6.30.2006
6.28.2006
Words to Live By
I came across this quote in a focus on the family newsletter, Your Child:
Your Child's early years won’t last long, so plan well,
keep expectations realistic, and
try to enjoy the journey.
6.25.2006
Flynn's "Girls"
Oh, these nieces of mine...
Flynn's crazy about them. Hannah spent a night & 2 full days w/ us last week & when she left, Flynn was sad. The next day at the lunch table she asked about her, "Where's Hannah?"
When I explained that she was at her house now, she said she missed her & wanted to call her.
Usually, one of the cousins is at Nana's, for her to play with while she's there. If not, it's, "Where's the Girls?" Each cousin contributes something different. Mattie shares her love of the animals. KK & Vanessa are great about sitting down & playing with Flynn.
My kids are lucky growing up with older cousins.... getting all this attention, free pedicures, hand-me-down barbie beach towels.
And LOTS of love.
Flynn's crazy about them. Hannah spent a night & 2 full days w/ us last week & when she left, Flynn was sad. The next day at the lunch table she asked about her, "Where's Hannah?"
When I explained that she was at her house now, she said she missed her & wanted to call her.
Usually, one of the cousins is at Nana's, for her to play with while she's there. If not, it's, "Where's the Girls?" Each cousin contributes something different. Mattie shares her love of the animals. KK & Vanessa are great about sitting down & playing with Flynn.
My kids are lucky growing up with older cousins.... getting all this attention, free pedicures, hand-me-down barbie beach towels.
And LOTS of love.
6.23.2006
Mr. 10-Months Old
I don't know if he'll always
be sensitive. But he is now & we'll celebrate that. His feelings can be hurt easily and he loves his binky & his sissy. His favorite color is milk. He watches tv & is a good dancer. When he gets mad, he'll ram you like a bull. He gives good kisses. He likes napping with his dad. He is now 10-months old which makes mommy sad because in less than 2 months old, her baby will be one.
His name is Bubby.
be sensitive. But he is now & we'll celebrate that. His feelings can be hurt easily and he loves his binky & his sissy. His favorite color is milk. He watches tv & is a good dancer. When he gets mad, he'll ram you like a bull. He gives good kisses. He likes napping with his dad. He is now 10-months old which makes mommy sad because in less than 2 months old, her baby will be one.His name is Bubby.
6.20.2006
Eww, Only it Wasn't Tootsie Rolls
Over the weekend, Jeff bought some tootsie rolls at walmart. We're filling bags for our kids' group at church, kidspoint. Anyway, you know when something is in your brain, because of recent familiarity, so it's instantly recalled?
Jeff worked with Dad yesterday, so me & the kids were 'home alone.' Flynn was napping (thank God) & I changed Gabe's diaper (he had just woken from his nap) & it was SUPER wet. So, I wanted to give him a few minutes to "air out." And you know how that goes when you're a busy mom. I think I went into the kitchen to get something or lay something down, then I somehow ended up emptying the dishwasher. And I noticed a scary quietness coming from the livingroom (the kind the activates your mommy alarm).
I think you know where this story's going...
When I stepped where I could see into the livingroom, I looked at Gabe, sitting quietly in the middle of the floor. Holding tootsie rolls.
Remember what I said about when you're thinking about something & therefore it automatically gets assumed.
In other words, those weren't tootsie rolls. It was poop. Itty bitty turds. Lots of them. And he was playing with them like play dough. Squishing & squeezing them between his fingers. They were all over him. Under his nails, on his arms, his legs, the surrounding toys.
Thank God for the binky that I keep plugged in his mouth.
Know what I mean?
Jeff worked with Dad yesterday, so me & the kids were 'home alone.' Flynn was napping (thank God) & I changed Gabe's diaper (he had just woken from his nap) & it was SUPER wet. So, I wanted to give him a few minutes to "air out." And you know how that goes when you're a busy mom. I think I went into the kitchen to get something or lay something down, then I somehow ended up emptying the dishwasher. And I noticed a scary quietness coming from the livingroom (the kind the activates your mommy alarm).
I think you know where this story's going...
When I stepped where I could see into the livingroom, I looked at Gabe, sitting quietly in the middle of the floor. Holding tootsie rolls.
Remember what I said about when you're thinking about something & therefore it automatically gets assumed.
In other words, those weren't tootsie rolls. It was poop. Itty bitty turds. Lots of them. And he was playing with them like play dough. Squishing & squeezing them between his fingers. They were all over him. Under his nails, on his arms, his legs, the surrounding toys.
Thank God for the binky that I keep plugged in his mouth.
Know what I mean?
6.19.2006
Things I've Recently Learned
- Kid's pee is very yellow (especially on tan carpet).
- Little girl toes don't stay painted long.
- I'd pay $1,000 for my kids to start sleeping through the night (we decided that since we don't have $1,000, that I would be willing to have one of my toe nails pulled out, which really hurts by the way).
- Barney is ageless.
- VCRs are not obsolete.
- The french fry is Flynn's favorite veggie (yes it is so a veggie).
6.15.2006
Shouts Out to the Daddies
If you get sick of hearing me brag on Jeff, how wonderful of a husband he is, how wonderful of a father he is... well, then, maybe I'm ALMOST bragging enough.
Growing up the baby of the family, I guess he was a typical boy who didn't have a ton of exposure to babies or taking care of them. Flynn's diaper was the first diaper he ever changed. He'd never swaddled, rocked & perhaps he'd fed a bottle or two, I'm not sure. He preferred kids he could reason with, elementary aged & beyond, and always showed some frazzled nerves when we babysat wee ones.
Look at how far he's come....
