Oh, goodness sakes! It was mid-November the last time I posted and now, here we are and it seems as though I've forgotten everything I wanted to write over the course of two months. In fact, I have!
Thanksgiving was wonderful, though bittersweet. We went to Grandma Opal and Grandpa Tom's home for a combined Christmas and Thanksgiving and it was the first time in a long time that the ENTIRE family was there. Most of the time not everyone can come as they are too far away or have other plans with their spouse's family. It was awesome!
In saying this, it brings me to also add that that this was the last Christmas and Thanksgiving, or any other special gathering that any of us would celebrate with my Grandpa Tom. He passed away not too long after and although we knew his health was failing, it came much too quickly. I have never experienced a death in my family and I can say that even though you know what is coming, it always comes too soon and feels unexpected. Writing this now, I think of my Grandma, my mom and how much they miss him. We talk sometimes of him, but the coversation is still too short, as the tears come too quickly. His funeral service was wonderful and I know watching from above, he must of felt such joy and peace in his heart. I miss him everyday and I can imagine he misses us, too. Avery said to me just the other day, "Mom, I want to die so I can see Grandpa Tom." I haven't decided yet how to react to that comment and I don't think I said much other than that she has so much to live for yet. That made me especially sad but it is telling of how sensitive and compassionate Avery is.
Christmas was really wonderful as we ended up staying home the entire time and with John and I both working at the same company, we get to be at home on the same days! So, I finished up my Christmas shopping taking an extra vacation day withOUT the kids and wrapped gifts. My favorite is stuffing the stocking, maybe because that was my favorite part about Christmas. I don't really know why. Mom and dad were always so creative in their stocking gifts, I guess! And it was pretty easy this year as all Avery wanted was Silly Putty and beads. Those fit in the stockings, too! We did get her a little video game, which we've recently been really thankful for because on Saturday mornings when she gets up extra early, we tell her to go play her game and she is always so excited to do so. An extra 15 minutes of sleep never hurt any kid's parents! She wrote out a letter to Santa--really sweet and left him milk and brownies. Which I was regretting at 11PM after I had already eaten two for desert at dinner. UGH. And I can't throw anything away because she always finds it and scolds me! This includes the approximately 500 drawings she's done at school--she is much like her father in this way--saving EVERYTHING. It drives me crazy. After opening gifts that morning we tried to head down to Minnesota to see the rest of the family, but we had to turn around at Iowa Falls. The weather was awful and with the two girls in the car, we didn't want to brave it. Don't tell John, but I was secretly kind of happy that we could jump back into our jammies and veg out for the day! I did miss seeing them, though. Anna is in her first year in college and loving it. Maria lives in Chicago and I can't wait to go see her sometime. Chris and Dan just had another baby, Greta and none of them have seen Sophie yet. So, after packing and unpacking, it was disappointing that we couldn't make the trip.
John and I had our first ugly sweater party, which was an absolute blast. So thankful to mom and dad for watching the girls for a few hours! Talk about UGLY. I can't believe some of the sweaters we saw. I thought mine and John's were definitely ugly, but they were actually pretty decent compared to some others! YIKES.
New Years, John's brother Nick came over and stayed for four days. It was also a great time had by all and it was so great to see John spend some time with Nick. They don't do their annual road trip anymore (although they still do the snowmobiling trip), so they don't get together much. And they are like best-buds. Nick makes a mean bowl of chili, too! They played the Wii and watched some football-A LOT of football. I made all the goodies, as tradition calls for, including shrimp cocktail, little smokies, stuffed mushrooms, and bacon covered water chestnuts. MMMMMMMM! So good.
The girls are growing up so much, it seems. Avery has lost two teeth and Sophie is waving "bye-bye" and just nearly walking. I'll share more here later this week! And...I PROMISE I'll get some pics up if I can figure it out. I still can't move them around like you guys have. They always stay on the right side?? WHAT?! Grrr.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Thursday, November 19, 2009
I always want to blog about positive things happening in our life, but the majority of our extra cirricular lives right now have been spent at the doctor's office or lately, the Emergency Room. I didn't realize just how little Avery was until Saturday night when she spent the night in Kiddie scrubs that tied at the waist and slept in the hospital bed with an IV in her right hand. It has been really tough to be strong for her; I just wanted to cry right along with her. But, I knew that wouldn't help her get through all of her tests, so I just held her hand and told her it was going to be alright.
