Today is a "Daddy Day" at the house...which means Carl is in charge. For some reason I'm more nervous about leaving him home with the kids than leaving them with anyone else. It isn't that he doesn't love them, or pay attention to them, he just underestimates them and overestimates himself. He will attempt to work on his laptop remotely AND watch the kids. From experience, I know that's become a challenge since Luke became mobile. I'm worried Luke will fall off something, or eat something that is meant to be inedible, or be the crankiest child on earth when I get home. I'm worried Savannah will have candy for lunch.
I think Carl feels he can work on the laptop and watch the kids with one eye. In some instances, that might be true. But not often. If you are anywhere near Luke he will want to see the laptop...which leads to him pulling on the screen from the back. More than one time he has almost succeeded in snapping the thing in half. So really, no laptop unless it's on a table. Then, when it is on the table, Luke will stand right next to you and scream because he can't see it. So, really, using the computer when he is awake is almost impossible. So, Carl will just wait until naptime...or so he thinks. Well, this week Luke has decided to only nap once daily, instead of twice. I would much prefer twice...he is too grouchy without the second nap...but I can't force him to sleep (unless I drug him, which I am obviously NOT going to do). So Carl may get 30 minutes when Luke sits in his crib and "talks" to everything. But it won't be long before he throws his bink and Lovey Bear out and just screams for someone to get him out too.
Savannah is generally much easier, but sneakier. She has learned the art of the fib. I really wish I could claim she is perfect (Luke too) and that she is immune from the disease of lying...but alas, she's almost 4. She knows what she wants, and she's learning how to get it. For starter's, she knows Dad is the answer to everything. If she doesn't want to go to bed, she says to me, "I want Dad to put me to bed." She knows that he is slower about the process. He lets her stay up while he empties his pockets, puts his PJs on, checks his email....well, she most definitely gets an extra 20 minutes when he is the bedtime king. If she asks for a certain food and I tell her no, she immediately goes to Carl. He generally doesn't think about the closeness to dinner, etc...so he says yes. It isn't that Carl doesn't care for her health or sleeping habits, he just always picks the easiest route. Keeping her happy. He doesn't like a scene, doesn't like crying or screaming, and most certainly doesn't like for his time to be interrupted. I can appreciate that, but I also see the value in telling a child no, setting some boundaries, and reinforcing who is in charge. Carl of course thinks he is in charge...I wouldn't be surprised if, today, Savannah rules the roost. (Especially since he wants to work too - he'll do whatever keeps her out of the way and happy - thus candy for lunch.)
Savannah knows very well that Carl is the "Yes" Man and I am the "NO" Mommy. She has begun to use that to her advantage. On Sunday, a good friend brought Luke a birthday present to church. When we got home, we opened it to find a puzzle for Luke. Savannah wanted to play with it. I told her that we could, after lunch. Well, not 5 minutes later she came over to me and said, "Can I open this puzzle? Dad said I could.". So I sighed and was slightly annoyed that Carl had given her permission when I had told her no. But, I hate to contradict him, so I let her open it. So then after lunch I was talking to Carl and told him I really wish he wouldn't have told her yes. Turns out, he didn't tell her anything - just to ask mom. So his answer had been to check with me, and her "translation" was to tell me he said yes. She completely played BOTH of us!
I really hate she has reached the age of fibs...she recently has told us every single she leaves the bathroom that she washed her hands. Yesterday I said, "You did? Great job! Let me see." Her hands didn't feel the least bit damp. She isn't that great of a hand dryer that her hands are instantly dry...I asked if she was sure...she insisted she had washed them...I doubt that was true. So now we need to have a conversation about fibbing. I know (unfortunately) every child will go through this stage, but I hate it. I keep telling myself that it is a sign of her brain working to find the best path to what she wants...so the idea behind her fibbing is good. She is intelligent enough to work towards her own goals...but the actual fibbing part - terrible.
