Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!
I really love this holiday - it's far less commercialized and stressful than Christmas, and it's the one day out of the year when we sit back and take stock of what we are truly thankful for. We want to instill into our children traditions that involve family and relationships and giving as opposed to only thinking about and asking for things for ourselves. I want us all to have a constant attitude of contentment and gratefulnesss for everything that we've been given already instead of constantly looking around and wishing for things that we don't have.
So, only this holiday week-end, here is just a short list of the things that I am SO SO thankful for:
* First and foremost, I'm thankful for my relationship with Jesus and for how - time and time again - He has proven Himself faithful to me. I believe - help Thou my unbelief! His mercies truly are new every morning.
* I'm thankful for my hubby of eight years. He is truly my soulmate and best friend. He takes his roles and responsibilities of husband and father so seriously, and we are partners in every sense of the word in this journey called life!
* For my little Kaden - our tender heart. He daily makes us laugh. He is so sensitive and happy all the time. He is a fabulous big brother, and I really can't even remember what life was like without him. He is the neatest little kid, and already so tender toward the things of the Lord.
* For our wild child, Jesse Bear. He has made our home so full and alive. He is so comical, and it's so fun and interesting to see two little boys who are so night and day in every way! We never have to wonder how he's feeling - he LOUDLY lets us know! He is becoming so expressive and snuggly, and we are just so thankful for this new gift.
* And lastly, I'm thankful for our church family out here who has adopted us as their own, for family and friends old and new, for our cozy little apartment, for this college where Kev has been able to follow his dream, for friends who welcomed us into their home to celebrate with them yesterday, and for our family day today where we're going to get our Christmas tree! Whoo-hoo!!
Truly, there are SO many other things.....the list could go on forever. Bottom line: I'm a thankful girl this week-end!
Adventures in Parenting
Today is one of those days where in looking back, all we can do is laugh. So many silly, crazy, scary, and yucky things happened in the span of just a few hours that I just have to write about them and document their happenings!
We went to UNO's for lunch today where hubby was in rare form. First of all, he asked for a side of hot sauce for his sandwich, and as soon as it came, he looks over at Kaden all innocently and asks: "Kaden, would you like a drink of tomato juice?" Kaden - trusting his father completely AS HE SHOULD!!!! - leans forward and takes a nice haul off of Kev's Red Hot! I braced myself waiting.....meanwhile both Kev and I are dying laughing, and I'm feeling like a loser mommy for even finding it funny in the first place. Kaden swallows, looks over at us, and immediatly hangs his tongue out of his mouth and starts chugging his water. We had tears, it was so funny! Not two seconds later, Kev offers him a taste of his other side of BBQ sauce. Genuis that he was being today, he loads up a big scoop on his FORK and puts it up to Kaden's mouth. Well, of course, most of it dribbled out the slats of the fork and went all down the front of Kaden's shirt! When Kev saw this happen, he jerked his arm back and proceeded to spill even more of it down the arm of Kaden's white shirt. Kaden just looked at us like we were crazy today. It's true. Good thing I hadn't done laundry yet, because the story gets better.
Then, after Kaden's nap, Kev had a cup of black coffee sitting on the table. Kaden walked over and innocently asked: "Oh, Daddy! Can I have a sip of your soda?" Kev innocently answered, "Sure, Honey." Again - another long haul. (It was ice coffee - but still....you know when you're expecting to taste one thing and then you get another?" He's not going to trust Daddy much after today! Hubby was an IMP today!
Well, all of those things are nothing compared to MY saga with the boys today. While Kaden napped and Kev was doing homework at home, I decided to go out and do a little shopping with Jesse. I wore him in the backpack because he loves it, and as soon as I walked into the store, all of a sudden, I feel this huge shift, and Jesse slid right out the bottom of my pack! I reached down and grabbed his bum just in time - right before he smashed onto the floor! OH MY WORD!!! What if this had happened while I was walking across the parking lot? What if a car had been whizzing by????? Anyhoo, HE wasn't fazed in the least, but I just about had a bird!
Then - while we were walking through a store, Jesse decided that he wanted to suck on my cheek and my chin. This is his new thing lately. It was keeping him happy and occupied, so I just let him suck away while I was browsing. Upon looking in the mirror when I got home, however, I now see that I have a massive hickey on my face that is VERY noticeable! Perfect for when we go to company's house tomorrow for Thanksgiving. (I'm going to tell everyone that Kev did it! kidding.......)
Finally, when we came home, I sat Jesse in his little Bumbo seat to feed him some cereal, and I thought that I kept smelling a certain odor. (Having Daddy in the same room, I thought nothing of this odor, so I didn't think it necesssary to check Jesse!) Twenty minutes later, I lifted Jesse out of his seat, and to my utter horror, I realized that he had been sitting in a literal puddle of his own poo! It was SO gross! In lifting him out, I also successfully managed to ooze it all up his back, down his legs, and all over my own shirt, as well. Delish. In with the pile of hot sauce and BBQ laundry those clothes went. This is going to be a yummy load of wash, let me tell ya.