He shares the kids' upbringing. He diapers almost as much as I do. We take turns feeding Gabe his big-boy food. He takes Flynn places. He tucks her in at night. He gets up with the kids when they're pulling all-nighters. He replaces Flynn's goldfishies. He reads countless stories. He goes to doctor's appointments with us. He helps me make decisions.
He does everything he can.
And then some.
And when I think of how he's grown, even spiritually since God gave us our first baby to care for.
That's when I get tears in my eyes.
When I hear him praying with Flynn. When I hear him telling her about God, and Jesus, and how much They love her. When Sunday comes and I don't have to wonder if the family is going to church because long before I tell her it's a church day, he's asking her what dress she's wearing to church.
I remember the exact moment that Jeff became a dad. Well, not that moment. But the official moment. When they pulled Flynn out of my belly & over her curdling scream they told us that she was a girl. Jeff looked over at me & through his paper mask I saw a look I'd never seen before. His face seemed to change. And with some new kind of excitement he repeated, "It's a girl."
Now before that I worshipped the ground he walked on. But at that very moment, there was another thing that occurred between us. Another bond. Another stitch. Just when I thought I couldn't love him anymore, I did.
I do.
And everytime he has another tea party, gives another zerbert, changes another poopy diaper, I love him more.
And so on this official holiday, I thank God for Jeff. I thank God that I get to wish Jeff a Happy Father's Day. That we have babies & that they have a Godly daddy.
And I also take this opportunity to talk about my daddy. The memories of which I hope I remember long after he's gone, to tell my kids. About the evenings, after working more than a day's worth of hours, he'd go into the yard and play catch. How he left work to meet my kindergarten class at Rombach Farm's pumpkin patch. He took me to church every week (several times a week actually). He told me about God. He always bailed me out. With money. With resources. With a little bit of patience. When I moved four hours away, then decided once I stuffed every last box into my apartment that I didn't want to do it, he drove down the following day to help load them all back up. He coached my little league team (& yelled at me every game). He taught me how to poke fun. He carried me to the breakfast table every Sunday morning (even still after my sister & brother made fun because I was like 13 -- I say they were jealous).
And another thing I'll always think of about Dad is that he is always working, always. He constantly has a project going. And he always did that at home. Started with their shacky 2 room house & built on...and on... and eventually ALL of us had our own bedroom.
And so now, I appreciate not only his fatherhood, but his grandfatherhood. He has 1/2 a dozen kids who absolutely adore him & call him "Papa". And a 9-month old who already refers to him as "Paaa" (think of a puff of air) & who gets a gleam in his eyes when he looks up at my pot rack full of pots (because Papa hoists him up there to hit & clank the pots). For like a year when I'd ask Flynn the question, "Guess who's coming over?" It was always, "PAPA!!!!" Later Nana got tagged on. But he was #1 in her book... over ALL of us.
My dad is always there for us to help us. And a 60-"something" year old man could play the 'old' card of, "can't do much to help out with the kids." But, when I was in the hospital countless times this year, he always took more than his turn to watch the kids. And always did a pretty darn good job I might add.
So, Happy Father's Day to my dad. I love you.
And Happy Father's Day to the dad of my kids. I love you.
And Happy Father's Day to every dad who makes a difference. Who loves like they know how. Who supports their kids in every way. Especially those dads in my life.
Growing up the baby of the family, I guess he was a typical boy who didn't have a ton of exposure to babies or taking care of them. Flynn's diaper was the first diaper he ever changed. He'd never swaddled, rocked & perhaps he'd fed a bottle or two, I'm not sure. He preferred kids he could reason with, elementary aged & beyond, and always showed some frazzled nerves when we babysat wee ones.
Look at how far he's come....
He shares the kids' upbringing. He diapers almost as much as I do. We take turns feeding Gabe his big-boy food. He takes Flynn places. He tucks her in at night. He gets up with the kids when they're pulling all-nighters. He replaces Flynn's goldfishies. He reads countless stories. He goes to doctor's appointments with us. He helps me make decisions.
He does everything he can.
And then some.
And when I think of how he's grown, even spiritually since God gave us our first baby to care for.
That's when I get tears in my eyes.
When I hear him praying with Flynn. When I hear him telling her about God, and Jesus, and how much They love her. When Sunday comes and I don't have to wonder if the family is going to church because long before I tell her it's a church day, he's asking her what dress she's wearing to church.
I remember the exact moment that Jeff became a dad. Well, not that moment. But the official moment. When they pulled Flynn out of my belly & over her curdling scream they told us that she was a girl. Jeff looked over at me & through his paper mask I saw a look I'd never seen before. His face seemed to change. And with some new kind of excitement he repeated, "It's a girl."
Now before that I worshipped the ground he walked on. But at that very moment, there was another thing that occurred between us. Another bond. Another stitch. Just when I thought I couldn't love him anymore, I did.
I do.
And everytime he has another tea party, gives another zerbert, changes another poopy diaper, I love him more.
And so on this official holiday, I thank God for Jeff. I thank God that I get to wish Jeff a Happy Father's Day. That we have babies & that they have a Godly daddy.
And I also take this opportunity to talk about my daddy. The memories of which I hope I remember long after he's gone, to tell my kids. About the evenings, after working more than a day's worth of hours, he'd go into the yard and play catch. How he left work to meet my kindergarten class at Rombach Farm's pumpkin patch. He took me to church every week (several times a week actually). He told me about God. He always bailed me out. With money. With resources. With a little bit of patience. When I moved four hours away, then decided once I stuffed every last box into my apartment that I didn't want to do it, he drove down the following day to help load them all back up. He coached my little league team (& yelled at me every game). He taught me how to poke fun. He carried me to the breakfast table every Sunday morning (even still after my sister & brother made fun because I was like 13 -- I say they were jealous).
