It's almost Christmas, which means that in order for me to maintain sanity, I HAD to clean out some toys before we get inevitably receive a fresh batch. I filled three small boxes with toys that the boys don't really play with, and were basically just taking up space, and put them in the back of my car for a goodwill drop off.
Well. My original plan was to take the toys when the boys were not with me, but I realized that the longer they sat in the back of my car, the likelier it was that Henry would find them... so I took the first opportunity I had, and the boys and I headed to Goodwill last Saturday. I had a plan to discreetly drop the toys, purposely keeping them out of the boys' sight.
Until I arrived, and the nice man offered to help me carry the boxes - he had no reason to be discreet. Henry immediately realized that his toys were being given away, and... TEARS. Big ones. Crocodile tears. For like 15 minutes straight, and then off and on for a couple of hours after that he cried, and repeatedly said, "I want my animals back." (Sadly, I don't even remember which "animals" I gave away, but I am pretty sure he was referring to some stuffed animal baby toys.) I had a brief moment of, "Maybe I should get them back," but it was too late.
Wow. I have to be honest, I had nooooo idea he would take it so hard. I felt really bad. Maybe I should have told him that's what we were doing? Maybe I should have explained to him beforehand why we were giving them away. Regardless, the counseling started after the damage had been done.
I had to put myself in his shoes. In Henry's world, his toys really do belong to him. And in his world, those toys are pretty much all he has. Of course as the parent, I know that he doesn't really own them because I own them, and I know that he can be happy without them. After all, he has parents and family that adore him. But then, how would I feel if my stuff just started getting taken away from me without my permission?
Let's be honest, I get grumpy when Matt takes a sip of my drink without asking.
And I realized how much I just want to put a bandage over the sore and make the crying stop. I just wanted him to feel better- during those few 20 minutes I was tempted to 1- buy him another toy, 2- give him candy, 3- tell him all the 100s of reasons why he would be okay and just needed to stop crying. But I realized that he needs to learn how to just be sad. So I told him, "Henry, it's okay to be sad."
Don't we need to learn the same lesson? Life has sorrow and joy all mixed in... we are missing out on it if we only let ourselves feel the joy. Sometimes we just need to let ourselves grieve, to let it be okay that we are sad. Instead I think I often try to bandage my wounds with distractions and things that don't really solve the problem, just like I was tempted to do for Henry.
Oddly enough, the minute I told him it was okay to be sad, he cheered up a little.
I learned more about the nature of my Heavenly Father through this little incident. For one, God knows that in order for me to be happy, I need far less than I think
I do. If he chooses for whatever reason to take things or people away, he knows
that as long as he is my Daddy, I have all I need. And although in my world, I really think I am entitled to some of these things, my Father knows that they all really belong to him anyway.
But when I lose things or get upset, even though he knows I don't need them, he never just tells me to just get over it. When Jesus's friends on earth grieved, he grieved alongside them. When Mary and Martha lost their brother, Lazarus, Jesus wept. Jesus himself GRIEVED. I think God may be more accepting of our own sadness than we are.
I feel like I should tie up this story with a pretty bow. So here it is- Henry hasn't mentioned the toys once since that day. I know he hasn't forgotten (and I might never drive him through Goodwill again), but it looks like the little guy is gonna be just fine. I know you were wondering. :)
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Monday, December 9, 2013
Dentist | TWO Year Old | 20 Weeks
Three big things happened in our little family this weekend.
1. On Thursday, Henry got his cavities filled. Fortunately, he was cooperative and the whole process went really well. However, they had to sedate him to make it all possible, so our sweet three-year old was basically equivalent to drunk. We got videos.
For the record, drugged Henry, a) insists he can walk when he can't, b) affectionately tells me, "Mom, I looooooovvvve you."
2. On Sunday, Sam turned TWO! Although he insists that he is still one. We say, "Sammy, you're TWO." "No! I'm one!" he responds. Sam went for his well check on Friday, and continues to be shorter and lighter than his brother. He is 28lb 10oz (60%), and he was 50-60% in height. Henry is always 95% in both. Sam's personality is blossoming, and he constantly makes us laugh.
3. I am officially 20 weeks pregnant TODAY. Wow, that's gone by fast. :) I still don't feel like I am showing, but fortunately I've been feeling lots of movement for about 2 weeks now, so I know there really is a baby in there.
1. On Thursday, Henry got his cavities filled. Fortunately, he was cooperative and the whole process went really well. However, they had to sedate him to make it all possible, so our sweet three-year old was basically equivalent to drunk. We got videos.
For the record, drugged Henry, a) insists he can walk when he can't, b) affectionately tells me, "Mom, I looooooovvvve you."
2. On Sunday, Sam turned TWO! Although he insists that he is still one. We say, "Sammy, you're TWO." "No! I'm one!" he responds. Sam went for his well check on Friday, and continues to be shorter and lighter than his brother. He is 28lb 10oz (60%), and he was 50-60% in height. Henry is always 95% in both. Sam's personality is blossoming, and he constantly makes us laugh.
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| Such a sweet little stinker. |
3. I am officially 20 weeks pregnant TODAY. Wow, that's gone by fast. :) I still don't feel like I am showing, but fortunately I've been feeling lots of movement for about 2 weeks now, so I know there really is a baby in there.
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| Please ignore the j-u-n-k all over our bedroom. This isn't a great pic, but I wanted to wear the same shirt as last time for reference. |
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
First Day Recap
Apologies for faking you all out with the "not-gender-reveal" yesterday. That was completely unintentional. Well, Sam went to school today, and apart from a total meltdown when I dropped him off, his teacher, Ms. Kelly, said he had a great day!
In other news, I tried to satisfy a chocolate craving last night by making a "Brownie in a Mug." (Thank you, Pinterest, I would never think of these things apart from you.) Don't let the picture fool you - it LOOKS like it was a success, but that brownie did not taste wonderful.
You're welcome. Happy Tuesday.
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| I couldn't get him by himself for a picture this morning. Don't judge me for the crocs that clash with his pants. It's like 85 degrees here today. |
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| We celebrated his successful first day with some Amy's. Yum. |
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| It doesn't look too bad... |
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| The peppermint ice cream was the best part. I didn't get much further into the mug than that. |
Monday, December 2, 2013
here's what's happening in our neck of the woods...
I can't really think of anything interesting off the top of my head, so I thought I'd just give you a general rundown of what life is like with us lately. Bullet-point-style.
- Sam starts his first day of preschool tomorrow! Long story, but after turning down TWO Tues/Thurs openings this fall, we finally bit the bullet, and took the THIRD opening, so Sammy will go to school with Henry tomorrow! I think all three of us are equally excited! (And mommy might be a teeeeeeny bit sad.)
- I won't be finding out the sex of our baby until I am 23.5 weeks pregnant. (I am 19 weeks today.) And yes, the wait is killer. Basically, we switched insurance as of 12/1, but the deductible resets on Jan 1. Sooo, we decided to wait till the new year for that big 20 week appointment! Patience is a virtue, friends.
- I ended up making green bean casserole on Thanksgiving, despite the fact that Matt told me earlier in the week how much he doesn't like it. He said it was good.
- I think I've decided that being about 20 weeks pregnant in the middle of the holiday season is an AWESOME time to be pregnant. SERIOUSLY. Because you are nesting, but you still have energy to do stuff. So, I've been cooking, keeping up with laundry (TIMES 1000 because of a lice scare but that's another story), and cleaning out closets, decorating, etc. like crazy!!! My whole house got dusted the other day, and I'm pretty sure that hasn't happened since my mom was here last. (Evidence: When Henry saw me dusting he goes, "Hey! That's what Honey does!") No shame.
- Matt accidentally dropped our crock pot and broke it about a month ago (while he was cleaning it, dear man), and I'm not sure how I have lived without it, but I think I'm gonna go pick up a new one like tonight.
- Against my better judgment, I am throwing Sam a birthday party. I am a hypocrite because last year I said I was done with them. He turns TWO on Sunday. Can you believe it?
- One of the things I plan to do tomorrow (while both boys are in school) is cut the number of toys we have in our house by at least a third- but maybe in half. Anyone know a good place to donate toys?
- Did I tell y'all the success story of how we finally got our kids to go to sleep at a decent hour without our help? Since I haven't been blogging, I know haven't told you... Well, our kids are now in their rooms and falling asleep by 7:30 every night, and this has been h-e-a-v-e-n-l-y. We now spend this time a) communicating -aka awesome, b) eating a peaceful dinner together, c) working (me, on a Bible study I'm writing, Matt, on work stuff), or d) watching TV together.
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| Sam had to be held the whole time. No way he was cooperating with those people. |
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| Henry was an awesome patient, as usual, but he got his mama's teeth. (Cavity in between the two front teeth? Yes.) |
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Thankful | 2013
Hello all! Happy Thanksgiving! In the spirit of the season, here are a few things I am particularly thankful for this year.
1. Friends. God has taught me this year more than ever what it truly means to be a friend - to not just need people, but to love people, and to bear with people when they don't live up to my expectations, and to let them bear with me when I do the same. So this year, I am thankful for new friends and old friends. Thankful that I have people to show love to and people who show God's love and grace to me.
2. Renewed freedom from all things re: body image and food. You've heard me reference this a couple of times, but having found some freedom in this area has been monumental for me. And I still have room to grow! Without a doubt, living without this extra burden has made this year particularly sweet, and I am thankful.
3. Jesus and his cross. I think it means more to me each year than it did before. This verse particularly has stood out to me lately, "You were ransomed.. not with imperishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot." 1 Peter 1:18-19. I just can't get over it! I love it so much that I wish everyone could/would feel the relief of believing that they are fully accepted by God, not because they have tried hard enough, or been good enough, or felt sorry enough, but because God loved them enough to pay for all their wickedness with the precious blood of his Son Jesus!! That old rugged cross makes everything else in life sweet and meaningful. I want to rest in this every.single.day.
Of course this is not all-inclusive, but these are the specific things that made this year sweet to me.
