This week, both my four year old and my 1 year old began something that I am just not ready for. They showed REAL interest in their clothing for different reasons.
First thing that happened was with Lyla. I had carried her to the closet to pick out her shoes. I grabbed a pair that would match and went back to the changing table. She started screaming on the way there for "pink shoes!" I tried to put her silver ones on and she grabbed them and threw them on the ground and yelled again for her pink ones. I let her walk back to the closet to show me what she wanted and she grabbed her pink Crocs, put them on, and said "there." REALLY? She's ONE!
The second thing that happened was with C. It actually got cold here this week, so of COURSE I thought he should wear a coat to school. Well, it was quiet the fight, but I got him in it. As soon as we walked in school he shook it off. I asked why he didn't want to wear it and he said "because my friends will laugh at me." WHAT??? You're FOUR! And a BOY! "What coat do you want to wear?" I asked. "A green one" C replied...
That afternoon I was determined to get to the bottom of this so I asked C why he thought his friends would laugh at him. And he told me "Cason thinks it makes silly sounds". When I explained that Cason was NOT laughing at him by saying his puffy coat makes silly sounds, his response was "You are right Mom. Cason's my best friend. He wouldn't laugh at me." So I thought I was done there. Patted myself on the back for clearing that up and moved on thinking the coat thing was behind us.
The next day- still no coat. He wanted a green one. So,I have decided to give up this battle for now. I'm just NOT gonna go buy him a "green coat" that he thinks his friends won't laugh at. I just don't think swooping down and spending money to fix the problem WILL fix the problem. I think that being the "Parent to the Rescue" will only set expectations I can't always meet and make him expectant of all his desires. BESIDES, the next day, he insisted on wearing his KD JERSEY and blue SHORTS and COWBOY BOOTS to school when it was 34 degrees. I don't really think fashion is the issue here...
Friday, February 10, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
One Step Forward and Two Steps Back
We are entering February with the beginning of a new era- pull-up free Carson. WHEW! I know, I know, he's FOUR! Why was he wearing pull-ups at night? Well, here's why...
When I potty trained him he still would NOT get out of his bed unless I got him up. Even in the mornings. So, of course, I couldn't get him to get up to pee at night. Also, he sleeps 12-13 hours EVERY night. That's a LONG time to hold your pee. AND, I was hearing from doctors that it would just work itself out. So for those three reasons, primarily the third, we used pull-ups. And over a year later, things were NOT working out. So after his fourth birthday I just told him we were done.
Since December 28th, I think I've washed/changed sheets 57 times. But we are now to a point of no accidents. I wake him up and take him to potty right before I go to bed. He hardly even wakes up, in fact some nights we hold him in the air b/c he can't even stand. He then wakes up on his own sometimes in the early morning- 3-6ish. And we've been dry for 11 mornings in a row. I'm not even asking any more.
HOWEVER, when he does wake up at 3-6 he does NOT go back to his bed. And as of last week, he doesn't even go to the pallet I keep by my bed for him, he crawls in with me to cuddle. Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVE it. I never co-slept with my kids because they were such loud sleepers and I just didn't want that habit, so I dig the cuddles, the problem is, he is STILL such a LOUD sleeper! Except now he talks and laughs and of COURSE kicks and kicks. OH well, at LEAST he's not peeing on me any more WHILE he cuddles.
SO, I am no longer cleaning C's pee, or getting peed ON, BUT we got a new addition to our family, our sweet Golden Doodle, Cooper. The kids LOVE him and J ADORES him. In fact, he's with J at work right now. He's a great work dog (and home dog) because he is just SOOO chill. AND he has long wavy hair that you can't PULL out. AWESOME. However, now we have someone elses pee to clean.
When will I ever stop cleaning PEE???
I've contemplated potty training Lyla right now too. Go big or go home right? I would LOVE to just knock it all out right now, let them pee all over the carpet in the living room, train them and then get hardwood floors. :) but I just don't know if I'm ready for TWO kids interrupting my dinner out b/c they have to pee, pulling over at gas stations every ten miles, etc. etc. So, I'm gonna have to think on this one...
When I potty trained him he still would NOT get out of his bed unless I got him up. Even in the mornings. So, of course, I couldn't get him to get up to pee at night. Also, he sleeps 12-13 hours EVERY night. That's a LONG time to hold your pee. AND, I was hearing from doctors that it would just work itself out. So for those three reasons, primarily the third, we used pull-ups. And over a year later, things were NOT working out. So after his fourth birthday I just told him we were done.
