In the last few days Michael has found it intriguing, interesting, funny, or amusing to ask me over and over and over, "Mommy, what are you doing?" Yesterday I was putting in a load of wash when he asked, "Mommy, what are you doing?" Laundry, honey. Two minutes later, "Mommy, what are you doing?" Walking to the kitchen honey. Twenty seconds later, "Mommy, what are you doing?" I don't know Michael, what are YOU doing?
I'm guessing you get my point. The question, "Mommy, what are you doing?" has become so frequent, it has even entered into my dreams. Last night, I had a dream that I was back in high school and for some reason everyone was harassing me by asking me over and over, "What are you doing?"
Last week, when we were on one of our multiple visits to the pediatricians office, I asked her if it was normal for kids this age, especially Michael's age, to ask the same question over and over. I guess it must have been a silly question to ask because she just looked at me for a moment to see if I was serious, giggled and then said, most definitely. Good to know.
So this afternoon , when we were getting out of the pool to change clothes, Michael began to speak and by the tone in his voice I could tell he was just about to ask me a question, the question. He said Mommy (pause), and as I was just about to open my mouth to say, Michael I'm helping you get dressed, he softly said, "I love you."
In his little, high-pitched, mousy voice, I could tell instantly that he meant every word he was saying. I've learned these little boys can catch you off guard. Just when you think they've shown you every bit of their preciousness, they go and do something that makes you fall in love with them all over again.
I'm sure as I finish writing this and go out to check on them watching some Scooby Doo, Michael's first words out of his mouth will be, "Mommy, what are you doing?" I've found a new answer to the never ending question.
Michael, I'm loving you, that's what I'm doing.
Angie
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
A birthday wish come true!
Yesterday I was 29 and today I'm 30. I say honestly that I haven't been that excited to turn 30, but now that it is here and I know what my life as a 30-year-old is like, I would have welcomed it many years ago.
As you know or can imagine, my birthday presents came early this year. They arrived on May 8 when we brought home our little guys. I woke up this morning to the serenading songs of three boys singing me a happy birthday tune. The little ones then proceeded to curl up in bed next to me (one on each side) and give me a big birthday hug and kiss. Daddy, got to take Jack out to go potty while Gabriel, Michael and I snuggled.
As far as a 30th birthdays go, I have to say this one could probably go down on record for being the most low-key, non-eventful day, however to me it was perfect. Jarrett had to go biking this morning as he prepares for his big 100+ mile adventure next weekend in Lake Tahoe so the boys and I spent the morning cleaning house. Yes, you read that correctly, we cleaned house. The boys thought we were actually fixing the house so they pretended to be like Handy Manny (this show on Disney where a handyman named Manny talks to his tools and fixes things for others). The boys were a great help dusting, vacuuming and sweeping the floors. I promise I didn't make them work too hard, but hey, if they are excited about helping and it seems fun to them to suck up dust bunnies, I'm not going to hinder that excitement.
After a few hours of "fixing the house" we played school where Gabriel learned how to write and recognize the letters X and Y and Michael practiced his colors. Being a new mom, I'm not exactly sure where the boys should be academically as far as knowing certain things but I can share that I do think it is a pretty new activity for them to actually have someone sit down with them and teach them certain things. They both seem to like it and they say, "Mom, you are the teacher right?"
After lunch Daddy graciously took the boys on an adventure to the car wash or what they like to call the cave. This gave me about 45 minutes to try and write some thank yous that I've been trying to get out for days. It has been stressing me that my to do list has been growing faster than I can cross items off, so this break was welcome and helped me to feel a little bit better about getting my organized life back.
This afternoon Jarrett had said we could do something just us 4 (or 5 counting Jack) as a family and when it came down to it, we did. We actually just stayed home and enjoyed what our new normal life is. We colored, enjoyed lunch and spent time talking. And tonight we had dinner, read some books to the boys and let them watch a few minutes of The Lion King before putting them to sleep.
And now, for the first time in 3 plus weeks, Jarrett and I are going to have a Date Night in our living room. This will be the first time since the boys arrived that we are going to sit down, drink a glass of wine and watch a movie, (and not a kids movie) together.
