CoCo in Love: August 2014

My summer "vacation" is nearing an end. I say vacation with a sarcastic chuckle...more like an obnoxious and fatuously loud belly laugh...the kind you hear coming from loonies in a mental ward who are humored by their surroundings. But, the Lord has been good, so there are undertones of Joy wrapped up in the insanity. The summer went by in a whirlwind of activity and it seems as though the heat set any hope for rest and peace ablaze.

I am nearing exhaustion, so I will explain in photos...

I'd like to thank the Holy Spirit, sanitizing wipes, sunblock, and febreeze for helping me manage my children, and the multiple children that accompanied them, this summer. Who needs a shower when you can douse your kids in Febreeze and wipe their feet with these versatile wipes!?! Hands-down, best inventions ever.

The husband and I made a point to nurture our babes with dates and quality time. My boys experienced fine dining with me while Sis was out with dad eating ribs and wings, finished off with a trip to the local florist shack to pick out her favorites. That was sweet dad. Way to set the bar high for future fellows wishing to court your little lady.

I kept busy walking the perimeter of multiple sports arenas while the crew set out for some cardio of their own. I was very entertained with the idea of the Old Men playing ball with the Young Bucks (our boys and the boyfriends acquired by our nieces). To my surprise, the Olds showed the Bucks who was boss. Way to go guys. * notice, my sons take any opportunity to play sports in their underwear.

Praise the good Lord for grandparents: Gram and Papa Shawn were ever present in our days, ready to rescue us from our ever humid abode and whisk us away on trips to much better places than our couch. The kids went bowling, played in reclaimed water, and made many trips to the Ice arena and Lake.

My pretty little ladies finally allowed me some nutrient consumption as they eased up on the food expelling sessions in my 2nd trimester of incubation. My cravings have been somewhat healthy and my favorite sweet treat is sweet vanilla yogurt with frozen blueberries...in a fancy glass, of course. The girls are becoming active in this 23rd week. Aisley is proving to be the most active one, to my surprise, constantly rolling and punching around...sending mommy to the E.R. 1 or 2 times in concern over what the heck she was up to as my tummy morphed into odd shapes and pinched all sorts of nerves. Little Adeline has been low key, resting peacefully in her cushioned loft (I can't feel her much aside from an occasional evening punch in the ribs. She has an anterior placenta which cushions the blows.)

Adeline Chanelle

Their favorite treat...

Aisley Calysta

My sympathetic spawn even gave me an occasional date (with their own money! I was impressed ...)

My Razzle Dazzle and Tator Head finished an outstanding season of basketball, ending the summer as League Champions. Way to go Boys!!! Thanks to the entire family who came out each week to cheer them on. You are unforgettable and appreciated.

Our Beloved Leila, protector, friend, and confidant, passed away last week. She was a good girl. We are happy you are in heaven now. I'm sure you will be well cared for until we meet again.

St. Leila Ali-Rest in Eternal Peace: May 2005-Aug. 2014

And, with a handful of days left until school begins for the crew, the ladies came by for a Back to School Brunch. We stocked up on essential oils to maintain health and sanity for a busy season ahead, scarfed down some food, and enjoyed down time with the girls.