1. Friends. God has taught me this year more than ever what it truly means to be a friend - to not just need people, but to love people, and to bear with people when they don't live up to my expectations, and to let them bear with me when I do the same. So this year, I am thankful for new friends and old friends. Thankful that I have people to show love to and people who show God's love and grace to me.
2. Renewed freedom from all things re: body image and food. You've heard me reference this a couple of times, but having found some freedom in this area has been monumental for me. And I still have room to grow! Without a doubt, living without this extra burden has made this year particularly sweet, and I am thankful.
3. Jesus and his cross. I think it means more to me each year than it did before. This verse particularly has stood out to me lately, "You were ransomed.. not with imperishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot." 1 Peter 1:18-19. I just can't get over it! I love it so much that I wish everyone could/would feel the relief of believing that they are fully accepted by God, not because they have tried hard enough, or been good enough, or felt sorry enough, but because God loved them enough to pay for all their wickedness with the precious blood of his Son Jesus!! That old rugged cross makes everything else in life sweet and meaningful. I want to rest in this every.single.day.
Of course this is not all-inclusive, but these are the specific things that made this year sweet to me.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
when are you going to start listening to me?
Here's a little peek into our daily life over here.
Leah to Henry: When are you going to start listening to me and doing what I say?
Henry: Umm, maybe when I'm 10.
Leah: No, how 'bout you start doing what mommy says NOW.
Henry: Now? Ummm, I'll listen to you when I'm four.
Leah: I think now would be a better option.
Leah to Henry: When are you going to start listening to me and doing what I say?
Henry: Umm, maybe when I'm 10.
Leah: No, how 'bout you start doing what mommy says NOW.
Henry: Now? Ummm, I'll listen to you when I'm four.
Leah: I think now would be a better option.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Mom, I'm hungry!
My kids might eat more than I do. Okay, I know that's not true, but they are seriously growing at alarming rates, and they are hungry.all.the.time. Henry averages two breakfasts, two lunches, a snack and dinner. Sam doesn't put up quite a show at lunch and dinner, but the kid can down breakfast tacos like an adult male.
All this to say, I often wonder how I will keep them fed when they are teenagers. And what happens if I add another boy to that mix? All I know is that I think my future will include a lot of m-e-a-t. I had to make the decision to stop buying organic eggs because we use seven eggs at breakfast in one sitting.
A month ago, I went winter clothes shopping for Henry because (sad day) the hand-me-downs we get from my sister/nephew are now too small for Henry upon arrival. I bought his new clothes big, not really on purpose but because he was between sizes, and now - one month later- they fit perfectly. I'm telling you he is getting bigger before my eyes.
Speaking of growing up, Sam is going to start preschool in December, which means that I will have Tuesdays all-to-my-self-oh-my-goodness-really? I'm excited though because these days, Sam whimpers when we drop Hen off at school, and I think he will feel like a major big boy getting to go too. The kid wants to do and say everything his brother does. Your wish has been granted, Sammy boy.
Okay, but back to original topic. You may remember that I don't really LOOOOOVE breastfeeding (and that's an understatement). You may remember that I had no choice but to go the full year with Henry, so I quit early with Sam (6 months) while I had the chance. Well, considering my grocery bill these days, I think my goal with #3 will be to go as long as he or she will let me. Woo hoo! (And by "as long as he or she will let me" I do not mean longer than a year because even though I'm weird, I have to draw some lines.)
Okay. I feel like I just had a five-paragraph-long conversation with myself. Goodnight.
All this to say, I often wonder how I will keep them fed when they are teenagers. And what happens if I add another boy to that mix? All I know is that I think my future will include a lot of m-e-a-t. I had to make the decision to stop buying organic eggs because we use seven eggs at breakfast in one sitting.
A month ago, I went winter clothes shopping for Henry because (sad day) the hand-me-downs we get from my sister/nephew are now too small for Henry upon arrival. I bought his new clothes big, not really on purpose but because he was between sizes, and now - one month later- they fit perfectly. I'm telling you he is getting bigger before my eyes.
Speaking of growing up, Sam is going to start preschool in December, which means that I will have Tuesdays all-to-my-self-oh-my-goodness-really? I'm excited though because these days, Sam whimpers when we drop Hen off at school, and I think he will feel like a major big boy getting to go too. The kid wants to do and say everything his brother does. Your wish has been granted, Sammy boy.
Okay, but back to original topic. You may remember that I don't really LOOOOOVE breastfeeding (and that's an understatement). You may remember that I had no choice but to go the full year with Henry, so I quit early with Sam (6 months) while I had the chance. Well, considering my grocery bill these days, I think my goal with #3 will be to go as long as he or she will let me. Woo hoo! (And by "as long as he or she will let me" I do not mean longer than a year because even though I'm weird, I have to draw some lines.)
Okay. I feel like I just had a five-paragraph-long conversation with myself. Goodnight.
Monday, November 18, 2013
things that are appalling to my mother
My mom was in town this past week for a short visit. While she was here, we discovered a few things about my lifestyle that she just "couldn't believe!"
1. I don't buy napkins. Maybe the last two or three times my mom has been here, she has said, "I don't understand why you and Brooke (my sister) don't buy napkins! I always bought napkins." No, we use the mounds of free ones given out by our favorite fast food restaurants - chick fil a, chipotle, dunkin donuts, or we use random ones we have bought for parties or showers thrown, or we use paper towels. Perfectly acceptable.
2. I don't bring an entree to Thanksgiving Dinner at my in-laws' house. "WHAT!?" She exclaimed, "LEAH! You need to bring something!" Okay, okay, I can see her point. I probably should have started contributing back in 2006 when I got married and technically became and adult, but I have made it seven Thanksgivings with literally no cooking whatsoever. My in-laws are quasi-yankees, so they have a quasi-southern Thanksgiving ONLY because my MIL reads Southern Living. So, I did some investigating and found out that they never have green bean casserole, which is a staple in my family, so I will bring that this year. Problem solved.
3. Confession: I am not really a "Thanksgiving Dinner" type of girl. I mean, it's okay, but I think my favorite dish has always been the rolls served with gobs of butter and/or pumpkin pie, not your traditional dressing and cranberry sauce. My mother was appalled.
1. I don't buy napkins. Maybe the last two or three times my mom has been here, she has said, "I don't understand why you and Brooke (my sister) don't buy napkins! I always bought napkins." No, we use the mounds of free ones given out by our favorite fast food restaurants - chick fil a, chipotle, dunkin donuts, or we use random ones we have bought for parties or showers thrown, or we use paper towels. Perfectly acceptable.
2. I don't bring an entree to Thanksgiving Dinner at my in-laws' house. "WHAT!?" She exclaimed, "LEAH! You need to bring something!" Okay, okay, I can see her point. I probably should have started contributing back in 2006 when I got married and technically became and adult, but I have made it seven Thanksgivings with literally no cooking whatsoever. My in-laws are quasi-yankees, so they have a quasi-southern Thanksgiving ONLY because my MIL reads Southern Living. So, I did some investigating and found out that they never have green bean casserole, which is a staple in my family, so I will bring that this year. Problem solved.
3. Confession: I am not really a "Thanksgiving Dinner" type of girl. I mean, it's okay, but I think my favorite dish has always been the rolls served with gobs of butter and/or pumpkin pie, not your traditional dressing and cranberry sauce. My mother was appalled.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
my thoughts on boy vs girl
I just wrote this post on my other blog (you're really cool if you have two blogs). I thought I'd share it with y'all too.
I think most people who believe in God would agree that he is
probably good and that he wants the best for us. The problem we face is
when God doesn’t give us what we think we want, or when he asks us to
do something really uncomfortable… it’s during those times that our
beliefs are cross-examined, and we learn what we have actually been believing about God.
I am due with my third baby in April, and as I approach the 20 week mark, we are getting closer and closer to finding out if it is a boy or a girl. I have two boys, so I haven’t really kept it a secret that I would like to have a girl. Or at least I think I would really like to have a girl. Until today, I went along feeling completely unquestioning my hope for a girl, but for some reason I started thinking today, “Do I really know what I want?”
If I have a girl, then I “get” to re-do our nursery. We can get new stuff, new girl clothes! If I have a girl, then when everyone’s older, she can come get a pedicure with me while the boys go hunting or something like that. If I have a girl, it will be waaaaaay more fun for the other people involved because, let’s be honest, it’s not fun for other people when someone has three of the same gender. But are these thoughts really true? No, this is my ego talking.
My ego tells me that if I can have a gray and pink nursery with new, trendy bedding that I will be happy. My ego tells me that people will be really excited for me if I have a girl but that they won’t give a rip if it’s a boy. My ego tells me that my future daughter-in-laws will probably think I am weird, so I should just ensure there’s someone who always loves me by having a daughter. My ego thinks it knows everything, but the reality is that it only tells partial-truths. It doesn’t really know. It can’t know the future, it can’t know how things will actually be.
So if I find out next month that it’s a boy, I may still feel some disappointment, but l refuse to believe the lie that God is somehow holding out on me. The Enemy uses his deception alongside our egos to convince us that we know what would be best, and when our egos don’t get what they think they want, the Enemy then tries to convince us that God is a fun-hater, that God doesn’t care for us or love us. Not true.
The other way I see these lies surfacing about God is when I see his word asking me to do something that makes me super uncomfortable… which, if you’ve read the Bible lately, is relatively often. A great example is sharing the gospel with my neighbors. And not just sharing the gospel with my neighbors, but intentionally seeking out those who don’t know him in order to tell them about Jesus. Or maybe another example is giving generously to those in need or to those who have given up their own wealth to take the gospel to people who haven’t heard it. These things can be uncomfortable. Heck, it can even be uncomfortable just to be temperate with food and drink, for crying out loud.
During these times when our ego thinks it would be better to stay comfortable, the enemy comes along to make us believe that God really hates fun. The enemy turns obedience into a drudgery and we really begin to believe that God somehow wants us to be miserable. Do I really have to stop gossiping? Do I really need to love my enemies? Do I really need to stay sober? Gosh, that’s no fun.
