I've heard this can happen. I just didn't think it would already.
Rob just came upstairs and informed me that my 14 month old probably knows how to use the new TV better than me.
And he's right.
Although, in my defense, the 14 month old has a lot more incentive. Every time he turns the tv or sound off or on, he gets a lot of attention. And he has to know how to do it really quickly before he gets caught. And he is REALLY good at it.
oops, gotta go... here he come...
Friday, March 9, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Another one bites the dust
We have been very lucky lately.
No, blessed. Very blessed. First, we have been healthy for over a month (other than my normal nausea stuff). Second, Rob got a promotion-ish... more like a change in his job. It is great because when accepting it, he did it on a contingency of re-evaluating in a year. So he gets the chance to try something new and see if he likes it - working with the sales team and the neurosurgeons as an engineer consultant as well as coming up with a strategy for future research development for the company. Third - we are having another girl (and Bekah is thrilled) who so far looks very healthy. Fourth, the baby has developed new adorable skills, like giving kisses, sitting in a small child chair (he is so proud to sit down all by himself on something 2 inches off the ground), and running around everywhere. Every Sunday Rob asks if he can take Stephen to nursery. He is ready at 14 months. I mean we are ready.
But in one area, I am cursed. Yes, cursed. I am on number 5. Oh my poor cell phones. 1 - fell off a chair with such perfect timing to be crushed in a closing door. 2 - stolen. 3 - volume broke; it was a used phone. 4 - I found my baby had grabbed the phone off my nightstand and was washing the toilet with it. I seriously had just turned around...
Ah well, at least we can laugh about it.
No, blessed. Very blessed. First, we have been healthy for over a month (other than my normal nausea stuff). Second, Rob got a promotion-ish... more like a change in his job. It is great because when accepting it, he did it on a contingency of re-evaluating in a year. So he gets the chance to try something new and see if he likes it - working with the sales team and the neurosurgeons as an engineer consultant as well as coming up with a strategy for future research development for the company. Third - we are having another girl (and Bekah is thrilled) who so far looks very healthy. Fourth, the baby has developed new adorable skills, like giving kisses, sitting in a small child chair (he is so proud to sit down all by himself on something 2 inches off the ground), and running around everywhere. Every Sunday Rob asks if he can take Stephen to nursery. He is ready at 14 months. I mean we are ready.
But in one area, I am cursed. Yes, cursed. I am on number 5. Oh my poor cell phones. 1 - fell off a chair with such perfect timing to be crushed in a closing door. 2 - stolen. 3 - volume broke; it was a used phone. 4 - I found my baby had grabbed the phone off my nightstand and was washing the toilet with it. I seriously had just turned around...
Ah well, at least we can laugh about it.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Change
I've got the changin' itch. We bought a King size mattress a couple months ago, and finally bought a big, beautiful bed that matches our other furniture. So now I want to put new pictures up, get bedding, change the drapes... you know. And I've been bugging Rob for over a year for new windows, and I have finally called and am getting bids (our windows in the back have been tinted and don't let in a lot of light :( My mom and I also keep discussing getting new drapes in the family room, too. Oh, and my daughter is also getting the itch as she discusses how she wants to paint her new room when she moves downstairs ... next year.
Well, I took down the drapes in the kitchen to see if it helped add light, and apparently, that was the straw that broke the camel's back. Rob's back specifically. Now my husband doesn't really throw fits (he is so easy-going), but he was definitely close to losing it. At first he complained how much it was going to cost him. It almost made me laugh, because I had just taken down the drapes. I hadn't even spent a dime yet. In reality, it was all about change... and of course, change entailed some work on his part. Which was especially hard when he likes things just the way they are now.
To give you an idea of the differences between us: We just visited my grandmother, and she had paint swatches out, trying to decide what color to paint one of her walls, not to mention the rooms that she had moved all around since our last visit. That's what I've inherited. And, I've never lived in a house more than 5 years my entire life. Rob's family is quite different. When they decided to repaint their house after probably 15 years... and they had the painters paint everything exactly the same as it was. They don't change things unless it's a holiday or they have to.
What I thought was so interesting, was his comment that he wouldn't really mind it if I just worked on one room every few months... just not everything at once. So funny, because it will be several months before I would get around to really changing even one room. I am still in the deciding phase.
So I bring this up only to comment how interesting are perceptions and expectations. How we can totally handle reality... it's just our perception or expectations of the future that sometimes overwhelm us. Am I making sense? We fear our expectations or perceptions of the future... the future itself comes and goes usually unjustified of all of our panic.
