Well, in our tenure here as PBU students, I have managed to successfully embarass myself quite royally with some pretty important staff members on campus. One day a few weeks ago, Kaden and I were hanging outside while Jesse napped, and I had our door propped open so I could hear him if he cried. All Penndel residents have been instructed to never leave our doors propped open for long periods of time because there is a rather shady apartment complex next door to ours. While we were playing on the sidewalk, a man came over and asked if I was the one who had opened the door and asked if I planned on keeping it open. When I told him why I had it opened and that I intended to stay right on the front sidewalk within hearing distance, he declared it to be fine but then continued to warn me of the dangers and the importance of being safe. I expressed my appreciation for his concern and then innocently asked if he lived around here or if he worked here. He kind of gave me a half smile and responded: "Um, yes. I'm the head of security." Oh goodness. That means he's also the guy who used to work for the FBI! I apologized and said that I don't really know much staff as I'm not in the typical undergrad program with most students. He asked who I was and I told him my name and then said: "My husband is Kevin. He's in the grad program here." To which this nice man nodded and slowly smiled: "Oh yes.....I know Kevin." Immediately I remember Kev's little hunting escapade on campus last year where all of security was notified. I could feel myself blushing and I nervously laughed: "I'm sure you do!" We both just smiled, and he walked away. Brother!
Then, just yesterday, I was at a soccer game and some friends of ours walked over with this man. They were visiting for awhile beside me, and at one point he looked at me and said hello. Charlotte always teases me for never introducing her to people that are with me, so I wanted to get her back. I held out my hand to this "stranger" and said: "Hi. I'm Amy. I'll introduce myself because Charlotte never introduces me to her friends." Charlotte looked mortified, but the man just graciously smiled and said: "Hello. I'm Todd Williams." Okay....for those of you who are not from here - Todd Williams in the president of our school! He's kind of "the man." Not only did I already make myself look like an idiot but not knowing who he is, but I just kept on digging a hole for myself and continued with: "Oh man. I'm sorry - I'm kind of out of the loop around here. Are you our new principal?" Everyone died laughing and Charlotte said, "Um, Amy - at colleges we call them "Presidents," not "Principals!" Good grief.
So Kev is known around these parts for being the illegal hunter who got the Penndel police and the PBU security involved last fall. Now I'm the blond ditz who acts like the fruit loop in front of some of the top dogs around here!
Still Refreshed.....Yet VERY Frazzled!
Our Jesse seems to have fallen back into a bit of a funk lately. He is napping wretchedly, so he is perpetually tired and grumpy. And now that he is able to flip himself over onto his tummy, he wakes up all throughout the night upset that he can't get back over onto his back. He's been consistently sleeping through the night for 10-14 hours since week six, but these past few weeks, he's been getting up anywhere from one to five times a night! He is also becoming quite the screamer! Whew - it literally curls your toes when he is MAD!! So, we've been doing lots of talking about our game plan strategy! He wakes up from a nap after only 30-40 minutes of sleep sobbing and exhausted, but he just can't seem to get himself back to sleep again. Hmmm. We'll keep you posted on how we plan to keep our sanity! It's amazing - Kaden is completely able to sleep through the tears. I feel so badly for them both, but such is life in an apartment!
Refreshed!
We had such a fun family vacay in Lancaster County this past week. No agenda really, only plans to connect and play as a family. And play we did.
Our hotel had a little kiddie pool area with sprinklers and a mini waterslide that Kaden absolutely loved. Jesse got into the water as well, for the first time, and really loved it. It was so cute - he wasn't fazed a bit if water got splashed in his face or when we almost totally submerged him! We also went on a buggy ride, walked through a corn maze, petted farm animals, did a little shopping, poked around some antique stores, and ate ourselves into oblivion. Good times!
Jesse didn't do so well in his hotel crib though, so for much of most nights, he was in bed with us. It was also interesting trying to get both boys to have their naps in the same room, as well. At home - Jesse naps in a pack 'n play in our room. So, there were a few frazzly moments, but all in all, it really was a really great time.
I love getting away. I love the conversations we have in the car, I love the uninterrupted and undistracted time we have with the boys, and I just really love the break from life for awhile. It's nice to get away and refocus. Much needed.
Our hotel had a little kiddie pool area with sprinklers and a mini waterslide that Kaden absolutely loved. Jesse got into the water as well, for the first time, and really loved it. It was so cute - he wasn't fazed a bit if water got splashed in his face or when we almost totally submerged him! We also went on a buggy ride, walked through a corn maze, petted farm animals, did a little shopping, poked around some antique stores, and ate ourselves into oblivion. Good times!
