Mushy Monday - Circles of Life

I'm not quite sure where to begin this post. Trying to think where to start has already made me cry. Oh pregnancy hormones. I'll start with what sparked me wanting to write this. The boys and I were dancing in the family room, yet again. And the song, "I want to hold your hand" came on. So we're dancing. I had Silas in my arms and Tommy dancing close by my feet - spinning in circles. And I remembered singing a line of that to my Papaw Daimon many many times. I honestly don't remember when I started singing it to him but I know I sang it a lot after he was in the nursing home. I would like to sit by him and hold his hand and I would sing, "I want to hold your haaaand, I want to hold your hand." And he would usually sing it/say it back to me. That is a precious and dear memory to my heart. So I told the boys as we danced - mommy used to sing this with your Papaw Daimon. These baby boys are already spoiled rotten, I can only imagine how crazy Papaw would have been about them. Granny Jane will say stuff like that a lot - I wish Papaw could see them, he would be so proud, and then she always says but I know he can from heaven. I thought it was pretty great to think about how the song had come full circle and we were making some new sweet memories dancing to it and I liked that it gave me an opportunity to tell them about Papaw Daimon - even if they won't remember it right now.

I love how things like that can take us back to memories and cherished time with our family.

I also want to remember a few things from this past week or so. March 19th, Silas pulled up to standing! He isn't doing it a lot, but he wants to so bad. He's trying to pull up on everything but doesn't quite have the balance. He also has started shaking his head no - he doesn't do it to really say no but it's really funny. He knows the sign "more" and we think he knows "eat" and "all done" - which is kind of crazy b/c we haven't really been trying to teach him. March 21st was World Down Syndrome day and was a sweet and fun day just to be thankful and celebrate people who have a third copy of the 21st chromosome - hence the date 3/21. Silas also turned 10 months old on 3/21, and I FELT THE BABY MOVE! HIP HIP HOORAY! I love it! It was bittersweet thinking this might be the last time I feel my baby's first movement. I am feeling, thinking, and praying about us making this baby the last we have by birth, hopefully to adopt some time in the future. Clearly the Lord may have other plans so I guess we'll go with His! Haha! It's just harder being pregnant with more kids, I want time of not being pregnant or always having a new, sweet baby while they're little, I feel like three and some day four is the amount of attention my mind could focus on and that seem to be the max. I don't want to be spread so thin I can't enjoy and invest in them the way the Lord commands us to and the way I want to.

Tommy and Silas have been playing so much together. They are so sweet. It is however a constant battle trying to teach Tommy not to take E V E R Y toy from Silas. It's driving me a little bonkers, not gonna lie. It's one of those things that it's impossible to police all the time - I can't wash dishes or go down the hall way without hearing Silas cry and coming back to find Tommy standing over him with the toy that was in Silas' hands when I left the room. Sheesh la weesh. Hopefully with time it will get better. If not Tommy's moving out. Haha! NEVER! My boys will always want to live with their mom. Wait, no I don't want creepy mom loving adult men. I want responsible, Godly, wanting to live in the same neighborhood, who cherish and appreciate and love their mom men. :)

By the way may I encourage you to write your spouse a love note this week?! Thank you b/c I'm going to anyway. Make it short, make it long, write it however you want. Just take the time to give them something tangible to see that you appreciate and love them. Encourage them with your words and be sincere don't just try to be romantic. Something that I would write to Kyle may not seem romantic to others but could have deep significance in our relationship - like Kyle bringing me home a bite size candy bar or snack size bag of skittles. That's romance to me baby - one of my favorite forms! I just think love notes are nice, for me it's easier to write out mushy things then to say them and I know I have Kyle's focused attention, as opposed to when I'm talking and there's other things going on or he's not in a serious mood and starts joking around (which I've totally done too.) It also makes you, the writer, slow down and really think about the things that person does that you love, admire, and appreciate. It's nice. It's encouraging. Pray for them too before you write it.

