Dear Cicely,
How much you have changed and developed over the past few months! I am not even sure where to start! You are such a little wanderer-- with a mind all your own and a spirit for adventure! You started walking a couple weeks after your first birthday, close to 13 months old. And from there you havent looked back! You love to play peak-a-boo around corners and engage with just about anyone who will give you attention. You have an infectious giggle and a smile that will melt any heart that sees you.
Your tooth around is right around 8 or 9, but the dishwasher incident has left them a little less than straight on the the bottom. I am hoping they will work themselves out in the coming years. You are still a little peanut, so skinny and petite.I always find you searching for your brothers, or climbing up the top bunk. And if you are outside, you are near some dirt or the nearest puddle. Your love for dirt and water is unrivaled. Whenever i am sweeping the floor in the kitchen you are ALWAYS right there at the ready to smoosh around my pile and eat out some crumbs that look interesting. Like why did you have to wait until it now to find it!?! You love the bath so i know you will LOVE the pool this summer. We cant wait for all that the warm weather will bring.
You are still such a gabby little girl, but you are learning more and more words. Mama is still unquestionably directed at me. And Dayeee is definitly daddy. Bye is in there, too. Dooba dooba dooba is still a little uncertain, but it;s hilarious often you chat. You eat like a bird so i am still not sure what your favorite foods are, you seem to like most fruit and love advocados and mangos. Carrots are up there. You tend to chew meat and spit it out most of the time. Can cheez-its be a favorite food? because you never turn down one of those. You LOVE music and will dance and move to anytime there is music on. Which is quite often around the house. I know your brothers love music, too, i wish i knew of a better way to cultivate it.
You bring so much joy to our lives and i cannot believe how fast you are growing up and becoming a unique individual. You are just to sweet and sassy, and fun and inviting, and outgoing and loving, and caring. All qualities i see developing that i admire and never want you to lose. How much attention and love you give to your brothers makes my heart pitter patter. And if they are ever crying or hurt, i see you rush to thier side and comfort them. The love you have for each other is straight from the heavens and I thank God for everything he has given to me with you kids. Thank you for being you. Dont ever change, We cant wait to see how the fun things we have in store for you this summer.
All the love in the world,
Mommy
Friday, May 12, 2017
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Dear Chris- Year 3
Dearest Chris,
I cant believe we celebrated your third year of life just a few weeks ago!! three years!! You are just so full of life and wonderful to be around. You are still a chart topper, 40 lbs and 41 inches i believe. Well in the 90s as far as percentiles. You gotta be big to keep up with Nick, and pretty much will do whatever he tells you to do. And also whatever your cousin kate tells you to do. You idolize her. You love to play tag, hide and seek, play with your paw patrol pups, trains, cars, ride your bike, run "super fast" and just being around people. You might be the happiest kid i ever met. And the easiest going. And the funniest. I cant describe it, but watching you navigate life it's hard not to smile.
On your third birthday we had a party for both you and nick and Jump N Jacks, you both had the BEST time. You got tons of presents, ate lots of pizza and cake, and played your heart out. You love going to school with your brother and you seem to be learning a lot. You love to please others, and your teachers LOVE you. they couldn't say one bad thing about you. I remember sitting in the car with you are you held a couple jellybeans in your hand, you just were examining it and you said" this looks like an ovoid." My heart melted!
We have put you in swimming lessons at the goldfish swim school (you said one morning " there are no fish in the pool, just kids"), and you have taken off with your skills. You cant touch the bottom, but you have learned the life savings skills to be able to swim by yourself to the wall or so person or island where you can touch or hold on. You have moved up to the next class and your teacher said last week that you are almost ready to move thru AGAIN!! And she told me last week that you are just "SO much fun!!" with all kinds of enthusiasm. It's true, you are just too much sometimes.
You pretty much want to do everything Nick does these days, so i am excited to enroll you in blast ball this summer. And it will be fun to see you guys swim around in the pool together. You will have your first dentist appointment coming up next month (with your brother), and i find it's just easier when you have your big bro to help you along your way. He sure does look out for you. And try to tease you and work you up too. But overall you are pretty easy going. Just happy to be together. And happy to break out into dance any opportunity you get. And also eat your boogers. You do that a lot too.
So much about you that fills my heart with Joy. Sometimes i cant get enough. I can look at you sometimes with those big dopey eyes and my heart just explodes. I am so luck i get to be your mommy. I Love you so much, dont ever change little buddy!
Love,
Mommy
I cant believe we celebrated your third year of life just a few weeks ago!! three years!! You are just so full of life and wonderful to be around. You are still a chart topper, 40 lbs and 41 inches i believe. Well in the 90s as far as percentiles. You gotta be big to keep up with Nick, and pretty much will do whatever he tells you to do. And also whatever your cousin kate tells you to do. You idolize her. You love to play tag, hide and seek, play with your paw patrol pups, trains, cars, ride your bike, run "super fast" and just being around people. You might be the happiest kid i ever met. And the easiest going. And the funniest. I cant describe it, but watching you navigate life it's hard not to smile.
On your third birthday we had a party for both you and nick and Jump N Jacks, you both had the BEST time. You got tons of presents, ate lots of pizza and cake, and played your heart out. You love going to school with your brother and you seem to be learning a lot. You love to please others, and your teachers LOVE you. they couldn't say one bad thing about you. I remember sitting in the car with you are you held a couple jellybeans in your hand, you just were examining it and you said" this looks like an ovoid." My heart melted!
We have put you in swimming lessons at the goldfish swim school (you said one morning " there are no fish in the pool, just kids"), and you have taken off with your skills. You cant touch the bottom, but you have learned the life savings skills to be able to swim by yourself to the wall or so person or island where you can touch or hold on. You have moved up to the next class and your teacher said last week that you are almost ready to move thru AGAIN!! And she told me last week that you are just "SO much fun!!" with all kinds of enthusiasm. It's true, you are just too much sometimes.
You pretty much want to do everything Nick does these days, so i am excited to enroll you in blast ball this summer. And it will be fun to see you guys swim around in the pool together. You will have your first dentist appointment coming up next month (with your brother), and i find it's just easier when you have your big bro to help you along your way. He sure does look out for you. And try to tease you and work you up too. But overall you are pretty easy going. Just happy to be together. And happy to break out into dance any opportunity you get. And also eat your boogers. You do that a lot too.
So much about you that fills my heart with Joy. Sometimes i cant get enough. I can look at you sometimes with those big dopey eyes and my heart just explodes. I am so luck i get to be your mommy. I Love you so much, dont ever change little buddy!
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Dear Cicely- Month 10
Dear Cicely,
Here we are 10 months old! And really we never are apart!! You are growing and changing so much every day, and really developing your own personality. You are still a little peanut, you weigh only 17 lbs (only the 11th percentile), and up until just a couple days ago you only had your bottom two teeth. But now your top two are on their way in. You had a little incident after christmas, when you fell backwards from holding the dishwasher lower rack and knocked those two teeth loose. I rushed you to the dentist because i was worried you did something terrible. But the bleeding stopped and they stopped wiggling and now they are just slightly not straight. Hopefully everything is fine now moving forward. You are much more ambitious and into things than i am used to, quick and mobile, and very good with your hands. You crawl up stairs, can cruise around in the standing position, and crawl very fast. Probably because you are so small. Still no interest in walking, which surprises me about you. But you will in time.
You love to take baths with your brothers, and love the pool. We cant wait to take you on a cruise in a couple weeks. You will love the water i am sure. You are a pretty good eater, you love your fruits and you love peas too. You sit with us at the table and you are just happy as a clam to be part of it all.
Your love for your brothers is ever growing. And Nick sure does look out for you. I think he will continue to be a big help to us as you grow. I can see a you might be a little joker, too, since i see you playing tricks with us and laughing. You have a calm disposition, but we always know when you need something. But generally are pretty easy going, and can be distracted very easily.
You play with almost all of your brothers trucks and trains, and of course, paw patrol pups. It will be neat to see what kinds of toys you take to. growing up with older brothers. You are just so small and dainty, you daddy and I tell each other almost daily how much we love you and are so happy you are here. You are such and angel. and have the best smile! You will smile at just about anyway, and give them away very freely. A happy baby is what you are.
We love you so very much, ill try to be better about writing more next month. thank you for being you, and dont change anything! I cant wait to see what next month brings!
Love always,
Your mommy
Here we are 10 months old! And really we never are apart!! You are growing and changing so much every day, and really developing your own personality. You are still a little peanut, you weigh only 17 lbs (only the 11th percentile), and up until just a couple days ago you only had your bottom two teeth. But now your top two are on their way in. You had a little incident after christmas, when you fell backwards from holding the dishwasher lower rack and knocked those two teeth loose. I rushed you to the dentist because i was worried you did something terrible. But the bleeding stopped and they stopped wiggling and now they are just slightly not straight. Hopefully everything is fine now moving forward. You are much more ambitious and into things than i am used to, quick and mobile, and very good with your hands. You crawl up stairs, can cruise around in the standing position, and crawl very fast. Probably because you are so small. Still no interest in walking, which surprises me about you. But you will in time.
You love to take baths with your brothers, and love the pool. We cant wait to take you on a cruise in a couple weeks. You will love the water i am sure. You are a pretty good eater, you love your fruits and you love peas too. You sit with us at the table and you are just happy as a clam to be part of it all.
Your love for your brothers is ever growing. And Nick sure does look out for you. I think he will continue to be a big help to us as you grow. I can see a you might be a little joker, too, since i see you playing tricks with us and laughing. You have a calm disposition, but we always know when you need something. But generally are pretty easy going, and can be distracted very easily.
You play with almost all of your brothers trucks and trains, and of course, paw patrol pups. It will be neat to see what kinds of toys you take to. growing up with older brothers. You are just so small and dainty, you daddy and I tell each other almost daily how much we love you and are so happy you are here. You are such and angel. and have the best smile! You will smile at just about anyway, and give them away very freely. A happy baby is what you are.
We love you so very much, ill try to be better about writing more next month. thank you for being you, and dont change anything! I cant wait to see what next month brings!
Love always,
Your mommy
Monday, November 28, 2016
Dear Cicely- Month 8
Dear Baby Girl Cicely,
This month is a big month, you learned to Crawl! Definitely much earlier than your brothers, but not by much. It was probably this week you really started cruising. First my scooting backward, then on your knees, and then you just took off. You are still quite dainty and slow, and methodical in what you do. But you are still a wee little thing, but oh so adorable.
You still only have two teeth on the bottom, but you eat more these days. And you gab gab gab. You have found your voice, and right now as i write this you are gabbing away right next to me. You are a PURE delight to bring to thanksgiving, you have just enough hair to clip in a little bow, and everyone was soooo enamored by you,. You are always so content, and easy going. Love to laugh with your big brothers, and watch what they are doing.
