My sweet baby girl Olivia,
I saw you sit up for the first time yesterday. Completely by yourself. And there is no documented evidence of the big event. AND I AM SORRY!
When Jackson was a baby, we have hours of DVD time of him just laying in his activity mat, or babbling, or slobbering. But now, time is limited and getting out the camera (with the crappy battery) means getting out the bag, opening it, taking out the camera and all the cords, plugging the cords in to both the camera and the wall, fighting with your brothers over filming them and letting them watch themselves in the LCD screen while I camcord things I can't even see, and most of the time it just sounds too exhausting to even consider.
And I'm dying for you to try finger foods, but I am determined to take a picture of it, but the camera keeps being in the car and I just haven't managed to get out there to get it so I can document your first "snack;" therefore, you haven't had any finger foods yet.
And so many times you don't make it out of your pjs. You have a closet FULL of adorable baby clothes, and I somehow justify keeping you in your pjs even when we are leaving the house. "Oh, she'll be more comfortable," I'll say. Or, "It's so cold out, her pjs will keep her warm." But really I'm just avoiding the whole clothes change because I have two other people to dress completely besides myself, and I also hope to avoid the extra laundry.
Now, make no mistake, my beautiful princess. None of this is a reflection of how we feel about you, because we adore you, think you are about the best baby on earth, and love staring into those huge blue eyes and deep, gorgeous dimples. But we are SOOOO busy with the three of you, that some things just don't happen like they should. I hope to do better...but if I don't, at least you'll know why! Love you, angel!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Conversation with my three year old son
Jackson, entering the bathroom while I pee: Mommy, why you have a gina?
Me: Well, because I'm a girl.
Jackson : (laughing) No, you have a PENIS! Hahaha!
Me: No I don't, you silly boy.
Jackson: What's that?
Me: It's hair.
Jackson: Why you got hair?
Me: Because I'm a grown up. All grown ups have hair there. You'll get some someday too!
Jackson: (beaming) Oh! Thanks Mom!
(as if I was the pubic hair fairy, waving my magic wand and granting him grown up pubic hair!)
Me: Well, because I'm a girl.
Jackson : (laughing) No, you have a PENIS! Hahaha!
Me: No I don't, you silly boy.
Jackson: What's that?
Me: It's hair.
Jackson: Why you got hair?
Me: Because I'm a grown up. All grown ups have hair there. You'll get some someday too!
Jackson: (beaming) Oh! Thanks Mom!
(as if I was the pubic hair fairy, waving my magic wand and granting him grown up pubic hair!)
Friday, January 11, 2008
To Sam, my beloved two year old baby boy
Sammy,
You are two now, although today at the doctor's office you said you were five, then three, then finally admitted to being only two. I see glimpses every now and then of the boy and man you will someday become, but your chubby legs and sometimes unintelligible talk remind me that you are still only a baby after all. You LOOOOVE to eat, and had your first Klondike bar yesterday for dessert after dinner. You oohed and aaahed, and especially MMmmmed and kept saying things like "mmmm, thats derishus," and "mmmm, I RIKE chokrat," and "mmmm, Daddy, you rike chokrat, too," and "chokrat is my faybrit!" Daddy and I laughed at how intensely you enjoyed your treat. And that's not the only cause for celebration! The mere mention of "candy" can cause such jubiliation that you cannot help but throw your waving hands in the air as you call out "Yah, CANDY," and run in the direction from which it is being offered. You adore your baby sister and constantly snuggle up to her, all the while forgetting that at 35 pounds and 38 inches, you are off the charts in comparison to other two years olds, and just a bit too big to lay on top of her.
Jackson is your best friend by a longshot, and I love to watch the two of you interact. Sometimes you are more than happy to allow Jack to lead, to drive the car for you, to tell you where to put your toys, to instruct you on how to play with nearly everything. But then the rebellious Sammy pops out and you decide you want to do things your own way and will fight tooth and nail to make that happen. You bring Jack to tears just by saying "No" to him, and you certainly say it ALOT! But you can be so sweet to each other when you want to be. Today when we showed Jackson your birthday invitations when he woke up after you from his nap, you said "Wook, Jashon, my birday pahty....YAH!!!...you wanna come, Jashon...do you?" And whenever someone asks you if they can come to your Nemo birthday party you say..."Yesh, you may," which always throws them off guard because they said CAN and you correctly responded with MAY! And tonight when you got out of the bathtub and Daddy was dressing you in your PJs you said you wanted Jackson's lambie. And Daddy told you not to get your hopes up because he might say no, but you responded confidently, "He will say YESH." And he did- kind of! He said you couldn't have his HOLE lambie, but you could have NEW lambie!
