Why is it that everything good (and sometimes things not so good) comes in two? Or sometimes three or four? For example: You go to the store and find something on sale, and instead of buying just one you end up with multiple of the item whether you needed it or not. You will most always find two fish in a fish bowl, eat two cookies at a time, you always sneeze at least twice, and keep two pens in your purse.
We have two sweet kids here that both have colds, which means we have two runny noses. Sometimes, even though Belle is potty trained, we still have two kids with two poop messes. "Lewis family pooping hour" we call it. Two to make giggle and play silly games with. Two to cry for Mommy at night. Two to give hugs and kisses.
This week Keith had two or three sleepless nights and broke two teeth in three days. The first one appeared Wednesday morning and the second Friday in the night. You can imagine he was pretty uncomfortable, and came down with a cold on top of it. (...two things at once).
I am now going to go eat those two cookies and try to get two hours of sleep in a row. Hopefully Keith will not get another tooth tonight;-).
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Our luxurious RIDE
When I started high school, I planned to try out for the volleyball team. That is what my older sister had been doing, and of course at 14 I still wanted to do whatever she was doing. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, we went on a family vacation during the week of volleyball tryouts. So I ran Cross Country instead. Which is what my other sisters had done in high school.
I loved it. I found a place on the team where I belonged, and coincidentally, my sister ran instead of Volleyball, anyway. I don't remember the details as to why. But we had a great time running together. I also made great friends, had good mentors, learned to like running, and had enough success to help me be confidant in myself.
Since then I have always enjoyed running, and whenever I felt stressed or needed some time to think about life or clear my head I would head out for a run. Many of the biggest decisions of my life have been made while pounding the pavement, and many tears shed, and prayers said. Even on my mission some of my toughest days I dragged my companions out of bed early because I NEEDED a run. One of them just recently admitted to me she hated it, but went because I asked her to.
Since having kids it has been difficult to get out. When I say difficult, I mean basically never. Until this spring.
And THIS is what has made it possible:
We have a sweet new ride. It has literally kept my sanity this summer. I feel like I get some time to myself, doing something I enjoy, even with them along. I feel more healthy and have lost some weight so I feel better about myself, and the days we start with a jog I am more patient with the kids, more motivated to get things done, and just all around BETTER.
Belle knows where ALL the animals are on our route, and we routinely have to stop for goats, cows, horses, and a "little tiny pony". I can't tell what Keith thinks about it, but he doesn't complain. I am actually getting to the point where when we get home I feel like I could go longer*.We are quite the wide load running down the road. Runner's World magazine says that you can burn 20% more calories pushing a jogging stroller depending on the weight of your child. What about CHILDREN? 20+ pound Keith, 26+ pound Belle, plus the stroller. Yup, I'm getting tough.
*any given North-South street in Grantsville goes uphill towards Deseret Peak. (South). When you are in a car, you would never notice. When you are 17 an in shape you only notice if you have already run 10 miles and are getting tired. When you are 28, out of shape, and pushing 50+ pounds of stroller & kid, you notice. A lot. It's a killer. So...I haven't changed my route because I can't figure out the best way to do it without adding more north-south streets.
I loved it. I found a place on the team where I belonged, and coincidentally, my sister ran instead of Volleyball, anyway. I don't remember the details as to why. But we had a great time running together. I also made great friends, had good mentors, learned to like running, and had enough success to help me be confidant in myself.
Since then I have always enjoyed running, and whenever I felt stressed or needed some time to think about life or clear my head I would head out for a run. Many of the biggest decisions of my life have been made while pounding the pavement, and many tears shed, and prayers said. Even on my mission some of my toughest days I dragged my companions out of bed early because I NEEDED a run. One of them just recently admitted to me she hated it, but went because I asked her to.
Since having kids it has been difficult to get out. When I say difficult, I mean basically never. Until this spring.
And THIS is what has made it possible:
We have a sweet new ride. It has literally kept my sanity this summer. I feel like I get some time to myself, doing something I enjoy, even with them along. I feel more healthy and have lost some weight so I feel better about myself, and the days we start with a jog I am more patient with the kids, more motivated to get things done, and just all around BETTER.
Belle knows where ALL the animals are on our route, and we routinely have to stop for goats, cows, horses, and a "little tiny pony". I can't tell what Keith thinks about it, but he doesn't complain. I am actually getting to the point where when we get home I feel like I could go longer*.We are quite the wide load running down the road. Runner's World magazine says that you can burn 20% more calories pushing a jogging stroller depending on the weight of your child. What about CHILDREN? 20+ pound Keith, 26+ pound Belle, plus the stroller. Yup, I'm getting tough.
*any given North-South street in Grantsville goes uphill towards Deseret Peak. (South). When you are in a car, you would never notice. When you are 17 an in shape you only notice if you have already run 10 miles and are getting tired. When you are 28, out of shape, and pushing 50+ pounds of stroller & kid, you notice. A lot. It's a killer. So...I haven't changed my route because I can't figure out the best way to do it without adding more north-south streets.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Twins??
