When I was pregnant with Adri I vowed to buy each of our children a special book when they were born, writing a special message of my hopes and dreams for them in each one. Of course, Adri being the first child, I was able to complete this task, although I'm still not able to read the story or my handwritten message to her without crying happy tears over how much I love her and all the happiness she has brought to our lives.
I have tried to purchase the following book for Sammy, but am unable to even read it without it bringing tears to my eyes and sobs in my throat each and every time. Even though the story is simple, it's the repetitive I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living, my baby you'll be that leaves me weepy and already looking back to when both children were younger. I have so many hopes and dreams for little Sam Man. I know that no matter who or what he becomes someday though, he will always be my baby.
by Robert Munsch taken from http://people.tribe.net/karen1954/blog/fd891dd0-8229-4e3f-b03f-65dc87d06e9c
A mother held her new baby and very slowly rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she held him, she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
The baby grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was two years old, and he ran all around the house. He pulled all the books off the shelves. He pulled all the food out of the refrigerator and he took his mother's watch and flushed it down the toilet. Sometimes his mother would say, "this kid is driving me CRAZY!"
But at night time, when that two-year-old was quiet, she opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor, looked up over the side of his bed; and if he was really asleep she picked him up and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. While she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
The little boy grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was nine years old. And he never wanted to come in for dinner, he never wanted to take a bath, and when grandma visited he always said bad words. Sometimes his mother wanted to sell him to the zoo!
But at night time, when he was asleep, the mother quietly opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor and looked up over the side of the bed. If he was really asleep, she picked up that nine-year-old boy and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
The boy grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was a teenager. He had strange friends and he wore strange clothes and he listened to strange music. Sometimes the mother felt like she was in a zoo!
But at night time, when that teenager was asleep, the mother opened the door to his room, crawled across the floor and looked up over the side of the bed. If he was really asleep she picked up that great big boy and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. While she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
That teenager grew. He grew and he grew and he grew. He grew until he was a grown-up man. He left home and got a house across town. But sometimes on dark nights the mother got into her car and drove across town. If all the lights in her son's house were out, she opened his bedroom window, crawled across the floor, and looked up over the side of his bed. If that great big man was really asleep she picked him up and rocked him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while she rocked him she sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
Well, that mother, she got older. She got older and older and older. One day she called up her son and said, "You'd better come see me because I'm very old and sick." So her son came to see her. When he came in the door she tried to sing the song. She sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always...
But she couldn't finish because she was too old and sick. The son went to his mother. He picked her up and rocked her back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And he sang this song:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my Mommy you'll be.
When the son came home that night, he stood for a long time at the top of the stairs. Then he went into the room where his very new baby daughter was sleeping. He picked her up in his arms and very slowly rocked her back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while he rocked her he sang:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
Ok, I just tried to read it again and I'm already crying. I think I need to go hug and kiss Sammy and Adri before heading to bed.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Snow much fun!
We attended a birthday party this afternoon at Chuck E. Cheese. As we walked in, there was a line of angry, antsy people waiting to get in that stretched out the door. Children were crying and cold and Matt made the comment "Wow, are we going to a popular club or something?". Yeah, uh, more like a overrated casino for kids. :)
When we finally got inside it was even more insane. You could barely walk through the place without bumping or stepping on someone and it was so hot everyone was sweating. I'm still trying to comprehend why everyone decided to go to Chuck E. Cheese this afternoon...
In light of all this fun, I'd like to write a short note to my children about the future of their birthday's and the possibility of having them at Chuck E. Cheese.
Dear Adri and Sammy,
Please do not ever ask to have your birthday at Chuck E. Cheese. It's never going to happen, that's a promise. Mommy and Daddy can't handle the chaos and crowds. Not to mention, having your birthday at home is so much more fun!!! You can decorate, have your own cake, pick out your own food, etc.
Daddy has offered to either pay for a magician, a clown or even dress up for your parties. Please enjoy these options as they are the only ones you will be given. Once again, Chuck E. Cheese will never be an option for your birthday. We love you dearly, but we also love our sanity. :)
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
When we came home it was snowing so beautifully that Adri and I decided to go outside to play for awhile. I took some pictures while she played around the yard. I love the snow's falling softly and coating everything. I feel like we're inside of a snow globe and being shaken ever so lightly, just enough to stir things up.
