Category — Family

Ever have one of those mornings when you decided to let the kiddos veg in front of the television? It can be so alluring, the little bit of peace…the kids seem so content.

But then when it comes time to turn it off, instead of the sweet, grateful little cherubs you were expecting, you find them to be discontent and a little grumpy? Though it doesn’t happen here every time, it seems to happen quite often.

I admit, I’ve been letting the boys have too much screen time lately, and I’ve been reaping the consequences…creativity replaced with boredom, and giggles replaced with whining. I felt like we needed a little break from TV and video games.

During the week we don’t do much, but on the Saturdays that Dustin works I often let them watch TV and play video games all morning. This weekend I decided to try something. Just don’t turn it on.

Why not give them a chance to play on their own for a while…to come up with something to do? We could save screen time for a little later in the afternoon. But, you know what? It lasted all day.

The boys built together with wooden blocks. They made pirate ships with the couches. They drew treasure maps. They fought (and fought, and fought) and worked things out.

A church that accepts both people and cars

Corban built the SUV and trailer that he had been saving the noodle box for. (Didn’t get a picture of that yet)

And they made the best marble run yet!

Amazingly, I got more accomplished too.

There was a lot more energy and laughter, and a greater feeling of peace at home.

So, this morning when Jackson and I were waiting for H and P to arrive, instead of turning on Dinosaur Train we got out the “narbles” again. I think this is something we could continue.

Do you ever take a break from screen time?

How does a nickname begin?

First it was Lillian

Then Lily

Then Lily-bug

And now she’s just our little Bug

And a cute one, too.

Last Saturday as Jackson and I were walking into a local hardware store we were greeted with the familiar scent of wood and building supplies, a smell that brought back memories of when Dustin and I first moved into our house and put in lots of work to fix it up. It reminded me of that feeling of anticipation that something in our home will soon be more beautiful or more comfortable. I love that smell.

While we were choosing tile and grout we picked up some paint samples that we cut up to make a color matching game.

It’s been a couple years since we’ve experienced the satisfaction of that kind of home improvement project, but last week we were finally able to change an area that has been begging for improvement.

Before - A glimpse at our ugly wall and fireplace

We have very few “before” pictures since it was so hideous (though the picture of Corban as a baby makes it look much cuter). Missing from the picture is the mantel that was a piece of wood resting on brackets and the insulation that was visible across the top.

Work in progress

We got most of it done over the weekend, and then finished up in the evenings. (And, let me tell you, construction in the living room plus five young children running around equals fun, fun, fun!)

After

Aaah…Such a nice feeling to have it done! It’s just missing some nice art to hang over the mantel. It’s such an improvement that it lightens the mood of the whole house…something I especially need during the dreary winter days. Though it will likely be a while before we can do another big project, I have some ideas for some more budget-friendly decorating that I hope to get started on soon.

Do you have any projects you’re exited about?

I admit that I’ve been wrestling with whether to continue blogging. The exhaustion of pregnancy followed by the needs of a newborn have made it difficult to post regularly. And I’ve struggled with my blog not quite being what I want it to be. I’m a perfectionist, and technology and I are not good friends. I was feeling pretty down about it and was ready to give it up.

But then I remembered that it’s February…the month when the dreariness of winter takes its toll on my spirits, and I start feeling like I have no friends, every hair day is bad, nothing fits right, I’m failing my husband and children…you get the picture.

So, with that perspective in mind, I’ve decided to give it one more try. Though I don’t have amazing things to share, I do enjoy the writing. Though I have mostly family and old friends as readers, I still love keeping them updated on our lives. And I love reading your blogs, sharing ideas, and meeting new people through the blogging community.

I’ve made a decision to focus a little more on the simple joys that get me through the dreary days. I hope that by sharing them I can create in myself the habit of a more thankful heart, and I also hope to hear about your joys as well.

So, here’s my first one:

Walking in to check on Lily, and being greeted by the calm, sweet smile of a well-rested baby. My sleep-sensitive baby is finally starting to fall into a good schedule, which has added much more peace and calm to my day. (And that curl at the top of her head…oh, so precious!)

What simple joys lift your spirits during a dreary day?

A little cuddling…

A little kissing…

A little sleeping…(very little)

A little celebrating…

A little crying…

A little multitasking…

A little playing…

Lots of smiles!

What have you been up to?

Every new baby is an adjustment, and this one is no exception. It takes time to learn how to “read” your baby’s cues, doesn’t it?

We’ve had a few fussy days recently, exhausting days that can leave you feeling completely overwhelmed. As I held and rocked Lily in the evenings and she continued to stiffen her little body and scream, the dreaded word was in my mind… was she developing colic?

