I apologize in advance for John and I's singing, but her's was the real good stuff....
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Clarity, peace, serenity....
My prayer for 2009. Time, really. I knew I couldn't ask God for more minutes in the day, but I really, really felt a desire to be more fulfilled with the minutes I had been given. I knew that I was sometimes wasteful with all of the extra time that has been "allotted" to me while I am enjoying this role of "stay-at-home-mom". Of course I spend every minute with the kids. I am there and not lacking in the quantity of time that I get with them. Or John. Or just being home in general. But I did feel that there was some quality missing. On my part. Now I know some of this is just normal mommy guilt stuff. Always feeling a desire to want to do more with your kids, teach them more, hold them more, talk to them more, etc. And I know that there are lots of women who feel the same way. I have had numerous conversations with friends about "how time flies" and "where did my baby go?" and how to "cherish the moment" and although it is all so cliche, when you are a new mom those thoughts can be paralyzing. My Dad calls is "paralysis by analysis" and I love that. It is so true. I would sit around sometimes just worrying about how fast time was going by. And what do you know, another hour would be gone and all I had accomplished was thinking about where the time went? Dumb. Or, this is good. I would sit down when the kids were both down for a nap and write lists of things I "need to do". Like, dust, vaccuum, cook dinner, go to the post office. And I would just sit there and try and put pen to paper and figure out how I was going to do all these things in a day or two. I draw some chart or something silly and guess what? One of the kids is up and nothing got accomplished. And I just feel worse because I sat around thinking of expectations I have for myself without just going and DOING something. So this is something that I really saw in myself after Maverick around for awhile that I wanted to change. I just sort of needed to regroup and get it together in general. I knew I couldn't do it alone, and I prayed a lot about it. 2009 was approaching fast and although I am not big on New Year's Resolutions, this was my prayer for 2009: That my days and minutes would not be wasted. By my own actions, or by my own thoughts and worries. That I would be able to live in the present and enjoy the moments that have been gifted to me. That I would make not just a concious effort to be a better Mom and Wife, but that I would be successful by following through with some of these fabulous plans that I have spinning around in my head or laying flat on a piece of paper. I prayed that it would be revealed to me when I am being wasteful of my time. What and who is important, and what and who are not. What I can do without and what I need. And that I would make time for "me" in a whole new way that would leave me feeling fulfilled and content instead of more guilty and wasteful.
And God is faithful! Ask and you shall receive, right? First of all, I have felt a gentle but clear nudge from time to time when I am flat out wasting time. And it's not that I can't do stuff like that anymore, that's so not the case. It's kind of like a little clock inside me though that goes of from time to time, every now and then. Sometimes I can still get lost on facebook for a half an hour. Other times I sit down at my computer and hear something telling me there is more. Not now. And it's not even annoying cause it's just true. It's like a favor to be reminded. Because the blessings that have come with a little bit of obedience have been life changing. Whenever I "run away" from wastefulness I am I have felt a calmness about how the household is ran. I am motivated from time to time (for some strange reason) to do something around the house. One day I may clean my kitchen, a few days later I dust. These are little things that come to mind IN THE PRESENT and I do them instead of writing them down to do later. And my never ending list of "chores" around the house has sort of vanished...sort of. You know what I mean. The "me time". I kept thinking that :me" time was sitting down on the computer for a few hours and googling everything under the sun or going to Target to shop for stuff I don't really need for the kids. But I would always just feel empty after doing stuff like that. I don't hate it, I just didn't really feel rejuvenated. It has been revealed to me some of the things that are important, and what makes "me" feel better about "me" and pretty much anything electronic (tv, computer, etc.) is NOT the answer. Picking up a good book. Cooking a nice dinner so dinnertime isn't chaos. Sitting outside on my patio catching some sun. Calling my Grandma or an old friend just to chat. Stretching. Meditating. Counting my blessings, literally. Conversations with God. Silence. Answers, clarity, light.
So 2009 has been a wonderful, amazing year for me so far! I have felt so at ease and just happier. My load is lightened. I enjoy my minutes so much more. I have been a better Mama and a better wife by working on being a better me. God has really given me a stillness to my worries about time flying by so fast by allowing me to soak up the moments I do have. And though, I, along with every other Mommy out there, will always feel like there aren't enough minutes in the day and our babies don't stay babies long enough, I am also at peace with the fact that it is what it is and to love the now, to live in the present. In 2009, I have been given the gift of time. I could not ask for anything more.
