Wordless Wednesday

She's Walking

It's official - finally - my baby girl is walking (not 100% of the time, but why should she, her mother carries her everywhere?) This weekend, Paloma really took off - and she hasn't looked back. The fear factor is gone. I think she has now realized the freedom that comes with ambulating on her own. She doesn't have to go where mommy goes now - she can get to her own destination. We are still "monkey walking" a bit (as evidenced by above) but overall, she is walking clumsy and upright. Way to go Paloma!!!!

I Don't Like You!

I must take a moment to let you all know what I am listening to as I am blogging this afternoon - why? I am actually too busy laughing right now to really think about my next blog post.
I get all of my blogging done while my children are sleeping (or supposed to be sleeping). This afternoon I put both girls down for a nap and then began my blog session. I could hear Mattea kicking the walls, opening drawers, digging in her closet, etc. I let this behavior continue for a few minutes before I made the decision to intervene. Finally, I went in to find Mattea picking out a tank top, tights, and church shoes. I told her to get her little hinder back to bed. When she interceded to say "just a minute, I need a sweatshirt." My tone went up a notch and I then repeated myself - which did not go over well. She began crying and yelling at the top of her lungs, "I don't like you, I like daddy!" So currently as I'm writing this all I hear is "I like my daddy, I don't like you - I don't like you at all, I like my daddy. Where is my daddy? I don't liiiiiike you!" Ok moms - this is not hurting my feelings in the least but have any of you heard these words before? I'm pretty certain it won't be the last time.

Swimming Lessons

We decided to take a break from gymnastics for awhile and try out swimming. In the back of my head, I didn't think it would be as popular as gymnastics - heck, I didn't even think she would get into the water without me. But she did great! She loves her teacher. Although she shivered through the ENTIRE session, she is ready to go back on Thursday!

Who Needs Toys?

The children are getting some good use out of the "old" baby equipment that we still have laying around the house. Actually we are in the process of selling the stuff off - we have already been quite successful with Craig's List - but there is still more to go. In the meantime, Hannah, Mr. Noodlebaby, and Bear are getting some good quality time with it.

Who's Who?

Can you tell one gorgeous baby from the other??

Baby Genius??

What is so special about these books besides the fact that Paloma loves to read them every day?? The other day they were read to her by her big sister Mattea. We were rocking in the chair reading books before nap and suddenly Mattea stopped me and said, "NO mama, I read them!" Pardon me I thought. But all of a sudden, she starts spitting back the words of 'Zany Zoo' and then we move on to 'Goodnight Moon' and finally '1-2-3'. All in all she missed only 2 words (and granted these books are short) but still - let me have this mommy moment!! We are most impressed.

Missing You

Because my husband is faithful about checking my blog daily at work, this post is dedicated to him. Today was a great blogging day honey - we miss you! Have a good day at work.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

These are photos from a recent play date we had. The girls enjoyed spending times with their new friends Ellie and Logan (not pictured - I think three females was a bit overwhelming to him) and we can't wait to do it again.

Holy Moly

You are looking at one pair of Paloma's pants. But this pair isn't unlike the other 10 pair she has sitting in her drawer. These are what her wardrobe has come to. Why you ask? No, Dave and I aren't going through financial troubles - Yes, we are still able to adequately provide for our family. The problem - the girl WON'T WALK!! My little pumpkin will be 16 months at the end of the month and she still refuses to walk on her own. Ugh! My back hurts at the end of the day. It is a good thing that girl weighs only 20 lbs. Here's hoping one day it will happen!

