Shameless Adoration

This post is me showing off my treasured munchkins, thinly veiled as an update on how we are doing.

Because you can never take too many pictures of cute babies in cute outfits...(thanks R.K. for the getup)









KiSA came down with the flu this week. It's hard to see him so miserable.

He prefers to process his own game, a skill I find admirable and economical. But his illness meant that she-who-swore-never-to-touch-raw-meat finished wrapping up 20 pounds of ground venison, and cleaned up the grinder parts (for years I refused to even cut up a whole chicken). In yet another demonstration of survival breeding creativity, this is how I kept the 3-year old relatively busy.









We stayed cooped up most of the week, partially because of the cold weather, and also to avoid spreading the flu. SK found that while he could play with his toys, he could also play IN them.

Can you see him?

Where could he be?

Surprise!












Thank the Lord, KiSA recovered in record time, and the boys and I stayed healthy.



We took advantage of the beautiful day to walk in the park, play at the playground, and have a little picnic snack.




It was one of the few places I've seen other people with their babies in slings or carriers. I don't know how I'd get anything done without my wrap and sling (yes, I own two), but in most public places people are absolutely astonished at the idea of wearing a baby. How we got so far out of touch with something that's been done for millions of years surprises me.









I owe so much to my friends. The one (yes, you K.K.) who suggested RnT might have reflux, and the one (thank you C.B.!) who gave me permission to put him on his tummy to sleep. Now, before you flame me for that, let me tell you how much more SLEEP we are getting. My previously sleep-deprived sweetie is now sleeping soundly. And so am I.

Note the lovely, soft blanket Nan knit for him. We love our Nan blankets 'round here.






I realized how excited I am about this sleeping stuff when I saw how many pictures I'd take of him doing it. I am just amazed by it, apparently enough to stand there with a camera instead of lying down as well.









And now, for a gratuitous chubby cheek shot:








Dad finally got the chance to feed him. Even though he is an old pro, it didn't turn out to be a terrifically popular idea with the baby. Good thing you can't tell from the photo. We'll keep trying and he'll get the hang of it. Mom and Dad could use a date!

Growing Boys

I took RnT to the doctor yesterday. Turns out it wasn't just my imagination that he looks bigger. He was 11.7 pounds, up from 8.8 pounds on the 8th. My milk must be solid cream!

Apparently, the screaming in pain isn't normal. Turns out, they think he has reflux. So, I've been praying over him in addition to making a trip to the pharmacy. One way or another, we'll get this little guy feeling better.

SK needed new shoes and socks. I looked at them in the store, and thought, "No way will those fit his feet. They're too big." But sure enough, he's grown into a size nine shoe. Later on at home, I looked over at him while he was sitting at the table, and he was sitting on his bottom, not his knees. He looked like such a little kid, not a toddler! The picture is of him sacked out after running errands. Note his cell phone laying on the bed--an old one someone gave him. He hates to leave the house without it in his pocket. I didn't get a picture of the camo rubber boots, which are also a highly prized item.

Together Again

KiSA has had a very busy week. Last Thursday, he went on a hunting trip with some friends.




One of them needed to cull some does off his ranch, and he was glad to help with that!








He got one on Friday with his bow, and four on Saturday with his rifle. Plus, he had a lot of fun with these guys.



What a blessing to be set for meat for the year! You single gals take note--it's good to marry a man who has a keen eye and steady hand.













Then Sunday, he went to an training out-of-state for his job. He learned a lot, but we missed him terribly. We picked him up at the airport this afternoon. SK has not let him out of his sight from the moment he ran up to him at the gate.













RnT is getting chubby.






I get so crazy about baby fat rolls!








I kiss his little cheeks and he gets this surprised and confused look on his face.







But you know what? Gas stinks. He has to work it out of one end before he eats, and then out the other after he eats. I really feel bad for the little guy that he is in pain so much.





No wonder he sleeps so much; crying is hard work!







My neighbor across the street offered/asked to have Jackson stay in her back yard until we get his living arrangements remedied. She's kind of like Dr. Doolittle, so gifted with animals. This morning she braved the sleet to bring us hot, homemade beer bread and a jar of loquat jelly. She cuddled RnT, enjoyed some coffee, and basically made me feel like I lived in Mayberry. Then she took SK for about and hour to play with Jackson and her new poodle, and I got to get some things done. I am so rich!

I finally got to take down the Christmas tree today. Look what I found in the branches--this one's for you, Grandma J! I know you've always loved the rubber snake.

