A long week

When I think of the past week I remember how long it seemed.  Usually when Mark has a Monday off the week feels short because the weekend comes sooner. I think it had something to do with Abby deciding not to sleep on Tuesday night (or was it Monday night?  its all fuzzy).  I think she was teething ... I'm still not sure .  I believe Mark said he got about 2 hours of sleep - I'm still not sure how much I got.  The next few days after that were very tiring but at least all three children slept :)

On Friday we went out for dinner with my mom who recently celebrated a birthday at the beginning of the week.  We took the kids and my mom to a restaurant called "Jacks" in Kingsville. Again they were remarkably well behaved.  We had three high chairs so there was no running or attempted escapes.  We let them choose their drinks (except Abby of course) and meals.  They started banging their forks and knives together and chanting "chicken!" (they had ordered fish) , but my mom entertained them with a Dutch children's song that she knew from when she was small.  I remember bright smiles and bright eyes with lots of laughter.  Just as I commented on how well behaved they were the cups started falling on the floor with water everywhere, but that wasn't that big of  a deal... it was only water.  I know my mom had a good time and I think we were entertainment for the other dinners that eventually came.

 After dinner we went to the part for a little while (it was cool by the lake).  Nathan has soooo much energy - it amazes me sometimes.  Mark was climbing on a wall (he still likes to play as well).  Nathan attempted to follow him a few times then stated "No , I do not climb" and ran away.  I love that kid.  I was mostly watching them play when Nathan with his cheeks red, his nose running, his eyes bright said with a big smile "Common mommy - its your turn!  Here - this ladder is for you!".  Who could resist that?  It still makes me smile to think that my energetic son loves me and wanted to share his joy of being outside and running on the playground equipment with me.

On Saturday we visited a good friend who was waiting for a baby to come.  She looked exhausted.  That along with the returning Braxton Hicks reminded me that I have officially entered my third trimester.  I remember waiting and labor pain and sleepless nights, but most of what I remember is the warm healthy body of the newborn put on my chest for the very first time.  I don't think there is much that compares with that special joy and I am looking forward to experiencing it again.