Baby's First Blanket and Cradle -- Written and never published from June 2009

Aunt Brenda hosted our first baby shower where we were able to celebrate and visit with many family members and friends. It was a beautiful shower with delicious food and great company. We were definitely "showered" with love and gifts that day. Our baby boy was given some very special gifts at that shower.

A beautiful cradle fit for a prince was one of those special gifts. Aunt Brenda, we are so thankful for this gift! We plan on keeping him in our bedroom for the first few weeks in this cradle.



Another very special gift was a quilt hand-made by my mom. This was more than just a hand-made quilt, though. It was made of fabric from Alan's mom's favorite robes. Alan's mom, Cindy, died in 2005 and we miss her dearly--especially as we anticipate the upcoming birth of our first child. We didn't know that Aunt Brenda had saved her favorite robes for something as special as this gift.

I knew my mom wanted to make a quilt for our son, but I had no idea how sentimental that quilt would be. The quilt made from Cindy's robes is just perfect. I don't know how to put it into words how much that quilt means to us. Alan's sister, Amy, was surprised when she got a quilt, as well. It was such a sweet moment at the shower, I couldn't hold back the tears! Mom and Aunt Brenda, THANK YOU!!!

A good Daddy...

Yesterday, I Sam and I went for a "run"...which really means we go down the street and he sprints, walks, skips, bunny hops, runs and what ever else he fells the urge to do :)  I'm trying to teach him to pace himself.  He's not interested in jogging unless he can run fast.  Anyway, I have found that when we go out for these little excursions, Sam is more open in conversation and tells me things that he normally wouldn't think to tell me.  

As we are walking, a lady in our neighborhood passes us and says, "oh what a cute little girl!"--about George who is bundled up in the stroller.

She passes by and a minute later this is what Sam says:

Sam:  Mommy, we are an all boy family!  There's only one girl in our family and that's you.

Me:  Yes, Sam.

Sam:  I have a good Mommy and Daddy.  Mommy, you picked a good Daddy to marry!

... and that was the sentence that made me smile.  I wanted to be sure to put this one in writing, so someday when Sam may not feel the same way, I can remind him how he felt when he was a wise 5 year old. He so right...I picked a good Daddy and I'm so thankful for that.

Just waiting for Daddy...

I love it when Patrick is eagerly waiting for Alan to come home from work.  

He says, "I'm going to go wait for my Daddy!" and then he goes to sit on the curb at the front of the house and just wait.  

He loves his Daddy!

Our Morning Dose of Sunshine

That's Patrick on most days.  He smiles as he says, "Good morning, Mommy!  Good morning, Daddy!"  He can't wait to go downstairs each morning for his breakfast...easily his favorite meal of the day.  Here we are on the way to school one morning. I couldn't help not to snap a few photos of him smiling and laughing at George, who was sitting beside him in the car.  

Quality Time with George

George has a stomach bug.  Poor little guy.  I am so thankful that I was able to take today off work to stay home to take care of him.  I hate that he is sick, but I have to admit that I loved having the opportunity to pamper him and spend some quality time with him.  I hate to admit this, but since my maternity leave, I haven't had much one on one time with sweet George.  I guess that's par for the course when you are baby number three.  It's just that I'm always distracted and being pulled in so many directions that I rarely have moments to just sit and watch him, play with him, and snuggle with him.  Well, today, I did all of those things.

George has the most contagious laugh and smile.  He is so playful!  As I was folding laundry, he would come up to the pile of folded clothes and push them off the table.  He'd laugh.  Then I'd laugh.  I'd pick up the clothes and seconds later he comes back with a smile on his face that tells me he is coming back for more games and we continued this little game again and again.  He has such a good-natured and lively spirit!

I love the way he smiles and sticks his cute little tongue out sideways.

Usually I carry him in the wrap when we go to the grocery store, but today I put him and Sam in the race car cart.  It was hilarious.  George was literally squealing in delight for most of our shopping trip.  He finds such joy in so many little things.

Keep in mind, this was all while he was sick!  We are so blessed by his sweet and joyful spirit.  I pray that these attributes stay with him all the days of his life. 

Sam the SWIMMER!

   The pool has been his happy place this summer.  At the beginning of the summer, keep in mind it's still only June 16th, Sam couldn't swim more than 5 feet without grabbing on to the rope or the wall.  We had heard many friends say that swim team was the best thing for teaching youngsters to swim--I have to agree.  We signed him up for the swim team thinking it may help him learn how to swim.   He has already far exceeded my expectations.  At practice every night, he swims in the lap lane, but one of the coaches is always in the water with him helping him.  He was stopping on the rope or wall every 4-5 feet.  It takes a long time to make it across the pool when you stop that often!  

