Recently Max has starting communicating in little cooing grunts. When he wants attention or to say hi or I come in from work I'm greated with a quiet sweet little "Uintttg," sort of like a grunt and definitily a little male sound. It's cute and it's always followed by an anticipating look on his little face.
I look at him and smile and he does it again.
I say something and he does it again.
I have decided it's a bit like the game Marco, Polo. So I have started playing Marco, Polo with him. He grunts, I say "Marco," he grunts, I say "Polo."
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
"That boy could get anything with that smile"
Last week I took Max to the doctors becuase he had been very fussy and cranky and picking at his ears. We waited 2 hours before seeing the doctor, through nap time. He was really really good and didn't do much fussing at all (now that we were actually at the doctors.)
When the young doctor finally came in to see him he smiled and cooed at her throughout the examination, making me look like the worried mom who made all his symptoms up (which kids can be good at doing.) Diagnosis - probably just teething pain, give him tylenol if he's very fussy, but there's nothing wrong with him.
As she leaves the room, she turns back to say Bye and Max flashes her another of his winning smiles. She smiles back at him and says to me "Boy, that boy could get anything from anyone with that smile!"
I obviously think my boy is gorgeous and has the best smile in the world, but it's nice to know that someone else who's not related to him does too!
When the young doctor finally came in to see him he smiled and cooed at her throughout the examination, making me look like the worried mom who made all his symptoms up (which kids can be good at doing.) Diagnosis - probably just teething pain, give him tylenol if he's very fussy, but there's nothing wrong with him.
As she leaves the room, she turns back to say Bye and Max flashes her another of his winning smiles. She smiles back at him and says to me "Boy, that boy could get anything from anyone with that smile!"
I obviously think my boy is gorgeous and has the best smile in the world, but it's nice to know that someone else who's not related to him does too!
"Mommy I WANT THAT DRESS!"
This evening Ellie and I went out to try to shop for Daddy's birthday present. It involved a trip to a specific store (will not mention right now) and then a follow up to Target.
Ellie is a sweat natured little girl who is usually a lot of fun to take shopping. SHe has been helpful and has enjoyed shopping pretty much since she was born. (I have always known this will eventually be a lot of trouble - but thought that would be as a teenager...) Anyway, Ellie was a bit wild and termpermental tonight. She was tired. I don't think she had as long a nap as she needs at Ms. Sara's today (or any day for that matter. Our little Ellie Bean needs the sleep of a teenager and trying to wake her from a nap in less then 3-4 hours results in what we imagine to be waking up a 13 year old for school at 6am to be like in the future). Anyway, I digress...
The trip was going okay. We were zooming around picking up the weekly essentials - diapers, food, medicine, papers, etc. and of course, taking a look at the new spring clothes in the Ellie section. Ellie had been warned she needed to be a better listener or was going into the shopping cart.
We spotted a few dresses that caught our attention, they were colorful with spots and stripes. Ellie and I are equally drawn to bright colorful clothes for her (not me - though should would like me to wear them too). We picked up a dress she was in love with, I was so so on. I was hoping to find her something else we both loved equally. As we kept shopping Ellie picked up someone's chewed gum as if it was candy. I was annoyed and told her not to pick things up off the floor and yelled at her. (I just think that's gross). I proceeded to take off the gloves she was wearing and put them in the cart to wash when we got home. She started screaming. She has a new found love for these little gloves and would like to wear them all the time (didn't matter we were in the store and she didn't need them). I broke her heart.
I firmly told her to stop screaming and she just went on louder. So, I quickly put the clothes we were looking at back and walked away telling her little girls that throw temper tantrums do not get new clothes. Well, this just made her absolutely lose it like I have never experienced in public before. She started screaming at the top of her lungs "Mommy I WANT THE PRETTY POCKADOT DRESS RIGHT NOW!" over and over again.
