Of His Second Birthday

It was two years ago that our youngest boy made his frantic and harrowing arrival into this world. Two years ago that I gave birth on my bedroom floor to the little baby without a name and snuggled him close, not at all disappointed not to have had the baby sister Micaiah had insisted was coming.

And that kid.

I wish I could describe him accurately, but words won't do him justice. If you could just spend a day or two with this child, you would see what I mean.

You'd see the way he lights up a room with his ever-present grin. He is truly the most expressive and joyful child we have had - and considering the other two weren't terribly cranky kids, that's saying something. (Even his most recent exclamation of "Ew, yucky!" as we change his diaper accompanies an appropriate facial expression of disgust.) The way he says, "Tank ou" every time anything is given to him - and will repeat it ("Tank ou, Momma. Tank ou, Momma. Momma, tank ou!") until he is told he is welcome. And, of course, he responds with the same courtesy, "Welcome!" with pointed politeness whenever gratitude is expressed to him.

You'd see how he puckers his precious lips whenever Momma asks for a kiss, or how she doesn't even have to ask often, because he offers them freely to everyone. In fact, you'd melt at the kisses he blows EVERY time he tells someone bye, bye or the way he has to run to the other bedroom for hugs and kisses with brother and sissy every night before bed, scampering off yelling, "Tisses, Caiah!" And the way they greet him eagerly, often falling over giggling mid-hug, just as happy with the night-time ritual as he is.

You would think it was adorable the way he runs to the garage door whenever he hears the car pull in, yelling, "Daddy home!" waiting for his hug, or even the way he asks every morning, "Daddy?" as I change his diaper, hoping it's not a work day. But that doesn't mean Mommy doesn't get any appreciation. If I've stepped out for a run to the grocery store, I get to see his happy face as soon as I come through the door, while he's tugging on Daddy, "Momma home! Momma home!" He definitely knows how to make us feel loved.

You'd probably also get to see his ornery streak - the side that snatches a toy from his siblings and runs away with glee, not necessarily because he wanted it, but because he knows they did. Or the angry glare he shoots at anyone who dare suggest he relinquish the pilfered play-thing and then the pouty reluctance with which he offers it back to the child in question.

You would definitely appreciate his eagerness to help. If he sees trash, he holds it up to confirm, "Tash?" and then dashes on his little toddler legs to dutifully place it in the proper receptacle. If we're cooking, he'll pull up a stool to help or run to the cabinet where his dishes are kept to find a plate, fork or cup (or all of the above). And if we're dishing out snack, he'll serve his brother and sister their snack cups before he accepts his own.

And even after noticing all the above, you'd be surprised just how many times a day you won't be able to help saying, "He's just so cute!" because it really is surprising just how many ways it shines through. You kind of want to give him a big hug all the time - unless he's getting into something he shouldn't just about every time you turn your back. Then you'll curse his blessed cuteness because it's just so hard to want to discipline that face.

I can't believe he's only been here two years and I wish I could freeze time, because I just love his tender and spirited personality and I wish I could frame it and keep it forever.

So, happy birthday to this guy - one of the many reasons I smile.

Of Our Non-Expendable Brood

As we await the long-coming arrival of Baby #4 to our growing flock, I recognize we have crossed a threshold - in fact, we crossed it back in 2011, when our youngest had just turned one, our oldest was still yet two and we learned our third was on the way, the point at which the question on everyone's lips subtly changes to, "So, are you planning to have more?" to "So, do you think you're done?"

And whether real or imagined, there is a definitive sense of judgment in our culture toward those populating the earth with more than the allotted 2.5 children. Sometimes I feel the weight of those questioning eyes, with my burgeoning belly and three little ones scurrying underfoot as we head to the library or the grocery store.

Yet, I watch my children playing, all seated together on the floor engrossed in a book or huddled into the plastic Fisher Price tree house out back, and as I melt in their large brown eyes I ask myself this question, "Which of these would I give up so as to have a socially acceptable amount of off-spring?"

Would it be the fiery strawberry blonde? Maybe it would have been nice to have waited just a little longer before starting our family - more time for my husband and I to have to ourselves as 'just us' before taking the deeper plunge from marriage into family. We could have traveled. We could have indulged in couple time and spare change. But then, where would our boys be without their big sister to lead the way? And who would impress me with the compassion she shows for others or her aptness for learning?

Or maybe it would be that middle one. Perhaps it would have been nice to have that longer gap - breathing room between Micaiah and Joey? But then, what would I do without my sweetly sensitive, yet rough and tumble little boy with that insatiable curiosity? And with whom would Micaiah have "camp-overs" in the living room or play hide-and-seek throughout the house? Joey isn't quite old enough for that, yet.

Well, then there's that, maybe we'd just give up that youngest one. He doesn't do much to contribute to the family, yet. Perhaps we could have enjoyed those first two a little longer if we'd spaced it out a tad. But, then, whose mischievous grin would break my stressful days? Or who would climb in my lap every time I sat on the floor to be with the other two?  Who would stand next to me in the kitchen, waiting to help, as I prepare meals? Who would offer Emmett the joy of having a brother and future games of cowboys and Indians or catch in the yard?

