Logan’s 8!

Logan-

You are eight years old today! Watching you grow up this past year has been so much fun; somehow you suddenly turned into a big kid. As your mom, this change is a little bittersweet and I now treasure your rare “little kid” moments. 

The other night, we had a small birthday celebration with a few of your school buddies. When we got home, it was late and I had a huge list of things to do before work the following day. After you finished showering and brushing your teeth, you came to me and said, “You know what would make my birthday celebration even better, mommy? If you read a Moonlight book with me, it will be the start to the best birthday ever!” How could I say no? 

When I think about one word to describe you, sweet boy, “passionate” is the first word that comes to mind. Every day is either your “best day ever” or your “worst day ever”. You fight hard and love even harder. Parenting you is often a challenge, but the reward is always worth it. 

You are sweet, kind and thoughtful. When we sit down for dinner, you are usually the first one to ask about everyone’s day. You show sincere interest in the people around you and show genuine excitement when someone has a great day. 

Seven was a pretty great year for you, Logan. You began the year playing Tiny Tim in The Lyceum Theater’s production of The Christmas Carol. For six straight weeks, you spent your afternoons, evenings and weekends in Arrow Rock, MO preparing for the 13 performances. I might be slightly biased, but I felt like you stole the show. Seven also brought the end of first grade and the beginning of second, playing on basketball and soccer teams and finally becoming more comfortable in the water!

Mommy and daddy are so happy to be your parents and we can’t wait to see what the next year has in store!

Love,

Mommy

18 Months

Miles-

How is it possible that you are 18 months old, crazy boy? It feels like you were just born and have been with us forever at the same time. I can’t imagine our family without you. 

I have loved every stage with you, but I think this one might be my favorite. It is so much fun to watch you change and grow. You learn new words and commands everyday. Just yesterday you learned how to do a somersault and were so proud of yourself. 

You love making animal sounds and talking to Scout (cat). You really think you can talk to her and get right in her face to “talk”. Fortunately, she’s pretty tolerant of you and your shenanigans. 

You love being outside and ask to go out constantly. Once you are outside, you make sure the big kids know that you are one of them. You have to be in the middle of whatever game they are playing. 

You are sweet and sassy. You love giving hugs and snuggles, but know exactly what you want at any given time. You have changed and grown so much since you turned one and I can’t wait to see what the next six months holds. 

Avery Is Nine!

Avery-

How is it possible that you are nine today? Lately, I have been spending a lot of time looking through pictures and videos of you over the years. I love seeing you as a cute, sweet and chubby baby, a smiley, precocious and silly toddler and now a kind, smart and beautiful little girl. As I always say, you are my favorite girl. 

You truly are a perfect mix of mommy and daddy. You have daddy’s lackadaisical side when it comes to life. You also have his sense of adventure and fun. From me, you get order and consistency as well as a listening ear and the ability to remember every word to every song.  From both of us, you get lots of love and support in anything you decide to to. 

I love our girls’ trips, watching Hallmark movies together, baking and simply talking with you. Your adventurous spirit is one of my favorite things about you, sweet girl. You love trying new activities and foods and would rather run around outside than just about anything else.

When asked to describe you, Avery, the first word that always comes to mind is "happy".  You always have a smile on your face and are the ultimate optimist.  The world could use a lot more people like you.

Love, mommy

As always, I asked you the same questions on your birthday.

1. What is your favorite color? I like all colors.
2. What is your favorite toy? My Rip Stick
3. What is your favorite fruit? Watermelon
4. What is your favorite TV show? Ravens Home
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Donuts
6. What is your favorite outfit? Workout Clothes
7. What is your favorite game? Mario Cart
8. What is your favorite snack? Ice Cream
9. What is your favorite animal? Dog
10. What is your favorite song? Ed Sheeran Music
11. What is your favorite book? Smile
12. Who is your best friend? Addi 
13. What is your favorite food? Ice cream
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play with friends
15. What is your favorite drink? Soda
16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Owl, Brownie and “b”
18. What do you like to do with daddy? Go on bike rides
19. What do you like to do with mommy? Watch Hallmark Movies
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A dog watcher
21. What do you like to do with Logan? Play Spies
22. What do you like to do with Miles? Chase each other

Happy 1st Birthday, Miles!

Miles-

You completed your first trip around the sun, baby boy, and what a trip it was!  To say this past year flew by is an understatement; your first year has been one of the most magical years of my life.  Giving birth to you seven and six years after Avery and Logan made me really stop and enjoy all the moments with you.  The late night feedings, miles of stroller walks, endless giggles and numerous firsts, I truly enjoyed it all.

When we decided to name you Miles, I joked with daddy that you "can't spell smile without Miles".  I can't think of a better phrase to describe you, sweet boy.  You have brought so much more love, joy and smiles to our family than either of us ever could have imagined.  You truly complete our little family.

