Hello again! I am trying to get back on my feet from another weekend trip.
Avi and I picked up Stella and Annabelle in Gloucester and spent a few nights up in DC. Here are some highlights of our trip.
1-Stella returned to the temple! Yay! A year ago I am not sure I would have thought it would happen. But I was very grateful to be a part of influencing her to return. It made me feel like I can be a missionary after all. We caught the last session on Friday night.
2-We got to spend all day Saturday in DC. And it was a gorgeous day. The Dogwood trees were all in bloom and there were thousands of tulips. Everything was green and beautiful. I felt quite sentimental during the trolly tour as I felt homesick for living there and exploring the city with my Blake. And I missed my dear friend Susan Avant. I could just remember her voice and how wonderfully she and I got along. I really do miss her.
3- We did not hit any traffic on the drive home. We left Sun. morning around 9:30. It was wonderful. I have never driven home from DC without traffic. I wasn't even sure that was possible.
4- We took route 17 instead of I64 and it was an incredibly beautiful drive.
Some "lowlights"-
1-Avind wouldn't sleep. At all. So, I didn't sleep. Both nights were miserable. Uggggg. And now he is a grumpy, screeching pants baby. Oh, my.
2- Getting trapped in a Metro parking garaged for a Metro station that was not open yet. And yet, we were able to get in and take a parking ticket. You would think if it wasn't open they could leave out a sign or something that says, "Hey stupid tourists: This metro station is not open yet. Do not drive in and get trapped. But if you do, call the help button on every machine and then frantically explain why the heck you are in here." :) That actually was pretty funny. But only because we got out. :)
3- Stella's $2500 camera was stolen. I just can't even believe it. Right out of the baby backpack. Some people are really low. She is devastated. She thought it was insured. But it wasn't. Ug again.
4- Annabelle started throwing up Sat. evening. We wrapped up our trip a bit early so we could get her home.
5- They played the old old temple video. I tried really hard not to be disappointed, but I was. The new videos are just so well done. I had a really hard time focusing and feeling the spirit.
Soooo... I was very happy to get home to my wonderful hubby and to get some sleep last night. Today was a recoup day. I let Collin watch a good hour of TV during Avi's morning nap while I laid in bed some more.
Anyway, time to sleep!
Monday, April 28, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
I don't want Fat Free Yogurt!
It is amazing the range of emotions I can experience in a day.
I felt pretty good this morning after going for a swim. Even when Julie backed out, I got myself to go, even when I almost stayed home. It was a good personal victory. And Avind didn't cry at all in child care today. Wahoo! That is a big accomplishment.
During quiet time today I went outside to enjoy the warm sun and I just took some time to ponder. I took in our little backyard and garden and wondered about our future. I felt the plants and marveled at the beauty of green. I love spring. And i am so grateful that the leaves are popping out. I sat on the garden bricks, soaking in the sun and the sounds, like a lizard or something. It felt marvelous.
However, this evening was difficult. And once again, food was the big instigator of my unhappiness. I am still so stressed about Avi. I try not to worry, and I had some wonderful friends pipe up about their little kids after I posted something on FB about it. So, I know he is fine. But I still just get anxious when he won't eat much. And then I go to the store to find some baby yogurt, ya know, the kind that has fat. Yeah, they didn't have any. In fact, I could not find a single yogurt that had more than 2g of fat. Come on! Some of us still need fat!
I also am trying to figure out plans for my temple trip with Stella. And finding sitters has been difficult.
Does it every feel like you are working so hard to get things done, and then just 5 minutes later, after all your struggle and work, it seems all undone? Yeah, that is being a mom.
On a different note, Collin has been quite rude towards me lately and I am not sure what to do about it. But Blake has done something that is amazing. And I love it. Everytime he prays for our family, he thanks Heavenly Father for me and then lists all the things I do for the family that he is grateful for. And you know what? Now when Collin prays, guess what he says? :) Sweet husband. And sweet boy.
I felt pretty good this morning after going for a swim. Even when Julie backed out, I got myself to go, even when I almost stayed home. It was a good personal victory. And Avind didn't cry at all in child care today. Wahoo! That is a big accomplishment.
During quiet time today I went outside to enjoy the warm sun and I just took some time to ponder. I took in our little backyard and garden and wondered about our future. I felt the plants and marveled at the beauty of green. I love spring. And i am so grateful that the leaves are popping out. I sat on the garden bricks, soaking in the sun and the sounds, like a lizard or something. It felt marvelous.
However, this evening was difficult. And once again, food was the big instigator of my unhappiness. I am still so stressed about Avi. I try not to worry, and I had some wonderful friends pipe up about their little kids after I posted something on FB about it. So, I know he is fine. But I still just get anxious when he won't eat much. And then I go to the store to find some baby yogurt, ya know, the kind that has fat. Yeah, they didn't have any. In fact, I could not find a single yogurt that had more than 2g of fat. Come on! Some of us still need fat!
I also am trying to figure out plans for my temple trip with Stella. And finding sitters has been difficult.
Does it every feel like you are working so hard to get things done, and then just 5 minutes later, after all your struggle and work, it seems all undone? Yeah, that is being a mom.
On a different note, Collin has been quite rude towards me lately and I am not sure what to do about it. But Blake has done something that is amazing. And I love it. Everytime he prays for our family, he thanks Heavenly Father for me and then lists all the things I do for the family that he is grateful for. And you know what? Now when Collin prays, guess what he says? :) Sweet husband. And sweet boy.
