Because Elijah is at such a great age, he seems to get all of the press, but we can't forget about our sweet little Gus.
So, Gus is starting to get a little personality of his own. I am beginning to fear for our future and his potential for strongheadedness:) At Toys R Us the other day, I let him get out of the cart and told him he had to stay on the aisle. Gus starts backing slowly up, little steps, looking at me with this devious grin. He backs all the way out of the aisle until he bumps into the next aisle, the whole while I am saying, "Guuus, stay in this aisle."
When Grandpa Kenny comes every morning, Grandpa asks, "Where's Elijah?" Gus immediately runs and points under the table where Elijah is hiding. One day, Elijah had spent the night with someone, Grandpa came, asked his question, and Gus ran over to point under the table and then looked at Grandpa and Daddy with a perplexed look, like, "Well, where IS Elijah?" Nowadays, if Elijah isn't here, Gus will run and hide under the table:)
Gus knows sign language for more and please. There are times when he wants something, and is emphatically saying MORE, and we just have no clue what in the world he wants. I guess maybe I should teach him some more words, huh?
Gus also enjoys babies. Today at Target he had a whole non-verbal conversation (okay maybe it was just a staring contest) with a little kid in a stroller before they had to say bye-bye to each other. It was pretty cute to watch their interactions with each other.
He's a pretty sweet little kid and is a great joy to be around. Gus is also starting to mimic sounds. Elijah has greeted Tim and Grandpa Jerry before with an excited, "Daddy," or "Grandpa," and Gus mimics Elijah. It sure sounds like he's saying something. The other sound he makes, is like a kitten sound. He will look at his books or sit in his carseat and make these little kitten sounds. The other fun thing he does is growl. Sometimes it makes sense with the situation and other times . . . well he just really likes to growl:)
And finally, our little Gus can blow kisses and is great at snuggling. We will take him to his 15 month check up next week where, hopefully, he will be ranked at the top of his class:)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Elijah Funnies for October/November
Affectionate names given: Fluffy, Plucky, mommy-kati, daddy-kati, and Gus is Fluffy-kati
Elijah talking on a pretend phone to himself:
1. Hello? 2. Hi, how are you?
1. I'm good, how are you? 2. Okay, bye, I love you.
1. Don't hang up on me, I'm still talking! Okay, bye, I love you.
PG-13 about to come, shield little eyes:
Elijah likes to point out Gussy's, Daddy's and his own nipples. Here's what follows: boys have little ones, girls have big, big long ones.
On a different day: pointing out Daddy's again: boys have little ones, girls have big, big, big ones . . . like their bottoms!
Elijah saying, while playing with his zebra, "The zebra just got a new kidney!! Now it can fly!!!" Side note: We hope this doesn't happen to Tim with his new kidney:)
Uncle Jeff asking Elijah what he saw at the zoo, Elijah replies, "YOU!!" and then starts cracking up.
Elijah and Gus having a "girl" fight: Gus hits Elijah's head, Elijah replies, "Gus, stop," and then proceeds to poke Gus. Gus hits, Elijah pokes, so on and so on. I sit there laughing and doing nothing. Good parenting skill.
Elijah waking up from his nap in hysterics because the playdoh wouldn't let him build something. Grammy and I tried to clarify that it was tough for him to do it by himself, and he hysterically cries, "NOOOO, the playdoh wouldn't let me build something." Praise God for a compassionate Grammy who coddled him, while Mommy tried not to laugh in his face.
In the middle of a movie at the theater with his cousins Mason and Belah, Elijah shouting out of pure joy to Mason, "Do you like the movie, Mason, do you like the movie?"
Elijah loves to have Tim tell him made up stories. One story Tim told was about a crocodile. Elijah named him Schnotsky the Crocodile. Another story was about a very clean pig, Elijah named Kartika, who ended up with the farmer's daughter. Tim suggested the farmer's daughter be named Sally, Elijah scrunched up his face and said, "I don't think it was Sally. I think it was Kiki-laki." Hmmmm, we fear for the names of our way in the future grandkids:)
Elijah talking on a pretend phone to himself:
1. Hello? 2. Hi, how are you?
1. I'm good, how are you? 2. Okay, bye, I love you.
1. Don't hang up on me, I'm still talking! Okay, bye, I love you.
PG-13 about to come, shield little eyes:
Elijah likes to point out Gussy's, Daddy's and his own nipples. Here's what follows: boys have little ones, girls have big, big long ones.
On a different day: pointing out Daddy's again: boys have little ones, girls have big, big, big ones . . . like their bottoms!
Elijah saying, while playing with his zebra, "The zebra just got a new kidney!! Now it can fly!!!" Side note: We hope this doesn't happen to Tim with his new kidney:)
Uncle Jeff asking Elijah what he saw at the zoo, Elijah replies, "YOU!!" and then starts cracking up.
Elijah and Gus having a "girl" fight: Gus hits Elijah's head, Elijah replies, "Gus, stop," and then proceeds to poke Gus. Gus hits, Elijah pokes, so on and so on. I sit there laughing and doing nothing. Good parenting skill.
Elijah waking up from his nap in hysterics because the playdoh wouldn't let him build something. Grammy and I tried to clarify that it was tough for him to do it by himself, and he hysterically cries, "NOOOO, the playdoh wouldn't let me build something." Praise God for a compassionate Grammy who coddled him, while Mommy tried not to laugh in his face.
In the middle of a movie at the theater with his cousins Mason and Belah, Elijah shouting out of pure joy to Mason, "Do you like the movie, Mason, do you like the movie?"
