Me and Wee: 2012

Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas!

It's Christmas 2012! We wish you a peaceful and joyous holiday!
Don't forget why we celebrate...Jesus was born with the purpose of saving us all from our sins so we can join God in Heaven one day and be close to Him. Wow, right???!!! He died for ALL of us...the righteous, the weak, the sick, the lost...
Happy Birthday, Jesus...Thank You for the blessings and the glory you bring us, not matter what we have done.

merryxmas

Sunday, December 23, 2012

11 Months Old

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Dear Little N,

Oh, my sweet boy. How I love you. I admit, this post is just over a week late. I'm so sorry. On the day you turned 11 months old there was a terrible tragedy less than 2 hours away in Newtown, CT. We have friends from there and it didn't feel right to do anything but pray for those families who lost their precious babies. They are with Jesus now; living the most beautiful eternal life...free from pain or sin. I've cried so many tears for their families who must press on without their most cherished.
Noah, I want you to know that I love you every moment of every single day and night. I treasure every snuggle, every giggle, every tear, every smile, every wiggle that comes from you. You are my gift from God and I'm so thankful He's entrusted you to me; to be your Mom is a blessed calling.
You will be a whole year old soon; the sands of time have slipped through my fingers once again. It's always bittersweet knowing you are growing and flourishing while I mourn your babyhood.

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This past month you have learned to pull yourself up to stand and cruise around on your wobbly legs. You LOVE pushing the walker-wagon. You've also finally figured out how to crouch down after standing...no more crying while standing up! Ha! You still only have 2 little bottom teeth, but you eat anything and everything that comes your way.
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Sadly, you are weaning off the bottle all on your own. You just don't have any interest in it. I'm already missing our close warmth when you drink your milk peacefully as I nuzzle your fuzzy hair. That was one of my very favorite things. I'm sure there will be one or two more chances for it and I'll try to freeze time and take a mental picture as I always do. Every little thing matters Noah. The littlest things are what make up a wonderful life. We must always stop and notice what is happening around us and drink it all in. It's the elixer of Life. The most seemingly mundane moments are where the treasure is hidden. The diaper changes where I get to tickle your tummy and make you laugh. Or the times you are under my feet while I clear out the dishwasher...you take such joy in the silverware! And I get to hear your happy squeals of delight. Even the times you are crying and I get to hold you and wipe the tears away and calm you. You soften in my arms and I teach you that everything can be alright again.
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Noah, I want you to know I will always love you and be here for you. You can always talk to me and I will honor you and accept you for who you are. I will always do my best to support you, help you, listen to you, and show you that you matter. I will always expect you to do your best and help give you a self-esteem that will take you far in life. I will make sure you work hard, love hard, play hard, and give generously to others. That is my commitment to you and to God.
Please know that my love for you (as it is for your sister) is eternal and as you embark on the last month of your infancy, know that I am proud of you. You are a wonderful person and I'm lucky to be by your side.
I love you always and forever,
Mama
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Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Deliberate Motherhood

It's cold out there today!

Hi friends!

Lately I've been doing a lot of thinking about Mothering. I capitalize it because it's more than just an occupation or career. It's a way of life and a sacred calling for serving God.
I'll be honest, it doesn't always feel sacred or special. It's muddy work. It's sloppy work. Most of the time, I feel frustrated (how many freakin' spills can I CLEAN in one mealtime??), angry (shut the hell up and go to sleep Noah!!!!), tired (7 wake-ups in the night for the binky or the bottle or for who-knows-what), and spent (give-give-give-give-giiiiiiive). Don't even talk to me about all the guilt. (yes, I yelled "shut the hell up!" to my 10 month old when he wouldn't stop fussing constantly during the night.)

About a month ago, I became tired of feeling, well…tired. I was sad that I wasn't feeling a sense of fulfillment and purpose I'd always imagined I'd feel once I'd become a mother. I was sad I was feeling frustrated and yelling most of the time. I was sad I wasn't finding the joy as much as I'd wanted. I fretted that time was passing me by; these little moments with my babies was going to pass too quickly and I worried I'd miss out on the chance to truly soak up every second with my precious ones.
Do you ever feel like this? Like you need the answer for HOW to be quiet, enjoy Motherhood, savor every messy moment, and thrive in all? It's so easy to get caught up in the minutiae of the everyday…wake up (before you want to), go about your same routine (whatever that looks like for you), battle the same battles, cleaning, preparing, laundering, and so forth just to hit the bed to prepare for it all again the next day. In all of this busyness and SAMENESS, it's so easy to forget to look around and notice the little things that make each day a wonderful part of the journey of Motherhood. We race, we scurry, we plot and plan for the next events all to get through the day, longing for a moment of peace and relaxation ALONE. I don't want to wake up one day (with my surly teenage kids who want nothing to do with me) and wish I'd paid more attention to the little things and focused less on my frustration and challenges back when they were little and wanted to be near me.
Spiritual Sidenote: I'm currently working through these issues with a good friend of mine who is now a pastor in Montreal. He is helping me to realize there is support from a higher place and that my purpose is a great one. I'm working to find my identity through Jesus and discovering my faith in a new way…that everything I do (yes, even scrubbing the dishes) is a way to show love and serve God because I love Him and am grateful for all He did for me. What once seemed like drudgery is simply another way I can show my love to my family. Being a Mother is easy; doing all the WORK a stay-at-home mom entails can be laborious--physically, and emotionally demanding. I can find some peace knowing that everything I do can be done with a smile because it means something special.