Speaking of expectations. We are pregnant with number 4. Yes, FOUR. If you ask Rob and I how many kids we would like to have, we would both answer "2" without a moments hesitation. We were very happy to stop at two. Really, I saw myself as a 2-kid then career mom. But when God says there are more, I'm not one to tell Him no. So with much trepidation and a lot of tears, we got pregnant with number 3 and now number 4.
I will again be honest. I was not happy to be pregnant. I hate being pregnant and this pregnancy has been very difficult on our whole family. I have had to get IVs, which only happens when you throw up a whole LOT, Rob and the kids have definitely had a lot more responsibilities, and even though I'm over half-way done, I still have a pink bucket next to my bed that still gets action. And then there is after-pregnancy: I know some people love babies... but I love working with them as a nurse and then sending them home with their parents. So the thought of pregnancy and then a new baby and then another toddler... has brought me to tears. Many times. But then it hit me, my perception of my future was what was making me anxious and depressed. Not my future reality.
For example: I have loved having my third child. He is hilarious. He continues to make me laugh every day and I have enjoyed every stage so far, even the baby stage. So while my expectation was that it was going to be hard and miserable, it hasn't been. I love it. In fact, I have been amazed at how fun it has been.
So Rob's miniature fit (okay, it wasn't even that. Sorry, dear) was a small reminder to me not to worry or fret about the future. It will come and go, usually with a lot less trouble and pain than I anticipated. And while Rob will love the house I will one day create, I will also love life that God is creating for me. Even if I am perfectly content with how it is just now.
Well, I took down the drapes in the kitchen to see if it helped add light, and apparently, that was the straw that broke the camel's back. Rob's back specifically. Now my husband doesn't really throw fits (he is so easy-going), but he was definitely close to losing it. At first he complained how much it was going to cost him. It almost made me laugh, because I had just taken down the drapes. I hadn't even spent a dime yet. In reality, it was all about change... and of course, change entailed some work on his part. Which was especially hard when he likes things just the way they are now.
To give you an idea of the differences between us: We just visited my grandmother, and she had paint swatches out, trying to decide what color to paint one of her walls, not to mention the rooms that she had moved all around since our last visit. That's what I've inherited. And, I've never lived in a house more than 5 years my entire life. Rob's family is quite different. When they decided to repaint their house after probably 15 years... and they had the painters paint everything exactly the same as it was. They don't change things unless it's a holiday or they have to.
What I thought was so interesting, was his comment that he wouldn't really mind it if I just worked on one room every few months... just not everything at once. So funny, because it will be several months before I would get around to really changing even one room. I am still in the deciding phase.
So I bring this up only to comment how interesting are perceptions and expectations. How we can totally handle reality... it's just our perception or expectations of the future that sometimes overwhelm us. Am I making sense? We fear our expectations or perceptions of the future... the future itself comes and goes usually unjustified of all of our panic.
Speaking of expectations. We are pregnant with number 4. Yes, FOUR. If you ask Rob and I how many kids we would like to have, we would both answer "2" without a moments hesitation. We were very happy to stop at two. Really, I saw myself as a 2-kid then career mom. But when God says there are more, I'm not one to tell Him no. So with much trepidation and a lot of tears, we got pregnant with number 3 and now number 4.
I will again be honest. I was not happy to be pregnant. I hate being pregnant and this pregnancy has been very difficult on our whole family. I have had to get IVs, which only happens when you throw up a whole LOT, Rob and the kids have definitely had a lot more responsibilities, and even though I'm over half-way done, I still have a pink bucket next to my bed that still gets action. And then there is after-pregnancy: I know some people love babies... but I love working with them as a nurse and then sending them home with their parents. So the thought of pregnancy and then a new baby and then another toddler... has brought me to tears. Many times. But then it hit me, my perception of my future was what was making me anxious and depressed. Not my future reality.
For example: I have loved having my third child. He is hilarious. He continues to make me laugh every day and I have enjoyed every stage so far, even the baby stage. So while my expectation was that it was going to be hard and miserable, it hasn't been. I love it. In fact, I have been amazed at how fun it has been.
So Rob's miniature fit (okay, it wasn't even that. Sorry, dear) was a small reminder to me not to worry or fret about the future. It will come and go, usually with a lot less trouble and pain than I anticipated. And while Rob will love the house I will one day create, I will also love life that God is creating for me. Even if I am perfectly content with how it is just now.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Up and running
It is amazing how fast they go from barely walking to running (to climbing). My youngest loves walking all over the place and especially loves opening and carefully emptying kitchen cupboards. Today we watched him "set the table" ... taking out a plate and putting it on the table (which he could barely even reach) and then returning to get another plate, and another. His biggest challenge in life is dealing with older siblings who still want to carry him places... but he definitely lets them know that he is done with that.