Since December 28th, I think I've washed/changed sheets 57 times. But we are now to a point of no accidents. I wake him up and take him to potty right before I go to bed. He hardly even wakes up, in fact some nights we hold him in the air b/c he can't even stand. He then wakes up on his own sometimes in the early morning- 3-6ish. And we've been dry for 11 mornings in a row. I'm not even asking any more.
HOWEVER, when he does wake up at 3-6 he does NOT go back to his bed. And as of last week, he doesn't even go to the pallet I keep by my bed for him, he crawls in with me to cuddle. Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVE it. I never co-slept with my kids because they were such loud sleepers and I just didn't want that habit, so I dig the cuddles, the problem is, he is STILL such a LOUD sleeper! Except now he talks and laughs and of COURSE kicks and kicks. OH well, at LEAST he's not peeing on me any more WHILE he cuddles.
SO, I am no longer cleaning C's pee, or getting peed ON, BUT we got a new addition to our family, our sweet Golden Doodle, Cooper. The kids LOVE him and J ADORES him. In fact, he's with J at work right now. He's a great work dog (and home dog) because he is just SOOO chill. AND he has long wavy hair that you can't PULL out. AWESOME. However, now we have someone elses pee to clean.
When will I ever stop cleaning PEE???
I've contemplated potty training Lyla right now too. Go big or go home right? I would LOVE to just knock it all out right now, let them pee all over the carpet in the living room, train them and then get hardwood floors. :) but I just don't know if I'm ready for TWO kids interrupting my dinner out b/c they have to pee, pulling over at gas stations every ten miles, etc. etc. So, I'm gonna have to think on this one...
Friday, January 27, 2012
Oh January
January is normally one of my two least favorite months of the year, second only to February. I just don't like the cold. That's really the only reason. March can be cold sure, but at least there's hope by then. But this January hasn't been bad at all. We've had some cold days, but nothing (SO FAR) like it can normally be.
We have spend the whole month trying to get ready for school to start I feel. The first part was spent prepping classes and organizing from Christmas- which honestly, is STILL going on... School started the middle part of the month and there are ALWAYS things that you kinda forget have to be done during the first few weeks, so I always feel a little like I'm drowning, but I'm to the point now that I feel I have my head above water.
The kids have an adjustment to me being back in school as well. They go from being home with me every day to being woken up in the morning, rushed to eat, get dressed, get in the car, and then off to school, which they LOVE, for the day. Then when I get home with them I normally have more work to do from home. It's kinda sad. I always think, well, at least I am HOME with them, but really, I kinda think that may be more frustrating to them than being with a sitter. At least the sitter gives them ALL their attention...
C has had a hard few weeks and I feel that my being so busy has something to do with it. He ALWAYS has a hard first 3 months of a new age. EVERY YEAR he feels older and fights for independence. I'm yet to figure out what he needs this year. Of course it always takes about three months and we are only one month in. But I am thinking REALLY hard about what it could be this year that "does it" for him because he's bigger and meaner this year. The other day, my sweet baby gave me the MEANEST scowl EVER and slammed the door in my face. WOW! Last year the trick was giving him access to his own drinks. Seriously. I put his cups low and taught him how to use the fridge water and we had no problems. He was able to meet his own basic needs. So far this year I've tried letting him dress by himself for school, he doesn't WANT to do that, I've been letting him not wear a pull-up, he still pees, I tell him it's his responsibility to keep his playroom clean, na, apparently the things I want him to do are NOT on HIS list...So, I'm living with a ticking bomb most days... But we will work through it. We always do...Luckily when he is minding and being sweet, he is SO sweet and cute. Good thing, because being ignored by your child REALLY tests your patience. REALLY. TEST. YOUR. PATIENCE. In fact, it may be the most frustrating thing I've ever been a part of. Wanting someone to just mind you and not run in front of a car... Is that really so much to ask???
Lyla is just trucking along. Talking away, acting all sweet, still being shy of others and mostly as serious as ever. I still can ONLY get her silly CHEESE face when I ask for a smile. Most people on facebook must think she's silly looking b/c if she smiles it's all goofy haha. She has been moved to her "big girl" bed, however, the funniest thing is she lays in it, says night night, then she crawls down, opens her door and goes to sleep by her gate. Even if we are walking by her room she just watches and falls asleep. We move her to her bed before we go to sleep and she stays there all night long. SO funny! And sweet. She also is showing interest in what she wears. Like last night, she wanted her leg warmers on with her night gown. I guess you need things covered when you plan on sleeping on the floor... Her favorite thing to do is to give high fives on both hands, she say "haya" then asks for a kiss then says "bye bye".