Twice I have had people ask if Belle and Keith are twins. I'm not talking about joking because they look so much alike, I mean SERIOUSLY asking. Once was in the jogging stroller and I had a blanket over the top as an extra sun shade as we were headed east in the morning, and all you could see were their little feet sticking out. The other was the 17 yr old working the counter at the photo shop, which I'm not really sure what her excuse was...but...oh well.
At any rate, last night we had an impromptu photo shoot because they, the almost 7 mo old and the 26 mo old, were wearing the same size of pajamas. Same brand, same size. Ok, so...on Keith they were a TAD long and on Belle a TAD short, but they wore to bed the same size PJs. Maybe I have twins after all;-)
And I must include every week some of Belle's famous lines. Her baby calendars ran out at the end of June, and I intend to buy her a journal to replace them...but haven't gotten around to it yet. So part of this is simply recording this for future's sake.
David's favorite was she declared she was going on a trip for work and proceed to pack some of his work socks, go to the store to "get food for my trip", and proceeded to describe that she needed to "stay at the crash pad".
She asked for popcorn and while it was popping says "Ohhhh, I LOVE popcorn!"
Pancakes for dinner "Ohhh, I LOVE pancakes!"
Papa has a "Hay snack" that the horses and cattle will eat when there is snow on the ground and can't eat the grass.
"I just need a couple more things"
And she is starting to make up random songs.
At any rate, last night we had an impromptu photo shoot because they, the almost 7 mo old and the 26 mo old, were wearing the same size of pajamas. Same brand, same size. Ok, so...on Keith they were a TAD long and on Belle a TAD short, but they wore to bed the same size PJs. Maybe I have twins after all;-)
And I must include every week some of Belle's famous lines. Her baby calendars ran out at the end of June, and I intend to buy her a journal to replace them...but haven't gotten around to it yet. So part of this is simply recording this for future's sake.
David's favorite was she declared she was going on a trip for work and proceed to pack some of his work socks, go to the store to "get food for my trip", and proceeded to describe that she needed to "stay at the crash pad".
She asked for popcorn and while it was popping says "Ohhhh, I LOVE popcorn!"
Pancakes for dinner "Ohhh, I LOVE pancakes!"
Papa has a "Hay snack" that the horses and cattle will eat when there is snow on the ground and can't eat the grass.
"I just need a couple more things"
And she is starting to make up random songs.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Mommy's little helper
Belle got the picture out of the cupboard and told me the plants needed watering. So she watered them. (Mom, if your plants are alive when you get home, you can thank Belle. She does this all the time).
After sweeping the floor today I took Keith into the bedroom to change his diaper. A few moments later Belle comes RUNNING down the hall to exclaim "Mommy! The floor is STILL dirty!!".
We mopped.
After nap time, she came out of the room and informed that Keith was "still crying". He was awake, too, and I hadn't heard him yet.
I play a game with the kids where I say "I ....love...you,you,you,you,you" and tickle them. I've been playing this since Belle was super little, like Keith's size. Today while playing with Keith, Belle helped me by telling me I was doing it wrong. "I" is for "Isabelle" to play with Keith I should say "K....love...you,you,you,you,you", because "K" is for Keith.
She also helped take the paper away from Keith while I fished it out of his mouth, and put the clean clothes that WERE folded back into the basket. Only problem here is, she gave Keith the paper in the first place, and I'll bet you can guess who UNFOLDED the clothes.
And, in case you are wondering, Here is the short list of the random names I am called lately:
"sweetie" (example: "you want some dinner, sweetie? Daddy will get it for you")
"sweetie, sweetie" (example: "are you OK, sweetie, sweetie?"
"sweetheart"
"Honey"
"Mom, hun" (example: what are you doing, Mom, hun?)
"Mother" (example: "I WANT MY MOTHER!" Can you tell what book we got from the library a few weeks ago?)
and the obligatory, "Mommy".
After sweeping the floor today I took Keith into the bedroom to change his diaper. A few moments later Belle comes RUNNING down the hall to exclaim "Mommy! The floor is STILL dirty!!".
We mopped.
After nap time, she came out of the room and informed that Keith was "still crying". He was awake, too, and I hadn't heard him yet.
I play a game with the kids where I say "I ....love...you,you,you,you,you" and tickle them. I've been playing this since Belle was super little, like Keith's size. Today while playing with Keith, Belle helped me by telling me I was doing it wrong. "I" is for "Isabelle" to play with Keith I should say "K....love...you,you,you,you,you", because "K" is for Keith.
She also helped take the paper away from Keith while I fished it out of his mouth, and put the clean clothes that WERE folded back into the basket. Only problem here is, she gave Keith the paper in the first place, and I'll bet you can guess who UNFOLDED the clothes.
And, in case you are wondering, Here is the short list of the random names I am called lately:
"sweetie" (example: "you want some dinner, sweetie? Daddy will get it for you")
"sweetie, sweetie" (example: "are you OK, sweetie, sweetie?"
"sweetheart"
"Honey"
"Mom, hun" (example: what are you doing, Mom, hun?)
"Mother" (example: "I WANT MY MOTHER!" Can you tell what book we got from the library a few weeks ago?)
and the obligatory, "Mommy".
