Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Part 1 Addendum
Henry also likes spicier foods, I think! He loves the spaghetti I make with Italian sausage, whereas Claire sometimes thinks it's a bit too spicy. This week we've been out to two Mexican restaurants (unusual that we go out so much!) with Grandma and Grandpa and Omi, Opa, Onkel Alex, and Tante Jaclyn, and he's gone crazy dipping his chips in the salsa. This may not be spicy in some people's definition, but according to Omi, "it's got a little kick to it!" I am relieved to notice this about Henry, because for a while I thought we had a picky eater on our hands. Luckily he is proving me wrong! ;)
Sunday, January 6, 2013
I'm in LOVE! - Part 1: Henry Matthew
My kids are great! I'm in love! It seems like tragedy has been evident lately. It really makes me appreciate that we are healthy and happy and safe. Here are some of the wonderful updates that I want to record before I forget.
Thirteen months is so fun! I love my little Henry and can't believe he's now a toddler. He's been walking since about two weeks after November 12th, his first birthday. He toddles everywhere, quite quickly actually! Big cooking spoons and whisks are his favorite. He loves to carry them around when he's on the move (which is pretty much always!).
(Unless you want details of our routine, skip this paragraph. I'm typing it more for myself, to remember what I love about this time with Henry, but it may bore you...)
My favorite time with him is before nap time or bedtime. We moved him from our room to Claire's room about a week before Christmas because we really wanted him to learn to sleep on his own and having his crib in our room was just not working. He learned so quickly, literally in about two nights, that we're thinking we maybe should have moved him sooner! ;) He soothes himself by laying on his belly and kicking his feet against the mattress, so cute!! Since moving into his big boy room (meaning he's not with mama and daddy anymore) we have started a sleep time routine that I love, because it's all about him! It's the one time in the day when I can give him my undivided attention. Claire usually stays downstairs and plays while I'm putting him down for nap, and then she and Daddy read books downstairs when I'm putting Henry to bed. Henry knows exactly what to do when we go upstairs to his room. He heads over to the books, and pulls a few down that he 'wants' to read. He really loves books now! He loves to look at them and turn the pages. His current favorites are a peek a boo book with holes and a favorite things book with holes in the pages. While we are reading, he pulls down the sock basket and dumps them all out, sometimes over his head like it's raining socks. Then he wears the basket as a hat and also gives me a turn, handing the basket over. We sing the "Mein Hut, der hat drei Ecken..." song and play with and read books in between. He also loves pulling Claire's clothes out of the dresser drawers while we're upstairs. Then we have our cuddle nursing time and sing "Der Mond ist aufgegangen" and "Guten Abend, Gut' Nacht" before I put him into bed. "Ich liebe dich, bis zum Mond und wieder zurueck, mein Maeuschen."
Henry is so fast that he can disappear in seconds. He's getting good at playing independently for a few minutes at a time. Often when he's all of a sudden gone, our best bet is to look upstairs. Lately he's been sneaking up there and opening all the dresser drawers and emptying Daddy's clothes out of them. He also loves to snuggle up in Claire's bed with the big comforter (which right now is a mattress on the floor in our room).
My little guy has such a sense of humor! We play this game where he makes a noise and then I imitate him. Each few times of doing this and he starts to giggle, and of course I encourage him by joining in the laughter. He laughs so much and it's so good for my heart! I need to record it. :)
One of the things I love about thirteen months is that he is starting to understand and communicate so much. A few days ago, he finally started saying mamamamamamama. It hasn't been totally clear that he is referring to me specifically, but I'm pretty sure he means Mama when he says it. I can tell that he understands some simple questions and phrases. Today we were watching Daddy outside as he was going to the burn pile, and we were talking about Daddy and then the cats and I could tell Henry was following what I was saying. He likes to do "Wie gross ist Henry? SOOO gross!" (How big is Henry? SOOO big!) and to do 'so big' with me in reference to other BIG things. He is also making sounds that we think are words, like ba for ball and uuh for up. He knows the signs for 'more' and 'all done' and sometimes uses them. Yesterday Matt gave Henry a tiny piece of brownie, and he immediately and enthusiastically signed 'more!' And on top of that, he definitely communicates in other ways, like lots of pointing and noise making if he is trying to tell us something or isn't happy! ;)
Henry loves to CLIMB! We've known this for a while. Even the church nursery staff have made several comments about his super climbing abilities. Tonight, he climbed onto the fireplace brick. I set him next to the table and told him to climb onto that instead (which he understood...yay!). So, he climbed onto one side of the table, crawled across, turned around, and climbed down the other side. Then he walked back around to the starting side. He did this probably a dozen times and was having so much fun with it!
