Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Fashion Friday: First Day of School
*I am a week late on this, but I've come to accept that this is now normal!*
Last Thursday, Emma had her first day of pre-preschool. One day a week, she is attending a Mother's Day Out program at my Mom and Dad's church. It is a structured program, but isn't officially preschool. It's just a fun place for her to play with friends, learn about God, and do arts and crafts. And she gets to wear her backpack, which makes her feel quite special.
Of course, she had no problem adjusting to all of this. A fast hug and wave goodbye, and she was good to go. She quickly settled in with the toys and had no interest in Mom anymore. In my heart, I knew this meant she was ready for this. But was I?
I was okay until I talked to other people about it that day. Then the shaky voice started, but only a few tears were shed. She is only gone for a few hours, and she really seems to enjoy it.
Her teachers are Ms. Kim and Ms. Patti. And her classmates are all boys, which was surprising. The teachers said it didn't seem to phase Emma though. That didn't surprise me!
Besides getting a little bit of a break, my favorite part of this whole "school" thing is picking her up and hearing about her day. Last week, I asked her how she liked the boys in her class. Her response: "They pushed me away." As I started to plot my revenge on a group of 3-year-old boys, I first asked, "What did you do when they pushed you?" And she said, "I was just trying to give them hugs and kisses."
Okay then. That explains that.
Emma's favorite part of the day is "playing with the beans." She also likes snack time because she gets to have juice. At home, it's water. Sometimes with a splash of juice, but usually just plain water. I think she's still unsure if it's okay for her to drink this tasty stuff because both times I've picked her up she has said to me, "Mom, can I have grape juice? Does it have milk in it?" It's almost like she thinks it's too good to be true! My poor sheltered child. ;)
And while I am proud that my Emma is independent, I will always remember picking her up that first day. As the door opened for the parents to come in, I could see Emma's eyes eagerly looking for me, as if for a second she was worried I wouldn't come. When she finally saw me, she came running, and we hugged tight.
What a relief for both of us to remember that she will always be my baby.
Monday, August 25, 2008
My Poor Second Child
I haven't written Kendall a letter since her very first one at 10 weeks, and I feel horrible. I just kept putting it off because I didn't want to throw it together, but now she's 10 months old.
So I will be writing a letter soon -- before the big 1 year letter -- but I wanted to get some things down before they are replaced with new cute memories. So here is a VERY random list of some things Kendall...
Thursday, August 14, 2008
She's "Free"
To My Emma Girl,
Wow, you are "free" years old today. I can hardly believe it! Before my very eyes, you have transformed into this little person, full of life and personality. You manage to keep me young while still giving me many, many gray hairs.
Let's start with you your unlimited amount of energy. Anyone who knows you will not argue the fact that you are ALWAYS on the go and ALWAYS running at top speed. The term "slow down" has somehow missed your vast vocabulary, even though I say it a million times a day. You are extremely physical and love anything that has to do with moving – dancing, kicking, running in circles. One of your favorite things to do lately is perform a little dance for our family with the music from Kendall's Gym-tastics tunnel. The best part of your performance is definitely the finale, in which you always have a new pose.
You also are fascinated with golf. Dancing I can relate to, but golf, well, you lost me. That is definitely more of a Daddy thing. The two of you like to go outside while Daddy hits his golf balls. You even like to watch it on TV and can recognize Tiger Woods. This explains your birthday gift from Daddy. He is convinced this passion indicates something about your future, but we'll see. For now, I just like the way you look in a visor. ;)
Your energy, of course, often gets you in trouble. You love your little sister so much that you often forget to be "gentle" – another word you hear very often. Your Kendall hugs overflow with love, but often end up in a tackle. Luckily,your sister doesn't care (most of the time). Her face lights up and her legs kick every time she sees you. No one can make her giggle like you, and I can tell she is already trying to keep up with you. This scares Mommy more than a little, but I know the two of you will be great playmates. Kendall has a lot to look up to.
You do play hard, but thankfully that means you also sleep hard. I often joke that you are either "on" or "off." You still take a great 2-hour nap for me every day and sleep about 10-11 hours a night (usually). Mommy truly thanks you for this because after a long day of non-stop go, go, go, I need a break too!
