Back on Track

It has been a long winter for us, but I think we are back on track. The germs have been banished from our home, the tulip and daffodil bulbs are poking up, and we have been able to play outside before dinner!

Let's see . . . some accomplishments that have taken place in the Maher household this spring:

1. Ella can ride her bike on two wheels now.

2. Colin can potty standing up.

3. Elizabeth can get up on all fours and is preparing to crawl.

4. Matt shaved off his beard but now has a mustache.

5. Matt has taken several bike rides outside and is gearing up for a successful riding season.

6. Holly is gearing up for nursing school in 2011.

Just thought I would share some photos of the happenings here in the big city . . .

Don't leave home without them . . . shades! Kids attended an Easter Egg Hunt this past weekend. Colin's typical question prior to leaving the house these days is, "Is the sun out today, mom?"

Little Biff at the playground . . . Her hair is getting more and more blonde, and she smiles just about all the time!

We wanted to send a family photo to a friend we had not seen in a long time, so Matt set the tripod up. Here is our crazy family shot. The expression on my face is how I feel most days with kids!

Proof that Ella is a pro at riding her bike!

Falling Behind . . .

Yes, it has been awhile yet again. We just changed the calendar today to November, and I know it will be a blink of an eye that we will be doing the same for December. I just wanted to share some pictures of the kids, especially Elizabeth. She is a week shy of 3 months! The picture below is Elizabeth tat wo months, just when she started to smile at us! There really is no doubt that she is Ella's little sister!



We decided to have a Fall Gathering at our house this year, and it is our hope to make an annual tradition of it. We had a fire pit (thanks to Carrie!!), loads of games for kids to play (apple bobbing, jello eating contest, three legged race, donut on a string), and plenty of drink and food for all! The weather was beautiful, and we had so many wonderful friends with us. We tried our best to capture the entire clan . . . we had 11 kids, 2 babies, and 12 adults. We were grateful that the weather was beautiful since we all were not going to fit in our home!






Halloween this year was a bit of a bummer in that it started to rain just when it was time to leave for trick or treating. We decided to take pictures before people went out. Here is my little pumpkin home with me handing out candy.



Here is the rest of the clan - Ella was a mermaid, and Colin was a pirate. Matt was the bearded dad.

Number Five - Elizabeth Diane

As I type, I am looking over at this little person sound asleep in the bouncy chair - it is hard for me to imagine life now without Elizabeth. I also must say that I am very grateful for a healthy baby, and I am feel very "complete" with our family of five! The transition from two to three has been the easiest for me. I am already used to sleep deprivation, I have come up with a cocktail of make - up to conceal the dark circles under my eyes, and thankfully my patience level has magically increased. Contrarily, my level of expectations has decreased, thus minimizing stress levels. I am quite content if I get a shower and all kids dressed before 8:00 AM. A bonus to my day includes some laundry and an empty sink! We are also deeply grateful for our family and friends who have provided us with delicious and generous meals over the last week. We are very fortunate for our family, friends, and health.

Here is the family of four prior to our departure to the hospital - Matt thought we would be returning home, but I was more hopeful that the time to have this baby had finally arrived!

Here is a picture of the proud big sister and big brother right before they got to see their new baby sister . . . Mom and Elizabeth were getting "beautified" before any visitors came into the room!

Here we are in the hospital - we hope that Elizabeth continues to find her thumb. She is quite content when she is sucking on something! I know that the orthodontist will be happy if she finds her thumb and continues to use it during her younger years!


Here are the "final three" fairly content during the first week at home. Although it has only been nine days since we have been a family of five, it has been enjoyable to watch Ella and Colin interact and love Elizabeth. I have been solo with the three of them for two days now, and they have all been quite kind to me. It certainly is more work with three, but I have to say that Elizabeth has been very kind to us . . . she is easily pacified, she sleeps pretty well, and she is gaining weight well.


And here is Elizabeth in her first party dress . . .

Four Will Shortly Become Five

I figured I better get an entry in now since I know life will get a bit more hectic once baby arrives. I am almost 38 weeks and certainly ready both emotionally and physically. I am trying to enjoy these last moments of pregnancy, but I do find that I am feeling like I should just be rolled around like a giant ball these days by my kids. I promised people a belly shot, so here you go . . .


Despite the rainy summer, we have managed to take some trips and do some events together as a family. I will try to recap the last couple of months . . .

We went camping up in Burlington, VT the last weekend in June. The weather cooperated until Monday morning at 5 AM. The campground was right near a lake, so we all had a good time swimming and playing in the sand. We did some exploring downtown, but for the most part enjoyed playing at the campsite and cooking meals around the fire. Although we didn't get much sleep, camping is something we hope to do each summer! There really is nothing better than playing in the water all day to cooking hot dogs over the grill to listening to kids giggle together in the tent. Here kiddos are enjoying some chocolate spiders - a delicacy my mom used to make for our Friday night picnics when I was a kid!

A few of my favorite things - Ella and Colin decided to climb a rock while we were taking a stroll through Burlington one morning.

