So, this week has been good. We have stayed inside every single day until Friday. And, until about halfway through, I didn't even know that I would have wanted to do that. I always try to keep us going outside or on a play date or errands or something each day. It gives us something to do, gets us moving, and keeps kids entertained. But, this week, as it progressed, I found it just as fun to stay at home playing with all of our new toys, eating all of our meals together, reading lots of books before naptimes, and just staying cozy in the house. Plus, the first half of the week was SUPER cold, in the 20's, and then the second half was rainy. Even in the evenings with Vic home, we had low-key meals and nothing on our calendars. And do you know what I found interesting? Atticus, for the most part, was easier to put down for naps, easier to convince to eat all of his meals, and easier to keep entertained. So, while I still like getting out and about, it has been a really fun, very cold, week to stay indoors.
And, as with all moments spent with Atticus and Grace, we have some funny and sweet memories to share:
As Atticus was putting up his farm animals one day, he runs to me with a goat in his hand:
"Yook Mommy - an udder! wheres the milk? maybe its at dampma and pop's? we betta dough det that milk!"
Upon lots of moments that he almost falls or a toy almost falls or something else almost happens, I hear "oh that was a cose one!"
His new way of getting you to come to him: "I need show you sumping!"
His new sweet way of delaying something such as bedtime or naptime: "I need sumping! I need...." as he dreams up something to need.
The other day, as we were face timing Molly and GG, I told him he could not hold the phone until the end of the call. He tends to walk around showing people the floor or under his chin and not really using facetime for its purpose. So, I was making him wait. Meanwhile, the mailman comes to the door and I have to run outside to sign for something and it was taking awhile. I left the phone, mid-call, on the counter. I came back in and Atticus has it in his hands and while grinning really big, he says "I got it now!! hahaha!"
Grace started off her week needing to be held 24/7. I mean, she was perfectly happy and as you were putting her on the ground, before her little bottom had even touched it, she would start crying. I don't know if she just got used to being held so much the weekend before or being with me so much, including when she slept (we shared my bed half of each night, which by the way, was so fun because she was soooo snuggly and cute!), but she didn't want to be left alone. And her cries are so high pitched, that she was not the most pleasant person to be around. Fortunately, out of the blue, it ended Tuesday. Anyways, as she got back into her routine, she got back to her little sweet, stinker self. She has continued to attempt to touch things, like the CO2 detector and the night lights and as soon as you say "No Grace.", she turns, grins as big as she can, and then reaches that little hand out to touch it. She does come away from it, but not before she smiles adorably as she still goes for what she wants. Also, now in the bathtub, she will reach for the edge and stand up. I will tell her very firmly: "Grace, sit down on your bottom." And it's hilarious, because she follows directions exactly, while grinning of course. Then, if Atticus is bathing with her, he has to stand and let me tell him to sit and then praise him when he sits down just like I do with Grace. Good grief they are a lot of work.
One of the funniest moments of the week, and it has happened more than once, involves the new circus tent. It really is a great tent. Atticus, Grace, and I can all fit inside and play and they love it. Well, the other morning, Grace crawled in and Atticus followed her. Then she crawled out and Atticus crawled out. She immediately saw this as a game and went in and out over and over laughing and laughing as Atticus copied her. They were both giggling and being so sweet. It ended with Atticus getting a little too wild and kicking her by accident, but it was still fun and I love that they play together at this age.
Grace also has learned to put toys away. Genius, right? Well, we have bins for each of our groups of toys: ranch set, legos, zoo animals, trains, etc. As Vic and I were eating dinner, Grace goes to a box and starts picking up all the toys and putting them in the box. It was just so funny because she meant to do that with each toy. We are always putting up toys, so I guess she learns quickly!
In the morning when Vic leaves, he gives us all hugs and kisses and we usually exchange I Love You's and then I usually say "Be Safe!" as he walks out the door. Occasionally, Atticus will also yell really loudly "BE SAFE DADDY!" as Vic leaves.
For awhile, Atticus has been able to sort of count to 11 or 12. If he is going slow, he will do all of the numbers. If he is just counting fast, he usually skips 2 and 4. It is 1-3-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12. However, in the last few weeks we have added another number to our range. The number is....46 5. Spoken just like that. 46. 5. "Atticus, how old are you?" 46 5. "Atticus, what time is it?" 46 5. "Atticus, how much do you weigh? (when standing on the scale)" 46 5.