Monday, April 21, 2014
Itty Bitty Avi
There is nothing like stressing over something you do not have direct control over. And I am stressing.
Avind had his 12 month well baby check up today and he is healthy and looks good...except that he has dropped off the chart as far as weight is concerned. Today he was only 15 lbs 15 oz, 28in long. He was 16 lbs at his 9 month apt. Ave for this age is 23 lbs. It scares me. As a mom there is this huge weight on you to feed your children well. And especially when you are nursing that baby. And then to feel like you are totally failing at one of the very few things you can do for your baby...it is a heavy feeling. And so very frustrating. It is difficult enough to try to cook good, healthy, tasty food day in and day out. 3 times a day, actually. But then you watch your child reject the food and refuse to eat it. And the 3 year old yells out, "I hate this food! I am not going to eat it!" It is almost enough to start making hot dogs a permanent fixture in our home. I am completely discouraged. I just don't know what to do. The doctor sent home a sheet of some high-calorie foods to give, but it is basically a list of desserts. And I don't want to get my kid completely hooked on sugar. It seems bad for his kidneys and seems like it would increase chances of diabetes and spoil his tastes completely. Oh, what to do? Poor Avi also got poked in both arms, the thigh, and a toe. No wonder today was not a good eating day.
We dyed Easter Eggs for FHE tonight. Collin loved it. He went to town on the stickers. He loves his new night-time pull-ups that glow in the dark. He had me charge it and then turned off all the lights in his room to admire Mader in glow in the dark fashion. It was wonderfully cute. I also taught him how to throw a Frisbee today. Not that I can actually throw one. He thought it was the coolest thing.
One more thing to feel bad about as I get ready to go to bed, everyone who came to Avi's b-day celebration has been throwing up sick today. If that doesn't make you feel rotten, I am not sure what does. I may even lose sleep over that. Goodness, this week is not starting out so hot.
Avind had his 12 month well baby check up today and he is healthy and looks good...except that he has dropped off the chart as far as weight is concerned. Today he was only 15 lbs 15 oz, 28in long. He was 16 lbs at his 9 month apt. Ave for this age is 23 lbs. It scares me. As a mom there is this huge weight on you to feed your children well. And especially when you are nursing that baby. And then to feel like you are totally failing at one of the very few things you can do for your baby...it is a heavy feeling. And so very frustrating. It is difficult enough to try to cook good, healthy, tasty food day in and day out. 3 times a day, actually. But then you watch your child reject the food and refuse to eat it. And the 3 year old yells out, "I hate this food! I am not going to eat it!" It is almost enough to start making hot dogs a permanent fixture in our home. I am completely discouraged. I just don't know what to do. The doctor sent home a sheet of some high-calorie foods to give, but it is basically a list of desserts. And I don't want to get my kid completely hooked on sugar. It seems bad for his kidneys and seems like it would increase chances of diabetes and spoil his tastes completely. Oh, what to do? Poor Avi also got poked in both arms, the thigh, and a toe. No wonder today was not a good eating day.
We dyed Easter Eggs for FHE tonight. Collin loved it. He went to town on the stickers. He loves his new night-time pull-ups that glow in the dark. He had me charge it and then turned off all the lights in his room to admire Mader in glow in the dark fashion. It was wonderfully cute. I also taught him how to throw a Frisbee today. Not that I can actually throw one. He thought it was the coolest thing.
One more thing to feel bad about as I get ready to go to bed, everyone who came to Avi's b-day celebration has been throwing up sick today. If that doesn't make you feel rotten, I am not sure what does. I may even lose sleep over that. Goodness, this week is not starting out so hot.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Avi's first birthday
I am so tired. Like, deep down, to the bone, completely, utterly tired. Wow.
Today was a busy day for us. The Easter Bunny came for the kids this morning. And then, of course, it is our beautiful little baby's first birthday. I can't even believe that. As I type it, it seems impossible that it can have really been a year since they put him on my chest and he looked up at me for the first time.
I really tried not to overdo it today. I know he has no concept at all as to whether or not we celebrate his birthday, but I do. And in this family, we do birthdays. :) And my biggest contribution is the cake. I like to make special cakes. By the time I finish, I am usually wishing I had just mixed up a boxed cake mix and smoothed some frosting on, but when it comes down to it, I never can let myself off that easy. I guess I view it as my gift. And maybe, when the kids look back at the pictures 20 years from now, of all these cakes, they will recognize that I really loved them. Or, at least their wives might. :)
Collin was very excited about the Easter Bunny. Although he has told us several times that it doesn't make sense that an Easter Bunny could visit all of those houses in one night, and the Easter Bunny really can't have magic. Since it was raining, all of the outdoor egg hunts were canceled. And actually I was okay with that. The last thing we need around here is more candy. We did our own little hunt around the house. Even Avind was figuring it out and helping Daddy find eggs. Collin was most excited for the dress up hats EB brought. He got a builder hat, a pirate hat, and a soldier hat.
Today was a busy day for us. The Easter Bunny came for the kids this morning. And then, of course, it is our beautiful little baby's first birthday. I can't even believe that. As I type it, it seems impossible that it can have really been a year since they put him on my chest and he looked up at me for the first time.
