Highlights of this week include:
Elaina is now eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Yeah, I get that this seems kinda lame to some, but seriously - in this house - THIS is BIG news! PB&J! Yes! A new food!
Lincoln still has his cough but his temperament seems to be washing in a flood of sweetness. I've often said that his maturity and demeanor comes in tidal waves. Recently, some of the defiance has begun to diminish and I'm seeing more smiles, more happy and more hugs. Yes! A new boy!
Elaina has been playing baseball and tonight was her first game. Oh, the cuteness! 2 quick facts: Her coach is a friend of ours and their shirts are green. As he called the team in their first huddle before the game, he shouted to them, "Come over here all you little boogers!" Yes! A new evening commitment! (with boogers!)
Lincoln has become Mr. Social at the baseball fields. He has met lots of new friends to share his toys with and has been exceptional at including all the kids he meets to play together. Yes! A new director in the house!
It's been a good week!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Easter Flop
Let me take you back to last weekend. Easter weekend. The holiday we look forward to for hosting our family at our house and cramming Easter baskets full of goodies.
We seemed to be off to a good start. Though my brother's family wasn't able to come, both sets of grandparents arrived early in the afternoon to enjoy the day together. Late into the evening, everyone scattered to the bedrooms knowing that we would be racing the clock for Easter service the next morning. (that would be 8 people out of the house by 9:00 a.m.) Elaina was designated to share our bed in order to accommodate the sleeping arrangements. Little did I know to expect my Darling Girl to be such a snoring machine. Since I wasn't able to fall asleep next to her, I moved into my snuggly, little boy's bed. And, little did I know to expect an hour after I'd fallen asleep, Lincoln began to cough. A cackly, croupy, barky cough. The child continued to cough relentlessly for the next 4 hours. I'm pretty sure I tried every trick in the book to ease his cough to no avail.
Church became out of the question for both Lincoln and myself since we hadn't any sleep and I wasn't sure where we stood on him being contagious. And as if it weren't enough that my boy was suffering a relentless cough, I couldn't peel myself out of bed after only sleeping a combined total of about 4 hours. I so much regret missing the kids find their Easter baskets, my darling girl beaming in her new dress and sharing our church service with both sets of grandparents.
I'd like a do-over.
And just for the sake of complaining just a little bit more, I discovered the reason that Lincoln was like the Energizer Bunny on RedBull despite sleeping just a short time was due to the medication I had been giving him. Apparently, it turned him into a little firecracker while I was the one who made a double iced coffee and nursed my sleep-deprived, zombie-self for much of the day.
I wouldn't doubt that the next nice weather day that comes by, I may just dress both of my kids up in their Easter Sunday clothes for the sake of having a spring picture of them looking cute together. And it wouldn't even surprise me if I might happen to hide some random plastic eggs one last time before they get put up in the attic for the year. That is - if I don't get an Easter do-over; grandparents and all. Still crossing my fingers for that to happen.
We seemed to be off to a good start. Though my brother's family wasn't able to come, both sets of grandparents arrived early in the afternoon to enjoy the day together. Late into the evening, everyone scattered to the bedrooms knowing that we would be racing the clock for Easter service the next morning. (that would be 8 people out of the house by 9:00 a.m.) Elaina was designated to share our bed in order to accommodate the sleeping arrangements. Little did I know to expect my Darling Girl to be such a snoring machine. Since I wasn't able to fall asleep next to her, I moved into my snuggly, little boy's bed. And, little did I know to expect an hour after I'd fallen asleep, Lincoln began to cough. A cackly, croupy, barky cough. The child continued to cough relentlessly for the next 4 hours. I'm pretty sure I tried every trick in the book to ease his cough to no avail.
Church became out of the question for both Lincoln and myself since we hadn't any sleep and I wasn't sure where we stood on him being contagious. And as if it weren't enough that my boy was suffering a relentless cough, I couldn't peel myself out of bed after only sleeping a combined total of about 4 hours. I so much regret missing the kids find their Easter baskets, my darling girl beaming in her new dress and sharing our church service with both sets of grandparents.
I'd like a do-over.
And just for the sake of complaining just a little bit more, I discovered the reason that Lincoln was like the Energizer Bunny on RedBull despite sleeping just a short time was due to the medication I had been giving him. Apparently, it turned him into a little firecracker while I was the one who made a double iced coffee and nursed my sleep-deprived, zombie-self for much of the day.
I wouldn't doubt that the next nice weather day that comes by, I may just dress both of my kids up in their Easter Sunday clothes for the sake of having a spring picture of them looking cute together. And it wouldn't even surprise me if I might happen to hide some random plastic eggs one last time before they get put up in the attic for the year. That is - if I don't get an Easter do-over; grandparents and all. Still crossing my fingers for that to happen.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The next one follows
I signed Lincoln up for pre-kindergarten today.
