Summer Fun!

Jack sporting his Lower Teakwood shirt! Look at that muscle man!

Ethan's smiley face!

Ethan writing his name. You can see the Ethaaaaaaaan (he couldn't get that "a" perfect!) He got it on the next one though!

No major news this week. Just a few pictures with captions of us enjoying our summer!

Memorial Day and more!

This week was crazy...Hence the late and short update.

1. Ethan and I are done with school for the year!

2. Jack is doing awesome. Getting more mobile and energetic everyday.

3. All 3 children have ear infections. Yah.. a trifecta.

4. Ethan is finally riding a bike...It's a small miracle.

5. Nonna's for Memorial Day was lots of fun!

Happy Birthday Ethan

Cam: scared to death of the inflatables at Ethan's party

Jack, not scared at all!

Ethan...loving it!

Ethan's Special Day at School

This week, my little Ethan turned 4! I don't believe it. He's growing up so fast. Since it was his birthday week he had a special day at school. He got a crown, which he wore for 13 seconds, but I did get a picture. He also got to be the line leader. We brought in cupcakes for a treat. It was fish day, so I thought we'd do blue icing with sweedish fish. He explained that the icing should be brown because the water in the river (Ohio) is muddy. We compromised and made both. On Thursday (his actual birthday) we went to Chuckie Cheese (compliments of a nice gift card given to us) for the first time. Ethan loved it. He absolutely loved getting tickets that he could exchange for prizes. Cam loved throwing the balls for skeet ball. The problem was getting him not to wing it over hand! Jack jsut kind of roamed around, but he did really like the fruit punch! On Friday, we had a small birthday party for Ethan at Bananas, which is one of those places with all the inflatables. We only invited family and our neighbors, but we all had a ball. Well, except Cam who was scared to death of all of it. He just clung to grandma and mommy the whole time. He sure perked up for cake though!

I just wanted to take a few lines just to explain what a great kid Ethan is. He can be very quiet and reserved, but he has such a wonderful heart. When we brought Jack home many people felt that Ethan would be jealous or upset. He was soooo excited, and still is. He is the best big brother. He loves Cam and Jack more than anything. He goes around announcing these are my brothers. He is so proud of them. The other day all three of the boys were bouncing in the crib and my mom saw Cam pull down a little decoration and it broke. When my mom asked who did it Ethan said, "I did. I'm sorry grandma". What 4 year old does that? I know it's a mom brag, but he deserves it. He also picks up even when Cam and Jack won't. He tells me if Jack is standing on a chair, so that he won't get hurt. He is a really great kid.

Doctor's appointments, haircuts, and more

Ethan at his first field trip to Parky's farm.

Ethan and Cam totally engrossed in Scooby Doo (oh the classics). Jack doesn't know what he's missing.

This is Eric's mom's house. Notice the huge tree. This was an Arbor Day twig that Eric planted as a child. Mental note..don not plant trees next to the house. No matter how small they seem.

Have you ever tried to get three little boys in one picture?..don't. I have about 12 more shots just like these. Oh well, we tried.

Jack is an official U.S. Citizen!

This week was crazy. I went back to my normal work schedule, we had two doctor's appointments, a field trip, haircuts, tumbling, and lord knows what else!

Jack went to his IA checkup. He has gained almost two pounds, about an inch, and his head has grown. All his blood tests came back normal. He does need a few vaccine boosters. Everyone was pleased. We also met with the surgical team. We have decided that Jack will have his surgery on July 30th. He will have his palate closed, a lip touch up, and ear tubes put in. It's a lot at once, but we figured we minds well get it done in one shot. He shouldn't need any other surgeries until a bit later.

Jack also got his first haircut. We took all 3 boys, with the help of grandma to get their hair clipped! Let me tell you we won't be doing that without 3 adults anytime soon! We had them keep Jack's a bit longer because of his lumpy, bumpy head. Let's just say there are no crew cuts in our near future. All the boys look adorable (not that I'm partial).

Jack is an official US Citizen. We applied in O' hara airport and we just got his certificate.

Today, Mother's Day my hausband (the saint) took the 3 boys to visit nonna. So I could relax. However, I'm not good at that so I cleaned the house, mowed the grass, sorted clothes, grocery shopped, and baked cupcakes. However, it was oh so peaceful.

Happy Mother's Day!

More Updates

Yes, this is Jack in our kitchen drawer, that he emptied. I was wondering why he got so quiet.

Cam eating his pink ice cream!

This is Ethan's self selected outfit. dress shirt, sweat shorts, dress socks and crocs. What a fashion statement!

This is Ethan, so excited because he dressed himself...His first attempt he had everything backwards. Underwear, pants and top. I think he looked st the tags to put them on...not sure!

This weeks excitement:

It was pretty quiet on the home front. It was a very rainy week and I think we were all getting cabin feaver. Toys and kitchen utensils were used in various ways. We also continued with experimental toilet play (thanks to Jack). I'm not sure if he's doing sink float experiments, or just finding out how many things he can make mommy fish out of the toilet. Jack spent his first half day in daycare and did great. When I left Cam was the one crying...go figure. Jack learned the word nana ( for banana) and Nonna. I guess it helps that they sound alike. Jack had to visit the doctor for yet another ear infection, proof that he is indeed a Caton. We did find out that he has gained over a pound (yay!)

This weekend Eric had the boys a lot because I was helping out with UC cheer tryouts. When I got home from a completely child free day they were all still alive. Eric wasn't too frazzled, so that was good. We call these daddy days, or mommy appreciation days. This is were the daddy validates all the challenging parts of the day. It's always so nice to know that your not the only one that can't get anything done. I highly reccomend mommy appreciation days they're good for all involved...especially the mommy!

Favorite Quotes:

I asked the kids what kind of ice cream they wanted:

Ethan said, "baniella" (I guess we need to work on the V sound)

Cam said, "pink" (hmmm? what flavor is that?)

While in the car with the Ice Cream Cam said "It's dripping down my back" (hmm, How does that happen?) I guess I'll be cleaning the car seats.