So I have made a huge, exciting decision that I want to share with you all! Mostly, I need to journal this stuff for my kids, because I am making life changes and choices that I want them not just to know that I did, but understand why I did them. I have decided, after a lot of thought and prayer, that I will be going on a mission trip this June with a group from my church to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We will be working with children, putting on a vacation bible study to draw in students and kids who will hopefully give their lives to Christ and chose to attend the churches that have been recently planted there by the missionaries we are going there to work alongside. I will be gone for 8 days, my mom has already agreed to come and watch the kids, and although I am worried and nervous to be away from them for that long, I feel compelled to do this and I am trying to just continue on a walk of obedience and faith. This trip was something I have known about for a long time, a few friends of mine from our small group in the church were going and even leading the trip. But whenever I was asked if I was interested, I always just said that it was absolutely out of the question. Not even an option. And I didn't really think twice about it.
Then we started a study in our church, in our small group, and individually called "40 Days of Purpose" based on the book "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. I had read the book before a few years ago and I remember liking it enough that I wanted to do it again, but I had no idea how much more of an impact it would have on me now. I will not go into the whole book, except to say if you haven't read it, no matter what your faith background its, it highly, highly recommend it. It is all about life change. And that was what it did for me. It showed me many things I need to work on, it showed me many strengths I had. It clarified so much for me. And it reminded me of the joy I have found in my life when I give. And when I serve. When I am available for the call. And when I go. I want to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. In all aspects of my life. All of a sudden, Brazil laid heavy on my heart, and things that seemed impossible weren't seeming that way after all. I prayed about it. That doors would either be opened or closed to guide me in the right direction. And I guess the rest is history. Everything seemed to work out, my mom and dad will come to help John out with the kids and I actually have peace about my number one concern for not going on the trip, my kids.
It will be so, so hard to leave them for that time but so, so rewarding. Not just for that week and the work that will be done in the lives of all the kids we meet. But the work that will be done in and through me, that I can carry with me and bring home to share with my greatest loves of all. I want Tula and Maverick to know that I walk in faith. I want them to know that we are here to serve, amongst other things. I want to lead by example, hoping that one day my children will go out into the world and make a difference and know the unending joy that comes when you consider others, when you give and serve. I want them to know that they are not just citizens of this country, but of the world. And that they are not just members of this family under this roof, but part of a much bigger family in Christ. I want them to be responsible with what they have been blessed with. I want them to have a desire to grow deeper roots. In themselves and in their faith. And I want them to always seek, to reach higher, to dare to dream. And while I want all these great big things for them, most of all, I want them to always, always hear that still, quiet voice from within. To recognize it, and to follow where it leads.
Brazil will be a huge journey for me in so many ways, and luckily I have a few months to prepare for it. To write more, to think more, and to pray more. But I know this much is true; I will be going there and I anticipate all of the growth it will bring to me, my family and friends, and all the lives we are able to touch in Brazil. I look forward to being a part of such an amazing project and I cannot wait to see what this trip has in store for all of us.
In 2009, I am learning to follow. In 2009 I am learning to listen. In 2009, I am living in the now, but for the future. In 2009 I have found stillness and quiet. He said to ask and that you shall receive. And I most certainly have.
And God is faithful! Ask and you shall receive, right? First of all, I have felt a gentle but clear nudge from time to time when I am flat out wasting time. And it's not that I can't do stuff like that anymore, that's so not the case. It's kind of like a little clock inside me though that goes of from time to time, every now and then. Sometimes I can still get lost on facebook for a half an hour. Other times I sit down at my computer and hear something telling me there is more. Not now. And it's not even annoying cause it's just true. It's like a favor to be reminded. Because the blessings that have come with a little bit of obedience have been life changing. Whenever I "run away" from wastefulness I am I have felt a calmness about how the household is ran. I am motivated from time to time (for some strange reason) to do something around the house. One day I may clean my kitchen, a few days later I dust. These are little things that come to mind IN THE PRESENT and I do them instead of writing them down to do later. And my never ending list of "chores" around the house has sort of vanished...sort of. You know what I mean. The "me time". I kept thinking that :me" time was sitting down on the computer for a few hours and googling everything under the sun or going to Target to shop for stuff I don't really need for the kids. But I would always just feel empty after doing stuff like that. I don't hate it, I just didn't really feel rejuvenated. It has been revealed to me some of the things that are important, and what makes "me" feel better about "me" and pretty much anything electronic (tv, computer, etc.) is NOT the answer. Picking up a good book. Cooking a nice dinner so dinnertime isn't chaos. Sitting outside on my patio catching some sun. Calling my Grandma or an old friend just to chat. Stretching. Meditating. Counting my blessings, literally. Conversations with God. Silence. Answers, clarity, light.