Accidents Happen

Accident Prone - Those are the words that I would use to describe my little princess. She has fallen, bumped, bruised, hit, and been taken to the ER more than Mattea had ever even come close. Tonight would prove to be no different. As I was cleaning up from dinner, I glanced up to find Mattea and Paloma laughing and teasing each other. Paloma was safely strapped in her booster seat on the chair and Mattea was tickling her tummy. As I bent down to place the dishes in the dishwasher, I heard an incredibly loud thump followed by a blood curdling scream. I looked up to find my darling daughter tipped over in the chair, still connected to the booster seat. I believe the back of her head took the brunt of the fall. I immediately unbuckled her and scooped her up in my arms. Mattea ran over and began professing "it was an accident, just an accident, oh sister it was an accident." I was obviously too distraught to investigate at the moment. Mattea helped in every way she could - she found sister's "mimi" (blanket) , she rubbed her leg, and found her a book - all while my child is still screaming. Once Paloma was at a consolable point and once I had medicated her for a very large headache and applied an ice pack, I asked Mattea what had happened. Apparently she was trying to help her sister get rid of her "pee pants" and in the process she knocked the chair over. I could not be angry with her but I will admit that half of the accidents that have happened have been sibling induced. I never had this problem when Mattea was an only child. To say the very least, Paloma's head is large, puffy, and a little concerning. If the condition hasn't improved by tomorrow I'll take her in for evaluation of a skull fracture but I'm hoping it isn't anything a little ibuprofen and TLC won't fix.

Can I Play With Jesus?

Here's an excerpt from my conversation with Mattea this evening...

After reading a story from her bible, Mattea stated
"When I go to heaven, I see Jesus?"

Me: Yes Honey, you most certainly will see Jesus when you go to heaven.

After pondering this for a moment...

Mattea: Can I play?

Me: Can you play?

Mattea: Can I play with Jesus in heaven?

Me: Yes sweetie, you most certainly can play while you are in heaven. There will be the biggest park you have ever seen and you won't even have to wear a jacket.

Mattea: Does Jesus have flip flops?

Me: No I don't think Jesus wears flip flops but I think he might have a really nice pair of sandals.

After that she began asking about gymnastics tomorrow. It is amazing to me some of the thoughts that randomyly spurt out of Mattea's little mouth. Do you ever wonder how much they are truly comprehending. I guesswhen I sit down and think about heaven, I have never really imagined whether a park exists or not but to Mattea that was of great concern. I dont' think I'm being very clear... but I just sometimes have to wonder where these thoughts are coming from and more importantly where they are going. I so desire her and her sister to have a heart for the Lord. I hope we can continue to have these kinds of conversations while snuggled together under a big blanket in her chair every night.

Wordless Wednesday

This picture was edited to, of course, prevent complete humiliation. Let me tell you how stinkin cute the unedited version was though. I love my little Paloma naked.

Planting Seeds

Last night, Mattea attempted stage one of our seed planting experience. We bought some paint and small pots and she was able to decorate her pots however she wanted. Messy - yes! Fun - Of course!

After letting the pots dry over night, today was planting day! We even let Paloma help out. She loved digging in the dirt.

As you can see, Paloma got more dirt on her lap and the floor than she did in the pot.

Finally, our project was complete when Mattea gave the seeds their first water. Hopefully in a few weeks, we'll have some beautiful flowers.

Wrinkles

After getting out of the shower this morning, Mattea was using my "wrinkle creme" as a lotion for her hands.

Mattea: My hands are dry mama, I need lotion.

Me: That lotion isn't for your hands honey, it is for your wrinkles.

Mattea: Oh, I have wrinkles.

Me: No honey, you don't have wrinkles yet.

Mattea: Oh! When I grow up, I can have wrinkles too???

I didn't have the heart to tell her that unless she discovers botox, the situation is inevitable.

Water Wrestling?

DAVID - Is this the water wrestling you were talking about? I guessed I witenessed it first hand tonight. Bet you are glad you traveling? We love and miss you. Stop back tomorrow for all the updates on your two little angels - because you know that I'll have plenty for you!

Blog This!

So my wonderful, sweet husband Dave sometimes complains that his picture gets plastered all over the internet "without his permission." All in good fun of course, but I gently reminded him that he is more than welcome to start a blog of his own in "his spare time." That didn't go over so well. So now he has been taking some not-so-flattering pictures of me and threatening to post me on his blog (the one he has yet to create). I did him a favor and posted this one of me for him. Why?? 1) To do him a favor, 2) Remind him of how I am going to feel after acting as a single mother while he is away for his business trip, & 3) To ask any other mothers if this is how they feel after a long, exhausting day with small children. Ladies, I'm sure that you can share my sentiment. If I sit down after the kids are in bed, chances are, I'm not getting back up (as evidenced by the above picture). So here's a question for all you moms out there - What do you do when your kids go to bed???