Jesse didn't do so well in his hotel crib though, so for much of most nights, he was in bed with us. It was also interesting trying to get both boys to have their naps in the same room, as well. At home - Jesse naps in a pack 'n play in our room. So, there were a few frazzly moments, but all in all, it really was a really great time.
I love getting away. I love the conversations we have in the car, I love the uninterrupted and undistracted time we have with the boys, and I just really love the break from life for awhile. It's nice to get away and refocus. Much needed.
Bad Day
Whew!
Today was crazy. Here's why:
~ Jesse cried for most of the day and only took 2 twenty minute naps.
~ I'm missing my friend who just moved away.
~ I washed Kaden's new jacket that we got on a yard sale and somehow ripped a hole in it.
~ In doing laundry, I also somehow flooded our laundry room floor.
~ Jesse had a diaper blowout that destroyed his entire outfit AND Kaden's bedding.
~ .......Just after I had done our laundry!
~ Our house has been in chaos all day as I'm trying to pack, and I hate messiness.
~ I told a friend no to babysitting and am feeling guilty about it.
~ And I trashed the coleslaw that Kev wanted to eat! (Don't feel too bad about that one, but he was irritated! :0)
Yup. It's been one of those days.
HOWEVER......Right now I'm feeling great. Know why? We are going to Lancaster for three nights and are leaving first thing in the morning! We're just feeling the need to get away for a few days and have some family bonding time away from life for a bit. I can't wait. We have absolutely no agenda - we just want to be together and play - with no work and no distractions.
Sweet sanity.
Today was crazy. Here's why:
~ Jesse cried for most of the day and only took 2 twenty minute naps.
~ I'm missing my friend who just moved away.
~ I washed Kaden's new jacket that we got on a yard sale and somehow ripped a hole in it.
~ In doing laundry, I also somehow flooded our laundry room floor.
~ Jesse had a diaper blowout that destroyed his entire outfit AND Kaden's bedding.
~ .......Just after I had done our laundry!
~ Our house has been in chaos all day as I'm trying to pack, and I hate messiness.
~ I told a friend no to babysitting and am feeling guilty about it.
~ And I trashed the coleslaw that Kev wanted to eat! (Don't feel too bad about that one, but he was irritated! :0)
Yup. It's been one of those days.
HOWEVER......Right now I'm feeling great. Know why? We are going to Lancaster for three nights and are leaving first thing in the morning! We're just feeling the need to get away for a few days and have some family bonding time away from life for a bit. I can't wait. We have absolutely no agenda - we just want to be together and play - with no work and no distractions.
Sweet sanity.
Fall is in the Air
Finally!
I think that this is my most favorite time of year. Everything is so bright and crisp, and the air smells so yummy. I love decorating our front steps with different kinds of funky pumpkins and gourds, and what I really love most of all is........BITTERSWEET!
Truly - if I knew how to put pictures up on this blog, I would. I really need to get Kev to show me how to do this. I'm quite computer illiterate, but I'm sure I could figure out how to post some pics. I love love love love love collecting bittersweet berries and making all kinds of crazy wreaths and swags. I love sticking them in sap buckets with other sticks and branches and putting them all over the place. The berries are poisonous to both animals and babies, so one must be quite careful where they display them, but when placed properly - they are just beautious!
Kev dreads this time of year because I'm always on the lookout for the stuff and I'm always begging him to stop and help me wade through the thorns and climb up the trees to get the ones that are the most plump and full. I totally love bringing the outdoors inside. It's my most favorite way to decorate - sticks, leaves, rocks, and berries. I love it!
People out here aren't quite sure what to think of me, but I have at least one converter....my dear friend Rachel who just left me and moved away. So, my friend - you said you'd book a ticket when the bittersweet came on.....come on back for a visit and we shall go traipsing through the forest! Tis the season!
I think that this is my most favorite time of year. Everything is so bright and crisp, and the air smells so yummy. I love decorating our front steps with different kinds of funky pumpkins and gourds, and what I really love most of all is........BITTERSWEET!
Truly - if I knew how to put pictures up on this blog, I would. I really need to get Kev to show me how to do this. I'm quite computer illiterate, but I'm sure I could figure out how to post some pics. I love love love love love collecting bittersweet berries and making all kinds of crazy wreaths and swags. I love sticking them in sap buckets with other sticks and branches and putting them all over the place. The berries are poisonous to both animals and babies, so one must be quite careful where they display them, but when placed properly - they are just beautious!
Kev dreads this time of year because I'm always on the lookout for the stuff and I'm always begging him to stop and help me wade through the thorns and climb up the trees to get the ones that are the most plump and full. I totally love bringing the outdoors inside. It's my most favorite way to decorate - sticks, leaves, rocks, and berries. I love it!
