Kid Stuff!

I've got a bit of them written down and stuck on my computer in files....at least they are safe, though! Gonna see if James can get them for me sometime, lol.

My three do and say the cutest things all the time! Life with three is very different than life with two. I think having older kids makes it different too.....they are so PEOPLE-ISH :) not just little babies toddling around! It's a great adventure. 

Yesterday Nicolas painted a picture of "daa-ee's hop-i-sol" for James. When James got home from work, we gave it to him. (I think Patrick did, lol) Patrick came running into the kitchen afterwards telling me about it. I said something like "Wow, I bet Daddy liked that!" to which he replied "Yeah, especially since it's his OWN KID!" :)

Patrick found his notebook he and James made the evening Patrick was saved. He then quietly retreated upstairs with Nicolas, to the very table he and James sat at back in October 2010. I heard him talking to Nicolas about Jesus. I went upstairs and said "What are you doing?" Nicolas responded "We prayin' for my heart!"

Emma is so adorable walking all over the house, this tiny little person! I love love love it! Today she went over to the laundry room door, and I believe was looking for James. She said "Daa-daa". I picked her up and showed her through the garage door that Daddy wasn't home yet. So cute!

Emma and Nicolas love to scream together! Adorable and LOUD!

Here's Emma walking! This was right after I had four teeth (two wisdom) removed on December 30th, 2011. Emma started walking on Christmas eve!  

The next video is a great scheme of Patrick's! He is forever doing things like this! He tied Emma's beloved car from Grandma to her overalls with dental floss. He was SO delighted that it worked and seeing her pull it around! She was a good sport about it for quite awhile, too!

 

 and here is Patrick saying one of his many poems he has learned so far in 1st grade! He has a "memory like an elephant" ! :)

 the boys doing a marshmallow test together :) I like listening to them talk and sing together. Such sweet little guys!

Nicolas just turned three yesterday! How quickly those years have gone! He is a hilarious, sweet little boy. I can't believe he is 3! 

He got to start piano lessons, which he has been greatly looking forward too! With "Aunt Lissa". :) A couple months back he told me "I WISH I could!" (take piano lessons) and another time he told me "When I take piano lessons I'll take off my shoes and wash my hands!" (That's what all the students do at the teachers house, and he has seen Patrick do it.)
Of course on the BIG DAY when he did get to start (We told him when he was three he could) he was playing with friends and didn't want to leave. I think he was nervous, too. He cried and said "I don't WANT TO take piano lessons!" Then I told him he had to, and he said "When I'm big can I not?" As we made our ways downstairs for his lesson he tearfully said "Will you sit with me?"

Nicolas went through a phase of not liking pepperoni pizza. Patrick knew it and said to him "What do you think of the pepperoni?" Nicolas said "A tiny bit yucky." Patrick then replied "I need to teach you how to be polite. What you do is you say "Thank you" even if you don't like it."

Eating chips Patrick said "They're right, Mama - you CAN fit a whole one in your mouth!" I questioned what he meant and he said "It says BITE SIZE toritlla chip!"

Our milk had oreos on them for awhile...with the little slogan "Milks favorite cookie." Patrick was looking at the milk one day and said "Hey milk!" I said "Yeah?" P: "I said MILK." Me: "oh." P: "What's your favorite cookie?"

Patrick: "When God makes a new world, does He get rid of the old one?" Us: "Yes." P: "Where does He put it?"

Patrick to me: "Good job remembering that rule that Daddy told you, that you NEVVVVEEER leave the stove on when you go to the bathroom - or on a walk."

Quote from Nicolas last night as James was tucking him in and I was downstairs sweeping: "Daddy, what that broomin' sound?"

James was looking for his keys all weekend...Finally, we asked Nicolas if he knew where the keys were and he told us right where they were: In an oatmeal box in a drawer, where he had put them. 

Patrick: "Why is Gmail getting a new look?"

One day Patrick came into the kitchen and told me earnestly about something that had happened. I wasn't quite following what he was saying until I heard him say excitedly "I think it might have been a miracle!"

Patrick was eager to help write our Christmas letter....here's what he wrote:

"We Moved from TEXas. To TeNNSSEE. we LivEd in|a|NEiGhBorhood. That was called. MillWood. 

Merry Chrimas. and a Happy New! Year!"

