Baths

I am going to make a confession. Please don’t judge.

One of my New Year’s resolutions was to bathe the boys at least three times a week. If I use the words “at least” three times a week, you’re safe to assume that I was not bathing them prior to the New Year three times a week. And, I’d probably have to correct you if you thought I was bathing them twice. See? Embarrassing. Prior to the New Year the boys were more often than not once a week bath takers. Gross, I know. Without a doubt they needed baths more than that. But I hate bath time. We don’t use the word hate in our house, but for this one time only, I’m allowing it. I. Hate. Bath time.

Most moms probably love it. The kids play and it might give them a chance to put laundry away, finish dinner, do a quick clean, really anything. In our house, this was not the case at all. The boys fought me on getting in the bath each and every time. Once I would convince them to get in, one boy would complain the water would be too hot, the other boy would complain it was too cold, one boy would take up too much room, the other boy couldn’t stretch out, that boy had the toy the other one wanted, this boy would splash that boy in the face with water…and on and on and on. If I would leave the bathroom for five seconds I would come back to a pool of water on the tile floor. They hated (oops, used that word again) to get washed and they disliked getting their hair washed even more. So, we moved to taking showers. That was a disaster. Then we moved to one boy in the bath and one boy in the shower. I was running back and forth like a mad woman while Quinn laid in the middle of the floor wondering what the heck was going on and why I wasn’t holding her. Bath time always lead to fighting, tears and someone getting hurt. Too much drama for me at the end of the day and right before bedtime, so I basically gave up. Ridiculous.

And so I had little, dirty boys who may have got a “wet-wipe” wipe down at the end of the day if they were lucky. Austin was appalled. But he wasn’t here to give them baths and so he couldn’t make me.

But the New Year brought about resolutions, so I set mine within reach. Three baths per week. I am happy to report, so far this has been obtained. And in some cases, exceeded. What?! I don’t know what happened. It was like a magic flip was switched on in 2012. They even ask for baths now. There is no fighting, no complaining and minimal water on the floor. And best of all….clean, handsome (funny-faced)boys.

Rice Not So Nice

In my baby album I have a classic baby picture. It's the one where there is food, probably some form of chocolate, pudding or cake (or who knows; maybe all three), all over my face. In my hair. In my ears. Covering my orange terrycloth bib. I can picture it perfectly. I couldn't have been more than one. And I looked a hot mess. A total raggamuffin. To say my blonde hair was no longer blonde would probably be an understatement. I'm sure some intense washing and bathing were required to get me clean. I'm sitting in an 80's style highchair, in a brown and orange kitchen all alone. It's really quite sad to think about it. Where were all my sisters? I was never far from my twin. Where was she? Or my mom? Come to think of it, Jamie probably has the same picture in her album somewhere too. My mom was big on making sure every picture she took of us as baby's we weren't always together, which in retrospect was good thinking. But that created a problem in and of it self because we still have a pile of pictures to this day that we can't tell which twin is which. I am positive there are pictures of just Jamie in my album and pictures of me in hers. Regardless, I laugh every time I see this picture (whether it's actually me or not). The story goes, that my older sister Nicole was feeding me/us that day. A super nice gesture to serve her younger sisters. But let's remember, if I was only about one, she was only about three. And my mom had let her loose with a spoon to feed us. What was she thinking??

I guess as a mom with three of my own, I understand now. When I told the boys that we were able to feed Quinn rice cereal, they were ecstatic. They didn't want my help. They wanted the spoon. So I grabbed my camera. She wasn't impressed with the mush. They only got about three bites in her mouth which she promptly pushed right back out. We haven't been successful since. I think I'll wait a few more months and let them have another go at it. In the meantime I'll check with my mom to see if she can remember what that chocolate goodness was. That'll be fun to recreate. Oh, and lucky for us, grandma is close to do the baths.

