78 In Life

My Great Expectations

I had great expectations for today’s post… round 3 of my “candy” stores. Instead life has been crazy, the best kind of “crazy” I can think of. Instead I will share a few random thoughts from the “random thought” section of my brain.

jmhat

I love the ball park. We aren’t quite to the stage where “pressure” might be associated with the ball park which means our trips there are strictly fun and social. In my opinion, life is too short to care too much about ball games. I treasure these days and don’t look forward to the days when tears are shed and hearts are anxious over performance and games.

raiger

Second, I’ve been in therapy for a week or so. My sessions have involved yards of fabric and sewing machines.

Third, I’ve been thinking about how often I kiss my kids. Which is very often. And I wonder when they will no longer let me kiss them which makes me want to hug and kiss on them all the more. I already grieve the day when they no longer want me to kiss them.

Fourth, {this is very strange} I am teething. I called the oral surgeon yesterday to explain that I have what feels like teeth coming through the inside of my gums where my wisdom teeth used to be. I explained this to the nurse and she confirmed that what I feel are bone fragments trying to come through my gums. She told me if I gently scratched my gums with my fingernails I could expose the bone fragments and pull them out.Β  Oh dear! I really consider myself a picker but something seems so incredibly uncomfortable to me about scraping my own gums to remove bone fragments… I let you know if I man up and attempt this procedure. She also said if I wanted to come in they’d be glad to do this for me… I can’t decide which would be worse… me or them!

get_em

Fifth, my son is a mess. People always say “boys are so different from girls”. I always listened to them butΒ  I honestly had my doubts. Until I had one of my own. If we are driving down the road and he sees any type of lawn care equipment {either in the back of a truck or being used on the side of the road} he goes absolutely bonkers. Weed eaters, blowers, edgers, and especially riding lawn mowers bring the young man such excitement. He also LOVES to use household cleaning tools as weapons. Swiffers, mops, and dusters all make wonderful swords and/or guns. I can assure you if I was as passionate about these tools as he is my house would be SPOTLESS. Instead my house is a giant mess because I can never find my cleaning weapons.

Sixth, I’m dying to see my sister and her baby {and her husband too}. I haven’t seen them in since Christmas and it’s killing me. My fingers are crossed that they will make an appearance at my house this weekend.Β  That Bologna Sandwich is getting so big and I fear she will be scared of her MommaSissy and not recognize me.

Seventh, I must immediately retrieve my cleaning weapons and put themΒ  to good use… have a great weekend!

all3linedup

ps- The next post will include details about the kids outfits, patterns, fabrics, etc.

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  • meaghan
    April 16, 2010 at 11:11 am

    i have 3 boys and i’m SURE they are WAY different from girls!!! and the teeth…oh my goodness! let them!!! xoxo

  • meaghan
    April 16, 2010 at 11:14 am

    oh! and i made your fruit roll ups and lived to blog about it πŸ˜‰ it took 2 hours for me to cook down the fruit…cause i live in colorado? cause i’m inept?

  • Becky
    April 16, 2010 at 11:21 am

    BEAUTIFUL job with the sewing!!! I love it when they are coordinating, but not completely matching.

    I have four boys – God, help me! EVERYTHING is a weapon! Last Easter the two older ones (5 and 4 at the time) got kid-sized umbrellas in their baskets. It’s a sword, it’s a shield, it’s a sword…I just about choked the Easter Bunny afterwards!!!

  • sherry
    April 16, 2010 at 11:21 am

    Love your blog! Your kids are precious and I don’t think they will ever get too old for you to hug or kiss them, just might have to do it in private. πŸ™‚

  • Leslie
    April 16, 2010 at 11:27 am

    First, I’d like the dress Paige is wearing in a grown up size, s’il vous plait.

    Second, THE BONE FRAGS! I haven’t had my wisdom teeth out, yet. I will probably have to do it sometime this year. I’ve been putting it off. However, my sister talks about her bone fragment experience ALL THE TIME so I feel like I have some knowledge of this. Both of us are career “pickers”. I’ve never met a tick I didn’t want to delicately remove from someone with tweezers. Anywho, she has a running joke that there are four days in her life that she considers to be the greatest, most magical: The day she graduated law school, the day she got married, the day her daughter was born, and the day the bone came out of her mouth.