Overall, January has been good. We have started daily routines to keep me focusd on them.... Movie Mondays, Crafty Tuesdays, Gymnastics Wednesdays, Pink Swirl Thursdays, Family Movie Night Fridays and PLAYDATES (A BIG HIT), Saturdays have mostly been spent with one parent or the other due to Freshman Seminar and duck hunting season, Sunday's church and Sushi Sunday.
I almost forgot about the highlight of my month! J has decided to run at least a 10K with me this spring!!! And due to the nice weather, we have even been able to do some runs with the kids in their stroller and then go to the park after. I have really really really enjoyed having this physical activity time with my family and the chance to share something I love so much with my husband. I'm just convinced everyone will love running if they give it a chance. So, after this weekends long run, J will be half way to a 10K. So exciting!
That's all for now! Gotta clean up for playdate at our house.
We have spend the whole month trying to get ready for school to start I feel. The first part was spent prepping classes and organizing from Christmas- which honestly, is STILL going on... School started the middle part of the month and there are ALWAYS things that you kinda forget have to be done during the first few weeks, so I always feel a little like I'm drowning, but I'm to the point now that I feel I have my head above water.
The kids have an adjustment to me being back in school as well. They go from being home with me every day to being woken up in the morning, rushed to eat, get dressed, get in the car, and then off to school, which they LOVE, for the day. Then when I get home with them I normally have more work to do from home. It's kinda sad. I always think, well, at least I am HOME with them, but really, I kinda think that may be more frustrating to them than being with a sitter. At least the sitter gives them ALL their attention...
C has had a hard few weeks and I feel that my being so busy has something to do with it. He ALWAYS has a hard first 3 months of a new age. EVERY YEAR he feels older and fights for independence. I'm yet to figure out what he needs this year. Of course it always takes about three months and we are only one month in. But I am thinking REALLY hard about what it could be this year that "does it" for him because he's bigger and meaner this year. The other day, my sweet baby gave me the MEANEST scowl EVER and slammed the door in my face. WOW! Last year the trick was giving him access to his own drinks. Seriously. I put his cups low and taught him how to use the fridge water and we had no problems. He was able to meet his own basic needs. So far this year I've tried letting him dress by himself for school, he doesn't WANT to do that, I've been letting him not wear a pull-up, he still pees, I tell him it's his responsibility to keep his playroom clean, na, apparently the things I want him to do are NOT on HIS list...So, I'm living with a ticking bomb most days... But we will work through it. We always do...Luckily when he is minding and being sweet, he is SO sweet and cute. Good thing, because being ignored by your child REALLY tests your patience. REALLY. TEST. YOUR. PATIENCE. In fact, it may be the most frustrating thing I've ever been a part of. Wanting someone to just mind you and not run in front of a car... Is that really so much to ask???
Lyla is just trucking along. Talking away, acting all sweet, still being shy of others and mostly as serious as ever. I still can ONLY get her silly CHEESE face when I ask for a smile. Most people on facebook must think she's silly looking b/c if she smiles it's all goofy haha. She has been moved to her "big girl" bed, however, the funniest thing is she lays in it, says night night, then she crawls down, opens her door and goes to sleep by her gate. Even if we are walking by her room she just watches and falls asleep. We move her to her bed before we go to sleep and she stays there all night long. SO funny! And sweet. She also is showing interest in what she wears. Like last night, she wanted her leg warmers on with her night gown. I guess you need things covered when you plan on sleeping on the floor... Her favorite thing to do is to give high fives on both hands, she say "haya" then asks for a kiss then says "bye bye".
Overall, January has been good. We have started daily routines to keep me focusd on them.... Movie Mondays, Crafty Tuesdays, Gymnastics Wednesdays, Pink Swirl Thursdays, Family Movie Night Fridays and PLAYDATES (A BIG HIT), Saturdays have mostly been spent with one parent or the other due to Freshman Seminar and duck hunting season, Sunday's church and Sushi Sunday.
I almost forgot about the highlight of my month! J has decided to run at least a 10K with me this spring!!! And due to the nice weather, we have even been able to do some runs with the kids in their stroller and then go to the park after. I have really really really enjoyed having this physical activity time with my family and the chance to share something I love so much with my husband. I'm just convinced everyone will love running if they give it a chance. So, after this weekends long run, J will be half way to a 10K. So exciting!
