A Robot that cleans my floors!

Well, Santa knew just what to bring this year! I have a new best friend. Mr. Roomba has been all over my house cleaning up dust bunnies, crumbs, etc. When he is working, I have a new motivation to clean. And it really works. This morning I locked him in the laundry room & my closet for about an hour and returned to find a clean floor! Amazing. I love this guy.

Thanksgiving

I love this time of year. I look forward to putting up my Christmas tree, I enjoy shopping on Black Friday (even Walmart at 5am), and I love making my Christmas card. Since Bryan and I got married (1999) we have made a Christmas card with a picture of our family. Until 2003, it was just me and Bryan and the cats, but now we enjoy taking a family picture to share with our friends & family. Each year, it becomes more of a challenge to get everyone looking at the camera & happy. Here are a few of my failed attempts at this year's card.

Laid Back Luke

Luke is so precious. He absolutely adores his brothers. The mere mention of their names brings a smile to his face. If they are touching him, he's happy. But, suprisingly he is a very light sleeper, which isn't good considering the noise level at home. And he's not the easiest baby - but we are enjoying every minute of his babyhood.

Nate

Nate...

He's so much like his Dad. He pays attention to detail. He has to know exactly how it works. He loves the science behind things. That is probably why his favorite thing to watch on TV is "How Its Made" on the science channel. He doesn't like chocolate, he loves raw vegetables. He will pick a pepper or a tomato off the plant and bite in.

He loves milk and vanilla wafers and it is crazy about his new brother.

I miss him so much while he is at school, and so does Henry. Luke misses him too, he just doesn't realize it yet.

O Henry

Henry has beautiful eyes. He is changing so fast right now, turning 4 was huge for him. He actually slept in his bed all night 2 nights this week (not consecutive nights). He is so loving. He wants to fall asleep with my arms wrapped around him. As I'm trying to teach him to fall asleep without me, I keep reminding myself that 10 years from now I'll probably give anything to get to fall asleep with him in my arms. Oh, in this picture he has on 3 pajama shirts, and I wonder why I have so much laundry...

The shower

It's a big event. The first time you (as a Duncan boy) get to take a shower with Dad. We have pictures of Nate's first shower, then Henry's first shower, and finally Luke's first shower. Luke seemed to like it, despite all the squealing & shouting. Although he does look a little nervous in this picture.

Luke has been sick this week. We spent 3 mornings going to the Dr. It started with a cold, then the croup, then a fever of 103.4, finally a really nasty ear infection. He's doing much better now. I guess he will catch every cold that comes through our house because Nate & Henry can't keep their hands off him! But what's a little bad cold now & then when you've got so much love from your brothers.

Luke at almost 3 months.

Settling into 3

Life here at the Duncan house has been pretty crazy lately. Blogging is very high on my list of priorities, and as you see, I am not getting to blog very much. These boys are crazy. I know it's not gonna get any easier, but I am expecting to get better at handling this chaos. Halloween was lowkey with a little trick or treating in the neighborhood. We were in bed just after 8. Outage at Duke Power means Bryan is at work most all the time. Nate & Henry are pulling out all the stops when it comes to trying to surprise me. I never know what I might find when I walk in the room. But, I keep reminding myself that one day, when I'm old & can sleep all I want and long for company, I will say to Bryan, "Bryan, you remember that day that the boys drew all over their faces with permanent marker? They drew moustaches & beards and even ear hair. Now wasn't that funny. Those were the good ole' days, right Bryan. Boy, I sure do wish I could go back & do it all again."

Maybe I will say that one day, maybe I won't. Maybe I'll just be enjoying the peace & quiet.

Henry you are so funny

Kia for sale!

I have done something many of us say we will never do. I bought a used minivan. I love it! I still have all 3 boys in car seats/booster seats and we were busting out of the Kia. I couldn't even fit the stroller. Now, I have so much room. I even have a DVD player. We may just spend the afternoon hanging out in the car. Take some cookies & milk, put on a movie. I don't like minivans anymore than the next person, but once you try one, it's hard to not drive one. Yippee! Be on the lookout for the blue Honda Odyssey.

brushing teeth?