And finally, to top off this nutso day, when Kaden woke up from his nap, he came out and snuggled my leg while I was cooking. Just as I was turning to grab something from the fridge, he grabbed hold and gave me a pretty strong "love push," and down to the floor we both toppled with 135 pounds of me landing on 35 pounds of him. After many tears (from him) and a really sore bum (of mine), after baths and clean ups for all of us, and after supper, stories, and beddy-bies, I look back on today and am happy and amazed that we are all still in one piece!!! It was like a regular zoo around here today!
We went to UNO's for lunch today where hubby was in rare form. First of all, he asked for a side of hot sauce for his sandwich, and as soon as it came, he looks over at Kaden all innocently and asks: "Kaden, would you like a drink of tomato juice?" Kaden - trusting his father completely AS HE SHOULD!!!! - leans forward and takes a nice haul off of Kev's Red Hot! I braced myself waiting.....meanwhile both Kev and I are dying laughing, and I'm feeling like a loser mommy for even finding it funny in the first place. Kaden swallows, looks over at us, and immediatly hangs his tongue out of his mouth and starts chugging his water. We had tears, it was so funny! Not two seconds later, Kev offers him a taste of his other side of BBQ sauce. Genuis that he was being today, he loads up a big scoop on his FORK and puts it up to Kaden's mouth. Well, of course, most of it dribbled out the slats of the fork and went all down the front of Kaden's shirt! When Kev saw this happen, he jerked his arm back and proceeded to spill even more of it down the arm of Kaden's white shirt. Kaden just looked at us like we were crazy today. It's true. Good thing I hadn't done laundry yet, because the story gets better.
Then, after Kaden's nap, Kev had a cup of black coffee sitting on the table. Kaden walked over and innocently asked: "Oh, Daddy! Can I have a sip of your soda?" Kev innocently answered, "Sure, Honey." Again - another long haul. (It was ice coffee - but still....you know when you're expecting to taste one thing and then you get another?" He's not going to trust Daddy much after today! Hubby was an IMP today!
Well, all of those things are nothing compared to MY saga with the boys today. While Kaden napped and Kev was doing homework at home, I decided to go out and do a little shopping with Jesse. I wore him in the backpack because he loves it, and as soon as I walked into the store, all of a sudden, I feel this huge shift, and Jesse slid right out the bottom of my pack! I reached down and grabbed his bum just in time - right before he smashed onto the floor! OH MY WORD!!! What if this had happened while I was walking across the parking lot? What if a car had been whizzing by????? Anyhoo, HE wasn't fazed in the least, but I just about had a bird!
Then - while we were walking through a store, Jesse decided that he wanted to suck on my cheek and my chin. This is his new thing lately. It was keeping him happy and occupied, so I just let him suck away while I was browsing. Upon looking in the mirror when I got home, however, I now see that I have a massive hickey on my face that is VERY noticeable! Perfect for when we go to company's house tomorrow for Thanksgiving. (I'm going to tell everyone that Kev did it! kidding.......)
Finally, when we came home, I sat Jesse in his little Bumbo seat to feed him some cereal, and I thought that I kept smelling a certain odor. (Having Daddy in the same room, I thought nothing of this odor, so I didn't think it necesssary to check Jesse!) Twenty minutes later, I lifted Jesse out of his seat, and to my utter horror, I realized that he had been sitting in a literal puddle of his own poo! It was SO gross! In lifting him out, I also successfully managed to ooze it all up his back, down his legs, and all over my own shirt, as well. Delish. In with the pile of hot sauce and BBQ laundry those clothes went. This is going to be a yummy load of wash, let me tell ya.
And finally, to top off this nutso day, when Kaden woke up from his nap, he came out and snuggled my leg while I was cooking. Just as I was turning to grab something from the fridge, he grabbed hold and gave me a pretty strong "love push," and down to the floor we both toppled with 135 pounds of me landing on 35 pounds of him. After many tears (from him) and a really sore bum (of mine), after baths and clean ups for all of us, and after supper, stories, and beddy-bies, I look back on today and am happy and amazed that we are all still in one piece!!! It was like a regular zoo around here today!
A Tender Heart
Kaden has been initiating a lot of conversation lately about Jesus. It's so cool to see his little brain working and thinking through things. One morning at breakfast he was telling Kev that in the night he dreamed about Jesus on the cross. He said, "Do you know what I was dreaming about? Jesus on the cross with that thing on his head with really sharp things on it that hurt Him really bad." We talked about it a little bit and asked Kaden if he knew why Jesus died on the cross that day. He said, "Because He loves me and because sometimes I do bad things."
It's been so cool to dialogue with him about this and to see that he's actually comprehending and understanding things. We don't want to push "the sinner's prayer" on him just so that we can say, Kaden got "saved" today, but we're really feeling like he's beginning to understand and that is just the neatest thing.