Then again, maybe we should have just been done after three. That's a perfectly acceptable number. But then, what would I do, on those long days, without the refreshing kicks, tiny reminders of life inside and the purpose I hold? Where would be that hope of a baby sister for our eldest - something of which she has long dreamed?

Where would we be, as a family, if any one of us were missing - had never even existed? Perhaps we'd be just fine. But seeing where we are now, I wouldn't have it any other way. I know God has formed our family perfectly, and I have a strong sense he's not finished with us yet. Which is just fine - because he seems to have done a wonderful job of putting just the right tiny souls into our wonderful little mix at just the right times.  Perhaps not every family is meant for this kind of blossoming - their perfect number may be smaller than ours - but I am so grateful for all we have been given, and all that is yet to come.

Of Joey's New Favorite Celebration

In case you didn't know, last week was Halloween. Having grown up trick-or-treating (yes, I was the teenager knocking on doors through high school with the ever-ready response to the obvious question, "You're never too old for free candy" - and I still stick by that, though I don't carry my own bucket, sadly) with a husband who had never trick-or-treated in his life (apparently the children of preachers and missionaries only celebrate Halloween if it's called "Fall" and it's done at the church - because that's when costumes and candy become holy) we have often debated on how to pass this inevitable evening. And we've taken varied approaches each year.

This year after celebrating at the church's fall festival Sunday night, and spooking the dorm of the local university Tuesday night, I wondered what we would actually do on Halloween night. Because I'm too stingy to pour out money on candy to give to other children (though our daughter does love answering the door, so maybe I should have taken that into consideration) and it's hard to just sit by and miss out on what others are doing.

So I convinced my holy husband to allow our children to haunt the street - just our one little street - for the night.

The kids had no idea what they were in for. Especially Emmett, who continued to whine at the plan, "I don't want to walk up and down our street!" Trust me, kid, I thought, you're gonna love it.

And he did. As we meandered home with full buckets at the slowed pace evoked by an hour or so of knocking and walking, I asked him, "Are you glad we walked up and down the street?" "Yeah."

But the biggest fan of the evening was little Joey. After our two previous costumed bag/bucket carrying events earlier in the week, he knew what was coming. I dress funny, I carry this and people give me candy. He was so ready.

Our Little Lumberjack

It took about two houses before he had the routine and he would wiggle himself out of our arms, dash to the door on which sissy had already politely tapped (shy Emmett always hanging behind the others just a little) and bang his little fist. Mommy would then have to pull him back so the poor candy-giver inside could even open the door and then, if it was in reach, that tiny fist was in the candy bowl, no questions asked.  Sometimes he hollered a courtesy "Or-teet" - which was about all he could muster of the famous phrase - before diving in. Sometimes the occupant was a little more cautious (understandably so) with the loot and would simply hand him a bar or two of chocolately goodness, which he would grasp and then stare as he waited for more. Then, after giving the obligatory, "Tank oo", he would drop it in the bucket hanging from his arm and turn, running, ready for the next stop.

And that little guy raced up and down our street - seriously, those little legs pounded the pavement for a full half-mile without wearing down.

Yeah, I'd say he's discovered his new favorite holiday. Then again, I doubt he remembers last December, so I'm pretty sure he has an even bigger surprise in store.

Happy Fall from our Crazy Crew!

Of a Morning at the Movies

A few years ago I started seeing advertisements on various money-saving blogs for a summer movie series that various theaters across the country do - one children's movie a week, during the day, at a wonderfully reduced rate. Yes, they're old releases, but who doesn't love watching a movie on the big screen? Of course, I've come to realize with small(-ish) town living that the terms "regional" or "select theaters" generally rule us out. And such has been the case since I first learned of this summery movie extravaganza.

Not so this year, my friends. Not so this year.

This year our town joins the ranks, screening various children's favorites for only $4 - sure it's not free as others do, but the price of admission includes popcorn, a drink and fruit snacks. You won't hear any complaining about that from our kids (especially since they're not paying for it).

As soon as I caught wind of the excitement to come, I loaded up my calendar - each and every Thursday morning screening is prominently labeled, so I'll know which days we need to be lining up at the ticket counter.

Yesterday was the first of these much-anticipated days.

I loaded up the kids - a little concerned about how Joey would do, but also recognizing I was going to a movie theater at 10am to watch an animated movie everyone probably already owned on DVD - I doubted a squawky toddler would receive much attention. I knew I'd have my hands full, but it's not like I'm completely clueless at this point when it comes to toting around three children under the age of five.

I've got this.

What I forgot to factor in was toting around three children under the age of five (one on my hip) and three kids' boxes filled with popcorn and soda cups to spring-loaded theater seats not equipped for the meager weight of pre-schoolers and the inability to take bathroom breaks with the above mentioned munchkins and their snacks.

Let's just say, I have quite a few mental notes of how to do it better next time. These include not handing Emmett his popcorn tray until he has figured out how not to get scrunched by the chair, not arriving early so as to cut down on the time needed to hold a 15-month-old's attention (well, and just plain hold him - especially when he's using all his squirmy might to escape to the floor) and not having to share my (aka the baby's) popcorn with older brother (which includes a side-note of making sure his doesn't get spilled) - because when the popcorn is gone, so is that fidgety baby boy.