Elijah loves to have Tim tell him made up stories. One story Tim told was about a crocodile. Elijah named him Schnotsky the Crocodile. Another story was about a very clean pig, Elijah named Kartika, who ended up with the farmer's daughter. Tim suggested the farmer's daughter be named Sally, Elijah scrunched up his face and said, "I don't think it was Sally. I think it was Kiki-laki." Hmmmm, we fear for the names of our way in the future grandkids:)
Tim's Kidney Update
Are you kidding that it has been a month since I have blogged? So sorry:(
Well, we are nearer to transplant than ever. We had our first run through at the beginning of November. Terry, Tim's transplant coordinator, called to tell us that he had moved to #3 on the list and there were 2 healthy kidneys that might be available. This was quite shocking and definitely caught us off guard as Tim had just talked to Terry a week prior to that and he was #16 on the list. Terry said she would be in contact.
That night, we made our arrangements for who would be taking care of our kids in case we got the call and tried to prepare our hearts. It was/is quite a scary thing because there are so many unknowns.
We did end up getting a call the next morning at 9:00 telling Tim that he was off the hook. Tim asked what would have happened had he gotten it and Terry said that we would have gotten a call around 2:00 am and that he would have been having surgery right now. So we got our first run through which was good. We got all of the kinks worked out and now have a clearer understanding of what is still to come.
Please continue to pray for us as this is quite an event. It will be life changing for Tim, no longer having to hook up to a machine 9 hours every night, or doing an exchange every day, and maybe even not having to deal with high blood pressure any more. He will be on immunosuppressants though for the rest of his life and will be limited in how he plays with his boys. Pray for our boys as they won't understand why Daddy is gone, why he is in surgery, and why he can't play the way he used to. Pray for me, as I take care of everyone, that I would do it with love and patience and with the heart of Jesus.
It is truly a blessing from God, what he has given these doctors the ability to do and we are so grateful for this. Please keep in mind the family that will be donating. Pray they will be blessed in a supernatural way as they will have to lose a family member in order to "cure" Tim. Thanks for prayers. We will keep you updated.
Well, we are nearer to transplant than ever. We had our first run through at the beginning of November. Terry, Tim's transplant coordinator, called to tell us that he had moved to #3 on the list and there were 2 healthy kidneys that might be available. This was quite shocking and definitely caught us off guard as Tim had just talked to Terry a week prior to that and he was #16 on the list. Terry said she would be in contact.
That night, we made our arrangements for who would be taking care of our kids in case we got the call and tried to prepare our hearts. It was/is quite a scary thing because there are so many unknowns.
We did end up getting a call the next morning at 9:00 telling Tim that he was off the hook. Tim asked what would have happened had he gotten it and Terry said that we would have gotten a call around 2:00 am and that he would have been having surgery right now. So we got our first run through which was good. We got all of the kinks worked out and now have a clearer understanding of what is still to come.
Please continue to pray for us as this is quite an event. It will be life changing for Tim, no longer having to hook up to a machine 9 hours every night, or doing an exchange every day, and maybe even not having to deal with high blood pressure any more. He will be on immunosuppressants though for the rest of his life and will be limited in how he plays with his boys. Pray for our boys as they won't understand why Daddy is gone, why he is in surgery, and why he can't play the way he used to. Pray for me, as I take care of everyone, that I would do it with love and patience and with the heart of Jesus.
It is truly a blessing from God, what he has given these doctors the ability to do and we are so grateful for this. Please keep in mind the family that will be donating. Pray they will be blessed in a supernatural way as they will have to lose a family member in order to "cure" Tim. Thanks for prayers. We will keep you updated.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
More Elijah Cuteness
While driving past Arby's, the place we had eaten the night before, Elijah shouts, "Hey Mom, there's Barbie's." Made me laugh for quite a while.
Elijah was doing some naughty stuff to bother his brother, Gus. He, of course had to sit in time out. While sitting in time out, he informed me that "God still loves me. Even when I'm naughty, God loves me." I agreed with him but told him that God would rather he be good. Elijah nodded and then said again, "But God loves me even when I am naughty." Once his time was up, he said sorry to Gus, and then yelled at me, "Wait Mom, I have to say sorry to God." He then proceeded to walk past me, face the wall, look up to the ceiling and yelled very loudly, "SORRY GOD!!" How cute!!
Elijah went swimming with his grandma. Grandma was very brave and took both Gus and Elijah. Upon changing when they were finished, Elijah looked at grandma and asked, "Do you feed babies with those?"
Those are the funnies that I can think of as I sit here at my STS meeting that is talking about my Digital Footprints. As I sit here blogging, I am sure my footprints are too numerous for anyone to follow!!
Elijah was doing some naughty stuff to bother his brother, Gus. He, of course had to sit in time out. While sitting in time out, he informed me that "God still loves me. Even when I'm naughty, God loves me." I agreed with him but told him that God would rather he be good. Elijah nodded and then said again, "But God loves me even when I am naughty." Once his time was up, he said sorry to Gus, and then yelled at me, "Wait Mom, I have to say sorry to God." He then proceeded to walk past me, face the wall, look up to the ceiling and yelled very loudly, "SORRY GOD!!" How cute!!
Elijah went swimming with his grandma. Grandma was very brave and took both Gus and Elijah. Upon changing when they were finished, Elijah looked at grandma and asked, "Do you feed babies with those?"