For the last two weeks she has had a high fever and has complained of severe abdominal pain and headaches. We had to take her out of school for an entire week because of her fever. We were at the Doctor twice in a week and I just felt at a loss for what I could do for her. She mostly laid on the couch and slept or watched tv. And I knew it was really bad as she is never one to complain about not feeling well, but whatever was happening in her little body completely took everything out of her. She was on some medicine and started to get better but this last Saturday spiked a fever of 103° again and complained that her belly was really hurting. I decided to take her into the ER after talking to a nurse and we proceeded to head there at 7 PM. She had every test run on her that you could possibly imagine-blood tests, urinalysis, strep test, flu test, chest x-rays, and then came the worst...they told us that because of the pain in her abdomin, she needed a CT scan to check her appendix. That meant drinking two full glasses of contrast (dye) in a limited amount of time. She'd already thrown up earlier from the strep test and she really struggled getting it down. At around 2:30 AM we finally got the CT scan done and at 3, with no answers to why she might be feeling this way, we went home.
I am so proud of her. She was so brave and I am amazed at how strong she is. God blessed us with an amazing and precious little girl and I know that she is going to be a strong woman when she grows up.
She was prescribed some anti-biotics and has been fever-free for three days now. She hasn't complained too much of a belly ache, but she has said once or twice that it was hurting. And as soon as she says that, my heart just sinks.
As I was praying during our ER visit, I also got a very small taste of what it must be like for parent's of children who have cancer, or an illness of that type. I prayed for them as well as seeing your child, any child, going through pain is unbearable. She is back in school and seems to be doing much better. I can't wait to see her silliness and excitement for life come back 100% as we just aren't quite there yet. Our girl's are the center of our lives and even while I'm here at work, they are always on my mind.
On a lighter note...Sophie is crawling!!! However, if she can reach something without having to crawl, she'll do so. She'll lay down on her belly and extend her arm until her little fingers can get whatever she so badly wants. It is just so funny. She is also giving kisses. Not on demand, but once in a while she'll look right at me and close her eyes and lean her face forward until her face touches mine. It is the most precious thing. She is such a busy girl and wants to be right in the middle of whatever is going on. It is tough to get her to sleep because she is always trying to see what else is happening. She must think she is missing out on something.
I had the priveledge of attending the Bobcat football semi-final game last week with mom, dad, and Griff. It was so exciting and it was such fun. They play in the Championship game tomorrow and we're all headed to mom's to watch. I just can't wait!
Also, I'd like to give a shout out to Leah! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Can't wait to see everyone here over the holidays! Love you all.
For the last two weeks she has had a high fever and has complained of severe abdominal pain and headaches. We had to take her out of school for an entire week because of her fever. We were at the Doctor twice in a week and I just felt at a loss for what I could do for her. She mostly laid on the couch and slept or watched tv. And I knew it was really bad as she is never one to complain about not feeling well, but whatever was happening in her little body completely took everything out of her. She was on some medicine and started to get better but this last Saturday spiked a fever of 103° again and complained that her belly was really hurting. I decided to take her into the ER after talking to a nurse and we proceeded to head there at 7 PM. She had every test run on her that you could possibly imagine-blood tests, urinalysis, strep test, flu test, chest x-rays, and then came the worst...they told us that because of the pain in her abdomin, she needed a CT scan to check her appendix. That meant drinking two full glasses of contrast (dye) in a limited amount of time. She'd already thrown up earlier from the strep test and she really struggled getting it down. At around 2:30 AM we finally got the CT scan done and at 3, with no answers to why she might be feeling this way, we went home.
I am so proud of her. She was so brave and I am amazed at how strong she is. God blessed us with an amazing and precious little girl and I know that she is going to be a strong woman when she grows up.
She was prescribed some anti-biotics and has been fever-free for three days now. She hasn't complained too much of a belly ache, but she has said once or twice that it was hurting. And as soon as she says that, my heart just sinks.
As I was praying during our ER visit, I also got a very small taste of what it must be like for parent's of children who have cancer, or an illness of that type. I prayed for them as well as seeing your child, any child, going through pain is unbearable. She is back in school and seems to be doing much better. I can't wait to see her silliness and excitement for life come back 100% as we just aren't quite there yet. Our girl's are the center of our lives and even while I'm here at work, they are always on my mind.