And another thing I'll always think of about Dad is that he is always working, always. He constantly has a project going. And he always did that at home. Started with their shacky 2 room house & built on...and on... and eventually ALL of us had our own bedroom.
And so now, I appreciate not only his fatherhood, but his grandfatherhood. He has 1/2 a dozen kids who absolutely adore him & call him "Papa". And a 9-month old who already refers to him as "Paaa" (think of a puff of air) & who gets a gleam in his eyes when he looks up at my pot rack full of pots (because Papa hoists him up there to hit & clank the pots). For like a year when I'd ask Flynn the question, "Guess who's coming over?" It was always, "PAPA!!!!" Later Nana got tagged on. But he was #1 in her book... over ALL of us.
My dad is always there for us to help us. And a 60-"something" year old man could play the 'old' card of, "can't do much to help out with the kids." But, when I was in the hospital countless times this year, he always took more than his turn to watch the kids. And always did a pretty darn good job I might add.
So, Happy Father's Day to my dad. I love you.
And Happy Father's Day to the dad of my kids. I love you.
And Happy Father's Day to every dad who makes a difference. Who loves like they know how. Who supports their kids in every way. Especially those dads in my life.
6.12.2006
A Tear Jerker & A Prayer Request
THIS HAS COME TO ME IN A FWD TWICE LATELY. I THINK IT'S SWEET, OF COURSE I'M AN EMOTIONAL MOM. ANYWAY, ENJOY: (be sure to scroll down to the end to our family's prayer request)
This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms saying,
"It's all right honey, Mommy's here."Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours
on end soothing crying babieswho can't be comforted.
This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.
For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween
costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.
This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see.
And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.
This is for the mothers whose priceless art collectionsare hanging on
their refrigerator doors.
And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching
from thewarmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked,
"Did you see me,Mom?" they could say,
"Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for theworld," and mean it.
This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp
their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner.
And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.
This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.
For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year.
And then read it again. "Just one more time."
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school.
And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.
This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook
and their daughters to sink a jump shot.
This is for every mother whose head turns automatically
when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their
own offspring are at home -- or even away at college.
This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who
can't find the words to reach them.
This is for all the step-mothers who raised another woman's child or children, and gave their time, attention, and love...
sometimes totally unappreciated!
For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14-year-olds dye their hair green.
For all the mothers of the victims of recent schoolshootings, and the mothers of
those who did the shooting.
For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who
sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came
home from school, safely.
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to
be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war.
What makes a good Mother anyway?
Is it patience?
Compassion?
Broad hips?
The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew abutton on a shirt, all at the same time? Or is it in her heart? Is itthe ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down thestreet, walking to school alone for the very first time? The jolt thattakes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put yourhand on the back of a sleeping baby? The panic, years later, that comesagain at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door andknow they are safe again in your home? Or the need to flee from whereveryou are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident,a child dying?
The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our
thoughts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and
sleep deprivation...And mature mothers learning to let go.
For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.
Single mothers and married mothers.
Mothers with money, mothers without.
This is for you all. For all of us. Hang in there.
In the end we can only do the best we can.
Tell them every day that we love them.
And pray.
And speaking of prayer, I've taken all I can w/ Flynn's allergy. Meaning, sure, I'm coping with it. We've even got it pretty much under control as far as handling it. But I believe in a healing God, a prayer-answering God, which is why I've begun a little prayer campaign for her. She deserves not only ice cream & yogurt, but she deserves to eat what everyone else is eating. And deserves to go a week without breaking out in hives because someone kissed her on the cheek without washing their mouth. And she deserves to eat ice cream at a birthday party. And deserves an evening that doesn't end with a nebulizer. Or having to feel the whoozy effects of benadryl when she breaks out (sometimes why, we aren't sure). It hurts me to give Gabe yogurt & hear her say, "I want some Mom." I'm tired of hiding when I eat a piece of cheese. And I'm tired of worrying when I drop her off at the church nursery. And I'm tired of dreading her starting kindergarten because I'm afraid that a little friend she sits beside at the lunch table will spill milk on her.
I believe in the promises of God. And the same promises that healed Flynn while she was in the NICU, are the same ones that we believe today.
So, will you join our family in prayer? Prayer for the healing of Flynn's allergies.
Below find scriptures in which we claim our faith. Flynn says in the cutest little voice, "Jesus will heal me."
Isaiah 58:8 Then the light of my blessing will shine on you like the rising sun. I will heal you quickly.
Psalm 6:2 Lord, have mercy on me. I'm so weak. Lord, heal me. My body is full of pain.
2 Kings 20:5 "Go back and speak to Hezekiah. He is the leader of my people. Tell him, 'The Lord, the God of King David, says, "I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. And I will heal you.
Luke 4:40 At sunset, people brought to Jesus all who were sick. He placed his hands on each one and healed them.
Luke 8:48 Then he said to her, "Dear woman, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."
Matthew 4:23 [ Jesus Heals Sick People ] Jesus went all over Galilee. There he taught in the synagogues. He preached the good news of God's kingdom. He healed every illness and sickness the people had.
Mark 1:42 Right away the disease left him. He was healed.
Mark 5:34 He said to her, "Dear woman, your faith has healed you. Go in peace. You are free from your suffering."
Mark 6:5 Jesus laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them.
Mark 10:52 "Go," said Jesus. "Your faith has healed you."
Psalm 30:2my God, I called out to you for help. And you healed me.
Psalm 103:3 He forgives all my sins. He heals all my sicknesses.
This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms saying,
"It's all right honey, Mommy's here."Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours
on end soothing crying babieswho can't be comforted.