All things considered, we all had a fairly enjoyable morning. Joey finally resolved himself to the fact that Mommy wasn't letting go (no matter how good the popcorn on the floor looked) and, thumb in his mouth, settled his tiny head on my arm. Emmett learned how to hold his seat in place and made sure to point out to me all the parts that were funny. Micaiah leaned over at one point, to snuggle with Momma, and had a great time laughing when the other kids laughed (even if she didn't always get the joke).

The kids and I agreed, a morning at the movies is definitely not a bad way to pass the summer time.

Of Facing their Fears

While most children would jump up and down (pun so entirely intended) at Mommy and Daddy's surprise of spending the morning leaping on inflatable mazes and slides (albeit, not quite as exciting as Paris or the zoo, which were Micaiah's guesses), our children tend to be a little more anxious than most.  

In Emmett's defense, Saturday morning's excursion was his first experience with a bouncy house, so some trepidation is understandable.  But when a kid only the day before announced, "Look, Mommy!  I'm standing on the moon!" while perched on the arm of the loveseat, and proceeded with, "I'm jumping on the moon!" while flailing himself on the cushions, one might reasonably assume he'd more thrilled to be able to perform such actions with permission this time.  Apparently one would be wrong.

His sister took some warming up, as well, but by the time she discovered new "friends" (some legit, from church, and some brand new to her, but everyone is always welcome), she was running through the maze with the best of them.

The slides were an issue, which was sad because it was a large part of the experience overall.  So, the second time I accompanied our daughter down, I pointed to the warning sticker at the top of the hill, indicating tandem sliding as a taboo.  "See," I told her, "You're supposed to go all by yourself."

"Yeah.  But let's go anyway."

That's my little rule-breaker.

After that, it was all about the law - only because it gave her leverage over her brother. 

"See, Bubba?  It says to go by yourself."

And that was all it took to convince the little guy we had to push and pull onto the inflatable in the first place (the one who had spent the majority of the past hour stepping gingerly toward a bounce-house before hurrying away before we could talk him into it) to declare, "I have to do it all by myself!"  And off he went, scurrying up the rubber-covered ladder/stairs to throw himself down the nearest slide (nevermind the fact he had never even been interested in the activity with accompaniment, let alone by himself).

Before we knew it, we had a sliding fool and a social butterfly scurrying hither and yon among the growing crowd.  

Oh, and their little brother? It was all we could do to keep that guy from climbing the ballooned sides himself from moment one. This little man knows no fear. "They don't want to play?" he seemed to say, "Don't worry, I've got this!"

Oh how different children can be.

Of Taking New Steps

On January 15 Joey took his first two steps while he and I played in the living room.  A little more than a month later, we finally pulled out the video camera to capture our new little toddler.  He still has trouble making it more than the distance from one couch to the other on his own two feet, but he sure does love to try.

This act of becoming a walker has truly shown us how independent our little guy is.  While we spent weeks trying to encourage him - standing the little man up and holding out our hands to him - he constantly plopped down on his rear to begin his crawl - every time.  I finally decided he has his whole life to walk, so he might as well take advantage of the hands and knees approach as long as his knees are still padded enough to handle it.  Because goodness knows that goes away all too quickly.

As with all things in life, it was at the moment of our surrender that he finally decided it was his time to shine.  Within days he began to toddle the four steps between Mommy and Daddy (as captured in the below video) all on his own and only days after that he now regularly pushes himself to his own two feet, taking the halting steps in whichever direction he chooses.  True, he still often gets over excited and quickly loses balance, and crawling his still his preferred method of transport, but let it be known our little guy can walk.

Which brings us to my big milestone - our youngest child can walk and I'm NOT currently incubating another.  Such a big step for us all!

(Note: My favorite thing about this video, other than the evidence of his newest ability, is how encouraging his wonderful siblings are. These kids are my greatest gift.)


1,000 Steps:
1101. What once was a curse now is a blessing
1102. A sign I was made for this
1103. First (and second and third) steps
1104. Giving away and still having plenty to give
1105. Quiet times with kids
1106. Her enjoying the music
1107. A little boy offering to help (and doing it well)
1108. Fat flakes in our hair as we get groceries
1109. Grocery shopping with one kid at a time

Of Our Penguin's First Year

Joey completed his first year of life at 7:59 this morning.  As of 8am we have a one-year-old in this house again.

A fact that makes me smile is that, for a brief time in the middle of this celebratory day, it was snowing, much like it did the day he was born - and if you know Oklahoma winters (particularly these past two), you'll know having snow on the exact same day two years in a row (especially when they represent only half of the occasions it has snowed in our area over the entirety these two years), you'll know it's a downright miracle.  I like to think it's due to the nickname his sister gave him before he was born.  Because a Penguin needs his snow.

At this point in his life, he is already a talker - his most common words are "ball" (definitely his favorite toy), "thank you," and "bye-bye" (though some of us swear we heard him say, "Hi, Aunt Dayla" just the other day).  He doesn't walk yet, but he sure can cruise along any object, toddle while holding a hand and take his own steps while pushing an object.  The only thing standing between him and full-out running is a lack of confidence in his ability to balance himself.

