Bye Bye B

I knew it was time. In fact, it should have happened long ago. But I couldn't let it go. I loved it - its look, its feel, and most importantly its symbolism. But, it's finally happened. The binky is gone.

From the time Brielle was born, she has had a binky in her mouth. We bought them in huge amounts so that we could have one in every room, in every diaper bag, at grandma's house, in the van, etc etc. She NEEDED one. And it reminded me that I still had a baby. But her teeth are so bad (seriously....really in need or orthodontia already at 21 months). I made a vow that January 1st was the day. And it was...until about noon. And then it was nap time and I caved. She asked for her "B". And even walked over to the cupboard where we keep them and reached up. And looked at me expectantly. And gave me the most beautiful wide gap, buck tooth smile that I had ever seen. I couldn't say no. I gave in. She slept peacefully.

A month later it seemed as though the gap was ever so slightly wider. I made the decision and was firm about it this time. It was a Sunday. After church we came home, had lunch and then I announced that it was time for the little girls to have a nap. Brielle asked for her "B". She walked over to the cupboard and reached up. She looked at me expectantly and then gave me her most winning smile. And I stood strong. I told her "No!! B is all gone!!" She looked down at the ground, then up at me and quietly said "K." She then went to bed for the first time in her life without her binky. I waited for the screaming, thrashing and temper tantrums. They never came. And now, almost a week later, the temper tantrums still haven't shown up. Who knew that it would be this easy??

I, on the other hand, am really missing B. I loved the way she looked with it in her mouth. Loved the sucking sound that she made with it. Loved knowing that as long as she had a binky, she was still a baby.

Moving on from one stage to the next is hard. I've been fighting having to close the "baby chapter" in my life for the last year. But, if diapers are the next thing I get to give up, I think I'll be okay.

Sophism

Sophie says the cutest things. Yesterday, she was sitting at the kitchen counter, happily munching on Wheat Thins. Suddenly, I heard her gasp and stop chewing. She looked at me and said, "My tongue bit me." Classic.

Grateful in January

January is such a hard month for me. There's hardly any sun, it's cold, the air is smoggy and the snow looks dirty. I started wondering if there was anything good about January. So, I made a list of the things that I have loved about this month.

1. Blue eyes. Brilliant, lovely, deep blue eyes. I can forget all the naughty things that Brielle does when I look into her eyes. Truly, I could get lost in them.

2. Humidifier. Yes, it's January so we've been sick. Almost all of us (knock on wood). Breathing treatments weren't working, antibiotics weren't kicking in as fast as I wanted. But the humidifer always comes through. It makes breathing just a little bit easier. Plus, it's fun walking into a room and immediately feeling like I'm in Hawaii :)

3. Snowmen. Sophie made her first snowman (with the help of her fab sister, Sam). It was darling. At approximately 5 inches high and 3 inches wide, there was not one cuter snowman on the block - or the world in my opinion.

4. Forts. Truly, this has to be the best way to break up a boring, dull January night. Dad is a fort builder extraordinaire, and the boys love learning from him. It makes sleeping (even when sick) so much funner!

5. Food Storage. After the earthquake in Haiti, I decided that I really needed to get more organized. Inventory was taken, shelves were swept and cleaned, and water was refilled. I don't have enough of everything that I need, but I'm a little better off than I was at the beginning of the month. What more could I ask for?

6. Sleeping kids. It's nice to sleep. I really like it. Fortunately, my kids are all growing to like it, too. And the positions that some of them sleep in - really funny!

So, looking back on the list of things that I'm grateful for, I know that I wouldn't change a single day. Today, the sun is shining, it's almost 40 degrees and I feel like a very lucky mama.

A Better World

16 very short years ago, the world became a better place. A happier, funner, more complete place to be.

The date was November 2, 1993. It was a crisp Autumn morning with bright blue skies and happy, chirping birds. And, most importanly, it was my first day as a mother to a darling baby girl.

Kiersten was born at 2:14 pm. She weighed in at 6 lbs. 7 oz. and 20 inches long. She was the most gorgeous thing I had ever seen. My labor with her took just over two hours and when I saw her, I fell in love. She had just a few pieces of very blond hair, long feet, and the cutest lips, nose and chubby cheeks I have ever seen! I couldn't quit kissing her.