One thing is for sure, with Savannah now understanding the dynamics of the household, Carl and I need to start checking in with each other when she has a request. We can't trust her to tell us "the whole story". Team parenting has never been so important.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
Spring Teaser!
Yesterday was such a tease. The weather was beautiful. I think I have definitely decided Spring is my favorite season. It is such a welcome sight of warm breezes, gorgeous colors, and time outdoors...such a change from the harsh winter that precedes it! Since the amazing weather was on a weekend (and the time change one at that!), Carl and I took advantage of all the extra daylight. After Luke got up from his afternoon nap we loaded up Savannah's trike and Luke's ride-on car and headed out to the Rail Trail. Luke thought the whole idea of taking a walk (without being bundled up!) and being able to "drive" his little car was just grand. He just turned the little steering wheel and honked the horn. He'd grin at everyone passing by and he especially loved it when Savannah would reach over to tap his shoulder or shake his hand. Savannah loved getting to ride her trike for a bit longer than usual. At our house we have lots of hilly terrain, so this walk she could ride a lot and not be going in circles! Halfway through the walk I snapped this photo on Carl's phone...
It was just so fun and nice to be a family. Carl and I each pushed one child with one hand, and could also hold each other's hand. It was just nice to have the four of us. It felt right. I reflected on how complete I felt. I am just so happy with our little family. I was amazed at how much fun it was to do things outside, with both kids. Last summer Luke was...difficult...to do much with. He hated the car. He couldn't crawl or walk. He didn't like hats. He just wasn't a lot of fun. This summer, I have a feeling the two kiddos will keep me busy and laughing.
After our walk, we stopped at the park. Savannah has loved to swing from the moment she first had the chance to do it. She instantly went to the swings. We tried Luke on a little slide since the baby swings were full...he didn't seem too thrilled with that idea. So he watched Savannah swing for a while...apparently over the winter she has learned how to keep her momentum by herself on the swing (how THAT happened I have no idea). She just loved it all. When a swing finally opened up for Luke, Carl sat him in and started to push him. The first few times back and forth Luke looked kind of unsteady. He hadn't ever been in a swing before! (He was too little and hated pretty much everything last summer.) After he got comfortable in the swing he just loved it. He grinned and giggled. I have a feeling there will be many hours this spring and summer with Carl and I pushing kids on the swings.
It was amazingly nice to spend time with the kids, as a family. I am really excited for the memories our family will make this year, and in the years to come. I'm content with my family and my life. I truly feel complete.
It was just so fun and nice to be a family. Carl and I each pushed one child with one hand, and could also hold each other's hand. It was just nice to have the four of us. It felt right. I reflected on how complete I felt. I am just so happy with our little family. I was amazed at how much fun it was to do things outside, with both kids. Last summer Luke was...difficult...to do much with. He hated the car. He couldn't crawl or walk. He didn't like hats. He just wasn't a lot of fun. This summer, I have a feeling the two kiddos will keep me busy and laughing.
After our walk, we stopped at the park. Savannah has loved to swing from the moment she first had the chance to do it. She instantly went to the swings. We tried Luke on a little slide since the baby swings were full...he didn't seem too thrilled with that idea. So he watched Savannah swing for a while...apparently over the winter she has learned how to keep her momentum by herself on the swing (how THAT happened I have no idea). She just loved it all. When a swing finally opened up for Luke, Carl sat him in and started to push him. The first few times back and forth Luke looked kind of unsteady. He hadn't ever been in a swing before! (He was too little and hated pretty much everything last summer.) After he got comfortable in the swing he just loved it. He grinned and giggled. I have a feeling there will be many hours this spring and summer with Carl and I pushing kids on the swings.
It was amazingly nice to spend time with the kids, as a family. I am really excited for the memories our family will make this year, and in the years to come. I'm content with my family and my life. I truly feel complete.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Leprechaun Trap!