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Summer fun and...STUFF
So I have several ideas of things to post about, all of them about three sentences long. So, shorten your attention spans a little (or I guess lengthen if need be) and get ready for the post-of-all-posts.
First: Keith's six month check-up. He is in the 99% in height. He's come down a little from last time's "off the charts". But the poor starving child is ONLY in the 90% in weight. So the doctor says, and I quote, "Since he is quite a bit taller than he is heavy you might have people give you a hard time about him being skinny. Maybe your Mother-in-law will say something. But don't worry, he's fine."
I gasp in surprise. Has he LOOKED at the child?? Does THIS:
look skinny to YOU???
He is now wearing a white onesie that Belle stopped wearing four months ago, only because she was potting training and onesies became a thing of the past for her.
He has also discovered the joy of tearing up paper and chewing on leaves. But has made the funniest sour-face I have ever seen at the taste of baby food bananas and peaches.
By the way, he is sleeping much better. He goes to bed at night without a sound. He is even starting to get better at daytime sleep. Today he cried for about five minutes then slept for two and a half hours. I'm still not getting much done around here, so I'm not sure what my excuse is now, but slowly oh so slowly we are developing a routine. Hooray!
We have had lots of fun this week going up the canyon for a picnic yesterday and to the county fair today. Did I even take the camera either place? No.
Belle quotes:
I guess these are always piling up, every day there is something.
I try to use "love and logic" parenting principles, and one of those is to use I-statements rather than threats. So I'm always saying something like "Mommy gives treats to girls who eat their dinner first"
Then Belle said this at the dinner table: "Mommy gives cookies to girls who eat their dinners first. I am eating my dinner so I can have a cookie."
She catches on quick.
I am also always explaining to her what we are going to do today by saying something like "So, the plan is to go to the store first, then the post office, then we can go home....etc"
She has started saying "SO, The plan is...a bun." I have no idea what this means. I'll let you know when I find out. If that happens.
Belle, about the doll: "This girl is sad. She needs a cookie. I'll get her one."
a few minutes later, with a cookie in hand "She is happy now. I will eat the cookie."
Me, about jumping on the couch: "I don't think Grandma wants you to jump on her couch, put the cushions back, please."
The next day, while removing a cushion Belle says "I think Grandma wants me to jump on her couch."
Yeah, we are having a good time around here.
First: Keith's six month check-up. He is in the 99% in height. He's come down a little from last time's "off the charts". But the poor starving child is ONLY in the 90% in weight. So the doctor says, and I quote, "Since he is quite a bit taller than he is heavy you might have people give you a hard time about him being skinny. Maybe your Mother-in-law will say something. But don't worry, he's fine."
I gasp in surprise. Has he LOOKED at the child?? Does THIS:
look skinny to YOU???
He is now wearing a white onesie that Belle stopped wearing four months ago, only because she was potting training and onesies became a thing of the past for her.
He has also discovered the joy of tearing up paper and chewing on leaves. But has made the funniest sour-face I have ever seen at the taste of baby food bananas and peaches.
By the way, he is sleeping much better. He goes to bed at night without a sound. He is even starting to get better at daytime sleep. Today he cried for about five minutes then slept for two and a half hours. I'm still not getting much done around here, so I'm not sure what my excuse is now, but slowly oh so slowly we are developing a routine. Hooray!
We have had lots of fun this week going up the canyon for a picnic yesterday and to the county fair today. Did I even take the camera either place? No.
Belle quotes:
I guess these are always piling up, every day there is something.
I try to use "love and logic" parenting principles, and one of those is to use I-statements rather than threats. So I'm always saying something like "Mommy gives treats to girls who eat their dinner first"
Then Belle said this at the dinner table: "Mommy gives cookies to girls who eat their dinners first. I am eating my dinner so I can have a cookie."
She catches on quick.
I am also always explaining to her what we are going to do today by saying something like "So, the plan is to go to the store first, then the post office, then we can go home....etc"
She has started saying "SO, The plan is...a bun." I have no idea what this means. I'll let you know when I find out. If that happens.
Belle, about the doll: "This girl is sad. She needs a cookie. I'll get her one."
a few minutes later, with a cookie in hand "She is happy now. I will eat the cookie."
Me, about jumping on the couch: "I don't think Grandma wants you to jump on her couch, put the cushions back, please."
The next day, while removing a cushion Belle says "I think Grandma wants me to jump on her couch."
Yeah, we are having a good time around here.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Six months old
Keith is six months old today. Time seems to be flying, it has gone much faster than Belle's first six months did. I'm not sure where it is all going. Sometimes I feel like I must be missing things because it is going by so fast. It's late, and I'm tired, so this will be short...but in six short months our boy has completely captured our hearts. He is sweet and social and smiles and everyone...random people in the grocery store, etc., he also wants to be involved in everything and does not like to be left out, loves cuddles, chewing on things, and Mommy. We are excited to continue to get to know you and love you!
PS I must give credit where credit is due...my brother-on-law's girlfriend took the super-sweet picture. Doesn't it just melt your heart and make you want to kiss those chubby cheeks?? Too bad he's asleep...
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Families are Forever
We had a super-fun 2-day reunion with David's family last weekend. Only downside? No David.
