Budding lyricists

The boys are ad libbing the bridge for "My Favorite Things"

Boone: Hey I gotta good one...

"When the dog bites

When the horse screams"

Hudson: Hey I gotta gotta gotta one! 

"When the dog eats

When lion screams!!"

Lincoln: No this is a good one.

"When the dog bites

When the girl screams!"

There have been multiple options for moose, doorbells and fish screams. I think there was also a whipped (s)creams.

Use it in a sentence....

I swear some of my favorite conversations happen in the car.

B (4yr): Mom, if we watch a movie today, can it be Monster in Paris?

H (2yr): Oooh! Yeah! I wuv Monster in Paris!

Me (27): Wow! You guys actually agreed on one??

B: Yeah! Agree means when we both want the same thing.

H: Yeah. AND! I'm wearing agree shirt. (Snicker snicker)

Pinecone Frosting

My kids rock.

Lincoln wanted to color but has decided he wants to write instead. He's erasing/changing the last letter of "f-l-a." So far we have flag, flap, flat and flab. 

Meanwhile, Boone is following me around asking for a new paper to draw on. "Mom, mom. MOOOOMMM! (Pause and sigh) ...Mom, darling?" 

Hudson is trailing Boone, spanking him on the tushie with a slap bracelet, counting how many spankings he's getting. He can only count to 20 before the numbers start scrambling. Boone doesn't seen to notice Hudson, or has tuned him out.

Ok, now Lincoln just spelled "Flax...And this is a bow and arrow." 

Hudson is feeding Boone imaginary cupcakes with extra frosting. "It's pinecone frosting" whatever that means.

Sheet Music??

Boone's in the back seat, softly singing an improvised ballad to a fussy Dixie. Hudson interupts. 

Sighing dramatically, "Uuuuhhhh! Hudson! Now I can't remember what page I was on!!"

Unbuggable

As he was getting ready for kindergarten this morning, Lincoln asked if he could wear his purple and blue shirt. I said of course he could and it was one of my favorites. "Ok, mom! Mine too!"

In the car he asked if his hair looked funny, as he was attempting to flatten one wild piece in the back, formed perfectly by his adorable cowlick. "No, it looks fine. Why?"

L: Because I don't want the kids to laugh at me if my hair sticks up.

Me: (Confused at his newly discovered self conscienceness) Have they laughed at you for that before?

L: No, but they did laugh at me for wearing this purple shirt. Cause I'm a boy and it's purple.

I welled up. Not gonna lie. Not because he had been picked on, but because I was looking in my review mirror at my little boy, almost 6 years old, wearing that same purple shirt. I chose my words wisely. I put on my biggest, most joyful grin. I explained that it would have been easier for him to not want to wear it again because of the mean remarks from his peers, but I was so proud of him that he was choosing to stand up for himself and wear it again! I asked him what he does when someone picks on him, expecting him to say "tell the teacher." Nope. "I just ignore it!!" I laughed and told him that if it continues and he feels hurt by people it's ok and sometimes good to tell the teacher. In this situation he chose to turn the other cheek. He chose to be "unbuggable" to quote my dad. 

When I picked him up, I asked if anyone commented on his shirt and he said, "Well, just one girl laughed and pointed. But I just told her to sit back down on her rug square." :)

Dance Party In Heaven

My heart just exploded. During songs, snuggles and bedtime prayers tonight, Hudson didn't want me to leave because he was afraid. The bigger boys told him that he didn't need to be afraid because God was always in their room with them, and everywhere they go. Lincoln told him that God is even on the playground with him at recess!

It was in that moment that we had a beautiful, Spirit led moment of prayer while Hudson sincerely asked God to live in his heart!!! We then explained to him that the angels were rejoicing in heaven, dancing and having a party because of his decision. Hudson reacted by jumping up and dancing to his own music. He kept saying "I love God, mommy. I love Him." I will forever cherish these moments with my sweet little ones.

Dixie's First Word...?

