ok- 2 posts in one night. is something wrong here? :)
maybe i'm just gearing up for this 'national blog post month' contest i entered- blog everyday of november & earn a chance at the drawing for cash. (cash = diapers) :)
so here's my warm-up:
tonight after bath, i told jett to pick out a bedtime book from the basket. after i convinced him that we could still read 'goodnight moon' (his favorite) + another book, he came back with 'noah's ark.' since we have been talking about god, i thought it was a good choice. as we read the book, i tried to explain that noah is god's friend & that god loves noah. and god loves jett. and god loves kai. and god loves mommy & daddy. . . so on & so forth.
i could see where this was going. :)
'gaw-dad (his version of god - rhymes with crawdad) loves ocks.' yes- god loves the rocks.
'gaw-dad loves ocks in pond.' yes - god loves the rocks in the pond.
'gaw-dad loves fish in pond.' yes- in fact, god made the fish in the pond.
'gaw-dad loves big fish in pond make BIG splash.' and just like jett, he loves the big fish in the pond to make a big splash.
i don't so much have designated, kneel by the bedside, formal 'prayer-time' - that never really worked with me. however, i like to think that the above conversation counts as a shout out to the heavens.
and i happen to think it made him smile.
and if you're still listening - 'thank you gaw-dad, for the greatest blessings of a lifetime. i love these boys with all of my being. amen'
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
moments of clarity
life is hectic these days, to say the least. sometimes i wonder if my calling in life is to change diapers. truth be told - it can be overwhelming. and oh so demanding. time to myself is unheard of - my husband & i barely get to have a complete conversation in between the chaos of kids. it's non-stop. good, hard & everything in between. sometimes it (being this thing we call life) gets so crazy it just doesn't make sense.
and sometimes it does.
and sometimes it does.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
live & learn
children learn what they live-
by dorothy law nolte
if children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
if children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
if children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
if children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
if children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
if children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
if children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
if children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
if children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
if children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
if children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves & in those around them.
if children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
by dorothy law nolte
if children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
if children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
if children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
if children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
if children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
if children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
if children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
if children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
if children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
if children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
if children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves & in those around them.
if children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
Monday, July 30, 2007
now i'm a believer-
when i found out i was pregnant for the second time & my son was only 11 months old, i had the hardest of times. doubts started consuming my mind-
how could i handle 2 'babies' under 2 years old?
what will jett think of me holding someone else?
how can i possibly make it through labor a second time?
and most of all, how can i love another one like i love the first?
and then i saw his face.
and now i'm a believer-
my dad was right (once again) - 'your love doesn't divide, it multiplies. . . the second you lay eyes on him, your heart will grow.'
and oh how true it is. i love my first-born with my whole intense heart. and now- i love my second with my whole intense heart. and i can't imagine my life without this new being that has come into my life.
kai everest - one beautiful boy. one sweet blessing.
i love you baby kai.
how could i handle 2 'babies' under 2 years old?
what will jett think of me holding someone else?
how can i possibly make it through labor a second time?
and most of all, how can i love another one like i love the first?
and then i saw his face.
and now i'm a believer-
my dad was right (once again) - 'your love doesn't divide, it multiplies. . . the second you lay eyes on him, your heart will grow.'
and oh how true it is. i love my first-born with my whole intense heart. and now- i love my second with my whole intense heart. and i can't imagine my life without this new being that has come into my life.
kai everest - one beautiful boy. one sweet blessing.
i love you baby kai.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
bring it on-
hello blog world - long time, no speak.
since my last post . . .
the blogger world has changed, evidently wants to be referred to as 'now blogger' these days & apparently the damn thing saves all your drafts automatically whether you ask it to or not.
the home front has changed, from texas to colorado, 6000 boxes, 4 trailers, 500 miles and 15 gallons of paint later.
the body has changed, 108 months pregnant, big belly & unmistakable waddle - unable to see my toes, much less cut or paint my toenails.
the mind has changed, as i learn the 'new' blog rules, as i embrace our new home state & love every second of being here, as i am about to give birth to our second son and once again surrender my heart, mind & body to a tiny miracle of life.
change is good- that's what i've 'heard'. change is hard as hell- that's what i've experienced. and usually i go kicking & screaming . . . but not this time. this time i say 'bring it on!'
bring it on- i face these changes with a most eager spirit. i love the 'now blogger' & the fact that it thinks my every word is worth saving; i love the new place we call 'home' and realize that my 'home' is whereever my husband is; i love the fact that this 'huge-mongus' (as my nephew from seattle would call it) belly is providing food & shelter to the new love in my life; and i love that my mind is so consumed with my toddler's daily activities that i haven't had a complete thought in over 2 years. and i love that in a few weeks my world will be turned upside down once again with the demanding needs of a newborn babe.
bring.
it.
on.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
he's walking!
