There are a few little things this week that have been gentle reminders to me of how much my husband loves me. He is simply a very observant person.
Last night he came home from basketball and got himself a nice tall glass of ice-water. Before even taking a sip he handed to me. I said "thank you" and he said "it's a little colder than you like." And the best part? He was exactly right. And he gets me water that is just right on a daily basis while I'm feeding Arc. It really makes breastfeeding easier - especially now that I'm trying not to eat chocolate. I had no idea I was so addicted. Although really, it does seem as though I've craved sweets more since I had Arc! Maybe having five girls really is how my mom became such a sweet-tooth!
Then, this morning I went for a walk and when I returned Pmc was laying on his stomach on the bed with the kids facing the other way. I came in pretty quietly and he said "oh, I think I hear mommy's knees!" Yes, my knees make noise as I walk, they have all my life! But it makes me happy that he is aware of little things like that!
I love my husband. He isn't perfect, and he doesn't always show me love in the ways I hope and dream about - but he does try really hard, and he shows me his love ALWAYS!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Happenings...
I love that our kids have some very unique physical features. Cpc has his shoulder dimples. Cdc has his crooked bum crack (he's going to hate me forever I'm sure for putting that in our family journal and publishing it for all to know - at least I didn't share pictures!). And Arc has an ear dimple!
We also love documenting her other baby features, we just don't know how long they'll last! Her angel kisses (you can see them more clearly when she's crying!):
Her forehead wrinkles (we loved these on Cdc too, but his have disappeared!):
The boys were such pals this week. We went to Thanksgiving Point and did some swimming. They also showed us how much they love their little sister.
Pmc and I enjoyed a little date to the waterpark this week, and we've discovered that now that we have kids waterslides are just better with kids! But once we realized that we relished some good conversation in the Lazy River.
This week Cdc was playing with his helicopter and he started walking around with it saying "heli, heli, heli." I guess that's the sound a helicopter makes! He is also struggling to remember to go potty before he leaks in his underwear, silly goose.
Cpc got to have his first cavity filled this week (in his 6-year-molar with aggressive decay, so I guess it's worth fixing). He just couldn't stop himself from biting his lip to make sure it was still there - we're amazed he didn't bite his lip right off. It looks awful, but I think it will heal.
We passed right on by Arc's one-month birthday - she has been a very happy baby and is becoming very curious. The sad news is we've discovered that she spits up excessively if I eat chocolate. How can a chocoholic go without chocolate? I guess it will be good for me.
Pmc is having a contest with his brother to see who can lose their excess weight first, with the prize being a new suit. Go PMC!
Last but not least, Pmc was a little ticked about some choices the Red Sox made this week, and so he finally got rid of his sweaty old hat by doing this and Tweeting out the picture.
I have lots of thoughts roaming around in my head that I want to put in writing, if only I would make myself stop and do so....here's to hoping this is the week!
We also love documenting her other baby features, we just don't know how long they'll last! Her angel kisses (you can see them more clearly when she's crying!):
Her forehead wrinkles (we loved these on Cdc too, but his have disappeared!):
The boys were such pals this week. We went to Thanksgiving Point and did some swimming. They also showed us how much they love their little sister.
Pmc and I enjoyed a little date to the waterpark this week, and we've discovered that now that we have kids waterslides are just better with kids! But once we realized that we relished some good conversation in the Lazy River.
This week Cdc was playing with his helicopter and he started walking around with it saying "heli, heli, heli." I guess that's the sound a helicopter makes! He is also struggling to remember to go potty before he leaks in his underwear, silly goose.
Cpc got to have his first cavity filled this week (in his 6-year-molar with aggressive decay, so I guess it's worth fixing). He just couldn't stop himself from biting his lip to make sure it was still there - we're amazed he didn't bite his lip right off. It looks awful, but I think it will heal.
We passed right on by Arc's one-month birthday - she has been a very happy baby and is becoming very curious. The sad news is we've discovered that she spits up excessively if I eat chocolate. How can a chocoholic go without chocolate? I guess it will be good for me.
Pmc is having a contest with his brother to see who can lose their excess weight first, with the prize being a new suit. Go PMC!