As I said before, and now you can probably agree, this 30th birthday could probably go down as one of the most low-key birthdays ever, however to me it was just perfect!
When I was helping Gabriel and Michael brush their teeth tonight I said, Boys, do you know what Mommy wished for for her birthday present?" Michael screamed "Spiderman" and Gabriel just looked at me with his beautiful blue-green eyes. I said, Mommy wished for you guys and then they grinned from ear to ear. I don't know if they fully understand yet how much this birthday means to me, but it will be a story I will share with them many more times in the coming days, months, and years ahead.
Thank you God for bringing me my biggest and best birthday wish!
Angie
As you know or can imagine, my birthday presents came early this year. They arrived on May 8 when we brought home our little guys. I woke up this morning to the serenading songs of three boys singing me a happy birthday tune. The little ones then proceeded to curl up in bed next to me (one on each side) and give me a big birthday hug and kiss. Daddy, got to take Jack out to go potty while Gabriel, Michael and I snuggled.
As far as a 30th birthdays go, I have to say this one could probably go down on record for being the most low-key, non-eventful day, however to me it was perfect. Jarrett had to go biking this morning as he prepares for his big 100+ mile adventure next weekend in Lake Tahoe so the boys and I spent the morning cleaning house. Yes, you read that correctly, we cleaned house. The boys thought we were actually fixing the house so they pretended to be like Handy Manny (this show on Disney where a handyman named Manny talks to his tools and fixes things for others). The boys were a great help dusting, vacuuming and sweeping the floors. I promise I didn't make them work too hard, but hey, if they are excited about helping and it seems fun to them to suck up dust bunnies, I'm not going to hinder that excitement.
After a few hours of "fixing the house" we played school where Gabriel learned how to write and recognize the letters X and Y and Michael practiced his colors. Being a new mom, I'm not exactly sure where the boys should be academically as far as knowing certain things but I can share that I do think it is a pretty new activity for them to actually have someone sit down with them and teach them certain things. They both seem to like it and they say, "Mom, you are the teacher right?"
After lunch Daddy graciously took the boys on an adventure to the car wash or what they like to call the cave. This gave me about 45 minutes to try and write some thank yous that I've been trying to get out for days. It has been stressing me that my to do list has been growing faster than I can cross items off, so this break was welcome and helped me to feel a little bit better about getting my organized life back.
This afternoon Jarrett had said we could do something just us 4 (or 5 counting Jack) as a family and when it came down to it, we did. We actually just stayed home and enjoyed what our new normal life is. We colored, enjoyed lunch and spent time talking. And tonight we had dinner, read some books to the boys and let them watch a few minutes of The Lion King before putting them to sleep.
And now, for the first time in 3 plus weeks, Jarrett and I are going to have a Date Night in our living room. This will be the first time since the boys arrived that we are going to sit down, drink a glass of wine and watch a movie, (and not a kids movie) together.
As I said before, and now you can probably agree, this 30th birthday could probably go down as one of the most low-key birthdays ever, however to me it was just perfect!
When I was helping Gabriel and Michael brush their teeth tonight I said, Boys, do you know what Mommy wished for for her birthday present?" Michael screamed "Spiderman" and Gabriel just looked at me with his beautiful blue-green eyes. I said, Mommy wished for you guys and then they grinned from ear to ear. I don't know if they fully understand yet how much this birthday means to me, but it will be a story I will share with them many more times in the coming days, months, and years ahead.
Thank you God for bringing me my biggest and best birthday wish!
Angie
Thursday, May 27, 2010
A big Ouwie...
Today I learned that Mothers really do feel their child's pain. This morning the boys got to spend some quality time alone with their Daddy. We think it is important for them to have quality time with each of us alone so that they can grow to connect and love each of us equally (and secretly I want to share the "potty" time calls with Daddy too!)
The boys had an adventurous morning I understand. They got up, ate Cheerios, got dressed, brushed their teeth and headed to the park. When I got home they had just finished up eating an early lunch so they could retire to their room for nap time. Dad did a great job and it seemed the plan was going just as we had hoped until Michael announced as I walked through the door...
