I came across this photo and it made me smile.  

Owen dragged Jon up and down the escalator until a tired mom called it quits.  

'Up n down' is apparently a favorite activity.

Adjusting

The weather was semi cooperative today (43 F feels balmy when compared to the 30 degree or less temps felt around here lately) so Owen, Ever and I bundled up for a walk.  Owen has inherited my tendency to get a little grumpy when not exposed to the outdoors at regular intervals.  Add teething on top and the result was a pretty explosive morning.  Everyone needed a break.  (Maybe not Ever, she slept through most of it - early avoidance tactic perhaps?)

It was still a little windy as we walked around the trails.  As expected, I had to stop Owen from going down to explore the iced pond several times.   Thankfully the fat, slow squirrels caught his attention long enough to get us over the levee.

Nothing, however, could drag him away when the man turned on the leaf blower to clean out gutters on the nearby houses.  He spent over 15 minutes watching the team intently - following them as they moved from one house to the next.  Lost in the manliness that is power tools.

The last few weeks have been a big adjustment for Owen, one that he's handled very well.  As usual, I think it's been a more difficult balancing act for me than for him.  Whereas he flows easily from change to change - testing the limits of his new boundaries occasionally but generally accepting Ever and her permanency -  I analyze his loss for him and bounce from being grateful that he's gained a friend to contemplating the loss of my undivided attention for him. 

I think parents are good at out-thinking their children.

The blessing of higher sight allows us to see more than their limited 'what-I-need-right-now' perspectives.   I need to remind myself of this often.  Owen is happy watching leaf blowers (and the men who wield them) for hours.  He is happy that I can read him 'The Foot Book' 20 times while nursing Ever.  He lives in the moment, with absolutely no thought for why things are different than yesterday.  

And that's a good thing.  

In those moments when I'm overwhelmed by my love for Owen and overly protective of his little heart I remind myself of this.  And I remind myself of how well he is adjusting to our new life structure - an answer to many prayers.   

A hug or kiss and car race later and he's reassured me that I'll be fine.

Winter Love

One good thing about having a baby in the winter months...

Snuggling.

Need I say more?

No.  But I will.

Ever is a tiny (but growing) ball of fluffy warm, limp baby pudding (see above pictures). 

Owen is mostly just pent-up energy these days...but whenever I can squeeze a hug out of him I do (every 45 seconds or so...).  He's a solid mound of toddler squishy (if that works).

And Jon is, and always will be, my personal heater of choice.

Between the three of them I can usually find someone to feed my need for heat.  

My odds of surviving the winter look good.

 

Everly Wren

GI stopped by on Ever's day three to take these beautiful photos of her.  

I fully intend to post more photos and info soon.  I'm learning to juggle with both hands now - and loving every second of it.  These last weeks have shown me how incredibly, absoutely blessed our little family is.  I'm simply soaking it all in right now - storing up every little minute of this precious time.

 I absolutely want to share all those moments with our family - especially those who can't be here right now - so I'll be back posting soon!

Forever for Ever

She is here!

Everly Wren was born Thursday, Dec 2.

She is perfect and I'm completely absorbed with snuggling, kissing, and cuddling her tiny sweetness.

Love love love love love

Around Here...

Scenes from this fall...

I'm still here.  Still happy and full (of turkey and baby).  Still excited to meet this little one but so very much enjoying these last few days of being pregnant.  

And happy, happy, happy, happy, happy.

Thoughts on Pre

Owen is asleep, resting peacefully.  Now a one-nap child he needs this time desperately. I need it desperately.  

Bread is baking in the oven.  Bread machines are great - but my quick transfer of warm dough to a hot oven makes the result so much more homey.  The smell is tempting, but the clock shows that a little more baking is required before I can break out the honey and whip it up with some butter.

I'm trying to enjoy the last few weeks, days, hours of status quo before the tidal wave of new normal hits.  I feel some compulsion to capture these fleeting moments and corresponding emotions before they get washed up in the new and faded out like some once-vivid shell left to dry on the beach.  