I hate autocorrect!

I apologize for not rereading my posts before I post them! Sheesh! I am thankful for help with misspelled words but using the word Illinois over million - really?! I'm tempted to go back and change them. But I don't really have time for that. Sorry I'll try to do better. It drives me crazy. The end.

Mushy Monday - Milestones

Somebody has been overachieving this month. And his name is Silas! He can now sit himself up, crawl on his hands and knees, pull up to his knees and trying to pull to stand, plays peek-a-boo, and has added bye bye to the sounds he can make. Way to go buddy! I was riled when he figured out how to sit himself up! He had been getting so mad every time he'd fall from the sitting position to his belly. Then on my sisters' birthday, March 6th, he got up on all fours and accidentally sat back on his bottom! Then the next day he didn't do it all until the evening, and then he had it figured out.  It was this that led to him figuring out ow to really crawl too! He just accidentally did it a few times and it was a slower progression the the sitting. It took a couple of days to get into the full swing of it but now he's got it down. However his belly crawl is at super speed so he does still do that when he's in a hurry!

The other night I put the boys to bed and I could tell Tommy had gotten out of bed. I heard from their bedroom, "bye, bye,bye, bye" it sounded just like Tom. Much to my surprise it was Silas! I love that they sound just alike! So stinking cute!

Also the boys have been starting to make noises back and forth to each other in the car. Sometimes it's bye bye, sometimes it's just eh, eh, eh. I wish I could video these things, but then it wouldn't be safe to drive with me on the roads!

I think Tommy has noticed the difference in Silas' physical capabilities. He's been playing with him a lot more. The other night they were both in the kitchen playing and I was laying on the family room floor watching from a distance. I was loving just observing them together. They were playing and making each other laugh a little bit. Well then Tommy starts a new game. He ran down the hall and hid next to the bathroom, and Silas was at the other end of the hall and he couldn't see Tom when he'd go by the bathroom. Them Tommy would run out laughing and Silas would start cackling! Again I wish I could have video it, but I knew if I moved I would ruin the game. And some things are sweet to have in our memories and not always on video or in pictures. But I would hate to forget these sweet moments. I would especially like to replay them during those difficult days or weeks, and to think on the good times.

I haven't talked about Kyle in a while - I still like him, I still love him, I still think he's super handsome. Haha! All true! I am very grateful for him. I did the 31 days of praying for your husband cards that are from a book about that (I'm pretty sure that's the title of the book so to write it again would be redundant. And I just got to use the word redundant) I really loved how intentional and specific the cards were as to what to pray for him on that certain day. I plan to do them again next month and focus more on praying through the scriptures for him that are on each card. Kyle is always a great support to me, he listens when I talk to him about serious things, he answers my Biblical questions without making me feel stupid or beneath him - even when some of them are stupid, he is always quick to fix anything I bring to his attention that is bothering me, he has taught me how to be a much better communicator than I ever knew possible, he makes me laugh - a lot, and he just flat out brightens my day. I miss him when he's gone and always look forward to him coming home. The Lord has blessed me with an incredible husband and the boys with a wonderful father.

Pregnancy wise I'm feeling like a crazy woman. I'm still getting lots of headaches, starting to get nauseous again but no throwing up, my belly aches for the muscles being stretched already, I'm hormonal, and food is still somewhat of a struggle. Sheesh. I feel like the typical pregnant woman that you see portrayed on TV. I'm not such a fan of the fact that I feel this way. I don't like to be emotional, I don't like to be picky, and I like to feel normal. But babies are worth it and it won't last forever. But sometimes it feels like it will last forever. Haha!

Okay the end! I'll be sure to update after my doctors appointment, which is today! I should have the date for our ultrasound, where we find out if we are having Ella or Abra! Just kidding, still no boy names picked out.

Newly learned mommy tips coming at ya!

