Connor attended his first "big boy" birthday party today. It was for his friend Barrett who turned 4. We went to high school with Barretts mom and the kids go to the same day care.
Connor was so excited. All morning he kept saying Happy birthday Barrett!. He got a little bit confused when he realized that only he and I were going. He thought we were all going. On the way there, I told him that Daddy was staying home with Jackson and Sawyer...and I was going with him. He told me all about what he wanted to do when we got there. He wanted to play with trains...and race tracks and cars. When I told him that other kids would be there, he was crestfallen. When we walked in the doors, he looked so sad. In his mind, he thought it would just be he and Barrett playing. He was incredibly disappointed when he saw the train table moved out of the way and covered with decorations. For the first 20 minutes, he clung to me. His face was so telling...this was not what he thought it would be.
Eventually, he warmed up to the whole thing. He played with is friends, even took a good whack at the pinata. By the end, he didn't really want to go home. As we were leaving Barrett gave each of his friends a present to take home. Connor was so excited! He said good bye to Barrett, gave him a hug (at my suggestion) then headed for the door.
We held hands on the way to the car. He was so full of joy, I could see it oozing out his ears. When we got in the car, he immediately asked if he could open the present. Since we were heading to Costco I told him sure. He ripped and tore through that wrapping paper like it was his job. He gave me the play by play...mommy, it's a book...mommy, it has fish on it....mommy there's an octopus....The whole time at Costco he sat in the cart and read his book. He was so good the whole time. When we were in line, he wanted me to tell the man next to us that he was my oldest son. Too cute. On the way home, he told me he was tired...within seconds he was fast asleep.
Jackson and Sawyer had a great time with their Daddy. Jackson enjoyed almost entire day with the entire play room to himself. He loved it!
On a side note...Connor and Jackson had a great time yesterday. We spent most of the afternoon in our new blow up pool. Pop Pop came over and played with us. It was great. After that, we sat at the kitchen table and painted. Jackson wanted the green paint. It's his favorite by far. He seemed to really enjoy painting and picking the colors. Connor wanted blue. He told us he was painting a mask...like spiderman. He painted his nose and forehead...and his left arm. He loved it!
Oh, another thing...last Saturday night Craig called me to tell me a cute thing about Jackson. They were sitting in Connor's room reading books when Jackson looked up at the wall. We have the letters to Connor's name hanging there. Jackson looked up and said....E-O-N-N-O-R. Impressive. We're not sure if he just memorized it...or if he really recognizes the letters. I think he may be learning his letters. This week we were watching Sesame Street and the letter N was on the screen. Jackson shouted out "N". So cool.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Overload
it's been too long since my last quick entry. I've got so much to share.
On the top of my mind is Jackson. Last week, we had parent/teacher conference for the boys. Sawyer's went well...he's rolling over and cooing on cue. Connor is good to go too. He's actually ahead of the game in many areas. When it came to Jackson, I knew something was wrong. His teacher couldn't even look at me. She basically said she's concerned about him. My heart sank. How could there be anything wrong with my sweet Jackson.
The teacher's concern centers on his fine motor skills. She gave us a few examples...he doesn't like to paint or color...he doesn't hold his shirt when he goes to the bathroom despite repeated attempts, he doesn't hold his hands flat when he washes them.
Just writing about it hurts. I love him so much, I want for him to never have to struggle in his life...
In some ways, this is a good thing. Its made us examine our focus. Have we been giving Jackson as much time and attention? Are we meeting his needs? Are we babying him because its easy.
We ended up moving him into a big boy bed this weekend. He seems to like it. He looks so cute...so little in that big bed. In the morning, he just stood as his door...not quite sure what to do.
I called our pediatrician. We agreed that the best thing to do is get Jackson assessed by a professional. We're working on setting up the appointment now. She said, don't lose any sleep over this...but I can't help it.
On the top of my mind is Jackson. Last week, we had parent/teacher conference for the boys. Sawyer's went well...he's rolling over and cooing on cue. Connor is good to go too. He's actually ahead of the game in many areas. When it came to Jackson, I knew something was wrong. His teacher couldn't even look at me. She basically said she's concerned about him. My heart sank. How could there be anything wrong with my sweet Jackson.
