There may be nothing scarier than a man's voice (and kid's screams) on the answering machine, saying, "I have your children"...unless that man is your wonderful husband who has whisked your children out of the house(after letting you sleep in) so you can enjoy a morning of peace!
And, it's not even the weekend!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Here are a few things Josiah has been saying lately:
"The 'Burger King' (hurricane) is coming!"
"Hello, Jesus." (During singing, he heard Chris say, "Hallelujah, Jesus.")
"Ohhh...he's hitting and kicking me! He needs a time-out!" (His response to Elwin's flailing when he gets too close)
"I don't like your noises, Elwin!"
"Just great...not this again!" (In response to Elwin crying in the car)
"People don't love us, Mommy. But the people at church love us." (After a morning of errands and incredibly rude sales people)
"Look at the BIG sausages!" (referring to the ostriches at the zoo)
"Oh no! I'm getting water in my blue eyes!"
"Um...something stinks in here." (Just before or after he has had a potty accident)
"You've got to keep your pants dry!" (A response to someone passing gas)
"I didn't like your birthday, mommy. It was yucky." (He was not a fan of the red velvet birthday cake!)
"Last year..." (referring to anything in the past tense)
I wish I had time daily to write all of the funny things! These are just a few that stand out from the past few weeks.
I am so thankful for the cuteness and humour to get us through some of the challenges of this phase!
"The 'Burger King' (hurricane) is coming!"
"Hello, Jesus." (During singing, he heard Chris say, "Hallelujah, Jesus.")
"Ohhh...he's hitting and kicking me! He needs a time-out!" (His response to Elwin's flailing when he gets too close)
"I don't like your noises, Elwin!"
"Just great...not this again!" (In response to Elwin crying in the car)
"People don't love us, Mommy. But the people at church love us." (After a morning of errands and incredibly rude sales people)
"Look at the BIG sausages!" (referring to the ostriches at the zoo)
"Oh no! I'm getting water in my blue eyes!"
"Um...something stinks in here." (Just before or after he has had a potty accident)
"You've got to keep your pants dry!" (A response to someone passing gas)
"I didn't like your birthday, mommy. It was yucky." (He was not a fan of the red velvet birthday cake!)
"Last year..." (referring to anything in the past tense)
I wish I had time daily to write all of the funny things! These are just a few that stand out from the past few weeks.
I am so thankful for the cuteness and humour to get us through some of the challenges of this phase!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Namesake
A lot of people have asked me about Elwin's name, so I thought I would share where it comes from.
It's an old name, and means 'noble friend' or 'friend to everyone.'
It was my step-grandfather's name, which is why it is so special to me.
Elwin was the only grandfather I really had. He was only in my life for a little over ten years before he passed away, but during that time he made a huge impact. He was a Christian, and I think one of the first examples I knew of unconditional love. He was a man of faith and integrity. Always smiling, he loved to see anyone who came to visit. His gentle and authentic spirit made it comfortable to be around him. Elwin was a very encouraging and accepting person. He was also a loon with a crazy sense of humour, and he loved to laugh. His eyes sparkled with a glint that always made me wonder what he was up to.
I wish that he could be here today. He would have loved my boys as much as he loved me. I wish he could see baby Elwin, and know the honour of having a namesake. Hopefully they will meet someday.
For a while after we had picked the name, I thought it might be strange, especially when I pictured myself correcting or disciplining baby Elwin. But when he was born, and finally opened his eyes, they sparkled, and I knew that Elwin was the perfect name for this beautiful new soul.
It's an old name, and means 'noble friend' or 'friend to everyone.'
It was my step-grandfather's name, which is why it is so special to me.
Elwin was the only grandfather I really had. He was only in my life for a little over ten years before he passed away, but during that time he made a huge impact. He was a Christian, and I think one of the first examples I knew of unconditional love. He was a man of faith and integrity. Always smiling, he loved to see anyone who came to visit. His gentle and authentic spirit made it comfortable to be around him. Elwin was a very encouraging and accepting person. He was also a loon with a crazy sense of humour, and he loved to laugh. His eyes sparkled with a glint that always made me wonder what he was up to.