So 2009 has been a wonderful, amazing year for me so far! I have felt so at ease and just happier. My load is lightened. I enjoy my minutes so much more. I have been a better Mama and a better wife by working on being a better me. God has really given me a stillness to my worries about time flying by so fast by allowing me to soak up the moments I do have. And though, I, along with every other Mommy out there, will always feel like there aren't enough minutes in the day and our babies don't stay babies long enough, I am also at peace with the fact that it is what it is and to love the now, to live in the present. In 2009, I have been given the gift of time. I could not ask for anything more.
So I have made a huge, exciting decision that I want to share with you all! Mostly, I need to journal this stuff for my kids, because I am making life changes and choices that I want them not just to know that I did, but understand why I did them. I have decided, after a lot of thought and prayer, that I will be going on a mission trip this June with a group from my church to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We will be working with children, putting on a vacation bible study to draw in students and kids who will hopefully give their lives to Christ and chose to attend the churches that have been recently planted there by the missionaries we are going there to work alongside. I will be gone for 8 days, my mom has already agreed to come and watch the kids, and although I am worried and nervous to be away from them for that long, I feel compelled to do this and I am trying to just continue on a walk of obedience and faith. This trip was something I have known about for a long time, a few friends of mine from our small group in the church were going and even leading the trip. But whenever I was asked if I was interested, I always just said that it was absolutely out of the question. Not even an option. And I didn't really think twice about it.
Then we started a study in our church, in our small group, and individually called "40 Days of Purpose" based on the book "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. I had read the book before a few years ago and I remember liking it enough that I wanted to do it again, but I had no idea how much more of an impact it would have on me now. I will not go into the whole book, except to say if you haven't read it, no matter what your faith background its, it highly, highly recommend it. It is all about life change. And that was what it did for me. It showed me many things I need to work on, it showed me many strengths I had. It clarified so much for me. And it reminded me of the joy I have found in my life when I give. And when I serve. When I am available for the call. And when I go. I want to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. In all aspects of my life. All of a sudden, Brazil laid heavy on my heart, and things that seemed impossible weren't seeming that way after all. I prayed about it. That doors would either be opened or closed to guide me in the right direction. And I guess the rest is history. Everything seemed to work out, my mom and dad will come to help John out with the kids and I actually have peace about my number one concern for not going on the trip, my kids.
It will be so, so hard to leave them for that time but so, so rewarding. Not just for that week and the work that will be done in the lives of all the kids we meet. But the work that will be done in and through me, that I can carry with me and bring home to share with my greatest loves of all. I want Tula and Maverick to know that I walk in faith. I want them to know that we are here to serve, amongst other things. I want to lead by example, hoping that one day my children will go out into the world and make a difference and know the unending joy that comes when you consider others, when you give and serve. I want them to know that they are not just citizens of this country, but of the world. And that they are not just members of this family under this roof, but part of a much bigger family in Christ. I want them to be responsible with what they have been blessed with. I want them to have a desire to grow deeper roots. In themselves and in their faith. And I want them to always seek, to reach higher, to dare to dream. And while I want all these great big things for them, most of all, I want them to always, always hear that still, quiet voice from within. To recognize it, and to follow where it leads.
Brazil will be a huge journey for me in so many ways, and luckily I have a few months to prepare for it. To write more, to think more, and to pray more. But I know this much is true; I will be going there and I anticipate all of the growth it will bring to me, my family and friends, and all the lives we are able to touch in Brazil. I look forward to being a part of such an amazing project and I cannot wait to see what this trip has in store for all of us.
In 2009, I am learning to follow. In 2009 I am learning to listen. In 2009, I am living in the now, but for the future. In 2009 I have found stillness and quiet. He said to ask and that you shall receive. And I most certainly have.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Domestic Goddess
A couple new vids of Tula being a clown. Baking with Grandma and cooking in the kitchen. I love in the second video her sounds effects. She makes this shh shh shhh sound whenever there is supposed to be water. Where do they come up with this stuff?
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Sunday Mornings are my favorites!