Before you were born, everyone told daddy and me that "third kids" are so easy and go with the flow.  I am writing this a little after 10 pm the night before your birthday and am reminded that exactly a year ago today, daddy and I were getting into bed when my water broke and we had to head to the hospital instead.  From the moment you were born, you have been in charge.  For the first few months of your life, the only way I could get you to nap was by taking you on long walks.  I spent hours every day listening to podcasts and walking around the neighborhood.  At around six months of age, you found your voice and you love to use it.  Whether it is your need to eat every 17 minutes or your constant yelling for attention, every person who visits or sees our family knows that you run the house.

At one, you are getting really close to walking.  You get so proud when you stand up by yourself or walk run behind your walker.  You can climb an entire flight of stairs and think you are pretty sneaky when you do it.  You love clapping and giving high fives and Avery is your favorite person in the entire world.  I love seeing how excited you get when you see her.  Logan is a close second, but there is something special, something indescribable about the bond you and Avery have.  You also love almost all foods.  When you eat, you giggle and bounce up and down the entire time; it is adorable.

Miles, thank you for such an amazing first year!  I can't wait to see what year two will bring.

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

Logan Is Seven!!

Logan-

Today you are SEVEN! How is this possible? Where does time go? Mommy and daddy are so proud of you, sweet boy. You are kind, generous, loving and fun. You are crazy smart and amaze us every day. You also challenge us more than we ever thought possible. On a daily basis, we have to remind ourselves to be happy you only act up at home. You have not only taught me patience I never thought possible, but also how to find joy in the simplest things. You still have the best smile and big eyes that make it hard to say "no" to. Watching you become a big brother this year has been so much fun. No one can make Miles laugh the way you do; he loves you so much.

At your birthday party this year, you asked for toy donations to a local children's home, Coyote Hill.  We were so proud of you for being so selfless on your birthday.  Honestly, I was even more proud when you didn't ask to keep any of the toy donations for yourself!

Just like every year, I asked you the same list of questions for your birthday. Here are your answers:

1. What is your favorite color? Blue
2. What is your favorite toy? That's hard. Cars 3.
3. What is your favorite fruit? Blueberries
4. What is your favorite TV show? Wild Kratts
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Donuts
6. What is your favorite outfit? Workout Clothes
7. What is your favorite game? Mousetrap
8. What is your favorite snack? Chocolate
9. What is your favorite animal? Orca and Narwhal
10. What is your favorite song? Whatever It Takes, Imagine Dragons
11. What is your favorite book? Otis and the Puppy
12. Who is your best friend? Anders and Zach
13. What is your favorite food? M & M Yogurt
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play with Nerf Guns by myself
15. What is your favorite drink? Powerade
16. What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Teddy, "B" and my snuggly
18. What do you like to do with daddy? Play Super Mario 3-D World
19. What do you like to do with mommy? Snuggle
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? An app creator
21. What do you like to do with Avery? Play Puppy Dog Pals
22. What do you like to do with Miles? Snuggle

Happy Birthday, Logan!  Mommy and daddy love you!

178 Days

I started my maternity leave 178 days ago and Miles joined our family twelve days later.  I can't even begin to describe how incredible it has been to spend almost six months at home with Avery, Logan and Miles.  Don't get me wrong, we've had our share of stress, meltdowns and exhaustion, but overall, the time with my babies has been incredible.  Although there isn't ever enough time, I feel so fortunate that my company allowed me to take the time off that I did.

Over the past six months, I spent the majority of my days holding, snuggling and talking to my high maintenance sweet baby Miles. Baby boy missed the memo that third babies are supposed to go with the flow and be "easy".  For months, the common phrase around the Musselman house has been, "September is going to be ugly."  We say this because Miles is a complete mama's boy and I fully give in to ALL of his needs and wants.  To date, I have only spent 29 of his waking hours away from him.  Starting today, I go back to my 40 plus hour a week full-time job and Miles starts full-time daycare.  Yikes!

This summer was busy and hectic and stressful, but so much fun.  We enjoyed a family vacation to Aruba, multiple trips to St. Louis, behavior boot-camp, movies, parks, ice skating and so much more.  We sang "The Wheels on the Bus" and "If You're Happy and You Know It" more times than I can count and played at least 100 rounds of SkipBo and Monopoly Jr.  I loved watching Avery and Logan play with Miles.  Their interactions with their baby brother really showcased their different personalities.  Avery is the typical big sister.  She loves to take care of her baby brother.  She was like a second mom and the best helper.  Logan, on the other hand, is the fun one.  He can make Miles smile and giggle in an instant, but only wants to play with Miles on his terms.