His little heart is so tender and he has SUCH a sensitive conscience. Often when I tell him how proud I am of his honesty or of being such a great big brother he'll respond by saying, "Yeah, but sometimes I do bad things." Yup. We all do - many of us just refuse to admit it!
It's been so cool to dialogue with him about this and to see that he's actually comprehending and understanding things. We don't want to push "the sinner's prayer" on him just so that we can say, Kaden got "saved" today, but we're really feeling like he's beginning to understand and that is just the neatest thing.
His little heart is so tender and he has SUCH a sensitive conscience. Often when I tell him how proud I am of his honesty or of being such a great big brother he'll respond by saying, "Yeah, but sometimes I do bad things." Yup. We all do - many of us just refuse to admit it!
Four Nights and Counting....
For the past month or so, Jesse's nighttime sleep has progressively gotten worse. He has gone from sleeping 10-12 hour stretches without waking and nursing to waking up once in the middle of the night (no big deal - we can handle that). Then a few days later, waking up every four hours (hmmm.....okay - growth spurt?), to waking every two hours, to finally deciding that every hour on the hour he would like to awaken and scream bloody murder until someone did something about it.
Finally, at the beginning of this week, I reached my breaking point and told Kev that I was just about ready to have a nervous breakdown unless something changed. I talked to my pediatrician and did lots of reading - so that I wouldn't just be looking at this issue through "baby wise" eyes, and all that I read agreed with what my pediatrician said in that - Jesse should be capable of sleeping through the night by now, and we need to help him learn to "work it out." She said, "Most kids will break the habit in 2-5 days, but there is a small minority that may take two to three months to kick it." Hmmmmm....now what category do we think our little Jesse will probably fall into?!!!!
There are a whole boatload of varying philosophies out there to help parents teach their children to "work it out" from the "no cry solution" of just doing whatever it takes to make them happy to the "let 'em scream it out" until they cry themselves into oblivion. Kev and I talked about this for a few days and tried to decide what our plan of attack would be. The biggest issue at stake was that whatever we were going to do - we had to stick with it! If in a couple of days we couldn't hack it anymore and gave in, then it would all be for naught.
So, four nights ago, we decided to set the pack and play up in the kitchen with a really loud fan, we ran the bathroom fan, we gave Kaden two fans and a radio, and we gave ourselves a fan as well. The plan was that when Jesse woke - from here on out - he would not be nursed, and he would not be picked up unless he got absolutely hysterical. We would go to him every twenty minutes, rub his tummy, and tell him that he was okay, but then we would walk away and go back to bed. It was agreed that I would take the first shift, Kev would go next, and so on. Whew! Was I ever nervous. I knew that this would not be for the faint of heart, but I was ready! I was at the point where I was feeling that I had lost all control!
Well, the first night, I "tanked him up" right before we went to bed at 10:00 so that I would know his tummy was full, and then he was down for the count. Just like clockwork, at 2:00 a.m., Jesse woke up crying. I laid there and watched the clock tick by...five minutes.....ten minutes... until at the twenty minute mark, I went out into the kitchen, rubbed his tummy, and said, "No, Jesse. It's time to sleep." To which he promptly broke out into high-pitched-bloody-murder-I'm-mad-at-the-world-and-I-plan-to-wake-up-the-whole-entire-complex shrieks. Hmmmmm, that went well. I crawled back into bed, put some earplugs in, and told Kev that it was his turn next!
Twenty minutes later, Kev went out and did the same. It was to be my turn at 3:00, but when I rolled over again it was 3:45! Oh man...bad Mommy. But wait - our apartment was silent! I looked over at Kev who was staring up at the ceiling, and he calmly said: "Jesse fell asleep at 3:00." Only an hour! Not for the faint of heart, mind you - but I fully expected about three hours of screaming for this first night! I sank back into blissful sleep overwhelmingly happpy and thankful.
For the past three nights, Jesse has fallen back to sleep before the twenty minute mark each time. I can't even believe that he is not fighting this harder, and I am not holding my breathe - but I do feel that my world is beginning to right itself once more! My sister-in-law was here two nights ago, so we put Jesse in our room. When he woke at 2:00 I begged the Lord to put him back to sleep! PLEASE, LORD! NOT TONIGHT! NOT WITH COMPANY WHO WILL SURELY THINK THAT WE ARE HORRIBLE PARENTS FOR LETTING OUR CHILD CRY! But, thankfully, after just a couple of seconds of fussing, back he went to la la land!
So, we shall see what the future holds. For now, I am catching up on my sleep and am no longer a zombie crabmyster woman! We plan to keep Jesse in the kitchen for a few more weeks, but I am hopeful. And I have never been more thankful for an eight hour stretch of sleep in my life!
Finally, at the beginning of this week, I reached my breaking point and told Kev that I was just about ready to have a nervous breakdown unless something changed. I talked to my pediatrician and did lots of reading - so that I wouldn't just be looking at this issue through "baby wise" eyes, and all that I read agreed with what my pediatrician said in that - Jesse should be capable of sleeping through the night by now, and we need to help him learn to "work it out." She said, "Most kids will break the habit in 2-5 days, but there is a small minority that may take two to three months to kick it." Hmmmmm....now what category do we think our little Jesse will probably fall into?!!!!