This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.
For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween
costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.
This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see.
And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.
This is for the mothers whose priceless art collectionsare hanging on
their refrigerator doors.
And for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching
from thewarmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked,
"Did you see me,Mom?" they could say,
"Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for theworld," and mean it.
This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair when they stomp
their feet and scream for ice cream before dinner.
And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize how child abuse happens.
This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat.
For all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year.
And then read it again. "Just one more time."
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school.
And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.
This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook
and their daughters to sink a jump shot.
This is for every mother whose head turns automatically
when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their
own offspring are at home -- or even away at college.
This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who
can't find the words to reach them.
This is for all the step-mothers who raised another woman's child or children, and gave their time, attention, and love...
sometimes totally unappreciated!
For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their 14-year-olds dye their hair green.
For all the mothers of the victims of recent schoolshootings, and the mothers of
those who did the shooting.
For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who
sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came
home from school, safely.
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to
be peaceful, and now pray they come home safely from a war.
What makes a good Mother anyway?
Is it patience?
Compassion?
Broad hips?
The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew abutton on a shirt, all at the same time? Or is it in her heart? Is itthe ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down thestreet, walking to school alone for the very first time? The jolt thattakes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put yourhand on the back of a sleeping baby? The panic, years later, that comesagain at 2 A.M. when you just want to hear their key in the door andknow they are safe again in your home? Or the need to flee from whereveryou are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident,a child dying?
The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our
thoughts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and
sleep deprivation...And mature mothers learning to let go.
For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.
Single mothers and married mothers.
Mothers with money, mothers without.
This is for you all. For all of us. Hang in there.
In the end we can only do the best we can.
Tell them every day that we love them.
And pray.
And speaking of prayer, I've taken all I can w/ Flynn's allergy. Meaning, sure, I'm coping with it. We've even got it pretty much under control as far as handling it. But I believe in a healing God, a prayer-answering God, which is why I've begun a little prayer campaign for her. She deserves not only ice cream & yogurt, but she deserves to eat what everyone else is eating. And deserves to go a week without breaking out in hives because someone kissed her on the cheek without washing their mouth. And she deserves to eat ice cream at a birthday party. And deserves an evening that doesn't end with a nebulizer. Or having to feel the whoozy effects of benadryl when she breaks out (sometimes why, we aren't sure). It hurts me to give Gabe yogurt & hear her say, "I want some Mom." I'm tired of hiding when I eat a piece of cheese. And I'm tired of worrying when I drop her off at the church nursery. And I'm tired of dreading her starting kindergarten because I'm afraid that a little friend she sits beside at the lunch table will spill milk on her.
I believe in the promises of God. And the same promises that healed Flynn while she was in the NICU, are the same ones that we believe today.
So, will you join our family in prayer? Prayer for the healing of Flynn's allergies.
Below find scriptures in which we claim our faith. Flynn says in the cutest little voice, "Jesus will heal me."
Isaiah 58:8 Then the light of my blessing will shine on you like the rising sun. I will heal you quickly.
Psalm 6:2 Lord, have mercy on me. I'm so weak. Lord, heal me. My body is full of pain.
2 Kings 20:5 "Go back and speak to Hezekiah. He is the leader of my people. Tell him, 'The Lord, the God of King David, says, "I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. And I will heal you.
Ecclesiastes 3:3 There is a time to kill. And there's a time to heal. There is a time to tear down. And there's a time to build up.
1 Corinthians 12:9 To others the same Spirit gives faith. To others that one Spirit gives gifts of healing.Luke 4:40 At sunset, people brought to Jesus all who were sick. He placed his hands on each one and healed them.
Luke 8:48 Then he said to her, "Dear woman, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."
Matthew 4:23 [ Jesus Heals Sick People ] Jesus went all over Galilee. There he taught in the synagogues. He preached the good news of God's kingdom. He healed every illness and sickness the people had.
Mark 1:42 Right away the disease left him. He was healed.
Mark 5:34 He said to her, "Dear woman, your faith has healed you. Go in peace. You are free from your suffering."
Mark 6:5 Jesus laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them.
Mark 10:52 "Go," said Jesus. "Your faith has healed you."
Psalm 30:2my God, I called out to you for help. And you healed me.
Psalm 103:3 He forgives all my sins. He heals all my sicknesses.
6.09.2006
My New Invention: Child's Shock Collar
You know those leashes... you always see someone at the zoo with them. Some of them are with deluxe harness, others are simply attached at the wrist.
I remember seeing those & saying, "That's inhumane. It's horrible. I'd never use one of those."
Then I had Flynn.
The cheetah is not the fastest land animal. Flynn is. And she fears nothing. Not passing cars. Not strangers. Not deep amounts of water or bottomless pits. The girl will do anything, go anywhere. And she does so with a speed that surpasses her parents'.
Now I'm all for the leash. Except the stigma that goes with it.
And because she's going through this phase, among many other "terrible twos" stuff, I've sat there many atime (while typing in my blog, trying to cram a few bites of something in my mouth, nurse Gabe) & said, "PLEASE listen to me. PLEASE don't make me have to get up." But she rarely listens. And I'm not one to just let it slide. I may lack several parenting skills, but consistency does not go by the wayside here. If I've told her to do something, she WILL.
So, in those AARGH moments, where I have to break Gabe's suction or go to an immediate stand from the floor where I'm picking up toys or... (you get the picture), I think to myself,
"She needs to be wearing a shock collar."
