Forgot to tell you about what is happening in Sophie's life. She is just returning to her normal self, finally, after being sick for what feels like almost a month. I think it has been almost a month. I just feel so bad for her poor little nose with all those sticky ickies in there. Not being able to just blow them out would be awful. But, she is feeling a lot better and this weekend she spent most of the time giggling, smiling, playing, just being silly.
She has been sitting up all by herself, though when I play peek-a-boo with her, she gets so excited, she tips over. It is so sweet. She so longs to do what her big sister does and just looks at her and laughs and smiles at everything she does. Avery will want to hold her a few times throughout the day and Sophie just reaches for me, I think only because she wants to be able to see what her sister is doing at all times. I just can't wait until they can play together, though I know Sophie will do anything her sister tells her to do, as Avery is pretty good at being little Miss Bossy. I try to call it "assertive" or "leadership", but if I were to really be blunt and honest, it is plain old bossy. It will pass, I know.
Sophie continues to make all sorts of noises and sounds. When she gets hungry, she puts her hands up out to the side of her head and wiggles her fingers while rotating them from side to side. It is hilarious! Until she gets a bite, she will--ooo, ooo, ooo. Then as soon as we get it to her mouth, she'll give a breathy mmmm. So funny.
She's been loving Uncle Griffy. Smiles at him constantly. He has always been great with kids and they seem to love him for his willingness to play any game, be any animal, basically follow any rule they make up and continue to play any game with an undying amount of patience. Thank you, Griff!
Peek-a-boo is becoming a great game for Sophie. She loves the surprise, like most babies do, and peeks at the spot where I was last seen until I come up and say "boo!" She just opens her mouth wide and is so surprised only a short laugh comes out.
She's not crawling yet, but I think here in the next month or so we'll be close. She is still most comfortable with mom--sitting on her lap or just being in the vicinity usually is good, too. If she is in her jumper and doing great playing, I'll try to sneak away without allowing her to notice. If she sees me, she begins to cry.
Sleeping is finally getting better for everyone. She slept through the night the last couple of nights and I only heard her cough or make noise a couple of times. Sometimes she is under the covers and upside down when I go get her and I need to take a before and after picture. I don't know how she does it.
Avery has been doing great at school and has her first prayer service coming up. She stood at the pew after church today so she could practice while Sophie napped. It was dark and everyone had left, so she felt secure enough to do it in front of me, though even that is hard for her. She says "We bring down the cross to help remind us how important Jesus is in our families." Great one liner, I'd have to say.
After we went through it the first time, I asked her if she knew what that meant. She said she forgot. I am so happy with her school, but one frustration is that there is so much going through the motions without much explanation of why. Why does the symbol of a cross remind us of Jesus? She didn't know. Why is God our Ruler? She didn't know. So, this is something that, as parents, we try to help her understand. And though we have talked and talked about it throughout her life, I know it's still hard for her to understand. As a child (and human), we base everything we know on our senses--what we see, hear, smell, taste and touch. Faith isn't something so easily understood. But, I think John and I are doing our very best to help her understand that Jesus is with us everyday, guiding us and helping us to love each other and live life how He wants us to live it. That He died for us, so that we could be together as a family right now, in this very moment. And even though I share that with what seems like amazing faith, I'm always praying that He'll help to make me a stronger Christian, to help strengthen my faith in him and trust that He continues to have plans for me in this life. But, I think He's doing some of that by allowing me to share with my children, His amazing grace. How cool is that?!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Just another manic Monday
What a great weekend we had! I'm so sad it's over. It really almost makes me want to cry knowing I've got to take the kids to school/daycare tomorrow and go in to work. But, that's the life of a family with two working parents. Someday, I always say, someday our school loans will be paid back, and I'll be able to stay at home at least part of the week with the girls. Someday isn't going to be for a while, I'm afraid.
When Monday comes around now, I just dread taking Sophie to the sitter. Not because I'm anxious about her being there, but I totally miss my children. And I certainly feel like I miss out on all the things she does each day--the sounds she makes, her smiles, possibly her first time crawling or saying her first word. It makes me sad even writing about it!