There are a whole boatload of varying philosophies out there to help parents teach their children to "work it out" from the "no cry solution" of just doing whatever it takes to make them happy to the "let 'em scream it out" until they cry themselves into oblivion. Kev and I talked about this for a few days and tried to decide what our plan of attack would be. The biggest issue at stake was that whatever we were going to do - we had to stick with it! If in a couple of days we couldn't hack it anymore and gave in, then it would all be for naught.
So, four nights ago, we decided to set the pack and play up in the kitchen with a really loud fan, we ran the bathroom fan, we gave Kaden two fans and a radio, and we gave ourselves a fan as well. The plan was that when Jesse woke - from here on out - he would not be nursed, and he would not be picked up unless he got absolutely hysterical. We would go to him every twenty minutes, rub his tummy, and tell him that he was okay, but then we would walk away and go back to bed. It was agreed that I would take the first shift, Kev would go next, and so on. Whew! Was I ever nervous. I knew that this would not be for the faint of heart, but I was ready! I was at the point where I was feeling that I had lost all control!
Well, the first night, I "tanked him up" right before we went to bed at 10:00 so that I would know his tummy was full, and then he was down for the count. Just like clockwork, at 2:00 a.m., Jesse woke up crying. I laid there and watched the clock tick by...five minutes.....ten minutes... until at the twenty minute mark, I went out into the kitchen, rubbed his tummy, and said, "No, Jesse. It's time to sleep." To which he promptly broke out into high-pitched-bloody-murder-I'm-mad-at-the-world-and-I-plan-to-wake-up-the-whole-entire-complex shrieks. Hmmmmm, that went well. I crawled back into bed, put some earplugs in, and told Kev that it was his turn next!
Twenty minutes later, Kev went out and did the same. It was to be my turn at 3:00, but when I rolled over again it was 3:45! Oh man...bad Mommy. But wait - our apartment was silent! I looked over at Kev who was staring up at the ceiling, and he calmly said: "Jesse fell asleep at 3:00." Only an hour! Not for the faint of heart, mind you - but I fully expected about three hours of screaming for this first night! I sank back into blissful sleep overwhelmingly happpy and thankful.
For the past three nights, Jesse has fallen back to sleep before the twenty minute mark each time. I can't even believe that he is not fighting this harder, and I am not holding my breathe - but I do feel that my world is beginning to right itself once more! My sister-in-law was here two nights ago, so we put Jesse in our room. When he woke at 2:00 I begged the Lord to put him back to sleep! PLEASE, LORD! NOT TONIGHT! NOT WITH COMPANY WHO WILL SURELY THINK THAT WE ARE HORRIBLE PARENTS FOR LETTING OUR CHILD CRY! But, thankfully, after just a couple of seconds of fussing, back he went to la la land!
So, we shall see what the future holds. For now, I am catching up on my sleep and am no longer a zombie crabmyster woman! We plan to keep Jesse in the kitchen for a few more weeks, but I am hopeful. And I have never been more thankful for an eight hour stretch of sleep in my life!
Slowing Down
This past week was way too busy for our little family, and we're all feeling it. Kaden missed his nap two days in a row, and when that happens there is no need to ever have a little daughter to experience high drama - we get it in spades with him! It's kind of comical, and we both feel bad, because it's really our fault that we've caused him to miss his naps, so we try to have a little grace with him. Poor thing. He's going on four years old, but still really requires at least a two hour nap every day and about ten hours of nighttime sleep, as well. Jesse on the other hand, is a completely different story. He's good on four little half hour cat naps. He will sleep between 10-14 hours at night, but doesn't give us much during the day. He still likes a little rhythm though, too, and I can tell that he's a little "off," as well.
So, for this week, we're going to stick close to home. We travelled a lot last week and had the boys in the car a lot, so I just plan to take it easy for the next couple of days. Having said that, we did have a good week, though! I was able to get trained and certified to do some premarital and marital counseling through Prepare-Enrich, Kev did a little hunting, we met with a Mission Board that we're interested in, we spent an afternoon with a family from church that we've been wanting to get to know better, and the highlight for all three of my boys was the fact that we spent an entire day at Cabella's!
Oh my - don't get me wrong - I like the store, but HELLO - almost five hours, people! I put my time in that day. Kev reminded me that if I truly do want a passle of all boys, this is what our family days may look a lot like in the future! Point taken. :0) Neither Kev or Kaden wanted to leave, and Jesse was as happy as a clam riding in the backpack staring at all the dead animals all day. Oh my. Lord, give grace! :0) It really was a lot of fun, though. We got most of our Christmas shopping done - at least for the guys, and had fun playing together as a family, so it's all good!
