A Letter to Luke on Kindergarten Eve

Dear Luke,

Tomorrow you start kindergarten.  Lunch has been packed, clothes are laid out, "jitter glitter" has been sprinkled under your pillow.  Tomorrow you will finally be a big, bad kindergartener.  At least that's what everyone will tell you.  We'll all say how grown up you are and how great you're going to do and we'll wish you all the best.  Everyone will be giving big smiles and big thumbs up.  It'll feel like a party...a celebration...a major milestone! 

But that may not match how you feel on the inside, and I want you to know that that is totally okay.  For sure you'll feel some excitement.  But you may also feel nervous and scared.  You might worry about potty trips or mean kids or whether you'll be able to finish lunch in time (sorry...that one may be my fault for constantly telling you that you will never finish lunch at school if you eat at your normal pace.)  

All of those feelings are completely normal.  And do you want to know a secret?  It's exactly how Mommy feels too.  I will put on a brave face in front of you, but truthfully I am nervous, scared, and worried for you and your sister.  What if you feel all alone?  What if someone hurts your feelings?  What if you learn words or ideals I'm not ready for you to know about?  What if you get embarrassed or lost or overwhelmed? Just typing those things brings tears to my eyes because the truth is that I know you will experience all of that and more at one point or another.  It's life, Bubba.  I cannot always protect you and Audrey from it.  And just the knowledge of that is enough to suck the air out of my lungs.

But here's my other secret:  Jesus.  He and I have already had a lot (I mean a LOT) of conversations about this new chapter.  And He has promised me that He will not leave you. He keeps trying to remind me that He loves you more than I do.  Isn't that a crazy thought?! But it's the Truth.  And if Jesus loves you more than I do, than that must be a million billion trillion GAJILLION percent.  He is going to be right there when you're scared, worried, or lonely and He will not take His eyes off of you.  He has every hair on your adorable blonde head numbered.  Tomorrow morning my grip on you may have to loosen a little, but His never will.  

You have a heart of gold, Luke.  You are smart, you are hilarious, and you are generous to a fault.  You are true and loyal to those lucky enough to call you friend and you are sensitive to others in a way that most grown-ups will never be.  You know how to make any situation fun and those dimples can melt the coldest of hearts.  But more than ALL of that, you are a child of God.  And He's got you in His capable hands.  

So remember that.  And then remember what we always tell you: bravery doesn't mean not feeling scared.  Bravery is feeling scared and then doing the hard thing anyway.  I will be praying and cheering you on the whole way.  I may not be there with you, but I will be here waiting. To comfort you on the hard days, to celebrate with you on the good ones, and to guide you in the uncertain stuff.  After all, I am your biggest fan.  No matter what.  Every time.  Always.  

You and Audrey are the lights of my life, Lukey.  Now go shine bright.  

Love,

Mommy
xoxoxo

Now What?

It's hard for me to believe, but in less than a week Luke will be starting kindergarten.  Like my heartbeat when I write that, I have started and stopped this blog post several times because I'm not quite sure how to articulate my feelings about this milestone.  

(If you missed my many, MANY words on this situation when we first went through it with Audrey, here the links to my three-part blog series: Kindergarten, Part I , Kindergarten, Part II, Kindergarten, Part III: A Letter to My Daughter.  Lawdy did I have some thoughts.)

Some of those emotions are the same.  I am anxious and worried about him, just as I was with her.  I have a better idea of what to expect this time around, but he is a different kid in a different class with a different teacher.  Add to that that he is my baby.  He still says things like "putend" (pretend) and "disdusting" (disgusting).  Audrey seemed so much bigger and older to us because Luke was just two years old when she started.  Now that I don't have a younger one around for comparison, I realize just how itty bitty a five year old is.  

Though the worry is similar, there is a deeper level of heartache this go-round.  It's also a little more self-centered this time.  What has been my job for the past 8+ years is about to change.  Drastically.  I feel it the most every time someone asks "What are you going to do with all that time on your hands?!"  I usually offer a half-hearted chuckle and mutter a joke about taking a nap before changing the subject.  But as we move on, the validity of their question lingers.      

I am clear on one thing:  I am not interested in going back to work yet, even part time.  (Nor am I interested in selling anything, so please don't ask.)  After some quick math, I calculated that there are approximately 81 weekdays that the kids are out of school each year.  That is 22 percent of the year.  Not to mention any sick days or the three hours each afternoon when they are dismissed before usual office hours are over.  Unless I found a job inside the same school system, I would have to work some or all of that time, which I definitely do not want to do.  (Obviously it is not lost on me that this is a very special position to be in, and I am incredibly grateful to even have the choice.)

Of course I know what I'll do with a big bulk of my time.  I'll be at the school with them pulling double room mom duty for their classes, being a classroom volunteer (different thing) for both their classes, and filling my new PTA Board position as Community Outreach Co-Chair.  I will continue to support their teachers and love on their peers in big and small ways.  There is always, always something that needs doing up there and I can stay as busy as I want to be.    

And there will always be something else going on, too.  In addition to the two PTA meetings I have the first week, there is also a consignment sale to finish pricing for and dropping-off and we're hosting a cookout/baby "sprinkle" that first weekend.  To say nothing of the Timber Trek work that I am behind on.  And that's just during their first week!

There will be special PTA events, personal races, holidays, and small group/church responsibilities that will all vie for my attention.  We will host showers and gatherings that will also keep me busy.  Plus our nearly twenty year old house is constantly needing something done, including an upcoming project we may be about to start that involves a sledgehammer.  FUN!

But.  BUT.  I'd be lying if I didn't confess that there is another feeling at play here.  I can't quite put a label on it, but the closest thing I can come up with is "obsolete."  As in, run out of use.  Unnecessary.  Now I know that is a lie.  Of course my kids will still need me very much.  But it doesn't change the fact that I am feeling a bit of that right now.  As I shared with a girlfriend this week, unless you are a stay at home parent who is going to continue being a stay at home parent, I don't think you can fully grasp the shift and the sadness.  Does it mean I'd go back and do things differently to avoid it?  Not a chance.  

The truth is, I don't yet know exactly how things are going to look.  If there is one lesson parenting has taught me, it's not to make sweeping statements about how things are going to be in a certain stage before I am actually in that stage.  As the old joke goes:  I was a perfect parent until I had kids!  