To all the nice people

The truth of it is, I'll never get another chance to say thank you beyond what I already have. The kindness of a stranger, while profound, is fleeting. I guess part of it's beauty is that it is so ephemeral. And the undying love of those who are more permanently woven into our lives keeps extending itself. To keep saying thanks gets embarrassing after a while. At times, though, I am overcome with gratitude that I need to express it anyway.

To the pharmacy tech who congratulated me on the birth of my son, and said, "God bless you,"--Thank you.

To the nice lady who picked up SK's shoe, set it in the cart, and gave me a kind look and walked away without having to comment because he had kicked them off in the middle of a fantastic tantrum next to the pickles in my first attempt at a grocery trip with two kids--Thank you.

To the people who gave us a car--Thank you.

To my husband for getting up and going to work, doing a great job, and keeping us going without complaint--Thank you.

To all the people who brought us food and gifts after RnT was born--Thank you.

To the preschool teacher who was beautifully diplomatic in suggesting more appropriate behaviors for school--Thank you.

To the other mom who assured me that it happens all the time and she was sure my son was a sweet boy--Thank you.

To the Nurse who affirmed me as a mother and helped me stop beating myself up--Thank you.

To my friends and family that call and come by--Thank you.

To the woman who helped SK get a drink out of the water fountain when my hands were full and it was too tall--Thank you.

To the person who returned my dog, and even gave him hot dogs and played with him while you had him--Thank you.

It is when I am in need (which seems to be often these days) that I discover all the nice people in the world. You who are not on the list, and you know you've done me a kindness; please accept this, once again, as my thanks.

Home again, home again, jiggety-jog--

--As my grandmother would say.

Jackson is back
Oh happy day
Not very far
Did he get to stray
A couple of blocks
A neighbor so kind
They got my flyer
I got peace of mind

He yips and he begs
A carpet with legs
I thought him a pest
But God knows best
I needed to see
That he was a gift
New again to my eyes
There'd been a rift
Between the good in my life
And how I judged it
He makes no mistakes
And uses it all
To show how He cares
For things large and small.

A Big Day for the Boys

Today was SK's first day of preschool. I guess you'd call it that. He went from 9-2:30 to Mother's Day Out at our church. He's only going on Tuesdays. He did really well, although they said he got sad at nap time. "You mean, he took a nap?" I gasped.










His teachers are sweet, wonderful, and smart. They don't always look like this; it was pajama day (which we did not know. Good grief, that would have been easier). I got to work on typing up Grandpa's autobiography and ate my food hot.

RnT was busy tanking up on the good stuff since he slept 6 hours last night. Five the night before. What word could possibly express my delight? And no, there is no method to it, just a sweet, Divine gift.




















Our dog probably also had a big day. At lunch, I discovered that his collar is still on his leash, but he wasn't on his collar. When I told my neighbor, he went out looking for him. This he does for the dog who barks at him every time he sees him, and wakes his baby up. What could the world be like if everyone had neighbors like this? It's inspiring.


















A friend from church brought dinner and our boys got to play together. I enjoyed visiting with her--a breath of fresh air. The kindness and generosity of our Adult Bible Fellowship class has been amazing, not to mention delicious. We've had meals brought to us three times a week since December 20.

Oh, and Happy Birthday, Grandma!

Birth Story

Happy one month birthday, baby!

Here's the press release version: I went into labor at 12:30 a.m. on Friday, December 14th. Got to the hospital at 3:30 a.m. RnT was born at 6:51 a.m. He was 8 lbs., 7.5 oz, 19 1/2 in., and beautiful. We had a wonderful, amazing birth experience, and it was all natural!

That was also SK's 3rd birthday. We did not plan for that to happen, but that's alright.

Now, for those of you who would like more details, I have almost finished writing the novella about it (that's why you haven't gotten your thank-you notes). Just email me a request for the birth story and I'll send it to you.

This is the only picture we got during the actual labor, because it just happened so fast and was so intense. That's me signing some document apparently urgent enough that I had to sign it DURING LABOR, so I have no clue what it said. The lady with us is our doula, which is Greek for "amazing person who helps keep you sane." KiSA was tremendous, of course.

Four Weeks

Here is RnT at four weeks.

Two Weeks

I am attempting to copy a nifty idea from one of my dear friends from college. This is RnT at two weeks.

Green

Growing, fresh, new--that describes our family, the year, and this blog.

I'll try to frequently serve up new pictures and (probably rather extensive) captions. Perhaps this new format will yield more for you to enjoy than did the LittleNews email newsletter.

Enjoy!