But it's hard.  It's always hard to appreciate what we have in the now.  There is the pull of the future always catching our (my) gaze.  I've been busy, bustling about, nesting as if my future depends on a clean closet and stocked freezer.  No time to sit and think!  I must be productive!!

But right now I feel like there is a lull - a temporary calm and peace.  It's almost like an erie stillness in the atmosphere.  Something is on the verge of happening.  Like the quiet before a storm when the birds all stop singing and before the wind picks up.  It's forcing me to stop.  Sit.  Think.  Rest.

So I'm taking the time to just breathe in the expected and the known - the little daily routines that soon won't exist anymore.  New routines will establish, yes, but the current ones will first be replaced by the unstable balancing act of the initial few weeks, followed by that mellowing period where life begins to settle out, finally solidifying into something that looks more normal.

But now I'm enjoying the expected and known about Owen.  His love of puzzles and books and rocking on his horse.  Blocks and cooking. Cleaning, rearranging, coloring.  His fierce love for his dada.  His joy in playing outside.  His fitfulness about eating - and his preference for anything sweet - especially anything he calls a 'cakie'.  

I'm enjoying the expected and known about our soon to come baby.  The big belly that never seems to fit though the crack I open in the door.  The stretching - her little hands pressing against my hip as her bottom pushes up into my ribs.  The way I carry her everywhere with me - the comfort in having her close.  The feeling of fullness that I am just so thankful for.  

I'm enjoying the expected and known me.  I have found a rhythm that I love in this time.  A place of pressing in and pushing toward growth while dwelling in peacefulness and contentedness.  A place where I am seeking maturity and searching out divine wisdom to deal with life.  A place of extreme thankfulness based on sight of faithfulness.  Where I realize the gaps to be filled but am finally willing to wait for the processes required to do the digging. 

And I'm willing to be still.

So now, a still me resides in a still atmosphere...holding on to the present for just a little longer but sensing that electrical current racing quietly in the background - the tingling feeling that signals coming change.  Resting and soaking in NOW to prepare for SOON.  

Because, obviously, soon is coming.

Early morning molasses face

Maybe he should wait on growing a mustache.

Weekends are for biking

...really fast with dad

...in a new spiderman (Jon's choice) helmet

...all around the park

37 weeks

Yay!  A less blurry picture! 

I reached 37 weeks on my 30th birthday, yesterday.  Kind of a big milestone.  Now I can officially deliver in the birth center with no problems as long as everything is normal (before that she'd have been a 'preterm' baby and we'd have to go to a hospital).

It's not something I was worried about - but it's still a nice date to reach.  Technically she's term now and can come any time.  Owen was right on the money - I went into labor the day after my due date - so I'm expecting she'll be close to that as well.

There's a nice simplicity in having another 1st baby.  Dec 1 matches quite well with Feb 1 - I think.  Less than 3 weeks to go!

Reason 5,437,718,129

It's not like Jon needs to do anything more to win my heart. It's his 100%, no competition. I've been a goner for a long time.

But when he comes back from a business trip and brings his pregnant wife chocolate covered marshmellows...

it says that his heart is mine, too.


I love you, husband.

35 weeks

I am so bad at getting these done now.  And bad at getting non-blurry pictures.  And bad at posting them.  Wow.  

On the positive side - I'm doing something.  Which will be really nice in a year or two when the memories of this amazing, precious time start to really fade.  When I'm looking at my 21 month old daughter thinking, "how were you ever inside of me?" and "how did you get so big?"  Probably right before I think, "Where did my sweet baby go?" and "I can't believe you just made that much of a mess."

I've been looking back at my pictures from Owen - same crummy photos - different background - and just in awe that he was ever in that giant belly.  (Which, incidentally, I think WAS actually bigger than it is this time, if that's possible.)  I wish I could jump back and re-experience some of that time again.  Not that I don't LOVE LOVE LOVE him being here.  

It's just such an incredible time.  

Right now

Enjoying the beautiful fallen colors.

Testing out some new socks and shoes.

Getting some exercise after snuggling inside on a wonderful rainy day.

Putting off making dinner just a little longer.

Playing with sticks.

Stretching out a perfect day.

