be a mom to Emma and Tyler. They are such a joy and blessing to me and even better, I get to spend every single day (ALL DAY) taking care of them. I feel so grateful to Brad for working so hard, so that I can stay at home and be there for every single thing. I know that some people will say, "Oh, you're JUST a stay-at-hom mom" but I can't think of any career I would rather have. I can't think of any payment that could be greater than the one I already get every single day. I also want to say that I am really lucky to have the mother I have. She would literally give me the clothes off her back to help me and I know that it was hard for her to raise us when my dad was gone so much. Even though she drives me crazy, I love her so much and I thank her for all of the help she gives me! I am also really lucky to have such a great mother-in-law. She raised the most wonderful son in the whole world. He is helpful and understanding and I really owe that all to her. And as far as mother in law's go, I have a really great one!

Third-Baby Bowen-I go to the doctor tomorrow and hopefully I'll know when he will be joining our family! I have been feeling-HUMONGOUS and I'm not sleeping very much, but all of that is to be expected. So I really have no complaints. Here's a picture of me-I know I'm huge, but as far as I know there's only 1 baby in there!



Other than that things here are good. Brad is home a lot more with his new job and we are all enjoying that! Emma has about a week and a half left of school and then we start all the fun SUMMER activites-T-ball, dancing, gymnastics, cheer camp, swim lessons, etc.

I could write a book.....

I could write a book of funny things my kids say. I'm not saying that anyone but me and maybe my kids' grandparents would buy it, but I could still write one. Anyway, here's a few funny things from the last few days...

Emma: "Mom, what are you thinking?"
Me: "I'm thinking I love you"
Emma: "Dad, I'm a mind reader and mom is thinking she loves me"

In Target the other day, we saw a poster of Hannah Montana
Tyler: "HANNAH MONTANA!!!!"
Me: "Tyler do you think Hannah Montanna is pretty?"
Tyler: "Yep, mmmmmm hmmmmm Yep she is"

Tyler has his finger up his nose, he pulls out a booger.
Me:"Tyler, don't pick your nose, that is nasty"
Tyler:"Okay, I'll put it back in"

Call me Hank...

My mom watched Tyler this morning while I went to the doctor and Emma was in school. Here is a conversation as reported to me by my mother:

Mimi (singing): "I love you TYLER, oh I love you Tyler"
Tyler: Don't call me Tyler. Call me HANK!!!

Don't ask me where on Earth he came up w/ Hank. He is usually pretty adamant that his name is Tyler...so I'm not sure what made him decide in that instant that he was Hank or where he even heard the name Hank??

In other news, I have both kids regestered at OLV for the fall. Emma will be in KINDERGARTEN (I really cannot beleive it). I am going to miss her so much. She has really become my little helper and it will be so weird to not have her at home ALL DAY LONG! Tyler will go to 3K MWF mornings until noon. I am really interested to see how he does. He is very intelligent, but he really doesn't like to sit still for long.
For the summer we are already full on activities!! Emma is playing T-Ball, doing gymnastics once a week, dance once a week, cheer camp at St. Joseph High School for 3 days, basketball camp at St. Joe for 3 days and they are both doing swimming lessons for 2 weeks. It really should all be interesting w/ a brand new baby, a daddy who works a lot and a mommy who is not suppossed to drive for 6 weeks! I'm sure we'll manage...or survive at least! I'm sure next summer will be even crazier since Tyler will be old enough to do some activities!

Everything else is going good. I've got ALMOST everything I need for Bowen and as of my doctor's appt. this morning we are still scheduled to take him the week of June
9th. My only request is NOT to do it on Friday the 13th. Brad really wants it on June 9th but it really doesn't matter to me. Until next time......

Wear and Tear...

Being pregnant and trying to keep up w/ 2 kids is really starting to wear on my body I think, okay I KNOW. Yesterday I had a little scare.....I took Emma to school and then Tyler and I went to Target. I started feeling dizzy and was having a hard time catching my breath. So I immediately took Tyler to the car, buckled him in his carseat and blasted the air in my face. I managaed to call my mom and then I blacked out. Luckily, she was on the phone w/ me and I came to about a minute later! Crazy, right? So I called the doctor and they insisted I go to the labor and delivery wing at the hospital to get checked out. So my mom took the kids and off I went and I spent the afternoon in the hospital. SOOOOO FUN!!! Everything is fine. My iron is low and I really just think I am worn out from the move and the kids and not really being able to sleep at night! That being said, I don't really feel like doing much of anything today. Which doesn't really go w/ being a mom of 2 busy kids! Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Tomorrow we have a birthday party to go to and Emma also has Starlighter dance camp! That's all for now!

Need a laugh?

I was cleaning out paperwork and stuff the other day and listening to my itunes and Tyler felt the urge to dance. I'm sure he will hate this video one day, but for now it is too cute and funny!

I've got a squirrel in my nose!

If you were at my house this morning this is what you would have heard.....