Sunday morning have become a whole lot easier since we started going to church on Saturday nights. Daddy has been working on the yard for months so that's usually been what Saturdays were for, but most Sundays we pack the kids up and head out to our favorite breakfast destination, Village Inn. Tula has become quite the little regular there. She has decided the pancakes there are her favorite. We have tried other places, and she just doesn't quite gobble them up like she does the Village Inn ones so we usually just stay with what we (she) likes. There are a few waitresses who recognize the kids and always stop by to say hi to Tula. She pretends like she is shy, every week, until they walk away and then she yells "bye" a million times and waves frantically. My Mom and Dad have brought her a few times and we have had waitresses come up and ask, "Does this girl come in with her Grandpa and Grandma sometimes?" Anyways, she is a regular there and loves Sunday mornings when we wake up and daddy is home and still in bed and we tell her we are going for pancakes. "Numma numma numma numma num" and she rubs her belly like she is starving. And off we go.
When Mav cam along, we were a little worried that we wouldn't be able to do breakfast out anymore but he is such a trooper he just chills out and watches the scene. Give him a couple creamers to play with and he is set. Now that he is in the highchair it makes it much easier, and it won't be long until we can toss him a pancake too.
After breakfast, we went and got the truck washed, another one of Tula's favorite activites. Most of the time, just her and Daddy go. They have also been going on breakfast dates Saturday mornings with out me as well, which I sort of love because Mav and I sleep in together and usually wake up to a silent house. Anyways, the carwash is a big hit. They have a place where you can stand and watch your car get washed, balloons, and big fish tank. And a million toys that people get suckered into buying for their kids while they wait for their car to be cleaned. We hung out there for awhile and that might have been the highlight of Tula's morning.
Then, we went to Costco, which as many of you know, is the highlight of MY day. But the most fun part was that Mav is actually big boy enough that we could finally sit him up in the cart. I loved seeing the too of them sitting side by side in there, and Tula was so excited her brother could sit with her. Seriously, everywhere needs to switch to the double kid shopping cart. What a wonderful invention. Costco really does think of everything. Another reason why I absolutely LOVE them! Here are my two angels in their first of MANY double shopping cart rides.
It was a perfect Sunday morning for all of us. John and I love spending time with the kids out and about. They are so well behaved when we are out at that time of day that we can actually sit at a restaurant table and really enjoy ourselves. We can even *gasp* talk to eachother a little bit. Tula had a blast since we basically are just doing a bunch of things she loves. Plus, Daddy is home so that makes the day fun for her anyways I think. And of course Mav is just along for the ride right now, but he seems happy to be there. John, I love these days when we get to really just hang out and enjoy this beautiful family we have made. Thank you for a wonderful Sunday morning, again. Look forward to many many more.
When Mav cam along, we were a little worried that we wouldn't be able to do breakfast out anymore but he is such a trooper he just chills out and watches the scene. Give him a couple creamers to play with and he is set. Now that he is in the highchair it makes it much easier, and it won't be long until we can toss him a pancake too.
After breakfast, we went and got the truck washed, another one of Tula's favorite activites. Most of the time, just her and Daddy go. They have also been going on breakfast dates Saturday mornings with out me as well, which I sort of love because Mav and I sleep in together and usually wake up to a silent house. Anyways, the carwash is a big hit. They have a place where you can stand and watch your car get washed, balloons, and big fish tank. And a million toys that people get suckered into buying for their kids while they wait for their car to be cleaned. We hung out there for awhile and that might have been the highlight of Tula's morning.
Then, we went to Costco, which as many of you know, is the highlight of MY day. But the most fun part was that Mav is actually big boy enough that we could finally sit him up in the cart. I loved seeing the too of them sitting side by side in there, and Tula was so excited her brother could sit with her. Seriously, everywhere needs to switch to the double kid shopping cart. What a wonderful invention. Costco really does think of everything. Another reason why I absolutely LOVE them! Here are my two angels in their first of MANY double shopping cart rides.
It was a perfect Sunday morning for all of us. John and I love spending time with the kids out and about. They are so well behaved when we are out at that time of day that we can actually sit at a restaurant table and really enjoy ourselves. We can even *gasp* talk to eachother a little bit. Tula had a blast since we basically are just doing a bunch of things she loves. Plus, Daddy is home so that makes the day fun for her anyways I think. And of course Mav is just along for the ride right now, but he seems happy to be there. John, I love these days when we get to really just hang out and enjoy this beautiful family we have made. Thank you for a wonderful Sunday morning, again. Look forward to many many more.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
20 months old!