So, for this week, we're going to stick close to home. We travelled a lot last week and had the boys in the car a lot, so I just plan to take it easy for the next couple of days. Having said that, we did have a good week, though! I was able to get trained and certified to do some premarital and marital counseling through Prepare-Enrich, Kev did a little hunting, we met with a Mission Board that we're interested in, we spent an afternoon with a family from church that we've been wanting to get to know better, and the highlight for all three of my boys was the fact that we spent an entire day at Cabella's!
Oh my - don't get me wrong - I like the store, but HELLO - almost five hours, people! I put my time in that day. Kev reminded me that if I truly do want a passle of all boys, this is what our family days may look a lot like in the future! Point taken. :0) Neither Kev or Kaden wanted to leave, and Jesse was as happy as a clam riding in the backpack staring at all the dead animals all day. Oh my. Lord, give grace! :0) It really was a lot of fun, though. We got most of our Christmas shopping done - at least for the guys, and had fun playing together as a family, so it's all good!
It's a Girl!
My sweet friend Charlotte just gave birth to numero two - a baby girl! After a seven hour labor, Madelyn Elizabeth G. - Meg for short - (how cute is that?) was born! Oh yay - I LOVE babies, and I LOVE that there's another Mommy around here with two chittlins now. We can just be half crazy together!
Other news....
Kev and I went and met with the Regional Director for U.S. Center for World Missions today. Should we decide to take Clarion Consulting and do it as our next step in life, this is most likely the Mission Board that we would be considered missionaries under.
I'm a rotty explainer of things, so if anyone is interested in the whole Clarion thing, go and check out their website and have a little looksee. It's www.clarionconsulting.com. Just a note - because it was originally designed to work with missions teams overseas, the website had to be made to look secular in order to protect the missionaries.
So....that's kind of exciting. It's been cool to see where the Lord has been leading and how He's been confirming our steps. Tomorrow, I'll also be getting certified in the Prepare/Enrich (www.prepare-enrich.com) assessment tool, as well. I would like to begin doing some premarital counseling with engaged couples and maybe even newlyweds here at the school.
We shall see. Who knows what the Lord has in store for us? It's all part of the journey - endings to some chapters and beginnings of others. It's comforting knowing that He's in control and we are not!
Other news....
Kev and I went and met with the Regional Director for U.S. Center for World Missions today. Should we decide to take Clarion Consulting and do it as our next step in life, this is most likely the Mission Board that we would be considered missionaries under.
I'm a rotty explainer of things, so if anyone is interested in the whole Clarion thing, go and check out their website and have a little looksee. It's www.clarionconsulting.com. Just a note - because it was originally designed to work with missions teams overseas, the website had to be made to look secular in order to protect the missionaries.
So....that's kind of exciting. It's been cool to see where the Lord has been leading and how He's been confirming our steps. Tomorrow, I'll also be getting certified in the Prepare/Enrich (www.prepare-enrich.com) assessment tool, as well. I would like to begin doing some premarital counseling with engaged couples and maybe even newlyweds here at the school.
We shall see. Who knows what the Lord has in store for us? It's all part of the journey - endings to some chapters and beginnings of others. It's comforting knowing that He's in control and we are not!
By Hed Is Feelig Stuffy!
I did the typos on purpose. That's how I've sounded all day - I woke up with a yucky cold, and I am completely stuffy and plugged up. Soooo, Katya - that sip of hot chocolate you had at the soccer game yesterday is probably gonna cost ya! So sorry, my friend. Blast. Load up on the echinacea and Vitamin C! Oh man - I hate colds. You feel yuckadoo but not enough to put your life on hold and justify napping or not taking care of your family. I've kind of been in a fog all day.
However, in spite of this mild annoyance, we had a fun family day. A few towns over in a little place called "Peddler's Village" there are a whole bunch of fun little shops and stores, neat little walkways with scarecrows everywhere, and just an all around pretty area to be outside all day. This weekend they are celebrating Apple Festival, so we went and rambled all around and sampled some of the apple wares. Quite delish, I must say.....I think.....everything taked a little bit like cardboard today....but the texture was nice!
It was a bit on the chilly side, but overall, very nice. We wore Jesse in the backpack for the first time, and he really liked it. He took a nice nap, and when he was awake he carried on a lovely conversation with the back of Kev's head! This will be his new mode of transportation, me thinks! Oh, and the kicker of today is that we get to turn our clocks back and get an extra hour of sleep. Bummer for the shorter days, but whoo-hoo for the longer nights!
However, in spite of this mild annoyance, we had a fun family day. A few towns over in a little place called "Peddler's Village" there are a whole bunch of fun little shops and stores, neat little walkways with scarecrows everywhere, and just an all around pretty area to be outside all day. This weekend they are celebrating Apple Festival, so we went and rambled all around and sampled some of the apple wares. Quite delish, I must say.....I think.....everything taked a little bit like cardboard today....but the texture was nice!
