Buh-Bye

11 Months

One year is sneaking up quick, but thankfully still 29 days away. This time last year I was sweating out the last few weeks of just the 4 of us. I was eagerly awaiting a bundle of pink and had a closet full of pinks, purples, laces, frills, and bloomers washed and hung. Beautiful bedding was ordered and grand schemes danced in my head of what the girly corner of the kids room would unfold to be. Yes, God was chuckling at me. Though I was not given the baby girl I had dreamed about, I  WAS blessed with another wonderful little man to cherish. 

Daniel is busy these days.

I am...

Pulling up on furniture and cruising around without letting go.

Eating table food and baby food

Feeding myself... and the dog... and the floor

Putting EVERYTHING in my mouth

Drooling gallons upon gallons

Sporting 2 front bottom teeth

Drinking whole milk from a bottle but still nursing.

Spastic about bath time. Especially if I bathe with my brothers. I soak them relentlessly. 

My hair is curly on the ends, just like Daddy.

Love to lay on Dakota and swat the cat. They tolerate me.

Not much for snuggling. I'd rather be exploring the kitchen cabinets.

Pretty good escape artist... NOT FUN for mommy.

Can wave and say "bye-bye"

Learning sign language for "all done" and "more"

FINALLY sleeping through the night.

I am 11 months old.

Doctor Ordered Remedies

Poor Daniel. Third in line and sometimes my mommy brains flat line! This past weekend was a whir of activity and Daniel was eating his meals out of squeezable baby food packs. I've tried several varieties and settled on one brand that he seems to enjoy and I like the combination of fruits and veggies.

One such pouch contained pears, beets, and strawberries. Not thinking of his age, I fed it to him thinking how yummy it sounded. I was a bit premature with the strawberries, and I noticed Monday that his bottom was quickly showing an aversion. Nothing I used seemed to ease his obvious discomfort. By Tuesday, I was scrambling for home remedies and finally decided to call the doctor.

I love our doctor. He doesn't jump on the medication wagon unless necessary. I described the problem and how I had been treating his heated and painful rash. I swear he chuckled before responding that Daniel's chubby cheeks needed some sunshine. Dry air and sunlight were in order.

This morning I lugged out a large quilt, several special toys, and a diaperless Daniel to the side yard. He of course loved the freedom and could care less about staying on the quilt with mommy. He roamed and explored and gave his family a good laugh, all while airing out those chubby cheeks.

P.S. I know it looks like autumn in the pictures, but our shade tree thinks it should shed its leaves in July. Happens every year...

Purrrfectly Fuddled

Before there were children, before there was Dakota, before there was even a husband, I was wooed by a white purring fuss ball. Anya the cat was my souvenir on a field trip back in the day of preschool teaching and singleness. My handsome Artist and I were already dating and unbeknownst to me, he almost broke up with me over my snugly fur ball. However he wisely perceived I was worth more than a surprise pet and continued to pursue me.

Now fast forward several years of marriage, a move to the countryside, 3 pregnancies, and incidentally 3 kids! This small purring setback became a part of the family and ultimately a responsibility for my Artist too. Stuck shoveling cat litter during my pregnancies and unwanted midnight cuddles taking up his precious pillow space and I think he started seeing red. I begrudgingly agreed. Change was in order. So the pampered indoor cat became an outdoor transplant.

Occasionally she still comes in to eat and to escape grubby little boys whose definition of love closely resembles torture. She can squeeze into a good hiding place and doesn't always get kicked back outside in a timely fashion. The other night was just one of these times.

 under the crib

 I remember waking up to a loud purring machine snuggled up close to my head. I moved the soft lump of fur to the floor and drifted back to sleep. Persistent and determined, Anya returned several more times before I finally gave up and fell asleep with her on the bed. Undetermined amount of time passes and again I am awakened to her pushing in on my side. I am too foggy to get up and put her outside, but irritated to no end that she is disturbing my precious sleep. Without much more thought to it, I give the fur ball a good shove off the bed to show her whose boss.

"Mooooommmmmmmmmmmmy" was the furry reply. I sat up confused and grabbed the now sobbing Samuel sitting on the floor. Oops!!

4 years old

I'm 4 years old.

I LOVE all things construction and farming.

I can name any piece of heavy equipment. Just test me! :)

I am very quizzical. I ask hundreds of questions. My favorite question is "what kind is that?"

I love order and schedules. I want to know all the events of the day ahead of time, especially when we go places.

I love to swim. I am old enough to start taking lessons this summer and am very eager.

I am beginning to take on responsibilities and chores, such as clearing the supper table, putting away my own laundry, bathing myself, and "making" my bed up. 

I take big brother role very seriously and love to boss around and love on my younger brothers.

I am learning that my actions are watched and duplicated by my brothers.

I understand that there are consequences for wrongdoing and blessings for a sweet and giving spirit.

I am still a bit shy, but am slowing doing better.

I still love fruits and veggies over pizza, but I won't turn down a piece of chocolate!!

I am 4 years old.