Adri's new phase--Take a picture of me Mommy!
Apparently Matt taught Adri how to use icicles as swords. Mommy taught her to use them as fairy wands...Guess which way she prefers?
Poor Sam Man can't wait until he's old enough to run and play outside too...In the meantime, he'll just watch us enviously from the warmth of the house.
Look Mom! I'm doing a Snow Angel!
For all the Kuhlman Family that view our blog...Here's a few pictures of Joe and Loretta's trees and such. :) They are so beautiful through all the seasons...
Around 6 pm I decided to lay in bed under my heating blanket to warm my toes. :) Shortly after that Adri made her way into my bed and began giving me butterfly kisses (her favorite thing to do before naps) with a huge smile on her face. Before I knew it we were both cuddled up together and sleeping. Matt came in to wake us up around 7 or so. Adri didn't want to get up, so he carried her into her bed where she's been sleeping soundly ever since (even through Sammy crawling down the hall and into her room like a maniac with me just catching him as he stood up beside her bed to grab her hair). She is so absolutely beautiful when she sleeps, I just want to hug and kiss her and keep her as an innocent child forever. (Although, I think she's the most beautiful little girl any time, there's just something about a sleeping child.)
Everyone chases after happiness, not noticing that happiness is right at their heels.
~Bertolt Brecht
When we finally got inside it was even more insane. You could barely walk through the place without bumping or stepping on someone and it was so hot everyone was sweating. I'm still trying to comprehend why everyone decided to go to Chuck E. Cheese this afternoon...
In light of all this fun, I'd like to write a short note to my children about the future of their birthday's and the possibility of having them at Chuck E. Cheese.
Dear Adri and Sammy,
Please do not ever ask to have your birthday at Chuck E. Cheese. It's never going to happen, that's a promise. Mommy and Daddy can't handle the chaos and crowds. Not to mention, having your birthday at home is so much more fun!!! You can decorate, have your own cake, pick out your own food, etc.
Daddy has offered to either pay for a magician, a clown or even dress up for your parties. Please enjoy these options as they are the only ones you will be given. Once again, Chuck E. Cheese will never be an option for your birthday. We love you dearly, but we also love our sanity. :)
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
When we came home it was snowing so beautifully that Adri and I decided to go outside to play for awhile. I took some pictures while she played around the yard. I love the snow's falling softly and coating everything. I feel like we're inside of a snow globe and being shaken ever so lightly, just enough to stir things up.
Adri's new phase--Take a picture of me Mommy!
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| From Winter 2011 |
Apparently Matt taught Adri how to use icicles as swords. Mommy taught her to use them as fairy wands...Guess which way she prefers?
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
Poor Sam Man can't wait until he's old enough to run and play outside too...In the meantime, he'll just watch us enviously from the warmth of the house.
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| From Winter 2011 |
Look Mom! I'm doing a Snow Angel!
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
For all the Kuhlman Family that view our blog...Here's a few pictures of Joe and Loretta's trees and such. :) They are so beautiful through all the seasons...
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
Around 6 pm I decided to lay in bed under my heating blanket to warm my toes. :) Shortly after that Adri made her way into my bed and began giving me butterfly kisses (her favorite thing to do before naps) with a huge smile on her face. Before I knew it we were both cuddled up together and sleeping. Matt came in to wake us up around 7 or so. Adri didn't want to get up, so he carried her into her bed where she's been sleeping soundly ever since (even through Sammy crawling down the hall and into her room like a maniac with me just catching him as he stood up beside her bed to grab her hair). She is so absolutely beautiful when she sleeps, I just want to hug and kiss her and keep her as an innocent child forever. (Although, I think she's the most beautiful little girl any time, there's just something about a sleeping child.)
Everyone chases after happiness, not noticing that happiness is right at their heels.