I don't mean anything that would leave a permanent sensation. I mean just a quick jolt. So, when I say, "Flynn get OFF THE TABLE!" She would look at me & continue her misbehavior. That's when I'd follow with a warning & if that warning goes ignored, a quick push of the trigger (which I could have carribeaner'ed on my beltloop). And much like a dog, she'd associate that small jolt with ignoring my request.
For most children, it would probably only take a couple of times. For Flynn it might take 4 times.
I think today I may go ahead & call the patent office & see if one's been patented already. And if not, I might go ahead & proceed with my plans.
DISCLAIMER: I AM JUST KIDDING. DO NOT CALL DFS. I DON'T PLAN TO SHOCK EITHER OF MY CHILDREN.
BUT I MIGHT DO THE LEASH THING.
I remember seeing those & saying, "That's inhumane. It's horrible. I'd never use one of those."
Then I had Flynn.
The cheetah is not the fastest land animal. Flynn is. And she fears nothing. Not passing cars. Not strangers. Not deep amounts of water or bottomless pits. The girl will do anything, go anywhere. And she does so with a speed that surpasses her parents'.
Now I'm all for the leash. Except the stigma that goes with it.
And because she's going through this phase, among many other "terrible twos" stuff, I've sat there many atime (while typing in my blog, trying to cram a few bites of something in my mouth, nurse Gabe) & said, "PLEASE listen to me. PLEASE don't make me have to get up." But she rarely listens. And I'm not one to just let it slide. I may lack several parenting skills, but consistency does not go by the wayside here. If I've told her to do something, she WILL.
So, in those AARGH moments, where I have to break Gabe's suction or go to an immediate stand from the floor where I'm picking up toys or... (you get the picture), I think to myself,
"She needs to be wearing a shock collar."
I don't mean anything that would leave a permanent sensation. I mean just a quick jolt. So, when I say, "Flynn get OFF THE TABLE!" She would look at me & continue her misbehavior. That's when I'd follow with a warning & if that warning goes ignored, a quick push of the trigger (which I could have carribeaner'ed on my beltloop). And much like a dog, she'd associate that small jolt with ignoring my request.
For most children, it would probably only take a couple of times. For Flynn it might take 4 times.
I think today I may go ahead & call the patent office & see if one's been patented already. And if not, I might go ahead & proceed with my plans.
DISCLAIMER: I AM JUST KIDDING. DO NOT CALL DFS. I DON'T PLAN TO SHOCK EITHER OF MY CHILDREN.
BUT I MIGHT DO THE LEASH THING.
6.06.2006
Apparently, Elmo is Breastfed
Finally...and I was waiting for it to happen, Flynn saunters through the hall, nursing Elmo.
She has two Elmos. Hard Eyeball Elmo & Soft Eyeball Elmo. Which she has currently started referring to as Elmo 1 & Elmo 2.
She was nursing Elmo 1 (Soft Eyeball). He was tucked under her shirt, just like Gabe usually is. She was holding him in a cradle-hold, so her other had was free to cook or answer the phone. She stopped by the doorway (where I was in the bathroom) & asked me to feed Elmo 2.
She has two Elmos. Hard Eyeball Elmo & Soft Eyeball Elmo. Which she has currently started referring to as Elmo 1 & Elmo 2.
She was nursing Elmo 1 (Soft Eyeball). He was tucked under her shirt, just like Gabe usually is. She was holding him in a cradle-hold, so her other had was free to cook or answer the phone. She stopped by the doorway (where I was in the bathroom) & asked me to feed Elmo 2.
TOP TEN TUESDAY: Things I'd Like to Do
10. Go to Hawaii
Instead, I'll be saying "Hi", really whiny
9. Drink a tall glass of milk
Instead, I'll be feeding a tall boy some milk
8. Vacuum the livingroom carpet
Instead, I'll be watching Gabe vacuum the carpet with his mouth
7. Take a nap
Instead, I'll beg everyone else to take a nap
6. Eat my lunch in peace
Instead, Gabe will be spitting his peas at me
5. Finish reading my magazines
Instead, Gabe will be eating my magazines
4. Lay out in the sun
Instead, I'll be laying down my son
(only so he can get up 5 minutes later)
3. Put on make up
Instead, I'll be making Flynn & Alex make up
2. Take a shower
Instead, I'll be wiping off a shower
of applesauce
And the number one thing I'd like to do...
1. Spend the day with the loves of my life
Instead... well, actually, that's what I'll get to do!
6.05.2006
Good Weekend
What a gorgeous weekend. It started out w/ Jeff surprising me with an Anniversary visit to the Melting Pot. He planned the whole thing...all the way to the babysitters he lined up (go Nana & Papa!!).
Then Saturday, after a music rehearsal for church, we went to the Cards game. Things would've been a little more fun if the Cards had played like they know how to.
Then, after church yesterday & after nap, we went to Trey's b'day party. Happy first Trey!! The kids have so much fun at parties. Gabe & Flynn were so sopping wet from Trey's new water table, that they went home in just a diaper (only Festusonians do that).
We ended the weekend by checking on our bird nest in the side yard & a good bubble-blowing session.
Flynn said something so funny Thursday. Jeff was about to take her with him to Walmart, so he said, "Flynn, do you want to go to Walmart?" And she replied, "No, I want to go to Nashville!"
Have a blessed week.
Then Saturday, after a music rehearsal for church, we went to the Cards game. Things would've been a little more fun if the Cards had played like they know how to.
Then, after church yesterday & after nap, we went to Trey's b'day party. Happy first Trey!! The kids have so much fun at parties. Gabe & Flynn were so sopping wet from Trey's new water table, that they went home in just a diaper (only Festusonians do that).
We ended the weekend by checking on our bird nest in the side yard & a good bubble-blowing session.
