The Backyardigans and other fun stuff

Jbird loves books...especially this one about The Backyardigans. He knows almost all their names, but he still won't readily say "mommy". His version of their names is cute - Ablo (for Pablo), Key (for Uniqua), Ausan (for Austin), and Ty (pause) rone (for Tyrone). He still doesn't know Tasha's name, but 4 out of 5 is pretty good, right?





This is just a cute picture I wanted to share. (I promise that he wears clothes besides this running suit...I just always seem to take pictures on the day I put him in this!) Jbird has turned a big corner with his speech. He repeats things (especially the word "go") and it seems like he adds words each day. He continues to add to what he can identify as well (stars and eyes). Fortunately this means he is understanding more and more too. This helps - and makes us realize that we need to watch what we say too. He is too young to understand our sarcasm and such. I am working hard on "please," but he doesn't seem to get it (or chooses not to). It is a fun stage, but the "What's This?" game gets old after playing for hours each day!

Jbird has been very kind to me over the last week. He has slept until 8:30 or later almost all week (it was 9:30 one morning!). He has been under the weather himself, but I've woken up on my own each morning and been able to slowly get out of bed and have some time for myself before he desires to see me. Sometimes he slept that late and other days he is simply happy playing quietly in his room. I've gotten more sleep this week than I have in a long time...and we are all better for it!

Another first in our home this week... Clay, wearing jeans and fleece shirt, was cold while I, wearing fleece pants and a short-sleeve t-shirt, was HOT! Gotta love being pregnant in the winter. I keep promising a picture of my expanding middle...and I will try to remember to get Clay to take one this weekend. 5 1/2 weeks to go!

Stuck

One of Jbird's new skills is getting up on the sofa (or fofa, as he sometimes calls it) and other living room furniture. His one problem with the recliner is that he can't get down as well as he can off the sofa or chair...between the dip of the seat and the rocking motion, gravity works against him. I caught him today and thought you might like to see his attempts to get down. I finally had to offer a hand to help him down.

Playing with others - well one other

Jbird hasn't been the best about playing with others. He has always needed his space, and at times he didn't even want another kid on the floor with him. He has improved GREATLY in this area - we think his improved motor skills have increased his confidence and comfort. I caught the phenomenon on camera last week while his friend, Aroo (his version of Drew), played at our house while his little sister was born. The two boys know each other well, but this was the first time I've watched Jbird join his friend in playing. Drew played with blocks, Jbird went and sat beside to play with blocks too. Here they are at the fridge DJ...they took turns... there was no screaming or crying on either part. I was so excited! And here is the adorable bundle that arrived that day...Cathryn. Jbird did great when Clay and I held her at the hospital, but it was a different story when we visited their house a few days later. Clay and I are both a little concerned about Jbird's adjustment to his own little sister...

Throwing a fit

I caught a Jbird fit on camera a couple of weeks ago and just haven't taken the time to post it. Fortunately he still doesn't know the word "no", but he is good at crying, kicking his feet, and making you think the world is caving in! This fit is the result of me not allowing him to touch the digital camera - he liked looking at the pictures, and apparently wanted to take a few pictures himself. I'll let him tell you the story...

Smile, Mommy is taking a picture! I think I will slightly protest when Mommy first says I can't touch the camera. Maybe sitting down will get my point across...










...guess I need to tune up a bit too. Louder...louder...get the body into it...louder...










Not working...hmm...she's still taking my picture...so maybe I'll give in...and smile!

A snowy, snotty day

You gotta love weathermen...as our pastor put it Sunday, it is one of just a few jobs that you can be wrong 50% of the time and still keep your job! They predicted a massive ice event this weekend that did slam north of us, but wasn't quite the catastrophe they forcasted for the metroplex - especially our area of it. Then they began talking about the next system that would head south of us providing possibly a few flurries, but no accumulation. Once again, WRONG!

Jbird woke up about 4:15 this morning unable to breathe (thus, the snotty part of our day) and as I sleepily headed to his room, I noticed the deck was shining in the moonlight. "Hmm," I thought, "the deck pretty much dried out yesterday so I didn't think there was much to refreeze." Then I passed by our front door which has a window...and I saw the blanket of snow. I tended to our son and headed back to bed, but the falling snow caught my eye. I took a closer look and realized that this was much more of an event than the weathermen thought. Clay stirred when I got back in bed, and I told him we had some snow (we don't see it much here). We laughed about how this was more of an event than the weekend...and then fell back asleep.