I just thank God that we've got Sophie in great care while we are away and I know Avery is right at home at her school. That is what I'm thankful for even if it's hard to acknowledge the fact that I'm not with them. That someone else is the parent for the day while I'm away.
Sophie's sitter always tells me how wonderful and how good Sophie is for her. All the kids call her "Grandma" and they really seem to genuinely love her. She always leaves Sophie with a hug and kiss before we go home for the day and when I arrive, and I so appreciate the fact that, even if I'm gone, she's got a gentle, kind, compassionate soul loving and caring for her. I know Jesus took care of that for us by allowing us to find her. I only wish there were more like her out there. It was just awful trying to find good care for her and I was struggling to keep it together by the end of it all.
However, with the economy in the shape it's in, I just continue to tell myself that I need to be grateful that I still have a job, as our company continues to lay employees off. Both John and I go to bed not really knowing what tomorrow brings for us all. I suppose that isn't different than any other day, but we truly are a lot more appreciative of our jobs and how they allow us to provide for our family, in some ways, and give them what they need, provide them with a present and future educations, medical insurance, etc.
On a lighter note, we truly had a wonderful weekend. The girls and I went to Earl May for their fall festival like we do every year and Avery ate two bags of popcorn, cotton candy, got her face and arms painted a few times over, looked at all the animals, did the maze and played with some other kids, too. Sophie mostly slept (which I was thankful for because I felt like we were there forever! I think we were there for almost three hours!). Mom, dad, Griff and I played some games together this afternoon for about an hour--Dad, your Taboo skills are improving! John got a great amount done on his projects around the house (new bathroom downstairs, new windows, doors, etc.). In fact, he's outside now doing something--sounds like he's sawing something--and will probably be working for a while. He did take a break and watch the Iowa game last night. I fell asleep before I saw it turnaround for the Hawks and just assumed they lost until he told me this morning that they won! YAH Hawks! And I saw him pour himself a nice cold beer into our frosty mug. He continues to think I may someday like the taste of beer and buys all different kinds for me to try. Well, really because he wants to drink them, but when he gets home and uncaps the bottle, I'm the first one he wants to take a sip! "Try this one! You'll really like it! It almost tastes like...fruity or something"! Umm, you mean it tastes like a fruity skunk? Anyway, I'm glad he can enjoy it once in a while. As for me, I'll pass and drink some Coke or something. I made some chili and he ate that with his beer.
He looked right at home in his chair, drinking a beer and eating chili. I think this is the epitome of my husband and when I think of him, I think of comfort and home. I love him for that. After a bad day, he'll give me a bear hug and try to make me taste his beer-I'll laugh and he'll laugh and then we'll forget the long day at work and get back to enjoying what really matters--family and these wondrous, precious, and very few hours we have together before another week starts.
When Monday comes around now, I just dread taking Sophie to the sitter. Not because I'm anxious about her being there, but I totally miss my children. And I certainly feel like I miss out on all the things she does each day--the sounds she makes, her smiles, possibly her first time crawling or saying her first word. It makes me sad even writing about it!
I just thank God that we've got Sophie in great care while we are away and I know Avery is right at home at her school. That is what I'm thankful for even if it's hard to acknowledge the fact that I'm not with them. That someone else is the parent for the day while I'm away.
Sophie's sitter always tells me how wonderful and how good Sophie is for her. All the kids call her "Grandma" and they really seem to genuinely love her. She always leaves Sophie with a hug and kiss before we go home for the day and when I arrive, and I so appreciate the fact that, even if I'm gone, she's got a gentle, kind, compassionate soul loving and caring for her. I know Jesus took care of that for us by allowing us to find her. I only wish there were more like her out there. It was just awful trying to find good care for her and I was struggling to keep it together by the end of it all.
However, with the economy in the shape it's in, I just continue to tell myself that I need to be grateful that I still have a job, as our company continues to lay employees off. Both John and I go to bed not really knowing what tomorrow brings for us all. I suppose that isn't different than any other day, but we truly are a lot more appreciative of our jobs and how they allow us to provide for our family, in some ways, and give them what they need, provide them with a present and future educations, medical insurance, etc.