Sunday, December 03, 2006
a year-
i hestitate to say . . .
the boy has slept THROUGH the night for a total of 4 nights!!!
oh goodness - life is good.
and it only took a little over a year. 365+ days of sleeping no more than 4-5 hours at one time. but now, down by 7:30 & sleeps until 8. did i mention it's only been a year?
he has also weaned himself from breastfeeding (could be little sibling taking up all the nutrients) and he has taken himself off pureed baby food. and all this time i thought we were in charge. :) he has adapted to an unbelievable schedule - taking two 1.5 hour naps each day. how sweet it is. and it only took a year.
and now - here we are are. pregnant again. as if i thought i had the whole motherhood thing down pat -
what the hell are we thinking?
please tell me the second one sleeps through the night by 3 months, changes his own diaper and orders from the 'kid menu' from the get-go.
it's overwhelming. i wonder if i'm 'equiped'. and as hard is it is to accept the facts - i pray for this baby. healthy, full-term. and i pray for my baby that is here now. may i have the time, energy and love for two. may i be 'enough.'
and the worst part - i remember labor. i mean i remember.
it's only been a year.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
this boy
Thursday, August 17, 2006
9 months out-
it is apparent to me now . . .
even at 9 months.
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as he loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.
kahlil gibran
even at 9 months.
Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as he loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.
kahlil gibran
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
traveling fools
angel fire, taos, dallas, houston, port A, san antonio, bulverde, san marcos, san angelo, and now beaumont. not to mention all the places in between.
i miss my pillow. i miss bella. most of all, i miss my husband.
and this boy is growing way too fast. hard to believe he has almost been on the outside as long as he was in the womb.
we can't wait to see you dad! love, a & jett august
i miss my pillow. i miss bella. most of all, i miss my husband.
and this boy is growing way too fast. hard to believe he has almost been on the outside as long as he was in the womb.
we can't wait to see you dad! love, a & jett august
Sunday, July 09, 2006
we did it!
3 clif bars, 2 bags of clif 'shots', 2 peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, 6 bandaids for 2 hellish blisters, 2 camelbacks full of h2o, 3 deer, 8 hours of hiking/ climbing, 12 hours away from the boy . . .
and we did it. wheeler peak. 13,161 ft. - the highest peak in new mexico.
crazy beautiful. i'm officially addicted.
and the reunion - how sweet it was.
and we did it. wheeler peak. 13,161 ft. - the highest peak in new mexico.
crazy beautiful. i'm officially addicted.
and the reunion - how sweet it was.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
the discovery of the penis-
yes, you read it right.
it happened. jett has discovered that he has a 'special play toy' when we change his diaper. it all began on the trip home from angel fire a few weekends ago. we changed his diaper in the back of the navigator on the side of the road & his right index finger found its way 'down south'. i don't know if it was just coincidental. i don't know if the breeze traveling through the open windows sparked some interest; i don't know if boys just 'find' 'it' early. and i had NO idea is might happen at 6 months early?!.?!.. wow- let the games begin. now every time we change him his hand immediately goes for the 'gold'. at first it was funny - the look on his face tells it all.
i imagine him thinking, 'hello, play toy. when did you move in?'
and yes, i've called it every name in the book, trying to explain to him that it's a natural, important part of him, without making a big deal about it (in hopes he'll move back to being amused with his toes before he gets to kindergarden.) then it hit me.
it's a penis. he's going to find that out at some point so why shouldn't we just start now. so now mommy calls a 'duck' a 'duck' - and jett and i have conversations about anatomy when we diaper change. but then the funniest thing happened. i overheard daddy changing his diaper tonite saying, 'yeah - that's your 'pee-pee.' be careful, it will hurt if you pull it.'
what would you say to a boy trying to pull 'it' off to get a closer look?
oh my gosh- i'm still laughing. not AT you babe, but very much with you. :) it's funny to me how long it takes me to realize this little guy is a real living, breathing human. i strive for realness in every aspect of my life. why would i want to be any different with my son?
