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.

Cross your eyes!

I noticed this hilarious thing last week that Mackenzie is doing. She heard the phrase "Cross your eyes" from somewhere, but doesn't exactly know what it means. At the breakfast table this morning this is what goes on:
***I can't remember the phrase she was repeating, so I made this part up...***

Mack: I can read what that says, "Just add milk."

Me: You're a genius.

Mack: Let me see if I can do it with my eyes closed. "Just add milk."

Me: You're a genius!

Mack: Okay, now, with my eyes closed AND with my eyes crossed! "Just add milk." And this is what she did:

Addelyn at 5 months!

Here are a few pics of our Addelyn at 5 months old. (Thanks Kacey for reminding me to show her off!) She's growing like a weed...rolling both ways now. She's found her toes and likes to suck on her big toe! She laughs - loud - when you tickle her neck or bottom ribs. She loves to held! She would rather not take long naps. ;) She laughs at her big sister and big brother all the time - she thinks they are hysterical! Her hair is slow to grow - still can't tell what color it is! But, it looks blonde!!

commercials

Last night M and I were watching a show together - a commercial came on about "what's your flavor"...I don't even remember the product, but they asked that question and this lady replied with different spices like "zesty", "italiano", etc. (I hardly remember) As soon as it was over this took place:

Mackenzie: Mom, what's your flavor?

Mom: Um, I don't know...maybe a little spicy with a kick! What's your flavor?

Mackenzie: Let's see...probably a little creamy.

Ha! She was so serious too...making it even more funnier!!!
....................................................................................................................................

A few years ago Mackenzie asked us to buy her Aqua Globes for Christmas! The infomercial used to come on TV on Saturday mornings during cartoons, so she was familiar with them. She could tell us all about them...including cost, how many globes came with the package, even color options.

She's a sucker for the Commericals.

No judgement here

Nathan, my two year old and most precious boy, has taught me a few things. But, the one I'm learning more than ever?? Not to judge. :) I no longer judge parents quietly in my head. "I can't believe their kid is behaving that way....why don't they control their child?!" Mackenzie was "controllable"...very much the pleaser. Nate, not so much.

I love that kid. He's full of life, energy, excitement. Just this morning he came in and immediately put on his crocs (with his jammies still on) so he could go straight outside when we got out of bed. Sure enough, straight to the garage he went - to catch flies on the window sill. His new fave! (Gross!) Ryan and I now are calling him: Fly Guy.

But, there was a turning point in this new stage of parenthood. What made me come to this state of no judgement?

The Bite.

Yes, my son bit a sweet little friend recently. I was that mother. The one who couldn't control her child. We even talked about biting before we went to this friend's house! Ryan and I sat this sweet boy down and said, once again, that we don't bite our friends. And he did it anyway. He didn't listen - at two he rarely does.

So, when children misbehave, it isn't always because their parents don't discipline or don't try to corral. Sometimes that kid is just spirited - full of life, energy, and excitement!

One thing is for sure - Nate keeps us busy. He is so fun - so on the go! I love him with everything in me. Surprisingly, even when he acts out and embarrasses me like never before. :)

Aunt Kat came!

Last week my little sis, Kathryn came to visit for a whole week! It was a blast. Can I just say how honored I am that she chose to come to my house? Kat is 22, graduating from UGA in 2 weeks (with honors!), and is totally cool. She had a week off before finals and she thought, "hmmm...how about I go visit my older sister and her THREE kids - yeah, the one in Kentucky who never leaves this little small town - the one who is a total mom and uncool now. yep, the one who drives a mini-van." (Catch my drift?!) We had so so much fun.

We....

went grocery shopping together, shopped at Target with all the kids, shopped at Target without all the kids (!!!), walked Mackenzie to school, ate at Subway, then walked home, (clocking over 12,000 steps on our pedometers - ha!), made a late night run to Dairy Queen for blizzards, cooked together, sang in the car, chased Nate together, brought and picked M up from school every day, made our own laundry detergent....the list goes on!

I cried when she left. She cried when she left. How did I get so lucky to have not just one, but two sisters who I love so dearly? (Don't worry brother, I love you too!!) I'm so proud of Kat - she looks to the Lord for guidance and is so pleasant to be around.

Thank you Kat for coming. You made my week. You are so fun - and are welcome back at any time!! We all miss you!