I vividly remember a particular day 5/6 years ago - a few weeks after Nate was born: I was driving and suddenly realized that I hadn't taken the time to brush my teeth that day. I was so "floored" by this fact that I called my mama on the cell to say, "Oh, what a crazy morning it's been with little Nate. I am almost to Seneca, and I just realized I didn't brush my teeth! How could I forget to brush my teeth? Hahahah..."
Well, this morning, as I was delivering Nate to kindergarten, then Henry to preschool while Luke was yelling in his car seat, I thought to myself how often these days I not only forget to brush my teeth, but I don't even realize that I haven't until much later in the day.
My point is, if you call my house and you know I'm home & I still don't answer, don't get mad. Or, if I don't answer an e-mail promptly (or ever), be patient with me. I am loving this life, but it is really crazy right now.

Sweet smiles

Henry is such a big boy now. He's lost that baby face and has changed so much in the last few months.

Nate is a school boy now & is so grown up. I can trust him with Luke & actually leave the room when Nate is watching him.

And here is Luke with Silas. I love this picture because I can just image the 2 of them together next year this time. There will be no stopping these guys.

Luke meets Silas

What a great weekend it's been. My brother Mark, his wife Denise and their 4 1/2 month old, Silas & Buddy drove up from Florida to visit. They had never seen Luke and we had so much fun playing together. Silas was so sweet & fun, it's hard to believe that he and Luke are only 3 months apart. Just a reminder to me of how fast they change.

O so sad...

My heart is breaking this week. For the last few years I have been busy being a Mom. My days were filled with diapers, bottles, preschool, sippie cups, car seats, cooking/cleaning up meals, bathtime, and watching Noggin together. All of a sudden, I have been hit hard with what happens when your babies grow up.
Monday I dropped Nate off at school at 7:45. After school he had Mad Science Club until 4:00. We had a PTO meeting scheduled for 6:30. That leaves what, 2 1/2 hours for our family to be together? Needless to say, I skipped the PTO meeting. What has happened to our family time? I want to see my boys build a fort together in the living room, I want to let them play in the bathtub until the water gets cold. I am not ready for this busy life of running from one scheduled activity to another. I like downtime at home. Unfortunately, I know that this is going to be the way it is. Before I know it, they will be asking to participate in other sports and activities.
Everyone tells you that your children grow up fast, but I never realized just how right they were. I am so thankful for every moment that I have spent with my boys. I am even thankful for those days when I was longing for more adult interaction, when I was bored, thinking that I had only talked to a 2 & 4 year old all day.

Growing

2 weeks ago newborn size diapers swallowed Luke. Today, he can hardly fit in them. He is growing so fast. And he's yelling at me now....

Bedtime

Bryan always reads the boys a story before bed and last night this was the scene when I walked in the room. Luke was so content to be laying in the bed with his brothers. They were so adorable I had to take a picture.

Luke - 2+ weeks

Luke is 2 weeks now and is doing great. Henry started preschool today and had a good day.

Nate & Henry are crazy about their brother. In fact, Henry has been getting up with me for all the middle of the night feedings! He still sleeps in the bed with us and he wakes up when I get up with Luke. I knew it would be a problem before Luke was born but I didn't have the energy to deal with it. We are now working on bribing him into sleeping with Nate. Thank goodness I have one child who is finally sleeping through the night in his own bed.

I must say, though, that I don't regret a single night that I have shared my bed with the boys. They are growing up too fast. Before long, they won't even want to get in my bed at all. I try to remember that everything, the good and the bad, will pass.

Some cute boys...

Nate & Henry at Stumphouse Tunnel, one of their favorite places to visit.

It's Friday!

It's Friday and I am so glad the weekend is here. I have missed my family. Nate being at school has really thrown me for a loop. It was so nice to have an evening where the boys played together in the yard while Bryan and I watched. Luke joined us outside and was very interested in everything they did.

I am so completely overwhelmed with how God has blessed me with family. A great husband and wonderful sons. We laid down together tonight at bedtime, Bryan and Nate in Nate's bed, Me and Henry in the bottom bunk (in Nate's room) and Luke in the bouncy seat in Nate's room. All five of us in one bedroom of our house and I felt so content. I think God created children so we could catch a glimpse of how he feels for us. How he delights in our happiness, just like we delight in seeing our children smile. And, how His heart breaks when our heart breaks.


Here is Luke after his bath today. He is such an interesting baby. I can already see that he is going to be very different than his brothers. Much more laid back, but possibly the boss of the house.

