While the Cat's Away
... the mice will play.
Justin was out of town all weekend. It's hard when he's gone, we miss him a lot but I've come to recognize I tend to be more intentional with the children when he's gone; we plan our meals, fill our days, make time for fun outings, etc. I'm not at all suggesting he leave more often, but perhaps weekends like this are good for revealing areas I could do much better at in the motherhood department.
Justin was out of town all weekend. It's hard when he's gone, we miss him a lot but I've come to recognize I tend to be more intentional with the children when he's gone; we plan our meals, fill our days, make time for fun outings, etc. I'm not at all suggesting he leave more often, but perhaps weekends like this are good for revealing areas I could do much better at in the motherhood department.
With that said, I don't think Justin will approve of our most entertaining encounter of the weekend. But nonetheless, little brother was a complete sport about it. All 3 were in the girls room when Morgan came running into the kitchen insisting that I close my eyes, hold her hand and allow her to lead me to her bedroom. When I opened my eyes I thought I'd die. They dressed him up...
Without further adieu I introduce to you Johnna Martina and his sisters, who will get major paybacks one day.
Bless his sweet soul, he wasn't sure at first, but with all our giggles {and the girls screaming} he finally decided it was fun. And after that picture sequence Justin may decide it's not safe to ever leave town for the weekend again! I'd be okay with that!
We also squeezed in haircuts. Since John Martin has graduated to the big kid table we borrowed his highchair. When I saw Raiger sitting up there with the black cape, how could I not take a picture? I probably should have done a clean sweep of the countertops first... oh well, they always look like that.
She was so good and with the promise of some Care Bear fruit snacks she did just as she was asked.
And last but not least, would the mothers of small boys {or big boys} please confirm that this is completely normal?
Not the pink chapstick, I know that's not normal. I'm referring to the fact that he stays right under me most of the day. The girls have always been happy to play in other rooms with toys, this little guy wants nothing to do with being in a room that I'm not in. I'm not complaining, I know one day he'll pretend he wants nothing to do with me. :) Now if I could just convince him to let me hold him and rock him like little tiny baby. He likes to be close to me, just not that close.
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103 comments:
Oh she's, sorry, he's, so pretty! What fun they had.
And yes, as the mother of a boy and a girl, the boys just love their Mummies!
Confession - I do it to my son's hair! Just for fun. Although he doesn't think so - he's 5! But the babies hair just won't grow! She's the same age as John Martin, no, Johanna Martina, with 1 tooth and no hair.
Second confession I feel the same way about family life when my husband is away. It's not better, just different.
What an adorable 3rd girl you have :) We did the same thing so it is normal. And funny thing when my boys went to preschool they always put on some girl dressups with heels and necklaces. Guess they think it is cool. Cute yes..
And yes my son stayed under foot all the time. sometimes it caused me to trip but now he is 6 and I wish he was underfoot. His big brother moved into college this weekend and I really wish he was still underfoot.
Oh, yeah...I see some serious blackmail-worthy shots in there for future use!
I'm a mom of two Kling-ons. (boys!) Yep, it is a boy thing!
....and yet he is still 100% Rover in shot #4. ♥
Yes, definitely blackmail-worthy shots, there. They look like they all had fun, though!
Oh my, he's beautiful as Johanna. :) Your kids are so adorable!
I have two boys and one girl, and my daughter, the 2nd child, was my biggest velcro baby, but the boys do love their mommas. They didn't want to be too far and they still love to be near me, especially my youngest. He's 5 and very much my little boy. It's so sweet, except when you are trying to make lunch or do something that isn't so easy with a little one attached to your leg. lol
I'm off to work with a smile on my face. Looks like a lot of fun!
I'm glad I'm not the only one with a little guy under my feet all the time (or is it just when I'm in the kitchen that I notice it?). I thought he was just curious about what I was doing so I pulled the highchair up and explained everything. Nope, just needed to be at my feet. One day I know I'll miss this!