As of the last month, you sleep in a big girl bed and are doing great. Unless you have to go potty – or if someone fun like Auntie Jenni is over – you stay put until morning. You are still an early riser – 6 am – which I'm not so crazy about. I am still hoping we can somehow push that to 6:30am this next year!
You still love to sleep with Smooshy and your binkie and blanket, but you are just about to give up your binkie. For months we have discussed how when you turn three, you longer need it at night. We will be sending your binkies to Dr. Rojas so that a new baby can use them. You seem okay with the theory, but we'll see how this actually goes tomorrow.
Diapers are a thing of the past. You have been "potty trained" for the last year, but with the birth of Kendall and other developmental milestones, we have had our setbacks. But you are now fully trained and only wear undies, both at naptime and at night. Even at 3am, you let me know if you have to go potty and quickly go back to bed. I can't believe how well you have adjusted.
Your active spirit also likes to be fed. You love to eat! You have a full meal every time you sit down and usually eat every last bite. Your favorites are turkey hotdogs, rice noodles, avocado, canned green beans, and spaghetti and turkey meatballs (with sauce of course)! And fruit of ANY kind – blueberries, bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew, "applepines" – you name it, you eat it. We still haven't done dairy yet, but you have had some soy yogurt and rice ice cream – and pizza without cheese. We have noticed that "red" food like tomatoes and strawberries do make you break out around your mouth a little bit, so we limit those as well. Mommy is still hoping you grow out of all of this within the next year so you can enjoy some of the fun things in life like cheese and milk chocolate! For now you enjoy your "special cupcakes" and "special cookies" and really don't know any different.
You have a zest for learning and retain most of what you are told. Your favorite book right now is a Winnie the Pooh Animals encyclopedia your Uncle Johnny bought you. It's not quite the relaxing nighttime book I'd like to read, but it is the one you choose every night. You know that a baby Kangaroo is called a joey and that spiders have oil on their feet to keep them from sticking to their webs. I admit that Mommy has also learned a lot these past 2 months. In fact, you often correct Daddy and me if we forget a word or misread something.
Your vocabulary amazes me. I can hold real conversations with you, and I often forget how old you really are. The things that come out of your mouth are so grown up. Like the other day when you were leaving for Grammie's and said, "Call me if you need me. Okay, Mommy?" Or last week at the park when you told me, "I can handle it," when I attempted to help you climb up the "big kids'" ladder. You also have no problem reminding me when I'm not using "nice words" or when I am being crabby. We have already gotten in a few "No you're not/ Yes I am!" fights that have me very worried about your teenage years.
You are extremely passionate, which makes discipline hard, but we are working through it. Right now you are learning how to deal with your emotions. "I am angry of this!" comes out of your mouth a lot, complete with a scrunched up nose and sometimes a stomp or pound on the ground. Mommy tries to keep a straight face most of the time while we talk about what has made you so mad. Usually it's because you aren't able to do what you want. And trust me, you know EXACTLY what you want – and what you don't!
Independence has always been one of your strongest personality traits, and I have learned to just let you figure things out for yourself, no matter how much I want to help. Whether it's figuring out puzzles or washing your hands, "I can do it, Mommy" is always at the tip of your tongue. So I let you do it until you ask for help or get frustrated. I just pray that you know I am always here to help you, and that it is okay to ask for help once in a while. It is a lesson I only recently learned myself.
Your tough exterior only makes your loving heart that much sweeter. You love with such intensity that those of us that get to receive it can't help but feel special. Your kisses and hugs are truly a blessing to our hearts.
You have been through a lot this past year, and I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am of how you've handled it all. In addition to all of the changes that come along with being 2 years old, you also had to deal with Mommy's unplanned hospital stay and a new baby in the house.
We also moved you into Grandma and Grandpa's house, which you have handled extremely well. You love having your family around you all the time. I actually think you are going to be bored once our new house is built. As you often say to me during the day, "Where are all my friends?"
Emma, today you are "free," which is fitting in so many ways. My free-spirited little bunny that will forever keep me on toes. You do make me crazy a lot of the time, but you also make me smile and laugh more than anyone else can. You teach me patience; you teach me to relax; and most importantly, you teach me to rely on God. For He created you, and only He knows the plans He has for you. I just get the honor of trying to help you become the woman He intends. So far, I am more than proud of who you are and can't wait to see what the next few years hold for you.
