They really are. Have I mentioned times are trying right now? Oh, well let me say it again: TIMES ARE TRYING! My day is not complete without folding into a screaming Italian mom-mess. One of them gets hurt approximately ever 1/2 hour and fights over toys happen twice as often.

Right now the hierarchy is as would be expected. Hudson mostly picks on Truman and Truman mostly picks on Sawyer. The upset there is that Sawyer is feisty and will fight back with Hudson but usually cries when Truman is mean. But Truman is more physical. He pulls Sawyer’s hair & pins her down by STANDING on her. It’s funny that Truman does that since he is also the most emotional of the kids. He gets his feelings hurt easily and his little sad face is JUST as cute as his all-the-time face. Hudson & Sawyer are more about stealing toys- though Hudson DOES push down the kids a lot. I can’t expect him to be perfect. But, he is to the age where he understands he shouldn’t do those things & to the age where he will sit on time out until I tell him he can get up. He cries the whole time and asked “Can I geyup?!” & “I sorry! I want hugs and kisses! I love you, Tutu!” (or whoever he was mean to to end up on time out.)

The vocabularies are pretty insane around here. Hudson is understood 99% of the time by Scott & I and about 75% by others. He speaks in full sentences “Captain Hook is scared of the albino alligator.” (lol!) and asks for books by their full title. He’s been working on some INSANE words. Last night he was working on the word “sarcophagus” since his book had a mummy in it. It came out more like “sar-co-pus” or “sar-go-gus” but he knows the word. We also have been working on the alphabet. He knows the song- though mixes up a few letters but he doesn’t really know the letters on sight. He’s a little kid- so it doesn’t bother me that he doesn’t know that kind of stuff but he can pick out the letters H & B and will point to B and be like “B for Hudson Owen Brandt!” which is hilarious. He is really into names right now. He tells me his name a hundred times a day. He knows Sawyer & Truman’s middle names and calls them by them. He refers to us by our names when he needs our attention and we are doing other things. Currently the highest insult to this child is to call him a “bad monkey”. He gets SO offended and says “I’m a good monkey!” or if he does something bad before I can say anything he says “I’m not a bad monkey!” which cracks me up! He is also potty training really well thanks to my husband who spent most of the weekend focusing on it. I was gone most of Saturday and he apparently had more accidents than hits- but yesterday he only had one accident. The rest of the time he went without even saying anything on his potty. Then we’d make a huge deal about it so he got really excited to use the potty the next time. Homeboy loves books and much prefers them over TV at this point- though after 5 or 6 books my jaw hurts and I want to take a break!

Truman, I’m convinced is a genius. His ability to pick up new words at 16 months is pretty crazy. He picks up about 2 words a day and I can’t even count the words he can say. He is sensitive and smart. He loves to laugh and it’s so adorable to watch him interact with his siblings because he loves being the audience for Hudson & Sawyer. He watches and laughs and copies. I think that’s why he catches onto things so fast. He is an observer. His current favorite thing in life is to run on the couch (hello heart attack!) but if I point my finger at him he giggles and sits down immediately. When he is not running on the couch he is emptying the drawers in the kitchen (hello headache!) and cooking up imaginary food with Hudson and Sawyer.

Sawyer is my little cuddle bug. She loves girl stuff like no other. She gathers all the shoes left around and has a little fashion show. She loves her baby- which now goes to bed with her! She has also inherited Hudson’s love of how-things-work. She cannot leave the table after meals without clipping all the high chair clips. Something straight out of Hudson’s playbook! She still doesn’t talk a lot. She says “uh-oh” “baby” “mama” “dada” “coco” and that might be it. I’m not worried because Hudson didn’t do a ton of talking either. I am not 100% sure on how many words he had at that age but since she spends a lot of time babbling her doctor says she should just take off one day in the next few months and beat Truman in linguistics. She is such a sweet little thing.

Last but not least:

We BBQ’d one night last week and while Scott cooked, the kids and I played with chalk & ate watermelon. This picture sums up a lot of our time right now. Sawyer sat down to eat her watermelon & then Hudson and Truman followed suit. They sat in a little half moon smiling and eating watermelon and chatting away with each other. I just sat back and tried to take it all in. Another simple moment I never want to forget while watching the kids travel the road from siblings to brothers, sister & friends. It’s truly beautiful.

Hella pics. Copious amounts. From several weeks. Bad, bad blogger.

Hud & Kelsey playing tug-o-war like the dogs a few weeks back.

