I feel myself slowly sneaking into the cave that is mommy-of-newborn. The last few days of cool weather have brought a welcome pause to this procession as I've been more comfortable to leave the house or just play with the girls outside. The heat and humidity is definitely a force that propels me into the isolation of my home. It's hard to want to go out for much of anything when you just can't get comfortable.
And I'm feeling pretty comfy in my little cave. I've got things washed and ready for baby, I've got a good grip on school for the fall, I've got some meals in the freezer, I have help lined up. I feel like we're in as good a place as we can be for this new addition.
Because I'm feeling comfortable with the condition of my cave, I'm hoping I'll be able to relax and really relish the days ahead. I need to be sitting more than standing these days and that should be of great benefit to my girls. I can read with them more, play games with them, color with them, etc. Hopefully I can fill them up with some quality mommy time before I get snatched away by baby. And then I hope to be able to take those newborn days for what they are and let life happen for a month or two, knowing that I planned to concentrate on my kids during this time rather than feeling pressure to do other things.
Just typing that makes me squirm a little. I don't do "unstructured" very well and I thrive when my to-do list is long and looming. But I want to make this a special time, a relaxed time, an easy time for my family, not a nightmare. I want to enjoy the cave this time and all it has to offer. I know that will make the sunshine even more spectacular when we emerge as a family of five.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Friday, May 6, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Nesting
Some expectant mommies feather their nest by painting the nursery, sewing bedding, picking out clothes. Me? I buy shelves and organize!
Don't get me started on the saga that is the mismatched IKEA shelves. Apparently, holding out to buy the same piece from the same line at the same store doesn't do you any good if you wait too long. They no longer offer that color, size or door style. I was absolutely disgusted. You cannot begin to imagine how much the lack of symmetry bothers me if I open the door to that obsession. So I hid the new shelf in the corner as best I could and filled it up.
I'm planning to do school in the dining room next year, so now all of our school resources are in one place. I did such a good job of purging the shelves that I even ended up with room to grow. All of our art supplies are here, too, and I've got the table covered with a cheap clear, vinyl tablecloth so it is ready to go when they want to grab a bucket of supplies and some paper and create. It's fun that both girls are at an age where I can trust them with this now (at least at the table).
I covered some diaper boxes in fabric and filled them with board books on the lower shelves for little hands to grab easily. In theory, our littlest will understand the concept of "no" and "don't eat the books" by the time he can reach the third shelf. My two lower cabinets have locks on them that A can operate by herself and that's where I'm going to put her school workboxes. More on that later, but I'm super excited about this method of organizing our assignments.
What you don't see is the extra purging of toys and books I had to do in C's room so that I could move some of our grown-up books onto the high shelves in there. This has been a process, y'all. I still need to reclaim some wall space in the dining room for hanging art work, maps and posters. That will be a gradual migration of our current decor to the living room, I think. Then some major wall patching since we have some shelves anchored to the wall. That's probably why I haven't started with that yet. All in good time.
For now, I'm quite pleased with the results and trying to restrain myself from breaking into the school goodies too soon. We've already enjoyed the ease of doing art at the big table with supplies at arm's reach. And they can help clean up, too. Isn't it a cozy, particle-board nest?
I'm planning to do school in the dining room next year, so now all of our school resources are in one place. I did such a good job of purging the shelves that I even ended up with room to grow. All of our art supplies are here, too, and I've got the table covered with a cheap clear, vinyl tablecloth so it is ready to go when they want to grab a bucket of supplies and some paper and create. It's fun that both girls are at an age where I can trust them with this now (at least at the table).
I covered some diaper boxes in fabric and filled them with board books on the lower shelves for little hands to grab easily. In theory, our littlest will understand the concept of "no" and "don't eat the books" by the time he can reach the third shelf. My two lower cabinets have locks on them that A can operate by herself and that's where I'm going to put her school workboxes. More on that later, but I'm super excited about this method of organizing our assignments.
What you don't see is the extra purging of toys and books I had to do in C's room so that I could move some of our grown-up books onto the high shelves in there. This has been a process, y'all. I still need to reclaim some wall space in the dining room for hanging art work, maps and posters. That will be a gradual migration of our current decor to the living room, I think. Then some major wall patching since we have some shelves anchored to the wall. That's probably why I haven't started with that yet. All in good time.
For now, I'm quite pleased with the results and trying to restrain myself from breaking into the school goodies too soon. We've already enjoyed the ease of doing art at the big table with supplies at arm's reach. And they can help clean up, too. Isn't it a cozy, particle-board nest?
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Her First Nightgown
C recently made her debut into the little girl privilege that is a pretty nightgown. It might have been a little early, because it almost swallows her up; but her reaction was worth it. "I'm wearing a dress to sleep in!"
This is the same nightgown that A wore two years ago. Why is it so picture-worthy, you ask?
Because it was my nightgown many years ago. Another one of those handmade blessings from a Grandma whose loving hands continue to touch her family.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Want to Know
As I was washing baby things yesterday, I took an extra moment to caress the flannel blankets that my Grandma made for my son. I fingered the crocheted details bordering the edge and thought of her sitting in her living room on the porch swing she had for a couch. Feet on an avocado-green ottoman, gently gliding back and forth as she went around and around each square of flannel to add her handmade touch.
I had the gift of sharing a home with her as a teenager, but completely wasted that time with her. I was so absorbed in the narcissistic universe that is teen drama that I missed out on so much of what could have been a precious inheritance of her wisdom and skill.
She's been in heaven for almost ten years now. She took time a long time ago to make a set of baby blankets for each of her grandchildren. My "girl" blankets are soft and loved, but the "boy" set was still crisp and stiff. As I took them out of the dryer, I said a little thanks for her thoughtfulness.
I want my children to know her. And that made me think of Easter. Christ conquered death and the grave, that's what I've been telling my girls for the last week. We can live forever with Him in heaven because He holds the key. And when we get there, we'll see all those people who have gone before us.