     At Sam's first meet, he walked in and started to panic and cry.  He absolutely did NOT want to swim in front of all those people!  For the first time, he wasn't interested in racing anyone---I think partly because he knew he would never win and partly because there were so many people watching.  He cried the whole way up to the podium.  I hated it.  I wanted to just scoop him up and tell him he didn't have to do it.  Alan talked to him about his own fears when he races and that seemed to help get him at least to the lane where his coaches would take over the encouragement.  Alan and his coaches must have said something right, because somehow Sam made it to the podium and jumped in the pool.

     The announcer said, "Swimmers, take your mark, ready, set..."  and the horn went off.  My focus was fixed completely on Sam and I could hardly believe my eyes.  Sam swam the ENTIRE LENGTH of the pool without stopping once!!!  HE DID IT!!!  HE DID IT!!!  We were so proud of him!  Here is a picture of him after that first swim all the way across the pool.  

Little Biker Boy

     This cute little fella loves his bikes.  It started with a fascination with motorcycles, thanks to Grandpa Dean.  Then he started riding anything and everything with wheels that he could find in the garage, minus the adult cars and bikes.  Recently, has been interested in the bike in this picture with training wheels.  He calls it his "big bike".  He was nice and cautious for a few days, and then a couple of days ago, he decided he wanted to go for a big ride.  He had been so cautious that I thought it would be okay to go down the street a bit.  Well, as soon as he got a taste of the freedom, he took off!  The scary part was that he really doesn't have much control on the bike yet...he just goes fast!  I found myself running after him yelling, "Stop!!!  Patrick!!!  Stop!!!".  I eventually caught up to him and he had a grin on his face from ear to ear. "I ride my big bike, mommy!!!"  

My little buttercup...

Sometimes I like to call Patrick "my little buttercup".  

Lately his reply has been,  "No mommy, I'm Patrick Rogers!"

He loves Sam and I caught this sweet moment yesterday.  Sam is doing "computer school"(ABC mouse.com) and 

Patrick is just sitting with his big brother 

watching every move.  

Notice his arm around Sam.  

He's so affectionate and sweet!

I love it.

End of the School Year Thoughts

     This has been a really busy school year, I think back and can't believe how much has happened in the past year.

     We were blessed with the birth of sweet George.  His first year of life is going by so quickly!  Sometimes I just want to sit in one spot and hold him and look at his sweet face to savor the memory.  With each milestone, I almost feel a sense of sadness as he grows so quickly and I realize he is (most likely) our last baby.  There is just nothing as sweet as those sweet baby sounds and soft baby skin.  He is a happy baby boy!  I could just sit and cuddle with him for hours...if I only had the time.

     Patrick has grown and changed so much in the last year.  I was amazed when I found a list that I created just one year ago of the words that Patrick was saying.  It was just last summer that I was worried that Patrick was going to need speech therapy because he wasn't talking much.  Now, he talks in complete sentences and shares his thoughts constantly during his waking hours!  I love hearing what is on his mind.  He has such sweet manners, saying "please", "Thank you, mommy", and "God Bless You" when I sneeze.  He tells us what he likes and what he doesn't like.  I think he is the most decisive person in our family!  He sings and dances and is so full of life.  His smile brightens the room every time.

     Sam finished his first year of school.  He had a great experience in Pre-K! The picture below is Sam with his Pre-K Teacher, Mrs. Whitcomb.  Although, he admits that his favorite part of the school day was PE and recess, I can't believe how much he learned this year.  He loves sports of all kinds:  soccer, basketball, baseball, football, golf, tennis, swimming, hockey, and even archery.  His after school activities have kept us extra busy this year!

     Alan and I are trying to keep up each day...the daily chores, full-time jobs, and parenting consume us.   We are always relieved when my summer break comes around.  A time when we can relax a little more and catch up on some of the chores that get pushed aside during the busy school year.  Life is full!

Patrick's first trip to the ER

I hesitate to write "first trip" because I sure pray and  hope that he doesn't go back, but somehow I have a feeling that it won't be our last trip with three boys in the house.

He was a trooper.  Sam and Patrick collided in the driveway.  Sam was on his bike and Patrick was running.  Patrick came running from around the corner and they didn't see each other until it was too late.  There were more tears than Patrick's usual reaction.  Normally, he falls and brushes it off and gets back up again very quickly, but not this time.  

Once he got to the hospital, Alan said that he was the sweetest little patient.  He didn't cry at all and sat sweetly with his Daddy.  He's such a brave little boy. 