These are lies. God is not a big fun-hater in the sky. He doesn’t ask us to do things because he needs us, or to make us prove our loyalty or because he wants us unhappy. On the contrary!! John 17 says that he wants us to share in the glory and love that He has had with himself since before the world began. He wants us to trade in the phony, unlasting pleasure we think we want so that we can take part in ETERNAL pleasure. This is why he gives and takes away, this is why he gives boys instead of girls, or why he is asking you to turn from your sin- so you can have real pleasure, real fun.
The enemy lies and tells you that God is holding out on you, but he cannot. He gave you His very own Son. He loves you.
I am due with my third baby in April, and as I approach the 20 week mark, we are getting closer and closer to finding out if it is a boy or a girl. I have two boys, so I haven’t really kept it a secret that I would like to have a girl. Or at least I think I would really like to have a girl. Until today, I went along feeling completely unquestioning my hope for a girl, but for some reason I started thinking today, “Do I really know what I want?”
If I have a girl, then I “get” to re-do our nursery. We can get new stuff, new girl clothes! If I have a girl, then when everyone’s older, she can come get a pedicure with me while the boys go hunting or something like that. If I have a girl, it will be waaaaaay more fun for the other people involved because, let’s be honest, it’s not fun for other people when someone has three of the same gender. But are these thoughts really true? No, this is my ego talking.
My ego tells me that if I can have a gray and pink nursery with new, trendy bedding that I will be happy. My ego tells me that people will be really excited for me if I have a girl but that they won’t give a rip if it’s a boy. My ego tells me that my future daughter-in-laws will probably think I am weird, so I should just ensure there’s someone who always loves me by having a daughter. My ego thinks it knows everything, but the reality is that it only tells partial-truths. It doesn’t really know. It can’t know the future, it can’t know how things will actually be.
So if I find out next month that it’s a boy, I may still feel some disappointment, but l refuse to believe the lie that God is somehow holding out on me. The Enemy uses his deception alongside our egos to convince us that we know what would be best, and when our egos don’t get what they think they want, the Enemy then tries to convince us that God is a fun-hater, that God doesn’t care for us or love us. Not true.
The other way I see these lies surfacing about God is when I see his word asking me to do something that makes me super uncomfortable… which, if you’ve read the Bible lately, is relatively often. A great example is sharing the gospel with my neighbors. And not just sharing the gospel with my neighbors, but intentionally seeking out those who don’t know him in order to tell them about Jesus. Or maybe another example is giving generously to those in need or to those who have given up their own wealth to take the gospel to people who haven’t heard it. These things can be uncomfortable. Heck, it can even be uncomfortable just to be temperate with food and drink, for crying out loud.
During these times when our ego thinks it would be better to stay comfortable, the enemy comes along to make us believe that God really hates fun. The enemy turns obedience into a drudgery and we really begin to believe that God somehow wants us to be miserable. Do I really have to stop gossiping? Do I really need to love my enemies? Do I really need to stay sober? Gosh, that’s no fun.
These are lies. God is not a big fun-hater in the sky. He doesn’t ask us to do things because he needs us, or to make us prove our loyalty or because he wants us unhappy. On the contrary!! John 17 says that he wants us to share in the glory and love that He has had with himself since before the world began. He wants us to trade in the phony, unlasting pleasure we think we want so that we can take part in ETERNAL pleasure. This is why he gives and takes away, this is why he gives boys instead of girls, or why he is asking you to turn from your sin- so you can have real pleasure, real fun.
The enemy lies and tells you that God is holding out on you, but he cannot. He gave you His very own Son. He loves you.
Monday, November 11, 2013
16 weeks
Only pregnant people are allowed to take pictures of themselves in the mirror and post them online.
In other news, the ultrasound tech told me at the last appointment that I have a "retro-verted" uterus, which may possibly explain why it takes me 20 weeks to really start showing. (Although I hope you will agree that that's a significant bump.)
In other news, the ultrasound tech told me at the last appointment that I have a "retro-verted" uterus, which may possibly explain why it takes me 20 weeks to really start showing. (Although I hope you will agree that that's a significant bump.)
Friday, November 8, 2013
two days in a row!?
Wow. I'm back. Again. And it's still November, not February. Go me.
Speaking of November, I have a total of literally FOUR Thanksgiving decorations. And every single one is courtesy of my mother in law. Thanks, Kathy.
Wait - I take it back. We have five Thanksgiving decorations. The last one is courtesy of Henry who painted a turkey napkin holder last year at one of Home Depot's kids workshops on a Saturday. So thank you, too, Henry.
Speaking of Henry (again), he is really into numbers, counting, etc. The other night after I tucked him in bed he asked me, "Mom, how many months until Sam turns 41?" "Umm, I don't know sweetie... a lot. But he will turn two in ONE month." He is also very into how much "percent battery" my phone has at any given time. Right now it has 33% by the way.
Changing the subject, you may remember that we moved a little over a year ago (which was quite possibly only five blog posts ago), and in my neighborhood there are four girls who are my general age, who also go to my church! Awesome right? Well, God in his great plan decided that all of us should be pregnant and due in the same school year. And SO FAR each of their babies' genders (not mine) has been confirmed "BOY."
All that to say if the trend continues, I might be joining the "mom-with-three-boys" club aka the "bless-you-dear-woman" club. I am preparing myself. I will say they guessed a gender at the 12 week sono, but the lady was less-than-confident so I am still saying it was just a guess. :)
Speaking of pregnancy, as usual, no stranger would be able to tell I am pregnant yet, but when I was about 10 weeks along (I think), Henry said, "Mom, is your tummy getting bigger?" My response was, "Yes, do you know why?" At which point he said, "Cause you've been eating a lot of food?"
Umm, that too.
And along those lines, this year has been one of the best years for me when it comes to that whole food and weight thing... not that I've been super-thin, but I have been free. I'd love to share more about that in the future, but suffice it to say, you probably won't be getting many dramatic stories in respect to my weigh-ins at the doctors office. Sorry, not sorry. ;)
The end till next time.
Oh wait. Since I am TRYING to get back on the blog bandwagon, do any of you guys have blogs you recommend? I would like to revamp my reading list, and I would say about 50% of the blogs I used to read have gone inactive (like mine also did). Please feel free to pass along your favorites!!
Speaking of November, I have a total of literally FOUR Thanksgiving decorations. And every single one is courtesy of my mother in law. Thanks, Kathy.
Wait - I take it back. We have five Thanksgiving decorations. The last one is courtesy of Henry who painted a turkey napkin holder last year at one of Home Depot's kids workshops on a Saturday. So thank you, too, Henry.
Speaking of Henry (again), he is really into numbers, counting, etc. The other night after I tucked him in bed he asked me, "Mom, how many months until Sam turns 41?" "Umm, I don't know sweetie... a lot. But he will turn two in ONE month." He is also very into how much "percent battery" my phone has at any given time. Right now it has 33% by the way.
Changing the subject, you may remember that we moved a little over a year ago (which was quite possibly only five blog posts ago), and in my neighborhood there are four girls who are my general age, who also go to my church! Awesome right? Well, God in his great plan decided that all of us should be pregnant and due in the same school year. And SO FAR each of their babies' genders (not mine) has been confirmed "BOY."
All that to say if the trend continues, I might be joining the "mom-with-three-boys" club aka the "bless-you-dear-woman" club. I am preparing myself. I will say they guessed a gender at the 12 week sono, but the lady was less-than-confident so I am still saying it was just a guess. :)
Speaking of pregnancy, as usual, no stranger would be able to tell I am pregnant yet, but when I was about 10 weeks along (I think), Henry said, "Mom, is your tummy getting bigger?" My response was, "Yes, do you know why?" At which point he said, "Cause you've been eating a lot of food?"
Umm, that too.
And along those lines, this year has been one of the best years for me when it comes to that whole food and weight thing... not that I've been super-thin, but I have been free. I'd love to share more about that in the future, but suffice it to say, you probably won't be getting many dramatic stories in respect to my weigh-ins at the doctors office. Sorry, not sorry. ;)
The end till next time.
Oh wait. Since I am TRYING to get back on the blog bandwagon, do any of you guys have blogs you recommend? I would like to revamp my reading list, and I would say about 50% of the blogs I used to read have gone inactive (like mine also did). Please feel free to pass along your favorites!!
Thursday, November 7, 2013
my crazy boys and other news
Hola long lost blog friends. What's up? I should probably be giving a really awesome reason for why I haven't posted in 10 years, but I don't have one so there goes that...
As usual when it's been awhile, I pretty much just want to write a mini-update about all the funny things my kids are doing and saying so that I have something to look back at in the future. Henry is quite the talker, and Sam pretty much repeats everything Henry says, so we are always feeling entertained - especially at the dinner table.
One of Henry's latest phrases is "No fair!" (Love that one as a parent, right?) Anyway, the first time he said it, it was completely in context and I'm pretty sure he got sent to timeout. Pretty much 99.9% of the time after that he has used it in the completely wrong context, at which point we realized that he doesn't really get what it means but just picked it up while watching Frosty the Snowman. (Still a favorite.) I wish I could think of an out of context "no fair" example now, but I can't.
Of course since Sam repeats almost everything Henry says, he says, "oh fah" (no fair) pretty often himself. Oddly enough, Sam almost always uses it in the correct context. (i.e. Sam, you are going to take a nap in 15 minutes. "oh fah!")
This morning, Henry asked Matt a question, but Matt was across the house in another room. Henry didn't realize this and said, "MOM! Dad is not responding to me!" Definitely the first time I have heard the word "responding" come out of his mouth, but I think it's safe to say Henry will adopt a Gibson vocabulary, which is good bc my SAT verbal score was kind of crummy and Matt's dad still uses words I don't understand.