I do know that I'll have to put some guards in place.  Just because I will be more available doesn't mean I have to say yes to every opportunity or need that comes up.  People will undoubtedly make assumptions about my availability and may get disappointed or judgmental when I turn them down.  But let me go ahead and make it clear now: I will turn stuff down. Being involved in their school will be the big majority of my "job", but it cannot be everything for a number of reasons, namely both my sanity and David's.  I'm determined to work hard to keep discerning my "best yes" and manage my calendar, including being fiercely protective of our family time.  

I also know that I am not going to allow myself to be sucked into a new level of perfectionism or performance.  Just because I may have the time to needlepoint 24 stockings for a class Christmas party does not mean I will (...or should.  Seriously.  I can barely sew on a button.) Rest assured that this mama will still be bringing store-bought treats and phoning it in on occasion, just like people with outside jobs do from time to time with their work responsibilities.

So there are some things I am sure of:  I'm not going back to work and I don't have to say yes to or be perfect at every volunteer role that comes across my lap.  But there is still an awful lot of unknown ahead of me.  I'm trying to reframe my thinking to look at it as possibility. Maybe I'll start leading women's Bible Study again.  Maybe I'll take on a few pro-bono babysitting gigs for nearby mamas with little ones.  Maybe I'll exercise at some hour other than 5:30am.  Maybe I'll finally finish Luke's baby book or not wait until the witching hour to cook dinner every day or be able to clean my house all at once without being interrupted. (I will desperately miss having them nearby while I'm doing some things...most things...but cleaning and grocery shopping are NOT on that list.)  

Yes, things are about to change drastically for both me and Luke.  He will undoubtedly handle it like a champ.  I will probably fumble a little more and change my direction a few times, but we'll both eventually figure it out.  I've had a very clear-cut purpose and routine for 8+ years.  It's okay if it takes me a minute to write this next chapter.  And it's okay if I have some heartache as I do.  Like I tell the kids:  If you're sad it's over, that's a sign that you had a great time.  These last eight years have been a lot of things:  hard, imperfect, exhausting, etc.  But oh my have they also been wonderful.  So sweet and so full and so very, very worth it.  Here's to the next phase...and maybe a short congratulatory nap, too. 

July 2013

Luke's 5th Birthday & Party

Welp, I have a five year old.  My youngest is now FIVE.  

He is no longer counted as a toddler by any stretch and is barely hanging on to his title of "preschooler."  He is now too big for Paw Patrol or Miles from Tomorrowland.  He has officially outgrown naps. His infatuation with Superheroes is beginning to wane.  He uses phrases "I'd like your opinion on this" and "I am not impressed with that behavior."  

Basically he's five going on forty and there's not a thing in the world I can do to stop it. 

But the good news is that he is still my Lukey, only bigger.  He still loves holding my hand and cuddling with me.  The other night we bumped heads and he said "Are you okay, Mommy?  I'm okay, but I want to make sure you are because that's the menship thing to do." The girls in his class love him because he is such a little gentleman.  He is always eager to hold open a door, lend a helping hand, offer an encouraging word, or share his food with you.  But don't let those things fool you...he is still very much a boy.  He loves to wrestle, make a mess, and talk about all things poopy all the time.  And I couldn't possibly love him more.  

On his actual birthday, we woke him up with a rousing round of "Happy Birthday" in our "Alabama-style" singing (basically as loud, obnoxious, and off-key as you can get.)  I made him pancakes with chocolate chips in the shape of a "5".  After we got ready and dropped off Audrey, I reluctantly took him to school.  (A first for me since Audrey's birthday is in the summer and Luke has always been out for it!)  He was so pumped about taking donuts in for his classmates that I couldn't turn him down.  Besides that, it was early release day so I got to pick him up at 11:45am instead of 1pm.  

After I picked him up, we went home and I gave him a special lunch of a pizza Lunchable. One of the kids in his class has one "all the time" and he "really, really wanted to try one." He was so surprised and appreciative that you would have thought I gave him with a once-in-a-lifetime gourmet meal.  He carefully prepared each little circle of nasty chemical-laden "crust" and then savored every bite.  Audrey had early release too so after lunch we got her off the bus and caught up on each other's days for a few minutes before I sent them upstairs to have quiet rest time. When they got up, they helped me make some chocolate lollipops for Luke's party favors.  

David came home early that afternoon and we gave Luke his birthday present - a new scooter. He was super excited and told us he "just couldn't stop saying thank you!"  We tested it out on the driveway and then went over to Suwanee Town Center to have a little more room. We let them ride around there for awhile, ate dinner at his choice of Brown Bag Deli, chose cupcakes at Jilly's (they always have yummy GF options for AJ), and went home. We sang to our sweet boy, gobbled up the cupcakes, and then did some water color painting - his choice activity before bed.  It was a really sweet, simple day of celebrating him and he loved it.  

The big celebration was that Saturday when we had a "Wild Kratts" (PBS Kids show) themed party.  All of his cousins were able to make it plus a few friends from small group and/or school.  Here are some of the details:

Colors:  Jungle green and animal prints.  

Decor:  I drew chalk paw prints on the sidewalk leading to the front porch and had a welcome sign and the birthday balloon wreath on the front door.  Inside I had the favors on display and a welcome sign hanging above paper vines wrapped with leaves attached to the entryway.  In the kitchen there was a crepe paper palm tree over the island and I made Wild Kratts food signs and placed little wild animal figures around the food.  The chandelier over the table was wrapped with jungle leaves.  On the fireplace mantle there was a birthday interview on display along with an "L" and a copy of the invitation, surrounded by wild animal figures.  A "Happy 5th Birthday" banner hung under the mantle.  Audrey used her artistic skills to decorate the chalkboard in the playroom with a big "Happy Birthday Luke" message and a jungle scene.  I kept it pretty simple in the basement and just covered the tables with brown tablecloths and animal print handkerchiefs.  I put a jar of "Monkey Food" and "Palm Tree Seeds" on the entertainment center down there and scattered a few animal figures around. Animal print balloon bunches served as the centerpieces and another "Happy 5th Birthday" banner hung on the wall.  I put together a slideshow of this past year and had it playing on the upstairs television.  

Food:  "Snake Sandwiches" (sub sandwiches cut into sections with olives for eyes and a pimento for the tongue at the head), "Alligator Eggs" (a pineapple cut to look like an alligator head with grape eyes and green grapes surrounding it), "Shredded Jungle Grass" (cole slaw), "Cheetah toes" (bags of cheetos), "Monkey Food" (dried banana chips), and "Palm Tree Seeds" (chocolate covered raisins.)  The cake was a vanilla Publix cake with a Wild Kratts edible image I'd ordered and we also had cupcakes with "paw prints" (small York peppermint patties and Junior Mints) and vanilla ice cream.  