I'm going to miss being home with Miles all day and meeting the big kids at the bus stop after school.  I love being able to help with homework and talk about their days while they can still remember what they did.  To keep things real, I won't miss daily fighting about healthy vs. unhealthy snacks and emptying backpacks and lunch boxes.

The days spent at home were often long and exhausting, but the weeks flew by.  Tonight, Miles was eating and fell asleep in my arms.  While I held him, Avery told me that it reminded her of when he was in the hospital after he was born and that "it felt like just yesterday".  I couldn't agree more. 

Avery's 8!

Avery-

Eight years around the sun, sweet girl, I know I say this every year, but where did time go? Daddy and I are so proud of the person you have become. You truly got the best parts of your daddy and me.  You are beautiful and don’t even know it.  You are kind, compassionate, and thoughtful.  And you always believe that the glass is half full.

In a year of Avery, seven was pretty awesome.  You had a great teacher at school and learned so much.  You had a few tears and plenty of celebrations as we tackled math wizard (rapid math facts) head on, you learned to love reading chapter books and you met lots of new friends.  At home, you mastered your ripstick and pogo stick and became a big sister for the second time.  You have always been such a great big sister to Logan, but watching you become big sister to Miles has been amazing.  You are such a big help with him.

In the last year, so many of your "little kid" traits have started to disappear.  You are turning into such a beautiful, smart, grown up girl before our eyes.  With that said, I love it when I get to witness and hold on to some of the things that remind me of you as a little kid.  The one thing that really stands out is your pronunciation of the word, "finger".  You still pronounce it as "thinger" and I hope you always do as this is the only word that you still mispronounce.  It makes me smile every time I hear you say it.

Happy Birthday, goosey girl!  I couldn't love you more!

Every year, I ask the kids the same interview questions to see how their answers change over the years.  Here are Avery's 8-year-old answers:

1. What is your favorite color? Red
2. What is your favorite toy? Nerf Gun
3. What is your favorite fruit? Watermelon
4. What is your favorite TV show? Full House
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Chocolate Donuts
6. What is your favorite outfit? Workout clothes
7. What is your favorite game? Hide and seek
8. What is your favorite snack? Donuts
9. What is your favorite animal? Dog
10. What is your favorite song? Nothing's Holding Me Back, Shawn Mendes
11. What is your favorite book? Harry Potter
12. Who is your best friend? Addisyn
13. What is your favorite food? Candy
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Ripstick
15. What is your favorite drink? Root Beer
16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Owl and "B" (Blanket)
18. What do you like to do with daddy? Go in caves when we are hiking
19. What do you like to do with mommy? Eat Chocolate
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Own a farm
21. What do you like to do with Logan? Steal Papa/s candy
22. What do you like to do with Miles: Talk to him

Avery had her well child check a few days after her birthday, her stats are as follows: 

Introducing Miles Oliver Musselman

I've been meaning to post this for weeks, but with three kids, time just isn't my friend these days. Miles Oliver joined our family on March 19, 2017 and is the perfect final addition to our family.  Aside from his full head of dark hair, he looks a lot like his big sister and brother.  So far, he's a sweet, but needy baby; we joke that he missed the memo about third kids being low maintenance.

Fortunately, Miles' birth story is fairly uneventful. We scheduled a c-section for March 21, but my water broke minutes after I climbed into bed at 11:15 pm on March 18. I hadn't been feeling well all day, but certainly didn't think I was in labor.  When my water broke, we called a neighbor to come stay at the house with the big kids until my mom could get to Columbia.  By the time we got to the hospital, I was in a lot of pain and ready for an epidural.  I was lucky because my OB-GYN was on call and I was the only patient in labor and delivery the entire time I was there.  After getting checked in and changed, Dr. Jones checked me and I was dilated to a 5.  At this time, Dr. Jones discussed a VBAC with me.  I initially declined and began signing all of my c-setion paperwork, but as I signed the paperwork, I started getting anxious.  Dr. Jones came back into the room and convinced me to attempt a VBAC with the promise that I could switch to a c-section at any time.  With the decision made, I was able to get my epidural.  At first, the epidural only worked on the left side and it took quite a bit of manipulation to get it to work on both sides.  (This was fine except that it took FOREVER to wear off.)  Once the epidural was working and in place, Luke took a nap and I relaxed for a couple hours.  At around 4:00 am, Dr. Jones came in to prep me to push.  I pushed through two and a half contractions and Miles and was born at 4:23 am.  Miles weighed 7 lbs, 3 oz and was 21 inches with a full head of dark hair.

Avery, Logan, Luke and I all completely adore sweet Miles.  I can't get enough baby snuggles and the big kids constantly hold and hug and kiss him.  It is so much fun to see them with their baby brother.