When In Doubt, Add More Salt

Preschool Swimming Lessons - What Matters Most

2016-05-16T14:23:00.003-05:00

It's that time of year again where parents of preschoolers everywhere are writing "schedule swim lessons" into their daily planners and hoping to instill some water confidence and safety before summer hits with its endless heat wave beckoning us to run (walk, please!) to the pool to cool off.

I've got big pool plans this summer. I mean, we can handle one safety break to the next, eat some snacks, and head back for naps, right? Easy.

That being said, I know the importance of safety. I also want much more for our kids: a confidence being in the water, a love of being in the water. Swimming lessons is the most logical place to start for making all those wishes a reality.

John recently started at SafeSplash Swim School with Ms. Thania. In the midst of hustling here and there with end-of-school activities, it's really nice to drive 10 minutes to their location inside LA Fitness. There are locations all across the country, so be sure to check the website for a convenient location for you. Besides being convenient, these lessons are wallet-friendly, an important factor when considering there are two other boys needing lessons and activities of their own.

I wasn't nervous about John's enthusiasm (or lack thereof); all three boys have been water lovers. I was nervous, however, about how he would do in a setting that's not mommy-and-me. He's been my sidekick, and our only times apart have been with babysitters or family. I'm not going to lie. There were tears, but they lasted mere minutes and never returned. I credit this to his coach and appreciate how her guiding during these early years will cultivate water confidence.

Ms. Thania helped him with a sense of firmness, nurturing, and encouragement. After that first class, John told everyone, "My teacher helped me." Since then he's been invested in swim class. Although going under still isn't his favorite, he does not have an overarching sense of dread about it and seems to know that Ms. Thania will challenge him gently and always catch him. Literally. These are the years of "let them be little." I think swim class should do just that.

And because they are little, there are always fun games and toys that he enjoys. From getting to squirt his teacher with water after completing tasks to using the kick board to swim around and rescue floating toys to playing Simon Says, these tricks of the trade from SafeSplash are making lessons approachable and fun. That's what being in the pool is all about--fun!

While they are having a great time, however, water safety skills are being taught and reinforced throughout the lesson. I have watched John learn how to safely enter and exit the pool (including calling out to a specific grown-up when wanting to jump in), grip the wall and use his hands to "walk" around, and continue to work on breathing techniques. We are in our second month of lessons, and there's been variety of activity, yet consistency in practicing these skills, as well as beginning stroke/kick techniques. John's favorite is the kick board which he'll proudly tell you he does "all by himself" and looks forward to each class. Ms. Thania is fostering swimming as something that he's proud of and enjoys!

I also appreciate the mom learning factor. Ms. Thania has been free after class to answer any questions -- perhaps how far to push him when we practice on our own, or what's the best method for helping him get comfortable on his back. And in class I'm right there to see and hear teaching techniques to duplicate at home practice.

Summer is around the corner, and we are ready! John is not swimming solo, and that's ok! He's learning, and SafeSplash has been a great first step in swimming confidence, trust, water safety awareness, and fun!

Although this post is sponsored, all opinions are my own. SafeSplash Swim School is providing a month's swim lessons in exchange for blog posts. Be sure to check them out for swimming needs!

Registration Complete

2015-04-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

I waited nervously as kids shuffled in at the last minute that Monday morning. I had the first appointment, little eager beaver that I can be sometimes. And this whole registration business wasn't just new to me this year. The entire district changed its registration process, so the school had a few loose ends to tie up as well. Mostly, I just wanted to make sure I did my part. Surely the pile of documents I gathered contained everything we needed to start the next chapter of our first born son's book. I'll admit it; I'm not the type who has to come back. It wasn't going to happen. Not on my watch!

The bell rang, a kind face appeared on the television announcements, and then a group of sweet kids led the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas pledge. I surely stood out as I kept my hand over my heart for the latter. I'm pretty sure I was supposed to raise my right hand. Details.