People out here aren't quite sure what to think of me, but I have at least one converter....my dear friend Rachel who just left me and moved away. So, my friend - you said you'd book a ticket when the bittersweet came on.....come on back for a visit and we shall go traipsing through the forest! Tis the season!
Did I Say I Wanted More Kids???
What I REALLY meant to say was that I want more SLEEP!!!!!
Holy Blast, this girl is pooped. For some reason the past couple of nights my boys are not sleeping well. Last night, Kaden was weepy and needy so we pulled him into bed with us. This child does not sleep quietly or still, so he is constantly slinging his legs over me and rolling over and over. Then, from about 1:00 a.m. on Jesse kept waking up every hour on the hour! He would roll over onto his belly and then freak out because he couldn't roll back over. I'd rush into his room because I didn't want to wake up Mom. Then I'd rush back to bed and try to fall back asleep because I was so tired! Then, one time while I was in the boy's room trying to soothe Jesse, Kaden rolled over and fell out of OUR bed! Tons of tears and a huge bump ensued. Oh, it just kept getting better and better! Ah well! :)
They're both napping now, so peace one again reigns. Maybe I WILL have another some day......
Holy Blast, this girl is pooped. For some reason the past couple of nights my boys are not sleeping well. Last night, Kaden was weepy and needy so we pulled him into bed with us. This child does not sleep quietly or still, so he is constantly slinging his legs over me and rolling over and over. Then, from about 1:00 a.m. on Jesse kept waking up every hour on the hour! He would roll over onto his belly and then freak out because he couldn't roll back over. I'd rush into his room because I didn't want to wake up Mom. Then I'd rush back to bed and try to fall back asleep because I was so tired! Then, one time while I was in the boy's room trying to soothe Jesse, Kaden rolled over and fell out of OUR bed! Tons of tears and a huge bump ensued. Oh, it just kept getting better and better! Ah well! :)
They're both napping now, so peace one again reigns. Maybe I WILL have another some day......
Take the Good with the Bad
Wow! I haven't written for awhile. There have been so many things going on my life right now that I feel like I want to write about. Both really great and really yucky! :0)
Good things first!
My Mom is here for an unexpected visit. She caught a ride down with a couple from my church up home who are on vacation, so we get to have a wonderful week together. This is so fun, because we both expected that the next time we'd see each other would be over the Christmas season, and that's going to be CRAZY because my little bro is getting married just a week after Christmas.
My little Jesse bear is an ENTIRELY different little boy that he was even a couple of weeks ago. I was hoping this would happen. I was praying it would happen. And so far - it's true! For some reason, we give birth to WRECKS who can't shake it off until they hit three or four months of age. He is now giving me two pretty decent naps - with very little crying as he goes down, and he is in bed for the night at 6:30! He is just so pleasant and content now! Tons of smiles and coos, and although he was always quite yummy - man, we REALLY like him now!
Other things.....I was trained to be a Clarion Consultant last week. I have tons to write about this, but just let me say that I love love love what I am learning about this. I'm excited about how the Lord may use this in Kev's and my future, and I'm loving how He is using it to change people's lives.
One more - on Kev's fall break in two weeks, he is whisking our little family away for a couple of nights to Lancaster - meals and pool included. WE CANNOT WAIT!!!
Okay, now for the yucky yucky happenings here....
Two of our dearest friends who have lived with us in this complex for as long as we have are moving next Friday. Kev and I will be the last of the "originals" and the ONLY ones with kids. I am SO bummed and I fully intend to be devastated and depressed when they leave. Rachel and I see each other just about every day, we always go for walks together, and we have been raising our youngest babies together since birth. Ahhh, I feel sick to my stomach thinking about her moving.....We all knew that this was a transient place for all of us to be. It's just not fun when everyone leaves before you do. Blech.
Good things first!
My Mom is here for an unexpected visit. She caught a ride down with a couple from my church up home who are on vacation, so we get to have a wonderful week together. This is so fun, because we both expected that the next time we'd see each other would be over the Christmas season, and that's going to be CRAZY because my little bro is getting married just a week after Christmas.
My little Jesse bear is an ENTIRELY different little boy that he was even a couple of weeks ago. I was hoping this would happen. I was praying it would happen. And so far - it's true! For some reason, we give birth to WRECKS who can't shake it off until they hit three or four months of age. He is now giving me two pretty decent naps - with very little crying as he goes down, and he is in bed for the night at 6:30! He is just so pleasant and content now! Tons of smiles and coos, and although he was always quite yummy - man, we REALLY like him now!
Other things.....I was trained to be a Clarion Consultant last week. I have tons to write about this, but just let me say that I love love love what I am learning about this. I'm excited about how the Lord may use this in Kev's and my future, and I'm loving how He is using it to change people's lives.
