The surgery scheduled for my c/t syndrome has been changed from August 2nd to August 27th. So for those of you have been so wonderful to pray for a quick and safe recovery for me, I thank you, I will be needing those prayers eventually!! :)
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Teething Terrors
It's now been 2 nights of this horrible time - teething.
Kyle is getting his first tooth (teeth?) and it's been horrible. He is fussy all day long. Nothing seems to keep him satisfied for very long. Night time has been complete misery.
I start out trying to get him to sleep by 8. Because of the noise of the other boys, this doesn't happen. Finally at 9, Jacob, Kyle and I climb into bed to go to sleep. Jacob whines for about 15 minutes about "stupid nighttime" - keeping Kyle wide awake and then after Jacob falls asleep, Kyle begins.
He first acts as though he is hungry and then tired and then the screaming begins. This is horrible. I don't know what to do to help the poor child. I have tried every trick in the book and have even given him infant pain reliever. Thank goodness I know this isn't forever. It breaks my heart to see him so sad and not himself.
Eventually he zonks out from exhaustion.
Eventually, I will too.
Kyle is getting his first tooth (teeth?) and it's been horrible. He is fussy all day long. Nothing seems to keep him satisfied for very long. Night time has been complete misery.
I start out trying to get him to sleep by 8. Because of the noise of the other boys, this doesn't happen. Finally at 9, Jacob, Kyle and I climb into bed to go to sleep. Jacob whines for about 15 minutes about "stupid nighttime" - keeping Kyle wide awake and then after Jacob falls asleep, Kyle begins.
He first acts as though he is hungry and then tired and then the screaming begins. This is horrible. I don't know what to do to help the poor child. I have tried every trick in the book and have even given him infant pain reliever. Thank goodness I know this isn't forever. It breaks my heart to see him so sad and not himself.
Eventually he zonks out from exhaustion.
Eventually, I will too.
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Manipulated Mommy?
My baby is six months old now. It's so hard to believe that. Where does the time go? I would like to tell you, but you don't have that much time!
Six months is a pretty big milestone in the life of a baby. He can begin eating solid foods, sitting up, rolling over, and mostly he masters the art of manipulation. It's funny how we learn this at such an early age, and Kyle? Yes, he has it down pat.
I was reading in one of my numerous baby books, magazines, etc... about the things that I could be expecting from him this month. One of the things listed was how well he will begin to manipulate his mom. I laughed when I read that. I thought,"Kyle doesn't manipulate me".
That night, it became apparent.
Kyle was in his exersaucer playing with the toys on it. He was happy, laughing, chewing away on his fingers and hands. Suddenly, he looked up and realized that I had gone into the kitchen. He began to scream. I peeked through the kitchen window at him and called his name, and he smiled. He stopped crying and began to play. Then, he looked up again, and realized I had moved away from the window, and began to cry. Now, most of you probably think this is normal for babies - crying when they are away from their mommies. That might be true, but it is also phase one of manipulation. They think to themselves "let's see how fast she comes running if I start to scream."
Phase two began the next day when Mark was holding him. Kyle screamed and cried and practically threw himself out of Mark's arms he was so mad. Mark didn't know what was wrong, after all, he has been teething. I walked into the room, Kyle looked up, and he began to laugh. Phase two complete.
Phase three wasn't as apparent to me until I verbalized it myself to my next door neighbor. She asked me how he sleeps through the night. As I told her that he was up 4 or 5 times a night again, she smiled at Kyle and said, "You don't need to eat that much, I think you are just playing games with Mommy". At that second it came to me, phase three.
So, am I a manipulated Mommy? I guess I probably am. What I have come to realize though is if being manipulated by my six month old means more time to hug him and squeeze him and cuddle and kiss him, he can manipulate me forever!
Six months is a pretty big milestone in the life of a baby. He can begin eating solid foods, sitting up, rolling over, and mostly he masters the art of manipulation. It's funny how we learn this at such an early age, and Kyle? Yes, he has it down pat.
I was reading in one of my numerous baby books, magazines, etc... about the things that I could be expecting from him this month. One of the things listed was how well he will begin to manipulate his mom. I laughed when I read that. I thought,"Kyle doesn't manipulate me".
That night, it became apparent.
Kyle was in his exersaucer playing with the toys on it. He was happy, laughing, chewing away on his fingers and hands. Suddenly, he looked up and realized that I had gone into the kitchen. He began to scream. I peeked through the kitchen window at him and called his name, and he smiled. He stopped crying and began to play. Then, he looked up again, and realized I had moved away from the window, and began to cry. Now, most of you probably think this is normal for babies - crying when they are away from their mommies. That might be true, but it is also phase one of manipulation. They think to themselves "let's see how fast she comes running if I start to scream."
Phase two began the next day when Mark was holding him. Kyle screamed and cried and practically threw himself out of Mark's arms he was so mad. Mark didn't know what was wrong, after all, he has been teething. I walked into the room, Kyle looked up, and he began to laugh. Phase two complete.
Phase three wasn't as apparent to me until I verbalized it myself to my next door neighbor. She asked me how he sleeps through the night. As I told her that he was up 4 or 5 times a night again, she smiled at Kyle and said, "You don't need to eat that much, I think you are just playing games with Mommy". At that second it came to me, phase three.
