Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Big, Strong, and Healfy

Evie: "Skittles make me big, strong, and healfy, Mommy!"

Evie says this about everything she eats. We are trying to teach what really is good and she is learning. The doctor asked her at the three year check up on Monday about her favorite vegetable. She told the doc 'cereal'. I never let the girls eat cereal until Emmaline arrived. I just couldn't get up and make oatmeal, eggs, or gluten free whatever. I had to go the easy route for a while.

Emmaline was in the 68th percentile at her 2 month check up! Go little Em & Em! She is the biggest of all my babes. And hand me down clothing from the sistas is a little on the small side. She is fitting in 3 to 6 month clothing.

Eden can crawl out of her crib. Tonight it was a two hour battle getting her to stay in her room. Ugh! Two hours of me standing by her door, sitting by the door, tossing her back into the crib, disciplining, and then getting laughed at by a 23 month old. Grady had my back and came up when my patience grew thin and I needed reinforcement. He stood outside of her door... she wanted more. We must have put her back in the crib at least 50 times tonight. I really don't think I am exaggerating.

Just got little Emmaline asleep. Ready to crash and start all over. It feels a little ground hoggish around here. Like the movie. Same time every morning, same little pitter patter down the hard floors, same sweet voice singing, "I wake up last night, Mommy. I wuv you, Mommy." Enjoying the sweetness of their beating feet and first phrases.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

How to do it?

Some days I just don't know how to do it all. The lack of dependence on the Lord is more evident in my life now than ever before. I think God made the toddler years to get us sanctified. I think I'll be about perfect when my last child exits the toddler years! Ha!

Between potty training, breastfeeding, and cutting two year old molar (Eden), I think I am about wiped. Oh and graduate school. I'm done. Exhaustion, tired both emotionally and physically do not begin to describe how I feel right now. I am very thankful for this stage for a minute or two at a time and then I go back to fantasizing what it will be like in year 5 or 6 of parenthood. I am trying not to escape from these precious moments of pure chaos! I embrace them and then I let go and free fall down an emotional abyss.

I love my growing family more than anything. I love how Evie has turned into a three year old over night. Yesterday it was "Mom, talk. Say something to me!" She was asking me to respond to her telling me something. Her mind is turning and connecting the dots. She is becoming a conversationalist. She is interested in arts and crafts! These moments are so refreshing.

Little EE is my adventurous, throw all caution to the wind, and then 'BAM' she runs into a doorframe because she was looking back at us smiling and running as fast as she could. She is hilarious, loud, and still can't talk but it's so dang cute when she tries!

Emmaline or "m&m" as Evie has nicknamed her, is growing up too fast. Nine weeks ago yesterday she entered our sweet family. She is so smiley and loved her big sisters. Her eyes light up and get really big when she hears Evie talking. She has crazy hair and can sometimes be found sucking her right thumb! I love seeing her little personality blossom.

Eden's favorite phrase is "no way" when asked to do about anything. She says 'Evie' and some version of Emmaline, but only we would know that she was saying it. She says 'cookie' with a deep raspy voice and its the only word that she uses that raspiness with.

Evie said the other day after doing something for Eden, "shoot! that was hard work, but I did it." She randomly tells me, "mommy, I love you so very much." And she loves on Eden and Emmaline so well.

Emmaline likes to coo, poop, and giggles in her sleep a little.