_________________________________________
another 'milestone' - tonight, for the first time, he loved eating solids. he ate oatmeal cereal & green beans like he had never tasted anything so delicious. it brought a tear to my eye. (we've been hoping for this day for three weeks. he hasn't been a fan of solid food until tonight.) and who knows, tomorrow we make take a trip back to square one, but it was great to see him reach for the spoon & whine when dad took too long getting the bite to his mouth.
way to go jett august. you rock! i'm so proud of you. just give your mom & dad some time to figure this thing called 'parenthood' out and we should do fine-
it happened. jett has discovered that he has a 'special play toy' when we change his diaper. it all began on the trip home from angel fire a few weekends ago. we changed his diaper in the back of the navigator on the side of the road & his right index finger found its way 'down south'. i don't know if it was just coincidental. i don't know if the breeze traveling through the open windows sparked some interest; i don't know if boys just 'find' 'it' early. and i had NO idea is might happen at 6 months early?!.?!.. wow- let the games begin. now every time we change him his hand immediately goes for the 'gold'. at first it was funny - the look on his face tells it all.
i imagine him thinking, 'hello, play toy. when did you move in?'
and yes, i've called it every name in the book, trying to explain to him that it's a natural, important part of him, without making a big deal about it (in hopes he'll move back to being amused with his toes before he gets to kindergarden.) then it hit me.
it's a penis. he's going to find that out at some point so why shouldn't we just start now. so now mommy calls a 'duck' a 'duck' - and jett and i have conversations about anatomy when we diaper change. but then the funniest thing happened. i overheard daddy changing his diaper tonite saying, 'yeah - that's your 'pee-pee.' be careful, it will hurt if you pull it.'
what would you say to a boy trying to pull 'it' off to get a closer look?
oh my gosh- i'm still laughing. not AT you babe, but very much with you. :) it's funny to me how long it takes me to realize this little guy is a real living, breathing human. i strive for realness in every aspect of my life. why would i want to be any different with my son?
_________________________________________
another 'milestone' - tonight, for the first time, he loved eating solids. he ate oatmeal cereal & green beans like he had never tasted anything so delicious. it brought a tear to my eye. (we've been hoping for this day for three weeks. he hasn't been a fan of solid food until tonight.) and who knows, tomorrow we make take a trip back to square one, but it was great to see him reach for the spoon & whine when dad took too long getting the bite to his mouth.
way to go jett august. you rock! i'm so proud of you. just give your mom & dad some time to figure this thing called 'parenthood' out and we should do fine-
Saturday, June 03, 2006
french manicures
it's been a day-
not sure why.
lots going on-
days at the dac are winding down.
my niece moved 3 hours away.
got this stomach issue that won't let up.
can't sleep lately.
hearing more & more about that damn bird flu.
the boy hasn't had a 'good' nap in 2 days.
on the bright side-
days at the dac are winding down.
neicey gets married in one week.
weigh the same as i did in junior high. :(
getting lots accomplished due to sleepless nights.
cleaned out pantry to stock-pile for bird flu.
had LOTS of active time with jett (due to refusal of naps.)
well- now that i think about it, really think about it, life is good.
and get this-
i've discoved if you let the diaper rash cream dry under your fingernails, it looks pretty damn close to a french manicure. :)
not sure why.
lots going on-
days at the dac are winding down.
my niece moved 3 hours away.
got this stomach issue that won't let up.
can't sleep lately.
hearing more & more about that damn bird flu.
the boy hasn't had a 'good' nap in 2 days.
on the bright side-
days at the dac are winding down.
neicey gets married in one week.
weigh the same as i did in junior high. :(
getting lots accomplished due to sleepless nights.
cleaned out pantry to stock-pile for bird flu.
had LOTS of active time with jett (due to refusal of naps.)
well- now that i think about it, really think about it, life is good.
and get this-
i've discoved if you let the diaper rash cream dry under your fingernails, it looks pretty damn close to a french manicure. :)
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Saturday, May 27, 2006
inspiration
it's been a 'few' days since my last post. :)
may be that so much is happening, my head is spinning, no time to collect my thoughts. may be that my boy is 6 months old, growing like a weed as my grandmother used to say, and i'm scared if i take my eyes off him even for a second he'll be moving off to college -
may be i just needed a little inspiration.
this should do it.
nothing like being in the high country, surrounded by swaying aspens, watching a deer walk across the yard-
and oh yes- seeing this boy, six months old, take in this tattered world, and smiling still - god, is it me or do his eyes match the new mexico sky?
i don't think we are ever going home.
may be that so much is happening, my head is spinning, no time to collect my thoughts. may be that my boy is 6 months old, growing like a weed as my grandmother used to say, and i'm scared if i take my eyes off him even for a second he'll be moving off to college -
may be i just needed a little inspiration.
this should do it.
nothing like being in the high country, surrounded by swaying aspens, watching a deer walk across the yard-
and oh yes- seeing this boy, six months old, take in this tattered world, and smiling still - god, is it me or do his eyes match the new mexico sky?
i don't think we are ever going home.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Friday, March 31, 2006
brown bear
finally friday-
i look so forward to the weekends. time with j, time for the 3 of us to hang out together. after 5 days of diapers, laundry, children's books & lullibies, it's nice to have some adult conversation. i think that's why i haven't blogged in a while - the only words in my head are 'brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?' who wants to hear a 30 year old babble about the brown bears in her head.?.