~Bertolt Brecht
Adri takes pictures at Meijer Gardens
Yesterday we were looking for something fun to do and decided that going to see the butterflies would be a nice thing to do. It was so nice to get inside that warm, tropical air and just spend a couple of hours looking at and taking pictures of the butterflies.
I let Adri use our digital camera while we were there, hoping it would keep her entertained for a few minutes. She LOVED it and actually spent two hours walking around calmly taking pictures!!! I also can't believe some of the pictures she took, they are really good for a almost 3 year old! I've decided to keep an album with just her pictures, so she can follow her photo taking progress.
Here are some of her best pictures:
Here are some of my favorite pictures that I took...
Sammy attempts to catch butterflies flying near him:
Can't wait to go back again!!!
I let Adri use our digital camera while we were there, hoping it would keep her entertained for a few minutes. She LOVED it and actually spent two hours walking around calmly taking pictures!!! I also can't believe some of the pictures she took, they are really good for a almost 3 year old! I've decided to keep an album with just her pictures, so she can follow her photo taking progress.
Here are some of her best pictures:
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| From Adri's pictures |
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| From Adri's pictures |
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| From Adri's pictures |
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| From Adri's pictures |
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| From Adri's pictures |
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| From Adri's pictures |
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| From Adri's pictures |
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| From Adri's pictures |
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| From Adri's pictures |
Here are some of my favorite pictures that I took...
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
Sammy attempts to catch butterflies flying near him:
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
Can't wait to go back again!!!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Fun at the mall...
Today we were supposed to go on our monthly sleepover to the Peterson's house. Unfortunately, things did not go as we planned and we had to cancel it. (A sick husband, a sprained ankle, and lots of snow for them was enough cause for rescheduling.)
After breakfast (which included 1 and 1/2 Clementine oranges, a Nutrigrain bar, and scrambled eggs for Sammy--all of which made it into his mouth instead of his lap or the floor), I could take no more of the whining and fighting that was coming from both kids.
Cabin fever has hit our house pretty hard after last week's sickness, so I thought the kids would do well with getting out and playing somewhere. I gave Adri the choice between going to Meijer Gardens or playing at the mall. Of course, she chose the mall; the cesspool of germs.
Our day ended up going well with both kids enjoying their playtime in the breakfast food area and then a lunch SHARED between both kids (yes they shared!!!), sweet and politely, I might add. It was actually very relaxing and an excellent way for them to run/crawl/play their energy out with other little kids in a semi-safe environment. We also scored some awesome, cheap, clearance clothing at Gymboree (my favorite store!!!).
(There are no pictures of Adri today--she wouldn't sit still long enough for me to take a photo)
When we got out to our car, this is what I found (our car is the Silver Acadia)...
This nice woman next to me parked so close that I couldn't even open (or wouldn't attempt to open) the back passenger door to get Sammy in his seat. (The parking spot next to me was empty when I arrived there.) I ended up having to climb over Adri in her seat while hanging onto Sammy and then get him in his seat from the middle. After I was finished I went to go check the side of my car to see if she had scratched or dented it trying to get in and out of hers. Honestly, I still can't comprehend how she opened her door (or why the heck she parked that close to me when she had all the room in the world on the other side of her!). Just as I was sitting in my car writing her a "thank you for parking so close I couldn't even get my door open to put my child in--how the heck did you get in and out of your car?" letter she walked up, gave me a dirty look and squeezed herself into the little slit of her open door and into her car. I decided not to give her the letter, she already looked like she was having a hard enough day (not to mention I'm a lover, not a fighter!). :)
Moral of the story, check to see if there are car seats in the car next to you...If there are, please park a few inches away from them since they probably have children they will be putting back into that car and not only do they need the space, but you wouldn't want them to accidentally open the door too far and end up denting or scratching your car.
Spaghetti for dinner! Yummy!
Yup, I ate it all, all by myself!!!
Words to live by:
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.
~Mother Teresa
After breakfast (which included 1 and 1/2 Clementine oranges, a Nutrigrain bar, and scrambled eggs for Sammy--all of which made it into his mouth instead of his lap or the floor), I could take no more of the whining and fighting that was coming from both kids.