Before the stitch--was excited to go ride to work with Daddy in the Jeep.

After the stitch--still smiling.

Sam's Life Plan

Here is the latest from Sam:

Driving home from school one day last week, Sam randomly mentioned from the back seat that he wants to live in our house when he grows up.  He said that the reason for this is so that his kids can play with his toys.  I asked him how many kids he wants to have and he replied, " Umm, I think  four.  I want four boys and one girl."  Maybe his math is a little bit off :)

Anyway, then I asked him if there was someone that he thought he would marry.  He replied very matter-of-fact, "I plan on marrying Abigail."  She is a sweet girl who has been in his daycare and pre-K classes since they were one.  Their current pre-K teachers tell us that they are already like a little old married couple.  So cute :)

Sam and Marriage

Sam is asking so many questions these days.  It's neat to see what he is curious about and what his little mind is thinking.  Lately he's had a few questions about marriage.  On our way to George's baptism, he asked if we were getting married.  I had to remind him that Mommy and Daddy were already married (because this precious little boy once said he wanted to marry me--which makes my heart smile).

Then, on the way home from the church service, he asks," Can I wear my football uniform when I get married?"

I told him that it depends on who he marries and he will have to ask her how she feels about it.

Then he says,"How do you ask someone to marry you?  Do you just say 'will you marry me?'"

We told him, that was true, that you have to choose someone and then ask them to marry you.  Then I asked if there was someone who he thought he would like to marry.

After careful consideration and with a question in his voice, he said, "Aunt Amy"

Kids say the cutest things...

We took our family photos last weekend.  I asked Sam what he thought we should wear to the photo shoot and without pause he said, "Mommy, you should wear your wedding dress and I'll wear my Georgia football uniform!"

Patrick had a cute one today, too.  This morning, we were all busy trying to get out the door and Patrick was disappointed that his Daddy wasn't the one taking him to school today.  

Patrick:  Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!
Me:  Patrick, do you love your Daddy???
Patrick: Yes,  I love Daddy!  Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!
Me:  I love Daddy, too.
Patrick:  NO!  Pat Pat loves Daddy!  No, Mommy!

We banter back and forth a few times, about who loves Daddy... until Patrick explains himself.

Patrick:  Mommy loves Alan.  Pat Pat loves Daddy.

Although it sounded more like this--mommy yuvs ayan!  :)

Our Newest Addition to the Family

Welcome to the family, little George!  

George Cooler Rogers was born at 

12:22 pm on Monday, October 7, 2013.  

He was our biggest baby boy 

at 8 pounds 3 ounces and 21.5 inches long.   

Maybe the third time is a charm... this was by far the easiest delivery of the three boys.  I was so nervous, but thanks to the multitude of prayers lifted, George's delivery was smooth and quick! Sam was breach so we had to do a c-section, Patrick was a difficult V-BAC, and George was a scheduled induction.  Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not good about handling pain so I was nervous about each and every one of my deliveries.  I would do all three of them again to have these precious children, though.  Alan and I are blessed to have these three little boys in our lives.

The weekend before our induction, my mom and dad kindly offered to take Sam and Patrick so Alan and I could continue working to have the house ready for George...and hopefully get some rest before his delivery as well.  On the way to their house to drop of the boys, I slammed my pinky finger in the car door.  So much for my relaxing night and weekend! THAT HURT!   

We arrived at the hospital early Monday morning. Things went so fast.  I remember Alan's friend Eddie was visiting and while the two of them were talking, I started feeling some of the pressure that the nurse said I'd feel.  But it was so early, the nurse thought maybe it was just the pressure on my bladder from the baby or the catheter.  But it kept getting stronger...so right after Eddie left, she checked and sure enough we were ready to have a baby!  Soon enough, George arrived.  I was overjoyed to be able to hold him!  He was a big baby...bigger than the other two boys. 

His brothers absolutely adore him.  

They always want to give him kisses on the forehead and touch his little feet.  

Patrick especially likes to give him his paci.  He thinks he needs it all the time, even if he isn't crying.  

Our house is full of energetic little boys.  We are a full family who is blessed beyond belief.  

At times, we feel tired and stressed, but our hearts are full of a love that is more than we could have ever dreamed.  We are thankful everyday for our family.

Happy Birthday Patrick!

Patrick is two!  

Just look at that smile.  Patrick has the most beautiful smile and contagious laugh.  

At two years old, he loves anything that has to do with his Grandpa Loss (he calls him "Papa") and his Daddy.  

Patrick has the sweetest manners.
When asking for something he always says it in this way: "more oatmeal, please, mommy" and " thank you, mommy".
I just love the way he includes the name of whomever he is speaking to the end of his request.