Also this month you met Santa for the first time, and NO TEARS!!!! I have the sweetest picture of you two looking at each other. You seem pretty ok with strangers, as long as i am around. And you will flash smiles at most people who smile at you. Lots of people tell me what a happy baby you are. And you really are so sweet and happy most of the time.
Cant wait to have you with us for christmas, and all the fun things coming up this month. I know it wont be long now before you are pulling up and cruising between furnture and then walking. This year goes by with such quickness. Im doing my best to soak it all in when I can.
I love you to the moon and back sweet girl.
Love,
Mama
This month is a big month, you learned to Crawl! Definitely much earlier than your brothers, but not by much. It was probably this week you really started cruising. First my scooting backward, then on your knees, and then you just took off. You are still quite dainty and slow, and methodical in what you do. But you are still a wee little thing, but oh so adorable.
You still only have two teeth on the bottom, but you eat more these days. And you gab gab gab. You have found your voice, and right now as i write this you are gabbing away right next to me. You are a PURE delight to bring to thanksgiving, you have just enough hair to clip in a little bow, and everyone was soooo enamored by you,. You are always so content, and easy going. Love to laugh with your big brothers, and watch what they are doing.
Also this month you met Santa for the first time, and NO TEARS!!!! I have the sweetest picture of you two looking at each other. You seem pretty ok with strangers, as long as i am around. And you will flash smiles at most people who smile at you. Lots of people tell me what a happy baby you are. And you really are so sweet and happy most of the time.
Cant wait to have you with us for christmas, and all the fun things coming up this month. I know it wont be long now before you are pulling up and cruising between furnture and then walking. This year goes by with such quickness. Im doing my best to soak it all in when I can.
I love you to the moon and back sweet girl.
Love,
Mama
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Dear Cicely Month 7
My Dearest Cicely,
Finally back on track, you were 7 months just yesterday, and boy are you ever changing. You popped a tooth about a week ago, but you chew on just about anything so i am imagining there are more coming any day now. Your little pincers are excellent, you can grab and grasp the tiniest thing. And you do. You can pick up little grains of rice from in front of you. You are an OK eater, you eat way less than your brothers, and you can go hours without being hungry. Your joy for solids is not as enthusiastic as i might have thought, but you LOVE fruit. I think mangos might be your new favorite. Too bad fruit is going out of season as we enter in the cold months.
You are still as sweet and easy going as you were the day you were born. You are happy as a clam being around me and your brothers. It doesnt matter where we are or what we are doing. You make life so much easier how content you are. You adore your brothers, always looking for them and watching what they do. And they adore you, too. Always looking out for you, and making sure you are OK.
You sit up really well, and can pull yourself up to a standing position. And you can move to your belly quite easily, there is no doubt you are trying to move. It's only a matter of time. You are gabbing now, and are developing your own voice and we love it. And you laugh ALL the time!! You are so happy, it's a joy to be around you!
We have been able to go on some trips with you, we went up to cleveland to see my mom and friends a couple months ago. And just this past weekend we took a trip to Fair Oaks Farm in indiana with your cousins. We take you just about everywhere because you are just a little ball of joy. You arent sleeping through the night quite yet, but you will get there. We snuggle you, and you probably wouldnt want to be anywhere else.
We just love you more than anything, it's crazy how much that love keeps growing. Just like you do. I cant wait to see what the next months will be bring.
Love you to the moon and back!
Love,
Mommy
Finally back on track, you were 7 months just yesterday, and boy are you ever changing. You popped a tooth about a week ago, but you chew on just about anything so i am imagining there are more coming any day now. Your little pincers are excellent, you can grab and grasp the tiniest thing. And you do. You can pick up little grains of rice from in front of you. You are an OK eater, you eat way less than your brothers, and you can go hours without being hungry. Your joy for solids is not as enthusiastic as i might have thought, but you LOVE fruit. I think mangos might be your new favorite. Too bad fruit is going out of season as we enter in the cold months.
You are still as sweet and easy going as you were the day you were born. You are happy as a clam being around me and your brothers. It doesnt matter where we are or what we are doing. You make life so much easier how content you are. You adore your brothers, always looking for them and watching what they do. And they adore you, too. Always looking out for you, and making sure you are OK.
You sit up really well, and can pull yourself up to a standing position. And you can move to your belly quite easily, there is no doubt you are trying to move. It's only a matter of time. You are gabbing now, and are developing your own voice and we love it. And you laugh ALL the time!! You are so happy, it's a joy to be around you!
We have been able to go on some trips with you, we went up to cleveland to see my mom and friends a couple months ago. And just this past weekend we took a trip to Fair Oaks Farm in indiana with your cousins. We take you just about everywhere because you are just a little ball of joy. You arent sleeping through the night quite yet, but you will get there. We snuggle you, and you probably wouldnt want to be anywhere else.
We just love you more than anything, it's crazy how much that love keeps growing. Just like you do. I cant wait to see what the next months will be bring.
Love you to the moon and back!
Love,
Mommy
Friday, September 30, 2016
Dear Cicely Month 6
Dear Cicely,
This is my first letter to you, I am So sorry I haven't done one sooner. The first few weeks and months have been chalk full of changes and emotions. But you have brought more joy and happiness since you entered the world than I could have ever imagined. As you know, your Uncle Joey died just a few days after you arrived, but you were the hope that we all clung to on those hardest days. Now here you are, getting more personality and character and we have loved watching you grow.
You are still a little peanut. Much like the day you were born, barely tipping the scales at 6.2 oz, and now you are still only in the 30% percentiles for weight. (unlike your brothers). You sit up now, and you have since you were just over 5 months old. You reach and grab for things, and jabber all the time while you do it. You LOVE your mommy, you want me around ALL the time. You were never good taking a bottle for anyone, and even now you don't really get excited about table food. You don't seem very food-driven in general, and are pretty much content anywhere I am, and even better when your brothers are with you too.
Nick and Chris LOVE to play with you, and give you all kinds of hugs and kisses. Sometimes not always the gentlest, but you roll with it. Both of them are always looking out for you, and it makes me so proud to see. I am sure they will always protect you no matter what, you are so lucky.
Right now, you still have no teeth and not nearly as much hair as your brothers. It's coming in dark though, which reminds me of me when I was a baby. Everyone says you looks a lot like your brothers. It's been fun dressing you and seeing how dainty and sweet you are. Everything about you is so small and dainty, it's been fun having a daughter. You are SO special.
You are sitting next to me right now, jabbering and wanting me. As usual. I must end this. Plus the computer is acting funny, and undoing a lot of my typing. I wish I could write more. Just know you are SUCH a wonderful addition to this family of ours. We love you so much!!!!
Love always,
Mommy
This is my first letter to you, I am So sorry I haven't done one sooner. The first few weeks and months have been chalk full of changes and emotions. But you have brought more joy and happiness since you entered the world than I could have ever imagined. As you know, your Uncle Joey died just a few days after you arrived, but you were the hope that we all clung to on those hardest days. Now here you are, getting more personality and character and we have loved watching you grow.
You are still a little peanut. Much like the day you were born, barely tipping the scales at 6.2 oz, and now you are still only in the 30% percentiles for weight. (unlike your brothers). You sit up now, and you have since you were just over 5 months old. You reach and grab for things, and jabber all the time while you do it. You LOVE your mommy, you want me around ALL the time. You were never good taking a bottle for anyone, and even now you don't really get excited about table food. You don't seem very food-driven in general, and are pretty much content anywhere I am, and even better when your brothers are with you too.
Nick and Chris LOVE to play with you, and give you all kinds of hugs and kisses. Sometimes not always the gentlest, but you roll with it. Both of them are always looking out for you, and it makes me so proud to see. I am sure they will always protect you no matter what, you are so lucky.
Right now, you still have no teeth and not nearly as much hair as your brothers. It's coming in dark though, which reminds me of me when I was a baby. Everyone says you looks a lot like your brothers. It's been fun dressing you and seeing how dainty and sweet you are. Everything about you is so small and dainty, it's been fun having a daughter. You are SO special.
You are sitting next to me right now, jabbering and wanting me. As usual. I must end this. Plus the computer is acting funny, and undoing a lot of my typing. I wish I could write more. Just know you are SUCH a wonderful addition to this family of ours. We love you so much!!!!
Love always,
Mommy
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Dear: My Children, all of 6 of them
Dear beautiful children in my life,
I write this today thinking of all my kids and my niece and nephews I routinely watch over. Life is full these days. Summer is quickly coming it an end, the sunlight is gone before 9pm now and school prep has begun for everyone. We've done a lot of wonderful things together this summer; swam, watched movies, trips to kings island, trips to multiple pools and parks. We ran around outside catching fire flies, had dance parties, and told countless stories around my dinner table. We are a family.
This will certainly go in the books as one of the most challenging years in our lives. The older ones have endured a lot this year, and still found a way to smile. There are scars on our hearts as we move into each day, and yet we must still continue to search for silver linings and the beauty in all that we do. There is beauty in a tragedy, if you can live with the heart ache and sadness that filters through each day, but the profound ability to rise above is one of the greatest gifts.
My heart has stretched further than it ever has, and there are still days i struggle. This year accompanies change not only in the family dynamic, but my first year as a full time mother. I know my role is not only to be the best mother i can be to my own children, but to be of most support to my niece and nephews, my in-laws, and those who need it more than I. To find God in all that we do, and grow together. It's what we must do, even on the hard days, and the emotions that will come and go. But they are just temporary.
My ability to write is limited, but I hope there is more time soon.
I write this today thinking of all my kids and my niece and nephews I routinely watch over. Life is full these days. Summer is quickly coming it an end, the sunlight is gone before 9pm now and school prep has begun for everyone. We've done a lot of wonderful things together this summer; swam, watched movies, trips to kings island, trips to multiple pools and parks. We ran around outside catching fire flies, had dance parties, and told countless stories around my dinner table. We are a family.
This will certainly go in the books as one of the most challenging years in our lives. The older ones have endured a lot this year, and still found a way to smile. There are scars on our hearts as we move into each day, and yet we must still continue to search for silver linings and the beauty in all that we do. There is beauty in a tragedy, if you can live with the heart ache and sadness that filters through each day, but the profound ability to rise above is one of the greatest gifts.
My heart has stretched further than it ever has, and there are still days i struggle. This year accompanies change not only in the family dynamic, but my first year as a full time mother. I know my role is not only to be the best mother i can be to my own children, but to be of most support to my niece and nephews, my in-laws, and those who need it more than I. To find God in all that we do, and grow together. It's what we must do, even on the hard days, and the emotions that will come and go. But they are just temporary.
