I am just typing this for the record books. The boys have been playing together, approriately, productively, and with relatively little behavioral intervention from me. It is so wonderful!!! I have been waiting for their relationship to reach this level where they can play more as peers and actually enjoy a few play sequences. Yea!!
While they play, I continue nesting up a storm. Zac said yesterday how ironic it is that a pregnant woman's strongest urge to get a lot of strange things done occurs at the time in her pregnancy when she should be resting the most.
Whatever...I actually think I am getting endorphins from this. I wake up at night thinking about all of the things I need to do to prepare and I feel this weird nervous/giddy feeling. I have to force myself to go back to sleep.
Except for last night when I crawled out of bed (for the 1st time of the night) to go to the bathroom and I almost fell down. I have been having sciatic nerve problems in my back/pelvis/leg--it has happened with each baby, but gotten progressively worse. Anyway, I couldn't put any weight on my right leg. I thought about waking Zac up and asking him to carry me but that seemed a bit over the top. So, I dragged myself in there without too much incident. I'm happy to report it's a little better this morning. :) These are the things you conveniently "forget" about when you decide to get pregnant again.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Busy little bees
Yes, that's what we've been! We moved Jesse into his new room tonight (our old guest bedroom). Originally his new room was going to be Joel's room--they were going to be bedroom buddies. However, after careful thought, I have decided that's not the best thing for them right now. Jesse still has different sleep patterns than Joel, and is also much more introverted than Joel.
In typical Joel fashion (after we'd been out all day), he asked me after naptime, "Where are we going tonight? What friend's house are we going to?" And he doesn't like the answer to be that we are staying home. Every morning when he wakes up he asks me where we are going that morning, and he does the same thing after nap time.
Jesse, on the other hand, prefers to just stay at home and play. All that to say--Jesse still needs a little space from his often smothering, seriously extroverted brother.
Sorry future guests at the Hicks' household. It's back to the futon for you. I just decided that our family sanity day to day is more important than having a guestroom that is rarely used.
Anyhoo....back to Jesse's room. I wasn't really going to decorate it, but I wanted to make the little guy feel special, not like he just got booted out of his room for the new baby. So, Zac and I painted a mural on his wall, painted an old dresser, and bought him some new curtains and a bean bag. The paint was all colors that we already had and the whole makeover was a whopping $30!! I'll post pictures later, Zac has the camera at work.
He's really such a chill kid (except for that independent streak that's cropping up all to often these days) that it doesn't seem to phase him one bit. Zac then pointed out that he has actually slept for almost half of his life in a closet so he's not that picky about his accomodations. The closet thing was when he was a baby and still nursing (in a bassinet in our closet--close enough to get there easily, but with a door to close so we didn't hear his noisy sleeping), when we lived with my parents last summer (and every time we visit now), and when we had company that stayed in his room. The pack n' play really is like his second home.
So, that's what we've been up to. That, along with the 5 preschool orientations I have attended in the past week (Yes, I only have 2 kids in preschool--I'm still trying out why I had to attend so many. It's complicated.).
I also made my official final "nesting to do list" this afternoon. It's a doozie but I think we can get it all done. Item 1 was completed tonight--move Jesse. We are coming upon the home stretch and are getting excited!
In typical Joel fashion (after we'd been out all day), he asked me after naptime, "Where are we going tonight? What friend's house are we going to?" And he doesn't like the answer to be that we are staying home. Every morning when he wakes up he asks me where we are going that morning, and he does the same thing after nap time.
Jesse, on the other hand, prefers to just stay at home and play. All that to say--Jesse still needs a little space from his often smothering, seriously extroverted brother.
Sorry future guests at the Hicks' household. It's back to the futon for you. I just decided that our family sanity day to day is more important than having a guestroom that is rarely used.
Anyhoo....back to Jesse's room. I wasn't really going to decorate it, but I wanted to make the little guy feel special, not like he just got booted out of his room for the new baby. So, Zac and I painted a mural on his wall, painted an old dresser, and bought him some new curtains and a bean bag. The paint was all colors that we already had and the whole makeover was a whopping $30!! I'll post pictures later, Zac has the camera at work.
He's really such a chill kid (except for that independent streak that's cropping up all to often these days) that it doesn't seem to phase him one bit. Zac then pointed out that he has actually slept for almost half of his life in a closet so he's not that picky about his accomodations. The closet thing was when he was a baby and still nursing (in a bassinet in our closet--close enough to get there easily, but with a door to close so we didn't hear his noisy sleeping), when we lived with my parents last summer (and every time we visit now), and when we had company that stayed in his room. The pack n' play really is like his second home.
So, that's what we've been up to. That, along with the 5 preschool orientations I have attended in the past week (Yes, I only have 2 kids in preschool--I'm still trying out why I had to attend so many. It's complicated.).