Cabin fever has hit our house pretty hard after last week's sickness, so I thought the kids would do well with getting out and playing somewhere. I gave Adri the choice between going to Meijer Gardens or playing at the mall. Of course, she chose the mall; the cesspool of germs.
Our day ended up going well with both kids enjoying their playtime in the breakfast food area and then a lunch SHARED between both kids (yes they shared!!!), sweet and politely, I might add. It was actually very relaxing and an excellent way for them to run/crawl/play their energy out with other little kids in a semi-safe environment. We also scored some awesome, cheap, clearance clothing at Gymboree (my favorite store!!!).
(There are no pictures of Adri today--she wouldn't sit still long enough for me to take a photo)
 |
| From Winter 2011 |
 |
| From Winter 2011 |
When we got out to our car, this is what I found (our car is the Silver Acadia)...
 |
| From Winter 2011 |
 |
| From Winter 2011 |
This nice woman next to me parked so close that I couldn't even open (or wouldn't attempt to open) the back passenger door to get Sammy in his seat. (The parking spot next to me was empty when I arrived there.) I ended up having to climb over Adri in her seat while hanging onto Sammy and then get him in his seat from the middle. After I was finished I went to go check the side of my car to see if she had scratched or dented it trying to get in and out of hers. Honestly, I still can't comprehend how she opened her door (or why the heck she parked that close to me when she had all the room in the world on the other side of her!). Just as I was sitting in my car writing her a "thank you for parking so close I couldn't even get my door open to put my child in--how the heck did you get in and out of your car?" letter she walked up, gave me a dirty look and squeezed herself into the little slit of her open door and into her car. I decided not to give her the letter, she already looked like she was having a hard enough day (not to mention I'm a lover, not a fighter!). :)
Moral of the story, check to see if there are car seats in the car next to you...If there are, please park a few inches away from them since they probably have children they will be putting back into that car and not only do they need the space, but you wouldn't want them to accidentally open the door too far and end up denting or scratching your car.
Spaghetti for dinner! Yummy!
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| From Winter 2011 |
Yup, I ate it all, all by myself!!!
 |
| From Winter 2011 |
Words to live by:
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.
~Mother Teresa
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tomorrow's a new day...Thank goodness!!!
Today might have been the most trying day at home to date.
Sam Man decided that 4:45 a.m. was the perfect time to begin his day. (Mama didn't fall asleep until about 2 a.m.) He started it out by wailing at the top of his lungs to let us know something was wrong, namely he was hungry, again. We, of course, spent the next two hours playing detective. I tried Orajel to combat all the pain his new teeth are causing with no luck. I tried singing to him, cuddling him, covering him back up, and changing him, still no luck. We then tried to give him a bottle, which soothed him for about a half hour before he was crying again. We finally ended up getting up for good at 6:30 a.m. after being awake for awhile. Matt fed Sam solid breakfast which then put Sammy in a great mood, until the tiredness set in.
Adri was also extremely irritable this morning, having been woken up early by Sammy's crying. She spent the morning in drama mode, whining about anything and everything and throwing temper tantrums when she didn't get exactly what she wanted at exactly the moment she wanted it. By 10 a.m. my nerves were shot and I suggested that we all go lay down for a nap and quiet time. Apparently this was exactly what Adri was thinking because she told me "I'm tired, I'm want to lay in your bed with you." Sammy went right to sleep without a fuss too...Perfect!
When we woke up, we were all in a good mood. Right before we went to sleep I had made Adri a new movie of our home videos, complete with her dancing shows. She was super excited to watch it which helped her lunch disappear quicker than normal. :) Sammy took his time eating and ate everything he could possibly fit in his little tummy. Once again I ask, where does he put it all??? I'm beginning to think he has a tapeworm or something because he isn't gaining that much weight, but he eats like a little piglet!