People were looking at us. One couple passed and gave Ellie the sympathy look and me the bad mommy look. Everyone always thinks Ellie's so cute and sweat - and usually she is. But I was not giving in to this tantrum. I know better.
We proceeded to pick out birthday cards and collect the cleaning supplies all the while Ellie continued to throw the most royal tantrum I think I have ever seen her throw - definitely for being in public. But, I didn't give in!
Moral of the story - Ellie is going to be a nightmare as a teenager when it comes to clothes if at 3 a single dress can spur this kind of behavior that nothing else cuases!
Ellie is a sweat natured little girl who is usually a lot of fun to take shopping. SHe has been helpful and has enjoyed shopping pretty much since she was born. (I have always known this will eventually be a lot of trouble - but thought that would be as a teenager...) Anyway, Ellie was a bit wild and termpermental tonight. She was tired. I don't think she had as long a nap as she needs at Ms. Sara's today (or any day for that matter. Our little Ellie Bean needs the sleep of a teenager and trying to wake her from a nap in less then 3-4 hours results in what we imagine to be waking up a 13 year old for school at 6am to be like in the future). Anyway, I digress...
The trip was going okay. We were zooming around picking up the weekly essentials - diapers, food, medicine, papers, etc. and of course, taking a look at the new spring clothes in the Ellie section. Ellie had been warned she needed to be a better listener or was going into the shopping cart.
We spotted a few dresses that caught our attention, they were colorful with spots and stripes. Ellie and I are equally drawn to bright colorful clothes for her (not me - though should would like me to wear them too). We picked up a dress she was in love with, I was so so on. I was hoping to find her something else we both loved equally. As we kept shopping Ellie picked up someone's chewed gum as if it was candy. I was annoyed and told her not to pick things up off the floor and yelled at her. (I just think that's gross). I proceeded to take off the gloves she was wearing and put them in the cart to wash when we got home. She started screaming. She has a new found love for these little gloves and would like to wear them all the time (didn't matter we were in the store and she didn't need them). I broke her heart.
I firmly told her to stop screaming and she just went on louder. So, I quickly put the clothes we were looking at back and walked away telling her little girls that throw temper tantrums do not get new clothes. Well, this just made her absolutely lose it like I have never experienced in public before. She started screaming at the top of her lungs "Mommy I WANT THE PRETTY POCKADOT DRESS RIGHT NOW!" over and over again.
People were looking at us. One couple passed and gave Ellie the sympathy look and me the bad mommy look. Everyone always thinks Ellie's so cute and sweat - and usually she is. But I was not giving in to this tantrum. I know better.
We proceeded to pick out birthday cards and collect the cleaning supplies all the while Ellie continued to throw the most royal tantrum I think I have ever seen her throw - definitely for being in public. But, I didn't give in!
Moral of the story - Ellie is going to be a nightmare as a teenager when it comes to clothes if at 3 a single dress can spur this kind of behavior that nothing else cuases!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
"Where is Mary?"
On Christmas Eve, we decided to go to the early family service at a new church down town that I've been trying. The service was basically an interactive replay of Jesus' birth. Ellie was very interested, so her and I went to sit in the front so she could have a good seat.
About half way through the service, she started asking me where Mary was. I pointed to the girl playing her in the skit repeatedly. After about the 3 or 4th time, she was really annoyed and said "mommy, I mean the REAL Mary. Where is she?!"
My response, in the middle of church service, "Honey, Mary's in Heaven."
She just looked at me very shockingly. So I repeated, "Mary's in Heaven with God and Vonita."
Ellie asks, "Why?"
Me, "well, Mary lived a long time ago and then she died."
Ellie started crying. She was very upset and told me she wanted to go home right now.
I did my best to console her and we made it through the service. But she continued to ask about Mary (and still does on a regular basis.) Through follow up conversations and questions I realized that she was very distraut at the thought of Jesus living without his Mommy. Since I have told her Jesus is alive and with her, it's really sad his Mommy isn't with him to a 3 year old - especially my 3 year old!