    See! You have something to look forward to!!

  • Emily
    April 16, 2010 at 11:31 am

    Such precious time with your children! When we were kids, my brothers used everything as a weapons and all my mother’s kitchen gadgets as sand box toys! The garlic press was a favorite out there – nevermind the fac tthat a spoon could not be found in the house. You are such a great mom and you obviously treat your kids with the respect you expect to get back from them. I am no expert but in my opinion, this is what leads to nice, respectful, happy teenagers! They will be great teens and will always want you to show them love… in lots of hugs and kisses! My parents always hugged and kissed us – even at that age where kids start to pretend they were born to aliens and have no human parents! To this day, we all still hug and kiss hello and goodbye – no exceptions!

  • Tipi
    April 16, 2010 at 11:31 am

    I have a 2 year old little man and everything is a weapon. Does Rover just stay dirty? Giving Colt a bath only removes the top layer of dirt. BTW- Your floors are very clean and shiny. I’m so impressed!

  • Ellen
    April 16, 2010 at 11:34 am

    Is the crib missing in Rover’s room? I remember the crib being under those lovely prints. Has a great milestone occured and I missed it?

  • Jennifer @ a Fine Romance
    April 16, 2010 at 11:35 am

    You.are.wonderful. I love your random thoughts. Your kids are soo soo soooo cute too. And their outfits…did you make them?! Cause if you did…wow. lol I know, I know…I’m drooling. I’ll stop now. I just really wanna say that I heart you and your inspirational blog. It cheery’s up my day! πŸ™‚ Hope that you get to see your sister soon! I am seeing mine a little later today and we always find a way to talk about you and yours. πŸ™‚ We’re wannabe’s. LOL XO Darby!

  • Kellie
    April 16, 2010 at 11:38 am

    Loved this post! has JM moved out of his baby bed? Isn’t that picture where he’s using the mop as a sword where his crib used to be? Let me know how that’s going!!!! Love Love Love that boys LOVE outdoor equipment – mine are both the same and YES boys and girls are different, but so are boys and boys – my 2 boys are very different, yet still the same – CRAZY!!!!!

  • Catherine
    April 16, 2010 at 11:40 am

    i came here to comment about what i feel like is a missing crib and i see i am not the only one to notice! if rover is out of his crib, can you tell the tale? my almost 3 {in july} yr old is still in the crib, happy as a clam and i am dreading putting his big bed in his room b/c it takes up so much play space… and also… he might not take 3-4hr power naps anymore because of his new found freedom— so do share when you get the chance!

  • Alli
    April 16, 2010 at 11:41 am

    I have two girls, hoping 3rd will be a boy .. I can only imagine how different they truly are! I’m in LOVE with these outfits, I can’t wait to see the next post.
    xo

  • Shannon
    April 16, 2010 at 11:45 am

    That Swiffer action shot is priceless! Good catch!

  • Rachel
    April 16, 2010 at 11:46 am

    The pic with JM and the swiffer cracks me up!! Daniel does the same thing, I think my swiffer mop is his favorite thing in this house! He also LOVES lawn equipment and thinks they are all “tractors”. He gets very excited when we pass by a tractor or anything like that! Love your latest sewing projects! I want to make Daniel some shorts, excited to read about all the details for the kids clothes.

  • Mikaela
    April 16, 2010 at 11:46 am

    I have two boys…3 years old and 2 months. Soon you will find, even though he’s using EVERYTHING to destruct something else, that he has a very special place for you in his heart and nothing is more important than you. He’ll rough house with dad, but he’ll let you love on him long after the girls have started to want you to stop.

  • Ericka
    April 16, 2010 at 11:46 am

    I just had to say that I love to read your blog! You seem like such a caring mom. AND you sew! AND cook! I hope to make some fruit leather from your recipe. πŸ™‚
    I have 2 boys (ages 9 and 11) and one girl – 18 months. I know what you’re talking about with the boys. They are inherently rough and tumble physical beings. My girl is already decidedly girly. It’s crazy to see the differences between the sexes already at such a young age!