I love you, Punky. Happy 3rd Birthday!
Wow, you are "free" years old today. I can hardly believe it! Before my very eyes, you have transformed into this little person, full of life and personality. You manage to keep me young while still giving me many, many gray hairs.
Let's start with you your unlimited amount of energy. Anyone who knows you will not argue the fact that you are ALWAYS on the go and ALWAYS running at top speed. The term "slow down" has somehow missed your vast vocabulary, even though I say it a million times a day. You are extremely physical and love anything that has to do with moving – dancing, kicking, running in circles. One of your favorite things to do lately is perform a little dance for our family with the music from Kendall's Gym-tastics tunnel. The best part of your performance is definitely the finale, in which you always have a new pose.
You also are fascinated with golf. Dancing I can relate to, but golf, well, you lost me. That is definitely more of a Daddy thing. The two of you like to go outside while Daddy hits his golf balls. You even like to watch it on TV and can recognize Tiger Woods. This explains your birthday gift from Daddy. He is convinced this passion indicates something about your future, but we'll see. For now, I just like the way you look in a visor. ;)
Your energy, of course, often gets you in trouble. You love your little sister so much that you often forget to be "gentle" – another word you hear very often. Your Kendall hugs overflow with love, but often end up in a tackle. Luckily,your sister doesn't care (most of the time). Her face lights up and her legs kick every time she sees you. No one can make her giggle like you, and I can tell she is already trying to keep up with you. This scares Mommy more than a little, but I know the two of you will be great playmates. Kendall has a lot to look up to.
You do play hard, but thankfully that means you also sleep hard. I often joke that you are either "on" or "off." You still take a great 2-hour nap for me every day and sleep about 10-11 hours a night (usually). Mommy truly thanks you for this because after a long day of non-stop go, go, go, I need a break too!
As of the last month, you sleep in a big girl bed and are doing great. Unless you have to go potty – or if someone fun like Auntie Jenni is over – you stay put until morning. You are still an early riser – 6 am – which I'm not so crazy about. I am still hoping we can somehow push that to 6:30am this next year!
You still love to sleep with Smooshy and your binkie and blanket, but you are just about to give up your binkie. For months we have discussed how when you turn three, you longer need it at night. We will be sending your binkies to Dr. Rojas so that a new baby can use them. You seem okay with the theory, but we'll see how this actually goes tomorrow.
Diapers are a thing of the past. You have been "potty trained" for the last year, but with the birth of Kendall and other developmental milestones, we have had our setbacks. But you are now fully trained and only wear undies, both at naptime and at night. Even at 3am, you let me know if you have to go potty and quickly go back to bed. I can't believe how well you have adjusted.
Your active spirit also likes to be fed. You love to eat! You have a full meal every time you sit down and usually eat every last bite. Your favorites are turkey hotdogs, rice noodles, avocado, canned green beans, and spaghetti and turkey meatballs (with sauce of course)! And fruit of ANY kind – blueberries, bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew, "applepines" – you name it, you eat it. We still haven't done dairy yet, but you have had some soy yogurt and rice ice cream – and pizza without cheese. We have noticed that "red" food like tomatoes and strawberries do make you break out around your mouth a little bit, so we limit those as well. Mommy is still hoping you grow out of all of this within the next year so you can enjoy some of the fun things in life like cheese and milk chocolate! For now you enjoy your "special cupcakes" and "special cookies" and really don't know any different.
You have a zest for learning and retain most of what you are told. Your favorite book right now is a Winnie the Pooh Animals encyclopedia your Uncle Johnny bought you. It's not quite the relaxing nighttime book I'd like to read, but it is the one you choose every night. You know that a baby Kangaroo is called a joey and that spiders have oil on their feet to keep them from sticking to their webs. I admit that Mommy has also learned a lot these past 2 months. In fact, you often correct Daddy and me if we forget a word or misread something.