So, one of my plans for Atticus, now that the craziness of holiday eating is over, is to make him start eating vegetables. He will refuse to eat anything that looks like a vegetable. So, Tuesday night, we had grilled chicken, brown rice, and carrots. He loves both chicken and rice, and Vic put two round sliced carrots on his plate as well. Normally, he would eat, ignore the carrots and be done. But, this night was different. First, of all, he fell in love with these peppermint balls that GG made at Christmas and she sent us home with a bag. He has asked for one after every lunch and dinner since then and our bag only has a couple left. But, each time I would make him eat his entire meal before he could have one. Those things must be delicious because he always eats his entire plate. So, this night, when he asked for a peppermint ball mid-way through his meal, I told him he had to eat his entire meal first. About 2/3 of the way done with his dinner, we convince him to put a carrot in his mouth and as he starts to chew, he has this TERRIBLE look on his face. We sing the "chew and swallow your food" song over and over and keep reminding him of that peppermint ball as he chokes it down. He was very dramatic but so funny and when he was done, we praised him and he was so happy! He of course, asks for the peppermint ball and we have to remind him that he still has more to eat. He gets to the end and we are all done and he is refusing to eat the carrot. It was getting ridiculous, he was starting to throw a fit, we were threatening no books at bedtime, etc. Vic finally set a timer and told him that he had to eat it by the time the timer went off or he was going straight to bed. It beeped and he got nervous and finally ate it, with a dramatic, cringing face and chewing so slowly wanting to spit it out. We cheered him on and finally it was gone. And he got his peppermint ball.
Last night, he was ready for bed and I told him it was time to read books. He looks at me and says "No Mommy! You don't read books! You don't match! Daddy needs to read me books. Daddy Matches!" While it was true that my clothes didn't technically match and Vic's did, surely he thought that word meant something else? And why was it so important?
It also makes me laugh that Atticus knows the stores we frequent so well. When we get in the car, as we did on Friday, he will usually ask if we are going to HEB or Target or Hobby Lobby. And, yesterday, we were actually hitting all three of those stores plus Chick-Fil-A. As we left Hobby Lobby, he yells "Bye Hobby Yobby! See ya yater!".
Grace, this week, has started a new game. As we are playing on the floor, she will bring me a toy and give it to me. I will say "Thank you Grace!" and give it back to her or put it on the ground next to her. She smiles, picks it up and then gives it back to me again. We continue this game at least ten times and each time she is just pleased as punch that she has given me that toy. And, what is so funny, is that if I don't give it back to her and just hold onto it, she will reach for my hand as if to say "hey - we are not done with this game yet!".
Grace has also found her tongue in the last week or so. Vic had a meeting after work that lasted until about 8 one night. She had been kind of needy and wanting to be held (later I think it was a tummy ache?) and when he got home, he took her for awhile. I got busy doing something and when I came back to the two of them, she was so happy! I'm sure it was mainly because she just needed some Daddy time. But, he told me to just stick my tongue out at her and she would get happy. Sure enough, this week that has worked. He would stick his tongue out and she would mimic it. Then she would use that little pointer finger to touch his tongue and just laugh! And he would do the same to her. Over and over. While these games are not that exciting, there is nothing cuter than getting that giggle out of her over and over and over. I love that sweet little sticking out tongue!
Yesterday, at Chick-Fil-A, right before we ate, I thought maybe we should say a prayer for our food. So, as I asked Atticus to fold his hands, he said "No mommy; we don't pray at Chick-Fay! Only at home!". Clearly, this is reason enough to pray at other places than home! And, isn't it funny how many things can be taught to them right now that they soak in and just know as fact?
Okay, I'm about out of stories for the week. It's funny how many little things I've noticed by just staying home with them this week instead of out and about to our normal play places. But, one last one. Atticus, as usual, comes up with a pile of books to read each night and usually gets on a kick of the same 7 or 8 for a week or two. Right now, they include Elmo's The Firehouse, Giraffes Can't Dance, and all of the Llama Llama books he got for Christmas. The other day, as Atticus was getting in trouble for something, he asked me "Daddy take all my yama yama books away?". He continued to say this throughout the day if he thought he was doing something wrong. I asked Vic later and he said that yes, another night, he had told him he would take his yama yama books away if he bothered Grace again. So, at least we know Atticus listens sometimes and remembers!
It is so cute to put Atticus to bed lately. He has to tuck in his Woody doll, his two puppy dogs, and his gingerbread man and usually some other toy that has made it to bed with him that night. It's an ordeal but so cute to watch him cover up Woody with his blanket. And, Grace, has been so cute too. I always lay her down and cover her with her soft, pink afghan that Melbo made and she just looks up at me and smiles through her paci, as I tell her goodnight. I tickle her tummy and tell her I love her and she just grins! Then, I can watch her through the monitor, as she runs the afghan through her little fingers over and over, laying there until she falls asleep. So sweet.
And last but not least. When Atticus is in trouble and I've sent him to sit in the corner or to his room, Grace gets curious and decides to crawl to him to see what he is doing. I usually let her and of course he loves that someone is giving him attention while he is in trouble.. Apparently, this morning while I was out and Vic had the kids, he said Atticus was in trouble and Grace crawled in to see him while he was crying. Vic said in between sobs, Atticus said "Dacie (sob) you (sob) have to yeave (sob sob) my woom. I'm (sob) in tubble!"
So, this has been our week. Lazy, relaxing, funny, frustrating, and fun. It may be awhile before we have another one like it!