The little girl is hitting her milestones notably quicker than her big brothers. At just five months she is trying to crawl. You know, the whole getting up on her knees and rocking back and forth thing? Lincoln had such a large head, he didn't even roll over until six months! 

Like the boys, however, I have a feeling she will be an early talker. Hudson (2) just ran up to me and excitedly squealed "Mom! Mom! I just heard Dixie say 'jooga'!!!!!! Haaaa!!!"

Made me think of Friends "She said 'gleeba'!" 

Car Games

Forgot to post this yesterday so here is a double post! It's ok. They are sort of related topics.

My heart wells up when I spy on my boys interacting joyfully with one another. This particular happening made me giggle. (Note: I was going the speed limit, so no judging!)

We were driving on the highway last night at dusk (my favorite time of day. Totally unimportant to the story, but I'm trying to paint a picture here!). The radio was on, I had tuned out the jabberings in the back seat. Suddenly, my attention was captured with the sound of Boone shrieking "YAY! You got this! You got it!! Goooo Lincoln! You totally got this!!! WOOOOOHOOOO!" I caught a glimpse of Lincoln in the review mirror, eyes wide and intently glaring down the car we were passing. Boone, "Ok, now get this one!! I'll pass the one out my window." It didn't take long to realize that they were mind controlling the speed of our car to pass by traffic. (Too bad our back windows are tinted. I would have loved to see the drivers reaction.)

I could not help but mess with them a bit and slow down on occasion. The looks of disappointment on their faces were splendid. "Oh well, Lincoln. It's ok. I forgive you. Just get this next one!"

Ok, now for today's post.

Lately, Lincoln has been fascinated with naming the different types of cars we pass by. "That's a Chevy. A Honda. Oh! Mercedes!" His favorite being a BMW. Boone has been trying to learn from his big brother, repeatedly asking "What kind is THAT, Lincoln? Look! I know that one is a Ford because I see a blue oval!"

On our way to get Lincoln from school just now, Boone pondered about a big truck pulling a trailer. Hudson, (just turned 2!!) who hasn't showed any desire to paticipate in the game, replied with a mouthful of apple and a dash of sarcastic matter-of-factness, "Uh, that's a Toyota."

Gillespie Train

This has been going on for 10 minutes. "Look mom! We're a train!" Poor Hudson keeps getting derailed. 

Chapter Kindergarten: Round One

We just dropped Lincoln off at his first day of kindergarten. Since we did preschool at home, this is a super big deal. First time in a new place, without any familiar faces, for a lengthy amount of time.

Last night he laid out his new clothes in a perfect, neat, little pile. (It took us several failed shopping attempts to find jeans skinny and long enough for the bean pole.) We woke up early to make our favorite vegan chocolate chip pancakes, starting the day off right. Not quite sure how the traffic and parking situation would be on the first day of school, we arrived early and parked on a side street. It was wonderful having daddy with us. We all prayed together, praising God for this wonderful new adventure, thanking Him for divinely pathing the way for Lincoln to get picked for such an amazing school.

When we got to the entrance, we immediately made friends. Another mom with three little boys (5, 3, and 1) enthusiastically introduced herself and her husband. Seeing our brood, they seemed relieved to meet another young couple, possibly crazier than themselves! We snapped pictures of our shy boys together, giggling at the possibility that this could be the start of a forever friendship. (She is still close friends with her kindergarten bestie!) 

When the teacher greeted them at the door, Lincoln adoringly kissed daddy and me goodbye, hugged Boone tightly, and bravely went into his new, exciting classroom.

After one more kiss was blown his direction, we began walking back to the car. I was waiting...expecting to burst into tears. I believe that my sheer joy and excitement for him outweighed any fear or anxiety I had prepared myself for. That's right folks. I DID NOT cry! You may not believe me, but I speak in truth.

What will I look forward to most this school year? The seven minute drive to school. During this time we will pray together. I will always encourage him to try his best, but most importantly to live and love others, looking to Jesus as his example. This boy. I'm tellin' ya. He's going places.

