Bookinis & Board Shorts

It has been WARM! So, I packed up and took the kids swimming at the gym this afternoon. They were crazy excited and would NOT sit still for a picture. I BEGGED, NO LUCK....

(L to R)

Russ, Libby, Molly & Ally

Check out those muscles.. I mean HUGE floaties!

This year I went with "bookinis" (Molly's pronunciation) for the girls, thinking it would make quadruple bathroom trips WAY faster. Let me tell you.... I WAS RIGHT!!! Russ is super proud of his spider man shorts too.

And.. BREAK!

The second I said "GO," our kids were in water. They start "official" swim lessons next month and can't wait. Being a swimmer myself, I have been working with them since they were babies. They take to the water like fish to the sea. I'm so proud!!! This was their first dip in the pool of 2010 and they were diving in, kicking their legs, stroking their arms, and holding their breaths like little pros.

Little Libby

Ally Boo Boo

Russell Man

Molly Lou

Just like last year - we're lathering up early and often....

We buy this stuff in bulk at Costco!

It's so fun to watch them play together. Their personalities shine in everything they do. Libby is a miniature DARE DEVIL! Molly is WAY mature and leads the pack. Ally is the care giver and WORRIES about everyone at all times. Russ....well, Russ just goes with flow and stirs up the pot as often as he can... little turd! ;)

Our 4 little ducks

(L to R)

in reverse birth order..

Libby, Molly, Ally & Russ

Mo Mo

The Dude

(L to R)

Ally, Libby, Molly, Russ

Miss Molly

Sweet Ally

Russ was the last one in the water today and the last one out. When I gave them the "5 minutes," warning he cried, "NO, I WANT TO STAY HERE FOREVER AND EVER!" I laughed and said, "FOREVER AND EVER?" "Yes," he said, "FOREVER AND EVER." Then I laughed and said, "Dude your a prune, look at your hands!"

"Touche."

"Don't bother me, I'm sun bathing."

-Russ

"Life just does not get better than this."

-Libby

The girls were a bit easier to get going- with promises of returning soon. As we headed to the car, the kids skipping and laughing, Molly said, "Oh mommy, your the best mommy, thank you for letting us swim at the gym." I responded, "You are sooooo welcome & your THE BEST Mo Mo in the world." She hugged me and jumped in the car. Smart little booty kisser ;).

With weather in the high 80's/low 90's it's been amazing. BUT, it's supposed to rain all day tomorrow. You know what they say, "April showers bring May flowers!" All I know is I'm going to enjoying every moment with them before I hit the OR.

Have a great week everyone!

PS: For all you bargain shoppers out there, I got all 4 swim suits at Kmart 40% off this week. The arm floaties are from Toys R Us and were only $2.94 a set in their clearance section. Anywho, thought I'd share my great shopping finds. ;)

Happy Friday!

(L to R)

Russ, Ally, Libby & Molly

Thank you for all the kind and encouraging comments on the post below. It's SOooo nice to know that I'm not alone. I had no idea so many other woman had these issues too. We are one strong gender I tell ya! My count down is on and I'm so ready!

In other news... I gave the girls darling little bobs! For the first time EVER, Ally's hair is the longest. Don't freak out mom. Swim lessons start next month and it's the perfect hair cut for summer, pool time, tangles, and chlorine. It's also easy for Conor to fix while I'm down. BUT... I did PROMISE them they could grow it out for the winter- they are such girlie girls and love their long hair and curls. HOWEVER, they HATE to have it brushed. I'm all about simplicity these days.

Molly Mo Mo

Little Libs

Ally Boo Boo

"I'm having a bad hair day!"

-Russ

Have a great weekend everyone!

Mommy DOWN......

With just two weeks to go before my surgery, my "utie" decided to give her final farewell tour. It was a little like watching a plane crash in slow motion as I fought it all the way, eventually skidding in and coming to a complete halt.

Hey, if I can't laugh about the fact that I've been in bed since Friday night.. I might cry.

Me and Earl

-not pretty but there it is.

So, I'm waving the white flag and making fun of the SITUATION all the way to the O.R.! I thought I was in the clear until surgery next week, but the ol' body had other ideas. I guess it just makes this decision that much more clear.

The kids have been hanging out and making the best of it all. They are so loving with me and don't want to be far from wherever I am. Talk about four great reasons to smile! I'm sure they are just as ready for this to be over as I am.

Next Friday can't come soon enough...

Sitting with mommy and being productive!

-Libby

"Look mommy the Ssss' in my name looks like a snake!"