Last but not least, Pmc was a little ticked about some choices the Red Sox made this week, and so he finally got rid of his sweaty old hat by doing this and Tweeting out the picture.
I have lots of thoughts roaming around in my head that I want to put in writing, if only I would make myself stop and do so....here's to hoping this is the week!
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Thank You Hermana Eyre
I am so grateful that my little sister is on her mission right now, and for totally selfish reasons! She is really helping my motivation to get a blog post up each Sunday evening. This is going to be super quick because we're ready for bed, and I don't have many pictures.
We had kind of a crazy week. We're still struggling a bit with this adjustment to 3 kids. It's been a while since we've had to plan around an infant. Both the boys have been pretty easy for a while now to get into the car quickly - they can both climb in the car by themselves, and I only have to help Cdc a little with his carseat straps - Cpc buckles himself. But the process now of getting them all into and out of the car everytime we go somewhere is a little taxing. Plus, there is planning around making sure both of them have gone potty, and Arc has been fed recently enough. Then, there's the bedtime routine - which was a very predictable routine previously. Now feeding Arc messes with the boys' bedtime routine a bit, plus in order for me and Pmc to get to bed there's getting her to bed (which is not really to a schedule point yet, although she does sleep well), as well as getting the boys up to go potty. So when we decide we're ready for bed, there's still a huge process. But hey, we'll get there, and we're really enjoying this process even though it's tricky.
Cpc and Cdc have been picking up on my efforts to teach them cleaning and organization skills - sometimes to the extreme. I put the boys shoes away like this a little while ago to make sure we weren't missing any shoes, as well as checking to make sure they all still fit. Well, ever since the boys have been doing this a few times a week:
Those two green flip-flops were the only shoes I put away in their closet! The rest were perfectly lined up!
Cdc and Cpc are still being great pals, and keeping each other entertained. They love playing outside, and beg me all day to go out. It's been so hot that I've almost quit letting them go out after about 10am 'cause them come back in with sopping hair from their sweat! So, Cdc can often be found like this in the morning:
Arc is so full of smiles, and there have been a few times recently where she's convinced me that she was actually smiling AT me. I LOVE babyhood! However, I have yet to catch one on camera - and it is definitely for lack of trying. I just haven't been great at pulling out the camera at those moments. But I am catching some sweet shots of her anyway!
She loves that binky of hers!
We had kind of a crazy week. We're still struggling a bit with this adjustment to 3 kids. It's been a while since we've had to plan around an infant. Both the boys have been pretty easy for a while now to get into the car quickly - they can both climb in the car by themselves, and I only have to help Cdc a little with his carseat straps - Cpc buckles himself. But the process now of getting them all into and out of the car everytime we go somewhere is a little taxing. Plus, there is planning around making sure both of them have gone potty, and Arc has been fed recently enough. Then, there's the bedtime routine - which was a very predictable routine previously. Now feeding Arc messes with the boys' bedtime routine a bit, plus in order for me and Pmc to get to bed there's getting her to bed (which is not really to a schedule point yet, although she does sleep well), as well as getting the boys up to go potty. So when we decide we're ready for bed, there's still a huge process. But hey, we'll get there, and we're really enjoying this process even though it's tricky.
Cpc and Cdc have been picking up on my efforts to teach them cleaning and organization skills - sometimes to the extreme. I put the boys shoes away like this a little while ago to make sure we weren't missing any shoes, as well as checking to make sure they all still fit. Well, ever since the boys have been doing this a few times a week:
Those two green flip-flops were the only shoes I put away in their closet! The rest were perfectly lined up!
Cdc and Cpc are still being great pals, and keeping each other entertained. They love playing outside, and beg me all day to go out. It's been so hot that I've almost quit letting them go out after about 10am 'cause them come back in with sopping hair from their sweat! So, Cdc can often be found like this in the morning:
Arc is so full of smiles, and there have been a few times recently where she's convinced me that she was actually smiling AT me. I LOVE babyhood! However, I have yet to catch one on camera - and it is definitely for lack of trying. I just haven't been great at pulling out the camera at those moments. But I am catching some sweet shots of her anyway!