  • Laura
    April 16, 2010 at 11:54 am

    precious, precious pictures! Rover with the swiffer cracks me up! Have a wonderful weekend!

  • Emily
    April 16, 2010 at 12:00 pm

    “I can never find my cleaning weapons.” Ha!
    I knew a little boy who was also obsessed with lawn mowers–for his 3rd birthday, his mom ordered a cake with a picture of lawnmower on it. He was THRILLED beyond words. Boys are wonderful.

  • Sarah@Clover Lane
    April 16, 2010 at 12:01 pm

    Just bought a new Swiffer for the VERY same reason.

  • Callie
    April 16, 2010 at 12:01 pm

    Hi Darby, My name is Callie and I”m a huge fan of your blog! I check it every day and am constantly in aw of your creativity, sweet family and love for the Lord! I just became a first time mother of twin girls and can’t wait till they are old enough to bake and be creative with! I’m so inspired by you and your fun projects! I can’t wait to hear more about the precious dresses!

  • Samantha Caffee
    April 16, 2010 at 12:07 pm

    Hello!

    I’ve been peeking in on you for a couple of months now because I was so inspired by your photography, but I finally had to comment when I realised today that you sew! Oh my! Why didn’t I know that? Or did I? I design children’s sewing patterns and we used that fabric in our last trunk show, so I knew immediately that they were handmade. The little outfits are just as cute as they can be! I love your photography, keep up the good work!

    xoxo,
    Samantha

  • Caroline
    April 16, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    super cute post! i also experienced the “teething” sensation after getting my wisdom teeth out and it happened off and on for a long time afterwards it seemed. so don’t be alarmed if you feel that more than just this time. i think it takes a while for everything to work it’s way out and to the surface.
    i love the pic of Rover with the swiffer. that is tooo precious! you are so blessed with sweet, hilarious, beautiful children.

  • kendall boggs
    April 16, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!!

  • Lori
    April 16, 2010 at 12:45 pm

    lol! yes, my youngest is also a boy and with 2 older sister it is always entertaining! Love their outfits that you made.

  • Becky
    April 16, 2010 at 12:45 pm

    Oh my goodness! I was holding my breath getting to the end of the post, hoping you were going to tell us the pattern. By the way, I have searched all over creation for Simplicity 5118 and can’t find it. Do you have any idea as to where I can get it? I have tried Hobby Lobby, Wal Mart, and online….The dresses you have made in that patter are so sweet and I am dying to make one for my little girl.

  • Brooke G.
    April 16, 2010 at 1:07 pm

    CLEANING WEAPONS!!!! That is hysterical!!! I am dying over here. Only because I so relate to that – my boys have many cleaning weapons, cooking weapons too! NOTHING is where I left it πŸ˜€ GRRRRRR…..

  • Design Esquire
    April 16, 2010 at 1:13 pm

    I can’t wait to see the patterns! The dresses are adorable. My plan for this weekend is to sew some new lined drapes for my living room. I love a little sewing therapy πŸ™‚

  • natalie @ this old southern house
    April 16, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    i think of sewing as therapy too!

  • Cat Moore
    April 16, 2010 at 1:25 pm

    I can not say enough how ABSOLUTELY different boys are than girls!!! IN every way, in every form and in every fashion! And that’s how it should be! To be honest, I was a little scared when I found out my 2nd was a girl. I had NO IDEA what to do with a girls and by watching my 2 nieces grow up, I thought they were just too high maintenence and drama, drama, drama! But, I love having a girl and would love to have another one day…and another one day after that. I think all girls MUST have sisters. πŸ™‚ And I’m wondering….how does that work out when you have small children and you look exactly like your sister/their aunt. Do they really know you apart when they are tiny??? Great post. I have great intentions about my blog too and have so many post just waiting to be written. I’ve been saying I’m going to do a post on my son’s nursery that was featured in So. Living and that was almost a year ago this June. Sigh….. πŸ™‚

  • Kathy
    April 16, 2010 at 1:26 pm

    I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your sister and her family. Sister’s are the best! Your children are adorable!