He loves to climb.  Of all our children, he is the climbing-est.  He can tackle a full set of stairs with no reservations (despite the cries of his parents who are slightly more aware of his inability to successfully descend those same steps).  He regularly climbs the step-stool in front of the toy kitchen to tinker in the plastic sink.  He has taken his fair share of tumbles from this same stool, resulting, already, in many bruises and one teeth-cut lip, but he is determined and tough - one spill (or two or three) will not keep him from doing what he loves.  Likewise with discipline.  A swatted hand is a small price to pay for playing with those buttons (whether on the phone or any remote he can get in his hands), a cost he most willingly pays over and over again.  Persistence and perseverance are his defining attributes.

Cooking for Momma

While typically rather serious and slow to show anything other than a blank stare to someone new, he can be such a little ham - he loves the camera.  Most children stop what they're doing when the camera is pulled out, and so does this guy, but only to grin as wide as he can, showing off his only four teeth, declaring, "Eeee!"

Cheesing for the camera while riding Horsey Gram

He is most happy when he is involved with others.  He enjoys being around his brother and sister most - they bring the giggles (and, yes, the tears) out of this otherwise-rather-stoic little man - and he regularly chases them from room to room just to be with them (he also clambers onto Sissy's bed quite eagerly whenever possible - but this might have more to do with his love of climbing).

Sharing the giant cardboard box with Emmett

He is also quite helpful, putting things away when asked (well, about half the time) and even helped Mommy with the laundry for the first time yesterday (well, other than just scattering previously-folded clothing) - first taking things from the dryer to put them in the basket and then hugging the small items of clothing she gave him to toss into the dryer.  He was quite happy to help.

All of these developments in just one year - we can only imagine what his vast future holds.

1,000 Gifts:
1093. A year full of life
1094. Fluffy white flakes falling to the earth
1095. Offering a listening ear
1096. A weekend with the grandparents

Of Celebrating Six Months

Happy Birthday to our little boy who turned 1/2 a year old today!  Pull out the party hats!

It's been a wild six months, but I definitely enjoy having this little guy around.

Six months ago he was snuggled in my arms as I knelt on my bedroom floor.  I held his warm little body close, climbed into bed and never wanted to let go.  Today, it's all I can do to keep him in my lap while he eats, as he arches his back to see everything around him.  If he's not eating, sitting still to snuggle is hardly his favorite activity.  

At six months our little man is sitting up and wriggling around the floor.  He likes to spin in circles when he's laying on his belly, grasping at anything within arm's reach to put straight in his tiny mouth.  He will chew on anything and everything he can get to and the radius of what he can get to increases daily.

The other day, at the drive-in, he lay on his belly in the back of the SUV, he pushed his feet against the wall of the car to pull his knees up under him and shoved his elbows forward to gain a few inches.  It was impressive and a big step toward mobility.  Sure, when he's not pushing himself against something he's not so good at putting weight on those chubby knees, but still, Momma's proud.

So grateful for what time has brought us.

1,000 Gifts:
759. Pulling shoes on little feet.
760. Creating a to-do list
761. An adventurous and understanding husband
762. Abundant food

Photo of the Day:

Whole 30 - Day 5:
Breakfast: Eggs scrambled with Salsa, Banana
Lunch: Celery with Almond Butter, small serving of Chunky Apple Chicken Salad, Cherries
Dinner: Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole, Clementine
Evening Snack: Small serving of the above casserole

Worst Part of Today: The severe temptation to just grab a bowl of cereal when my belly was rumbling later in the evening.
Best Part of Today: Realizing I really don't miss some of the things I used to think necessary, like cheese or a breading in egg casserole (or even just cheese on my salad).

Of Loving His Cousin

Our eldest son is not yet at the age when we hear him talking about his favorite play-mates (other than his sister).  While Micaiah comes home from church telling me about the escapades of her and her friends (all male, by the way - don't know yet if this should concern us), labeling just about everyone she meets as a friend and asking about someone she just met ten minutes ago like they've known each other forever, her brother is still at the point where he pretty much keeps to himself.  Other than at home, where he and Sissy will chase each other around in fits of giggles, he's pretty much a "parallel play" kinda guy when it comes to children his age.

Thus, you can imagine my surprise when, at dinner the very evening we pulled back into town from visiting Virginia with my parents, as my brother and his family sat at the other end of the table, Emmett declared, "I want to see Nella."  This, coming from my introvert son who not only doesn't remember who he played with last week, but was also VERY cranky from two days in the car and a very poor nap in his carseat.  He didn't want dinner.  He didn't want milk.  He didn't want to sit in his chair.

But he wanted Nella.

Nella, who is only seven months old.  Nella, who does little more than suck her thumb or chew the nearest toy (not unlike his little brother, Joseph).  She doesn't offer hugs or squeals of recognition, no flickers of excitement to see her cousin who she just met last week.

But this is who he wanted.  This was who made him happy on this evening when nothing else could.

So enamored he was, the entire ride home, after shunning his pasta, he asked where "UncleAndyAndrea" were and which house, of the many passing outside his window, belonged to them.  Upon arriving at Grandma and Grandpa's, he dashed in, looked around and inquired, "Where Nella?"

It was absolutely precious.

I love seeing my children enjoy their family.  I pray we will have many more opportunities to traverse the distance and reinforce the bonds which are only just beginning to form.