One more - on Kev's fall break in two weeks, he is whisking our little family away for a couple of nights to Lancaster - meals and pool included. WE CANNOT WAIT!!!
Okay, now for the yucky yucky happenings here....
Two of our dearest friends who have lived with us in this complex for as long as we have are moving next Friday. Kev and I will be the last of the "originals" and the ONLY ones with kids. I am SO bummed and I fully intend to be devastated and depressed when they leave. Rachel and I see each other just about every day, we always go for walks together, and we have been raising our youngest babies together since birth. Ahhh, I feel sick to my stomach thinking about her moving.....We all knew that this was a transient place for all of us to be. It's just not fun when everyone leaves before you do. Blech.
Shleepy Tired
....and if I had to admit it....a wee bit crabby.
Whew! Both of my boys had a rough night last night - for whatever reason - so I was awakened from a (VERY) deep slumber about six times. Not my fave. This girl loves her sleep. So, I feel like I'm functioning in a bit of a fog today.
One thing that I'm learning with two kiddos is that I need to give myself more grace and cut myself a little more slack than I used to. For example: the plan for supper tonight was going to be homemade chicken pot pie, potato rolls, and some sort of fancy delish dessert as Kev's friend has arrived. Instead, we're having fajitas and rice, and maybe cookies if I can get around to making them. Before two, my house would have been immaculate before company arrived. Last night I did a ten minute run through with the vac and gave a swipe at the furniture in the living room. Today I did the dishes in the sink and called it good. Before two, if a friend asked me to babysit on the day company was arriving I would never have dreamed saying yes. Today I thought, "Why not? I'm already half crazy - might as well go all the way!" Yup. I'm just trying to embrace the chaos and just roll with it. Some days are better than others, but I'm learning that I can go a long way in helping myself not get too crazy!
Whew! Both of my boys had a rough night last night - for whatever reason - so I was awakened from a (VERY) deep slumber about six times. Not my fave. This girl loves her sleep. So, I feel like I'm functioning in a bit of a fog today.
One thing that I'm learning with two kiddos is that I need to give myself more grace and cut myself a little more slack than I used to. For example: the plan for supper tonight was going to be homemade chicken pot pie, potato rolls, and some sort of fancy delish dessert as Kev's friend has arrived. Instead, we're having fajitas and rice, and maybe cookies if I can get around to making them. Before two, my house would have been immaculate before company arrived. Last night I did a ten minute run through with the vac and gave a swipe at the furniture in the living room. Today I did the dishes in the sink and called it good. Before two, if a friend asked me to babysit on the day company was arriving I would never have dreamed saying yes. Today I thought, "Why not? I'm already half crazy - might as well go all the way!" Yup. I'm just trying to embrace the chaos and just roll with it. Some days are better than others, but I'm learning that I can go a long way in helping myself not get too crazy!
Big Doin's This Week!
It's gonna be a busy week - but such a good one!
First things first - yesterday Jesse gave his Momma a full belly laugh which was SO cute and yummy! (Never mind the fact that I'm the third person he's given it too - not the first - but hey....I'm secure in my Mommyhood!) So that was just precious!
But, on to the busyness of the week....
Well, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday I'm getting trained to be a "Clarion Consultant." It's a whole involved leadership and team development process. Kev's already been trained, it's hugely impacted his life, and he loves it. So, I'm just excited to be able to travel this road with him and do it together. Once I'm trained, we'll actually be taking two of our friends through it as a married couple, so that will be great experience for me as an "Apprentice" and tons of fun, as well.
Because of this training, Kev's good friend Eric will be flying in from Florida to be trained as well, so that will be really fun. AND it's potato harvest up home (yup, they still have it) so Mom is going to be catching a ride down with a family up home, and she's coming to visit us for the whole week! GOOD TIMES! She'll get some good Grammy time in, and Kev and I might even get a date out of it!
And the icing on the cake of this week......the hubbies are watching the kids while my friend Rach and I get dinner and a movie tonight. Yup...it's gonna be rough....
First things first - yesterday Jesse gave his Momma a full belly laugh which was SO cute and yummy! (Never mind the fact that I'm the third person he's given it too - not the first - but hey....I'm secure in my Mommyhood!) So that was just precious!
But, on to the busyness of the week....
Well, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday I'm getting trained to be a "Clarion Consultant." It's a whole involved leadership and team development process. Kev's already been trained, it's hugely impacted his life, and he loves it. So, I'm just excited to be able to travel this road with him and do it together. Once I'm trained, we'll actually be taking two of our friends through it as a married couple, so that will be great experience for me as an "Apprentice" and tons of fun, as well.