"Mommy I got a big ouwie and it hurts really bad." As he bent in a way that only Mr. Gadget and his go-go-gadget arms and legs can, he maneuvered his body around to show me a big swollen red spot right at the top of his little thigh. Yes it did look like a big ouwie! Not sure exactly what I was looking at my first response was, "Should Mommy call the doctor?" and Michael, who has not been to excited to visit the doctor most recently, immediately replied, "Oh yes Mommy, it really hurts"
So our quiet afternoon of napping instead turned in to a trip to the lovely Dr.'s office where they explained to me he has caught some sort of bacteria and the only way to relieve the puffiness and hurt was to "slice it open and drain the infection." And to end the conversation the doctor said, "He will not like me at the end of this visit". This is a note to all future moms, when you hear those words out of your pediatrician's mouth, BEWARE! That means it is going to hurt your little one, ALOT.
As she explained to me what they were going to have to do, she said, and mom, don't worry, he'll get over it right away but it might take you a little while. She said, we'll hold him down but we need you at his head to talk to him and distract him and we need you to stay strong okay? Again future mom's, CAUTION, this is your warning.
Okay, so I gathered my courage and said to myself, I can do this. I told Gabriel he needed to be really good and sit on the bench (in the same room), read a book and not to watch. The procedure began and as soon as they touched the spot Michael let out a painful scream. I tried to distract him with talk about trucks, frogs, Batman, Spiderman, X-man. I was even making up names of superheros, but nothing seemed to work. He continued screaming, crying and reaching out for me to rescue him from these terrible doctors that seemed to be torturing him. A few minutes into the procedure Michael started to get a nose-bleed, which I now understand can be caused by a significant amount of pain in little ones. So, as I'm trying to calm him down, hold pressure on his nose and stop blood from going everywhere, which at this point is all over my arms and t-shirt, my heart is absolutely splitting into pieces and I'm trying to fight back tears. Gabriel, the little angel that he can be, climbed up onto the doctor's counter to get a whole box of Kleenex and brought them to me. He said, "Here Mom, please help Michael." Yes, still fighting back the tears.
After what seemed to be a half hour but was actually only about 5 minutes, the nurses released some of the pressure they had on his back and legs and at last the worst was over. We get to go back tomorrow for more "draining of the infection" fun that we had today, but at least the incisions are over and I pray the majority of the pain.
When Jarrett was sick and going through Chemotherapy I remember praying that I could take away some of his pain and that I'd do anything to switch places with him. As my best friend in life, I knew the love I have for him would go to the end of the earth and back. I remember thinking that I didn't know if I could love anyone as much as I love him. I now know that I can and I do.
I'd do anything and everything if I could make sure these little boys never have to feel pain or any more big ouwie's for the rest of their lives or as Gabriel would say, Mom, you mean forever, forever, forever right?"
Angie
The boys had an adventurous morning I understand. They got up, ate Cheerios, got dressed, brushed their teeth and headed to the park. When I got home they had just finished up eating an early lunch so they could retire to their room for nap time. Dad did a great job and it seemed the plan was going just as we had hoped until Michael announced as I walked through the door...
"Mommy I got a big ouwie and it hurts really bad." As he bent in a way that only Mr. Gadget and his go-go-gadget arms and legs can, he maneuvered his body around to show me a big swollen red spot right at the top of his little thigh. Yes it did look like a big ouwie! Not sure exactly what I was looking at my first response was, "Should Mommy call the doctor?" and Michael, who has not been to excited to visit the doctor most recently, immediately replied, "Oh yes Mommy, it really hurts"
So our quiet afternoon of napping instead turned in to a trip to the lovely Dr.'s office where they explained to me he has caught some sort of bacteria and the only way to relieve the puffiness and hurt was to "slice it open and drain the infection." And to end the conversation the doctor said, "He will not like me at the end of this visit". This is a note to all future moms, when you hear those words out of your pediatrician's mouth, BEWARE! That means it is going to hurt your little one, ALOT.
As she explained to me what they were going to have to do, she said, and mom, don't worry, he'll get over it right away but it might take you a little while. She said, we'll hold him down but we need you at his head to talk to him and distract him and we need you to stay strong okay? Again future mom's, CAUTION, this is your warning.