So, am I a manipulated Mommy? I guess I probably am. What I have come to realize though is if being manipulated by my six month old means more time to hug him and squeeze him and cuddle and kiss him, he can manipulate me forever!
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Let's Make a Deal
It all started back in May, rummage sale season began.
Mayville had their annual city wide rummage sale and I decided to join in this year. I spent 2 weeks or better getting all the clothes I had stored up in the basement ready for the event. Travis helped me a lot during this process. He was so excited about being able to help me.
Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate too much that weekend. Friday, my first day, the temperature was about 42 degrees and the sun was gone. I weathered through it though and I didn't do too bad for my first day. Saturday, the weather was great. The temperature was about 60 and the sun was shining. Travis was along to help.
I held the rummage at Dad's house as I don't have a garage. Dad decided to add a few things to the rummage sale, including this box, containing 3 old fashioned, decorated gelatin molds. As the day continued, Dad finally made a deal with Travis.
"Travis," he said, "you need to try to sell these jell-o molds by the end of the day, or you will be getting them for your birthday."
Travis worked hard trying to sell those things. But as the day came to a close, the jell-o molds were still there.
June arrived and so did his birthday. Papa came over with Travis' birthday present, a box, a very heavy box. Travis opened the box to find those jell-o molds filled with 1,000 pennies.
Travis had decided he wanted to take those pennies and spend that money at rummage sales during the summer to buy himself some clothes. Pretty smart idea.
Today was the day.
Horicon had their city wide rummage sales. Travis paged through the paper the night before and decided what rummage sales we would be going to. Then this morning, we were off.
I was amazed at him.
The first rummage we went to he find a few shirts. He took out his money and went up to the lady running the sale and said "I'll give you $2 for the 3 of these".
I stood back in amazement. Where in the world did he learn to do this?
The woman obliged and he made his first deal of the day.
As we continued going from sale to sale, Travis continued to make these deals. He managed to get 5 new shirts, a pair of pants and a pair of shorts for $6.50!!
The best deal of the day? He found an old Pachisi game in a ten cent box marked "half off". So he picked up the game and went to pay for it with a $10.00 bill (money from his bank - just incase). The lady just looked at him, looked at the game, and told him "just take it".
He walked away with the biggest smile on his face. "That's cool" he smiled.
The rest of day, all I heard about was his "free" game.
From 1,000 pennies to one big smile. That was the best deal.
Mayville had their annual city wide rummage sale and I decided to join in this year. I spent 2 weeks or better getting all the clothes I had stored up in the basement ready for the event. Travis helped me a lot during this process. He was so excited about being able to help me.
Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate too much that weekend. Friday, my first day, the temperature was about 42 degrees and the sun was gone. I weathered through it though and I didn't do too bad for my first day. Saturday, the weather was great. The temperature was about 60 and the sun was shining. Travis was along to help.
I held the rummage at Dad's house as I don't have a garage. Dad decided to add a few things to the rummage sale, including this box, containing 3 old fashioned, decorated gelatin molds. As the day continued, Dad finally made a deal with Travis.
"Travis," he said, "you need to try to sell these jell-o molds by the end of the day, or you will be getting them for your birthday."
Travis worked hard trying to sell those things. But as the day came to a close, the jell-o molds were still there.
June arrived and so did his birthday. Papa came over with Travis' birthday present, a box, a very heavy box. Travis opened the box to find those jell-o molds filled with 1,000 pennies.
Travis had decided he wanted to take those pennies and spend that money at rummage sales during the summer to buy himself some clothes. Pretty smart idea.
Today was the day.
Horicon had their city wide rummage sales. Travis paged through the paper the night before and decided what rummage sales we would be going to. Then this morning, we were off.
I was amazed at him.
The first rummage we went to he find a few shirts. He took out his money and went up to the lady running the sale and said "I'll give you $2 for the 3 of these".
I stood back in amazement. Where in the world did he learn to do this?
The woman obliged and he made his first deal of the day.
As we continued going from sale to sale, Travis continued to make these deals. He managed to get 5 new shirts, a pair of pants and a pair of shorts for $6.50!!
The best deal of the day? He found an old Pachisi game in a ten cent box marked "half off". So he picked up the game and went to pay for it with a $10.00 bill (money from his bank - just incase). The lady just looked at him, looked at the game, and told him "just take it".
He walked away with the biggest smile on his face. "That's cool" he smiled.
The rest of day, all I heard about was his "free" game.
From 1,000 pennies to one big smile. That was the best deal.
Friday, July 23, 2004
A Perfect Moment
2 seconds. I kid you not. 2 seconds is exactly how long it took tonight before my 8 year old and my 4 year began fighting after not seeing eachother for 24 hours.
"Mama, Alex is teasing on me." This is something I hear at least 20 times a night and tonight was no exception. Tonight my children fought about EVERYTHING! They fought about who unbuckled their seatbelts first, who got into the house first, who got to play playstation first, who got to eat dinner first, who finished eating dinner first, who got to take a shower first, who had to shower with Jacob. Then after all this, they fought with me over what time was bedtime. Then they fought about who was going to bed first! UGH!
Why do children fight with their siblings?