I also made my official final "nesting to do list" this afternoon. It's a doozie but I think we can get it all done. Item 1 was completed tonight--move Jesse. We are coming upon the home stretch and are getting excited!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Preschool
This week is full of preschool orientation! I told Zac that I am attending 4 different ones, even though I only have 2 kids in preschool. I guess we will be fully prepared. Joel officially starts tomorrow and Jesse starts next Tuesday. Jesse is just going one morning a week (I think the idea really is for the kids to have a little socializiation and for the moms to get a little break). Either way, I'll take it! It gives me one full morning a week to myself!!!!! That is, for another 2 months. :)
They both seem pretty excited and I can't believe that the summer is almost over already. We did lots of fun things and I am really thankful for all of the things we were able to do.
Plus, it will be nice to run errands with just one child in tow for awhile. I was THAT mom this morning at Walgreen's. Both boys were screaming, Jesse had pooped and had crusty snot on his face. I was tired and hungry (it was too close to lunchtime). I know people were looking at my belly and saying to themselves, "What is she thinking?!" It really wasn't our best moment. We had another one of those moments at preschool this morning too. Those incidents combined propelled me to ask someone to come babysit the boys tonight while I attend a church music party with Zac. He will be "working" at the party and I just decided I didn't want to handle the boys by myself.
I mention all of this because a friend recently emailed me, mentioning how she really feels like she needs help, but has a hard time asking others. Ditto, sister. I was just talking about that last night with Zac. It is REALLY hard for me to ask people to help me--especially with the boys. I don't want them to feel pressure or to feel like I'm shirking my duties as a mom. However, I have gotten a lot better in the last year or so (maybe out of desperation). What I've decided is that it never hurts to ask people. They are more than able to say no (if they have a problem with turning people down, then it's just that--their problem). Many times, I've found people are flattered at the invitation and really enjoy a chance to do something different for awhile. Plus, I do try and rotate who I ask so that the same people don't feel too frequently called upon. To those that do help out and are reading this---THANK YOU!!!! Zac and I often say that we will return the favor to other young families when we are in your position.
What it comes down to is that I don't want to live life with regrets. If all I think about when I look back on this phase of life is that I was stressed out, overwhelmed, and felt trapped with the kids frequently, then I will always wonder why I didn't do something to try and change that. So I am. Now--while I still have the chance!
They both seem pretty excited and I can't believe that the summer is almost over already. We did lots of fun things and I am really thankful for all of the things we were able to do.
Plus, it will be nice to run errands with just one child in tow for awhile. I was THAT mom this morning at Walgreen's. Both boys were screaming, Jesse had pooped and had crusty snot on his face. I was tired and hungry (it was too close to lunchtime). I know people were looking at my belly and saying to themselves, "What is she thinking?!" It really wasn't our best moment. We had another one of those moments at preschool this morning too. Those incidents combined propelled me to ask someone to come babysit the boys tonight while I attend a church music party with Zac. He will be "working" at the party and I just decided I didn't want to handle the boys by myself.
I mention all of this because a friend recently emailed me, mentioning how she really feels like she needs help, but has a hard time asking others. Ditto, sister. I was just talking about that last night with Zac. It is REALLY hard for me to ask people to help me--especially with the boys. I don't want them to feel pressure or to feel like I'm shirking my duties as a mom. However, I have gotten a lot better in the last year or so (maybe out of desperation). What I've decided is that it never hurts to ask people. They are more than able to say no (if they have a problem with turning people down, then it's just that--their problem). Many times, I've found people are flattered at the invitation and really enjoy a chance to do something different for awhile. Plus, I do try and rotate who I ask so that the same people don't feel too frequently called upon. To those that do help out and are reading this---THANK YOU!!!! Zac and I often say that we will return the favor to other young families when we are in your position.
What it comes down to is that I don't want to live life with regrets. If all I think about when I look back on this phase of life is that I was stressed out, overwhelmed, and felt trapped with the kids frequently, then I will always wonder why I didn't do something to try and change that. So I am. Now--while I still have the chance!
Monday, August 25, 2008
And just two more.
I forgot the pic of Joel and Stella hugging--this is for my brother and sister-in-law! Seriously, she did this for 10 minutes. She kept lunging for him, and Joel willing obliged with open arms. He is the BIGGEST baby lover I know. I'm really excited for him to have a new baby brother of his own.
And...I've been getting requests for a belly picture. In general, I try to avoid them. I honestly don't care to remember how I look when I'm 30-50 pounds heavier than normal (yes, I gain lots of weight when I'm pregnant--I'd doing a little better this time, though). But, I will appease the requesters and took one at the wedding, just for you all!!
Wedding fun.