jett doesn't seem to mind my insanity - in fact, i think he finds it quite amusing (god love him.) i do enjoy my time with him - trying to 'be present' each day, watching him explore the world one eyeful at a time. everyday he learns . . . and i learn with him. what a miracle he is. i would give anything to 'bottle' his innocence and sell it on e-bay. highest bid - one billion dollars (you must say it like dr. evil to get the full effect.)
he has so much to discover - and it seems with such a willingness to see the beauty in it all.
take it in, sweet boy. the world is a better place because you're in it!
brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?
i see the jett-ster smiling at me.
i look so forward to the weekends. time with j, time for the 3 of us to hang out together. after 5 days of diapers, laundry, children's books & lullibies, it's nice to have some adult conversation. i think that's why i haven't blogged in a while - the only words in my head are 'brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?' who wants to hear a 30 year old babble about the brown bears in her head.?.
jett doesn't seem to mind my insanity - in fact, i think he finds it quite amusing (god love him.) i do enjoy my time with him - trying to 'be present' each day, watching him explore the world one eyeful at a time. everyday he learns . . . and i learn with him. what a miracle he is. i would give anything to 'bottle' his innocence and sell it on e-bay. highest bid - one billion dollars (you must say it like dr. evil to get the full effect.)
he has so much to discover - and it seems with such a willingness to see the beauty in it all.
take it in, sweet boy. the world is a better place because you're in it!
brown bear, brown bear, what do you see?
i see the jett-ster smiling at me.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Monday, March 13, 2006
Friday, March 03, 2006
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
my best girlfriend
my niece is an amazing person.
she was born on my 6th birthday & i've been crazy about her ever since.
she has been there for me through rain & shine - many times being the solid rock that kept me stable. i can remember playing dress-up & school :) with her when we were little, coaching her summer league basketball team when she was in junior high, and seeing her walk across the stage at her high school & college graduations. she stood beside me as my maid-of-honor & was the first to offer encouragement when things didn't go the way they should. she was there for me when i mourned the death of my marriage & again when i mourned the death of a friend -
through the years, i've watched her become a beautiful, strong, independent, faithful, intelligent person with a heart as big as the ocean. her love knows no end.
she was right outside my hospital room the day jett was born. and she has loved him deeply from the moment they met.
what a lucky boy to have such a loving 'niecey'-
what a lucky aunt to have her for a best friend.
today jett is 3 months, 1 week & 5 days-
and in 3 months, 1 week & 6 days my niece will walk down the aisle to the man of her dreams.
i know how quickly the time with jett has gone, and i know it will only be a short while until my dear friend marries & moves away.
i will miss her severely.
and i know jett will too-
i pray we both 'soak' up the moments we have left to spend with her.
and i pray she knows she is precious to our souls.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
'photos' in my mind
i have been a 'photographer' for a while now. i happen to think i'm one of the best. but, you won't find my work in a studio - or on the front page of a newspaper. you won't even see it in a photo album in my home. the pictures i'm most proud of are taken with my mind - and stored away in my heart. i've collected these 'shots' for years. when i'm alone on a run, or mindlessly folding clothes, i thumb through these 'albums'. this is what i see-
a bright yellow school bus in the distance on a long dirt road, a blue 'precious moments' sachel with my book order completed, & a 'care bears' metal lunch box - the long ago days of kindergarten :)
a strawberry shortcake purse with a long red strap & a brand new beautiful niecey ( & wondering why my sister couldn't leave her hospital bed) to celebrate my 6th birthday
my dad's wet eyes at my granddad's funeral - & again the day my grandmother died -
a white spray plane landing on that same long dirt road - my brother walking toward the house -
a yellow (much faster) airplane turning into the sunrise & lining up for another pass through the corn field -
my first 3-point shot as a starter in the kenneth cleveland gymnasium -
my mom, dad & sister driving off - leaving me 900 miles away from home at college -
my dad stepping out of my uncle's airplane to pick me up at san marcos- man was i glad to see him - :)
the runway numbers as i turned 'final' on my first solo flight -
the finish line banner blowing in the wind at oklahoma city -
my niecey sitting on the front porch of fannin waiting to get snow cones -
my husband's face in the warm sun as he said his vows & held my hands on the beach at st. john -
j holding jett minutes after he came into this world- jett seeing his dad for the first time -
my sister looking away from my son with tears in her eyes to tell me 'he's perfect' -
looking into jett's eyes after his surgery and seeing a boy with amazing strength-
and my latest - just today - jett taking a break from feeding to softly smile and whisper 'ah gu' -
the 'pages' of my albums are worn, no doubt, i look at them often. and the contents are more precious than words.
i pray i never lose my memory of certain days gone by - & i pray i get to take them with me when i go.