Fortunately, I have awesome in-laws who are willing to help with the kids and make two crazy days work with two little kids, and reassure me that it's ok when I start to feel like a burden to the group.
I think for me the highlight would have to have been going to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open-house. It is beautiful and it was special to be in the temple with my little kids. The night before, while lying in bed going to sleep, I was explaining to Belle what would happen the next day. I told her she would get a special feeling in the temple because it is a special place where Heavenly Father and Jesus are. She replied, with no prompting for me, "Right here" while patting here chest, in reference to the special feeling. She KNEW what that special feeling would feel like, where she would feel it.
So the next day at the temple her Uncle Matthew was carrying her through the temple as I was carrying Keith, and she told him about the special feeling "right here" (in between exclamations of "What a pretty room!".
What a special girl, who recognizes feelings from the spirit at such a young age. It is overwhelming to me to think I am supposed to teach her things. I think she could teach me a thing or two.
Here is a picture of another highlight. Papa telling stories and Belle sitting next to him, crossing her legs just like he was, and declaring she was going to tell a story, too.
And I know for sure I will get in trouble for this one, but I couldn't resist. Here is my sweet mother-in-law, who was a good sport to get on the trampoline with the kids. It takes a special lady to be the mother of such a special family.
Thanks to all the Lewis' for a fun time, and for making the thought of eternity together a beautiful one.
Fortunately, I have awesome in-laws who are willing to help with the kids and make two crazy days work with two little kids, and reassure me that it's ok when I start to feel like a burden to the group.
I think for me the highlight would have to have been going to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open-house. It is beautiful and it was special to be in the temple with my little kids. The night before, while lying in bed going to sleep, I was explaining to Belle what would happen the next day. I told her she would get a special feeling in the temple because it is a special place where Heavenly Father and Jesus are. She replied, with no prompting for me, "Right here" while patting here chest, in reference to the special feeling. She KNEW what that special feeling would feel like, where she would feel it.
So the next day at the temple her Uncle Matthew was carrying her through the temple as I was carrying Keith, and she told him about the special feeling "right here" (in between exclamations of "What a pretty room!".
What a special girl, who recognizes feelings from the spirit at such a young age. It is overwhelming to me to think I am supposed to teach her things. I think she could teach me a thing or two.
Here is a picture of another highlight. Papa telling stories and Belle sitting next to him, crossing her legs just like he was, and declaring she was going to tell a story, too.
And I know for sure I will get in trouble for this one, but I couldn't resist. Here is my sweet mother-in-law, who was a good sport to get on the trampoline with the kids. It takes a special lady to be the mother of such a special family.
Thanks to all the Lewis' for a fun time, and for making the thought of eternity together a beautiful one.
Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'
Keith has been rolling both ways for awhile now. However, yesterday he figured out that he could use this skill as a mode of transportation, and today he took it to a new level.
This morning he started out in the middle of the living room floor, rolled over to where I was folding laundry and knocked over a laundry basket and chewed on a few items of clothing. Then he moved on to the edge of the room where he rolled onto the edge of Belle's rocking horse (that hurt), the little desk (we were frantically picking up the crayons out of his reach that were under the desk), beyond the end table, and ended up here:
Right in the toy closet, pulling toys out of this toy bucket. Super cute.
And so it has begun. Now every time I turn around he is in a different spot, reaching for something. We will have to be super vigilant to not leave anything not Keith-approved about.
This entertained him for nearly an hour. Usually when I fold the laundry I put in "Baby Mozart" and fold frantically for half an hour. Today I saved my "Baby Mozart" half hour for cleaning the bathroom =-).
This morning he started out in the middle of the living room floor, rolled over to where I was folding laundry and knocked over a laundry basket and chewed on a few items of clothing. Then he moved on to the edge of the room where he rolled onto the edge of Belle's rocking horse (that hurt), the little desk (we were frantically picking up the crayons out of his reach that were under the desk), beyond the end table, and ended up here:
Right in the toy closet, pulling toys out of this toy bucket. Super cute.
And so it has begun. Now every time I turn around he is in a different spot, reaching for something. We will have to be super vigilant to not leave anything not Keith-approved about.
This entertained him for nearly an hour. Usually when I fold the laundry I put in "Baby Mozart" and fold frantically for half an hour. Today I saved my "Baby Mozart" half hour for cleaning the bathroom =-).
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Independence Day!
I'm not so great and taking the right pictures to capture the moments, but here are a few that I did get. We last-minute decided to run the 5K here in Grantsville and stay here for the rest of the festivities. I decided that small town holiday celebrations are the best. Less crowd, close to home. We could walk in the stroller most of the events. And I learned that the kids & I can have holiday parties even if David isn't home. We also went to the parade, pony rides, and made it through half the fireworks before Belle decided she was tired and was ready to go. We just went to the Jr High for the fireworks--no crowd, not as LOUD, and great view, a block away from home. Perfect.
I realized as I was just looking through the pictures that I don't have ANY of Keith! His first Fourth and no pictures! Arrghhh!! He mostly just endured the day of running him around, but was a trooper through it all. Even when he messed his diaper right at the start line of the 5K and I had left all the diapers in the car! Poor kid had to wait through the whole thing to get cleaned up! I think I was holding him every time I took a picture.