Those are the funnies that I can think of as I sit here at my STS meeting that is talking about my Digital Footprints. As I sit here blogging, I am sure my footprints are too numerous for anyone to follow!!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Elijah Finally Over It
So it's been 4 1/2 months since my Grandma Doris passed away, 3 1/2 months since Tim's uncle passed, 2 1/2 since Aaron's dad passed and Grandpa Jerry's dad passed. Those were 3 months of quite a few funerals for an adult let alone a 2 1/2-3 year old. Elijah dealt with these deaths by asking lots of questions and, later we figured out, by clinging to Mommy and Daddy. Prior to April, Elijah would spend the night at Vee's, Aunt Nini's, and Grammy's on a regular basis. He always enjoyed going and would often ask to stay longer. Following Grandma Doris's death, though, he stopped. He stopped wanting to even stay the afternoon with people for fear, I guess, of us not picking him up.
We, Tim and I, didn't catch onto this until July, when we put the pieces of the puzzle together. Death is tough for all of us, but especially to little ones. When I figured this out, I felt horrible that my little Elijah would have a fear of losing either Tim or I. He would ask questions about death, and we would answer that we would go to Heaven because we believe that Jesus came to this earth to die for our sins and rose again. That He is God!! At one time, Elijah kept asking if I would go to Heaven, and I said yes, and he started crying because he didn't want me to leave him and go to Heaven yet. As I write this, tears come to my eyes again.
What we have decided. No more DEATH. Okay, more realistically, no more funerals for the little guy. And . . . fortunately, we haven't had to go to any, praise God!!
So, finally, on Friday, Grammy planned a party for Elijah, Mason, and Belah, to spend the night, watch a movie, and eat popcorn. Elijah talked about it for days and . . . HE SPENT THE NIGHT and had a blast. So much so, that he cried because he had to come home. Thank our Lord, that Elijah's grieving time is over. Yes, he still prays for God to heal Grandma Doris's nose, but he doesn't seem scared anymore. A couple of weeks ago he started going to Vee's after church again AND letting them drive him there.
Being a parent, you learn so much. Thinking you are answering questions well and in child's terms, then finding out you're not. It's a great learning process. I am so glad that I have a wonderful husband to whom I receive support from as well as loving family. Most of all, though, I am so thankful for our Lord and Savior. Just think of how life would be without Him?
We, Tim and I, didn't catch onto this until July, when we put the pieces of the puzzle together. Death is tough for all of us, but especially to little ones. When I figured this out, I felt horrible that my little Elijah would have a fear of losing either Tim or I. He would ask questions about death, and we would answer that we would go to Heaven because we believe that Jesus came to this earth to die for our sins and rose again. That He is God!! At one time, Elijah kept asking if I would go to Heaven, and I said yes, and he started crying because he didn't want me to leave him and go to Heaven yet. As I write this, tears come to my eyes again.
What we have decided. No more DEATH. Okay, more realistically, no more funerals for the little guy. And . . . fortunately, we haven't had to go to any, praise God!!
So, finally, on Friday, Grammy planned a party for Elijah, Mason, and Belah, to spend the night, watch a movie, and eat popcorn. Elijah talked about it for days and . . . HE SPENT THE NIGHT and had a blast. So much so, that he cried because he had to come home. Thank our Lord, that Elijah's grieving time is over. Yes, he still prays for God to heal Grandma Doris's nose, but he doesn't seem scared anymore. A couple of weeks ago he started going to Vee's after church again AND letting them drive him there.
Being a parent, you learn so much. Thinking you are answering questions well and in child's terms, then finding out you're not. It's a great learning process. I am so glad that I have a wonderful husband to whom I receive support from as well as loving family. Most of all, though, I am so thankful for our Lord and Savior. Just think of how life would be without Him?
Gus's Long Overdue Update
Can you tell that school is back in session? Sorry for the long delay in letting you know about my wonderful little family.
So, Gus celebrated his 1st birthday. He enjoyed opening his presents. Okay, he maybe got tired of them half way through and so Daddy had to open the rest!! I will say, though, that he ADORED the cake. Mmmmm, so much yumminess. It was everywhere and the sounds of pleasure coming from his mouth made it perfect!!
Gus also decided he didn't want to crawl anymore about 2 weeks before his birthday. He just started walking towards items he wanted until finally, crawling was a thing of the past. Now he REFUSES to crawl.
Gus is also quite the outdoorsy type. Anytime the door is open, he thinks he should be outside. He lets us know this by screaming at the top of his lungs and crying until someone lets him out. Grandpa Kenny is his favorite because he gets to spend hours upon hours outside, Grandpa Kenny following him around like a puppy dog.
His cuteness quota: 1. Gus's singsongy pleasant noise that comes out throughout the day. 2. Gus digging like a dog in the sand, dirt, rocks; flinging it everywhere.
Our little Gus is getting a mind of his own and with his little curls, is just about the cutest little guy around!!!
So, Gus celebrated his 1st birthday. He enjoyed opening his presents. Okay, he maybe got tired of them half way through and so Daddy had to open the rest!! I will say, though, that he ADORED the cake. Mmmmm, so much yumminess. It was everywhere and the sounds of pleasure coming from his mouth made it perfect!!
Gus also decided he didn't want to crawl anymore about 2 weeks before his birthday. He just started walking towards items he wanted until finally, crawling was a thing of the past. Now he REFUSES to crawl.
Gus is also quite the outdoorsy type. Anytime the door is open, he thinks he should be outside. He lets us know this by screaming at the top of his lungs and crying until someone lets him out. Grandpa Kenny is his favorite because he gets to spend hours upon hours outside, Grandpa Kenny following him around like a puppy dog.
His cuteness quota: 1. Gus's singsongy pleasant noise that comes out throughout the day. 2. Gus digging like a dog in the sand, dirt, rocks; flinging it everywhere.