She loves that binky of hers!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Moving Past Newborn
I LOVE newborns. But I also love anything 5 and under. It's when kids get to be about 6 years old that I don't necessarily love dealing with them. I hope this changes for my own kids, but thus far once a kid hits 6 or 7 I start to feel really annoyed by them.
Well, Arc is passing up the newborn stage. She's becoming more of an infant, doing a bit more than sleeping, eating and looking around with a drunken look. She has outgrown most of her newborn clothes already and is into the 0-3 month clothes. We are learning more of what she likes and doesn't like. She really hates it when her hairbands get pulled down around her eyes. She likes riding in the car. She loves Soothie binkies. She likes to eat every 2-3 hours now. She loves to have her hands by her face. She's already a great poser with those arms. She likes to sleep on her side. She is learning to fall asleep peacefully in her cradle. She loves to be surrounded by her family. She's okay with tummy time for short periods.
Along with Arc knowing what she likes and doesn't like, her brothers are also learning these things. Cpc is an expert at giving Arc her binky, as well as feeding her with a bottle. He still loves to just hold her for a few minutes each day. Cdc narrates what she needs anytime she cries, especially when she wants "mommy's milk." He also has become aware of my needs, as he likes to remind me to use "mommy's milk machine!" Both of them like to give her kisses every few hours, and so far haven't hurt her or woken her up much!
I have two stories from this week that I don't want to forget:
~For months Cdc has been saying "I need you Mommy!" just about anytime I leave him alone - bedtime, naptime, when I go to the bathroom, etc. It has come to feel rather obnoxious sometimes, even though I try to remember that I will only be needed like this for a short time. So in response sometimes I will tell him "No you don't, you're fine!" Well, yesterday I decided to try turning this around on him while we were with some family so I said to him "I need you Cdc!" to which he quickly responded without a pause "No you don't MOM!"
~One morning this week I happened to get a few quiet moments alone with Arc. I had just finished feeding her and she was falling asleep when she gave a little smile. But then a priceless treasure of a moment occurred when she gave a good, solid, out-loud laugh. I could hardly believe my eyes and ears, but there simply was no mistaking it. Who knows what angels she was laughing with - but it helped to confirm my testimony that our spirits existed before getting bodies on this earth. To me it just seems clear that she had to have learned to laugh and what to laugh at previous to here!
Here's the pictures of the week:
Arc's arms are always by her face, and we don't pose her like this - she just likes to rest her head on her arms!
Arc's first baseball game - with Grams!
In celebration of Great-Grandma Rvse's 90th birthday we got together at her original "Joy School" to have all the great-grandchildren sing her some Joy School songs, hopefully to jog her memory a bit and bring her some true JOY! My boys haven't officially done Joy School yet, but we have learned a few of the songs! And as you can see - our plan to bring Grandma some joy worked! She sang along - every word!
I didn't realize 'til now how her eyes look a bit creepy here, but isn't that big tummy cute? Oh, and my cousins kids were thrilled at the chance to cuddle her!
It was so nice to be with family, and introduce my kids to my cousin's kids - what is that, second cousins?Cpc the Smartie
I've been meaning to write about this for a while, but I just never know exactly where to start. But if I don't start somewhere, I'll never start at all! I know, profound right?
A few months back we FINALLY found a pediatrician that we feel really fits our family, particularly cpc and me. It hasn't been easy to find one that has a good understanding of SPD, or who is aware of and supportive of maternal instincts. But we found her, and we've been very happy with her and the help she has given our family. One of the first things she suggested with Cpc was a full developmental evaluation, the results of which led to having a full "Aspberger's" evaluation done. This last evaluation happened right before Arc was born, and the results came back exactly as we've always thought.
See, Pmc and I both studied child development and have been around lots of kids. And both of us knew from day one that Cpc had some amazing differences from the average child. Our first sign was when he held his head up the day he was born. We've always said he was born 3 months old. Intellectually and physically, he has always been ahead. But at the same time he had these things he just struggled with. First and foremost was sleep. His sleep started off amazing, but then completely regressed. Then it was his speech, then learning to climb, then potty training. He kept learning things early and then almost magically he would unlearn them, as though he truly had never known them at all. And then he'd be just a bit behind - not to a concerning point developmentally, but concerning to us because we knew he was capable. Doctors would sort of blow this stuff off when I expressed concern, and there was a big picture I just couldn't get them to see. There were all these little things that made us wonder if he had Aspberger's. After all, it is in my family. But then he'd go doing these awesome things that convinced us that he didn't, like some amazing imaginative play. And then the cycle would start again.