On a lighter note...Sophie is crawling!!! However, if she can reach something without having to crawl, she'll do so. She'll lay down on her belly and extend her arm until her little fingers can get whatever she so badly wants. It is just so funny. She is also giving kisses. Not on demand, but once in a while she'll look right at me and close her eyes and lean her face forward until her face touches mine. It is the most precious thing. She is such a busy girl and wants to be right in the middle of whatever is going on. It is tough to get her to sleep because she is always trying to see what else is happening. She must think she is missing out on something.
I had the priveledge of attending the Bobcat football semi-final game last week with mom, dad, and Griff. It was so exciting and it was such fun. They play in the Championship game tomorrow and we're all headed to mom's to watch. I just can't wait!
Also, I'd like to give a shout out to Leah! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Can't wait to see everyone here over the holidays! Love you all.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Sophie and Avery
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?!
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?!
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!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Funny phraseology
Okay, some background info...
Our community Y has these "family rooms" so that the entire family can go in and change and take a shower, etc. After swimming lessons, Avery and John went in so she could take a shower.
"Dad, it smells bad in here. It (sniff, sniff)…smells like poop…..like (sniff, sniff)…man poop."
No further comments on that one.
"I have a secret, dad. But you can't tell anyone. Not even yourself. Okay?"
"Mom, can I have some of that spagaragous?"
"Ugh, those eggs smell like refrigerator".
"But dad! Next weekend won't even get here 'til Tuesday!"
Avery's learning a lot of prayers at school and we say a prayer before dinner each night. She always gets this one little part wrong, which is just so cute and funny. We try so hard not to laugh.
"...which we are 'bout to receive, from thy botchy, through Christ, our Lord, Amen."
(botchy is actually "bounty"-- so funny.)
Avery was also the "Star" at school this last week. She was able to cut out pictures of all the things she likes and answer some questions about herself. Then the teacher placed them up on this big board. She brought her favorite books and shared them. On Friday, John and I, Grandpa Tom and mom and dad came. She stood up in front of the class with a crown on (she hates to be the center-of-attention and it was painful to watchu) and used a pointer (which, at first, she though was her point finger) to explain why she cut out what she did. Her teacher went to sit down on the counter next to her and accidentally knocked her over and she fell. All the kids laughed and I though, oh no. She got up and started rubbing her eyes--a sign that she's just about ready to start crying. But, she recovered after mommy distracted her. I could tell we were going to be in for a brutal 10 minutes. We were...the next ten minutes were spent with one of saying "honey, we can't hear you" and my child completely disappeared in anxiety. I just wanted to go give her a hug, but I continued to watch and immediately prayed that she wouldn't have the same problem as me. I absolutely HATE (it's a strong word, but it's really true!) standing in front of a crowd and giving speeches. My dreams of becoming a star came to halt in 7th grade when I realized this. Practice makes perfect and I took this opportunity to just let this be her first "practice".
Her teacher proceeded to ask her questions about her magazine cutouts. On the page about her, she had a small picture of herself and a life-sized cutout of a face of an African-American girl. I thought this was interesting and at home I had asked her what made her cut out this little girl. Was it her pretty smile? Was it her hair? Nope, she stated she simply like her earring.
There were little cutouts that the teacher made after asking her questions prior in the week and they were hung with Avery's answers on them (these were questions the teacher asked again, Friday, in front of us). I read them and they were true, but everything changes in front of a crowd...
Teacher: What's your favorite color?
Avery: Black (it's red, always has been)
What's your favorite sports team?
The Hawkeyes (What?!)
Do you like spaghetti?
No (it's her all time favorite)
What do you like to do at home?
Nothing. (on the board, it said: plant flowers with mommy, which is true.)
Do you like movies?
No. (She loves all Disney movies)
This continued and I sat there in absolute horror! Where did Avery go? Did her twin who's favorite color is black and who loves the Hawkeyes step in? The students in her class sat there answering all of her questions--I LOVE spaghetti, they said. Oooh, the Hawkeyes are good, they yelled! Then they heard the other class singing a song and began clapping to it!
Finally, it was over. I got it on tape and will post it as soon as I figure that out! It is just painful to watch. But, so bittersweet in a way.
