"Yo my best fwiend"

Sometimes being a mother is a thankless job. You have to rally the troops to clean their rooms, argue with them until they finally practice their instruments, and insist that their hair is brushed "all the way through." Sometimes you feel like you're in a battle of wills--and the goal is to see who is the most stubborn.

Every once in a while, though, you get one of those moments where you realize your kids actually do love you.

Today, I was carrying Jenny into the Ole Hanson pool in San Clemente to watch Jacob finish his swim team practice. Jenny was pointing to things and saying them. "Mommy, that's a twee." "Mommy, that's a caw." "Yes, you're right. Good job, Jenny." was my response. I was only half listening.

Then, all of a sudden, Jenny wrapped her arms around me and said, "Mommy, yo my best fwiend." The hug lasted only a second, but it was long enough.

Those are the moments that mean the most.

My Hor-Fed!

Lizzy is a three-year-old with a big vocabulary. But sometimes she'll say something that will help me to remember that she's only three!

A few days ago, Lizzy fell down and hurt her head. She held onto her forehead and said, "My hor-fed! My hor-fed!" As sad as I was to see her hurt, I couldn't resist laughing . . . just a little.

It's a . . . Well, we're not sure!

It's been a while since I've posted. That first trimester of pregnancy can really do you in. But I'm finally coming out of the fog.

We are so excited that we're having a little baby on March 9! When I was 11 weeks along, we got an ultrasound--and the technician said she "strongly leaned toward a girl." She said it's a little early to tell, though, so we're not sure. When I was in the first trimester with my last pregnancy, the Doctor said she was pretty sure Jenny was a boy ;).

Boy or girl, we are excited to have a new addition!