The Conveyer Belt of Parenting...

I recently heard a woman of quadruplets describe parenting as a conveyer belt. She said "things that need to be done keep coming towards you and you just do each one as it comes." That's a sweet thought...

But what happens when the parenting conveyer belt looks more like this...

I know that now that I am a mother of three, my conveyer belt sometimes gets a little out of control. I hear simultaneously... "I need something to drink" "The toilet is overflowing" "Dallas is crying, Mommy!" (Really? Cause I couldn't hear the screaming in my ear!)

Yesterday, I took all three boys to the doctor and on a full grocery shopping trip. (I know, I know... what was I thinking?) But, this is my conveyer belt and I have accepted it. So, after confirming a double ear infection for Jadin, we headed to Publix. I stopped by the pharmacy to let them know to get the meds ready so I could pick them up when I was done shopping.

I had a talk with them before we began. I said "Huddle up boys. We are a team and I need everyone to help. So, put your hands in and yell Super Shoppers on 3." (Yes, it's cheesy, but they're boys... and they eat it up) Off we went.

It was the most perfect trip I have had until the last five minutes. Dallas rode in his sling, Brody drove the Publix gigantic race-car-cart and Jadin put each and every item in the basket. We checked out with ease and I even let the boys pick out a treat for being so amazing. Then, we stopped by the pharmacy where the medicine was supposed to be waiting so that the trip could end with a bang.

But, this is where our conveyer belt went array. He (the pharmacy tech) says, "Mamm, we have to give you antibiotics from 2 different manufactures. So, the labels are different. I wanted to show you that the ingredients are the same." (All of this in slow motion it seemed)

I'm thinking... Are you still talking??? Hurry!!!! Dallas was waking up. We had been there for 1 hour and 15 minutes and the good behavior was on the line. But, I said in a hurried voice, "Great, Great. We'll take it." And he says in slow motion again, "Well, now I gotta go mix it up."

Oh. My. Word.

So, Jadin asks to sit in the cart cause he is getting tired and the moment I sit the two together, World War III breaks out. Brody turns and pinches the snot out of Jadin for absolutely no reason to which I responded, "No Brody!!!!" And pulled Jadin out of the warpath. Then the man returns with the meds (FINALLY) and proceeds to tell me that I should sanitize the syringe between doses. Really? Do I look like an idiot???

In the words of Ellen DeGeneres I wanted to say "Umm... Could ya get my sandwich?" (If you haven't seen that routine, it's a must!) So, I grab the meds and turn around to see Brody mutilating the loaf of bread. I snatch it back. Now I'm in a sweat. Dallas is starting to cry to eat. I remove the treat Brody was supposed to get for good behavior. (Yes, I'm mean like that... whatever) And as we exit, Brody lets our a 2-year-old bloody-murder scream like nothing you have ever heard.

My conveyer belt was officially out of control. But, that's okay. It happens. I got the boys strapped in their car seats in the Florida Heat, got the A/C blowing and got back on track. What else is a mommy to do. :)

What Makes A Month...

It is hard for me to believe that Dallas Brantley, born on April 13th at 8:17 am, is ONE month old today. I was trying to think back to the days that seemed to whisk by... what in the world has made a month? I feel like it was just yesterday that he was born, weighing in at 8 lbs 1 oz and was 21 inches long. But actually, yesterday, he weighed in at 10 lbs 9 oz and is getting bigger by the day. Many have asked for a new blog, but with three kids... let's get real... time is not on my side!!! So, I decided to dedicate tonight to reminding myself and sharing with you what made a month in our world...

Week 1: Dallas is born. First photo shoot.

Week 2: Dallas grows. 2nd photo shoot. Brody dresses up as a playa'???? :)

Week 3: Dallas grows. Brody starts school and drops out all in 1 week. 3rd photo shoot.

Week 4: Dallas grows. Mothers day. I turn 28. He turns 1 month old.

And 1 month is made.

Just. Like. That. :(

The 4-B-4...

We are roughly 10 days away from becoming a Party of Five. It's hard to believe Brody will become a big brother, Jadin will be an even bigger brother and Jeremy and I will be the proud parents of a THIRD child!!! A little scary but we are up for the challenge. I can't wait to hold him or her and find out if he or she is a him or her!

But, before that day arrives... we wanted to take a few pictures to capture our life as it is right now. 2 beautiful boys that we love and adore and a great marriage that we enjoy. It's a bit sad to say goodbye to our party of four since we are preparing for an addition that will soon out number us! But, we believe that each child is such a blessing and miracle. So, if there is room in the heart, then there is room in the home.

Food Fight: Party of One

After serving Brody some lunch, I got busy in the kitchen preparing some buffalo chicken dip for our small group that evening. He was quiet and content which should have been my first clue!

Once I wrapped up what I was doing, I glanced over at Brody to see the tail end of his solitary food fight. He was finishing off the last drop of applesauce by smearing it into his blonde locks. I said, "Brody, what are you doing?!?!?!?!" He replied confidently, "I give me haircut." Of course! Haven't you heard? Applesauce is the new pomade. It's sticky and will smell fresh for at least a few hours.

Stuff like this doesn't get to me. I take the blame if a disaster happens but I capture it with a picture first. Then, off to the bathtub he went. :)

And the forecast calls for... 5 more pounds

At a recent doctor's visit, I was talking to my doctor about how with this pregnancy, I feel like I cannot get enough to eat. With my two boys, I slowed down towards the end of the pregnancy- I felt really full if I ate a normal size meal. But, this time... I am able to put it down and go back for more!

His response was... "Well, we like for women to shoot for about a 30 lb weight gain and you've only gained 20." He went on to say, "In the last trimester, women typically gain a pound a week, where the baby gets almost half of that weight gain. And, you only have 5 weeks to go... so you're only looking at gaining.... 5 more pounds. I say... eat what you want and enjoy it."

And I always follow doctor's orders! Not that I needed his permission, because I was doing just fine eating what I wanted and enjoying it too! But, I got to thinking about how they say half of the weight gain goes to the baby in the last trimester. Yet they kindly don't mention where the other half goes. Well, let me tell you where it goes...

You can count on a couple of pounds landing right on the ole derriere. A good pound or two in your thighs and arms. Why not inject a little water weight into your ankles? And don't forget about your face... where do you think those glowing cheeks come from? Of course, you may benefit from the larger bust size... (sorry to my male readers :)) But, we all know it's a fleeting increase that will leave you worse for the wear.

Don't get me wrong, I am not crying over the weight gain. I mean, I dread seeing the scales go up at every visit like any other woman. However, in the end, I know it's just a few pounds and a little wear and tear for a new life. So... I guess I can sum this blog up with my favorite quote...

Put your big girl panties on and deal with it!!!

Literally! :)