  • Allison
    April 16, 2010 at 1:28 pm

    I love your girls’ coordinating outfits! As an older sister, I never wanted my younger sister to be exactly the same as me, and I’m sure your girls appreciate this, too. : )

  • Stephanie
    April 16, 2010 at 1:29 pm

    I, too, am dying to know about the crib! Seeing your 3 in the battle of the swiffer picture my very first thought was OH MY!!! NO CRIB??!!?? Do tell! {and is it scary that so many of us are accustomed to the layout of your furniture?? It just means we love you…}

  • Ivy
    April 16, 2010 at 1:52 pm

    I didnt know the bone fragment issue was even possible…oh my goodness!! The thought of it makes me want to cringe!

  • andrea
    April 16, 2010 at 1:56 pm

    Hey again! I love the green / lime / yellow walls! What color is that really? And….. what prints are those on the wall? They look so interesting! Please share!

    πŸ™‚

  • Cazra
    April 16, 2010 at 2:05 pm

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these outfits!

  • Ginny
    April 16, 2010 at 2:09 pm

    My little man loves all things that have to do with tractors, trucks and trains. He will even tell you what is a backhoe and what is a bulldozer. I really think he came into this world with a motor!!

  • Tina
    April 16, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    The outfits are SO cute. Bone fragments-eww, I’m sorry for you. As for kisses, my 16 yr. old begrudgingly lets me hug him sometimes, my twins that are 8 still let me cuddle them, although the boy is starting to not let me as often. So you have some time left, but I think the girls will let you longer than he will! And yeah, boys are WAY different than girls!

  • Lillian - Domestic Simplicity
    April 16, 2010 at 2:41 pm

    I never believed it either, but my little one is turning into SUCH a rascal. I just asked my husband the other day how it’s possible for so much sweetness and so much little rascal-ness(is that a word??) to be all wrapped up in one little boy! He’s only just turned one and in the past week he’s knocked over a play kitchen hutch on himself, learned to climb halfway up our new slide on our new swingset, figured out how to escape the rig we have to tie him into his high chair, figured out how to open the screen door and escaped to roam on the deck(giving me a near heart attack!), waved to me WITH his diaper when I went to get him from his nap(at least I knew that one was coming at some point!), pulled the shades off the window during his nap, messed up to-the-point-of-needing-removal-and-washing at least 3 outfits a day, emptied countless laundry baskets and gotten more scrapes and bruises than I can even count…and that’s all just off the top of my head. Our families have bets going on when our first trip to the ER will be. And OH_MY_GOODNESS he’s the sweetest, cuddliest little thing you’ve ever met in your life – so so so cherubic, that one:)

    Good luck with those shards of tooth – that sounds AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL!!!

  • angela
    April 16, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    Once again, YOU and your posts are AMAZING! Cutest kids ever! Have funny with your sissy!

  • hannah
    April 16, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    this is going to be one of your best summers to date… enjoy every moment!

  • Kristen
    April 16, 2010 at 3:11 pm

    Just wanted to tell you that I love your “random thoughts” posts. They’re the best and so fun to read! Well, OK, I like reading anything you post, but these are fun! Random tidbits and pictures of the cutest kids ever and adult “teething” issues somehow make my friday afternoon at work go a little faster πŸ™‚

  • Jessica Golden
    April 16, 2010 at 4:00 pm

    Darby, I have never commented on any of your posts but have been getting your blog for like 9months now, and let me tell you…I adore you and your family! I get so excited when you pop into my inbox…you always put a smile on my face…we have so much in common (the cutest lil blonde haired boys) and it is so great to know, “I;m not the only one” that goes through the same things you are facing now. Thank you for all your posts! They are like a sweet & entertaining book to me~

  • Dina
    April 16, 2010 at 4:36 pm

    Oh good, I’ve been wanting to know where you get your boy sewing patterns from…they are hard to come by, so please do share!

  • CeCe
    April 16, 2010 at 4:51 pm

    LOVE the coordinating outfits on the girls…and I love the first picture of JM. He’s adorable! I love when little boys have crazy obsessions with ‘big boy things’. My youngest son has a CRAZY obsession with anything with wheels. Cars, trucks, tractors, wagons, trains. Anything. Like Rover does, we can be driving down the road and he will squeal with delight when he sees a tractor or a riding mower in the back of someones truck. He is always carrying around at least 3 cars/trucks/tractors. I love it! As for the bone frags…ouch and ewww! Keep us updated on how that goes!