a bright yellow school bus in the distance on a long dirt road, a blue 'precious moments' sachel with my book order completed, & a 'care bears' metal lunch box - the long ago days of kindergarten :)
a strawberry shortcake purse with a long red strap & a brand new beautiful niecey ( & wondering why my sister couldn't leave her hospital bed) to celebrate my 6th birthday
my dad's wet eyes at my granddad's funeral - & again the day my grandmother died -
a white spray plane landing on that same long dirt road - my brother walking toward the house -
a yellow (much faster) airplane turning into the sunrise & lining up for another pass through the corn field -
my first 3-point shot as a starter in the kenneth cleveland gymnasium -
my mom, dad & sister driving off - leaving me 900 miles away from home at college -
my dad stepping out of my uncle's airplane to pick me up at san marcos- man was i glad to see him - :)
the runway numbers as i turned 'final' on my first solo flight -
the finish line banner blowing in the wind at oklahoma city -
my niecey sitting on the front porch of fannin waiting to get snow cones -
my husband's face in the warm sun as he said his vows & held my hands on the beach at st. john -
j holding jett minutes after he came into this world- jett seeing his dad for the first time -
my sister looking away from my son with tears in her eyes to tell me 'he's perfect' -
looking into jett's eyes after his surgery and seeing a boy with amazing strength-
and my latest - just today - jett taking a break from feeding to softly smile and whisper 'ah gu' -
the 'pages' of my albums are worn, no doubt, i look at them often. and the contents are more precious than words.
i pray i never lose my memory of certain days gone by - & i pray i get to take them with me when i go.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
a language all their own
one of my favorite things to do in this world is to watch my husband & son 'communicate'.
jett grins the biggest and brightest when he 'speaks' with his dad. his face lights up; his arms wave in excitement. i can only imagine what he tells his dad during their time together- his thoughts, his dreams, maybe even his fears. you can see the adoration they have for each other written all over their faces.
and to hear the love in their voices . . .
i've never heard anything like it. it's like they have a language all their own.
i love it . . .
and i don't want any part of it. (except to watch quietly from a distance from time to time.)
it's theirs.
all theirs.
and only theirs.
two 'men' looking each other in the eye & seeing nothing but the other man's soul. their love for the other runs deeper than the greatest river. i used to think there was nothing like a bond between a dad & his daughter. now i know the love between this father & son must come close.
mr. independent
everyday i learn . . .
jett has become super independent over the past few weeks. it has been amazing to see. he would much rather be on his own, training for the 2023 tour de france, while conversing with the ceiling fan than be held by mom or dad. i think it's awesome in a way (although sometimes i just want to hold him close like i did with my five lb. baby.) he's so easy, only fussing when he's exhausted all his energy stores & needs a 'powerbar'. he even 'rides' his way to dreamland without our assistance. sometimes, just for grins, i TRY to rock him to sleep, allowing him to 'draft' from my lead for a while. he fights me the whole time, arching his back, straightening his legs & airing out his lungs, hell-bent on going it alone. not until i put him 'back on his own set of wheels' does he calm down & return to his normal cadence. wow- mr. independent.
AND, to top it off, he's been sleeping in his own room at night for about a month now, just letting me know when he needs a meal. so, even though it's early in the 'ride', i'm getting a taste of what it will be like when he moves out on his own, only needing mom for a meal and clean laundry. :)
how blessed we are to have & 'know' a strong, healthy, independent boy . . . with the sweetest grin i've ever seen.
ride hard jett- i'll be close by if you ever need a 'rest-stop'.
jett has become super independent over the past few weeks. it has been amazing to see. he would much rather be on his own, training for the 2023 tour de france, while conversing with the ceiling fan than be held by mom or dad. i think it's awesome in a way (although sometimes i just want to hold him close like i did with my five lb. baby.) he's so easy, only fussing when he's exhausted all his energy stores & needs a 'powerbar'. he even 'rides' his way to dreamland without our assistance. sometimes, just for grins, i TRY to rock him to sleep, allowing him to 'draft' from my lead for a while. he fights me the whole time, arching his back, straightening his legs & airing out his lungs, hell-bent on going it alone. not until i put him 'back on his own set of wheels' does he calm down & return to his normal cadence. wow- mr. independent.
AND, to top it off, he's been sleeping in his own room at night for about a month now, just letting me know when he needs a meal. so, even though it's early in the 'ride', i'm getting a taste of what it will be like when he moves out on his own, only needing mom for a meal and clean laundry. :)
how blessed we are to have & 'know' a strong, healthy, independent boy . . . with the sweetest grin i've ever seen.
ride hard jett- i'll be close by if you ever need a 'rest-stop'.