Big news for Henry is that his very own big boy room is almost done! And it's the exact same big boy room that Matt had. I have to admit that it's pretty cool that we're now on the family farm and we can create memories here with our little family, and that Matt has so many good memories of growing up here. Matt replaced the cardboard tile ceiling with drywall, hung a new ceiling fan, and gave it a couple fresh coats of bright green paint (what could be better for a kids' room!) and the carpet is being installed this week! A beautiful and bright dinosaur quilt that a very talented friend sweetly made will finally be hung to decorate the wall, and it will be complete! I am more excited than Henry. ;)
Thirteen months is so fun! I love my little Henry and can't believe he's now a toddler. He's been walking since about two weeks after November 12th, his first birthday. He toddles everywhere, quite quickly actually! Big cooking spoons and whisks are his favorite. He loves to carry them around when he's on the move (which is pretty much always!).
(Unless you want details of our routine, skip this paragraph. I'm typing it more for myself, to remember what I love about this time with Henry, but it may bore you...)
My favorite time with him is before nap time or bedtime. We moved him from our room to Claire's room about a week before Christmas because we really wanted him to learn to sleep on his own and having his crib in our room was just not working. He learned so quickly, literally in about two nights, that we're thinking we maybe should have moved him sooner! ;) He soothes himself by laying on his belly and kicking his feet against the mattress, so cute!! Since moving into his big boy room (meaning he's not with mama and daddy anymore) we have started a sleep time routine that I love, because it's all about him! It's the one time in the day when I can give him my undivided attention. Claire usually stays downstairs and plays while I'm putting him down for nap, and then she and Daddy read books downstairs when I'm putting Henry to bed. Henry knows exactly what to do when we go upstairs to his room. He heads over to the books, and pulls a few down that he 'wants' to read. He really loves books now! He loves to look at them and turn the pages. His current favorites are a peek a boo book with holes and a favorite things book with holes in the pages. While we are reading, he pulls down the sock basket and dumps them all out, sometimes over his head like it's raining socks. Then he wears the basket as a hat and also gives me a turn, handing the basket over. We sing the "Mein Hut, der hat drei Ecken..." song and play with and read books in between. He also loves pulling Claire's clothes out of the dresser drawers while we're upstairs. Then we have our cuddle nursing time and sing "Der Mond ist aufgegangen" and "Guten Abend, Gut' Nacht" before I put him into bed. "Ich liebe dich, bis zum Mond und wieder zurueck, mein Maeuschen."
Henry is so fast that he can disappear in seconds. He's getting good at playing independently for a few minutes at a time. Often when he's all of a sudden gone, our best bet is to look upstairs. Lately he's been sneaking up there and opening all the dresser drawers and emptying Daddy's clothes out of them. He also loves to snuggle up in Claire's bed with the big comforter (which right now is a mattress on the floor in our room).
My little guy has such a sense of humor! We play this game where he makes a noise and then I imitate him. Each few times of doing this and he starts to giggle, and of course I encourage him by joining in the laughter. He laughs so much and it's so good for my heart! I need to record it. :)
One of the things I love about thirteen months is that he is starting to understand and communicate so much. A few days ago, he finally started saying mamamamamamama. It hasn't been totally clear that he is referring to me specifically, but I'm pretty sure he means Mama when he says it. I can tell that he understands some simple questions and phrases. Today we were watching Daddy outside as he was going to the burn pile, and we were talking about Daddy and then the cats and I could tell Henry was following what I was saying. He likes to do "Wie gross ist Henry? SOOO gross!" (How big is Henry? SOOO big!) and to do 'so big' with me in reference to other BIG things. He is also making sounds that we think are words, like ba for ball and uuh for up. He knows the signs for 'more' and 'all done' and sometimes uses them. Yesterday Matt gave Henry a tiny piece of brownie, and he immediately and enthusiastically signed 'more!' And on top of that, he definitely communicates in other ways, like lots of pointing and noise making if he is trying to tell us something or isn't happy! ;)
Henry loves to CLIMB! We've known this for a while. Even the church nursery staff have made several comments about his super climbing abilities. Tonight, he climbed onto the fireplace brick. I set him next to the table and told him to climb onto that instead (which he understood...yay!). So, he climbed onto one side of the table, crawled across, turned around, and climbed down the other side. Then he walked back around to the starting side. He did this probably a dozen times and was having so much fun with it!
Big news for Henry is that his very own big boy room is almost done! And it's the exact same big boy room that Matt had. I have to admit that it's pretty cool that we're now on the family farm and we can create memories here with our little family, and that Matt has so many good memories of growing up here. Matt replaced the cardboard tile ceiling with drywall, hung a new ceiling fan, and gave it a couple fresh coats of bright green paint (what could be better for a kids' room!) and the carpet is being installed this week! A beautiful and bright dinosaur quilt that a very talented friend sweetly made will finally be hung to decorate the wall, and it will be complete! I am more excited than Henry. ;)
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Season of Thanksgiving
Really, Thanksgiving is a season, right? It spans from November through December, as we reflect on all that we've been given in December as well. So...
