SKYPE - so fun!!!

Oh how times have changed.... I can now video chat with my brother in Southern California or with my sister 20 minutes away in Owasso! So much fun!!! It is so great that my boys can stay in touch with family so far away and actually see that person while they are chatting. We will definitely have to have a class on "skyping" etiquette. So far our video chats have included 1) learning how to do the "sprinkler" AND 2) seeing what the camera will show when you hold it up to the entrance of your nose. They are definitely enthused about what the camera can capture them doing. Yep, life with boys is definitely entertaining!!!

Here is a video of Little Man (with his new his big boy haircut) seeing himself on the computer in REAL TIME...

Where does all the time go???

I wish I had more time to do all the things my little heart desires. 1st would be spending more time on the floor playing with my boys. I need to make that more of a priority. What a difference it would make in their lives!!! 2nd would be getting current with our family scrapbooks. Until a year ago, I made time weekly to download pictures to our computer, get them printed and put them in a scrapbook. I use the term scrapbook loosely. I use a sticker here and there, but mostly use the scrapbook as medium to journal the life of my boys. And 3rd, I would clean out my garage and organize it just the way it should be.

After 1, 2, and 3 were completed I would spend more time making things. I am constantly drooling over all of the things (on everyones blog) that are being created. I feel like such a blog stalker. I read everyones blog at least 2 times a week and then look at the last time I posted and it was over 6 months ago. Who knows who even reads it. I am sure by now most of my friends and family have already deleted the link to my blog. I keep telling myself that as soon as I have time to download pictures, I will post a blog, because it is the pictures that everyone wants to see. I then came to the realization that I should blog for me and my boys and IF someone else finds pleasure reading my words than that is only a benefit.

So this is dedicated to my boys....

DREW - You are amazing! One day I hope you know how much I love and adore you. I don't just love you because you are my son, I love you because of who you are. You are thoughtful, kind, observant, athletic, smart, and oh so handsome. You don't know this, but so often I sit and watch you as your are eating a meal, reading a book, or even playing with Eason and I can't imagine my life without you. I can remember the day you were born and how it changed me as a person. You have taught me so much and I strive daily to be a better person because of you! I can't believe how big you are. You just lost your 2 front teeth and are so tall. You are only 6 and already stand at 4 feet 6 inches... CRAZY! I jokingly tell your dad that when you get into middle school the two of you can share shoes.

EASON - You are a love! I can't describe in words how much I just want to "eat you up". Every time I see you, I just want to squeeze you and never let you go. The world is a better place because you are a part of it. You definitely keep me on my toes. Sometimes I wonder if I'll be able to keep up with you and keep you challenged. Your memory is unbelievable for a 3 year old and you are oh so creative and witty. You are constantly cracking us up at the things you do and say. You will never have a hard time making friends. Everyone just loves you. I adore your curly hair. It makes me think of your grandpa Pappy, who died 2 months before you were born. You would have loved him and he would have thought you hung the moon.

SILAS - You are delicious! I can't wait to see who you become, but at the same time, I want you to stay my baby forever. You are walking and eating big people food now. I gave you a hamburger a couple weeks ago, and you ate it like I had been starving you. You couldn't cram it in your mouth fast enough. You already have such a quirky sense of humor. You love playing with your big brothers and if you don't get your way, you throw quite a little fit. I love the way you smell, still baby sweet... I love the way you bury your head into my neck right after you wake up. I love the way you pat my back when I carry you on my hip. As I am doing chores around the house, I love the way you are constantly at my feet as to say, "I know I'm safe with you momma." I think I just love everything about you!!!

I pray everyday that the 3 of you will be best friends forever. I pray that your lives will always include each other and that you understand the importance of being brothers. I also pray that you live with Christ in your heart and that your choices will reflect that. I pray that you respect others and that you always keep in mind what is better for the whole not just for the individual. I pray that you are blessed with happiness and sense of peace in your soul. I pray that even through trials and tribulations that you do what is right no matter the consequence. I pray that one day you will know how much I love each one of you for who you are. I thank God for blessing me with being your mommy!!!

A WONDERFUL DAY!!!

What a wonderful day!!! Si & I spent the morning at one of my sister's visiting and playing with her twins, Finn & Grace. We had so much fun. Si was thoroughly entertained and I loved spending time with my niece and nephew...