I want to know if those relationships will still matter to us when we get there. Or will we just be so overcome with adoration and worship, that it doesn't matter who we're with? They are all family and we are united in our worship. Or will those relationships be fulfilled in a way that can only happen in the presence of God?
When I was younger, I would hear older people praying for Christ's quick return and wonder what kind of crazy thing they were praying. "Don't come too soon, Jesus, I've got things I want to do!" But I understand now, and I'm sure the longing will only get stronger. Come, Lord Jesus, come. I want to know.
I had the gift of sharing a home with her as a teenager, but completely wasted that time with her. I was so absorbed in the narcissistic universe that is teen drama that I missed out on so much of what could have been a precious inheritance of her wisdom and skill.
She's been in heaven for almost ten years now. She took time a long time ago to make a set of baby blankets for each of her grandchildren. My "girl" blankets are soft and loved, but the "boy" set was still crisp and stiff. As I took them out of the dryer, I said a little thanks for her thoughtfulness.
I want my children to know her. And that made me think of Easter. Christ conquered death and the grave, that's what I've been telling my girls for the last week. We can live forever with Him in heaven because He holds the key. And when we get there, we'll see all those people who have gone before us.
I want to know if those relationships will still matter to us when we get there. Or will we just be so overcome with adoration and worship, that it doesn't matter who we're with? They are all family and we are united in our worship. Or will those relationships be fulfilled in a way that can only happen in the presence of God?
When I was younger, I would hear older people praying for Christ's quick return and wonder what kind of crazy thing they were praying. "Don't come too soon, Jesus, I've got things I want to do!" But I understand now, and I'm sure the longing will only get stronger. Come, Lord Jesus, come. I want to know.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Laundry Day
I turned the dryer on this morning only to have Jeremy ask, "Are you drying gravel?!" No, that would be a load of baby clothes resplendent with snaps. I did five loads of baby stuff today!! And that doesn't include the four bags of pass-me-downs that didn't get washed. I washed two loads of tiny clothes, then three loads of burp rags, washcloths, towels, blankets, sheets, etc. I've only bought one outfit, but we are set.
I hoarded baby girl clothes for so many years, "just in case." Having boy clothes rain down in spades has only confirmed for me that there is no need to hold on to things "just in case." God will provide what we need, when we need it. And in the meantime, I can funnel His provision on to someone else instead of carting it up and down the attic stairs (or asking my husband to).
I hoarded baby girl clothes for so many years, "just in case." Having boy clothes rain down in spades has only confirmed for me that there is no need to hold on to things "just in case." God will provide what we need, when we need it. And in the meantime, I can funnel His provision on to someone else instead of carting it up and down the attic stairs (or asking my husband to).
Monday, April 18, 2011
End of an Era
Well, we finally did it. Apparently, J traded one boat for another when he got rid of his sailboat and bought a minivan. Yes, we took the plunge a couple of weeks ago (and signed on enough financing to feed a small African village for a month) and joined the minivan parade.
J was a hard-nosed negotiator and ended up getting us a great deal on a new Toyota Sienna. I'm still getting used to driving it, especially parking. He thought I'd get a ding and a speeding ticket within the first ten days, but I didn't. The engine is bigger than my Accord, so it's really easy to be speeding without any effort. Gotta keep my eye on that dial.
We still haven't figured out the in/out routine with the girls. A wants to sit in the very back and she can buckle herself into her booster seat, so that works. But it would be much more convenient for mommy to have her in the middle row as a helper. How do all you minivan moms handle the dropped toys, cups, etc. when you can't reach the kids? Is it just a learning process for the kids to not drop their stuff?
They both want to push the button to open/close the side doors. This was a feature I really wanted, but it is really causing some strife. Just another routine we need to work out so everyone gets a turn and no one gets smushed or stuck inside.
Most importantly, we're back onboard the frugal train. The pay increase that J got a few months ago provided for a van payment. But we'd been living a little high on the hog in the meantime and it's time to pull that budget back out and dust it off.
And poor J has to make one more sacrifice. Not only does he have to choke down humble pie as he drives a vehicle he swore he would never drive, but he's also sold his little VW Golf. It was showing its age, but I know he's missing it since it was like driving a grown-up go-kart.
Lots of changes around here to make that transition to a family of five. What's next?
J was a hard-nosed negotiator and ended up getting us a great deal on a new Toyota Sienna. I'm still getting used to driving it, especially parking. He thought I'd get a ding and a speeding ticket within the first ten days, but I didn't. The engine is bigger than my Accord, so it's really easy to be speeding without any effort. Gotta keep my eye on that dial.
We still haven't figured out the in/out routine with the girls. A wants to sit in the very back and she can buckle herself into her booster seat, so that works. But it would be much more convenient for mommy to have her in the middle row as a helper. How do all you minivan moms handle the dropped toys, cups, etc. when you can't reach the kids? Is it just a learning process for the kids to not drop their stuff?
They both want to push the button to open/close the side doors. This was a feature I really wanted, but it is really causing some strife. Just another routine we need to work out so everyone gets a turn and no one gets smushed or stuck inside.
Most importantly, we're back onboard the frugal train. The pay increase that J got a few months ago provided for a van payment. But we'd been living a little high on the hog in the meantime and it's time to pull that budget back out and dust it off.
And poor J has to make one more sacrifice. Not only does he have to choke down humble pie as he drives a vehicle he swore he would never drive, but he's also sold his little VW Golf. It was showing its age, but I know he's missing it since it was like driving a grown-up go-kart.
Lots of changes around here to make that transition to a family of five. What's next?
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Reinforcements Have Arrived!
Ladies and gentlemen, the cavalry has arrived and they are well-trained, eager and equipped to fight side-by-side against a mommy's greatest enemies--whiny children and sticky floors. They are....the Mommy's Helpers.