What A Little Ham!

Just Makin Cereal

Many of you know, supper time is SUCH a stressful part of the day for me. The kids are so needy at this time, and "cooking" requires so much effort (at least for me). Yesterday I was making "breakfast." Quick and easy. I walked around to where the dining room table was located to sweep up from snack time. Both girls were right around the corner. The breakfast skillet was sizzling, turkey bacon was cooking, and the pancakes were waiting to be microwaved. I thought I was ahead of the game. I heard Mattea pull out some pots and pans and then I heard Paloma beating on the pots and pans. I asked what they were doing and Mattea responded "we're makin cereal!" I thought that would fit right into our menu - so I didn't think twice about it.


That is until I walked around the corner to find about four pots filled with cereal and Mattea was pouring milk into the pans and then Paloma was drinking it. And then to my dismay, Mattea began pouring the milk all over her sister. I raised my voice at first until I realized this situation was really very funny and then I grabbed the camera. Soy milk is rather sticky to clean up but nonetheless both girls were giggling and laughing - and nobody was harmed. Let me reemphasize why supper time is so stressful for me!

Potty Update

In case any of you are wondering, my little Paloma was successful on the potty today. She thought it was so cool and couldn't stop looking into the little potty hat. And Mattea is absolutely thrilled that she now has someone to join her in the bathroom. Yeah Paloma!!

Potty Time

Am I crazy or what?? My little Paloma (who is not quite 16 months) still can't walk, but we are going to attempt potty training. Allow me to explain. I brought out the potty when Mattea was 18 months and allowed her to play for awhile before really stepping up my efforts. My plan worked and Mattea was potty trained by 20 months. Most recently Paloma has been crawling up to us every time she goes to the bathroom to tell us. She will grab herself and say "pee pee." The same goes for when she has a dirty diaper except then she just holds her nose. Until today, Dave and I have just been nodding and saying "that's nice Paloma!" Well, I decided to clean off the old potty, bring it in and let her "practice." I do not have the energy right now to even attempt to potty train a 16 month old but I certainly won't hinder her attempts. So - this picture would be the introduction of Paloma to her new friend - the potty!!

Another Day In Paradise

In case any of you have not picked up on it from previous blog posts, I love my husband!! I love him more than the day that I met him, more than the day I married him. He is a wonderful, generous, giving, and compassionate man.



He is athletic and fun, not to mention cute to look at. He is the rock of our family and a shining
example of what being a true servant to Christ is all about.



With that being said, I just thought I would allow you to get to know my husband a little more. David and I met during the last year of college. Sparks were flying and within two months we knew we were destined for marriage. Without a ring on my finger or any "real" commitment, I agreed to pack a U-haul and travel south to Albuquerque with this man. I begged and pleaded with him to marry me before leaving but his response was, "It isn't the right time." I held out and trusted God that this man wasn't taking me for a ride only to ditch me along the side of the road when we arrived at our destination. It wasn't long after that the "timing was right" and we became married. We bought a house, bought two dogs, started grad school, had two children, etc, etc.. but through it all he has remained my one true friend - the person I go to when I am sad and need a shoulder, the person I go to when I am belated with joy and just can't contain myself, the person I go to share my fears, my hopes, my life long ambitions. Sappy -yes. I can't help it. He is a very special person. For those of you who already know him, I am sure that you can agree. For those of you who do not know him, I hope that one day you'll get the opportunity.