I remember growing up, I fought with my sisters. I don't recall fighting with my brother very much. He and I always stuck together. But man, my sisters, they fought with eachother a lot and then as I got older, I remember fighting with them too! In fact, I found it kind of funny but the other night, I found a letter that Karen must have written to me back in 1989 or 1990. We had gotten into a big fight over something. She was home for the week from college and I am sure I was threatened by her taking all of mom's attention away from me that week or something stupid like that. Anyway, at the end of the letter she told me that I needed to think about what being her little sister meant to me. I am sure back then I probably would have responded that it meant that I was stuck being related to her for the rest of my life. After all, isn't that what all little sisters/brothers think of their older brothers/sisters? Today, if she asked me that, I would tell her that it means everything in the world to me. In fact, I thank God for her every day of my life now. She's there for me all the time, I wouldn't trade her for the world. Both of my sisters have become best friends to me today.
What I truly wish is that I could instill that same feeling in my children today. There are days like today that I would love to say to them "Look, you guys are going to be best friends some day, why not start today? Quit fighting with one another and enjoy this time you have now because when you grow up, you are going to move away from one another, have lives of your own, families of your own and you are going to be too busy to take time to play playstation with one another or swing on the swings. Love eachother, laugh with eachother, create warm loving memories now, don't wait."
Of course I know that this tactic would not work with my children. After all, just last month I was discussing with my 8 year old who he would invite to his birthday party next year. He listed a few names and said "you know, my friends". I asked him what abou this older brother Travis, wasn't he his friend? "Mom, Travis is not my friend, he is my brother." So I asked him, "Can't your brother be your friend?" "No way!" he replied. I know he's wrong though and Travis will be his friend someday.
I remember a time though when things were different between the two of them. It was a few days after I brought Alex home from the hospital. Alex had developed a fever. I told Travis, who was 3 at the time, I needed to give Alex a bath to try to break his fever. Travis started screaming at me and crying "Don't you break my baby brother!!!" He continued to cry all through Alex's bath until I brought Alex over by him, all wrapped in a towel and showed him that he was o.k and I hadn't "broke" him. He was so happy. He leaned over and gave Alex a kiss. Today, I think Travis would be happy if Alex was broke and instead of a kiss, he'd likely punch him.
However, at the end of this night of 1,000 fights, I managed to find a perfect moment. This moment came when I was rocking Kyle to sleep as he layed on my chest. He was so warm, so cozy, so quiet.
In that moment, I found all the peace I needed.
"Mama, Alex is teasing on me." This is something I hear at least 20 times a night and tonight was no exception. Tonight my children fought about EVERYTHING! They fought about who unbuckled their seatbelts first, who got into the house first, who got to play playstation first, who got to eat dinner first, who finished eating dinner first, who got to take a shower first, who had to shower with Jacob. Then after all this, they fought with me over what time was bedtime. Then they fought about who was going to bed first! UGH!
Why do children fight with their siblings?
I remember growing up, I fought with my sisters. I don't recall fighting with my brother very much. He and I always stuck together. But man, my sisters, they fought with eachother a lot and then as I got older, I remember fighting with them too! In fact, I found it kind of funny but the other night, I found a letter that Karen must have written to me back in 1989 or 1990. We had gotten into a big fight over something. She was home for the week from college and I am sure I was threatened by her taking all of mom's attention away from me that week or something stupid like that. Anyway, at the end of the letter she told me that I needed to think about what being her little sister meant to me. I am sure back then I probably would have responded that it meant that I was stuck being related to her for the rest of my life. After all, isn't that what all little sisters/brothers think of their older brothers/sisters? Today, if she asked me that, I would tell her that it means everything in the world to me. In fact, I thank God for her every day of my life now. She's there for me all the time, I wouldn't trade her for the world. Both of my sisters have become best friends to me today.
What I truly wish is that I could instill that same feeling in my children today. There are days like today that I would love to say to them "Look, you guys are going to be best friends some day, why not start today? Quit fighting with one another and enjoy this time you have now because when you grow up, you are going to move away from one another, have lives of your own, families of your own and you are going to be too busy to take time to play playstation with one another or swing on the swings. Love eachother, laugh with eachother, create warm loving memories now, don't wait."
Of course I know that this tactic would not work with my children. After all, just last month I was discussing with my 8 year old who he would invite to his birthday party next year. He listed a few names and said "you know, my friends". I asked him what abou this older brother Travis, wasn't he his friend? "Mom, Travis is not my friend, he is my brother." So I asked him, "Can't your brother be your friend?" "No way!" he replied. I know he's wrong though and Travis will be his friend someday.
I remember a time though when things were different between the two of them. It was a few days after I brought Alex home from the hospital. Alex had developed a fever. I told Travis, who was 3 at the time, I needed to give Alex a bath to try to break his fever. Travis started screaming at me and crying "Don't you break my baby brother!!!" He continued to cry all through Alex's bath until I brought Alex over by him, all wrapped in a towel and showed him that he was o.k and I hadn't "broke" him. He was so happy. He leaned over and gave Alex a kiss. Today, I think Travis would be happy if Alex was broke and instead of a kiss, he'd likely punch him.
However, at the end of this night of 1,000 fights, I managed to find a perfect moment. This moment came when I was rocking Kyle to sleep as he layed on my chest. He was so warm, so cozy, so quiet.
In that moment, I found all the peace I needed.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
"Mama, Why do People..."
Ah yes, it's that fun age, the age of curiosity.
Jacob's new favorite game is "Mama, why do people ___________?" and then he fills in that blank with all sorts of various things.