Soon enough the principal's assistant was rolling through her checklist and flipping through my paperwork. I was given more to fill out. The nurse needed this information, the state that information, and the principal and teachers -- well, they needed this handy little questionnaire, a bit of a tell us about your child.

So I got to thinking about strengths and weaknesses. And then there were his hobbies and "anything else you want us to know." These simple questions lit a tiny fire of panic in my heart. There weren't that many lines. Don't they know I need a larger word count?

But if I don't spell it out, will they know? Will they see that he's funny and kind (maybe not so much to his brother) and smart and creative and all the good stuff? Surely I need to explain his needs (read :: weaknesses) instead of just listing these ways in which he's just still growing and maturing? If I tell the truth, will they think we aren't so much cut out for this parenting business?

Is running a hobby? The kid does like to run.

And yet, I can't be "that mom."

And I wasn't. I listed his big qualities in each section, called it a day. And it felt right. We finished up the paperwork and checked off this box and that one, said our goodbyes, and I walked back home to high five my future kindergartener!

I'm pretty sure my peace on that walk was visible. Maybe I had a goofy grin on my face. I certainly felt one in my heart. All those strengths and weaknesses -- they are his. They aren't mine. This is his journey after all. He's going to make his way.

And, while we daily do our best as parents to guide him, he's in bigger hands. The same Father that created me and carries me is his Father. The same Father that knows the plans for my heart is his Father with the plans for his heart.

And I can't wait to see where He leads him.

Be sure to stop by Houston Moms Blog today to enter to win a fantastic kindergarten prep series. And there's a coupon code too!

Where We Take Our Mardi Gras Seriously

2015-04-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Not every Mardi Gras parade happens on the streets of South Louisiana. As it turns out, the sidewalks of a preschool on a chilly Tuesday will do just fine.

And on years that we don't make it one state over, I'm grateful for Texas carnival fun where little parade-goers can learn the art of waving arms and catching beads.

And kids that learn the art of a well-decorated float.

I'm thankful to be from a land where "Baby's 1st Parade" should be part of the baby book.

I'm grateful for the ways in which little cowboys learn to save a special bead for their Momma.

The Moment : There is No Braverman Guarantee

2015-04-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

We all watched it. And cried in some form or fashion. Perhaps it was a constant trickle throughout Parenthood's final episode. Maybe an ugly cry at the moment. You know the one. That moment might have been different for all of us.

I couldn't help but project my own life into the hit NBC show as the series finale flashed on the screen. It's a little fuzzy, but I see our adult children frequently hanging out at their childhood home, around the kitchen, helping Dad outside with some project or another, or stopping by for dinner chosen from our growing collection of perfected Tex-Mex plates. We'll watch the grandkids while our own children sneak away for a much-needed night out. We will be their first stop with news, good and bad and in between.

Maybe this house is the one, maybe another. But the walls don't matter. Our boys know they can be themselves and be loved for that within them. They will return with little ones of their own who know our love deeply. They will come by so often that they all have places at the table and argue over claimed spots on the couch.

And we watch them grow. And grow. And grow. We might have a great-grandchild or two. They will all be there when we renew our vows at the church where we married in Hometown, LA. And they will hold us and carry us when we make the hard choices much like we carried them. They will remember us fondly when it's our time, each of their cheeks wet with tears, yes, and each with hearts swollen with memories. Memories of us as a couple, us as a family, each of us as individuals.

There will be that time that dinner was popcorn and ice cream. Or maybe that no one left the table until a few bites of veggies made their way into little bellies.
And they will remember weekend haircuts with Daddy and after school Icee stops with Momma. They will feel the hugs we doled out after winning a close game against team rivals or nailing a band concert or trying their best on an algebra test but coming up a little short.

We will have had the words they needed to get through each day and through each season. They might recall some of them. Most importantly, "I love you. I'm proud of you." They were said so often that the words themselves are a part of their being, woven into their bones.