Monday, January 16, 2006
two months old
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
when you love someone
a reading from our wedding -
When you love someone, you do not love them all the time, in exactly the same way, from moment to moment. It is an impossibility. It is even a lie to pretend to. And yet, this is exactly what most of us demand. We have so little faith in the ebb and flow of life, of love, of relationships. We leap at the flow of time and resist in terror its ebb. We are afraid it will never return. We insist on permanency, on duration, on continuity; when the only continuity possible in life, as in love, is in growth, in fluidity in freedom. The only real security is not owning or possessing, not in demanding or expecting, not in hoping, even. Security in a relationship lies neither in looking back to what it was, nor forward to what it might be, but living in the present and accepting it as it is now. For relationships, too must be like islands. One must accept them for what they are here and now, within their limits islands surrounded and interrupted by the sea, continuously visited and abandoned by the tides. Once must accept the serenity of the winged life, ebb and flow, of intermittency.
When you love someone, you do not love them all the time, in exactly the same way, from moment to moment. It is an impossibility. It is even a lie to pretend to. And yet, this is exactly what most of us demand. We have so little faith in the ebb and flow of life, of love, of relationships. We leap at the flow of time and resist in terror its ebb. We are afraid it will never return. We insist on permanency, on duration, on continuity; when the only continuity possible in life, as in love, is in growth, in fluidity in freedom. The only real security is not owning or possessing, not in demanding or expecting, not in hoping, even. Security in a relationship lies neither in looking back to what it was, nor forward to what it might be, but living in the present and accepting it as it is now. For relationships, too must be like islands. One must accept them for what they are here and now, within their limits islands surrounded and interrupted by the sea, continuously visited and abandoned by the tides. Once must accept the serenity of the winged life, ebb and flow, of intermittency.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
motherhood-
my 'son-shine' turned 4 weeks old this wednesday. it's amazing how much he has already changed. it seems like he knows what he likes & dislikes - and doesn't hesitate to let you know. his face has filled out, he makes consistent eye contact, and he loves to allow his eyes to roam the room to explore.
and me- well, i think i've got this 'motherhood' thing down. (that is if you overlook a few things.)
some days i don't get a shower until 2pm-
some days i just don't shower. (call first before you visit.) :)
some days i find the cereal box in the fridge & the milk in the cabinet.
some days the dishes stay in the sink all day long.
some days I put dryer sheets in the wash.
some days i don't get to the laundry at all.
some days my shirt is 'crunchy' from 'runaway' milk & my hair is matted with spit-up.
some days jett is 'crunchy' from 'runaway' milk & his hair is matted with spit-up.
some days i find dirty silverware in the drawer.
most days i just eat with my fingers.
some days i get a nap-
some days i just watch jett while he sleeps.
some days all i accomplish is locating the remote in time for gilmore girls and breastfeeding.
some days i just hold the boy.
some days i wonder if it will ever get any easier-
some days i wonder if i'm cut out to be a 'mom'.
some day i'll look back at these trying moments & miss this precious time in my life . . .
and wish i could do it all again.
and me- well, i think i've got this 'motherhood' thing down. (that is if you overlook a few things.)
some days i don't get a shower until 2pm-
some days i just don't shower. (call first before you visit.) :)
some days i find the cereal box in the fridge & the milk in the cabinet.
some days the dishes stay in the sink all day long.
some days I put dryer sheets in the wash.
some days i don't get to the laundry at all.
some days my shirt is 'crunchy' from 'runaway' milk & my hair is matted with spit-up.
some days jett is 'crunchy' from 'runaway' milk & his hair is matted with spit-up.
some days i find dirty silverware in the drawer.
most days i just eat with my fingers.
some days i get a nap-
some days i just watch jett while he sleeps.
some days all i accomplish is locating the remote in time for gilmore girls and breastfeeding.
some days i just hold the boy.
some days i wonder if it will ever get any easier-
some days i wonder if i'm cut out to be a 'mom'.
some day i'll look back at these trying moments & miss this precious time in my life . . .
and wish i could do it all again.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
i give thanks
this thanksgiving has new meaning for me.
today i give thanks for a tiny heart that beats without fault.
i give thanks for two bright eyes that take in a whole new world.
i give thanks for lungs that fill & release air in perfect time.
i give thanks for 10 tiny toes & 10 tiny fingers. (he has his dad's gorgeous hands)
i give thanks for a mouth that longs to feed on milk i can provide.
i give thanks for strong bones & muscles. (he gets these from dad too)
i give thanks for his perfectly crafted body, healthy & complete.
i give thanks for his working organs, that they function on demand.
i give thanks that he was created in god's image, and given to us to love.
i give thanks to be chosen to be his mom.
i give thanks for his dad - the love of my life.