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Friday, January 10, 2014
Little Moments: Mornings with My Two Yittul Babies
Each morning, when realizing Grace is awake, Atticus and I have a very set routine. We both go into her room at the same time, with Atticus opening the door. (and if I open it in advance, he has to close it and re-open it himself. ay-yay-yay.). Then, we open the blinds and tell Grace good morning. Atticus steps on the side of her crib and tells me to take her paci out of her mouth. I take it out, pick her up while she smiles and then change her diaper, while she fusses and cries. Then, I sit down in the rocking chair and Atticus insists he bring me my boppy and then I nurse her. I always start on the left side but sometimes go to the right side first. If I go to the right side first, on rare occasion, he tells me I forgot a side. Isn't he helpful? Then, he talks to me the entire time I nurse her. I have my little rocking chair from when I was a little girl sitting right next to mine and he sits in it or sits on the windowsill talking to me. Then, as soon as Grace is done eating, she sits up and points to her Mother Goose on the dresser and Atticus asks "Is Dace weady for her Muvver Goose!?"
*Side note: Granny Janny got Grace this adorable Mother Goose that reads 5 nursery rhymes to you when you push her button. Grace loves it and it always sits on her dresser. After each time she nurses, she immediately sits up with a huge grin on her face and points that tiny little pointer finger to Mother Goose, thus us always playing it after we eat.
With Grace in my lap and Atticus at my right side in the rocking chair, we push Mother Goose's button as she starts to tell the nursery rhymes. First, Grace looks at her and then me and just smiles so happy! Then, she puts her fingers in Mother Goose's beak as it moves and laughs. Then, she immediately lunges across my chest toward Atticus with her little pointer finger to tickle or touch him and laughs. And he laughs. Then, she sits up to Mother Goose and lunges across at least one more time. As soon as Mother Goose is done, I put her back on the dresser.
At that point, Atticus crawls into my lap while saying, "Mommy, you need your two yittul babies?" A month or so ago, I teased him one day asking if he was my little baby when he crawled into my lap. Since then, on a pretty regular basis, he will pretend to be a little baby for a minute at this time of day. He only does it for the morning feeding of Grace. So, he crawls into my lap, which basically means his long body dangles off the rocker, and lays his head on the right side of my chest. As if on cue to do the same, Grace, still in my arms on my left side, snuggles her little head there too. He talks about "my two yittul babies" and asks for their pacis, while grinning at Grace. Grace looks at her brother and smiles and just lays there. I play it up and it may only last a minute or less. Then, he gets down and is ready for the routine to end.
Seriously, I cannot make this stuff up. I love these moments so much. This one is currently my favorite 15 minutes of the day. I will always want to snuggle with "my two yittle babies".
*Side note: Granny Janny got Grace this adorable Mother Goose that reads 5 nursery rhymes to you when you push her button. Grace loves it and it always sits on her dresser. After each time she nurses, she immediately sits up with a huge grin on her face and points that tiny little pointer finger to Mother Goose, thus us always playing it after we eat.
With Grace in my lap and Atticus at my right side in the rocking chair, we push Mother Goose's button as she starts to tell the nursery rhymes. First, Grace looks at her and then me and just smiles so happy! Then, she puts her fingers in Mother Goose's beak as it moves and laughs. Then, she immediately lunges across my chest toward Atticus with her little pointer finger to tickle or touch him and laughs. And he laughs. Then, she sits up to Mother Goose and lunges across at least one more time. As soon as Mother Goose is done, I put her back on the dresser.
At that point, Atticus crawls into my lap while saying, "Mommy, you need your two yittul babies?" A month or so ago, I teased him one day asking if he was my little baby when he crawled into my lap. Since then, on a pretty regular basis, he will pretend to be a little baby for a minute at this time of day. He only does it for the morning feeding of Grace. So, he crawls into my lap, which basically means his long body dangles off the rocker, and lays his head on the right side of my chest. As if on cue to do the same, Grace, still in my arms on my left side, snuggles her little head there too. He talks about "my two yittul babies" and asks for their pacis, while grinning at Grace. Grace looks at her brother and smiles and just lays there. I play it up and it may only last a minute or less. Then, he gets down and is ready for the routine to end.
Seriously, I cannot make this stuff up. I love these moments so much. This one is currently my favorite 15 minutes of the day. I will always want to snuggle with "my two yittle babies".
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Atticus' Stool
A year or so ago, when we got into a good routine of brushing Atticus' teeth, I bought a stool for him to put in front of the sink in the bathroom. He stands up there after his bath and we brush. Well, recently, he realized the stool could be used all around the house. He brings it to the bedroom to help me make the bed. He brings it to the laundry room to help me move the laundry from the washer to the dryer. He brings it to the counter to help me cook. He brings it, every single morning this past week, to the counter to put his toaster strudel into the toaster. When Vic got his ladder to get the ornaments off the top of the tree, Atticus brought his stool to help. One day, Atticus apparently needed something of Vic's, and without saying a word, brought his stool into the bathroom where I was, placed it on the ground in front of Vic's counter, grabbed something, picked up his stool and walked back out, all without saying a word. He needs it everywhere for everything. He thinks he is such a big helper and big boy when he can use his stool. I just love, love, love hearing... "I betta dough det my tool!"
