I spent a majority of the day outside with the kids and took tons of pics of the kids.  What can I say, Spring makes me feel artsy fartsy.  Enjoy.

Today Sophie Hannibal Lectered some kids face because he was messing with her.  I walked into the daycare as the other mother was leaving with her son.  It was obvious the conversation was tense, and she was mad.  She kept referring to Sophie as "the other person," which I thought was weird.  I know that they aren't supposed to tell the parents which baby assaulted their children, but I would have expected her to refer to Sophie as "the other baby", or "child", something along those lines.  "The other person" sounds too close to "defendant", "accused", or "perpetrator". 

Anyway, I was told that the little boy constantly messes with Sophie.  He has grabbed her by the neck, pushed her down, and I'm pretty sure he's the kid that bit her about a month ago.  So, it's tit for tat.  I guess it's because it's my 3rd kid, but I know it probably won't be the last time she bites, and I also know that she'll be bitten again.  It's no big deal, really.

Of course she did bite that kid's face...twice.  And I had the red-eye reduction on when I took this picture.  I'm just saying.

8 years ago, our lives totally changed.  At 9:24 am, a bouncing baby boy came rushing into our world, 3 weeks early mind you, and we became a family.  My labor was short but excrutiating, the part where I wasn't drugged, that is, but I still remember the first thought I had when looking at him for the first time.  I instantly fell in love and knew that I was meant to be a mom.

A baby no more, he's grown into a smart, intelligent sensitive boy who I am incredibly lucky to parent. 

He celebrated his birthday today, first at school with his friends.  He received numerous handmade cards from classmates as well as some little girl's phone number.  That's right- some little hussy wanted to talk to my baby on his birthday, so she gave him her number. Tramp.

After school we went to his favorite restaurant, San Jose.  Wesley wanted it to be special so he asked if they do anything for birthdays.  The next thing you know, there's a small flan sitting in front of him. I don't know if you've ever seen flan up close, but it's basically a jiggly chunk of pudding covered in syrup.  I felt so bad that the waiter was so accommodating that I actually took a bite.  I suppressed my initial urge to gag due to the texture being semi-jelllo-like and actually enjoyed the flavor.  Trevor, however, did not, but in true Trevor fashion, when the waiter asked if he liked it, he replied with a simple, "yes,sir" because he "didn't want him to be disappointed."  I love this child.

We had milkshakes and cake, and we gave him a present- a netbook.  Sounds pricey for an 8-year-old, but he's earned it.

This is Victoria's racecar driving debut.  Impressed, no?

    My oldest is turning 8 soon (more on that Tuesday), and we celebrated by going to Frankie's Fun Park with 2 of his friends.  A fun time was had by all, but I was quickly reminded why I'm glad to only have one boy.  After the day was done, I took a nap when we came home yesterday and this afternoon, Wesley fell asleep at about 9:30, Sophie slept for 13 hours straight, and Trevor and Victoria slept for 11, even with Daylight Savings Time. 

    Today Trevor started his guitar lessons, and it went well.  He's very excited, and of course Victoria is a little jealous.  As you can see, he is taking it very seriously.

And here he is, our future Slash.  Bear in mind he's only had one 30 minute lesson, and you couldn't do any better.

By that, I mean a haircut she gave someone else- her teacher to be exact.  I'm not quite sure of the circumstances, but all I know is Ms. Linda ended the day weighing a little less than when she started. 

"Look Mom and Dad.  I pulled Ms. Linda's hair out.  Now we have to buy her a wig."

And speaking of hair, Sophie's curls seem to finally have made an appearance.

Name: Sophie "Baby Face" Grace

Age: 13 months

Height: 20.5 inches 

Weight: 23 pounds 

Lately she has been exhibiting the following behavior in addition to hitting, pushing, and snatching. 

She's armed with a loaded diaper and not afraid to use it. 

I remember when I was younger the excitement and anticipation I would feel before Valentine's Day, especially if I happened to have a boyfriend.  Like most girls, I wanted a box of chocolates, a teddy bear, and a piece of jewelry.  My how times have changed.  10 years into marriage and 3 kids later, I just long for peace and quiet, which I was able to attain for a few hours today.  The original plan for this weekend was for the in-laws to take the kids on Saturday, and Wesley was to go camping with his graduate school class.  Then, the snow came and dashed my hopes and dreams of a quiet weekend of hot baths, long naps, and a Buffy marathon.  The camping trip was canceled, and the snow caused power outages at the in-laws, so I was house bound with the family.  I decided I had to break free, for a few hours at least, so I headed to Target after the snow melted and got the kids their Valentine's presents.  So, this morning, I was awakened bright and early by Victoria, who was anxious to see what we got her for Valentine's Day.  She received pink roses, since she's been begging for flowers for weeks, a cute shirt, and a doll who had pink streaked hair to match hers.  I got Trevor a couple of t-shirts and Batman toys, and the baby got a cute dress with a book.  Then, whether he knew it or not, Wesley gave me the ultimate gift- he took the kids to his parents house and left me alone.  I did have work to do from home, so I really had no choice but to stay, but I managed to squeeze in a nap and a few episodes of Buffy while accomplishing my project.  Then refreshed and recharged, I cooked us filet mignon with a balsalmic vinegar/red wine glaze, twice baked potatoes, asparagus parmesan, and chocolate covered strawberries.  It tasted as awesome as it sounds.  Trevor and Victoria as gone until tomorrow, since they are out of school for President's Day, so my evening routine was 2/3 easier with only the baby to care for.  She was bathed and in the bed by 7:30.  I feel more ready to face a Monday than I have in a long time, so despite the fact that my husband is passed out on the couch, and I'm up alone, this has been the best Valentine's Day.

For as long as I can remember, every snowstorm in South Carolina has occurred in the same manner.  They begin by telling us that we will get a dusting on the grass, if we're lucky, and we end up with 5 plus inches.  This was no different.  They've promised us measurable snow a few times this season, with nothing materializing, yet.  This time, they said we would possibly get a dusting up to half an inch.  Then, as time got closer for the storm to arrive, we were told 1-2 inches, then 3-5, only to end up with 8 total.  It was due to arrive at 4pm on Friday, so naturally all schools and daycares closed between 1:30 and 3 without a flake even falling, yet.  Wesley picked all of the kids up early, so I was able to work my regular schedule.  When I left, there was already some accumulation, so I knew we were in for a good one.  We don't get it often, so I'm glad the kids were able to get out and enjoy it, even if they froze their little butts off.