My ability to write is limited, but I hope there is more time soon.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Update 2
I never had enough time to post, i write this with Nick sitting next to me bumping my arm as he "works on his computer, too." It's wonderful, yes, but i cannot complete a thought. First, let me tell you about our little baby girl. One day I will share the birth story, i know i never posted about chris's, even though he is 2.5 years old now. But she has been the most wonderful, easy going little baby. She was my little trooper since the day she was born, and it has made my life so much easier. A champ through all the funeral stuff just days old, and really, she has only been easier. Thrush has been her headlining story before this week, before we took an aggressive treatment that may have given her esophigitis, but i am hoping that even though it's been a long week we are on the mend. She smiles and coos, and he so interested in her bothers. And they are so loving and affectionate to her as well. I am truly blessed.
The days, weeks, and months since Joe has passed have been a challenge, and my heart has never ached so much. But I am seeing God in places i never did before. I mean, not that i wasnt a believer before, but not only do i believe in signs (a post to be written), but the kindness of people is unbelievable. I have been touched so deeply by the out pour of kindness and generosity we have been shown by neighbors, friends, family, and i can only imagine how much jennifer has received. People are amazing, truly they are. Kindness goes a very long way, and my heart sings when i think of some of the comments people have made, or the meals they brought, oh the thoughts are endless. We are very lucky, Must end now, being a mom of three is busy! Boys are here standing around me and on my lap, they are my heart and soul. I am blessed. More soon.
The days, weeks, and months since Joe has passed have been a challenge, and my heart has never ached so much. But I am seeing God in places i never did before. I mean, not that i wasnt a believer before, but not only do i believe in signs (a post to be written), but the kindness of people is unbelievable. I have been touched so deeply by the out pour of kindness and generosity we have been shown by neighbors, friends, family, and i can only imagine how much jennifer has received. People are amazing, truly they are. Kindness goes a very long way, and my heart sings when i think of some of the comments people have made, or the meals they brought, oh the thoughts are endless. We are very lucky, Must end now, being a mom of three is busy! Boys are here standing around me and on my lap, they are my heart and soul. I am blessed. More soon.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Update part 1
It's crazy to read my last post looking ahead to 2016. So. much. has. changed. First, we had our baby girl Cicely Grace on St Patrick's day.. Her name so perfectly suits her and this year. 3 days after she arrived my brother in law had a massive heart attack and died leaving behind his wife and three small children. It will be two months ago this week. Life has taken a massive turn, my outlook has changed on life, things are so very different. I hope to post more soon. Life is very, very busy these days. There is a new normal, and my new normal pales in comparison to my niece, nephews, sister-in-law, mother in law..... everyone. So much has changed.
Monday, January 4, 2016
Happy New Year
Happy New Year!! Another year has ended, and once again I remain optimistic about what's to come in 2016. But let's start with a few highlights and a holiday recap: December was such a whirlwind of a month, so much happening but I must say it ended well. On top of lots of things on the calendar, doctors appointments for all of us, dinners with friends, fun times with neighbors at the Cookies with Santa and Chili Cookoff, we also took the boys downtown to see a Charlie Brown Christmas production, and hosted a surprise 40th birthday party for their awesome uncle. It was SO busy, and that was all BEFORE Christmas!!! There was also the sudden shock we get got the news my sister-in-law's dad died a couple weeks before Christmas. It was so unforeseen, and I think her family is still recovering and adjusting to a new life without him. It was nice to be able to spend a little extra time with my niece and nephew the days she was gone with her family, and the services were beautiful. It's never easy to deal with tragedy, but at the same time it puts new perspective on the holidays and what is really important. You never know what tomorrow will hold, so we must treasure the moment we have now.
Christmas and New Years was delightful, I was able to dodge taking any time off this week, but the flexibility of teleworking made the work days much easier. We went to Christmas eve mass with matt's family and went to aunt Mary's for a lovely dinner before heading home to get ready for Santa. We put cookies and milk out for him, and even through a few carrots out the front door for the reindeer. We looked up in the sky hoping to see him, but the boys went to sleep happy and excited for what the morning had in store. They woke up at usual times and Christmas morning (like Christmas eve) was once again magical. Reliving it through your own children makes it wonderful all over again. Seeing their eyes light up, and they anticipation in their hearts, magical is really the only word that comes to mind. We spent he morning together playing games, eating, and then headed over to the matt's moms for the huge Christmas party they host every year with the entire family. It was again a bustling house but it truly felt like Christmas. We are so blessed with such a loving family, and SO much food!!! The days between Christmas and New Years are kind of a blur, I knew I still had some shopping to do, and some work to do, but we left mid-afternoon Wednesday to spend 3 days with my mom and ring in the new year with her. I know her house may have felt smaller than it usually does for her, with the dog and my energetic boys, PLUS matt, dena and I. But it was nice to not have a busy schedule. We played games all the day with the boys, stayed in our PJs way later than we ever do, ate lots of good food, and even visited some neighbors. It time well spent. And then finished the weekend for for Matt's immediate family Christmas. The generosity and the love/care that family shows towards us and especially the kids is astounding. It doesn't even need to be said how much those kids are loved, but all love and attention they get. It is beyond my wildest dreams, and truly do feel blessed.
It was good holiday ending, and a year full of lots of ups and downs. But definitely more ups. It's strange to look back at pictures at this time last year, the children show the passage of time more than anything else. Chris was so small, he was just coming out of babyhood. And how he is this insanely sweet, bright-eyed, full of life little boy who has the most adorable voice in the entire world. And Nick has turned into a PERSON! Thoughts and opinions all his own, and frankly, I find it remarkable. We got to go on two really neat trips, Hawaii for my dad's wedding (without the boys), and a fun cruise with matt's family with everyone. We went to kings island a lot, we did lots of stuff with friends, attending a few weddings, and countless other fun things that are so much to document. But most importantly, we closed out the year in anticipation of another child.
It's still mind boggling that in 2016 there will be three children in our family. And I will look back on this at this time next year and hardly remember what life was like without the newest addition. We have no idea if you are a baby girl or baby boy, but I know we will love you unconditionally. So far you have made the first 29 weeks of my pregnancy go with ease. I have had such mild symptoms, no sciatic pain, no sore gums, not a whole lot of swelling really, no major food cravings or aversions, and generally I've felt fairly comfortable. I know the next 10-11 weeks will go by so fast, and likely may be more uncomfortable than the first 29, but you have blessed us. And w cant wait to meet you.
Lots to look forward to in the months ahead. The cold, winter nights are hard, but I know 2016 will be full of change. And I am sure there will be both good and bad, but I am praying for positivity and gratitude throughout. I truly have a lot of reasons to give thanks, and I hope I can improve myself and the world around in the new year... any little bit I can. Happy 2016!
Christmas and New Years was delightful, I was able to dodge taking any time off this week, but the flexibility of teleworking made the work days much easier. We went to Christmas eve mass with matt's family and went to aunt Mary's for a lovely dinner before heading home to get ready for Santa. We put cookies and milk out for him, and even through a few carrots out the front door for the reindeer. We looked up in the sky hoping to see him, but the boys went to sleep happy and excited for what the morning had in store. They woke up at usual times and Christmas morning (like Christmas eve) was once again magical. Reliving it through your own children makes it wonderful all over again. Seeing their eyes light up, and they anticipation in their hearts, magical is really the only word that comes to mind. We spent he morning together playing games, eating, and then headed over to the matt's moms for the huge Christmas party they host every year with the entire family. It was again a bustling house but it truly felt like Christmas. We are so blessed with such a loving family, and SO much food!!! The days between Christmas and New Years are kind of a blur, I knew I still had some shopping to do, and some work to do, but we left mid-afternoon Wednesday to spend 3 days with my mom and ring in the new year with her. I know her house may have felt smaller than it usually does for her, with the dog and my energetic boys, PLUS matt, dena and I. But it was nice to not have a busy schedule. We played games all the day with the boys, stayed in our PJs way later than we ever do, ate lots of good food, and even visited some neighbors. It time well spent. And then finished the weekend for for Matt's immediate family Christmas. The generosity and the love/care that family shows towards us and especially the kids is astounding. It doesn't even need to be said how much those kids are loved, but all love and attention they get. It is beyond my wildest dreams, and truly do feel blessed.
It was good holiday ending, and a year full of lots of ups and downs. But definitely more ups. It's strange to look back at pictures at this time last year, the children show the passage of time more than anything else. Chris was so small, he was just coming out of babyhood. And how he is this insanely sweet, bright-eyed, full of life little boy who has the most adorable voice in the entire world. And Nick has turned into a PERSON! Thoughts and opinions all his own, and frankly, I find it remarkable. We got to go on two really neat trips, Hawaii for my dad's wedding (without the boys), and a fun cruise with matt's family with everyone. We went to kings island a lot, we did lots of stuff with friends, attending a few weddings, and countless other fun things that are so much to document. But most importantly, we closed out the year in anticipation of another child.
It's still mind boggling that in 2016 there will be three children in our family. And I will look back on this at this time next year and hardly remember what life was like without the newest addition. We have no idea if you are a baby girl or baby boy, but I know we will love you unconditionally. So far you have made the first 29 weeks of my pregnancy go with ease. I have had such mild symptoms, no sciatic pain, no sore gums, not a whole lot of swelling really, no major food cravings or aversions, and generally I've felt fairly comfortable. I know the next 10-11 weeks will go by so fast, and likely may be more uncomfortable than the first 29, but you have blessed us. And w cant wait to meet you.
Lots to look forward to in the months ahead. The cold, winter nights are hard, but I know 2016 will be full of change. And I am sure there will be both good and bad, but I am praying for positivity and gratitude throughout. I truly have a lot of reasons to give thanks, and I hope I can improve myself and the world around in the new year... any little bit I can. Happy 2016!
Monday, December 28, 2015
Dear Nick- Month 48
Dear Nick,
Just a few short weeks ago you celebrated your 4th birthday. It has been quite a milestone, really, it's like 4 years old is completely different than 3. You admit, now you are big-- because you are 4- and frankly I actually agree. You are more articulate, verbal, and self aware than I thought anyone at four could be. You are still incredibly sweet, and I cant wait for all that is in store for us this year.
You are breaking through more firsts than I ever thought possible, I think you are remarkably smart. You know all your letters and sounds and have even starting reading beginning readers books (BOB Books). You can write all the letters, and understand that you read from left to right. And yes, you do know your left and right (even better than mommy). You can count pretty darn high, you understand simple math , you still love to sing and play music, and your musicality is infectious. I love to hear you talk and sing.
You are a very gentle little boy, yes you definitely have energy, but you are SO gentile. Your little brother is always grabbing, swatting, throwing, hitting, and I have to admit I don't think I've seen you hit back. As much as you have wanted to. You like to be the leader, I do wonder if you realize what an example you are setting. You seem very excited to meet your new baby brother or sister, you ask interesting questions, inquire about getting ready for his/her arrival, and the first time you felt a kick in the palm of your hand was like the lighting of the very first Christmas tree. Your face was so thrilled, I will never forget it. To have a little boy to genuinely interested and concerned for this baby you haven't met fills my heart up so big I can hardly stand it.