School.
For my baby. Because even when he's 30, he'll still be my baby.
Lincoln is excited and would like to go on the school bus tomorrow. And as much as he is my baby, I am excited for him as well. Some days I feel as though he gets into some trouble at the babysitter's house because he is bored. When the weather doesn't allow for them to get outside, I can tell that he gets restless and tired of the monotony of staying inside day after day.
I know my son is bright, caring and capable of learning. I also know that he doesn't show it in the same way that as his sister - as we are accustom to. Lincoln's temperament is more challenging. He wears his emotions on his sleeve and reacts more defiantly and more immediately than the situation calls for. He can be demanding and oppositional and at times, he's just down right unpleasant. Like I said - he's got a different temperament, for sure.
But then there are times that he lays down his guard and he is loving and sweet and funny. When you remind him that his words need to be nicer, he immediately complies. He's very complex.
My hope for him starting school is that he will grow. I want for him to grow within himself to discover more how to get along with other kids and follow adult directions. I want to see some maturity set in and accountability. I realize this seems like I'm asking a lot - some adults don't even seem to possess these qualities. What I'm asking for is him to be exposed to these attributes for him to use as a launching pad. Although he is still only little - I know that Lincoln is capable of big things. I can't wait to see what his future holds. School can't seem to get here soon enough for the both of us.
School.
For my baby. Because even when he's 30, he'll still be my baby.
Lincoln is excited and would like to go on the school bus tomorrow. And as much as he is my baby, I am excited for him as well. Some days I feel as though he gets into some trouble at the babysitter's house because he is bored. When the weather doesn't allow for them to get outside, I can tell that he gets restless and tired of the monotony of staying inside day after day.
I know my son is bright, caring and capable of learning. I also know that he doesn't show it in the same way that as his sister - as we are accustom to. Lincoln's temperament is more challenging. He wears his emotions on his sleeve and reacts more defiantly and more immediately than the situation calls for. He can be demanding and oppositional and at times, he's just down right unpleasant. Like I said - he's got a different temperament, for sure.
But then there are times that he lays down his guard and he is loving and sweet and funny. When you remind him that his words need to be nicer, he immediately complies. He's very complex.
My hope for him starting school is that he will grow. I want for him to grow within himself to discover more how to get along with other kids and follow adult directions. I want to see some maturity set in and accountability. I realize this seems like I'm asking a lot - some adults don't even seem to possess these qualities. What I'm asking for is him to be exposed to these attributes for him to use as a launching pad. Although he is still only little - I know that Lincoln is capable of big things. I can't wait to see what his future holds. School can't seem to get here soon enough for the both of us.
Monday, April 18, 2011
On Relationships
I've failed miserably in keeping such accurate accounts of the life and times of my family - more specifically, my kids. Kindergarten has aged my child. She's become somewhat cultured, mature and just... just... further away from a dependant young soul who relies upon her parents so heavily. She's growing up. From the way she sits comfortably at her fold- up Cabbage Patch kid play table with her skinny legs crossed to the advanced vocabulary words she carefully chooses in conveying her ideas.
Growing up. Which is a good thing - but seriously... how does it happen so quickly?
And then, there is this boy. A boy whom we will call "Stink." (Because all boys should STINK until my daughter is well into her 20's!) Stink has liked Elaina and vice versa. In fact, it is rumored that the entire kindergarten class knows that Stink likes Elaina.
Since I hadn't heard much about Stink lately, I decided to inquire about him tonight at the dinner table.
Me: How are your friends at school? I haven't heard you talk much about Stink lately.
Elaina: Uhhh... I'm just not that into him.
Me: (Snicker:-) Not into him, huh?
Elaina: Yeah. He tried to sit by me at lunch today but I just ignored him. In fact, I don't try to talk to him at all.
**Break for Mom and Dad to rejoice with simulated high-fives and fist pumping**
Oh. My. 5 years- old this child. And already so wise to the world of dating. If only all of her teenage years could go so easily.
Growing up. Which is a good thing - but seriously... how does it happen so quickly?
And then, there is this boy. A boy whom we will call "Stink." (Because all boys should STINK until my daughter is well into her 20's!) Stink has liked Elaina and vice versa. In fact, it is rumored that the entire kindergarten class knows that Stink likes Elaina.
Since I hadn't heard much about Stink lately, I decided to inquire about him tonight at the dinner table.
Me: How are your friends at school? I haven't heard you talk much about Stink lately.