32 Weeks

30 Weeks

Ok - so I admit that these are really, really late in getting posted.  I've had them on my computer for a loooong time waiting to be edited.  But they are legit - and better late than never! 

I'm no cleaning whizz...but seriously?

When we moved into our appartment back in June there were a few minor cosmetic details that I was willing to overlook. The carpets are pretty stained...but I have a toddler and spills are a matter of 'when' not 'if'. The back door didn't open without significant heaving but our landlady promised to fix/replace it (yay!!! Finally done!!!). Not all the light switches work but there are a surplus in every room. Not a big deal.

And finally - the linoleum in the kitchen was super worn. It's greying in spots where the traffic is highest. Not super pretty but functional, and it's just a rental - right? At least it's clean.


OR SO I THOUGHT.


I have cleaned it 1 to 3 times a WEEK since we've lived here (see above toddler comment). Cleaned as in on my hands and knees scrubbing with pinesol or vinager. And trust me - Owen knows how to throw the stickiest substances into the smallest cracks of linoleum. The boy is a professional. So after spending lots of time scrapping, scrubbing, soaking, prying, scrubbing some more and buffing - I was pretty confident that the floor was clean.

Until today.

Owen and I were 'playing' wash the floor this morning. We both had our wet paper towels - scrubbig away at the dirty spots on the floor. Just to ramp it up a bit (I mean - water's ok but if he's gonna play we might as well get some extra cleaning action, right?) I sprinkled a little baking soda on the spot we were working on.

I was a tad bit shocked to discover that the floor isn't actually super worn.

Nope. It's just dirty.

As in, ground in, someone didn't wash the floor for YEARS type dirty.

I spent the next 30 minutes slowly uncovering our real floor. I only got about 12 little squares done before lunch. This might take awhile.

No 'clean-queen' trophy is in my future, apparently. Or 'most observent' superlative.

On the plus side - Owen's immune system HAS been getting a little more of a workout than I thought.

Whoops.

28 Weeks

I love late summer

It was a happy day here. We could relax and nap, clean at bit, hang out with friends, sing Eye of the Tiger (obviously) and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Perfect late summer Saturday.

27 Weeks

It's a big week around here.  

Yesterday marked 27 weeks for the baby and 19 months for Owen.  Today is Jon's 36th birthday.  Big milestones all around.  

I love my two men so much.

And baby girl and I have been getting lots of bonding time lately - her wiggles are getting stronger and she likes to do a lot of rolling around when I lay down to sleep.  

It doesn't bother me a bit though.  I like to lay quiet and pray for her while she wiggles.  Then I drift off to sleep.  Never had much of a problem with that.

A lot of growing going on around here.  A lot of change on the horizon.  Seasons, family, life...

I'm excited to experience this last trimester...only three more months!

A Day in the Life...

or...My Gift to Mom Egos Everywhere.

5:30ish am:  Owen wakes up.  Bring him into bed and spend 45 minutes pretending he is still asleep.  

6:18 am: Pull Owen down from on top of the headboard.  Get up.

6:32 am: Microwave oatmeal.  Just like mom used to make minus the from-scratch part.  

6:54-9:26 am:  Blurry.  I think I changed a diaper.  

9:27 am:  Nap One.  Assume I'll nap later and so spend the time 'working' (aka send an email and then spend the rest of the time checking news and blogs).  Mistake One.

11:05 am: Owen wakes up and begins sounding the traditional get-me-up call of the Northern American toddler.  

11:15 am:  Go get Owen.  

12:36 pm:  Note the increasing size of the pile of dishes in the sink.  Resolve to get to those before 11:30 pm.   Pat myself on the back for being so proactive today.

1:02 pm:  Shoes on, hat on, phone, keys - out the door.  Reconsider since it feels like an oven.

1:06 pm:  Talk to mom on the phone.  Give up trying to get Owen to walk on the sidewalk.  Keep an eye out for cars in the parking lot.  

1:10 pm:  Finally herd Owen down the hill and off the street.

1:12 pm:  Get bitten for the millionth time by a mosquito while attempting a cute photo of Owen.  Get distracted by swatting mosquitos.  

