Fun with the Kids

While Billy was at training this week, the kids and I were home each evening watching the olympics, playing legos, and taking pictures.  Here are some highlights.

-When the Olympics came on last night, Audrey asked, "Where is Missy Frankin?"  I know she was referring to swimmer Missy Franklin, but I had no idea she knew who that is. Audrey informed me that she not only knows who Missy is, but that she is her favorite. I guess that shows you just how much we've been watching the Olympics. 

-Barrett still prefers the pacifier, but when that is not available, he puts fingers/thumb/hand in is  mouth in its place.  Let's hope that if he does start sucking his thumb that he stops cold turkey at age 3 like his sister.  All it took was a trip to the dentist and for him to tell her that sucking her thumb would mess up her teeth if she doesn't stop before she gets her adult teeth. 

-When Barrett is falling alseep or waking up, he stretches out his fingers and holds up his hands. You can see it in the picture where he is sucking his fingers.  It is almost like he is motioning for you to be quiet or to stop bothering him. 

-In my efforts to get back in shape, maintain a decent amount of sleep, and spend some quality time with both my kiddos, I got creative with my workouts.  I found ways to incorporate a child or two into different excercises so I can get a workout and have fun with the kids at the same time.  Some examples are baby leg lifts, London bridge lifts, several variations on crunches, and baby airplane. 

-Tonight we took some fun pictures.  During the shoot, Barrett's wet diaper leaked on Audrey's bed.  It was only a spot about 1 inch in diameter, but Audrey started getting upset.  I quickly reminded her that she had just wet her bed last night, and it was completely soaked so I had to wash all of it.  That quickly calmed her down.  That was her first accident in almost two weeks of not wearing pull-ups to bed, so I was pretty pleased she had made it that long. 

Letting Go

Barrett started at Downtown Children's Center yesterday just like his big sister.  It was bittersweet.  He did exceedingly well; the teachers said it was the best first day one of their babies has had in a long time.  He even slept like a champ last night.  When I dropped him off today, he was grinning before I could even get him out of the car seat.  He loves school.  I know this is good, but part of me wants to hold on to the days we've had at home when I was the only one that could make him grin like that.  It is only the first of many times I will have to let go, and it is really the smallest release I'll have in his life.  They still feed him the milk that I make, follow the schedule I say, and I can go get him whenever I want. That doesn't make it easier though, because I know it is just the beginning.  Soon I'll be letting him make his own choices about small things, and then bigger ones until he is an independent adult. 

I know I've said this before with Audrey, but it is so true. God has given me the gift of getting to raise one of His future adults.  I was not given this amazing opportunity to help Barrett maintain his baby-ness.  I am called to teach him God's ways, help him learn to make good choices, and let him go to follow the path that God has laid for him.  Leaving Barrett at DCC while I work during the day is only a small step, but it is only the first of many times I will be letting go of my motherly control. At least God starts small and builds us up for the more difficult times.  He let's us grow along with our children so that we are strong enough to let go when needed. 

I Love My Family

There is so much I want to say, but I am not sure how to connect all of my thoughts into a cohesive post.  So, I apologize in advance for rambling.  I am mostly overcome with love for my family and joy that God has blessed me with them.  We stayed home this weekend, which allowed us to start getting into more of a routine. We attempted a dinner outing with friends that included both of our children.  To my surprise, it was largely a success.  I also left both children with Billy while I attended a baby shower Saturday, which was his first time alone with both of them for an extended period of time.  I got home, and Barrett was sleeping while Billy and Audrey washed the cars. I'd call that a victory.  On top of that, we disovered that water noise helps Barrett sleep.  He may just be on a schedule that let's me get 7 hours of sleep a night before I start work. 
That brings me to another point...I go back to work on Friday.  For some reason, I am having a much harder time with it than I did when I went back after having Audrey.  I am not sure if it is the fact that my job has changed or if my perspective has changed; it is mostly likely a combination of both.  I have really enjoyed my days at home with Barrett.  I love watching him smile, coo, and try to command his arms to move where he wants them (he has a really cute concentrating face when he is doing that).  I have also enjoyed the flexibility in my schedule and getting to watch the Olympics during the day.  Probably the best part of being home is the evenings, when Billy and Audrey get home and we spend family time together.  I hadvealready finished the laundry, dishes, and cleaning, so there is ample time to relax and enjoy my family instead of working on my to do list.  That will all change when I go back to work, so I am constantly asking myself if it is worth it.  I know this is a common question for working mothers, and I did ask that question from time to time even with Audrey.  So, I turn to prayer and seek God's guidance and peace.  He has shown himself to me in so many ways lately and brought unmistakeable joy to my life.  I know he'll help me get through this as long as I continue to focus on him and am obedient to his call.