1,000 Gifts:

716. Two of my boys snuggling on the couch

717. Joey's smile at his big sister

718. Watching my tiniest man entertain himself, sitting up on the floor

719. Story-time with my littles, laying on the bedroom floor

720. A flowing skirt on a summer evening

Also, guess who's eating from a spoon these days . . .

At five and a half months old, he started these shenanigans on Sunday.  What a big boy!

Of Simple Pleasures (and Overeating)

We may have splurged a little much on food today and my belly may be a little larger than necessary as a result, but I maintain taking the kids out for a spontaneous IHOP breakfast with Mommy and, later, the entire family through the Taco Bell drive-thru, just for the heck of it, may have made the day (or the first half of it, anyway).

Then again, the playing with trains in between the two lavish meals didn't hurt, either.  Especially not when it meant listening to Micaiah's gruff man voice saying, "Thank you for the air conditioner" (this girl never ceases to amuse me in her pretend-play world).

Overall, the day was definitely not too shabby.

1,000 Gifts:
575. Tiny green sprouts sitting in the window sill
576. Little man hairs falling to the floor
577. Homemade pizza
578. Baby poop that doesn't yet smell bad.
579. Getting out the exersaucer
580. Finding just what I needed at the garage sale
581. Whipped butter
582. A thunderstorm in the night
583. A clean plate and little-man pants needing to be unbuttoned to make room for bulging belly
584. A mailbox filled with only colorful cards (no political postcards, K-Mart ads or electric bills)




This photo was from yesterday, when Micaiah took the Slinkie Joey had been enjoying and arched it over his back.  I love my kids.

Enjoying IHOP.

This is Joey's form of enjoying IHOP.

We played with Story Dice while we awaited our food and, later, while we awaited the check.

Train time!  I had fun setting out every single piece of that.  And I might be proud to say that every single piece was also put away before dinner.

Of Noise, Noise, Noise

The transition back into life as a family of five may have been a little rough on our first full day together.

I may have had a headache during all the waking hours of our children.

And I don't get headaches.

Apparently my brain had detoxed from the regularity of constant noise that accompanies the life of a stay-at-home mother of three (it seems the noise-level multiplied exponentially when the second one learned how to work his vocal chords voluntarily).  And being thrown head-long back into the world of non-stop sound was too much for my poor ears.

Thus, we have begun to work on volume control.  Probably something that should have happened a long time ago, but I think when the rise in volume just happens gradually it becomes much less noticeable than when it's been gone for awhile and suddenly turns back on.  Like your car radio - when you keep turning up the knob, little by little, as you cruise around town and it sounds just fine, but then when you get back in the car the next day, turn the key and hear your favorite station blaring, it seems like an assault on your ear drums.

Yeah, kinda like that.

So, now my favorite phrase is, "Quieter, please."  Micaiah seems to understand, but Emmett has not yet learned the art of volume control on his own voice.  And it seems his favorite volume is yelling.  Probably to be heard over his sister.

It's a slow process.  But I believe there is hope.  In fact, I haven't had a headache since that first day.  Which means we're either making progress or my brain is de-sensitizing once more.

Either way, we're functioning.  And life is good.

1,000 Gifts:
567. Happy pills
568. Opportunities left and right
569. A glowing red orb of the setting sun
570. Her looking so cool in her shades
571. Smoothie popsicles waiting in the freezer
572. Her silly face in the picture
573. "Applesauce is nummy!"
574. Sharing


Photos of the Day: 
The doula who delivered Joey (as she was the first one qualified who walked in the door) stopped by today.  I had to be sure to get a photo of the two of them together.  Micaiah wanted to be in the picture, too.  So she could do this:

She certainly missed playing with this little guy.  Looks like he missed her, too.

He also discovered the Slinkie today.  I think he has a new favorite toy.  

And the excitement was just a bit much for him in the end.

Finally, we took Joseph's Jemima picture today, as he turned four months old yesterday.  I couldn't choose my favorite, but here are a few.  Note: He doesn't actually sit up on his own, yet - there was much flopping seconds after these two were snapped.

In reality, this is his favorite position of late.  Always on his belly, this guy.

Of Perspective Shifts

When we were new parents, the transition, as for everyone, was rough.  Going from free-spirited newlyweds  who can run out to Wal-Mart at 11:30 on a Friday night because they have a hankering to play Mouse Trap and need to go grab a copy to parents of a newborn who can't go anywhere without first buckling the baby into the carseat, making sure the diaper bag is stocked, considering the feeding schedule and how that will coincide with the time away from the house, the entire process adds at least five minutes to getting out the door and, well, it all becomes too much of a hassle to where you'd rather just stay home (or send one adult delegate out for the errands while the other stays home with the sleeping baby).

Suddenly you feel constricted, tied down.  Because it's not just the two of you, anymore, it's the two of you and "the baby."

It's an entirely different perspective going from being the two of you and a pre-schooler, a toddler and a newborn to it just being the two of you and "the baby."

Suddenly there is FREEDOM!  Because now, when we want to get out, instead of requiring twenty minutes to round up tiny shoes, change three diapers, check the diaper bag, grab snacks (if necessary), buckle three car seats and finally head out (to the cries of, "We wanna watch!"), we buckle a baby into his carseat, make sure the diaper is stocked, consider the feeding schedule and plan accordingly.  The entire process adds only five minutes to getting out the door.

Incredible what a shift in perspective does.

