Fandy-Land and Paci Stories

My husband, Ryan, (aka: the best baby-daddy in all the land) loves to put our kids to bed. I'm not kidding - he loves it. Always has, and I suspect, always will. He loves bathing our kids. When they're tiny babies he leaves that up to me...but once they get a bit older he takes it upon himself to bathe them most nights. This has turned out to be a good system for us - I clean up after dinner and he starts the bedtime routine. It doesn't stop at bathing though - we take turns putting them to bed too. Sometimes together, sometimes alone - there really is no process to it. During Seminary days sometimes this was Ryan's only chance to see the kids and sometimes I had full nightly responsibilities while he was at the library. Now, with 3 kids and one of them being a baby - he typically covers the older two while I have the babe. Because of this, our kids have their own little world with Ryan.

Ryan is a great story-teller. He puts the kids in their beds and they hollar suggestions on what the story should be about! When Mackenzie was younger she used to look around the room and say, "Um, Daddy, tell a story about...um....the clock." or it could be the dresser. or how do they make roads...you get the idea. Anyway, her favorite thing to holler out was "Tell a story about the FAN!" I have no idea why this excited her! But it did! So - soon came the stories of "Fandy-Land"!! To this day, she'll still ask for FandyLand stories.

Recently I noticed that Nate was in on this too. But, he's in a different world. Nate has to have 2 things in order to sleep: his blanket and his paci. He doesn't mess around with these two possessions either. He doesn't need them at any other time - but when it's time to sleep, he'd better have them. So, Ryan tells Nathan "paci stories"! They are a huge hit with that kid!

So, I realize that I have an amazing husband. My kids are blessed by him on a regular basis. I wonder when they are older if they will remember these delightful tales that he spins for them.

I also wonder what Addelyn's stories will be...

the quiet

My house is quiet. There are no toys to trip on while running through the house. The dishes are clean because I haven't even been cooking. I have my favorite candy on the counter - I don't have to hide it in order to save it from being eaten in less than 3 minutes.

However, there is a cute squishy toy frog sitting here on my desk that makes my heart miss a little guy. And this morning while opening the front closet I found my gal's pink bucket hat that I was looking for yesterday. I instantly wish I could get it to her to keep her shaded from the hot sun. :)

Mackenzie and Nate are down in GA - having a great time with their Grandparents! They drove the 8 hour trip yesterday with them and I received text messages that spoke of movies, Go Fish, and honking at the state lines. Yes, it's gonna be a good week full of memories for those two!

I was full of agony while trying to make the decision of whether to let them go or not. It wasn't so hard for Mackenzie since she is almost 6 and understands time and makes great choices. But, Nate is only 2 and it was hard to make that choice for him. In the end, I reluctantly let him go. I instantly knew it was the right choice. My mom called it right - telling me that she had a feeling that I needed a break. :)

Without the older two, my mind has time to think. I'm reminded of my days with only Mackenzie as a baby. Ryan and I have had a couple complete conversations - - instead of letting them drag on for days! I've started a project or two. I've read half of a book and started a 2nd. (fully intending to finish BOTH!) I've shared Bible reading with Ryan. And this is all within the last 24 hrs!

I am enjoying being a mom to one this week. I've played on the floor with Addelyn and watched her figure out this crawling thing. I'll make her more food to stock-pile in the freezer. I'll read to her and bathe her in a bath all alone. When we eat meals we'll put her in the middle and both be able to tend to her every need. Ryan and I will dote on her...because that is what we should do with our babies.

God is recharging me - quieting my heart - reminding me of my loves and what I love to do. I'm enjoying the break even though I have to make myself NOT call every 10 minutes to find out what they are doing!

So...for the next few days I will sit. and think. and read. probably eat out. and shop. yes, shop. for jeans. and swimsuits. and shoes. i will work out. talk with ryan. laugh. and watch movies. and at the end of the week I will savor the hugs and kisses from my two oldest and love them all the more.