Our little Gus is getting a mind of his own and with his little curls, is just about the cutest little guy around!!!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Our Little Angel (Dedicated to Dustin)
At Walmart today, Elijah points at a lady (probably a little large, I did my best not to turn and look) yelling to me, "Mommy, that lady has a big bottom!" Me ignoring him, "MOMMY, look! That lady has a big bottom!" Me, "Let's go Elijah."
At Crackerbarrel to my cousin Cheri, "That lady has a FULL belly." And, yes, the lady was quite a bit overweight.
Elijah, when we tell him he can't watch a movie, eat candy, kick his brother, and so forth: Screams at the top of his lungs and then has a burst of outrage in some demonic voice (Tim, reading over my shoulder, says it's NOT demonic, well, just some kind of shriek).
Elijah, screaming to us, demanding we do what he says.
Elijah, getting angry at the door because it won't stay open, screams at it and then proceeds to bite it. This tends to be his favorite way to deal with his anger. Other household items (including toys and various furniture) have also felt the wrath of Elijah.
Elijah yelling at me because I shut the door purposefully on him to harm him in some way (I went out 3 seconds earlier and THEN he chose to follow).
Elijah pounding Gus on the back (just because he felt like it), laying on top of Gus (because Gus likes it . . . NOT), blocking Gus's path while laughing, getting in Gussy's face yelling, "Goochy, goochy!"
Elijah, bothering Gus to the point that Gus begins to cry. Elijah responds, "shhh, shhh, shhh." Mommy, Daddy, I help Gus!!
And so that is our little angel. This was dedicated to Dustin, and seriously all of our grandparents who think our kids are little angels. This was to open your eyes. But, seriously, even the above naughtiness, makes me laugh when it's all said and done!! Enjoy your little one, Dustin. I hope SHE (just a hunch) is as angelic as our boys! HeeHee!!
At Crackerbarrel to my cousin Cheri, "That lady has a FULL belly." And, yes, the lady was quite a bit overweight.
Elijah, when we tell him he can't watch a movie, eat candy, kick his brother, and so forth: Screams at the top of his lungs and then has a burst of outrage in some demonic voice (Tim, reading over my shoulder, says it's NOT demonic, well, just some kind of shriek).
Elijah, screaming to us, demanding we do what he says.
Elijah, getting angry at the door because it won't stay open, screams at it and then proceeds to bite it. This tends to be his favorite way to deal with his anger. Other household items (including toys and various furniture) have also felt the wrath of Elijah.
Elijah yelling at me because I shut the door purposefully on him to harm him in some way (I went out 3 seconds earlier and THEN he chose to follow).
Elijah pounding Gus on the back (just because he felt like it), laying on top of Gus (because Gus likes it . . . NOT), blocking Gus's path while laughing, getting in Gussy's face yelling, "Goochy, goochy!"
Elijah, bothering Gus to the point that Gus begins to cry. Elijah responds, "shhh, shhh, shhh." Mommy, Daddy, I help Gus!!
And so that is our little angel. This was dedicated to Dustin, and seriously all of our grandparents who think our kids are little angels. This was to open your eyes. But, seriously, even the above naughtiness, makes me laugh when it's all said and done!! Enjoy your little one, Dustin. I hope SHE (just a hunch) is as angelic as our boys! HeeHee!!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Miniature Bride and Groom
I don't want to gloat, but they were almost cuter than the actual bride and groom!!
Our Cowboy
Elijah and Mason at Briana's wedding. Elijah was the miniature groom and Mason the horseshoe bearer. Quite adorable if you ask me!!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Our Three Year Old
So our little boy is growing up!! What a familiar saying, huh?
Elijah celebrated his 3rd birthday on Friday, July 3 with family from both sides (totalling 28) coming over to our house for a barbeque. The host (me) apparently didn't count well as the cook (Tim) didn't get any of the burgers or hotdogs that he slaved over in cooking. Oops!! I don't think anyone else noticed (at least hopefully not:))
Elijah had a grand ol' time playing in the water with his cousins Mason and Belah, opening presents, and eating his Lightening McQueen cake that his cousin Briana and Aunt Nini made for him. The cake was probably the highlight of Elijah's evening. He had been very concerned with the cake beginning on Monday!! Our little boy was very polite in saying thank you and has played with and adored EVERY present he received.
Elijah's highlights:
He loves to fish. He doesn't like to cast or reel in, but loves putting the bait and lures on as well as holding the fish and smiling for pictures (hoping to post some soon).
He is fully potty trained.
Prays regularly for 2 people and 1 people.
Loves movies of any kind and would sit in front of the TV all day long if we allowed it. However, he gets a little cranky if he watches too much early in the day.
Enjoys playing with his baby brother Gus.
Enjoys tormenting his baby brother Gus.
Loves swimming and bath time but can't stand getting his face wet.
Enjoys staying at home but not spending the night with people.
We look forward to another year of blessings with our little one Elijah. What a great gift from God he has been and will continue to be. We pray he will continue to grow in God and be a great disciple of Jesus!!!
Elijah celebrated his 3rd birthday on Friday, July 3 with family from both sides (totalling 28) coming over to our house for a barbeque. The host (me) apparently didn't count well as the cook (Tim) didn't get any of the burgers or hotdogs that he slaved over in cooking. Oops!! I don't think anyone else noticed (at least hopefully not:))
Elijah had a grand ol' time playing in the water with his cousins Mason and Belah, opening presents, and eating his Lightening McQueen cake that his cousin Briana and Aunt Nini made for him. The cake was probably the highlight of Elijah's evening. He had been very concerned with the cake beginning on Monday!! Our little boy was very polite in saying thank you and has played with and adored EVERY present he received.