I really tried not to overdo it today. I know he has no concept at all as to whether or not we celebrate his birthday, but I do. And in this family, we do birthdays. :) And my biggest contribution is the cake. I like to make special cakes. By the time I finish, I am usually wishing I had just mixed up a boxed cake mix and smoothed some frosting on, but when it comes down to it, I never can let myself off that easy. I guess I view it as my gift. And maybe, when the kids look back at the pictures 20 years from now, of all these cakes, they will recognize that I really loved them. Or, at least their wives might. :)
Collin was very excited about the Easter Bunny. Although he has told us several times that it doesn't make sense that an Easter Bunny could visit all of those houses in one night, and the Easter Bunny really can't have magic. Since it was raining, all of the outdoor egg hunts were canceled. And actually I was okay with that. The last thing we need around here is more candy. We did our own little hunt around the house. Even Avind was figuring it out and helping Daddy find eggs. Collin was most excited for the dress up hats EB brought. He got a builder hat, a pirate hat, and a soldier hat.
He has been waiting for a good long time for each of those. Tonight when he said his prayer he said, "Thank you Heavenly Father for telling the EB to bring me a pirate hat and a soldier hat. And for having him hide chocolate and candy for us to find." He is a good one, that Collin.
Blake took Collin to the movies for a Daddy-Collin date so that I could get the cake-making done without a little helper around. :) Avind woke up from his nap and helped me though. I am getting pretty good at doing things with him on my hip. Funny, I know I could just put him down, but he just loves being in my arms so I have a hard time saying no. A harder time than I did when Collin was a baby. Either I am getting soft, or I am just figuring out how to do things with one hand.
I made cupcakes and a cake from scratch, along with frosting and marzipan. It took a long time. And then I still had to decorate them all. It took me a long time to figure out a cake theme for Avi. He just doesn't really have a favorite. Except x-box controllers, but I wasn't going to make a cake with that. But, it finally came to me. He LOVES apples. So, apples it was. I pieced together some ideas from pinterest and made a pretty good little cake.
The only problem was, it took me all day. And when our friends showed up, I was still going. Oh, well. That is me. Doesn't matter how early I begin, I will always be late. And then it all happens so fast. I finish the cake just in time to cut it all up. Avind had no clue what to do with the candle. and with the cake we put in front of him for that matter. He pulled out the pretzel and used that as a utinsil for awhile. :)
It was super cute. I don't think he ate very much, but he had fun smearing it all over the tray. He actually stayed pretty clean himself. 
We opened some presents and sat with our friends. And then, all too soon, it was over. And he is in bed and on his way to one year old + a day. Can he just stay small? Please?
As I put Collin to bed tonight, he did help me feel loved, "I love you mom. Thanks for celebrating our birthdays!" Yep. Maybe he does get it.
Blake took Collin to the movies for a Daddy-Collin date so that I could get the cake-making done without a little helper around. :) Avind woke up from his nap and helped me though. I am getting pretty good at doing things with him on my hip. Funny, I know I could just put him down, but he just loves being in my arms so I have a hard time saying no. A harder time than I did when Collin was a baby. Either I am getting soft, or I am just figuring out how to do things with one hand.
I made cupcakes and a cake from scratch, along with frosting and marzipan. It took a long time. And then I still had to decorate them all. It took me a long time to figure out a cake theme for Avi. He just doesn't really have a favorite. Except x-box controllers, but I wasn't going to make a cake with that. But, it finally came to me. He LOVES apples. So, apples it was. I pieced together some ideas from pinterest and made a pretty good little cake.
The only problem was, it took me all day. And when our friends showed up, I was still going. Oh, well. That is me. Doesn't matter how early I begin, I will always be late. And then it all happens so fast. I finish the cake just in time to cut it all up. Avind had no clue what to do with the candle. and with the cake we put in front of him for that matter. He pulled out the pretzel and used that as a utinsil for awhile. :)
As I put Collin to bed tonight, he did help me feel loved, "I love you mom. Thanks for celebrating our birthdays!" Yep. Maybe he does get it.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
"Da-da?" "Again?"
Poor Avi. He is our most recent victim of the stomach bug. I didn't realize it until 4am. Our little man had been sleeping in his own vomit. When I finally went into him he was choking on it. Oh, I felt absolutely like the worst mom in the world. I kept thinking, how did I not go to him sooner? I was so tired and out of it. I am so sorry Avind! I got him cleaned up and back into bed and slept in the room with him. I was wondering why it was so cold...come to find out, the heater was not working. Why does it seem as thought those things always happen when someone is sick?
Lots of throwing up for my baby today. Stephanie was a saint and took Collin for a few hours this morning so I could catch up a bit. The worst was not being able to feed Avind. He would sign "please" and "water" and point at any food he saw. I felt sad not giving him any. But any time I let him take a full feeding it all came back up. My VT brought us some Pedialite and some dinner. Another angel stepping up to help out. The heater did get fixed and Avind did stop throwing up.
Collin and I had some run-ins. I hate when I find myself arguing back like I am his sibling instead of his parent. I was struggling not to lose it. He has been very disrespectful lately. I know he is tired. And so am I. But I feel like we need to find a way to change our dynamic. We did sit and talk for a bit. I told him how sad I feel when he is mean to me because then I don't feel like he loves me. He cried out for me a bit later and wanted me to get him changed so maybe some of that internalized. We had a few good moments earlier in the day too. We read the Friend together and did the crossword puzzle. We played family tickle monster and watched Curious George together. So, not a total mom-fail day.
Highlight of my day: We have been teaching Avind "again" and tonight after I nursed him on the bed, he rolled into me and cuddled up. As I sang to him, he would sign "again" and say "da da?" perfectly mimicking the intonation I use when I say "again?" Oh, his perfect angel voice. So clear, and beautiful and innocent. I love him. And I loved that moment. He did it over and over. I smiled every time. It was so beautiful.