-Russ

Ally and Molly

Ally boo boo- our lefty!

Little Man

Libs reading to Penny

Finger Painting with Auntie Katie

-Ally

Russ and Molly

Little Libby

Ally and Penny

Roses Ally picked me from our garden

- Yellow, my Nani's favorite

Mo Mo pretending to be ME!

Sweet Penny has not left my side.

Story writing time!

Peek a boo!

-Ally

"Muuuuah!"

-Libs

Conor has been AMAZING. Simply AMAZING. I couldn't ask for a better partner or father to our babies. He's the best. Also, my mom, Deanna, Katie, Sarah, Aunt De and Aunt Barb have also been a HUGE support. Thank you all for keeping the house running and kids happy. I've said it a million times and I'll say it a million more.. I'm one lucky girl.

Here's to a fast 7 days. I've never been so ready for something in my entire life. I cannot wait to get back to chasing my kids and enjoying every moment. It's time to be healthy again. The thought of a life, free of pain, is something that makes me smile from ear to ear.

I promise to try to blog again before I go into the hospital, but if not, Conor will be back to fill y'all in and keep our memories recorded. I hope you've all had a great couple of weeks!

The Good Doctor

When Russ get's hit with a cold it will often move to his lungs. The poor dude has a rougher time recovering from bugs than his sisters. So, today I took him in to see the doctor, just to make sure we were all clear. Better safe than sorry! The little man, who was on oxygen until he was 8 months old, has come a LONG way! It's hard to even remember how fragile they all were.

Waiting patiently

(L to R)

Molly, Libby, Ally, and Russ

So, the girls and I took Russ to see the doctor. They haven't been in all winter (what a healthy difference four years makes) and they MISS their doctor! How freaking cute is that!?! You would have thought we were off to the North Pole to visit Santa Claus himself... that's how THRILLED they were to be going to see Dr. Farrell. They were cracking me up.

"Did someone say stickers?"

-Libby

I love that our kids LOVE going to the doctor. I'm not sure how we got so lucky. We spent endless hours in that office when they were little. Visits, that I worried, would be traumatizing. I would leave drenched in sweat and shaking most of the time. BUT, it seems to have had the opposite effect - who'd a thunk it? All those millions of times I've told them how lucky they are to have him as their Pedi must have paid off. ;)

When Dr. Farrell was done checking Russ, we started chatting, and the girls started pouting :(. When I asked them what was wrong.... Ally piped up.. "Docto' Farrwell, what about me?" Then, Libby and Molly chimed in as well "me too, me too!" Before we knew it, we had a chorus of little girls wanting their turn.

The girls got a little individual attention. He told them all how smart, strong, pretty, and healthy they each were, and we were on our way. I'm so happy they love the doctor... this will come in handy when we go in for their Kindergarten shots 7 months from now.

"What do you mean RUSS is the ONLY one who gets to see the Doc?"

-Molly wanted to be on the exam table

"Okay Russ, here's the plan.. as soon as your done we will hoist Molly up!"

-Ally, always the peace maker!

I hope your all having a great and HEALTHY week!

Little Gym Rats

Rainy days used to look something like this...

Fort McNulty

Now, they're more like this...

The kids' FIRST day going to the gym!

We recently decided to add our little peeps to our gym membership. Conor and I both love to work out - and love our gym. We've been members since we got married - and each day it's what keeps our minds, hearts, and bodies strong. We both agree it makes us better parents. For the last few years I have gotten up every morning at 5am so I could hit the gym before Conor headed out for work. It was worth every sleepless moment.

NOW, I get to go with the kids in the middle of the day. Cal Fit has a great program for our little athletes with "active hour," games, swim lessons, face painting, playgrounds, coloring.. you name it. It's a great way for them to socialize with other kids AND it's AMAZING to have a break in the day for us all. In fact, it's heavenly.

Seriously, I find myself working my tail off in spin class and smiling like a crazy person (is this why no one sits on the bike next to me =). It's like I have DIED and gone to mommy heaven. I know my kids are being taken care of beautifully, they are happy, and having a fantastic time. There are no words to explain what a little break in the day/routine has down for all of us. All I can say is the smiles are contagious! ;)

Happy Ally and Mommy

Also, the weekends have been a blast too. We're finally able to go as a complete family... something that was very important to us and long overdue. I cannot recommend this enough to other families who have the option. It's been the best decision we have made to date. The kiddos talk about it non-stop AND they are learning healthy habits they will carry with them the rest of their lives. We LOVE it!

Playing outside the gym - can't wait to get inside!

We hope you all had a great weekend! Happy Monday!