Preparing for Battle

When I elect to "redirect" my stubborn two year old, I have to mentally prepare myself to dole out the consequences when he doesn't comply. It's like a soldier preparing for battle. I have to make sure I can physically accomplish the task of "time out" (not in the middle of nursing Caleb or some such limitation), I have to make sure I'm ready for the crying fit that may ensue, I have to take a deep breath and pray for patience... you get the picture. This parenting thing is NOT for wimps. Teaching a child to listen to a request the first time is exhausting and a very long process.

Example:
"Jonathan, please don't go into Caleb's room. He's sleeping."
Looks at me with a challenge. Goes into Caleb's room. Pokes at Caleb through the crib slats.
"Jonathan, you are in time out. You need to listen to Mommy."
Screaming fit from Jonathan. Wakes up Caleb. Caleb is now crying.
Mommy is closing her eyes, practicing deep breathing. Praying for patience.

After two minutes in the corner by the cold door:
"Jonathan, you need to listen and obey what I say. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Mommy."
"I love you." Kisses and hugs and a kleenex for the snot running down his face from crying.

To be repeated COUNTLESS times in one week for different offenses (sometimes with a spanking, instead). Repeated at least once a day for this same offense. Sometimes requires more than one time out session to get the required, "Yes, Mommy." See what I mean? Preparation for battle.

Sarah

Born to be Wild

My sister and Nate gave this little outfit to Caleb from a specialty kids' store they like to frequent. It was made in South Africa and is adorable. Jamie only lets me dress up our boys in these fun little outfits while they are too young to know the difference so I have to enjoy it while I can.

I have never minded winter until having small children. I like to bundle up and play in the snow and go for walks. An infant cannot be bundled up to play in the snow. Therefore, we are quite limited in our outdoor play this time of year. I am hoping, hoping, hoping for an early spring. Possibly in February? I'm thinking that February is too much to hope for. I have moved on to a more realistic hope: spring in March.

On another note: our church is outgrowing our initial location only four months after we started! In September we had about 25 people as part of a core group to start the church. This Sunday we were at our current capacity with about a hundred people attending. We will be finding a new location soon, and we are excited about what God is doing!

Sarah

Ready for the Sun

Caleb is ready for summer. Well, maybe Mommy is ready for summer and thus, imparting that to her children. I don't think they've grasped the concept of seasons, yet. None the less, Caleb is wearing this visor because Jonathan thought he needed to put it on his brother. Kind of cute, huh? Jonathan loves to be "nudy rudy" before his bath in the evenings. This consists of him running around the house, laughing, in his diaper. Here are surfer boy and nudy rudy:

My friend, Katherine, and her daughter, Anna, visited us last week. We had a great time seeing them. Jonathan thought Anna was great. Anna didn't seem enthused by Jonathan's showing of affection so I'm not sure if she was as thrilled with him.

Katherine, Anna and Jonathan

Caleb, 8 weeks

Definitely has his father's wide eyes

Caleb spent Tuesday evening in the ER after a recommendation from the nurses' exchange office for our pediatrician. He ended up being just fine ~ he had an unpleasant cold that was making his airways irritated. One inhaler later (and an ER co-pay): all is well.

We're hoping that this one will be a healthier week ~

Sarah

Uff Da!

If you are reading this post and you are not Scandavian in heritage, the title of the post may mean nothing. I am from VERY Scandavian heritage and am the daughter of a mother who has lots of what we call, "Carolisms". Sayings that are unique and perfect. One such saying: "Uff Da". Don't really know what it means except that I say it when something spills or I have to lift something heavy. "Uff Da, this was heavy." "Uff Da, it's hot in here." You get the picture.

I am passing on the "Carolisms" to my oldest. Today he said, "Uff Da, Mommy needs to clip her fingernails." Mom ~ You should be very proud!! Uff Da lives on.

Sarah

Brothers

Does Caleb look like Jonathan? This is Jonathan at nine weeks old, so he is a bit older than Caleb at this point. Still fun to think about how they are alike and different in their appearances.

Six weeks and counting

Little Guild #2 is six weeks old and counting. He is crying much, much less and we are getting to know his little quirks. Let me share:
If he gets too tired in the evening he starts screaming a very high pitched screech. I used to think he was hungry. Wrong. He would still be screaming but now he would have gas from inhaling air while eating a little bit. Then, I assumed he had gas. Maybe a little bit, but not enough to cause that kind of screaming. He was just tired. Our two worst nights with him were while I tried (in vain) to burp him for about an hour. When I finally gave up and just calmed him so he could sleep - he slept just fine. Guess he likes to sleep in the same way I do: with a passion!

So, as we've gotten to know his little personality and quirks, we are all enjoying much greater quiet. He has longer awake periods and seems happy much of the time.

Here are a few photos that I took while he was napping yesterday.

What a perfect gift!

Sarah

Lots of RANDOM things

1. Caleb is crying much less. Things are more pleasant around here for all of us. Hoping that it just continues to get better.

2. Addition to my list of good baby gear: Nursing tent. A new thing since having Jonathan. I really like it. I know some who don't, but this has been really great for us.

3. Clarification to my list: there are lots of other things I really use, but they are the things that lots of people buy. A pack and play, exersaucer (buy this used or borrow one!). I was just pondering the things that aren't as readily discussed when talking gear.

4. There will certainly be house dust in hell. I don't plan on going there to check out my prediction, but am confident I will be right. I don't like dusting one bit, but I like the presence of dust on my furniture even less.

5. My camera battery died so I will post some new photos soon.

6. My parents are in Las Vegas and then heading to Arizona. High of 65. Not quite that warm here. More like zero with the windchill. Just glad I don't live in North Dakota based upon their current weather issues.

That's all until more photos.
Sarah