On Sunday Jersey finally got the "it's winter" memo! We had 4-6 inches dumped on us in a matter of three hours! It was beautiful! Ben had the chance to go to the Eagles game so it was just the wilds and me. We spent 20 minutes (well that what it seemed like) getting all geared up to play outside for 30mins. We didn't plan on playing too long, I slacked and hadn't bought snow boots yet...oops.
Judahcub wasn't too sure at first. He just stood there and watched the wild woman and the neighbor boys. He eventually stared playing. The wild woman had a blast and did not want to come in.
It was the best. We went out to breakfast with Ben's Mom and Dad before they went home, came home for naps and quiet time, played outside, invited the neighbor boys over to play, baked the sugar cookies my Mom made for us (thanks Momma) went our friends house for dinner, then Ben came home and we spent some time together. It was an awesome day!
Taking his first few steps :)
The wild woman and Hayden cleaning my car and eating snow :)
It's amazing what I get so excited about now that I'm a Momma and peeing in the potty is one of those things!!!
Judahcub has realized that he has the control to pee on command. It started in the tub when I was getting ready to pull him out to dry him off and he started peeing! We made a huge deal about it and Judah was beyond proud of himself! Then he figured it out and when the tub was drained after baths we'd say okay Judah, go pee! and He would push his belly out and go! It's too funny.
Well tonight he was out of the tub, dried off and stared peeing on the floor when I caught him and said now that you are a biggie boy, biggie boys pee in the potty. I stood him in front of the little potty and gave him the go ahead... a few seconds later he was peeing!!! He did AWESOME!!! We clapped and sang and he was thrilled!!
Audrey was this age when she was interested in the potty but with the move and the chaos it didn't happen and we didn't force it. We'll probably start standing Judah in front of the potty before and after the tub. He loves to follow you into the bathroom and keep you company while sitting on his little potty :)
I'm never quite sure what I'll find when I check on the wild woman during quiet time. More often that not it's something the brings such a smile to my face and heart I could burst- believe it.
She had lined up all her favorite animals and put her night clothes on each one. I'll explain who's wearing what :)
Starting closest to the wall...
Carl is wearing the purple and white striped snail nightie
Pout Pout Fish is wearing the blue with with dots and pink flower nightie
Other Carl is wear Tracey jammies (the two piece blue frog jammies)
Puppy is wearing pink nightie with princess frogs (that she's been wearing since she was 14months old)
and last but not least... Jaimie the killer whale is wearing the rainbow nightie.
And the velveteen rabbit that is in the first picture but not the second wasn't wearing a nightie (why he had to go) but a disney princess night shirt
I purposely cut the wild woman out of the picture- when you dress up all your animals I guess you have to be naked?
Wild woman, I absolutely adore the way your sweet mind works!!!!
Praise be to God that Judah is back to his 3 hour naps. For awhile while teeth were coming in and we were struggling with croup, he'd nap MAYBE an hour and get up all through the night. He's back to sleeping 12hrs at night and 3-3.5hrs during the day. He's got to sleep with his silkie and his Curious George. Oh and it's got to be in HIS CRIB. Forget sleeping away from home. He's got to be in his own bed. Otherwise, it's up every 2 hrs, early early early wake up and tossing and turning all through the night. When we travel he won't sleep in a pack and play so guess who gets to sleep with the wild man... yup. Yours truly. I love my wild man and snuggling is my favorite but sleeping with him is terrible. I think it's because we sleep the same way. He tosses, turns, and is a light sleeper- just like his Momma. The wild woman on the other hand is just like her Daddy and is the best to sleep with.
Development:
Judah is talking more, and trying to use more words. He loves to sing Move it Move it, Baa Baa black sheep, and will dance to anything. He's getting very good at brushing his teeth, scrubbing in the tub, and peeing standing up :) He's pretty good at feeding himself with a spoon and fork, drinks out of a cup, and tries to put his clothes on. He's such a lover but can really be a brute. Growling is a big thing now and is so stinking funny. I think my most favorite thing that's happened this month is 'Cub will come over to me with a book and wants to lay down or snuggle to read the WHOLE thing. It's the best. I'll neglect the entire house to lay and read books with my babies, every time.
My sister asked me to describe the wild mans personality in a few words and it was more difficult than I thought. His personality is a melting pot. He's a lover, hit the ground running, easy going, joyful, energetic, dancing King, smart, fearless, snuggly, Momma's boy who is at the same time- rough and tumble, bug squeezing and pretend to eat it just to hear his Momma screech, stubborn, it's got to be my idea when I'm good and ready, instigator, mischievous, wrestle mania, Daddy's boy.