It was a bit on the chilly side, but overall, very nice. We wore Jesse in the backpack for the first time, and he really liked it. He took a nice nap, and when he was awake he carried on a lovely conversation with the back of Kev's head! This will be his new mode of transportation, me thinks! Oh, and the kicker of today is that we get to turn our clocks back and get an extra hour of sleep. Bummer for the shorter days, but whoo-hoo for the longer nights!
Feeling Uninspired.....
Yet, it's been awhile since I last posted and I must stay with my new habit of at least posting once a week!
Had some lovely chats with friends from away this past week - Shannon, Esther, and Rachey. That's always nice! I love catching up and learning about the new things going on in everyone's life.
We also had a church retreat this past weekend which was really wonderful and refreshing. The boys did great and Jesse took fabulous naps, so that was wonderful! I was chatting with my pastor's wife and telling her how well Jesse sleeps when the room is pitch dark and completely quiet! Although not a whole lot can be done about the noise except for a few fans, my pastor's wife is now making me blackout curtains that will make his room completely dark. I am soooo excited! Hopefully, this will help in elongating some of those naps!
I guess what I've been really thinking about tonight is someone who comes and goes out of my life who I am constantly absolutely flabbergasted with. This person completely blows me away with the comments they make about people. I am so floored by the disrespect and crassness (is that a word?) that I am left literally reeling and speechless. This person claims to be so godly and in love with the Lord, yet I cannot believe some things that fly out of their mouth. I fear confrontation worse than death and this person COMPLETELY intimidates me. But, I tell you what - if I had the guts to say what I feel needs to be said...man oh man. One of these days, if they catch me sleepless and feeling she-bearish about those I love, they may just get their ears peeled back! I'm really praying about how to handle this......will keep you posted.
Had some lovely chats with friends from away this past week - Shannon, Esther, and Rachey. That's always nice! I love catching up and learning about the new things going on in everyone's life.
We also had a church retreat this past weekend which was really wonderful and refreshing. The boys did great and Jesse took fabulous naps, so that was wonderful! I was chatting with my pastor's wife and telling her how well Jesse sleeps when the room is pitch dark and completely quiet! Although not a whole lot can be done about the noise except for a few fans, my pastor's wife is now making me blackout curtains that will make his room completely dark. I am soooo excited! Hopefully, this will help in elongating some of those naps!
I guess what I've been really thinking about tonight is someone who comes and goes out of my life who I am constantly absolutely flabbergasted with. This person completely blows me away with the comments they make about people. I am so floored by the disrespect and crassness (is that a word?) that I am left literally reeling and speechless. This person claims to be so godly and in love with the Lord, yet I cannot believe some things that fly out of their mouth. I fear confrontation worse than death and this person COMPLETELY intimidates me. But, I tell you what - if I had the guts to say what I feel needs to be said...man oh man. One of these days, if they catch me sleepless and feeling she-bearish about those I love, they may just get their ears peeled back! I'm really praying about how to handle this......will keep you posted.
Changing My Perspective
So, pretty much since Jesse's birth, my goal has been to get his napping schedule to line up to be the same as Kaden's, so that in the afternoon I'll have a little bit of solitude for myself. While I don't think this is necessarily an unhealthy goal - I actually think that in the end, some days it makes me a better mom! - I do think that I have been focusing on this a little too heavily, lately.
I have so badly wanted their naps to line up that I have allowed myself to get really frustrated and even a wee bit resentful at times when I only get snippets of my day to myself. While we were away on vacation, Kev and I talked about this some, and I've talked about it with the Lord a whole lot more. In these past couple of days I've tried to totally change my perspective on this whole idea. While I am still trying to get their naps to line up somewhat, I am now being really intentional to enjoy the one on one time that I get with each boy when the other is napping. Kaden is awake during two of Jesse's naps. So, for one of those naps I make an effort to just be with him and do what he likes to do - play K'Nex, play picnic, read books, do puzzles, have a tea party (it's a little boy set, okay?) - whatever. And then for Jesse's other nap I try to get things accomplished while still visiting and focusing on Kaden through our conversation. Then, while Jesse is awake during Kaden's nap, he and I spend lots of time snuggling and playing rather than lugging him around under one arm and trying to do whatever I can with the other!
I'm also finding that both boys do much better at being by themselves for awhile after I spend some quality time with them. It's like their little love tanks just need to get totally filled up and then they're good to go on their own for awhile! This whole change of focus and perspective has also helped me feel like I'm being a better mom as I really am taking the time to focus on what is truly important in my life!
Another bonus: Kev is going to start giving me one afternoon a week to go out for a couple of hours while he stays home and plays with the boys! I'm going to resist the urge on these occasions to JUST play, and I'm going to go FIRST to a cozy little place where I'll order a yummy coffee and have some quality (and uninterrupted a bajillion times) time with the Lord!
Rewards all the way around!