As soon as the teacher told her she could take her crown off and come sit down with mom and dad, she ran over and gave us a hug and returned to being her true self. We sat down at dinner and talked about it a little bit. That it is okay to be nervous, but that it's also okay to be honest and different. That God made us this way so that we can share our differences with others and learn from them! If He made us all the same, we wouldn't learn anything from each other. Hard lesson and one that I still struggle with as an adult. She is so precious to us and I can't wait to see her grow into a young lady, confident in herself!
Our community Y has these "family rooms" so that the entire family can go in and change and take a shower, etc. After swimming lessons, Avery and John went in so she could take a shower.
"Dad, it smells bad in here. It (sniff, sniff)…smells like poop…..like (sniff, sniff)…man poop."
No further comments on that one.
"I have a secret, dad. But you can't tell anyone. Not even yourself. Okay?"
"Mom, can I have some of that spagaragous?"
"Ugh, those eggs smell like refrigerator".
"But dad! Next weekend won't even get here 'til Tuesday!"
Avery's learning a lot of prayers at school and we say a prayer before dinner each night. She always gets this one little part wrong, which is just so cute and funny. We try so hard not to laugh.
"...which we are 'bout to receive, from thy botchy, through Christ, our Lord, Amen."
(botchy is actually "bounty"-- so funny.)
Avery was also the "Star" at school this last week. She was able to cut out pictures of all the things she likes and answer some questions about herself. Then the teacher placed them up on this big board. She brought her favorite books and shared them. On Friday, John and I, Grandpa Tom and mom and dad came. She stood up in front of the class with a crown on (she hates to be the center-of-attention and it was painful to watchu) and used a pointer (which, at first, she though was her point finger) to explain why she cut out what she did. Her teacher went to sit down on the counter next to her and accidentally knocked her over and she fell. All the kids laughed and I though, oh no. She got up and started rubbing her eyes--a sign that she's just about ready to start crying. But, she recovered after mommy distracted her. I could tell we were going to be in for a brutal 10 minutes. We were...the next ten minutes were spent with one of saying "honey, we can't hear you" and my child completely disappeared in anxiety. I just wanted to go give her a hug, but I continued to watch and immediately prayed that she wouldn't have the same problem as me. I absolutely HATE (it's a strong word, but it's really true!) standing in front of a crowd and giving speeches. My dreams of becoming a star came to halt in 7th grade when I realized this. Practice makes perfect and I took this opportunity to just let this be her first "practice".
Her teacher proceeded to ask her questions about her magazine cutouts. On the page about her, she had a small picture of herself and a life-sized cutout of a face of an African-American girl. I thought this was interesting and at home I had asked her what made her cut out this little girl. Was it her pretty smile? Was it her hair? Nope, she stated she simply like her earring.
There were little cutouts that the teacher made after asking her questions prior in the week and they were hung with Avery's answers on them (these were questions the teacher asked again, Friday, in front of us). I read them and they were true, but everything changes in front of a crowd...
Teacher: What's your favorite color?
Avery: Black (it's red, always has been)
What's your favorite sports team?
The Hawkeyes (What?!)
Do you like spaghetti?
No (it's her all time favorite)
What do you like to do at home?
Nothing. (on the board, it said: plant flowers with mommy, which is true.)
Do you like movies?
No. (She loves all Disney movies)
This continued and I sat there in absolute horror! Where did Avery go? Did her twin who's favorite color is black and who loves the Hawkeyes step in? The students in her class sat there answering all of her questions--I LOVE spaghetti, they said. Oooh, the Hawkeyes are good, they yelled! Then they heard the other class singing a song and began clapping to it!
Finally, it was over. I got it on tape and will post it as soon as I figure that out! It is just painful to watch. But, so bittersweet in a way.
As soon as the teacher told her she could take her crown off and come sit down with mom and dad, she ran over and gave us a hug and returned to being her true self. We sat down at dinner and talked about it a little bit. That it is okay to be nervous, but that it's also okay to be honest and different. That God made us this way so that we can share our differences with others and learn from them! If He made us all the same, we wouldn't learn anything from each other. Hard lesson and one that I still struggle with as an adult. She is so precious to us and I can't wait to see her grow into a young lady, confident in herself!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Summer Happenings
I am just the worst. It has been two months since I last posted a blog. Jer thinks his two weeks is bad...man, I'm the worst. But, in my defense, I just am not on my computer at home a whole lot as by 9, I've finally gotten the kids down for bed and then head to bed myself so we can survive the next day! Excuses, excuses.