Tonight, he was trying to battle me on bedtime. Remember my victory from "Day One"? Long gone. I have now lost the battle! It's 11 o'clock and Jacob is refusing to go to sleep. "But mama, I need to do my bedtime business," he proclaims. This is true. He does need to do his bedtime business. He puts on his p.j.'s, goes to the bathroom, brushes his teeth and washes his face. The funny thing about Jacob's bedtime business is that he has to do them in that order or he gets mad and insists we start over.
So as we were brushing our teeth tonight, I received this question "Mama, why do people have teeth?" This one was easy. I answered him as honestly as possible in a language a 4 year old could understand.
Next, we washed his face. He looked in the mirror to check out how handsome he was and then asked "Mama, why do people have hair?" I again, tried to answer this one although I don't really know why people have hair except that it just grows. After all, some people don't have hair. I told him this. So his next question, "Mama, why don't some people have hair?" "I guess some people just don't honey." I tell him. "Mama, why doesn't Daddy have hair?" he asks. "Daddy shaves his off." I tell him. "Mama," he starts. I finish for him "Daddy shaves his hair because that's just what he likes. O.k we are done now I tell him".
I guess I thought by getting him out of the bathroom he might stop the questions. I tuck him in bed and kiss him good night. "Mama, why do people need sleep?" I smile at him, kiss him again and say "People need sleep so that when they wake up in the morning they feel all better and have more energy to ask more questions". "O.k" he says. "Good night Mama, I'll have more questions in the morning."
He will. I know this to be true.
Jacob's new favorite game is "Mama, why do people ___________?" and then he fills in that blank with all sorts of various things.
Tonight, he was trying to battle me on bedtime. Remember my victory from "Day One"? Long gone. I have now lost the battle! It's 11 o'clock and Jacob is refusing to go to sleep. "But mama, I need to do my bedtime business," he proclaims. This is true. He does need to do his bedtime business. He puts on his p.j.'s, goes to the bathroom, brushes his teeth and washes his face. The funny thing about Jacob's bedtime business is that he has to do them in that order or he gets mad and insists we start over.
So as we were brushing our teeth tonight, I received this question "Mama, why do people have teeth?" This one was easy. I answered him as honestly as possible in a language a 4 year old could understand.
Next, we washed his face. He looked in the mirror to check out how handsome he was and then asked "Mama, why do people have hair?" I again, tried to answer this one although I don't really know why people have hair except that it just grows. After all, some people don't have hair. I told him this. So his next question, "Mama, why don't some people have hair?" "I guess some people just don't honey." I tell him. "Mama, why doesn't Daddy have hair?" he asks. "Daddy shaves his off." I tell him. "Mama," he starts. I finish for him "Daddy shaves his hair because that's just what he likes. O.k we are done now I tell him".
I guess I thought by getting him out of the bathroom he might stop the questions. I tuck him in bed and kiss him good night. "Mama, why do people need sleep?" I smile at him, kiss him again and say "People need sleep so that when they wake up in the morning they feel all better and have more energy to ask more questions". "O.k" he says. "Good night Mama, I'll have more questions in the morning."
He will. I know this to be true.
Prayer Request
First I would like to thank everyone for their continuous prayers for my friend's baby. I checked his website tonight and the baby is doing better every day but she still has a long road ahead so please keep her in your prayers.
I would also like you to please pray for another friend of mine. We found out tonight that she is having some complications with her pregnancy (she has 8 more weeks to go). Though I am not sure of all the details at this point, she could also use your prayers.
Last, I guess I could use a prayer as well. I found out on Tuesday that I will be having Carpal tunnel surgery on August 2nd. Though I know this is a pretty routine surgery with minimal risks, I just ask for safe healing from the Lord and strength through my recovery. I will keep you posted when that time comes and any prayers in the meantime are truly appreciated.
Thank you again!
Love,
Sue
I would also like you to please pray for another friend of mine. We found out tonight that she is having some complications with her pregnancy (she has 8 more weeks to go). Though I am not sure of all the details at this point, she could also use your prayers.
Last, I guess I could use a prayer as well. I found out on Tuesday that I will be having Carpal tunnel surgery on August 2nd. Though I know this is a pretty routine surgery with minimal risks, I just ask for safe healing from the Lord and strength through my recovery. I will keep you posted when that time comes and any prayers in the meantime are truly appreciated.
Thank you again!
Love,
Sue
Sunday, July 18, 2004
The Biggest TV
Today was a first in the life of Jacob. Today, we took Jacob to see his very first movie in a movie theater.
Shrek 2 was our choice for this great occasion. Jacob was so excited. We called Whitney (our babysitter) last night to see if she could watch Kyle today. I thought it would be fun for Jacob to have an afternoon with Mommy and Daddy all to himself. He woke up this morning ready to go.
At noon, we loaded up the car and were on our way.
We reached the Hartford theater just in time for the show. Not having been to a movie in over 2 1/2 years, Mark and I were also looking forward to the afternoon.
Our first stop, the popcorn stand of course. Jacob's little eyes lit up when he saw all the popcorn! We orderered our big tub and a soda to wash it down and headed for the theater our movie was being shown in.
We walked in during the previews, in the dark, worrying about finding a good seat for Jacob to see. Then looking up, I realized, we were the only ones there! So, Jacob picked our seats and our adventure was about to begin.