That being said, I also needed some inspiration and advice from other mothers. How do the other women do it? The ones who have a bunch of kids, volunteer, work, AND find time for friends, creative pursuits, etc.? I found my answers in the book "Deliberate Motherhood: 12 Key Powers of  Peace, Purpose, Order, and Joy." It is filled with essays from seasoned Mothers who have been there. Essays I feel like I could have written! There are suggestions on how to deal with different struggles (hooray!). I read the book in 2 days and filled the margins with notes. I can't recommend this book enough if you are struggling with the daily challenges from behind the scenes or want a realistic view of what Motherhood looks like. I can say strongly that it has changed the way I view my role as a Mother and the way I handle each day. I've been feeling so much more calm, purposeful, and joyous.

The book is set up in chapters that correspond with each month of the year. January focuses on the power of Acceptance. I've decided to follow along with the book and ponder each topic through this next year. (I've already read the whole book, but I want to explore each topic in detail) I'll write about that topic throughout the month and think about how it can apply in my own life. Do you want to join me? You can grab the book and play along on your own blog, or leave your thoughts in my comments. I think it's a great chance for us all to help each other gain strength and wisdom to better ourselves and refresh our views in our roles as Mothers (or Mothers to be).

Please don't misunderstand; I LOVE my kids. I love being a Mom. I'm honored to be a Mom.  I signed up for this, didn't I? I don't want to just go through the motions. I want to be GREAT for my kids. I want to FEEL GREAT for my kids. I want to look back and know I enjoyed as much as I possibly could…even the diaper changes and endless sink of dishes! (How grateful I am to have dishes from those I love to wash and diapers to change!) Once upon a time, my identity was found in my ambitions outside of the home. Now that I am home with my kids all day I need to find and gain satisfaction in a new way. It's been a bumpy road so far! So, I hope you'll follow along starting in January as I explore the topic of "Acceptance" throughout the month. Accepting that Motherhood is tough and isn't going to get any easier is the first step. I can accept the bitter stuff and embrace the awesome stuff. If you decide to read the book, let me know what you think of it!
And now, back to our regularly scheduled blog!

Silhouette on Wood

Hi friends!
I've been cooking up some ideas over here during these holiday preparations. What do you think of this silhouette? It's hand-painted on a piece of red oak wood (7.25 x 7.25 inches square) and stained in red cherry. I'm going to carve out the back so it can hang flush against the wall. I plan to make one of Paige and one of Noah. It's fun because you could do one of a pet, woodland animal, or one for each member of the family. They are very giftable not only for Christmas, but for Valentine's Day, Anniversaries, and Birthdays.
I just made this...hand painted silo on red oak stained to red cherry. Do you think I should sell custom versions?

I'm considering offering these for sale...custom options for painting whoever you want on there. I would do this red cherry option and perhaps others. Below is another version in a "sunwashed" stain color (gives the wood a gray look).

Washed out or red cherry options

I'm also thinking about doing versions in colored wood stains...blue, green and yellow options with the white silhouette hand-painted on top.

Survey...is this something you'd like? I still haven't fully decided on whether or not to offer them. Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear! :)

Thursday, December 6, 2012

A Laughing Baby is the Best Medicine

I think a dose of this little movie (Noah being himself) will heal any ailment. It does for me.


Friday, November 30, 2012

My amazing son (and husband)

The past several nights have been rough. Noah hasn't been sleeping well, therefore, we aren't either. Last night took the cake and he was up crying most of the night. We never could find the reason, but I remember Paige having nights like this. I assume it's a belly ache or teething pain. This morning, I was going about my business (sluggishly and mumbling under my breath!) when the doorbell rang. After Maren the Wonder Dog had crazy fits of nutty, I saw an old man at the door with a huge bouquet of flowers.