We went to the park Friday and Stephen LOVED it! He is used to kids running and screaming around him, so while another toddler at the park would back up and just watch, he was in the thick of things, climbing, digging, sliding, and grinning his head off. Definitely NOT a kid who wants to stay by mom.
As he has become much more mobile, I have had another epiphany. I have another goer. I know kids are all busy, but anyone who knows my kids, knows that mine are BUSY. I kept thinking this one would be different... he would want to sit and cuddle on my lap. And he still does. Briefly. Then I remembered, this was the boy that at about 6 months, would get bored just drinking his bottle and want to check everything out every few minutes... he seriously would never just sit and drink a bottle, even when he was hungry. Sigh.
Actually, I would probably get unnecessarily paranoid if I had a tranquil child. There is one tranquil thing he does, which I absolutely love. He reads books. He has 2 older siblings who are in the thick of learning to read, so I guess it's only natural. He gets one of his favorite boardbooks, sits down, opens them, and sings or babbles to himself while turning the pages. It is absolutely adorable.
We went to the park Friday and Stephen LOVED it! He is used to kids running and screaming around him, so while another toddler at the park would back up and just watch, he was in the thick of things, climbing, digging, sliding, and grinning his head off. Definitely NOT a kid who wants to stay by mom.
As he has become much more mobile, I have had another epiphany. I have another goer. I know kids are all busy, but anyone who knows my kids, knows that mine are BUSY. I kept thinking this one would be different... he would want to sit and cuddle on my lap. And he still does. Briefly. Then I remembered, this was the boy that at about 6 months, would get bored just drinking his bottle and want to check everything out every few minutes... he seriously would never just sit and drink a bottle, even when he was hungry. Sigh.
Actually, I would probably get unnecessarily paranoid if I had a tranquil child. There is one tranquil thing he does, which I absolutely love. He reads books. He has 2 older siblings who are in the thick of learning to read, so I guess it's only natural. He gets one of his favorite boardbooks, sits down, opens them, and sings or babbles to himself while turning the pages. It is absolutely adorable.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Tradition!
Tradition! Tradition! da-da-Tradition!
The Papas! The Papas!...da-da-Tradition!
I know many people hate Valentine's Day, but I love it. Not because my husband buys me flowers or chocolates. I don't decorate much, don't like chocolate and I buy my own flowers. But every year, my husband makes our candle-light gourmet dinner. What a great tradition! He comes up with the menu ahead of time, (he used to even grocery shop back when he had time), and does most of the cooking himself. I'm just helper in the kitchen. So if the baby is screaming because he's starving, I just drop what I'm doing and feed the baby without leaving other children starving. Relief. Plus, it's delightful to be side by side working with him. This year, my son even designed the lovely menu and my daughter decorated the chandelier with hearts.
Dinner included:
Plus, I don't think the man gets much sexier than in the kitchen. :)
The Papas! The Papas!...da-da-Tradition!
I know many people hate Valentine's Day, but I love it. Not because my husband buys me flowers or chocolates. I don't decorate much, don't like chocolate and I buy my own flowers. But every year, my husband makes our candle-light gourmet dinner. What a great tradition! He comes up with the menu ahead of time, (he used to even grocery shop back when he had time), and does most of the cooking himself. I'm just helper in the kitchen. So if the baby is screaming because he's starving, I just drop what I'm doing and feed the baby without leaving other children starving. Relief. Plus, it's delightful to be side by side working with him. This year, my son even designed the lovely menu and my daughter decorated the chandelier with hearts.
Dinner included:
- asparagus cheese puffs
- cornish game hens with lime over roasted potatoes and onions
- an EXCELLENT tomato cheese tart
- garlic bread
- Dessert: creme brulee with fresh blueberries (Rob LOVES pulling out his blow torch).
Plus, I don't think the man gets much sexier than in the kitchen. :)
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Pure poetry
Inspired by Shel Silverstein, I've written my own poem to celebrate this fine day. Enjoy:
Hope everyone out there is well and happy :)
Let us all give thanks for Sudafed. and tissue. and humidifiers. and really sweet husbands.
I feel like I'm covered in snot.
but it doesn't seem to be all I've got
cuz my nose keeps on dripping,
my head is a-splitting
I feel like I'm covered in snot.
Hope everyone out there is well and happy :)
Let us all give thanks for Sudafed. and tissue. and humidifiers. and really sweet husbands.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Best parenting time ever
One of my dear friends told me of a story when her 8 year old was being particularly horrid. After a day of defiance, her son came up and gave her a hug and wished her happy birthday. "How sweet!" she thought, "this makes it all worth it." About 20 minutes later, her husband came home and asked her why she had a "KICK ME" sign taped to her back.
