The Hoppers

While Mikey was opening his birthday gift from his Sweat grandparents (homemade pillow cases), he said: "Oh, I can't wait to see this!!" Then after he pulled it out of the paper he said: "It's TOO cute!! Blankets!!" Jackson said: "No, that's a hopper." and proceeded to start a gunny-sack race through the house.

What 3-year-old boy talks like that? My guess is he picked it up from being at a baby shower that we hosted for our friends on Saturday.

He loves the pillow cases. Right now he and Jackson are sitting in their chairs, pretending they're in sleeping bags. I think they plan on spending the night that way.



Note the frosting goatee -- we still have baby shower cupcakes kicking around, soon to be replaced by birthday party cupcakes.

Too Much TV? Part II

Mikey probably hasn't seen this commercial lots of times, so this is his take on Jackson's take on a different Wall-E commercial. But when any of the Wall-E commercials come on, they drop whatever they're doing and run to the TV. Wonder what we'll be watching this summer.

A Very Happy Mother's Day

Today was probably my best Mother's day yet. The boys really got into the spirit of the day, and I got a TON of hugs and a TON of "Happy Mother's Days" from them. Jeff took over last night's feeding (my turn) and Charlotte slept in for once, so the day started off great. Then, all 3 boys made me breakfast and I was able to read in bed for a while. I even got to have a kid free bath and a NAP!! We had a lovely lunch together, then went to celebrate our nephew Reese's 1st birthday with the So. Cal. Sweat clan. The boys made some great cards and home-made soap for me in primary and Jeff got a new novel for me to read (just in time) and and incredible felting reference book. What a nice laid back day with a great family!

Happy Mother's Day to all of my favorite mothers out there!

Too Much TV? Part I

We'd like to think Jackson has an insanely great memory, rather than having seen this Pixar commercial on Disney Channel over and over again. (In his defense -- and ours -- he actually does have a pretty great memory.) Either way, you have to admire his theatrics.

Getting in Shape

I started taking a class called "Stroller Strides" this week in a last ditch effort to loose the final 10 pounds of baby weight (thank you Charlotte) and build some muscle. It's a fun concept, because the class includes the kids in the workout. We speed walk for a block or two, then do jumping jacks, or pushups, or rowing exercises, or lunges, all the while singing nursery rhymes. It is the hardest workout that I've had since college.

Today was the second class, and I asked Mikey if he wanted to go with all of us crazy mommy's to run through the park and sing songs.

He said: "Ok, but why?"
Sunny: "Because I need the exercise.
Mikey: "But why?"
Sunny: "Because I need to get stronger."
Mikey: "But why?"
Sunny: "Because you kids are getting bigger and bigger, and I need to get stronger and stronger to carry you!"
Mikey: "OK."

About 20 minutes into the class, while I was doing curls with a resistance band Mikey pipes up again: "Mommy, if you get stronger and stronger and stronger and turn into a dad, I can't call you Mom anymore!" It's nice to know that someone appreciates my squishy belly.

Jackson, Boy Genius

My phone hasn't been charging lately, and I couldn't figure out why...until I looked at Jackson holding the cell phone charger, and touching the prongs with his tongue. Over and over again. And saying, "Mama, why does this hurt?" And then doing it some more. So if you can't reach me on my cell, you'll know why. I don't understand, maybe it's a guy thing – if it hurts – why keep doing it??

Mr. Mikey Turns 3!

Mikey turned 3 last Sunday. We had a nice quiet little family party for him complete with an "earthworm cake" by special request. We will be having a full fledged "Diego/Jungle" party for him on 5/17, once various family members are back in town.

Doesn't this cake look appetizing? Who wouldn't want 20 creepy crawly things, mud frosting, and Oreo dirt allover their yummy bundt?

Mikey ended up polishing off all of the green worms and Jackson tackled all of the red ones. I don't think I've ever heard a parent say "finish your cake before you have another worm!" That phrase was rattled off a few times that evening.

You will notice that the kids are scantily clad - especially Charlotte. This was her first chocolate cake experience, and we knew that she would get really involved. Isn't it interesting that the 3rd child gets her first chocolate cake at 8 months? I think we held out with Jackson until his 1st birthday. Who knows if we ever decide to have #4, we may have to figure out how to put cake in a bottle!

Here is a picture of her highness in her royal throne, covered with chocolate cake.