The latest news with Sam is that he was like the best sleeper ever till about two month ago. We are talking three hour naps every single day, no problems at night... and then one day, he decided not to nap, and now my guess is that he naps 40-50% of the time. He still spends a decent amount of time in his crib, which is like a Pavlovian trigger for him to poop. I kid you not, the kid can poop 5 minutes before I put him in is crib, and he will still poop again when he is supposed to be napping. So Sammy turns 2 on December 8th and has a very "iffy' nap routine. (Even though I leave him in there for 2 hours daily, religiously, regardless.) And Henry dropped his nap when he was 2.5.
NOW, tell me, if you were me and you heard a rumor that four-year-olds in your son's preschool class were still napping consistently everyday, would you be a little jealous? Yes you would, don't lie!
Besides that, Sam's favorite word is "Mow" which is actually "No." Funniest story about that is Matt didn't know Sam was saying, "No," and he said to me, "Have you heard this word that Sam is saying ALL THE TIME now? I can't understand what it is, but it sounds like 'mow.'" Umm yes babe, it's "no" and he's disagreeing with everything you tell him to do.
Well this has gotten long, so I better quit, lest I lose the three of you who are still hanging on... Oh and when I re-read that first paragraph I realized that I wasn't totally truthful... there is at least a small excuse for not blogging in awhile (and well I wasn't really going to tell you, except for wanting to be honest)... and that is that I am 15 weeks into my 3rd pregnancy, and due at the end of April. Woo hoo!
So there you go! Perhaps if I update more often, I won't need to write books each time.
As usual when it's been awhile, I pretty much just want to write a mini-update about all the funny things my kids are doing and saying so that I have something to look back at in the future. Henry is quite the talker, and Sam pretty much repeats everything Henry says, so we are always feeling entertained - especially at the dinner table.
One of Henry's latest phrases is "No fair!" (Love that one as a parent, right?) Anyway, the first time he said it, it was completely in context and I'm pretty sure he got sent to timeout. Pretty much 99.9% of the time after that he has used it in the completely wrong context, at which point we realized that he doesn't really get what it means but just picked it up while watching Frosty the Snowman. (Still a favorite.) I wish I could think of an out of context "no fair" example now, but I can't.
Of course since Sam repeats almost everything Henry says, he says, "oh fah" (no fair) pretty often himself. Oddly enough, Sam almost always uses it in the correct context. (i.e. Sam, you are going to take a nap in 15 minutes. "oh fah!")
This morning, Henry asked Matt a question, but Matt was across the house in another room. Henry didn't realize this and said, "MOM! Dad is not responding to me!" Definitely the first time I have heard the word "responding" come out of his mouth, but I think it's safe to say Henry will adopt a Gibson vocabulary, which is good bc my SAT verbal score was kind of crummy and Matt's dad still uses words I don't understand.
The latest news with Sam is that he was like the best sleeper ever till about two month ago. We are talking three hour naps every single day, no problems at night... and then one day, he decided not to nap, and now my guess is that he naps 40-50% of the time. He still spends a decent amount of time in his crib, which is like a Pavlovian trigger for him to poop. I kid you not, the kid can poop 5 minutes before I put him in is crib, and he will still poop again when he is supposed to be napping. So Sammy turns 2 on December 8th and has a very "iffy' nap routine. (Even though I leave him in there for 2 hours daily, religiously, regardless.) And Henry dropped his nap when he was 2.5.
NOW, tell me, if you were me and you heard a rumor that four-year-olds in your son's preschool class were still napping consistently everyday, would you be a little jealous? Yes you would, don't lie!
Besides that, Sam's favorite word is "Mow" which is actually "No." Funniest story about that is Matt didn't know Sam was saying, "No," and he said to me, "Have you heard this word that Sam is saying ALL THE TIME now? I can't understand what it is, but it sounds like 'mow.'" Umm yes babe, it's "no" and he's disagreeing with everything you tell him to do.
Well this has gotten long, so I better quit, lest I lose the three of you who are still hanging on... Oh and when I re-read that first paragraph I realized that I wasn't totally truthful... there is at least a small excuse for not blogging in awhile (and well I wasn't really going to tell you, except for wanting to be honest)... and that is that I am 15 weeks into my 3rd pregnancy, and due at the end of April. Woo hoo!
So there you go! Perhaps if I update more often, I won't need to write books each time.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
11,12,13 out of 30
Hola!
So, this summer I completed three things on my 30 before 30 list, which leaves me with 17 items to go before June 18th of next year, and I can already tell you for certain that I won't be doing 50 consecutive push ups (what was I smoking?), I probably won't be going to Disney World, and some of the other items are up in the air too... I need to change my list.
In the meantime... this Summer, I
So, this summer I completed three things on my 30 before 30 list, which leaves me with 17 items to go before June 18th of next year, and I can already tell you for certain that I won't be doing 50 consecutive push ups (what was I smoking?), I probably won't be going to Disney World, and some of the other items are up in the air too... I need to change my list.
In the meantime... this Summer, I
- took a kid-free vacation- Pictures below.
- completed the year long Austin Stone Institute's Women's Development program (concluded with a trip to London)
- and learned about a different culture (actually religion and cultures- with an S). If you are wondering, I learned a great deal about Islam and middle-eastern cultures, but of course am by no means an expert. I also read three and a half(ish) books about the FRENCH people... how they parent, how they eat, etc. So, while I am not going to be teaching "World Cultures" anytime soon, I definitely know a lot more than I did.
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| Me and my Women's Development gals on our day off in London... about a month before royal baby. No royalty sightings for us... |
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| Kid Free Vaca in Mexico... nothing like spending the 4th of July in Mexico, watching a Mexican band sing "Sweet Home Alabama." |
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| #nofilter in this one Mexico! |
Friday, July 26, 2013
samgib and hengib
Greetings!!
Sammy boy is going to be 20 months old in a matter of weeks, and I just realized recently that I NEVER post updates about him anymore. Or about Henry. Or really about anyone. Actually I don't really post anymore at all, do I?
So I am here. And Sam, if you grow up embittered that I never recorded the day you chipped your first tooth on my blog, I want you to know that I've spent a decent amount of "could-have-been-blogging" time doing really important things like making your father watch The Bachelorette with me. Note: You still haven't chipped your first tooth.
Yes, so, SamGib. I like to call him "SamGib." My mother in law came up with the nickname, and it's kinda stuck with me. We also often call Henry, "HenGib."
Sam is a walking, talking, running, jumping, tantrum-ing machine, and I L-O-V-E this phase he's in right now. He's often sporting a mischievous grin, which means a) he knows we think he's really cute or b) he himself thinks he's pretty cute.
Three things that stand out to me about the Sammers right now.
1. He is super independent. This kiddo wants to do things ALL.BY.HIMSELF. He wants to brush his teeth by himself, eat all food by himself, come down the stairs like a big boy all by himself (which we obviously don't allow), put sunscreen on all by himself, wash his hands all by himself, etc. So needless to say, life with Sam is... messy.
2. His vocabulary is growing everyday. A lot of times he just talks gibberish (it truly sounds like a real other language though), and I am convinced it's just because he wants to be a part of the conversation. When he is not talking gibberish, he is talking in English, which is fun because I speak that language. Some of my favorite words and phrases of his are:
- "All aboard" Which sounds like "OW BOOOOOW"
- "He shoots. He scores." Which sounds like "SHHHHHHTS COOOOOWS" (This is a phrase that Henry also used at that age, but Hen said it totally differently, which I think is funny/cool/neat.)
- "More" which sounds like "Moooooooooooooooow"
- "Pool" aka Poo. He loves the pool.
3. He loves swimming, jumping, and basketball. Truly. These three combined make for a dangerous combo, since I am sure if I was not around, he would chase a basketball into the pool, or jump into the pool to get a basketball. (Both pools we go to have basketball goals/balls to play with in the water.) He likes to jump in the pool, on the bed, and on dry ground. He likes to play basketball in the pool, in his crib, and on dry ground. Because he is so comfortable in the water, I should probably put him in swim lessons, but I am behind the curve on swimming. With both children. HenGib is rather timid, though. We tried lessons this summer, but that was a no go. He finally put his face under this week! Go Henry!
Speaking of Henry, he has a new obsession (besides trains), and that is running. He constantly (CONSTANTLY) wants me, Matt, Sam, or any other guest in our house, to race with him. Since I prefer to be sedentary at home, I recently sent Henry and Sam to the track with Matt to run some energy out. He thought that was super fun. I hoped this would wear him out, but when he got home, he only wanted to race more.
Here's to a completed blog post!
Sammy boy is going to be 20 months old in a matter of weeks, and I just realized recently that I NEVER post updates about him anymore. Or about Henry. Or really about anyone. Actually I don't really post anymore at all, do I?
So I am here. And Sam, if you grow up embittered that I never recorded the day you chipped your first tooth on my blog, I want you to know that I've spent a decent amount of "could-have-been-blogging" time doing really important things like making your father watch The Bachelorette with me. Note: You still haven't chipped your first tooth.
Yes, so, SamGib. I like to call him "SamGib." My mother in law came up with the nickname, and it's kinda stuck with me. We also often call Henry, "HenGib."
Sam is a walking, talking, running, jumping, tantrum-ing machine, and I L-O-V-E this phase he's in right now. He's often sporting a mischievous grin, which means a) he knows we think he's really cute or b) he himself thinks he's pretty cute.
Three things that stand out to me about the Sammers right now.
1. He is super independent. This kiddo wants to do things ALL.BY.HIMSELF. He wants to brush his teeth by himself, eat all food by himself, come down the stairs like a big boy all by himself (which we obviously don't allow), put sunscreen on all by himself, wash his hands all by himself, etc. So needless to say, life with Sam is... messy.
2. His vocabulary is growing everyday. A lot of times he just talks gibberish (it truly sounds like a real other language though), and I am convinced it's just because he wants to be a part of the conversation. When he is not talking gibberish, he is talking in English, which is fun because I speak that language. Some of my favorite words and phrases of his are:
- "All aboard" Which sounds like "OW BOOOOOW"
- "He shoots. He scores." Which sounds like "SHHHHHHTS COOOOOWS" (This is a phrase that Henry also used at that age, but Hen said it totally differently, which I think is funny/cool/neat.)
