Saturday, January 30, 2010
Cargo van here we come...
At least that's what people tell us now. I know they're just joking, but we couldn't be happier with the arrival of our little baby, born at 12:46 p.m., Monday, Jan. 18, 2010. She's perfect. Finding out we were expecting her certainly caught us by surprise. It may have been a long 9 months, with 4+ months of morning sickness and another 2+ months of contractions, but the other four kids were troopers.
She arrived after a grueling c-section (for me) -- elbow first. The first few nights, I had to work extra hard to keep her awake long enough to eat. She occasionally reverts to that behavior nearly two weeks later. People ask how she slept through a basketball game at school. Seriously? She's used to the noise. The noisier, the better. Remember, she has four siblings she's heard for months.
We were worried how LaRue would react to the new addition, since she had been the queen for so long. But, surprisingly, she has been great. Her only demand is "Mine!" to let others know who the baby belongs to. She jumps with joy and claps when we ask if she wants to hold her. And she graciously offers the little one her babies.
Big brother is so caring and loving with her, cradling her and offering kisses. Big sister loves to dress her and Cookie Monster loves to help make bottles. They are all adjusting quite well.
Dad is busy with taxes and I think he finds it a little taxing when I ask him to take a night shift, but he's adjusting well. Maybe it's the thought of another tax deduction for the year that puts his mind at ease.
Actually, I think it's the words that he sent in an e-mail announcing her arrival, "the fifth and final" child of our family. Aren't you the one who (after four kids) said you were done at two??
Guess God thought different. And we love them all more than we could ever imagine.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Snow, snow, go away...baby needs to come this way!
We all have cabin fever here. Especially crabby mom. I'm trying to enjoy this pregnancy, especially since we -- I -- will be making sure this is the last munchkin that will protrude from my belly. But I'm getting very impatient. It's so bitter cold and with all of the snow and wind, it's really not safe to go anywhere. But the kids have been pretty good sports about it. They haven't been outside for a few days because it's so cold, but they've found plenty of ways to entertain themselves. Usually it involves LOTS of noise and laughter, but that's OK. The pix above show Cookie Monster being silly and LaRue having a tea party at grandma & grandpa's house.
I have gotten breakfast in bed three times this week. Today was my favorite. Cookie Monster proudly brought up the most nutritious breakfast ever:
-About 2 cups of mini-marshmallows
-2 chocolate chip Kudos granola bars
-4 caramels
-A can of diet Sunkist pop
At least the "diet" cancelled out all the other bad stuff, right? Actually, I got to thinking, is that really what he sees me eat for breakfast??? Daddy quickly snuck the marshmallows away and LaRue ate the caramels later today.
Cookie Monster is getting excited for the baby to be born, but did inform me he only wants a little one under one condition: "I only like boys, Mom." That's what he told me yesterday.
Well, at least that's better than the puppy he said I was carrying last week.
Friday, November 6, 2009
It's the Truth!
"My ways are not your ways."
"He is our refuge, our help in times of need."
"Call to me all who are weary and I will give you rest."
*****************
These are just a few of God's truths that have been running through my mind today, the toughest day I've had as a parent. We received word this morning that a fellow student was killed in a car crash last night. To complicate things, his mother is our school/church secretary. With the small school, all of the kids play together. I never imagined I'd have to tell an 8 and 6-year-old that their friend is in heaven. Before we told them, we asked for God's wisdom to give us the words to speak.
I know the kids heard us talking and seemed to listen to what we told them, but I wish I could help their little minds and hearts. The Princess was upset, in part because she saw me crying. Farmer Boy, on the other hand, handles it with his sense of humor and silliness.
It all seems so surreal.
God's hand has been all over the situation, as tragic as it is. We've seen it throughout the day.
From the way the school family embraced each other, to the words that appear on the front of Sunday's Church bulletin about those who are filled with sorrow, to the photo that was taken just yesterday of dear Brent's class -- God has been and always will be in control!
That is one truth that I am clinging to and want to share with others.