Because of this training, Kev's good friend Eric will be flying in from Florida to be trained as well, so that will be really fun. AND it's potato harvest up home (yup, they still have it) so Mom is going to be catching a ride down with a family up home, and she's coming to visit us for the whole week! GOOD TIMES! She'll get some good Grammy time in, and Kev and I might even get a date out of it!
And the icing on the cake of this week......the hubbies are watching the kids while my friend Rach and I get dinner and a movie tonight. Yup...it's gonna be rough....
Another Family Day
Today for our family day we decided to take a drive over to the Lancaster area. Both Kev and I absolutely love it over there - it's very soothing and calming to our souls. So peaceful, so quiet - so much land...and cows...and horses...and fresh produce.....and yummy farm smells. I really love the smell of barns and manure. Weird, eh?
It got us thinking about how much we'd love to own land again someday - lots of land if we're really dreaming. There is nothing that I would love more than to have acres of fields and wild flowers, a garden, a little stream....and I've always wanted really cute chickens that could just roam free all across our land!
I want my kids to grow up being able to just run around outside and to be able to roam and explore and conquer and imagine fun worlds! I'm getting a wee bit tired of the same old backyard with the same few rocks that we can turn over to find the same worms that we let go last week! This is why I love our trips to Lancaster. We just drive and dream and stop at all the little local farm stands to sample their yummy - and sometimes still dirty - produce. I love it!
It refreshes me and refocuses me so nicely - even with Jesse screaming much of the trip home! Good times......
It got us thinking about how much we'd love to own land again someday - lots of land if we're really dreaming. There is nothing that I would love more than to have acres of fields and wild flowers, a garden, a little stream....and I've always wanted really cute chickens that could just roam free all across our land!
I want my kids to grow up being able to just run around outside and to be able to roam and explore and conquer and imagine fun worlds! I'm getting a wee bit tired of the same old backyard with the same few rocks that we can turn over to find the same worms that we let go last week! This is why I love our trips to Lancaster. We just drive and dream and stop at all the little local farm stands to sample their yummy - and sometimes still dirty - produce. I love it!
It refreshes me and refocuses me so nicely - even with Jesse screaming much of the trip home! Good times......
Train 'Em Young!
As hunting season is upon us, I've been wondering what a year's difference will make with our little Kaden. Now that he's three and he understands a bit more about life, will it bother him if he sees that Daddy has shot a deer? How will the sight of blood affect him? Will it make him sad if he sees an animal that we read about all the time in his story books dead on our rooftop? You know - these are questions that I need to think through in order to prepare him for if and when the time comes!! His little heart is so tender and sensitive, I want to make sure that this won't bother him. As his Mommy, I want to protect him from unnecessary sorrow!
Well.....as we were driving through Core Creek Park last night, three deer ran across the road directly in front of us. Kaden pipes up from the backseat: "Hey, Daddy! Wouldn't it be fun to shoot one of those deer?"
Hm. He'll be fine.
Kev's so proud.
Well.....as we were driving through Core Creek Park last night, three deer ran across the road directly in front of us. Kaden pipes up from the backseat: "Hey, Daddy! Wouldn't it be fun to shoot one of those deer?"
Hm. He'll be fine.
Kev's so proud.
The Days Are a Blur
It's been awhile since I've updated. Lately, I can't seem to get the boys on the same nap schedule so I always have one awake these days. With Jesse being so "high maintenance," I really am trying to give Kaden my undivided attention during Jesse's naps so that he doesn't start feeling neglected! Because of this, my days are just kind of all blending together!
It's starting to feel a little bit like fall around here. It's still pretty warm, but the humidity is gone, and the days are just gorgeous. We're outside as much as we can be. Lots of walks, trips to parks, and bug & worm catching. Last night, Kev taught Kaden how to hit a wiffle ball out back. That was pretty cute! He was pretty proud of himself for hitting the ball so much, and he told me quite seriously, "Mommy, you're not very good at this!" And when Daddy tucked him into bed, he reiterated his point with: "Mommy's not a good as we are!" It's true.....I rot at the whole hand/eye coordination thing!
Other news: hunting season is upon us! Between bow hunting and rifle season, Kev is able to hunt five or six months out here! The man is stoked! He even convinced two husbands in our complex to take hunter's safety this fall. It's possible for him to shoot two deer out here, so we may have meat coming out our ears! I'm sure he'll post some pics for you, Ang! None of the boys - but hey, a deer is just as good, eh?! :0)
It's starting to feel a little bit like fall around here. It's still pretty warm, but the humidity is gone, and the days are just gorgeous. We're outside as much as we can be. Lots of walks, trips to parks, and bug & worm catching. Last night, Kev taught Kaden how to hit a wiffle ball out back. That was pretty cute! He was pretty proud of himself for hitting the ball so much, and he told me quite seriously, "Mommy, you're not very good at this!" And when Daddy tucked him into bed, he reiterated his point with: "Mommy's not a good as we are!" It's true.....I rot at the whole hand/eye coordination thing!