Flynn said something so funny Thursday. Jeff was about to take her with him to Walmart, so he said, "Flynn, do you want to go to Walmart?" And she replied, "No, I want to go to Nashville!"
Have a blessed week.
6.02.2006
Happy Four Year Anniversary
Today, Jeff & I celebrate our 4th year of marriage.
On this day, back on a VERY HOT June day in 2002, Jeff & I vowed our love to each other -- at my parents' place. Family & a few close friends joined us. Jeff looked particularly handsome in his (very hot) tux & I sported some unflattering layers of taffeta (or some kind of sheer cheesecloth). My nieces were darling & I'm so glad they were all there.
But more important than that particular day has been the one thousand ninety-six days since then. And boy have they been full days.
We left the following day for our honeymoon. When we returned six days later, we prepared for a summer of teaching summer school. During which time, our house was finished being built; so we moved. And I took three graduate courses toward my masters' degree. We immediately wanted children. So, we immediately tried (or didn't try not to --- as we always said). Six months into the school year, we made a definite decision to not stay at Brennan Woods. So we did not sign our contracts for the following year. Shortly afterward, I saw two lines on the stick.
I took SIX -- Yep, I said six -- EPT tests. It just didn't seem real! We'd tried for nine long months & finally!! Jeff was showering & I for the life of me, couldn't muster up enough discipline to wait & think of some special way to break the news. So I barged into the bathroom yelling, "Is this a line? Is this a line???!!!!" I jumped up & stood on the toilet, hoisting the stick over the shower doors at him. Then, I sent him to Walgreens for 2 more.
Five months and a bajillion interviews later, we will couldn't find jobs. Facing the possibility of losing our house, we were stressed. Then up went my blood pressure & I was put on bedrest. Even if I'd found a job, I wouldn't be able to work.
Somehow we made it financially, but I got even more sick & Flynn was taken a month early through emergency cesarean. She was sick & was taken from us & transported to a different hospital in a different city. Heartbroken, we once again leaned on each other. There were nights when we just cried & hugged each other. Jeff was always my rock though.
Flynn grew & thrived & we decided it was time to bless her with a sister or a brother. We were excited to be pregnant again less than a year later. But shortly into the pregnancy, we lost that baby. What an upset... But we quickly remembered that God was in control. And had our love and each other... and Flynn.
Less than two months after that, I became pregnant with Gabe. And I was bound and determined to do all I could to carry a healthy baby to term. So I did my part. However, Jeff got kidney stones (again) & believe it or not, SO DID I (in my pregnant state!!) My stones got so bad that I eventually passed 2 of them... less than a month before Gabe's arrival. Painful & about the size of 1/3 of a dime, the stones prepared me for having Gabe the "original" way. Another bonding moment in our marriage.
Less than two months after that, I started having horrid pains. More stones!! --- this time, tho, they were in my gal bladder. And so, we had to schedule surgery, the week of thanksgiving. So, again, Jeff had a big job of holding down the fort & doing his job and mine.
Four months after that, I got sick again. Possibly the sickest I've ever been. See my cryptosporidium entry. Faced with the unknown - I once again leaned on Jeff. And can I just add how much fun he is in a hospital room. Always a comment, always a laugh.
Now & hopefully forever, we're all healthy. We're all happy. And Flynn is the huggingest kid I've ever seen. She's always ready with a kiss & hug. And I believe this is because she sees her parents hug & kiss EVERYDAY (sometimes several times a day). I hope our kids always know the love and respect we have for each other. I hope everyone knows the love & respect I have for Jeff. He means more to me than any earthly person. His love for God, for me & for our kids stand out as the best thing about him.
The last four years have proven my life's destiny. And how adventurous they've been... can't think of anyone I'd rather venture with.
Here's to forty more....
I love you Jeff.
Happy Anniversary.
On this day, back on a VERY HOT June day in 2002, Jeff & I vowed our love to each other -- at my parents' place. Family & a few close friends joined us. Jeff looked particularly handsome in his (very hot) tux & I sported some unflattering layers of taffeta (or some kind of sheer cheesecloth). My nieces were darling & I'm so glad they were all there.
But more important than that particular day has been the one thousand ninety-six days since then. And boy have they been full days.
We left the following day for our honeymoon. When we returned six days later, we prepared for a summer of teaching summer school. During which time, our house was finished being built; so we moved. And I took three graduate courses toward my masters' degree. We immediately wanted children. So, we immediately tried (or didn't try not to --- as we always said). Six months into the school year, we made a definite decision to not stay at Brennan Woods. So we did not sign our contracts for the following year. Shortly afterward, I saw two lines on the stick.
I took SIX -- Yep, I said six -- EPT tests. It just didn't seem real! We'd tried for nine long months & finally!! Jeff was showering & I for the life of me, couldn't muster up enough discipline to wait & think of some special way to break the news. So I barged into the bathroom yelling, "Is this a line? Is this a line???!!!!" I jumped up & stood on the toilet, hoisting the stick over the shower doors at him. Then, I sent him to Walgreens for 2 more.
Five months and a bajillion interviews later, we will couldn't find jobs. Facing the possibility of losing our house, we were stressed. Then up went my blood pressure & I was put on bedrest. Even if I'd found a job, I wouldn't be able to work.
Somehow we made it financially, but I got even more sick & Flynn was taken a month early through emergency cesarean. She was sick & was taken from us & transported to a different hospital in a different city. Heartbroken, we once again leaned on each other. There were nights when we just cried & hugged each other. Jeff was always my rock though.
Flynn grew & thrived & we decided it was time to bless her with a sister or a brother. We were excited to be pregnant again less than a year later. But shortly into the pregnancy, we lost that baby. What an upset... But we quickly remembered that God was in control. And had our love and each other... and Flynn.