And yet, there's no guarantee that we are the first to go. There's no Braverman guarantee. All we are guaranteed is the moment in which we are currently find ourselves, and in 2015, I'm gifting myself with an awareness of "the moment." These are the words guiding my days. I'm trying to be present in each one and alert to what it's offering. Some offer lessons, others joy. Still others give peace, rest, validation, courage, invitation.

The big moments show themselves proudly and aren't to be discounted. We know those. But my goal is to live the small moments between these grander times with a bit more intention, more gratitude, more pauses to see the beauty of it all.

I want to accept these moments into my heart, but also capture them. I want to experience them again through the lenses of photography or journaling. I selfishly want to hang onto them and let them linger for a bit before moving on to the next.

As 2015 inches its way closer to the halfway mark, moments are making their marks, and while I can't grab them all, I plan to soak in all that I can.

Blank page

2014-11-09T21:12:00.002-06:00

Would anyone notice if I skip November 5?

There aren't any notes. Help! What I do know is that W and I had grits for breakfast after our stomach bug, and man, I do love some grits. So yes, today, I'm thankful for grits.

And the sillies. Oh the sillies!

"Squeeeeeeze!" he says!

November 4 -- Tough Times

2014-11-09T21:02:00.001-06:00

My W and I had a stomach bug. There wasn't much thanks and even less jotting down of notes. But a certain husband saved the day. I'm grateful for his employment circumstances, his patience, and for seamlessly caring for our family when its starting QB was down.

Settling In -- November 3

2014-11-09T20:44:00.001-06:00

At this rate I might just finish this by Christmas. Details...

Apparently I wrote down that I was thankful for a 5 am wake-up call. Looking back, no clue. I guess it was good?

As parents, J and I have been getting some extra third child snuggle time. He sure does love a nap being held. This is most likely the last time we get to do the baby thing. Dear God, let me remember daily to enjoy it.

A pair of Spiderman shoes inspired a friend's poignant post, and I took the cue to look around my own space and be grateful for what brings me peace. This month is hectic so far. We've faced a few challenged, and a five-month-old third baby is proving a bit more challenging than a newborn third baby. Thank you, Captain Teething.

But my heart tells me to choose gratitude, and I'm thankful for that tug.

November 2 -- Going So Fast

2014-11-05T21:11:00.001-06:00

We did a bit of catching up on Parenthood, and sometimes it's the words of a television character that hand you the lenses with which you should be viewing life.

Today I'm thankful for Zeek Braverman. "It just goes by so fast."

Called To Give Thanks -- November 1

2014-11-03T21:34:00.002-06:00

While I'm not sure who reads this neglected little blog anymore or exactly sure how much longer I will be posting, I do know I want to use it as a space during this season of the year and season in my life to keep me accountable in fostering a grateful spirit within. It's the change in perspective I've been craving.

I'm just a few days late, but the "Notes" app has proven a trusty companion in recording my thoughts in a pinch.

Saturday afternoon snuggles met park weather. I spent the day with the two littles while the biggest fellow went to the air show. We didn't have much adventure to the day. There were still tears to be cried, bottles to be washed, and bottoms to be cleaned, but inside, the whisper to change my attitude became louder. And I don't want to ignore it.

I don't have to; I get to. And for that I am so grateful.

Happy Halloween!

2014-10-31T09:40:00.003-05:00

It's been quite the blog hiatus! Nothing like bringing it back with this gem!

W on Wednesday

2014-07-30T13:44:00.002-05:00

Scene : The boys' bedroom about 8:15. J was already asleep, and Momma laid with W for a bit. The following whispers ensued.

W : Maybe we can play Paw Patrol tomorrow. I will be Chase. John will be Rocky. You can be Sky. And Abram will be Rubble.

M : Ok. Sounds good.

And then it gets deep. Turns out our family has one girl and Paw Patrol has one girl.

W : Why do you think our family just has one girl.

M : Because that's how God made us.

W: Why does Paw Patrol just have one girl?