I'm glad I'm not the only one with a little guy under my feet all the time (or is it just when I'm in the kitchen that I notice it?). I thought he was just curious about what I was doing so I pulled the highchair up and explained everything. Nope, just needed to be at my feet. One day I know I'll miss this!
Wow ... your kitchen looks just like mine. Messy countertops and small boy underfoot. I have to bring in reinforcements to vacate small boy from the kitchen area when I need to open the oven door or he might just climb right in!
those pictures are so funny....I guess that's what happens when you grow up with 2 older sisters. JM looks good in pink!
How adorable!!! and what a delightful laugh you brought to my day!!! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy that he wants to be that close even though it is so inconvenient. It will not last...my little guy is a 21 year old Marine.
Oh my word, I nearly died laughing at your little boys dress up pics. How stinkin' cute is he?! He actually does look quite pretty as a girl - much to your husbands dismay, I am sure! lol The bow added a nice touch. :) And can I also tell you that I soooo appreciate you leaving the counters looking "real". There are so many times that I come online and see "too much perfection" and think...wow, what is MY problem? I know that my house isn't picture perfect all the time! Anyway, it's nice to see someone who likes to keep it real occasionally. Thanks for the lift! Monday morning needed a little dash of "pretty". :) Love your blog!
These are such darling photos of Johanna! He fits right in with his sisters. Your little girls are just too clever!
I miss my husband terribly when he is away but feel like you. I plan our time and we stick to a schedule better than when Daddy is home. I think some of the reason is that Daddy is a help but his timing is different from my timing. As well, he doesn't want a planned and structured weekend because he lives with that all week. Just a thought.
OMG..if I had not know better and was reading ths for the first time..yep you do have a lil third girlie poo..He was adorable.. and I am sure at his wedding in the future..this picture will turn up on the big screen..playing at the southern reception.. again girl your lil family is simple precious! love reading the ins and outs, tip, and trials of your day...
My sibling dynamic is the same as your children (two older girls, one boy--I am the middle). We used to love to dress up my little brother in dance costumes, etc. There are pictures where he is smiling and loving it...now, we just have to promise not to show them when he gets married!
I love it! This was so funny to read!
By the way, Tucker is still that way - he will go off and play some now but he has always been a momma's boy and has always been under my feet! It won't last long they say, so I do try to cherish it now!
oh yes. completely normal. my little sethy bean was the same way. still can be some days. and the chap stick...normal too. mine don't know how to let micah leave the house or go to bed without it!
john bon...you still look like a little fella, even in the dress, you precious little angel thang you. could just eat you up...nom nom nom.
what funny your little boy...he is so sweet and beautifull also in girl dress......they look wonderfull i love your kids!!
Laura
As a mother to boys and a girl, I will tell you that little boys definitely love mommy! Of course my daughter likes to be with me too, but it's just different with the boys. They tend to smother you with their adoration. :)
And don't you worry about Johnna Martina. He'll be a renaissance man. Recently Ben was playing with Kate at the next door neighbors, and as my husband and I looked out the window, we saw Ben emerge from their door in a pink skirt and a crown. He told us he was "just flayin' wif (he has the cutest little lisp)the girls!
Thanks for the funny start to the week!
How funny...I am much more routined when my husband is not home. I think it's so that I remain sane. Love the pictures and the fact that you didn't do a sweep of the counter!
I love it! Kids are so funny!
That is too funny. You can see how much all 3 of them look alike when he's in the dress. Wonder how he will pay them back in a few years?? ;-)
Could they be any cuter? Those pictures are precious! One of my best friends has two little boys and sometimes she puts bows in the baby's hair just to see what he would look like as a girl. He has white blond, super curly hair, it's precious. Boys and their mamas,I have heard it's such a special bond, just like girls and their daddies.