I then spent the rest of the afternoon playing with Silas and neglecting everything I had planned to do. I tried to introduce some new toys to him but all he wanted to do is play with me. I think I am his favorite toy right now! Both Drew & Eason went through a stage just like this. I then sat on the couch and held him while he napped, truly the best thing in the world!!!!

After picking up Drew, Eason, and a friend from school, I initiated a water balloon fight in our backyard. It was so fun until 2 of the 3 children involved began to cry because Drew was not wet. I made sure that did not last for ling because the hose made its appearance in the water fight. Needless to say, no one left this water fight dry...

Here is Eason, not so happy that his big brother pelted him with several water balloons while his mother, that would be me, was laughing hysterically while video taping the whole incident.

We ended the night by cooking breakfast for dinner and hanging out together. Si just loves his brothers and when they get in arms reach he makes sure to grab on and not let go!

I AM SOOOOOO BLESSED!!!!

Baby Silas a.k.a. Stinker Pinkerton

First, here is a picture of the the boys together!

How blessed am I?

So as I promised, here are some pics of my beautiful baby Silas, better referred to as Stinker Pinkerton. If you know me at all, you know that all who are dear to me earn a nick-name. And if you knew my dad, that would all make sense. The apple does not fall far from the tree...

I just love this picture. It is Silas in his Easter outfit, which of course, coordinated with his brothers. I am sure in a year or so I will not be able to get away with the matching outfits.

Isn't a sleeping baby one of the most precious things in the world?!?! Notice the "GONK" in his mouth. That is what his pacifier is called in our house. It has had a different name with each child, but this time the credit goes to Eason. For some reason Eason pronounced some "m" words with a "g" sound. Most specifically Gonkey for Monkey and Gook for Milk. Don't ask because I have no explanation. The funniest is when Eason would say "Siwas eat booby gook" in reference to nursing. Quite humorous!!! Anyway, the "GONK" is a must in our world.

This is Silas's Mr. Magoo face. It occurred this time because for some reason he is not partial to jarred, mushed up green beans. It also might have something to do with the fact that he was sick at the time. My bad for trying veggies first. No worries people, he loves sweet potatoes and carrots, but his great love is yogurt...

Baby bathing in a bumbo! I am not sure if the bumbo was intended to be used in the bathtub, but it sure was fun. He loved splashing around in the big tub. There are definitely some creative modifications that have to be made for a baby who wants to sit up but can't yet do it on his own. Silas is growing too fast. He was officially to big for his infant carrier before he turned 6 months. Why can't they stay little longer?!?!

2 of the GREATEST LOVES of my life...

So here is Eason, hard at work... I just love the Montessori Method of teaching. He thinks he is just having fun transferring water from one bowl to another and doesn't even realize the practical application it has on his life and the learning process of his future. Dionne, one of the school directors and one of our most favorite people, sent this picture to me from her iPhone.

Eason is like icing & sprinkles on a cake! He makes me smile just thinking about him! He is so funny all of the time. He is also so sweet and thoughtful. When he naps with me, he always asks if he can hold my "finga". He will work his way through my fingers until he gets to my thumb and then he'll say, "there it is, mommy's finga". It is like his security. It is so fun to watch his relationship with Drew & Silas. With Drew, he is always antagonizing him and pushing his buttons. His favorite thing is to say, "Drew did it!" It doesn't matter if he is talking about his own poopy diaper or the mess he leaves in his room. With Silas, he is constantly giving him hugs & kisses.

Drew lost his first tooth this past week at school... We think he lost his second tooth while eating a crunchy PB&J sandwich. I say that because, he had the tooth at church then right after lunch he didn't have the tooth. Yum, Yum... I am hoping the tooth fairy will make it up to him somehow!

This is Drew at school reading a book about George Washington. How cute is that... Aunt JoJo, the other school director and one of our other favorite people, took this picture and emailed it to me. I can't hardly believe that Drew is losing teeth and reading... It seems like just yesterday that we brought him home from the hospital and called him "baby drew".

Drew is such a wonderful big boy! He is such a good big brother to Eason & Silas. He is always helping Eason and has no problem teaching him the rules. They spend a lot of time wrestling and dressing up in costumes. With Silas, he is always wanting to hold him and love on him. I am so proud to be his momma!

I did not forget about Silas... I will post pictures of him later. This post is all about the big boys!!!!

The New Addition!!!

It is about time that I updated my post.... I have already returned to work

after a much enjoyed maternity leave with my boys!!!!

So here is the newest addition to the family!

SILAS LEE WAGENBLATT

9-15-09 & 8# 5oz.