Jacob sat in his seat and then looked up at the screen.
"Wow! Mama, Dada, where they get such a big tv?" he said in amazement.
Mark and I just smiled at eachother and then at him.
"Me want a tv like that at my house!"
I laughed to myself, remembering the first time Mark and I took Alex and Travis to a movie theater. Alex was probably 4 years old then. We went to see 102 Dalmations. The boys picked our seats - in the second row. We sat down with our popcorn and sodas and then the movie began.
"That's the biggest TV I have ever seen!" Alex said.
Hmm... it's so sweet to sit back and think of how children view things in the world we take for granted.
Shrek 2 was our choice for this great occasion. Jacob was so excited. We called Whitney (our babysitter) last night to see if she could watch Kyle today. I thought it would be fun for Jacob to have an afternoon with Mommy and Daddy all to himself. He woke up this morning ready to go.
At noon, we loaded up the car and were on our way.
We reached the Hartford theater just in time for the show. Not having been to a movie in over 2 1/2 years, Mark and I were also looking forward to the afternoon.
Our first stop, the popcorn stand of course. Jacob's little eyes lit up when he saw all the popcorn! We orderered our big tub and a soda to wash it down and headed for the theater our movie was being shown in.
We walked in during the previews, in the dark, worrying about finding a good seat for Jacob to see. Then looking up, I realized, we were the only ones there! So, Jacob picked our seats and our adventure was about to begin.
Jacob sat in his seat and then looked up at the screen.
"Wow! Mama, Dada, where they get such a big tv?" he said in amazement.
Mark and I just smiled at eachother and then at him.
"Me want a tv like that at my house!"
I laughed to myself, remembering the first time Mark and I took Alex and Travis to a movie theater. Alex was probably 4 years old then. We went to see 102 Dalmations. The boys picked our seats - in the second row. We sat down with our popcorn and sodas and then the movie began.
"That's the biggest TV I have ever seen!" Alex said.
Hmm... it's so sweet to sit back and think of how children view things in the world we take for granted.
Friday, July 16, 2004
Boys Will be Boys
Boys. I have been blessed with them. In fact, I have been blessed with 4 of
them. Four wonderful, funny, and completely different boys.
In my household, be outnumbered as I am, "girly" conversations just
don't occur. Though it dawned on me during dinner this evening, that I
will be spending the rest of my life listening to the likes of "boy"
talk.
Dinner tonight - topic of conversation: Making someone laugh so hard that
what they had just drank came out of their nose.
I am not joking.
We discussed the feel of Root Beer "Kind of tingly" (I guess), orange
juice (a little burning sensation) and how gross it is when it's
chocolate milk.
Then I found myself joining in the topic, only to make myself look like
a cool mom, and mentioned what it would look like if it was Green Apple
Arctic Cool Kool-Aid. To this, my children cracked up. Sometimes I can
be cool.
The next topic: How to Jacob, everything tastes like
Turkey. The funny thing is I don't think he really likes turkey that
much. But tonight, he claimed his roast beef tasted like
turkey and then later it was his ice cream. So I told him he tasted like a turkey. He told me I tasted like "poopy".
Yes, "poopy". This is Jacob's favorite thing. I guess when you are 4, poop is funny.
So, I decided to be funny too. I asked him, "So Jacob, how do you know what poopy tastes like?"
"Ewwwwww" all 3 of my children chimed in, "that's so gross mom".
I guess they are allowed to be gross, but I can't. Probably because I am a girl.
them. Four wonderful, funny, and completely different boys.
In my household, be outnumbered as I am, "girly" conversations just
don't occur. Though it dawned on me during dinner this evening, that I
will be spending the rest of my life listening to the likes of "boy"
talk.
Dinner tonight - topic of conversation: Making someone laugh so hard that
what they had just drank came out of their nose.
I am not joking.
We discussed the feel of Root Beer "Kind of tingly" (I guess), orange
juice (a little burning sensation) and how gross it is when it's
chocolate milk.
Then I found myself joining in the topic, only to make myself look like
a cool mom, and mentioned what it would look like if it was Green Apple
Arctic Cool Kool-Aid. To this, my children cracked up. Sometimes I can
be cool.
The next topic: How to Jacob, everything tastes like
Turkey. The funny thing is I don't think he really likes turkey that
much. But tonight, he claimed his roast beef tasted like
turkey and then later it was his ice cream. So I told him he tasted like a turkey. He told me I tasted like "poopy".
Yes, "poopy". This is Jacob's favorite thing. I guess when you are 4, poop is funny.
So, I decided to be funny too. I asked him, "So Jacob, how do you know what poopy tastes like?"
"Ewwwwww" all 3 of my children chimed in, "that's so gross mom".
I guess they are allowed to be gross, but I can't. Probably because I am a girl.
Thursday, July 15, 2004
A Rock, a Doc, and a Proposal
Jacob, my 4 year old, and my entertainment, has managed to AGAIN provide me with a night of smiles.
He spent Wednesday with a new babysitter. I was very worried about how he would do as he tends to be very shy with new people. Upon picking him up, I realized I needn't worry. He greeted me with his usual big hug and informed me right away that he would be happy to go back there the next day.
As we left the sitter's front door and made our way to the van, Jacob managed to find a "pretty rock" in her driveway. I guess to the 4 year old eye, it may have been a pretty rock. To me, it was merely a little stone, like every other stone I had ever seen. But Jacob, it was beautiful. He insisted on bringing it in the car to carry home.