I first heard about these legendary heroes from a friend who endured bed rest during her last pregnancy and was saved by a mommy's helper. I started calling (well, e-mailing) around about a month ago when I was feeling so overwhelmed and stuck, not knowing that a great deal of that was probably the anemia. Nevertheless, I found help and I'm not giving it up just because I'm on an iron supplement.
I was thrilled to be introduced to two young sisters who were eager to get some babysitting experience under their belts. They are going to come once a week for three hours just to hang out with my girls while I am home and give me a little time to concentrate on tasks I need to get done. Can I get a hallelujah?
Another mom I talked to said that her girls would also be willing to do this, but their schedule wasn't quite as good of a match with ours. Oh, their mom says, maybe they could come and help you clean or cook? Oh?! Is this an option?! Bring on the sisters who clean and cook! Let's have another hallelujah!
We've had the blessing of these four girls for one week now and I am so, so grateful! Of course, they are getting paid. But the rate is reasonable enough to allow me to add them to our weekly schedule. And can I say how impressed I am already? I really need to be rubbing elbows with these girls' mothers because, wow! What do I need to be doing so that my girls are that polite, respectful, responsible, servant-hearted, and self-directed by their early teens? Teach me, o wise ones!!
I first heard about these legendary heroes from a friend who endured bed rest during her last pregnancy and was saved by a mommy's helper. I started calling (well, e-mailing) around about a month ago when I was feeling so overwhelmed and stuck, not knowing that a great deal of that was probably the anemia. Nevertheless, I found help and I'm not giving it up just because I'm on an iron supplement.
I was thrilled to be introduced to two young sisters who were eager to get some babysitting experience under their belts. They are going to come once a week for three hours just to hang out with my girls while I am home and give me a little time to concentrate on tasks I need to get done. Can I get a hallelujah?
Another mom I talked to said that her girls would also be willing to do this, but their schedule wasn't quite as good of a match with ours. Oh, their mom says, maybe they could come and help you clean or cook? Oh?! Is this an option?! Bring on the sisters who clean and cook! Let's have another hallelujah!
We've had the blessing of these four girls for one week now and I am so, so grateful! Of course, they are getting paid. But the rate is reasonable enough to allow me to add them to our weekly schedule. And can I say how impressed I am already? I really need to be rubbing elbows with these girls' mothers because, wow! What do I need to be doing so that my girls are that polite, respectful, responsible, servant-hearted, and self-directed by their early teens? Teach me, o wise ones!!
Monday, March 7, 2011
I Blame You
Alright, some more of you out there started praying for me; I can feel it. And, THANK YOU!!
I didn't mean to cause any concern with yesterday's post, just wearing my feelings on my sleeve. Thanks to those of you have sent me encouraging notes and made offers of help. I really am blessed with so many friends and family who genuinely care about how I am doing.
We've had a great day today. It probably didn't hurt that I spent a majority of the morning at the doctor's office sans kiddos for my glucose screening. No results until tomorrow, but I'm not expecting anything out of the ordinary. Heartbeat sounded strong and the doc was pleased with normal progress. And she made a really sad, empathetic face when I whined about my symptoms. That's always nice.
J stayed home with the girls and even played phonics bingo with A while I was gone. Bonus! Schoolwork done while I was away!
Then there was this little jewel of a bubble-blowing episode. I don't usually let them blow bubbles with their straws because it causes a huge mess and really, who likes being splashed from someone else's cup while trying to eat? But, they weren't at the table...
They reveled in the freedom for almost twenty minutes. I thought one of them would hyperventilate and pass out. You can't see it very well in the video, but A's face was red from exertion. C obviously got bored with bubbles and started just dumping her water on the floor, but I'm cool with that because she also likes to wipe it up. Good clean fun! (I stopped the video right before A announced that she almost got snot in her cup. Yum.)
We even broke out the paint and glue and did a little art this afternoon. And we all enjoyed each other. That feels really good. And I blame you, friends. Thank you.
I didn't mean to cause any concern with yesterday's post, just wearing my feelings on my sleeve. Thanks to those of you have sent me encouraging notes and made offers of help. I really am blessed with so many friends and family who genuinely care about how I am doing.
We've had a great day today. It probably didn't hurt that I spent a majority of the morning at the doctor's office sans kiddos for my glucose screening. No results until tomorrow, but I'm not expecting anything out of the ordinary. Heartbeat sounded strong and the doc was pleased with normal progress. And she made a really sad, empathetic face when I whined about my symptoms. That's always nice.
J stayed home with the girls and even played phonics bingo with A while I was gone. Bonus! Schoolwork done while I was away!
Then there was this little jewel of a bubble-blowing episode. I don't usually let them blow bubbles with their straws because it causes a huge mess and really, who likes being splashed from someone else's cup while trying to eat? But, they weren't at the table...
They reveled in the freedom for almost twenty minutes. I thought one of them would hyperventilate and pass out. You can't see it very well in the video, but A's face was red from exertion. C obviously got bored with bubbles and started just dumping her water on the floor, but I'm cool with that because she also likes to wipe it up. Good clean fun! (I stopped the video right before A announced that she almost got snot in her cup. Yum.)
We even broke out the paint and glue and did a little art this afternoon. And we all enjoyed each other. That feels really good. And I blame you, friends. Thank you.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Snow Day 2011
The great arctic blast of 2011 didn't live up to all the hype (as usual). Our predicted 3" of snow was barely a dusting. Still, we had a great time this morning. J stayed home from work to help us have fun. After last year's snow day went sour, I knew I would need his help to make this one memorable. There wasn't nearly the accumulation as last year, so we started by just making lots of footprints.
Then, A made a beautiful snow angel. I think the key is to do it on the driveway, not the grass. And you need to have daddy home to lift you up so you don't mess it up when you're trying to stand.
Next, the snow fight commenced. It was really hard to pack a snowball with gloves that are a little too big, so daddy found some dustpans and it turned into a shovelful-of-snow fight.
J said it was the most polite snow fight he had ever been in. The rules of engagement require that you turn your back, stand still and wait to be hit with snow.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Shoe Trend
This is the latest trend in footwear at our house. Be sure to note that daughter shoes only come in various shades of pink.