Other news: hunting season is upon us! Between bow hunting and rifle season, Kev is able to hunt five or six months out here! The man is stoked! He even convinced two husbands in our complex to take hunter's safety this fall. It's possible for him to shoot two deer out here, so we may have meat coming out our ears! I'm sure he'll post some pics for you, Ang! None of the boys - but hey, a deer is just as good, eh?! :0)
Update
We took Jesse to the doctor yesterday because he's been constipated for about two weeks. I took some measures last week to get him to go, but it has now been another eight days. So, we decided it was time to seek a professional before I took any other measures upon myself. Anyway, if ever your kids get constipated, here's the conclusion: an ounce of prune juice with an ounce of water twice a day for a week or so. If that doesn't solve the problem, cut all dairy completely out of your diet. So, we shall see what happens.
Other news. Jesse now weighs in at 18 pounds 10 ounces. I actually thought it was more on our scales here, so that's good news. He's only gained a pound this month, as opposed to one pound per week, so progress is being made. He is still completely off the charts, and they are going to keep an eye on him, but they are not worried at all right now. Yay.
Jesse also gave us our first really real belly laugh the other day. He did it two or three times when he saw our friend's daughter! She wasn't even doing anything silly, it just struck him funny! And for the life of us, we can't get him to do it again. But, it was so so so cute!!!
Other news. Jesse now weighs in at 18 pounds 10 ounces. I actually thought it was more on our scales here, so that's good news. He's only gained a pound this month, as opposed to one pound per week, so progress is being made. He is still completely off the charts, and they are going to keep an eye on him, but they are not worried at all right now. Yay.
Jesse also gave us our first really real belly laugh the other day. He did it two or three times when he saw our friend's daughter! She wasn't even doing anything silly, it just struck him funny! And for the life of us, we can't get him to do it again. But, it was so so so cute!!!
Day Trips
I am thoroughly convinced that our wee one is most content and happy when he is in the great outdoors! I always have the easiest days with him when we go on our day trips. Yesterday, Jesse had his first experience at the beach when we went with our dear friends Cory and Rachel to Long Beach Island. It was so much fun! We went to a secluded part of the Island where there were absolutely no people - it was like we owned the beach! The entire time, Jesse just laid on the blanket totally mellow and content, and then when it was nap time, I put him in his swing, and he slept for a good hour. Good times!
We left at 1:00 so the boys could nap in the car and so we'd miss the heat of the day. We didn't leave until dark, and it was so so much fun. Last week-end we checked out another state park and then walked around this fun little town, and the same thing happened with Jesse. He was mellow and happy the whole time. Hmmm.....bring on the day trips to the great outdoors!
We left at 1:00 so the boys could nap in the car and so we'd miss the heat of the day. We didn't leave until dark, and it was so so much fun. Last week-end we checked out another state park and then walked around this fun little town, and the same thing happened with Jesse. He was mellow and happy the whole time. Hmmm.....bring on the day trips to the great outdoors!
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
I love that I have so many friends who are in the same stage of child-rearing life that I am in! Even those sans children are dealing with discipline and training issues with pets - (Esther and Jess - it's pretty close! :0) Anyway, just in the past couple of days I've talked with five friends who's children range in age from Jesse at three months to a five year old. Discussing parenting issues always helps to put things in perspective for me. First of all, it's always encouraging to know that nobody has a perfect child! But, it's also good to remind each other that even though short naps, biting, refusing to eat veggies, waking up multiple times at night, and the like are all frustrating and disconcerting, they really are such small problems to be dealing with when you think of some of the monumental things other parents are going through.
I'm so thankful that our family loves each other - that there is no one else we'd rather spend time with than each other, that our two boys are healthy, that Kaden LOVES being a big brother, that Jesse adores Kaden, and that I don't have to wonder if Kev loves me or if he'll ever leave me. There will come a day when we'll be dealing with much bigger issues with our boys - girls, bullies, peer pressure, etc., with our families - aging parents, sickness, death etc., and with other stressors that life will hand us..........and I will LONG for the day when all I really worried about was if Jesse was too chunky and if he would ever take a long nap for me!
Right now, I truly am living my dream, and I want to be constantly reminded of that. Being a wife and mother is what I have ALWAYS wanted, and now I'm getting to do it every day. These days will fly by all too soon, and I need to SAVOR these little gifts that we have been given in our sons.