Your vocabulary amazes me. I can hold real conversations with you, and I often forget how old you really are. The things that come out of your mouth are so grown up. Like the other day when you were leaving for Grammie's and said, "Call me if you need me. Okay, Mommy?" Or last week at the park when you told me, "I can handle it," when I attempted to help you climb up the "big kids'" ladder. You also have no problem reminding me when I'm not using "nice words" or when I am being crabby. We have already gotten in a few "No you're not/ Yes I am!" fights that have me very worried about your teenage years.
You are extremely passionate, which makes discipline hard, but we are working through it. Right now you are learning how to deal with your emotions. "I am angry of this!" comes out of your mouth a lot, complete with a scrunched up nose and sometimes a stomp or pound on the ground. Mommy tries to keep a straight face most of the time while we talk about what has made you so mad. Usually it's because you aren't able to do what you want. And trust me, you know EXACTLY what you want – and what you don't!
Independence has always been one of your strongest personality traits, and I have learned to just let you figure things out for yourself, no matter how much I want to help. Whether it's figuring out puzzles or washing your hands, "I can do it, Mommy" is always at the tip of your tongue. So I let you do it until you ask for help or get frustrated. I just pray that you know I am always here to help you, and that it is okay to ask for help once in a while. It is a lesson I only recently learned myself.
Your tough exterior only makes your loving heart that much sweeter. You love with such intensity that those of us that get to receive it can't help but feel special. Your kisses and hugs are truly a blessing to our hearts.
You have been through a lot this past year, and I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am of how you've handled it all. In addition to all of the changes that come along with being 2 years old, you also had to deal with Mommy's unplanned hospital stay and a new baby in the house.
We also moved you into Grandma and Grandpa's house, which you have handled extremely well. You love having your family around you all the time. I actually think you are going to be bored once our new house is built. As you often say to me during the day, "Where are all my friends?"
Emma, today you are "free," which is fitting in so many ways. My free-spirited little bunny that will forever keep me on toes. You do make me crazy a lot of the time, but you also make me smile and laugh more than anyone else can. You teach me patience; you teach me to relax; and most importantly, you teach me to rely on God. For He created you, and only He knows the plans He has for you. I just get the honor of trying to help you become the woman He intends. So far, I am more than proud of who you are and can't wait to see what the next few years hold for you.
I love you, Punky. Happy 3rd Birthday!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Mommy Needs a New Blog
As you can see, this blog looks a bit, well, B.L.A.H!!!! I have wanted something new for so long, but don't know where to start. Plus I'm too cheap to have someone do it for me.
So when this contest at Ruby and Roja was brought to my attention by the lovely Stephanie, I was all over it.
Here's hoping!
So when this contest at Ruby and Roja was brought to my attention by the lovely Stephanie, I was all over it.
Here's hoping!
Friday, August 08, 2008
Fashion Friday: Matchy Matchy
I don't do it often, but once in a while, you need to have a matching outfit or two.
Don't they both look so serious and relaxed?! A rare moment indeed.
Don't they both look so serious and relaxed?! A rare moment indeed.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
She's Walking
At 9 months, Kendall is walking. Not sleeping, but walking.
God sure has a great sense of humor sometimes...
God sure has a great sense of humor sometimes...
Friday, August 01, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Even Faster
Kendall took 3 steps today, and I am sitting here looking at Emma's school supply list for the Fall.
Where are my babies????!!!!
Where are my babies????!!!!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Fashion Friday: Total Sweetness
I know this outfit isn't all that "fashion-forward," but it absolutely screams Kendall to me. I know she's only 9-months-old, but I can already tell she's going to be my "girlie-girl." I am not a pink, bows, and ruffles kind of mom, but for some reason, I am finding myself a little more willing to go in that direction for Kendall. She's just such a sweetheart and so sensitive, that the frilly, girlie stuff just seems to fit her.
Emma, on the other hand, is my busy little "Tom boy." She is active gear all the way. Dresses that are "flirty" are okay, but anything else feels silly. Of course, she still dons the occasional princess dress during playtime, but as far as her everyday "style" goes, we keep it simple and a little more trendy.
I'm interested to see if I'm on target once they start revealing their own styles. I'm hoping that if they stick to what I've started, maybe they'll be less fighting in the teenage years over clothes...