Tyler walking into my room, "Momma, I have something in my nose"
Me: "What is it"
Tyler: "A squirrel"
Me: laughing
Tyler (with his finger in his nose): "Nope, it's just a booger"

I had my 3D U/S yesterday. Here's the best picture they got. I think he looks just like Brad already.

I also had a 3 hour glucose test to see if I have gestational diabetes and hopefully they will have those results soon.

Well that's all for now, I gotta go. I'm craving a snow cone and Brad is taking me and the kids to find one...should be interesting at 9 a.m. in the morning.

HAPPY EASTER!

Brad is finally back in Victoria. He started his new job this week and so far everything w/ it is good. I have been really busy w/ the kids this week w/ Easter and all and we are just really enjoying being back in Victoria.

We had the Hardin Family Easter last Sunday and then Tuesday Tyler had an Easter egg hunt playdate and then Wednesday Emma had her Easter party at school. You can check my pictures for all of those pics.

Friday I had a doctor's appt. for my gestational diabetes test and some other blood work, I haven't gotten the results yet, but my doctor and the nurses kept telling me I looked PALE and TIRED. I have 2 kids, a husband, a house I'm trying to get organized and I'm pregnant! What do you EXPECT??? Anyway, the good news is that my doctor said we could schedule my C-section for the week of June 9th!! I am planning on having him June 9th. That way his bday will be June 9th and Tyler's will be just a month earlier on May 9th! June 9th is in 11 weeks and 2 days! In Tyler's words, "HOLY MOLY". I can't beleive it! It's crazy that in less than 3 months Bowen will be here! So I will be spending the next 11 weeks trying to get ready for him, spending as much time w/ the kids as possible before their new sibling arrives and getting ready for Tyler's bday party! There really is never a dull moment! But I love it so much.

Today we took the kids to the Victoria Zoo for Breakfast w/ the Bunny and then to the church for another egg hunt and some games. They had a blast and are both taking a little nap! I will post those pics later. We are planning on dyeing eggs when they wake up and making some Easter cookies. Tomorrow they will hunt eggs, get their Easter baskets, go to church and then I am planning on making a roast. It has been a really nice weekend so far. The kids and I are so happy to have Brad home. He helps me so much w/ them. I just don't know what I would do without him! Last night I planned on frying catfish, hush puppies, onion rings and making cole slaw for dinner, but I was really tired so he did it all for me and then cleaned the kitchen!!!! He definately deserves the Father and Husband of the Year Award!



Hope everyone has a nice Easter!!

Ch-Ch-Changes!

Our family is fixing to go through big changes....We are moving (again), fixing to have a new baby (again!), Emma is going to start kindergarten. WOW! Yes we are moving again. It doesn't seem like a year has passed since we packed our whole house and our whole lives up and moved to College Station, but it has. We are happy to be moving closer to home. Not that our time in Aggieland has been all bad, but we definately know now where "home" is and it's not here. Luckily I got Emma into her old school (YAY!). I can't tell you how happy and relieved I am about that. Now I am in the process of trying to get in with my old doctor. If I get in w/ him, life will be perfect...okay well except for we have to find a place to live too! Though I am not looking forward to packing up my whole house when I am 5.5 months pregnant, I know that is a small price to pay for having BOTH of our families close by.

Other than the little tiny matter of moving things are going great. The kids are wonderful. I am so lucky to be their mom. I just love them so much that I just can't say it enough. Tomorrow we are making Valentine's cookies and chocolate covered strawberries and cheesecake for Daddy and on Thursday we will have our annual Valentine's Celebration that includes a breakfast of heart-shaped pancakes, pink milk and gifts and dinner of spaghetti (it's fesitive b/c the sauce is red), salad, garlic bread and Valentine's treats for dessert. I couldn't have dreamed of three better Valentine's and next year I will have ANOTHER Valentine!

A little update.

I do solemly swear to blog more often. I promise. Things have just been.....well, CRAZY. I know that life w/ 2 kids (and 1 on the way) is crazy in general, but things have been crazier than normal.

Brad's grandmother passed away. I only knew her for the time that Brad and I have been married, but she was always so wonderful and sweet and was always smiling. Brad, Emma, Tyler and I all loved her dearly and we will miss her so much. I am so sad that the new baby will never get a chance to know her. We saw her a little less than a week before she died at Emma's birthday party and I am so glad she came and that we got to see her one last time. I had to do something that I think no parent ever wants to do and that is tell Emma that she had passed away. Emma was very upset and then I had to answer all of those tough questions about what happens when you die. And Emma is not your typical 5 year old. She asks questions that are pretty deep even for adults. But Emma knows that Nana is in Heaven and that she is looking down on us and that if we talk to her, she can hear us.

We also had our BIG ultrasound and let's just say this baby is uncooperative. It had it legs curled up so we could not see what it is!!! I am going to predict boy though. I will be having another ultrasound at 28 weeks, and they will check this little stinker out again to see if it will let us see what it is!! Let me just say that this is baby #3 and I have done this whole pregnancy thing before, but it is still very exciting to see that little baby in there jumping around. This one kept putting it's little hand in it's mouth which Brad and I though was VERY COOL.

That's all for now and I promise another update soon.