On a lighter note, we truly had a wonderful weekend. The girls and I went to Earl May for their fall festival like we do every year and Avery ate two bags of popcorn, cotton candy, got her face and arms painted a few times over, looked at all the animals, did the maze and played with some other kids, too. Sophie mostly slept (which I was thankful for because I felt like we were there forever! I think we were there for almost three hours!). Mom, dad, Griff and I played some games together this afternoon for about an hour--Dad, your Taboo skills are improving! John got a great amount done on his projects around the house (new bathroom downstairs, new windows, doors, etc.). In fact, he's outside now doing something--sounds like he's sawing something--and will probably be working for a while. He did take a break and watch the Iowa game last night. I fell asleep before I saw it turnaround for the Hawks and just assumed they lost until he told me this morning that they won! YAH Hawks! And I saw him pour himself a nice cold beer into our frosty mug. He continues to think I may someday like the taste of beer and buys all different kinds for me to try. Well, really because he wants to drink them, but when he gets home and uncaps the bottle, I'm the first one he wants to take a sip! "Try this one! You'll really like it! It almost tastes like...fruity or something"! Umm, you mean it tastes like a fruity skunk? Anyway, I'm glad he can enjoy it once in a while. As for me, I'll pass and drink some Coke or something. I made some chili and he ate that with his beer.
He looked right at home in his chair, drinking a beer and eating chili. I think this is the epitome of my husband and when I think of him, I think of comfort and home. I love him for that. After a bad day, he'll give me a bear hug and try to make me taste his beer-I'll laugh and he'll laugh and then we'll forget the long day at work and get back to enjoying what really matters--family and these wondrous, precious, and very few hours we have together before another week starts.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Wow! I think this is a record for shortest time in between blogs. I'm on a role. Now, if I can just keep it up.
I'm at work on lunch break now, so I'm going to use this time to quick post a blog...and stuff in a bite between sentences.
Today was the first day since last winter, of course, that I felt like I just couldn't get myself out of bed. I was awake, but it was dark and I could hear raindrops outside and I was snuggly and warm. And boy, was I tired.
It seems as though we've taken two steps back and are now in the routine of waking up in the middle of the night again, at least three to four times with Sophie. I just can't figure it out. She finally got past the flu and I think we are dealing with either a tooth coming in or another cold. She just can't make it through an entire night anymore. And I think it's worse for everyone now because we think she should be sleeping through the night. She is six months old. But, however tired, frustrated and zombie-like I am, as soon as I open the door to get her, she instantly holds her breath and waits to see me. Then, as I hover over the crib, she kicks her legs all around, like she's kicking off her blankets and starts to ooo, and ahhhh, and then she smiles. It is so sweet.
John told me a great story about Avery and when she was sick with the flu. I don't remember him telling me this earlier, but it was so great to hear about it. It put a smile on my face this morning while I was deliberating weather or not to take Sophie to day care (all you stay-at-home moms: so happy that you don't have to think about these types of things!).
As a baby, when Avery would get sick, her eyes would always get a little crusty. Yes, it was icky, but like my Grandma wiping away the stray kitten's crusty eyes with a warm cloth, I so love taking care of my children, regardless of the task (uh, minus vomit--that I still struggle with, naturally). Anyway, one morning she'd woken up and was making noises in her crib to let us know she was awake. John went in to get her and when he walked through the door, he saw that she had green snot running out of her nose and her eyes were crusted shut. But she was standing up holding on to the side of the crib bouncing up and down and had a huge smile on her face because she heard her daddy come in. So cute. I can just picture it. She's always been such a good sport. He said that just "melted" his heart.
I'm praying that all this illness and glitches in her health are short-lived and we can move on! It certainly has felt like a long six months in the regard that we've had so many little blurps here and there. Otherwise, it's gone so fast.