Day To Day

I told Austin the other day that I was going to start a quote book. By the time I see him at the end of the day, I can hardly remember all that has gone on, let alone the things the boys and I talk about, their sweet words (or not so sweet), the way they played with Quinn and the day to day happenings in our life. You see, Austin works. A lot. This year, in less than a week, he's starting school again. It'll be an accelerated, intense 18-month program. 15 weeks on. 1 week off. For 75 weeks. Sounds brutal, right? I know it will be. Thankfully, I think the kids are small enough that they won't ever remember this stage in their life. But Austin will. And I know it breaks his heart that he probably won't see the kiddos some days. That they will be sleeping when he leaves and already in bed when he gets home. That he'll miss their funny words or tiny milestones. Or, their school performances, first steps and riding on two wheels. It makes me so sad to think about. But, I know this sacrifice he is making is for our family. It will be so worth it in the end.
So, when I mentioned a quote book, he reminded me about this somewhat abandoned blog. He said that this was the way he wanted to hear and see about our day.
Deep breath.
It's hard for me to work from home on my computer 6 hours a day, and then put even more time in to blog. But here I am. Posting a picture of Wyatt, doing what he does best. Playing Batman. It pretty much goes without saying that we play some form of Batman everyday. Every. Single. Day. Batman meets Cars. Batman meets Dinosaurs. Batman meets Trio blocks. Whatever it is, Batman is sure to "meet" us.
It might not be very exciting for you to see our every day life. In fact, things are pretty uneventful. But I know it'll make a difference in Austin's day. And that's who we're doing it for.

2012

Happy New Year! Here's to a year full of love, happiness, friendship, joy...and more pig tails!

5 months

Guess what I did to celebrate turning 5 months old (hello, that went by way too fast!)? You guessed it...I got my first hair cut! It's so nice to not have little hairs hanging in my eyes anymore or getting the back caught in the Velcro of my bib. Boy do I feel like a new little woman! My mom's friend didn't even charge her because she said she had years of hair cuts to pay for. Wasn't that nice?

P.S If you are looking for an "after" picture, we didn't get one. I pretty much look the same, just "cleaned up" and feeling pretty!

Six

Somebody turned six at our house. Someone who is loving, sweet, a peacemaker, a wonderful older brother, caring, compassionate, smart, handsome, helpful, considerate, funny, and a joy to have in the family. We love him more than words can tell. Can you guess who it is??

Blessing Day

Blessing day is one of my most favorite days in the world. I am always touched by the Spirit no matter whose baby is getting blessed, but when it's my own, I am even more touched. I love seeing my baby's dressed in white; perfect and innocent and so adorable. I love having a husband who is worthy to give amazing blessings and be the mouthpiece of a loving Heavenly Father. I love being surrounded by family and friends gathered together to celebrate a new little life here on Earth. Quinn's blessing day was wonderful. She was such a sweetheart and woke up just in time to listen to her father's words and look around the circle at the special Priesthood holders who lovingly held her. I feel like baby's are aware of these special moments and my sweet girl was no different. She has so much potential and a lot in store for her life. I am eternally grateful to be her mother.

Guess Who??

Guess who is 4 months old today? I'll give you a hint...do you know any other 4 month old who has hair that is long enough to do this?

Yup, that's my girl! Working all sorts of hairstyles already! Today she is 4 months old and I can hardly believe it. These are some of Quinn's favorite things, according to Quinn:

* rolling over...both ways...and sleeping on my belly. i sleep so sound
* laying in Wyatt's arms. he's kinda squirmy but i just smile at him
* getting my hair washed. who wouldn't?
* sleeping in my big crib in my own room. i have all the room in the world in there. but i know my mom misses me.
* shaking my rattle. i kick like crazy
* singing "I like to move it, move it" each night for the boys while my mom peeks me around the corner and I shake my diaper bum
* my dad's deep voice. nothing calms me down better
* sitting in my moms lap while she tries everything in the book to get me to belly laugh. she's pretty good at it.
* being outside watching the leaves blow.
* being at the front of the choo choo train when it's bedtime and it's time to head down the long hall. i like that we line up smallest to biggest.
* staying up late with mom and dad when i have them all to myself.
* grabbing hair. it's mostly mom's but sometimes i get a fist full of my own and accidentally pull it and make myself cry. so sad
* playing dress up. those brothers sure pick out some wild outfits to put me in
* cuddling with Dax at night on the top bunk. i love that one on one time when he tells me all about his day and tells me about all the things i will one day experience. it pretty much melts my moms heart
* hearing all sorts of people fuss over my hair and tell me how people pay big bucks to get the highlights that i seem to be rockin'
*pretty much being the happiest baby and being spoiled with love