Yeah right.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Too Big, Too Fast
It didn't take long after Emma was born for me to understand what I kept hearing from every parent I knew: "It goes by way too fast."
Now, with two kids, I feel like time is seriously flying by. My girls are growing way too fast before my eyes. I'm afraid to blink.
Kendall is somehow already 9 months old, is crawling like crazy, and standing on her own for long periods of time. She has two teeth, with more are on the way.
Emma is in a big girl bed and will be turning 3 in just a few weeks. I don't think I'm ready for that.
I'm trying so hard to soak in the moments, but I admit they often get clouded by lack of sleep and toddler tantrums. Still, when they both look up with me with those blue eyes, I am overwhelmed with gratitude that I get to spend my days with these two little girls.
Now, with two kids, I feel like time is seriously flying by. My girls are growing way too fast before my eyes. I'm afraid to blink.
Kendall is somehow already 9 months old, is crawling like crazy, and standing on her own for long periods of time. She has two teeth, with more are on the way.
Emma is in a big girl bed and will be turning 3 in just a few weeks. I don't think I'm ready for that.
I'm trying so hard to soak in the moments, but I admit they often get clouded by lack of sleep and toddler tantrums. Still, when they both look up with me with those blue eyes, I am overwhelmed with gratitude that I get to spend my days with these two little girls.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Let's Talk About It: Tithing
Daddy is working at our home desk, and Emma is sitting beside him, also "working." As she uses a big girl pen and scribbles on her play checks, I ask her: "Who are you writing a check to, Emma?"
Her response: "My friend, Jesus."
Funny how her innocence is starting to sound more and more like wisdom.
Her response: "My friend, Jesus."
Funny how her innocence is starting to sound more and more like wisdom.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Flashback Fashion Friday: Young Love
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Let's Talk About It: Manners
Emma is pretty good at the whole manners thing. Saying "thank you" and "please" come fairly naturally to her (most of the time). She is also known to say sweet things like, "I'm glad you are my Mommy," and "Grandma, you look especially beautiful today."
However, she really hit the mark yesterday with her Daddy. After dinner, he was clearing off the table, and Emma says to him:
"Daddy, would you like a beer?"
Nice.
Even better? She then goes outside to the cooler and gets him one. I swear the pride was oozing out of his ears.
Then she got mad when Grandpa didn't want one. How rude that he would turn down her nice request! Jeff, on the other hand, was more than willing to accept and drink his beer, all for the sake (cough, cough) of his little girl.
Now we know where those good manners come from...
However, she really hit the mark yesterday with her Daddy. After dinner, he was clearing off the table, and Emma says to him:
"Daddy, would you like a beer?"
Nice.
Even better? She then goes outside to the cooler and gets him one. I swear the pride was oozing out of his ears.
Then she got mad when Grandpa didn't want one. How rude that he would turn down her nice request! Jeff, on the other hand, was more than willing to accept and drink his beer, all for the sake (cough, cough) of his little girl.
Now we know where those good manners come from...
Monday, June 30, 2008
The Best Part of Me
I wake up this morning exhausted. Another bad night with Kendall. 2 hours of sleep isn't enough. I have no patience, yet I have a full day ahead of me with two small children. I want to sleep. I want to escape.
But I can't. And really, I don't want to. These two precious girls are mine. I don't want anyone else to take care of them.
Most of the time, being a mom overwhelms me. Like my friend Jana wrote so beautifully here, I often wonder if I'm cut out for this mom thing. Did I make the right decision by quitting my career? I was much better at that.
I worry. All the time. My girls consume my every thought, my every move. They come first.
Not just because that's "my job" now, but because it comes naturally. For some reason, we mothers are built that way. We are built to sacrifice everything for our children. No matter how much we long to be selfish, most of the time, we can't. It is in us to give. And give. And give.
I admit that often makes me frustrated. Frustrated that I can't just let stuff go and be me first. Frustrated that my dear husband -- and honestly, all men -- do not have this problem. Not because they are insensitive, but because that is how they are built.
During my devotion time today, I come across this verse:
"It is true that he was weak when he was killed on the cross, but he lives now by God's power. It is true that we are weak in Christ, but for you, we will be alive in Christ by God's power." 2 Corinthians 13:4
God is so powerful, that he gave up His power. He became weak. For me, for you, for all of us. He sacrificed Himself so that we might know and experience His love.