Haha! My sister and I use to do that to our brother ALL the time. 23 years later he seems to have turned out pretty normal :)
Yes boys love their mommas! My oldest is 4 now and very independt, my 22 month old is still stuck to momma:) precious pictures!
hilarious!!!!!!!!
poor JM!!! this is just the beginning, wait til he is in nail polish and tutus.
love you!
mommasis
ps- if you wanna rock a tiny baby you can rock mine in just a couple of short weeks!!!
He look just like "one of the girls"...precious!
He's gonna pay you back you when he gets older! :)
Somehow even without sisters, my boys got "dressed up" by the older girl cousins. I'd forgotten all about that! JM looks absolutely adorable and how creative for the girls to come up with that.
Yes, being underfoot is perfectly normal for boys. I used to call mine "velcro boys" because they were always stuck to me. They're both in college now and I sure do miss those days.
Oh yes...Having a girl first, who would play all by her self in her room for as long as you would let her...and then a boy who doesn't believe he can be ALONE at all...I understand...he has gotten a little bit better as he has gotten older...but not much...he still prefers bringing his toys to the living room versus playing in his room! Part of it may be because hes a boy but some of it may be because the girls always have each other...and he doesn't have that!
Keep bloggin...we love it!
Hey Darby! That's so funny...my friends and I used to dress my little brother up in girl clothes...I think my favorite was when we dressed him up in my old dance costumes! :) Y'all are too cute! Love keeping up with you this way! Have a great week!
priceless -- i love it! especially that little hair clip.
i've never known if it's a boy thing or just my kids because we only have boys, but they definitely like to be right there next to me. it's a wonder that my clothes stay on with them hanging on my skirts and shirts! i always try and remind myself that one day they will be off and independent, and i will be wishing for a little hand to be tugging on me or a little foot stepping on mine.
So cute!! I have a 2 1/2 year old son and he stays wherever I am about 95% of the time. If I am in the kitchen he wants to be held or sit on the counter so he can be in on the action! Although, he doesn't have a sibling yet so I was hoping once he does...in Feb...he would change his ways a little....just a little. : )
Such a fun time playing dress up!! What a good sport you have on your hands!
And yes...it is confirmed!! My daughter could play all day long in another room with me just checking in on her. My son (22 months today) is still right up close and extreamly personal!! I do adore it though. He has recently started sleeping in a toddler bed. He is so happy to walk down the hall dragging his blanket in a Linus like fashion and crawl into bed all on his own. It breaks my heart somtimes.
OH- on a completely different note. I recently found some Janes Crazy Salt in my area and my family is now a HUGE fan!! Thanks!
You're children are just precious. I love that his sisters dressed him up like a girl!
your 3 girls are too precious! :)
and yes, Caleb stays close to me all the time, but it becomes so much more noticeable when i'm in the kitchen! even though sometimes it drives me crazy, i also love it and know i'll miss it one day!
Just wait. As soon as Dad is coaching their t-ball team, soccer, football, etc. they are all Dad all the time. I thought that was such a huge perk about being the only girl in the house, but now the boys have all these adventures with their Dad that I want to get in on. NEver thought I'd go there, but I am becoming a camper....I've got a good spiral...and I can cook meat and potatoes like nobody's business. it goes fast. Enjoy his little toes under yours.
How adorable!! John Martin is a beautiful child, whether in a dress or tractor t-shirt!! I laughed out loud at those pictures! Precious!
My son did the same thing--staying right up under me when he was a toddler. Now he is 6 years old and still likes me around--just not touching! LOL!
I love your blog and reading about your adorable family! Thank you for sharing a little bit of your lives with us!
Oh, dude! Sam probably wouldn't laugh at pics like that of our son - or maybe just a bit. But he DEFINITELY wouldn't like it if I **posted** them :) What did Justin say when he saw this???
I cracked up, though. My 2.5 yo boy has 3 big sisters. Too funny.
Jacci
Oh, I love it! That sequence of photos made me laugh till I had tears in my eyes, which was desperately needed this Monday morning! Your kiddos are the cutest things ever (well, second to my sweet girl - mommies have to be biased!).