Lots of throwing up for my baby today. Stephanie was a saint and took Collin for a few hours this morning so I could catch up a bit. The worst was not being able to feed Avind. He would sign "please" and "water" and point at any food he saw. I felt sad not giving him any. But any time I let him take a full feeding it all came back up. My VT brought us some Pedialite and some dinner. Another angel stepping up to help out. The heater did get fixed and Avind did stop throwing up.
Collin and I had some run-ins. I hate when I find myself arguing back like I am his sibling instead of his parent. I was struggling not to lose it. He has been very disrespectful lately. I know he is tired. And so am I. But I feel like we need to find a way to change our dynamic. We did sit and talk for a bit. I told him how sad I feel when he is mean to me because then I don't feel like he loves me. He cried out for me a bit later and wanted me to get him changed so maybe some of that internalized. We had a few good moments earlier in the day too. We read the Friend together and did the crossword puzzle. We played family tickle monster and watched Curious George together. So, not a total mom-fail day.
Highlight of my day: We have been teaching Avind "again" and tonight after I nursed him on the bed, he rolled into me and cuddled up. As I sang to him, he would sign "again" and say "da da?" perfectly mimicking the intonation I use when I say "again?" Oh, his perfect angel voice. So clear, and beautiful and innocent. I love him. And I loved that moment. He did it over and over. I smiled every time. It was so beautiful.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
"Please"
Poor Avi woke up about 1:30am so I went in to him. When I picked him up, he pointed to the bed. He wanted to nurse. I wasn't sure I wanted to do a nightime feeding. I laid him on the bed to change his diaper. And then he did the one thing I couldn't say no to. He looked at me with his big eyes and signed, "please" on his chest. Oh, it was sooooooo cute! And amazing because for the first time he talked to me for real. I, of course, nursed him. And it made me happy. When he finished he was ready to play! So, we did for a bit. Then back to bed.
Collin had pictures today. He told me he wanted to wear church clothes. He looked really good. i was suprised he didn't pick out a sports jersey to waer. H also had an Easter Egg hunt and party at his school today. Avi and I got to join him. I love holding his hand and watching him at school.
Daddy surprised us with coming home early today! Yay! So, we took a trip to Walmart to stock up on fishing supplies. Collin got to turn in his sticker chart for a fishing pole. He chose a Spiderman pole. He is beyond excited. He was jumping off the walls before bed. Yay for vacation!!!
Collin had pictures today. He told me he wanted to wear church clothes. He looked really good. i was suprised he didn't pick out a sports jersey to waer. H also had an Easter Egg hunt and party at his school today. Avi and I got to join him. I love holding his hand and watching him at school.
Daddy surprised us with coming home early today! Yay! So, we took a trip to Walmart to stock up on fishing supplies. Collin got to turn in his sticker chart for a fishing pole. He chose a Spiderman pole. He is beyond excited. He was jumping off the walls before bed. Yay for vacation!!!
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
There are hives, and then there are "Hive"
Where to even start. I feel totally spent.
I didn't sleep well last night. My mind was thinking about something and wouldn't let me sleep. Funny thing is, I don't even know what I was thinking. That happens way too often. I got up early and got the kids out the door so I could swim with Julie. Seriously, I think I am getting worse. I am surprised the life guard didn't see the need to intervene. I looked pretty pathetic. Oh, well. Maybe now I understand how Blake feels when he runs.
We hurried home so Avind could nap, I could shower, and Collin could watch a show. I then tried to type up the Primary Newsletter while Collin used me as a jungle gym. Seriously, that gets old fast. He would kick me or bump me and say, "Oh, sorry sorry" and then do it again, "sorry mom" and then again. "Collin-stop" "sorry" and again. "I won't do it again. Sorry" and again. "Seriously, Collin Stop!" And again...you get my drift. Then Avind was awake and wanted food. So I added "feeder' to the try-to-do-all-at-once list. I finally realized that I hadn't eaten all day. That is bound to make me a bit irritable. But before I could eat, Avind needed to be changed. And when I opened his diaper up, I found this little beauty.
That's not normal. I made a dr. apt. But 20 minutes later, it was gone. Okay, I don't want to be the mom that takes their baby in for a diaper rash. I canceled the apt. I put Avind in for a nap, Collin in for quiet time, and I took myself in to take a nap too. Man, I was sooooooo out. 2 hours later, I woke up from someone crying. I checked in on Collin. He was sleeping. That is two naps this week. That is a happy thing. :) So, I went in to Avind. Yeah, that little beauty had multiplied. His body was covered in this rash. And he was hot. 101.5 temp. I am usually pretty calm...I totally freaked out.
I didn't sleep well last night. My mind was thinking about something and wouldn't let me sleep. Funny thing is, I don't even know what I was thinking. That happens way too often. I got up early and got the kids out the door so I could swim with Julie. Seriously, I think I am getting worse. I am surprised the life guard didn't see the need to intervene. I looked pretty pathetic. Oh, well. Maybe now I understand how Blake feels when he runs.