That's all for now! Gotta clean up for playdate at our house.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Christmas/Birthday Tour 2011
Well, it's only about a month past Chrismtas and I am finally getting around to blogging about it. Needless to say, I have been catching up since.
Christmas this year was much less crazy and much more enjoyable this year than others we have had. We started the season off like normal, decorating the house.
This was extra fun this year because Carson actually helped me out while I decoated.
We then continued our tradition of having family advent activities every night. Well, almost every night, we did take a break when we took our cruise. But even on the cruiser, C got to be in a Christmas play and visit Santa! Other advent activities this year included, Christmas carols, hot chocolate by the fire, pictures with Santa, letter to Santa, Christmas movie night, painting our windows (a Carson favorite!), we hosted a Christmas, we donated money for others Christmas, and a night learning about our new family visitor, Crispy the Elf, which was a gift from Josh's grandmother.
J and I decided to limit the number of Christmas celebrations we have in one year and we saved them all up until two days before Christmas. Then we took off. First stop was my mom's house. We joined my mom and my grandmother for yummy food and lots of gifts. Big hits included C's Batmobil, C's dinosaur park, army men, Lyla's pots and pans, her stuffed cat, sun glasses and a new baby. We got home that night, unloaded and got to bed to hop up the next day to go to Josh's mom's house.
We joined J's mom and her side of the family for lunch and more gifts. Big hits were C's guitar, another baby, cute clothes and movies. We then went home to get ready for Santa.
This year, C had reindeer food from school to put out for Santa's reindeer, C was also very careful about picking Santa's snacks. The kiddo's both climbed in Lyla's "big girl" bed which she wasn't sleeping in yet, to listen to Josh read the Christmas story as well as The Night Before Christmas.
This year was also the first time it was tough getting C to go down because he was SOOOO excited. So, he ended up falling asleep in my bed while J and I did some last minute things ;) to get ready for the big day.
J & I had a great time making sure things were pretty and ready while enjoying a little Christmas time with just us. We got to bed around midnight and got an early 6am wake up from C, who was wanting to "go see if Santa liked his snack." He is so sweet. I snuck out leaving C in my room with J, got Lyla, brought her in the room, turned on some music, started coffee, got my video camera, and my regular camera then told the kiddos to come out.
And man were they excited!
C had been wanting Santa to bring him drums and a toothbrush. And Santa DID! And C also wanted Santa to bring L a kitchen, with a grill for him, and Santa DID! They played with each others Santa gifts for a while before ever getting into their stockings...
However, they soon moved on. C didn't get a toothbrush from Santa because Santa know he just got a new one at the dentis, but he did get some flossers...
Carson was very excited about everything he got, but had to keep drumming in between, and cooking. He was so sweet helping his sister open her gifts and wanting to see everything she got. Little bit had gotten down opening gifts by this point and was so sweet wanting her daddy to help her with everything, including little play jewelry...
We got lots of kissed and hugs and cuddles and enjoyed the morning SO. After gifts, bubble bread and a little clean up we all got ready and went to church, came back and spent the rest of the day playing and straightening up and cooking for another Christmas the next day.
Here are some more pics of Christmas morning:
By noon the next day our tree was once again surrounded by gifts
and my home was full of people laughing eating and drinking on my "awesome" homemade sangria. (I actually ruined it by putting the Ginger Ale in it the night before, but my family is not picky, lol). We had J's homemade chicken and dumplins, lots of candies, fudge, chips, dips, sausage, and of course opened lots of gifts. Big hits were the quiet impressive clothes my DAD picked out for L, C's remote control car and my dads, I mean, Josh's, or Dillon's, oh YES CARSON'S remote helicopter. This helicopter is bought every year, the big boys fly it all around crashing it into walls and usually breaking it before C ever gets to try. I THINK it survived this year...
That evening we caught our breath. I honestly can't remember the 27th, I have NO clue what went on that day. But I DO know that I decided last minute to make C some cupcakes for his birthday the next day.
I know I know, why was this a last minute decision? Well, we had his bday party in MEXICO and I was determined to let that be IT. BUT, we did need to let family come wish him happy birthday, so we had a come and go the 28th. We had not given C his bday present yet, so we decided to let him open that up before J went to work. He had been asking for "boots like Casen's" for a year and I made him ask for them for his birthday (trying to teach patience) and the day had arrived!
I did a HORRIBLE job of taking pics this day, but her are a few...
Love this pic of my dad and L bc I have one like it from when I was her age.
So that wraps up the Christmas/Birthday Tour 2011. I loved every second with my sweet children. THEY are what make Christmas.
I can now finally start blogging for 2012!
