Ethan Turns One!

One year ago today sweet baby Ethan was born. It was truly one of the happiest days of my life. I always say after giving birth, I wish I could capture that time and feeling and relive it often. The excitement, the anticipation and then finally the overwhelming joy of getting to meet the precious little miracle that has lived inside you for nine months. What a wonderful year it has been. I get so nostalgic when the boys have a birth day, especially when it's their first one. I keep remembering what I was doing at that exact time one year ago.
Ethan you are such a delightful boy and you bring so much joy to my life. You are playful, curious and silly. It's so fun to spend everyday with you. Your sweet smile warms my heart every time I see it and your beautiful blue eyes are full of wonder. You love to play ball, army crawl everywhere (incredibly fast), dance and play peek-a-boo. You love your big brothers Tyler and Ryan and get excited when you see them.
Today we celebrated your birthday by having your friends Harrison, Audrey, Andrew, Shelby and Savannah come over to play. Grandma came over too and got to watch you enjoy your birthday cupcake.
Thank you God for blessing Rob and I with three amazing sons. I am truly thankful for everyday I get to spend with them and so blessed that You have made it possible for me to stay home with them.

40 is the New 30

Rob threw a dinner party for my 40th (wow...it feels strange saying that) birthday. We had a great time dining at Maggiano's with my mom and several good friends. Afterward I wanted to go dancing but some couples had to get home for sitters, Melissa and Ryan had a long drive and the rest of figured we should go somewhere close to home so we didn't have far to drive afterward. I know, I totally sound like the old 40 but life changes when you have little ones...and you're old. We went to Connolly's. No dancing, just a lemon drop shot for Rob and I from Chris.

Jesus Loves Me

Tonight at dinner we got on subject of the happiest days of my life. I recited April 3, August 17, September 10, July 29 and February 1987. Tyler asked what happened in February 1987 and Rob replied "that's when mommy asked Jesus into her heart". Tyler said "I asked Jesus into my heart too" and then we noticed Ryan was looking up and mouthing something we couldn't make out. I asked what he was doing and at first he was a little shy but finally he said he was asking Jesus into his heart too. I felt that Ryan was ready to do this back when Tyler did but we didn't want to rush him. I asked Ryan if he wanted daddy to help him say a prayer so he could ask Jesus to live in his heart forever and he said yes (while chewing a chicken nugget). When he finished his bite (almost anyway) he repeated after Rob the sinner's prayer. I could feel tears welling up around my eyes and the joy that filled my heart was enormous. Thank you God for loving us and for sending your Son Jesus to die for our sins! We are eternally grateful.

Play dates and neighbors

Today I attended the first meeting of my second mom's group. After searching for mom's groups a few years ago and coming up with nothing I guess I'm making up for lost time. Within a week I found and joined three mom's groups. I'm already feeling a little overwhelmed (albeit elated) at our FULL calendar. I know I'll probably need to drop one of them so I can better focus not become flakey. Oh and did I mention I agreed to be the secretary for the mom's group I attended today.

At dinner tonight I heard a knock on the door. Luckily I was the only one that heard it so I quietly answered it (without the barking dog and screaming boys) and found our sweet neighbors Adam and Ryan at the door. With baseball bats ready they asked if the boys could come out and play. These boys are two years older and our other neighbor Brandon is three years older but the boys all have so much fun playing ball together. This was a big deal for Tyler and Ryan to have the BIG, cool kids in the neighborhood invite them out to play. I don't think I've ever seen them finish their dinner so fast and be totally okay with skipping dessert. Rob is still out playing with them now as I write this.

Sweet little Ethan is down for the night. I am constantly amazed that he just won't sleep during the day. I know it's my fault for always being on the go and never establishing a nap schedule with him but it's just so hard to stay home all day when you have older ones. I love getting out of the house and having fun with the boys but sometimes it's just too much for Ethan (and the rest of us). Every night I realize I am completely worn out but in the same breath I also realize (to quote one of my favorite bands from the '90s) "These are the days". Thank you God for these days!

First Tooth = $5

Tyler lost his first tooth on Saturday! He was roughhousing with some friends that were over for dinner and came up to me after he realized his tooth got knocked/fell out. Following the trail of blood (not much really) I found his tiny tooth on the carpet. After the excitement wore off he started to cry saying he didn't want to lose his tooth. I explained that it was time for it to come out so his new tooth had room to come in. He seemed okay with it after I told him that God picked the time for his tooth to come out.

In the morning I heard him calling out my name. Sitting at the top of his ladder when I came in his room, he excitedly told me the tooth fairy left him five dollars! I know this could get expensive with three little ones losing teeth so we explained that losing your first tooth is a really big deal and that's probably why he got so much. Rob still remembers getting a quarter for his teeth and I remember getting a silver dollar for mine...whew inflation!

Charlotte's Web

Today was the first summer movie of the season. I took all 3 little Levins and they loved it! As I wheeled the stroller into a spot I looked to see Ethan's face lit up and very excited at the sight of Wilbur the pig. He was so happy...for a few minutes at least and then it was overstimulation and an overdue nap that made for some fussing. Ethan and I spent more time walking in the hallway than watching the movie but overall it was a great time. The big boys sat with their friends Sydney and Graham and Ms. Chris. Thank goodness for Ms. Chris!

Proud Mom

So I'm sitting at Tyler's game Tuesday night when I hear someone behind me say "the best catcher on the team is #11...Tyler". I must say I was so proud! Then as he was getting ready to bat during the game, one of the dad's said "this guy is a player." It's so fun watching Tyler play because he plays with all his heart and it's also fun to hear others comment on his talent. Of course I think he plays well, I'm his biggest fan but it appears Rob and I aren't his only fans.

Tyler also has a new nickname on the team. Not a new nickname to him but one that his coaches have recently learned. As Tyler was running to join his team to practice just prior to the game, I called him "T Money", a nickname he's had since he was a baby. One of his coaches overheard me and now all the coaches call him that too.