Elaina: Uhhh... I'm just not that into him.
Me: (Snicker:-) Not into him, huh?
Elaina: Yeah. He tried to sit by me at lunch today but I just ignored him. In fact, I don't try to talk to him at all.
**Break for Mom and Dad to rejoice with simulated high-fives and fist pumping**
Oh. My. 5 years- old this child. And already so wise to the world of dating. If only all of her teenage years could go so easily.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Holy Moly.
Today was a landmark day. Not only did we celebrate Palm Sunday in church, but today is the day that Eric and I became members of the church and Lincoln became baptized.
As we began to conclude our church membership classes, the thought of Lincoln's baptism, or non-baptism as the case may be, crossed my mind. When Elaina was born, I was still attending the Catholic church on somewhat of a regular basis. Naturally, having her baptized into the Catholic church seemed fitting since Eric wasn't coming with me at that time- she would be baptized into my faith religion. As the years went on and Lincoln joined our family, I was finding out how hard it was to juggle two kids and sacrifice extra sleep when it happened to find me on weekend mornings.
It became easy to slip into the 2 free day-weekend zone with our mornings to ourselves and loose commitments. All the while, not being tied to one church or another and developing feelings of guilt over not having Lincoln blessed into any religion. I knew that had to change. Upon the consent of our Pastor, we began to prepare for Lincoln to join us in our new church through the rite of baptism.
Today was the day. He looked quite handsome in his white dress shirt and clip-on tie. As we all approached the front of the church, the Pastor came to the part of the service which would include Lincoln. As he announced Lincoln's full name in his official and loud voice, Lincoln looked up and smacked the palm of his hand straight across his own forehead and muttered, "Oh boy." The congregation burst into laughter and everything went smoothly thereafter. That's one thing about Lincoln; you never know what to expect from that kid, but he's constantly full of surprises and can bring you laughter when you least expect it.
As we began to conclude our church membership classes, the thought of Lincoln's baptism, or non-baptism as the case may be, crossed my mind. When Elaina was born, I was still attending the Catholic church on somewhat of a regular basis. Naturally, having her baptized into the Catholic church seemed fitting since Eric wasn't coming with me at that time- she would be baptized into my faith religion. As the years went on and Lincoln joined our family, I was finding out how hard it was to juggle two kids and sacrifice extra sleep when it happened to find me on weekend mornings.
It became easy to slip into the 2 free day-weekend zone with our mornings to ourselves and loose commitments. All the while, not being tied to one church or another and developing feelings of guilt over not having Lincoln blessed into any religion. I knew that had to change. Upon the consent of our Pastor, we began to prepare for Lincoln to join us in our new church through the rite of baptism.
Today was the day. He looked quite handsome in his white dress shirt and clip-on tie. As we all approached the front of the church, the Pastor came to the part of the service which would include Lincoln. As he announced Lincoln's full name in his official and loud voice, Lincoln looked up and smacked the palm of his hand straight across his own forehead and muttered, "Oh boy." The congregation burst into laughter and everything went smoothly thereafter. That's one thing about Lincoln; you never know what to expect from that kid, but he's constantly full of surprises and can bring you laughter when you least expect it.
And they came back!
My kiddos and my parents survived (and enjoyed!) their time together. Quoting Elaina, "I bet that I had the very best spring break of all the kids in all of the school!" (while at her grandparents' house)
Ahh... sweet, innocent child who has not yet been made aware that some families really do plan vacations for spring break. Generally where it is warm and the sun is shining. Disney anyone?
Anyway, it was wonderful to hear that not only my kids, but my parents also enjoyed their time together. Eric and I also got to enjoy a break from the ordinary. On 2 consecutive mornings, I got myself ready for work and walked straight down the stairs and right out to my car. No kids, no bookbags, no fits, no stalling, no crying, no... you get the picture. It was glorious. Friday night even allowed a Date Night for my husband and me. We shopped at our leisure and then over-indulged on Indian food and went to bed early. A wonderful ending to a great week!
Ahh... sweet, innocent child who has not yet been made aware that some families really do plan vacations for spring break. Generally where it is warm and the sun is shining. Disney anyone?
Anyway, it was wonderful to hear that not only my kids, but my parents also enjoyed their time together. Eric and I also got to enjoy a break from the ordinary. On 2 consecutive mornings, I got myself ready for work and walked straight down the stairs and right out to my car. No kids, no bookbags, no fits, no stalling, no crying, no... you get the picture. It was glorious. Friday night even allowed a Date Night for my husband and me. We shopped at our leisure and then over-indulged on Indian food and went to bed early. A wonderful ending to a great week!
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