You're love for mickey continues into your 4th year of life, and I am fairly certain we have seen almost every episode of mickey mouse club house that was ever made. Lucky for us, Mimi and Bob are taking our family to Walt Disney World next month and we will actually get to MEET the characters!!! the first night we arrive we have dinner at Chef Mickey, I hope it goes as wonderfully as I hope. I know you and your brother are going to love riding all the rides, and frankly I cannot wait to have 4 straight days of all about you and Chris!!
You are still very coordinated, you seem to run and skip, and jump with ease, and you pick up new sports fairly easily. Both your gross and fine motor skills to be developing normally, if not slightly faster than others. You keep up with older kids with ease, and sometimes tend to gravitate towards them at parties and other social situations. You are shy at first but become very social when you warm up in most situations, but you do have a slightly underdeveloped knack for going with the flow. If things don't go as planned you have a hard time adapting, I am hoping this is just a stage.
You are over 42 inches now and 40 lbs at your last doctors appointment, you passed the hearing and vision tests at your age, and you continue to be long and lean. Finding pants for you I have a feeling will be a long standing challenge for me as your grow older. You are a great sleeper, and I count my blessings every day that you and Chris share a room so harmoniously. You seem like a wonderful role model to him, and I love to see you laugh and play together every day.
This year will definitely be a year of change for us all, with a new family member arriving in March, and I (hope) my work situation will change drastically, and you may even be at a new school for pre-school and grade school beginning in the fall. There is a lot to look forward to, and I am hoping we all adjust to what's to come with grace and ease. I am hoping you will want to play a new sport, perhaps soccer or t-ball again this spring, and become and even better swimmer this summer. It's amazing how much you are growing and changing, and both you boys are exceptional in my eyes.
Right now some of your favorite things for your age:
-You love your mickey watch
-You pick candy over ice cream almost any day
-You still love trains (just like chris) so we now have a pass to enterTRAINment junction
-You are an excellent eater, and east most vegetables. Mini corn dogs might be one of your favorite food though
- you like to fix things and figure things out, if I gave you batteries I am pretty positive you could unscrew a battery pack and replace.
-You love Bob, and I know you look up to him more than anyone most days
-You like to help and be involved, but also like to lead and have things go your way
You are beautiful both inside and out. And I love you more than I could possibly love you, keep being wonderful.
Love,
Mommy
Just a few short weeks ago you celebrated your 4th birthday. It has been quite a milestone, really, it's like 4 years old is completely different than 3. You admit, now you are big-- because you are 4- and frankly I actually agree. You are more articulate, verbal, and self aware than I thought anyone at four could be. You are still incredibly sweet, and I cant wait for all that is in store for us this year.
You are breaking through more firsts than I ever thought possible, I think you are remarkably smart. You know all your letters and sounds and have even starting reading beginning readers books (BOB Books). You can write all the letters, and understand that you read from left to right. And yes, you do know your left and right (even better than mommy). You can count pretty darn high, you understand simple math , you still love to sing and play music, and your musicality is infectious. I love to hear you talk and sing.
You are a very gentle little boy, yes you definitely have energy, but you are SO gentile. Your little brother is always grabbing, swatting, throwing, hitting, and I have to admit I don't think I've seen you hit back. As much as you have wanted to. You like to be the leader, I do wonder if you realize what an example you are setting. You seem very excited to meet your new baby brother or sister, you ask interesting questions, inquire about getting ready for his/her arrival, and the first time you felt a kick in the palm of your hand was like the lighting of the very first Christmas tree. Your face was so thrilled, I will never forget it. To have a little boy to genuinely interested and concerned for this baby you haven't met fills my heart up so big I can hardly stand it.
You're love for mickey continues into your 4th year of life, and I am fairly certain we have seen almost every episode of mickey mouse club house that was ever made. Lucky for us, Mimi and Bob are taking our family to Walt Disney World next month and we will actually get to MEET the characters!!! the first night we arrive we have dinner at Chef Mickey, I hope it goes as wonderfully as I hope. I know you and your brother are going to love riding all the rides, and frankly I cannot wait to have 4 straight days of all about you and Chris!!
You are still very coordinated, you seem to run and skip, and jump with ease, and you pick up new sports fairly easily. Both your gross and fine motor skills to be developing normally, if not slightly faster than others. You keep up with older kids with ease, and sometimes tend to gravitate towards them at parties and other social situations. You are shy at first but become very social when you warm up in most situations, but you do have a slightly underdeveloped knack for going with the flow. If things don't go as planned you have a hard time adapting, I am hoping this is just a stage.
You are over 42 inches now and 40 lbs at your last doctors appointment, you passed the hearing and vision tests at your age, and you continue to be long and lean. Finding pants for you I have a feeling will be a long standing challenge for me as your grow older. You are a great sleeper, and I count my blessings every day that you and Chris share a room so harmoniously. You seem like a wonderful role model to him, and I love to see you laugh and play together every day.
This year will definitely be a year of change for us all, with a new family member arriving in March, and I (hope) my work situation will change drastically, and you may even be at a new school for pre-school and grade school beginning in the fall. There is a lot to look forward to, and I am hoping we all adjust to what's to come with grace and ease. I am hoping you will want to play a new sport, perhaps soccer or t-ball again this spring, and become and even better swimmer this summer. It's amazing how much you are growing and changing, and both you boys are exceptional in my eyes.
Right now some of your favorite things for your age:
-You love your mickey watch
-You pick candy over ice cream almost any day
-You still love trains (just like chris) so we now have a pass to enterTRAINment junction
-You are an excellent eater, and east most vegetables. Mini corn dogs might be one of your favorite food though
- you like to fix things and figure things out, if I gave you batteries I am pretty positive you could unscrew a battery pack and replace.
-You love Bob, and I know you look up to him more than anyone most days
-You like to help and be involved, but also like to lead and have things go your way
You are beautiful both inside and out. And I love you more than I could possibly love you, keep being wonderful.
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Dear Chris- Month 24
My Dearest Chris,
I know it's a couple weeks early, but I couldn't wait to write your birthday letter because I just have SO much to say about you. I don't even know where to start, you are a bird brand all your own and, frankly, I cannot get enough of you!! Let me start by saying it is NO coincidence that as your progressed through room after room at Kids R Kids, every one of your teacher has commented to me (MULTIPLE times!!) what a joy you are to have in their class, how sweet you are, and even that you are their favorite kids (if they even are allowed to tell me that). I believe it all. You really are one incredible sweet kid, and not to mention ADORABLE!!!!
You are still a little bigger than your brother at this age, your weight somewhere around 31 lbs. and probably close to 35 inches right now. No small kid, but you really are a crispy cream. All deliciousness on the inside. You go to bed happy and wake up happy, and it couldn't be more contagious. On the subject of sleeping, you are PERFECT!!! You love to sleep, at least you make bedtime effortless for us and I cannot thank you enough for that. You take great naps, and there is no fight when we put you to sleep. You just lay right down and that's all we hear from you until almost 11-12 hours later. And of course, you wake up happy as a clam. When daddy gets you out of your bed in the morning, you burst into where I am sleeping and yell " GOOD MORNIN!!!" and it's hilarious. Best alarm clock ever.
You love to dance, you love to sing, and your vocabulary is HUGE. I cant even begin to count all the words and sentences you know. Your favorite songs right now are the "itsy spider," the abc song, and "tinkle star" and yes, you know all the words. Just wait until the Christmas repertoire comes out in the coming weeks. You say so much, whenever we are driving or walking or do anything you are always narrating your environment or pointing something out to me. Your new favorite word is "why." And I am pretty sure you have no idea what it means, but you say it anyway... all. the. time.
Mommy: "Chris, don't throw the blocks"
Chris: "Why"
Mommy:" Because I don't want it to hurt the walls or someone"
Chris: "Why"
Mommy: Repeat previous answer
Chris: "why"
You always like to reprimand your brother when he is doing something wrong. And you have no shame in hitting him or "spank"ing him when you think it's necessary. Nick never hits you back, but this is a constant battle with you two. Sharing is sometimes something you do harmoniously together, and other times it's the beginning to WWIII. But you both seem to have no problems saying sorry, I think the words "im sorry nick" might be your most frequently used words.
I think you will be fully potty trained before you are 3, and probably MUCH before. I think you pee in your diaper a lot because it's easy, but frankly I think you got the peeing on the potty thing down. Every time I put you on the potty you can go, and that's amazing. I think it means you have some sense of coordination of what's happening, and right now it requires some care and attention on my part (and daycare) to really work with you. You are SO smart, and I think you pick up on things so quickly. You can navigate puzzles and games on the iPad incredibly well, I think it's way advanced for your age. You learn new words so quickly, you love to read all kinds of advanced books, you pick up things Nick says and does so quickly, you are just so, so smart.
You are also very physically advanced too, I have never seen 23 month old run so fast. I mean, those legs of yours can MOVE!!! You love to chase after nick around the house, play trains, push cars and trucks around the floor, go on rides in your little push car outside and hit the t-ball with the bat outside. You drag the tee, the bat, and the ball outside and set it up all the time when the weather is nice. And actually, you hit the ball SO well!!! Your form isn't perfect, but your hand-eye coordination for your age I think is astonishing.
You are a pretty laid back, go with the flow kind of a person. You are happy just going with the program, and that makes my job as mommy SO much easier. You have your preferences, like you LOVE Boo Blaster at Kings island and REALLY insist on going on that ride whenever we pass it, but luckily the whole family enjoys it so it works out well. You are just big enough to start going on roller coasters now (on the very last day the park was open), you were cautiously but optimistically went on everything daddy took you on. A little scared before and during, but as soon as we got you off the first things out of your mouth were " SO FUN!" and " SO SO FAST!" You listen really well, and love to make us happy. When you dump out all the blocks you never hesitate to come help clean them up, and sing "clean up clean up every do share" and grab as many as you can carry to put them away.
You do have a sweet tooth, just like mommy, and I always seem you climbing up to get into the candy dish. You would eat your weight in sweets if I let you, but ill just attribute it to you being so sweet inside and out. I could eat you up. You are just so adorable, so lovable, to cuddling, and just fantastic all around. I couldn't have dreamt of two better brothers than you two, and you fill our lives with more joy than every imaginable. And it just gets better. I cant wait to see all the fun stuff the holidays have in store, parties, seeing a Charlie brown Christmas (because you LOVE snoopy, sleep with yours every night), opening presents, birthday candles, so much... and then we go to Disney World in January with Mimi and Grandpa Bob. Soon your baby brother or sister will be here, life just keeps getting better.
Thank you for being you little bear. Happiest of birthdays to you, cant wait to celebrate your wonderfulness!! I love you more than anything!!!
