Meleah's Half-Birthday

Meleah turned 6 months! I can't believe how quickly the time has gone. She is rolling over, sitting up with help and smiling, giggling and talking a LOT. We love what she adds to our family! And not only does she add more love, but 16 lbs 13 oz and 28 inches too!

The Greatest Hands of Love

Whenever Henry cries he needs his Blankie. The tears are wiped away and all is well. A few times now Blankie hasn't been around when the tears flowed, so I wiped them away with my hands.

I thought nothing of this.

The other day the flood gates opened yet again and this time when I attempted to wipe them away with Blankie Henry got more upset. "No mommy, use your hands."

As I reflected on this a little bit later I thought it was interesting how something that has always been an insecurity for me became something of desire for my son.

Even later that same day in an overwhelming moment for me I wiped my own tears from my face and stopped as I was doing it. The image of God gathering my face in His hands to wipe away my tears filled my mind. In the rush of emotions I often forget that I'm not alone.

No wonder Henry wanted me to use my hands rather than his Blankie.

There is something about that gentle touch, physical or heaven sent, that can't compare to anything else.

Playing in the Snow

Ever since the snow has started Henry has been begging to go outside. Yesterday Henry came to his door during naptime and requested to go outside. He had seen Scott snowblowing through his window (another story...another time). So we bundled him up and out he went.

Getting ready to snow blow the driveway

Throwing snowballs with Daddy

Meleah...

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

Meleah's First Thanksgiving

Henry has decided that picture taking is not much fun. He will hardly look at the camera, and smile...no way!
Meleah enjoyed her Thanksgiving nap with Grandpa!

We had a great day, and hope you did too!

Thanks for the Love

As we were leaving my sister's this morning we went through our usual goodbye routine. We get the boys to say goodbye to each other and to say "thanks for playing".

Today, however, it ended a little differently:

Levi hugged Henry and as he stepped back Henry said "I love you Levi". Levi responded with "Thanks for loving me Henry!"

On the way home I got to thinking about Levi's response. How often don't we think that "I love you too" is the best response. But when it comes down to it, shouldn't we all say thank you? Are we ignoring the signaficance of these little words by just repeating them?

As I thought through this in light of Thanksgiving only a few days away, I realized that I don't say thank you enough, especially for the love I receive. The love that I receive through words, actions and unspoken feelings.

Thank you Scott, for putting up with me lately...for doing the dishes, taking out the trash, playing with the kids, giving me a much need break and coming home to our chaotic house every night.

Thank you Henry, for stretching my patience, for your sense of humor, your high-pitched excitment and your hugs when I come home from work.

Thank you Meleah, for your happy attitude, endless smiles and your sleepy snuggling.

Thank you to my entire family that loves me unconditionally, for all you do and for being who you are.


Thank you to the ONE who gives me the ability to say thank you and for providing me with all of the reasons I should be thankful.


And thank you Levi, for the small but important reminder.

"I'm NOT tired"

Henry isn't a big fan of napping. Usually I leave the room and he is out of bed before I can get to the door.

This past week he was tired,

even though he claimed not to be.

Our New Nephew

Reuben Thomas
11.8.08 3:22pm
9 lbs 22 inches

The sneaky pj feet

Tonight I was peeking in on Henry again after Scott put him to bed. There are moments when Henry seems so grown up, but tonight when I looked in on him he was still just my little peanut.

He was loading up his bed with his stuffed friends and some books to read to them. He was wearing his footed pajamas. That is what keeps him looking young to me. He has the same patterned ones that he did last winter, so it got me thinking about how little he seemed then. He has grown a lot in the last year and in so many ways.

As I stood there though, the door creeked just a little. Henry instantly froze and looked towards the door. It is shut far enough that he can't see us peeking in, but we can still see him. He paused just long enough to make sure I wasn't coming in...or just long enough to come up with his "story" as to what he was doing...and then back to his "reading".

So not only has he grown physically and mentally, but also mischievously!