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
2014: My Resolutions
I love resolutions. I love a new start. I love a new year. I love new goals and new lists to scratch through and I love, love, love new calendars.
So, I'm going to have some resolutions just like I always do. And, while they tend to be recognized this month, I am kind of one of those people who is always trying to do something better or new throughout the year. But, let's just put it on paper in no particular order.
1. Be a better wife. we are going to make more time for ourselves with dates. We do not do enough of these.
2. Be a better mom. I'm going to try to keep the tone of my voice calm and low and try to have more patience.
3. Get healthy. Since 2008, my weight loss year, I have gained...like 65 pounds. YUCK! No reason - just eaten more calories than I burned. But, Vic and I both have a summer beach trip in June and are on a health kick! Exercise, eating good, and just focusing on feeling good about ourselves are our plans. Not getting crazy; just getting healthy.
4. Catch up on my scrapbooking! Yikes - this is my all time favorite hobby. But, I am really behind. As in, I haven't even finished Atticus' first year and haven't even started Grace's. So, here's to using what I already own (NOT BUYING MORE!) and scrapbooking late nights to get caught up.
5. Spend wisely. When we knew I was going to stay at home once Grace was born, we started living only on Vic's paycheck. So, it was not a terrible transition to do that when I no longer brought one home. But, over the year, we had hospital expenses, vacations, holidays, and the next thing you know we were saving much less than before. So, we are back to remembering I do not bring home any money! And we are going to spend more wisely.
6. Prayer and devotion. I always have on my daily to do list to spend time with God. But, sleep sometimes gets the best of me and if I don't get up early to do it, I tend to skip it altogether throughout the day. So, I will keep trying to find time daily for God. It is the MOST important thing; I mean, He makes everything above easier if I just talk to Him and lean on Him and study His word.
7. Quality over quantity. I am the queen of filling up our calendar. I will book something hour to hour just to fit it all in. This tends to include our weeknights and weekends. So, I am going to try hard not to do that. Instead of traveling or hosting guests twice as much and filling up our calendars, we are going to have them in half as much and just spend better time with them while we are together. This then gives our little family of four time to have quality time as well - even if it's just playing outside or running errands on the weekends. Quiet weekends helps Vic and I to relax and get rejuvenated for the week ahead. It also helps us stay even more excited and revved up for when we travel or have company in town!
8. Attempt to unplug occasionally. So, our world now revolves around the internet and social media. The best way to keep up with news, bills, friends and family is to check my iPhone constantly. And while I really only look at Instagram, Facebook, email, and sometimes Twitter, it can encompass my time. Vic and I will catch ourselves at night, after the kids go to bed, watching tv while checking things on our phones. We are tired, but we are not even trying to talk to one another. That is terrible. Or we are so busy trying to get pictures of the kids doing something adorable that we do not live in the moment to just enjoy it. I am the worst at this; I am trying so hard to get pictures to send to our friends and family that I forget to enjoy it for myself. And, Atticus knows the phone is important to me and will ask me where it is and if I need it. Terrible. So, I am going to focus on being less plugged in as much as I possibly can.
Hmm. So I guess that is it. I realize this matches everyone else in America's resolution list. But, hey, writing it down is usually the first step in accomplishing a goal. So, there you go!
So, I'm going to have some resolutions just like I always do. And, while they tend to be recognized this month, I am kind of one of those people who is always trying to do something better or new throughout the year. But, let's just put it on paper in no particular order.
1. Be a better wife. we are going to make more time for ourselves with dates. We do not do enough of these.
2. Be a better mom. I'm going to try to keep the tone of my voice calm and low and try to have more patience.
3. Get healthy. Since 2008, my weight loss year, I have gained...like 65 pounds. YUCK! No reason - just eaten more calories than I burned. But, Vic and I both have a summer beach trip in June and are on a health kick! Exercise, eating good, and just focusing on feeling good about ourselves are our plans. Not getting crazy; just getting healthy.
4. Catch up on my scrapbooking! Yikes - this is my all time favorite hobby. But, I am really behind. As in, I haven't even finished Atticus' first year and haven't even started Grace's. So, here's to using what I already own (NOT BUYING MORE!) and scrapbooking late nights to get caught up.
5. Spend wisely. When we knew I was going to stay at home once Grace was born, we started living only on Vic's paycheck. So, it was not a terrible transition to do that when I no longer brought one home. But, over the year, we had hospital expenses, vacations, holidays, and the next thing you know we were saving much less than before. So, we are back to remembering I do not bring home any money! And we are going to spend more wisely.
6. Prayer and devotion. I always have on my daily to do list to spend time with God. But, sleep sometimes gets the best of me and if I don't get up early to do it, I tend to skip it altogether throughout the day. So, I will keep trying to find time daily for God. It is the MOST important thing; I mean, He makes everything above easier if I just talk to Him and lean on Him and study His word.