Love,
Mommy
I know it's a couple weeks early, but I couldn't wait to write your birthday letter because I just have SO much to say about you. I don't even know where to start, you are a bird brand all your own and, frankly, I cannot get enough of you!! Let me start by saying it is NO coincidence that as your progressed through room after room at Kids R Kids, every one of your teacher has commented to me (MULTIPLE times!!) what a joy you are to have in their class, how sweet you are, and even that you are their favorite kids (if they even are allowed to tell me that). I believe it all. You really are one incredible sweet kid, and not to mention ADORABLE!!!!
You are still a little bigger than your brother at this age, your weight somewhere around 31 lbs. and probably close to 35 inches right now. No small kid, but you really are a crispy cream. All deliciousness on the inside. You go to bed happy and wake up happy, and it couldn't be more contagious. On the subject of sleeping, you are PERFECT!!! You love to sleep, at least you make bedtime effortless for us and I cannot thank you enough for that. You take great naps, and there is no fight when we put you to sleep. You just lay right down and that's all we hear from you until almost 11-12 hours later. And of course, you wake up happy as a clam. When daddy gets you out of your bed in the morning, you burst into where I am sleeping and yell " GOOD MORNIN!!!" and it's hilarious. Best alarm clock ever.
You love to dance, you love to sing, and your vocabulary is HUGE. I cant even begin to count all the words and sentences you know. Your favorite songs right now are the "itsy spider," the abc song, and "tinkle star" and yes, you know all the words. Just wait until the Christmas repertoire comes out in the coming weeks. You say so much, whenever we are driving or walking or do anything you are always narrating your environment or pointing something out to me. Your new favorite word is "why." And I am pretty sure you have no idea what it means, but you say it anyway... all. the. time.
Mommy: "Chris, don't throw the blocks"
Chris: "Why"
Mommy:" Because I don't want it to hurt the walls or someone"
Chris: "Why"
Mommy: Repeat previous answer
Chris: "why"
You always like to reprimand your brother when he is doing something wrong. And you have no shame in hitting him or "spank"ing him when you think it's necessary. Nick never hits you back, but this is a constant battle with you two. Sharing is sometimes something you do harmoniously together, and other times it's the beginning to WWIII. But you both seem to have no problems saying sorry, I think the words "im sorry nick" might be your most frequently used words.
I think you will be fully potty trained before you are 3, and probably MUCH before. I think you pee in your diaper a lot because it's easy, but frankly I think you got the peeing on the potty thing down. Every time I put you on the potty you can go, and that's amazing. I think it means you have some sense of coordination of what's happening, and right now it requires some care and attention on my part (and daycare) to really work with you. You are SO smart, and I think you pick up on things so quickly. You can navigate puzzles and games on the iPad incredibly well, I think it's way advanced for your age. You learn new words so quickly, you love to read all kinds of advanced books, you pick up things Nick says and does so quickly, you are just so, so smart.
You are also very physically advanced too, I have never seen 23 month old run so fast. I mean, those legs of yours can MOVE!!! You love to chase after nick around the house, play trains, push cars and trucks around the floor, go on rides in your little push car outside and hit the t-ball with the bat outside. You drag the tee, the bat, and the ball outside and set it up all the time when the weather is nice. And actually, you hit the ball SO well!!! Your form isn't perfect, but your hand-eye coordination for your age I think is astonishing.
You are a pretty laid back, go with the flow kind of a person. You are happy just going with the program, and that makes my job as mommy SO much easier. You have your preferences, like you LOVE Boo Blaster at Kings island and REALLY insist on going on that ride whenever we pass it, but luckily the whole family enjoys it so it works out well. You are just big enough to start going on roller coasters now (on the very last day the park was open), you were cautiously but optimistically went on everything daddy took you on. A little scared before and during, but as soon as we got you off the first things out of your mouth were " SO FUN!" and " SO SO FAST!" You listen really well, and love to make us happy. When you dump out all the blocks you never hesitate to come help clean them up, and sing "clean up clean up every do share" and grab as many as you can carry to put them away.
You do have a sweet tooth, just like mommy, and I always seem you climbing up to get into the candy dish. You would eat your weight in sweets if I let you, but ill just attribute it to you being so sweet inside and out. I could eat you up. You are just so adorable, so lovable, to cuddling, and just fantastic all around. I couldn't have dreamt of two better brothers than you two, and you fill our lives with more joy than every imaginable. And it just gets better. I cant wait to see all the fun stuff the holidays have in store, parties, seeing a Charlie brown Christmas (because you LOVE snoopy, sleep with yours every night), opening presents, birthday candles, so much... and then we go to Disney World in January with Mimi and Grandpa Bob. Soon your baby brother or sister will be here, life just keeps getting better.
Thank you for being you little bear. Happiest of birthdays to you, cant wait to celebrate your wonderfulness!! I love you more than anything!!!
Love,
Mommy
Monday, October 5, 2015
Fall is in the air
Fall is in the air. And I say the same thing every year; I forget how much I love this season. I am blessed to live in a place where I get to experience the changing season, because I do look forward to the new experiences, the rush of memories associated with each, and the excitement of what adventures are in store. I truly LOVE Halloween, too. And this time of year is the best because all the fun around Halloween rolls right into Thanksgiving fun, and then the Christmas season (which, of course, is the BEST!). It's only October 5th and we've already taken the boys to a pumpkin patch (granted, on a terrible day), and decorated for Halloween around the house (thanks, Nick!!), and have our costumes picked out (for the most part).
I really LOVE my part time schedule, and I am SO happy to have finished with End of Year activities at work, that just this past weekend was filled with fall. And the weather was ALL across the board. After the fun filled day at the pumpkin patch Friday, Saturday was spent making homemade apple sauce (which filled the house with yummy smells), a fire in the fireplace, homemade chicken noodle soup, and roasted smores in the fire with Uncle Bobby. It was in the 40s and rainy the whole day, and it was SO wonderful to put sweatshirts on, eat warm food, watch movies, and spend quality time together. And then Sunday was a new and different day all together. We had a great breakfast in the sunshine together, Nick and I played in the leaves together, and then got dressed up to go to a baptism and spend the entire day outside with tons of Matt's extended family. The day was BEAUTIFUL! It had to have been almost 80, the food was great, the company was great, and the kids were SO well behaved. Watching those boys laugh and play is music to my ears, and a great ending to the week.
It's never a bad time to count the blessings in my life, and I do have ONE more to be thankful for. We are expecting baby #3!!! I am 16 weeks now and due on March 20th. But who knows when the little one will actually arrive. And this time we are not finding out-- I cant believe it, but we decided before we even conceived that it will be a surprise, and frankly it is neat having a little secret that no one knows (not even me!). Pregnancy this time around was fairly similar to the last two, minus a little more nausea in the first trimester (and headaches this time around--something I am not used to getting regularly in general). Overall these days I am feeling pretty good, the cravings have subsided, but I am hungry A lot! The first trimester i was so tired and not feeling great, i hate a lot of crappy comfort foods, it's all the sounded good... things are a little better these days, although I go back to the doctor today and it is always scary stepping on the scale. It's been a great, and Nick has been SUCH a curious little person. He asks TONS and tons of questions about the baby; like what is the baby wearing inside the belly, and where does he get his clothes. He thinks it's a girl. And he asks if the baby is sleeping, and how the baby sleeps. Just yesterday he asks if the baby cries or talks does water go in his mouth. And where does the baby go to the bathroom. SMART QUESTIONS!!! Questions that warrant good answers. He is so inquisitive. AND SO helpful, he already wants to help and be part of everything. He makes me prouder than I ever imagined.
We still have lots to do on the home front before the baby comes, the biggest being purchasing a new vehicle that will fit 3 kids comfortably. Probably a minivan! And frankly, I cant wait! Then comes transitions, like moving Chris to a big boy bed (and sharing a room with Nick), looks at pre-school options next year, what will happen with work, lots to think about. But most of it is in God's hands, and I am pretty sure everything will work out. It always does.
Happy fall!
I really LOVE my part time schedule, and I am SO happy to have finished with End of Year activities at work, that just this past weekend was filled with fall. And the weather was ALL across the board. After the fun filled day at the pumpkin patch Friday, Saturday was spent making homemade apple sauce (which filled the house with yummy smells), a fire in the fireplace, homemade chicken noodle soup, and roasted smores in the fire with Uncle Bobby. It was in the 40s and rainy the whole day, and it was SO wonderful to put sweatshirts on, eat warm food, watch movies, and spend quality time together. And then Sunday was a new and different day all together. We had a great breakfast in the sunshine together, Nick and I played in the leaves together, and then got dressed up to go to a baptism and spend the entire day outside with tons of Matt's extended family. The day was BEAUTIFUL! It had to have been almost 80, the food was great, the company was great, and the kids were SO well behaved. Watching those boys laugh and play is music to my ears, and a great ending to the week.
It's never a bad time to count the blessings in my life, and I do have ONE more to be thankful for. We are expecting baby #3!!! I am 16 weeks now and due on March 20th. But who knows when the little one will actually arrive. And this time we are not finding out-- I cant believe it, but we decided before we even conceived that it will be a surprise, and frankly it is neat having a little secret that no one knows (not even me!). Pregnancy this time around was fairly similar to the last two, minus a little more nausea in the first trimester (and headaches this time around--something I am not used to getting regularly in general). Overall these days I am feeling pretty good, the cravings have subsided, but I am hungry A lot! The first trimester i was so tired and not feeling great, i hate a lot of crappy comfort foods, it's all the sounded good... things are a little better these days, although I go back to the doctor today and it is always scary stepping on the scale. It's been a great, and Nick has been SUCH a curious little person. He asks TONS and tons of questions about the baby; like what is the baby wearing inside the belly, and where does he get his clothes. He thinks it's a girl. And he asks if the baby is sleeping, and how the baby sleeps. Just yesterday he asks if the baby cries or talks does water go in his mouth. And where does the baby go to the bathroom. SMART QUESTIONS!!! Questions that warrant good answers. He is so inquisitive. AND SO helpful, he already wants to help and be part of everything. He makes me prouder than I ever imagined.
We still have lots to do on the home front before the baby comes, the biggest being purchasing a new vehicle that will fit 3 kids comfortably. Probably a minivan! And frankly, I cant wait! Then comes transitions, like moving Chris to a big boy bed (and sharing a room with Nick), looks at pre-school options next year, what will happen with work, lots to think about. But most of it is in God's hands, and I am pretty sure everything will work out. It always does.
Happy fall!
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Faith part 2
So three years ago I wrote this post about faith and love, and this little girl named Anna who would pass away three years ago this past Tuesday, September 1st. When my friends were remembering her on facebook this week I found myself reflecting on what I felt that very day. And one thing I've never shared here was the conversation I had with Matt that night about God. And His very existence. I know I was feeling extra emotional, wondering why someone I had never met made me feel so profoundly sad-- and question the very existence of God. I was driving home that day from work thinking about her, and I told Matt that I saw a rainbow as big as can be that day. I remember it now so vividly, it was a perfectly hot and sunny day (much like it has been this week), and the rainbow was right in front me and it stretched right over the highway end to end. To this day I haven't seen another rainbow like that, or one that was end to end. Matt told me that night that if I couldn't find God in that he doesn't know what else could. It's funny how that never dawned on me, but I think about that rainbow a lot.
