Soon

Jack and Chloe, best buds



 Jack took a couple of steps a month ago, but it was mostly on accident and between the couch and a very closely placed standing toy. He didn't even seem to notice. But today he walked from a toy to me when I put my arms out for him. He just took one step, but it was intentional and he looked so proud.



Look at me standing!



It's hilarious!



Swim Playdate

A great day to head over to Crystal's for some pool time and lunch.

Happy Boy.

Happy Girl.

He only fell in once trying to reach for a ball.

Just hanging out, taking a break.

Baby Goats and Princesses

A second trip to the goat farm to visit new babies:

"I love being a princess"

Another Oh Dear Moment

We begin most shopping trips at HEB with a lollipop. It started long ago, when the only sugar Ambree had all week was this lollipop (then I got pregnant with Jack, and ice cream cones from McDonalds became a daily norm...).

So today, we were waiting by the side entrance check-out stand to get a lollipop, because here you can just get the candy and not mess with the unnecessary balloon. But there was a long line. A sweet lady already in line noticed me trying unsuccessfully to get the cashier's attention and encouraged us to just go ahead of her. (It should be noted that this lady was heavy set and very busty).

Lady, to Ambree: Oh, are you a big sister? You're shirt says you're a big sister.
Ambree: Yes. I am running errands with Mommy!
Me: (smiling politely while waiting for the lollipop)
Ambree: Mommy, what is in her belly?
Me: (trying not to smile) Um, not now sweetie. Let's get your lollipop....
Ambree: Mommy, I am asking you a question!
Me: (Now trying not to turn red or make eye contact with anyone, and praying for Ambree to hush!) Ambree, show me patience.
Ambree: (clasped her hands together and waited)

It should be noted that this command rarely is so effective, but I was so grateful for it worked today!

I'm sure the lady understood Ambree, but hopefully didn't think that Ambree thought she was pregnant- Ambree may have just said something because she was so busty, but I may just bring my own lollipop next week.

Oh Dear

Ambree is my daughter. I don't remember what I was like at 3 years old (my aunt Caroline might be able to help me in this area), but I do remember how I thought starting around the age of 7. I thought I knew how to do everything. If I saw a task or a problem, I just knew I could figure it out. This personality flaw still haunts me at times today, though experience has shown me that, no, I don't know what I'm talking about 99% of the time.

Today, though, I heard my exact words come from my daughter about something so specific, and yet, something she has never heard me say before. On an evening walk, she saw that they were building a new home in our neighborhood, with only the wooden frame setup:

Ambree: I could build a house.
Me: Oh, really?
Ambree: You just put down some logs.

I tried not to laugh out loud, and this is probably only funny to Sean and me, but I often try to jump start a project by explaining to Sean how simple it must really be, and on a specific occasion or two, it involved just placing a wood border.

Every Letter Makes a Sound

Probably a month ago, she saw Jack's name on a sippy cup. She said each letter, though at the time she called the "J" and "G" and soudned each letter out. All of a sudden, she said, "Jack!" Granted she may have been using context clues, it was obviously Jack's cup, but the surprise and glimmer in her eye made it seem like she really figured out how to read the word. I'm probably just being a silly Mom :)

Now, though, she knows every letter and their sounds, thanks to a LeapFrog video from her aunt Kelly. She can be heard singing this song throughout the day, pointing out letters she sees, and asking what different words start with.

A Hard Days Week

We had a rough week in the Reilly home. Sean was away from the home most all of the week, including every evening and night- that's never easy. All of us depend on him for so much, just practical things like fixing things but much more for stability and emotional support. Ambree was noticeably upset by his absence, which meant more fits, pretending to be a baby, being contrary and breaking down in tears for Sean. Some days were easier than others.

But on top of that, Monday night by back went out. I was laying Jack in his crib and suddenly I felt my disc bulge out and to the side. I couldn't stand up straight. It didn't hurt as much as I was functionally limited. I tried to get it to go back, but no dice. I put Ambree to bed. Then, of all the nights, Jack woke up and had spit up on his sheets- too much to just lay him back down. Changing Jack's sheets is the most physically intense thing I do as a mom- really. The sheets are super fitted, and the mattress barely fits into the bumper. It involved A LOT of bending my back and took about 5 minutes- not good for a bulging disc.

That night I booked an appointment with my friend and therapist, Tina, via her tech on FB.

By the morning, my shoulders were off to the side and I was even more bent at the waist with more pain, all indicating a disc bulge to the side. I took my friend Jeanine and her girls up on their offer to help. They came and cleaned, took care of the babies and babysat while I went to see Tina. And I am so prideful when it comes to my home being cleaned. I hate people seeing it messy. If you call to say you're coming over, I have Ambree cleaning up toys and I'm frantically throwing things in the spare bedroom. Having someone clean it for me was humbling, but grew me.

This went on all week. I couldn't bend over to pick anything up, lifting the children was painful and dangerous, and I only felt relief when laying down. I added it up, I think it took 15 people's help to get me through, and that doesn't count words of encouragement, friendly emails or texts or prayers. My mom was over every night, and my dad helped every night he was in town too. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such loving people.

I learned first hand that I'm not meant to live this life in isolation. Life is hard and filled with sin. When things are good, I need people to rejoice with me. When things are insurmountable, I need to be pointed to Christ, who has overcome all.

But the week wasn't all bad...

Ambree and Jack playing in Jack's corner,where he can often be found playing by himself.



 Sweet sibilings (its good theirs not sound on this image, or you would hear not such sweet words from a territorial sister)

 A fun visit to a friend's farm, where Ambree saw goats, pet a chicken, collected eggs, picked blackberries and rode a horse.

Jack is starting to take a couple of steps, refused shoes, and is making a name for himself in our home, as his little, but very big personality is emerging.

Thank you to everyone who helped with babysitting, cleaning, bringing over meals, praying, anything. Thank you to everyone who offered. Thank you, Mom, for being there every day and night. You are the best mom I could ask for and our family is so blessed by you.