My Kids Will Grow Up On The Classics

I am so glad that HuluPlus has old classics like I Love Lucy and The Cosby Show. It's important for me that my kids grow up on the classics. Clean humor and good values. None of this Phineas and Ferb or Caillou crap.

Lincoln and I are watching I Love Lucy when "Lucy Does A TV Commercial." Ricky was complaining that he would have to leave for work without eating because she didn't have his breakfast ready.

L: "Mom, can that man read?" 

M: "Yeah, buddy. Why?" 

L: "Well, then why can't he make his OWN breakfast?"

(Side note: one of my top 5 favorite episodes.)

What's Important

Cooking and cleaning can wait til tomorrow 
For babies grow up, I've learned to my sorrow 
So, settle down cobwebs. Dust go to sleep 
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep

Huh?

Boone just bowed to me while placing his hand on his chest "Yes, your harness..." 

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today I celebrate one of the most important guys in my life. Dad, you have shown me the best example of how to live and love like Jesus. The passion and strength from your legacy will continue for many generations. My desire for myself and my children is to have your boldness and zest for the gospel. Thank you for always pointing me upward and to the cross, for challenging my thinking, and always being my biggest fan. I love you more than I can put into words.

Proverbs 17:6

Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

I am proud to be yours, Walt Pelot!

Happy Fourth Birthday, Boone

Boone,

Boonie, Boonester, Boone-Boone; my tender hearted one. Today you turn four. Your enthusiasm for life is contagious. Your imagination is hilarious. Your social charm is inescapable. 

Some of my favorite things...You are a people person. You share your Papa's wonderful people skills. You are very curious right now, wanting to know how things work and why. I hope your thirst for knowledge never slows down. I love how you still snuggle with me. Although you are growing, and soon will be too large for my lap, I will cherish these moments as long as I can. You have such a sensitive spirit, you are tender hearted and good. You are such a help around the house, especially with baby Dixie. The songs you come up with to soothe her are the sweetest sounds. The eyebrow dance? I mean, come on. Get cuter, I dare you. ;)

Our prayer is that you will continue to grow in the image of Christ, that you will seek Him and follow Him, hiding his Word in your heart. We pray that God will give us the ability to nurture your gifts of evangelism as well as help you discover His path for you.

I adore you, my little Boone.

Mommy

Happy 2nd Birthday, Hudson!

It happened two years ago yet it feels like two minutes. What life and hilarity you bring this family!

Some of my favorite things at this age? Your vocabulary. My goodness! The amount of words and how you utilize them astonish me and most anyone who hears you. I love how you give a play-by-play for whatever you are doing. "I take a bite of my watermelon" "I put on my dinosaur bip bops." "I got my balloon. Mommy, catch! YOU CATCHED IT!" You answer most questions with a "Uhh, yes." or a "No tanks." Precious. 

My favorite face you make happens when I ask you where something is. You tilt your head, raise your eyebrows, shrug your shoulders, hands up and say (with those little puckered lips), "I dunno!"

Your ability to remember song lyrics is priceless. The Muppy Gong (Muppet Song), and Rainbow Connection are your favorites. Daddy watches the video he took of you singing Rainbow Connection over and over again. Sometimes we find ourselves singing your version because frankly, its way better than the original.

Okay here's a new one. You just now counted to 20! Let's face it, you did miss 15 and 16, but hey, impressive! 

I am so blessed to be able to stay home and watch you develop daily. We asked Papa to lead your dedication a few days ago at your birthday party. I will forever remember that day, and store it in a special place in my heart. Your dad and my prayer is that you will continue grow in The Lord, soaking up wisdom, obedience and discernment, that you will have a rare boldness for Christ even at an early age. We regularly pray for your future spouse, that she will love The Lord and follow him. That your marriage will be pure and holy. 

Sweet little Huddy, you hold our hearts. Thank you for the joy and laughter you bring to this family and to those who know you. Happy Birthday!

Some memorable quotes this week.

Boone (almost 4): "Mom, I wish I had a pet camel so I could feed him a pear." The boys continued arguing for five minutes about whether you feed donkeys apples or peaches.