I have so badly wanted their naps to line up that I have allowed myself to get really frustrated and even a wee bit resentful at times when I only get snippets of my day to myself. While we were away on vacation, Kev and I talked about this some, and I've talked about it with the Lord a whole lot more. In these past couple of days I've tried to totally change my perspective on this whole idea. While I am still trying to get their naps to line up somewhat, I am now being really intentional to enjoy the one on one time that I get with each boy when the other is napping. Kaden is awake during two of Jesse's naps. So, for one of those naps I make an effort to just be with him and do what he likes to do - play K'Nex, play picnic, read books, do puzzles, have a tea party (it's a little boy set, okay?) - whatever. And then for Jesse's other nap I try to get things accomplished while still visiting and focusing on Kaden through our conversation. Then, while Jesse is awake during Kaden's nap, he and I spend lots of time snuggling and playing rather than lugging him around under one arm and trying to do whatever I can with the other!
I'm also finding that both boys do much better at being by themselves for awhile after I spend some quality time with them. It's like their little love tanks just need to get totally filled up and then they're good to go on their own for awhile! This whole change of focus and perspective has also helped me feel like I'm being a better mom as I really am taking the time to focus on what is truly important in my life!
Another bonus: Kev is going to start giving me one afternoon a week to go out for a couple of hours while he stays home and plays with the boys! I'm going to resist the urge on these occasions to JUST play, and I'm going to go FIRST to a cozy little place where I'll order a yummy coffee and have some quality (and uninterrupted a bajillion times) time with the Lord!
Rewards all the way around!
Reconnecting
I had a nice gift today - well, two really - all wrapped up in one! I've been wanting to visit with my friend Shannon for awhile - I've owed her a phone message for some time now, but my days are always so crazy with Jesse. So while Kaden was napping, just as soon as I laid Jesse down, I literally raced to the phone to call her. There's no guarantees these days for how long my wee one stays down, so I figured I wouldn't have much time. Anyhoo, we had a delightful conversation that just kept stretching on and on, and suddenly I looked down at my watch and realized that we had talked for a LONG time and Jesse was STILL NAPPING! Whew! Good times! My Jesse-doo napped for almost two hours this afternoon - a record for him. I think it's probably due to his shots yesterday so I'm not getting my hopes up. But, the Lord gave me a really nice gift in allowing me to have a wonderful catch up visit without tears and interruptions. (Well, once Kaden woke up there were several interruptions - and actually a few tears now that I think of it because he bonked his head on the table) - but overall, it was quite lovely and oh so nice to catch up with this dear friend. Shannie - you are AWESOME through and through. An inspiration to me in many ways - truly. Miss you and love you!
Kaden Q. Bookaroo
I have been craving some quality time with my oldest lately where I'm not holding Jesse with one arm or where we're not listening to Jesse's cries in the background. Last evening, quite unexpectedly we got this! Jesse had just had his shots, so I fully expected him to be extra clingy and crabby. Kev was hunting all afternoon and evening, so I was expecting a long, drawn out evening where I would just have to endure!
However, Jesse was sooo mellow all afternoon and evening. It was so nice! We all went for a long walk and Kaden and I had fun telling stories and just talking about what we were seeing as we were walking. Jesse just sat and chewed on some rings - no squawking or fussing. It was lovely! Then, on our way home, we stopped off at a little playground next door and ran around, slid down the slippy slides, and played pretend for about a half hour while Jesse just sat in his stroller and watched us! After Jesse went to sleep we painted for a long time and then sat out on the front steps and lit sparklers while we waited for Daddy to get home. It was so nice, and Kaden kept saying: "I'm so excited! This is so much fun!"
His little love language is totally quality time, and he doesn't ask for much when Jesse is awake. He adores his little brother and has never shown signs of jealousy or insecurity. But I could tell that he was totally eating up that uninterrupted one on one time last night. Me too. I've missed him.
However, Jesse was sooo mellow all afternoon and evening. It was so nice! We all went for a long walk and Kaden and I had fun telling stories and just talking about what we were seeing as we were walking. Jesse just sat and chewed on some rings - no squawking or fussing. It was lovely! Then, on our way home, we stopped off at a little playground next door and ran around, slid down the slippy slides, and played pretend for about a half hour while Jesse just sat in his stroller and watched us! After Jesse went to sleep we painted for a long time and then sat out on the front steps and lit sparklers while we waited for Daddy to get home. It was so nice, and Kaden kept saying: "I'm so excited! This is so much fun!"
His little love language is totally quality time, and he doesn't ask for much when Jesse is awake. He adores his little brother and has never shown signs of jealousy or insecurity. But I could tell that he was totally eating up that uninterrupted one on one time last night. Me too. I've missed him.
In the Mood to Cull!
Every few weeks this irresistable urge comes over me to throw things away! I cannot stand clutter, and living in this small space quite frequently gives me the feeling of our walls beginning to close in on me. Therefore, to solve this dilemma - I must purge! Kev has been duly warned - when I get in these moods, I can go a little crazy. So, I've been given strict instructions not to throw away anything that is his OR OURS. He didn't clarify this last time, and I got rid of tons of "our" stuff that he was not overly enthralled with me about.