The teacher's concern centers on his fine motor skills. She gave us a few examples...he doesn't like to paint or color...he doesn't hold his shirt when he goes to the bathroom despite repeated attempts, he doesn't hold his hands flat when he washes them.
Just writing about it hurts. I love him so much, I want for him to never have to struggle in his life...
In some ways, this is a good thing. Its made us examine our focus. Have we been giving Jackson as much time and attention? Are we meeting his needs? Are we babying him because its easy.
We ended up moving him into a big boy bed this weekend. He seems to like it. He looks so cute...so little in that big bed. In the morning, he just stood as his door...not quite sure what to do.
I called our pediatrician. We agreed that the best thing to do is get Jackson assessed by a professional. We're working on setting up the appointment now. She said, don't lose any sleep over this...but I can't help it.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Moments
I have so many moments in my brain that i want to put down on paper.
Monday was gorgeous...Memorial Day. I had to work, Craig stayed home with the boys. It was tough to be working, knowing they were home and it could have been a great family day. I was eager to get home. When I did, I was welcomed with screams of...Mommy, mommy, mommy....
Connor and Jackson ran into my arms.
Somehow we all ended up on the hammock. We laid back...the sun filtering through the trees...and just rocked back and forth. It was so good. I laughed...and talked with the boys. Connor said..."mommy why don't you stay home and send daddy to your work. You could stay home with me everyday!"
After that, we went to Lori's for a picnic/pool party. It was a gorgeous evening, but the water was still cool so I didn't take our suits. It didn't take long for Connor to ask if he could get his feet wet. I took off his shoes...he put his toes in and loved it. He wanted to get his knees wet...so he took off his pants. His cousin caught sight of his Lightening McQueen tighty whities and started to laugh. He turned around...scowling...and and said..."i'm frustrated. don't laugh at me." Of course, that got everyone going even more. Connor got even more frustrated....he yelled some more then decided to put an end to it by simply taking his underpants off. Naked..and proud of it...Connor spent the rest of the evening entertaining us all. He loved the water...and we loved him.
As icing of the cake, Craig got into a huge water gun battle with Dwight, Austin, Gabby, Britt, and Britt's boyfriend Pete. His smile was huge! He was having so much fun. I stayed out of it...I figured if I stayed close to Sawyer, I was safe.
It was a great evening. I'm so thankful to Craig's family. We laugh and have a lot of fun. What a gift!
Monday was gorgeous...Memorial Day. I had to work, Craig stayed home with the boys. It was tough to be working, knowing they were home and it could have been a great family day. I was eager to get home. When I did, I was welcomed with screams of...Mommy, mommy, mommy....
Connor and Jackson ran into my arms.
Somehow we all ended up on the hammock. We laid back...the sun filtering through the trees...and just rocked back and forth. It was so good. I laughed...and talked with the boys. Connor said..."mommy why don't you stay home and send daddy to your work. You could stay home with me everyday!"
After that, we went to Lori's for a picnic/pool party. It was a gorgeous evening, but the water was still cool so I didn't take our suits. It didn't take long for Connor to ask if he could get his feet wet. I took off his shoes...he put his toes in and loved it. He wanted to get his knees wet...so he took off his pants. His cousin caught sight of his Lightening McQueen tighty whities and started to laugh. He turned around...scowling...and and said..."i'm frustrated. don't laugh at me." Of course, that got everyone going even more. Connor got even more frustrated....he yelled some more then decided to put an end to it by simply taking his underpants off. Naked..and proud of it...Connor spent the rest of the evening entertaining us all. He loved the water...and we loved him.
As icing of the cake, Craig got into a huge water gun battle with Dwight, Austin, Gabby, Britt, and Britt's boyfriend Pete. His smile was huge! He was having so much fun. I stayed out of it...I figured if I stayed close to Sawyer, I was safe.
It was a great evening. I'm so thankful to Craig's family. We laugh and have a lot of fun. What a gift!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
My Guys
So, I thought I should post a few pictures of my inspirations. The first three are Jackson. He's got such a great smile!
We took the boys bowling with the Holland boys. We had a blast. Connor gave up after three frames. Jackson....has a future. Jackson and Craig give each other a big high five after Jackson's first strike.