Well, home wasn't exactly where we were headed. I needed to go have a cortizone injection in my wrist (c/t syndrome) so we were off to Jacob's favorite doctor, Dr. Lewis. I informed him that I would be having a shot in my wrist.
"Don't worry mama," Jacob said, "I'll hold your hand so you not be scared, o.k?"
"O.k." I said, and then we were there.
First the nurse took my vitals, you know the routine. Then it was off to the procedure room. I sat down on the table and right next to me was my precious little boy - holding my hand. Dr. Lewis, our family physician and our favorite doctor, decided after a little small talk he was just going to jab my wrist - no numbing involved. I squeamed :) and then turned to look at Jacob who had little tears building up in his eyes. The tears? No, they weren't because mommy was in pain, they were because I was squeezing his hand so tight I nearly broke his little fingers... my poor baby. I immediately let go and he assured me he was o.k.
"You not scared, right mama?" he asked.
"No, I wasn't scared" I thanked him for holding my hand and we were back to the van.
Of course, as soon as we are out of the parking lot, Jacob yells from the back "MY ROCK!! Mama! My pretty rock!!"
He left it at the doctors. The problem? I was already in the parking lot of K-Mart (quick return to take care of). So as we walk into K-Mart my little boy is crying uncontrollably about this little tiny rock. I promise him we would go back and look.
Look we did. Even the nurse and the receptionist helped. No rock. I offered him a new one from the parking lot, he threw it across the lot. "It's ugly Mama, not pretty like mine."
He cried a little and then realized we were on our way to get his brothers, so instantly, it was as if that rock just didn't matter.
2 hours later - the rock mattered again.
He was so tired and was fighting the idea of bed. He started crying. "What's the matter?" I asked him. "I just miss my pretty little rock" he said. I hugged him tight and told him I would help him pick a new one out in the morning.
He rolled over as if to fall asleep. Suddenly, he rolled back over "Mama," he said, "I love you."
"I love you too buddy"
"Mama, will you marry me?"
"I can't marry you buddy, I'm sorry" I replied.
"You right mama. I have to wait until me bigger like you first."
"Yes honey, that would be a good idea." I smiled.
"Yeah, so maybe when me five" he sighed, "then you marry me."
And in the next instant, he was asleep.
He spent Wednesday with a new babysitter. I was very worried about how he would do as he tends to be very shy with new people. Upon picking him up, I realized I needn't worry. He greeted me with his usual big hug and informed me right away that he would be happy to go back there the next day.
As we left the sitter's front door and made our way to the van, Jacob managed to find a "pretty rock" in her driveway. I guess to the 4 year old eye, it may have been a pretty rock. To me, it was merely a little stone, like every other stone I had ever seen. But Jacob, it was beautiful. He insisted on bringing it in the car to carry home.
Well, home wasn't exactly where we were headed. I needed to go have a cortizone injection in my wrist (c/t syndrome) so we were off to Jacob's favorite doctor, Dr. Lewis. I informed him that I would be having a shot in my wrist.
"Don't worry mama," Jacob said, "I'll hold your hand so you not be scared, o.k?"
"O.k." I said, and then we were there.
First the nurse took my vitals, you know the routine. Then it was off to the procedure room. I sat down on the table and right next to me was my precious little boy - holding my hand. Dr. Lewis, our family physician and our favorite doctor, decided after a little small talk he was just going to jab my wrist - no numbing involved. I squeamed :) and then turned to look at Jacob who had little tears building up in his eyes. The tears? No, they weren't because mommy was in pain, they were because I was squeezing his hand so tight I nearly broke his little fingers... my poor baby. I immediately let go and he assured me he was o.k.
"You not scared, right mama?" he asked.
"No, I wasn't scared" I thanked him for holding my hand and we were back to the van.
Of course, as soon as we are out of the parking lot, Jacob yells from the back "MY ROCK!! Mama! My pretty rock!!"
He left it at the doctors. The problem? I was already in the parking lot of K-Mart (quick return to take care of). So as we walk into K-Mart my little boy is crying uncontrollably about this little tiny rock. I promise him we would go back and look.
Look we did. Even the nurse and the receptionist helped. No rock. I offered him a new one from the parking lot, he threw it across the lot. "It's ugly Mama, not pretty like mine."
He cried a little and then realized we were on our way to get his brothers, so instantly, it was as if that rock just didn't matter.
2 hours later - the rock mattered again.
He was so tired and was fighting the idea of bed. He started crying. "What's the matter?" I asked him. "I just miss my pretty little rock" he said. I hugged him tight and told him I would help him pick a new one out in the morning.
He rolled over as if to fall asleep. Suddenly, he rolled back over "Mama," he said, "I love you."
"I love you too buddy"
"Mama, will you marry me?"
"I can't marry you buddy, I'm sorry" I replied.
"You right mama. I have to wait until me bigger like you first."
"Yes honey, that would be a good idea." I smiled.
"Yeah, so maybe when me five" he sighed, "then you marry me."
And in the next instant, he was asleep.
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Prayer Request
Tonight I received an e-mail from a dear friend of mine from high school. His wife gave birth to a beautiful baby girl and she has many health concerns. I just ask that everyone say a little prayer for her, her name is Adele Brooks, and also for her parents Julie and Jay.