The last couple of months have just been so great and we are all trying to enjoy every moment as we know winter is nearing. I get anxious (and not in a good way) just thinking about it. I always think of the movie "The Christmas Story" when the younger brother puts on his snow suit and falls down in the snow and can't get up because his snow suit simply doesn't allow for bending. Makes me laugh, but then I look back at what Avery wore when she was a little baby her first winter and it was exactly the same type of suit, but in purple!
Well, as for Sophie, she has just been a much happier baby, though I've come to realize I have two very different children...
I think God gave us Avery first as a little favor. She was just such an easy baby. She's simply a go-with-the-flow type of gal, really, and was like this as a baby, too. She never really cried much, slept through the night at two months, didn't have any health issues, loved and trusted everybody and is extremely outgoing and independent. She is such a people-pleaser to her advantage sometimes and unfortunately, to her disadvantage at other times (much like her mother in that way, I'm afraid). I think she'll always be this way.
Sophie is already six months old and her personality differs from Avery in nearly every aspect. She is just an overall very sensitive baby. Lights, sounds, changes, people she doesn't know--these things bother her and she is most comfortable in the arms of mom or dad. This seemingly makes life difficult for everyone right now. Her health has been somewhat of an issue at times as well.
I think in past blogs, I've noted her colic and all the changes in my diet when I was nursing (no dairy, no tomato-based food, no spicy foods. Really just a lot of Malt-O-Meal--yum.). In August, we took a trip to the emergency room with her at about 1 AM as we thought she was having a seizure. There were a lot of signs and symptoms that aligned with those of a seizure and I was sure we were in for bad news. She was having trouble breathing, her body was completely rigid and she wasn't responsive to either John or I. We were just so scared and I, as always, assumed the worst (and prayed for the best) before I even asked any questions. The doctor told us that she has severe acid reflux, which we just couldn't believe. She had been on medicine prior, and we knew there were some issues. But, what I saw didn't seem like acid reflux. Well, we went home that night and increased her medicine dosage, propped about 10 text books under one side of the crib (so it inclined) as directed, and all was well! She was doing great and our worry subsided.
Then, two weeks ago, she began to cough. I dismissed it as just the common cold. Two days later, the cough turned into runny nose and fever. Then we went back to the doctor. Long story short, after x-rays and exam, her flu test came back positive. So, we stayed at home with her for five days and were up nearly every night on and off for a week because her cough gets worse during the night. I have felt like this poor little baby has been through so much in her first six months of life and I've prayed that we can finish out the year without any further sicknesses. Fortunately, none of the rest of us got the flu and we're all doing great. Sophie is feeling a lot better and is now laughing and smiling again.
John and I took a trip down to Ames to watch Iowa State play Iowa a couple of weeks ago--YIKES! Hard to watch (unless you're an Iowa fan, of course). MACS, Avery's school, does fundraising down at the game and parents can sell ISU programs. John and I sold programs (prooogram, prooograms, getchyour programs!) and then got to go to the game for free! It's a great idea and we really did enjoy it-except that John would always try to come sell his programs in my territory and that bothered me. Those programs were so heavy! And he's taller so all those people could see his head poking above the crowd while I got lost in it. It really was a blast, even though our team lost.
Avery's birthday was awesome and she got so many sweet cards and cool things! Thanks, everyone for sending cards. You'll be getting a thank-you soon (sending them out today)!
Sophie is now sitting up by herself and eating all sorts of yummy baby foods. She LOVES all sorts of veggies and the diaper genie gets filled up with stinky diapers quite often, now. Sometimes she leaves us with colorful surprises, which ironically match the color of whatever food she's eaten that day!
We've been treasuring the nice weather and try to go on a walk each night or head to the park, though, last night it was too cold. Sophie loves being outside and looks around with wide eyes taking it all in. There's a little park just down the road and every time we go, it's like Avery has never been there before because she's excited just as much the next time we go. I love her for this. I certainly wish I could feel like that each time I come to work or take a trip to Wal-Mart, etc.!! In fact, I'm going to work on that! Maybe it will become exciting if I just act like it's exciting!
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