Crafts/Games:  The little guests got to color their own animal mask and make a snake bookmark out of a popsicle stick.  For the games, we played "Large Mouth Bass" where they had to use their creature power of a big mouth to grab a gummy worm off the hook (hung down from the upstairs catwalk), "Butterfly Break-Out" where they were wrapped in toilet paper and had to use their creature power of strong wings to bust free, and "Fly Trap Game" where they used frog creature power of catching paper flies with sticky "tongues" (stretch sticky hand strings).  The had an awesome time with the Large Mouth Bass game and looked hilarious.  The toilet paper kept breaking on the Butterfly Break Out but the Fly Trap Game was a hit...literally.  :)  I also created and laminated 5 creature power discs - one for each station - and got each kid a lanyard to attach them to when they completed that station. Those were definitely their favorites.  

Favors:  A Wild Kratts book with homemade chocolate paw print lollipops and their lanyards.

The party went really well and everyone seemed to have a great time.  One of the funniest parts was when several of us were standing outside saying goodbye to our families and a small baby snake slithered out of the grass! Most of the kids had already left, but Luke, Audrey, and Annelise got a kick out of it.  I jokingly told Luke I had planned it just for his party!  I mean, what perfect timing!  

Luke's one complaint about the day was that it was too short.  Well so is your childhood, kid. 

I love you so very much and, though I'm sometimes sad about losing my baby, I'm excited about seeing you enter into boyhood with all of its adventures and fun.  You have a heart of gold with just enough of a streak of mischief to keep us on our toes.  I pray the Lord grows you into a man of conviction and courage who follows after Him and loves others well.  Your name means "light giving" and you most certainly are, Bubba.  We love you and wish you all of God's best for all of your life.  Happy Birthday!

Luke's Fourth Birthday & Party

This past weekend was Luke's much-anticipated Superhero Birthday Party.  And I do not exaggerate when I describe it that way.  He has been looking forward to it since the moment I began planning, which y'all know was round about early fall.  :)  I wanted him to weigh in on a few details of this one now that he's getting old enough to express an opinion.  Not only did I want him to be happy with how it turned out, but since quick decision-making is not his strong suit, I figure the more practice the better.  I carefully narrowed down some invitations for him to choose from and we talked about which costume he wanted to wear.  I also discussed the cake with him and went to great lengths to try and find one that represented all of his favorite heroes while simultaneously didn't cost a year of his future college tuition.  Both kids helped me make one of the games and the centerpieces and, slowly but surely, it came together and the much-anticipated day arrived.

The guests showed up around 11am and the kids (all the cousins plus three little friends and their siblings) were decked out in their adorable costumes.  They played together in the playroom until I called them into the sunroom to do the games.  I let Luke take lead.  He explained each game to the crowd and then went first to demonstrate how it was done.  All the little superheroes had so much fun playing everything, but the "Hulk Smash" game where they punched through tissue paper-covered bowls for a prize was definitely the hit (haha) of the party.  

When they were finished with the games, a few worked on the crafts while David finished grilling the hot dogs.  We called everyone in for lunch, David blessed the food and prayed for Luke, and then we dug in.  Afterward we had cake and ice cream (he was SO serious while everyone was singing to him!) and then cleaned up hands and faces and let him dive into his presents.  He got a lot of Paw Patrol, Miles from Tomorrowland, and superhero gifts and was thrilled with everything.  

When the wrapping paper cleared, everyone hung out and visited while the kids played a little longer and then the crowd started heading out.  Luke got to skip nap and stay up and play, which was one of his favorite parts of the whole day.  After everyone left, we cleaned up a good bit, made nachos for dinner, and watched Peter Pan.  It was a fantastic day celebrating our big boy and I hope it's one "super" party that he remembers for a long time!

More party details...

Colors:  Red, blue, and yellow

Centerpieces/Decor:  Centerpieces made out of red boxes with a yellow star on them and stuffed with "Pow" "Zap" -type cut out signs, balloons, more comic cut out pop words hanging from the fan in the sunroom and above the kitchen island.  I placed blue tulle and some superhero printed material on the tables.  AJ drew a "Welcome Superheroes" message on the white board easel and we sat that on the front porch.  On the fireplace mantel, I hung a "Happy 4th Birthday Luke" banner and set out two pictures of him dressed up at Batman, some of his action figures, and a few DC Superfriends books.  I put a bunch of small-sized photos in my Southern Living frame on the basement door as well as taped some in the shape of a "4" onto the basement wall.  

Food:  "Wonderdogs" (Hot dogs), a Captain America fruit tray, "Thor's Hammers" (pretzel sticks stuck into small cheese rectangles), "Mighty Munchies" (bagged chips), and "Hulk Juice" (green Hawaiian punch).  The cake was a chocolate Publix cake with fondant symbols I'd ordered from an Etsy shop of Spiderman's wrist and web, Batman's symbol, Thor's hammer, Hulk's fist, and a comic sign that said "Luke".  

Activities/Games:  Hulk Smash (bowls each filled with a small prize glued onto a piece of foam board and covered with green tissue paper for them to punch through), Spiderman Web Target practice (shooting silly string at a target), and Pin the Bat Symbol on Batman's chest.  I also had superhero sticker scenes for them to create and small cardstock finger puppets for them to color.  

Favors:  A little golden book about the DC Superfriends plus a superhero pez dispenser.

In closing, a letter to the birthday boy: 

Dear Luke,

Sometimes at night when I'm putting you to bed, we have a little routine that we do.  I'll tell you how much I love you and then say "There's nothing you can do to make me love you more and there's nothing you can do to make me love you less" and explain how I love you simply because you are my son.  You usually brush all that off and say, "Okay, but what do you LIKE about me?" and after I go over the unconditional love thing again, I launch into a list of some of my favorite things about you.  On this, your all-important fourth birthday, I thought I would take a moment to write some of them out:

• You are generous and thoughtful.  You share with others, often without having to be prompted.  You have always been so good at that.  What's truly been an amazing example to me, however, is that you choose the best thing to share.  If it's something edible, you'll dig through until you find the flavor or kind that you know the person likes, even if it's your favorite as well.  It melts my heart every time.

• You have a great sense of humor. You're still working out making up a joke from scratch, but you usually understand when someone else tells one and love to laugh.  Your comedic timing is also very impressive for someone of such a young age.  