Waiting for the parade to start (with her baby & baby's car seat that have gone with us everywhere (literally) the last two weeks)
I can't express just how much Belle enjoyed her pony rides. She went four times, chatted the whole time, charmed all the people at the equestrian park, loved the little ponies and thanked them for the ride, and has been talking about it and asking to go again ever since. I wanted to see if they had pony rides somewhere because I knew she would love it, but I never would have known where to go if I hadn't been handed a flier at the parade. There is a full-service equestrian park in Grantsville with an indoor arena, lessons, dressage competitions and everything. They gave the rides right at their facility. I am now on their mailing list for future events, and have satisfied Belle by telling her "next time they get the ponies out to give rides, we'll go again". We'll see how long that lasts.
I realized as I was just looking through the pictures that I don't have ANY of Keith! His first Fourth and no pictures! Arrghhh!! He mostly just endured the day of running him around, but was a trooper through it all. Even when he messed his diaper right at the start line of the 5K and I had left all the diapers in the car! Poor kid had to wait through the whole thing to get cleaned up! I think I was holding him every time I took a picture.
Waiting for the parade to start (with her baby & baby's car seat that have gone with us everywhere (literally) the last two weeks)
I can't express just how much Belle enjoyed her pony rides. She went four times, chatted the whole time, charmed all the people at the equestrian park, loved the little ponies and thanked them for the ride, and has been talking about it and asking to go again ever since. I wanted to see if they had pony rides somewhere because I knew she would love it, but I never would have known where to go if I hadn't been handed a flier at the parade. There is a full-service equestrian park in Grantsville with an indoor arena, lessons, dressage competitions and everything. They gave the rides right at their facility. I am now on their mailing list for future events, and have satisfied Belle by telling her "next time they get the ponies out to give rides, we'll go again". We'll see how long that lasts.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Bugaboo
David prompting Belle to say the prayer "Bless Keith"
Belle (repeating) "Bless Bugaboo"
It is impossible to hold Bugaboo while trying to get a drink. He LOVES the water glass.
Bugaboo has also learn to RaZZZZ and click his tongue.
Since I'm still here, even though it's late, I'll add a few notable Belle quotes of the week:
She was tired at a family dinner function and let us know she was ready to go home. "I'm going to catch a flight home."
"Mommy, you're more beautiful than Iris" Iris was a girl David dated in college. He has said that to her maybe once, months ago.
Scene: Belle's stool pushed up to the counter near cookie jar. Said jar's lid left open. "Mommy, I got a cookie. You want one? I'll get you one". At least she shared =-).
"I need to make a put. Daddy, don't use my putter. Where's your putter, Daddy?"
There were more I had in mind to share but now I've forgotten. The child is continually cracking us up.
Belle (repeating) "Bless Bugaboo"
It is impossible to hold Bugaboo while trying to get a drink. He LOVES the water glass.
Bugaboo has also learn to RaZZZZ and click his tongue.
Since I'm still here, even though it's late, I'll add a few notable Belle quotes of the week:
She was tired at a family dinner function and let us know she was ready to go home. "I'm going to catch a flight home."
"Mommy, you're more beautiful than Iris" Iris was a girl David dated in college. He has said that to her maybe once, months ago.
Scene: Belle's stool pushed up to the counter near cookie jar. Said jar's lid left open. "Mommy, I got a cookie. You want one? I'll get you one". At least she shared =-).
"I need to make a put. Daddy, don't use my putter. Where's your putter, Daddy?"
There were more I had in mind to share but now I've forgotten. The child is continually cracking us up.
Wet, Wet, Wet
As you all know, we have had more rain in the last month than usual. A LOT more rain. It rains more days than it doesn't. This has resulted in a few things around here.
1--It is July and we have only watered the lawn/garden a handful of times this year. Like twice in the last month. The lawn is also super long all the time because every time we go to mow it, it rains!! Too bad the rain waters the weeds, too.
2--Cherries. I'm not sure how the rain is related to the fact that the birds didn't like the cherries this year, but the whole neighborhood has so many cherries everyone with a tree is begging people to come get them. I figure it must be the rain. Why else? Maybe there is lots of extra bugs to eat and the birds don't want the cherries? Who knows, but my aunt sent all 5 of her teenagers out with a 5 gallon bucket and told them not to come home until their buckets were all full of cherries. She has made A TON of cherry jelly.
3--mosquitoes--I do not EVER remember having so many of the nasty little blood-suckers here at home. Belle came in two days ago with THIRTEEN bites. Teen's kids couldn't stand them today and had to play inside while they were here.
4--A two year old who looks outside and exclaims in despair "Oh! No! MORE rain clouds!!"
5--A Two year old who gets tired of having "inside" days and talks Dad into this:
1--It is July and we have only watered the lawn/garden a handful of times this year. Like twice in the last month. The lawn is also super long all the time because every time we go to mow it, it rains!! Too bad the rain waters the weeds, too.