Here's what's the haps with you this month, girlfriend:
~ Talking! You are talking up a storm , and starting to put two words together. my mama. papa's hat. more milk. This talking stuff is so fun, I love hearing what you come up with. You try and repeat almost anything I ask. You LOVE it when you say a word and I get it. Of course, who wouldn't. But it thrills me everytime I get it right and feel like we are really, truly communicating.
~ The 'tude. Oh the attitude, Tula. And I know I ain't seen nothing yet but sometimes it kills me. You like the word "no" right now. A lot. Oh, and you just learned the word "mine" and you seem to like that one too. Where do you even come up with these things? It's not like I run around the house saying "mine, mine, mine" so I just don't get it. You hit me for the first time this month, like a full on slap on the face. I was trying to tell you something and I wanted you to look me in the eye and when I went to get face to face with you you just sort of slapped me. That sucked. Anyways, it is what it is and I promise to love you through it but it gets a little hairy at times.
~ Nursing. We are almost done and this is bittersweet for me. I look forward to being finished and for you to be an independent little girl, but I will always miss that special time with you and forever cherish the bond it has created for us and for you and Mav. This month, for the first time, I was able to go in and put you to bed the way Daddy always does without you even asking to nurse. We read a story and you drank a bit from your sippy cup, we shut the lights off and snuggled for awhile and you went to bed. I was in shock the whole time and waiting for you to ask, and when you didn't I knew that we were ready to be done. I started only allowing you to nurse for "one book" at nap time and that only lasted a week or two and then you were fine with just the book and didn't even ask to nurse. So really at this point, you are just nursing first thing in the morning, and its usually very brief I think more for habit than anything else. This is the tough one for me to get rid of, because it means I have to just get up and at it first thing in the mornings and distract you and its almost impossible for me to get that motivated that early. So many people told me that around year and half you would begin to naturally wean yourself, and at 18 months I was impatient and convinced it would never happen for us. But, I love how Mother Nature takes over and never fails. Of course you wouldn't nurse forever! Naturally, and without a bunch of tears and hurt feelings, we have been able to cut it down to one session a day, and I think that will be done soon as well. I will will miss these times with you, but they go in the Mommy memory box in the back of mind. I will never forget.
~ Potty training is in full swing. You asked for it! You are starting to figure out that you need to tell us when you have to go, although you usually pee first then hit your diaper and say "pee pee". This makes me think that you have to go and we rush to the toilet and get undressed and out of a diaper only to realize the damage is done. You have also learned that you can use it to distract me from the task at hand. I will be putting you down for a nap and think you are asleep and then you look up at me and say "peepee" so of course I took you to the bathroom and nothin. That wont happen again. If I initiate and stay on the ball every 15 minutes of so, you will pee on the potty almost every time, or frequently throughout the day. This month you pooped on the potty for the first time! And that time you definitely asked me to use the potty. I thought you were going to pee and them you just started grunting and pushing . It was funny, when you actually started to go to the bathroom you made a face like you were going down a roller coaster or something, you really had no idea what was happening. But as soon as you were done you looked in the toilet and said "yuck". Oh, I have had to clean poop out of your training panties a few times this month, that has been discouraging for both of us. But you really like to go on the potty and of course you love all the praise and attention it gets you.
~ Food is a bit of a nightmare. Here is a typical day's menu. Cheerios for breakfast. Animal crackers for snack. Cucumbers for lunch, maybe some grapes. Pirates Booty for afternoon snack and mac and cheese for dinner. Yep, it's not good and we are seriously lacking anything with actual NUTRIENTS! it drives me crazy, but I know this too shall pass so we press on. I offer different options and sometimes we find new stuff you like, most times we don't. Oh well, neither Mommy or Daddy are fussy eaters at all so I imagine this is just a phase? If not, have fun trying to keep that gorgeous little figure of yours stuffing your face with carbs all day. Silly girl.
~ Brother. You love your brother sooooooo much and I love watching you with him. You are convinced that you need to hold his hand all the time. While driving, for sure. The new one is on the trampoline, you love to lie there and be bounced and just hold his hand and bounce with him. You bring him toys and let him play, and you have to see him first thing in the morning, as soon as he is up you go running to his bedroom door to let me know you have heard him. You are the best big sister Tula, and you make me so proud when I see what a kind little loving heart you have.
