To my boys...

Dear boys,

First, let me say how much I always wanted to be a mom. When the time was right, I prayed and prayed that God would gift me with a child. It took longer than expected and it weighed heavy upon me after so many negative pregnancy tests. But when that time WAS finally right, I received the most special gift of a baby boy. Being my first, I just hoped for a healthy baby. Boy or girl, it didn't matter. I always tell Parker, "Before you were born I hoped and prayed for a baby, and God gave me you. You were the one that belonged in our family." (He likes hearing that:))

Then we were ready for Baby #2 and this time, our timing was more in line with God's because we did not have the same tumultuous waiting game. When we found out it was another boy, I was surprised, but pleased. We celebrated with a cake that I tinted blue (though I didn't use enough food coloring and it ended up kind of green). Pete asked if we were having a boy or a Shrek baby.

While the boys were both young, they were sweet to each other, but overall kind of indifferent. I hoped with all my might that when they grew older that they would be friends. After all, having kids 2 years apart is no walk in the park... there had to be a pay out somewhere!

And my dream came true. When Austin was about 18 months and parker was 3 1/2, things started to click. They began playing together, talking together, sharing, caring... they were best friends. Not to say that there weren't the normal sibling squabbles, tattling, shoving, and name calling... we had our share. But I could see them developing a bond that would last them a lifetime. I could picture them in 5 years seeing each other on the playground at school and high-fiving. I could picture 10 years from now riding bikes to school together. I could picture 15 years from now Parker driving Austin to high school. I could picture them being each other's Best Man at their weddings. Even as they sat imagining with superhero characters and playing Legos in their room, I could picture they life that they would share. And it made my heart glad.

There's no "right time" to have #3, because once you do, you are admitting that you are ready to become outnumbered. Two kids, two parents... golden. Three kids and there just aren't enough arms, laps, etc... But even with that fear of child takeover, we wanted another child in our family. The child that will likely make our family complete. Again, I guess we timed it right because we were blessed quickly. I wondered what this third child would add to our family. What would the gender be and how would that affect the dynamics in our house? I felt confident that no matter what, that THIS was the baby that was meant to be with us.

As I laid on the table, with my two boys by my side, they were fascinated by the ultrasound. Parker could not get over we were actually watching our baby wiggle around. Austin thought it looked like a doggy. He kept saying, "Awe... it's such a cute little creature." Then the technician said, "Ok, I got a glimpse... I know what you're having. It's a boy! You're getting another brother." Parker responded, "But where's my sister?" Obviously he had his preference. But once it sunk in that another boy was indeed joining our family, he hasn't looked back.

Many people have expected me to be disappointed that it was not a girl. Before we found out, many commented about how maybe this time I was "finally going to get my girl." But in all honesty, because of the relationship that Parker and Austin have, I could not be more thrilled to add another member to their club. They are going to be such awesome brothers to this little guy... he's going to be one lucky boy! It's unfortunate that boys get a bad rap, just because we can't dress them up in frills and place larger than life bows on their heads. Girls are great, but boys are awesome too! There is nothing sweeter than your son cuddling up with you on the couch or looking at you sincerely in a moment when you've actually put makeup on and said, "You look beautiful." I take pride in raising sons of strong character and values. I want my sons to be the ones you want your daughters to date:)

So, meet the Dahlquists... Pete, Jessica, and three BOYS!

Boys, you are gifts to your Dad and me. We love every bit of who you are and who you are becoming. We get glimpses of your talents and mindsets and we are so proud. You are capable of great things and when you use your time doing things that are good and kind, you are becoming more and more of the person God wants you to be. That's all we could ever want for you. We will always be here for you when you are happy, when you are sad, when you have questions, or when you need a hug. But remember, you also have each other. Try every day to show love and kindness to your brothers, because they will end up being your very best friends. No matter where we live, no matter how old you are, you will always have each other to lean on. You three are the exact three boys that were meant for our family.

We can't wait to meet you baby boy #3. Get excited... you have two awesome brothers waiting to wrestle with you!

Love, Mama

Parker's Party

Initially, whenever Parker would tell me about his invite list for his party he would only list friends from San Diego. Thankfully, he has found some good buddies at preschool, so we invited three of them (+ a brother) over for lunch and a playdate. The moms stayed and it was fun chatting and getting to know them better. 

As previously mentioned, Parker wanted chicken nuggets, cantaloupe, and cheetos. I also had strawberries and made chicken salad croissant sandwiches for the moms, though we all ended up eating off our sons' plates when they were done. Chicken nuggets really are delicious. 

His friends... Bradley, Owen, Austin, Parker, and Jadon. 

Parker wanted a chocolate cake with vanilla frosting and sprinkles. Done.