M : Hmmmm. I'm not sure. Why do you think?

W: Because that's how God made them.

And they wouldn't have anyone to make their food. And fly.

Apologies, future daughter-in-law. I'm working on it. This guy makes a mean pizza, and I just taught him my guacamole recipe. We are getting there.

Our New Normal

2014-07-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

Normal means up early feeding the littlest tyke and remaining up as one after another opens their sleepy little eyes to take on another day.

Normal means that life gets a bit mechanical: feed this mouth, diaper that bottom, feed another mouth, sit down to play a game, wait...diaper another bottom, convince someone to return to game after interest lost, repeat until lunch and nap time.

Normal means deep breaths, patience lost, hugs all around, and focus on what went well each day.

Normal means what it always has: embrace, do, make, create, and go.

As we agree to a play date here or a birthday there, I figuratively "huddle up" and tell myself that no matter if we all end up crying at some point, we are showing up.

And today, we showed up.

We met friends at an indoor playground, and I am sure I had a wide-eyed "help me" face the entire time while aging years as seconds rolled by. But we showed up. And the kids had a blast. (And just a small shout-out to the mother who allowed her toddler to grab and put his germy mouth on A's precious bottle of pumped milk while I grabbed John--watch your kid, dang it!) But back to that showed up bit...

Thank you "big" boys for playing together while we waited for our friends. Thank you for eating when it was time to eat. Thank you for waiting patiently for a sub-par hot dog that took 15 minutes to come out to the table. Thank you for not throwing a fit. About anything. At any point. We just might venture out again. :)

Thank you for your confidence, W, while running around with friends old and new. Thank you, J, for finding my eyes and smiling proudly at me after you scaled the toddler zone and found the bubble. You both me me prouder than you will ever know.

And you, sweet A, thank you for patience with your bottle. A Ninja Turtle bandaid was needed at some point. Thank you for sleeping peacefully through perhaps the most crowded and chaotic visit we have had there yet. Thank you for no explosive diaper and for handling a nursing session with ease as we stayed longer than planned, had only a toddler germ-infested partial bottle left, and sat at a crowded table while I held one arm out for your brother to down my strawberry-banana smoothie. You are pretty much the sweetest thing.

Normal means we won't have such an excursion every day. Not even every week. But normal means when we do, we are going to show up.

We Believe(d) That We Will Win!

2014-07-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

World Cup 2014 will be one I will always remember. It's much like the one four years ago when we watched games while very pregnant with W and drinking Icees with reckless abandon. Perhaps this tournament, if Abram had been born later, we just might have named him Jurgen. Ok, not really. His name had been chosen for a while now.

My mom made the boys matching shirts; we watched the hype videos. We were ready. By the time the games began, John had his own version of the "I Believe" chant and didn't hesitate to bust out his go-to dance bounce and sing it whenever he saw an American flag. 'Atta boy!

We had pizza picnics in front of the t.v. and mini M&Ms shakers to cheer our team on and eat when we needed a distraction. We took out toys that were in hiding so Momma could watch the afternoon games.

We believed our lucky shirts were helping our boys to victory. We pretended Dempsey was Superman and Howard was the Hulk.

We planted a seed (for future soccer players perhaps). We believed.
And while the team had some success and some heartbreak, our hearts filled with pride watching our guys hang with the world's best one memorable summer.

Handful of Sweet and A Heart Full of Love

2014-07-18T07:50:00.002-05:00

It's no secret that preschoolers feel things in a bit way. The good news is that this applies to their compassion as well.

We've instituted TAKOS Tuesday over here, and after finding a Ninja Turtle tattoo in a particular brand, bought it again in hopes to get another character. W hopped around with excitement as I prepared dinner and grabbed his little piece of happiness. Indeed, it was Donatello. Hooray!

I took it out of the packaging, grabbed a towel, and we counted to thirty together as I pressed it on his forearm.