As the snow continues to curse irritate us, I have been attempting to "Think Spring" in whatever way possible. The day after Luke's party, I put all the winter decorations away and got the Easter ones out. I even made a cute little Easter egg bouquet for on top of the piano.
I'm working on creating a cupcake liner wreath - so far it looks beautiful! I just need a little more time (when I'm not already exhausted) to finish it up. I really love seeing all the pastels and bright colors. I am SO tired of the whites and browns and evergreens of winter!
I have also tried to get into the spirit of St. Patrick's Day this year. It is the first time Savannah can really enjoy any silly traditions, and since it's on a Sunday, we can make the most of all the "green" fun. One tradition I have started this year is really a unique memory from my past. One year, probably during my elementary school years, I made a Leprechaun Trap. I don't really remember the trap all that much, but I do remember playing in my closet and hiding things...and getting chocolate gold coins. I haven't thought about that since...well...ever since I was a child. Then on one of my many "browsing" times on Pinterest I saw a pin about a Leprechaun Trap. I suddenly decided St. Patrick's Day was going to be celebrated at our house!!
So Savannah and I have now made our Leprechaun Trap. She is extremely excited to try to catch a Leprechaun - and even more excited about the idea that he might leave us some gold chocolate coins! The best part of our trap? It didn't cost us a penny! I took a cardboard box (in our case, a Capri Sun box) and painted it with green craft paint....Savannah loved that part! Then we took green tissue paper (saved from our stash that we recover from birthday presents) and stuffed it inside (so the Leprechaun will be comfy!). I found some patterned green scrapbook paper (in my scrap bin) and used a flower type punch to create little "clovers" that we glued to the top. I used some gold glittery paper (again out of the scrap bin) and punched out the shape of butterflies. The last step was to cut some green ribbon (leftover from Luke's highchair tray ribbons) to add on the front. It turned out really cute and Savannah had so much fun making it. She was SO proud of it when she showed it to Carl...and so excited about what it was for! Definitely a tradition to keep...I can't wait until both kids get creative and imaginative enough to build actual working traps - I can totally see Carl going ALL out for a contraption!
I'm working on creating a cupcake liner wreath - so far it looks beautiful! I just need a little more time (when I'm not already exhausted) to finish it up. I really love seeing all the pastels and bright colors. I am SO tired of the whites and browns and evergreens of winter!
I have also tried to get into the spirit of St. Patrick's Day this year. It is the first time Savannah can really enjoy any silly traditions, and since it's on a Sunday, we can make the most of all the "green" fun. One tradition I have started this year is really a unique memory from my past. One year, probably during my elementary school years, I made a Leprechaun Trap. I don't really remember the trap all that much, but I do remember playing in my closet and hiding things...and getting chocolate gold coins. I haven't thought about that since...well...ever since I was a child. Then on one of my many "browsing" times on Pinterest I saw a pin about a Leprechaun Trap. I suddenly decided St. Patrick's Day was going to be celebrated at our house!!
So Savannah and I have now made our Leprechaun Trap. She is extremely excited to try to catch a Leprechaun - and even more excited about the idea that he might leave us some gold chocolate coins! The best part of our trap? It didn't cost us a penny! I took a cardboard box (in our case, a Capri Sun box) and painted it with green craft paint....Savannah loved that part! Then we took green tissue paper (saved from our stash that we recover from birthday presents) and stuffed it inside (so the Leprechaun will be comfy!). I found some patterned green scrapbook paper (in my scrap bin) and used a flower type punch to create little "clovers" that we glued to the top. I used some gold glittery paper (again out of the scrap bin) and punched out the shape of butterflies. The last step was to cut some green ribbon (leftover from Luke's highchair tray ribbons) to add on the front. It turned out really cute and Savannah had so much fun making it. She was SO proud of it when she showed it to Carl...and so excited about what it was for! Definitely a tradition to keep...I can't wait until both kids get creative and imaginative enough to build actual working traps - I can totally see Carl going ALL out for a contraption!