2--Cherries. I'm not sure how the rain is related to the fact that the birds didn't like the cherries this year, but the whole neighborhood has so many cherries everyone with a tree is begging people to come get them. I figure it must be the rain. Why else? Maybe there is lots of extra bugs to eat and the birds don't want the cherries? Who knows, but my aunt sent all 5 of her teenagers out with a 5 gallon bucket and told them not to come home until their buckets were all full of cherries. She has made A TON of cherry jelly.
3--mosquitoes--I do not EVER remember having so many of the nasty little blood-suckers here at home. Belle came in two days ago with THIRTEEN bites. Teen's kids couldn't stand them today and had to play inside while they were here.
4--A two year old who looks outside and exclaims in despair "Oh! No! MORE rain clouds!!"
5--A Two year old who gets tired of having "inside" days and talks Dad into this:
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The saga continues
Keith has now gone 4 strait days without napping...AT ALL.
He is tired and cranky, I am tired and cranky, David is tired of hearing me tell him I don't know what to do and he should hire a nanny to take care of his kids because I'm obviously failing, and Belle is enduring it all.
Things will get better. Hopefully I have enough patience to not have a breakdown before that happens.
It's still hard to tell if his tummy hurts or if he just refuses to sleep unless held. Urgh.
Oh a brighter note, we picked cherries today, and briefly played in the sprinkler. All while our poor insomniac boy was completely miserable and exhausted.
He is tired and cranky, I am tired and cranky, David is tired of hearing me tell him I don't know what to do and he should hire a nanny to take care of his kids because I'm obviously failing, and Belle is enduring it all.
Things will get better. Hopefully I have enough patience to not have a breakdown before that happens.
It's still hard to tell if his tummy hurts or if he just refuses to sleep unless held. Urgh.
Oh a brighter note, we picked cherries today, and briefly played in the sprinkler. All while our poor insomniac boy was completely miserable and exhausted.
Monday, June 22, 2009
I know, I know
So last night after I wrote that long dramatic story I was lying in bed feeling very ungrateful. If the hardest thing that I have to do is let my baby cry himself to sleep then I think I've got it made. I know lots of Moms who have a lot more difficult struggles and thinking of them makes me feel small and selfish for getting so worked up over this sleep thing.
So, in the meantime, Keith is growing out of his 12 mo size clothes, LOVES a stuffed bumblebee he has, rode in Belle's swing for a few minutes today, and is getting better at baby cereal all the time. Since we didn't quite get all the baby gear changed over from pink to blue when he was born, he has had to put up with some pink. He sleeps on pink sheets and every now and then lays on a pink blanket on the floor. It's not that I haven't tried to buy blue crib bedding, it's just I'm having a hard time finding one I like at a good price. I guess I will make it a goal to have him sleeping on BLUE by six months. I keep asking David if it bothers him that he uses some pink. He says no, it doesn't. But he drew the line at a pink bib that says "Flower Princess". Lying on pink is one thing. Wearing it is another. So we bought blue bibs at Wal-Mart today =).
Belle has to feed her baby doll cereal, and push her around in her stroller all over the yard, and says that she "is already happy" whenever you mention that Jesus Christ wants you to make good choices so you can be happy. Apparently she's already happy. I guess I'll have to explain that to STAY happy...
She also quotes books after only a few readings, and goes around singing random songs at all hours. This week she has been "doing tricks with my light" (Sam and Gus) and "looking for old tap shoes" under ALL the beds (Pig a Pancake). On the way to the store today she starting singing in the car "I love Daddy, Yes-siree, I love Mommy Yes-siree, I love Keith boy Yes-siree, we are a happy family". What a riot.
So, in the meantime, Keith is growing out of his 12 mo size clothes, LOVES a stuffed bumblebee he has, rode in Belle's swing for a few minutes today, and is getting better at baby cereal all the time. Since we didn't quite get all the baby gear changed over from pink to blue when he was born, he has had to put up with some pink. He sleeps on pink sheets and every now and then lays on a pink blanket on the floor. It's not that I haven't tried to buy blue crib bedding, it's just I'm having a hard time finding one I like at a good price. I guess I will make it a goal to have him sleeping on BLUE by six months. I keep asking David if it bothers him that he uses some pink. He says no, it doesn't. But he drew the line at a pink bib that says "Flower Princess". Lying on pink is one thing. Wearing it is another. So we bought blue bibs at Wal-Mart today =).
Belle has to feed her baby doll cereal, and push her around in her stroller all over the yard, and says that she "is already happy" whenever you mention that Jesus Christ wants you to make good choices so you can be happy. Apparently she's already happy. I guess I'll have to explain that to STAY happy...
She also quotes books after only a few readings, and goes around singing random songs at all hours. This week she has been "doing tricks with my light" (Sam and Gus) and "looking for old tap shoes" under ALL the beds (Pig a Pancake). On the way to the store today she starting singing in the car "I love Daddy, Yes-siree, I love Mommy Yes-siree, I love Keith boy Yes-siree, we are a happy family". What a riot.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
One of the hardest things I have ever done
Ok, so, maybe I am being a little over the top dramatic with the title, but...then again, maybe not.
Here's what life has been like around here for the last, say, 2+ months.