Nicolas loves to praise his little sister for doing something good. He exclaims with great enthusiasm "Good BOY, Emma!!!"

After our move I was talking to Nicolas about Texas and Tennessee. Our map has TN in pink. For awhile there, according to Nicolas we lived in "PINK Tennessee!"

one day I was apologizing for something to the boys. Afterwards Nicolas pointed at me with a mischievous grin and declared "You a CRAB!"

one night I returned from a quick trip to Walmart. James had put the boys to bed while I was gone. I heard crying in the boy's room and went in to see what was up. When I asked Nicolas why he was crying he replied "I lost you!"

Patrick recently got a violin and began lessons with James. In the evenings when they practice, Nicolas and I have enjoyed somel time together. He always wants to read a book and play "wee wee wee all the way home!" His version of "This little piggy" goes like this: "This little piggy had none. (very sad face) This little piggy (had) root beer! This little piggy (went to the) gift shop! This little piggy go wee wee wee wee wee allllll the way home!"

Little Emma is acting more and more like a toddler these days! She LOVES her brothers, laughing, playing in the kitchen cupboards, looking at books and soft stuffed animals. She especially loves coloring, and has amazed us by just picking up crayons, pencils etc. and holding them very close to the correct way! She has the sweetest little personality, and is very laid back. She is tons of fun and brings so much JOY to our daily lives. We are still enjoying all the pink frilly girl clothes and bows!

My Baby is 1!!!

It was one year ago today that God gave our family the gift of Nicolas!

One year ago today I gave birth to my sweet, precious baby boy. My second born.

I remember the day so well. I have been recounting the events of last year over and over.

It was a Friday. I was so glad it was almost the weekend.

I had a happy day with Patrick.

The weather was beautiful.

I bounced on my birthing ball, talked to my midwife, and ran a last minute "errand" which involved picking up my little sil's Anna and Gloria.

I walked stairs in the Hilton Hotel parking lot.

We fed the ducks.

I took the girls home.

The contractions started!

So many little details to remember, and all part of that wonderful, special day.

I loved Nicolas' birth. It was so beautiful! It was such a healing experience for me, too.

It all felt so quiet, calm and peaceful. When he was born I was so anxious to see what he looked like! 9 months he had grown inside me, but now was the time for his life on the "outside" to begin!

I remember when I was pregnant with him, he was so active. I remember sitting on the couch a lot of evenings, about the same time. He would always perk up and start thumping and kicking. I would say sometimes "Mama loves you."

I still say that to him now....and I like to imagine that he remembers me saying it then, too. That somehow it seems familiar to him and makes him feel safe and loved, like maybe it did when he was inside of me.

Nicolas is indeed a precious gift from God. I am so glad that He gave him to us.

My sweet, wild little all-boy boy! He is so active and full of life! yet so tender and loving, too.

He has grown up soooo fast.

He began this teeny tiny little love, who I held on my chest hour after hour - then suddenly he transformed (right before my eyes, yet somehow without me noticing!) into a one year old!

He is SO much fun to have around. He is full of JOY. He squeals and screams...and he WALKS! He took his first official steps on December 29th, and has kept at it since! Today on his birthday he took 7 steps! It is so strange and so cute to see him walking around!

Nicolas, I am so glad God made you and gave you to me. You make my life so much richer and happier by being in it. You add so much to my life. You have changed me and helped to make me who I am today. We wanted you so very, very much, and are so glad God has lent you to us for awhile! I pray that God will give you many years to love Him and serve Him, and that you will be the "Victory of the people through the Lord who is your God."

In a way, it's like you are our victory, through God's grace. We lost two little ones before you. After that life seemed very fragile. When we found out that you existed, we didn't know if we'd get to keep you. But God chose to let you grow and grow, until that very special day, one year ago today......January 10th.

That was the day you entered our lives and our hearts, and we've never been the same since! We wouldn't want it any other way!

Happy 1st Birthday, Nicolas!! I love you with all my heart. I can't believe your one!

In honor of this most important day and event - here is a slideshow of Nicolas' 1st year of life!

My Baby is 4!

Tomorrow is the day of my baby boy's birthday! 4 years have passed since that cold, early morning when he made his amazing and much anticipated entrance into this world! Our sweet little guy, it was not the easiest of entrances, but from the beginning he was determined and brave!