It isn't over until it's over...

One of my favorite things to do lately is watch Henry after he goes to bed. Notice I said "bed" not "sleep". After we put him to bed Henry usually gets up and turns the light on to read books. When there is a wide enough crack in the door we can watch him without his knowing.

Most nights Henry loads up the books and stuffed animals and reads to them. Sometimes it is out loud and other nights it is much quieter. I would give anything to know what is going through his little mind. The expressions on his face are priceless, and to know what suddenly makes him smile or laugh would be great.

Tonight I had to check in on him due to some tears...and a "stuck" foot. I started to take away the books and Henry tried to keep them. I took them away and his response was "How about I read the duck book for a few while minutes?"

How can you argue?

I told him that he could read that one for a couple of minutes, but then it was time to go to sleep. As I left the room he says in his most angelic voice "Good night mom."

To him all is right with the world.

I have a feeling the night is not over.

Our Warm November Day

Today we were invited to enjoy the warm November weather at the park. Henry was ecstatic! Although feeding the ducks was a highlight, Henry enjoyed the swings the most. We all tried to work off the extra energy so that naptime would come easily...we should've kept swinging!

Happy Halloween!

Meleah's First Halloween

Cowboy Henry - Yee-haw!

Happy Halloween!

PJ-Time

Henry's regular pj's were in the wash, so I suggested his cowboy comfy pants. Scott and Henry went all the way with the outfit. Henry thought it was great, especially the pockets!

Bring on the Food

For weeks Meleah has been watching us eat and crying when we don't give her any. The doctor said it was fine to start feeding her, she is obviously ready. The first attempt was typical. Today, only the second day at it, she finished her bowl of cereal...and was mad when there wasn't more. We've got a good eater here!

I'm ready!

Four Months

Saturday Meleah hit four months! We celebrated by trying her in the baby Einstein. She loved it. Henry liked showing her how it all worked. She just liked being able to stand up!

A Sleepy Saturday Morning

Henry has been getting up way to early in the mornings. Somedays we try to get him back to sleep in his room, but most of the time he ends up in our bed. Saturday was a day with us. Luckily Henry fell back to sleep, unlucky for me since he was in my spot!


At 9:45 am I heard Henry's little voice telling Scott that it was time to get up. Scott didn't agree, but mommy made sure everyone was up then.

Our Sunny Saturday

This afternoon we headed to the park with the kids to feed the ducks. Ducks are one of Henry's favorite things so he was excited. He never stopped talking the entire time we were with the ducks. (I have no idea where he gets that!)

Meleah wasn't as excited about the ducks.

Scott did a bit of quacking for her and that brought on the giggles though!

Smiles

Yes, my sky is purple

...a baby blanket...a stuffed cow...a remote...a sweatshirt...the press...my camera...a tube of desitin...a recipe book...a burp cloth...a rattle...a couple of pillows...two aspirators...the usual bed linens...and a container of baby wipes...

...are all in my bed right now. Yes, in my bed, it still isn't made, and yes, two aspirators a.k.a. Henry's drummers.

Welcome to my world.

a tiny moment in time

I'm not sure why I love this picture...but I do. Perhaps it is because it was during a rare moment with just the two of us during naptime, or maybe because I just see her. There is just something about it that makes me feel love.

The Smell of....

Earlier today I was talking with some friends and tonight as I was re-thinking things I got to thinking about smells, smells that I love or remind me of memories. So I thought that I would make a list about them and perhaps share a bit about myself.

I love the smell of...