Wake up, do morning routine, try to get the baby to take a nap. Give up on the nap and do something else. Try to give the baby a nap. Give up on the nap and do something else. Try to give the baby a nap. Give up.....you get the picture. All day, every day. Sometimes it's 6 or 7 hours straight of this. Poor baby is exhausted. He has gone all day without a single nap many days, others it's 4 or 5 pm before he gets any rest...and finally collapses into exhaustion for a fitful and restless nights sleep. Ugh.
I guess I should clarify that there have been SOME days where he naps, but they are by far fewer in number than the other.
Here are some of the reasons he can't sleep:
* Tummy troubles. He has always had a lot of gas, and at about 2 1/2 months it turned into a TON of gas that made him completely uncomfortable. We have changed/added several things to his routine and I think this problem is finally getting under control.
* Big sister. Without fail, at least once a day, she has a potty emergency RIGHT when I am getting him to fall asleep. She is getting better at getting to the potty alone, so the other day I tried to talk her into using her stool to get up so I wouldn't have to put him down right away. She did great. She got all the way to standing on her stool and her pants down before she had the accident. So then Keith woke up AND she had an accident BOTH. Yeah, that worked out.
She also has learned she has to be "super quiet" while I am putting him in bed. However, she is only 2, and barely 2 at that, and self control is a very difficult thing. She tries SO HARD to be quiet...the sweetie...but she will see something that she gets excited about and wants to play with and expresses that, or accidentally knocks something over...or, the list goes on and on. Keith sometimes will sleep through these distractions but this is only after complete exhaustion is approaching.
* I forget to make him burp before I put him down (or he WON'T burp bc he's already asleep then he has to wake up to burp and WON'T go back to sleep).
* Various reasons for which I do not understand.
I'm sure you can imagine how this has been difficult for all of us. Keith is a super happy fun baby if he's had enough sleep. Super fussy grump if not. Hey--I would be too if I was so sleep deprived!! (wait--I AM!) Belle hardly gets any one-on-one during the marathon 6 hour try-to-get-the-baby-to-sleep days. And my patience gets a super test, my stamina a work out, and nerves a blow. With a lot of days no Daddy to come home and rescue us. On the days he is home it is considerably better for both Belle & I, as just being in the house keeps us calm--not to mention all the time he spends with Belle, and breaks I get. But it makes no difference for Keith. Still sleepless.
SO I determined long ago the best way to solve this problem is to teach Keith to fall asleep on his own. Then he can do it without me rocking him, and free from distractions. First, we had to get his tummy troubles under control. Then, we had to decide if he was old enough. I talked to a lot of you for advice (Thanks!), read up on the experts, stewed and stewed over it, and finally decided it was time.
Even after ALL that, and how difficult the last few months have been, it did not make it any easier to leave him in bed smiling up at me with those so trusting eyes and angel face. It broke my heart. Then to leave him there while he cried for an hour broke it again several times. He finally went to sleep. Today we are on day 4 of putting him to bed awake. It isn't any easier to leave him there smiling up at me, but he cried for 10 minutes and went to sleep.
Some of you will say he is fine, it won't hurt him. Others will disagree and say you should never let your babies cry it out. I'm still not sure about the whole thing, but I honestly didn't know what else to do. Here's to hoping that after he learns to fall asleep at night we can easily transition him to napping on his own. Here's to praying that, actually. And son, if someday you turn out to have abandonment issues or a low self esteem, I really am sorry. I love you.
There's me being dramatic again.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Random Sampler
Here's some random pics of us lately. I tried to get a video of Keith laughing to include but Belle wasn't so hot at working the camera;). She usually does a great job at making him laugh but wasn't in the mood this time. So I'll have to try again for that one. And would someone PLEASE tell me how to get the header picture centered on the blog?? I'm stumped.
We must have prunned the roses right...because they are oh so beautiful.
We must have prunned the roses right...because they are oh so beautiful.
Friday, June 12, 2009
TWO YEARS OLD!!
Time has FLOWN the last two years. I can't believe Belle is 2!!
She had a whole week of parties; first on Sunday at Christine's house, then on her birthday we went to the park to play and have cupcakes, then David got home Sunday and Monday night we had a party for her here and David's family came. After the day at the park she prayed "Bless Bella have another birthday".
So here are some pics from Monday. I didn't take pictures the other two times. I think she had a fun time!! Thanks to all those who helped make her day special.
This is the look of pure, innocent, complete JOY of a two year old who knows she is loved when a room full of people she loves are all singing to her. At this moment she was looking right at Daddy.
This is the adventurous Two-year old trying out her new Tricycle, which she calls a bicycle, but who cares, right? I'll have to get a closer picture sometime of it. It's awesome.
And here is the cake, which I decorated. Someday I will learn how to make it look like someone older than 13 did the decorating.
She had a whole week of parties; first on Sunday at Christine's house, then on her birthday we went to the park to play and have cupcakes, then David got home Sunday and Monday night we had a party for her here and David's family came. After the day at the park she prayed "Bless Bella have another birthday".
So here are some pics from Monday. I didn't take pictures the other two times. I think she had a fun time!! Thanks to all those who helped make her day special.
This is the look of pure, innocent, complete JOY of a two year old who knows she is loved when a room full of people she loves are all singing to her. At this moment she was looking right at Daddy.