*Also, please note, we have felt much freedom for the past couple of weeks with an only child, but very much look forward to entering back into the pre-school/toddler fray shortly.

1,000 Gifts:
546. Slivers of potato flying off the peeler, over the bowl, into the sink
547. Reading, belly down, on a made bed at 7am with little one squirming nearby
548. His little head twisted all-around to see momma
549. Little boy asleep on his play-mat
550. Tiny male voice over the phone: "Good night, Mommy and Daddy"
551. Scribbling notes as I prepare to enter his world
552. Beautiful rain = Free car wash
553. Lounging with Little Mister, who just needs a snuggle
554. Raindrops on the windshield


"How I spent my Summer Vacation" by Joseph Peter:

Once this little guy learned how to get to his tummy, he never looked back.  Now he flips over the moment he's laid on his back.  And he always seems to hold his hands together - so proper!  He hasn't started working on flipping back, yet.  Apparently he's quite happy with the belly!

Of Enjoying Playtime

I feel as though having some time away from Big Brother and Big Sister is really helping Little J to thrive.  Where he once laid to simply watch his siblings in awe as they scurried about and occasionally tossed a small toy in his direction, he now is left with finding ways to entertain himself (you know, in those moments when Mommy isn't cuddling and cooing and making goofy faces at him).

Laying in his play gym, he grasps for the feet of the elephant hanging above him or the soft ring of the zebra rattle nearby.  He clings to the rattle Momma places in his fingers.  It's like we have an entirely new son.  One who is absolutely enthralled with the toys he only stared at a mere week ago.

 On top of which, he has also begun rolling with much greater frequency.  He had, a couple of weeks ago, learned to roll from front to back but did not employ the tactic often.  Now, however, he rolls and squirms to where every time I look at him he's in a new position.

And, then, of course, there's the ever-present good attitude.  I think this may be the first child we've had who will sometimes (like today) notify me he's awake in the morning with happy squeals rather than a demanding cry.  I really feel like he could be good friends with Buddy the elf, because smiling is totally Joey's favorite, too.

Yeah, I kinda like this kid - and the changes only make him better than he already was.

1,000 Gifts:
539. A rainstorm to compliment a rainy day
540. Birthday party plans
541. Creases in chubby baby legs
542. Children tiptoeing across the bathroom - seen over the miracle of technology
543. "I otay!"
544. The rattle of a baby's play
545. The promise of an evening together

Of Taking Him to the Movies

As we spent our sixth anniversary on the road (stopping for a brief celebratory dinner at Red Lobster - because nothing says, "I love you," like sharing a basket of cheddar biscuits), Philip and I took yesterday as a make-up day.  

Now, we didn't plan on our day being bookended with first world problems - waking up to a missing internet signal (and waiting half the day for a repairman) and going to bed with a malfunctioning air conditioner, windows open to the sounds of rain pattering the rooftops and thunder booming loudly across the state, but it was the middle part of the day - our first day for quite some time with only one child at home - which defined our wonderful time of just being together - and having just been together for six years now.

Sandwiched between lunch at Benedict St. and dessert at Cherry Berry (our new love), we took Joey out for his first movie in the theater.  And, questions of showing such violence to a child of only three and a half months aside, that kid loved "The Hunger Games" - or maybe just the theater experience overall.  While many may fear taking such a young one to the movies for worry of his crying interfering with others' enjoyment of the show, it was our little man's laughter that caused Philip to ask, "Do I need to take him out in the hall?"  

That was our man, giggling, grinning and all-around having a great time. He loved sitting on our laps, watching the action on the screen, or facing us and hamming it up.  

I definitely never imagined I would be celebrating my sixth anniversary by trying to hush my baby's coos in the dark back row of a sparsely-occupied matinee - but I wouldn't have it any other way.

1,000 Gifts:

533. A cool breeze through an open window.

534. A lightning show in the distance.

535. A finished product.

536. Corn from the cob - a reminder of God's provision

537. A phone call away from the repairs we need.

538. An unexpected opportunity

Photo of the Day: 

A little over a month ago, I snagged an amazing deal on a furniture set a garage sale - four pieces for $40 - which means, I essentially paid $10 for Joey's new dresser (the only piece I really needed) - well, $10 plus the $6 in black paint.  Now, only three and a half months into his life, he finally a dresser to hold his teeny baby clothes.

Before:

 After:

Of Making a Mess

After a whirlwind weekend of family and traveling across Nebraska, Philip and I kissed our big kids good-bye for a couple of fun-filled weeks with Gram and Grandy, tucked Joseph into his car seat and departed yesterday afternoon for our road trip home - just the three of us.

Joseph may have been a little surprised to look up to find Mommy sitting next to him in the car rather than the tickles and coos of Big Sissy, but I think he was rather happy about it.  So happy, he filled his pants.

Yes, this guy whose number of diaper blow-outs in his entire life I can probably count on one hand decided to save his juiciest little gift for the middle of Mommy and Daddy's road trip home, when ill-prepared Mommy found herself with NO wipes in the diaper bag.  Not one.  Fortunately, she knew this before toting him off to the bathroom for a change and, having used the restroom prior to discovering his messy self, she also knew this particular bathroom provided no paper towels.  In addition, this most ill-stocked of gas stations ALSO sold nothing even close to a wet wipe.  Aside from the two tiny sides of a square island in the store which specialized in Midol and other such feminine needs, the entire store was filled with nothing more than four aisles of candy bars, donuts, potato chips and soda.  Not so effective in the diaper department.