I also keep hearing words my mother told me her grandparent told her: "Heaven would be a really boring place if it was just filled with old people."
How true. God needs some bubbly, cheery muffins to make heaven as amazing as He's promised. It sure received a big ray of sunshine and laughter today when Brent was welcomed home.
We'll miss Him and his kind heart, but he was just on loan to us. And at least now, he's whole.
"He is our refuge, our help in times of need."
"Call to me all who are weary and I will give you rest."
*****************
These are just a few of God's truths that have been running through my mind today, the toughest day I've had as a parent. We received word this morning that a fellow student was killed in a car crash last night. To complicate things, his mother is our school/church secretary. With the small school, all of the kids play together. I never imagined I'd have to tell an 8 and 6-year-old that their friend is in heaven. Before we told them, we asked for God's wisdom to give us the words to speak.
I know the kids heard us talking and seemed to listen to what we told them, but I wish I could help their little minds and hearts. The Princess was upset, in part because she saw me crying. Farmer Boy, on the other hand, handles it with his sense of humor and silliness.
It all seems so surreal.
God's hand has been all over the situation, as tragic as it is. We've seen it throughout the day.
From the way the school family embraced each other, to the words that appear on the front of Sunday's Church bulletin about those who are filled with sorrow, to the photo that was taken just yesterday of dear Brent's class -- God has been and always will be in control!
That is one truth that I am clinging to and want to share with others.
I also keep hearing words my mother told me her grandparent told her: "Heaven would be a really boring place if it was just filled with old people."
How true. God needs some bubbly, cheery muffins to make heaven as amazing as He's promised. It sure received a big ray of sunshine and laughter today when Brent was welcomed home.
We'll miss Him and his kind heart, but he was just on loan to us. And at least now, he's whole.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Time to dust
After arriving home from a birthday party last night, Cookie Monster seemed quite worried. He was on the toilet, shouting something to me. I asked him what he was saying and was quite shocked by the response: "There's dust on my wee-wee!"
What? I yelled for dad, who was half-asleep on the couch. He emerged as I asked Cookie Monster what the problem was.
Running into the room naked as the day he was born, he repeated "My wee-wee is dusty."
"Ever have that problem?" I asked dad, who sat on the chair, with his eyes open wide and a slight grin on his face.
The dust, I soon discovered, was lint from his dark-colored underwear.
My, my.
Both grandparents found that quite amusing, as did great-grandma.
What? I yelled for dad, who was half-asleep on the couch. He emerged as I asked Cookie Monster what the problem was.
Running into the room naked as the day he was born, he repeated "My wee-wee is dusty."
"Ever have that problem?" I asked dad, who sat on the chair, with his eyes open wide and a slight grin on his face.
The dust, I soon discovered, was lint from his dark-colored underwear.
My, my.
Both grandparents found that quite amusing, as did great-grandma.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Today times 2
Oh, and also highlighting the morning:
-LaRue sat on the couch next to dad, who was enjoying his cup of coffee with the paper. He asked if she was looking for an apartment in the want ads.
-LaRue decided to use some of her new speaking skills. Dad and I both thought we heard "bulls***." Papa will gladly take credit for that.
-LaRue sat on the couch next to dad, who was enjoying his cup of coffee with the paper. He asked if she was looking for an apartment in the want ads.
-LaRue decided to use some of her new speaking skills. Dad and I both thought we heard "bulls***." Papa will gladly take credit for that.
What to do today?
Let's see, it's just a couple hours since this house has been rockin' with 4 wide-awake munchkins. Dad asked what the plan is today. I need to clean the kitchen (see previous post for an idea why that's ALWAYS necessary here).
But, according to the 2 & 3-year-old, this is what has been on the agenda in that short time:
-LaRue has changed her clothes no less than 3 times. The first look involved big brother's pajama shorts, hiked to one side with the diaper hanging out and giving her a massive wedgie, accompanied by brother's Thomas the Train shirt on BACKWARDS. At one point, the outfit was ditched -- along with the diaper -- and she ran upstairs (as fast as a 2-year-old can go butt naked) and grabbed new clothes. These included three more of brother's shirts, all worn backwards. We've figured it is easiest for her to open his dresser drawers.