1:13 pm:  Sprint to stop Owen from walking into what looks like poison ivy.  Kind of make it in time.

1:14 pm:  Carry screaming, squirming toddler home.  Get bitten by millionth and first mosquito.

1:45-3:15 pm:  Lay down with Owen.  Pretend to sleep while he practices his judo rolls over my belly.

3:15 pm:  Have a serious talk with Owen about how mommy really needed a nap and now she's kind of grumpy so let's be a good boy until bedtime.  Pray for patience to show him I'm serious.

3:17 pm:  Owen dumps his apples on the floor.  

3:17:30 pm:  Owen dumps his popcorn on the floor.

3:18 pm: Owen screams while I clean him up.

4:45 pm:  Get ready to head to the pool. Realize I'm out of swimming diapers.  I may or may not have decided that Owen doesn't need one.  (I mean...he NEVER poops in the swim diapers and we all know that they are just poop catchers.)

4:50 pm:  Watch as a stream of fluid runs down Owen's leg and into his swim shoes.  (Point made...swim diapers are pee catchers too.)

4:51 pm:  Find poop in the swim shorts.  Clean poop and pee.  Clean carpet.

5:03 pm: Head to pool.  Someone pooped in the main pool (nope - not Owen).  Head to the kiddy pool.

5:20 pm:  Notice Owen chewing on something.  Yep...an old screw.  Consider that he's getting additional iron.

5:21-5:58 pm:  Keep Owen from putting every single piece of trash in his mouth.  Keep Owen from disassembling the pool strainers.  Get a splinter chasing Owen up and down the wooden ramp.

6:03 pm:  Shower at the pool with Owen.  Make a note to bring earplugs next time.  Surprisingly - he also screams if you don't let him stick his own head (BY HIMSELF) under the shower.  Hmmm.

6:10 pm:  Make the mistake of saying we would WALK home.  Apparently the home part is considered optional in some languages.  Carry screaming, squirming toddler home.

6:20 pm:  Let Owen run naked while I take the splinter out of my foot.

6:21 pm:  Realize it's too quiet.  Find Owen sitting in poop.  On the carpet.

6:22 pm:  Shower number two for Owen.

6:27 pm:  Clean floor number two for me.

6:30 - 7:15 pm:  Give in.  Blues clues.  Microwave turkey and a sweet potato.

7:20 pm:  Give Owen my toothbrush since I can't remember where I put his.

7:28 pm:  Pry my toothbrush from a screaming toddler.

7:32 pm:  Owen is asleep.  Marvel at how beautiful he is.  

7:45 pm:  Eye the mountain in the sink (and on the counters).  Decide to blog.

8:05 pm:  Realize that I loved today.  I didn't write about all the hugs and kisses - all the times I got Owen to say 'mama'.  The playing cars and chasing the cat and eating popcorn.  His 'helping' me cook, his 'helping' carry the keys, tickling me at the pool, climbing in the chair next to me to read stories. I'd do today all over - tired, teething tantrums and all.  

I'd just remember the diapers

8:15 pm:  Head in to start the dishes.

Corn Cob Summer

I seriously want to eat this kid up.

26 weeks

First Flight

A new Matchbox car, pretzels, Dr. Seuss, a cup of water with ice, the air jets, and the window shade made Owen's first flight a success!

I'm definitely no pro at travel with children but it did seem like having a new activity, toy, snack, or book every 15 to 20 minutes was key.  Especially on a flight scheduled over nap time (whoops).  

Personally, I fell in love again with airports - and flying - so I'm excited at the prospect of jetting off again sometime soon with my main man, little guy, and one tiny baby girl tucked safely away like my own carry on.

24 weeks

August 7, 2010

Owen learns the joy of watering the garden.  And himself.

45 minutes of good, wet fun.

Tilt Shift

I just bought this awesome iPhone app that gives your pictures a fake tilt-shift effect.  Not perfect but definitely cool and for only $1 it's cheap fun.  It's called the Tilt-Shift Generator. 

The last picture is probably the best example (although the first one is good too).

23 weeks