Have I mentioned lately what an awesome man I married?
Have I mentioned lately what an awesome man I married?
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
It's a Boy!!
We found out this morning and could barely believe it. But pictures don't lie and this baby definitely has outdoor plumbing.
As soon as we were done with the ultrasound, J and I went over to Target to pick out a little boy outfit. I suggested maybe a little toy, too, to show our girls. He knew immediately which little action figures he wanted to start collecting. Never mind that it will be three years until the baby is playing with them..."by that time, we'll have the whole set," he said.
C still doesn't really understand what's going on, but A was thrilled. She had decided awhile back that a baby brother would be fun since we already had a sister.
God is good, all the time!
Monday, January 17, 2011
If I Had a Nickel
Have you seen this hilarious video?
I'm only four years into being a mom and already, I sooo relate. Wish I could cash in on the following phrases I say at least eleventy-seven-thousand times a day:
I'm only four years into being a mom and already, I sooo relate. Wish I could cash in on the following phrases I say at least eleventy-seven-thousand times a day:
- Turn your volume down.
- No taking.
- Use your words.
- Are you sharing?
- Eat.
- Choose to obey.
- Obey right away.
- I can't understand you when you whine.
- What are you supposed to be doing?
- Wait nicely.
- No fingers in noses.
- Stop picking your nails.
- Put your knees down.
- That is not a jungle gym.
- Stop stretching out your shirt/pants/socks.
- Do you have stinky pants?
- Don't bang the table!
I know the list will only change as they get older; I will always repeat myself. But I am really ready for them to hear some of these already!! Sheesh!
Monday, January 10, 2011
All Clear
I think we are safely out of the stomach bug war zone. We sheltered in place all day Saturday and Sunday, hoping that we would contain any fallout if the rest of us were going to get sick. So far, so good. And praise God for that because we were getting a smidge stir crazy.
I failed to mention in my previous post how thankful I am for the heroic captain God has posted at the head of our family. J was so awesome that night. He came home immediately when I texted him with the crisis. As soon as he got home, he checked on our little sickie then came to scrub the carpet with me. He was up bringing fresh supplies every time I got up with A for the rest of the night, always compassionate and gentle. He did all the grunt work the next day to get that bunk bed really clean, not to mention the disgusting nightmare it took to get the tub clean. He really was our hero!
I failed to blog in a timely manner that we just celebrated our 13th anniversary at the end of December. I'm so, so, so grateful to serve in the trenches of parenthood by your side, J. You make it all bearable, even joyful. I cannot fathom doing life with anyone else. God knit us together in His perfect plan and I pray He continues to conform us more to His image every year we are together. Love you more than much.
I failed to mention in my previous post how thankful I am for the heroic captain God has posted at the head of our family. J was so awesome that night. He came home immediately when I texted him with the crisis. As soon as he got home, he checked on our little sickie then came to scrub the carpet with me. He was up bringing fresh supplies every time I got up with A for the rest of the night, always compassionate and gentle. He did all the grunt work the next day to get that bunk bed really clean, not to mention the disgusting nightmare it took to get the tub clean. He really was our hero!
I failed to blog in a timely manner that we just celebrated our 13th anniversary at the end of December. I'm so, so, so grateful to serve in the trenches of parenthood by your side, J. You make it all bearable, even joyful. I cannot fathom doing life with anyone else. God knit us together in His perfect plan and I pray He continues to conform us more to His image every year we are together. Love you more than much.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Not What I Had Envisioned
This time yesterday, when I was thinking through my weekend, I could not have envisioned what I've been doing. I turned my light off last night about 10:30 pm. J came in at 11:30 pm to tell me he was headed up to a local coffee shop to play dominoes. Count with me...one hour of sleep. I woke up at 12:30 am to the sound of A crying and coughing in her bed. She runs to my room to tell me she's throwing up. Oh, joy. So concludes hour two of sleep.
Bless her little heart, she was so proud of herself that she only threw up on the ladder of her bunk bed. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we had sickness from a height. That equals distance. And contrary to her understanding, ladders do not in and of themselves contain liquids. However, toy baby cribs situated below the ladder full of Littlest Pet Shop pets do.
It was 2am when J and I finally crawled into bed after cleaning it all up. About 15 minutes later, she started again. Fortunately, she was on the floor in our room in a sleeping bag and we were well-armed. So, we rinsed and repeated for a few hours. I was wide awake by this point and didn't drift off to sleep until sometime after 5am. C decided to scare the living daylights out of me by waking up crying and coughing at 6am. I ran to her room expecting the worse, but she was just ready to get out of bed. I told her she had to stay in bed until the sun came up, sang her a song and tried to catch a few more winks. We'll be generous and add another hour to the sleep count.
C really was done sleeping at 7am, so we got up and watched Mary Poppins. A woke up around 8am and we started the movie over again. Never enough Poppins. After the movie, I thought it was a good idea for A to have a bath. Into the tub they went. Meanwhile, J was disassembling the top bunk so I could get at the final crevices. We got that done and I turned to wiping down all the hard surfaces in her bedroom. I was wiping down a drawer handle when I heard, "There's poo poo in the tub!" I totally ignored that announcement. J just froze. I thought surely if I ignored it, it would cease to be true. Not so. I guess C was feeling left out of all the laundry and disinfecting. Two girls out of the tub, one husband standing in dismay looking at said contaminated tub. We both look at each other and bust out laughing till we're crying. (As I'm typing this, he said, "You know it's been a long night when you laugh at the word 'contaminated.'")
I ushered the girls to my shower, praying that C didn't pee along her naked way. I got to the bathroom behind them and she's standing over a puddle. Seriously?! I asked her if she peed on the floor and she said, "No!" like that was the most incredulous thing I could ask. I realized she was holding a dripping rag from the bathtub and chose to believe she had wrung it out. While we were waiting for the water to get warm, she squeezed the rag again and says, "I pee-peed again." Oh, isn't that so funny?! No wait, there's more...