Ellie's just too cute and sensitive. I love her mind and the questions she asks. Three is a wonderful age. Well, honestly, I have enjoyed them all.
I am starting a blog to attempt to write down stories of the kids childhood that can later be captured somehow. Typing is my speed and strength, and since I don't have the time I would like to donate to these most important things, I do hope that if I can at least type them out, one day, they will be there for us all to enjoy!
About half way through the service, she started asking me where Mary was. I pointed to the girl playing her in the skit repeatedly. After about the 3 or 4th time, she was really annoyed and said "mommy, I mean the REAL Mary. Where is she?!"
My response, in the middle of church service, "Honey, Mary's in Heaven."
She just looked at me very shockingly. So I repeated, "Mary's in Heaven with God and Vonita."
Ellie asks, "Why?"
Me, "well, Mary lived a long time ago and then she died."
Ellie started crying. She was very upset and told me she wanted to go home right now.
I did my best to console her and we made it through the service. But she continued to ask about Mary (and still does on a regular basis.) Through follow up conversations and questions I realized that she was very distraut at the thought of Jesus living without his Mommy. Since I have told her Jesus is alive and with her, it's really sad his Mommy isn't with him to a 3 year old - especially my 3 year old!
Ellie's just too cute and sensitive. I love her mind and the questions she asks. Three is a wonderful age. Well, honestly, I have enjoyed them all.
I am starting a blog to attempt to write down stories of the kids childhood that can later be captured somehow. Typing is my speed and strength, and since I don't have the time I would like to donate to these most important things, I do hope that if I can at least type them out, one day, they will be there for us all to enjoy!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Cuddles from Max
Max sleeps with us right now - cuddled right up next to me and my pillows. It is one of the sweatest pleasures I have known. Although I hate when he wakes me - becuase I hate beins so tired in the morning - when I look him in those little eyes and we moth smile good morning, nothing beats it! He likes to fall asleep moving my fingers around or touching my face. These little hands are just so cute - all 10 fingers are small and busy and soft and smooth as he explores while falling asleep. He is wonderful! Max is my wonderful wonderful gift from God! I don't ever want to let him return to his crib becuase I will miss him too much!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Max's milestones
Since I'm at the computer all the time and not the baby book, I'm going to try to just track key milestones for Max, so I at least have a few reference dates.
first smile was around 1.5 months - don't have that exact date, but he does have a smile that warms my heart!
at 2.5 months, Max started sleeping through the night - while laying beside me and having his pacifier replaced regularly, but no feedings until 6am!
March 5th 2011 - just under 8 months - I found his first teeth- bottom fronts
Around this same time - about 8 months on the dot - Max started crawling too. He lost about 2 weeks where Mommy didn't really let him crawl when we were traveling around, but when we returned, he surely made up for lost time quickly.
April 2 2011 - just after we returned from our trip to the UK - just under 9 months - Max pulled himself up for the first time. He did it on a rocking chair, so I knew he was going to be getting around fast
May 1st - Max got his second set of teeth - the two front top ones
May 6th has several firsts - first official haircut, first pair of real shoes and first ride on the carousel with his big sister (not really impressed with any of them I might add).
May 14, 2011 - This evening I watched Max stand on his own little two feet for quite a few seconds without holding on to this. I swear I think my heart skipped a beat watching it. He was so proud of himself and I was even prouder! He's so adorable!
May 16th - I swear Max said Hi Lady Grey tonight! it came out a bit like Hi Gay... but he said it a few times! He loves the cats and dogs!
May 22nd - Tonight it became clear Max can make his first animal sound. The winner is - a dog! "Woof Woof" He loves dogs and anytime he sees them, he makes the sound!
Jun 11th - While I was putting Ellie down for a sleep, David saw Max take his first step. Apparently there was only one. I tried to have him repeat it for me, he just kept blindly falling into my arms with faith I would catch him. Why would he need to walk if Mommy's there? :-) I love my little Maxers!