Christmas this year was much less crazy and much more enjoyable this year than others we have had. We started the season off like normal, decorating the house.
This was extra fun this year because Carson actually helped me out while I decoated.
We then continued our tradition of having family advent activities every night. Well, almost every night, we did take a break when we took our cruise. But even on the cruiser, C got to be in a Christmas play and visit Santa! Other advent activities this year included, Christmas carols, hot chocolate by the fire, pictures with Santa, letter to Santa, Christmas movie night, painting our windows (a Carson favorite!), we hosted a Christmas, we donated money for others Christmas, and a night learning about our new family visitor, Crispy the Elf, which was a gift from Josh's grandmother.
J and I decided to limit the number of Christmas celebrations we have in one year and we saved them all up until two days before Christmas. Then we took off. First stop was my mom's house. We joined my mom and my grandmother for yummy food and lots of gifts. Big hits included C's Batmobil, C's dinosaur park, army men, Lyla's pots and pans, her stuffed cat, sun glasses and a new baby. We got home that night, unloaded and got to bed to hop up the next day to go to Josh's mom's house.
We joined J's mom and her side of the family for lunch and more gifts. Big hits were C's guitar, another baby, cute clothes and movies. We then went home to get ready for Santa.
This year, C had reindeer food from school to put out for Santa's reindeer, C was also very careful about picking Santa's snacks. The kiddo's both climbed in Lyla's "big girl" bed which she wasn't sleeping in yet, to listen to Josh read the Christmas story as well as The Night Before Christmas.
This year was also the first time it was tough getting C to go down because he was SOOOO excited. So, he ended up falling asleep in my bed while J and I did some last minute things ;) to get ready for the big day.
J & I had a great time making sure things were pretty and ready while enjoying a little Christmas time with just us. We got to bed around midnight and got an early 6am wake up from C, who was wanting to "go see if Santa liked his snack." He is so sweet. I snuck out leaving C in my room with J, got Lyla, brought her in the room, turned on some music, started coffee, got my video camera, and my regular camera then told the kiddos to come out.
And man were they excited!
C had been wanting Santa to bring him drums and a toothbrush. And Santa DID! And C also wanted Santa to bring L a kitchen, with a grill for him, and Santa DID! They played with each others Santa gifts for a while before ever getting into their stockings...
However, they soon moved on. C didn't get a toothbrush from Santa because Santa know he just got a new one at the dentis, but he did get some flossers...
Carson was very excited about everything he got, but had to keep drumming in between, and cooking. He was so sweet helping his sister open her gifts and wanting to see everything she got. Little bit had gotten down opening gifts by this point and was so sweet wanting her daddy to help her with everything, including little play jewelry...
We got lots of kissed and hugs and cuddles and enjoyed the morning SO. After gifts, bubble bread and a little clean up we all got ready and went to church, came back and spent the rest of the day playing and straightening up and cooking for another Christmas the next day.
Here are some more pics of Christmas morning:
By noon the next day our tree was once again surrounded by gifts
and my home was full of people laughing eating and drinking on my "awesome" homemade sangria. (I actually ruined it by putting the Ginger Ale in it the night before, but my family is not picky, lol). We had J's homemade chicken and dumplins, lots of candies, fudge, chips, dips, sausage, and of course opened lots of gifts. Big hits were the quiet impressive clothes my DAD picked out for L, C's remote control car and my dads, I mean, Josh's, or Dillon's, oh YES CARSON'S remote helicopter. This helicopter is bought every year, the big boys fly it all around crashing it into walls and usually breaking it before C ever gets to try. I THINK it survived this year...
That evening we caught our breath. I honestly can't remember the 27th, I have NO clue what went on that day. But I DO know that I decided last minute to make C some cupcakes for his birthday the next day.
I know I know, why was this a last minute decision? Well, we had his bday party in MEXICO and I was determined to let that be IT. BUT, we did need to let family come wish him happy birthday, so we had a come and go the 28th. We had not given C his bday present yet, so we decided to let him open that up before J went to work. He had been asking for "boots like Casen's" for a year and I made him ask for them for his birthday (trying to teach patience) and the day had arrived!
I did a HORRIBLE job of taking pics this day, but her are a few...
Love this pic of my dad and L bc I have one like it from when I was her age.
So that wraps up the Christmas/Birthday Tour 2011. I loved every second with my sweet children. THEY are what make Christmas.
I can now finally start blogging for 2012!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
His sweetness
My sweet Carson response to his cupcakes this morning was a big hug and him saying "Mom that's just what I wanted for my birthday! Cupcakes!"