Okay, so I gathered my courage and said to myself, I can do this. I told Gabriel he needed to be really good and sit on the bench (in the same room), read a book and not to watch. The procedure began and as soon as they touched the spot Michael let out a painful scream. I tried to distract him with talk about trucks, frogs, Batman, Spiderman, X-man. I was even making up names of superheros, but nothing seemed to work. He continued screaming, crying and reaching out for me to rescue him from these terrible doctors that seemed to be torturing him. A few minutes into the procedure Michael started to get a nose-bleed, which I now understand can be caused by a significant amount of pain in little ones. So, as I'm trying to calm him down, hold pressure on his nose and stop blood from going everywhere, which at this point is all over my arms and t-shirt, my heart is absolutely splitting into pieces and I'm trying to fight back tears. Gabriel, the little angel that he can be, climbed up onto the doctor's counter to get a whole box of Kleenex and brought them to me. He said, "Here Mom, please help Michael." Yes, still fighting back the tears.
After what seemed to be a half hour but was actually only about 5 minutes, the nurses released some of the pressure they had on his back and legs and at last the worst was over. We get to go back tomorrow for more "draining of the infection" fun that we had today, but at least the incisions are over and I pray the majority of the pain.
When Jarrett was sick and going through Chemotherapy I remember praying that I could take away some of his pain and that I'd do anything to switch places with him. As my best friend in life, I knew the love I have for him would go to the end of the earth and back. I remember thinking that I didn't know if I could love anyone as much as I love him. I now know that I can and I do.
I'd do anything and everything if I could make sure these little boys never have to feel pain or any more big ouwie's for the rest of their lives or as Gabriel would say, Mom, you mean forever, forever, forever right?"
Angie
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Art of Sharing
Gabriel and Michael seem to pretty much have down the act of sharing. It is pretty rare when I have to break up an argument because one of them has something the other one wants and they are unable to resolve the discussion between themselves. Today seems to be a day when we are sharing many things.
This morning started off with the boys wanting to share each other's toothbrush. The request was made to share mommy's toothbrush first but I said that is one of the things Mommy doesn't have to share with anyone. So, after that request was denied, they moved on to requesting to use Michael's Cookie Monster toothbrush. I decided it wasn't worth the lengthy explanation of why we don't share each other's toothbrushes, I'll save that discussion for tomorrow.
Since the boys have moved in, I've tried to select their daily outfits for them and have them laying on their bed as they finish breakfast and after brushing their teeth. Today, I decided it might be a good idea to allow Gabriel some autonomy in picking his own outfit. As I watched him pick out his outfit, I decided again, to just let him pick what he wanted and to keep my comments to myself. Here is a little description of what Gabriel looks like today...
The oldest and most faded Guess jean shorts that must have been a hand-me-down or a goodwill pick up from before he came to us. The elastic on the jean shorts is shot, so they seem to hang down just enough to show a glimpse of his sporting "tunnies" aka underwear. For a tastefully classic look he decided to select Michael's red Lighting McQueen Cars shirt that is a size 2T and obviously 2 sizes too small. Think of an 80's mid-drift t-shirt. And then to seal the classic look he was going for, he selected one sock that is a mid-calf length and the other that is a footie and doesn't show above his shoes. To top it off he decided he didn't need/want to comb his hair and the slept-on spiked look in the very back was good enough for today. Very cute!
In the spirit of sharing, I fear Michael and Gabriel may have also decided to share their stuff with Mommy. Several people have told me that little people are germ magnetics. I'm not sure if it just being a little worn down or the fact that I just picked up something, but Mommy spent last night and this morning feeling really under the weather. Since Mommy was up all night admiring the cracks and crevices of her bathroom wall, ceiling and floor, Daddy volunteered to share some of the morning responsibilities with Mom, actually he took on all of them. Thanks Daddy! What was so cute is that the boys normally come straight to my side of the bed in the morning to wake me up and tell me they have to go potty, but this morning Daddy took them and explained that they needed to be quiet because Mommy isn't feeling very good. Laying there feeling nauseous, I listened as they apologized to their Daddy for Mommy being sick. "I'm sorry Daddy that Mommy is sick," said Gabriel and then Michael chimed in, "Mommy sick Daddy right? I sorry". Daddy explained that is wasn't their fault but for some reason they seemed to think it was, even though they've been healthy since day one. When I finally got myself out of bed and slowly moved to the couch to rest my eyes, both boys came up to me at different times and gently kissed my cheek. Then they said, "Mommy I so sorry you sick" How precious is that?