Oh, I have 2 boys and they can't be in a room that I'm not. I try hard to get them to play in my oldest's room while I get ready for work in the mornings but it doesn't suit. My one year old will stand on my feet all day long if I let him or better yet in my arms.
I almost needed an adult diaper for looking at those pictures!!!
About the closeness: my boys were/are the same way. Most recently we did a "boys only"roadtrip to our house in Georgia...I was assuming they'd be lower maintenance than our girls. Nope. The day husband was gone working I was at home with the boys (ages 10 and 3). Both stayed within 12-18 inches of me the entire day. I'm not joking. I even tried yardwork and the 3 year old stood under me while playing with his cars and trucks. I politely requested a 3-foot buffer a few times, especially when they played with their nerf guns doing target practice, but no luck.
My guess is that it's an opposite sex thing. Boys may instinctively have a tighter physical or nurturing bond with their moms? Maybe it's preparing them for a healthy male/female relationship as an adult someday? Dr. James Dobson says boys take more management than girls. I would agree.
I know most girls love being held by their daddies. Maybe boys are kind of like that with mommies. :-)
now that is too cute, and very familiar! keegan finally got a knights costume for his birthday, before that he'd been dressing up in princess dresses!
LOL! I'm sorry, but there is NO way you could pass him off as a girl.
That same sort of thing happened to my 2nd born.. (big sister dressed him up as a ballerina).... though it was funny, there was no mistaking him for a girl (buzz cut and broad, muscular shoulders.
However, my mom, after she saw the pictures, has not let him live it down and will tease him that at two y.o. his favorite color was pink. (Cruella DeVil!)
Such cute pictures!
As a mother of 2 young boys - yes, it is normal! My 3 year old cannot let me out of his sight for more than a few seconds! Boys love their mommies!!
Love your blog!
Reader from Lexington, KY
ADORABLE pictures that will forever be priceless to you! I've been checking your blog everyday and love to read it! I just wanted to make sure i have not missed marla's photography tips! Can't wait!!
He is adorable no matter what he is wearing & totally makes a cute girl! :)
To answer your question, totally normal, at least for mine. He is much oldre now, but syill likes to be with his momma. I think it was about 5 when I could be in another room for more than 5 mins w/out him, but he still likes to crawl into my bed in the AM & ask me to play video games with him. :)
I agree with Warrior Mom...my little man is now 6'2", 25 years old and a Marine as well...and when I hug him, I close my eyes and he still feels like that little boy who stayed under Mum all day long!
Mary Frances
THAT is probably the funniest thing I've ever seen on your blog! I love it! That really made me giggle out loud ... I don't know what I was expecting the girls to have done, but it wasn't THAT! Love it, love it, Love It!
looks like a wonderful weekend darby! my little brother did the same thing with my mom ... she nicknamed him buddy. =)
Oh, and I have three boys, and all three love Chapstick (no matter the color of the tube), and all three have sort of been under my feet while they were 12 months to 24 months old. Inconvenient, but I already miss those days with my two older boys (4 and 6), who are VERY independent these days.
Loved the pictures of your three little girls and especially loved that his sisters did that on his own. HILARIOUS!
My son also loves to stand between me and the counter. He also likes to leverage himself against the counter and push me backwards - are you getting that? Sure makes it difficult to get anything done, but how can I be mad at something so adorable??? Little boys are the BEST!
Hilarious, D! He sure does look like M & P with his hair in a barrette (sp?)! AND YES...I wouldn't recognize a child that wasn't under my feet all the time. Who knew they make them like that?
He sure is good looking even if he's dressed up as a sissy little girl :)!! I only have 8 months experience but so far Caleb hangs out under me non-stop. Since he started crawling if I walk in another room he chases me and pulls up on my legs. Your family could be voted pretties family in America- SERIOUSLY!!