Love
Love
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Carson I love you 1,547,476
To My Sweet C Man:
This day four years ago was the strangest day of my life. My life was going to change forever the next day and I knew it. We had planned on inducing the morning of the 28th. Thinking back and remembering that there was a time I didn't know you seems unreal. Somehow I feel I have always known you. It's so strange. I guess you will understand someday....Anyway, you turn four tomorrow. TOMORROW. Wow.
Your favorite thing to do right now is to tell us how much you love us. You will do it in such a dramatic way. For example, "Mom. You know how much I love you? I love you ONE (pause pause pause) TWO (pause pause pause) THREE (pause pause pause) FOUR (pause pause pause) FIVE (pause pause pause) SIX!!! And that's a LOT. How much do you love me Mom?" Somedays you will count to twenty or my favorite, "fiveteen". We do this about fiveteen times a day. We can even just be shopping or driving down the road and I will get a "Mom, I love you" followed by a kiss in the air with a little head nod. You are so smooth. And as I sit here thinking about the fact that you are turning, ONE, (pause pause pause), TWO (pause pause pause), THREE (pause pause pause), FOUR tomorrow, I realize that I really can't tell you how much I love
you.
And I will admit, I really don't want you to turn four. Although you tell me "Mom, I have to grow up, there are just things I need to do" I don't want you to. I have been ok with it every other year. I have always been in shock that a year went by, but I've been ok with it. This year, I really want you to stay three. I have LOVED three. Well, the last 9 months of three. The first three months of three were a totally different story, but once we worked that out you have been absolutly the best, sweetest, most loving, little boy I could have every dreamed of. I am now able to see your true heart and I love it and I hope you stay the way you are.
You are kind and generous- I saw an example of this Christmas morning when you were more worried about Santa liking his snack you left than checking to see if he left you anything. You care about others and I hope you stay that way.
You are loving- My favorite thing about this age is your sweetness. I selfishly LOVE the fact that you will pet my face, kiss my boo boos, ask for hugs and kisses, tell me that you will miss me when I'm at work, ask me to play with you all the time, ask to sleep on my room on your pallet, tell me you love me every five minutes. You are in love your family and I hope you stay that way.
You are giving and selfless- I recently packed up all your baby toys and put them in the garage to donate. As usual I did this when you weren't paying attention so that we didn't have any last minute new found love for the toys- but I didn't get them out of the garage. Uh oh. When you walked by them the next day you saw them and naturally went over saying, "Mom! What are these doing out here?" I explained that you had gotten too big and that we were going to take those to some other kids who need them. Your response "Ok, that would be nice". You are not greedy, and I hope you stay that way.
You are realistic- Just today I was obvioysly frusterated while putting together your new pirate ship. You said, "Mom, I just need to call my Uncle Dillon." When I told you "I have this". Your reply, "No you don't Mom, no you don't." You are honest with me, and I hope you stay that way.
When I run, I always listen to the same songs, my "Race Music" play list. And one of the songs I have on there is Simple Man by Lynard Skynryd when it comes on I always think of you. The lyrics I focus on are:
Oh, take your time don't live too fast
Troubles will come and they will pass
Go find a woman you'll find love
And don't forget son there is someone up above
And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me son if you can?
Forget your lust for the rich man's gold
All that you need is in your soul
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try
And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me son if you can? Oh yes, I will
Boy, don't you worry you'll find yourself
Follow your heart and nothing else
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try
All that I want for you my son is to be satisfied
When I listen to this song, I wonder how I can raise you to be like this. To be loving, caring, selfless, honest, like you are now. I wonder how in the world I can keep you like this. What are ways we can arrange our life to ensure you never change? How can I show my OWN satisfaction to you so that you can not live in a way that keeps you always wanting more things- different things- and focuses you on money? Maybe this song hits home with me because of my own inability to be content with what I have and where I am. This is all a little deep for a four year old I know. But you are just becoming a little man so fast. I just want more than anything for you to grow up happy. I want us to be able to slow down and enjoy every minute together. I want you to know, really know, that I love you 1,547,476 and I want you to know that THAT's A LOT.
This day four years ago was the strangest day of my life. My life was going to change forever the next day and I knew it. We had planned on inducing the morning of the 28th. Thinking back and remembering that there was a time I didn't know you seems unreal. Somehow I feel I have always known you. It's so strange. I guess you will understand someday....Anyway, you turn four tomorrow. TOMORROW. Wow.