Lincoln (5.5): "Wow. Those plums were so good. But Boone was just picking the hard ones for me. (Sigh) I hated them. (Sighs and opens eyes wider) They just tasted like tomatoes. (Shakes head and walks away)"

In foggy Oakland, Lincoln: "Man, it sure is soggy out here."

Cute baby Jesus

Lincoln observing his little smiley sister, "Dixie's the cutest baby. She is cuter than anyone...uh...except for God when He was a baby. Was God a baby? You don't think so? Ok, then maybe just Jesus was cuter when he was a baby."

Have a good...

So. Boone has the sweetest heart. I mean it. He is always the first to tell me how beautiful my hair looks when I put it in that rare, easy ponytail.  He will say, "I like that pretty dress," on days when I'm too lazy to put an outfit together and just throw on the maxi skirt that goes with everything. 

Lately, every time he passes through a room that I am in, instead of walking silently by, he finds something polite to tell me. E.G. "Have a nice snuggle with Dixie, Mom," or, "Have a nice snack of those pretzels!" Just now he was heading back outside to make mud puddles with his brothers.  His sweetness and sincerity paired with those giant blue eyes and dimpled smile takes the cake, "Have a nice sit there doing nothing!" 

Oh I will, child. 

Holy Money

"Mom, is this Jesus on my coin?" 

Silly Boone

Boone was told to put his shoes on to go play outside...

"Okay! I'll be as fast as a bunny! Look at this mom!!! (Winks and gives me a thumbs up!)"

Dressed by Dad

Johnny and I had our first "conflict" about raising a girl this morning. I took too long getting ready so he dressed her for church. "IT'S MY TURN! You always get to dress her" I let him win. Probably won't be posting a picture this morning. Lets just say her ensemble consists of a headband AND a bow, along with what I consider pajamas.

Post Pinky Promise Plea

Boone just woke from his nap and is snuggling with Dixie and I. 

"Mom, what should we name our next baby girl?"

"Our NEXT baby? We aren't having any more babies. Don't you think we have enough??"

"No, we need another little girl so Lincoln can dance with that one. Dixie is MY favorite."

This is the same kid who made me pinky promise as I was leaving for my baby shower, "Pinky promise we won't have any more babies."

Double Double Ex!

Haven't worked on the alphabet song yet with Hudson, but he picks up a lot from his big brothers. He just asked me to sing it with him, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well he knew it! My favorite part was "Double Double EX!! Y and Z!" 20 months is probably my favorite age!

Bow To Me!

Boone requested, "Mommy, can you sing the days of the week song?" After song was sung, he says, "Ok, now bow to me!!! I wanna clap at you."

Jimmy Carter

Lincoln shouts from the back seat: "Boone, I am NOT Jimmy Carter. Stop. Calling. Me. That!!"

Sparkle Belly

Lately Boone has been jabbering on something about loving me and putting sparkles in my belly. This morning he climbed into bed to nuggle me and Dixie and brought it up again. It went something like this. Keep in mind that he leaves out all of his r's. He's precious.

"Mom, I woke up this morning and I dreamed that I put more spawkles of love in your belly!"

Me: "Wow! Where do the sparkles come from?"

B: "They came out of my heart because I love you so much. And Dixie got some spawkles in her belly too. But hers are smaller." Giant closed mouth smile.

5 o'clock

I know he's right. As I sit here with a baby suctioned to me, all I can do is laugh!

We Are a Chocolate Vegetable Salad

Lincoln didn't stop talking once during dinner:

"Boone is the tomato man, Hudson is the broccoli boy, Mommy is the chocolate girl, Daddy is the kale man and (singing) I AM THE MUSHROOM MAN! Can I please have a plate of mushrooms when I finish my dinner? Pleeeeease? Oh. And um...Dixie is the mommy's milk girl..."

Welcome Dixie! (My birth story)

Four days ago we became a family of six!

Woke up on my due date with that feeling. After many evenings experiencing prodromal labor, these contractions were unusually early in the morning and, although distant in spacing, they continued.