  • Colleen
    April 16, 2010 at 5:14 pm

    Hi Darby, something crazy happened today and you may have already heard about it from your sister! I follow your blog daily and pretty much know about you and your family. Me, my husband, and 18-month-old son are on vacation in Seaside, FL. We frequent here and even got married here. This morning, we ate at the Red Bar (as usual) and I couldn’t help but notice a female that looked just like you! I tried not to stare, but I did. Then, she picked up her cell phone and said it was ‘Darby.’ I could not believe it! I was so nervous to talk to her, but I worked up the courage and thank goodness, because she’s a sweetheart! I started by asking if she had a twin sister! I knew that if she said she didn’t then I could walk away quickly. Anyway, what a small, small world. I can’t believe I saw her and talked to her. It was meant to me. Not to mention, her friend she was eating with has a husband who works for Medtronic, who my husband also works for. Turns out we have a lot in common!!

  • Lauren
    April 16, 2010 at 5:43 pm

    The children’s outfits are precious!

  • Jen
    April 16, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    My son is in 6th grade and plays baseball. Each season transports me right back to all those feelings of angst from my own middle school years. I worry about his performance and resulting enjoyment of the game all while trying to pretend I am calm, cool and collected and only watching and wanting him to play for the fun of the game.

    My 6 year old daughter plays t-ball. I enjoy their pure joy and fun so much that I think I peak at t-ball. Enjoy it while you can!

    Second, as for Sloane not recognizing you…being an identical twin must offer you an advantage!

    Have a great weekend!

  • Amy
    April 16, 2010 at 6:42 pm

    I laughed out loud when I read about the lawn implements. My twenty-two month old son is just the same – he is clear on the difference between backhoes, front loaders, and heavy tow trucks – ha! (No weapon play yet – maybe b/c no television???)

  • Sara
    April 16, 2010 at 7:08 pm

    My two oldest are girls and the third is a boy. I felt the EXACT same way as you. I never put much stock into the “boys different than girls” thing. But, it is oh. so. true!

    Also, I love the kids’ boo boo legs in the last picture. My kids’ legs look like that, too. Yay for playing outside!

  • the domestic fringe
    April 16, 2010 at 7:49 pm

    First, your kids are beautiful. Second, I love their outfits. You did a fantastic job! That first photo of your son is precious. Have a Happy Weekend.
    -FringeGirl

  • rebecca
    April 16, 2010 at 8:02 pm

    Dear Darby,
    I have a secret {non creepy} crush on your blog…you spark my creativity daily…thank you for that. Was wondering if you have shown the befores and afters on your master bathroom redo? Hows about a little peek if you havent?

    Love, Rebecca

  • amanda
    April 16, 2010 at 8:27 pm

    oh no! where is Jm’s crib?

  • Dianne
    April 16, 2010 at 8:45 pm

    The first picture of Rover in the hat is priceless…love it!!!!
    Now, call the dentist. Doing bone fragments yourself sounds awful.
    Loving those precious kids and their outfits!!! xoxo

  • Lindsey
    April 16, 2010 at 8:47 pm

    Hey D! are you moving JM into a big bed? Where’s the crib? I’m learning my lesson about boys as well, whew!

    Have you seen this https://www.myowlbarn.com/? A whole blog devoted to all things owl! Saw it and of course thought of you (and all the other hootie hoot chi-o’s!) We’ll be in town in 2 weeks-will email specifics. Hope to get to see you and the kiddos πŸ™‚

    Love, Lindsey

  • Melanie Gore
    April 16, 2010 at 9:01 pm

    You will be so glad that you have your blog and all these photos when your kids are grown and gone. I had my son 16 yrs. ago in May and we didn’t have computers, blogs, or digital cameras. I would give anything to have had those things.

    Have a good weekend.

  • Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife
    April 16, 2010 at 9:14 pm

    OH my. I nearly passed out every time I had a loose tooth. I would have to let them fall out in my sleep..I’m just terrified of the things. Bone fragments? Good luck with those!

    Love the outfits!