Your favorite thing to do right now is to tell us how much you love us. You will do it in such a dramatic way. For example, "Mom. You know how much I love you? I love you ONE (pause pause pause) TWO (pause pause pause) THREE (pause pause pause) FOUR (pause pause pause) FIVE (pause pause pause) SIX!!! And that's a LOT. How much do you love me Mom?" Somedays you will count to twenty or my favorite, "fiveteen". We do this about fiveteen times a day. We can even just be shopping or driving down the road and I will get a "Mom, I love you" followed by a kiss in the air with a little head nod. You are so smooth. And as I sit here thinking about the fact that you are turning, ONE, (pause pause pause), TWO (pause pause pause), THREE (pause pause pause), FOUR tomorrow, I realize that I really can't tell you how much I love
you.
And I will admit, I really don't want you to turn four. Although you tell me "Mom, I have to grow up, there are just things I need to do" I don't want you to. I have been ok with it every other year. I have always been in shock that a year went by, but I've been ok with it. This year, I really want you to stay three. I have LOVED three. Well, the last 9 months of three. The first three months of three were a totally different story, but once we worked that out you have been absolutly the best, sweetest, most loving, little boy I could have every dreamed of. I am now able to see your true heart and I love it and I hope you stay the way you are.
You are kind and generous- I saw an example of this Christmas morning when you were more worried about Santa liking his snack you left than checking to see if he left you anything. You care about others and I hope you stay that way.
You are loving- My favorite thing about this age is your sweetness. I selfishly LOVE the fact that you will pet my face, kiss my boo boos, ask for hugs and kisses, tell me that you will miss me when I'm at work, ask me to play with you all the time, ask to sleep on my room on your pallet, tell me you love me every five minutes. You are in love your family and I hope you stay that way.
You are giving and selfless- I recently packed up all your baby toys and put them in the garage to donate. As usual I did this when you weren't paying attention so that we didn't have any last minute new found love for the toys- but I didn't get them out of the garage. Uh oh. When you walked by them the next day you saw them and naturally went over saying, "Mom! What are these doing out here?" I explained that you had gotten too big and that we were going to take those to some other kids who need them. Your response "Ok, that would be nice". You are not greedy, and I hope you stay that way.
You are realistic- Just today I was obvioysly frusterated while putting together your new pirate ship. You said, "Mom, I just need to call my Uncle Dillon." When I told you "I have this". Your reply, "No you don't Mom, no you don't." You are honest with me, and I hope you stay that way.
When I run, I always listen to the same songs, my "Race Music" play list. And one of the songs I have on there is Simple Man by Lynard Skynryd when it comes on I always think of you. The lyrics I focus on are:
Oh, take your time don't live too fast
Troubles will come and they will pass
Go find a woman you'll find love
And don't forget son there is someone up above
And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me son if you can?
Forget your lust for the rich man's gold
All that you need is in your soul
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try
And be a simple kind of man
Be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me son if you can? Oh yes, I will
Boy, don't you worry you'll find yourself
Follow your heart and nothing else
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try
All that I want for you my son is to be satisfied
When I listen to this song, I wonder how I can raise you to be like this. To be loving, caring, selfless, honest, like you are now. I wonder how in the world I can keep you like this. What are ways we can arrange our life to ensure you never change? How can I show my OWN satisfaction to you so that you can not live in a way that keeps you always wanting more things- different things- and focuses you on money? Maybe this song hits home with me because of my own inability to be content with what I have and where I am. This is all a little deep for a four year old I know. But you are just becoming a little man so fast. I just want more than anything for you to grow up happy. I want us to be able to slow down and enjoy every minute together. I want you to know, really know, that I love you 1,547,476 and I want you to know that THAT's A LOT.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Hardly any cartel...
So, uh, I got a little worked up before our first family vacation- out of the country- on a boat- in the ocean... I joked about it a lot, but will be honest. I did have new concerns I had never had before. But let me tell you right off, they were ALL gone as soon as we pulled out of the driveway.
Our trip began with a short drive just south of Dallas. We thought it would be smart to break up the 9 hours trip since we did have two kids in the back who we assumed would drive us crazy and have to pee all the time. So after making a stop in Norman to drop off the bird, we made one stop in Ardmore and not again until we were there. WHAT?!?! Now, while the trip down was nice and smooth, dinner was not. Lyla was TIRED and fussing the worst I've ever seen her. "Hope this isn't how the whole trip is going to be" Josh said. We got our Chilis to go and headed to the hotel.