I've always said that I'll let my kids be kids and I will let them play and build forts and leave train sets out etc., but every once in awhile I have to have my place back to myself. This morning, Kaden had his whole train set out in his room - which is fine - his room is his room. But, He also had his entire K'NEX set out with the hundreds of parts strewn all over the floor, he'd built a "bridge" with all of our couch cushions, and he had every single one of his little matchbox cars lined up beside the bridge. That's fine - that's a normal day for us. Usually, he's pretty good about getting one or two things out and then putting them away before playing with other things, but once in awhile he loves to be surrounded by his treasures, and that's fine.
But, for those few hours of quiet napping, I like to put everything back in its place and have my home be the way I like it! Clean and uncluttered. :0) Anyway, when I start to feel this way, I just haul out an empty box, walk through every room of my apartment, and fill this box with things that I never use, that I don't like, or that I don't need. Then I seal it up, mark "Yard Sale" on it and bask in the joy of uncluttering a bit!
I may have problems, but I really do love chucking things. I love simplicity. I love openness and emptiness. And since we've once again brought up the big and necessary baby things that give me sanity such as exersaucers, johnny jump ups, and play mats, I feel the need to get rid of other things! I just filled not one, but TWO boxes of "stuff"; I also hung a couple of bittersweet wreaths up on my walls, rearranged some cupboards, organized a closet, and hung some cute black and white candids up of the boys.
Now I'm just savoring the quietness and neatness, the simplicity and orderliness.....for a few more minutes anyway! Is it a losing battle that I'm fighting? Maybe! But we're all happy! The boys get to be boys and play at will, and I get to organize, throw, and rearrange.......and then for a few minutes each afternoon just sit and savor!
I've always said that I'll let my kids be kids and I will let them play and build forts and leave train sets out etc., but every once in awhile I have to have my place back to myself. This morning, Kaden had his whole train set out in his room - which is fine - his room is his room. But, He also had his entire K'NEX set out with the hundreds of parts strewn all over the floor, he'd built a "bridge" with all of our couch cushions, and he had every single one of his little matchbox cars lined up beside the bridge. That's fine - that's a normal day for us. Usually, he's pretty good about getting one or two things out and then putting them away before playing with other things, but once in awhile he loves to be surrounded by his treasures, and that's fine.
But, for those few hours of quiet napping, I like to put everything back in its place and have my home be the way I like it! Clean and uncluttered. :0) Anyway, when I start to feel this way, I just haul out an empty box, walk through every room of my apartment, and fill this box with things that I never use, that I don't like, or that I don't need. Then I seal it up, mark "Yard Sale" on it and bask in the joy of uncluttering a bit!
I may have problems, but I really do love chucking things. I love simplicity. I love openness and emptiness. And since we've once again brought up the big and necessary baby things that give me sanity such as exersaucers, johnny jump ups, and play mats, I feel the need to get rid of other things! I just filled not one, but TWO boxes of "stuff"; I also hung a couple of bittersweet wreaths up on my walls, rearranged some cupboards, organized a closet, and hung some cute black and white candids up of the boys.
Now I'm just savoring the quietness and neatness, the simplicity and orderliness.....for a few more minutes anyway! Is it a losing battle that I'm fighting? Maybe! But we're all happy! The boys get to be boys and play at will, and I get to organize, throw, and rearrange.......and then for a few minutes each afternoon just sit and savor!
Jesse Update Once Again....
Jesse had his four month check-up today. Joy unspeakable. I am pleased and proud to announce that he is no longer skyrocketing off the charts - he's still off, mind you - but he's "leveling" according to the pediatrician. His head is average, his length is in the 90%, and his weight is 19.9 pounds - the poundage of an average eight month old! But hey - he's leveling!
He had three shots today. We opted out of a couple of the ones that they recommend, but three has still served to give us quite the little grumpy monkey. His reactions to shots have been so different than Kaden's. Quite funny, actually. Kaden would look at us like we utterly betrayed him and then he'd cry as though his heart was breaking. Jesse screams - quite loudly - at the onslaught of the shots, and then proceeds to cry - madly and glare at the nurse until she leaves the room! As soon as she leaves, he stops, puts his thumb in his mouth, and then grumbles to himself for a few more minutes until he snaps out of it!
Okay, I'm off. He's starting to give me the look that he gave our little nurse.
He had three shots today. We opted out of a couple of the ones that they recommend, but three has still served to give us quite the little grumpy monkey. His reactions to shots have been so different than Kaden's. Quite funny, actually. Kaden would look at us like we utterly betrayed him and then he'd cry as though his heart was breaking. Jesse screams - quite loudly - at the onslaught of the shots, and then proceeds to cry - madly and glare at the nurse until she leaves the room! As soon as she leaves, he stops, puts his thumb in his mouth, and then grumbles to himself for a few more minutes until he snaps out of it!
Okay, I'm off. He's starting to give me the look that he gave our little nurse.
Out of the Loop!
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!
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)