• You know how to have FUN.  Like the rest of us in this family, you are an old soul at heart.  But your old soul has a lot of energy in it.  You love to giggle, act silly, dance, and cut up.  Though your knack for doing it right before bedtime can get frustrating, I love that you don't take yourself or things too seriously.  

• You are a ladies' man.  Your preschool teacher told me that no other little boys exist in your class as far as all the girls are concerned.  If she doesn't assign seats on the floor, she'll often turn around to find you surrounded by a group of girls squeezing in on you.  What's more important is that you are learning to be a respectful gentleman, and that will serve you well all of your life.  

• You are a brave protector.  You often talk about fighting bad guys, but sometimes you put your words into action and stick up for Mommy or Audrey if Daddy is tickling or wrestling with us.  You stand in a bug's path to block them from Audrey and offer to do things that she may be too shy or fearful to do on her own.  

• You are adorably cute.  If I am scolding you and you start to crack a smile, your dimples do me in and I can't help but grin too.  

• You are a helper.  You like to jump in and help me sweep, pick up, make lunch and dinner, carry things, or open doors for me. 

• You love God and often talk about and ask questions about Him.  You remind me often that God knows everything and that God can do anything.  I hope you always know that with every fiber of your being.

These are just a few of the many, MANY things I like about you.  You are so amazing, Lukey, and we are so proud of the little boy you are turning into.  We are incredibly blessed to have you and wish you the happiest of birthdays!  

We love you,

Daddy and Mommy
xoxoxo

Luke's Third Birthday & Party

This past weekend we celebrated Luke turning three years old.  The weather threatened to become an issue, but we ended up only having to delay an hour to allow for warmer temps and more travel time.  Since it was just family and two little friends and their siblings, everyone was able to make it.  

For months beforehand, I had this idea of getting some sort of construction equipment to show up for the party.  (It would probably be helpful to stop here and explain that his party theme was construction.)  I shopped around some different personal rental options, but soon realized that was going to be way more pricey and difficult than we were willing to take on for a three year old's birthday party.  I decided to shift gears (get it? Ha!) and stopped by a local construction equipment company we pass on the way to church all the time.  The lone lady working in the office definitely didn't have an answer when I asked what it would cost to have a dump truck swing by a birthday party for a little while.  She told me to get back to her in a few days if I hadn't heard anything.  I left the office hedging my bets that she threw away the paper with my name on it before I'd started the van.  

We left for a Disney a few days after that, so I put it out of my mind until we got back.  I shot her an email then and the next day she left me a voicemail.  When I called her back, she said that one of their workers was willing to come back with a dump truck pulling a track hoe.  I asked how much that would cost and held my breath.  "Not a thing," she said.  "He's willing to do it since the equipment won't be in use.  We just ask you to consider giving him a tip for his time."  Uh, YEAH.  

So that's how we ended up having a dump truck pulling a track hoe honking outside of our house on the day of Luke's party.  Unfortunately, we'd delayed the start time but he had to come according to the original schedule.  That meant Luke and Audrey got a ton of time with it, but other guests didn't get as long.  It also left my family pulling together final lunch stuff for me inside while I was outside, but it all worked out in the end.  The kids really enjoyed climbing all over it, writing their names with chalk on the bucket and trailer, and sitting in the seat of the track hoe.  The guy drove it off the trailer and David and his dad even worked the levers and moved the bucket a bit.  I don't know who had the most fun - Luke, Ed, or the guy who brought the thing.  We sent him away with a big thank you tip and a cupcake and hurried inside to the warmth and lunch.  

As we were finishing up eating (again, big thanks to my family for helping pull it together!), the kids played a couple of the games and ran around with their hard hats on. (I might should've looked into the real thing as those plastic things give such a false sense of security.)  We rounded up everyone to sing Happy Birthday and admired yet another masterpiece cake by my sister-in-law Jenny.  She'd created a construction site scene with a giant dirt (crushed Teddy Grahams) "3" on a huge sheet cake.  She placed some construction vehicles, tiny cones, and a little barrel on top.  It was darling...er, I mean manly...and Luke loved it.  He'd been talking about Aunt Jenny and that cake for weeks.  I watched him as he watched everyone singing to him and silently said a prayer of thanks for this amazing little boy who melts my heart...tries my patience, but melts my heart.  

We ate cake and ice cream and then moved to the family room to open gifts.  He got some great new toys and gave everyone a giant "thank you!" before tearing into a couple of them.  Everyone hung around, played, and visited a little while before heading out.  Audrey had a birthday party to go to that afternoon (an older sister of one of Luke's guests, actually), so she and David scooted out.  My mom, brother, and niece stayed while Luke rested a little bit.  I began to tear everything down and clean up.  Pretty soon, it was dinnertime.  We ordered pizza and stuck Audrey, Luke, and my niece Annelise in front of a movie with a picnic blanket and food while we vegged out.  We let them play a little more afterward and then put them to bed, exhausted.  We stayed up and talked to my brother a little longer before we grabbed some leftover cake and all headed to bed ourselves.  It had been a wonderful day celebrating the most precious boy with many of our loved ones.  Parties are a lot of work, but man are they so worth it to me for that very reason.  

The next day was his actual birthday and David, Audrey, and I serenaded him awake with song.  He had a lovely breakfast of Pop-tarts (his choice) and got dressed in his "Here Comes the Birthday Boy" t-shirt.  We drove to church and checked the kids in, being sure to tell everyone we saw it was his special day.  After the service, we headed to brunch at a local diner.  My brother and niece hit the rode from there and we went home to put our feet up for a few and rest.  Later we gave him his gift from us (a Hot Wheels track that attaches to the wall) and played with it for a few minutes before small group.  Afterward, we ate leftover tacos, put three candles in leftover cake, and sang round three of Happy Birthday.  I realized later that a party before the actual birthday is weird and a little foreign to us.  We weren't quite sure what to do about gifts and cake on the day of when they're still this little and don't know dates, but I think we hit a good middle ground with it.  I know he felt special and celebrated all weekend long, which is what matters.  

Here are some other party details:

Colors:  Orange, Yellow, and Black

Centerpieces/Decor:  Hardhats, caution tape streamers in the doorway, balloons, a banner, road table runners, safety cones, toy construction vehicles, tools, "safety cones" in jars (candy corn), and construction cut-out signs.  Outside I set up construction cones along the walkway and a real construction barrel on the porch.

Food:  Build-your-own-taco bar, beans, queso, and tortilla chips for lunch and another cake masterpiece by my SIL Jenny.

Activities/Games:  Besides the giant dump truck and track hoe, which provided a lot of entertainment, I had a small tabletop play sand box (filled with the no-mess sand) with construction toys and a hammering practice area stocked with styrofoam cubes and golf tees.