I find myself, sometimes without even realizing, I'm thanking God over and over for my children. When they do something that just blows me away, which happens so often throughout the day, and when I lay them in their beds- I praise Him that He's given them to ME. When they get sick, I praise Him for placing me here and now that I can get my babies medicine if they need it when not so very long ago- the same sickness would have killed them. Every time I rub 'Cubba's chest and feel his scars- 20yrs ago he would not have made it. 20. Thank you Jesus.
Go ahead, say that 4 times, fast! :) Pintrest-partriotic-porch-pallet, Pintrest-partriotic-porch-pallet, Pintrest-partriotic-porch-pallet, Pintrest-partriotic-porch-pallet!!!
I think of pintrest at a gift. A gift from super crafty, creative, organized, and uber talented people to those who are less gifted in those areas :) I try and not to get pin-happy, and try to do what I pin... try. I pinned this picture of a pallet that was painted as an American flag and nestled very sweetly on a front porch. A real flag always hangs from our porch but with the weather and wind, we packed it up for the fall to keep it nice for spring and summer. I showed my Man and asked if I could have the pallet that was outside creating a haven for spiders. I was on a mission.
I marched my self right over to Lowes, found the paint sample size of paint, and immediately get excited. It doesn't take much folks. The wild woman helped me with a few coats of paint and with moral support while I traced and painted the stars. There are some spots that add extra character, but I'm learning. :)
It's not quite finished. I've decided I'm going to stencil our last name with out EST date on the first cream stripe.
Oh and in case you are wondering, the flowerbed design is called " if it blooms, it can stay"
We have been blessed with awesome neighbors. They have two boys who we adore! They all play great together until they go after the same toy, then they end up crying, then cry again when it's time to go back to our own houses. :) It's pretty funny, sometimes. It's great their oldest is 4, then Audrey is 3, their second is 2, and Judahcub is 1.
The wild woman has never seen Cars before and I thought since the boys LOVE that movie, we could have then over for a movie night. I had picked up banana boxes at the Farmers market and brought them home. Amanda had the awesome idea of spray painting the boxes, and adding wheels. I was just going to cover them with paper- I'm so thankful she suggested it. There where holes in the front and back so we made them head lights and tail lights. We where going to add exhaust pipes but it just didn't work out so well. Amanda had printed off custom license plates with their names that the kids colored.
We had an awesome meal of primal pizza (thanks Amanda!) and a fruit and veggie platter. I think the only thing we'll do differently next time would be getting a new movie for all kiddos.
I pray that these past few months have been a lighter season for you, unlike ours. In the past week we've had Pneumonia, Croup, four teeth coming in, back issues for me that require physical therapy three times a week for six weeks, and gearing up for Ben's third surgery in the past six months. And thats just this past week! I'm worn. My sweet little family is worn.
What I can't wrap my feeble mind around is my kiddos have a diet is outstanding (humble I know), they are properly dressed for the weather, are sleeping by 1930, get plenty of exercise and fresh air, we wash hands but I let them have a good mix of germ contact, I clean only with vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap so no chemicals, and my wilds have been invaded by illness. I know I can't control it, and maybe I need to relearn that lesson- I don't know. But really? Okay, petty rant is over.... for the time being.
Poor 'Cub is looking at this spasmodic croup to be a regular issue. He had croup back in the spring when the weather changed and his pediatrician said it's not asthma but I should expect this to happen twice a year for him. He's just sensitive to the weather change, I pray he is wrong.
I'm thankful with the way our past six months have gone, that this back pain is the only real health issue I've had. That in itself, is a true gift from God. True gift and I thank Him. I've been having pain in my hips for awhile that would come and go. I thought maybe I'm just not using my other hip to hold Judah enough. I really don't hold him all the time. He's a man with a mission and usually just wants me to hold him while I'm making dinner. He pick the most opportune moments to need Momma lovin' :) Now lately, he has wanted to be held more. His teeth are really rocking him and has not been getting the best of naps during the day, pray that changes please? So come afternoon, it can get ugly around here with an over tired Judahcub. I finally went to the doctor, remember I'm a nurse so it takes a great deal to get me there sometimes, and he said I'm having Sacral Iliac Joint disfunction and my alinement is off a great deal, my one leg is shorter than the other, who'd thought? He then handed me a script that said "Physical Therapy three times a week for eight weeks." I didn't want to be rude and laugh in his face or tell him, "Not gonna happen Sir, but thanks anyways." That night while trying to go to sleep, I prayed and was honest with Him. I apologized for trying to take care of this myself and said this is yours. There is no way I can do PT 3 times a week for 8 weeks unless they are okay with a 16mon and 3yr old attending with me. I cried because it's so very painful and I hate, hate, hate that I have to tell my babies I can't hold you right now unless I'm sitting because Momma's back hurts. I can't' even sit on the floor to play or read. Even laying down at night is painful.