Sawyer’s outfit here is freaking KILLING me. So damn adorable. Such a fashion plate. By the way- who had fashion plates as a kid? SO AWESOME.

He’s been finally getting into glasses.

Lady SoySoy. Or Lady Sawyer. Or Sawyer Gaga. Whatever these glasses rule.

Hudson’s very first movie in a theatre.

Ryan & Hud in front of the Cars2 poster before heading into the movie.

Truman LOVES the giant water bed thingy at Hop n’ Play.

Hudson was playing “Toy Story 2″ He’s so funny. Actually pulled a scene from the movie to act out!

Kisses for Daddy.

Sawyer & her baby hanging on the couch.

Happy Boy!!!

I made our bed. For the first time in MONTHS. It deserved a photo.

Truman chillin’ on the couch watching TV.

Walking home on 4th of July.

Waiting patiently for the fireworks on the 4th. His cookie looks like a heart- but it totally wasn’t.

Obligitory fireworks photo. Foster City puts on a gorgeous show and bonus it’s about 6 blocks from our house!

Hudson LOVED the fireworks. Except he fell asleep about 5 minutes before the end while in midsentence teling me how pretty they were. Midsentence. No joke. Out cold. It was a LONG day.

How cute was this little strawberry?

Lunch time.

Pretty girl.

He’s too much.

Getting crabby.

He got his first mitt & ball.

Hudson says “Krust horsey!”

Scary monster hand with awesome polish.

This Hybrid Civic’s license plate says “Smug ahh” South park fan?

Twins love turtles.

Posing.

Underwater.

Who new piranhas were covered in gorgeous gold flakes? Not me!

Art project I did yesterday. Gotta get a frame tomorrow.

I have logged in a few times over the last few weeks and sat here & thought- wow it’s been so long since I’ve written that I don’t even know where to start. And summarizing just makes it sound silly. But, in all honesty, that’s probably where this post is headed.

Today Scott had a big dollar job scheduled. It was an all day thing so he didn’t schedule anything else. He got up early, dragged ass out of bed and headed out to work. Not 10 minutes later he called form Starbucks with the news that the job had been cancelled due to the customer not finishing the prep work for us. So, by 830 I was in the shower (with a frap!) and we were formulating a plan for the day. Which ended up being a much awaited trip to the Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. I haven’t been since the OLD one was open. It’s been like 20 years.

I am IN LOVE with days like today. Not only was it a (surprise!) family day but it was also a day where I got to see my children in a new way. New experiences through their eyes. Watching them literally SOAK IN information.

The Museum is amazing in design & in what it contained. But watching Truman point furiously at “fish!” and “Turrrrtle!”? Or watching Sawyer meander through the gift shop and return hugging a little stuffed Albino Alligator wearing a neon pink hoodie with the Academy of Sciences logo on it? (how could we say no!?) And of course Hudson who is at an incredible age. No stroller at all- just walking with his hand in mine. Pointing to lions, gorillas, monkeys, zebras, fish, sharks etc. He was like my little docent. He was showing us everything and telling us what things were. (“Look mama! Alligator! Captain hook is SCARED of alligators!” “Penguin SCARED me when he jumped in water!” “Gorilla big and SCARY!” Yes, he has a new favorite emotion.) When he didn’t know- he’d ASK. It was amazing. All three were wide eyed the entire time- and though we didn’t leave the museum until close to 3 (the twins usually nap 12-3) all three were awake until they were cuddled into their car seats and on the way back home. Even Hudson napped. And Sawyer slept clutching the stuffed alligator, of course.

Scott & I decided to take advantage of the sleep time & went to the mall for Legos for him (yes. I know. He’s a lego maniac at 31.) and a new Kate Spade wallet for me. Side note: OMG. I felt SO 1997 while purchasing a Kate Spade wallet. But I needed a new leather wallet as my Chanel (from 2004) FINALLY broke down. And I went with a more budget friendly option than Chanel this time. And it will no doubt last just as long.

Of course today was Thursday so we went to my Dad & Stepmom’s house for dinner- which was trying only because the kids can be really difficult when in a non-childproofed environment. We had a wonderful dinner, the kids got some new clothes from their Nona & I got a really great family heirloom from my dad that I could not treasure any more than I do. It is AMAZING. It was a great night. Especially hearing Hudson tell his Pop about the museum. He said things like “I saw an ALBINO alligator.” I told him that at the museum but he remembered. He also told pop that he pet a starfish and an urchin and went in a tunnel of fish. All without coaxing. His memory is really taking off.