The weekend before our trip, we were in Colorado Springs where I went to a bridal luncheon and a bachelorette party for one of my oldest, best friends. We have known each other since 3rd grade and have so many memories. She has been dating her fiance for longer than Zac and I have even known each other and so there was a lot to celebrate, now that the wedding day was so close!!
After that wild weekend, we left for our trip, got home on a Thursday evening, unpacked, re-packed, and went back down to Colorado Springs for the wedding festivities. We had a great rehearsal on Friday and the wedding was Saturday.
It was quite the family affair for the Hicks' household--I was a bridesmaid, Joel was the ringbearer, and Zac officiated the wedding. Unfortunately, the wedding was supposed to be outside but rain hindered their plans. The whole thing still turned out beautifully, with just a small delay.
Joel had some slight difficulty during the ceremony. He was more interested in the layers of organza on her dress than standing next to me (he told Lindsay she looked like a princess :). I sent him a few rows down to sit with my dad for the duration of the ceremony. He ended up plopping down next to a stranger but he was very kind and tried to keep Joel quietly entertained. At one point he saw Jesse across the row and said, "Jesse, come sit by me!" That was cute. But then a few minutes later, he saw Zac up front and said, "Daddy!" By now I was a little annoyed but what can you expect from a 3 year old...who woke up with a cold that day. Yes, in the middle of August. It was not a good sign for his behavior the remainder of the day. Still, he looked super cute in his little tuxedo and everyone thought he was funny and charming.
Zac did a phenomenal job with the wedding, and a few people were in tears after his message. I think he was relieved--this was his first wedding! It was such a fun weekend for all of us. Congratulations, Lindsay, and thanks for letting us celebrate with you!!
The beautiful bride!
The bridesmaid's wore black which looked really cool because everything else (except our dresses) was black with bright pink accents--her favorite. Thank you, Lindsay, for choosing a slimming color for your 7 months pregnant friend :).
After that wild weekend, we left for our trip, got home on a Thursday evening, unpacked, re-packed, and went back down to Colorado Springs for the wedding festivities. We had a great rehearsal on Friday and the wedding was Saturday.
It was quite the family affair for the Hicks' household--I was a bridesmaid, Joel was the ringbearer, and Zac officiated the wedding. Unfortunately, the wedding was supposed to be outside but rain hindered their plans. The whole thing still turned out beautifully, with just a small delay.
Joel had some slight difficulty during the ceremony. He was more interested in the layers of organza on her dress than standing next to me (he told Lindsay she looked like a princess :). I sent him a few rows down to sit with my dad for the duration of the ceremony. He ended up plopping down next to a stranger but he was very kind and tried to keep Joel quietly entertained. At one point he saw Jesse across the row and said, "Jesse, come sit by me!" That was cute. But then a few minutes later, he saw Zac up front and said, "Daddy!" By now I was a little annoyed but what can you expect from a 3 year old...who woke up with a cold that day. Yes, in the middle of August. It was not a good sign for his behavior the remainder of the day. Still, he looked super cute in his little tuxedo and everyone thought he was funny and charming.
Zac did a phenomenal job with the wedding, and a few people were in tears after his message. I think he was relieved--this was his first wedding! It was such a fun weekend for all of us. Congratulations, Lindsay, and thanks for letting us celebrate with you!!
The beautiful bride!
The bridesmaid's wore black which looked really cool because everything else (except our dresses) was black with bright pink accents--her favorite. Thank you, Lindsay, for choosing a slimming color for your 7 months pregnant friend :).
Seriously, I think this is maybe one of 3 pictures that we have of just the two of us (where we look somewhat decent) in the last 4 years.
I mentioned there was a slight rain delay (like an hour). Joel eventually starting entertaining himself by rolling around on the floor. It was funny--the picture doesn't do it justice!
My little man!!
Jesse is now 2! His birthday was yesterday but since we were all together on vacation last week, we ended up having his party a little early. He got some fun dress-up costumes (those were in our vacation pics, modeled by Joel), a toy helicopter, some great clothes, and a few other things. I can't believe he is already two years old--although some of his behavior as of late has clearly indicated so. :)
He is fiery and fiesty, but also so loving and mellow (I know, it's hard for those to co-exist). He is starting to come into his own a little bit more and his personality cracks me up. He gives me spontaneous hugs, asks Joel if he is okay when he coughs, and covers his gymbo doll up with a little blankie of his own when they lie in the crib together.
He will start preschool at our church next week, going just one morning a week. I think it will be so good for him to have some of his own space and a place where he is just Jesse, not Joel's brother. I look forward to seeing him blossom even more. Every time we tell him that he gets to go to preschool now because he is a big boy, he gets this big smile on his face and looks so proud.
I love this little dude and pray for many more birthdays to celebrate!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)