4th Annual

I know! I know! I love Halloween but I am so glad it's over! So why am I posting about it still?Because I couldn't not post about our MacGillivray 4th Annual Night of Frights and Spooky Delights dinner! I have to admit, this year totally got away from me and I didn't go to the extreme that I have in the past....you remember the brain centerpiece from last year, right? The boys still talk about that one and I think I will have to incorporate it in every year because they were a little disappointed it didn't make the table this year. However, I think I can count the night as a success due to the fact that Dax said he couldn't eat his dinner because it gave him "the chills." Austin and I enjoyed it while the boys feasted on Pez and Gummy worms. Here's the menu-- (Side note-I am so bad at giving credit where credit is due! I looked at so many sites and did a horrible job at keeping track of where these ideas were found. So, to all those out there who's ideas these are, thank you! I did create the drink myself, so there!)
1. Mummies: Can't go wrong with hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls2. Monster Mouths: Large pasta shells, with a fried hamburger/diced tomatoes/Parmesan cheese mixture. Loved the eyes and tongues. 3. Witch's Brew: Sugar frosted canning jars, Power Aid, gummy worms, and Craisins at the bottom which I so disgustingly told Dax were scabs. Chills. Check.4. Chocolate Covered Mice: Enough said.

The boys are always such good sports and this is still one of our family's favorite traditions that I hope will continue for many more years.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from the powerful warrior Thor, the amazing web-slinging Spider-man, and super princess Wonder Woman. In case you were wondering, that translates to Dax, Wyatt and Quinn. Definitely my personal superheros. I love them so much.

P.S I figure if I start from the most recent and work my way back though the month of October, with all that's been going on, I'll sure to be caught up eventually. One can only hope. More to come...

Grandma Great

Dear Little Quinn Emerson,

We're glad that you are here. You've come to a home filled with love and good cheer.
You have many here that love you, two brothers, parents, grandparents, great grandparents too. Aunts, uncles, and cousins, to name just a few.

No not long before you came here to us here on Earth you were still up in Heaven, surrounded by God's Heavenly love. There were so many of you little spirits running around up there. God said "as much as it grieves me, I have to send some down to Earth, for Earth parents to take care of them there." So he called them all to Him, and for a brief moment held each one on his knee. Then he had them line up in one long straight row. He then walked slowly past them and reached out and touched each little round belly before letting them go, saying, "I think I'll send you, you, and definitely you." Now little Quinn, that little belly button so pink and so new, is where the finger of God so very lovingly touched you. Now when you get older and kneel each night by your bed to say prayers, God wants you to know, He's still up in Heaven and for you he still cares. He sent you to parents, much older and wise than you. He wants you to heed their wise counsel and always do what they ask you to do.

Choose your friends wisely. Those that will help you stay honest and true. To your parents you'll be a pleasure, a joy beyond measure a treasure more precious than silver or gold.

When you're grown to be a sweet young lady, a young man will take you by the hand, and on your finger put a ring and say, "Dear Quinn please marry me and we'll have our own family. A girl for you and a boy for me and how happy we will be."

Remember, my dear, your a daughter of God so walk tall and hold your head high. So as long as I'm here on Earth, I'll always be here to love and support you.

Your loving great grandmother
Selma Clark Kreipl

Words can not express the love that I have for my grandma. She has written a priceless letter to each of my children. These letters are so dear to me, beyond words. She has always been an amazing writer and poet and has always so lovingly put into words her feelings and thoughts; one of the many things I admire about her. She hasn't met Quinn yet, so until I can replace this picture with one of the two of them, here we are this past summer at her 90th birthday party, one month before Quinn arrived.

cool tricks

Yup, slept seven hours straight last night. And then I smiled for the camera.

I'm so cool (but my mom says things like adorable, sweet, gorgeous, lovable, cute, and delectable.)