Look at that sweet little face!Little long fingers, just like his Daddy!...and speaking of Daddy - these two have had a special bond since the beginning!How we loved that little tiny bundle of ours! It was so fun to hold him and kiss him and sing to him!All too soon he grew bigger, and bigger, and bigger!I thought having a baby was so fun! All the things I dreamed about for so many years I was now doing! Dressing and bathing my own little doll baby, and best of all, getting to take him to WalMart and plop him in the front of a shopping cart and push him around :)

Having this little person in our lives has been such a blessing from God!Patrick has always had a somber side!...and has always been full of so much joy, too!Family fun at the park....One day little blond curls sprouted on his head! Oh what delight! I used to comb them just so in order to enhance them to the fullest :)Patrick would always make these adorable "O" faces! He would also gasp when he was excited about something!Patrick has always been very affectionate....and also quite the binky boy! He LOVED his binky! He used to call it "Mahhh!"Sweet cuddles with my boy. I so enjoyed all the years we had, just the two of us! A special gift from God!

Is there ever anything as sweet as looking at your babies sleep?! I don't think so! On his 3rd Birthday! I was so sad to see him bid farewell to the age 2! But 3 has been a blast!A Baby Brother for Patrick! We were so very excited that God had given Patrick a little sibling and friend! And indeed they are friends. I just love watching them play together and love each other!My sweet, sweet Patrick. I love you so so much. I am amazed that it has been four years since you came into my life. You made my world so much better by being in it! I loved your babyhood. I cherished many moments with you. I gazed upon your sleeping face. I am so excited to watch you grow up! You have grown and changed so much already in this last year. You are learning more and more each day. I pray for you that you will have a soft heart towards God...that you will know Him, love Him and obey Him. He loves you so very, very much, and has great plans for you!

I hope you grow up to live out the meaning of you name. Already I think you are quite the noble little guy :) May you one day also be a servant of Christ!

Thank you for being you. You are my dream come true, and I'm so glad God made you!

HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY, PATRICK GHILCRIST GALLAGHER!!!!

To Patrick, on the occasion of turning three and a half...

For my sweet Patrick.....my heart overflows with love for you! I love being a mother. It is so fulfilling! One of my favorite parts is putting you to bed. I lay you both down after or before some precious snuggle/bonding/close times, in your clean comfy little beds....music playing.....I feel such love for you, and I love feeling needed.

Patrick, you are 3 1/2 now. Where did those years go? You were just a baby! I remember riding in the pathfinder with you, when you were about 8 months old. You were in your car seat, just staring into my eyes. I stared right back, even though I should have been looking at the road. Your face lit up with delight at your mother....and my face mirrored yours, only in delight of you, my child. My firstborn child. You made such happiness well up in my soul that I could hardly hold it all in.

You are growing bigger each and every day. Your face is taking on a more boyish look....you talk away, using a vocabulary just like Mommy and Daddy, You listen to everything that is said. You have a tender and compassionate heart. You are near moved to tears when someone is hurt or sad. You are opinionated and smart. You work hard. I am very, very proud of you.

At night right now you prefer Mommy to put you to bed. This is just a phase of course, but I love it! You were so delighted tonight when I said that after I put Nicolas to bed I would put you to bed, too. I know you need your Mama's care....it's a special part only I can play in your life.

I cover you with your quilt and you snuggle in to Mr. Teddy Bear. Always laying on your tummy putting him on your left by your head. I pray for you and about you.

Then you say "Mommy, can you sing me a song?" and, even if it's past your bedtime I'm often inclined to say "yes."

These days will not last long. So I ask you what you'd like me to sing, and sometimes you say "Name above all names." Other times it's "Sleep my little one"....but always a "sleepy" or "night night" song. While I sing I rub your back and stroke your face and soft yellow hair.

I am reminded how quickly time passes, and that all too soon you will be a man. No longer will I be able to sit on the side of your toddler bed and tend to you in this way.

Some day when you are a big strong man, I want you to be able to read this, and know how much your Mommy loved you. I love you with all my heart, and my love will always be there for you, no matter what you do. I love you so much, my little P Pat Pat. Thank you for filling my days and nights with such meaning and truth. You have a special place in my heart.