7. Quality over quantity. I am the queen of filling up our calendar. I will book something hour to hour just to fit it all in. This tends to include our weeknights and weekends. So, I am going to try hard not to do that. Instead of traveling or hosting guests twice as much and filling up our calendars, we are going to have them in half as much and just spend better time with them while we are together. This then gives our little family of four time to have quality time as well - even if it's just playing outside or running errands on the weekends. Quiet weekends helps Vic and I to relax and get rejuvenated for the week ahead. It also helps us stay even more excited and revved up for when we travel or have company in town!
8. Attempt to unplug occasionally. So, our world now revolves around the internet and social media. The best way to keep up with news, bills, friends and family is to check my iPhone constantly. And while I really only look at Instagram, Facebook, email, and sometimes Twitter, it can encompass my time. Vic and I will catch ourselves at night, after the kids go to bed, watching tv while checking things on our phones. We are tired, but we are not even trying to talk to one another. That is terrible. Or we are so busy trying to get pictures of the kids doing something adorable that we do not live in the moment to just enjoy it. I am the worst at this; I am trying so hard to get pictures to send to our friends and family that I forget to enjoy it for myself. And, Atticus knows the phone is important to me and will ask me where it is and if I need it. Terrible. So, I am going to focus on being less plugged in as much as I possibly can.
Hmm. So I guess that is it. I realize this matches everyone else in America's resolution list. But, hey, writing it down is usually the first step in accomplishing a goal. So, there you go!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
2013: My Reflections
Ah - the end of a year. And what comes with the change of years? Resolutions and Reflections. And boy did this Reflections post get long.
My Reflections:
We had a great year; of course, the highlight was our Grace being born. With this, I became a stay at home mom and could not be happier. Even as I have learned and am still learning the ways of parenting, and even when I have days where I just don't know what else to do as far as discipline, teaching, staying creative for my kids, and still trying to be a good wife, I am still so glad Vic and I can have this lifestyle. I have learned that parenting is so tough. I know everyone says it and I know it doesn't get easier, and while I am saying it is tough, I know I have it so good with healthy and generally well behaved, normal kids. My most difficult moments come in the form of teaching Atticus how to behave, to talk nicely, to mind manners, to obey, to be helpful, to listen, to use indoor and outdoor voices, to eat his food when asked, and to share. It's so hard to know when to let something go and when to push the issue. It's also so hard to know, in the moment, if this is just the typical behavior of a 2 year old or if I'm not teaching him the right way at the right time. So many times, I tell myself that if I keep teaching the basic principles and showing him the right way to do things, that one day, just one day, when he is past this "phase", all of those things will be ingrained into his little mind and heart and he will just act the right way. I know I'm acting like he is terrible, and the truth is...he is not. He is sweet and energetic and smart and funny. And usually his terribleness happens when I'm busy with something and cannot tend to his every need. So, of course, it goes through my mind "Do I drop what I'm doing to play with him or see what he needs?" or "Do I just go about my to-do's and teach him that he must learn to take care of himself for a few minutes?". And the absolute worst time I question all of this is when I just want a few minutes to myself to check my email or read blogs or post a picture to Instagram or for goodness sake...go to the bathroom! I mean - am I being selfish to put those unimportant things as my top priority for an hour? Or is this ok? When it's laundry, or cooking, or dishes, or tending to Grace, I feel like I have a good reason. But, the rest of those things I mentioned? I have no idea. Of course, then I tell myself that he will only be little once and only want my opinion or my help for a few years before he will be too independent for me. And then, I also tell myself that there cannot be a mom out there that plays ALL DAY LONG and doesn't do housework or cooking or tend to other to-do's. So, that is my constant struggle with Atticus. I know, I know. First world problems.
And Grace's struggles? Well to be honest, I don't really have any; she is almost always an easy baby. I mean, she cries when she is tired or hungry or needs a little bit of attention. But, the thing I struggle with her the most is wondering if I give her enough attention - not because she is begging for it, but because she doesn't yet realize she deserves it. Atticus demands my time and when he does, it is easy to let Grace crawl around to follow us or to play by us, but I'm not always tuned in. Again - I think I do an okay job, but I can always do better, right? And, of course, I remind myself that Atticus never had me at this age, during the day. So, surely she is already better off than he was, as far as having me with her so much.
Those are the hard parts of parenting for me, so far. I am with the kids almost 24/7 and I love it. I like the routines we are in; I like learning their needs and how they ask for them; I like figuring out how to be efficient with our days; I like organized, routine naps, meals, bedtimes, playtimes; I like the crazy, hectic moments of both kids crying with toys on the floor and the TV blaring with Wheel of Fortune while I try to ask Vic about his day. I like the funny moments with Atticus and his ever-increasing vocabulary of words and phrases, even when they should not be repeating what I am saying (yep - he is still saying "oh shoot!" a lot!). I like seeing the kids make each other laugh in the other room when I am not in there, but can only hear them. I like the success of a day when I gather all of the bags and to do lists and to go run errands in the morning, situate kids at the right stores in the right carts while juggling sippy cups, snacks, and something for them to do, then have a playdate where we eat a picnic, followed by coming home to fight naptimes, and then onto checking social media for a treat to myself before trying to do household chores, keep our social calendar and budget organized and trying to prep dinner all before Vic gets home. Then, I love the routine of having Vic home to help me force Atticus to eat dinner, then do baths, then reading and playing before going through the nightly ordeal of putting Atticus to bed, despite his very creative ways of delaying bedtime. Then, I don't even mind when I have to deal with kids up in the middle of the night for whatever reason. Though my first thought, upon hearing one cry through the monitor is not very nice, the moment I see them or pick them up, I am content.