Thankful #18 - The Family Ministry Team at our church! Glory to God in the Highest! I am on this team and it's right where I'm suppose to be. Yesterday, I enjoyed an AMAZING break for parents and indulged a little - vanilla latte at the local coffee shop on Main street with my feet up, next to the fireplace, reading the best book, and talking to God...courtesy of the volunteers for Christmas Break for Parents. My friend, Katie, took a shower during her break. She was pumped. Yes, only as a mother of young kids do you get so excited to take a shower alone, in peace. :)
Thankful #19 - Opportunity! Matt and I were just reflecting a bit on this tonight. Our parents and grandparents have given us so much opportunity and for that we are incredibly thankful. Mom and Dad, Mark and Brenda - you know what you've done!
Thankful #20 - New Friends! In no way will they replace the strong friendships that we have built with old friends, but it's nice to have something planned with another couple and their son in our new location - they're coming over for dinner this month. (Yes, we had to plan that far in advance.) And I am feeling more connected at our church. God is good...all the time.
Thankful #21 - Claire Claire. Love her. She was so cute tonight. I was nursing Henry in bed tonight and she came up and put Baby to bed in our room. She prayed with her - thanking God for Mama, Daddy, Opa...and others. Then she sang our lullaby to her, gave her a cuddly "Schnuffeltuch" (cuddle toy) and tucked her in. I realize that many little girls do this, but when MY little girl does it, I think she's wonderful.
Thankful #22 - Hen-ro (Henry). He is really cool, he can walk now and loves to point at things. Mostly balloons. Sometimes Mommy or the Christmas tree. Otherwise he loves to say "ga" or "da" (I think he is part Russian).
GUEST POST in purple by the one and only, Matty!
Thankful #18 - The Family Ministry Team at our church! Glory to God in the Highest! I am on this team and it's right where I'm suppose to be. Yesterday, I enjoyed an AMAZING break for parents and indulged a little - vanilla latte at the local coffee shop on Main street with my feet up, next to the fireplace, reading the best book, and talking to God...courtesy of the volunteers for Christmas Break for Parents. My friend, Katie, took a shower during her break. She was pumped. Yes, only as a mother of young kids do you get so excited to take a shower alone, in peace. :)
Thankful #19 - Opportunity! Matt and I were just reflecting a bit on this tonight. Our parents and grandparents have given us so much opportunity and for that we are incredibly thankful. Mom and Dad, Mark and Brenda - you know what you've done!
Thankful #20 - New Friends! In no way will they replace the strong friendships that we have built with old friends, but it's nice to have something planned with another couple and their son in our new location - they're coming over for dinner this month. (Yes, we had to plan that far in advance.) And I am feeling more connected at our church. God is good...all the time.
Thankful #21 - Claire Claire. Love her. She was so cute tonight. I was nursing Henry in bed tonight and she came up and put Baby to bed in our room. She prayed with her - thanking God for Mama, Daddy, Opa...and others. Then she sang our lullaby to her, gave her a cuddly "Schnuffeltuch" (cuddle toy) and tucked her in. I realize that many little girls do this, but when MY little girl does it, I think she's wonderful.
Thankful #22 - Hen-ro (Henry). He is really cool, he can walk now and loves to point at things. Mostly balloons. Sometimes Mommy or the Christmas tree. Otherwise he loves to say "ga" or "da" (I think he is part Russian).
GUEST POST in purple by the one and only, Matty!
Saturday, November 17, 2012
A Little Behind, but Still Thankful...
Day 9 - My awesome Aunt Chris! I love her so much and she's so special to me. We have a wonderful relationship and I can always count on her! She's got a great sense of humor, is a whiz in the kitchen, and it's always fun spending time with her. She's greatly influenced my life, giving me a wonderful curiosity for trying new foods and experiences!
Day 10 - Thankful for a wonderful family-in-law! I love that Matt has a big family and am blessed that they include me as one of the bunch! And I am thankful for Aunt Sue helping decorate Henry's cupcakes. :)
Day 11 - My brother and sister-in-law, as friends. Alex and Jaclyn are great to spend time with, just the four of us. We have gotten to spend more time with just them since moving, and that's definitely a positive!