I got a flower delivery from my 10month old for keeping me up all night!


And here's the note with them:
I have the best 10 month old...and husband


I have the best son! You are forgiven Noah! (And I have the best husband; I'm so, so, so lucky.) Chris has promised that I can have the whole night to sleep uninterrupted tonight now that it's the weekend. Score!  It's so right!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Thanksgiving 2012

Hi friends!
We've been away for the holiday and then we've been sick! Well, I have anyway. Add in a lack of sleep thanks to SOMEONE wanting to get up all hours of the night to "eat." His name rhymes with Shmoa. Also, poor Little P slipped on the kitchen floor the other day and hit her eyebrow bone on the kitchen island. She is now sporting 3 stitches, a bruised eye, and a bandage. She just picked out some new Disney "Cars" band aids so she's quite excited about the whole deal. Here she is:
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It was so scary, but she's ok (Thank God!) and so am I. After my initial freak-out of course!

We had a great Thanksgiving. *Burp*
I'm so thankful for our family. Everyone plays such a special role and boy, are we lucky. 
Here's a couple favorite Thanksgiving pictures from our wonderful time: (when did Paige start looking so grown up?) P.S. I'll be back soon, I've got a lot going on in my head to share here in my journal. Maybe you'll be able to relate to me?
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Friday, November 16, 2012

10 Months

10 months

Dear Little N,

10 Months! Ok. STOP GROWING! Orrrr, not. sigh. I want you to grow, flourish and become all you are meant to be. But I love having you as my little butterball. So plump and juicy! I know, I know...you aren't a turkey. But, I know why they say "BABY! THE OTHER, OTHER WHITE MEAT!"
Say Aahhhh


You're just so lovable and I want to bite your sweet cheeks and other pudgy parts.
This month wasn't so different from last month, except now you are finally pulling yourself up to kneeling and sometimes standing! Nothing seems to be off limits anymore; it seems that whatever I put out of your reach you find a way to grab.
I got a photo of your first time pulling yourself up to stand!
10 months

Mama!

You've almost outgrown your Jumperoo (nooooooo!) and your army crawl is more fast and furious than ever. You made it across the kitchen in record time the other day and already had some dog food in your mouth before I could get to you! You're already giving me a run for my money!
Your sister is finally starting to come try and play with you much more often (as opposed to ignoring you much of the time). She shares toys with you and even says you are "soooo cute." You babble to her and she babbles back as if you have your own private language. I can tell you're going to be great buddies when you're older. It's a new dimension of joy in the house; I love it!
Noah, having you home with me during the day has been such a joy. Being your Mom is my greatest pride and accomplishment. I know I'm not perfect, but I need you to know that I wake up each day intent on doing my best to care for you and give you all you deserve. You kids are my heart; your smiles are my greatest reward.
10 months
Keep smiling my beautiful boy! Your gentle and sweet nature is going to bring you many wonderful blessings. I'm so excited to be here in the front row watching them unfold!
I love you always and forever more,
Mama

Yoda

Thursday, November 8, 2012

A snowball in the hand...

Hi!
I looked outside and saw we got the snow that had been predicted. Ugh. *grumble*  I heard Paige chattering away in her room so I went on in. When she noticed it had snowed she about passed out with excitement. "IT SNOWWWWWWED!" she yelled. She did a little dance and said: "Let's go play in it! We can play in it! Riiiiight? Right! Yeah, we can do all kinds of things in the snow. Let's go Mommy!" She ran away and down the stairs. I grabbed a now awake Noah from his crib and down we went. I managed to explain she had to have breakfast first before we do anything and she wolfed down her oatmeal like it was nothing. I didn't want to go outside at all. AT ALL. I hate the cold (and I grew up in Maine!). I tried to think up a worthy excuse as to why we couldn't. (Too early, we had to get ready for school, Noah was too little to go, etc.) 
But she looked so darn excited, I just couldn't break her little heart. I knew they wouldn't be playing outside at preschool later, and I also knew that rain was on the way.
Time to seize the moment!
I looked down and she was pulling on her boots (over her jammies). Hold on, I told her. 20 minutes and a fresh outfit for her later, I was getting her decked out in her winter gear (annoying!) and then had to get Noah into  HIS winter gear.(more annoying!) And then I had to get into MY winter gear. (I hadn't even eaten breakfast yet, but we were on a MISSION people!) After the fresh hell of getting everyone into the gear (hats, mittens, snowpants, coats, boots, etc. etc.) I popped Noah in his carseat/bucket seat and also covered him in a blanket. Paige ran outside and said "We're HERE!!! It SNOWED!!!! WEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!" She ran all around and threw herself onto the ground with abandon to make her first snow angel of the season. She proceeded to make at least 10 of them all over the place. She instructed me to start the snowman and to "let her know if I needed her help" (Ha!). After all that, we went around to the front of the house to wait for her preschool bus (I'd luckily managed to sneak in making her lunch and getting her bag ready). We then went sledding down the driveway (no worries, we aren't on a real road) several times. More snow angels, snowballs, and eating of snow....and then the bus came.
Paige was smiling and began excitedly telling the driver about all the exciting things she'd just done. Paige was breathless and shaking with excitement while her gorgeous eyes twinkled.