Especially recently, I want it to inspire me. I want to keep remembering it, even though a lot of days I don't think of it or even come close to thinking of it. I have been so wrapped up in my own thoughts and problems, most nights lately I just crash before bedtime glad to be done with the day. I want to be inspired though; I want it to keep me positive, I want it to help me pray more, I want it to keep me moving towards being the best mom I can be. How do I do that?
I wanted to write again this week to share this story about Nick last week. He always likes to pick pretty flowers for me and give them to me no matter where they are, I know he love for the thoughtfulness of it. Well after dinner one night out of the total blue he reached waaaay into his little pocket and pulled out a whilty little flower than he picked for me at school that day. He was thinking of me, put it in his pocket for later, and gave it to me. I almost felt into tears it was so sweet. I think of him all day long, and my heart almost bursts when I know they do too. I know what I need to do, I need to be home with my kids. To guide them, nourish them, inspire them, challenge them, discipline them, love them... I need to be there. I need to put my faith in God to hope that everything works out, despite all the challenges that lie on our road ahead.
RIP Anna. May God continue to bless us.
Especially recently, I want it to inspire me. I want to keep remembering it, even though a lot of days I don't think of it or even come close to thinking of it. I have been so wrapped up in my own thoughts and problems, most nights lately I just crash before bedtime glad to be done with the day. I want to be inspired though; I want it to keep me positive, I want it to help me pray more, I want it to keep me moving towards being the best mom I can be. How do I do that?
I wanted to write again this week to share this story about Nick last week. He always likes to pick pretty flowers for me and give them to me no matter where they are, I know he love for the thoughtfulness of it. Well after dinner one night out of the total blue he reached waaaay into his little pocket and pulled out a whilty little flower than he picked for me at school that day. He was thinking of me, put it in his pocket for later, and gave it to me. I almost felt into tears it was so sweet. I think of him all day long, and my heart almost bursts when I know they do too. I know what I need to do, I need to be home with my kids. To guide them, nourish them, inspire them, challenge them, discipline them, love them... I need to be there. I need to put my faith in God to hope that everything works out, despite all the challenges that lie on our road ahead.
RIP Anna. May God continue to bless us.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Quotable Post
So I have this idea that I want to paint wonderful, inspiring, and loving quotes on the walls to bring happiness and joy into my kids room. Quotes from famous people, spiritual teachers, and just wonderful words that I think have meaning. I heard 'quotables' and I never write them down, and when you actually go and look for such quotes you can never find them. They come when you are not looking for it. The thought behind this is to have something for the kids to read in those moments, and the right words always seem to find you when you need it the most. Words that you can live by, and wouldn't it be wonderful to have some of the first words you can read-- likely the ones painted hugely all over your bedroom walls-- be words that matter. When you are lying in bed before you fall asleep, or just resting before you get in up the morning. Words that will inspire you, rebuild you, lift you up, make a different in your life and others. It's a simple thing to do, that can appear ever so minor, but matter when perhaps it really needs to matter.
People who know me know I am not crafty, I don't do party themes, I don't do monograms around my house-things- kids clothes, I don't do 'cutesty' projects around my house. Maybe I justify it with my practicality, I tend to use the time spent creating such "things" and use it towards investing in people. The bottom line is we wont need things, things are just things. And in my house, I want an environment where "WE" matter most not what we have. There will always be things we don't have or want to have, but we all know we wont be happier once we have it. We are happiest when we aren't thinking about what we dont have, but in the moment we are in and the people we are with. I want the home to be the 'home' and just that. A place where you can be you, be loved unconditionally, and just be. I want my kids to grow up knowing they can be whatever they want to be. But what I want most for them is to love themselves, and be kind to themselves, and know they can be whatever it is they are. Because I want them to be happy in whatever it is they do. I want them to grow and flourish and become good citizens. I want them to be stewards of this earth to create good, even if it is in the smallest place. I want them to find happiness no matter where they are, and hopefully a little piece of 'home' will always be with them. It will always be in their heart. Just like the true meaning of the Wizard of Oz, you will always be wearing those red slippers and to know you are wearing them and they are with you no matter where the yellow brick road takes you.
I say every day to my husband and boys how much I love them. I tell them they are so important to me, and they I am so lucky to get to be their mom (and my husband's wife). I know they are wonderful people, they inspire me, they create me, they make me want to be a better person. I know I can be a role model for them, but they are also one for me. I see their hearts in everything they do, and frankly when I think of the wondrousness of that it makes me want to weep. They are the people that give my life meaning, they are they ones that fill me up when I am feeling half empty, they are the ones that can make me feel vulnerable, they are the ones that propel me in this world. If I can build upon a piece of their hearts that can make them feel worthy, and loved, and respected then then that in turn will go back out into the world. It is easy to be kind when your heart is peaceful. You are kinder to yourself. When you believe in yourself you are more likely to succeed. Believing you matter and you belong in the space you in. And you can change the space you are in just by being there. You can create any space you want, and the energy it provides. You are the light no matter where you are. And I am so grateful for having it in my life. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
" Remember you are the ONE who can fill the WORLD with Sunshine" - Snow White
" If there is light in your heart, you will find your way home" - Rumi
People who know me know I am not crafty, I don't do party themes, I don't do monograms around my house-things- kids clothes, I don't do 'cutesty' projects around my house. Maybe I justify it with my practicality, I tend to use the time spent creating such "things" and use it towards investing in people. The bottom line is we wont need things, things are just things. And in my house, I want an environment where "WE" matter most not what we have. There will always be things we don't have or want to have, but we all know we wont be happier once we have it. We are happiest when we aren't thinking about what we dont have, but in the moment we are in and the people we are with. I want the home to be the 'home' and just that. A place where you can be you, be loved unconditionally, and just be. I want my kids to grow up knowing they can be whatever they want to be. But what I want most for them is to love themselves, and be kind to themselves, and know they can be whatever it is they are. Because I want them to be happy in whatever it is they do. I want them to grow and flourish and become good citizens. I want them to be stewards of this earth to create good, even if it is in the smallest place. I want them to find happiness no matter where they are, and hopefully a little piece of 'home' will always be with them. It will always be in their heart. Just like the true meaning of the Wizard of Oz, you will always be wearing those red slippers and to know you are wearing them and they are with you no matter where the yellow brick road takes you.
I say every day to my husband and boys how much I love them. I tell them they are so important to me, and they I am so lucky to get to be their mom (and my husband's wife). I know they are wonderful people, they inspire me, they create me, they make me want to be a better person. I know I can be a role model for them, but they are also one for me. I see their hearts in everything they do, and frankly when I think of the wondrousness of that it makes me want to weep. They are the people that give my life meaning, they are they ones that fill me up when I am feeling half empty, they are the ones that can make me feel vulnerable, they are the ones that propel me in this world. If I can build upon a piece of their hearts that can make them feel worthy, and loved, and respected then then that in turn will go back out into the world. It is easy to be kind when your heart is peaceful. You are kinder to yourself. When you believe in yourself you are more likely to succeed. Believing you matter and you belong in the space you in. And you can change the space you are in just by being there. You can create any space you want, and the energy it provides. You are the light no matter where you are. And I am so grateful for having it in my life. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
" Remember you are the ONE who can fill the WORLD with Sunshine" - Snow White
" If there is light in your heart, you will find your way home" - Rumi
Monday, June 8, 2015
Dear Nick and Chris-- Months 42 and 18
Dear My Most favorite little people in the whole world Nick and Chris,
Since your birthdays are just two weeks apart I figured I would start combining my letters to you. Not because you don't deserve your own individual attention to regard all your abilities, victories, awesomeness, but because being together also makes you perfectly wonderful as well. You guys spend a LOT of time together, you are interwoven into each other's lives and have unlimited influences on each other. I am not sure where to start.
Aside from the fact that whenever you are not with each other, you both ask where the other is. Chris says a lot of words but saying "nick" was one of the first he formed. You love to chase each other around, play hide and seek, steal each other's toys, swing together, slide together, play t-ball in the backyard together, if it can be done simultaneously you both are doing it together. I know you don't realize how much you rely on each other, but you will. Your bond is unique and special, and seeing you both interact makes me prouder than anyone on the face of the planet.
Chris has so many traits and characteristics that I saw in Nick when he was the same age. It's kind of remarkable, and when I only have him around I sort of feel like I am time traveling. His love of playing with balls and joy of Mickey is endless. Just like it was for Nick. Now we just have to add snoopy to the mix, he's your favorite little guy to snuggle with. Although you call him "poopy," and it's insanely adorable. Nick always calls you out though, " you are saying a potty word." Just yesterday we started working on your "s' sounds, so in like fashion, now you say "sssssss. Poopy!" insert large swoon here. I cant handle the cuteness.
There are so many down right adorable things chris does right now. The newness of everything is incredible to watch. You are both adventurous, reserved, and laid back all at the same time. You love to see new place and experience new things, but you love to be with mommy, and have a sound sense for danger. But also go with the flow in just about all occasions. Remarkably actually. A perfect example is just yesterday morning as I was getting up with you both, I noticed my phone was almost dead since it was sitting in rice overnight to potentially dry out any damage it might have incurred when you conveniently started dunking it in your water table the night before during dinner outside. Luckily it seemed to be in working order, just with a grain of rice lodged perfectly in the hole for the charger. I was flustered, daddy was flustered at me, and I was multi-tasking not realizing you were sitting on the table with an unopened yogurt and no spoon. For minutes actually while I flailed around the kitchen like a chicken with its head cut off. But you sat patiently, not yelling, not screaming, just sitting there saying "spoon" "spoon" spoon" multiple times hoping to be heard by SOMEONE. You, my little one, are amazing! That story personifies you perfectly. Gosh, I could learn so much from YOU!
Your word count is past countable. You say more words now than I can begin recalling. And even put 2-3 word sentences together now. You are very vocal, and sing now too. You are a great sleeper and I catch you in your crib in the morning just chatting away to poopy or singing. It makes my heart sing listening to you. You love to swing, you love to dance, you love music, you love to be outside, you love being around people who love you. But you are still hesitant about swimming-- luckily the summer is young.
And hopefully brother Nick can inspire you to get the pool. Being active and athletic appears to be one of Nick's strengths. You have always been great with throwing and catching balls, you seems to be pretty good at blast ball this summer, running fast is something you excel in too. Literally. You have a good sense of where your body is and sense of awareness. It impresses me. However team sports still require a sense of humility that probably doesn't develop until after 3.5 years old ;-). You are one VERY skinny kid, sometimes there are days you hardly eat anything and you have more energy to fill a baseball stadium. I don't know how you do it, but after swimming you tend to get SO cold so quickly. Poor little dude.