Turns out, I didn't take that plastic strip off the back. Donatello was plastered firmly on it instead of my sweet boy's arm. We didn't have back-up.

After I promised we would grab another one next time at the store and applied a Cars tattoo we had lying around, I apologized again and told him I felt really bad.

W looked at me straight in the eye and said, "Do you need a hug?"

Yes. Why yes I did. I hope he always knows that such small tokens of kindness go so far.

(Photo courtesy of Momma's Gonna Snap Photography)

New Look (In More Ways Than One!)

2014-07-14T06:30:00.000-05:00

J apparently played around with my little space here yesterday while I was out running errands and all three, yes all three, slept practically the entire time I was out. He has such hard parenting duties sometimes! But hey, the guy used his time wisely and gave When In Doubt a bit of a facelift. I like it. I just better start taking some amazing pictures as they are front and center.

What better way to start than showcase our CMC (again, but hey he's cute) in his new threads from The Little Crane. Poor guy lives in hand-me-downs, and because of the way the birthdays fell, a lot of the cutest outfits didn't seasonally work out for him. When I caught hold of some Friday sales through their Facebook page, I couldn't resist a new purchase for my sweet boy. We headed out Saturday morning to feed the turtles and snap a few pics.

I'd say he wears it well!

He's just one super cool kid. I told myself I would choose one or two pictures to post, but I love his personality. He's definitely one to just eat up!

We don't always have impromptu photo shoots, but when we do, we sport brightly colored imitation Crocs and a leftover Lightning McQueen knee tat. Details.

I'm hosting a trunk show on Instagram today, featuring some back to school items from TLC. Come follow along and also be sure to check out The Little Crane on Facebook!

Friday Five - My Week in Five Pictures

2014-07-11T06:30:00.000-05:00

It's been a doozy around here.

1.

We ended last week and started this week with a much needed date night. My parents were in town, and J and I finally tried a restaurant we've had our eyes (and tastebuds) on for a while. The food was delicious and I treated myself to a bit of wine and a meal containing dairy. And do note, J did not bring the iPad; he's simply checking out their wine menu. God must have known I needed the emotional fuel for the week to come.

2.

We checked out Lots of Dots from the library and explored painting outside one afternoon. This moment lasted seconds before John was looking to get into the garage and W decided he was bored.

3.

Abram had a check-up on Monday, and W had his four year check-up on Wednesday. I go to the dr. today. Not a fan. But how awesome is this one's waiting room selfie. I'd say he nailed it.

4.

(I can't believe I'm putting this pitiful photo of myself out there!). And then...we were back in the doctor's office on Thursday. Little guy started with a fever on Tuesday, and we confirmed an ear infection after two sleepless nights.

5.

Our newest member must be growing. Kiddo is eating up a storm and enjoying hanging out in the morning with his brothers.

Yea...6 photos. I know. J loves saying "hey" to Abram when he's hanging out. I can't imagine anything so cute giving me such gray hairs. "Don't press the baby's eye!"

Here's to the weekend, my Friends! Come back Monday for a fun sale from The Little Crane!

Introducing The CMC

2014-07-07T14:41:00.002-05:00

A's pediatrician at the hospital walked in when my mom was visiting with the big boys and took one glance at John climbing chairs and staring excitedly at all of the monitor buttons just itching to be pushed. His words were "and this is the confident one." Hence his new nickname - CMC or Confident Middle Child.

That's our John. Confident. Courageous. And oh so Curious.

He can't help but draw attention wherever we go with his blue eyes, healthy cheeks, and inviting smile.

Lover of remote controls, television panel buttons, and climbing, he won't hesitate to pull down what he wants off counters and out of drawers. He's earned his Instagram hashtag "daredeviljp." (His middle name isn't Paul.)

He will wave hi and tell you bye, and I've never seen a kid with such a love to be tickled.

He laughs with his whole soul, and we love him so.