The next morning I woke up and called the PT office to see if there was anyway we could make this happen. She said of course, we're open until 2000. I cried tears of joy and thankfulness. I can now do PT and even put my babies to bed. He hears our prayers and knows our hearts.
Now Ben's surgery. Well, this will be #3 and is the most serious. He had surgery on his ulna, knee, and this one will be his back. He goes for a second opinion next week. I know, I know. Back surgery is the devil and never works. Believe me we've heard it over and over again. We've done what we can with what we have for a long time, and now we're at back surgery. Which brings me to another big happening for our family. Ben will be going before a Medical Board to be evaluated and a determination of whether he will be medically discharged or medically retired. It's a long drawn out process that could take months, well- it's looking like at least a year. We have really enjoyed and adapted to the military lifestyle, and knowing that it is coming to an end sooner rather than later, is proving a wee bit tough. Ben was planning on making this a career and looking forward to doing so. It's not a life for everyone, at times I think we both could have said, this isn't for us either- but you'll have those times. We're working on mapping out our options and making several plans because we don't really know time frames. Please pray for us and the direction our family is to go. In a way, it's exciting. Thinking about where to go, what to do and how to do it. And then, it's overwhelming at the same time.You know, pretty much what you'd expect from a defining moment.
It's okay through, really. It sucks, yes I said sucks, sorry Mom I know you enjoy that word, but it does- but it's okay. Even through this murky time, I know He loves me and my family more than I ever could, and has all of this mapped out. We've been blessed beyond belief during this time and I know it will continue. Even if the blessing is that I've woke up to another day, and that I'm still drawing breath. The book of James is so very special to me and during times like these, I find such intense comfort and peace in that book.
It hasn't been pure chaos or heartache, but I think being honest and transparency is important. I'm not going to smile and say, "We've been doing super awesome and things are super great". And I'm not going to say, "Ohh we've just had it so tough, and woe is us blah blah blah." But I will ask that you pray for us.
Here's a favorite of mine, a song that plays a great deal in my mind. Well, two songs.
The last time we were home, my middle sister was in from IL. She's doing her masters at University of Illinois, and I couldn't be more proud of her. I don't get to see her much and miss her something fierce, so we had to get a picture! It's funny how all of us are a little scattered now. My brother is all over the world with his job and don't get to see him too much either- thank God for Skype!! We're taking complete advantage of getting to see my baby sister. It's only a matter of time before she steps into the wide yonder. I think she and my Mom were the only ones showered and cleaned up but I think they are the best and adore these pictures.
Thanks to my man for capturing this. My Mom has a hard time with keeping her eyes open when she gets her picture taken and we were making sure she didn't forget it. I've already made copies of this picture and will be enlarging to frame. It captures us perfectly.
It's embarrassing to think how vicious we could be with each other when we were younger. Now, I couldn't think of any other people I would rather be with. If you could have three opposites, we would be it. But that's one of the things I love the most. Remember this girlies: The only thing better than having you two as my sisters, is that my kiddos have you two as their Aunts. Love you.
Height: not sure, going for check up at the end of the month
Wearing: size 5 diapers, very few 24months, mostly 2ts
New words: well not too many but, he's got the different dog barks in Doggies book by Sandra Boyton down :) Moo Mooo ( for Move it Move it- the song from Madagascar) Bug-bug, Nnnnno, Danke (working on using it in context)
He's been sleeping through the night consistently! And I don't even want to hear "my kids slept through the night at 6wks"... ugh 16 months isn't too bad :)
We have four teeth coming through all at the same time. It's been rough on the 'Cub, but is doing much better. He's realized the popsicles feel pretty good on sore gums and really started to enjoy them! This past month we've been on the go every weekend. This is the first weekend in a month we're not going somewhere. Judah has decided that sleeping in other places than his crib is not for him. He's slept at my Mom's and Ben's parents numerous times and never had an issue. The last two times we were home, he will not, I mean WILL NOT, sleep in the cribs. The weekend we went to the Bed and Breakfast he wouldn't sleep in the pack and play either-something that never used to be an issue. He slept beside me but neither one of us slept much, at all. It's not something he wanted to do either- he really doesn't want to sleep with me- he wants his own bed. The wild woman was the total opposite. She would sleep through the night IF she was sleeping with us. I told Ben, I don't care what people say, we need our sleep and so does she so she's sleeping with us. It worked for us for a few months then she went back to her bed. Audrey sleeps like Ben, in one spot for the majority of the night. Judah sleeps like me, easily stirred, constantly turning...ugh it's impossible. Then we got home and when it was time for bed, he was pointing to his crib, couldn't get in it fast enough. Slept 13hrs straight and took he usual three hour nap, compared to waking every two hours and napping one hour, two if I napped with him. I hope it's just a phase :)
Some favorites: dancing to "I like to move it move it" if he sees me go over and turn the Bose on- he'll start yelling Mooo Mooo until I turn it on. He's got some moves my friends. Once I figure out how to get the videos from my camera to upload on the browser, I'll be putting some up. Judah loves to play chase, and read Elmo books over and over again. We've been joined at the hip lately. He wants to be with his Momma at all times.