Less than two months after that, I became pregnant with Gabe. And I was bound and determined to do all I could to carry a healthy baby to term. So I did my part. However, Jeff got kidney stones (again) & believe it or not, SO DID I (in my pregnant state!!) My stones got so bad that I eventually passed 2 of them... less than a month before Gabe's arrival. Painful & about the size of 1/3 of a dime, the stones prepared me for having Gabe the "original" way. Another bonding moment in our marriage.
Less than two months after that, I started having horrid pains. More stones!! --- this time, tho, they were in my gal bladder. And so, we had to schedule surgery, the week of thanksgiving. So, again, Jeff had a big job of holding down the fort & doing his job and mine.
Four months after that, I got sick again. Possibly the sickest I've ever been. See my cryptosporidium entry. Faced with the unknown - I once again leaned on Jeff. And can I just add how much fun he is in a hospital room. Always a comment, always a laugh.
Now & hopefully forever, we're all healthy. We're all happy. And Flynn is the huggingest kid I've ever seen. She's always ready with a kiss & hug. And I believe this is because she sees her parents hug & kiss EVERYDAY (sometimes several times a day). I hope our kids always know the love and respect we have for each other. I hope everyone knows the love & respect I have for Jeff. He means more to me than any earthly person. His love for God, for me & for our kids stand out as the best thing about him.
The last four years have proven my life's destiny. And how adventurous they've been... can't think of anyone I'd rather venture with.
Here's to forty more....
I love you Jeff.
Happy Anniversary.
5.31.2006
Gabe's 9 mo check-up & other end-of-May stuff
I need to get on this kid's diet. In 3 mos., he gained less than a lb! Dr attributes that to his high-aerobic activity, which includes crawling faster than the current baby-crawling champion of Twin City. Also included in his latest things to drive me insane is his new trick of standing alone, with his hands in the air.
He's such a little stud.
Anyway, he weighs an oz less than 20 lbs. He's 1/2 in away from 30 inches. And his noggen is completely average (altho it looks large w/o hair). His percentiles for weight & height (respectively) are 50 & 90. TALL, TALL boy.
He got a shot & didn't so much as wince.
On Memorial Day, Flynn got to ride one of the Norris Horses, whose name is Jack. But as we drove up to Papa's house & saw the horse outside, Flynn said, "There's Jackson." JackSON. She renamed him. The amusing part tho, is that I can't think of anyone she'd know that shares that name.
The real cowboy of the story is Gabe. Who LOVES riding. He grabbed the saddle horn & reigns as if he'd done it a million times. Flynn took a ride around & said, "I want off now." She had things to do... the girls to follow around & a movie to watch.
We had a super time in Nashville this weekend. The Robinsons were the greatest hosts. They really know how to make you feel like your children aren't being rude & wrecking their gorgeous home. Tammy just kept saying, "they're fine! there's nothing they can hurt here." I just kept looking around at her showcase & thinking, "but we have pressed wood furniture."
We went to the Aquarium Restaurant which goes down into my eating establishments log. Way cool. And the highlight of Flynn's weekend was riding a "dolphin" on a carousel. She also enjoyed the lifesize bugs at the Science Center there. And had a blast playing with Grace & loving on Lauren.
Our 6 hour ride there was just a condensed preview of what our August trip to Panama City Beach will entail. All I have to say is, "Is it unethical to give the children drugs to help them sleep for a 12 hr drive?"
He's such a little stud.
Anyway, he weighs an oz less than 20 lbs. He's 1/2 in away from 30 inches. And his noggen is completely average (altho it looks large w/o hair). His percentiles for weight & height (respectively) are 50 & 90. TALL, TALL boy.
He got a shot & didn't so much as wince.
On Memorial Day, Flynn got to ride one of the Norris Horses, whose name is Jack. But as we drove up to Papa's house & saw the horse outside, Flynn said, "There's Jackson." JackSON. She renamed him. The amusing part tho, is that I can't think of anyone she'd know that shares that name.
The real cowboy of the story is Gabe. Who LOVES riding. He grabbed the saddle horn & reigns as if he'd done it a million times. Flynn took a ride around & said, "I want off now." She had things to do... the girls to follow around & a movie to watch.
We had a super time in Nashville this weekend. The Robinsons were the greatest hosts. They really know how to make you feel like your children aren't being rude & wrecking their gorgeous home. Tammy just kept saying, "they're fine! there's nothing they can hurt here." I just kept looking around at her showcase & thinking, "but we have pressed wood furniture."
We went to the Aquarium Restaurant which goes down into my eating establishments log. Way cool. And the highlight of Flynn's weekend was riding a "dolphin" on a carousel. She also enjoyed the lifesize bugs at the Science Center there. And had a blast playing with Grace & loving on Lauren.
Our 6 hour ride there was just a condensed preview of what our August trip to Panama City Beach will entail. All I have to say is, "Is it unethical to give the children drugs to help them sleep for a 12 hr drive?"
5.24.2006
I Must Look Old
I've started physical therapy for my back, per request of ortho. dr.
Anywho, I'm there, doing some type of stretch next to a lady who looked like she could be my mom's age. So, we're chewing the fat about how bad this type of stretch hurts & therapy & our aches & pains, when I make the comment, "Gee, ya hit thirty & it's all downhill", then I laughed.
And she said, "You're only thirty?"
I kinda wanted to swallow my chin. So I just told her that I was actually 32. And when I said it, I actually wanted to say, "You think I look older than thirty?" But I didn't. But she must've thought about how it sounded, or realized that I looked like I wanted to vomit.
So she said, "Thirty's nothing. I'm 55."