You LOVE to have friends over, and you can be as rough and tumble as any of the older boys on the street. And sharing food with friends; well, it just doesn't get much sweeter than that in the book of Sam.
You know all your colors, shapes, animal sounds, foods, and even some letters and numbers. Your memory is so sharp your father and I marvel at all your observations and declarations.
Spiderman is a big thing for you, and you have been declaring yourself Spiderman for quite some time now. I am usually the "Gween Gobwin." But you are unselfish in your love of toys and spiderman, and even food. Sharing is almost never an issue with you.
But my how you try me in other ways, Sammy. I hope someday your firm resistance and desire to test people will serve you well in properous and ambitious ways because you are one hard headed two year old! You are quick to apologize sometimes, and other times will refuse despite repeated punishments and time outs. I don't know if you refuse based on principle or simply because you enjoy a challenge, but you ARE a challenge.
You make me laugh every day and cause me to smile every time I think of you. I love you baby and I'm so proud to be your Mommy.
You are two now, although today at the doctor's office you said you were five, then three, then finally admitted to being only two. I see glimpses every now and then of the boy and man you will someday become, but your chubby legs and sometimes unintelligible talk remind me that you are still only a baby after all. You LOOOOVE to eat, and had your first Klondike bar yesterday for dessert after dinner. You oohed and aaahed, and especially MMmmmed and kept saying things like "mmmm, thats derishus," and "mmmm, I RIKE chokrat," and "mmmm, Daddy, you rike chokrat, too," and "chokrat is my faybrit!" Daddy and I laughed at how intensely you enjoyed your treat. And that's not the only cause for celebration! The mere mention of "candy" can cause such jubiliation that you cannot help but throw your waving hands in the air as you call out "Yah, CANDY," and run in the direction from which it is being offered. You adore your baby sister and constantly snuggle up to her, all the while forgetting that at 35 pounds and 38 inches, you are off the charts in comparison to other two years olds, and just a bit too big to lay on top of her.
Jackson is your best friend by a longshot, and I love to watch the two of you interact. Sometimes you are more than happy to allow Jack to lead, to drive the car for you, to tell you where to put your toys, to instruct you on how to play with nearly everything. But then the rebellious Sammy pops out and you decide you want to do things your own way and will fight tooth and nail to make that happen. You bring Jack to tears just by saying "No" to him, and you certainly say it ALOT! But you can be so sweet to each other when you want to be. Today when we showed Jackson your birthday invitations when he woke up after you from his nap, you said "Wook, Jashon, my birday pahty....YAH!!!...you wanna come, Jashon...do you?" And whenever someone asks you if they can come to your Nemo birthday party you say..."Yesh, you may," which always throws them off guard because they said CAN and you correctly responded with MAY! And tonight when you got out of the bathtub and Daddy was dressing you in your PJs you said you wanted Jackson's lambie. And Daddy told you not to get your hopes up because he might say no, but you responded confidently, "He will say YESH." And he did- kind of! He said you couldn't have his HOLE lambie, but you could have NEW lambie!
You LOVE to have friends over, and you can be as rough and tumble as any of the older boys on the street. And sharing food with friends; well, it just doesn't get much sweeter than that in the book of Sam.
You know all your colors, shapes, animal sounds, foods, and even some letters and numbers. Your memory is so sharp your father and I marvel at all your observations and declarations.
Spiderman is a big thing for you, and you have been declaring yourself Spiderman for quite some time now. I am usually the "Gween Gobwin." But you are unselfish in your love of toys and spiderman, and even food. Sharing is almost never an issue with you.
But my how you try me in other ways, Sammy. I hope someday your firm resistance and desire to test people will serve you well in properous and ambitious ways because you are one hard headed two year old! You are quick to apologize sometimes, and other times will refuse despite repeated punishments and time outs. I don't know if you refuse based on principle or simply because you enjoy a challenge, but you ARE a challenge.