We hurried home so Avind could nap, I could shower, and Collin could watch a show. I then tried to type up the Primary Newsletter while Collin used me as a jungle gym. Seriously, that gets old fast. He would kick me or bump me and say, "Oh, sorry sorry" and then do it again, "sorry mom" and then again. "Collin-stop" "sorry" and again. "I won't do it again. Sorry" and again. "Seriously, Collin Stop!" And again...you get my drift. Then Avind was awake and wanted food. So I added "feeder' to the try-to-do-all-at-once list. I finally realized that I hadn't eaten all day. That is bound to make me a bit irritable. But before I could eat, Avind needed to be changed. And when I opened his diaper up, I found this little beauty.
That's not normal. I made a dr. apt. But 20 minutes later, it was gone. Okay, I don't want to be the mom that takes their baby in for a diaper rash. I canceled the apt. I put Avind in for a nap, Collin in for quiet time, and I took myself in to take a nap too. Man, I was sooooooo out. 2 hours later, I woke up from someone crying. I checked in on Collin. He was sleeping. That is two naps this week. That is a happy thing. :) So, I went in to Avind. Yeah, that little beauty had multiplied. His body was covered in this rash. And he was hot. 101.5 temp. I am usually pretty calm...I totally freaked out.
All sorts of awful diseases ran through my mind. And I felt like the worst mom ever for canceling the apt. They didn't have any more, of course, so it was off to Urgent Care. I grabbed Collin strait out of bed and took off.
Too bad I didn't think of shoes. Man, I look so put together when I go places. No make-up, my hair, not done, wearing my Spiderman shirt. I have violated my rule of 3 several times in the last month. (The rule of 3 is that you can't do all three of the following: Go without make-up; Go without doing your hair; go without dressing in something nice.) And I am toting a red and blotchy baby and a kid with bed head and no shoes. Classic!
Filling out paper work with a sick baby and a preschooler who is still using you as a playground fixture is not fun, just in case you were wondering. We got in but all the welts had gone done by the time we got in to see the dr. He determined it was an allergic reaction to something and the welts were hives. "Hive" (singular) is more like it. Those were huge! Poor kid. That had to be incredibly uncomfortable. So, off to get some Benedryl. Have I mentioned that I was hungry?
It was a long day. I am glad it was just hives. I was starting to worry about being able to go on our vacation this weekend. So, that is a blessing! So tired...so hungry...and now I need to go to the store for juice boxes for the Easter Party. No prob. Me and myself, we've got this. :) I am so put together, after all.
Too bad I didn't think of shoes. Man, I look so put together when I go places. No make-up, my hair, not done, wearing my Spiderman shirt. I have violated my rule of 3 several times in the last month. (The rule of 3 is that you can't do all three of the following: Go without make-up; Go without doing your hair; go without dressing in something nice.) And I am toting a red and blotchy baby and a kid with bed head and no shoes. Classic!
Filling out paper work with a sick baby and a preschooler who is still using you as a playground fixture is not fun, just in case you were wondering. We got in but all the welts had gone done by the time we got in to see the dr. He determined it was an allergic reaction to something and the welts were hives. "Hive" (singular) is more like it. Those were huge! Poor kid. That had to be incredibly uncomfortable. So, off to get some Benedryl. Have I mentioned that I was hungry?
It was a long day. I am glad it was just hives. I was starting to worry about being able to go on our vacation this weekend. So, that is a blessing! So tired...so hungry...and now I need to go to the store for juice boxes for the Easter Party. No prob. Me and myself, we've got this. :) I am so put together, after all.
A clean house...for about a minute.
Too late. Too late. It is always too late! How did it get to be past 11 again?
Today was a pretty standard day and thought I did't have much to write about but then I realized those are the real days. This is motherhood. This is life.
We got up a bit late this morning. Blake somehow turned off the alarm without actually waking up. Now, that is talent! I am therefore taking over alarm master as of this evening. We will see if I can coax my darling and myself to get up on time.
I got Collin to school early, which is pretty impressive. He wore his soccer uniform again- complete with soccer socks. And I realized it was stay and play but I forgot to pack a lunch for him. Whoops! The ladies there are just fantastic though and said they would find something for him.
At home I got to work. I cleaned. I mean really cleaned. Can't remember the last time I have had all 3 bathrooms cleaned. And every floor vacuumed. And floor swept. And I dejunked the kid's rooms. (Don't tell Collin!) I was on a roll! Serious go-mode. Avind was my helper as you can see. :)
I love getting Collin from school. When he sees me he points to me and claims me. He runs to me and barrels into my arms giving me a great big hug. I have to be ready or I'll get knocked right over. Once back at home he got to watch a show. He chose Super Why and I loved hearing him a answer their questions. That is a sound I never want to forget: His amazing little voice in response.
Daddy had to come and then go. Collin was devestated! He was inconsolable. That is until I told him he could have a brownie and milk. :) sometimes you just do what you've gotta do.
Btw have I told you how much I appreciate my darling Blake? He left to teach a lesson with the missionaries and was soon back with them with Frostys in hand. That is the right way to come home to your wife after you leave your kids as they scream. "Noooooooooo! Daddy don't leave! Don't leave me with mom again!!!" Feelings are mutual, kid. :)
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Preschool Soccer = Beautiful Chaos
We've always had it in our minds to coach our kids in soccer. But I wasn't so keen on the idea of starting Collin at 3. Seemed like too young to really have any benefit for any of us. Despite my logic, Collin had other plans. It began with the awesome neon green soccer cleats he earned with a sticker chart.
They got him thinking about soccer and asking about when he would get to be on a soccer team. Then the YMCA had signs about their soccer league and what do you know, they begin at age 3. He was beyond excited when he found out he could play in a real game on a real team. I couldn't stifle his excitement. And if we are going to spend Saturdays doing soccer, we are going to do it the right way: as the coaches.