Those pictures made me laugh! :)
They do get too big too fast...thank goodness my sister will have a teeny tiny love in a few weeks, and I can get my fix. :)
lol......soooo funny & so true in all households where the sister's are the older ones. In my case, we have an only child, a son....but you see I wear wigs, so he used to think it was just hilarious to put on one of my wigs & walk around the house....he looked just soooo darn cute....he's still cute & 11 years old, every once in a while he will still walk into the room wearing one of the wigs just to make us laugh...boys...gotta love them & yes they do love their mama's
Pretty sure that is going to show up in his therapy some day:). So great for kids to be kids these days.
This post made me laugh out loud!
If it makes you feel any better, my sister and I used to force our little brother into our play ball gowns. We hold him down, put lipstick on him, and call him "Elaine."
The poor kid should have been inn therapy, but he turned out completely normal. Married, good job, no cross-dressing. ;)
My 19 month old stands under me at the kitchen sink all the time. :)
That is so funny! He looks so happy to oblige his sisters...what a sweetie! He will have a chance to pay back when he puts a lizard or a frog on them. Those days are coming. :)
he' makes a beautiful girl! my girls do that to their brother too and some days he happily plays along.
I'm the oldest of 3 and my sister and I used to dress our little brother up as a girl all of the time. We did it so much that he started playing with Barbie's (or Baybee's as he called them). It was then that my dad put a stop to it- very quickly I might add!
LOL!! I cannot stop laughing!! What a riot!
I have two little boys and they are ALWAYS under my feet like that. Most of the time it's okay, but just today I was wondering how a mommy gets her children to play quietly with toys without Mommy *right* there. At least I'm not the only one! So it's a boy thing, huh?
That is just HILARIOUS! Really! He is so pretty, I mean handsome!
Well, he is cute as a girl!
My son is the exact same way about being at my feet! I cannot cook supper without feeling someone pushing my legs back so he can stand between me and the cabinets. But, he is so cute I can't get mad at him!
I also made the apron last weekend and meant to send you a pic. It was so easy!
wow! those pictures are awesome!
he still looks all-boy to me, even in the dress.
He looks adorable -- even if his daddy won't think so! And, yes, Gibson always has to be right beside me. Sometimes that is good, sometimes it isn't so good!
that is exactly where bennett spends 50% of his time {especially when he first learned to walk}.
and bless jm's sweet little soul {and justins for that matter}. my husband would have a heart attack! {but i think it is quite entertaining! haha}
That is too funny!
And yes, I have a son, and he spends most of his time right there. In fact, he puts his arms around me and goes in circles and tells me "I'm playing Ring Around The Mommy!". Can't get anything done in a reasonable period of time, but I love it ;)
I always said he was too pretty to be a boy! Boys are clingers. They cling to your heart too.:)
Enjoy these precious moments. Enjoy the photos as well... then hide them away, no reason to give the little guy angst before you pull them out again on eve of his wedding. :))
Bless his heart....LOL!
That is so funny! Hopefully dad won't be too mad! JM is too cute!
I don't have any girls so I can't compare or speak to whether it is a boy thing or not. But, I have two boys that both like to be close by...one is extremely independent and not too clingy or cuddly (despite my attempts at bribing him to cuddle), but until he was around two or so he always HAD to be underfoot and play right near me. My second little guy is extremely clingy and cuddly and at 14 months is just now okay with being a few inches away! I can just now leave him with other people(besides my husband, of course) pr in the church nursery and know he won't scream and cry the whole time!
JM
I wish I'd had a little brother to do things like that to! They look like they're having SO MUCH FUN!!!
Oh my girdle! The girls better start planning their get away when John Martin grows up. The photos are so cute, but I can't wait to read about this when he is old enough to chase them. LOL... Thanks this was a golden day for sure. xoxo
Cutest post yet...I giggled and giggled! I used to dress my little brother up too. We still laugh about it! Thanks for sharing...I needed the laugh! :)
Thank you, I needed that laugh today. JM is beautiful either way, but I still favor him as an adorable little boy.