And, you notice this blog is all about me, but I couldn't do any of this without Vic. He is the most wonderful husband and daddy to our little family. And he still has all of the to do's above when he is away from the office, even after dealing with the stress and work of his job at TVMDL. Some parents are so good at doing both an out of home job and being parents; but, in the end, I think I can serve everyone best if I just work really hard at being a mom. But, Vic - he always has energy; he always thinks of us first; he is 100% hands on with the kids and can tell when I just need a minute of peace; he takes out the trash; he replaces my shampoo and soap bottles in the shower which would just stay there empty forever because I always forget to discard them until I'm in the shower and then forget again once I get out; he mows the lawn and takes care of our home; he always takes out the recycling; and organizes it (I don't even know where the bags are); he takes care of our important money and taxes and insurance; he explains when I don't understand at church; he supports my crafty, creative, baking habits even when they get a little out of hand; he always smiles for the camera; he always laughs with me; he always, always, always loves me.
So, my reflections are basically about my little family this year. It's been an eye-opening year of learning to be a better mom and wife and let's be honest here - I can always do better. But, I'm happy with how we've done so far and I'm happy with our year.
My Reflections:
We had a great year; of course, the highlight was our Grace being born. With this, I became a stay at home mom and could not be happier. Even as I have learned and am still learning the ways of parenting, and even when I have days where I just don't know what else to do as far as discipline, teaching, staying creative for my kids, and still trying to be a good wife, I am still so glad Vic and I can have this lifestyle. I have learned that parenting is so tough. I know everyone says it and I know it doesn't get easier, and while I am saying it is tough, I know I have it so good with healthy and generally well behaved, normal kids. My most difficult moments come in the form of teaching Atticus how to behave, to talk nicely, to mind manners, to obey, to be helpful, to listen, to use indoor and outdoor voices, to eat his food when asked, and to share. It's so hard to know when to let something go and when to push the issue. It's also so hard to know, in the moment, if this is just the typical behavior of a 2 year old or if I'm not teaching him the right way at the right time. So many times, I tell myself that if I keep teaching the basic principles and showing him the right way to do things, that one day, just one day, when he is past this "phase", all of those things will be ingrained into his little mind and heart and he will just act the right way. I know I'm acting like he is terrible, and the truth is...he is not. He is sweet and energetic and smart and funny. And usually his terribleness happens when I'm busy with something and cannot tend to his every need. So, of course, it goes through my mind "Do I drop what I'm doing to play with him or see what he needs?" or "Do I just go about my to-do's and teach him that he must learn to take care of himself for a few minutes?". And the absolute worst time I question all of this is when I just want a few minutes to myself to check my email or read blogs or post a picture to Instagram or for goodness sake...go to the bathroom! I mean - am I being selfish to put those unimportant things as my top priority for an hour? Or is this ok? When it's laundry, or cooking, or dishes, or tending to Grace, I feel like I have a good reason. But, the rest of those things I mentioned? I have no idea. Of course, then I tell myself that he will only be little once and only want my opinion or my help for a few years before he will be too independent for me. And then, I also tell myself that there cannot be a mom out there that plays ALL DAY LONG and doesn't do housework or cooking or tend to other to-do's. So, that is my constant struggle with Atticus. I know, I know. First world problems.
And Grace's struggles? Well to be honest, I don't really have any; she is almost always an easy baby. I mean, she cries when she is tired or hungry or needs a little bit of attention. But, the thing I struggle with her the most is wondering if I give her enough attention - not because she is begging for it, but because she doesn't yet realize she deserves it. Atticus demands my time and when he does, it is easy to let Grace crawl around to follow us or to play by us, but I'm not always tuned in. Again - I think I do an okay job, but I can always do better, right? And, of course, I remind myself that Atticus never had me at this age, during the day. So, surely she is already better off than he was, as far as having me with her so much.