Well, I'm happy to report that we were exactly right! The evaluator pretty much told me that at this point (the tests are kind of tricky with a 4-year old verbal child!), he's as close as he could possibly be to being Aspberger's without actually being Aspberger's. His precise words were that he has "the flavor."
Why does all of this matter? I'm not really concerned about labels. We were pretty much just told what we already knew. But it did feel really good to have an expert on the topic tell us we were right! And he directed us to some awesome resources. And now we know. There are no more doubts. And that feels great.
Really, Cpc IS going to need some of the resources that are designed for kids with Aspberger's. He already does. And that advanced brain of his that is a million miles ahead of everyone will need some good nourishment, as well as a little bridling so it doesn't get ahead of him.
I think we could say his biggest gift is his intellectual ability. These are his new favorite books we picked up from the library. I thought they would be way beyond a kid his age - but I need to remember that intellectually he is WAY ahead of that!
His biggest struggle is communication/social skills. Rather than picking up social skills naturally, he needs some coaching, and reminding. And he learns them as though they are facts, so once he has a skill he over-generalizes and then we have to teach him the exceptions to the rule and the nuances. But shucks, it's kind of fun to learn intellectually with him how social skills work!
I am so proud of this child of mine, and I know he can excel with the gifts his Father in Heaven has given him, especially because those gifts also came with challenges!
A few months back we FINALLY found a pediatrician that we feel really fits our family, particularly cpc and me. It hasn't been easy to find one that has a good understanding of SPD, or who is aware of and supportive of maternal instincts. But we found her, and we've been very happy with her and the help she has given our family. One of the first things she suggested with Cpc was a full developmental evaluation, the results of which led to having a full "Aspberger's" evaluation done. This last evaluation happened right before Arc was born, and the results came back exactly as we've always thought.
See, Pmc and I both studied child development and have been around lots of kids. And both of us knew from day one that Cpc had some amazing differences from the average child. Our first sign was when he held his head up the day he was born. We've always said he was born 3 months old. Intellectually and physically, he has always been ahead. But at the same time he had these things he just struggled with. First and foremost was sleep. His sleep started off amazing, but then completely regressed. Then it was his speech, then learning to climb, then potty training. He kept learning things early and then almost magically he would unlearn them, as though he truly had never known them at all. And then he'd be just a bit behind - not to a concerning point developmentally, but concerning to us because we knew he was capable. Doctors would sort of blow this stuff off when I expressed concern, and there was a big picture I just couldn't get them to see. There were all these little things that made us wonder if he had Aspberger's. After all, it is in my family. But then he'd go doing these awesome things that convinced us that he didn't, like some amazing imaginative play. And then the cycle would start again.
Well, I'm happy to report that we were exactly right! The evaluator pretty much told me that at this point (the tests are kind of tricky with a 4-year old verbal child!), he's as close as he could possibly be to being Aspberger's without actually being Aspberger's. His precise words were that he has "the flavor."
Why does all of this matter? I'm not really concerned about labels. We were pretty much just told what we already knew. But it did feel really good to have an expert on the topic tell us we were right! And he directed us to some awesome resources. And now we know. There are no more doubts. And that feels great.
Really, Cpc IS going to need some of the resources that are designed for kids with Aspberger's. He already does. And that advanced brain of his that is a million miles ahead of everyone will need some good nourishment, as well as a little bridling so it doesn't get ahead of him.
I think we could say his biggest gift is his intellectual ability. These are his new favorite books we picked up from the library. I thought they would be way beyond a kid his age - but I need to remember that intellectually he is WAY ahead of that!
His biggest struggle is communication/social skills. Rather than picking up social skills naturally, he needs some coaching, and reminding. And he learns them as though they are facts, so once he has a skill he over-generalizes and then we have to teach him the exceptions to the rule and the nuances. But shucks, it's kind of fun to learn intellectually with him how social skills work!