On her birthday.
I have a child who pushes boundaries. If you say there is the line, he doesn't just come up next to it, he puts his foot over it. And again later, just to make sure that you are still enforcing the consequences. And again. He is not someone you can usually give chances to. He will just expect the chance next time. Once he knows you aren't going to budge, he will usually settle in to compliance, but it is a pretty long learning curve. And this is not just with me. This is with teachers, my parents, babysitters, and most lately, his new primary teacher. I kind of expect a call from any authority figure until he finally realizes that he DOES have to obey.
Thankfully he has a lot of strict adults around him NOW who are teaching him about consequences at a young age. Even his school teachers are kind, but don't give him more than an inch. Good to start learning that in kindergarten. Plus, he knows the school WILL call me if he is too much out of line (and they have...)
Anyway, there was a point when I felt like almost all of my interactions with him were disciplinary. I hated it. I'm not sure where I came across this idea, my brilliant child-psychologist sister-in-law, the many parenting books I have read, or after a lot of prayer, but this has made a world of difference:
Mama Time.
For a certain period of time, I play with him doing what he wants and only focus on him. Today we worked on our lego fort that we have been working on together all week. Sometimes we read, other times build GEOTraax, but I let him direct what we do and how we do it. I usually set a timer because I don't have a lot of time and it helps define the specialness of Mama Time to him. And every morning he asks me when is his Mama Time.
This 20 minutes of time has made a WORLD of difference, even changing his behavior all day. He is still him, but I can't tell you how good it's been. For us. About a month ago, my sister-in-law was complaining how difficult one of her children was being. With her husband gone all the time, she wanted to leave him buckled in the car all night after a particularly bad evening. I told her about Mama Time, and sure enough, she said it has made a huge impact in her home. She said she only has 10 minutes for 1-on-1 time, but even that 10 minutes makes such a difference.
We have been doing Mama Time for about 5 months now, and while he is still pushing at those boundaries, I have also really enjoyed a change in him. He is SUPER helpful... I don't know what I would have done these last 3 months without my 2 oldest. He loves making his little brother laugh and will share or do things so kind to his sister and all of us. I'm sure a lot of it is because he is getting older, but I can't help feeling grateful for all the memories we share each morning in our special time, just him and me.
On her birthday.
I have a child who pushes boundaries. If you say there is the line, he doesn't just come up next to it, he puts his foot over it. And again later, just to make sure that you are still enforcing the consequences. And again. He is not someone you can usually give chances to. He will just expect the chance next time. Once he knows you aren't going to budge, he will usually settle in to compliance, but it is a pretty long learning curve. And this is not just with me. This is with teachers, my parents, babysitters, and most lately, his new primary teacher. I kind of expect a call from any authority figure until he finally realizes that he DOES have to obey.
Thankfully he has a lot of strict adults around him NOW who are teaching him about consequences at a young age. Even his school teachers are kind, but don't give him more than an inch. Good to start learning that in kindergarten. Plus, he knows the school WILL call me if he is too much out of line (and they have...)
Anyway, there was a point when I felt like almost all of my interactions with him were disciplinary. I hated it. I'm not sure where I came across this idea, my brilliant child-psychologist sister-in-law, the many parenting books I have read, or after a lot of prayer, but this has made a world of difference:
Mama Time.
For a certain period of time, I play with him doing what he wants and only focus on him. Today we worked on our lego fort that we have been working on together all week. Sometimes we read, other times build GEOTraax, but I let him direct what we do and how we do it. I usually set a timer because I don't have a lot of time and it helps define the specialness of Mama Time to him. And every morning he asks me when is his Mama Time.
This 20 minutes of time has made a WORLD of difference, even changing his behavior all day. He is still him, but I can't tell you how good it's been. For us. About a month ago, my sister-in-law was complaining how difficult one of her children was being. With her husband gone all the time, she wanted to leave him buckled in the car all night after a particularly bad evening. I told her about Mama Time, and sure enough, she said it has made a huge impact in her home. She said she only has 10 minutes for 1-on-1 time, but even that 10 minutes makes such a difference.
We have been doing Mama Time for about 5 months now, and while he is still pushing at those boundaries, I have also really enjoyed a change in him. He is SUPER helpful... I don't know what I would have done these last 3 months without my 2 oldest. He loves making his little brother laugh and will share or do things so kind to his sister and all of us. I'm sure a lot of it is because he is getting older, but I can't help feeling grateful for all the memories we share each morning in our special time, just him and me.
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