- "More" which sounds like "Moooooooooooooooow"
- "Pool" aka Poo. He loves the pool.
3. He loves swimming, jumping, and basketball. Truly. These three combined make for a dangerous combo, since I am sure if I was not around, he would chase a basketball into the pool, or jump into the pool to get a basketball. (Both pools we go to have basketball goals/balls to play with in the water.) He likes to jump in the pool, on the bed, and on dry ground. He likes to play basketball in the pool, in his crib, and on dry ground. Because he is so comfortable in the water, I should probably put him in swim lessons, but I am behind the curve on swimming. With both children. HenGib is rather timid, though. We tried lessons this summer, but that was a no go. He finally put his face under this week! Go Henry!
Speaking of Henry, he has a new obsession (besides trains), and that is running. He constantly (CONSTANTLY) wants me, Matt, Sam, or any other guest in our house, to race with him. Since I prefer to be sedentary at home, I recently sent Henry and Sam to the track with Matt to run some energy out. He thought that was super fun. I hoped this would wear him out, but when he got home, he only wanted to race more.
Here's to a completed blog post!
Monday, July 1, 2013
mom fail
Henry and Sam LOVE trains. We often ride the train (of shame) at the Domain or Lakeline Mall for like $10, and they get a major kick out of it. But Matt recently pointed out to me that if I take the closest metro rail train from my house to Downtown, it's actually cheaper than riding the train at the mall for 10 minutes.
Sooo. Today, we decided to take the metro downtown and back - just for a fun, and different, and cooler way to spend the summer morning. Except instead of starting at the station closest to my house, I drove further north to Cedar Park to make the train ride last a little longer.
So we take the ride all the way downtown, stay on the train to come back, and then about five minutes into our return train ride, I discover that the train is actually stopping one stop short of where my car is parked. (Which is like five miles further north.) Also known as - I'm brilliant.
Fortunately, Matt was able to drive to my car, trade out cars, and come pick us up at the station we got dumped at. Haha. So it wasn't a total fail, but definitely poor planning on my part.
The other thing I learned from this train ride was that I have NO plans to go on an airplane by myself with both kids ANYTIME soon. And if you're wondering why, the answer = Sam.
It's been awhile!! I have lots of 30 before 30s and other stuff to hopefully post about "soon," whatever that means.
Sooo. Today, we decided to take the metro downtown and back - just for a fun, and different, and cooler way to spend the summer morning. Except instead of starting at the station closest to my house, I drove further north to Cedar Park to make the train ride last a little longer.
So we take the ride all the way downtown, stay on the train to come back, and then about five minutes into our return train ride, I discover that the train is actually stopping one stop short of where my car is parked. (Which is like five miles further north.) Also known as - I'm brilliant.
Fortunately, Matt was able to drive to my car, trade out cars, and come pick us up at the station we got dumped at. Haha. So it wasn't a total fail, but definitely poor planning on my part.
The other thing I learned from this train ride was that I have NO plans to go on an airplane by myself with both kids ANYTIME soon. And if you're wondering why, the answer = Sam.
It's been awhile!! I have lots of 30 before 30s and other stuff to hopefully post about "soon," whatever that means.
Friday, May 17, 2013
10 out of 30!!!!
SOOOOO, I just got back from the Dentist. An appointment I've been postponing since I broke my filling back in December. (Remember this post??)
I had X-Rays, AND...
NO NEW CAVITIES!!! Never mind that I have two broken fillings, but the fact that there is not any new decay trying to take over my mouth has me feeling on top of the world today. Maybe I will celebrate with Dr. Pepper and Sour Patch Kids, jkjk.
So I have officially completed 10 out of my 30 (with 13 months to go). Here is my original list.
Here's 8 & 9.
#7
#6
#5
#4
#3
#2
#1
I had X-Rays, AND...
NO NEW CAVITIES!!! Never mind that I have two broken fillings, but the fact that there is not any new decay trying to take over my mouth has me feeling on top of the world today. Maybe I will celebrate with Dr. Pepper and Sour Patch Kids, jkjk.
So I have officially completed 10 out of my 30 (with 13 months to go). Here is my original list.
Here's 8 & 9.
#7
#6
#5
#4
#3
#2
#1
Monday, May 6, 2013
how to potty train your kid - leah style
Henry is officially potty trained... I know we aren't early on this milestone by any stretch. (He turned 3 at the end of February.) However, since we've been in undies full time, we have only had one accident, and I have full confidence he will tell me when he needs to go... so very low stress.
So here's what I did.
First, nothing. For a really long time I did nothing. Henry showed all the "signs" of being ready around age 2, but I was super lazy. So I did nothing.
Then around Thanksgiving or Christmas, I thought we should try it. So being the genius that I am, I embarked on a three-day method... while Matt was out of town??? Obviously that was more work than I was willing to put forth (lazy), plus Henry started intentionally "holding it" (which resulted in way more stress for all), so I gave up.
Sometime after that I switched fully to pull ups, as he was huge, and traditional diaper changes were awkward.
Around spring break, thanks mostly to preschool, he started going pee pee in the potty almost exclusively, unless he was playing. If he was playing, he'd go in his pull up, remove his own pull up, and put on his own new pull up. At that point, I'm thinking, "Any kid who changes his own diaper can surely go pee pee in the potty."
So basically I just got sick of buying diapers (lazy and cheap), and I bought him really cool Cars, Thomas, and Toy Story undies. Put those babies on him, he had one accident, and has been going #1 and #2 in the potty for about a week.
Honestly though, I really didn't do anything. I was just lazy, and it happened! So moral of the story, be lazy, do nothing, and maybe your kid will figure it out?
So here's what I did.
First, nothing. For a really long time I did nothing. Henry showed all the "signs" of being ready around age 2, but I was super lazy. So I did nothing.
Then around Thanksgiving or Christmas, I thought we should try it. So being the genius that I am, I embarked on a three-day method... while Matt was out of town??? Obviously that was more work than I was willing to put forth (lazy), plus Henry started intentionally "holding it" (which resulted in way more stress for all), so I gave up.
Sometime after that I switched fully to pull ups, as he was huge, and traditional diaper changes were awkward.
Around spring break, thanks mostly to preschool, he started going pee pee in the potty almost exclusively, unless he was playing. If he was playing, he'd go in his pull up, remove his own pull up, and put on his own new pull up. At that point, I'm thinking, "Any kid who changes his own diaper can surely go pee pee in the potty."
So basically I just got sick of buying diapers (lazy and cheap), and I bought him really cool Cars, Thomas, and Toy Story undies. Put those babies on him, he had one accident, and has been going #1 and #2 in the potty for about a week.
Honestly though, I really didn't do anything. I was just lazy, and it happened! So moral of the story, be lazy, do nothing, and maybe your kid will figure it out?
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
whiny mom
This is how all of you felt about me after my last post when I confessed to actually liking running... at least for now.
Anyway... I've had a little bit of an attitude lately. Over the weekend Matt and I decided to take the kids down to Town Lake for a run. Somehow, while I have gotten around to liking running by myself, I still feel exuberant amounts of anxiety before I go running with Matt, dontaskmewhyidontknow.
(P.S. People who have lived in Austin long enough should be able to refer to it as Town Lake and not Lady Bird lake, not that I have anything against her.)
So, note to the world, we have too many people living in our awesome city, and all the parking spots were taken. After about 20 minutes of driving to find a parking spot, I finally just blurted out, "This is ridiculous. We should just go to P.Terry's and get milkshakes and burgers." (Note, this was not my first complaint, more like my "finale" complaint.) At which point Matt threw up his hands and said, "Pshh. Let's just go home." At which point I reminded him that Henry was really looking forward to going running on TL, and he'd have a really fussy three-year-old on his hands if we didn't go. At which point he said, "Better a fussy three-year-old than a fussy wife."
Bada-bing!
He was right, so I decided to shut my mouth when he parked miles away from our starting point on a residential street. It ended up being a great run. Glad I didn't ruin it with my whining.
But on that note, I will say... Henry was sick all last week, and it seems to us like he just never caught up on his sleep or something because he has been whingingalldaylongnonstoplikethiskindof. #likemotherlikeson
I love him. I am surviving.
Anyway... I've had a little bit of an attitude lately. Over the weekend Matt and I decided to take the kids down to Town Lake for a run. Somehow, while I have gotten around to liking running by myself, I still feel exuberant amounts of anxiety before I go running with Matt, dontaskmewhyidontknow.
(P.S. People who have lived in Austin long enough should be able to refer to it as Town Lake and not Lady Bird lake, not that I have anything against her.)
So, note to the world, we have too many people living in our awesome city, and all the parking spots were taken. After about 20 minutes of driving to find a parking spot, I finally just blurted out, "This is ridiculous. We should just go to P.Terry's and get milkshakes and burgers." (Note, this was not my first complaint, more like my "finale" complaint.) At which point Matt threw up his hands and said, "Pshh. Let's just go home." At which point I reminded him that Henry was really looking forward to going running on TL, and he'd have a really fussy three-year-old on his hands if we didn't go. At which point he said, "Better a fussy three-year-old than a fussy wife."
Bada-bing!
He was right, so I decided to shut my mouth when he parked miles away from our starting point on a residential street. It ended up being a great run. Glad I didn't ruin it with my whining.
But on that note, I will say... Henry was sick all last week, and it seems to us like he just never caught up on his sleep or something because he has been whingingalldaylongnonstoplikethiskindof. #likemotherlikeson
I love him. I am surviving.
Monday, April 8, 2013
running is fun?
Matt loves to run. I have often found this super annoying in our relationship because well, frankly, I always felt like I "should" run, and to be honest, I have wished I loved it and I have often resented how much he likes it.
Well, I don't resent that he likes it, but I have resented the fact that when it comes to his decision to go running, there is no effort needed, no willpower, and no surge of negative emotions to overcome in order to do it.