What a Week!

Wow! It's finally Thursday and I feel so much better than I did this time last week. Me & Pregnancy just don't jive. Luke is amazing. He can sleep through the loudest, craziest noise the boys can make. He has had some jaundice and we've had to go check blood twice this week, but other than that he is doing fine. So, the other big news is Nate starting kindergarten. He loves it. I hate it. I miss him so much. 7:45 - 2:45 is a long day. When I catch a glimpse of "Deadliest Catch" on TV, it breaks my heart (Nate loves that show). Henry is lost without Nate. His best friend is gone. I know this is the way it is going to be now, and he will probably grow up very fast. I am thankful that he likes school. We are starting bedtime at 7, that sounds crazy, but he wakes up happy and feels good during the day. Until he gets used to going all day, we will go to bed early. Which suits me fine, I can go to sleep at 8 every night.
I only lost 18 pounds in the hospital. I came home and got on the scales and was devestated. 30 lbs. to go to get back to prepreg weight. I suppose he was worth it (haha).

We're home!

Check out this little man!

More of Luke

Okay, he is an awesome baby. He eats good, never cries & sleeps through loud noises! Here are some pics.

Luke Gracen Duncan

Meet Luke. 7 lbs. 9 oz. and so cute.

Gracen is for both my grandmothers whose names are Grace Powell & Grace Whittaker. We just added an "n".
I am drugged right now. More to come.

Finally....

The last few hours that I will ever be pregnant in my life. I am so excited. Yesterday we all went to the doctor (Bryan Joy Nate & Henry) and then to the hospital for blood work. We had a busy day doing things that you do in Greenville, like buy new cletes for the fall and go to Target for those last minute items that a new mother has to have. Things like trash bags and laundry detergent. For some reason I feel like it may be a long time before I am in a store again, although I'm sure it won't be. Guess I will post again with new baby photos. Please be praying for a healthy baby & safe delivery.

Olympics

My boys have discovered the Olympics. They love it. Nate can't get enough. He especially loves gymnastics, the uneven bars and the rings. Henry loves the Olympics too. He is waiting patiently for Sumo wrestling (is that an olympic sport?). I'm not sure. But Henry is sure it is. I love the Olympics too. I am spending a lot of time indoors these days and it is nice to have something interesting to watch. Saturday is the day! I am so excited.

VBS 2008

I survived an exciting week of VBS at church this past week. It was 100 degrees at least almost every night. The boys had a blast. Here is a picture of them dressed up with Uncle Cliff as Roman guards.

You know the old saying...

If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all. I think that's me until August 16. I am huge and hot. I can't walk to the mail box without catching my breath. I am grumpy and tired because I can't sleep at night. So, I will try not to complain for the next 2 weeks. Which means you will probably hear very little out of me.
Oh, the name, lately we're thinking Jack Nolan. We also like Beau or Bo but we can't think of a middle name that sounds good. Thanks for all the suggestions.

August 16, 10am

I am so excited to have a date to look forward to. Unless something happens in the meantime, I am scheduled for a c-section on Saturday the 16th. I won't be home in time for Nate to start kindergarten, but at least the excitement will be over (or will it be just beginning...) The crib is up (although if this baby is anything like Nate & Henry, he will not sleep in it, ever), diapers and wipes stocked and baby clothes in the drawers. All we need is a baby. And a name for him...

The Magic Bullet & Jessica Seinfeld

Well, it's 10pm and I just put a loaf of banana bread in the oven. But, this isn't your usual banana bread. It has a 1/2 cup of pureed cauliflower in it! Plus 1 1/2 cups of pureed bananas. Yes, I finally got the infamous "Deceptively Delicious" cookbook by Jessica Seinfeld & a Magic Bullet! The Magic Bullet is a food chopper/processor/blender that is supposed to be magical. However, so far I am not impressed. So the idea in the cookbook is to put pureed vegetables in your food somehow deceiving your children into thinking they are eating junk but really they are getting lots of fruit & veggies in everyday meals. She has recipes like brownies with 1/2 cup pureed spinach or chicken nuggets with beets or broccoli. The bread will be done in 40 minutes...... I'll let you know the verdict.

It can all go downhill fast...

