Dis-Connect

Okay- how is it possible that I only have 1 more week of glorious summer break before I have to go back to the real world of work? I mean really- where did 10 weeks go? It seems like a lot, 10 weeks, but in reality, it truly just flew by! Thinking back, we did a lot...we went to the beach, we went on countless playdates, hung out in the sandbox, had a few picnics (before the 100+ weather), went to San Antonio, had a sleepover, played with cousins and friends and took tons of naps, which might have been one of my favorite parts and lots and lots of swimming:)

With James' current medical issues, I am not able to do with him the things I did with Michael, which initially made me sad. I can't take him to Gymboree for play class, I can't take him to Willow Bend to play in the morning or the Science Museum to run around- well, I could, but I would be risking him getting sick from other kids:( I did take him to a bouncy-house place and unfortunately paid for it later with a really nasty cold...I try to look at the fact that he had a blast! I can't help but think he is missing out, but then I have to remind myself that he is 15 months and he won't remember it...but I will! SOOOOO I had to make James' summer memorable for both of us and that we did! We played, we chased each other around the house, we did Sean T's Insanity and we danced!!! The boy LOVES to dance and he LOVES to sing!!!! He is so full of life and reminds me everyday that we can have just as much fun at home as we do at any play-class or camp:)

Michael has continued going to PPMA all summer- it turns into a camp over the summer with different themes each week- I think his favorite so far was the Space Week- He came home telling us about all of the planets, how they rotate, which ones have moons and rings and that "The sun is a burning star!" I LOVE his school and I love how excited he is to go every day! They had an "Astronaut" come and read them stories about space and the planets and he could not get in the car fast enough to tell me all about it! I can't believe how fast our little Michael Man is growing up and that in 2 VERY short years, he will be in Kindergarten!!! AHHH! How is that possible!

Now- I have 1 more week to savor my time with my boys before work life sets back in- I have absolutely loved being home these past 2 1/2 months and am so bummed it is coming to an end:( Being a stay-at-home mommy was never something I envisioned for myself and I LOVE what I do! I think I am having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that James is our last baby and I want to absorb every moment I can before August 6th!

Happy Summer!!!!

Happy Birthday To Me

So, I celebrated my 31st Birthday by arranging a Girls Happy Hour, and let me tell you, it was so much fun! There were about 15 of my close girls who came to toast with me another wonderful year of being young:) We met at TruFire in Frisco which is oh so yummy, and has the most delicious cocktails- needless to say, I must go back there again soon, and maybe bring Geoff with me this time:) It was relatively an early night because Michael had an 8:00 am soccer game, of course, but that is okay because I love watching him play!

I can't wait to see what wonderful things will happen this year!!!!

Summer Fun!!!

How can June almost be over? It seems like it just started! We have had so many fun adventures over this past month!

The 2nd week in June, the whole family, Hatch side, headed to Charleston, South Carolina to Isle of Palms- This was our 2nd time to be in IOP and INCREDIBLE does not begin to describe the time we had. 8 adults and 6 kids under one roof was crazy, to say the least, and so much fun.
 

The boys LOVED spending time with their cousins and we loved relaxing and hanging out with the family. Michael has been to the beach a few times already, however this year, he really enjoyed the beach and the waves. This boy truly is fearless, which is kind of scary for this mama. At one point, a wave completely knocked him off his feet, where his feet were literally up in the air...I quickly grabbed him and flipped him upright, waiting for him to grab me so I could take him back, however, he laughed and couldn't wait for the next wave!!!

 

James, who is still not walking, well, at least not on his feet, giggled every time the waves reached the shore and his little knees sunk into the wet sand. His squeals and claps melted my heart as I witnessed his excitement and awe of his first encounter with the ocean- so magical! I swear I could see unicorns and rainbows bursting from behind him each time the waves reached his sweet little toes:)


 
We played on the beach, built sandcastles, jumped in the waves and lounged by the pool. We watched the kids splash in the pool, race against each other in the water, climb the winding steps to the roof to each popsicles and cuddle under a blanket while watching cartoons. They screamed in excitement over the Flying Nemo that Nana and Pops brought from Boston, fought over IPads and IPhones to play their games, and giggled under covers when it was time to go to sleep.


Needless to say, it was an amazing vacation full of memories and firsts for all of us. I can't wait for the next time we are all together again!

Thank you Nana & Pops for the incredible adventure!

Girls Weekend!

Every guy needs his "Guy Time" just as every girl needs her "Girl Time", hence the title of this blog, Girls Weekend! I have never been away from all 3 boys, overnight and my gracious was it nice:) Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my boys more than life itself.... there is just something so wonderful about breaking away from the everyday routine and focusing strictly on oneself.