For our July 4th festivities, kids decorated their bikes and rode in a parade right through the campus of Dartmouth College. Ella rode the entire parade herself, while Colin was more interested in scooping up leftover candy on the streets. I think he had some regret not being on the sidelines to collect the goodies being tossed by parade participants. After the parade, there were various events for kids to participate in. Later that night, Ella and Colin were able to enjoy their first set of fireworks. Colin still remarks about the event every time we drive by the park where they watched the fireworks go off!



On Saturday, July 12 we all participated in the Prouty, a fundraiser for cancer research. Last summer was our first year of participating in it, and we have decided to continue the tradition of participating in the Prouty for as long as we can. This year Matt rode the 100 mile bike ride while Ella, Colin, Grandpa and Grandma Maher, and I walked the 5K. Needless to say, we thought that we would be waiting for Matt to finish, but he actually had to wait for us to finish the walk. The fact that I forgot to inflate the double stroller's tires didn't help matters, and I was VERY grateful for the help of Grandma and Grandpa. I think I would still be on the trail someplace if it wasn't for their help. The last time I was on the trails we walked for the Prouty, I was in good shape and on my mountain bike. Needless to say, the terrain looked much different 36 weeks pregnant while pushing two kids in a stroller. In the end, we finished and enjoyed some good company and food together before heading home for some rest. Next year we all hope to ride bikes . . . we shall see how this will work!


Lastly, Ella and Colin participated in their first summer camp in mid - July. Ella loved it so much that she asked to stay until 3:00 PM the last few days in the week. Colin also enjoyed camp even though he shed some tears at drop - off. It was a treat to have some time for myself - I cleaned the crackers and cleenex from the car and put the baby carseat in. I also got to enjoy some coffee with a friend for a whole two hours!

To bring you up to date, we have been trying to enjoy some beach and pool days before baby arrives. We hope the sun does decide to show itself a bit more these last few weeks of summer. Until then, I am hoping to do a lot of dancing, eating of spicy food, and labor dances to get baby to arrive before her due date of August 10. We are all ready to meet her, welcome her into our home, and complete our family!

Spring Cleaning and Nesting

Yes, it has been awhile since the last posting. In fact, I think I mentioned that in the last blog entry. Before kids, I always wondered why people with kids always seemed so busy and so tired. It comes to no surprise now that I am a parent. All those times that I was with friends before kids and I had thoughts such as, "Why don't they clean the Cheerioes and Goldfish crackers from their car?" OR "Why is the laundry basket always full?" OR "Why does it take them so long to return my phone calls?" OR "I cannot believe they have crayon marks on their furniture." I know I said multiple times - "That will never be me!!" Someone needs to slap me silly because the above thoughts are now reality for me. Even with my nesting instinct coming into full swing these days, I still have food in the car, a constantly full laundry basket, and dust balls in every corner of the house. Oh well, I keep telling myself what my Mom tells me - "kids don't care how clean their house is, what their house looks like, or if the laundry basket and sink are full." Good advice but hard to follow at times . . .

Below are some pictures of our latest adventures. It has been really nice to have some warmer weather. Being outside has been good for everyone these days.

My best and oldest friend, Christy, flew to NH to visit her parents in April. We were able to coordinate a time to visit with them and finally meet baby Ian. It was a treat to spend some time with Christy, Stephen, and her parents. We miss them all way out in California!! Both Ella and Colin were fighting over Ian, and here they are giving him some love to him. Ian was very patient and tolerant of the handling!



For Easter this year, we had a busy but wonderful day. We started our day with a visit to Grandpa Wilson and Karen's house. Ella and Colin are now fully prepared for the worst of rain storms, thanks to Grandpa Wilson and Karen . . . Ella got a beautiful raincoat, and Colin got some stylin' rain boots and a hat to match. We then hopped over to Grandma and Grandpa Maher's house for an Easter Egg Hunt. Here are Ella and Colin finishing up their search for eggs. Note: Matt is in the background reaching for some chocolate! Additional Note: I also indulged quite heavily in the chocolate!

Our final destination was Mimi's house to celebrate both Easter and to also celebrate her birthday! Once again, Colin and Ella got to do some babysitting . . . Here is Rowan at 6 weeks. I have no doubt that Ella and Colin will be prepared for holding their new baby sister once she arrives afer all the practice they have had in the last few months! Baby Rowan was very patient as well with the handling between kids. Here he is bright eyed as ever!


We had a few days where the weather was in the 80's and 90's, so we got some summer fever. Here is Rockstar Ella in her strawberry outfit from Mimi. Ella is at the height of pretend play right now. To her left is Levi, one of her three children. Her husband, Josh, is only 16 (according to Ella). I sure hope we promote some better life lessons and morals along the way . . . married at 16 with three children? Who are her parents anyway?? Ella is also convinced that she is a mom and no longer my child. She will ask me, "So, when is your baby due? Ohhh, I see. And then you will have two children?" My reply, "No, then I will have three children." Her reply, "No, I am a mommy and not your kid." We just leave the conversation at that these days.