We’ve struggled through a fussy newborn stage before. When my firstborn was this age, he slept so little that I read every book on sleep that I could get my hands on. Though it seemed that what these authors did best was contradict each other, I did learn some important lessons on sleep: I learned that your baby tends to be happier and more content if she is well-rested, and that timing is everything. But even though I new this, it still took me some time to realize that my baby girl was not hungry or gassy, but just overtired.

One morning after Lily awoke to eat, I noticed that she started yawning and dozing off right after I fed her. So I decided to try rocking her back to sleep, rather than changing her and playing with her like I usually did. And it worked! I stayed on top of her sleepy times as much as possible that day, and as she became more rested, she became more and more content. She was actually letting me put her down to sleep!

So now we’ve had some quieter and happier evenings around here. Though it’s impossible to be completely on top of her nap schedule, especially with two other children in the house, at least I know now what to expect. If we miss a “sleepy window” when she’s first getting drowsy, she’s going to cry and struggle to fall asleep. But then we can just do our best to help her settle down and try again the next time.

My baby is much less fussy now, and mommy is much more relaxed!

What baby lessons have you learned?

Lillian Clara was born October 13, weighing 7 pounds and 7 ounces.

It’s been a busy month here, waiting for a special girl who finally made her appearance three days after her due date, instead of being early like her brothers! We’ve had lots of people in our house, and then spent almost two weeks with my parents while Dustin was out of the country.

We’ve spent lots of time kissing her beautiful little face and listening to her sweet little baby noises. Thankfully my mom was around to help out and take lots of pictures…otherwise we might not have any! It will likely be a little quiet here as we continue to adjust, but I’ll be posting soon with more pictures and my reflection on her delivery. And hopefully I’ll find some time to do a little blog reading and catch up on your lives as well! But I’ll be spending most of my time gazing at and cuddling with my sweet little girl.

I don’t usually do a whole lot of nesting in the way that some women do, like frantically cleaning the bathroom floor with a toothbrush. But I did find myself completely cleaning out and reorganizing the boys’ room and closet after Jackson accidently dumped the fish bowl. I didn’t get a picture of the incident, but it looked something like this:

from the cover of the book No David

And his face looked something like this:

I was completely exhausted when I finished, but I’m glad I got it done.

It’s been cooler here lately, and the feel of fall has given me more energy to accomplish some of the little projects I’ve been wanting to do. And my mood has picked up as well. I love the fall.

But I’ve mostly been taking extra time to rest and relax. I’ve needed to disengage a little, which is why my posts have been scarce and my blogroll has over 200 unread. I look forward to catching up on everyone’s lives eventually after the baby comes, but for now my usual computer time has been taken with napping, crocheting, or just playing with my boys. I’ll be 38 weeks along on Saturday, which is how far along Jackson was when he was born. I’ll post some pictures soon of some of the things I’ve been making for baby (which is more my kind of nesting).

How have you been enjoying your fall?

image by kippefinger

Kindergarten has gone well so far. It’s been a little exhausting figuring out how to get him home with so many kids here, and only one family vehicle right now, but with the help of some gracious neighbors we’re making it work!

I think the hardest thing for me is not knowing exactly what goes on during the morning. It’s so difficult to let go of the control over his education, but it’s also really good for both of us. And of course we’ll continue learning at home as well. I truly believe that the best thing a parent can teach is a love of learning.

The new routine has been great for us. We’ve been eating breakfast together as a family around the same time every day (since Dustin works late, our family time is in the morning). And since we have to be dressed and ready by the time Corban leaves for school, I’ve been able to get more done before H and P show up. Plus, Dustin has had some one-on-one time with Jackson before he has to leave for work.

I’ve started doing a morning activity with the younger ones while Corban is gone, and that’s going great as well. It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while, but now it just seems to fall into our schedule a little easier. A couple days a week we’re working with manipulatives like puzzles or stacking blocks, and the other days we’re doing art-related activities like painting, drawing, clay, or collage. The kids love it, and it’s been fun for me, too! And then Corban is home again before I have a chance to really miss him. (I think the half day is just as much for the sake of the moms!)

So, how is school going for you?

One moment you’re a puppy, the next you’re a “choo-choo”.

You love to mimic the car horns, bird calls, and any other interesting sound you hear.

You love to tell jokes, and they always make me laugh.

You have the sweetest baby laugh, and you use it all day long.

You’re my baby and my big boy all wrapped up in the sweetest, most precious three-year-old package.

Happy Birthday, sweet boy.