I wash C's hair and get a big glob of shampoo in my palm to start on A when C starts making moves like she's got business to do. I whisked her out of the shower and onto the potty and tried to convince her to finish there. Nothing doing. I go back to the shower only to discover that A has commandeered the hand-held shower and is creating a lake on the bathroom floor. Will the mopping up never end?!!!
We are attempting lunch now. Here's hoping the second half of the day stays drier than the first.
Bless her little heart, she was so proud of herself that she only threw up on the ladder of her bunk bed. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we had sickness from a height. That equals distance. And contrary to her understanding, ladders do not in and of themselves contain liquids. However, toy baby cribs situated below the ladder full of Littlest Pet Shop pets do.
It was 2am when J and I finally crawled into bed after cleaning it all up. About 15 minutes later, she started again. Fortunately, she was on the floor in our room in a sleeping bag and we were well-armed. So, we rinsed and repeated for a few hours. I was wide awake by this point and didn't drift off to sleep until sometime after 5am. C decided to scare the living daylights out of me by waking up crying and coughing at 6am. I ran to her room expecting the worse, but she was just ready to get out of bed. I told her she had to stay in bed until the sun came up, sang her a song and tried to catch a few more winks. We'll be generous and add another hour to the sleep count.
C really was done sleeping at 7am, so we got up and watched Mary Poppins. A woke up around 8am and we started the movie over again. Never enough Poppins. After the movie, I thought it was a good idea for A to have a bath. Into the tub they went. Meanwhile, J was disassembling the top bunk so I could get at the final crevices. We got that done and I turned to wiping down all the hard surfaces in her bedroom. I was wiping down a drawer handle when I heard, "There's poo poo in the tub!" I totally ignored that announcement. J just froze. I thought surely if I ignored it, it would cease to be true. Not so. I guess C was feeling left out of all the laundry and disinfecting. Two girls out of the tub, one husband standing in dismay looking at said contaminated tub. We both look at each other and bust out laughing till we're crying. (As I'm typing this, he said, "You know it's been a long night when you laugh at the word 'contaminated.'")
I ushered the girls to my shower, praying that C didn't pee along her naked way. I got to the bathroom behind them and she's standing over a puddle. Seriously?! I asked her if she peed on the floor and she said, "No!" like that was the most incredulous thing I could ask. I realized she was holding a dripping rag from the bathtub and chose to believe she had wrung it out. While we were waiting for the water to get warm, she squeezed the rag again and says, "I pee-peed again." Oh, isn't that so funny?! No wait, there's more...
I wash C's hair and get a big glob of shampoo in my palm to start on A when C starts making moves like she's got business to do. I whisked her out of the shower and onto the potty and tried to convince her to finish there. Nothing doing. I go back to the shower only to discover that A has commandeered the hand-held shower and is creating a lake on the bathroom floor. Will the mopping up never end?!!!
We are attempting lunch now. Here's hoping the second half of the day stays drier than the first.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Merry Christmas to All!
I'm sure that one is the cause of the other, but I'm grateful that technology has enabled me to keep in touch with loved ones despite the rising cost of postage. Sometimes I wax nostalgic about handwritten notes and cards, especially when I see beautiful stationary. But for the most part, I really do enjoy the quick and expansive delivery offered by technology. Hence, the annual Christmas letter has gone the way of a blog post for better or worse.
We kicked off 2010 with a one-year birthday party for C, and shortly thereafter, her much-needed first haircut. J was putting in some intense research hours towards his phD in Computer Science through the spring semester as well as launching a new social/mobility development shop to pay the bills. God provided abundantly more than we could ask or imagine when an independent investor took interest in their idea and generously funded the project for the next year.
March was a big month as we experienced the first major surgery for one of our children. A's surgery to correct both trigger thumbs went well and we rarely think about it anymore. We had a fun, busy summer with softball for dad, swimming lessons for A, sledding (yes, in the summer), a princess birthday party for A, Rome-themed VBS, and the usual smattering of family visits and friendly dinners. With the milestone of birthday #4, we also said goodbye to thumb-sucking.
I spent a lot of time in the summer researching and planning for our first year of homeschool that kicked off in the fall. We're taking some time off for Christmas now, and I'm looking forward to a fresh start in January. With the new school year, came other new responsibilities. J and I joined the leadership team for our class at church and also launched a new home group. I continue to coordinate playgroups once a week for our class. We've been blessed with growing friendships through our church community and count it a privilege to serve among them.
A started ballet lessons this fall. Her favorite part is the lollipop at the end of each class if she listens well. C attempted potty-training, but we'll hope to report more success with that in the new year. We said good-bye to our first family pet; and fixed our first major gas leak (completely unrelated to the fish's death).
We were blessed with our third pregnancy in October and look forward to baby #3 arriving in early June. The big ultrasound will be in early February, so check back for news of the gender. With the end of my first trimester, I'm enjoying more good days than gross days. It's time to break out the maternity wardrobe and show off the bump.
What a mighty God we serve! Abundant in love and faithfulness! I am grateful for so many blessings, including a slow week before Christmas with time for blogging. How fun to look back on my year's posts and relive His goodness. Thanks for indulging me. May your Christmas week be calm, reflective, full of love and cheer. May we all celebrate the coming of our King with praise overflowing and eager anticipation of His return. Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Week in Review
Last week was a whirlwind around here. I think everybody got together and decided that all Christmas social events should be completed before the middle of December, so they are all getting crammed into two weeks instead of three or four.
Monday is always our do-nothing day. We stay home, do laundry, and recuperate from the weekend. Last Monday I helped the girls make Christmas ornaments and sugar cookies. The ornaments went pretty well. My only note to self is way to go on choosing plastic ornaments to paint, but keep in mind that wet paint on a plastic ball bouncing across your kitchen tile will make a widespread mess.