After lunch I had the brilliant idea to go back to Aldersgate to return something we had borrowed and visit friends. Our visit went well until the end when we were speaking with Sammy's old teacher. Adri decided once again that her listening ears weren't working. She would purposely do whatever I told her not to, just to get a rise out of me. I'm guessing it had to do with the fact that Ms. Jessica and I were talking about Sammy and Adri wasn't the star of the show, regardless though, it's not an excuse for her behavior. I was extremely embarrassed, and wouldn't be surprised if they even want our children back at the daycare center. :)
When we arrived back home, Adri spent the rest of the afternoon in her room thinking about how she had acted (and screaming at me as well as crying at the top of her lungs--have to be as dramatic as possible to get the full effect). She then spent the rest of the night behaving exactly the same way as before, doing exactly what I told her not to do. I finally made her go to bed. Adri's mantra of the day has been "but I want to listen!", which is said as soon as she gets in trouble and looses a privilege. It's time for her to learn that she needs to listen before she gets in trouble, not as a result of getting in trouble.
I feel like this blog doesn't do justice in describing the events of today, and perhaps I come off as whining.. There were a few other happenings, but without going into detail, it was more of the same...Over and over and over all throughout today. I love my children more than anything in this world, but it's days like today that I have to take a deep breath and realize that they are watching and learning from me as well as being my own teachers, teaching me patience, unconditional love, compassion, anger and stress management, etc.
In light of today's events and my stress level, I'd like to post a beautiful poem that I found last night. While reading it it actually made me cry and think about what wonderful children I have been blessed with, even when things aren't going perfectly. Things aren't always going to be perfect, but at least I'm lucky enough to have my babies to enjoy through all the moments.
A POEM: TO MY CHILD
http://inspirelife-gelo.blogspot.com/2007/11/poem-to-my-child.html
Just for this morning, I am going to
smile when I see your face and laugh
when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning, I will let you
choose what you want to wear,
and smile and say how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step
over the laundry and pick you up and take you to
the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the
dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put
that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug
the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with
you in the backyard and blow bubbles.
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell
once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and
whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one
if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry
about what you are going to be when you grow up, or
second guess every decision I have made where you are
concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you
help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you
trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us
to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can
have both toys.
Just for this evening, I will hold you in
my arms and tell you a story about how you were
born and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you
splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you
stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle
beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.
Just for this evening when I run my
finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be
grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers and
fathers who are searching for their missing children, the
mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's
graves instead of their bedrooms. The mothers
and fathers who are in hospital rooms
watching their children suffer senselessly and screaming
inside that little body
And when I kiss you goodnight I will hold
you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then,
that I will thank God for you, and ask him for
nothing, except one more day.............
Sam Man decided that 4:45 a.m. was the perfect time to begin his day. (Mama didn't fall asleep until about 2 a.m.) He started it out by wailing at the top of his lungs to let us know something was wrong, namely he was hungry, again. We, of course, spent the next two hours playing detective. I tried Orajel to combat all the pain his new teeth are causing with no luck. I tried singing to him, cuddling him, covering him back up, and changing him, still no luck. We then tried to give him a bottle, which soothed him for about a half hour before he was crying again. We finally ended up getting up for good at 6:30 a.m. after being awake for awhile. Matt fed Sam solid breakfast which then put Sammy in a great mood, until the tiredness set in.
Adri was also extremely irritable this morning, having been woken up early by Sammy's crying. She spent the morning in drama mode, whining about anything and everything and throwing temper tantrums when she didn't get exactly what she wanted at exactly the moment she wanted it. By 10 a.m. my nerves were shot and I suggested that we all go lay down for a nap and quiet time. Apparently this was exactly what Adri was thinking because she told me "I'm tired, I'm want to lay in your bed with you." Sammy went right to sleep without a fuss too...Perfect!
When we woke up, we were all in a good mood. Right before we went to sleep I had made Adri a new movie of our home videos, complete with her dancing shows. She was super excited to watch it which helped her lunch disappear quicker than normal. :) Sammy took his time eating and ate everything he could possibly fit in his little tummy. Once again I ask, where does he put it all??? I'm beginning to think he has a tapeworm or something because he isn't gaining that much weight, but he eats like a little piglet!