So when we do run together, Matt says to me, "We run because it's fun." (Super annoying when I am huffing and puffing.) And usually I respond by kicking him.
I can think of several reason why I have negative emotions related to running.
- The first time I remember being required to run in the traditional sense (i.e. not chasing a ball), it was a timed mile in elementary school... not that there's anything wrong with this, but since I wasn't particularly fast, my achiever (A+) ego was probably hurt a little bit.
- My next experiences with running were ALWAYS for punishment and or were dreaded in general. This was in junior high. I remember dreading our athletics period all day long if I knew we were going to have to run that day.
- Ditto for high school. Running was a punishment. Horses at the end of basketball practice if you miss your free throws, or some sort of track drill for the whole entire girls athletics block for bad behavior on the part of one or two people.
So, it's no wonder I didn't actually enjoy running until I did it voluntarily. I remember the feeling of achievement and that first runner's high feeling I got when I was 18 (ten years ago) and I ran 6 miles for the first time. It really was addicting.
But what started as something fun to accomplish ("a want to"), quickly turned to a "should" and a "have to." Why? Because I started to associate running with weight management, and that my friends, is just sad.
Over the past three months I have been on a little journey with respect to food and my body image. I've been determined to free myself from the perils of dieting and a negative body image, mainly because I see what a hindrance it has been for me with respect to actually having a life.
Anyway, part of this journey has included ditching the scale and ditching the self-monitoring of calories, fat grams, carbs, etc, and ditching any "dieting" beliefs, thoughts, practices in general. The other part of this journey has been changing the way I think about exercise.
Since exercise really isn't effective for weight loss, I have stopped trying to use "weight loss" as a reason to do it. Funny, I actually enjoy moving my body WAY more now than I did three months ago when exercise was required to feel good about myself.
Which gets me back to the point of this little post, and that is... I have realized what Matt has been talking about all these years. Running is the reward. Running is actually very enjoyable, and it makes you feel like a million bucks (not only after you're finished, but during the run).
It's sad that I spent so many years dreading something that is actually enjoyable in and of itself. This is what happens, I suppose, when our activities just become the means to an end. We forsake the present happiness for the future. And, personally, I think that's lame.
On another completely unrelated note, Sam is 16 months old today!! I will post some pics and an update sometime soon. :)
Well, I don't resent that he likes it, but I have resented the fact that when it comes to his decision to go running, there is no effort needed, no willpower, and no surge of negative emotions to overcome in order to do it.
So when we do run together, Matt says to me, "We run because it's fun." (Super annoying when I am huffing and puffing.) And usually I respond by kicking him.
I can think of several reason why I have negative emotions related to running.
- The first time I remember being required to run in the traditional sense (i.e. not chasing a ball), it was a timed mile in elementary school... not that there's anything wrong with this, but since I wasn't particularly fast, my achiever (A+) ego was probably hurt a little bit.
- My next experiences with running were ALWAYS for punishment and or were dreaded in general. This was in junior high. I remember dreading our athletics period all day long if I knew we were going to have to run that day.
- Ditto for high school. Running was a punishment. Horses at the end of basketball practice if you miss your free throws, or some sort of track drill for the whole entire girls athletics block for bad behavior on the part of one or two people.
So, it's no wonder I didn't actually enjoy running until I did it voluntarily. I remember the feeling of achievement and that first runner's high feeling I got when I was 18 (ten years ago) and I ran 6 miles for the first time. It really was addicting.
But what started as something fun to accomplish ("a want to"), quickly turned to a "should" and a "have to." Why? Because I started to associate running with weight management, and that my friends, is just sad.
Over the past three months I have been on a little journey with respect to food and my body image. I've been determined to free myself from the perils of dieting and a negative body image, mainly because I see what a hindrance it has been for me with respect to actually having a life.
Anyway, part of this journey has included ditching the scale and ditching the self-monitoring of calories, fat grams, carbs, etc, and ditching any "dieting" beliefs, thoughts, practices in general. The other part of this journey has been changing the way I think about exercise.
Since exercise really isn't effective for weight loss, I have stopped trying to use "weight loss" as a reason to do it. Funny, I actually enjoy moving my body WAY more now than I did three months ago when exercise was required to feel good about myself.
Which gets me back to the point of this little post, and that is... I have realized what Matt has been talking about all these years. Running is the reward. Running is actually very enjoyable, and it makes you feel like a million bucks (not only after you're finished, but during the run).
It's sad that I spent so many years dreading something that is actually enjoyable in and of itself. This is what happens, I suppose, when our activities just become the means to an end. We forsake the present happiness for the future. And, personally, I think that's lame.
On another completely unrelated note, Sam is 16 months old today!! I will post some pics and an update sometime soon. :)
Friday, April 5, 2013
Dear Facebook.
Dear Facebook.
I am battling what they call "baby fever."
You are no help in that department.
Thanks a lot.
I am battling what they call "baby fever."
You are no help in that department.
Thanks a lot.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
yo.
It's Thursday. It's April.
I am getting to that point I used to get to when I was in school, where I am just ready for a break! A year ago, Henry wasn't in school and we had two weekly activities. Really only two. Now, we have something going on every single morning. We are up and out by 9:30 AM every day except Friday.
Until about a week ago, this hadn't really bothered me, and then all of the sudden I was like, "We've been doing this since September!"
I have to remind myself that the minute I have a chance to sit in my pajamas till noon and not do anything, that I will wish I had some activity planned, and generally speaking, these activities are good for my mental health (and therefore the whole family's). Ha!
Let's just say I will welcome the break with open arms when these activities start to end.
Summer 2013. It's going to be epic.
That was a joke. (The "epic" part.)
Happy Thursday!
P.S. Matt took my kids to get haircuts yesterday while I was at my Women's Development Program at church! (Scary for both him and me.) It's like 10 X shorter and they look so different. When I stop being lazy, I'll post a picture.
I am getting to that point I used to get to when I was in school, where I am just ready for a break! A year ago, Henry wasn't in school and we had two weekly activities. Really only two. Now, we have something going on every single morning. We are up and out by 9:30 AM every day except Friday.
Until about a week ago, this hadn't really bothered me, and then all of the sudden I was like, "We've been doing this since September!"
I have to remind myself that the minute I have a chance to sit in my pajamas till noon and not do anything, that I will wish I had some activity planned, and generally speaking, these activities are good for my mental health (and therefore the whole family's). Ha!
Let's just say I will welcome the break with open arms when these activities start to end.
Summer 2013. It's going to be epic.
That was a joke. (The "epic" part.)
Happy Thursday!
P.S. Matt took my kids to get haircuts yesterday while I was at my Women's Development Program at church! (Scary for both him and me.) It's like 10 X shorter and they look so different. When I stop being lazy, I'll post a picture.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
strange dream
I'm about to tell you about the strangest dream I had last night, and before you ask, no I am not pregnant or currently trying to be pregnant, so this was not a crazy-lady hormone induced dream.
Last night I woke up with a pounding heart after dreaming that Brad Pitt and some other actor, who was his next door neighbor (who doesn't have a name in this dream), both had their identities stolen. Then, just as the news was breaking that they had their identities stolen, their houses both blew up (with a great crowd watching). Brad escaped, but his next door neighbor got blown up inside of his house.
Yikes.
Although there are very clear possibilities for why I had such a dream. You will remember that Matt's identity got stolen back in November. Now my identity has been stolen, and I've been receiving credit cards from numerous retailers, the most interesting being a store called "Palais Royal" that I have never heard of.
The blowing up of houses part has probably more to do with the news that came out yesterday about Kim Jong-un who wants to take out Austin, Texas with his nuclear missiles.
While neither of these things is actually bothering me that much, you would probably agree with Matt who said, "Wow. That's some deep-seeded anxiety."
Whatever. And that, my friends, is why I wear a night guard. Have a happy Saturday/Easter Weekend!
Last night I woke up with a pounding heart after dreaming that Brad Pitt and some other actor, who was his next door neighbor (who doesn't have a name in this dream), both had their identities stolen. Then, just as the news was breaking that they had their identities stolen, their houses both blew up (with a great crowd watching). Brad escaped, but his next door neighbor got blown up inside of his house.
Yikes.
Although there are very clear possibilities for why I had such a dream. You will remember that Matt's identity got stolen back in November. Now my identity has been stolen, and I've been receiving credit cards from numerous retailers, the most interesting being a store called "Palais Royal" that I have never heard of.
The blowing up of houses part has probably more to do with the news that came out yesterday about Kim Jong-un who wants to take out Austin, Texas with his nuclear missiles.
While neither of these things is actually bothering me that much, you would probably agree with Matt who said, "Wow. That's some deep-seeded anxiety."
Whatever. And that, my friends, is why I wear a night guard. Have a happy Saturday/Easter Weekend!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
a reason for you to judge me
I'm giving you a reason to judge me today. This is more commonly known as "confessions."
Today I have just one.
Happy Tuesday!
Today I have just one.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Dear Pinterest, Thank You
Thank you, Pinterest.
If it was not for you, all pregnancy announcements and gender revelations would be rather boring and uneventful. How did we do it before we released the color balloons and baked the cakes with the pink and blue insides?
If it was not for you, I wouldn't have gone to a party yesterday where at least 50% of the girls were wearing mint and coral, with matching bubble necklaces.
If it was not for you, I would have long since forgotten the mason jar, and I definitely would not have been drinking out of one with a pixi straw... like I have done at least a handful of times in the last year.
If it was not for you, my kiddo's 3rd birthday party would not have been nearly as awesome... as I wouldn't have ever thought to make white chocolate candies that resemble bacon and eggs, and I definitely would not have made that awesome doughnut cake.
If it was not for you, I definitely would have had less variety at my dinner table this past year or so. I also would have never tried those roasted Brussels sprouts.
Surely I have much, much more I ought to thank you for, Pinterest, but my kids just woke up, so I will have to do it later.
If it was not for you, all pregnancy announcements and gender revelations would be rather boring and uneventful. How did we do it before we released the color balloons and baked the cakes with the pink and blue insides?