Our team, the Tigers, consists of 10 3-4 year olds. We were still in HS coaching mode a bit, I think, as we talked before our first practice. We talked about simple drills we could teach and games we could play. I knew from my 7-8 year old team awhile back, not to expect too much. But I was still not quite prepared for our little Tigers.
We began a couple of Saturdays back. I have never seen so many little balls and little people all in the same place. And so many parents confused at their child's sudden lack of interest in anything remotely soccer. :) Rocks, grass, dandelions, the net in the goal-these were all very compelling to our preschoolers. I expected that. But I wasn't quite ready for the crying and clinging to parents, or the running away from the field and refusing to come anywhere near the rest of the group. But one thing I am beginning to realize with Collin is that if he doesn't want to do something, and I try to force him to do it, he wants to do it even less.
It is a direct correlation. If you saw this as two arrows plotted on a chart, as my arrow (positive encouragement to do X) goes up, Collin's arrow (desire to comply with Mom and do X) goes down, down, down. And so it often is with 3 year olds. That is why we parents have to learn to be so crafty. "Oh, don't dribble the ball. I know you are probably too little to know how to do that."
After just 2 minutes of our first practice, all thoughts of drills went out the window and we started to play. Follow the leader, red light-green light, Simon Says- some of the clingy ones started to look a bit interested. I told them I had a secret to tell them- that got all of them but one bouncing at my legs to find out what it was. We were soon roaring like Tigers and having a fantastic time. Although it was a long, LONG 45 minutes. Phew!
So, yesterday was our first game. And, of all things, team pictures. Goodness! What were these people thinking? It is torture to get just one 3-year old to pose and smile for a picture. Now, try that with 10! It was a fiasco. Collin did pretty well, although there is not a chance we are spending money on the pictures. We have an iphone that will do just fine, thanks.
Our team, the Tigers, consists of 10 3-4 year olds. We were still in HS coaching mode a bit, I think, as we talked before our first practice. We talked about simple drills we could teach and games we could play. I knew from my 7-8 year old team awhile back, not to expect too much. But I was still not quite prepared for our little Tigers.
We began a couple of Saturdays back. I have never seen so many little balls and little people all in the same place. And so many parents confused at their child's sudden lack of interest in anything remotely soccer. :) Rocks, grass, dandelions, the net in the goal-these were all very compelling to our preschoolers. I expected that. But I wasn't quite ready for the crying and clinging to parents, or the running away from the field and refusing to come anywhere near the rest of the group. But one thing I am beginning to realize with Collin is that if he doesn't want to do something, and I try to force him to do it, he wants to do it even less.
It is a direct correlation. If you saw this as two arrows plotted on a chart, as my arrow (positive encouragement to do X) goes up, Collin's arrow (desire to comply with Mom and do X) goes down, down, down. And so it often is with 3 year olds. That is why we parents have to learn to be so crafty. "Oh, don't dribble the ball. I know you are probably too little to know how to do that."
After just 2 minutes of our first practice, all thoughts of drills went out the window and we started to play. Follow the leader, red light-green light, Simon Says- some of the clingy ones started to look a bit interested. I told them I had a secret to tell them- that got all of them but one bouncing at my legs to find out what it was. We were soon roaring like Tigers and having a fantastic time. Although it was a long, LONG 45 minutes. Phew!
So, yesterday was our first game. And, of all things, team pictures. Goodness! What were these people thinking? It is torture to get just one 3-year old to pose and smile for a picture. Now, try that with 10! It was a fiasco. Collin did pretty well, although there is not a chance we are spending money on the pictures. We have an iphone that will do just fine, thanks.
We played some games for practice and then it was time for our very first game. Collin was beyond excited.
It was so entertaining! And busy. And funny. And sweet. I don't even know how to capture the beautiful chaos of preschool soccer. Blake and I took turns on the field and sidelines. At one point I had Jack in my lap, holding Izzy's hand while Blake was running on the field, carrying Katrina all snuggled into his shoulder and another one along as they ran near the heard. There were bodies all over the field as one would fall and trip every child in a 10 foot radius, which means everyone of them. Except for Tyson who was over picking flowers on the field across the way. We would only have 4 on the field and the next thing I knew, there were 7 playing out there. Oh, it was so wildly fun! I loved when a kid on the other team had a breakaway, made it all the way to about 2 feet in front of the goal, and then stopped and picked up the ball. :) Our 2 girls were quite emotional. Izzy had been crying, but calmed down if I held her. At one point she said to me, with a quivering voice, "Can I tell YOU a secret?" I told her "Of course!" Her reply, "I love you!" Melt my heart! I hugged her even tighter, "I love you too sweetie!"
Collin did wonderfully and he gleefully ran about, often stopping to clap his hands in delight. He did get a breakaway and took the ball all the way down the field and into our net for his first soccer goal ever. Oh, you should have seen his face! I got down on my knees and held out my arms and he ran to me, until he accidently knocked over Isaiah and they got tangled up. I grabbed him for a quick hug, and then he looked for his Daddy on the sideline and just beamed and jumped up and down in celebration. That was indeed a most precious treasure moment for me. I will always remember it.
The other fun part is having Avind on the field with us. I loved when we met with the ref at center field before the game and she kind of hesitated and then said, "Um...is that...who's...why is a baby on the field?" "Oh, that's ours. We'll get him, no worries." :) He got passed around to different parents and had a grand ol' time playing with all the kid's soccer balls. He did try to get onto the field during the game a few times, but I was quicker then him.