You make me laugh every day and cause me to smile every time I think of you. I love you baby and I'm so proud to be your Mommy.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
My two cowboys
Here are my two guys, my sweet little cowboys. It's clear that little brother looks up to the big guy, and that the big guy is outgrowing his baby fat. Not so much for my Sammy. I think he will have some sweet baby fat forever- at least the Momma in me hopes so!
Olivia Ann at 5 months
This is Olivia Ann at 5 months old. Look at those stunning blue eyes and those sweet chubby cheeks! And don't even get me started on those squishy little arms! She couldn't be a more pleasant baby, and we are sooooooo lucky that she's low maintenance. Now I fully expect that to change as she grows into a little princess, but for now, I'll take low maintenance for sure!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The end of an era is coming
We knew it would happen, but when Jack was a baby it was impossible to imagine him being anything but a baby. Then Sam came along, and it was impossible to imagine that Jack wouldn't always be a yammering toddler. However, after 2 years of outstretched arms and a declaration of "Hold you, Mommy," Jackson said "Hold ME" this week. We're just going to have to accept that he won't be a baby boy forever and the glimpses we keep catching of him as a "kid" are coming faster and faster now. His legs are longer and leaner. His sentences are more complex. His thought processes are more detailed and thorough. His problem solving skills are developing. And he actually told me to "Get out" last night instead of staying to snuggle so he could read and go to sleep. SIGH.
Friday, December 14, 2007
And these are the days of our lives...
Flying by me so, so quickly. I think one of my New Year's Resolutions for 2008 will be more faithfully recording our memories. There are so many little details that will fade so fast, and I want to remember them all!
For instance, last night as the kids and I waited in a parking lot for Ryan to come meet us, we sat in the back of our van dubbed "The Silver Rocket" and watched "Finding Nemo" while eating goldfish crackers and reading books. At one point, the boys both had on their Santa hats and the light from the parking lot spotlights was creating spots on their faces through the raindrops smattered on the darkened windows of the car. Sam's Santa hat was cocked to the side and flopping merrily while he talked. Jackson "Ho ho hoed" in his best Santa voice and told me I would be getting a train for Christmas, just like he was.
In the time since I last wrote, we have had Jackson's third birthday party (a choo choo party) which was a huge success, and a huge pain in my rear! But for the look on his face, worth every hour I spent on it. He and his friends are still talking about his choo choo party, and the Geotrax train set continues to be the very favorite toy that entertains them for hours in the playroom.
Sam's new obsession is Spiderman, and he talks about it all the time. I am the "Gween Gobwin" and he even calls for me (the Gween Gobwin) when he wakes up from his nap! I thought he would be older than 1 before he would become obsessed with superheroes! Speaking of that, I am on the verge of a job at a small gym franchise. I was approached by the owner after completing a free preview class with the boys and their playgroup, and apparently my obnoxiousness has finally paid off! He loved the way I interacted with the kids and got out there being silly, and asked if I wanted a small part time job. So far, I'm not sure it's going to work out, but it's an adventure and everyone knows I love me an adventure.
The boys are excited about Christmas this year, and we went to see Santa the first Sunday after Thanksgiving! Jackson took along his geotrax brochure so he could point out exactly the train he wants (which, by the way happens to be different than the one he showed me and I already bought- DOH! - looks like I'll be making multiple exchanges at Toys R Us) whild Sam refused to get near the big guy! He wouldn't so much as give Santa five!
As we left the Santa area at the mall, Jack asked "Well where are my presents!" Unfortunately we did a poor job of explaining about the LOOOONG wait to get your presents. So, the boys took matters into their own hands. One morning when they came bounding into our room around 6:30, they watched cartoons for a short while before beginning the "bear cub" wrestling and scuffling that has become constant lately. I realized they were no longer upstairs after a few minutes and joked to Ryan that they were probably downstairs opening their presents. Then I heard "RIIIIIIIP" from downstairs and hit Ryan until he jumped up and ran down to see what was going on. Jack immediately began to cry "I'm SOOO SORRRY! I'll nevew do it again!" Since then, hiding the gifts in Livi's closet has been tougher and tougher.