This is the adventurous Two-year old trying out her new Tricycle, which she calls a bicycle, but who cares, right? I'll have to get a closer picture sometime of it. It's awesome.
And here is the cake, which I decorated. Someday I will learn how to make it look like someone older than 13 did the decorating.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
And so it begins....
Bedtime was a little crazy tonight. We went to Christine's for dinner and she surprised Belle with an early birthday cake and her cousins gave her lots of attention. It was hard to get her to come home, even though she was completely exhausted.
So by 10 pm I was finally tucking her in. We knelt down to say her prayers and Keith (who was sitting on my lap) just spontaneously cracks up. I mean really laughing hard. Something Belle was doing just got him going. Of course Belle loves to make him laugh (and has been getting him to laugh in the car lately--the two of them in the back seat laughing--) so she feed right off of that and made all the usual antics and then some for getting him to laugh. And he laughed some more. And she laughed and egged him on some more.
When that was over she wanted him to lay by her on her pillow. I thought that was sweet, so I laid him up there and they were playing and talking (the best a 4 mo old can play and talk)...right up until he started putting her kitty in his mouth, chewing on her blanket, and grabing at her water cup. "Mommy, move him, not get my stuff".
Well, that was the end of the play session. But they were so wound up it took awhile for them to get to sleep. I never thought that at this stage they would be winding each other up. And so it begins...what mischief those two will think of to do together I can only imagine. As long as Keith learns not to gnaw on everything in sight, I think we are on our way to a beautiful friendship. =).
Next time, may it be at 10 am instead of pm.
So by 10 pm I was finally tucking her in. We knelt down to say her prayers and Keith (who was sitting on my lap) just spontaneously cracks up. I mean really laughing hard. Something Belle was doing just got him going. Of course Belle loves to make him laugh (and has been getting him to laugh in the car lately--the two of them in the back seat laughing--) so she feed right off of that and made all the usual antics and then some for getting him to laugh. And he laughed some more. And she laughed and egged him on some more.
When that was over she wanted him to lay by her on her pillow. I thought that was sweet, so I laid him up there and they were playing and talking (the best a 4 mo old can play and talk)...right up until he started putting her kitty in his mouth, chewing on her blanket, and grabing at her water cup. "Mommy, move him, not get my stuff".
Well, that was the end of the play session. But they were so wound up it took awhile for them to get to sleep. I never thought that at this stage they would be winding each other up. And so it begins...what mischief those two will think of to do together I can only imagine. As long as Keith learns not to gnaw on everything in sight, I think we are on our way to a beautiful friendship. =).
Next time, may it be at 10 am instead of pm.
Friday, May 29, 2009
THE Shorts
I have been waiting for two weeks to get time to write this post.
David and I are approaching our 5th wedding anniversary, and have known each other for almost 8 years. In all that time, I have NEVER seen him wear shorts (other than basketball shorts for exercising). I guess that is because he hasn't owned any. In fact, he hasn't had a pair of shorts since Jr High. Like 15 years ago. They've just never been practical. At home school clothes turned into farm work clothes in the summer, and you just don't haul pipes in shorts.
A couple of years ago I tried to buy him a pair. They turned out to be too small and we returned them to the store. I tried again this year for his birthday, with the same result. Only this time he went with me to the store to return them and found some he liked. He has been wearing them golfing, and around a few other places and has declared them a success.
Not that this a all that unusual--I know plenty of men who don't wear shorts (and women for that matter). But I am just taking a good opportunity to tease him.
SO--here are the pics--sheild your eyes from the glare of legs that haven't seen sun in over 15 years.....
Go sweets!!
Side note--I realize pictures of the back yard may be slightly incriminating. Mom--yes, your flower beds are full of grass. If you look close you can see the flowers in there somewhere. But--the rose bushes are beautifully pruned and you have some absolutely stunning peonies out back. Lots of 'em. Maybe I'll get some pictures of that to post next to make up for the grass =).
David and I are approaching our 5th wedding anniversary, and have known each other for almost 8 years. In all that time, I have NEVER seen him wear shorts (other than basketball shorts for exercising). I guess that is because he hasn't owned any. In fact, he hasn't had a pair of shorts since Jr High. Like 15 years ago. They've just never been practical. At home school clothes turned into farm work clothes in the summer, and you just don't haul pipes in shorts.
A couple of years ago I tried to buy him a pair. They turned out to be too small and we returned them to the store. I tried again this year for his birthday, with the same result. Only this time he went with me to the store to return them and found some he liked. He has been wearing them golfing, and around a few other places and has declared them a success.
Not that this a all that unusual--I know plenty of men who don't wear shorts (and women for that matter). But I am just taking a good opportunity to tease him.
SO--here are the pics--sheild your eyes from the glare of legs that haven't seen sun in over 15 years.....
Go sweets!!
Side note--I realize pictures of the back yard may be slightly incriminating. Mom--yes, your flower beds are full of grass. If you look close you can see the flowers in there somewhere. But--the rose bushes are beautifully pruned and you have some absolutely stunning peonies out back. Lots of 'em. Maybe I'll get some pictures of that to post next to make up for the grass =).
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