Friday Five : My Week in Five Images

2014-07-04T06:30:00.000-05:00

And we're back! I'm not sure for how long or in what capacity. Lots of thoughts rolling in my head about where this little corner of the blog arena might be headed. I don't have bit plans for growing it; in fact, it might become a private family space, but in the meantime, I'm hoping to play a bit of catch-up while noting what our lives are like these days.

We go through stain remover like crazy these days. The worst offender uses his sleeves instead of napkins.

2.

The road goes on forever, and the laundry never ends. My go to strategy is to wash loads upon loads at a time and fold at night while catching up on an unexciting season of The Bachelorette.

3.

Cabinet locks all day thanks to the Confident Middle Child!

4.

Toys are part of the decor. I don't mind these reminders of who our family has become.

5.

Lots of library books. We are reading through a different theme each week, and I love that I can reserve books online and make a quick trip to pick them up instead of scouring the shelves with three in tow.

Good days, bad days, we are knee deep in this family's ocean. A non-napping is currently wailing for my attention after waking from an early nap. God has surely rained down blessings, and I am thankful for the umbrella and boots He's provided in the form of an amazing husband and father to walk by my side through this and the friends who lift us up through prayer, meals, and snoball dates!

In An Instant

2014-04-03T12:30:00.000-05:00

And just like that, he's a little boy!

Trying "death-defying" stunts on anything he can climb:

Driving vehicles straight into the dirt:

And noticing everything that flies in the sky, from birds to airplanes to leaves falling from trees:

You are going to be a great big brother, kiddo!

Making A Plan

2014-02-11T07:00:00.000-06:00

This weekend I posted on Houston Moms Blog about just how overwhelming the pace of motherhood can be. In searching for ways to grow on the journey, I identified one way to escape the downward moody spiral in which I sometimes find myself: Make A Plan.

A large part of my happiness as a mom depends on the smiles on the faces of two, soon to be three, little boys. And maybe it's not just smiles. I need to feel that they are experiencing life, making memories, learning, growing together, and feeling loved. I am guilty of putting too much pressure on myself to mold a world where this is always possible, and I'm learning to let that go.

But I do believe that it's part of our jobs as parents, and I love being able to rise to that occasion.

When the temperatures finally crept out of the 40s last week, The Sheriff and I introduced John to what we've named "The Little Park," and W was so proud to show his little brother the ropes.

It was still pretty windy, so we didn't stay long, but the time spent that day felt right, and although my body was tired, and the little guy requires a great deal of supervision on the playground, I felt like I gave myself to these boys of mine, and moments like these fulfill me.

I'm not sure I will get a picture of both of them looking at me and not moving in the next few years, but they sure do love each other.

And this little guy...

We need to get to walking STAT because he is itching to catch up to that big brother of his.

These are the moments that make life sweet, and they aren't always organic. When I can't run the parenting race anymore, it's taking time for these memories that refreshes my soul.

Valentine's Craft in An Envelope

2014-02-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

I can't totally claim the idea; in fact, it's one I jotted down a drawing and reminder after flipping through an Oriental Trading catalog. Finding crafts from the catalog that I can make out of materials we already have is like searching Pinterest in a way.

When I came across the Valentine's crowns, I immediately pictured my Godchild dancing around in one. Combine that with my love of sending little bits of mail here and there to friends and family, and our Valentine's Craft in An Envelope was born.

I couldn't leave out her siblings, of course, so after a bit more catalog searching, I put together these materials from our craft stash, grabbed and extra Christmas card envelope, and persuaded my husband to run by the post office on his lunch break to grab the right postage.

Materials:

Colored card stock or construction paper
Ribbon (Dollar Tree)
Heart stickers or cutouts (Dollar Tree)
Written instructions (not pictured)
Scissors (I used pattern edged)

Directions:

Cut out long strips of paper to form base of crown.
Cut out large paper heart to glue on front of crown.
Cut out a necktie shape from another piece of paper.
Gather stickers (or cut out heart shapes to glue on crown/tie.
Place pieces in an envelope and mail to your favorite little Valentines.