With Love,
Mommy

Patrick Is Two (well, almost anyways :) )

Two years ago December 2nd- I was overdue...but it would be another 6 days before our baby would be born......On the icy cold morning of December 8th, at 1:58 am, A BOY was born to us!
We named him Patrick Ghilcrist, which means

"Noble Servant of Christ" Our little Paddy! Even at just a few days old, we could tell that he was a strong little guy, and was determined to tackle whatever was thrown his way - which he did right from the beginning! We called him a little pig, too - he had and continues to have a big appetite!

Our little long one! He was a serious thoughtful guy - even the midwife who delivered him said he reminded her of an "old soul"
Our little social butterfly! He likes to be in on the action - but it wore him out easily and quickly! How we loved this little baby boy!! He changed our lives, and added so much to it!

The months of his first year were flying by! Smiles, Jabbering, Crawling, Pulling up.....Each new step brought us immense joy! Patrick was our dream come true! Both of us had wanted a baby for years!I loved to dress him up and take him out - he was my little dolly!
From the beginning James and Patrick have had a special relationship. James is so good with babies...and he can nearly ALWAYS get a smile or a laugh out of Patrick - they love to be silly together!
Patrick was our little buddy. Always there with us. His adorable little smile and big blue eyes could brighten most any load!We were so excited when he got a high chair! I remember sitting him in it for the first time, and his little legs poking straight out - too short to hang over the sides!This was taken on the eve of his first birthday! Such a petite little fellow he was! He was taking steps at this point, but as you can see, felt safer when he had something to hold onto! :) He has never been the dare-devil type. He is cautious and sensitive. ...and he has a great smile :) but I already said that :)As he grew, so did the messes! :) but that's ok! Someday my house will be perfect, but I will miss the messes then....or, I will miss the little people who used to make them.And as he grew, so did his hair - and surprised us by having some curl! What a delight!!And then, somehow, another whole year went by. Now Patrick can open doors, feed himself, drink from a cup without a lid, use the potty, say some words, use sign language, run, pretend with his toys, make his stuffed bear from Aunt Emily eat, go potty.......he understand a whole lot, even if he can't say the words. He makes noises for cars, fire engines, dogs, monkeys and more!
....he is such a little boy.
And so it should be - because tomorrow my baby will turn two.
When I look at him now, I see very little, if any, "baby" left in his appearance. The baby fat is gone from his legs, and some from his face, too. He is taking on a more grown up look.

I can hardly believe two years have gone by. It is sad - but it is happy. I don't like losing my baby, but I must admit that little boys are more fun than I knew! I love having my little buddy with me each day. Walking next to me now - but still wanting to hold my hand. Keeping me company - waving at people and saying "hi!" - how Patrick blesses my days!

I love you Patrick, more than you may ever know. I hope that your new year is blessed by God - that you learn more and more each day how to do the right thing -the things that God would want you to do. I pray for a long and healthy life for you, that you would know Jesus as your Savior, and that you would be His "Noble Servant" as your name means.

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY MY SON!

Birthdays, An Anniversary, Cleaning in the Mornings and Whatnot...

July is full of important days for the Beeman and Gallaghers!

The 23rd was a birthday for my little sister in law - AND my little brother in law! Naomi and Jonathan were born on the same day, two years apart! Pretty neat, I think! I believe too, that it was their Grandparent's birthday as well-but I'm not sure about that one :)

So, Happy (belated) 15th birthday to Naomi..... and Happy (belated) 13th birthday to Jonathan.... My little sister and brother!! :) Love you guys!!!

The very next day, July 24th was my parents 31st wedding anniversary!!! Happy (belated) anniversary to you! Love you both!!

In other news-cleaning your kitchen doesn't seem as bad in the morning, as it does in the afternoon or evening! :) Today I actually got up and stayed up. Patrick started awhile ago just staying contentedly in his crib in the mornings-so I can SLEEP IN! However, I got up today to make James' lunch and like I said, stayed up. This made it possible for me to do some things before I normally would-which felt very nice, indeed! Then, after Patrick's bath, I took pictures of him in one of his new outfits (from my mom) Later on, we walked (well, P rode in the stroller ;) ) to Albertsons for bananas and a few other things. Now the little Paddywhack is asleep, and I am updating blogs and surfing the web. James is having his last day of class today - and he has his test. Please pray for him, if you think of it! There have been some hard things to learn, and he has stayed up late on a few nights studying. Hopefully he will pass!!!

If you want to see some new pictures, check out P's blog:www.life-with-patrick.blogspot.com

Hope everyone has a lovely day!