...ALL brand baby detergent
(I have been known to smell almost every piece of laundry as I fold it)
...anything cooking in a crockpot - mostly pork or beef roast
...apple pie, apple crisp, anything with apple and cinnamon
...a freshly cleaned bathroom or kitchen
...Mint & Refresh Febreeze spray
...brewing coffee (when we first got married I would brew coffee just to smell it)
...Scott's colognes from when we were dating, hmm, I haven't smelled those in awhile...
...warm goodies from the oven
...sleepy babies in pajamas and desitin
(I used the real stuff last night and I realized I hadn't smelled it in a long time)
...the "farm" smell on the way to my grandma's house - not exactly pleasant but good memories

Meleah at 3 Months

Meleah turned 3 months on Thursday. It went so fast! She is smiling a lot and starting to "talk" more often. She likes to stand and scooch around. Sitting still is definitely a thing of the past already.

Our River Dancer

My favorite part is that she is working on keeping her hands tucked in by her sides. We'll have to keep practicing!

The Late Night Reader

Henry went to bed about an hour ago...

I just walked into our room to put some laundry away and passed Henry's room. I was noticing that our lamp was on and that Henry's light was on.

Wait...why is Henry's light on, didn't Henry go to bed an hour ago?

Scott went into see what was going on.

Scott: What are you doing Henry?
Henry: I'm reading the story Daddy
Scott: We already read that one
Henry: Let's go read in the living room
Scott: I think it is time for bed Henry
Henry: Let's read Daddy

Henry had turned the light on, gotten a book and was "reading".

Round two. Start the bedtime routine again.

Mommy and Meleah

Meleah and I spent the day together on Saturday. Scott and Henry went away, so it was just the girls. We did some errands a.k.a shopping and had a good time. She is a trooper when it comes to multiple stops. I think that she definitely has a future of girly things ahead of her!

"Oh Bear!"

This phrase is heard around our house, a lot. It is correctly pronounced "Oh Beer" in Henry's little voice.

Today, "Beer" found a new friend. Henry went away with Daddy, and Meleah gave teddy some lovin' while he was gone.

"Oh no, don't tell!"

The Polite Napper

Today was another day without a nap. It started out as a normal naptime routine. Henry didn't seem overly tired even though he was up early again this morning. He wanted to look at a book as I was leaving, and I let him since he did that yesterday and then fell asleep "reading".

It didn't work out the same way today. I heard him getting more books and doing who knows what for a while. But, rather than having a fight to get him to sleep I left him alone for awhile. I did go in at one point and tell him it was naptime, he didn't really care.

After about an hour I heard him get out of bed and come to the door.

"Mommy?"
"Mommy, can we read now?"
"Mommy, I don't want to take a nap."
"Mommy, may I come out now please?"

How can you say no to such a polite request?

Long Day...Little bits of Humor

Today is the day that just won't end. It started at 6:45 this morning, continued without a nap, and is still going strong. There were a few highlights to the day, going to Auntie O's, lunch from Wendy's and Daddy coming home. Aside from those events, it was a long day of whining and not listening. I'm blaming it on not eating well and lack of sleep for Henry...and me.

I'm starting to appreciate the little things on days like today though. The moment that got me through was when I was rocking Meleah and Henry came in to check things out. He started climbing on the shelves and the following conversation took place:

Me: Henry do not climb on the shelves.
Henry: You may sit on them (still climbing them)
Me: No, you may not sit on them
Henry: You may put your knees on them (as he tries to do this)
Me: No, you may not put your knees on them

At this point he is grinning at me because he knows that he is wrong, but just keeps going. He does have a way of making me laugh.

I'm trying to focus on these little things now as he stands at the door of his room calling to me rather than going to bed.

The long day continues...

The Best Big Brother

Yesterday Henry laid down next to Meleah,

rubbed her head, looked at me and said

"I love her mom."

Back From the Cottage

After two weeks at the cottage I thought that we would settle back into our regular routine and regular toys. Henry did find some of the normal things interesting, however, today he found something new to try too.



Scott was less than thrilled at the new discovery. Especially when I thought the picture didn't do it justice and had to repeat the "pony tail" for him when he got home. Henry just liked it because it was orange..."It's my favorite!"

I Love You Grandma!