i give thanks for my husband, our families, and now this precious boy-
today i give thanks for a tiny heart that beats without fault.
i give thanks for two bright eyes that take in a whole new world.
i give thanks for lungs that fill & release air in perfect time.
i give thanks for 10 tiny toes & 10 tiny fingers. (he has his dad's gorgeous hands)
i give thanks for a mouth that longs to feed on milk i can provide.
i give thanks for strong bones & muscles. (he gets these from dad too)
i give thanks for his perfectly crafted body, healthy & complete.
i give thanks for his working organs, that they function on demand.
i give thanks that he was created in god's image, and given to us to love.
i give thanks to be chosen to be his mom.
i give thanks for his dad - the love of my life.
i give thanks for my husband, our families, and now this precious boy-
Monday, November 14, 2005
happy birthday dad-
the nursery is finished.
our bags are packed.
the car seat is installed. (who knows if we did that right!)
the due date is fast approaching.
it's almost time!
we had an appointment today - doc C says it's time for jett to 'land'. we go to the hospital tomorrow @5pm - and they will induce wednesday morn. wow - it's almost time.
wednesday will be my dad's 71st birthday. and i have to say it will be an honor to have my son on this day. my dad is one of my very favorite people - he has been solid ground for me for 30 years now. he was hard on me when he had to be, and even more loving than i could ever deserve. his heart is a source of comfort - no matter what the 'situation' brings. he offers advice when i ask, wisdom without even saying a word, and love with every gesture. god blessed me the day he 'gave' me my dad. i used to thank my sweet grandmother for having a son -
and now i get to have one on the same day -
71 years later.
i hope jett will have some of the same wonderful qualities as his grandpa.
happy birthday dad - i love you more than words can say.
happy birthday grandpa - love, jett.
our bags are packed.
the car seat is installed. (who knows if we did that right!)
the due date is fast approaching.
it's almost time!
we had an appointment today - doc C says it's time for jett to 'land'. we go to the hospital tomorrow @5pm - and they will induce wednesday morn. wow - it's almost time.
wednesday will be my dad's 71st birthday. and i have to say it will be an honor to have my son on this day. my dad is one of my very favorite people - he has been solid ground for me for 30 years now. he was hard on me when he had to be, and even more loving than i could ever deserve. his heart is a source of comfort - no matter what the 'situation' brings. he offers advice when i ask, wisdom without even saying a word, and love with every gesture. god blessed me the day he 'gave' me my dad. i used to thank my sweet grandmother for having a son -
and now i get to have one on the same day -
71 years later.
i hope jett will have some of the same wonderful qualities as his grandpa.
happy birthday dad - i love you more than words can say.
happy birthday grandpa - love, jett.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
that's why he's so cool-
my husband is so cool. he'll be talking to someone about sports and all the sudden he spouts off all these statistics and facts about players that i have no clue he knows about. (not that i 'know' what he knows but we do talk a lot.) he is like this walking, talking espn show & the information is always plentiful, up to date & readily available. i can tell it truly interests him yet i have no idea when he absorbs all the details. maybe he secretly watches tv while i sleep.
everyday i learn something new about him -
that's why he's so cool.
Monday, October 31, 2005
37 weeks
we made it- jett august is now considered 'full term' - and despite the doc's concerns of him being 'too small' - i'm convinced this child has more strength than i ever thought about having. i know if he came tonite he would be just fine. for 9 months i have witnessed his relentless pursuit of life, growth and all that goes with the miracle of pregnancy. i haven't 'met' him yet but i know he will be an example of courage to his mom.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
this shadow will remain
friday after work, j & i went to the canyon. it was so beautiful. the air was crisp & the sun was warm - somehow god allowed the two to co-exist. we hiked & explored - and talked about how jett would be with us in only a few weeks. wow - it is almost time. and we can't wait to take him to the canyon with us. i wonder if this boy will love the outdoors as much as his dad. i have this feeling they will be 'out' and about often. :)
my belly continues to grow - and he is moving around much better these days. hopefully the ingenious methods we have been trying (see jgiraffe.blogspot.com for detailed descriptions & a good laugh) have worked their magic & he is head down once again. i am starting to think about the stages of labor more & more. i have tried to be open-minded & drop any expectations i have. my ultimate goal is to get jett here safe & sound, healthy. if that means another incision, then so be it. i have learned during these past 8 months to 'let go' of this body. it is merely a vessel - and housing for the biggest miracle i have yet to witness. i am in awe - i'm pregnant - with 5 weeks to go. my mind will not forget these moments . . . this shadow will remain in my memory forever.