And then it occurred to me: Isn't that what we moms do? We sacrifice ourselves so that our children may know and feel our love. Not only because it is "our job," but because there is literally something inside of us that makes us this way.
That frustrating part of us that wakes upon the smallest cry from our child, and now we can't fall back asleep. That part of us that for some unexplainable reason, misses an exhausting toddler only 30 minutes after she has fallen asleep. That part of us that needs a break so badly, yet finds the energy, the patience, and the love to make it through the day. Every day.
That part of us? That's God love. Unconditional and ever-giving. A characteristic planted in mothers by Him to give us just a glimpse of what His love is like.
Yeah, I'll take that over me any day.
But I can't. And really, I don't want to. These two precious girls are mine. I don't want anyone else to take care of them.
Most of the time, being a mom overwhelms me. Like my friend Jana wrote so beautifully here, I often wonder if I'm cut out for this mom thing. Did I make the right decision by quitting my career? I was much better at that.
I worry. All the time. My girls consume my every thought, my every move. They come first.
Not just because that's "my job" now, but because it comes naturally. For some reason, we mothers are built that way. We are built to sacrifice everything for our children. No matter how much we long to be selfish, most of the time, we can't. It is in us to give. And give. And give.
I admit that often makes me frustrated. Frustrated that I can't just let stuff go and be me first. Frustrated that my dear husband -- and honestly, all men -- do not have this problem. Not because they are insensitive, but because that is how they are built.
During my devotion time today, I come across this verse:
"It is true that he was weak when he was killed on the cross, but he lives now by God's power. It is true that we are weak in Christ, but for you, we will be alive in Christ by God's power." 2 Corinthians 13:4
God is so powerful, that he gave up His power. He became weak. For me, for you, for all of us. He sacrificed Himself so that we might know and experience His love.
And then it occurred to me: Isn't that what we moms do? We sacrifice ourselves so that our children may know and feel our love. Not only because it is "our job," but because there is literally something inside of us that makes us this way.
That frustrating part of us that wakes upon the smallest cry from our child, and now we can't fall back asleep. That part of us that for some unexplainable reason, misses an exhausting toddler only 30 minutes after she has fallen asleep. That part of us that needs a break so badly, yet finds the energy, the patience, and the love to make it through the day. Every day.
That part of us? That's God love. Unconditional and ever-giving. A characteristic planted in mothers by Him to give us just a glimpse of what His love is like.
Yeah, I'll take that over me any day.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Let's Talk About It: Bible Stories
Emma is loving this whole living with Grandma thing, especially their special morning time when Grandma reads her Bible stories. She has known a few of the basic stories for a while now, but these morning "devotions" seem to really be sticking. Even the smallest details.
Here is what I overheard today during a "shopping trip" with Baby...
Emma: "Come on, Baby, let's go to the birthplace. We can go pay our taxes!"
The only thing missing? A baby Tigger in her belly of course!
Here is what I overheard today during a "shopping trip" with Baby...
Emma: "Come on, Baby, let's go to the birthplace. We can go pay our taxes!"
The only thing missing? A baby Tigger in her belly of course!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Fashion Friday: Double Take
This outfit is one of my favorites. I'm so glad I got to use it twice! I actually found it at a gently-used resale shop when Emma was Kendall's age. If you ask me, they both look adorable in it! Not that I'm biased or anything.
**Emma's in the hat; Kendall is the baldie!**
**Emma's in the hat; Kendall is the baldie!**
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Let's Talk About It: No Glory
Mommy: Ma-ma, Ma-ma
Kendall: Da-da, Da-da
Mommy: Ma-ma, Ma-ma
Kendall: Ba-ba, Ba-ba
Yup. That's about right.
Kendall: Da-da, Da-da
Mommy: Ma-ma, Ma-ma
Kendall: Ba-ba, Ba-ba
Yup. That's about right.
Friday, June 13, 2008
First Tooth!
I just felt Miss Kendall's first tooth popping through. That makes me feel a little better about the total lack of sleep from last night (and the last week for that matter). Now I 'm just hoping we have a few nights off before tooth #2 shows up!
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