With all of the adjusting to life with a new little one, my mom has been a tremendous help. One of the best things is that she always makes time for Henry, even when she is helping with something else. Henry loves his special time with Grandma, and it has made this transition a bit easier for him.

I love you Grandma!

The Newest Bug

Scott got new headphones for work. Henry helped in picking them out so he felt like he should get to wear them for awhile. He was even dancing to his own music!

An Afternoon Hug

Almost every afternoon Meleah takes a nap.

Most of the time I do too.

This is how we nap, it lasts longer when she sleeps with me.

Today it was like getting a hug all afternoon.

The Whole Night Through

It is amazing what a full night of sleep can do. Yes, that's right, the whole night!

For the first time in about 6 weeks I was able to sleep all night long!

Meleah of course has been getting up during the night, but Henry has been getting up too. The number of times for each of them varies, but they each have at least one time up a night.

Last night Henry slept all night long - back to normal for him, and Meleah slept from 10 pm to 6:20 am - a new record! Scott's alarm rang off at 6 am and I realized that was the first time I had woken up all night. I was shocked, but also extremely pleased!

I'm hoping the trend continues!

A New Month - New Pictures

The Non-Napper (part 2)

It has been 45 minutes since Henry went down for his nap.

He is still awake.

For a long time he was quiet, I thought he was asleep. Then I started hearing something against the wall.

I go to his room and he is using the magna-doodle pencil to "write" on the wall. I open the door and walk in. There was a strong aroma in the room. Henry says to me, "I go potty with cow."

Suspicions confirmed.

No wonder he wasn't napping. Change diaper (wondering where the cow pie resides), restart CD, tuck in blankies...restart entire napping process.

Hopefully it goes a little better this time around!

The Priceless Catch

Bug spray: $4

Bait for fish: $11
Gas to go fishing: $20

Catching a big catfish while your Dad & Grandpa catch sticks: Priceless

Henry went fishing with Scott and his Dad last night. The only fish caught was Henry's catfish. You can see from the picture he didn't want the other fisherman to feel bad so he was modest about his big catch!

The Non-Napper

Henry has become my non-napper. I know that this is because I stopped napping around age two, and I'm sure that my mother wished this upon me at that time.

The other day Henry did not want to nap. This is actually an everyday occurence. I went through our routine and Henry then proceeded to look at more books after I left his room. He was quiet so I didn't really care. I checked in on him after a little while and he had set them aside and went to sleep. Fine, nap on your own terms Henry, as long as you do nap.

Today...once again Henry did not want to nap. We are now going on two hours that he has been in his room NOT napping. I have gone in a few times, taken the toys away, re-told him that he needs a nap and threatened to call his dad at work to tell him that Henry was not listening (i.e. napping). As a side note I'm sure that a call like this would thrill Scott...I didn't do it.

So, I'm not sure if Henry is giving up napping (so help me if he is) or if he has just gone this far and doesn't want to give in today. Right now he has shut his door. I can hear him every once in a while. A little singing, then a little playing, and then quiet...right now it is quiet.

But what does the quiet mean? I'm not sure that I dare open that door. When we reach the official two hour mark I will check and determine the next course of action.

Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day!

Becoming a Better Blogger

I have not been doing so well on blogging lately. The full reality of this hit when my husband pulled up my blog, looked at the old post and gave me the look that he gives me when my sister has not updated her blog for a while. It is a loving look that says "Really, what else do you have to do all day?"

So, as we are heading off to the cottage again this week, I will attempt to post a couple of recent items I have thought about posting but did not have the time to complete. There will be a slight delay after that during cottage-time and hopefully things will pick up again after that. We'll see, my bon-bon eating and afternoon naps may suffer in order to post, but I will sacrifice in order to avoid the pitiful blog "look".

Happy Face

Yesterday's mail box held 15 minutes of fun. I received a magazine advertisement that I opened only to see if there were some good recipes, and for these stickers. I knew Henry would like to play with them, I just didn't know exactly what he would do. Here you have it:


Thank you Midwest Living!