Well today I had another ultrasound and passed out while she was doing it. I usually only faint when I donate blood, but I had been laying there (on my back) for a couple of minutes and I knew it was about to happen. I started sweating & got clammy and my ears were ringing. Luckily a Coke & cold towel were all it took to help me recover quickly. To add to the fun, my blood pressure is high. I have been on blood pressure meds for a few years (I know it's early to have to do that, but high bp runs in my family) and so far have had good bp during this pregnancy, but now it's going up. Great. To add to the stress, my doctor wants to do the c-section the very day Nate starts kindergarten. Which means I will be in the hospital half the first week of school. What happened to going into labor & not having any say so in the process?

Pick Your Battles

Ever heard someone say "pick your battles?" Well, this is a perfect example. Yesterday, the high was only 94, but Henry really wanted to wear this. Had I fussed about it, he would have really insisted on it. But, I said okay, and he only broke a light sweat before he was ready to take it off.

Yesterday was another good report from the baby doctor. I had another ultrasound which showed the baby about a week ahead of schedule, he is 4 1/2 pounds now & has lots of fuzzy hair! The ultrasound tech said it looked like an afro, maybe we'll name him Denzel! So far so good with the umbilical cord problem. I have to stay very aware of his movements, calling the doctor if he slows down significantly (which you should do anyway). This could be an indication that the blood flow has slowed through the cord & catching it early could prevent stillbirth.
I'm so happy that June is over. Now, I must survive July. I hate to wish my summer away, but have I mentioned that I hate being pregnant!

Name this baby already!

Well, August is fast approaching and I would love to name this baby before I go to the hospital. Nate & Henry were both 3 days old before we named them and I would love to spend my little "vacation" in the hospital doing something besides thinking of names.
Here's where we are so far,
Nathaniel (Nate) Bryan Duncan
Henry Bryson Duncan
If you were going to classify Nathaniel and Henry, they are both considered Timeless meaning when you hear the name you have no idea whether the person is age 1, twenty, or 100. They aren't really creative, but they are obviously boys when you hear the name. So, I am desperate for suggestions. I like John something, and call him by both names, (like John David). I also like Miles, and Luke, and I love Jasper (taken from General Hospital). So, what do you love? Help.

More Myrtle Beach

Go-carts - fiinally Henry is 40", so he can drive too!

Somehow we all 4 fit in this king size bed. Wonder if all 5 of us will fit next year?

Book

I grabbed this book called The Shack by William Young after a friend (thanks Christie!) recommended it. I finished it last night and immediately turned back to page one to start again. Bryan said, "are you reading it again? that must be some good book." And, let me tell you, it was fantastic. Amazon.com has it for $8, it is number 10 on their bestseller list. Get it and read it!

Myrtle Beach Days

The Log Flume at Family Kingdom

Buried in the sand

Nate's favorite restaurant Margaritaville. They have a huge tornado above this blender and Nate & Henry love it! Nate loves blenders, he actually got one for his birthday last year.

Goodbye home, Hello beach

We're off to the beach tomorrow for a relaxing vacation (I hope). Just thought I'd share some pictures of the last week. Here are the boys enjoying their first taxi ride in Atlanta last weekend. They loved it because there were no car seats, although it probably would have been a good idea considering we were on I-85 in Friday afternoon traffic. I did have a successful trip to Ikea, in fact, Bryan dropped me off and he and the boys went to the Georgia Aquarium while I got to spend about 5 hours shopping. It wasn't too long, in fact, I could have stayed longer.

And here are the boys checking out their heavenly bed. It wasn't heavenly to me, I was up most of the night. Unfortunately, I have hit the "miserable" stage a little early this time considering I have 2 months to go. I am huge. Large maternity shirts are tight. It's very discouraging, especially when complete strangers tell me that I look "ready to pop" and "it must be twins." Then, when I tell them that I'm due in August, they look at me in disbelief, like- how much bigger can one get?

I will try to remember what a gift children are and this will pass. I just have a lot of work to do after the baby is here. Have a great week!

Hot

It's so hot outside. Weather.com says it's 96 degrees. It feels like 100. Nate & Henry are oblivious to the heat. I finally bribed them into coming in for fear they would dehydrate. They were sitting out in the bright sun with shovels digging. Never once complaining about the heat. Me on the other hand, I am just sitting in the shade, absolutely miserable. The good news is that we are going to Myrtle Beach next week, and the high there is only 82! It's gonna be a long, long summer.