Monday, September 26, 2005
my lil' sissy
a sister is someone with whom you have shared your home, your history, and your heart.
my sister has been so much to me - she has cared for me beyond measure & loved me when i was 'unlovable'. she believes in me even when i don't believe in myself. how blessed i am to have such an incredible being as my 'lil sissy'.
thank you for loving me for all my 30 years.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Saturday, August 27, 2005
unconditional love.
this past week, sitting across from j at a restaurant we've been to so many times, i realized just how lucky i am. most of the people i've met in this world are conditional - only coming around when the 'conditions' are 'favorable.' it's very rare to find a friend that will stand the test of time no matter what the tides bring in. i have this with my husband. he's right there with me - and has been through very good & very hard times. j - thank you for being you - i'm blessed to know you, to love you & to be loved by you.
i've decided pregnancy is a tricky beast. just when i think i'm handling it pretty well, something new comes along & throws me off course. just last night i spent most of the evening convinced i was having a heart attack - numbness & tingling down my left arm, tightness in my chest, aches in my shoulders & back. trying not to alarm j - aka 'the pregnancy police' - i didn't voice much of my fear. (he was already thinking we needed to head for the er.) i tried to play it off as 'heartburn of a new kind' or 'carpel tunnel syndrome gone wild.' all the while thinking 'what if?' i can't imagine not being able to meet this little guy inside of me that i've come to love beyond words. i dream of holding him & looking into his eyes - wishing him all kinds of happiness & praying that the world is good to him. i have to meet my son.
so, after cool wash cloths, magic massage by j, a heating pad, and many prayers, i finally decide it might not be as serious as i had thought & finally fell asleep despite the aches & pains. and jett - never missing a beat - was sure to do his routine exercise regimen, waking me at 2am & then again at 4am, 'running' in my belly for a good 30 minutes each session. he's going to be one fit boy! (that's what i get for marrying j. the boy does not rest.) :)
today i'm back to normal - having 'survived' one more weird pregnancy 'glitch' in the system. j is more tired than normal, not getting much sleep because of his pregnant wife. still he stays- doing what he can to make this journey more tolerable. uncondition support. unconditional love.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Monday, August 15, 2005
let it be-
it's slowly becoming a reality.
my belly is growing. there is no denying that a 'being' is alive & well inside my rounded middle.
some days it doesn't seem real. i barely remember to feed the dogs & j would misplace his teeth if they were 'falsies.' how can we be trusted with a child?
maybe we'll take the same approach to parenthood as we do with marriage-
love, laugh, learn, live in the moment, let it be.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
this moment
3 years ago i was told by my doctor that having a baby would not be possible.
today, 6 months into this journey toward motherhood, i got to see my son's face on the screen. i saw that he's healthy - with a strong heartbeat, full belly and weighing in @ 1 pound, 12 ounces. i 'feel' his energy every day more & more.
in 3 months i will meet my son for the first time. i envision him having his father's eyes . . . and i fear being putty in his hands if that's the case. our lives will change forever, as they've already begun to do. the path is rocky no doubt. and who knows what direction it will take. all i have is this moment.
this moment to be in love with my husband.
this moment to celebrate this miracle that lives inside of me.
this moment to bask in this blessing.
today, 6 months into this journey toward motherhood, i got to see my son's face on the screen. i saw that he's healthy - with a strong heartbeat, full belly and weighing in @ 1 pound, 12 ounces. i 'feel' his energy every day more & more.
in 3 months i will meet my son for the first time. i envision him having his father's eyes . . . and i fear being putty in his hands if that's the case. our lives will change forever, as they've already begun to do. the path is rocky no doubt. and who knows what direction it will take. all i have is this moment.
this moment to be in love with my husband.
this moment to celebrate this miracle that lives inside of me.
this moment to bask in this blessing.
Monday, August 08, 2005
burning blog
my first entry in my first blog. happy hi-me? :)
i've kept a journal most of my (almost) thirty years. and as soon as i fill up the last pages of a book, i light a match. as my words go up in flames, i am reassured that NO-ONE else will read my crazy thoughts. and now- here i am- writing for all the world to see. what am i thinking? (it could be my husband's relentless 'encouragement'.)
now all i have to do is figure out how to burn this d*&@#$ thing when i'm done!
i can see the headlines now- crazy blonde sets her 'blog' on fire - destroys husband's prized apple laptop.
sorry honey - but i warned you.
airplanes & mountains
i've kept a journal most of my (almost) thirty years. and as soon as i fill up the last pages of a book, i light a match. as my words go up in flames, i am reassured that NO-ONE else will read my crazy thoughts. and now- here i am- writing for all the world to see. what am i thinking? (it could be my husband's relentless 'encouragement'.)
now all i have to do is figure out how to burn this d*&@#$ thing when i'm done!
i can see the headlines now- crazy blonde sets her 'blog' on fire - destroys husband's prized apple laptop.
sorry honey - but i warned you.
airplanes & mountains
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