Tuesday was a mad run to the grocery store before ballet because my first attempt at a cookie recipe didn't work. The second attempt turned out great and I took them to the ladies' cookie exchange for our Sunday School class that night.
Wednesday morning I attempted to take both girls to the dentist for routine check-ups. We have new insurance so I had to pick a new office. I chose poorly. There were at least two dozen families in the waiting room and even though we had an appointment, I was told we would be waiting about an hour to be seen. No, thank you. I cut my losses and cancelled the appointment.
Wednesday afternoon, J graciously came home early so I could catch up on computer work...things like paying bills, reconciling accounts and ordering Christmas cards that really require a modicum of concentration. He took the girls Christmas shopping for me and each other. Can't wait to see what they got.
Thursday I dropped the girls off at a friend's house and headed out of town to visit a friend who just gave birth to premie twins. Three hours in the car by myself is luxury, I tell you. I got to listen to several podcasts from our previous church and spend some good time talking to God. Also had a good, if quick, visit with the new mom.
Thursday evening we had a Christmas party for the band of hooligans that offices with J. I'm so grateful that he is working with friends, enjoying what he is doing, and getting paid to do it with someone else's money. We all enjoyed dinner together, corralled the kids and exchanged gifts.
Friday morning, I met our playgroup at a local retirement home to deliver Christmas cards the kids had made the week before and sing a couple of carols. This was a first for me with my kids and I was thrilled with how well it went. I was especially proud of A, who persisted in engaging several of the residents in conversation. She did a great job asking and answering questions, giving me hope of doing something similar on a more regular basis.
Friday night I had bunko and I was so sad that my stomach was not cooperating. I'd been feeling great and loving that my first trimester gross was mostly behind me. Not so on bunko night. I had to forego the usual yummy feast for a crustless pb&j. How sad is that?! I'm sure I'll make up for it next month.
Saturday morning, I made a couple of batches of edible treats to give away to friends before we all took off for the WalMart. We were pushing lunchtime by the time we got done shopping, so we sat down at the Subway to have sandwiches. Can I just say that is a people-watcher's paradise?! Oh the things you can see from the WalMart Subway.
After naps on Saturday, we enjoyed an open house at a friend's home. I like that Christmas is a good time to see faces that we don't see very often, meet new people, and keep up with existing friends. Especially when it is at someone else's house. After the open house, I paid J back for his earlier favor of time and he took off to go do some Christmas shopping on his own and go to a poker tournament with the men of our Sunday School class. I came home, made some cookies, bathed the girls, and put them in front of a Christmas movie with a bucket of popcorn for supper. I think popcorn for supper raised my cool-quotient a few points in A's eyes.
We made it to church on Sunday, took naps, then said bye to J so he could drive a spare car to the new mom who's going to be living near her babies' hospital for a few months. He got back home just in time for our own open house that we invited our neighbors to.
Needless to say, we all slept good Sunday night! This week is proving to be much slower, thank goodness. C threw in an ear infection to keep things interesting, but we're going to enjoy a break from regular activities and make sure we're ready for next week.
Monday is always our do-nothing day. We stay home, do laundry, and recuperate from the weekend. Last Monday I helped the girls make Christmas ornaments and sugar cookies. The ornaments went pretty well. My only note to self is way to go on choosing plastic ornaments to paint, but keep in mind that wet paint on a plastic ball bouncing across your kitchen tile will make a widespread mess.
Tuesday was a mad run to the grocery store before ballet because my first attempt at a cookie recipe didn't work. The second attempt turned out great and I took them to the ladies' cookie exchange for our Sunday School class that night.
Wednesday morning I attempted to take both girls to the dentist for routine check-ups. We have new insurance so I had to pick a new office. I chose poorly. There were at least two dozen families in the waiting room and even though we had an appointment, I was told we would be waiting about an hour to be seen. No, thank you. I cut my losses and cancelled the appointment.
Wednesday afternoon, J graciously came home early so I could catch up on computer work...things like paying bills, reconciling accounts and ordering Christmas cards that really require a modicum of concentration. He took the girls Christmas shopping for me and each other. Can't wait to see what they got.
Thursday I dropped the girls off at a friend's house and headed out of town to visit a friend who just gave birth to premie twins. Three hours in the car by myself is luxury, I tell you. I got to listen to several podcasts from our previous church and spend some good time talking to God. Also had a good, if quick, visit with the new mom.
Thursday evening we had a Christmas party for the band of hooligans that offices with J. I'm so grateful that he is working with friends, enjoying what he is doing, and getting paid to do it with someone else's money. We all enjoyed dinner together, corralled the kids and exchanged gifts.
Friday morning, I met our playgroup at a local retirement home to deliver Christmas cards the kids had made the week before and sing a couple of carols. This was a first for me with my kids and I was thrilled with how well it went. I was especially proud of A, who persisted in engaging several of the residents in conversation. She did a great job asking and answering questions, giving me hope of doing something similar on a more regular basis.
Friday night I had bunko and I was so sad that my stomach was not cooperating. I'd been feeling great and loving that my first trimester gross was mostly behind me. Not so on bunko night. I had to forego the usual yummy feast for a crustless pb&j. How sad is that?! I'm sure I'll make up for it next month.
Saturday morning, I made a couple of batches of edible treats to give away to friends before we all took off for the WalMart. We were pushing lunchtime by the time we got done shopping, so we sat down at the Subway to have sandwiches. Can I just say that is a people-watcher's paradise?! Oh the things you can see from the WalMart Subway.
After naps on Saturday, we enjoyed an open house at a friend's home. I like that Christmas is a good time to see faces that we don't see very often, meet new people, and keep up with existing friends. Especially when it is at someone else's house. After the open house, I paid J back for his earlier favor of time and he took off to go do some Christmas shopping on his own and go to a poker tournament with the men of our Sunday School class. I came home, made some cookies, bathed the girls, and put them in front of a Christmas movie with a bucket of popcorn for supper. I think popcorn for supper raised my cool-quotient a few points in A's eyes.