1.) Before brushing your baby/toddler's teeth rub the toothpaste into the toothbrush. That way the clump of toothpaste doesn't just fall off in their mouth and they swallow it, you'll actually get some foaming action.

2.) Buy fresh fruit, cut it up, label a freezer bag so you can reuse it for that fruit, and freeze some goodies for your teething baby. Use those little mesh eating bags and your baby will be entertained and get a healthy, gum soothing treat. I just learned this from two good friends, Critter and Emily! Love mommy friends and their wisdom!  By the way bananas are suuuuuper easy to do this with.

3.) If your toddler can stand very well independently teach them early to enjoy showers. This was very helpful a couple of months ago when Tommy had the stomach bug. It makes cleaning off diarrhea about a Illinois times easier. And it's quick.

4.) Nursing is not birth control! Haha just kidding I know you know that I just had to throw it in there to make myself laugh. It worked.

5.) Make cleaning up toys a fun game! Praise your kids when they do it and start by asking excitedly - do you want to help pick up some toys! Tommy loves it! And honestly it's more fun for metro pick them up with him.

6.) When your toddler is taking a bath - clean them real quick at the beginning of the bath, then pull the shower curtain almost shut, but still where you can supervise, and let them splash like crazy! This was a good tip from my friend Patty!

7.) Pray and sing with your kids before bed. We've found teaching Tommy to fold his hands when we pray and doing songs with motions make it really fun and interactive. He loves being able to participate and he knows which songs we sing. He will start doing the signs for the next song right after we finish the last one b/c he's so excited. We used to sing a couple of songs that didn't require motions, I actually did this until just recently, but Tommy likes being able to "sing" along. Also it is a great routine to get them in the habit of knowing after this, it's hugs and kisses and I go to bed. We sing the songs, "The B I B L E", "Our God is so Great", & "Jesus Loves Me". They are short, sweet, and true! Our Pastor Adam Embry has always done a great job of expressing the importance of singing easy worship songs with your kids as a part of family worship.

8.) Try to ask your toddler for help with things you usually do on your own. I'm really bad at this for a coup,e of reasons, I just don't think of it, and it makes doing easy things harder. But seriously seeing how proud Tommy is to help me is totally worth it! And clearly it teaches him to do things. The other day I had Tom help me make sweet tea for his daddy. We have a tea maker so it's pretty easy. Tommy loved it! And Kyle made sure to thank him and make a big deal over him making his tea for him.

9.) Give your babies lots of big hugs and kisses! There are days I forget to do this! Kids need affection. And some day they won't be so easily accessible and they won't want you to be so affectionate. Be intentional to love on them for their sake and yours!

10.) Try not to over think things. We're trying to figure out if it's time to start disciplining Silas in some manner but figuring out which way is effective is going to be a little bit of a task. I'm sure it was with Tommy too, and I know The Lord was kind to give us guidance and to clearly show us what Tom responded to best. So I pray and know He will do the same with Silas. It's funny b/c they always seemed like light bulb moments with Tommy and I'd think why didn't I think of that before?!

Mushy Monday - Fairy Tales

So this week has been much better. You'll be happy to know I sang loving songs to my kids this week , to my sweet Silas I sang - I like you, I love you, I want some more of you! Yeah he was definitely feeling better, and so was this mama!

Man there's nothing like a good run of sickness ands crankiness to make you appreciate your children's sweet & regular personality!

Well the other day Tommy and I were dancing, one of his favorite past times. Silas was napping. And Tom loves for me to pick him up and hold him while we kind of fast, slow dance - if that makes any sense. He loves to spin in circles and for me to run around like we are doing the tango and run into random things, like the window, the fridge, or the TV. Anyway Taylor Swift's song "Today was a fairy tale" came on. And while we were dancing Tom just leaned and gave me a big ole sloppy kiss on the cheek. Unprompted by me. And I just thought, man today has been a fairy tale. And then I just thought of how my definition, which was once like Taylor's that she's singing about in her song, has completely and totally changed.