Chance's cousin again!! I love your blog and the pictures of Johna Martina were hilarious (and so cute!!) I've got a five year old and an almost two year old and it reminds me of how Anna (five year old) always tries to "beautify" Cara (little sis)!!! Love it!!
Girl, I totally have pictures of my 2 year old boy in my heels. He loves his sisters tutu's and every time we have out the nail polish is just begging for some. Totally normal, but I think you knew that. =)
He sure does make a pretty girl!!! That is a total hoot! Glad they made you laugh today.
Those are some of the cutest pics I have ever seen! Your children are adorable!! I have one little girl and seeing these pictures makes me so excited to someday hopefully give her a brother or a sister! They look like they have the best time together:)
Your children are so beautiful. My son stays right by me whenever I am around too. I work so it is a little different, but when I am around he is on my like glue. I love it though--he was a Daddy's boy until he was a year. I think that I turned him into such a cuddler that he wants to be near the main cuddle person--me. Our son is big on hugs. He also goes up to our friends and says "hug." Then he hugs them while patting them on the back which is what I do.
Oh my goodness! That looks like fun! :0)
As a momma to a boy and a girl, while my daughter is still underfoot a lot, my son was, too. He just always had to be where I was, knowing what was goin' on. So, this seems typical.
As the mother of 3 boys, they love their mommas! My middle one would hold my hand whenever we were out. He's going into his senior year in high school - he doesn't hold my hand anymore :-(
Take advantage of it!!
ok jm is too sweet. When I leave my two alone with sam they lock him in the closet. This is much sweeter. Yes, boys tend to cling to mommy. There was an actual time of day (5 pm) when Micah would not let me put him down. They do eventually play for long periods by themselves. Isn't so amazing how different they are. You are the same mommy. Boys are just naturally so different. What a blessing our children are. You are so good to remind me to enjoy them.
I love reading your blog, but have never commented. The pictures of JM are hilarious, so glad you shared them! Blessings to you and your adorable family!
Oh this is so funny! My 1.5 year old daughter is the same way! I am constantly tripping over as she is always under my feet. And she is stingy too, with the snuggles, unless she is hurt or it is bed time.
BTW, John Martin is so cute!
I love your blog, I've been reading for a while and yes I know I'm bad about commenting. I'm sorry! Anyway, I have a two year old little boy and he is always under my feet or wanting me to hold him. They defintley love their momma's!
so so so funny, love it!
haha, what little brother hasn't been through that??
i have to say that my sister and i did the same thing to our younger brother, and he is one manly man today! so it won't affect him at all {though he doesn't appreciate the dress-up}. we also have photos and video to prove it. :)
What beautiful children! And yes, completely normal. Isn't it devine? My 4 year old boy is still a mommas boy. He always tells me he just wants to "snuggle-cuddle all day." I hope those days dont go by too quickly.
Your three little girls are just adorable!
That cracks me up! My husband would hardly let me put him in anything smocked or jon jon's! He would have killed me if i'd ever done that.
All the comments people left made me want to cry about knowing these times are short and sweet. We've got to enjoy every day, good and crazy :)
so adorable...all three of them. When my first born son was little we dressed him in a few girl outfits and took pictures as proof for later ;) It was all good fun.
Well, I have three boys as you know, and when I saw that shot of John Martin at your feet, I was like "what?" It looks normal to me! :)
Oh imagine having 2 of those little boys always.under.foot. Your children are so adorable, and I got the biggest giggle at Johnna Martina. So funny!
You have the world's most gorgeous children. Seriously. And (hopefully you'll take this as a compliment) John Martin makes a pretty sweet little girl!
My daughter chose to grow her short haircut out, and looking at pics of your girls makes me miss it so much!
Amy
I think it is funny that you son is always underfoot because I have the opposite...two boys and a daughter. and SHE is always at my feet ALWAYS and she is 3! My boys played independently...maybe it is a 3rd child thing!
Darby, your kids are beautiful!! I'm so excited that I found your blog. It is full of great stuff!
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