Where Sam used to point out every basketball hoop as we drove around town,
Patrick likes to point out each and every motorcycle he sees.
Although, he seems to think that his Grandpa is always the one riding the motorcycle.   

He loves to laugh and be silly with his big brother.  

He loves to play outside riding all the various kinds of bikes we have accumulated in our garage
 and he loves chasing his brother and Daddy--always trying to get a good tackle. 

He likes to eat oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce, and fruit snacks.  

He loves for his Daddy to read to him before bed each night and
then rock with him in the rocking chair.  

He likes to sing and dance!

He's growing fast and talking and learning more and more each day.

We love you and your sweet smile, Patrick!  Happy  Birthday!

Nap Time for Everyone

It was a good day because everyone in the house got a nap!  
I tried to get Sam to nap with me--didn't happen.  
Then I sent him to his room to nap alone--instead he changed his clothes and went downstairs to see if Alan would play football with him.  
Meanwhile, I fell asleep.  

When I woke up and went downstairs I found 

Alan asleep on the couch and 

Sam asleep on the chair...

football on the TV.

This was a good nap day for all of us :)

Wow...time flies!

I can't believe the last time I looked at my blog was Thanksgiving....

Wow, time flies.I don't really know where to begin--so much has happened since then! 

SAM

Sam is riding a bike without training wheels and has been since April (3 1/ years old).  

Here is a little video clip of him riding his bike.  Click on this link to YouTube to view.  
Please excuse the typo near the end of the video... I have little time to make videos and I hate that I missed that typo, but I just haven't had a chance to fix it. 
 This boy can balance!  

He has also enjoyed his scooter this year.

Sports have become an important part of his daily routine already. 
He played basketball this winter, soccer this spring, and T-ball this summer. 
He also likes to dabble in golf and tennis at home.  
Here are a few photos from the last few months of his sporting events.

Basketball...

 Soccer...

T-Ball...

and golf...

Patrick

Patrick is riding his big wheel these days.  He likes to go fast. He crashes often, but gets right back up on his bike after each crash (usually with bloody knees or elbows).  

This little guy is tough!

Of course, Patrick has also grown so much since November.  We've gone from worrying about his refusing to eat to watching him "eat us out of house and home".  He loves greek yogurt and fruit the most...along with my favorite macaroni and cheese recipe.  

Here are some photos of Patrick at the dinner table.  

I can't stray from the table far while he is eating because a mess usually ensues quickly!

Patrick loves the water, boats, and motorcycles. 

Each and every time he sees a motorcycle he announces with excitement, "GRANDPA!!!"  Sam usually responds with, "No Patrick, that's not Grandpa!"

The boys are loving each other (most of the time).  

This is one of my favorite pictures  that I took recently.  

They like to play together and laugh together and it is music to my ears.

But, just to be honest...it's not always fun times with the two of them...

there are some tears at times as well!

Here is another one of my favorites.  The big question is, "Are they hugging or wrestling?"  

Notice who is on top.  Patrick tends to be the aggressor in most of these situations.

This blog post doesn't even begin to touch on all the fun we've had since Thanksgiving...I hope to blog better and more frequently in the next 10 months.  I guess I can't make any promises at this point.  We are now preparing for baby boy #3 who is expected to arrive early October!

Thanksgiving Lunches at School

 Every year the sweet  people at our daycare invite the parents for a Thanksgiving feast with the children.  It's delicious home-cooked food made by the director and her helpers.  We get to sit with our children and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal while watching them interact with their peers and teachers in the school setting.  This year was extra nice because I got to go twice! 

 I had lunch with Patrick in his class on Thursday and lunch with Sam's class on Friday.  

Special lunch dates with my boys--two days in a row! 

It always amazes me how grown-up the boys seem when they are at school.  I especially felt that way seeing Patrick sitting at a little table with his friends.  I usually strap him in his high chair to feed him.  I didn't think he would sit still long enough to eat a meal without being strapped in!  But, he did very well.  Although he would rather use the spoon to beat on the table than to use it as an eating utensil :)  He's getting there...

Patrick and one of his favorite teachers, Ms. Karen

Sam's class sang songs for us while we were waiting for the meal.  I enjoyed hearing the songs and learning the words that I've been trying to make sense of for months.  Sam loves to sing at home and at school, but when he is singing by himself at home I can't make out all the words.  

I also learned where he gets his dancing moves...because it certainly wasn't from me!  I think its a combination of this father and his friends at school.  

I recorded some of the songs and posted the link to the video at the bottom of this post.   

Sam and Emma as Pilgrims 

Watch Sam singing with his class here.