Then, I was at the store & a man told his son to hold the door for me. But instead of saying, "Son, hold the door for this chic." He said, "Hold the door for that LADY."
If someone calls me mam in the near future, I'm going to start wearing stretchy jeans & comfortable shoes.
Anywho, I'm there, doing some type of stretch next to a lady who looked like she could be my mom's age. So, we're chewing the fat about how bad this type of stretch hurts & therapy & our aches & pains, when I make the comment, "Gee, ya hit thirty & it's all downhill", then I laughed.
And she said, "You're only thirty?"
I kinda wanted to swallow my chin. So I just told her that I was actually 32. And when I said it, I actually wanted to say, "You think I look older than thirty?" But I didn't. But she must've thought about how it sounded, or realized that I looked like I wanted to vomit.
So she said, "Thirty's nothing. I'm 55."
Then, I was at the store & a man told his son to hold the door for me. But instead of saying, "Son, hold the door for this chic." He said, "Hold the door for that LADY."
If someone calls me mam in the near future, I'm going to start wearing stretchy jeans & comfortable shoes.
5.19.2006
I Felt the Earth Move Under My Feet
I felt the sky tumblin' down, tumblin'....
Okay, well maybe it wasn't quite that extreme; but, nonetheless.
It was yesterday morning & I had just set the bigger kids up with some playdough so I could nurse Gabe in some peace. As I was walking from the kitchen to the livingroom, I heard a LOUD boom & the house rattled.
A couple years ago, they were doing lots of dynamite-ing to an area within eyeshot of our backyard. The noise was very similar to that & my immediate reaction was "they're doing that again??" Then, when that didn't seem all too logical, I thought that perhaps it was a really loud clap of thunder. Which would've been REALLY loud, as the windows rattled & the floor vibrated.
Well, I haven't exactly the type of schedule which allows me to linger & dwell on each detail of my day (even given that the detail happened to be record-making). So, I went on about my 'work', preparing the Perry Dairy for milk time.
And actually, I didn't give it another thought. Until Jeff sat down at the computer at bedtime & gave me the news:
See? -- who says my days are uneventful?
5.17.2006
Pet Peeves
At the risk of sounding negative, I've decided to list my pet peeves (in no necessary order):
Shorter people (i.e. Flynn) getting between me & the destination (i.e. sink) & being fine with being sandwiched there while I try to finish what I'm doing.
People NOT YIELDING at yield signs. Like, um, hello? what is it you think you're supposed to do at a YIELD SIGN? (do I hear a Town Talk in the works??)
People who never put down their cell phone. You can at least ask the person you're chatting with to hold on while you finish peeing in the public bathroom.
Walmart.
People who don't make their kids mind in public. Like when we were at the Magic House Friday. And the lady who wouldn't quit gossiping with her friend to tend to her 6-year old son who was SCREAMING IN MY 2-YEAR OLD DAUGHTER'S FACE & not letting her go by him up the steps. That kid better hope he doesn't end up in Mr. Perry's science class when he's in 8th grade.
Paybacks.
People who don't walk on the RIGHT (vs left) side. Like at the mall. Like on the sidewalk. And the worst is going through doorways.
GET OVER!
Speaking of the mall. For crying outloud, IF YOU'RE GOING TO STOP & CHAT WITH SOMEONE OR BE REALLY SLOW, DON'T STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.
Walmart.
If you smoke, that's your business. But should you be standing outside of a health facility (doctor's office, hospital, etc.) breathing smoke into my air as I walk in or out?
That kinda doesn't make sense to me.
People who are judgemental but then do something even dumber in the same respect. i.e. people who criticize parents who let their kids suck a binky at one age, but they're still giving their kid a bottle or vica versa. Like me, ripping on a big kid at church who sucks a binky, yet I just changed my brilliant two year old's DIAPER.
When people leave the room & have no intention of returning to that particular room anytime in the near future (i.e. bathroom), yet they fail to turn off the light.
Walmart.
When I'm attending something (i.e. a class or a similar event) & am promptly on time (if not a little early), yet we wait for late people & then cater to them by repeating what was said in their "absence".
Service employees, people meant to SERVE, acting like you're supposed to serve them. Have you forgotten, that your paycheck is generated because of my purchases? Okay, then HELP ME! For example, while I was shopping for a white noise machine for my light sleeping Gabe, at Target (I continue to ask myself why we spend thousands per year there) & no one could HELP ME. So, with the three kiddos in tow, I'm hauling around the store, in search of the machine, of an employee, of the golden gnome. Anything. Please, somebody just help me.
Covering cigarette smoke up with perfume.
People who release RANCID gas in tight, public spaces. Like one time when I got onto an elevator where I man was getting off of the elevator (although I didn't pay attention, he was probably snickering) & I was about to VOMIT. My eyes were tearing & my brows were singed. I was dry heaving like a cat coughing up a hairball.
Walmart.
A crabby 32-year old woman who has nothing to complain about, yet she's compiled a list of 20 or so.
5.16.2006
TOP TEN TUESDAY: Things I've Recently Learned
- Two year olds want to do EVERYTHING themselves (& I do mean everything)
- Daisies can live forever in a milk storage bottle with a little water on my windowsill
- Puke washes out pretty easily
- No one on the road respects a wild-haired lady in a silver minivan
- Even though something might read, "No children please, no child care provided", people still bring their kids
- Poop can be sticky or dry, mushy or hard, dependent on the last food fed to a baby
- Someone needs to invent a way to turn dirty diapers into fuel (I can provide the world's supply of diapers)
- Most things kids learn are things you didn't teach them (not too bad now, terrible in puberty years)
- Not everything on Dr. Phil will work
- My kids are good
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