He got up a bit later to work out only to wait at the YMCA for 10-15 minutes before realizing they weren't going to open. He headed into work and realized that this was going to get nasty fast...cars heating up the roads melt the snow (which even TX drivers can drive on), but the fact that it remains below freezing means the water quickly turns to ice... schools are closed, Clay's office is sparse, and the main stations are reporting non-stop.

Our day isn't much different except that Clay is heading home early...so I'll have an extra set of hands to catch the faucet of snot flowing from our son, extra eyes so I can finish getting stuff ready for Elizabeth, and maybe even get to rest a bit myself to ward off my cold getting any worse than it is!

Hope you are staying warm where you are!

Apology

I apologize for not posting more about life in this grand town or more pictures...I've taken some, but just haven't posted lately. I finally got a few nights of really good sleep so I've been active around the house during nap times and going to bed earlier in hopes of another good night. There is much to share - a new friend, new words, story time at the library, new skills/fun things, but those will wait...because it is much more fun to play with Jbird right now! Just wanted you to know all is well - I'm simply trying to make the most of these last weeks before there are two kids to care for!

Oh, so tired

I am so tired, but I can't sleep. The fun of late pregnancy. It's hard to get comfortable and stay that way... and just when I think I've got the sweet spot, my bladder starts screaming at me. This little girl is a night owl and she LOVES to get right below my ribs and push. Then there's the heartburn...Zantac has been working, but not so well tonight. Gotta love when a dinner of 4 bites of chicken, mashed potatoes, and one piece of bread gives you intense burning - I'm just glad we didn't have mexican! But the benefit of all of this will be a wonderful little girl to love on. I am getting good practice of functioning on little sleep again.

I think the worst part for me is that I struggle to shut my brain off - always have at night. I often fall asleep with the TV on just loud enough to drown out my thoughts. I relive the day, process news I've received, and such...and that can get me in to trouble. I can make more of something than it needs to be. I can work myself into a frenzy over something that was nothing - at least until I thought about all the different ways it could have been taken. And being a hormonal pregnant woman only makes this worse! I do get a lot planned at night, but then I wonder if I'll ever remember when I wake up in the morning.

Tonight, I finally just gave up and came out to the couch. I've done a Sudoku (yes, we are hooked in our house), but still sleep will not come. So, I thought I would share this fun with you who choose to read this blog... please don't feel sorry for me, just pray for rest... and now I think I will mess with my template and see I can't bore myself into sleep!

18 months

Jbird had his 18-month check up today...18 months! Hard to believe it's time for that. He has grown a lot in the last 3 months - now weighing in at 22 lbs. 11 oz. and measuring 34 inches. He remains in the 25-30% for weight, but jumped back up to the 90% for height. Now I get why he outgrew his pants so fast - 2 lbs. and 2 inches in 3 months! Everything else looks great and our doctor was impressed with his development...he feels Jbird is right on track for his age after being a bit delayed 6 months ago.

On that note, can I just say how much I love our pediatrician? Well, I love him and his nurses. I have yet to have a bad experience with them. Dr. Ben (as we fondly refer to him away from the office) is so encouraging and has such a great way with Jbird. He understands his stranger anxiety and can even get Jbird laughing and interacting - amazing! His nurses never make me feel silly for any phone calls or questions I have...and they love on my boy so well. When we are there, I don't feel like one more thing on their docket. We are the focus for that moment in time - they are not rushed, they are not preoccupied. And at each of our visits in the last 6 months (3 well checkups), Dr. Ben always asks how I am feeling with this pregnancy - and that's usually one of the first things he inquires about. That means a lot.

Anyway, I am very thankful for the handful of gals who recommended Dr. Ben to us... what a gift he and his staff are... and trusting them helps me relax about the care Jbird receives.

7 1/2 weeks and counting

It's hard to believe we are less than 2 months away from welcoming our little Elizabeth into our family. Everything seems to be going well and right on track. I continue to outgrow clothes (I'll post a picture soon) and the water retention has begun - I know I feel puffier than I look, but I know there is some extra padding in my cheeks and legs that wasn't there even 2 weeks ago. I stopped wearing my wedding ring the Friday before Christmas in fear of it getting stuck and having to have it cut off. I'm not sure how long my anniversary ring will last! No one except Clay can see the additional thickness in my legs thanks to cooler weather - I couldn't hide all the water I retained with Jbird in the heat of the summer! Elizabeth has quieted some; and while there are times my body is glad not be her punching bag, I find myself missing her constant activity. Jbird was never so active so this was a nice change (except for the sore insides)!