A fairy tale to me is no longer this sweet, romantic day with Kyle. Not that it wouldn't be nice and I'd love it. But a sweet, wonderful fairy tale day is one where my boys are joyful, content, and just flat out precious! It means good family time, and then in my dream fairy tale I'd get to go out with their daddy on a date alone, all in the same day. But that day I had good family time and cherished time with my boys. They weren't perfect. Tommy got spankings that day and many corrections - in fact lunch time was a battlefield that day. But it was filled with multiple moments and good chunks of time that I felt like I truly enjoyed being with my boys and nothing else in the world, apart from Jesus, would have been better.

I love to see them smile. I love to hear them laugh. I love to watch them play. I love, on those days, that I'm the most popular person in the house. There's really no contest. Haha just kidding. I love their sweet hugs, snuggles, and kisses. Yes my Silas boy now gives kisses, sometimes I get head butted in the process, I heard my nose make a cracking noise the other day. There is just nothing like it. And I know that I appreciated it more because the week before was so hard. Praise God for His goodness and mercy.

Now clearly we can have multiple definitions or ideas of what a fairy tale is or could look like. I think it's really fun to think about all the different things it can mean. But before my baby boys, Kyle was the only one giving me kisses in my fairy tale and he was the only one I was dancing with. How blessed am I to get to add two, going on three, little ones that I get to dance with and get kisses from?! I love it.

Mushy Monday - diggin deep

I'm going to have to dig deep into my memory to find some good sweet moments that my boys had this week. Haha! Yes it's been one of those weeks. Sick kiddos, sick mama, and now a sick daddy! Silas boy has been beyond a handful, he has an ear infection, a viral infection, and now his very first tooth!

Something very precious this week was hearing both, yes both, my boys say the name Ella! Lord help us to have a sweet baby girl Ella! If not then let us have a happy Abracadabra! There is a part of me that doesn't feel as scared to have another kid b/c quite frankly Silas hasn't been the easiest of babies. However I do realize it could be much worse. So lets all join hands and pray that this child is more content and laid back than precious Silas boy. Amen.

When Silas isn't sick he is wonderful at playing on his own. I'm amazed by this kid. His speed. His curiosity. His strength. No kidding he is a toddler in a nine month old body. He tries to play with the dishes in the dishwasher. He belly crawls down the hall after the dog. He wants any and every toy Tommy or any other kid has and will fight for it. He might just be a genius some day. I'm a little frightened for when he gets older. He's smart, strong, and has a temper. Should we hold hands again and pray?! Haha! He's as handsome as can be! Many times this week I have looked at both Tommy & Silas and just been taken back by how good looking they are! Man they're handsome! In case you hadn't noticed.

Tommy boy has been a handful at times this week too. Once he got his antibiotic his fussiness subsided quite a bit but he still has his moments, and hours. He's very much into touching everything that he's not supposed to, I always felt so proud of his obedience I leaving things that weren't his alone. Well we've hit that stage. I know curiosity is good for him but I mean it's easier for me without it. Haha just teasing!

In all seriousness I truly truly love my boys! Trust me if I didn't love them I wouldn't still be here after this week. Although I have started singing some pretty crazy songs this week - like "mommy's gonna run away, mommy's gonna run away, mommy's gonna run away. Very far away." And "bedtime, bedtime, it is bedtime. Mommy's favorite time of day." And tonight I made up, to the tune of a pirate song, "what are we gonna do with three kids, what are we gonna do with three kids, what are we gonna do with three kids? We're gonna go insane!" Sounds mean? Well the kids don't understand the words yet, they like me singing, it keeps me light hearted.

Sadly I know some day my boys will be all grown up and weeks like this will be a distant memory. I am thankful I get to be at home with them and to care for them when they are sick. I look forward to having my funny, playful, healthy boys back soon, Lord willing.