Isn't he absolutely delicious?!?!?!

CHANGES!!!!

Today was a big day on our house.... Eason started school for the first time! He is attending Lake Hills Montessori (LHM) with his big brother Drew. For the past several weeks, we have been talking about "school" and every time he would point to Drew and say "cool with BUBBA"! It is definitely a change for me. No children in the house for over 5 years, but I guess that will only last a week or so. I plan to get a lot done and relax a little bit. I am definitely going to get a pedicure!!!! I have not splurged in awhile and I want to treat myself before Silas arrives....

I also had to post a picture of Drew on his first day of Kindergarten at LHM. He couldn't have been more excited!! He has been attending LHM for the past 2 years, but now would be BIG MAN on campus and stay all day until 3pm. The morning curriculum has stayed the same, but after lunch he gets to go into a different classroom for an extended program that focuses more on reading and writing. FYI: Drew and his Kindergarten teacher wear the same size shoe! I think we have a couple of line-backers in our house.











So here I am belly and all... We are so excited to welcome #3 into our lives. What a blessing!!! We have decided to change his middle name to LEE. My moms middle name is Lee and so was her father's. So the final verdict is SILAS LEE. As for now he has made himself comfortable in a breech position. I have a doctor's appointment on the 8th to see if he has turned.

Well, as for me and my house, we love the LORD and have FAITH that everything happens for his purpose, so I will keep posting on the path of our lives!!!!

HE HAS A NAME!!!!

So, we finally have nailed down a name for our baby boy we plan to meet in September or sometime before....

SILAS McGUIRE WAGENBLATT

We knew that we wanted a family name and we wanted it to come from our mother's lineage since Drew's name is from Andy's dad's side and Eason's middle name is after my dad. I have spent months going through family papers and we have discussed many names. Not one of those options lasted greater than 48 hours and this one has stuck for over 2 weeks....

We chose the name McGuire first. It is after my mother's great-grandfather whose name was Maurice McGuire Butts "Papa Mac". Then several weeks ago when my brother Kem was in-town, he suggested the name Silas. I told him that I had always liked the name, ever since my college roommate named her little boy that, but it had no family connection for us, so I quickly dismissed the suggestion. Not even 12 hours later Andy said what do you think of the name Silas? I quickly questioned how he came up with that name and asked if he had spoken to my brother. He informed me that after a conversation with his mother the evening before, he found out that is mother's great-grandfather's name was Silas Foster. So the name comes from both of our mother's great-grandfather's, how cool is that?!?!

We will probably call him "SI" for short. We are so excited to meet Si and to see who he looks like. It will be so interesting to what kind of personality he has. Drew and Eason are so different in so many ways and so similar in so many ways. Drew is so excited and has had some practice this summer with our friend Greyson Francy who is a baby and been spending one day a week with us. It has also been fun to see how Eason acts with a baby in the house.

Until next time....

MY THREE SONS...

I guess I am meant to be the mother of boys.... After several ultrasounds, it is confirmed, we will be welcoming another little boy into our family! We are so excited. Don't get me wrong, I really did not care if it was going to be a boy or a girl, but I am kind of excited that I will be the only girl in the family!!!!

So the next decision is his name. I love names that are not too common and have meaning. His middle name will be LEE, my mom's and my late grandfather's middle name, but the first name is up for discussion. We have some top runners, but could use some suggestions. So let me know what you think!

To my future little boy - I look forward to holding you in my arms and seeing who you look like. Most of all I am curious to learn what kind of personality you will have. Drew is excited to have another boy on his team to "wrestle daddy" and Eason has no clue what is getting ready to happen. He has just taken notice of other babies and is constantly requesting that I hold him like a "beeby". You have 2 wonderful brothers that will I'm sure teach many things way too early in life!!! Love, your mommy

NO PICTURES, but BIG NEWS!!!!

So here it goes.... There is going to be a new member to the Wagenblatt CREW later this year. I went to my second doctor's appointment yesterday and everything is progressing as scheduled. I am about 11 weeks along and the baby is quite active and has LONG legs, according to the Doc.

As for me, not feeling so good. Don't get me wrong.... I am so excited about the baby and cannot wait to meet him or her, but the pregnancy thing is not fun so far. I have already lost 15 pounds and cannot hold down food or liquids most days. I sleep all of the time, or at least when I can with 2 kids and working nights.