Decided to walk around downtown Walnut Creek with my mom and sister who had flown in the day before. Johnny surprised me and came home from work, despite me telling him to stay as I felt it would still be awhile. I think he just didn't wanna miss anything. My doctor had just informed us that this, being my fourth, could happen quite suddenly.

We walked and shopped for several hours, including one long appointment at the Apple store getting Johnny's phone replaced. The gentleman there didn't seem to believe my response to "When are you due?" I replied with a smile, "Today. I'm actually in the early phase of labor!"

We went back to my parents house to have dinner with the boys. I took a long soak in their giant, luxurious, porcelain tub. Contractions went from 8 to 5 minutes apart. About an hour later, they were 2 minutes apart and growing in intensity. We decided around 8pm to head to the hospital. I was determined to not be sent home this time around.

8:30 - Triage. Contractions 2 minutes apart and unbearable. Only 3cm? Since the nurse could tell that this could happen fast, she decided to admit me.

The timing at this point is fuzzy to me, because I had no pain management. I had decided to play it by ear in the epidural department. Hudson's labor progressed so quickly and I had only pushed for 5 minutes with him!

Midnight? - My back labor had become so unbearable (also, this being my 3rd vbac, the nerve pain near my 5 year old c-section scar got the brunt of the pain). Only 5cm. I decided at that time to get a dose of fentanyl to see if that helped. All it did was make my dizzy and slow my contractions. Don't get me wrong, I welcomed the 5 minute breaks in between the agony. Not long after, exhaustion hit and I caved, ordering the epidural.

1am - One LONG hour later the anesthesiologist arrived and administered it. Didn't take. Not an ounce of relief. Turns out that I had been transitioning during the wait.

1:30am - My midwife confirmed that I was 8cm and if my water broke right then the baby would come immediately.

2am - Midwife said we could wait and labor on until my water broke (she had a feeling it would be soon) or to break it and deliver within minutes. Johnny made the executive decision to have her break it, but as she was about to, it broke on its own!!! Two pushes and 3 agonizing minutes later I was holding our beautiful pink baby girl!!!




Dixie Monroe Gillespie
4/9/13 at 2:03am
7lbs 1oz, 21 3/4in

It was a whirlwind, painful, but perfect delivery! Even after four babies, these moments never lose their magic and mystery.








The boys are so in love with our new addition. They cannot get enough kisses or hugs in a day.

I don't blame them...neither can daddy and mommy!

Nana Nana Nana Nana Birthday!!

Lincoln informed us last night that today was Batman's birthday and asked if we could pleeeease celebrate him with a party. I mean...how can you say no to that?

Smart or Beautiful

Boone (3): "Mom, you are beautiful and dad is smart."
Me: "Wait, am I smart?"
Boone: "No. You are beautiful!"

I've Been A Kid Too Long

Sigh..."I wish I were a man by now. I've been a kid too long. Can I get a fake beard?" - Lincoln age 5.

A Ziplock Moment

Best part of my day, you ask?  Tonight was a Doris Day Pandora dinner-music kind of night, which lead to a (not so uncommon) spontaneous dance party.  The most beautiful moment was the delight on Hudson's face as I scooped him up from his highchair.  As we began peacefully swaying to Moonlight Serenade, he planted his sticky cheek on mine, placed his chubby little hand in mine, and continued to hum and sigh happily until the song ended.  Felt his breath on my cheek, and butterfly kisses on my face.  If I could capture a moment and keep it fresh forever...

This boy....

Charlie Brown Fashion

I was just telling Lincoln that I wanted to go shopping for something to wear this weekend for my baby shower.

L: "Like a shirt? Hmm. Like a Charlie Brown shirt?"

Me: "Ummm. No."

L: "Wellllll...then what KIND of shirt??"

Am I a man or am I a muppet?

Tonight, our dear friend asked Lincoln who his favorite muppet was.

Lincoln: "Kermit the frog."
Alan: "Oh! What about Boone?"
Lincoln: "Boone isn't a muppet!!"