Favors:  "Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site" hardback book plus a chocolate tool for the little ones and a small Lego kit with a chocolate tool for the older ones.  


Luke, you are such a blessing to this family and we love you so very much.  You make every problem seem much less significant when you wrap your arms around my neck and tell me you love me.  Your cuteness is almost too much to bear; your laughter and sheer excitement about life is medicine to my sometimes cynical soul.  Thank you for the joy you bring to us every day.  I can't wait to see what God has in store for you.  I know you'll approach it with the tenacity with which you dive into everything.  Happy Birthday, Bubba!

Pictures to come this weekend.    

Potty School Drop-Outs

Confession time:  As of Monday morning at 7:17am, we are potty school drop-outs.  Failures.  Quitters.  Wimps.  

I did not reach this monumental decision lightly.  Here's a sample of my "conversation" with others on the matter (a.k.a. emotional tirade that I made my husband, several friends and family, and the Good Lord above listen to):

"But potty training feels like a BIG thing!  It feels like a 'if-I-screw-this-up-he-will-be-living-in-our-basement-when-he's-forty" kinda thing!  How can I do this to him?  How can I say, either literally or figuratively, 'Buddy, you're terrible at this' and take that shot at his little self-esteem?!  He will be scarred forever.  I can almost hear the collective sigh of all the child psychologists in the world shaming me.  He will never recover from this punch in the gut and will always hold it against me."

Thankfully, I have learned two things important things:  1)  I have a tendency to overreact.  2)  I have learned to surround myself with people that don't. 

One dear friend in particular reminded me that Luke is an old-soul, intelligent two year old that is perfectly capable of having a conversation about the topic.  She also convinced me that being two, he will believe whatever I tell him to believe.  

Feeling better, but still not quite ready to throw in the towel, we decided to try for a few more days.  We purchased a Fisher Price potty (and would've been better off just flushing $30 down the real toilet.)  We upped the ante on rewards.  We gushed praises and gently admonished.  Nada.  I mean nothing in the potty for SIX days.  I think part of the problem was a tough bout with constipation that left him a little scared.  Whatever the reason, I knew it was time to either ratchet it way up and do the 3-4 day underwear/bootcamp method (that I honestly didn't think would work) or...quit for now.  We had a decision to make.  And pardon the horrible pun, but it was time to poop or get off the pot.

I decided to ask Luke.  Here's how it went down:

Me:  "Luke, let's talk about potty training.  How do you think it's going?"

Luke:  "NOT good."

Me:  "Yeah, it's a really, really tough thing to learn isn't it?  I am so proud of you for trying! Would you like to take a break for a little while and try again after you turn three?"

Luke:  "YES.  We should do that.  That's a really good idea."  (No joke.  His words.)

I don't ask my kids for their input on a lot of big decisions.  I give them little choices throughout the day so they learn how to decide and think for themselves, but we are unashamedly a dictatorship about the major things.  Nonetheless, this just felt right to ask about.  I misread his cues and I wanted to go back, but I wanted to know how he felt.  Turns out he felt he misjudged the situation a little too.  

The first-time Mama in me would've dogmatically continued on, in part to avoid admitting my mistake to my child or others and in part to show my kid that Sinyards are NOT quitters. 

...Except when we are.  Except when it's right to quit.  Sometimes being a good mom is about pushing and encouraging and cheering when your child wants with every fiber of their being to stop.  So much of motherhood is about making them do the right thing, even when they don't want to.  It's days upon days of nagging as positively as possible and sometimes annoying yourself at your unrelenting reminders to just. keep. it. up.  

But sometimes?  Sometimes motherhood needs to be about stepping back and saying "Hey. Let's reevaluate this together."  It's remembering to take a breath and then look at the big picture for a minute.  It's about chilling the heck out for everyone's sakes.  

The second-time Mama in me knows better.  I was wrong.  It's not the right time.  He will get this, but not now.  We have too much on our collective family plate and he's not ready.  AND THAT'S OKAY.  He will be fine.  

I have never felt happier about failing something in my life.  I pray this lesson sticks with me as we navigate deeper into this never-a-dull-moment parenting journey.  Quitters DO win sometimes.  

P.S.  If you see Luke in high school and he's wearing Depends, turns out we should've stuck with it.  

Luke's Second Birthday & Party

Two weeks ago, we had a big bash for Luke's second birthday.  As was our custom with Audrey, we dialed back inviting the entire extended family and "just" asked grandparents, great grandparents, my brothers and their families, and 2-3 family friends to join us.  (For both of their first birthdays we included both David's mom's side and his dad's side on the guest list. We are very thankful to have such a loving and involved extended family, but it's just not feasible for us to host 45+ people for every birthday party.  It's expensive, it's crazy for the kids, and it means less time we get to spend with each guest.) So we dwindled down the guest least to a mere 31, and 22 of them came over to celebrate.

I decided to do a Noah's Ark theme for it, just as I did with Audrey's second.  There was approximately five minutes of feeling guilty for the unoriginality of the choice, but then I got over it when I realized it'll likely be the very last time I can ever do that.  Somehow I don't think he'll be requesting a butterfly, princess, or tea party theme in the coming years.  

I went with a lime green and blue chevron color scheme and did quite a few things different to change it up a little.  The fact that it was a different house this time helped it not seem so identical as well.

At the front door, David (my sweet, patient husband who indulges my every party decor craft request because he loves me dearly) cut out waves from foam board and attached them on either side of the porch.  I had a little bubble machine blowing bubbles and a chalkboard sign up that read "Welcome to Luke's 2nd Birthday Party!"  As guests entered, they caught a glimpse of their favors:  A Noah's Ark coloring book and box of animal crackers for the little ones, a Noah's Ark Veggie Tales DVD and box of animal crackers for the older ones, and a bag of frosted animal crackers with sprinkles for each family to take home.  

As you'll see in the picture gallery, we put up the massive felt Noah's Ark mural we made for Audrey (I'd managed to save it and pack it away this long - you'd better believe we were going to try to get another use out of that piece of work!) and all of the wooden animal pairs.  I bought smaller glass jars to fill with animal-themed treats for the centerpieces - gummy bears, goldfish, teddy grahams, and animal crackers - and ordered animal print balloons to tie on them and elsewhere.  I printed small pictures and taped them to the basement walls in the shape of "2"s.  We had a slideshow running on the basement TV of the best photos of Luke from the past year.  In the kitchen was a tray of zebra cakes, a glass vase filled with skittles and sunflowers, and blue tulle on the island where the food was displayed.  The crowning glory of the decor was the amazing Noah's Ark cake my sister-in-law Jenny made.  It had a 3D ark on top with animals sticking out and it was awesome!  She outdid herself yet again.  The menu was pigs in a blanket, cheetos, a rainbow fruit tray, and potato salad (because David just really likes potato salad.) 