Colin still enjoys eating, just like his mother. He is enjoying a leftover homemade whoopie pie I had made for our monthly book club gathering.


During Ella's April vacation, the kids, Moose and I took a small hike up to Boston Lot Lake. The area is just a few minutes from our house, and the area is beautiful. The day was a bit windy, but kids seemed to still enjoy the adventure. Here they are at the top enjoying a snack and drinking from their Camel Paks. Baby Levi also joined us for the adventure. We returned to this spot a week later with Matt and hiked around the entire lake. The day we did the hike was absolutely beautiful. Although we got a bit muddy, scratched up, and were absolutely exhausted at the end of the three hour hike, we had a really good time.


And, the video below catches us up to present day. Yesterday a friend of ours dropped off a trail - a - bike they were no longer using. Ella begged Matt to go for a ride . . . Matt hooked it up to my mountain bike, and Colin and I decided to stroll around the neighborhood snapping pictures of the bikers. Our hope is to go for a ride on the rail trail with Matt towing Ella on the trail - a - bike and me towing Colin in the bike trailer. If you are out on the Rail Trail in the next few weeks, just look for the large pregnant woman puffing away with kid in tow.

Skating on the Pond and The Arrival of Baby Rowan

We have tried to take advantage of the cold, snowy weather this winter by introducing Ella to skiing and skating. We are counting down the days to spring and will welcome the blooming of our tulips and daffodils. Ella is even ready for spring; she continues to get excited when she sees patches of grass in our yard. Despite the feeling of desperation for winter to end, Ella has really enjoyed both activities, and we hope to have Colin try skiing and skating next year. We are lucky in that we can go skating at Occum Pond, which is a pond right in Hanover. The conditions are not pristine, but it is free, and there are always a lot of people to watch! You can check out some of the videos we gathered . . . Ella is gradually getting the hang of skating, and Colin just likes pushing the milk crate around. It never really takes much to entertain our children!






I am also very proud to announce the arrival of Baby ROWAN JAMES DEFOSSES into our family. Baby Rowan was born on March 2 at 3:25 PM weighing 8 pounds, 11 ounces. He is 22 inches long. He is absolutely adorable, and Carrie and baby are doing exceptional. Ella, Colin, and I were able to visit them all today. Congratulations Carrie and Shawn! I am so very proud of your hard work, patience, and determination at bringing Rowan into our lives! We cannot wait to get all the cousins together! I have no doubt Ella and Colin will have plenty to teach Rowan!



Here are some shots of some very loving and proud cousins . . . Perhaps they are sharpening their babysitting skills for when baby Maher #3 arrives??

Babies . . . and . . . Love

It has been quite some time (once again) since I have posted. However, I believe my excuses are valid. First off to report is that we are expecting a baby in August which will be the third installment (and FINAL, may I add) to the Maher circus. Baby is doing well as confirmed in an ultrasound and fetal heart rate, but I have to say the first trimester of this pregnancy has been the most challenging out of the three I have experienced. I am just beginning to feel better, more energy, more interest in cooking for my poor, undernourished family. No one has really complained about the lame meals, if I can even classify the food I have prepared, as meals. I have also been really fortunate in that family and friends have prepared us some very delicious meals. Thank you!! Needless to say, we are excited for another addition to our family, and Ella and Colin are also interested, which has been something for me to really enjoy.

On another note, we had a shower for my sister, Carrie. Her baby boy is due to arrive at the end of February. Both mom and baby are doing really well, and we will report more once Baby Defosses arrives.


I was an obnoxious host and brought some games along. Here are Carrie and Ella "chugging" down a baby bottle; Carrie was the winner of this event!


On yet another baby note, my best friend, Christy and her husband welcomed their baby boy on February 2, 2009. Ian is absolulety perfect looking, and I cannot wait to meet him. I wish that I could magically snap my fingers and appear on Christy and Stephen's door step in California. I would be sure to spoil them and cook them enough food for a month! Congratulations! I am so happy that you are all doing so well!

Otherwise, we have been enjoying some outdoor activities. Ella continues to do well with her ski lessons. She is now able to stop and turn a bit on her own. I am hoping to take her on a small hill toward the end of the season. Matt also took Ella and Colin skating the other weekend. Ella did really well. I do have to say that we are grateful for the helmets they both wore on their heads. Although Colin does not have skates yet, he really enjoys pushing the milk crate around on the ice. Next winter Ella will be officially ready for her first pair of hockey skates; we know that Grampa Wilson will be all over this idea! Ella has shown interest in using a hockey stick, and one of our friends has already introducted the concept of "checking" to her. (Ella is in the purple coat and black helmet at the bottom.)


On a final note for this posting, Matt and Ella attended a "Father - Daughter Valentine's Day" Dance this past Friday evening. Ella was very excited about the dance all day long. Here is the handsome couple right before departing for the big event.

Colin and I had our "hot date" that evening by reading books on the couch in our pajamas and eating Saltine crackers. He seemed to be quite content with these activities! Moose didn't seem to mind the events of the evening as well.