In the end, we won 4-1. But I will note that our team was just as excited when the other team scored as when we did. :) And that is as it should be.
It was so entertaining! And busy. And funny. And sweet. I don't even know how to capture the beautiful chaos of preschool soccer. Blake and I took turns on the field and sidelines. At one point I had Jack in my lap, holding Izzy's hand while Blake was running on the field, carrying Katrina all snuggled into his shoulder and another one along as they ran near the heard. There were bodies all over the field as one would fall and trip every child in a 10 foot radius, which means everyone of them. Except for Tyson who was over picking flowers on the field across the way. We would only have 4 on the field and the next thing I knew, there were 7 playing out there. Oh, it was so wildly fun! I loved when a kid on the other team had a breakaway, made it all the way to about 2 feet in front of the goal, and then stopped and picked up the ball. :) Our 2 girls were quite emotional. Izzy had been crying, but calmed down if I held her. At one point she said to me, with a quivering voice, "Can I tell YOU a secret?" I told her "Of course!" Her reply, "I love you!" Melt my heart! I hugged her even tighter, "I love you too sweetie!"
Collin did wonderfully and he gleefully ran about, often stopping to clap his hands in delight. He did get a breakaway and took the ball all the way down the field and into our net for his first soccer goal ever. Oh, you should have seen his face! I got down on my knees and held out my arms and he ran to me, until he accidently knocked over Isaiah and they got tangled up. I grabbed him for a quick hug, and then he looked for his Daddy on the sideline and just beamed and jumped up and down in celebration. That was indeed a most precious treasure moment for me. I will always remember it.
The other fun part is having Avind on the field with us. I loved when we met with the ref at center field before the game and she kind of hesitated and then said, "Um...is that...who's...why is a baby on the field?" "Oh, that's ours. We'll get him, no worries." :) He got passed around to different parents and had a grand ol' time playing with all the kid's soccer balls. He did try to get onto the field during the game a few times, but I was quicker then him.
In the end, we won 4-1. But I will note that our team was just as excited when the other team scored as when we did. :) And that is as it should be.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Redbuds, Forsythia, tulips...oh, my!
Do you ever get into bed and it feels so good to lay down and relax and be comfortable and you think, "This feels sooooooo good! Why don't I do this more often?" Mmmmmmmmm...me too. I love sleeping. And someday, I will sleep in again. :) Someday...
I saw a happy thing on this exceptionally spring-like day: Redbud trees, Tulips, and Forsythia plants in bloom. Ahhhhhh! Spring, spring, happy happy spring! Collin and I have a little game we play. As we drive we point to the different trees we see and name which type they are. He is getting really good at it. I recall doing the same thing last year as we would drive to drop him off at babysitters so I could get to my OB appointments. Wow- a year since our Avi joined us.
I got to drive out to Suffolk today to have a lunch date with Blake. There is something extremely wonderful about eating your meal without kids. You can just sit and eat and not have to remove anything that looks remotely breakable from the premise. Blake was so good looking in the middle of the day! I married a hottie. :)
I saw a happy thing on this exceptionally spring-like day: Redbud trees, Tulips, and Forsythia plants in bloom. Ahhhhhh! Spring, spring, happy happy spring! Collin and I have a little game we play. As we drive we point to the different trees we see and name which type they are. He is getting really good at it. I recall doing the same thing last year as we would drive to drop him off at babysitters so I could get to my OB appointments. Wow- a year since our Avi joined us.
I got to drive out to Suffolk today to have a lunch date with Blake. There is something extremely wonderful about eating your meal without kids. You can just sit and eat and not have to remove anything that looks remotely breakable from the premise. Blake was so good looking in the middle of the day! I married a hottie. :)
We ate out on the patio since it was so warm and then took a walk to enjoy some sunshine. Blake got to tell me all about touring the terminal he is working out
and playing with the 12 million dollar crane. I am so glad he got to
see it up close. That is just way cool.
His pictures really capture the
magnitude of these things.
We even ducked into Bed, Bath, and Beyond to dream about what things we would buy if we had the money to do so. I think pots and pans are next on our list.
Later this evening we got to sit out in our backyard and just be together. It was PERFECT. Warm but no mosquitoes yet. We talked about life and held hands and just took some time to be best friends. We woke up a cicada towards the end and he happily began his buzz. There is nothing like the sounds of a warm evening in VA. So much life! Ahhhhhhhhh, spring is here.
Later this evening we got to sit out in our backyard and just be together. It was PERFECT. Warm but no mosquitoes yet. We talked about life and held hands and just took some time to be best friends. We woke up a cicada towards the end and he happily began his buzz. There is nothing like the sounds of a warm evening in VA. So much life! Ahhhhhhhhh, spring is here.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
April Fools! You WERE supposed to be in Petersburg!
Don't you hate when someone else makes a big mistake that wastes a lot of your time?
How about when someone tells you to be in Pennsylvania by 5:45 the next morning and when you get there at 8:30 p.m. no one there is expecting you and you don't have a hotel room and you are not on the list for MEPS the next morning? Yeah, that definitely just happened to Blake.
I still can't believe it. Seriously. Now what makes it particularly ridiculous is that Blake emailed and called the guy and said, "We've been talking about Fort Lee in Petersburg this whole time. Are you sure I am supposed to go to PA?" He gave the guy two chances to verify the location. Well, it was in fact supposed to be Fort Lee. But instead Blake got to sleep on a broken cot in a room with two kids going into the Army and go to MEPS just to be turned away because they couldn't do anything without his paperwork.
