Tiny Treasures

William--Will is the happiest baby I have ever known. He giggles and smiles constantly. I don't know if that has to do with sleeping through the night or being content with food or both. Or maybe we just humor him. He is the first of our kids who really sleeps through the night already. And he's doing while sharing a room with a two-year-old! Another first for us. A rogue lymph node that had swollen on his head has started to go down. The pediatrician believes it was from some type of insect bite! Will is graduated out of the bumbo chair and into the exersaucer. He is starting solids. Rice cereal was a go. Peas, not so much. Did not like the taste. Carrots we started yesterday and I think he likes them so far! I am debating on our third veggie between green beans, squash and sweet potatoes. One part of me says go green again, the other says go sweet. Can this little one really be turning five months in a week?!

Joseph--Mr Joey. Whoo! Two year check-up. The finger prick for the lead test, you would have thought they were torturing him. He got blood EVERYWHERE. He is healthy and growing and no abnormal speech issues. So we are thrilled. He is also making a lot of progress on sharing. He takes every oppurtunity to share his toys with the "bee-da" as he calls Will. He is also interacting more with Shelby. One of the techniques we use to calm her is to do joint compressions and apply pressure. We are needing to do this less and less but as it was rainy and the kids were sick last week, a meltdown was sure to follow. As Shelby was lying face down on the floor crying, Joey calmly walked to her and gently lowered his weight on her back. He was lying stomach down on her back and talking gibberish to her and rubbing the back of her head and neck. It worked. When he got up and she sat up, she was full of smiles. So was Mommy.

Shelby--Shelby is really liking school. She now gets out of the car waits a quick second for me to kiss her and takes Mr. George (an admin assistant)'s hand and goes to class. No tears or dramatics. She is showing real love of painting and makes art almost every day. She is using a paintbrush which is showing her use of tools. She also attempted to "feed" her Spongebob cuddle pillow. We are so happy with the dramatic change in just a few weeks. Having her in school is a wonderful change for her and doing so much for her delays.

Finally: as Catholic mothers we all struggle to believe we are doing what's best and not compare ourselves to others. For some this comparison leads to disparaging talk and negativity. One Hollywood mom offers this advice:

"I've learned that you cannot judge the way another person is raising their kid. Everybody is just doing the best they can. It's hard to be a mom. I can relate to the anxieties of having other people tell you what to do."
- Maggie Gyllenhaal, on Maggie Gyllenhaal: ‘It’s Hard to Be a Mom’

Tiny Treasures

William- has moved out of Mommy and Daddy's room. Since he started sleeping 6-8 hour stretches at night he has graduated to the boy room. So far it is a great arrangement!

Joseph- is 2! His second birthday was yesterday! Mommy got him a big boy twin bed and Daddy got him a lightening McQueen car. We enjoyed Carvel ice cream cake this weekend in celebration and had Chinese food for dinner last night.

Shelby- had a great week in pre-school and seems to be adjusting well. She especially enjoys painting.

One of Those People....

Gave a really nice thirtieth anniversary part for her parents last November.
They had a wonderful time with family and friends and were very appreciative of her efforts.

One of Those People

That's what I am.

One who helps out when asked, sometimes without asking and usually regrets it either way.

Now, I will admit that when I help off my own volition, if the person didn't ask for it, I'm putting myself out there for complaints or down right ire of the person I was helping.

What does bother me is when someone specifically asks for my help and I follow through only to hear complaints and anger. I don't even expect thanks at this stage in my life. I'm helping because I want to or I know it's the right thing to do. Not for recognition. If I majorly screw something up, I can understand someone being upset. When results are as expected however, it is annoying to say the least to be where the anger and resentment are targeted.

So why do I keep it up? Because somewhere deep down, I believe the best in people. I believe I can make someone's life easier. I believe I can make a difference and be a positive influence. It would be a sad day if I don't feel that way.

Tiny Treasures

William- Will had his four month check-up on Friday. My chunky monkey weighs 15 lbs 1 oz.He is healthy and very happy.

Joseph- Joey is a little helper. Always first to tell Mommy when the baby or dogs need something. Unfortunately he did not do well at Will's check-up. You would have thought he was getting the shots! He will be 2 years-old next week!

Shelby- Shelby has completed one week of school. And already had her first sick day. Monday she had a low grade fever and was not eating. Just a minor virus luckily. She is making small gains each day.

Where I Confess To A Guilty Pleasure

Last night was the series finale of King of the Hill.

Over the years it has become one of my favorite shows on television. I root for Hank's commonsense approach to life. I admire Peggy's confidence and I love Bobby's spirit and optimism.

It was an animated series but it never resorted to the controversy grab that was South Park or Family Guy. Smart writing and strong characters were its hallmarks. It confirmed to me that Mike Judge, its creator, has comic genius beyond just Beavis and Butthead.

I will miss this series having new episodes but I enjoyed its 13 seasons and will love it in reruns on Cartoon Network and Fox.

Tiny Treasures

William: Will was 4 months on the 7th. He is still practicing rolling over and moving to rice cereal.

Joseph: Joey is turning into a cuddle bug. When I rest during the day he loves to snuggle. He and Shelby are getting along better.

Shelby: On the 8th Shelby started Pre-K at the Child Development Center (CDC). Her first day was a huge success.

Tiny Treasures Tuesday

William-- Mr. Will is growing bigger before our very eyes. He will be four months old on Monday. Unlike many moms, I will start him on cereal. I did with Joey at the same age. Due to Shelby's size I waited until 6 months with her. I enjoy exclusively breastfeeding, but as I am working now, even with pumping I am seeing a small dip in my supply. This was much more dramatic with my first two. The cereal followed by vegetables and fruits will help us much more than hurt.

Joseph-- Joey is parroting lots of words and phrases. His annunciation leaves something to be desired and as he is turning 2 later this month, I will consult with the pediatrician and see about possibly having him evaluated for speech therapy. It is not a delay but we'd like for him to be understood when he speaks.

Shelby-- Shelby will be starting pre-K soon. We have another meeting this week to finalize where. The univeral symbol associated with autism spectrum disorders is a puzzle and as we are finding, navigating both the disorder, the therapies can be quite puzzling at times. Does anyone know a patron saint of autistic people or neurological disorders?

So, How's It Working Out?

It's a question I get a lot lately.

Whoever is asking is referring to my returning to the workforce and specifically working 3rd shift and watching the kids at home.

My answer is complicated. I love staying home with the kids. I am usually tired, occasionally exhausted. My house is definitely NOT cleaner than it would be if I were not working. I love that we can have family dinners together. I am usually out of time when it comes to blogging.

It is what is best for our family. For now. I'm in the unique position of making the sacrifices that most of us are used to hearing fathers making to provide. I think of pro golfers and NASCAR drivers. Not the Jeff Gordons or Tigers. The unknowns who leave their families for most of the week, most weeks of the year for their families to have a modest home and food. They aren't living the glamorous life of professional athletes, they are eeking out an existence doing something they do well, but many do as well or better.

All in all, I consider myself in a better position than those men and women. Whether I sleep at day or night, it's in my own bed. When I hear my children's voices, it is in person. Jeff and I have the luxury of being able to have a disagreement now and then not thinking that one of us will be gone for the next five days.

So, it's going well. I have a job in a bad economy. I'll have benefits in about 60 days. I am at home to hear Joey repeat lines from Cars and see Will smile and monitor Shelby's therapy. Am I tired? Of course! I have 3 kids in diapers I'd be crazy to think I wouldn't be job or no. But am I blessed beyond my wildest dreams? Yes and then some.