If it was not for you, I wouldn't have gone to a party yesterday where at least 50% of the girls were wearing mint and coral, with matching bubble necklaces.
If it was not for you, I would have long since forgotten the mason jar, and I definitely would not have been drinking out of one with a pixi straw... like I have done at least a handful of times in the last year.
If it was not for you, my kiddo's 3rd birthday party would not have been nearly as awesome... as I wouldn't have ever thought to make white chocolate candies that resemble bacon and eggs, and I definitely would not have made that awesome doughnut cake.
If it was not for you, I definitely would have had less variety at my dinner table this past year or so. I also would have never tried those roasted Brussels sprouts.
Surely I have much, much more I ought to thank you for, Pinterest, but my kids just woke up, so I will have to do it later.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
I must never go to sleep early again.
It seems like lately when I make the responsible choice to go to sleep early, like before 10, I almost ALWAYS find myself awake in the middle of the night. Just unable to sleep. I would much rather go to sleep at 2 AM and wake up at 7 AM, than go to sleep at 10PM and wake up at 3AM. Of course the best option would be to go to sleep at 10PM and wake up at 6AM, but that didn't happen last night.
Usually after tossing and turning for an hour or more, I give up.
Unfortunately I think I will be sorry I didn't sleep today because it is a TWO BIRTHDAY PARTIES + an EASTER EGG HUNT kind of day. Me and my lack of sleep are going to embrace it ALL my friends.
And because I will need a lot of prayer mixed with a little humor to make it today, I thought I'd share some humor with you.
Usually after tossing and turning for an hour or more, I give up.
Unfortunately I think I will be sorry I didn't sleep today because it is a TWO BIRTHDAY PARTIES + an EASTER EGG HUNT kind of day. Me and my lack of sleep are going to embrace it ALL my friends.
And because I will need a lot of prayer mixed with a little humor to make it today, I thought I'd share some humor with you.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Boys
My boys are growing more rambunctious by the day. Henry, who has always been mild, is at a new phase where he just won't sit still. Sam was cray cray since the moment he was born. They both love to scream unintelligible words at each other. Then, just today, even Matt started making the Tarzan-esque noises with them. I'm feeling very outnumbered these days.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Why I might need to change my 30 before 30 list.
As you know, I have a love-hate relationship with my dentist. They love me because I pay their salary plus bonus. I hate them because they shame me into feeling like the worst person on planet earth, and I pay their salary plus bonus, and they bug me all the time to please make an appointment. Hate might be a strong word, but see the texts they keep sending me?? I am rebelling.
Anyway, I have been avoiding the dentist because I'm pretty sure I have a broken filling, and I haven't been interested in spending an arm and a leg to make that right. It doesn't hurt. (I know this makes perfect sense, right?) Plus, like I said, I am also avoiding the shame. Do all dentists make you feel like a bad person or is it just mine?
The very first line on my 30 before 30 list is to go to the dentist and leave without a cavity, and while I have been flossing and consumed a record low in the candy dept. since June, I highly doubt that this will actually happen. I do believe in miracles.
Anyway... I'm also in the market for a dentist. If you like yours, let me know!
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| I just saw that "reply STOP to opt out" line. I need to do that!!! |
The very first line on my 30 before 30 list is to go to the dentist and leave without a cavity, and while I have been flossing and consumed a record low in the candy dept. since June, I highly doubt that this will actually happen. I do believe in miracles.
Anyway... I'm also in the market for a dentist. If you like yours, let me know!
Monday, March 18, 2013
recent downloads
Well, I'm sharing my life with you here on this blog. (Yet again.) Part of that includes my awesome taste in music. (I'm being sarcastic.)
Note to world: If the band doesn't come on the radio, I probably haven't heard of them. Also, even if they do come on the radio, chances are, it will take me half a year before I hear the "latest" hits because I am a cool mom who lets my kids watch Elmo while I drive.
You might judge me, but all your kids are jealous.
Two songs I like right now and just one line from each.
Jason Mraz. "I won't give up."
Favorite line?
When I look into your eyes
It's like watching the night sky
Or a beautiful sunrise
There's so much they hold
I like that line for obvious reasons. (Note: remember who has the "best eyes.") Sorry, can't help the sarcasm.
(Case in point. When I told my sister that I liked this "new" song, her response was, "That's old." I was like, "You mean like a few years old, or what?" She meant a couple months. Although, I'm pretty sure Jason sang this song when we went to his concert at the backyard last summer, so I should have known.)
Hillsong. "I surrender."
Favorite line(s).
"I surrender, I surrender
I want to know You more
I want to know You more..."
Okay, doesn't seem like much there, but add some music and it comes alive. Mainly I like this line cause it's my heart.
You're welcome.
Also, I took a nap yesterday, which is always the end of me when it comes to sleeping through the night. That's why this post was written at 3 AM. Happy Monday!
Note to world: If the band doesn't come on the radio, I probably haven't heard of them. Also, even if they do come on the radio, chances are, it will take me half a year before I hear the "latest" hits because I am a cool mom who lets my kids watch Elmo while I drive.
You might judge me, but all your kids are jealous.
Two songs I like right now and just one line from each.
Jason Mraz. "I won't give up."
Favorite line?
When I look into your eyes
It's like watching the night sky
Or a beautiful sunrise
There's so much they hold
I like that line for obvious reasons. (Note: remember who has the "best eyes.") Sorry, can't help the sarcasm.
(Case in point. When I told my sister that I liked this "new" song, her response was, "That's old." I was like, "You mean like a few years old, or what?" She meant a couple months. Although, I'm pretty sure Jason sang this song when we went to his concert at the backyard last summer, so I should have known.)
Hillsong. "I surrender."
Favorite line(s).
"I surrender, I surrender
I want to know You more
I want to know You more..."
Okay, doesn't seem like much there, but add some music and it comes alive. Mainly I like this line cause it's my heart.
You're welcome.
Also, I took a nap yesterday, which is always the end of me when it comes to sleeping through the night. That's why this post was written at 3 AM. Happy Monday!
Saturday, March 16, 2013
I've been holding out on you...
Since I haven't been writing, I probably didn't tell you that at the beginning of the year, I tried to potty train Henry and then gave up because his anxiety about going #2 in the potty caused some issues, to put it nicely. Read: We had to force the kid to poop.
Anyway, I am sure the experience has scarred him for life because two days ago after lunch, Hen and Sam were playing and I heard him say to Sam, "I know it hurts Sam, but it's going to hurt a lot more if we have to give you a suppository." Word.for.word.
This is what you've been missing out on since I've been gone.
Oh, and this...
Matt and I took our weekly date on Thursday night this week. We decided to eat in the Domain, mainly because both of us needed to get some fresh air and wanted to walk around beforehand. Soooo, as we are walking, we come upon Anthropologie, which I am sure you will agree, is not a store that you just pass by.
So we walk into Anthropologie, and I am admiring the clothes, and then I point to a shirt and say, "I like this." Matt says, "Yeah, I like that." Then, Matt points to this little black "button" on the side seam of the shirt and says, "Are these really 'in' right now? They are on all the shirts."
Ummmm... yes, babe, security sensors are really in style right now.
Hahaha. So funny. We'll blame it on a crazy week at work. Or maybe that's just how he is. :)
Enjoy your Saturday!
Anyway, I am sure the experience has scarred him for life because two days ago after lunch, Hen and Sam were playing and I heard him say to Sam, "I know it hurts Sam, but it's going to hurt a lot more if we have to give you a suppository." Word.for.word.
This is what you've been missing out on since I've been gone.
Oh, and this...
Matt and I took our weekly date on Thursday night this week. We decided to eat in the Domain, mainly because both of us needed to get some fresh air and wanted to walk around beforehand. Soooo, as we are walking, we come upon Anthropologie, which I am sure you will agree, is not a store that you just pass by.
So we walk into Anthropologie, and I am admiring the clothes, and then I point to a shirt and say, "I like this." Matt says, "Yeah, I like that." Then, Matt points to this little black "button" on the side seam of the shirt and says, "Are these really 'in' right now? They are on all the shirts."
Ummmm... yes, babe, security sensors are really in style right now.
Hahaha. So funny. We'll blame it on a crazy week at work. Or maybe that's just how he is. :)
Enjoy your Saturday!
Friday, March 15, 2013
More pictures
Since I haven't posted like all year, I figured I'd round up some stuff on my phone for you. I know, I know, you're all dying because I haven't been around.
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| Train rides at The Domain are becoming more frequent. I feel less ashamed everytime. |
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| Sam LOVES bubbles. |
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| Blurry Pic of Henry's donut cake and his pajama bday party! |
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| I actually made these white chocolate "bacon and egg" candies. Pinterest, yes. |
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| Look at those chunky legs and that sweet face. |
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| We took our first family bowling trip. We all played about as good as Henry. |
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| Boys like wrestling. |
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| Sam already had one haircut, but he's in desperate need of another. I love these overalls. |
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| Making his mommy proud. |
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| Cray cray boy. |
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| Sign of a good week: TWO birthday cakes. |
8 and 9 out of 30
Oh my gosh! I can't believe it's March and I have only posted THREE times this whole year. Today is a new beginning. I am coming back, friends.
Get excited! I completed two more items on my 30 before 30 list! For our SEVENTH anniversary, we went to Uchi AND afterwards went to Gordough's... yes, all in the same night.
Reasoning... we aren't cool and don't make it south of Town Lake very often, so we figured we'd kill two birds with one stone while we were already down "south."
Note, if you are going to go to Uchi, I totally recommend what we did - going EARLY on a Monday night. We waited for 30 minutes! It was dreamy. Oh, and definitely lived up to expectations.
Get excited! I completed two more items on my 30 before 30 list! For our SEVENTH anniversary, we went to Uchi AND afterwards went to Gordough's... yes, all in the same night.