Does it matter that Jesse is the size of an eight month old, that he never poops, and that he takes wretched naps for me?!!! Does it matter that Kaden sucks his thumb 24/7 and that he still has wet pull-ups every morning? Does it matter if I let my floors get so dirty sometimes that our feet turn black when we walk around in our bare feet? Sure!! :0)
But, in the grand scheme of life......nah - not that much!
And, p.s. - for those of you coming over tomorrow - I was able to scrub my floors today. All is well in the world. :0)
I'm so thankful that our family loves each other - that there is no one else we'd rather spend time with than each other, that our two boys are healthy, that Kaden LOVES being a big brother, that Jesse adores Kaden, and that I don't have to wonder if Kev loves me or if he'll ever leave me. There will come a day when we'll be dealing with much bigger issues with our boys - girls, bullies, peer pressure, etc., with our families - aging parents, sickness, death etc., and with other stressors that life will hand us..........and I will LONG for the day when all I really worried about was if Jesse was too chunky and if he would ever take a long nap for me!
Right now, I truly am living my dream, and I want to be constantly reminded of that. Being a wife and mother is what I have ALWAYS wanted, and now I'm getting to do it every day. These days will fly by all too soon, and I need to SAVOR these little gifts that we have been given in our sons.
Does it matter that Jesse is the size of an eight month old, that he never poops, and that he takes wretched naps for me?!!! Does it matter that Kaden sucks his thumb 24/7 and that he still has wet pull-ups every morning? Does it matter if I let my floors get so dirty sometimes that our feet turn black when we walk around in our bare feet? Sure!! :0)
But, in the grand scheme of life......nah - not that much!
And, p.s. - for those of you coming over tomorrow - I was able to scrub my floors today. All is well in the world. :0)
Miracle of Miracles!
We have had a break through today folks! I'm not getting my hopes up just yet, but for Jesse's afternoon nap, he is going on two hours!!! Whoo-hoo! He woke up forty-five minutes into it - just like he always does - but after just five or ten minutes of crying, he fell back asleep, and he is in la-la land even as I post! Heavenly day, I'm so excited......but not TOO excited, just in case this was a rare moment. But I know that he can do it now! Whoo-hoo! My childless friends, I'm sure this probably seems like no big deal to you, but I assure you - it's big doings! It means afternoons of getting things accomplished, of quiet, quality uninterrupted devotions, of supper being made by suppertime, and (gasp!) maybe even a little bit of scrapbooking. But, like I said.....no huge celebrations yet. Just one more baby step of victory!
The Magic Month of Three!
Jesse is three months old today, and he is a totally different baby than he was even a month ago. I don't know what the deal is - I think Kev and I just make really fussy newborns or something. But, both of our boys were absolute wrecks the first three months of their lives. And now - Jesse has totally evened out. He is pleasant and calm most of the time, he is fairly easily soothed when he does get upset, and he is no longer a screamer every evening from six to eight! I can actually put him down for long periods of time and he is entertained by his playmat and his swing, and he is at least resigning himself to the fact that stroller rides could possibly be a pleasant experience!
During the first three months the jury was out - it was touch and go for awhile. But, I guess we've all reached our verdict.....we'll keep him!
During the first three months the jury was out - it was touch and go for awhile. But, I guess we've all reached our verdict.....we'll keep him!
Happy Labor Day!
I don't know about the rest of you, but we did not have a very "laborious" long week-end. It was actually quite lovely. On Saturday, along with our friends Cory and Rachel and their little girl, we went to our favorite State Park again to have a picnic and spend the day. That place is a little boy's paradise! We caught a huge water snake, tons of toads and crayfish, Daddy caught three sunfish on his fly rod, and there are just so many places to explore and get all wet and dirty! Jesse loves to be outside, so he was really pleasant and took another long nap in the swing. I was able to get some good quality time in with Kaden looking for crayfish, bugs, and toads while he napped, so that was really nice.
Then on Sunday, we went to church. Jesse did great in the nursery, and actually slept most of the service. Kaden and I found a bunch of toads in the church lot as well, so he was totally pumped! That was fun. We had a really relaxing afternoon, and then when the boys woke up we went to Target and then got a bite to eat. Once again, Jesse was just so pleasant and content in his carseat while we shopped and ate!
And yesterday, after Kev's classes (so, I guess he labored a little!) we went for icecream and then to Core Creek to fish until the sun set. The boys and I spent most of our day outside yesterday. It was so warm and breezy. The humidity has just about gone now, so the weather is really really nice here. We went for a long walk in the morning, then we went next door to the park. While Kaden looked for bugs, I glanced over at Jesse on the blanket, and he had totally fallen asleep! I tell you - this kid loves to be outside. He's so content and happy out there. Anyway, it was just a really great weekend all around. Restful, lots of time spent with family and friends, and lots of time spent being outside enjoying God's creation.