Of course, all of the yummy food and pretty decorations paled in comparison to how adorable the Birthday Boy himself looked.  Having typical second-kid guilt, I coughed up the money and ordered him a monogrammed Noah's Ark t-shirt to wear just for the occasion.  Amazingly, the dress I'd gotten for Audrey for her second birthday still fit after I had the hem taken out, so they both had cute monogrammed Noah's Ark outfits.  They didn't match perfectly, but they still looked great. I didn't think that far in advance considering I was about two weeks pregnant with Luke at AJ's party and didn't even know about him yet - hey, I plan, but not THAT well!  

He seemed to have a little bit of an idea about what was coming since we'd been decorating and talking it up all week.  The excitement built and the party didn't take long to get hopping with 8 kids ages 6 and under.  We did a Noah's Ark sticker scene and they ran around and played until it was time to eat.  After lunch we let him open his stack of presents. I was a little bothered that he had so many "helpers" in the older kids.  The poor guy barely had a fighting chance to unwrap his own gifts!  I fended them off a little and he managed to get a tear of paper in here and there.  He immediately wanted to take everything out, of course, but we distracted him with more presents.  Gotta love what that teaches a kid, huh?  "Here, no!  Don't enjoy that lovely and thoughtful gift to its full extent!  Toss it aside and open this one!"  Oh well.  Something else to blame us for when he's older and has problems with contentment I suppose.

After presents, it was time for cake and ice cream.  I think it finally hit him that it was his special day when everyone was singing to him and he got to blow out the candles (which he did perfectly and on cue!)  We served up the Noah's Ark cake, which was a yummy as it looked, and he ate all of his and a bite or two of mine before I cut him off.  We attempted to do animal masks crafts, but realized they required glue, so we entertained the kids with the party balloons and slowly people started drifting out.  We put Luke down around 1:45 as the last guests left and my mom stayed to help me clean up a bit.  Audrey went down for a rest too after Nana left and then David and I followed suite and snoozed for a few.  It had been a wonderful, fun-filled but exhausting celebration.  

After Luke woke up, the kids and David went outside to play while I began breaking everything down.  Normally things are a lot slower to get back to normal, but since we host a couples' small group on Sunday afternoons now, we had to flip the house back very quickly this time.  We ordered pizza for dinner then let Luke open his present from us - a new toy workbench.  He is so into tools right now, so it was the perfect gift.  He played with it for a little while (and by play, I mean fought with his sister over getting to use it for a single second.)  We ended the day on a tired but happy note.  

The whole day was a wonderful time of celebrating our baby who is daily reminding me that he is no longer a baby anymore.  Thank you to all who came out and helped us enjoy his big day.

In closing, a note for the Birthday Boy:

We love you so much, sweet Luke.  The only thing bigger than your dimpled smile is your heart.  You are funny, smart, and sensitive to others' feelings...traits that I hope stay with you for life.  There is nothing more precious than hearing you pray to Jesus every night, even if we can't quite make out all of the words.  He knows, Bubba.  He'll always be there to listen and I pray you'll never stop talking to Him.  And while your fierce independence is in full terrible-two swing, I know that there is nowhere you'd rather be at the end of the day than rocking with me in your rocking chair, your head snuggled just under my neck and your "bobble" in your mouth.  

Thank you for all that you have taught me so far.  Through you I am learning to relax more, to laugh more, and that if you have a hand to hold, you're pretty blessed in life.  May you always know how blessed and loved you are and how much your Daddy, sister, and I are in your corner.  Speaking of your sister:  she loves you more than she loves anyone else in the world and often tells us so.  Though normally shy in group settings, she sang the loudest when it came time to serenade you with "Happy Birthday" song at your party.  She may sometimes be your biggest annoyance, but she will also always be your biggest fan.  Each of us are, Luke.  We are your own personal cheering section.  We are proud of all you can do and what a kind and helpful spirit you display.  The milestones are only going to speed up from here and we can't wait to be by your side for each one.  Happy, happy birthday, Lukey.  I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always.  As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.  


Love, 

Mommy
xoxoxoxo

Hold His Hand

Dear Future Mrs. Luke Sinyard,

I need to let you in on a little secret.  I have a feeling this may be one of the keys to you having a successful marriage one day, so I am burdened to pass it on.  Sure, I'm his Mama and he's only 18 months old, but a Mama knows such things, and often well in advance.

Are you ready for this?  Okay, here it goes:  Luke loooooooves to hold hands.

I first noticed it when he was about nine or ten months old.  As I would rock him to sleep, he'd reach around his back to where one of my arms cradled him and pull my hand up to his chest or belly so he could grip my fingers tight.  Later, it dawned on me to try this act of comfort in various other situations.  Now when he gets impatient or cranky (and I do so hope he grows out of that a bit by the time you're in the picture), I say, "Do you want to hold Mama's hand?" and without fail he responds with an emphatic, "Yes" and calms down almost immediately.

So we hold hands a lot.  We hold hands as he sits in the buggy at the grocery store.  We hold hands as he walks along new paths in our neighborhood.  We occasionally hold hands at a meal.  Sometimes my arm falls asleep and my shoulder aches as I reach around to hold his hand in the car seat.  It may not always be hygienic or easy, but it is what he wants in that moment and I am happy to oblige.  The feeling of those chubby fingers in mine is more precious than I can describe.  But I know one day he won't want to hold his mother's hand.  I know there will come a time when it will be your hand he prefers in his.  

When that time comes, will you promise to step in for me?  Will you hold his hand when he's happy and joyful?  Will you try to reach out when he's mad or cranky?  When he's tired from a long day of work, will you place your hand on top of his to let him know you appreciate him?  It won't always be easy.  You won't always feel like making the effort.  But I assure you it will always make him happy to know he's got your hand to hold.    

I'm praying for you and your hands today, that they may one day join my son's in work & play, in prayer & service, in raising a family & making a home.

Love,

Your Future Mother-in-Law

P.S.  Have him call me, would you?  It's probably been awhile.

"Lately"...as in, the last 7 months.