Day 12 - It's my baby boy's birthday! I'm incredibly thankful for Henry Matthew. :)
Day 13 - I'm thankful for my longest friend, Kristin! We met and became friends the summer before sixth grade. A few weeks ago, while organizing, I read what she wrote in my high school graduation guestbook. It was something like "It's been fun knowing you." Her mom, Lori, wrote, "Keep in touch!" Little did we know that we would become even closer not seeing each other everyday (during golf season). She is SUCH a great friend. We can always pick up right where we left off, she is so easy to talk to, encouraging, and genuinely interested in my day, even if I have nothing spectacular to share. I love her so much!
Day 14 - My mother-in-law! She always is willing to help out when we ask. Last week, on her day off, she came over for four hours to help with the kids and distract them while I cleaned. Since then, the house has been 'in order.' And let me tell you, when the house is in order, everyone is more relaxed and we enjoy each day a bit more!
Day 15 - Refreshing conversations with close friends - today with Jen while the girls played together, and also for phone conversations. It makes my heart happy! :)
Day 16 - I'm thankful that I'm healthy and for the health of my family! I want to take up cross-country skiing. I have been walking. I do not want to take for granted that the Lord gave me good health. I want to honor Him by taking care of myself!
Day 17 - So thankful for my husband's attitude, helpfulness, and work ethic!
Day 10 - Thankful for a wonderful family-in-law! I love that Matt has a big family and am blessed that they include me as one of the bunch! And I am thankful for Aunt Sue helping decorate Henry's cupcakes. :)
Day 11 - My brother and sister-in-law, as friends. Alex and Jaclyn are great to spend time with, just the four of us. We have gotten to spend more time with just them since moving, and that's definitely a positive!
Day 12 - It's my baby boy's birthday! I'm incredibly thankful for Henry Matthew. :)
Day 13 - I'm thankful for my longest friend, Kristin! We met and became friends the summer before sixth grade. A few weeks ago, while organizing, I read what she wrote in my high school graduation guestbook. It was something like "It's been fun knowing you." Her mom, Lori, wrote, "Keep in touch!" Little did we know that we would become even closer not seeing each other everyday (during golf season). She is SUCH a great friend. We can always pick up right where we left off, she is so easy to talk to, encouraging, and genuinely interested in my day, even if I have nothing spectacular to share. I love her so much!
Day 14 - My mother-in-law! She always is willing to help out when we ask. Last week, on her day off, she came over for four hours to help with the kids and distract them while I cleaned. Since then, the house has been 'in order.' And let me tell you, when the house is in order, everyone is more relaxed and we enjoy each day a bit more!
Day 15 - Refreshing conversations with close friends - today with Jen while the girls played together, and also for phone conversations. It makes my heart happy! :)
Day 16 - I'm thankful that I'm healthy and for the health of my family! I want to take up cross-country skiing. I have been walking. I do not want to take for granted that the Lord gave me good health. I want to honor Him by taking care of myself!
Day 17 - So thankful for my husband's attitude, helpfulness, and work ethic!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Days 7 & 8 - Family!
Day 7 -
I'm super thankful for being born to great, loving parents! They taught me to be compassionate, modeled a great work ethic, and instilled in me the importance of financial responsibility. Without them, I wouldn't have gotten the fortunate start that I did.
Day 8 -
Mom and Dad also gifted me a brother and I'm blessed to have a great relationship with him! Alex is one of my best friends and I'm so proud of him!
I'm super thankful for being born to great, loving parents! They taught me to be compassionate, modeled a great work ethic, and instilled in me the importance of financial responsibility. Without them, I wouldn't have gotten the fortunate start that I did.
Day 8 -
Mom and Dad also gifted me a brother and I'm blessed to have a great relationship with him! Alex is one of my best friends and I'm so proud of him!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
November 6 - Freedom!
Today I'm thankful for the freedom to choose to worship the Lord and pray in public; the freedom to choose my spouse; the freedom to keep and raise my children, boy or girl; the freedom to become educated, especially as a woman; the freedom to choose our country's leaders; the freedom to work as a woman; and the freedom that comes with working from home with my own business.
In many countries or cultures, all or some of these are still denied! Atrocity.
In many countries or cultures, all or some of these are still denied! Atrocity.
Day 5 - My two lights!
Claire and Henry are the lights of my day! I love their smiles and playing and curiosity and love. The other night, Claire told Matt, "Daddy, I wanna play with Mama." We had been playing Mama Monster and she loves it because she has my undivided attention - my goal - pursuing her - and it's fun too! I love spending time with my kiddos and a family and am so grateful God has entrusted us to raise them. I am so grateful that they still love spending time with me, as I know it won't always be so! I pray that I can be the type of parent that is respected, but still fun, that I can set an example for my kiddos and their friends, even in those teen and college years, so much so that they will 'want' to hang out with me and their friends every once in a while. :)
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