Octobers Leftovers

October was a mosh pit of randomness.  Here goes...

Sydney and I got to have a special date together one day while she was out of school and Simone was in- something that hasn't happened since.  She definitely craves one-on-one time and has been very verbal about how there's no time for her now that Cole has come along.  I think I knew this would happen, but hearing it out of her mouth makes it sting.  I try to give her extra hugs and attention, but also keep it real with her explaining that when she was a baby she got ALL of my attention, and on and on and on.  It probably doesn't make sense to her 5 year old brain, but it's a good life lesson.  You have to share, and that doesn't just apply to toys, darling.  Anyway, we had some fun going on a walk, picking out her very first lego and putting it together at Rob's work while Cole played on the floor.  Oh, and donuts.  Did I mention donuts? 

For some reason they had a silly week at school where they got to wear mustaches, pajamas, crazy hair and so on.  She had fun participating, and Simone enjoyed the mustache day....and the next day as mustache day....and the next day.

My very own Charlie Chapman.

Cole is 5 months now and here's what my notes say (as I'm writing this in arears)..."Sleeping horrible.  Adores everyone."  It's so true.  Whopping cough messed up the awesome little sleeper he was, and really- he loves everyone.  He doesn't cry or make a face, he just looks at who is holding him and goes about his business.  He's sitting up so well and can reach for things out of reach.  He now puts his beloved pacifier in and out and in and out.  He continues to be the best. baby. ever. and I cannot believe how in love I am with this little boy. 

We can't forget Halloween.  My most favorite holiday of them all.  NOT.  I was overwhelmed this year with the thought of making three homemade costumes...and it's probably because of the whooping cough stress- it just plum tuckered me out.  Sydney wanted to be a peacock, so I mustered enough creativity to make that happen thanks to a skirt we already had and a mask I bought from Goodwill.  I made her tail and shirt and basket, and she was ready to go.  Simone wanted to be a mermaid up until I told her she could be the gumball machine again and when she shrieked in delight I rejoiced inside.  Cole wore the same duck costume that the girls both wore on their first halloweens.  We did the traditional "treating" to our loved ones and then spent the evening trick or treating our neighborhood with Oma and Opa and Danny and Leah and kids.  I had a no-limit rule this year just for giggles, and oh dear.  Those kids can put down the suuuuggggaaarrr!!!  Gramma graciously took pictures of our costumes, and did a special photo shoot for Cole with some massive pumpkins and a cute naked bum.  She works wonders with that camera.

Leah, on the other hand, LOVES Halloween and always has her kids in the best get-ups.  Like this sweet octopus boy.  Incredible!!!

BOO!

Mama got red hair, played with Danielle's red lipstick and took a selfie....no, 3 selfies.  Whoa.  That's a lot to take in, I know.  I also got hooked on the foothills thanks to a good friend.  I'd always been a street runner and shriveled inside thinking of how the hills were going to be.  It just so happens her knees hate pavement, so if I wanted to run with her I was going to have to pull up my big girl panties.  I can't believe what I've been missing out on all this time. It's pure bliss running up and down hills with no traffic, and seeing all of the treetops, beautiful sunsets and breathing fresh air.  I'm addicted.  I enjoy core class, kickboxing and weights when someone is instructing me what to do...but running is just my thing.  It clears my head, it makes me happy, and I go home a better me.  More patience with my kids, more smiles for my husband.  Win-win, right? 

I wonder if Marcel truly lived by her words.  Cause if she did, I want to meet her.  I struggle SO hard with this.  With being in the moment.  With enjoying what I'm doing right.now. instead of worrying, planning, dreading all that needs to be done. It's hard to give it my all when we're playing house, barbies, doctor, etc.  So much easier to say "let's read a book!" because reading a book is EASY.  It takes no thought, no creativity, no attention.  My lips can read the words and my mind can have absolutely no clue what they are saying because it is elsewhere.  But, who wants to read books all. day. long?  Not my kids....so when I do play, I try so so so so hard to be present.  And sometimes I succeed and I feel invincible, but most times I fail, leaving more room for improvement.  Phew.  Good.  I didn't want to be perfect anyways.  ;)

She loves this dress that Auntie Laura brought her back from China when they visited.  And she loves the running pants that she paired it with.  And I love the smile and super-fly pose.

Ahhhhhhh.  Our first grade school photo.  Argh.  Swoon.  Tear.

Knee Deep in Lego's at the Library.  SO MUCH FUN!!!

The Boys Baptism

October brought the Gerichs family together...at least all four boys together...something that doesn't happen all that frequently, unfortunately.  Everyone has busy lives and it's hard to all be in the same place at the same time.  Cole and Gavin were baptized together at Holy Apostles, so Uncle Steve, Cousin Melanie and Uncle Mike came for the occasion.  It's a sweet, intimate little ceremony held after Mass.  Simone and Hannah were baptized together there as well, so it was reminiscent to have the boys done together.  Cole wore the same gown that Sydney and Robby wore, and Gavin wore the gown that Joe was dedicated in when he was just a baby.  They both looked like sweet little girls in their flowing white gowns and beautiful glowing faces. 

Cole fell asleep in Uncle Steve's arms during Mass- and Robby and I couldn't get over it.  That never happens to us so we were in shock that it did.  He slept through changing into his gown, and slept through the whole thing right up until the end.  Gavin was a happy little sweetie the whole time, not unlike his constant joyful self.

I'm thankful to belong to families, both mine and his, and a man who love the Lord so fervently.  It's been an interesting journey thus far marrying a Catholic after being raised a Baptist.  It's broken down my stereotypes about religion, torn down the boundaries that I've put God's love in and humbly made me realize that everyone views, rejoices, depends on, worships, and loves God in their own ways, and that each way is just as deserving and equal as the next.  I try desperately not to judge, as I've got more than enough work on my own spiritual path to worry about than someone else's.  God loves us all, and he simply can't be put in a box, so why try?

Simone took her job as baptismal-candle-holder VERY seriously.

Rob 35, Danny 40, Mike 46, Steve 43 (Or close enough)

I can't help but imagine the crazy and fun that growing up with 3 brothers was like.  It's fun to hear stories and each brothers thoughts and views on growing up together.  And pictures like this make me swoon.