We took the boys bowling with the Holland boys. We had a blast. Connor gave up after three frames. Jackson....has a future. Jackson and Craig give each other a big high five after Jackson's first strike.
The reason I might have four children?!?!?!?!?
There's so much to be thankful for...90 degree heat a house with no air conditioning...the feel of sweat dripping down my back, gas prices at 4 dollars a gallonheating oil nearing 5 dollars a gallon. Okay, so I'm being a bit sarcastic. I'm not totally thrilled with the fact that its the first week of June...it's a scorcher and everything is costing an arm and a leg.
That being said, I'm really thankful. Life is good.Connor got up at 5 am today. The heat probably contributed to that...but he was in a great mood. He was full of chit chat. We talked about the shadows on the ceiling...the sound of Craig's car leaving the lane (he had to go to work). He wanted to wake up his brothers, but I wouldn't let him. We went downstairs and played with his race cars. We had a great morning...and before too long Sawyer and Jackson joined us.
Connor and Jackson are really enjoying playing with one another...most of the time. Sawyer just smiles and coos. He gets a lot of attention from his brothers. They love to tickle him and make him smile. Jackson is always making sure he has a pacifer...even if he doesn't need it.
We went to early church and let Connor sit in the service with us...at first. During the first prayer, he said out loud....can we pray for Seth and Lindsey? I told him yes, and quietly prayed for Seth and Lindsey. Unfortunately, it was while someone was singing a solo. Connor quickly scolded me for talking while the lady was singing. After that, he felt he should check on his brothers in the nursery...to make sure they weren't scared.Jackson is talking up a storm. He actually tattled on Connor yesterday. He said, "Mommy, Tonner hit me!" Craig and I both agreed...it was a nice change of pace. Jackson seems to be asserting himself more. We'll probably live to regret saying its nice, but seeing change in him is good.
Sawyer is doing great. He had his first taste of meat today. We fed him turkey and sweet potatoes. He loved every bite. Then, again...he loves everything.I went to a neat event last night, it was a fundraiser held at a local winery. The food was awesome. I even enjoyed a glass of wine. It was a fun evening...I would have enjoyed it more if I was with Craig.
I was just looking at another blog...they had a new baby. It got me thinking again. Could we do it with four kids? I'm just not sure. I'm praying God will make it clear....sky writing would do.
By the way, Craig looked at this blog. He liked it. It made me really happy to hear that. ;)
That being said, I'm really thankful. Life is good.Connor got up at 5 am today. The heat probably contributed to that...but he was in a great mood. He was full of chit chat. We talked about the shadows on the ceiling...the sound of Craig's car leaving the lane (he had to go to work). He wanted to wake up his brothers, but I wouldn't let him. We went downstairs and played with his race cars. We had a great morning...and before too long Sawyer and Jackson joined us.
Connor and Jackson are really enjoying playing with one another...most of the time. Sawyer just smiles and coos. He gets a lot of attention from his brothers. They love to tickle him and make him smile. Jackson is always making sure he has a pacifer...even if he doesn't need it.
We went to early church and let Connor sit in the service with us...at first. During the first prayer, he said out loud....can we pray for Seth and Lindsey? I told him yes, and quietly prayed for Seth and Lindsey. Unfortunately, it was while someone was singing a solo. Connor quickly scolded me for talking while the lady was singing. After that, he felt he should check on his brothers in the nursery...to make sure they weren't scared.Jackson is talking up a storm. He actually tattled on Connor yesterday. He said, "Mommy, Tonner hit me!" Craig and I both agreed...it was a nice change of pace. Jackson seems to be asserting himself more. We'll probably live to regret saying its nice, but seeing change in him is good.
Sawyer is doing great. He had his first taste of meat today. We fed him turkey and sweet potatoes. He loved every bite. Then, again...he loves everything.I went to a neat event last night, it was a fundraiser held at a local winery. The food was awesome. I even enjoyed a glass of wine. It was a fun evening...I would have enjoyed it more if I was with Craig.
I was just looking at another blog...they had a new baby. It got me thinking again. Could we do it with four kids? I'm just not sure. I'm praying God will make it clear....sky writing would do.
By the way, Craig looked at this blog. He liked it. It made me really happy to hear that. ;)
Learning to add pictures
I'm trying to teach myself how to add pictures to my blog. I think I've found success. This is a good one to start with...