I guess we'll have to see how much sharing mommy does in the next few days. I've tried to be good at sharing my things with those I love, but I sure hope I don't share this.
Until next time,
Angie
This morning started off with the boys wanting to share each other's toothbrush. The request was made to share mommy's toothbrush first but I said that is one of the things Mommy doesn't have to share with anyone. So, after that request was denied, they moved on to requesting to use Michael's Cookie Monster toothbrush. I decided it wasn't worth the lengthy explanation of why we don't share each other's toothbrushes, I'll save that discussion for tomorrow.
Since the boys have moved in, I've tried to select their daily outfits for them and have them laying on their bed as they finish breakfast and after brushing their teeth. Today, I decided it might be a good idea to allow Gabriel some autonomy in picking his own outfit. As I watched him pick out his outfit, I decided again, to just let him pick what he wanted and to keep my comments to myself. Here is a little description of what Gabriel looks like today...
The oldest and most faded Guess jean shorts that must have been a hand-me-down or a goodwill pick up from before he came to us. The elastic on the jean shorts is shot, so they seem to hang down just enough to show a glimpse of his sporting "tunnies" aka underwear. For a tastefully classic look he decided to select Michael's red Lighting McQueen Cars shirt that is a size 2T and obviously 2 sizes too small. Think of an 80's mid-drift t-shirt. And then to seal the classic look he was going for, he selected one sock that is a mid-calf length and the other that is a footie and doesn't show above his shoes. To top it off he decided he didn't need/want to comb his hair and the slept-on spiked look in the very back was good enough for today. Very cute!
In the spirit of sharing, I fear Michael and Gabriel may have also decided to share their stuff with Mommy. Several people have told me that little people are germ magnetics. I'm not sure if it just being a little worn down or the fact that I just picked up something, but Mommy spent last night and this morning feeling really under the weather. Since Mommy was up all night admiring the cracks and crevices of her bathroom wall, ceiling and floor, Daddy volunteered to share some of the morning responsibilities with Mom, actually he took on all of them. Thanks Daddy! What was so cute is that the boys normally come straight to my side of the bed in the morning to wake me up and tell me they have to go potty, but this morning Daddy took them and explained that they needed to be quiet because Mommy isn't feeling very good. Laying there feeling nauseous, I listened as they apologized to their Daddy for Mommy being sick. "I'm sorry Daddy that Mommy is sick," said Gabriel and then Michael chimed in, "Mommy sick Daddy right? I sorry". Daddy explained that is wasn't their fault but for some reason they seemed to think it was, even though they've been healthy since day one. When I finally got myself out of bed and slowly moved to the couch to rest my eyes, both boys came up to me at different times and gently kissed my cheek. Then they said, "Mommy I so sorry you sick" How precious is that?
I guess we'll have to see how much sharing mommy does in the next few days. I've tried to be good at sharing my things with those I love, but I sure hope I don't share this.
Until next time,
Angie
Saturday, May 22, 2010
An Adoption Celebration!!!!!
I've always been thankful for great friends and family. Friends, just like family, are there for you when your down and needing a pick-me-up, they are there for you in sad times and always in happy times. Today, we were celebrating one of those happy times and I, scratch that, WE couldn't be more thankful for our wonderful friends and family.
Today we were honored at what has to be the best, most amazing, adoption celebration/shower, that has ever taken place. My wonderful friends, Lara, Jennifer and Janelle planned and hosted the nicest, warmest and most loving celebration I've ever attended. They went above and beyond to have everything perfect, from yummy food to balloons, a sandbox and an array of boys toys for them to play with. It was a family event so it was great to see all of our family and friends come with their families, even big boys (Dads) were invited!