I am getting ready for her to be here... not too early (there are still a few things to get done), but a couple of weeks would be fine by me. It still seems surreal at times, but I am ready to hold this precious little girl in my arms. I'm ready to see what she looks like and learn more about her little personality. And it's getting harder to be the mommy Jbird needs as his activity level increases and my ability to move swiftly decreases. I am thankful he plays so well alone and he seems to understand that I need to rest more than normal. He will play with his toys and occasionally stop to say hello.

We still don't think Jbird has a clue about what is happening or is even really aware that my belly is much bigger than it was a few months ago. Upon the recommendations of many and with Clay's hesitation, I bought Jbird a baby doll today. While he hasn't shown great interest in it, he did play his "What's This?" game with me and the baby. He just giggled and he did inspect her hands. I made sure to get a little girl to help with the addition of his sister. We'll see what happens, but I was greatly encouraged that he didn't immediately throw her, hit her or scream as I held her. He pitched a royal fit over a week ago as I held a 6-week old... that helped Clay accept that we needed to do something to help our little man with the transition that will soon occur.

He is growing up so fast, and I know he will seem even more grown up when we bring a newborn home. He is basically running all over the place now. He is learning how to climb up on the sofa. His words have taken off - all done, juice, star, Austin (from the Backyardigans) - have all come in the last couple of weeks. There are many other things he says, but we are still trying to figure out what they really mean. He is following directions better as his udnerstanding increases. He learned how to make a fist this morning while taking a bath - he was so intrigued by it! He's also learned how to spit out his drink - well, it's more like a waterfall out of his mouth, but you get the point. He is stacking his blocks and cups with ease. He knows where his toy box is and how to get what he wants out of it. He is curious about what everything is wanting to know what it is called. I'm trying to capture it all in my heart and mind knowing that these last weeks of just us are precious.

7 1/2 weeks... life will change again. It will be here before I know it...

Wasn't expecting this...

Life seemed to get back to normal pretty quickly around here after Christmas. Clay's family left long before dawn on the 26th so Claire could get back to work and all Christmas decorations were down by Wednesday evening. My mother had her gall bladder removed Thursday morning and then came here to recover for a couple of days. We rested some, shopped some, and just enjoyed Clay being on vacation.

We rung in the New Year with a few friends, and sadly we kept checking the clock to see how much longer we had to go before we could go to bed! Jbird woke up about 11:00 PM and wouldn't go back to sleep... so the three of us sat upstairs in our friends' playroom watching the ball drop in silence. Hard to believe this is the year we turn 30, celebrate 8 years of marriage, and welcome another member to our family. We loaded up shortly after midnight and crashed at home. Due to a sick child, Clay got to go to the Cotton Bowl the next day for free. It was a great holiday, and Jbird and I were sad to see Clay go back to work Tuesday. And as we said at Thanksgiving, we have blinked and it is now January. We have less than 8 weeks until Elizabeth arrives...and it all still seems a little surreal.

Now on to the story that led to the title... Wednesday after Christmas I was walking to Jbird's room and something caught my eye out the front door (we have a window that runs almost the entire length of the door). I stopped to look and here is what I saw...

I could not believe one animal was eating another animal ON MY SIDEWALK - just steps from the door! I just started saying Clay's name, but he couldn't hear me back in our bathroom. I ran to get him knowing he would WANT to see this. After a moment of examination, he realized it was a falcon feasting on his fresh prey. Of course Clay grabbed the camera for a shot or two, but the first flash scared the falcon off. He snatched his prey (apparently he was hungry) and flew to one of our trees. Clay went out to get another shot, but the falcon got spooked again and flew off with his meal in his talons.

I can honestly say I wasn't expecting this...

The rest of Christmas Day

Christmas night we had the joy having the entire family (minus Kristi's kids) gather in our home for dinner. Not a traditional Christmas meal - steaks, mashed potatoes, baked beans, split peas, gelatin salad, with dump cake and brownies for dessert - but it was SO GOOD! It was wonderful having our home full of family and a great way to end Christmas.

Jbird with Aunt Kristi reading his new book! Jbird dancing with Pablo.













Jbird playing another favorite game - I call it "What's This?" Pablo. Aunt Claire. Pablo. Aunt Claire. It can go on for hours! Clay decided to join in the fun... and it kept going and going and going and going...

Christmas is finally here!