On a happier note, prior to Sophie having what I think is a cold, she spent the afternoon with her wonderful Great Grandma Opal and Grandpa Tom. John and I attended Wicked at the Civic Center with Mom, Dad, and Griff and we were so appreciative that they were able to be with her for a few hours. She already loves them so much. And, the show was AWESOME! But we quickly hurried back afterwards and when we picked up Sophie from Grandma and Grandpa's, Grandma was pushing her around in her stroller. Although I know everything was just fine, I know Sophie well enough to know that no matter who she's with, she wants all the attention all the time. And lucky her, Grandma Opal is totally okay with that! We love you for spoiling our children! And for being wonderful Grandparents!
Avery's open house is tonight at school and I am anxious to hear how everything has been going as her typical response to my question: how was school? is "fine". She's only five. Not thirteen! But, I am assured of this fact when she snuggles with me on the couch or wants to hold my hand or bake something with me. Can't wait until Sophie can join in with her big sister and they can do these fun things together! For now, though, I'm happy with my little babies as they are in this very moment!
I'm at work on lunch break now, so I'm going to use this time to quick post a blog...and stuff in a bite between sentences.
Today was the first day since last winter, of course, that I felt like I just couldn't get myself out of bed. I was awake, but it was dark and I could hear raindrops outside and I was snuggly and warm. And boy, was I tired.
It seems as though we've taken two steps back and are now in the routine of waking up in the middle of the night again, at least three to four times with Sophie. I just can't figure it out. She finally got past the flu and I think we are dealing with either a tooth coming in or another cold. She just can't make it through an entire night anymore. And I think it's worse for everyone now because we think she should be sleeping through the night. She is six months old. But, however tired, frustrated and zombie-like I am, as soon as I open the door to get her, she instantly holds her breath and waits to see me. Then, as I hover over the crib, she kicks her legs all around, like she's kicking off her blankets and starts to ooo, and ahhhh, and then she smiles. It is so sweet.
John told me a great story about Avery and when she was sick with the flu. I don't remember him telling me this earlier, but it was so great to hear about it. It put a smile on my face this morning while I was deliberating weather or not to take Sophie to day care (all you stay-at-home moms: so happy that you don't have to think about these types of things!).
As a baby, when Avery would get sick, her eyes would always get a little crusty. Yes, it was icky, but like my Grandma wiping away the stray kitten's crusty eyes with a warm cloth, I so love taking care of my children, regardless of the task (uh, minus vomit--that I still struggle with, naturally). Anyway, one morning she'd woken up and was making noises in her crib to let us know she was awake. John went in to get her and when he walked through the door, he saw that she had green snot running out of her nose and her eyes were crusted shut. But she was standing up holding on to the side of the crib bouncing up and down and had a huge smile on her face because she heard her daddy come in. So cute. I can just picture it. She's always been such a good sport. He said that just "melted" his heart.
I'm praying that all this illness and glitches in her health are short-lived and we can move on! It certainly has felt like a long six months in the regard that we've had so many little blurps here and there. Otherwise, it's gone so fast.
On a happier note, prior to Sophie having what I think is a cold, she spent the afternoon with her wonderful Great Grandma Opal and Grandpa Tom. John and I attended Wicked at the Civic Center with Mom, Dad, and Griff and we were so appreciative that they were able to be with her for a few hours. She already loves them so much. And, the show was AWESOME! But we quickly hurried back afterwards and when we picked up Sophie from Grandma and Grandpa's, Grandma was pushing her around in her stroller. Although I know everything was just fine, I know Sophie well enough to know that no matter who she's with, she wants all the attention all the time. And lucky her, Grandma Opal is totally okay with that! We love you for spoiling our children! And for being wonderful Grandparents!
Avery's open house is tonight at school and I am anxious to hear how everything has been going as her typical response to my question: how was school? is "fine". She's only five. Not thirteen! But, I am assured of this fact when she snuggles with me on the couch or wants to hold my hand or bake something with me. Can't wait until Sophie can join in with her big sister and they can do these fun things together! For now, though, I'm happy with my little babies as they are in this very moment!
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