Reasoning... we aren't cool and don't make it south of Town Lake very often, so we figured we'd kill two birds with one stone while we were already down "south."
 |
| On the patio at Uchi. I'm sporting the black shirt I've owned for 9 years. |
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| Because you aren't cool unless you take pics of your food. |
 |
| I love donuts. |
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| We got the "Son of a Peach Donut." |
Note, if you are going to go to Uchi, I totally recommend what we did - going EARLY on a Monday night. We waited for 30 minutes! It was dreamy. Oh, and definitely lived up to expectations.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
eventful last couple of weeks
And by "eventful" I mean, Henry turned 3, and Matt and I celebrated our 7th anniversary!
Henry had a "Pancakes and Pajamas meets Planes and Trains" birthday party, and I took the record for creating the longest party theme ever. Here's the latest with Henry...
Funny things he says/does:
Henry: Is that your coffee?
Me: Yes.
Henry: Is it disgusting?
Me: You would think so.
-----------------
Hen: Is the sun going down?
Matt: Yes.
Hen: Is it going to the other side of that place?
-----------------
Usually when we make a suggestion for him (something we know he likes), he replies, "That sounds like a great idea!"
-----------------
Often if I overreact to the kids, I will apologize and often tell Henry that "Mommy needs Jesus." The other day, I began my apology, and Henry, trying to finish my speech for me said, "Jesus needs mommy." Well, no, not quite, but we're close.
-----------------
The other day we were getting ready for school, and he goes, "I'm so cute!" We thought we'd start the narcissism early in this family.
Other notable stuff:
Kid is OBSESSED with trains. He could play trains all day, everyday. He is also obsessed with batteries... his favorite game is putting new batteries in toys that "don't work." But he tries to trick us into thinking his toys are out of batteries. I'm considering selling and/or hiding every toy in our house that requires batteries.
He is FULLY capable of being potty trained, but if I am super honest, I have just been so lazy about it. I honestly think if I just put him in undies, he'd do fine. Maybe I'll try it... we will see.
Also, when he has an idea or wants to tell us something, he sticks his pointer finger up in the air while he is talking. Hard to explain, but pretty funny.
He takes awhile to warm up to people, but he is now pretty comfortable with his teachers at MDO, preschool, Bible Study, etc... and he has turned into a chatterbox with them. He remains to be a little shy... he was SO excited for his friends to come to his birthday party, but then when they got there, he almost started crying, and then when everyone had left he said, "My friends all left!" But not in a sad or disappointed tone... more in like a "YES, I can finally relax!" tone.
He is also a homebody. He would be happy staying at home ALL DAY, EVERYDAY, and he whines almost every single morning when I tell him where we are going. (We have morning activities Mon-Thurs plus church on Sunday, which we make it to about 75% of the time.) He always has fun once he gets to school, etc.
Maybe I'll post pics soon. Next post will probably be a Sam 15 month update. That's my dying blog for ya.
Henry had a "Pancakes and Pajamas meets Planes and Trains" birthday party, and I took the record for creating the longest party theme ever. Here's the latest with Henry...
Funny things he says/does:
Henry: Is that your coffee?
Me: Yes.
Henry: Is it disgusting?
Me: You would think so.
-----------------
Hen: Is the sun going down?
Matt: Yes.
Hen: Is it going to the other side of that place?
-----------------
Usually when we make a suggestion for him (something we know he likes), he replies, "That sounds like a great idea!"
-----------------
Often if I overreact to the kids, I will apologize and often tell Henry that "Mommy needs Jesus." The other day, I began my apology, and Henry, trying to finish my speech for me said, "Jesus needs mommy." Well, no, not quite, but we're close.
-----------------
The other day we were getting ready for school, and he goes, "I'm so cute!" We thought we'd start the narcissism early in this family.
Other notable stuff:
Kid is OBSESSED with trains. He could play trains all day, everyday. He is also obsessed with batteries... his favorite game is putting new batteries in toys that "don't work." But he tries to trick us into thinking his toys are out of batteries. I'm considering selling and/or hiding every toy in our house that requires batteries.
He is FULLY capable of being potty trained, but if I am super honest, I have just been so lazy about it. I honestly think if I just put him in undies, he'd do fine. Maybe I'll try it... we will see.
Also, when he has an idea or wants to tell us something, he sticks his pointer finger up in the air while he is talking. Hard to explain, but pretty funny.
He takes awhile to warm up to people, but he is now pretty comfortable with his teachers at MDO, preschool, Bible Study, etc... and he has turned into a chatterbox with them. He remains to be a little shy... he was SO excited for his friends to come to his birthday party, but then when they got there, he almost started crying, and then when everyone had left he said, "My friends all left!" But not in a sad or disappointed tone... more in like a "YES, I can finally relax!" tone.
He is also a homebody. He would be happy staying at home ALL DAY, EVERYDAY, and he whines almost every single morning when I tell him where we are going. (We have morning activities Mon-Thurs plus church on Sunday, which we make it to about 75% of the time.) He always has fun once he gets to school, etc.
Maybe I'll post pics soon. Next post will probably be a Sam 15 month update. That's my dying blog for ya.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
things that make you go hmmmmm
Whenever I turn on my laptop, if there is a disc in the drive, it starts spinning... today when I turned my laptop on the spinning disk made a weird noise, so I ejected it AND... out popped a nickel. Thanks kids.
Does anyone else think that grown adults should know better than to reach into your grocery cart and TOUCH your children like they are cats and dogs and not actual people? I'm sure they're all very nice people, but my kids (and I) are all pretty shy... it doesn't go over well with my kids who are already afraid of people they see on a regular basis.
Speaking of cats - we have had THREE different neighbors cats hanging around on our back deck today. I'm not sure if they smell food, but I promise no one has opened a can of tuna or anything of the like. Matt and I ordered bbq last night and reheated leftovers for lunch today. Maybe that's what they smell.
I got a pedicure today, and the pedicurist was male. Pretty sure I've never had a male do that job for me before. Unfortunately for him, my toes were raunchy... we're talking like more toenails have died since the half marathon and it's been awhile since I paid any attention to my feet... Anyway, male pedicure guy did decent job.
My next post might be confessions... or it might not. Hopefully it won't be three weeks from now though. Love to the readers who are still out there.
Does anyone else think that grown adults should know better than to reach into your grocery cart and TOUCH your children like they are cats and dogs and not actual people? I'm sure they're all very nice people, but my kids (and I) are all pretty shy... it doesn't go over well with my kids who are already afraid of people they see on a regular basis.
Speaking of cats - we have had THREE different neighbors cats hanging around on our back deck today. I'm not sure if they smell food, but I promise no one has opened a can of tuna or anything of the like. Matt and I ordered bbq last night and reheated leftovers for lunch today. Maybe that's what they smell.
I got a pedicure today, and the pedicurist was male. Pretty sure I've never had a male do that job for me before. Unfortunately for him, my toes were raunchy... we're talking like more toenails have died since the half marathon and it's been awhile since I paid any attention to my feet... Anyway, male pedicure guy did decent job.
My next post might be confessions... or it might not. Hopefully it won't be three weeks from now though. Love to the readers who are still out there.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
First post of 2013
Wow guys, I have been absent. Haven't I? If you are looking for a good excuse, I have none. I have not been reading blogs, nor have I been writing. This is a shame, since I actually truly enjoy doing both of those things. So, hopefully I can stop being lazy (read: open my laptop every now and then), and get with the program.
So let me catch you up on us... since I know you're all dying to know what I do all the time.
1- First of all, I feel like I should say publicly that I have abandoned any pursuit of Paleo, Wheat-Free, Grain-Free, Dairy-Free, ANYTHING-Free lifestyle. Let's call it "restrictive-diet-free." So until I have some major medical health problem (and not just an imaginary one, since I am a self-diagnosed hypochondriac), I will continue eating freely. Figured since I bombarded you with the wheat-free stuff a couple of months back, I'd come out and say I'm off the bandwagon. ;)
2- Although I know it doesn't do much for you, I feel the need to write an "update" on my kid's development, especially Sam... since I never do it anymore. But instead of doing ALL that right here and now, I'll just note a couple of things.
Two, we already booked our annual beach vacation to Gulf Shores in August! Cold January weather just makes me daydream about the beach. It's fun to have both of these trips to look forward to. :)
Welp, there ya go. Here's to high hopes for more posts.
So let me catch you up on us... since I know you're all dying to know what I do all the time.
1- First of all, I feel like I should say publicly that I have abandoned any pursuit of Paleo, Wheat-Free, Grain-Free, Dairy-Free, ANYTHING-Free lifestyle. Let's call it "restrictive-diet-free." So until I have some major medical health problem (and not just an imaginary one, since I am a self-diagnosed hypochondriac), I will continue eating freely. Figured since I bombarded you with the wheat-free stuff a couple of months back, I'd come out and say I'm off the bandwagon. ;)
2- Although I know it doesn't do much for you, I feel the need to write an "update" on my kid's development, especially Sam... since I never do it anymore. But instead of doing ALL that right here and now, I'll just note a couple of things.
- Sam's most commonly used words are: mama, dada, Henry (eee), Cheese (eeeeeeee), banana, more, berries (ba) - but he is repeating or at least trying to repeat a lot of things! So fun!
- Sammy is SO cray cray and happy, most of the time. He screams a lot, loves to run around and chase Henry/do everything Henry is doing. He seems to be passionate about pretty much everything.
- And last fun Sam fact for now. He has an attachment to his baby pillow and this lovey turtle stuffed animal- he wants to bring them with him out of the crib when he wakes up in the morning and he snuggles with them while falling asleep. Henry never had "comfort" toys or blanket, so I find this to be really sweet and adorable of course.
- Henry is in the beginning stages of potty training. He goes #1 on the potty (on should read "all over" aka we need to work on aim) almost exclusively during the day (even though I still have him in a diaper, long story)... we are having more issues with the other part of potty training, but that's a different story for another day.
Two, we already booked our annual beach vacation to Gulf Shores in August! Cold January weather just makes me daydream about the beach. It's fun to have both of these trips to look forward to. :)
Welp, there ya go. Here's to high hopes for more posts.
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