Once home (with a horrible headache) we put the twins in bed & read a few books with all three in their beds. Sometimes I feel like I’m in a movie. Does that happen to you? Tonight during story time was one of those times. Hudson laid down on his pillow and both twins sat upright with their feet dangling through the bars of their cribs. They were listening. They were smiling and giggling. All three of them. Being a parent is sometimes like being complete outside yourself, right? I don’t know how to really articulate that, but- it’s this crazy feeling I get sometimes. It makes me insanely happy. Then Hudson came downstairs repeatedly begging for “more stories.” “Read _______” etc. He also decided to call me “Emily ” “Babe” & “Emmie” like 100 times for no reason which was HILARIOUS.

It took a visit from Kelsey around 10 who rough housed with Hudson for about 45 minutes to tire him out finally and he is currently passed out in our bed between us.

So that was today in a delicious nutshell. July 14th, you’ve been good to our family. Did I mention I bought presale tickets to Portishead for October in Berkeley this morning? Did I mention I bought their first album circa 1994 and still have never had a chance to see them live? Well here I am.  17 years later with a ticket in my hot little hand. CANNOT WAIT.

Also this week:

Our house- FINALLY appraised.

I’m taking a giant sign of relief and sponging up every last second of this week. I cannot believe it is Friday already. Can you!?!

Did you miss me?! By the time this posts it will have been 10 whole days since I updated this bad-boy. But really- I have nothing poignant or remarkable to share. I just have my life. And lately my life is what has been keeping me from writing. We’ve been… busy. Not like “oh wow! we go sooooo many places and live so awesomely!” but more like “I have an almost 2 and a half year old and two 15 month olds running around screaming like hell banshees while one dumps out the contents of my kitchen drawers, one wobbly 15 month old jumps on the couch giving me a series of mini heart attacks and the third insists on sitting in the dog bed but cries when the dogs get angry”  When I talked up how easy this would all be I didn’t take the fact that they’d all get BIGGER into account. And that the teething and whining would happen sometimes times three while I stare off into space because holy crap. Three screaming toddlers is enough to send you to the looney bin. It really is. And forget leaving the house without back-up. Basically I am hostage in my house and though it’s a fun kinda hostage situation with laughs and cuddles and legos- it is also trying. More trying than any other stage of being a parent of 3 thus far.

But in between the mundane we have been having a wonderful time. This past week we spent lots of time with family & friends. We played outside in our little blow-up pool and went to the park. We went to the mall (more than once) and target (obviously). We had Starbucks & I even got to spend an evening at Union Square shopping with Krust. We took Hudson to his first movie in the theatre. We built castles with legos and had crazy conversations that made me laugh because toddlerese is so insane sometimes. I realized how present Hudson is in conversation now- his memory is INSANE. I cannot tell him anything without him bringing it up later. We’ve read the same 8 books 800 times. Basically we are still alive and kicking. We are just enjoying our days (or not enjoying them, depending on the day!) and trying to make the best of everything.

Also today it is raining. In June (basically July). In California. So confused.

Sunday we spent at my Mom’s celebrating her birthday- which was Monday. We spent the day lounging by the little blow up pool in her backyard. The kids had SO much fun!

How cute are these two? COOKIE TIME!

Walks. Scott brings a different kid out with him every time he walks the dogs when he first gets home from work. It’s his “thing” with the kids.

Now it’s Truman’s turn!

And then Sawyer’s turn!

Driving home from dinner.

As usual- Hudson building perfectly balanced Lego Duplo creations.

Friday during the day went to this store Scott LOVES. It’s like an REI but smaller and local and all that & it sells work clothes. Anyways- we went there and in the hat section Hudson picked up this OBNOXIOUS sun hat & put it on. He’s all “MAMA I’M A COWBOY!!! I’M A COWBOY! GIDDY UPPPPP!” in this blue hat. When I showed him the real cowboy hats he would have none of them. The only cowboy hat in the store was this giant blue sunhat. Such a weird kid I have.

Friday night we went to a AAA baseball game with some friends. I didn’t even know AAA baseball was a legit thing but it was really fun. WAY more family friendly than a SF Giants game. So, good stuff San Jose Giants!

Saturday morning we worked on some Father’s Day gifts. The kids finger painted for the first time. They made 4 beautiful paintings as a team for my dad, my step-dad, my father-in-law and one for us to keep. They also finger painted photo mats for the framed lego “Dad” pictures we were giving Scott as a gift.

We of COURSE had to spend part of our Father’s Day at Hop n’ Play in Tanforan.