Once in the room we tried to let the kids sleep together. Didn't really work. They had never done that before. So I put L in her pack-n-play and C and I cuddled up for the night. And when I say "cuddle" I mean C kicked me in the kidneys all night...
The next morning we woke up the kids and took off. Stopping ONCE. In the Woodlands. The kids were ANGELS and we were feeling better and better about the trip.
When we got to Galveston, we stopped and had some lunch then headed to the boat. You can view C's reaction here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=celTcqS0U80&feature=g-upl&context=G26c207eAUAAAAAAAAAA
If that doesn't work, copy/paste.
I did just make a whole photbook about this trip for my records, so I really don't have the energy to recap EVERYTHING, so here is a short(ish) version:
When we finally made it on the boat after an hour and a half in lines with two kids, one suitcase, one large full beach bag, a big purse, and a bag full of diapers, I was ready for a cocktail. While waiting for it a lady came up to me and said "Your kids are beautiful. You're not going to have ANY fun, but your kids are beautiful. You are couragous and your kids are beautiful." "Thanks" was all I could say...
ANYWAY- C couldn't believe we were on a boat. He kept asking when we were gonna get on it. It was so "amazing". We started everyday off with breakfast, had lunch either on board or on land, and always had formal dinner. The kids were drinking out of stemmed glasses by the end of the week. Carson ate shrimp, lobster, duck, alligator, sushi, FROG LEGS, prime rib, etc. It was crazy. I learned that I just feed him the wrong things because I thought he was picky.
Lyla entertained everyone everywhere we went. Several times people told us that Carnival needed to pay her for the entertainment. She would dance by the pool, dance during the dinner show. She loved it! Once she was dancing and she fell and half the deck of people gasped at her. That's when I realized the crowd she was gathering. People gave them gifts, knew their names. LOL. It was funny.
We had a birthday celebration for C during the beach trips and at dinner and even had his room decorated for him. He hugged me SO big when they brought out his cake. It was SUPER sweet. Lyla then got down and danced away during the "show".
My kids learned all kinds of things. How to push the elevator buttons to the floor others needed, how to say excuse me, how to move to the right when others were coming, how to use lots of silverware, and of course, Carson learned about how people live in Mexico. When we were passing by houses he said "Mom, those houses are broken and nasty. I sure am lucky."
Carson also loved to play "Gator Golf", (mini-golf), eat ice cream, dance, he LOVED the beach, playing at Camp Carnival (we only let him go twice because it was a family vaca after all), both kids even let us have nightly Champagne hour in the lounge before dinner. They would just sit in their chairs and play on our phones while we had grown up time. We would then go to dinner, enjoy great food and excellent service, and of course, you know my kids, go to bed around 7.
The kids slept great. Lyla was true to form and would pull us to her bed each night so that she could go "night night". I think the rocking was good for Lyla. She didn't even chirp in her sleep like normal. It was a little different for J and I however. We had a couple of ROUGH nights, even the crew said it was bad. So we rocked pretty good. But it wasn't really the rocking that got us, it was the shaking. It shook about like a 5.0 earthquake, and since we just came off those... well, not the most relaxing. But we got used to it.
The last day we woke up early to get breakfast before getting off the ship only to find out that we were stuck for the day because Galveston's port was closed due to the CRAZY fog. It was so bad that you couldn't see the back of the ship from the front OR the 75 or so HUGE ships all around us that emerged as the fog lifted. No wonder we were blowing the fog horn non stop. I know what you are thinking. Extra day of vacation? Sweet. Welll. It was hot. We were in sweaters. All our luggage was taken the night before and our charge account was closed because we were done after all. So we waited, and ate, and waited, and of course danced. TWELVE hours later we got dismissed. Then 1.5 hours later we got to our car. The whole time, not a PEEP of a complaint from our kids.
Things were going so well, we decided to spend the next couple of nights in Katy since we missed our Thursday visit. We then drove straight home. Lyla went the whole way since she was sleeping at our half way stop. Not one problem thanks to IPADS. Although she did have one wet diaper she never complained once.
Overall, it was the best week of my life. I can't imagine not taking my kids on every other vacation until they are grown. I just kept saying to Josh, "I'm so glad C is here to see this." We got plenty of relaxation time, I told C that we needed grown up time and he said OK! I can't wait to have Girls Only beach time. I loved getting to show them parts of the world they hadn't seen and I loved loved loved doing it all with just me and my husband. It felt so grown up. ha. I just can't wait to plan our next family adventure. Well, I really can't wait I guess, I have had that in the works since the drive home. And, to the lady at the bar...we had a LOT of fun!
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