Lincoln's New Hobby!

When Lincoln woke up this morning, daddy was just leaving for work. Lincoln begged if he could go on a run with him when he got home. All day he's been in his "exercise shorts" eagerly asking "how many more hours till dad gets home?" It is all he has talked about today.

They just got back from running a mile around the neighborhood. He ran the whole thing nonstop without complaining in under 10 minutes! (Not bad for his first run) I'm so proud. Now they are making a kale recovery smoothie. I see a future marathon buddy for Johnny!

Little Charmer

As I was putting on a quick coat of mascara this morning, I caught Lincoln in the mirror, gazing lovingly from the doorway.

Lincoln: "Mom?"

Me: Expecting a 'why are you putting that on your face' question, "Yeah, buddy?"

Lincoln: "Even right before you have a baby, you are so beautiful. Even when your body gets SO big, you are just so beautiful!!"

This kid. He is going to make the best sweetheart someday. It will be a bittersweet day when the compliments will be directed towards another girl. However, I will cherish and encourage his precious heart at the best of my ability.

32 Week Nightmare!

Hormonal dream from last night: 

I went into labor, so my mother in law drove me to the hospital.  Johnny was tired and wanted to sleep.  He wasn't in any rush to get there, so he decided to stay home with the boys until it was "go time."  I woke up the next morning in the hospital, and apparently WE ALL slept thru it.  My MIL had slept in the chair beside me.  She was the one who told me I had already had her when I woke up.  I was soooo upset that I missed it!  

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

I'm Thinking Of Something...

Playing "I'm thinking of something that is..." with the Guppy and the boys. It is Boone's turn.

Boone: "I'm thinkin' of sumping that is white and a triangle."

Guppy: "Is it outside?"

Boone: "Yup!"

About 12 questions later, answered by "no's" we asked for another clue.

Boone: "Nope, there are no more clues. It's white and a triangle and outside."

Mommy: "Do YOU know what it is, Boonie?"

Boone: Smiling matter-of-factly, "Nope!"

Interviewing The Five Year Old

The following conversation was spurred from an afternoon full of young questions. I decided to turn the tables. Lincoln answered with matter of fact, prompt responses.

Q: What's a zamboni?
A: It's an animal. The kind in space.

Q: Where is Tuscany?
A: It's in Salmon Frinsco. (Smirks) Where they hand out salmons.

Q: What is an opal?
A: It's a staple.

Q: Who is Condoleezza Rice?
A: Umm...A stranger.

Q: What is a window pane?
A: That's when a window is in pain or it's FIRED UP!

Q: What's a frappucino?
A: It's a spicy chip.

Q: Where is the equator?
A: There are 2 of them. One's at Disneyland and one's at Costco.

Q: What does B.S. stand for?
A: Balloon snake.

Q: What is a sanguine?
A: It's a sad penguin.

The Newest Competetor

As I'm clearing the dinner plates, Hudson (18 mos) runs full speed past me, hits the fridge door with both hands and shouts, "I WIN!!!" He's clearly picking up on the constant competition between his brothers. Who he was racing to the fridge is beyond me.

Hiking Adventures on Mountaintop Ablo

The other day, we were driving and had the most beautiful view of Mount Diablo. I told the boys that next time daddy takes them hiking maybe I would like to join them.

Lincoln: "Mom, there is moldy mountain lion poop on Mountaintop Ablo. Are you SURE you want to come? I mean, we didn't see any mountain lions, but daddy put his hand on the moldy mountain lion poop because he thought it was just dirt."

Hmmm. Moldy mountain lion poop on "Mountaintop Ablo?"


(Picture taken during the last hike with the uncles and big boy cousins)

Lincoln Makes A Call

Lincoln just picked up Hudson's new Christmas toy cell phone and I heard the following exchange:

Minnie Mouse, "Hello?"

Lincoln, "Hi, I was just thinking maybe you could go out on a date with me? ...Ok! That'd be great!"

Oy vay!