A Beautiful Day
I told my husband I started a blog. First, I had to explain what a blog is. He caught on quickly. His question....why? And, "no offense, but whose going to read it." I told him, it really isn't about who can read it...it's totally selfish. For me, it's about saving our story. Though, I think I have to step it up a notch. I've been looking at other blogs. This one looks a little boring. I'llh have to add some pictures and stuff. I'll get to that.
Today was another great day. I've got a head cold and am losing my voice...I didn't feel much like going to church, but we went anyway. We're babysitting a friend's dog this weekend and before church Connor insisted that we give Trudy (a BIG golden retriever) more food and water. We were in a hurry, but Connor wouldn't leave until we checked to make sure she was okay. It was so cool to watch Craig and Connor fill the dog dish. Connor was so proud of himself....and I was so proud that we're raising a son who is concerned about others.
We got to church on time...Sawyer flirted shamelessly with anyone who would look his way. Connor and Jackson went to Sunday School...and Craig and I went to Sunday School and Contemporary Service. When we went to pick Connor and Jackson up...they were playing together so nicely. I stopped for a moment just to soak it in. The teachers told us how good they both were. The one added that Connor told them that his mommy tells him I love you everyday. They asked if his mommy ever yells and he said no. (little white lie) I know there are no secrets in our house because Connor will tell you where we keep the check book if you ask....but it was awesome to hear that he shares his love for his family.
After lunch, Jackson went straight to the train table. He loves playing with Thomas the tank engine. He starting to talk a lot more now. He makes up scenarios about the trains...he'll have Thomas in a ditch...then Sir Handel comes to the rescue...all while Sir Topham Hat is standing by. He is so dear. He does have a thing with screaming though....when he gets excited, he screams...no, he shreaks, squeals...whatever you want to call it...its got to stop. We started giving him time outs when he does it...I'm conflicted about that though, I don't want to limit his expressiveness. (Is that a word?)
Anyway...
I'm so blessed.
It is getting harder to go to work. I want to spend every day with my boys. I try to put my faith in God. If I'm supposed to be home...or change careers..then He'll make it happen.
Tomorrow is Memorial Day. I'll take a moment to remember the men and women who sacrificed for our freedom. I pray my boys never will have to put their lives on the line....but so many mothers have lost their little boys (and girls) for our nation.
Today was another great day. I've got a head cold and am losing my voice...I didn't feel much like going to church, but we went anyway. We're babysitting a friend's dog this weekend and before church Connor insisted that we give Trudy (a BIG golden retriever) more food and water. We were in a hurry, but Connor wouldn't leave until we checked to make sure she was okay. It was so cool to watch Craig and Connor fill the dog dish. Connor was so proud of himself....and I was so proud that we're raising a son who is concerned about others.
We got to church on time...Sawyer flirted shamelessly with anyone who would look his way. Connor and Jackson went to Sunday School...and Craig and I went to Sunday School and Contemporary Service. When we went to pick Connor and Jackson up...they were playing together so nicely. I stopped for a moment just to soak it in. The teachers told us how good they both were. The one added that Connor told them that his mommy tells him I love you everyday. They asked if his mommy ever yells and he said no. (little white lie) I know there are no secrets in our house because Connor will tell you where we keep the check book if you ask....but it was awesome to hear that he shares his love for his family.
After lunch, Jackson went straight to the train table. He loves playing with Thomas the tank engine. He starting to talk a lot more now. He makes up scenarios about the trains...he'll have Thomas in a ditch...then Sir Handel comes to the rescue...all while Sir Topham Hat is standing by. He is so dear. He does have a thing with screaming though....when he gets excited, he screams...no, he shreaks, squeals...whatever you want to call it...its got to stop. We started giving him time outs when he does it...I'm conflicted about that though, I don't want to limit his expressiveness. (Is that a word?)
Anyway...
I'm so blessed.
It is getting harder to go to work. I want to spend every day with my boys. I try to put my faith in God. If I'm supposed to be home...or change careers..then He'll make it happen.
Tomorrow is Memorial Day. I'll take a moment to remember the men and women who sacrificed for our freedom. I pray my boys never will have to put their lives on the line....but so many mothers have lost their little boys (and girls) for our nation.
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