I'm so glad I said yes.

I said yes to sledding,snowman, and snow angels all before school. Phew!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Simple Joy

With all the political drama going on around us, it makes me stop and wonder. Do we need to put the burden of change only on our politicians?
I am asking myself: Am I doing enough to help others? Can I contribute to good things in my own community? How can my family and children help make a difference? What am I passionate about? What really matters?

Shouldn't we all ask ourselves these questions and try to answer them? We need to be responsible in our own lives and in our own communities. It's on all of us to show up.

That being said, I'm remembering the simple things in life and what matters most to me. More to come!


make gifs
make gifs

Monday, November 5, 2012

Halloween 2012

Me and Wee Halloween Trick or Treating was postponed until last night in our town; due to Hurricane Sandy. The kids (Paige) was crazy-excited. She'd decided to be a Peacock long ago. I decided Noah needed to be Yoda because the costume was beyond cute. I was proud how she wasn't afraid to go right up to each door and yell "Trick or Treat!" in her best voice. She even said "thank you" after each treat. Score! And I'm not the least bit worried about what to do with all the candy. We're going to eat every last bit of it. Boo-yaaaah! Here's a slew of photos; you can tell what's happening in them so I'll spare you the play-by-play! See you here soon! Me and Wee Halloween Me and Wee Halloween Me and Wee Halloween Me and Wee Halloween Me and Wee Halloween  Me and Wee Halloween Me and Wee Halloween Me and Wee Halloween

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Life is Beautiful

I thought I'd post a video from time to time...not set up or fancy. Not planned. Not fixed. Not gussied up or staged...just capturing a moment as it happens. Real moments of our life together. Here's the first "Life is Beautiful" silliness...(a typical after-dinner chase)

Friday, October 19, 2012

9 Months

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Dear Noah-Nut,

Several days ago you turned 9 months old and I'm so proud of the sweet boy you are growing into. Your personality is starting to shine and I'm fascinated every day. You are proving to be very sweet, curious but gentle, reserved and friendly all at the same time. You love to be tickled...you love to laugh with your robust chuckle. You love to be left alone to crawl all over the house and explore for yourself. My little adventurer. You seem to take it very seriously and delight in all your discoveries...you'll look up at me and smile when you find something new and exciting.

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Buddies

You had your 9 month check up and you're 22 pounds and 28.5 inches long; if you must know.
You are so relaxed...I can take you anywhere and you just sit happily in your car seat. If I'm holding you, you don't wiggle around and fuss. You happily hang out and look at everything around you. Thank you for making life easy during the day!

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You are a great sleeper...you have a nap around 9/9:30 for an hour or so and then another 1.5 hour nap just after lunch. You fit in one more nap from 3:00-4:00 and bedtime by 7. You sleep all night, but wake once to wolf down a bottle (usually anywhere between 3:30-5:30am) and it's back to bed 'till 6:30 or 7. I'll take it!
You love to babble. You've covered la-la-la, ba-ba-ba, ma-ma-ma, na-na-na, and da-da-da...all in various octaves. You've also managed to sprout 2 bottom teeth despite the pain it put you (and the rest of us) in. I must say, those shiny teeth are quite nice and well-earned. Good work!

Noah, you are a dream come true. You are such a special person--a wonderful person. You are my youngest child; my baby so I'm really holding on to the little moments with you that mean the most. Snuggling you soothes my soul. I love to feel your wispy hair on my lips while you drink your bottle. I love to squish and squeeze all your baby-fat rolls...you like a little marshmallow.

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I love to giggle with you and dance all around the house together. I sit quietly and touch each of your fingers in wonder; thinking about how God made you so perfect and marvelous. I touch your soft cheeks and look at your twinkly eyes and I know that there is nothing in this world better than this time with you. I am so lucky I've been chosen to be your Mama. We go together like rama lama lama ke ding a de dinga a dong and I can't wait for even more fun. 

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Thank you for filling my life with so much spirit and love. My heart is full and content.
Just look at that cute bum! :)
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Love you always and forever,
Mama

Donut?

meandwee_noah
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