Saturday, July 10, 2004
Mother's Day
Mother's Day... a day set aside each May to remember your mother, appreciate her, bring her flowers, cards, and let her have her day.
Mother's Day this year was anything but those things for me. I don't really recall why, but I just know that I spent the day doing laundry and cleaning the house. It was just another day at my house. Travis and Alex were with their Dad that day, although Travis did bring me flowers that morning - very sweet.
A few weeks after mother's day, Jacob would go around the house singing "Rain, Rain go away, come again on Mother's Day". I'm not sure where he learned that, but it made me laugh.
I laughed a lot today. It did anything but rain - first real day of summer I would like to think. The sun was shining, it was hot but not sticky.
The boys and I got up a little later than normal, packed a picnic lunch, grabbed all the outside toys we could imagine and set off for the park. We played baseball for a little while. I was "all-time" pitcher as I had Kyle in a pack on my back! When it was time to feed the baby, the boys played on the playground. Then it was lunch time.
We escaped to the shelter at the park where there was picnic tables to sit on. We had a nice lunch that Travis packed in the morning. All the essentials, including "those little green things" as Jacob calls grapes. While we ate lunch, we realized how hot it was getting outside and decided it would be a good day to go swimming.
Time to pack up our picnic lunch and all the outside toys you can imagine and head home for a quick change and then off to the auquatic center.
Surprisingingly, it wasn't very crowded today at all. The boys had a blast swimming and just soaking in the pool. Even Kyle let me take him in. Jacob loved the water until the sun went behind a cloud and then he was "fweezing" and wanted to head home.
Two hours later, we were home.
After a nice spaghetti dinner, the boys went outside to play with the girls next door for a bit. This gave Kyle and I a little quiet time. It's funny, I was so tired and exhausted by our busy morning, but yet the boys seemed to maintain this energy level that was incredible. I guess I really am getting old.
When nighttime and mosquito time arrived, the boys came in and we watched the movie "Good Boy". This is an adorable movie. To all you dog lover's - this is a must see.
As the movie finished and the popcorn bowls were taken to the kitchen sink, Jacob climbed up on my lap. "Mama, huggy" he said. He tells me this when he wants to give me a hug and a kiss. So he wrapped his arms around my neck and squeezed really hard and then kissed me.
"Happy Mother's Day" he told me.
"Thank you" I smiled.
I guess Mother's Day can be any day.
Mine was today.
Mother's Day this year was anything but those things for me. I don't really recall why, but I just know that I spent the day doing laundry and cleaning the house. It was just another day at my house. Travis and Alex were with their Dad that day, although Travis did bring me flowers that morning - very sweet.
A few weeks after mother's day, Jacob would go around the house singing "Rain, Rain go away, come again on Mother's Day". I'm not sure where he learned that, but it made me laugh.
I laughed a lot today. It did anything but rain - first real day of summer I would like to think. The sun was shining, it was hot but not sticky.
The boys and I got up a little later than normal, packed a picnic lunch, grabbed all the outside toys we could imagine and set off for the park. We played baseball for a little while. I was "all-time" pitcher as I had Kyle in a pack on my back! When it was time to feed the baby, the boys played on the playground. Then it was lunch time.
We escaped to the shelter at the park where there was picnic tables to sit on. We had a nice lunch that Travis packed in the morning. All the essentials, including "those little green things" as Jacob calls grapes. While we ate lunch, we realized how hot it was getting outside and decided it would be a good day to go swimming.
Time to pack up our picnic lunch and all the outside toys you can imagine and head home for a quick change and then off to the auquatic center.
Surprisingingly, it wasn't very crowded today at all. The boys had a blast swimming and just soaking in the pool. Even Kyle let me take him in. Jacob loved the water until the sun went behind a cloud and then he was "fweezing" and wanted to head home.
Two hours later, we were home.
After a nice spaghetti dinner, the boys went outside to play with the girls next door for a bit. This gave Kyle and I a little quiet time. It's funny, I was so tired and exhausted by our busy morning, but yet the boys seemed to maintain this energy level that was incredible. I guess I really am getting old.
When nighttime and mosquito time arrived, the boys came in and we watched the movie "Good Boy". This is an adorable movie. To all you dog lover's - this is a must see.
As the movie finished and the popcorn bowls were taken to the kitchen sink, Jacob climbed up on my lap. "Mama, huggy" he said. He tells me this when he wants to give me a hug and a kiss. So he wrapped his arms around my neck and squeezed really hard and then kissed me.
"Happy Mother's Day" he told me.
"Thank you" I smiled.
I guess Mother's Day can be any day.
Mine was today.
Friday, July 09, 2004
Jacob the Entertainer
From sun up to sun down, Jacob truly is a form of entertainment.
The morning started with me tryind desperately to wake him up so I could get him some breakfast and change him into his clothes before the babysitter was set to arrive at 9:30 a.m. Now, I realize that this doesn't sound very early, so it should be pretty easy. However, Jacob is a night owl. In fact, I prefer to call him my "I hate stupid night time" kid. He wishes that daytime would last forever and blames me everynight for making it "stupid nighttime".
This morning I found an easy way to wake him; I mentioned the two little words that he loves more than anything else in the world "your brothers". As soon as he realizes that his two older brothers are in the house, he's out of bed quicker than you can bat an eyelash.