Kiersten is such a great girl. We've watched her go through so many stages of life already. She was quite shy in her younger years and would hide behind my legs when someone new approached her. She was also very into Barney, the big Purple Dinosaur!! One afternoon when Kier was about 3, I laid her and Sam down for a nap. Usually they would put up a fight and cry, but this day they just laid down and it got very quiet very quickly. I was congratulating myself on what a great mom I was until I started to hear little giggles coming out of their room. I peeked in to check on them and was so surprised at what I saw! Kiersten had found a purple (permanent) marker and had colored her whole body (and Sam's!) purple so they could look more like Barney!! That was Kiersten first attempt at art - and what a masterpiece it was!!

As the years went by, Kiersten became a little less shy, quite a bit better at art and the funnest daughter I could ever hope to have. She is energetic, smart, kind, helpful, loving, a good friend and daughter, and a spiritual daughter of God.

I love you so much, Kier. I'm so glad you're my daughter and growing up to be so beautiful, inside and out! Never forget your goals in life and remember that you have so many family and friends that look up to you and love you.

Have a fabulous day and a great year, my love - you deserve it!!
xoxo

Off to School

Today was our typical Monday morning. The boys got up, got ready for school and were almost out the door. Until I realized that we had a flat tire. I called my neighbor and she said that she would take them to school.

Normally, I drive my boys and some of the other kids in the neighborhood, but today the boys walked down a few houses to catch their ride. Watching them walk there together made me smile. They left the house with smiles on their faces and a skip in their step. They ran down the sidewalk skipping (sort of skipping. Our family is seriously rhythm-challenged, so it ends up looking more like a run/seizure/skip thing) and pumping their fists up and down in the air. They were just so happy to be outside, going to a friends house and getting to go to school. It made me happy just watching them. Oh, to be young and excited for school again!

Want to be - Like Bree

I've decided that I want to be like Bree. She is such a cute, happy, and VERY friendly baby. Goes to bed with a smile, wakes up with a smile. The only time that she ever gets really sad and angry is when the chocolate is gone (aren't all women like that??).

The other day I was outside doing yard work. I wasn't necessarily happy to be doing it - I had lots of other things that were way more important, but my yard has turned into a jungle. It HAD to be done.

Bree came out with me and was just happy as a clam - especially when cars would drive past. She would turn and wave - with both hands high in the air and a smile. It made me smile. Then I started noticing that it was making the drivers smile, too. What could be better than having a cute, chubby baby (with dimples, might I add) wave to you with a huge smile on her face?

I decided to make a goal. I want to be like Bree. Do I have to know someone to be friendly, wave and smile? I don't think so. Some days we could all use a wave and a smile. So, if you see me outside waving and smiling, just know- I'm happy to be trying to be like Bree

Parent Teacher Conference

Yesterday was Parent Teacher Conference for my boys. The boys were excited for me to go and I was hoping that I would get good reports from all of their teachers. But, it didn't happen.

I heard GREAT things about them!!!

I don't normally brag (okay, sometimes just a little!), but these little men of mine are just fabulous!!! Bradyn has three fabulous teachers: one for music, one for science, and a core teacher. How did I get so lucky to have all great teachers? I don't know...but I'm not questioning it. All of them told me how amazingly smart my boy is. But that was not the best part of the report. EVERY ONE of his teachers repeatedly told me that not only his he very smart, but so, so kind to everyone - even the girls. Do reports get any better than that?? I don't think so.

Next was Joshua. Same thing (but only from one teacher - music teacher was gone) as Bradyn. Great student and a VERY nice boy! Such good reports. Such a fantastically happy mom.

Somehow, somewhere, in the midst of all my shortcomings and setbacks as a mother, my sons have still managed to learn good manners, being kind and helping everyone that they can - even the girls. I'd like to take credit for this, but I can't. It's just how they are. They are the nicest, smartest, funnest, funniest, most handsome boys that this planet has ever seen. I don't know how I got lucky enough to have them sent to me, but I'm grateful every day of my life for them.

Way to go, boys!! Keep up the good work! Love you tons - Never change!!