We made it to church on Sunday, took naps, then said bye to J so he could drive a spare car to the new mom who's going to be living near her babies' hospital for a few months. He got back home just in time for our own open house that we invited our neighbors to.
Needless to say, we all slept good Sunday night! This week is proving to be much slower, thank goodness. C threw in an ear infection to keep things interesting, but we're going to enjoy a break from regular activities and make sure we're ready for next week.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Still Thankful
Happy belated Thanksgiving! We had a great day feasting with family and friends. J said it was the best Thanksgiving dinner he's had in a few years. I ate myself miserable and sat up half the night wishing I hadn't had the second helpings. The kids played well, the home team won the game, and the weather turned cold. Definitely a good day.
Since we don't celebrate Halloween, I try to really emphasize Thanksgiving once fall hits. This year, we made a Thanksgiving tree. I picked a branch out of the yard and put it in a big canister full of rocks. We wrote (or drew) things on foam leaves that we were thankful for and tied them to the tree. By the big day, it was a little Charlie-Brown-ish, but we could see how much we have to be thankful for.
A is thankful for mermaids, fairies, ladybugs, Chick-fil-A, rainbows, her best friend, her mom and dad, the new baby, cousins, herself, pink, and various toys in no particular order. C scribbled on leaves and we left them open to interpretation, until one of the last drawing sessions when she handed me a leaf and told me it was one of her cousins. I obliged and wrote his name on the leaf to identify his portrait.
The grown-ups in the house are grateful for employment, good health, kind neighbors, loving family, precious daughters, each other. Above all else we are humbled by the opportunity to thank our God for His loving kindness, His constant nature, His gift of salvation, His personal involvement in our lives.
We've been singing a Thanksgiving song this month cut and pasted from the psalms. Perhaps you know it..."I will enter his gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter His courts with praise. I will say this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice for He has made me glad. He has made me glad. He has made me glad. I will rejoice for He has made me glad!"
Since we don't celebrate Halloween, I try to really emphasize Thanksgiving once fall hits. This year, we made a Thanksgiving tree. I picked a branch out of the yard and put it in a big canister full of rocks. We wrote (or drew) things on foam leaves that we were thankful for and tied them to the tree. By the big day, it was a little Charlie-Brown-ish, but we could see how much we have to be thankful for.
A is thankful for mermaids, fairies, ladybugs, Chick-fil-A, rainbows, her best friend, her mom and dad, the new baby, cousins, herself, pink, and various toys in no particular order. C scribbled on leaves and we left them open to interpretation, until one of the last drawing sessions when she handed me a leaf and told me it was one of her cousins. I obliged and wrote his name on the leaf to identify his portrait.
The grown-ups in the house are grateful for employment, good health, kind neighbors, loving family, precious daughters, each other. Above all else we are humbled by the opportunity to thank our God for His loving kindness, His constant nature, His gift of salvation, His personal involvement in our lives.
We've been singing a Thanksgiving song this month cut and pasted from the psalms. Perhaps you know it..."I will enter his gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter His courts with praise. I will say this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice for He has made me glad. He has made me glad. He has made me glad. I will rejoice for He has made me glad!"
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
What's That Smell?
This week has been a wild ride so far. Sunday I came home from church feeling really weak and tired. I went to bed and realized later that I was running a low fever. I was laid out the rest of the day, couldn't eat much or stay mobile for long. Monday I was feeling a little stronger, but still very tired. My wonderful neighbor came over to play with the girls for a couple of hours while I took a morning nap. I napped for almost four hours that day!! Which explains why I laid in bed that night staring at the ceiling until 2 am.
Sunday when I was feeling so puny, I told J that we had to call somebody about the smell in our bathroom. It was going on two months and we couldn't figure out what it was. We thought maybe something had crawled into the wall and died. You can understand our hesitation to investigate. J spent a Saturday about two weeks ago taking apart the exhaust fan, hoping that whatever it was could be easily cleaned up from that pipe. No such luck. The smell was getting so bad that I was avoiding that room for the sake of my stomach.
Monday I called the pest control guy. I explained the dilemma and told him I didn't know if he could help or not, but he was the first person on our list of professionals who might could help. He showed up around 5:30 pm on Monday and said it wasn't anything dead. He couldn't say for sure, but it might be natural gas. Hello?!! Let me just say it did not smell like the usual sulfur, rotten egg smell you get from a gas leak, so that was not even on our radar. Never mind that there is no gas source in that room. It smelled more musty, earthy....I had cleaned the toilet with a toothbrush about three times hoping I could find whatever speck of bacteria was causing the odor.
J very wisely called the gas company to come check and sure enough, we've been living with a low-level gas leak for the last two months!! We were both mortified. God has definitely been watching over us. It's a good thing we don't make a habit of lighting matches in that bathroom.
They shut the gas off immediately and Tuesday morning began the detect and repair process with the plumbers. They were here all afternoon yesterday and all day today. They finished up this afternoon, and the gas company will probably make it out to do the inspection and turn the gas back on tomorrow morning. (Hurray for cold showers and microwave dinners!) Turns out there were three slow leaks in the attic where the pipe sealant had started to decay, along with a couple of underground leaks between the meter and house. So yes, they had to dig up part of the back yard. Fun times, I tell you.
The wonderful part (no sarcasm this time)? I felt amazing yesterday and today!! Turns out the main side effects of exposure to natural gas are nausea and headaches. It basically keeps you from getting the best oxygen supply you would otherwise get. So you might also feel a little sluggish. Who knew you could mimic the first trimester of pregnancy just by inhaling a little natural gas?! Fortunately, the side effects are very short-lived. I had my first prenatal appointment this morning and the doctor was not concerned about any harm to the baby and was glad that my symptoms were leveling back to normal range. I told her time would tell if it really was the natural gas causing such intense nausea or not, but I like feeling so much better for sure! Here's hoping the rest of the week has a little less drama.