This morning, breakfast was eaten in record time and clothes were changed in less than a half an hour. He was sure there would be plenty of time to play DK - his favorite N64 game - before his brothers would have to leave to go to their aunt's house for the day. With a little probing, I was able to get his brothers to agree.
After 15 minutes, it was time to go and then the drama began. He cries, and cries, and cries... "I just want my brothers to stay home and play all day. It's your fault mama". Yes, this is the morning routine at my house.
So, I pull out the Play Dough and assure him that one of the two girls I have babysitting this week will play Play Dough with him. He smiles, hugs me and says "Good-bye mama. Have good day at work." And off he goes.
When I arrive home 7 hours later, he's laughing and in his glory with his pretty 16 year old babysitter, who he loves. Later I ask him if she's his new girlfriend. He informs me that "when I'm 8 then Whitney(his babysitter) says I can have a girlfriend". "I see," I tell him as he climbs in the car to go pick up his brothers.
15 minutes later, his brothers are in the car along with their cousin Cory. Let the entertainment begin. Jacob begins singing songs and carrying on and on about this and that. "He sure is entertaining" Cory says. Jacob infoms him that he knows he is and continues to make everyone in the car laugh hysterically the rest of the ride home.
We take his older brother and Cory to a youth dance and head for home. Alex, my 8 year old, and Jacob carry on playing outside until it gets too dark, then it's off to play DK. Then it arrives. Time to turn off the DK and go to bed. Once again, he cries. "Mama, why do you always have to make it nighttime?" I tell him I'm sorry. "No your not mama, it's your fault. I just hate stupid nighttime." Ah yes, the routine remains true. I again apologize and tell him to come lay in bed with me for a few minutes. "O.k." he sniffles "but I just gonna sit there mama because I am not tired. It's gonna be daytime soon and I'm just gonna wait."
"O.k." I tell him, as I rub his forehead with my hand.
3 minutes later, he's asleep.
Now, that, is entertainment.
The morning started with me tryind desperately to wake him up so I could get him some breakfast and change him into his clothes before the babysitter was set to arrive at 9:30 a.m. Now, I realize that this doesn't sound very early, so it should be pretty easy. However, Jacob is a night owl. In fact, I prefer to call him my "I hate stupid night time" kid. He wishes that daytime would last forever and blames me everynight for making it "stupid nighttime".
This morning I found an easy way to wake him; I mentioned the two little words that he loves more than anything else in the world "your brothers". As soon as he realizes that his two older brothers are in the house, he's out of bed quicker than you can bat an eyelash.
This morning, breakfast was eaten in record time and clothes were changed in less than a half an hour. He was sure there would be plenty of time to play DK - his favorite N64 game - before his brothers would have to leave to go to their aunt's house for the day. With a little probing, I was able to get his brothers to agree.
After 15 minutes, it was time to go and then the drama began. He cries, and cries, and cries... "I just want my brothers to stay home and play all day. It's your fault mama". Yes, this is the morning routine at my house.
So, I pull out the Play Dough and assure him that one of the two girls I have babysitting this week will play Play Dough with him. He smiles, hugs me and says "Good-bye mama. Have good day at work." And off he goes.
When I arrive home 7 hours later, he's laughing and in his glory with his pretty 16 year old babysitter, who he loves. Later I ask him if she's his new girlfriend. He informs me that "when I'm 8 then Whitney(his babysitter) says I can have a girlfriend". "I see," I tell him as he climbs in the car to go pick up his brothers.
15 minutes later, his brothers are in the car along with their cousin Cory. Let the entertainment begin. Jacob begins singing songs and carrying on and on about this and that. "He sure is entertaining" Cory says. Jacob infoms him that he knows he is and continues to make everyone in the car laugh hysterically the rest of the ride home.
We take his older brother and Cory to a youth dance and head for home. Alex, my 8 year old, and Jacob carry on playing outside until it gets too dark, then it's off to play DK. Then it arrives. Time to turn off the DK and go to bed. Once again, he cries. "Mama, why do you always have to make it nighttime?" I tell him I'm sorry. "No your not mama, it's your fault. I just hate stupid nighttime." Ah yes, the routine remains true. I again apologize and tell him to come lay in bed with me for a few minutes. "O.k." he sniffles "but I just gonna sit there mama because I am not tired. It's gonna be daytime soon and I'm just gonna wait."
"O.k." I tell him, as I rub his forehead with my hand.
3 minutes later, he's asleep.
Now, that, is entertainment.
Day One
Welcome! I call today "Day One" as it is not only the first day I have begun these tales, but also because it is my first trial at parenting my four children at night while my husband is at work. At this very moment, I would like to declare the night a success.
It is now 10:14 p.m and Travis (11 years), Alex (8 years) and Kyle (5 months) are all now safely tucked into their beds asleep. Jacob (4 years)is still up, nothing unusual about that, but he is tucked in his bed watching a Blue's Clues video he has seen at least a half of dozen times. But the house; QUIET.
I declare victory.
It is now 10:14 p.m and Travis (11 years), Alex (8 years) and Kyle (5 months) are all now safely tucked into their beds asleep. Jacob (4 years)is still up, nothing unusual about that, but he is tucked in his bed watching a Blue's Clues video he has seen at least a half of dozen times. But the house; QUIET.
I declare victory.
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