July 10th - Max's 8th tooth has popped through - it's on the bottom left.
July 16th - Over the past couple weeks Max has been perfecting his walk. Over the past week, he's finally started to prefer walking to crawling, at least as a start. He still keeps trying to go straight to running, so he ends up on his knees alot too. The transformation is really visible over the past couple days. He's really turning into a little todler. Today he climbed the jungle gym in the neighborhood for the first time with minimal help.
August 24th 2011 - Today Max put together two words for the first time. It was repeating them as I said them, but still, he did it! THe words were "Bye, Pop." Referring to the act of putting the lollipop away after Ellie had eaten enough of it for the night.
Sept 25th 2011 - Today was Max's first day without a Pacifier. It was a very hard day for him. He is now asleep for the night - or so I hope. I can only imagine how many times I'll be up tonight. It's been a hard day. I feel bad for him, but I know it's the right thing. Good luck little man - you can do it!
first smile was around 1.5 months - don't have that exact date, but he does have a smile that warms my heart!
at 2.5 months, Max started sleeping through the night - while laying beside me and having his pacifier replaced regularly, but no feedings until 6am!
March 5th 2011 - just under 8 months - I found his first teeth- bottom fronts
Around this same time - about 8 months on the dot - Max started crawling too. He lost about 2 weeks where Mommy didn't really let him crawl when we were traveling around, but when we returned, he surely made up for lost time quickly.
April 2 2011 - just after we returned from our trip to the UK - just under 9 months - Max pulled himself up for the first time. He did it on a rocking chair, so I knew he was going to be getting around fast
May 1st - Max got his second set of teeth - the two front top ones
May 6th has several firsts - first official haircut, first pair of real shoes and first ride on the carousel with his big sister (not really impressed with any of them I might add).
May 14, 2011 - This evening I watched Max stand on his own little two feet for quite a few seconds without holding on to this. I swear I think my heart skipped a beat watching it. He was so proud of himself and I was even prouder! He's so adorable!
May 16th - I swear Max said Hi Lady Grey tonight! it came out a bit like Hi Gay... but he said it a few times! He loves the cats and dogs!
May 22nd - Tonight it became clear Max can make his first animal sound. The winner is - a dog! "Woof Woof" He loves dogs and anytime he sees them, he makes the sound!
Jun 11th - While I was putting Ellie down for a sleep, David saw Max take his first step. Apparently there was only one. I tried to have him repeat it for me, he just kept blindly falling into my arms with faith I would catch him. Why would he need to walk if Mommy's there? :-) I love my little Maxers!
July 10th - Max's 8th tooth has popped through - it's on the bottom left.
July 16th - Over the past couple weeks Max has been perfecting his walk. Over the past week, he's finally started to prefer walking to crawling, at least as a start. He still keeps trying to go straight to running, so he ends up on his knees alot too. The transformation is really visible over the past couple days. He's really turning into a little todler. Today he climbed the jungle gym in the neighborhood for the first time with minimal help.
August 24th 2011 - Today Max put together two words for the first time. It was repeating them as I said them, but still, he did it! THe words were "Bye, Pop." Referring to the act of putting the lollipop away after Ellie had eaten enough of it for the night.
Sept 25th 2011 - Today was Max's first day without a Pacifier. It was a very hard day for him. He is now asleep for the night - or so I hope. I can only imagine how many times I'll be up tonight. It's been a hard day. I feel bad for him, but I know it's the right thing. Good luck little man - you can do it!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Returning to work post Max
Tomorrow I must start back to work and leave Ellie and Max at home. I do NOT want to go. I'm lucky and thankful to have Hazel here to look after them at home and make things easier for both me and the kids. I am trying to be strong, but I feel a bit detached to survive it all! It's quite sad! I wonder if we've set the wrong priorities in life by my return to work to live in this house and live the lifestyle we enjoy?
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