Today was a very special day as we've long to introduce our little ones to the special people in our lives and all of our friends couldn't have been more open and loving in meeting them. Oh and let me also say, our family and friends have been SO generous!!!! It honestly was so great just to have a party to welcome them, but we were so wonderfully overwhelmed with the gifts and it wasn't just Jarrett and I. The boys are included as well!!!! In all honesty, prior to coming to our home, I believe the boy's idea of getting a present was getting a tiny,trinky toy that are found in fast food meals. Today was probably one of the most magical days in the boys' lives. Thank you to ALL of you!
As we opened the presents, the boys were so excited in amazement at everything they were given. Wow we can't say thank you enough. We think we will be set for the next 12-14 years of their lives. :-) As we drove home today, you would have thought the boys had just experience Christmas morning about 20 times over. They will never forget this day.
So to our wonderful friends and family who helped to make this such a special day, thank you from the bottom of our hearts! And to Jennifer, Lara and Janelle, my heart, our hearts are overflowing with appreciation. I hope you know how much you've just given us!
Love,
Angie
PS: Oh and Lara, I'm sorry I think I owe you a couple cups of sand. Michael must have thought the sand from the sandbox was a gift. He filled his brand new shirt pockets with sand. As I put him down for a nap this afternoon he decided it would be good to keep his new sand in his bed.
We'll remember this day and the fun we had every night for a very long time!
Today we were honored at what has to be the best, most amazing, adoption celebration/shower, that has ever taken place. My wonderful friends, Lara, Jennifer and Janelle planned and hosted the nicest, warmest and most loving celebration I've ever attended. They went above and beyond to have everything perfect, from yummy food to balloons, a sandbox and an array of boys toys for them to play with. It was a family event so it was great to see all of our family and friends come with their families, even big boys (Dads) were invited!
Today was a very special day as we've long to introduce our little ones to the special people in our lives and all of our friends couldn't have been more open and loving in meeting them. Oh and let me also say, our family and friends have been SO generous!!!! It honestly was so great just to have a party to welcome them, but we were so wonderfully overwhelmed with the gifts and it wasn't just Jarrett and I. The boys are included as well!!!! In all honesty, prior to coming to our home, I believe the boy's idea of getting a present was getting a tiny,trinky toy that are found in fast food meals. Today was probably one of the most magical days in the boys' lives. Thank you to ALL of you!
As we opened the presents, the boys were so excited in amazement at everything they were given. Wow we can't say thank you enough. We think we will be set for the next 12-14 years of their lives. :-) As we drove home today, you would have thought the boys had just experience Christmas morning about 20 times over. They will never forget this day.
So to our wonderful friends and family who helped to make this such a special day, thank you from the bottom of our hearts! And to Jennifer, Lara and Janelle, my heart, our hearts are overflowing with appreciation. I hope you know how much you've just given us!
Love,
Angie
PS: Oh and Lara, I'm sorry I think I owe you a couple cups of sand. Michael must have thought the sand from the sandbox was a gift. He filled his brand new shirt pockets with sand. As I put him down for a nap this afternoon he decided it would be good to keep his new sand in his bed.
We'll remember this day and the fun we had every night for a very long time!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Everyday they amaze me...
Today has been a great day. Nothing too exciting or spectacular has happened, but it has been a very good day. This morning we got up early, 5:15 a.m. and I decided to spend some quality time snuggling with Gabriel since Michael was still asleep. I've been secretly second-guessing myself, maybe that is just something moms do, but I find myself running through the days events over and over in my mind. I always want to make sure I'm giving them equal attention, reassurance and praise. I feel like we are doing a good job with that but sometimes I wonder if I need to do it more. Since Michael is just 3 and needs more "mommy help" I find myself attending to his needs regularly. Given that Gabriel is 4 1/2, I give him more independence and watch in amazement as he does things on his own. But lately, in the evenings, I find myself wondering if I could do more to make Gabriel know I love him equally as much as his younger brother. And so, it was for that reason that I decided to spend some quality Gabriel/Mom time this morning.