Elijah's highlights:
He loves to fish. He doesn't like to cast or reel in, but loves putting the bait and lures on as well as holding the fish and smiling for pictures (hoping to post some soon).
He is fully potty trained.
Prays regularly for 2 people and 1 people.
Loves movies of any kind and would sit in front of the TV all day long if we allowed it. However, he gets a little cranky if he watches too much early in the day.
Enjoys playing with his baby brother Gus.
Enjoys tormenting his baby brother Gus.
Loves swimming and bath time but can't stand getting his face wet.
Enjoys staying at home but not spending the night with people.
We look forward to another year of blessings with our little one Elijah. What a great gift from God he has been and will continue to be. We pray he will continue to grow in God and be a great disciple of Jesus!!!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Elijah's Birthday Pictures
1. Elijah with his new fishing pole and tackle box with cousin Derrick.
2. Swimming in his pool. Swimming rocks!!
3. With his new, expensive tropical fish in their palace.
4. Waking up to fun presents.
5. Elijah super excited about birthday parties!!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Gus Gus
So our little Gus isn't so little anymore weighing in at the 90th percentile for height and weight at his 9 month check up a couple of weeks ago. He is a hefty little fellow who LOVES table food. He will grab for plates of food if you aren't feeding him what he wants. He loves all sorts of foods like watermelon, grapes, green beans, bread, pasta, carrots, etc. He attacks his food and eats with much enjoyment!!
Gus is also getting around quite quickly nowadays. Sometimes you will see him doing the army crawl, other times, a normal crawl, and still other times, a jack knife crawl (looks almost normal, but one leg remains out to push you along).
With his movement, comes getting into everything. He loves handles. He doesn't even get into the cabinets too much but loves holding onto the handle and pulling with all his might. He gets very irritated though when you tell him not to do that. He has even mastered a look that is very pathetic, that really almost makes us cave.
He is such a sweet heart and is working on sleeping better. I have had more full night rests in the past couple of weeks than I have in a few months, so that is a good sign.
So, there is Gus, wrapped up in a nutshell:)
Gus is also getting around quite quickly nowadays. Sometimes you will see him doing the army crawl, other times, a normal crawl, and still other times, a jack knife crawl (looks almost normal, but one leg remains out to push you along).
With his movement, comes getting into everything. He loves handles. He doesn't even get into the cabinets too much but loves holding onto the handle and pulling with all his might. He gets very irritated though when you tell him not to do that. He has even mastered a look that is very pathetic, that really almost makes us cave.
He is such a sweet heart and is working on sleeping better. I have had more full night rests in the past couple of weeks than I have in a few months, so that is a good sign.
So, there is Gus, wrapped up in a nutshell:)
Potty Training 101
As adults, we don't think much about using the bathroom. When we gotta go, we go, and don't expect anyone to congratulate us, ask how it went, or earn prizes (unless, of course, you've experienced an overseas trip, then that may be the exception to this). But as a young child, who has only experienced going like birds (whenever they choose and ON whoever they please), going to the bathroom is QUITE the experience.
As many of you know, Elijah will be turning 3 in just a few short weeks. Because of this (and my desire for him to begin going to Super Church), we have begun potty training. It seems easy enough, but it is still a little scary. All kids are different and you kind of worry about your kid being the ONE kid who doesn't get it and starting kindergarten, or middle school, or high school, OR college and still struggling to get it. Well, I have decided that this thinking is a pride issue for us parents and there is really not a whole lot to worry about.
So we started on Tuesday. I printed off 5 different sticker charts, we stocked up on marshmallows, pull-ups, big boy underwear, and cheap cars (a suggestion for helping with going #2). On Tuesday, Elijah did great. A few wet diapers, no stress, no big deal, remember to tell us BEFORE you go, etc. On Thursday, NO wet diapers (well except for the one where Elijah forgot to point himself DOWN and sprayed his pull-up WHILE sitting on the pot:)), and, after 6 rushed trips to the bathroom under the stressed out shout of, "I gotta poop," and the desire to have his Mack Truck (the longest delayed gratification he has ever had to withstand), Elijah finally made #2 in the pot. A big one at that (as he says). Now it's Friday and he again went poopoo in the toilet at Fazolies (it is disgusting to let your little one go the bathroom in a public restroom) and shouted it to Vee for the whole restaraunt to hear (one dad even told him, "Way to go Buddy!").
Potty training seems to be going well, though I am fearfully waiting for the relapse, when it's not exciting anymore and he decides diapers are his friend. I think I will wait a week before I switch to underwear, though I am itching to try it so that Elijah might get to go to Super Church THIS Sunday.
So, in all, this has been a good experience. I am glad, though, that we master this very tricky concept, and then move on as if it is the most natural part of life!!
As many of you know, Elijah will be turning 3 in just a few short weeks. Because of this (and my desire for him to begin going to Super Church), we have begun potty training. It seems easy enough, but it is still a little scary. All kids are different and you kind of worry about your kid being the ONE kid who doesn't get it and starting kindergarten, or middle school, or high school, OR college and still struggling to get it. Well, I have decided that this thinking is a pride issue for us parents and there is really not a whole lot to worry about.
So we started on Tuesday. I printed off 5 different sticker charts, we stocked up on marshmallows, pull-ups, big boy underwear, and cheap cars (a suggestion for helping with going #2). On Tuesday, Elijah did great. A few wet diapers, no stress, no big deal, remember to tell us BEFORE you go, etc. On Thursday, NO wet diapers (well except for the one where Elijah forgot to point himself DOWN and sprayed his pull-up WHILE sitting on the pot:)), and, after 6 rushed trips to the bathroom under the stressed out shout of, "I gotta poop," and the desire to have his Mack Truck (the longest delayed gratification he has ever had to withstand), Elijah finally made #2 in the pot. A big one at that (as he says). Now it's Friday and he again went poopoo in the toilet at Fazolies (it is disgusting to let your little one go the bathroom in a public restroom) and shouted it to Vee for the whole restaraunt to hear (one dad even told him, "Way to go Buddy!").