  • Katie
    April 16, 2010 at 9:43 pm

    The girls’ outfits are so great! I can’t wait to hear more about them! And Baby Boy with that swiffer…bless his heart. I swiftly learned how different the “world of boy” was on Jack Jack’s second day of life, when I had to deal with the whole circumcision. I seriously *knew* that thing was going to fall off at some point on day 4. From the circ on, it’s been a whole new world for this momma.

  • Renee Hargrove
    April 17, 2010 at 12:10 am

    Aw, maybe your kids will be like my friend, Becky’s sons–they never became too old to kiss their mama goodbye. It is so sweet.

    My mom always had doubts about there being a difference between boys & girls–until my baby brother was born. While we were content to quietly entertain ourselves, my brother was a refrigerator climber. He was able to undo any baby lock and took apart his pop-up books and that was just the beginning.

  • Lori M.
    April 17, 2010 at 5:35 am

    Yep! I noticed too! Where’s Rover’s crib?? πŸ™‚

  • Jen
    April 17, 2010 at 9:45 am

    dying to know the little boy shorts pattern. Can’t wait to read!

    Cute outfits!

  • Catherine
    April 17, 2010 at 11:16 am

    Can’t wait to see the patterns!!!!

  • Sara Jane
    April 17, 2010 at 8:32 pm

    YIKES!!! That bone fragment thing FREAKS ME OUT!

    Also, I still hug and kiss my mama whenever I’m spending the night at their house and going to bed or when I’m saying goodbye to her and I’m 25. πŸ™‚

  • Louann
    April 17, 2010 at 8:35 pm

    Boys are unique, loving and wonderful and … a handful!! Nothing compares!!The love is hard to describe…and I have the most wonderful daughter ever, also, so I understand both sides of that coin πŸ™‚ I believe us mothers who are blessed to have sons and daughters are the most blessed of all! I wouldn’t change one moment tho there have been some heartbreaks along the way…welcome to motherhood from a veteran who would put her life on the line at any given moment for her (adult babies)

  • mary katharine
    April 17, 2010 at 9:15 pm

    Back in the day (WAAAAAAAAAAY back in the day) I remember seeing an Oprah show (I have only seen maybe 12 in my lifetime, so please forget I mentioned it!) that she interviewed a mom and was asking how she remained so close to her kids (I’m not sure what the show was about exactly, I just remember this one blip) and she said “I never released my hug first.” That struck me. Something so simple! Anyway, you keep on lovin’ those little ones!! They’ll be big before you know it. And our oldest is 12 and I hug on her all the time and kiss her goodbye and goodnight. Kids need affection from their Momma. They’ll never grow out of it.

    Sporting events are such fun, I agree. I love to watch my 6 yr old run around on the soccer field just giggling nonstop … she totally forgets about what direction she’s going or what she’s supposed to do … it’s just fun living life and it is great to witness.

    And finally … ummm I have all girls and they are not all sugar and spice!! I somehow got hormones and roughness all in one! Many times I’ve commented to people, “you know, if I had boys acting this way, I’m sure I’d just say ‘oh, they are just boys!’ but because they are girls I’m going batty!!! πŸ™‚

    Keep enjoying each moment. I LOVE seeing those sweet bruises on those six legs. Makes my heart smile:)!

  • Laura
    April 18, 2010 at 1:51 pm

    Oh my, you didn’t exaggerate when you said the best kind of craziness! I have nieces and a nephew and and it is amazing how they are growing up in the same household with the same experiences but he is completely different! Love the dresses and can’t wait to learn how you made them. I picked up material yesterday to make my 5 year old niece a couple of dresses and this post really inspires me. I sure hope you did get to see your sister and your niece this weekend – don’t worry, I’m sure Sloane will remember her Mommysissy!!

  • bg
    April 18, 2010 at 4:15 pm

    Rover knows he a star. Your daughters are just beautiful. Keep kissing and hugging them, cause they will reach an age when…
    IMO go to the dentist.
    Did you sew a matching outfit for the Darby Doll?
    Enjoy your blog, keep at it-
    Bg

  • Andria
    April 18, 2010 at 10:48 pm

    I have followed your blog for a couple years. I love it. My boys are 11, 8, and 6. They fortunately for me still love to be hugged and kissed. My 11 year old actually sat in my lap at band open house while we were trying out instruments. I told him aren’t you afraid someone will tease you. He said he didn’t care!!!! By the way when are we going to see your 2nd bathroom renovation, I’ve been waiting & waiting for it!!!

