The Loss of Friends New and Old

I'm going to quit saying that I have been slacking, when really I think the truth is that there seems to constantly be less and less hours in the day and if I leave one thing out, it is easily going to be blogging (or maybe laundry...well probably both). Anyway, we have had a busy couple of weeks. Last week we finally got the fence that we had been talking about and planning for on Tuesday. Three professional fence builders took all day to complete our fence and they did a great job! Then Wednesday night a downburst (this is a new weather term to me which basically means crazy freaky thunderstorm that has some really nasty winds) took a huge tree into our fence and pretty much right up to our house. All things considered, we are pretty lucky that only a portion of the fence was wrecked, our house was fine and no one was hurt. But it still sucked. Luckily we have some really awesome friends and family (thanks Jon, Jeremy and Adam!) that helped clean up the tree and hopefully we will get our fence fixed soon.

As for old friends, we have bid Ben's binkies adieu. I think that I want them back. After a lot of empty threats as to what was going to happen if Ben kept pooping his pants, we finally pulled out the big guns and threatened to trash the binkies. One turd later, and Ben doesn't get his binkies anymore. The first night started out okay, but he was awakened by some thunder and seriously, it was like watching an addict go through withdrawal. So, at about midnight we had to go to his room and finally had to calm him down with a pop tart in bed (hello...uses food to deal with stress anyone?) Tonight was our third night without binky and it is really still not going that great. He doesn't lay down like he used to (he used to look forward to going to bed), doesn't take the greatest naps and announces bright and early that "he is awake" and "ready to come downstairs" which of course rouses Maddie and soon I have both of the chorusing the same thing. But, I suppose at about three and a half it was time to finally ditch the bink. But I really, really, really didn't think I would have to be the strong one in the situation, I am so ready to give it back to him!

You would not believe how much Maddie talks. She is a parrot who I can understand more then I do Ben. This week she really started stringing sentences together and can carry on entire conversations. Her favorite phrase when she gets up is "Up Now, Clothes On". She of course, has to pick out her own outfit right away, for fear that I will trick her into wearing something that she might not want to. She is too much.

Zach continues to grow, and grow and grow. He is such a happy baby, you just have to smile when you look at him. He is finally rolling over with ease, which has helped him sleep a little easier, because he can roll onto his stomach. But that doesn't stop him for getting up for at least one midnight snack. He loves going for car rides and just watching the kids run around him. I love that they are built in entertainment for him. Speaking of Zach, he's fussing!

Zach Attack!

So, we took Zach to the doctor today and amidst much speculation he doesn't weigh QUITE as much as Maddie. But it is close. Really close. If it was a boxing match, it would go something like this: "Weighing in at a petitie 23 pounds, size 4 diapers, don't let her pixie demeanor fool you, this girl is all spit and vinegar....Madilyn Brogan!" "Her opponent in the ring today, nicknamed the Chunky Monkey, weighing in at a robust 21 pounds 4 ounces, also in size 4 diapers, taking a few minutes away from his mom's boob to hop in the ring with his sister....Zachary Brogan!"

Yep, less than 2 pounds separate my 4 month old and my 21 month old. Pretty funny. We can start Zach on cereal now, so we are hoping that will maybe stick to his ribs a little bit more and he won't need to nurse all the time. The kid may or may not (but probably is) addicted to my boobs. But most importantly, he is a healthy boy!

Our kids are currently all resting up for some 4th of July activities that will be taking place on my parents homestead this afternoon/evening. Hopefully home grown fireworks won't freak Ben out quite as much as the real deal. We are looking forward to a lot of eating and perhaps a beer or two...Zach is groggy from his shots so he won't know the difference:) I hope everyone has a happy 4th! Yeah Democracy!