Potty training seems to be going well, though I am fearfully waiting for the relapse, when it's not exciting anymore and he decides diapers are his friend. I think I will wait a week before I switch to underwear, though I am itching to try it so that Elijah might get to go to Super Church THIS Sunday.
So, in all, this has been a good experience. I am glad, though, that we master this very tricky concept, and then move on as if it is the most natural part of life!!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Tall Tales and Funny Words
Great words from the eldest:
What the whale's name at Sea World is . . . Shampoo (Shamu)
What do you cover with a diaper? my bobbin (bottom)
What are you when you don't have shoes on? berryfoot (barefoot)
Who lives with Vee? Frampa Jerry
Randomly at Pizza Hut while laying on my lap he whispered, "I wish my mommy were nice."
When asked about how Grandpa hurt himself, the reply: Frampa Jerry fell off a ladder onto a porcupine. Frampa had holes in his back, but I cover them with bandaids and now all the holes are gone.
When asked, "How did you get that scratch on your belly?" The reply: I fell onto a statue. The statue had a sword and stabbed me, but I alright.
Randomly throughout any day: Oh! There's a monster! We must shoot him. (He proceeds to go find something to shoot the monster with).
When told Daddy was going to Salina for the week: Will he ever come back?
After Vee or Frampa or both tooted . . . you should poop in the potty . . . let me out, it stinks!
After being put to bed and told that I would work on putting his train track together, I heard footsteps and went to the bottom of the stairs to wait. Upon being asked why he was up: Um, I thought, um, that you want to, um, cover me up.
After being put back to bed, I hear footsteps and again go to the bottom of the stairs to wait. I ask why he's up in a more stern voice: Um, I thought you were going to bed. I thought you in bed, Mommy.
After being put to bed again, I hear footsteps and again go to the bottom of the stairs, where I give in and let him come play with the train he is so excited about.
Different night, Elijah comes into my room (this time I am in bed with the light off), walks up to me and tells me he wants to sleep in my bed. I tell him no it would be better to sleep in his own bed. He's silent for a minute or two, then walks around to Tim's side, pulls himself into bed, pulls the covers up over him, turns on his side (away from me) and proceeds to fall asleep.
What a sweet boy I have!!!!!
What the whale's name at Sea World is . . . Shampoo (Shamu)
What do you cover with a diaper? my bobbin (bottom)
What are you when you don't have shoes on? berryfoot (barefoot)
Who lives with Vee? Frampa Jerry
Randomly at Pizza Hut while laying on my lap he whispered, "I wish my mommy were nice."
When asked about how Grandpa hurt himself, the reply: Frampa Jerry fell off a ladder onto a porcupine. Frampa had holes in his back, but I cover them with bandaids and now all the holes are gone.
When asked, "How did you get that scratch on your belly?" The reply: I fell onto a statue. The statue had a sword and stabbed me, but I alright.
Randomly throughout any day: Oh! There's a monster! We must shoot him. (He proceeds to go find something to shoot the monster with).
When told Daddy was going to Salina for the week: Will he ever come back?
After Vee or Frampa or both tooted . . . you should poop in the potty . . . let me out, it stinks!
After being put to bed and told that I would work on putting his train track together, I heard footsteps and went to the bottom of the stairs to wait. Upon being asked why he was up: Um, I thought, um, that you want to, um, cover me up.
After being put back to bed, I hear footsteps and again go to the bottom of the stairs to wait. I ask why he's up in a more stern voice: Um, I thought you were going to bed. I thought you in bed, Mommy.
After being put to bed again, I hear footsteps and again go to the bottom of the stairs, where I give in and let him come play with the train he is so excited about.
Different night, Elijah comes into my room (this time I am in bed with the light off), walks up to me and tells me he wants to sleep in my bed. I tell him no it would be better to sleep in his own bed. He's silent for a minute or two, then walks around to Tim's side, pulls himself into bed, pulls the covers up over him, turns on his side (away from me) and proceeds to fall asleep.
What a sweet boy I have!!!!!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Sleep? Who Needs Sleep?
So Gus doesn't enjoy sleeping anymore. It all started a few days before he turned 6 months. He had been sleeping through the night 5-6 times a week and I was definitely getting used to it. Then the day came when he stopped sleeping.
Gus is now 8 months old, so, if you do the math, it has been 2 1/2 months of not getting enough sleep for me. We have been trying the Ferber Method (you know, where you let your little baby cry and cry and cry and cry, until you're crying b/c your baby is crying and you just know they need you and are thinking what an awful parent you are, and then they fall asleep). Yah, not working. The kid just keeps going. He goes through angry cries, pathetic cries, wimpers, and sniffles. And, seriously, he doesn't go to sleep for like an hour or until I give up and nurse him.
Anywho, if you have any other brilliant suggestions, I am up for them. The nice thing we did learn through this is that Elijah can, in fact, sleep right through it. Doesn't bother him a bit!!
I will say that our little Gus is just a true joy (other than the sleeping thing). He is such a happy baby and really, can he help it that he has such great family that he wants to be around 24/7? Nope, he can't. So on the days that you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvinated, say a little prayer for me b/c I have probably been up 3-4 times during the night and then awoken bright and early by the lovely little boys I call sons!!