I know this post may seem a little harsh or sarcastic and I guess in some parts it is. But know that I still love you to bits and although you drive me crazy sometimes right now, you still manage to steal my heart a million times a day. You are full of personality and its so fun to be around. Love you Tula!
A Sleepover at Grandma's!
My Mom and Dad are in town again and I think winter is my new favorite time of year just because it means they will be visiting more. I love that they can come down and hang out with us, my mom will come and cook for me and even clean up! It is such a treat! We have said many times that the one thing we miss out here is having family around. We love to have dinners and sit around after and visit, so its nice to have them over for an evening of company. And of course, for the kids to see them. Mav is still a little young to get too excited, but it makes Tula's eyes light up when you tell her Grandma or Papa are on their way. Oh, and if I say Sadie is coming, that's it. She will wait by the door till she gets there. "Sadie, yes?" "Papa, yes?" She asks and asks after I tell her they are coming. As soon and Grandma or Papa walk through the door she will go running for a big hug, but moments later her eyes are darting around the room for her beloved Sadie. When Sadie is there, Tula is elated. When Sadie is not there, you have to tell her about 10 times that she is not coming, Tula will just keep asking.
So yesterday I loaded the kids up and we went up to my parents place for the afternoon. I got to go for a pedicure with Grandma while Papa watched the kids for a few hours. Then we loaded up and went for dinner at Houston's (quite possibly my favorite place to eat). We met John there, he came straight from work. We had an interesting dinner. Tula was basically a pill the entire meal. In fairness to her, we went out way too late and it is kinda dark in there which I think throws her for a loop. But she decided last night that everything was hers and Maverick couldn't play with anything. So every toy I gave him to entertain him in his highchair she would grab from him and say "mine". It was lose lose. If she took the toy from him, he would cry. If I took the toy from her and gave it back to him, she would bawl. I have no idea what came over her, we have never had these issues before, but Houston's was not the place for me to resolve them all so I basically just tried to ignore her and eat as fast as possible. It was a tad stressful (um, okay a little more than a tad) but luckily I had John and my parents there so we kind of all took turns entertaining and playing hot potato with the kids.
We split from there and my parents took Tula back to their place for a sleepover. What a treat! I got to sleep in till 9:30 am today, which I haven't been able to do in forever. And then, I got to wake up to just Maverick. It was so quiet. It was so, so easy. I kept thinking about how I thought it was so difficult when I had Tula at this age. Gosh, I had no idea. One baby, six months old...piece of cake! We went for a big long walk when we got up and then he was ready for a nap. He slept and I got ready and did some stuff around the house. No interruptions. No noise. Peace and quiet. I am not going to lie, it was glorious. Of course I missed Tula, but I needed the break too and I was thankful for it. I thought a lot though, this morning while Mav slept and I really had essentially nothing to do. About how crazy life gets here sometimes and there are days that I think to myself "I cannot wait till they are all in school". I realized that today, in the silence, that this must be sort of what that would feel like. It's a nice break, and I loved having it, but I also liked knowing that Tula would be around tomorrow morning and the next. I get why moms are devastated when they take their "baby" to kindergarten. I realized today, that once they start going to school, they don't stop and these crazy busy morning will be long gone. I will be that mom wandering around Target by myself peeking in at all the babies in the infant carriers or waving hello to the toddlers sitting up in the cart. I was reminded, once again, that this time in my life is so short and so precious.
I also made a point today to be totally available for Maverick when he was awake. I was able to play lots with just him today, we went to the grocery store together and bought him a bunch of food to puree, as I am pretty sure he is getting sick of bananas and rice cereal. I have been too lazy to start the whole baby food making process again, and just have been really inconsistent with solid foods with him. Dinnertime has been a fussy time for him lately and I think he is just hungry so today he tried sweet potatoes for the first time. Not only did her gobble them all up quickly, but we totally avoided the evening grumpiness so I think we have found the ticket. I felt motivated today to be a better Mommy to Mav. I have just felt so busy with Tula and Mav is such an easy baby that it has been too easy to just deal with her and not pay as much attention to the baby. Or just give him rice cereal cause he doesn't know the difference. But today I was able to focus all of my energy on him and we had a wonderful day. I love that baby boy so, so much.