Then on Sunday, we went to church. Jesse did great in the nursery, and actually slept most of the service. Kaden and I found a bunch of toads in the church lot as well, so he was totally pumped! That was fun. We had a really relaxing afternoon, and then when the boys woke up we went to Target and then got a bite to eat. Once again, Jesse was just so pleasant and content in his carseat while we shopped and ate!
And yesterday, after Kev's classes (so, I guess he labored a little!) we went for icecream and then to Core Creek to fish until the sun set. The boys and I spent most of our day outside yesterday. It was so warm and breezy. The humidity has just about gone now, so the weather is really really nice here. We went for a long walk in the morning, then we went next door to the park. While Kaden looked for bugs, I glanced over at Jesse on the blanket, and he had totally fallen asleep! I tell you - this kid loves to be outside. He's so content and happy out there. Anyway, it was just a really great weekend all around. Restful, lots of time spent with family and friends, and lots of time spent being outside enjoying God's creation.
My Oldest.....
I have been so thankful for our little Kaden lately. He has such a tender heart and a really sensitive conscience. There have been several times this past week where he has come to me and confessed things that I never would have found out about - yet he still wanted me to know. The other day I was babysitting a friend's little boy, and I set out some grapes on the edge of the table that were cut in half. I told Kaden that he could have more whole ones if he wanted, but the cut up ones were for Reid.
I went into the living room to feed Jesse and Kaden walked over to me with this sheepish smile on his face. I could tell something was up, so I just asked him if he was being a good boy or if he had done something naughty. He said, "I'm being a good boy, Mommy." So, I simply smiled at him and replied, "Okay Honey, I believe you." He looked at me for a split second and then his face got really sad and he confessed, "I just ate one of Reid's grapes."
So precious. He didn't have to say anything and I would never have known. And really - it was only a grape. But then again, it's so much more. It's about obedience and honesty and integrity - even at a really young age. And it's about seeking to bless Jesus and Mommy and Daddy. Kaden is not perfect by any means, but we are really starting to see more and more the older that he gets the desire to be truthful and a really tender heart and sensitive spirit. I pray this stays with him the older he gets, and I pray that he always wants to make Jesus happy - even when Mommy and Daddy aren't looking - FOREVER!
Truth be told, Jesse will most likely want to follow Kaden's lead far more than he'll ever want to follow ours. In all seriousness, Kaden has a pretty big burden of responsibility on his shoulders in being the "big brother" to however many siblings come down the pike. I want him to understand this now - while he's still only three - and realize that his siblings will be watching him and will be wanting to act just like him. I don't expect perfection. I never will. For now, I'm just loving these moments of sweetness that make me so proud, and I'm praying that he'll always stay tender.
I went into the living room to feed Jesse and Kaden walked over to me with this sheepish smile on his face. I could tell something was up, so I just asked him if he was being a good boy or if he had done something naughty. He said, "I'm being a good boy, Mommy." So, I simply smiled at him and replied, "Okay Honey, I believe you." He looked at me for a split second and then his face got really sad and he confessed, "I just ate one of Reid's grapes."
So precious. He didn't have to say anything and I would never have known. And really - it was only a grape. But then again, it's so much more. It's about obedience and honesty and integrity - even at a really young age. And it's about seeking to bless Jesus and Mommy and Daddy. Kaden is not perfect by any means, but we are really starting to see more and more the older that he gets the desire to be truthful and a really tender heart and sensitive spirit. I pray this stays with him the older he gets, and I pray that he always wants to make Jesus happy - even when Mommy and Daddy aren't looking - FOREVER!
Truth be told, Jesse will most likely want to follow Kaden's lead far more than he'll ever want to follow ours. In all seriousness, Kaden has a pretty big burden of responsibility on his shoulders in being the "big brother" to however many siblings come down the pike. I want him to understand this now - while he's still only three - and realize that his siblings will be watching him and will be wanting to act just like him. I don't expect perfection. I never will. For now, I'm just loving these moments of sweetness that make me so proud, and I'm praying that he'll always stay tender.
Wedding Bells!
Well, my little bro is engaged! Who would have thought?! He called us last night on his way up home to share the news with the fam. He's pretty pumped and so are we. Kev and I got to meet Julie for the first time when we went home in August, and from the first minute we laid eyes on her, I knew that they were a good fit for each other. She is a great match - both for him and for our family, and that says a lot! She is so down to earth, what you see is what you get, she really loves Aaron, and most importantly, she's truly in love with the Lord. Pretty cool. They're talking a first of the year wedding - at the latest, Spring - so things will be moving pretty quickly from here on out. Sigh! sigh. My little brother is all grown up.........
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