Gus is now 8 months old, so, if you do the math, it has been 2 1/2 months of not getting enough sleep for me. We have been trying the Ferber Method (you know, where you let your little baby cry and cry and cry and cry, until you're crying b/c your baby is crying and you just know they need you and are thinking what an awful parent you are, and then they fall asleep). Yah, not working. The kid just keeps going. He goes through angry cries, pathetic cries, wimpers, and sniffles. And, seriously, he doesn't go to sleep for like an hour or until I give up and nurse him.
Anywho, if you have any other brilliant suggestions, I am up for them. The nice thing we did learn through this is that Elijah can, in fact, sleep right through it. Doesn't bother him a bit!!
I will say that our little Gus is just a true joy (other than the sleeping thing). He is such a happy baby and really, can he help it that he has such great family that he wants to be around 24/7? Nope, he can't. So on the days that you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvinated, say a little prayer for me b/c I have probably been up 3-4 times during the night and then awoken bright and early by the lovely little boys I call sons!!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Date Night? What's That?
Well, Tim and I finally got to have some time just the 2 of us on Friday. We actually went to our friends' house and hung out with other adults for like 3 hours. It was a good time.
Tim's sister, Denah, gets a date night with her hubby every Saturday, thanks to Grammy who watches her two kids. I've been complaining to Tim that WE should get in on this date night stuff since it's been like 8 months since we've had one. Grammy felt bad for us and has set up an every other week schedule for her to take care of her usual grandkids, and ours as well. Sweet Grammy.
We'll fill you in the next time we go on a date. Don't hold your breath, however, waiting, as you may keel over before the post gets written.
So, if you are married, find a time THIS WEEK, to share some SWEET time with your significant other. They are DEFINITELY worth it!!!!!!
Tim's sister, Denah, gets a date night with her hubby every Saturday, thanks to Grammy who watches her two kids. I've been complaining to Tim that WE should get in on this date night stuff since it's been like 8 months since we've had one. Grammy felt bad for us and has set up an every other week schedule for her to take care of her usual grandkids, and ours as well. Sweet Grammy.
We'll fill you in the next time we go on a date. Don't hold your breath, however, waiting, as you may keel over before the post gets written.
So, if you are married, find a time THIS WEEK, to share some SWEET time with your significant other. They are DEFINITELY worth it!!!!!!
On the Move
Our little Gus is on the move. He doesn't crawl yet, but he can get where he wants to be while tummy scootin/army crawlin. We like to put little things in front of him just out of his reach to watch him go. We, of course, then move them right when he has them within reach to make him go again. Sounds kind of mean, but it's great fun to watch!!
Of course, now that he's almost crawling, we will HAVE to keep our house picked up WAAAAY better than it is now, since he really likes to put paper pieces and such in his mouth and gnaw on them for a bit until we can force our finger in his mouth to retrieve them!!
Gus is a great little guy! He is super happy (except, of course, at nursery), fun to play with, and a joy to have. God has surely blessed us with 2 great little boys.
Of course, now that he's almost crawling, we will HAVE to keep our house picked up WAAAAY better than it is now, since he really likes to put paper pieces and such in his mouth and gnaw on them for a bit until we can force our finger in his mouth to retrieve them!!
Gus is a great little guy! He is super happy (except, of course, at nursery), fun to play with, and a joy to have. God has surely blessed us with 2 great little boys.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Joys of Little Ones
Elijah, Elijah. What can I say? A month ago he wasn't wanting to pray after witnessing his older cousin not wanting to pray. Over the past week, he has been willingly praying when it is time. Tonight, Tim came down and told me that Elijah wanted his puppies to pray, for Aunt Nicole and Uncle Aaron, and for Uncle Mike who will be coming in for the funeral on Monday. Another puppy prayed thanks for making Gus and Daddy better. The 3rd puppy prayed that Easter would come again soon (I think more for the Easter egg hunts, but we'll say it's because he is super excited that Jesus rose from the dead and is ALIVE). And then Tim prayed, kissed Elijah and said goodnight. Elijah then said, "Jesus, thank you that I not sick anymore, thank you that I not sick. Thank you for helping me not to be naughty. Help me not to be naughty and not to bite. Thank you that I not sick. Thank you for 1 people, thank you for 2 people, Amen."
And Amen to that!!
And Amen to that!!
God Never Gives You More Than You Can Handle
This past week has been filled with much heartache. On Friday, April 8, my step-dad, Jerry, fell from a 12 foot ladder, getting a concusion and breaking his collar bone, back, elbow, and wrist. He was released from the hospital on Monday and is still in major pain. We are grateful though that he is alive and that he is not paralyzed.
Beginning on Saturday and lasting through to Monday, little Gus had a 100.5 fever, couldn't breathe due to his clogged up nose, and just felt awful. He had to sleep on me during the night and was just pathetic to watch. We finally got antibiotics on Monday and found that he either had a sinus infection or strep throat. He finally started acting more like himself on Tuesday. Today, Thursday, he is on the road to recovery.
On Tuesday, Tim woke up feeling horrible, had a fever, ached, etc. He was smart, though, and called the doctor ASAP and also got an antibiotic and began feeling better Wednesday morning. He was able to go back to work today.