Like dialing the number of (or, let's be a bit more current...searching FB for) a long-lost friend, I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to pick up the keyboard and write but just couldn't make myself because I felt too much time had passed.  The guilt that has hung over my head over dropping the ball on this and my other blog was almost bad enough to make me want to delete both accounts.  Almost.  

But then I remember that I love writing and chronicling my family's life this way.  And that twenty years from now, it won't matter that I missed a few (okay, seven) monthly recaps in the span of what I hope will be a years-long story.  Or maybe it will matter.  But I can't fix that and I've finally decided not to let it prevent me from picking up and starting again.  Though it may be the longest dry spell, it's not the first time I've disappeared from you and won't be the last.  But I'm willing to ignore the OCD perfectionist that tells me not to bother as long as you're willing to tune back in and read.  Ready?  Let's go:

So we moved.  In case you missed that.  Without pigs actually having to sprout wings.  It finally came through and we closed on December 11th and our first night in the new place was the 12th.  I pulled off Luke's 9 month check up and AJ's class Christmas party the day after we moved in with the help of my amazing husband and my co-room mom.  Somehow in the two weeks that followed, we got most decorations up, every card out, and all the presents wrapped in time. We had a great Christmas, albeit thrown-together and full of viruses.  We managed to uphold most of our traditions in the mayhem and make Luke's first as special as possible.  Santa brought Audrey a new dollhouse, some books, and some play-dough.  He left Luke a Racing Ramps garage, a crawling ball, and a book.  We put up a huge new tree that was given to us by a sweet friend's mother and filled it with old and new ornaments.  It was all a little disheveled, but we were in our new home together, and after the six months prior, that was all the Christmas miracle we needed.  On the 30th, my 30th birthday snuck up on me and I did manage to write a few thoughts about it here.  We are still so grateful for the friends and family that showed up to knock out a ton of projects (30, in fact!) at our new place as a gift to me and then celebrate with cake.  

January and 2013 rolled in and just as I got all of the Christmas decorations packed up, I hauled out every Rubbermaid container of baby clothes and gear we owned and began preparing for the huge consignment sale that is held at the fairgrounds twice a year.  I worked 2-3 hours a day for a month straight pricing 500 hangers' worth of stuff.  It was insanity, but when the check came a month after the sale, I realized it was well worth it.  Audrey started at her new school and took them by storm like we knew she would.  I still recall one of her teachers telling me the story of how she walked in on her third or fourth day and calmly told the Director that was monitoring the hall, "My name is Audrey Sinyard, I'm new, and I'm going to need some help finding my classroom."  Make no mistake, the child new exactly where she was going.  She just wanted to practice what I'd taught her in hopes she'd impress someone and get an extra smile out of a grown-up...it worked.  My sweet friend Kara and I also began a new semester of co-leading our women's bible study in January.

As soon as I got the consignment sale over with at the beginning of February, it was past-time to focus on Luke's first birthday party.  We were also trying to finish unpacking and doing lots of home improvement projects to make the house more presentable for the guests that would be coming since so many of them would be seeing it for the first time.  There was a roof leak and its subsequent water damage to the garage that had to be repaired, a hot water expansion tank that was replaced, the painting of the deck and play place (which we "outsourced"), and a ceiling leak in the kitchen.  Not to mention the actual cosmetic stuff I was trying to accomplish.  I think I began pulling his party stuff together approx. five minutes before the first guest arrived.  Actually, that's not true, but it's way closer to reality than I would have liked!  Still, it managed to be a wonderful time celebrating our big boy and everything turned out perfectly:  The train-themed decor, the warm bowls of chili with corn muffins for lunch, the gorgeous train cake my sister-in-law made, the hand-glued candy trains and "Little Engine That Could" book favors for kids,  the cotton candy "train smoke" favors for the grown-ups, the giant cardboard train cutout in the basement, my photographer friend that captured it all.  And, of course, the family and friends that came out to celebrate and shower him with gifts, hugs, and kisses.  We sent year one out with a bang.

In March, we appreciated our teachers, celebrated Christ's resurrection, dyed eggs, hunted eggs, endured a stomach bug (not related to eggs...I think), put Audrey in a new big girl bed, and ran a 5K.  David traveled for the majority of three weeks straight in March, so most of it is pretty much a blur.  

April brought about minor outpatient surgery for David, a massive master bedroom makeover (new paint, furniture, bedding, and pictures), AJ as flower girl in a friend's wedding, celebrating my nephew's 5th birthday, and a trip to a farm where AJ and I both milked a goat.  I'm sure there was an ear infection or cold in there somewhere, too.

In May, we celebrated Audrey's "pretend" birthday with her preschool class and also had a sweet Mother's Day tea there one Thursday morning.  My brother, sister-in-law, Mom, and I walked a Susan G. Komen 5K in celebration of my mom's early detection and felt so proud watching her jog across the finish line.  I got my annual day off around Mother's Day and spent it at Ikea, The Container Store, and the outlets before meeting David and the kids for dinner.  (I also decided I agree with a friend who recently declared that Mother's Day needs to happen about once every three weeks.)  The kids both got hand, foot, and mouth disease, which was awesome to hear Audrey tell everyone we ran into.  David began what turned into a ridiculous month-long cold to round out our six months of sickness.  I weaned Luke and felt all of the emotions that come with that chapter closing.  Audrey finished school a week before the "big kids" and I tried not to panic about the vastness of summer that stretched before us.  We cleaned out the spare bedroom and turned it into a craft/hobby room.  David was ecstatic to get his guitars back out and have a little real estate in his own home again.  We hosted a cookout for some friends from high school/college and loved seeing them and all of our chaotic kids we've added to the mix.  At the end of the month, David turned 32 and we took a glorious night away in Dahlonega while the kids stayed with his parents.  We shopped, saw a movie for the first time in almost two years ("The Great Gatsby"), ate delicious uninterrupted meals, slept 9 consecutive hours, hiked in the North Georgia mountains, and took a nap on a dock.  It was fantastic.