Tula came home just before dinnertime and burst through the door with a huge smile on her face. And a great big hug for me. What a wonderful way to be greeted after not seeing her all day. I asked her if she had fun at her sleepover and she said "yes"and of course a bug head nod. Mom told me all about their day and it sounded like Tula had so much fun. I love, love love that she can go up there and sleepover and come home happy. It means the world to me that she feels so comfortable at Grandma and Papa's. And it means the world to me that they take such good care of her and give me a break every once in awhile.
Thanks Mom and Dad for all of your help with the kids! You guys are the best! We love it when you guys are in town and miss you when you are gone! Watching you guys and your love for Tula and Maverick truly warms my heart. And thanks a million for the break last night, I needed that! Can we do it again tomorrow?
So yesterday I loaded the kids up and we went up to my parents place for the afternoon. I got to go for a pedicure with Grandma while Papa watched the kids for a few hours. Then we loaded up and went for dinner at Houston's (quite possibly my favorite place to eat). We met John there, he came straight from work. We had an interesting dinner. Tula was basically a pill the entire meal. In fairness to her, we went out way too late and it is kinda dark in there which I think throws her for a loop. But she decided last night that everything was hers and Maverick couldn't play with anything. So every toy I gave him to entertain him in his highchair she would grab from him and say "mine". It was lose lose. If she took the toy from him, he would cry. If I took the toy from her and gave it back to him, she would bawl. I have no idea what came over her, we have never had these issues before, but Houston's was not the place for me to resolve them all so I basically just tried to ignore her and eat as fast as possible. It was a tad stressful (um, okay a little more than a tad) but luckily I had John and my parents there so we kind of all took turns entertaining and playing hot potato with the kids.
We split from there and my parents took Tula back to their place for a sleepover. What a treat! I got to sleep in till 9:30 am today, which I haven't been able to do in forever. And then, I got to wake up to just Maverick. It was so quiet. It was so, so easy. I kept thinking about how I thought it was so difficult when I had Tula at this age. Gosh, I had no idea. One baby, six months old...piece of cake! We went for a big long walk when we got up and then he was ready for a nap. He slept and I got ready and did some stuff around the house. No interruptions. No noise. Peace and quiet. I am not going to lie, it was glorious. Of course I missed Tula, but I needed the break too and I was thankful for it. I thought a lot though, this morning while Mav slept and I really had essentially nothing to do. About how crazy life gets here sometimes and there are days that I think to myself "I cannot wait till they are all in school". I realized that today, in the silence, that this must be sort of what that would feel like. It's a nice break, and I loved having it, but I also liked knowing that Tula would be around tomorrow morning and the next. I get why moms are devastated when they take their "baby" to kindergarten. I realized today, that once they start going to school, they don't stop and these crazy busy morning will be long gone. I will be that mom wandering around Target by myself peeking in at all the babies in the infant carriers or waving hello to the toddlers sitting up in the cart. I was reminded, once again, that this time in my life is so short and so precious.
I also made a point today to be totally available for Maverick when he was awake. I was able to play lots with just him today, we went to the grocery store together and bought him a bunch of food to puree, as I am pretty sure he is getting sick of bananas and rice cereal. I have been too lazy to start the whole baby food making process again, and just have been really inconsistent with solid foods with him. Dinnertime has been a fussy time for him lately and I think he is just hungry so today he tried sweet potatoes for the first time. Not only did her gobble them all up quickly, but we totally avoided the evening grumpiness so I think we have found the ticket. I felt motivated today to be a better Mommy to Mav. I have just felt so busy with Tula and Mav is such an easy baby that it has been too easy to just deal with her and not pay as much attention to the baby. Or just give him rice cereal cause he doesn't know the difference. But today I was able to focus all of my energy on him and we had a wonderful day. I love that baby boy so, so much.
Tula came home just before dinnertime and burst through the door with a huge smile on her face. And a great big hug for me. What a wonderful way to be greeted after not seeing her all day. I asked her if she had fun at her sleepover and she said "yes"and of course a bug head nod. Mom told me all about their day and it sounded like Tula had so much fun. I love, love love that she can go up there and sleepover and come home happy. It means the world to me that she feels so comfortable at Grandma and Papa's. And it means the world to me that they take such good care of her and give me a break every once in awhile.
Thanks Mom and Dad for all of your help with the kids! You guys are the best! We love it when you guys are in town and miss you when you are gone! Watching you guys and your love for Tula and Maverick truly warms my heart. And thanks a million for the break last night, I needed that! Can we do it again tomorrow?
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