Milestones in Mothering

I know my kids grow and change a lot without me even noticing; it just happens.  Sometimes, though, there are very distinct milestones and moments that cause me to pause and reflect on where we've been and where we're going...  Some of them bring giant smiles and cheers and others bring a bittersweet tear to my eye.  First smiles, first tooth, first steps, first words...first day of school...there are too many to count (and certainly too many to keep track of in this scattered maternal mind of mine!)

Today I had one of those silly bittersweet moments, which I 'd been expecting (and kind of wishing for...I thought.)  

For as long as I can remember every time we asked Lucas anything that required a "yes" or "no" response he would answer us with an enthusiastic, whole body wiggling "uh-huh."  It bothered me a little because I didn't think it was the most polite response and I often couldn't differentiate between the yes or no so I'd have to routinely ask for confirmation of his answer.  Inevitably, today when everything I asked him was answered with a very clear, very distinct "YES" or "NO" I felt my heart dip just a little.  Where was my funny little high pitched "uh-huuuuuuuh?"  Is it really gone for good?

I know he's not packing his bags for college just yet, but even tiny milestones for our littlest ones can make it seem that way sometimes...so don't grow up too fast my sweet and crazy little bundle of boy!

Please excuse the runny nose and dirty face!  We were trying to capture a picture of Lucas in this vintage (albeit waaaay too small) Phillies shirt that he's recently decided is the ONLY thing he wants to wear.  **Note:  Of course the entourage had to come along and sadly he thinks its a soccer ball shirt.  (It will soon be on its way to Utah for my nephew who's due at the end of the month!)

The new year.

Each change of the calendar year brings with it a variety of expected and unexpected changes.  Some of these are joyful...and others are...well, not so joyful.  For us, 2013 seems to have more than its fair share of changes already on the horizon.  Here are a few that I've found myself mulling over a lot recently:

*  The welcoming of our 4th child
*  An international move with said newborn and our 3 "big guys"
*  A transition to civilian life
*  A new (temporary) home and community to belong to
*  A return to student life as Josh plans to finish his Masters at Duke Divinity School beginning this August

Hmmm...seems like a lot to get my head around these days - although I don't find myself feeling overly stressed about these changes most of the time.  I guess because for the most part I like to ignore them and pretend the majority of them aren't happening.  (with the exception of welcoming our new baby girl in May, of course)  Between the U.S. Navy and the obvious work of the Holy Spirit in my life, I suppose I've learned a little about what I can and can't control and what I should and shouldn't fret about - that helps a bit too!  So...2013...ready or not...here we go!

Calcio Catania!

Sam managed to come for a visit smack in the middle of two home games for Catania's soccer team, so we didn't have the chance to actually watch them play. Still...it was fun to track down the stadium and the men at the gates were kind enough to let us inside for a little exploration!

Off to Cefalu with Sam and the Gang.

My sweet friend Bethany and I joined forces to take our guests and our troop of 5 little ones on a day trip to Cefalu.  It's one of my favorite cities in Sicily, so I'm always excited to share it with visitors who come our way!  The kids were great and we made it to everything on our "to do" list.  (even jumping in waves in January!)

Elise packed her own bathing suit and beach towel!  She didn't go under, but she was still more brave than I.

Sam couldn't resist a dip in the Tyrrenian Sea.  Brrrrr.

Playing on the ruins after the big climb up La Rocca.

...another view that I never tire of...

Around town...

A few more adventures with Uncle Sam in town...

A church made from volcanic rock in the town of Randazzo.

Gathering with friends to enjoy lunch at Etna Quota Mille.  The days most unusual offering - marinated pork stomach.  (I did not try it!)  Everything else was delicious! 

Picnic with a view on New Year's Eve...followed by climbing and exploring in the pastures below Motta. 

Doesn't get much cooler...

Happy 2013!

Our New Year's Day hike on Pineta Monti Rossi.  We made it to the top in time for the sunset!

Girl...Boy...Boy...???

There's a lot of excitement around here...

Thanks for sharing a special moment with us!

Taormina e' Siracusa.

A lovely view from Parco Communale in Taormina.

Essential Pit Stop: Bam Bar, Taormina

Teatro Greco.

Sam and I got a solo day in Siracusa...it's was so relaxing and fun!

Lunch @ La Volpe e l'Uva in the main piazza.