I wish that he could be here today. He would have loved my boys as much as he loved me. I wish he could see baby Elwin, and know the honour of having a namesake. Hopefully they will meet someday.
For a while after we had picked the name, I thought it might be strange, especially when I pictured myself correcting or disciplining baby Elwin. But when he was born, and finally opened his eyes, they sparkled, and I knew that Elwin was the perfect name for this beautiful new soul.
Friday, August 19, 2011
I can't believe how much my baby is growing! Seven weeks old already, and he has just gotten through a major growth spurt.
Here are a few family pictures from the past couple of weeks:
We've been seeing lots of smiles, and hearing laughs and gurgles from Elwin this week. These are much needed after crazy days trying to manage two kids! Sometimes I don't think I will ever be able to pull this off, but I see other people doing it, so it must happen eventually!
Here are a few family pictures from the past couple of weeks:
We've been seeing lots of smiles, and hearing laughs and gurgles from Elwin this week. These are much needed after crazy days trying to manage two kids! Sometimes I don't think I will ever be able to pull this off, but I see other people doing it, so it must happen eventually!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Anniversary
Eleven years ago today, I married my best friend. Here are some of my favorite photos from that day:
We were so young (well, I was anyway!). I was a day shy of turning twenty-three, and Chris was twenty-seven. I don't think either of us knew what we were getting into! I don't think anybody really does because we never know what we will have to face together.
It is so much more work than I ever imagined. We have had our share of highs and lows throughout this time. Some challenges have been quickly resolved, some turned into jokes when enough time has passed, and others seem to linger longer than hoped for.
But looking back on these pictures, and our last eleven years as a family, I am so thankful.
I have had the privilege of growing older with someone who...
...is easy on me when I am too harsh, and challenges me when I need it.
...likes to have fun and brings out the adventurous side of me.
...is a strong communicator when I'd rather avoid issues.
...let's me have my space to avoid things for a little while when I need that.
...tells me the truth, even when it hurts.
...has proven himself to be trustworthy (to someone with a few trust issues).
...gives lavish compliments, even when I'm not feeling it (like after giving birth!).
...gives the best hugs in the world.
...struggles in his faith. It's so honest, and he says what most people feel/have felt but don't have the courage to think about or express.
...loves his family more than anything.
...makes mistakes and readily apologizes.
...encourages me to explore areas of interest that I tend to give up on.
...gives me breaks from being a mom when I need them the most.
...checks on his boys every night before bed.
...is an amazing dad, and works hard to be someone they will grow to trust and have an intimate relationship with.
...deserves way more compliments than I could list here.
"A good marriage is the union of two forgivers."
-Ruth Graham-
We were so young (well, I was anyway!). I was a day shy of turning twenty-three, and Chris was twenty-seven. I don't think either of us knew what we were getting into! I don't think anybody really does because we never know what we will have to face together.
It is so much more work than I ever imagined. We have had our share of highs and lows throughout this time. Some challenges have been quickly resolved, some turned into jokes when enough time has passed, and others seem to linger longer than hoped for.
But looking back on these pictures, and our last eleven years as a family, I am so thankful.
I have had the privilege of growing older with someone who...
...is easy on me when I am too harsh, and challenges me when I need it.
...likes to have fun and brings out the adventurous side of me.
...is a strong communicator when I'd rather avoid issues.
...let's me have my space to avoid things for a little while when I need that.
...tells me the truth, even when it hurts.
...has proven himself to be trustworthy (to someone with a few trust issues).
...gives lavish compliments, even when I'm not feeling it (like after giving birth!).
...gives the best hugs in the world.
...struggles in his faith. It's so honest, and he says what most people feel/have felt but don't have the courage to think about or express.
...loves his family more than anything.
...makes mistakes and readily apologizes.
...encourages me to explore areas of interest that I tend to give up on.
...gives me breaks from being a mom when I need them the most.
...checks on his boys every night before bed.
...is an amazing dad, and works hard to be someone they will grow to trust and have an intimate relationship with.
...deserves way more compliments than I could list here.
"A good marriage is the union of two forgivers."
-Ruth Graham-
Thursday, August 11, 2011
It's very quiet here. I didn't have to make supper or clean up tonight. I slept in the middle of the afternoon. My toddler is on vacation with my mom!
