The Middle Child

This, my friends, is Mary Meaghan. Need I say more.

Yes, I do need to say more. She is my princess! Rich has challenged me to be more loving towards her. I think the reason that she and I do not get along any better is, you guessed it, we are just alike.

Meg-Meg, as we call her, is precious. She is the life of the party. She is also the family attorney! She mediates for everyone, especially her daddy. As most of you know, she was only 17 months old when Payne was born. She referred to him is "That". She was denied her special time between 18 months and 3 years. I think she is just making up for lost time. We love to pick on her about her STRONG Northern accent. Rich's family all live in Boston and she talks just like she grew up there.

Meg-Meg has started reading. Actually, I was informed that she has been able to read for quite some time, but she has just recently let me in on that little secret! She comes home everyday and can't wait to climb in my lap and read me her library book. This is shocking to us because she hated to be read to when she was little. The picture is from our favorite summer hangout, Water World. She was probably mad at me for who knows what.

This is a true depiction of Meg-Meg, beautiful, isn't she. Emma used to say, when Meg was little, that she had eyes like Blueberries!

Payne's Teeth

This was just after returning from all the Doctor's visits. The sunglasses were a prize from Dr. Bess.

This was the next morning. For those who don't know the whole story, Mary Meaghan would not go anywhere near Payne until the swelling went down in his gums. Made for some quite days at my house cause you all know, when the two of them get together, well... It was really sweet though, Mary Meaghan cried every time she looked at him.

This is the best he could do at showing his gums.

Friends

I have been thinking alot lately about a dear friend of mine, Betsy. She and her husband live in Pennsylvania. Betsy and I go way, way back. She has been my friend for as long as I can remember. We went to church together and one night she spent the night with me and I am sure that Betsy can remember eating crackers and cheese on the baby mattress that was under my bed. Don't ask me why my mother kept a baby mattress under my bed. You would just have to know my mother!!

That night started a beautiful friendship. Betsy was two years older than me and sometimes it was hard because she was at different stages in life than I was, but eventually things evened out and I think we are probably on the same page now.

As I watch my oldest daughter mature and form friendships, I am reminded of Betsy. I pray for God to send her Christian friends that will always be there for her. I also pray that she will be a positive Christian influence on them. Betsy was always there for me, no matter what, she always loved me, even when I was not lovable. Betsy and I have shared some really special things. When her father died, I hurt for my friend. I felt her grief in such a powerful way. I think that was when I truly felt and knew the definition of friendship. Betsy hurt and grieved with me when my father died.

Even though I have not talked to her in a while, (she won't stay in one state long enough!!) I know that we could pick up right where we left off.

One of my favorite things

Okay, so this is Payne Richard, born October 24, 2003. He was such a surprise to us all, except Emma!

All mom's need a son. This little boy is such a sweetie. Most of the time! He is not a very affectionate child though. He does not like anyone to see him give his mommy hugs and kisses. He says that morning smoozies are for mom and night smoozies are for dad!! Afternoon smoozies are for no-one!

One of my favorite things are Payne's two front BLACK teeth. Yes, I know that may seem strange to you but let's remember that this is a private blog, only for friends and family, so you guys already know that I am strange. As for those of you who don't know the "rest of the story", here it is:

In July 2007, my children were at Water World with my sister, Lisa. I had gone to the doctor about my knee, (that story is reserved for another post!). I had just returned to WW and gotten in the wave pool with Lisa when Payne asked if he could jump in. Sure, I said. Our friend, Margaret, was there to catch him if he needed it, but he was doing really well. Then he decided he would show off for his favorite lifeguards, and started jumping off backwards. Well, I am sure that you can imagine what happened next. Yes, he hit his mouth on the pool deck. I was watching from the knee deep waters of the wave pool, when I saw Eliot jump in and emerge with my son in his arms, nothing but blood from the nose down.

After getting him to the first aid room and determining that the blood was coming from his mouth, I called the dentist, she was out until 3 p.m. Keep in mind it was 1 p.m. Lisa and I took him home and I got nervous and took him to the Pediatrician who then referred us to Dr. Bess, who is a really good looking oralmaxofacial surgeon. After visiting three doctors that day, Payne went home with a really monked up grill and lots of bloody towels.

Well, over six months later, Dr. Wright feels that it would be best to remove the damaged teeth. They are baby and he will loose them in the next few years anyway. If this had been one of my girls, I would be heartbroken, but he is a BOY and those of you who know him, know that he is 100% BOY. I will try to post a better pic, so that all will see how BLACK those two front teeth really are.

Just one of my favorite things...

Getting Started

This is all new to me. I was introduced to blogging when an acquaintance was recently in the middle of spending the last few months with her mother who was terminally ill with cancer. I thought, what a neat thing. I enjoyed reading her blogs and begin to think that this would be something I would enjoy.

I talk to my sister almost every morning on her daily commute to work. We must enjoy our time together at 5 am. You see, I have three children and trying to catch-up with loved ones is not possible when the two younger ones are awake. Don't get me wrong, they are not wild animals, (okay, yes they are!), children just want your attention when they can't have it. I don't want to miss telling loved ones anything. I want to share it all with each of them. I just can't do it everyday. I already should be folding laundry instead of this, but this is much more fun!!

I want you all to enjoy. As I learn more about this process, I will post daily pics and every little thing I can.

I love you all and hope you enjoy.