Drew is so excited to have a baby in the house. Last week he said he wanted a baby sister because she might want to cuddle with him instead of wrestle like Eason. Eason doesn't have a clue of what is going to happen, but I am sure he'll adapt....

I will post later with some newer pics of the BOYS!!!!

Brothers, Best Friends, & Accomplices....

So here they are, my beautiful boys! I want to eat them up. They are absolutely delicious!!!! If Heaven is better than this, then sign me up. I cannot imagine anything better than being a "momma". Of course it helps when you have 2 of the most adorable children.... I know, all you moms are thinking the same thing about your own children and that is perfect. That is why being is mom is so special. God created us to be the ultimate protector here on earth for the precious creations he has allowed us to care for! (even if that time is short).....

If you look closely at the above picture, you will notice that Drew picked out his own outfit. And of course, no outfit is complete without a cape. Isn't is awesome how a child's mind is so innocent and so creative!

Drew is always looking out for his little brother. He loves to teach him things and show him what "big boys" can do. That can get a little scary at times. For example, going down a slide on your feet. Not something you want a 1 year old doing.
















How sweet is this one. It was Christmas morning and the boys had been playing on their new "for outdoor use only" slide that currently found a home in our living room. Honestly is was one of the best investments yet. If plastic could catch fire from too much friction we would have to call 911, because that slide gets more attention than any toy in our house. In this picture, Eason is sitting in Drew's lap on top of the slide. It took about 20 attempts to get a good picture because Eason kept on arching his back to make Drew loose his grip so that he could keep on sliding.

I was so glad I had my camera in my purse for this one. Just imagine with me.... I had worked the night before and at this time had been awake for the past 36 hours. In preparation for lunch I realized that my procrastination in going to the grocery store had left our refrigerator quite empty. And trust me, when I say empty, I mean EMPTY!!! Not a thing to "fake" a decent lunch for the boys that I could somewhat pass off as nutritious, and once again trust me, I have been known to get pretty creative when I am tired. I threw on a hat to cover my 36 hour old hair that had met the couch once already that morning for a faux nap, tried to clean up the mascara under my eyes, threw a coat over my PJs, put on shoes that had no business being worn with PJs, and did I mention "no bra". Scary I know. You can't tell in the picture, but I did not even get the boys dressed. Just tried the same as I did with myself and went with the hide in a large coat philosophy. I just wanted to make a quick run to the store to get a few things to get through the rest of the day. On entering the store the boys spotted the dreadful 400 pound "car cart" that has wheels that do not roll nor turn. I was too tired to convince them otherwise so I just gave in. I took about 10 minutes to buckle Eason in and FOLD Drew's legs into a space that should not fit an over 4 foot tall 4 year old with size 2 (in men's) feet. During this process, I am still trying my hardest to remain as inconspicuous as possible. Yeah, not really happening... To make a longer story longer, someone should have told me that the "car cart" had not only 1 working horn but 2 working horns, which we discovered in the dairy section at Reasors. I cannot tell you how many people either stopped to comment on how cute this was or to give me the look like they thought 11 a.m. on a Tuesday was going to be a peaceful trip to the store. I should have learned my lesson the previous 100 times that I did not get dressed and fix my face that I would run into people I knew. Because once again that happened also....

I just love this one. Drew and Eason have so much fun together and love each other so much. When is is time to pick up Drew from school, all I have to do is say, "Eason, lets go get bubba". He immediately stops what he is doing, runs to the garage door and puts on his coat. In the car he says Bubba about 100 times along with screaming and clapping. As soon as he sees Drew he squeals and make a mad dash to hug him hello.

Isn't life great!!!!

Happy New Year,

Karissa

For my wonderful friend Becki....

Hello Becki.... I think you might be the only person who checks my blog on a regular basis. I was reading your blog and thought I would have some fun with the "Who's Who?"

WHO'S WHO?

What is your husband's name? Andrew "ANDY"

How long have you been married? 8 1/2 years

How long did you date? We met when 1992 when we were 16 years old and "made out" on a regular basis then started officially dating in the spring of 1995.

How old is he? 33 years old

Who is taller? Andy is! Which I love....

Who can sing best? Definitely him. I love to sing but can't even sing "happy birthday" without my 4 year old, Drew, telling me to be quiet.

Who is smarter? I guess it depends on the topic.

Who does the laundry? Usually me, but in the recent past someone complained about not having the appropriate jeans for work, so I quietly place a certain persons dirty clothes to the side....