Those are the hard parts of parenting for me, so far. I am with the kids almost 24/7 and I love it. I like the routines we are in; I like learning their needs and how they ask for them; I like figuring out how to be efficient with our days; I like organized, routine naps, meals, bedtimes, playtimes; I like the crazy, hectic moments of both kids crying with toys on the floor and the TV blaring with Wheel of Fortune while I try to ask Vic about his day. I like the funny moments with Atticus and his ever-increasing vocabulary of words and phrases, even when they should not be repeating what I am saying (yep - he is still saying "oh shoot!" a lot!). I like seeing the kids make each other laugh in the other room when I am not in there, but can only hear them. I like the success of a day when I gather all of the bags and to do lists and to go run errands in the morning, situate kids at the right stores in the right carts while juggling sippy cups, snacks, and something for them to do, then have a playdate where we eat a picnic, followed by coming home to fight naptimes, and then onto checking social media for a treat to myself before trying to do household chores, keep our social calendar and budget organized and trying to prep dinner all before Vic gets home. Then, I love the routine of having Vic home to help me force Atticus to eat dinner, then do baths, then reading and playing before going through the nightly ordeal of putting Atticus to bed, despite his very creative ways of delaying bedtime. Then, I don't even mind when I have to deal with kids up in the middle of the night for whatever reason. Though my first thought, upon hearing one cry through the monitor is not very nice, the moment I see them or pick them up, I am content.
And, you notice this blog is all about me, but I couldn't do any of this without Vic. He is the most wonderful husband and daddy to our little family. And he still has all of the to do's above when he is away from the office, even after dealing with the stress and work of his job at TVMDL. Some parents are so good at doing both an out of home job and being parents; but, in the end, I think I can serve everyone best if I just work really hard at being a mom. But, Vic - he always has energy; he always thinks of us first; he is 100% hands on with the kids and can tell when I just need a minute of peace; he takes out the trash; he replaces my shampoo and soap bottles in the shower which would just stay there empty forever because I always forget to discard them until I'm in the shower and then forget again once I get out; he mows the lawn and takes care of our home; he always takes out the recycling; and organizes it (I don't even know where the bags are); he takes care of our important money and taxes and insurance; he explains when I don't understand at church; he supports my crafty, creative, baking habits even when they get a little out of hand; he always smiles for the camera; he always laughs with me; he always, always, always loves me.
So, my reflections are basically about my little family this year. It's been an eye-opening year of learning to be a better mom and wife and let's be honest here - I can always do better. But, I'm happy with how we've done so far and I'm happy with our year.
Christmas in Sanger; Part 2
In Sanger, while they have already celebrated on Christmas Day, they celebrate again with our Seidel family, once we arrive. So, on the Sunday after Christmas, we all gathered mid-morning at Melbo, Pa & GG's house. Vic made homemade donuts for breakfast while I wrapped pigs in a blanket. We ate pulled pork for lunch and snacked all day on treats and dips and more pulled pork. We opened presents and boy did our family do far too much for us! But, it is so much fun and equally as fun watching them open their gifts that we have shopped for. I forced encouraged made helped Atticus tell the Nativity story, sing Away in a Manger, and give everyone Christmas hugs before opening presents. We played some Chicken Foot dominos and then a new game called Fish Bowl. We visited and looked at presents and watched the kids play. It was so much fun and very relaxing as well. A few of the fun gifts Atticus received include: a circus tent! from Ana and Charley (actually for Grace as well), a train set from GG, a ukelele and harmonica from Grandma and Pop, a pull-string doll-sized Woody from Toy Story from Molly plus from others he also got games, books, more animals and a travel barn (also for Grace), a magna-doodle, music for the car, playdough trash and recycling truck, and clothes. Grace was given her own bowl of soft vegetables from Ana and Charley plus adorable hairbows and tights, two baby dolls and a purse from GG, a musical picnic basket from Molly, a stuffed pelican with other sea animals for her crib from Grandma and Pop, and various toys and stuffed animals and clothes and books. And, I'm sure I'm forgetting many things! But, it was such a fun Christmas filled with new toys for their imaginations! I got tons of scrapbooking, jewelry, 2 scarves, a craft book, and lots of Stella and Dot. Vic had a big year of Lowe's gift cards to do some things in our house as well as clothes and spices and a beautiful leather bag from Daddy. In fact, this was a big year of leather travel bags - Vic, Mom and Charley all got one! One of the most fun gifts was an Erwin Women Cookbook that Molly made. She combined tons of recipes we had given her and created a Shutterfly book of them. It is SO nice and I love having recipes from all of us! It was such a fun day of watching everyone open their gifts and laughing and seeing the kids open their presents. Atticus loved all of his and is just at a really fun age to watch. He played that harmonica and ukulele (which he calls a guitar) while he played with his trains that Charley setup while crawling into the tent with Vic, while playing the farm animal Bingo game with GG, while playing the Ipad, while eating peppermint balls all at once. Busy boy. Grace, on the other hand, crawled around, took naps, and had holiday outfit changes since really - when is she going to wear all of those adorable Christmas outfits every again? It was a wonderful day!
Christmas in Sanger: Part 1
I must break down our Christmas in Sanger to two parts; this is mainly because we had lots of fun besides just Christmas Day. We loaded up and headed to Sanger the Friday morning after Christmas. We made it just in time to eat lunch at Chuy's in Denton with Stormy, Tabatha and Adley and to remind me how much I wish we lived there so we could see them more often! Then, we headed to Mom and Daddy's to get settled. First things first - the BABY GOATS! In the week up to Christmas, including the last babies being born on Christmas Day, they had 10 little baby goats (1/2 boer goat and 1/2 Nubian) (7 bucks, 3 does). And they are so tiny and sweet and precious! They still had all of them penned up with their mama's, so we went right in to check them out. I was very anxious to see how Atticus would respond to them. Of course, it takes him a day to warm up, but by the time we left the following Tuesday morning, he'd had plenty of time to go into the pens and the pastured, feed them, water them and catch baby goats as best as he could. He constantly wanted to see the "dotes" and the donkey and the calves. The last night, we disbudded most of the babies and he wasn't quite as fond of listening to their cries as their little heads were burned, but still couldn't get enough of seeing the dotes.