  • Rachel
    April 18, 2010 at 11:50 pm

    I am new to your blog – I love it – and this post had me laughing so hard I am crying. My family is sitting her laughing at me. My son is only 16 months old and is FASCINATED by lawn equipment!! I still cannot believe this stuff is hardwired!! ; )

  • Heidi
    April 19, 2010 at 2:53 am

    Hi, I live in Cape Town, South Africa and I have been following your blog for about 5 months now. I really appreciate your (often brutal) honesty about your struggles: faith-wise and in raising your children. I really love *all* your many photos (pictures speak louder than words?)

    I just could not help smiling about the “boys are different to girls” comment. I have Hannah (6yrs) and Jonathan (4.25yrs). I am walk and still learning steeply about this “species”. Jonathan will always notice the tractors, construction vehicles and ANYthing with wheels way before anyone else. Then there is the mess thing. Jonathan used to bring fistfuls of dirt onto our coffee table to run his trucks through! And if I kept his inside, then he would spit, to achieve the same purpose.

    I’m just so glad that you are so candid about sharing your ups & downs, your ‘ins’ & ‘outs’ and your highs & lows. It is much appreciated.

  • Jill Cribb
    April 19, 2010 at 8:49 am

    Can’t wait to see the dress pattern – I have been searching for a free pattern/tutorial on this dress! Love the swiffer picture! And as for the bone fragments – I would go to the dentist….picking them out myself, would definitely cause me to lose consciousness. Hope that gets better for you!

  • Courtney Walsh
    April 19, 2010 at 9:09 am

    I have that same thing where my wisdom teeth used to be… I never knew it was a real thing, I always assumed it was me being a hypochondriac. (It happens.) Hmmm…

    I miss my sister too. I hope you got to see yours this weekend! πŸ™‚

  • stephanie
    April 19, 2010 at 9:10 am

    that’s what they try and tell me too, about it being bone fragments — turned out that i had another tooth…yeah…5 wisdom teeth.

  • D
    April 19, 2010 at 9:48 am

    such sweet pictures

  • lizziefitz
    April 19, 2010 at 10:23 am

    Adorable! Their outfits,smiles and antics. We have four girls and one boy. He adds that certain sense of balance to the group. Everything is a weapon and when he turned 5 he literally could not sit still. Even when he thinks he isn’t moving he is. Love love love my boy. PS oldest is 16 and still lets me kiss on her. Youngest is 9 months and I kiss her a billion times a day.

  • kel
    April 19, 2010 at 10:54 am

    to your point #3 – my kids are 15, 13 and 9 (bookend girls with a boy in the middle) and they all still let me kiss and hug them every day. i’d wither away if that ever changed so i let them know in advance to “get used to it”, my love (and smooches) is here to stay! πŸ™‚

  • terri smith
    April 19, 2010 at 1:11 pm

    Oh, they’ll never outgrow your kisses (and hugs), they just will want to set the terms under which those wonderful expressions happen!

  • Meg
    April 19, 2010 at 8:18 pm

    Love it Darby! So it was just my sister and I growing up and my Mom always says how different the boys are than us girls were – do you hear that from your parents? Well on Saturday – it became very clear to me! Will was playing with another 2 yr old (girl). While Will can only say 2-word phrases, this little girl can sit down and have a conversation with you. But then, they had this little ball-chucker-toy-thing (that Will had never seen) and he walked right over, picked it up and threw the ball across the yard – I couldn’t believe it! How did he know how to do that? The little girl tried, and…no dice! Amazing how God made us girls so VERBAL from such a young age while boys/men communicate with their actions. Love it!

  • Kelly@TearingUpHouses
    April 21, 2010 at 8:12 pm

    That Swiffer picture is the cutest thing EVER!

    Hope your mouth feels better soon. Yikes! That totally gave me the goosebumps.

    Kelly