Judah Cub is such a little lover. He gives the best hugs and moochers. It just melts me. One of the very few things I liked about having to sleep with the wild man a few weekends was when he would wake up, he'd grab my face to give me moochers, over and over again. To say that I loved it just doesn't seem like enough. Also, I can't believe I'm saying this but, when he'd wake up through the night, he was very lovey and a hug snuggle bug- I miss it. Giving moochers and hugs are also his way of saying "I'm sorry" AND he hasn't been biting after I have him tell the wild woman he was sorry for who knows what :)
It finally feels like fall here on the East Coast! The air conditioner hasn't kicked on in a few days, I'm going to take that as a sign cooler weather is in store :) Last week I had to climb back in to the storage closet and pull out the kids summer clothes that I had just put away. Low 80's all week was unreal! We even had the pool out a day! We soaked the sunshine and warmth up- staying outside as much as possible.
When we were home last we took the kids to the Amish farm down the road from my in-laws and snapped a few pictures. It was pretty warm that day too!
Picking her pumpkin out
Wild man found his!
Watching the horse and buggy :)
My wilds :)
This hay is way better than looking at the camera Momma...
Goodness me, can it be? Yes, yes it can. The wild man is 15 months old.
This is his "A PLANE" look hahah
I'll do it myself.
Development:
New words this month: "Yes" (said it twice but that still counts), "Moe" (elmo, which is funny because he's never watched Sesame Street until last week-after he became obsessed with our Elmo books), "nahhh" for nut after his sister kept calling him a nut on our 6hr trip in the car home :), "whoa", and will shake his head "no.
His new fit throwing posture of belly out, knees bent, and dragging his toes while he walks..all while whining.. it's precious folks. He does his happy feet dance when he's happy or excited, squeals to go to the playground, and will do just about anything to get outside. Lately he's been sneaking some cheap shots in when he's supposed to be loving on his sister. For example when he grabs something or whacks her with something we talk about it and he has to go and give her a hug...which he does but will sometimes bite her or try to the last few seconds of the hug.... Yup. Then we go through the process again. I'm praying more drastic measurers will not have to happen in dealing with the biting business.
This past month we had a huge appointment in Philly for a Neuro-cardiac clinic. It's really a nice set up, instead of having 5 different appointments, they have one doctor come in after the other is done and you get it all done in one day. The downside... a 4.5hr long appointment. I had both wilds with me and they both did top notch. Judah is right on track and slightly above for almost all the areas of development, PT/OT, and nutrition (go figure). The area Judahcub is having a slight delay in is expressive speech. He's about three months behind. We had been noticing Judah wasn't talking as much as the wild woman and was more of action kind man than words. For example, if Judah is hungry he'll go sit in his booster seat until you bring him something. If he wants to read, he picks out his book and sits in your lap with it. If he wants to go outside, he gets his shoes or yells at the back door. The one thing that does not happen is Audrey does not speak for him. If anything, she's out little speech pathologist. She encourages him to talk and repeat after her. Also, Aud has way more things to say for herself than to talk for Judah :)
Sleeping:
Judahcub is still such a stellar napper!. He still takes about a 3hr nap during the day. I'd say it's been a successful transition to a mid day nap. He goes down around 1200 and sleeps till 1500. We're working on getting more consistent with sleeping through the night. Now that we are weaning, it's helping.
Eating:
Yes, weaning. Cow's milk just didn't work out. Doesn't bother us, we prefer having no dairy and it makes it a little easier with Audrey not being able to handle it either. Praise Jesus the wild man took right to goats milk and loves it! Audrey grabbed the wrong cup yesterday morning and the look on her face was just hysterical. I said, hunnybee- you just to drink that! Her reply- I don't like that now!!! I have more milk saved with Judah than I did with Audrey so he'll still be getting breastmilk for at least a few months. Judah still nurses before bedtime and I'm not sure when that will stop. I'm in no hurry and it's our special time.
I count it such a huge blessing to have a playground right outside our fence. There's a huge soccer field, a playset that's Audrey's age and a little older, a playset that's just Judahcub's size, a nice pavilion, and bike paths. It's great. We go for wagon rides to get the mail then make a circle to the playground .The kiddos run in the field to the playground while I trail them with the wagon. The best part is that there are no other houses behind it. It's just open.
We go everyday, sometimes twice :) We take advantage of every bit of warm sunshine that we can!