Also, the night before we left (Monday night), my aunt Milly and Memaw stopped by on their way back to Frost from Wichita Falls and came inside for awhile to visit. It was probably 8:00 or so and Mom wanted Memaw to see a baby goat. Of course, it was too cold to go outside in the pen, so naturally Mom just brought one in the house. Vic has heard stories of us bringing in babies, on occasion, when they needed a little warmth or special TLC, to the house to stay overnight. Now, I'm not talking about goats running through the house jumping and playing and using the restroom. I'm talking about little day old babies who need to stay warmer or a baby who had surgery. And, they stay in the bathtub just long enough to be ok to put outside. And, this baby that was brought in was a week old, I think, and was too big to stay in the bathtub. But, she did walk around the kitchen and living room, supervised for just a few minutes. And, she was adorable! And while Vic was still very entertained by this, I see it as completely normal and a possibility in our future when we have our own little goats one day! Anyways, Atticus loved it. I loved it. All was well.
Grace probably didn't love the goats nearly as much as Atticus did on this trip. But, she was prepared in her little rubber boots to go out and check on them. They are a lot bigger than her, so I can see her hesitation. It won't be long before she will be chasing those goats too!
We just loved, loved, loved seeing Atticus and Grace with the goats and I honestly believe that Vic can see this more and more in his future all the time!
Vic and I also left the kids with the babysitters (Mom and Daddy) and met Ana and Charley for drinks and dinner in Downtown Denton. It was SO fun to have a double date with them and we had the best time with the best food. However, the place we went to was in an old house, called Guiseppe's (sp?). It was romantic and nice and not necessarily a super quiet place, but we were talking a lot and laughing a lot. And apparently, we got ugly looks from one couple who left who must have wanted a silent eating experience. I would never ruin someone's dinner on purpose, but we had such a good time! Also, on Monday, we went to Molly's (Vic, myself and the kids and Ana and Charley) to hang her pictures on her wall to decorate her apartment. She had lots to hang but needed tall, strong men to do it. So, I bossed around; Ana and Molly took care of kids; and Vic and Charley hung pictures. Then, lunch at Mellow Mushroom for pizza.
It was just so much fun the entire time! Vic and I felt relaxed and it was a great way to end our Christmas traveling!
Also, the night before we left (Monday night), my aunt Milly and Memaw stopped by on their way back to Frost from Wichita Falls and came inside for awhile to visit. It was probably 8:00 or so and Mom wanted Memaw to see a baby goat. Of course, it was too cold to go outside in the pen, so naturally Mom just brought one in the house. Vic has heard stories of us bringing in babies, on occasion, when they needed a little warmth or special TLC, to the house to stay overnight. Now, I'm not talking about goats running through the house jumping and playing and using the restroom. I'm talking about little day old babies who need to stay warmer or a baby who had surgery. And, they stay in the bathtub just long enough to be ok to put outside. And, this baby that was brought in was a week old, I think, and was too big to stay in the bathtub. But, she did walk around the kitchen and living room, supervised for just a few minutes. And, she was adorable! And while Vic was still very entertained by this, I see it as completely normal and a possibility in our future when we have our own little goats one day! Anyways, Atticus loved it. I loved it. All was well.
Grace probably didn't love the goats nearly as much as Atticus did on this trip. But, she was prepared in her little rubber boots to go out and check on them. They are a lot bigger than her, so I can see her hesitation. It won't be long before she will be chasing those goats too!
We just loved, loved, loved seeing Atticus and Grace with the goats and I honestly believe that Vic can see this more and more in his future all the time!
Vic and I also left the kids with the babysitters (Mom and Daddy) and met Ana and Charley for drinks and dinner in Downtown Denton. It was SO fun to have a double date with them and we had the best time with the best food. However, the place we went to was in an old house, called Guiseppe's (sp?). It was romantic and nice and not necessarily a super quiet place, but we were talking a lot and laughing a lot. And apparently, we got ugly looks from one couple who left who must have wanted a silent eating experience. I would never ruin someone's dinner on purpose, but we had such a good time! Also, on Monday, we went to Molly's (Vic, myself and the kids and Ana and Charley) to hang her pictures on her wall to decorate her apartment. She had lots to hang but needed tall, strong men to do it. So, I bossed around; Ana and Molly took care of kids; and Vic and Charley hung pictures. Then, lunch at Mellow Mushroom for pizza.
It was just so much fun the entire time! Vic and I felt relaxed and it was a great way to end our Christmas traveling!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)