June was my big girl's 4th birthday, and we tea-partied our hearts out.  She dressed up in a pretty blue and white floral print sleeveless dress with fancy ruffle socks and white patent-leather mary janes.  Of course she added a boa, gloves, and a hat from her "accessorizing corner" we set up and then made a jeweled bracelet with her friends.  There were petit fors, finger sandwiches, chips, and fruit kabobs for the kids and chicken salad croissants, fruit, chips, and Italian pasta salad for the adults.  She sat tall in a pretty white wooden chair and opened gift after gift.  Afterwards, we let the kids take turns swinging at the pinata Audrey requested (I managed to find a teapot one!) and finally, after multiple unsuccessful attempts, let David break it open.  Then we chowed down on the gorgeous teapot cake my sister-in-law Jenny made.  The little guests left with a Fancy Nancy Tea for Two book and chocolate pretzel stick and the grown-ups got a teacup, saucer, bag of tea, and honey stirring spoon.  It was a blast to put on and Audrey loved every minute of it.  In June I also ran my first solo 5K and came in first in my age group...who cares that there were probably only 150 people in the whole race?!  We painted the dining room, removed the hideous basement mirrors and painted the main room down there, and did some major pruning and trimming in the yard.  Audrey started a six-week ballet class with several friends through the parks and rec department and also took a week of swim lessons at our neighborhood pool.  Of course one of the best moments of the year so far happened on the 7th, when 15.5 month old Luke finally decided to take his first steps.  Oh my mother's heart was so thrilled!  To keep up with those two, I joined a gym for the first time since 2008.  I figured after spending four of the last five years pregnant or nursing, it was time to take my body back.  Or at least salvage what I could.  We topped it off with a case of 5th's Disease right after Audrey's party and an ear infection somewhere in there for both of them.  

So that has been a very brief summary of our lives over the past seven months.  While rereading and proofing it, I realize several things 1) we've been sick a lot 2) we've had a ton going on and stay very busy, BUT 3) we've also been doing some really cool things and making great memories.  I love our new house.  It's really starting to feel more like home.  And the people in it?  Well, I wouldn't trade them for the world.  

Hope you'll come back soon for what I plan on being much more frequent updates.  In the meantime, check out the Picasa links below.  Yes, I updated the gallery too.  You're welcome.  :)

May 2013:  https://picasaweb.google.com/112482511844513189984/May2013?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCObshaTRn8ucag&feat=directlink

Audrey's 4th Birthday and Tea Party: https://picasaweb.google.com/112482511844513189984/AudreyS4thBirthdayAndTeaParty?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKTBoMPsyMfo1wE&feat=directlink

June 2013:  https://picasaweb.google.com/112482511844513189984/June2013?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCO6L2Z3Y-8DFKg&feat=directlink

Happy 6 Months, Baby Boy!

Today is Luke's 6 month "birthday".  How on earth is he already six months old?  I am thrilled that he's growing like a weed and doing so well, but part of me is also really, really sad because I know he's my last baby and it's gone/going by so quickly.  

Here's a little peek at what our big boy is into these days:

• He started rice cereal at four months and then this past weekend we began feeding him baby food.  His first was sweet potatoes and then he had peas.  He likes them both and didn't even make a face at the taste of the peas!

• He is sitting up on his own, but still props on his belly a good bit when he does.  

• He can roll over both ways, but hardly ever does (as in, I think he's done it a grand total of about 5 times.)  I'm a little concerned about this and will bring it up at his next check-up in few weeks, but I think he's honestly just content to lay on his back or tummy or to sit up.

• His hand coordination is getting really good.  And, as is the standard for babies his age, what goes into his hands immediately goes into his mouth.  We have frequent talks with Audrey about things we need to make sure are out of his reach!

• He is an incredibly content baby.  Of course he fusses when he's tired or wants to be held, but 99% of the time, he'll stop as soon as I pick up him.  He rarely ever cries if he's in my arms and just loves sitting there taking the world in.

• He is still on his reflux medicine, but it seems the past week or so the spit-up has finally started to decrease.  We may try to wean him off of it after this round and see if he's finally outgrowing it now that we've started solid foods.

• No teeth yet, but I can tell he's working on them!  Lots of drool and gumming things.  

• He still loves his pacifier.  I try to put him down without it at night, but at some point (usually at several points) he wakes up and I have to go pop it in his mouth.  Not sure how to fix this issues. I guess the solution would be letting him cry it out until he can learn to either find it himself or use his thumb.  Right now I'm just not willing to do that for fear of him waking Audrey, so for the time being, I get up between 1 and 4 times a night just to reinsert a paci and then once to feed him.  

• He loves peek-a-boo and being tickled, both of which produce the most adorable giggles and grin you've ever heard and seen.  

• He wears size 4 diapers and is in 9 - 12 month clothes.  I haven't weighed him lately, but I think he has to be at least 20lbs by now and will be moving into a bigger car sear in the very near future!

• He adores his sister and the feeling is mutual.  It melts me to watch her love on him or see him grin at her.  I pray they have a wonderful relationship as they grow up together!  

And here's a look at his schedule these days:

Sometimes between 4:00am - 5:00am - Wakes to eat and goes back to sleep

Sometime between 6:45am - 7:15am - Wakes and nurses

7:45am - has 3 tablespoons of rice cereal mixed w/ breastmilk (soon to be mixed with fruit)

8:30am - 9:15am -I shower while he's in his bouncy seat, then playtime.  We usually read and/or he plays in the exersaucer

9:15am - 10:30am - Morning nap.  I finish getting myself and Audrey dressed, do laundry, and get the house ready in case of a showing.

10:30am - Nurses and I get him dressed

11:00am - 1:00pm - Play date or errands, us girls eat lunch

1:00pm - Nurses while Audrey plays

1:30 - 3:30 - Afternoon naps for both kids. (AJ goes down around 1:45 or 2 until 3:30)

3:30 - Nurses while Audrey eats a snack and I read to her

4:00 - 6:00 - play time, errands, chores, cook dinner, etc.

6:00 - Nurses, then eats a veggie and 3 tablespoons of rice cereal.  Dinner for all of us around 6:30

7:00 - 8:00 - play time, bath time.

8:15 - family bedtime story, devotion, and prayers.  Nurses then goes down for the night.

So that's Little Man's schedule these days.  Of course, it varies and we're flexible (waaaay more so than we were with AJ!)  At least two days a week, we head out around 9:30 to meet for a play date somewhere and he naps for 20-30 minutes in the car then. And occasionally he'll catnap here and there, especially if we're at home around 5:30.  He enjoys a good 15-20 minute pre-dinner snooze in my arms and frankly, I love it too.  I plan on dropping a nursing session in the next week or two and restructuring his eating times a bit, but just haven't had the time or patience to mix up anything in our world right now!

I love seeing his laid-back, sweet-as-pie personality develop.  He gets dragged around by two strong-willed females all day and just goes with the flow.  Guess he thinks we're worth putting up with, just like his Daddy does.  It'll only be by the grace of God if I don't make this kid a complete Mama's boy.  :)

Happy 6 months, Lukey.  We love you!