So on about 3 hours of bad sleep he got back in his car and drove the 7 hours back to work through DC morning traffic. Withing 24 hours he went up and back and accomplished nothing to further our possibilities with the AF. The AF can't even reimburse our gas money for the trip. It just amazes me the waste it was. And Blake lost 2 days of productive work time. And now he will still need to take another day off to complete MEPS. Ug. What a mess.
Through this all I have been particularly impressed with Blake. He has been quite calm and maintained his dignity. He didn't cuss the guy out. Even though I am sure there were moments he wanted to. The man assures us that he will make this up to us. I don't know what that means exactly. But from his track record I am not expecting much will come from his promise. We shall see, eh? There are times I think, "Everything happens for a reason," but actually sometimes I think that things just happen, not for any particular reason except that someone else wasn't doing what they were supposed to. I am just glad that Blake made it up and back safely and that he was home last night to enjoy a homemade pizza and movie night with us.
Avind even got his own pizza!
I guess Collin does look a little like me. :)
What was i thinking...why wasn't i sleeping too?
Some fun notes about our awesome kiddos from the last few days:
Avind is learning something new everyday. He can now clap, wave, sign "all done" and signs "please" on our chest instead of his; he blows a kiss (kind of) and points to everything he wants and says, "Da!" fully acting as if he is clearly speaking what it is he wants. He is impossible to change and loves loves loves apples. He is totally over baby food but will eat anything that is on our plates.
He scoots around doing what we call "the Gollum Crawl" and anyone privileged enough to witness it gets a good laugh. He loves books and will pick one off the shelf and then crawl into your lap to be read to. He lasts about 3 pages before he shuts the book and goes for the next one.
Collin thoroughly enjoyed watching Frozen last night. I got him to cuddle in my lap during the scary parts. He had a bit of an attitude with me today and I may need to start over on my "no yelling or spanking" plan. Double ug. Well, tomorrow is another day. :) He loves to exercise when we go to the YMCA so we always makes sure he runs a few laps on the grass after I am done with my workout. He was showing off his counting skills for the missionaries and when he got to 39, the next number he gave was 70. We like to play baseball in the living room and he especially thinks he's funny when he gets to be the pitcher and he beans me. I am amazed though at his ability to hit a ball that is pitched to him.
I often wonder about my parenting skills, but he often will randomly tell me, "Mom, I love you!" And then I know I am doing all right.
Hmmmmm...maybe after all it was just a big April Fools joke and the AF guys is getting a real good laugh at this...
How about when someone tells you to be in Pennsylvania by 5:45 the next morning and when you get there at 8:30 p.m. no one there is expecting you and you don't have a hotel room and you are not on the list for MEPS the next morning? Yeah, that definitely just happened to Blake.
I still can't believe it. Seriously. Now what makes it particularly ridiculous is that Blake emailed and called the guy and said, "We've been talking about Fort Lee in Petersburg this whole time. Are you sure I am supposed to go to PA?" He gave the guy two chances to verify the location. Well, it was in fact supposed to be Fort Lee. But instead Blake got to sleep on a broken cot in a room with two kids going into the Army and go to MEPS just to be turned away because they couldn't do anything without his paperwork.
So on about 3 hours of bad sleep he got back in his car and drove the 7 hours back to work through DC morning traffic. Withing 24 hours he went up and back and accomplished nothing to further our possibilities with the AF. The AF can't even reimburse our gas money for the trip. It just amazes me the waste it was. And Blake lost 2 days of productive work time. And now he will still need to take another day off to complete MEPS. Ug. What a mess.
Through this all I have been particularly impressed with Blake. He has been quite calm and maintained his dignity. He didn't cuss the guy out. Even though I am sure there were moments he wanted to. The man assures us that he will make this up to us. I don't know what that means exactly. But from his track record I am not expecting much will come from his promise. We shall see, eh? There are times I think, "Everything happens for a reason," but actually sometimes I think that things just happen, not for any particular reason except that someone else wasn't doing what they were supposed to. I am just glad that Blake made it up and back safely and that he was home last night to enjoy a homemade pizza and movie night with us.
Before the fun though look what I found that afternoon:
Even Georgie got in on the sleeping action.
P.s. Isn't it super cute that Collin makes his bed like this every day? I think so, too.
Some fun notes about our awesome kiddos from the last few days:
Avind is learning something new everyday. He can now clap, wave, sign "all done" and signs "please" on our chest instead of his; he blows a kiss (kind of) and points to everything he wants and says, "Da!" fully acting as if he is clearly speaking what it is he wants. He is impossible to change and loves loves loves apples. He is totally over baby food but will eat anything that is on our plates.
Collin thoroughly enjoyed watching Frozen last night. I got him to cuddle in my lap during the scary parts. He had a bit of an attitude with me today and I may need to start over on my "no yelling or spanking" plan. Double ug. Well, tomorrow is another day. :) He loves to exercise when we go to the YMCA so we always makes sure he runs a few laps on the grass after I am done with my workout. He was showing off his counting skills for the missionaries and when he got to 39, the next number he gave was 70. We like to play baseball in the living room and he especially thinks he's funny when he gets to be the pitcher and he beans me. I am amazed though at his ability to hit a ball that is pitched to him.
Hmmmmm...maybe after all it was just a big April Fools joke and the AF guys is getting a real good laugh at this...
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