After lunch I had the brilliant idea to go back to Aldersgate to return something we had borrowed and visit friends. Our visit went well until the end when we were speaking with Sammy's old teacher. Adri decided once again that her listening ears weren't working. She would purposely do whatever I told her not to, just to get a rise out of me. I'm guessing it had to do with the fact that Ms. Jessica and I were talking about Sammy and Adri wasn't the star of the show, regardless though, it's not an excuse for her behavior. I was extremely embarrassed, and wouldn't be surprised if they even want our children back at the daycare center. :)
When we arrived back home, Adri spent the rest of the afternoon in her room thinking about how she had acted (and screaming at me as well as crying at the top of her lungs--have to be as dramatic as possible to get the full effect). She then spent the rest of the night behaving exactly the same way as before, doing exactly what I told her not to do. I finally made her go to bed. Adri's mantra of the day has been "but I want to listen!", which is said as soon as she gets in trouble and looses a privilege. It's time for her to learn that she needs to listen before she gets in trouble, not as a result of getting in trouble.
I feel like this blog doesn't do justice in describing the events of today, and perhaps I come off as whining.. There were a few other happenings, but without going into detail, it was more of the same...Over and over and over all throughout today. I love my children more than anything in this world, but it's days like today that I have to take a deep breath and realize that they are watching and learning from me as well as being my own teachers, teaching me patience, unconditional love, compassion, anger and stress management, etc.
In light of today's events and my stress level, I'd like to post a beautiful poem that I found last night. While reading it it actually made me cry and think about what wonderful children I have been blessed with, even when things aren't going perfectly. Things aren't always going to be perfect, but at least I'm lucky enough to have my babies to enjoy through all the moments.
A POEM: TO MY CHILD
http://inspirelife-gelo.blogspot.com/2007/11/poem-to-my-child.html
Just for this morning, I am going to
smile when I see your face and laugh
when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning, I will let you
choose what you want to wear,
and smile and say how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step
over the laundry and pick you up and take you to
the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the
dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put
that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug
the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with
you in the backyard and blow bubbles.
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell
once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and
whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one
if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry
about what you are going to be when you grow up, or
second guess every decision I have made where you are
concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you
help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you
trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us
to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can
have both toys.
Just for this evening, I will hold you in
my arms and tell you a story about how you were
born and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you
splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you
stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle
beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.
Just for this evening when I run my
finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be
grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers and
fathers who are searching for their missing children, the
mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's
graves instead of their bedrooms. The mothers
and fathers who are in hospital rooms
watching their children suffer senselessly and screaming
inside that little body
And when I kiss you goodnight I will hold
you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then,
that I will thank God for you, and ask him for
nothing, except one more day.............
Monday, February 21, 2011
Adri has dancing skills!
I just wanted to share Adri's dancing skills in two videos that we took today. I'm still trying to figure out where she acquired those moves, I think we all know they don't come from me since I'm about the most uncoordinated person to ever have lived. My only guess is from watching Barney and his friends do their two-stepping on the show.
If this doesn't make you laugh, I don't know what will. :)
Single Ladies...
Katmandu...Notice Sammy with his leg warmers on in the background. Adri picked those out for him. :)
Ahhh...These are the days we will remember forever.
If this doesn't make you laugh, I don't know what will. :)
Single Ladies...
Katmandu...Notice Sammy with his leg warmers on in the background. Adri picked those out for him. :)
Ahhh...These are the days we will remember forever.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Our first 2011 visit to the butterflies.
Today we were supposed to go to the Purdy's birthday party but with Adri and I being sick (and then both kids waking up with an abundance of snot and a little cough), I didn't think it would be very nice (or fair to the other Mommies!) to expose all the other little kids to whatever it is that we're suffering from. We sure did miss out on a ton of fun and wish we were there though!!!
But, we've been cooped up in our house all week with a sick Adri, so we needed to get OUT, especially with the snowstorm that's predicted to visit tomorrow and Monday.
What do you do when you don't want your friends to catch your germs? You call up Meijer Gardens and see if they have any butterflies yet. :) Then you pack up the kids, and make your way over there to give your germs to strangers you won't see again.