Thus, I was left with a small handful of napkins pulled from the drink station to wet down at the bathroom sink. Unfortunately, doing the entire job one-handed left me clinching all five napkins together, producing one wet mass that would not be separated.  Thus, after one meager swipe of the soggy napkin ball, I was left with still nothing to cleanse my child from his own yuck.  Nothing, that is, except for one pathetic onesie which I had just pulled over his head due to it's already having been filled with the mess.  And, of course, if you're a Mommy alone in a gas station bathroom with nothing but a wipe-less diaper bag and a onesie already covered in baby poo, what are you going to do but decide that the onesie can't really get much worse than it already is - and, hey, at least it's softer than napkins.

Happy sixth anniversary to us.

I'm telling you, this is a stunt this kid would have never pulled if his siblings had been around.  For months I've been answering comments such as, "He's such a good baby!" with the response, "Well, he knows he has to be - he's the third one!"  Something tells me he's getting a little too cozy with this brief "only child" business.

1,000 Gifts:
522. Curling up with a nursing baby.
523. The soft hairs of his baby faux-hawk.
524. The breeze blowing through our hair during a train ride in the park.
525. The trill of a train whistle and, "Hey, Mr. Conductor, why does the train make that sound?"
526. A walk with a red wagon.
527. Graduation day - the thrill of the next step.
528. Rare time with extended family.
529. Chocolate cake.
530. A roomy backseat.
531. Meandering through the store.
532. Shrimp in its many forms.

Of Patience and Trust

I believe little Joseph got the memo that he is our third child and we may not be able to deal with many more crazy antics in this chaotic family.  He is so entirely mellow, it blesses a Momma's heart.

Of course, I do remember, thanks to the wonders of being Baby Wise, none of our children were extremely difficult at this young age of only three months, but I also remember wondering how they could be so impatient on certain things, like feeding.  There were so many times I would try to explain to tiny baby ears that, "Yes, Momma hears you.  The fact that you are in her arms and she is sitting down with you on the couch should be an indication that you are so close to being able to eat.  Is this incessant screaming really necessary?"  And, of course, these were also the times they were screaming so hard it took them a moment to realize I was even trying to feed them, if they would just stop crying long enough to take it.

Not so with little Joey.  This guy cries when he's ready to eat (sometimes - usually only in the morning - most other times he sucks his thumb like a mad-man and, occasionally, even goes back to sleep), but the minute Momma picks him up, all is right in his little world.

He trusts me.

He knows that even if I have to wander around the house for a few minutes first, if he is in my arms, food will come.

I love that about Him.

How much greater does the Heavenly Father love it when we trust Him?  When we know, if we are in His arms, we will be taken care of?  Why am I too often the obnoxious screamer who doesn't seem to notice that His presence is enough, and, if I'd only pay attention, He is offering exactly what I need?

Thank you, Lord, for these children who teach me the greatness of your love (and patience).



1,000 Gifts: 
507. Rainy days and Sundays
508. Re-focusing on His Crazy Love
509. Spontaneous arm wrestling
510. A number puzzle and a sharp pencil


Photo of the Day: Leaving a potluck in the "rain" (it was more of a heavy sprinkle), Emmett helped Daddy carry the "Brella".

Of Disenchantment

"Mommy, we still have a baby brother."

"Yes, baby, we do."

"But when we're done with him, then he will go?"

"No, baby, he's a part of our family now.  He's always going to be with us, but he will grow up like Emmett and like you."

"No, he's not; he's going to go."

Pair this with the fact that she was still talking about the baby sister in my tummy as of Sunday and I'm thinking someone is getting disenchanted over the excitement of simply having a baby and she is ready for that girl.

Sorry, sweetie, to the best of my current knowledge, you are just going to have to wait.

Maybe she's just jealous he stole her face.

1,000 Gifts:
494. Unexpected Surprises
495. Making room
496. Doing math "homework" with my three-year-old (and teaching the concept of "0")

Of Remembering

I'm going to admit here and now, my blogging may get quite spotty as I focus on meeting my News' Year goal. I beg your forgiveness, but hope you'll understand.

Nevertheless, I have stopped by tonight because I have had such a wonderful day enjoying my children and felt I needed to remember it always.

I need to remember moments like licking the remainder banana bread batter from the bowl with my daughter as she pauses to let me know, "Mommy, you're a good mommy."  So many days that does not ring true and from a little girl who always speaks her mind, my heart almost melted.  (Also, later, while "playing house" with Daddy, she apparently quit because "This game's too hard" - yes, my dear, being the Mommy is hard sometimes.)

I need to remember her drawings that are getting more advanced by the day - like this one of Aunt Dia.

I need to remember sitting on the couch with all three of my wee ones, going through their toddler-aged Brain Quest one of them got for Christmas (I LOVE Brain Quest, so this was quite exciting for me), while brother and sister traded spontaneous hugs and kisses - for no other reason that they were sitting next to each other and realized they just really like their sibling.  And I really like them, too.

I need to remember getting help with the laundry.  We're training him up in the way he should go . . .