Oh, and I promise, I do have brothers, but one is at school all day and the other runs from the camera. I guess you are stuck with me for a little bit.

fast forward

Quinn wore this little number today. Courtesy of Dax. He loves to pick out what she wears each day. I never object. I can see how proud it makes him to dress his little sis. I figure she'll get her own spitfire opinion about what she wears sooner than I like to think, so for now, her brother gets to dress her. And contrary to this little sour face (which I think is adorable), everyone is pleased as pie about it.
I couldn't stop my mind from fast forwarding through the years of her life as we ruffled her skirt and put clips in her hair. I thought of tea parties, ballet recitals, princess birthday parties, daddy daughter dates, school dances, girls night out, first dates...all the girly things that we'll be ruffling skirts and putting clips in for.
Not to mention, the curlers, flat irons, de-tanglers, leave in conditioners, blow dryers, curling irons, hair sprays and Bed Head products needed to maintain this mane for all these special occasions.
Really, has the shock worn off for you? It has for me. I don't get nearly as surprised when I am holding her and we walk by a mirror like I used to. But the reaction is always the same, "Look all that hair!"
I just smile. Because I love it. And I love it even more that I am pretty convinced she visited the beauty salon before she even arrived to our family. Because believe it or not, this here hair is coming in blond. You just wait.

Today

Today Iam feeling so blessed, grateful, and loved.

I love my sweet family.

(Note: I'm pretty sure our computer is going to blow up one of these days when I turn it on. Updates are short and few and far between. Know that things are great in the MacGillivray household. Quinn is a whopping 8lbs at 4 weeks and Dax has started kindergarten. Things are exciting and I am enjoying it all!)

just thinking

Just thinking how today was my due date. I can't imagine. I'm so happy to be holding her instead. Watching her sleep. Falling more and more in love. Life is so good.

Welcome

Quinn Emerson MacGillivray

Born July 10, 2011

12:09pm

6 pounds 14 ounces

19 1/2 inches

Remember the paper chain from last post? It haunts me.

How do you explain to your boys when you call them from the hospital that even though there are still 17 links left, their baby sister is coming that day. It was very confusing for them. And a huge surprise for us. Here's how it all went down...

The Saturday before Quinn arrived could not have been any more perfect. Well, except that we greeted the day with 113 degrees of blazing heat. I have decided that being that pregnant in Arizona in July is super un-cool. I won't really try to do that ever again. Regardless, we packed the boys up and headed to see Cars 2. We had some fun in the Disney Store afterwards where we felt the need to spoil our boys; something we never do just for the heck of it. Then we headed around town to do some back to school shopping. Our great friends who were out of town offered us their pool (thank goodness), so we spent the rest of the day swimming and relaxing. Austin made a wonderful barbeque dinner and the boys were so wiped out they were asleep in a flash. Austin and I stayed up late preparing for our Sunday responsibilities and I remember thinking how glad I was that we had such a wonderful day as a family a four. Because soon, all that was going to change. Little did I know it would be that night; 17 days earlier than expected.

You know how they say that change in crazy weather and the barometric pressure sends preggos like me into labor? Well, it's totally true. I fell asleep that night to a classic Arizona July monsoon.

I woke up at 12:45 am to my water breaking. Yup, I'm three for three in that department. I don't mind...as long as I'm at home when it happens. For the record, I'm three for three there too.

We weren't packed. I had no bag ready. Other than that, I was 100% ready. I was excited and nervous and so anxious to see my little lady. I kissed me two little children for the last time before welcoming another, and we headed to the hospital.

For the most part, the hospital was pretty uneventful. Austin was pretty ticked that our room wasn't equipped with ESPN and he was missing the Women's World Cup Soccer game. You'll never know how boring it is to watch 120 minutes of soccer on live stream Internet with sentence updates popping up every 10 minutes. Thankfully we (as in the USA soccer team) got the win just before the baby was born and Austin playfully suggested Wambach for a middle name. I didn't think it was funny.

The delivery went flawlessly and in less than 10 minutes after kicking out all our visitors I was holding the newest member of our family. Nothing explains the moment where you hold your baby for the first time. She was perfect. She is perfect. She is beautiful. And yes, she is all ours. Can you believe that dark hair?! Not the blonde piggy tails I was imagining, but by far the cutest thing I've ever seen. We're obsessed with her. All of us.

I'm so beyond grateful for our family of five.

Coming Soon

Pictures of our precious lady coming soon.

We're too busy staring at her. And cooing over her. And checking on her. And playing with her hair. And kissing her.

We're in love. She's a doll.

Hello July, hello baby!

Dearest Sweet Pea,

This is the month we've been waiting for. Hurry little darling, hurry.

Much love,

Your Family

P.S Please don't even think about trying for an August birthday. xoxoxo