Scotty’s gift. I did really well & didn’t go over board. My limit was $40 & I came in at like $35! We did this framed set of photos (taken by KRUST) and I bought some photo mats ($1.50 each) and the kids finger painted them. The frame is from Michael’s- 40% for $7.00! And of course photo printing to my local Target via Shutterfly for a grand total of $.96. Then Hudson chose a Lego architecture set (we collect them) and voila!

It’s Father’s Day. I haven’t been blogging much lately & I don’t know why but I’ve been feeling GUILTY about missing posts like “Happy Birthday to my Darling Mother” or “Happy Father’s Day!” but I just haven’t had anything to say & I have already said most of it on other days in other posts & I am in a weird mood where I just feel exhausted with the idea of having to TOP what I said the last holiday.

My mom is still the most amazing mom ever & I love her to infinity & beeeyonnnddd & I loved sharing her birthday with her. So, Happy Birthday Mama!

& I obviously want to wish my Husband, Father, Step-Father & Father-in-Law a Happy Father’s Day- because they RULE.

Every year we go to the county fair with Scott’s dad & sisters. We’ve been going for about 10 years & as usual it was a lot of fun!

Truman missed out because he was staying with his Nonnie (my mama) but Hudson & Sawyer enjoyed themselves. They had french fries & ice cream & COTTON CANDY! Not toddler food at all- but my father-in-law LOVES doing up the fair right. So, the kids got treats. Enough for the next month!

They rode the carousel together & Hudson drove a little car with his friend Seanie. Then, my sister-in-laws Krust & Sarah & I took Hudson on a ride like the tea cups but it was a bear. Bearcups? Anyhow- he had fun! They pet animals & sang Old McDonald a lot. Though Sawyer can only sing the “E-I-E-I-Ohhhhhhh” part.







Also: My husband held a scorpion. And still managed to look goddamn adorable while doing it! Also-also: OMFG. Sawyer in these sunglasses all day was RIDICULOUS. Homegirl ROCKS the shades. Like Mother like Daughter. DO they make baby- bindis?! She needs those!

Dumpity Dump-Dump.

Hudson sat on his first police motorcycle! It was funny because the guy ended up being the son of a cop that worked with my dad growing up. He was very sweet and patiently let his Chipotle burrito get cold while he let at least 6 children pose on his bike and explained all about his bike and job to the kids. It was very sweet.


We’ve been making quite a few forts with my family heirloom blanket. The kids LOVE forts. Hudson says “Mama! Let’s make a tent!”



Sawyer got a baby doll. She is obsessed. And when she is busy doing other stuff her brothers love to love on the baby too. Hudson makes her lego beds
and Truman wraps her in his blankie.

Sawyer is hilarious. We’ve all been sick and she is SO pitiful. SO many fits on the floor.

Maybe she’s just angry that Truman attacked her. Seriously she had bruises FOR DAYS.







Have I mentioned my kids love Legos?! Like 85% of their waking moments are spent creating. And though Scott & I & my sister-in-laws are quick to get down there an build with them- whats the most incredible is watching what THEY build by themselves. Hudson builds such amazingly balanced things. From houses to airplanes to a helicopter that he actually figured out how to make the propellers spin with regular non-spinning legos. I am constantly in awe when I think about what these little minds can see and create.

I asked Hudson once when he did this “what are you doing, Hudson?” and he said “Yoga!” No idea how he knows that that is yoga! But he does.

Gorgeous Boy.

The Wolfpack.

Truman & Sawyer are FANS. Hudson doesn’t love glasses. He’s never been one to keep them on. But the twins have straight up FIGHTS over glasses. Obviously, they take after their mama in this department. If you know one thing about me- it’s that I LOVE sunglasses. The bigger- the louder- the better.

Yes, I know. He is 2 years. 4 months. 19 days. 12 hrs & 25 minutes. But who’s counting?! Tonight: Hudson got his very first legit haircut.

I cut off on two separate occasions in the last two years ONE LOCK of hair. Not a hair cut or trim- just a wayward lock that was growing out of control.

TONIGHT: it was an all over haircut. Inches fell to the floor & Scott (who was totally against this haircut), me (who initiated this haircut but was scared shitless) and Hudson (who was stoked to get his haircut because he had no idea what a haircut was and I told him they’d give him a lollipop) made it out with ZERO tears.

He didn’t cry. But, he did calmly demand the lollipop BEFORE the haircut. Which, worked out to everyone’s advantage.

My BIG boy!
I can’t stand how grown-up he looks. Man, I hope those curls keep coming. I’ll just die if his hair goes straight after this!