Growing up, my mom and her sisters took us kids to Salado, Texas to stay at the good ole' Stagecoach Inn- trust me, it is nothing glamorous, but as our shirts read that Salado is a "Little Slice of Heaven" and yes, I DID make us shirts for the occasion:) I guess that is the teacher/mom/nerd in me:) The Girls Weekend consisted of my cousins Genevieve and Rachael and their friend, our new Honorary Cousin, Marla. The four of us piled in my Swagger-Wagon and off we were, Salado bound- of course, right as we were past OakCliff, I run over a stupid fire hose- YES, a fire hose, right, smack in the middle lane and there was nowhere I could go, so over it I went- we thought we were home free until we arrived in Salado to find a huge bubble in my driver front tire- thank goodness the tire did not blowout and we were able to replace it, I did get ripped off by a horrible little man in Belton, Tx at the local Walmart- but, anyway, we were all safe and it was replaced:)

Back to our trip- poor little Salado is not the hopping town it once was:( Our beloved Mansion of Salado, the BEST Mexican food and Margarita ever, closed down, as well as our favorite candy store we used to ransack as children, Sweet Nut Thing. But, we sucked it up and made the most of it. We were by far the youngest of the guests at The Stagecoach, except for some of the children dragged along for a Family Reunion, which we could relate to, however, they were MUCH better behaved than I know we were at their age while staying there.


We pretty much ate our way through Salado, savoring every minute of kid free, responsibility free wonderfulness. We ate yummy Mexican food at The Patio, lounged by the pool, along with some cocktails of course, dined at the Inn's Dining Room, which was YUMMY- then we rolled ourselves back to our room to get into our swimsuits to soak in the mineral hot tub, along with a glass of wine.
Unfortunately, the hot tub was occupied by some loud, older woman boasting about their recent sky diving expedition and a young girl crying about a recent fight with her boyfriend....needless to say, although entertained, we took ourselves back to our room and went to bed shortly after, and yes, I think it was about 11:00- that is late for this Mama!

We woke up, ate a delicious breakfast at The Coffee Shoppe, another favorite at the Stagecoach and hopped in the car for our trek back to the real world:) I had so much fun with the girls and can't wait for our next trip!

I must say though, as much fun as I did have, it was so great to get home to my boys! I missed them so much! You better believe I soaked up cuddles from Michael and a great rocking session that night with James! I think Geoff and I were actually able to relax a bit on the couch before I had to start the entire routine all over again, because, the wonderful husband I have, did all the dishes and laudry before I got home so I would be able to hang out.....such a great ending to a wonderful weekend:)

Here's to Girls/ Guys Weekends of the future!

Mothers Day

I have been thinking about where I am today, May 13, 2012, Mother's Day and where I was 1 year ago- and I see so much growth, so much change. Not only in my boys- Michael is now 3 1/2, potty trained, big independent boy and James is 1 and curious and crawling, cruising, all over the place, getting into everything and SO full of life- but also in myself- I was at one point, so cautious and nervous of what kind of mom I would be, would I be too nice, too strict? Would I allow just one more show before bedtime or would I insist on just 1 more book instead? Its amazing when you seem to know what kind of mom you are going to be, then there, in the moment, sweet blue eyes staring at you, how can you say no? Michael asks to cuddle now... really? Who can say no to that- he is 3 and I know these cuddling days do not last forever. James actually lets me rock him, Michael never did! I cherish every bedtime with James because I KNOW they do not last forever- we give meds, because that is our life these days and then rock.........................................................................................................................................................
For our family and friends who do not know, we recently found out James has an Auto-Immune Deficiency Disorder, AKA, Immature Immune System- This is the reason our little man is ALWAYS sick! It seems the common cold for James can turn into full our ear and lung infection and if we are not careful, pnemonia and God knows what else, I don't like to go that far- Little man has had tubes and adenoid surgery over the past few months- it has been rough, but luckily we have one happy and responsive little boy!

Back to what I was saying, Mothers Day- WOW! What a special and wonderful day! I love my husband and boys so much- I can't get over how wonderful and blessed I am to have them! I woke up to Geoff attempting to make me breakfast in bed...James needed a breathing treatment due to bronchilitis and a nap, so once we got that covered, I got back in bed so he and Michael could give me breakfast in bed and it was UH-Mazing! Belgian Waffles, whipped cream and fresh strawberries, along with yummy coffee- I was in heaven! Then I was given sweet cards and  handmade bookmark with Michael's sweet picture from school and the most blessed gift ever! A glass locket with the boys names inside- I love, love, love the locket and it is SO special to me!






Even though we seem to be touch and go with James health, we are so fortunate our little man is SO happy and a constant reminder of what happiness is:
Happiness to James is:
Seeing mommy and daddy after a long night of sleep
Seeing Michael come down the stairs and how excited he is to see him
Seeing a cup full of milk because you are one thirsty little man
Abby( J's little lady)- even when I say her name the boy gets sooo excited!
Food- obviously the boy loves his food
People- anyone who sees James in the nursery tells me how happy he is and asks if he is always this happy- which, almost always, he is, unless he is sick:)
The best time is after school when we go get Michael from School, James is SO excited to get Michael- everyday it melts my heart how much my boys love each other!

Geoff and I are so blessed to have the most loving boys and amazing family! There is nothing in the world I could want more than I have now:)

Happy Mother's Day!

Kate