And on Tuesday, around 3:30 PM my sweet, yet feisty, Grandma Doris passed away. Elijah, Gus, and I went over to Mom's house that night to say goodbye. It was a tough evening, but I feel very fortunate that I was able to tell Grandma what a great Grandma she was, talk to her about the peace Jesus has for her if she trusts and believes in him, and reminisce about earlier years, just days earlier on Easter Sunday. I will miss my grandma tremendously! And though she sometimes spoke her mind with few filters in place, she has been a large part of my life since childhood. She taught my sister and I how to play and enjoy games, how to be a good sport whether we won or lost. She took care of us when we were sick and Mom had to work, she made us chocolate milk shakes EVERY time we spent the night, she fixed us Grandpa's eggs and soldiermen toast for breakfast, and she loved us so much. What a blessing from God to have such a wonderful lady in my life. Elijah, because Grandma just looked like she was sleeping, went in to her room and told her Bye and that he loved her. I pray, now, as I've prayed before, that she truly knew Jesus and that she is able to worship Him now.
And so this concludes our week. A week of many lows. But what a relief to know that God never gives us more than we can handle, even when it seems we can't bear another thing. God is good. He is there for us always and He is available for us to lean on, if we just seek Him and ask!!
Beginning on Saturday and lasting through to Monday, little Gus had a 100.5 fever, couldn't breathe due to his clogged up nose, and just felt awful. He had to sleep on me during the night and was just pathetic to watch. We finally got antibiotics on Monday and found that he either had a sinus infection or strep throat. He finally started acting more like himself on Tuesday. Today, Thursday, he is on the road to recovery.
On Tuesday, Tim woke up feeling horrible, had a fever, ached, etc. He was smart, though, and called the doctor ASAP and also got an antibiotic and began feeling better Wednesday morning. He was able to go back to work today.
And on Tuesday, around 3:30 PM my sweet, yet feisty, Grandma Doris passed away. Elijah, Gus, and I went over to Mom's house that night to say goodbye. It was a tough evening, but I feel very fortunate that I was able to tell Grandma what a great Grandma she was, talk to her about the peace Jesus has for her if she trusts and believes in him, and reminisce about earlier years, just days earlier on Easter Sunday. I will miss my grandma tremendously! And though she sometimes spoke her mind with few filters in place, she has been a large part of my life since childhood. She taught my sister and I how to play and enjoy games, how to be a good sport whether we won or lost. She took care of us when we were sick and Mom had to work, she made us chocolate milk shakes EVERY time we spent the night, she fixed us Grandpa's eggs and soldiermen toast for breakfast, and she loved us so much. What a blessing from God to have such a wonderful lady in my life. Elijah, because Grandma just looked like she was sleeping, went in to her room and told her Bye and that he loved her. I pray, now, as I've prayed before, that she truly knew Jesus and that she is able to worship Him now.
And so this concludes our week. A week of many lows. But what a relief to know that God never gives us more than we can handle, even when it seems we can't bear another thing. God is good. He is there for us always and He is available for us to lean on, if we just seek Him and ask!!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Snow Days
Well, it snowed this past weekend and Elijah was super excited to put on snow boots and go play in the snow. He put a "sign" up (a paintbrush standing on end in the snow) and the "sign" said to not move the sign. Very useful, don't you think? A bunny ran by and did not move the sign, so we were grateful that the sign was up:)
Elijah enjoyed shoveling the snow, but when he fell in the snow and got his hand snowy, a melt down ensued. We halted it quickly by simply putting gloves on.
We were going to go sledding but Elijah fell asleep on the way there, so we ended up going over to Grandma Vee's and Grandpa Jerry's later in the evening to sled down their hill in their backyard. It was a lot of fun and probably turned out better, since the other place was so busy and Elijah only wanted to sled for maybe 20 minutes before he got cold.
We were blessed to have a weekend that required us to stay in and enjoy family time. It was a lot of fun, though we look forward to the more springlike temperatures that are sure to be just around the corner.
Elijah enjoyed shoveling the snow, but when he fell in the snow and got his hand snowy, a melt down ensued. We halted it quickly by simply putting gloves on.
We were going to go sledding but Elijah fell asleep on the way there, so we ended up going over to Grandma Vee's and Grandpa Jerry's later in the evening to sled down their hill in their backyard. It was a lot of fun and probably turned out better, since the other place was so busy and Elijah only wanted to sled for maybe 20 minutes before he got cold.
We were blessed to have a weekend that required us to stay in and enjoy family time. It was a lot of fun, though we look forward to the more springlike temperatures that are sure to be just around the corner.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Vacation to Salina
Over spring break we made a decision to go on a "vacation." Wanting to stay kind of close to home we decided to go to Salina. We stayed in a hotel that had a swimming pool and Elijah just LOVED it!! He swam 3 different times in the 12 hours that we were there:)
We then went to Rolling Hills Zoo. It was a lot of fun. Elijah loves animals but especially enjoyed the exhibit where he could crawl through a tunnel and "pop up" in the bear cage. Quite entertaining!
As we were driving home from our vacation, Elijah asked us when we were going on vacation. Apparently that concept was lost. Oh well! We all enjoyed ourselves and can't wait until summer to go on some more family outings.
We then went to Rolling Hills Zoo. It was a lot of fun. Elijah loves animals but especially enjoyed the exhibit where he could crawl through a tunnel and "pop up" in the bear cage. Quite entertaining!
As we were driving home from our vacation, Elijah asked us when we were going on vacation. Apparently that concept was lost. Oh well! We all enjoyed ourselves and can't wait until summer to go on some more family outings.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Here We Are
As my school's STS (computer gal) you would think that I would not be new to the blogging system, but alas, I am!! We DeFores are doing great. Tim continues to be the Latchkey supervisor at Holy Cross, Mikelle is teaching 3rd grade at Bostic Traditional, Elijah loves movies, swimming, and vacation, and Gus adores human food!!
Hopefully, I will make this a weekly update, so check back; and thanks for welcoming us to the 21st century:)
Hopefully, I will make this a weekly update, so check back; and thanks for welcoming us to the 21st century:)
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