Christmas morning finally arrived. We let Jbird sleep until he woke up - which gave me a couple of hours of sleep. Apparently Jbird knew something was up because he had a really restless night! After he ate breakfast and got a clean diaper, we sat down for a tradition Clay and I started with him last year - reading the Christmas story and thanking God for the gift of His Son before we open presents. Then we started with his stocking - full of a Backyardigans book, letters and numbers for bath time, and an outfit. He didn't make it past the book - but what can you expect?










Clay played Santa passing out the gifts. Jbird again didn't take much interest in opening presents... but once he saw Pablo (from the Backyardigans), he got really interested in his first gift! He had a hard time waiting while I undid a million little twist ties to release the toy. He was quite taken with Pablo who sings the theme song from the show while dancing around. We ended up opening most of the rest of his gifts. He did show interest in most of them so we were all pleased. It was a great morning!



We ate brunch after opening gifts and then rested/played that afternoon. It was strange to think how different next year will be with a 2 1/2 year old and 10 month old...I think our fun has only just begun!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve Day was full of activity. We attended our church's worship service that morning. There was no nursery, and Jbird did so great. He was fascinated with the two screens (one in back, one in front) and the music. He was quiet during the sermon and only tried to venture out of our row once. We couldn't have asked for a better little man.

We all rested that afternoon before heading to my parents' and sister's church for a Christmas Eve service (our church had the same service as the morning). We knew it would be a more traditional Christmas Eve service that we would all enjoy. Again, Jbird was so great. He started getting a little restless toward the end of the service and tried to crawl under the pew. He wasn't too happy we wouldn't let him explore, but with only one song left we didn't have to entertain him long. It was great to be together with both of our families that night.

After eating dinner at the house, it was time for Jbird to go to bed. My mother found this great gift - a papa bear holding his son. When you press his paw, he reads 'Twas The Night Before Christmas. Jbird was so intrigued...and it was a great tradition to start before bedtime on Christmas Eve.

We all called it a night pretty early ourselves. Clay and I know this was one of the last Christmases that we won't have lots of work to do after the kids go to bed!

Christmas Eve Day

I bought Jbird a new outfit for the Christmas Eve services - a great excuse to add a sweater and jeans to his wardrobe since he recently took a growth spurt! He knew he looked good so he had no problem posing for the camera. The only distraction was the tree - a constant element of temptation this month. We only lost one ornament in 4 weeks - we thought that was pretty good...but Jbird didn't understand why that red ball didn't bounce like his other balls do on the wood floor. What a handsome little boy! Click on the picture for a larger view.

Celebrating Christmas begins

The first year I wasn't going to be with my family on Christmas Day, my mother decided to make the day we did celebrate as a family very special. I really like this - especially now that we live in the same town. We gather as family often so we need to do something different to make holidays feel special.

This year we celebrated on Friday, Dec. 22 since Clay's family arrived late that night to spend Christmas Day with us. Due to the ages of the children, finding an activity that we will all enjoy proves to be a bit of a challenge. This year we chose to go to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. They have a great area downstairs (call KidSpace) tailored for kids under 6. Everyone seemed to have a great time. We ventured upstairs to the hands-on science exhibit and got to hear the Texas All-Girls Choir sing a few songs as we passed through the lobby. Jbird loves music so much and this just thrilled his soul!

We braved eating out and then headed to my folks to put the boys down for a nap. Jbird didn't sleep long, but he was entertained by Kadyn while others tried to rest. Once Dylan woke up and the boys had a snack, we opened presents. What an adventure that was! Jbird kept leaving the area...Dylan wanted all the toys...and then Jbird face-planted on real tile. There was little blood and a nice bruise in the middle of his forehead, but new toys were a great distraction. It was a wonderful time to spend with family.

Family gatherings have changed quite a bit - much more chaotic than they used to be - but there is lots of laughter and a great appreciation for the blessing of doing life together in the same town. It was a great way to start the holiday weekend!

Enjoy these pictures from the day - just click on them to get a larger view!

Jbird's favorite toy in KidSpace - electronic finger painting! A TV he can touch and it has fun colors too! We kept trying to get him to do other things, but he always kept heading back to it.












He did get a kick out of turning the lights on and off in the little house - of course he enjoys this at home too!







We did distract Jbird with the water area for a bit. He loves to splash! And he was quite intrigued with the hand dryer...









Pictures in the car (across from the electronic finger painting)... I love the action shot (like his daddy).









He even let Dylan get beside him for a moment! Pop enjoyed trying to wrangle the boys for a picture.