Olivia continues to get bigger and bigger and fascinates the boys with her daily changes and accomplishments. She's eating solids now, and sleeping mostly through the night in her own bed so it doesn't feel so much like we have a baby already again....you know what that means! Heehee!
She is a very sweet and tolerant baby and smiles and giggles all the time. She is very social already and loves any kind of attention. Her big blue eyes sparkle and her deep dimple crinkle every time I look her way. I can't imagine a sweeter baby girl and I can't wait to see the girl she is becoming each day.
I have so many warm fuzzy moments with our tree gleaming in the corner and Christmas music playing all day. I sometimes watch the boys play near the tree and hope their childhood is as idyllic as I imagine it will be. I am so glad they have each other and a family that loves them, and it makes my heart ache for kids without. Hmm, I'll try to remember some of the other important moments and document them soon!
For instance, last night as the kids and I waited in a parking lot for Ryan to come meet us, we sat in the back of our van dubbed "The Silver Rocket" and watched "Finding Nemo" while eating goldfish crackers and reading books. At one point, the boys both had on their Santa hats and the light from the parking lot spotlights was creating spots on their faces through the raindrops smattered on the darkened windows of the car. Sam's Santa hat was cocked to the side and flopping merrily while he talked. Jackson "Ho ho hoed" in his best Santa voice and told me I would be getting a train for Christmas, just like he was.
In the time since I last wrote, we have had Jackson's third birthday party (a choo choo party) which was a huge success, and a huge pain in my rear! But for the look on his face, worth every hour I spent on it. He and his friends are still talking about his choo choo party, and the Geotrax train set continues to be the very favorite toy that entertains them for hours in the playroom.
Sam's new obsession is Spiderman, and he talks about it all the time. I am the "Gween Gobwin" and he even calls for me (the Gween Gobwin) when he wakes up from his nap! I thought he would be older than 1 before he would become obsessed with superheroes! Speaking of that, I am on the verge of a job at a small gym franchise. I was approached by the owner after completing a free preview class with the boys and their playgroup, and apparently my obnoxiousness has finally paid off! He loved the way I interacted with the kids and got out there being silly, and asked if I wanted a small part time job. So far, I'm not sure it's going to work out, but it's an adventure and everyone knows I love me an adventure.
The boys are excited about Christmas this year, and we went to see Santa the first Sunday after Thanksgiving! Jackson took along his geotrax brochure so he could point out exactly the train he wants (which, by the way happens to be different than the one he showed me and I already bought- DOH! - looks like I'll be making multiple exchanges at Toys R Us) whild Sam refused to get near the big guy! He wouldn't so much as give Santa five!
As we left the Santa area at the mall, Jack asked "Well where are my presents!" Unfortunately we did a poor job of explaining about the LOOOONG wait to get your presents. So, the boys took matters into their own hands. One morning when they came bounding into our room around 6:30, they watched cartoons for a short while before beginning the "bear cub" wrestling and scuffling that has become constant lately. I realized they were no longer upstairs after a few minutes and joked to Ryan that they were probably downstairs opening their presents. Then I heard "RIIIIIIIP" from downstairs and hit Ryan until he jumped up and ran down to see what was going on. Jack immediately began to cry "I'm SOOO SORRRY! I'll nevew do it again!" Since then, hiding the gifts in Livi's closet has been tougher and tougher.
Olivia continues to get bigger and bigger and fascinates the boys with her daily changes and accomplishments. She's eating solids now, and sleeping mostly through the night in her own bed so it doesn't feel so much like we have a baby already again....you know what that means! Heehee!
She is a very sweet and tolerant baby and smiles and giggles all the time. She is very social already and loves any kind of attention. Her big blue eyes sparkle and her deep dimple crinkle every time I look her way. I can't imagine a sweeter baby girl and I can't wait to see the girl she is becoming each day.
I have so many warm fuzzy moments with our tree gleaming in the corner and Christmas music playing all day. I sometimes watch the boys play near the tree and hope their childhood is as idyllic as I imagine it will be. I am so glad they have each other and a family that loves them, and it makes my heart ache for kids without. Hmm, I'll try to remember some of the other important moments and document them soon!
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