Sunday when I was feeling so puny, I told J that we had to call somebody about the smell in our bathroom. It was going on two months and we couldn't figure out what it was. We thought maybe something had crawled into the wall and died. You can understand our hesitation to investigate. J spent a Saturday about two weeks ago taking apart the exhaust fan, hoping that whatever it was could be easily cleaned up from that pipe. No such luck. The smell was getting so bad that I was avoiding that room for the sake of my stomach.
Monday I called the pest control guy. I explained the dilemma and told him I didn't know if he could help or not, but he was the first person on our list of professionals who might could help. He showed up around 5:30 pm on Monday and said it wasn't anything dead. He couldn't say for sure, but it might be natural gas. Hello?!! Let me just say it did not smell like the usual sulfur, rotten egg smell you get from a gas leak, so that was not even on our radar. Never mind that there is no gas source in that room. It smelled more musty, earthy....I had cleaned the toilet with a toothbrush about three times hoping I could find whatever speck of bacteria was causing the odor.
J very wisely called the gas company to come check and sure enough, we've been living with a low-level gas leak for the last two months!! We were both mortified. God has definitely been watching over us. It's a good thing we don't make a habit of lighting matches in that bathroom.
They shut the gas off immediately and Tuesday morning began the detect and repair process with the plumbers. They were here all afternoon yesterday and all day today. They finished up this afternoon, and the gas company will probably make it out to do the inspection and turn the gas back on tomorrow morning. (Hurray for cold showers and microwave dinners!) Turns out there were three slow leaks in the attic where the pipe sealant had started to decay, along with a couple of underground leaks between the meter and house. So yes, they had to dig up part of the back yard. Fun times, I tell you.
The wonderful part (no sarcasm this time)? I felt amazing yesterday and today!! Turns out the main side effects of exposure to natural gas are nausea and headaches. It basically keeps you from getting the best oxygen supply you would otherwise get. So you might also feel a little sluggish. Who knew you could mimic the first trimester of pregnancy just by inhaling a little natural gas?! Fortunately, the side effects are very short-lived. I had my first prenatal appointment this morning and the doctor was not concerned about any harm to the baby and was glad that my symptoms were leveling back to normal range. I told her time would tell if it really was the natural gas causing such intense nausea or not, but I like feeling so much better for sure! Here's hoping the rest of the week has a little less drama.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Here Comes #3!
Sorry it's been a ridiculously long time since my last blog post. But I'll make up for it with exciting news...we're expecting baby #3!! It's still very early in the pregnancy, maybe 7 or 8 weeks, so I don't have an official due date yet; but we're guessing early June. By my standards, that's cutting it awfully close for too-hot-to-handle summer temps. Brace yourself now for the whining.
They say that each successive pregnancy has more intense symptoms and they generally happen earlier in the pregnancy. I'm willing to concede that point so far with the yucky, gross feeling that comes in waves throughout the day. Ditto on the fatigue. But I still feel very fortunate that I can ward off my symptoms with some saltines and a snooze.
So now my posts will take on a new element. Life as usual, plus pregnancy. I estimate it will be January before we find out if I have to change the blog title. Stay tuned.
They say that each successive pregnancy has more intense symptoms and they generally happen earlier in the pregnancy. I'm willing to concede that point so far with the yucky, gross feeling that comes in waves throughout the day. Ditto on the fatigue. But I still feel very fortunate that I can ward off my symptoms with some saltines and a snooze.
So now my posts will take on a new element. Life as usual, plus pregnancy. I estimate it will be January before we find out if I have to change the blog title. Stay tuned.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Goodbyes
Today we said goodbye to Peter Mr. Beta Fish. It became apparent yesterday morning that he was not long for this world when I saw him just lying on the rocks at the bottom of his bowl using all of his energy to gulp big breaths. I prepared A by letting her know that Peter didn't look well, that he might be sick. She thought he probably just needed a break. By late afternoon, I knew he was gone. She kept coming back to check and see if he had moved. This morning, she noted that he hadn't moved all night long.
So after naps today we discussed funeral plans. She suggested putting him in the trash; I countered with flushing him to the ocean. Really, I knew that we wanted to do a little burial. As hard as it would be to talk it through, I knew it was a good opportunity to introduce death and temporary goodbyes. J agreed, so we talked about Peter's body being empty now and how he was with Jesus in heaven (I know...we bent the theology a bit to make it applicable. I figure we can straighten that out later.) She colored a pretty picture and wrote "Peter" on it. Daddy folded it into a little box and we tromped outside in the drizzle to lay Peter to rest.
It wasn't until Daddy was covering the hole that the tears came. "But what about Peter?!" she bawled. I immediately followed suit. It's not the goodbye to the fish that got to me, but the goodbye to a little bit of her innocence. This was a baby step into the harsh reality that the world is not all fairies, rainbows and ballerinas. I was so sad to see her sadness. I am glad that we persevered and took the opportunity to have a tough conversation. And I don't think she'll be upset for very long. She was asking for a new fish before we made it back inside.
So after naps today we discussed funeral plans. She suggested putting him in the trash; I countered with flushing him to the ocean. Really, I knew that we wanted to do a little burial. As hard as it would be to talk it through, I knew it was a good opportunity to introduce death and temporary goodbyes. J agreed, so we talked about Peter's body being empty now and how he was with Jesus in heaven (I know...we bent the theology a bit to make it applicable. I figure we can straighten that out later.) She colored a pretty picture and wrote "Peter" on it. Daddy folded it into a little box and we tromped outside in the drizzle to lay Peter to rest.
It wasn't until Daddy was covering the hole that the tears came. "But what about Peter?!" she bawled. I immediately followed suit. It's not the goodbye to the fish that got to me, but the goodbye to a little bit of her innocence. This was a baby step into the harsh reality that the world is not all fairies, rainbows and ballerinas. I was so sad to see her sadness. I am glad that we persevered and took the opportunity to have a tough conversation. And I don't think she'll be upset for very long. She was asking for a new fish before we made it back inside.
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