  I warned Parker that due to the short notice, they may not have time to get him a present. He was really satisfied by that. I told him that if a friend doesn't bring a present, just don't mention it. He, however, wanted to say, "Hey, you didn't bring a present. Maybe you can bring one next time." Thankfully, we didn't have to cross that bridge, because the friends were nice enough to bring a gift.

Fun day with fun friends. Happy birthday Parker!

 Oh, here's Parker's cute Valentine's box from school. Parker D. (There's also a Parker B in his class)

 And one of his cute pieces of art.

Snowpocalypse

Snow is a funny thing here. We have lived in Utah (very snowy) and Michigan (even snowier and colder), but never has my life been more disrupted by snow than it has here. Crazy. We got about 4 inches or so over night on Monday (President's day... school and work holiday). They cancelled school and work on Tuesday. Pete went out to shovel our sidewalk and driveaway and do the same for a few elderly neighbors. It was cold enough that the snow coated the roads and kept us homebound for the day. I heard on the news that there were about 30 plows out and about. That's not enough for our large region. But they focused on main roads and by Wednesday, main roads were functional. However the neighborhoods were still unplowed. So they cancelled school and work again on Wednesday. Not only that but I was supposed to have my 20 week gender reveal/anatomy ultrasound and the office closed for the day. LAME! We had to get out, so we did go to the mall to play around lunch time. It was surprisingly empty. I guess people really hole up when there's the least bit of snow. I wouldn't have ventured out very far, but we needed a change of scenery. Days off are tough when you aren't expecting them. It was nice having Pete home, but you can only have so many days with nothing to do. 

Austin ventured out for a change. This was his reaction at first. 

 He loved feeling the snow falling.

 Parker was all about it. This was before the snow really collected in the yard.

 But then Austin slipped on the icy snow and while he was uninjured, he pride was beyond repair. Into the house we went. Parker continued unearthing toys on our deck and he played basketball with Pete.

 Austin was much happier inside.

 This was a yard after it really started piling up.

 Our across the street neighbor.

 The depth of the snow as evidenced by the half covered basketball.

Thursday the roads were better, so Pete just had a 2 hour delay at work. School was cancelled again so the boys and I killed time at home. By the afternoon, we were going stir crazy and were shocked to find out schools were closed again on Friday. NOOOOO!!!!! That is when I made the executive decision that we needed something to look forward to. I hadn't scheduled Parker's birthday party yet, so I called some of his preschool friends and asked if they were free for a party at our house the next day. Bingo. So I ran to the store to buy chicken nuggets, cheetos, and cantaloupe (Parker's requests) and some party favors and balloons, and we were ready for party-time! I'll post on the party in a separate post, but it ended up working out well and now we can just enjoy our family time on Tuesday when it's his actual birthday. Can't believe I'm going to have a 5 year old!

Austin's computer

My dad was generous to loan us another laptop, so that Pete and I didn't have to share one computer in the house. It's been so convenient. It's a smaller laptop which makes it very portable. Thanks Dad!

Austin apparently hadn't seen it until yesterday, but this was his response:

"Oh mom... you got me a computer. A baby computer!"

"Ummm... Austin... that's Dad's computer. Not yours."

"But it's so tiny, like a baby. Like me. It's a baby computer for a baby. It's for Austin!"

Buddies

These two are ideal brothers. They get along so well and the age gap is just enough so they have similar interests and can play endlessly on a daily basis. I feel so immensely blessed when I hear them imagining and running around downstairs. 

 We celebrated George on his birthday. He is not a big dessert person, so we put candles in a homemade lasagna. It went over well.

 Oh man... the snow. I'll do another post entirely on the Snowpocolypse of the last week (all 3-6 inches of it), but we're ready for winter to be done. It's frigid cold. The first snow day, Austin didn't even venture outside. This time, he bundled up like his bro and went outside to feel it falling. He liked it... and then he took a few steps, slipped, and it was OVER! Not a big snow fan.

Growing...

The boys are growing, our toy supply is growing, and... my belly is growing. So much so that Parker is certain the baby is bound to come any day. 

Yup, we're having baby #3 in July. We're very excited. 

I was holding a baby a few months ago after I had just found out I was pregnant and Austin said, "When is our baby coming?" That was before we had told the boys. Baby names... Parker wants Constantine if it's a boy and Eden if it's a girl. He also like John. I asked if he thinks it's a boy or a girl and he just says, "TWINS!" Nope... that has been confirmed. 

Needless to say, this baby will be well loved by their big brothers. 

We were supposed to find out the gender today, but due to "inclement weather", the doctor's office is closed. So lame! It's going to be a pain to reschedule all these appts that were missed. Anyway, as my dad said, "Nothing's going to change between now and the appt." True true.

Here I am at 16 weeks:)

I am now almost 20 weeks. I'm still wearing many of my pant which is shocking, but I can already see my face puffing up. Oh boy.