Who pays the bills? That would be me.... Before Andy & I got married, his dad's big advice was for him to let me take care of all the finances. It might be a control thing, but I actually do not mind....

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? At our old house I slept on the left side of the bed and in our current house I sleep on the right side of the bed. I am not sure what that means!

Who mows the lawn? Andy did the lawn for years, then I did it for couple of years and now it is whoever loses rock, paper, scissors....

Who cooks the meals? Depends on if I am working that night or not. For those who do not know, I work the night shift at St. Francis Hospital as a RN in the NICU. On the nights that I work, dad is in charge. The rest of the time its all me!!!! I love to try out new recipes.

Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? That a hard one.... We are both pretty stubborn!

Who kissed who first? Honestly I do not remember.... That was 16 years ago. All I remember is that it was wonderful!!!!

Who wears the pants? Andy, but I tell him when to put them on and take them off....

If you haven't already participated, give it a whirl!

Like Father, Like Son!!!!

How cute is this picture? It was taken October 18th. I know I did not get a great start "blogging" and I am reminded every time I read Becki's site.... How awesome is she for keeping us all updated on her family and oh how beautiful they are!

So, back to the picture of my boys!!!! Drew was so excited to go hunting with his daddy. We had been discussing this day for a long time. The best part of the day was when Andy woke up Drew at 4 am to get ready.... I had already been awoken by Andy and his morning preparation and I had planned to "stay" asleep so that 1) Eason did not get up and 2) to let Andy and Drew make it a boy day from the start, and to tell you the truth I just did not want to get out of bed! As Andy woke up Drew the first thing out of Drew's mouth was, "I love you DAD, but I'm going to miss MOM when we are hunting". If that doesn't melt a momma's heart I don't know what would. Of course I instantly got out of bed with the biggest smile 4 am ever saw and sent my boys off for the day with lots of hugs & kisses, instructions on safety, and a variety of snacks and thirst quenchers....

They had a great time. No deer were hurt in the making of this episode, but a scavenge hunt in the woods turned up a really cool turtle shell and a lesson on the "skat" of different animals. I love being the only girl in the house!

The TIME has come!!!!

Becki Francy has been bugging me to "get with the program", so the TIME has come!!!! I figured that if I want everyone to know what is going on with the Wagenblatt CREW that I better figure out how to "BLOG". It will take me awhile to get creative and actually make postings a regular occurrence, but I am trying and that is all that matters....

It is currently 2:00 am in the morning and I am at work. For those of you who do not know, I am a RN in the NICU at Saint Francis Hospital. I would love to be home with my boys full time, but since I have to work, this is the JOB for me.

So here is the update on the "FAM"....

Andy, the husband, is currently working as a carpenter full-time through the local Tulsa Carpenter's Union. He loves his job and always has an interesting story to tell about what he did all day. Most days are spent supervising, but I get the feeling that he'd rather be getting his hands dirty. After many threats of retiring from soccer, I think the decision was forced upon him this year. I keep telling him that his body is getting older and can't take all of the abuse.

Drew is 4 going on 14.... He is in Pre-Kindergarten this year at Lake Hills Montessori and loves every minute. When I picked him up at school today, his teacher informed me that he had spent all morning writing. He is a true Montessori child. He is so focused and will not give up until he is successful at whatever he is doing. Independence can get a little frustrating sometimes, for him and the rest of us. He wants to everything himself. Not only is he focused but quite witty. Several weeks ago when the Olympics were still on he heard a classical song playing during one of the events. He proceed to say, "mom, that is Johann Sebastian Bach". In amazement, I replied by saying, "what did you say!" He repeated himself then added on the comment, "he is a classical artist, you know"!

Eason is 14 months now and quite a handful. He is a great mixture of sweet and sour!!!! His personality cannot be explained with words. He already has a great sense of humor and is so sweet, most of the time. When the "tude" comes out it does it with a vengeance. Anytime Drew is watching cartoons in the playroom, it is Eason favorite task to run into the playroom, turn off the TV, laugh, and run out. It would be funny, but the ritual goes on and on, until Drew is either in tears or until Eason has convinced him that is is time for a friendly game of "what can big brother teach me to jump off of?"

Parenting boys is full of action and I would not trade it for the world. It is the best joy ever.... I absolutely love every minute. The best is at the end of the day after we have said our goodnight prayers, my day is ended with a slobbery kiss from Eason and Drew saying, "Mom, I love you infinity and bigger than a beanstalk!"