On our way we stopped to get a car wash. Adri and Sam were scared so badly that they screamed the entire time the car was being washed and then all the way to the Gardens. It was a great way to start our visit.
When I called the Gardens they told me there were a few that were fluttering around. When we got there we were surprised to see a lot as well as barely any visitors. The cocoon hatchery is up and running also. This might have been the most perfect time to visit because we didn't have to wade through the sea of people that are usually there. We visited at this time last year too with great success. It's hard to believe that at this time last year I was hugely pregnant and couldn't stand to be in the butterfly area for more than a few minutes without feeling nauseous and like I was going to pass out. It's also hard to believe that Sammy is now almost a year and was able to enjoy the butterflies!!!
Adri was in heaven when we walked in, circling around and pointing at the butterflies as she exclaimed "Look Mommy!!! Butterflies!!!". It always feels so magical to me to visit the butterflies and watch them fluttering around playing with one another in all the greenery. It's even more magical to watch my children enjoying them in all their wonder. I can promise that we will be visiting the butterflies at least once a week until they're gone, we have to enjoy them while we can!
Adri searching for butterflies:
Looking in the hatchery:
She wants so badly to touch one!
Just hatched:
Can I touch it? was Adri's mantra while we were there...
Hmmmm...Interesting. There's a lot of neat butterflies circling my head right now...
Yup...Don't mind me. I'm just waiting. Always waiting.
I can't believe I got stuck looking at these flowers while Adri and Daddy went outside to play...Grrrr! Wait! Who's that good looking little man in the striped shirt looking back at me?
Adri really misses her Nana...Or else Sam is doing something to annoy her. ;)
We've missed you Nana!!!
But, we've been cooped up in our house all week with a sick Adri, so we needed to get OUT, especially with the snowstorm that's predicted to visit tomorrow and Monday.
What do you do when you don't want your friends to catch your germs? You call up Meijer Gardens and see if they have any butterflies yet. :) Then you pack up the kids, and make your way over there to give your germs to strangers you won't see again.
On our way we stopped to get a car wash. Adri and Sam were scared so badly that they screamed the entire time the car was being washed and then all the way to the Gardens. It was a great way to start our visit.
When I called the Gardens they told me there were a few that were fluttering around. When we got there we were surprised to see a lot as well as barely any visitors. The cocoon hatchery is up and running also. This might have been the most perfect time to visit because we didn't have to wade through the sea of people that are usually there. We visited at this time last year too with great success. It's hard to believe that at this time last year I was hugely pregnant and couldn't stand to be in the butterfly area for more than a few minutes without feeling nauseous and like I was going to pass out. It's also hard to believe that Sammy is now almost a year and was able to enjoy the butterflies!!!
Adri was in heaven when we walked in, circling around and pointing at the butterflies as she exclaimed "Look Mommy!!! Butterflies!!!". It always feels so magical to me to visit the butterflies and watch them fluttering around playing with one another in all the greenery. It's even more magical to watch my children enjoying them in all their wonder. I can promise that we will be visiting the butterflies at least once a week until they're gone, we have to enjoy them while we can!
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| From Winter 2011 |
Adri searching for butterflies:
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| From Winter 2011 |
Looking in the hatchery:
 |
| From Winter 2011 |
She wants so badly to touch one!
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| From Winter 2011 |
Just hatched:
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| From Winter 2011 |
Can I touch it? was Adri's mantra while we were there...
 |
| From Winter 2011 |
 |
| From Winter 2011 |
 |
| From Winter 2011 |
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| From Winter 2011 |
Hmmmm...Interesting. There's a lot of neat butterflies circling my head right now...
 |
| From Winter 2011 |
Yup...Don't mind me. I'm just waiting. Always waiting.
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| From Winter 2011 |
I can't believe I got stuck looking at these flowers while Adri and Daddy went outside to play...Grrrr! Wait! Who's that good looking little man in the striped shirt looking back at me?
 |
| From Winter 2011 |
Adri really misses her Nana...Or else Sam is doing something to annoy her. ;)
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| From Winter 2011 |
We've missed you Nana!!!
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| From Winter 2011 |
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