Anyways, so every morning I greet this wonderful man with hair flying in each and every direction, no makeup, day old pajamas that probably have child "stuff" smeared all over them,
morning breath, and a mumble that he tells me is incomprehensible. Granted, he takes awhile to come around in the mornings as well. As we make our way to the coffee pot, he looks over and says, "how did you sleep honey, what would you like for breakfast honey, can i get you anything honey, how are you doing my dear?" I mumble something that is not understandable and then respond by saying " how are you doing?" I am a bit more responsive when he arrives home for supper but the same conversation seems to take place. He will ask, "how were the kids, how was your day, did you get a chance to relax?????" I again probably mumble something that he does not quite understand and continue on with my busy tasks of preparing supper, cleaning up the disasters the kids have made, and feeding the dogs. After about 5 min of realizing I should probably ask him about his day, I then turn around and say "How was your day dear?" His response - as he looks around the kitchen at the mess I have made, the children whose hair I haven't combed since waking up from a nap, the piles and piles of laundry I just didn't' seem to get to, the dishes that are overflowing in the sink, and the burnt dinner sitting on is plate(because after almost 6 years of marriage, I still can't cook) - "Just another day in paradise!"

Polly Rae

Ok - I admit it! I can't stop taking pictures and sharing them of my little Paloma. She is sooo happy these days. Her smile is brilliant and she is so much fun to be around. I'm an honest mother and I will tell you the first 14 months of her life were miserable - both for her and the rest of the family. Since having surgery, she has been transformed. God has allowed a miraculous healing to occur and we are oh so blessed. She is such a little ham! I wish you all good meet the "new Paloma!" But since many of you cannot - I will continue to shower the blog with pictures and stories.

Personal Space

After nap time yesterday, I placed both girls at the table for some "study" time. Mattea was instructed to practice her letters while Paloma was given some paper and instructed to practice her "art." Everything was great. Mattea was doing good - spelling out her name and her numbers, Paloma was actually coloring on the paper and not on the table.

I was able to get some dishes washed and put away and even do some prep work for supper. It wasn't long though before the shrieking started.

Mattea was bored with practicing her letters and numbers and decided she no longer wanted to use her dry erase board - she wanted to use her sister's face! Paloma of course objected in a very loud manner. She has this thing with personal space????

Wordless Wednesday

A Whole New Girl

Since surgery, Paloma has blossomed into a whole new girl. Bless her heart, during recovery she came down with the flu, was well for about 3 days and then developed an upper respiratory infection - thus making it difficult to see this whole new girl - but she has finally emerged. Dave and I have commented on many occasions that she seems to be happier and easier to get along with. She is playful, very talkative, and now will giggle at just about anything. She is currently cutting a tooth so she still has her moments, but in reality life has taken a whole different turn for our little girl. She is interacting with her sister more, eating a ton, appears to be gaining weight, and above all else - sleeping!!! What an amazing turn around we have seen already. Her surgeon reminds us that we could still be seeing some residual effects for up to 8 weeks but we are hopeful and confident that God has turned Paloma's life around. Our parental instincts were right and although many may have questioned us along the way, we both knew in our hearts that something was not right with our baby. Although the decisions we have had to make in the last few months have been difficult, we both believe we have done what is right and now can finally move forward. What an awesome change we have seen happen before our eyes. Praise God!

Veggies - what???

As we were preparing dinner tonight - this is the conversation that transpired between myself and my first born.

Me: Mattea, what vegetable should we have with dinner?

Mattea: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Me: Chocolate chip cookies are not a vegetable.

Mattea: Oh yes they are

*She is her mothers daughter!

Pot-Luck

Today was our small group potluck. There was a lot of good food and a lot of good company. We were fortunate to have some helpers available to watch the children so the adults could focus on "adult stuff." It was a welcomed break. Thanks ladies!

Tomorrow's Plans

I have been reminding Mattea all day that after Bible Study tomorrow we will be attending a potluck lunch with my small group. I think Mattea does better if she is constantly reminded of the upcoming events. It is like she has to be prepared over and over again. Well I must have asked her a million times today where we were going tomorrow. As we were sitting in the chair after our prayers I thought I would remind her one more time.

Me: Mattea do you remember where we are going tomorrow?

Mattea: Heaven (without hesitation)

*Wasn't quite sure how to respond to that one.

Mattea

Getting Ready for Daddy

The girls are so excited as the afternoon ends and the time comes for their daddy to come home. The other day Mattea asked for her comb and hair accessories so she could "get ready for daddy." Paloma, of course, joined in the fun. Dave truly is the love of their life.