 I need to remember spiders with nine legs and noses (definitely can't forget the nose!).

I need to remember him snuggled up on his sister's pink chair.

I need to remember waving Joey's monkey rattle in his face and actually earning giant grins and adorable giggles.

I need to remember hide-and-seek with a little hider under a pile of toys, reaching one arm out to find his sissy's purple hat to place it on his head - all while the seeker (Mommy) and her tiniest partner stand at the door giggling.

Finally, I really need to remember what a difference living out a schedule makes in our lives - knowing what needs to be done and feeling the accomplishment at the end of the day at having not only checked off the to-do list, but, as a result, having the time and energy to love on the most important people in my life. (And, as a result of that, how much sweeter everyone is to one another.)

I always need to remember.

1,000 Gifts:
459. Our oldest son taking care of his babies.
460. Sharing - without arguing
461. Spontaneous sister-brother hugs.
462. Reciprocal brother-sister kisses.
463. Baby squeals.
464. Playing with a baby who smiles and giggles back.
465. A jump-start on tomorrow's to-do

Of Submission

Our oldest two children were both sucking down bottled milk by the age of three weeks.  Of course, I nursed them as often as possible, but a Momma likes the freedom to go on a date, or a night with the girls, or an out-of-town retreat.  Or even just Sunday School.  Yes, sometimes a little time without my tiniest sidekick is treasured.

Which is why you might be able to understand my frustration with our youngest who had decided he was too cool to be seen with a bottle hanging out of his mouth.  Yes, it was mostly our fault.  While he took his formula bottles like a champ when he was only a week old because Mommy's Benadryl had kept him from getting his milk the natural way, as soon as that 24-hour window was closed, I rushed to get him back to Momma and stayed away from bottles for several weeks.

Thus, you can understand how he might be averse to the idea of sucking his milk through some rubber topper rather than the way he has grown accustomed to eating during the first two months of his life.  And since we didn't force the issue, it got to the point where he would simply rather not eat than take a bottle.

And now we have a problem.

Because Mommy still likes the freedom of not having to be attached to the little man at all times.  Mommy likes the freedom of expressed milk stored up in the freezer on the off-chance she can sucker a free baby-sitter into giving her and Daddy a night out of the house.  But when Baby refuses said milk, those frozen containers of liquid gold turn to stress - a stressful reminder that it's being stored for nothing, because this kid won't take it.

So, Philip and I came up with a plan - Joseph would be given a bottle at every meal until he learned to accept it as the same milk Mommy has, just in a different form of delivery.

Joey didn't like our plan.

So, after a heated discussion (because, let's face it, when your child has just spent a half hour denying his lunch and is now screaming his head off, no discussion is going to be pretty), I finally realized I was pushing to do things my way and ignoring my husband's ideas for how this process should be approached.  And when I realized how sad it was that I was not only not listening to my husband, but I was forcing him into something he didn't think was right, I relented.  I submitted, rather.

Though we were trying things Philip's way, I still knew Joey might not be too happy about the situation.  So, with much trepidation we approached his next meal.  I roused him from his nap so he could eat in time for evening church.  I placed the bottle in his mouth.

And he took it.

No questions asked (if he could, that is).  No crying.  No shaking of his head.

Just the blissful sound of a little baby boy sucking on his bottle.  Like it ain't no thang.

And then, just to prove it wasn't a fluke, he did it again for his next meal after that.

It would seem someone in this house simply needed a lesson in wifely submission.

Such a big boy - so proud!

1,000 Gifts:
426. Doing things God's way.
427. Eating shrimp in my own kitchen.
428. Free pizza.
429. An empty bottle.
430. Movie night.
431. Turning off the computers.
432. New friends.
433. Strawberries - lots and lots of strawberries.
434. Free plants.
435. Money back in my wallet.
436. Hard work for beautiful results.

Of Checking In

Lately . . .
- Joey has been smiling up a storm.  He giggles and coos and grins.  It's quite adorable.  Also quite boyish as I tend to find smiles when I discuss his poop or his boogers.  He loves it.

- Micaiah has been responding to my calling her with, "Yes, Mommy?" and to my requests with, "Yes, Ma'am."  I love it.

- Joey has been going to bed at the same time, or closely thereafter, as his siblings.  And then he sleeps for 9-10 hours.  And he's not yet two months old.  I love it.

- Emmett has learned to say "Peenwin" as opposed to confusing "penguin" and "rainbow" into one word, "Beembo." This is just the latest in a long string of new vocabulary, which seems to grow daily.  I love it.

I guess, basically, we can sum up life lately with the McDonald's catchphrase, "I'm lovin' it!"


1,000 Gifts (inspired by the lists here and here):
225. Our children running and squealing as they hid from the vacuum cleaner.
226. Joseph, holding his Easter duck, as placed gently in his swing by his older siblings.

227. "Swing me on the bed, Daddy!"

228. The phone which connects me to long-distance family.

229. A little boy who sleeps peacefully in his swing - two hours past feeding time, even.

230. Snuggling with a book and a boy as Emmett points out Dora, Boots and Tico.

My Life: My True Love

The man I married - this ring, inscribed with the words "I will wait for My Beloved," lived on my left hand until the night he proposed, at which point he wore it until our wedding.  He was worth the wait.