Not only are your thriving physically, you are also developing emotionally and mentally as well. I have a good feeling that you will be an early reader. You know all your letters and numbers, and you seem to really pick up on concepts well. Putting letter sounds together, associating numbers with meanings, and even have a concept of the clock and time. I think these things are advanced for your age. You really make us proud all the time with the things you say. I often am shocked with your understanding of emotions as well, you are a very sensitive kid right now. And it's beautiful.
Aside from the fact that I think you both are probably the cutest kids ever put on the planet, I do want to document some stats for you both.
Detail Nick Chris
Weight ~35lbs + ~30lbs +
Height ~40 in ~33 in
Teeth 20 (full mouth) 12-13 (haven't counted in a while)
Favorite food hot dogs, chicken yogurt, spaghetti,
nuggets, yogurt cereal, sesame butter
Chipotle
Since your birthdays are just two weeks apart I figured I would start combining my letters to you. Not because you don't deserve your own individual attention to regard all your abilities, victories, awesomeness, but because being together also makes you perfectly wonderful as well. You guys spend a LOT of time together, you are interwoven into each other's lives and have unlimited influences on each other. I am not sure where to start.
Aside from the fact that whenever you are not with each other, you both ask where the other is. Chris says a lot of words but saying "nick" was one of the first he formed. You love to chase each other around, play hide and seek, steal each other's toys, swing together, slide together, play t-ball in the backyard together, if it can be done simultaneously you both are doing it together. I know you don't realize how much you rely on each other, but you will. Your bond is unique and special, and seeing you both interact makes me prouder than anyone on the face of the planet.
Chris has so many traits and characteristics that I saw in Nick when he was the same age. It's kind of remarkable, and when I only have him around I sort of feel like I am time traveling. His love of playing with balls and joy of Mickey is endless. Just like it was for Nick. Now we just have to add snoopy to the mix, he's your favorite little guy to snuggle with. Although you call him "poopy," and it's insanely adorable. Nick always calls you out though, " you are saying a potty word." Just yesterday we started working on your "s' sounds, so in like fashion, now you say "sssssss. Poopy!" insert large swoon here. I cant handle the cuteness.
There are so many down right adorable things chris does right now. The newness of everything is incredible to watch. You are both adventurous, reserved, and laid back all at the same time. You love to see new place and experience new things, but you love to be with mommy, and have a sound sense for danger. But also go with the flow in just about all occasions. Remarkably actually. A perfect example is just yesterday morning as I was getting up with you both, I noticed my phone was almost dead since it was sitting in rice overnight to potentially dry out any damage it might have incurred when you conveniently started dunking it in your water table the night before during dinner outside. Luckily it seemed to be in working order, just with a grain of rice lodged perfectly in the hole for the charger. I was flustered, daddy was flustered at me, and I was multi-tasking not realizing you were sitting on the table with an unopened yogurt and no spoon. For minutes actually while I flailed around the kitchen like a chicken with its head cut off. But you sat patiently, not yelling, not screaming, just sitting there saying "spoon" "spoon" spoon" multiple times hoping to be heard by SOMEONE. You, my little one, are amazing! That story personifies you perfectly. Gosh, I could learn so much from YOU!
Your word count is past countable. You say more words now than I can begin recalling. And even put 2-3 word sentences together now. You are very vocal, and sing now too. You are a great sleeper and I catch you in your crib in the morning just chatting away to poopy or singing. It makes my heart sing listening to you. You love to swing, you love to dance, you love music, you love to be outside, you love being around people who love you. But you are still hesitant about swimming-- luckily the summer is young.
And hopefully brother Nick can inspire you to get the pool. Being active and athletic appears to be one of Nick's strengths. You have always been great with throwing and catching balls, you seems to be pretty good at blast ball this summer, running fast is something you excel in too. Literally. You have a good sense of where your body is and sense of awareness. It impresses me. However team sports still require a sense of humility that probably doesn't develop until after 3.5 years old ;-). You are one VERY skinny kid, sometimes there are days you hardly eat anything and you have more energy to fill a baseball stadium. I don't know how you do it, but after swimming you tend to get SO cold so quickly. Poor little dude.
Not only are your thriving physically, you are also developing emotionally and mentally as well. I have a good feeling that you will be an early reader. You know all your letters and numbers, and you seem to really pick up on concepts well. Putting letter sounds together, associating numbers with meanings, and even have a concept of the clock and time. I think these things are advanced for your age. You really make us proud all the time with the things you say. I often am shocked with your understanding of emotions as well, you are a very sensitive kid right now. And it's beautiful.
Aside from the fact that I think you both are probably the cutest kids ever put on the planet, I do want to document some stats for you both.
Detail Nick Chris
Weight ~35lbs + ~30lbs +
Height ~40 in ~33 in
Teeth 20 (full mouth) 12-13 (haven't counted in a while)
Favorite food hot dogs, chicken yogurt, spaghetti,
nuggets, yogurt cereal, sesame butter
Chipotle
Monday, June 1, 2015
No awards here
This parenting thing--- it's one INSANELY wild ride. There are always unforeseen turns and loops, and twists that can downright throw you. With two kids and a little under 3.5 years of parenting under my belt, who knows what's in-store. I read all my new-mom pregnant friends posting about their reviews of baby "items" and their picture perfect nursery and post gobs of pictures all over social media about where they made their purchases and want to hurl my 3" shoe heal right through the computer screen because never have they been SO far off base of what is REALLY important. Your baby doesn't care what shade of pink you have the walls, or the matching curtains and bookcases, your baby will never remember it, and frankly--the perfectly organized diapers, creams, and drawers will never look like that again once there is an actual HUMAN living in there. You don't have kids to have an audience to fulfill you own contentment's. With that said, when the rubber really meets the road, you can NEVER prepare for it. So stop the organizing, painting, picture-taking of all your time wasting money wasting endeavors, and start preparing your heart for what's to come.
I have no idea where to start with that, except for the trials you will endure will have you questioning every part of your being. For example, JUST this morning my husband dropped Nick off at preschool and it was his first day in the Flamingo room, and I didn't know about it! Frankly-- they didn't send anything home about transition week or anything, and Nick is a child that likes "to know!" He needs preparation, he likes to know what's coming. And frankly, who doesn't? But I am feeling awful this morning, because last night as we were getting ready for bed he was telling me that he doesn't like going there and would really like to stay home, so in in good nature I decided to walk through the day for him. Tell him about the morning, and where he will eat breakfast, and talk about what might be on the menu. All to prepare him and feel better about Monday and going to school. And ALL of it for naught, because he was thrown into a NEW room today!!! I am feeling like a terrible mommy, and guilty, and so sad for my little man who I feel like is already losing trust in me when I left him last week to go to Hawaii for my dad's wedding. I know how that little man operates, and he was definitely not settled when I left. We are best buds, it hurt me to leave more than he could possibly know.
I don't know where I was going with this post, other than to vent about how hard it is to be a parent knowing all you want is your child to be OK, happy, and well-adjusted. And then you run into all your shortcomings. If only there was a recipe to follow to make it happen, but there isn't. I want to say that LOVE is all you really need; but frankly the love I have for my family oozes out of me veins and grows and grows with every breath I take, but one slip up can leave me drowning. And I know I wont ever win any awards for the best decorated nursery, or the cutest play room, or basically anything crafty or creative. Frankly, the time I have free and unscheduled in my life is spent putting one foot in front of the other, and definitely no thinking planning the next step-- or next project-- or anything. But being. And living, and frankly just trying the best I can.... hoping my kids do the same.
I have no idea where to start with that, except for the trials you will endure will have you questioning every part of your being. For example, JUST this morning my husband dropped Nick off at preschool and it was his first day in the Flamingo room, and I didn't know about it! Frankly-- they didn't send anything home about transition week or anything, and Nick is a child that likes "to know!" He needs preparation, he likes to know what's coming. And frankly, who doesn't? But I am feeling awful this morning, because last night as we were getting ready for bed he was telling me that he doesn't like going there and would really like to stay home, so in in good nature I decided to walk through the day for him. Tell him about the morning, and where he will eat breakfast, and talk about what might be on the menu. All to prepare him and feel better about Monday and going to school. And ALL of it for naught, because he was thrown into a NEW room today!!! I am feeling like a terrible mommy, and guilty, and so sad for my little man who I feel like is already losing trust in me when I left him last week to go to Hawaii for my dad's wedding. I know how that little man operates, and he was definitely not settled when I left. We are best buds, it hurt me to leave more than he could possibly know.
I don't know where I was going with this post, other than to vent about how hard it is to be a parent knowing all you want is your child to be OK, happy, and well-adjusted. And then you run into all your shortcomings. If only there was a recipe to follow to make it happen, but there isn't. I want to say that LOVE is all you really need; but frankly the love I have for my family oozes out of me veins and grows and grows with every breath I take, but one slip up can leave me drowning. And I know I wont ever win any awards for the best decorated nursery, or the cutest play room, or basically anything crafty or creative. Frankly, the time I have free and unscheduled in my life is spent putting one foot in front of the other, and definitely no thinking planning the next step-- or next project-- or anything. But being. And living, and frankly just trying the best I can.... hoping my kids do the same.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
For the Sun, From the Sun, Of the Sun
The past few weeks have been rough-- it's the dreary, grey period of the year... and March has notoriously been my least favorite month of the year. I know it say that every year, and I always try to coveat the statement with the hope that this March will feel different, but it definitely came in like a Lion. I have been struggling emotionally with just a lot of self doubt, insecurities, over all unhappiness with stuff happening at work that has left my glass more the half empty at the end of the day. If seasonal effective disorder really is a thing, you might end up seeing my picture right next to the description in the dictionary. I don't want to undermine the circumstances at work, but had it happened at the different time of the year maybe it wouldn't have felt like a tractor-trailer sized blow to the gut. A stumble then left me on the floor for days it felt like and the only thing that got me out of bed in the morning was the beautiful, jubilant, incredible faces of my amazing children and supportive husband that I am pretty sure are the very reason I am in existence right now.
But this week. THIS week the sun came out! Literally! There is one pile of snow left in my yard from over a month ago and the SUN WAS out for almost two full days. And it was over 50 degrees. Dare i say almost 60? And the sun and air and warmth felt like a rebirth. I dont think the earth shifted orbit but it sure felt like it for me, my entire outlook on things changed, my energy level went up, and all of a sudden the greyness I was seeing and feeling became brighter. I know we are all created by 'star stuff" but boy do I ever appreciate the fact that we are from the sun and it really is a healer of everything. I am a creature of the sun and it really is comforting to know that even when things feel like they are bad, the sun will always rise again tomorrow. It's always there. We need the sun, and I need it like I need air to fill my lungs and put the wind in my sails.