The first present Jbird opened was the only one he was interested in for a while so we didn't take too many pictures!

Santa Visit

We visited Santa after taking pictures a couple of weeks ago. Jbird had been such a trooper at Portrait Innovations, but it was nearing lunch/nap time. We thought we'd check out the line since we were already out and looking cute. We walked right up and put him in Santa's lap...he was fine until we took bunny (his security) and his pacifier and stepped back. God love this sweet Santa who tried his best to calm this very upset little boy. We thought the picture was too cute so we decided we had tortured him enough. As soon as Clay picked him up, he was fine again - and we have this great shot.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas...

Standing by Your Convictions

Today I needed to read Emilie Barnes' words... it has been a trying few days with my son. His new-found independence and strong will have been testing my waters...and I have grown weary of sounding like a broken record, weary of popping his hand or leg, weary of his tears and whining, weary of fighting the same battle...and this is only the beginning! The last two afternoons, I have been overcome with the responsibility I have to teach this little man what it is to be a man, to be obedient, to respect authority, and trust in my love. I know that the lessons I teach him now will most likely shape how He views God...and how I desperately desire for Him to love God, to experience God's love personally, and to give every part of Himself to serving God. So when I picked up my devotional book and read about Daniel, I was encouraged to stand by my convictions and draw my strength from God so that I can know I have done my best. For you other weary mothers out there, I hope these words are encouraging to you as well.

From 15 Minutes of Peace with God by Emilie Barnes, p. 11-12:

Daniel 1:1-21

In the book of Daniel we see a son who was raised by the teachings found in Leviticus 11. Daniel did not want to defile his body by eating foods that were unclean or had been offered to pagan idols before being put on the king's table. (Eating food offered to a pagan god was an indication of loyalty to that god.)

Notice the deep commitment of faith which enabled these young men to take the stands they took. They bore testimony to the faithfulness of mothers and fathers who taught them the central issues of obedience and faithfulness to biblical principles.

Because of this, Daniel was able to withstand the forces he faced in a hostile land. But since he was captured by the Babylonians and taken from his Israeli homeland, his mother may never have known the results of her early training while he was still in her home.

This value of teaching future generations has been impressed on me since I have two children and five grandchildren. We as mothers may never live to see how our children will respond as adults, but we must be faithful in raising our children to be responsible adults. I'm sure Daniel's mother prayed for him when he was young. She also continued to pray for him during the time of exile.

Whether or not she knew what Daniel had achieved, she had done the best job she could do as a mom: to raise a son who as an adult would follow the leading of the Lord.

As we look at our children we never know of their potential or what they will be as adults. But like Daniel's mother, we must continue as best as we know how to raise and prepare our children for God's calling.

(this is the prayer Emilie writes at the end, but I have changed part of it to make it personal to me...)
Father God, at times I become so discouraged as a mom. At times I sound like a squeaky wheel around my children and family. But You know that I want the very best for them. I want them to know of Your love for them, how to live a disciplined life, to be responsible for their actions, and how to make wise choices. Even though I may not live to see them grown and I constantly fail, I want You to know that my desire is to make them the children You would have them be. Thank You for putting that desire in my heart. Amen.

Gladys Brooks once said, "Discipline is demanded of the athlete to win a game. Discipline is required for the captain running his ship. Discipline is needed for the pianist to practice for the concert. Only in the matter of personal conduct is the need for discipline questioned. But if parents believe standards are necessary, then discipline certainly is needed to attain them."

Giving props

I wanted to take a moment today to give props to my husband. He has been such a jewel throughout this entire pregnancy, but this weekend he went above and beyond! He braved Wal-Mart on a Friday night with our friends to buy gifts for children we will never meet (he doesn't like Wal-Mart even on a calm day). Saturday he painted my toenails and looked past the increasingly messy house as I battled a severe cold. He gladly took our son to church yesterday morning so I could have a few hours of uninterrupted rest. He stepped up with the boy all weekend really...and because I was able to rest most of yesterday, I am now doing much better.

I am so thankful for the blessing of this man in my life. These may seem like small things, but they are just an indication of the gifts I get each day - big and small.

So, honey, I give you mucho props today!

Family Christmas photo

Here's the official 2006 family Christmas photo.
(See the next post for other new pictures.)
We hope you all have a blessed holiday season focused on the birth of Christ and sharing it with others. We have been humbled by God's blessings this year...and now we anticipate the arrival of Elizabeth Jaye in late February 2007.
May you be stilled this season by the realization of all He has given.