I am so proud of this child of mine, and I know he can excel with the gifts his Father in Heaven has given him, especially because those gifts also came with challenges!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Family of Five
Two and a half weeks have FLOWN by. I can hardly believe we already have a 2-week old little girl. This sweet little girl has turned our world upside down - and we have enjoyed just about every moment of it. Pmc has totally melted over his little girl, Cpc has become mr. helpful big brother, Cdc has accepted the loss of his place as baby (although he's still not sure where he stands with mommy), and me? I have totally let go of any plans and have accepted just going with the flow.
My first time getting to be the first one to hold my baby (other than doctors and midwives).
Beautiful girl with lots of hair!
The boys helping give Arc her first bath.
Arc meets her cousins - these two girls were beyond thrilled. Lmze recently taught Cpc all about "playing house" and pretending to be "daddy," she is a pretty skilled "mommy" herself.
Arc coming home from the hospital.
One of many naps for me....
All three of these boys LOVE feeding her. And I'm very grateful for that because Arc has struggled quite a bit with breastfeeding. I'm so grateful that I have a great breastpump!
This sweetie is really good at sleeping poses!
Cpc begs to hold his little sister many times throughout the day.
Our first weekend at the lake as a family of five. A little water frisbee....
Playing in the sand.
Playing in the water.
Meeting Great-Grandpa and Grandma H.
Four generations of women!
Taking a nap on the boat with brother. She may or may not fit her lifejacket comfortably!
Getting some great water-play.
Enjoying some sunlight in her first swimsuit.
Right here SHOULD be an awesome picture of ME waterskiing at 2 weeks and 2 days after giving birth - but alas, my mom accidentally deleted ALL her pictures on her iPhone today (she only meant to delete the ones she had already downloaded!). But believe me I did it - very carefully! OH, and I should also mention that I am mostly feeling myself again - I have most of my energy back and am handling 3 kids and housekeeping mostly on my own during the days.
Meeting Popsicle.
Meeting Great-Grandma R - her namesake. Four generations on the E side.
Meeting Great-Grandma and Grandpa C.
And now that it's nearly midnight Pmc and I need to go to sleep, because we're still trying to function with 3 kids, housekeeping, work and school to keep up with! One of these days I will feel like I have time to sit down and write out more of my feelings, and the little things that we're cherishing. Right?
My first time getting to be the first one to hold my baby (other than doctors and midwives).
Beautiful girl with lots of hair!
The boys helping give Arc her first bath.
Arc meets her cousins - these two girls were beyond thrilled. Lmze recently taught Cpc all about "playing house" and pretending to be "daddy," she is a pretty skilled "mommy" herself.
Arc coming home from the hospital.
One of many naps for me....
All three of these boys LOVE feeding her. And I'm very grateful for that because Arc has struggled quite a bit with breastfeeding. I'm so grateful that I have a great breastpump!
This sweetie is really good at sleeping poses!
Cpc begs to hold his little sister many times throughout the day.
Our first weekend at the lake as a family of five. A little water frisbee....
Playing in the sand.
Playing in the water.
Meeting Great-Grandpa and Grandma H.
Four generations of women!
Taking a nap on the boat with brother. She may or may not fit her lifejacket comfortably!
Getting some great water-play.
Enjoying some sunlight in her first swimsuit.
Right here SHOULD be an awesome picture of ME waterskiing at 2 weeks and 2 days after giving birth - but alas, my mom accidentally deleted ALL her pictures on her iPhone today (she only meant to delete the ones she had already downloaded!). But believe me I did it - very carefully! OH, and I should also mention that I am mostly feeling myself again - I have most of my energy back and am handling 3 kids and housekeeping mostly on my own during the days.
Meeting Popsicle.
Meeting Great-Grandma R - her namesake. Four generations on the E side.
Meeting Great-Grandma and Grandpa C.
And now that it's nearly midnight Pmc and I need to go to sleep, because we're still trying to function with 3 kids, housekeeping, work and school to keep up with! One of these days I will feel like I have time to sit down and write out more of my feelings, and the little things that we're cherishing. Right?
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