Having spent a considerable amount of time outside in the last couple of days, it's been easier to get up in the morning to head to work (when just last week i could barely move in the morning, all my joints were frozen to the bed). My energy level is higher, my perspective is brighter, I appreciate small things, and I just want to do good like go to starbucks and buy coffee for some stranger. It's amazing the shift I feel, and it is ALL my perspective because the circumstances I am in are very much the same as last week. Just the way I feel about them has changed. Truly it is divine, and there is something about God and wonderment of all that is that really owe it too.
Just yesterday the boys and I played outside with the neighbor girls, and the Nick and Marley were chasing each other throwing snowballs at the each other with no coats on. And then we went on a family walk at the trail by our house, and the boys just run and skipped, and threw sticks in the mud. And Chris was saying HIIIIII to every stranger, dog, thing that came past him. Ugh, it was beautiful. everything about it. I am thankful, I am so blessed, I am feeling optimistic, and I cant wait to get home and give my boys a hug and kiss and thank them for being perfect. Because they are, everything is just as it should be. Thank GOD for the SUN!
But this week. THIS week the sun came out! Literally! There is one pile of snow left in my yard from over a month ago and the SUN WAS out for almost two full days. And it was over 50 degrees. Dare i say almost 60? And the sun and air and warmth felt like a rebirth. I dont think the earth shifted orbit but it sure felt like it for me, my entire outlook on things changed, my energy level went up, and all of a sudden the greyness I was seeing and feeling became brighter. I know we are all created by 'star stuff" but boy do I ever appreciate the fact that we are from the sun and it really is a healer of everything. I am a creature of the sun and it really is comforting to know that even when things feel like they are bad, the sun will always rise again tomorrow. It's always there. We need the sun, and I need it like I need air to fill my lungs and put the wind in my sails.
Having spent a considerable amount of time outside in the last couple of days, it's been easier to get up in the morning to head to work (when just last week i could barely move in the morning, all my joints were frozen to the bed). My energy level is higher, my perspective is brighter, I appreciate small things, and I just want to do good like go to starbucks and buy coffee for some stranger. It's amazing the shift I feel, and it is ALL my perspective because the circumstances I am in are very much the same as last week. Just the way I feel about them has changed. Truly it is divine, and there is something about God and wonderment of all that is that really owe it too.
Just yesterday the boys and I played outside with the neighbor girls, and the Nick and Marley were chasing each other throwing snowballs at the each other with no coats on. And then we went on a family walk at the trail by our house, and the boys just run and skipped, and threw sticks in the mud. And Chris was saying HIIIIII to every stranger, dog, thing that came past him. Ugh, it was beautiful. everything about it. I am thankful, I am so blessed, I am feeling optimistic, and I cant wait to get home and give my boys a hug and kiss and thank them for being perfect. Because they are, everything is just as it should be. Thank GOD for the SUN!
Monday, March 2, 2015
Dear Christopher- Month 15
Dear Chris--
My BEAUTIFUL, animated, happy, vibrant, full of life little joy of mine . How lucky am I to have you. You brighten up every room, you fill up all of our hearts, and you are SO darn cute I could burst just looking at you. At your 15 mos check up you are still a big boy-- 93 percentile for weight and 82 percentile for height, and 100% percentile for cuteness. Watching you go about the world is simply magnificent.
You are at an age that I simply want to drink you up and refill again, cannot get enough of you. You are so excitable, and so verbal, and your laugh is contagious. You are social and you say hii and byeee to just about anyone in any circumstance. And it pretty much knocks people's socks off when they hear it. We sleep trained you with the ferber method and now you are an exceptional sleeper, and SO happy when you go to sleep AND when you wake up. ANd throughout the entire day. YOu sleep 8pm-7am (ish) with usually some sort of nap in there.
You have been in three of the rooms at daycare and I think it's a reoccuring theme that every one of your teachers falls in love with you. It's no coindences when they say how lovable and cuddly you are-- AND happy! And easy!! I've heard multiple times that you are the best baby in the whole class. ugh-- swooon. You are!! You are so easy going, and SO happy, and so content. You can give higs on commaned and kisses, too (even though your mouth is still open) and even blow kisses now. And what are a talker you are, too!! You are are babbling and telling us something. Your word count is ever going. Right now your vocab (beside your signed "more" and "all done" ) include :
Mamama: Mama
Dada: Dada
CHeeee: Cheese
Hiii : Hi
Byeee: Bye
Niii : Nick
Baa: Back
Baw: Ball
I know there might be a few others, but those are reoccuring pretty much every day. But your understanding is remarkable. You can follow two step commands, like "pick up the book and put it back" and so much more.
You and Nick follow each other around and play ALL THE TIME. I hear you laughing and chasing each other all day long. And wherever you go, he goes and the other way around. You still sometimes hit for fun, we are working on this idea of being gentle. I am sure it's just a phase. Luckily you are always a VERY good listening, follow directions, like to please. All very good traits in a little person.
Your tooth count is around 7 I think, with the back molars popping in now. But amazingly enough they come through unoticied for us because you are such a tough little guy! The biggest obsticles in our life revolved around menu planning since you have such bad food allergies. I am hoping and praying they many are outgrown. But again, even when you react and get sick you bounce back so quick. You are a strong and exceptional little boy.
I am ready to be done with the cold weather to get outside and enjoy some outdoor fun. I know the pool and sprinkler will be a hit again (with your brother ) this summer. I cant wait to watch you grow and laugh and become such a beautiful person. You and your brother are so different yet so much alike And every day I wake up and thank God for being so blessed. Thank you for being you, you are so important and special to me and I cant wait to watch you grow.'
Love you more than you know,
Mommy
My BEAUTIFUL, animated, happy, vibrant, full of life little joy of mine . How lucky am I to have you. You brighten up every room, you fill up all of our hearts, and you are SO darn cute I could burst just looking at you. At your 15 mos check up you are still a big boy-- 93 percentile for weight and 82 percentile for height, and 100% percentile for cuteness. Watching you go about the world is simply magnificent.
You are at an age that I simply want to drink you up and refill again, cannot get enough of you. You are so excitable, and so verbal, and your laugh is contagious. You are social and you say hii and byeee to just about anyone in any circumstance. And it pretty much knocks people's socks off when they hear it. We sleep trained you with the ferber method and now you are an exceptional sleeper, and SO happy when you go to sleep AND when you wake up. ANd throughout the entire day. YOu sleep 8pm-7am (ish) with usually some sort of nap in there.
You have been in three of the rooms at daycare and I think it's a reoccuring theme that every one of your teachers falls in love with you. It's no coindences when they say how lovable and cuddly you are-- AND happy! And easy!! I've heard multiple times that you are the best baby in the whole class. ugh-- swooon. You are!! You are so easy going, and SO happy, and so content. You can give higs on commaned and kisses, too (even though your mouth is still open) and even blow kisses now. And what are a talker you are, too!! You are are babbling and telling us something. Your word count is ever going. Right now your vocab (beside your signed "more" and "all done" ) include :
Mamama: Mama
Dada: Dada
CHeeee: Cheese
Hiii : Hi
Byeee: Bye
Niii : Nick
Baa: Back
Baw: Ball
I know there might be a few others, but those are reoccuring pretty much every day. But your understanding is remarkable. You can follow two step commands, like "pick up the book and put it back" and so much more.
You and Nick follow each other around and play ALL THE TIME. I hear you laughing and chasing each other all day long. And wherever you go, he goes and the other way around. You still sometimes hit for fun, we are working on this idea of being gentle. I am sure it's just a phase. Luckily you are always a VERY good listening, follow directions, like to please. All very good traits in a little person.
Your tooth count is around 7 I think, with the back molars popping in now. But amazingly enough they come through unoticied for us because you are such a tough little guy! The biggest obsticles in our life revolved around menu planning since you have such bad food allergies. I am hoping and praying they many are outgrown. But again, even when you react and get sick you bounce back so quick. You are a strong and exceptional little boy.
I am ready to be done with the cold weather to get outside and enjoy some outdoor fun. I know the pool and sprinkler will be a hit again (with your brother ) this summer. I cant wait to watch you grow and laugh and become such a beautiful person. You and your brother are so different yet so much alike And every day I wake up and thank God for being so blessed. Thank you for being you, you are so important and special to me and I cant wait to watch you grow.'
Love you more than you know,
Mommy
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Things to document
I am terrible at writing stuff down; important milestones, words, new things they can do... I witness them all and CHERISH it all-- I really do, but I know I am going to forget the details. There are a couple things that come to mind that I dont want to forget (and I still dont know the exact dates), but better to draw some line in the sand than nothing at all:
Chris:
First words: Mama (he has said for a few weeks now), Ba (which i think can be both bath and ball-- not totally sure) and Hi!! Which is freaking adorable. Not sure which one of these was first; Dada was definitely first but I think there was zero association with his actually dad. He just loved to say dadadada.
He throws balls now, dances, and loves to listen and read books now. He brushes his teeth and puts things back and follows simple instructions. He is such a smart cookie.
Nick:
Is Fully potty trained-- and hasnt looked back for a few weeks now. Started peeing exclusively in the potty for months, but now he is accident free and doesnt wear diapers at all. Even at night he only wears a pull up for caution but no accidents there either. And he can go by himself, and even undress himself and put pants on by himself. He feeds himself perfectly now (even soup!), is very neat and uses a napkin to wipe his face. WOW!
He is SO chatty and still LOVES to sing songs. I love all the things he says and it's so fun to hear his opinions on things now. If you dont have kids-- THIS IS THE BEST!!!! I cant wait to come home to see what he says every night, even if it makes me sad when he says he misses his mommy at preschool. But also fills me up when I walk in to the whole classat preschool creating the "happy rainbow" where each kid picks a color and the teacher writes down what makes them happy. Nick;s blue stripe said "My Mommy."
Chris:
First words: Mama (he has said for a few weeks now), Ba (which i think can be both bath and ball-- not totally sure) and Hi!! Which is freaking adorable. Not sure which one of these was first; Dada was definitely first but I think there was zero association with his actually dad. He just loved to say dadadada.
He throws balls now, dances, and loves to listen and read books now. He brushes his teeth and puts things back and follows simple instructions. He is such a smart cookie.
Nick:
Is Fully potty trained-- and hasnt looked back for a few weeks now. Started peeing exclusively in the potty for months, but now he is accident free and doesnt wear diapers at all. Even at night he only wears a pull up for caution but no accidents there either. And he can go by himself, and even undress himself and put pants on by himself. He feeds himself perfectly now (even soup!), is very neat and uses a napkin to wipe his face. WOW!
He is SO chatty and still LOVES to sing songs. I love all the things he says and it's so fun to hear his opinions on things now. If you dont have kids-- THIS IS THE BEST!!!! I cant wait to come home to see what he says every night, even if it makes me sad when he says he misses his mommy at preschool. But also fills me up when I walk in to the whole classat preschool creating the "happy rainbow" where each kid picks a color and the teacher writes down what makes them happy. Nick;s blue stripe said "My Mommy."
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