Monday, March 4, 2013
The Cat in the Party Hat - Luke Turns ONE!
My little boy is one year old! I am happy to say that we did learn from Savannah's first birthday, and this time around there were no tears (at least none from any kids!). Luke had an amazing day. He woke up pretty early and was in a great mood. We did all the decorating after he went to bed on Friday, so when he woke up and we took him downstairs he got to enjoy the birthday atmosphere right away. He loved the balloons and all the colorful things. He just kept looking around and pointing at things. I think the balloons were probably his favorite though. He likes to pull on the strings and then watch the balloon go back up. I know they were expensive (Carl doesn't even want to know how much I spent on balloons!) but they were worth it!
He ate a good breakfast and got in lots of playtime with Grandma and Grandpa while Carl and I finished up food prep and all outside decorations. I had planned for the whole family to wear Dr. Seuss shirts, but Totsy didn't deliver the kids' shirts in time. I ordered them February 3rd and they still aren't here. I realize they have some kind of crazy method of doing business, but they were rude and not at all helpful when I called last week. Never, ever doing business with them again. I would much rather spend a little extra money and have the items when I need them. It turned out okay though - I had bought Luke a Cat in the Hat onesie a few months ago at a thrift store. At that point I had purchased the biggest size they had. In January I tried it on him and it was tight through the belly, thus I ordered from Totsy. Well, since Totsy fell through, I decided he could just wear a tight fitting onesie for his party and if it got cake and icing all over it, no big deal (I only paid $3 for it at the thrift store anyway.). Well, I guess he has gotten taller, or slimmed down with all his walking, because it fit perfectly on his birthday! So Carl and I had a shirt, Luke had a onesie, but unfortunately Savannah didn't have anything Dr. Seuss...so we put her in her "Brother for Sale" shirt (which I thought was cute on her brother's birthday anyway).
Prior to the party day, I had worried about Savannah's behavior on Luke's big day. I was worried she would either be jealous or clingy. She hasn't shown a lot of jealousy in the first year with Luke, but there's nothing like a birthday party to bring that out! I figured if she wasn't jealous, she'd be clingy and want Carl or I to hold her to entire time since we would have a lot of people in the house. So as usual, Savannah surprised me. She was excited before the party and kept hugging Luke and telling him "Happy Birthday Big Boy!". Then, when one of the families arrived (who happens to have a 4.5 year old), she was content to play in her room with her friend. She played in her room some, played in the party room some, and generally behaved. We had no trouble from her - no tears, no fighting, no jealousy. When it was time to sing to Luke and for him to blow out the candles, she helped. She was just an amazing big sister. I am so proud of her.
Luke adored being sang to, loved the candle, and really, really loved the cake. As soon as Carl put Luke's cake on his highchair tray, Luke put his hands in it. Once he discovered the icing was sweet, he suckled his cake. He just kept his mouth on it and licked. He loved it. He was even hugging it by the time he was done...it was a delight to watch him even his cake and birthday. He loved opening presents, eating, playing...he loved it all. I think birthdays are going to be incredibly fun from here on out. Luke loves them and Savannah is getting used to the attention when it's her turn.
The evening of Luke's birthday I teared up a little...it is just sad to think this is the end of Luke being a baby...my last baby. I had a few questions about a third...and Carl was cornered once too...but we just have future plans that might be really difficult with a third child....and we are ready to step into the traveling world with our kids. We want to provide a certain life for both of them...and that might be tough with another. Plus another pregnancy isn't really desirable for me. I worried the entire time with Luke...and it wasn't fun going through the trials of getting to Luke's pregnancy. I jokingly said I would take another baby without the pregnancy and Carl said his company helps with adoption costs...so maybe that will be an option in 10-15 years. Maybe we will adopt. Maybe we will adopt an older child...someone who needs us. A child that feels like hope is lost because of his/her age...who knows. I do know I'm very happy and in love with my two kiddos...and after seeing them get their spring/birthday photos together on Sunday, I am in love with their adorableness too!