He'll be gone for a few days having some fun of his own, which has left us with a rather empty feeling house. Elwin is still here, but babies seem easy to me now compared to two-year-olds, even with the sleep deprivation.
After they left, I started to frantically clean my house. Then I stopped, and reminded myself that I could clean for the next few days straight, have everything perfect, and it's just going to get messy again. So, I gave up and decided to nap, and spend some quality time with my baby boy.
It's so great to feel relaxed, and not have to meet so many needs all at once. I really miss the quiet times, and having a flexible schedule.
But I do miss Josiah like crazy. I called him tonight, and he said, "You miss me, Mommy, and I miss you too." It made me want to bring him home...almost!
He'll be gone for a few days having some fun of his own, which has left us with a rather empty feeling house. Elwin is still here, but babies seem easy to me now compared to two-year-olds, even with the sleep deprivation.
After they left, I started to frantically clean my house. Then I stopped, and reminded myself that I could clean for the next few days straight, have everything perfect, and it's just going to get messy again. So, I gave up and decided to nap, and spend some quality time with my baby boy.
It's so great to feel relaxed, and not have to meet so many needs all at once. I really miss the quiet times, and having a flexible schedule.
But I do miss Josiah like crazy. I called him tonight, and he said, "You miss me, Mommy, and I miss you too." It made me want to bring him home...almost!
Monday, August 8, 2011
We've made it...it'll be six weeks tomorrow since we welcomed Elwin into our family. Somehow I thought if I could only make it to six weeks, then things would be a little better.
Here are some of the things happening in our world:
- Tomorrow, I can drive again!! Oh how I have missed my independence!
- Tomorrow, I am driving somewhere. I'm not sure where yet, but I know I'll be going alone.
- Some days I feel so much better, and others I still struggle with pain and pulling, and most of all exhaustion.
- My heart has been palpitating some, and I've had more pain. I think this is connected to the lack of sleep, and to the stress of trying to manage both boys on my own while Chris is at work.
- A friend told me that we would find a new normal once we were by ourselves, and we are slowly starting to figure things out.
- I love Elwin and can't imagine life without him, but I miss the old days too...can't wait until we can all hop in the car and do something fun again.
- I missed church this week, because I just couldn't seem to get everything/everyone together on time. It is so hard to get everyone washed, dressed, fed, dressed again, fed again, and packed. Somewhere in there, I just gave up!
- I got a pedicure and a new hair cut. Everything else is feeling pretty awful so I thought it would feel good to have something look nice again.
- I am turning 34 this week, and I'm not sure how I feel about it...I haven't had much time to think about it.
- Josiah is adjusting well and some of the behaviours are easing. I think he is still feeling a bit sad, and trying to figure things out. And he doesn't like it when Elwin touches him!
- Josiah will be turning three in a few weeks. How does this happen so quickly?! I am finding myself contemplating some parenting issues lately, and I want to be deliberate in my role as a mother. It is so easy to let things coast, and just try to make it through. But this little boy is learning lots about life right now, and I want to make the most of each day instead of wishing the time away. What an overwhelming task!
- Potty training for Josiah is slowly returning. I think we will break the record for longest time ever taken to train a toddler!
- Elwin is growing well! I think he is in another growth spurt because he is feeding like crazy! I think his immature stomach valve is improving, but nursing continues to be a struggle for both of us.
- Elwin is much more alert, and smiling a lot! He has a very sweet little temperament. He loves the swing, and snuggling best of all. He also enjoys baths if the temperature is just right. His sleeping patterns are improving. Last night, he slept from 11:30 pm until 5:00 this morning! Tonight is not looking this good so far!
- Unlike Josiah, Elwin is not a fan of the car, or his car seat. He screams loudly almost the entire time, until it sounds like he's going to stop breathing. We have to stop a lot to calm him down. Road trips will be fun!
- Chris says his back is getting better...
- This week, Josiah is going away with my mom for a few days. I am looking forward to this mini-vacation for him and me! I hope he has fun away from this 'newborn' house! And we are looking forward to catching up on some sleep (and shopping- maybe that's just me!).
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