The boys seem to like it when I rub their backs right before nap time. I remember my mom always doing that for me before I would go to sleep, and it is a memory I cherish now as an adult. I now feel like it is my turn to help create lasting memories these boys can cherish when they become adults. Gabriel and Michael are still at that age where they like to cuddle and it is apparent they want to always be close to both Jarrett and I. This morning, as I snuggled with Gabriel and rubbed his back, I could almost feel him letting down his guard. Gabriel is a very mature 4 1/2 year old, he has had to step up and be his little brother's protector for a long time. This morning when I was rubbing his back, it was one of the first times I think Gabriel realized that he no longer has to take on the burden of carrying for or watching out for someone else. Also, I think he realized he now gets to be the recipient of someone carrying for him too. Right before Michael woke up, Gabriel sighed, rolled over and said, "I love you so much Mommy." That was the start of our great day.
There were many other highlights today but I'll just conclude with another brief story about how our day ended. We sing a lot of songs these days, kids songs that is. A couple of those songs we sing are from the Lion King, a classic Disney movie. The boys haven't seen this movie but they love the song or the words, "I just can't wait to be king!" and "Kunamatada". We've been talking about it and thanks to my aunt Anita for letting us borrow her good old VHS tape we were able to enjoy a family movie night tonight. As we were watching the movie, it was clear the boys were attentively following along, and then out of the blue they would turn towards me, sitting the farthest away from the TV, and either move closer to me to make sure we were touching or they would come and give me a hug. I know they do these things with Jarrett too. At one point, it was Gabriel, Michael and me in a row and all of a sudden Michael grabbed my hand moved it over to be in between him and Gabriel and then the both of them held my hand. I guess the power of human touch is important for everyone, no matter how young or old.
It is so true, everyday these little boys amaze me. I can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring.
Good night,
Angie
The boys seem to like it when I rub their backs right before nap time. I remember my mom always doing that for me before I would go to sleep, and it is a memory I cherish now as an adult. I now feel like it is my turn to help create lasting memories these boys can cherish when they become adults. Gabriel and Michael are still at that age where they like to cuddle and it is apparent they want to always be close to both Jarrett and I. This morning, as I snuggled with Gabriel and rubbed his back, I could almost feel him letting down his guard. Gabriel is a very mature 4 1/2 year old, he has had to step up and be his little brother's protector for a long time. This morning when I was rubbing his back, it was one of the first times I think Gabriel realized that he no longer has to take on the burden of carrying for or watching out for someone else. Also, I think he realized he now gets to be the recipient of someone carrying for him too. Right before Michael woke up, Gabriel sighed, rolled over and said, "I love you so much Mommy." That was the start of our great day.
There were many other highlights today but I'll just conclude with another brief story about how our day ended. We sing a lot of songs these days, kids songs that is. A couple of those songs we sing are from the Lion King, a classic Disney movie. The boys haven't seen this movie but they love the song or the words, "I just can't wait to be king!" and "Kunamatada". We've been talking about it and thanks to my aunt Anita for letting us borrow her good old VHS tape we were able to enjoy a family movie night tonight. As we were watching the movie, it was clear the boys were attentively following along, and then out of the blue they would turn towards me, sitting the farthest away from the TV, and either move closer to me to make sure we were touching or they would come and give me a hug. I know they do these things with Jarrett too. At one point, it was Gabriel, Michael and me in a row and all of a sudden Michael grabbed my hand moved it over to be in between him and Gabriel and then the both of them held my hand. I guess the power of human touch is important for everyone, no matter how young or old.
It is so true, everyday these little boys amaze me. I can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring.
Good night,
Angie
Monday, May 17, 2010
A day in Mommy's shoes
With two little boys in our house we have, in just a few short days, accumulated lots of boy toys. We have Spiderman(s), X-men, trucks, airplanes, Transformers, motorcycles, and boy books. With all of those fun boy toys around, you'd think there'd be at least one item which would be the stand out, the toy that they play with for hours. Unfortunately, those toys listed above only hold their attention for 20-30 minutes but there is one item which I've found can be entertainment for hours. Can you guess what that toy is?... MOMMY's shoes!
Isn't that cute? What is so precious is that they have so much fun walking around in and trying on all of my different pair of shoes. Then they pretend to walk like Mommy. I can't believe no one has told me I waddle like a duck.
I know this will probably be a picture they will come to regret posing for but I just couldn't resist. I hope it brings a smile to your face, it sure did ours.
Angie
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