-When told to return the baby wash to the bathroom, LaRue offered it to her baby.
-The freshly-washed baby now lies in a pile with about 17 other babies that Cookie Monster graciously offered little sis on the couch and she piled next to me while I tried to read and enjoy a quick breakfast. It's there that the babies still lie.
-LaRue attempted to send someone an email, just prior to calling someone.
-LaRue offered to wash out the kitchen sink, complete with a truck in the garbage disposal, as well as an entire bagel. At least the cats enjoyed that one.
-Cookie Monster has filled big brother's Valentine mailbox with M&M's.
-Cookie Monster spent time searching for two teeth he thought he lost when he wiped out running full speed out of the kitchen into the living room. Guess those long pajama pants are a show stopper.
-Cookie Monster got out a pile of clips to put in sissy's hair. Let's just say that didn't go over well.
-The two of them fought over the coveted second-hand fleece Strawberry Shortcake blanket. Don't know what the attraction is????
-LaRue discovered big brother's Lego set and brought the house downstairs to dismantle. Ooops, I predict a war after school.
-Huh, LaRue just arrived with yet another outfit. Again, brother's clothes. And a big tub of pretzels.
-Maybe it's time to quit journaling???
-No, LaRue, you can NOT have Diet Sunkist for breakfast!
-Now she's filling a new garbage sack full of whatever is on the living room floor. Guess my cleaning is starting sooner than expected.
Seriously, I need to go shower before I head to an appointment. So glad dad will be in charge. Wonder when he and his coffee cup will stop watching Curious George?
Gotta love it! I sure do!
But, according to the 2 & 3-year-old, this is what has been on the agenda in that short time:
-LaRue has changed her clothes no less than 3 times. The first look involved big brother's pajama shorts, hiked to one side with the diaper hanging out and giving her a massive wedgie, accompanied by brother's Thomas the Train shirt on BACKWARDS. At one point, the outfit was ditched -- along with the diaper -- and she ran upstairs (as fast as a 2-year-old can go butt naked) and grabbed new clothes. These included three more of brother's shirts, all worn backwards. We've figured it is easiest for her to open his dresser drawers.
-When told to return the baby wash to the bathroom, LaRue offered it to her baby.
-The freshly-washed baby now lies in a pile with about 17 other babies that Cookie Monster graciously offered little sis on the couch and she piled next to me while I tried to read and enjoy a quick breakfast. It's there that the babies still lie.
-LaRue attempted to send someone an email, just prior to calling someone.
-LaRue offered to wash out the kitchen sink, complete with a truck in the garbage disposal, as well as an entire bagel. At least the cats enjoyed that one.
-Cookie Monster has filled big brother's Valentine mailbox with M&M's.
-Cookie Monster spent time searching for two teeth he thought he lost when he wiped out running full speed out of the kitchen into the living room. Guess those long pajama pants are a show stopper.
-Cookie Monster got out a pile of clips to put in sissy's hair. Let's just say that didn't go over well.
-The two of them fought over the coveted second-hand fleece Strawberry Shortcake blanket. Don't know what the attraction is????
-LaRue discovered big brother's Lego set and brought the house downstairs to dismantle. Ooops, I predict a war after school.
-Huh, LaRue just arrived with yet another outfit. Again, brother's clothes. And a big tub of pretzels.
-Maybe it's time to quit journaling???
-No, LaRue, you can NOT have Diet Sunkist for breakfast!
-Now she's filling a new garbage sack full of whatever is on the living room floor. Guess my cleaning is starting sooner than expected.
Seriously, I need to go shower before I head to an appointment. So glad dad will be in charge. Wonder when he and his coffee cup will stop watching Curious George?
Gotta love it! I sure do!
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