Here are some special pictures from Luke's big day...
Luke's invitation was a little book:
A Birthday Book for our guests to leave Luke a birthday message:
The yummy Dr. Seuss themed food:
The cake, cupcakes, and sweets:
The decorations:
Let There Be Cake!
Family LOVE!
He ate a good breakfast and got in lots of playtime with Grandma and Grandpa while Carl and I finished up food prep and all outside decorations. I had planned for the whole family to wear Dr. Seuss shirts, but Totsy didn't deliver the kids' shirts in time. I ordered them February 3rd and they still aren't here. I realize they have some kind of crazy method of doing business, but they were rude and not at all helpful when I called last week. Never, ever doing business with them again. I would much rather spend a little extra money and have the items when I need them. It turned out okay though - I had bought Luke a Cat in the Hat onesie a few months ago at a thrift store. At that point I had purchased the biggest size they had. In January I tried it on him and it was tight through the belly, thus I ordered from Totsy. Well, since Totsy fell through, I decided he could just wear a tight fitting onesie for his party and if it got cake and icing all over it, no big deal (I only paid $3 for it at the thrift store anyway.). Well, I guess he has gotten taller, or slimmed down with all his walking, because it fit perfectly on his birthday! So Carl and I had a shirt, Luke had a onesie, but unfortunately Savannah didn't have anything Dr. Seuss...so we put her in her "Brother for Sale" shirt (which I thought was cute on her brother's birthday anyway).
Prior to the party day, I had worried about Savannah's behavior on Luke's big day. I was worried she would either be jealous or clingy. She hasn't shown a lot of jealousy in the first year with Luke, but there's nothing like a birthday party to bring that out! I figured if she wasn't jealous, she'd be clingy and want Carl or I to hold her to entire time since we would have a lot of people in the house. So as usual, Savannah surprised me. She was excited before the party and kept hugging Luke and telling him "Happy Birthday Big Boy!". Then, when one of the families arrived (who happens to have a 4.5 year old), she was content to play in her room with her friend. She played in her room some, played in the party room some, and generally behaved. We had no trouble from her - no tears, no fighting, no jealousy. When it was time to sing to Luke and for him to blow out the candles, she helped. She was just an amazing big sister. I am so proud of her.
Luke adored being sang to, loved the candle, and really, really loved the cake. As soon as Carl put Luke's cake on his highchair tray, Luke put his hands in it. Once he discovered the icing was sweet, he suckled his cake. He just kept his mouth on it and licked. He loved it. He was even hugging it by the time he was done...it was a delight to watch him even his cake and birthday. He loved opening presents, eating, playing...he loved it all. I think birthdays are going to be incredibly fun from here on out. Luke loves them and Savannah is getting used to the attention when it's her turn.
The evening of Luke's birthday I teared up a little...it is just sad to think this is the end of Luke being a baby...my last baby. I had a few questions about a third...and Carl was cornered once too...but we just have future plans that might be really difficult with a third child....and we are ready to step into the traveling world with our kids. We want to provide a certain life for both of them...and that might be tough with another. Plus another pregnancy isn't really desirable for me. I worried the entire time with Luke...and it wasn't fun going through the trials of getting to Luke's pregnancy. I jokingly said I would take another baby without the pregnancy and Carl said his company helps with adoption costs...so maybe that will be an option in 10-15 years. Maybe we will adopt. Maybe we will adopt an older child...someone who needs us. A child that feels like hope is lost because of his/her age...who knows. I do know I'm very happy and in love with my two kiddos...and after seeing them get their spring/birthday photos together on Sunday, I am in love with their adorableness too!
Here are some special pictures from Luke's big day...
Luke's invitation was a little book:
A Birthday Book for our guests to leave Luke a birthday message:
The yummy Dr. Seuss themed food:
The cake, cupcakes, and sweets:
The decorations:
Let There Be Cake!
Family LOVE!
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