Another ultrasound

Look at how adorable my baby is! Amazing isn't it. He's already 2 1/2 lbs! So why have I gained 22? We had a great Memorial Day weekend. Saturday, Bryan & I took the boys to a fishing rodeo where they caught nothing, but had a great time. They got these great fishing poles, for free! Then I got to spend the afternoon yesterday with Silas. While Bryan's work schedule is still crazy, I am hoping to plan a trip to Ikea in Atlanta this weekend. Happy Memorial Day!

Silas

Just had to post this adorable picture of Silas (hope you don't mind M & D). I have had to stay away from him because Henry has had strep, but I am dying to see him & hold him! He has changed so much in just 2 weeks. M & D & Buddy are adjusting to life with a baby much better than I did. I love you Silas!

I've discovered 2 things that I don't know how I ever survived without. Kiehl's Avocado Eye Cream and NetFlix. I have always had trouble finding an eye cream that didn't irritate my sensitive skin, this it it!
And Netflix, what can I say, I love it! For only $4.99 a month you get to choose a movie and when you get tired of it, you send it back and get another one. You don't even have to pay postage. Instead of buying the boys movies that I'm not sure if they like or not, I get to try them from Netflix. We are enjoying Robin Hood (the cartoon) this week. Why hasn't anyone told me about these?

Silas

I am head over heels about my new nephew. Here he is meeting his cousins.

Silas is here!

I am so excited to announce that my brother Mark & Denise are proud parents of a beautiful baby boy!! 7 lbs 8 oz, 20 1/2 inches arriving early this morning, May 6! I hope to see him today. Happy Birthday to you Baby Silas!

Bunkbeds

Yesterday DeeDee & JohnDaddy got the boys a set of bunkbeds from Big Lots. Oh the excitement that filled the house. After just 4 1/2 hours of assembly they were ready for climbing on. The boys wanted to go to bed at 6pm. They were so excited to sleep in these beds. Finally, at 8 they laid down to go to sleep. However, they did have a little trouble deciding who would sleep where. This was the order of our night:

Nate & Henry both in top bunk

Nate in top bunk, Henry in bottom

Nate in top bunk, Henry in his old bed in the other room

Nate in bottom bunk, Henry in bottom bunk

Nate in bottom bunk, Henry in Nate's old bed (which thankfully we didn't take down)

and finally Nate in his old bed and Henry in his old bed.

So, who slept in the bunkbeds? No one. I think they are going to just be our fort for the time being.

Chick-fil-a 5K

Today was the Chick-fil-a 5K at South Cove. Bryan ran in it and did great! After the race, Henry insisted on running in the fun run (very short.) Then he was so proud of himself he just had to run in the 1 mile - and he finished in 14:07. Pretty good for a 3 year old! Nate supported the cause by eating a Chick-fil-a chicken biscuit. He says that soccer is his sport and racing is Henry's. Here is a picture of Henry after the 1 mile.

Congratulations Bryan and Henry! Great job!

I don't care how many people tell me that babies are easier to take care of inside your tummy than when they are out, I don't like being pregnant. Some people think it's wonderful and beautiful and so amazing. Well, it is amazing that your body can gain 24 pounds in 20 weeks and that you can go from being in great shape to being breathless just walking up stairs. I don't like it at all. I like the end result. A baby. In my arms, not my belly. I can't wait until August gets here. I'm going to drink caffeinated beverages all day long, feast on artificial sweeteners enjoy soft cheeses with sushi and wine. Then I am going to sleep on my belly, get in the tanning bed and ride a rollercoaster.

Today while I was trying to plant some flowers in the yard, the boys had a big fun time with a rope - it doesn't take much to entertain them. First Nate tied Henry to the 4 wheeler and poor Henry had to run behind him.

Then I had to grab my camera for the second time because Nate had tied Henry to a tree.
Henry will do whatever Nate says - scary, huh? And Henry will do anything to make Nate laugh.
They were lots of help in the yard. Thanks to Aunt Stacie & Uncle James, they both have a Venus Flytrap. We repotted it first and then tried several time to feed it. Yes, I did have to touch a bug, but I had gardening gloves on. Unfortunately the Flytrap wasn't hungry.