This couldn't be any easier. We had leftover ribbon from our Hugs for Soldiers Valentine's Day crafting play date, and I included a strip to wrap around for the necktie. I wrote a quick note passing on our love, of course, but also giving simple directions for the kids to assemble their crafts.

I can't wait to see pics of all three kiddos in their accessories, and I hope this quick piece of mail offers afternoon smiles from the mailbox and a few moments of family crafting that my sweet friend did not have to prepare!

It's only Monday! You've got plenty of time to send a crafting package to some sweet littles you love!

The Eleventh Hour

2014-02-06T12:06:00.002-06:00

Daddy: Because you know what happens in the twelfth hour?
Momma: What?
Daddy: I don't know.

Yes, so we don't quite know the exact tract as you cruise your way to ONE, but we are so blessed to be on the journey. Two more molars are making their way in, so there's that. You are also getting closer to walking, and we know when you are ready you will surprise us with more than just a few steps here and there.

I knew it would be difficult to get posed pictures of you in your month tie, but I managed a couple where you are still enough to be blur-free.

And then I had a wonderful morning behind the lens watching you just be.

You, Sweet Pea, love to make a mess. Whether pulling everything out of the kid-safe cabinet in the kitchen or emptying baskets of toys in the front room, you are all about dumping. I guess we should start working on putting things "in" when we play.

I'm sorry we have been stuck inside so much these last few weeks. You love being outside and make a dash for the door if open.

W and I have been singing, "How old is John? ONE!" to you are the table, and I'm fairly certain we can get you holding up one finger by your birthday. You are partial to Wyatt's version, though. Understandable.

He's your big brother who is teaching you all about aviation, after all, and you sure do love it! You love to "fly" any planes and helicopters that he will allow you to play with by holding them up in the air with a grin.

Momma loves watching you study their parts, much like Wyatt does actually. It's interesting to watch the fascination you two share with the moving parts.

The lovable Dusty Crophopper is your favorite, and Momma tries to sneak extra time for you to play with him when your brother is at school.

You two are going to have so much fun in the months to come!

Bananas and HEB whole wheat tortillas are probably your favorite foods, with grilled fish and zucchini/carrot muffins following as a close second.

We have introduced some dairy, and you see to be doing ok. Let's hope our transition to milk goes smoothly in the next month.

I am so thankful for your sweetness, Little One. You remind me to slow down.

I am thankful for the adventure in your eyes. You, John Man, are pretty fearless.

You are precious.

You are perfect.

You are a shining gift from above, and this family is beyond blessed to call you ours.

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, TEN

2014-01-30T20:32:00.003-06:00

John-Man!

How is time passing so fast?!? In less than a month you will one, my boy, ONE!

I didn't pick the best day (or time of day rather) to skip big brother's afternoon nap and bring him outside to help with some picture taking. You two are really fun to watch together and no one, not even Daddy, makes you giggle the way he does. It's not all giggle, all the time, though. The toy stealing and knocking down bit shows me that you two will be brothers indeed.

He did a great job though. I love when I asked him to "make John laugh." He knows that making silly noises in your face does the trick, but it didn't help so much to take some solo pictures.

You do love him for sure, and you love what he loves: things in motion, and particularly, things that fly!

It's fun living near an airport. You, Little Radar, know the sound of an approaching aircraft and look around the skies until you spot it. And those flying machines make you so very happy. I'm certain you try to say airplane but it often comes out like "Duh" because we've caught you trying to say Dusty here and there after growing quite attached to the lovable Dusty Crophopper.

Month 10 has brought lots of fun around here. You pull up on everything and stand by yourself for quite some time before deciding that crawling is more your style.

You will take a few lunging steps, but we are still waiting for those legs of yours to gain some confidence and take off. It's so much fun, and you will love chasing after your brother, I promise. So let's get to walking!

You say "Mama" mostly when crying, ok, only when crying but I will take it. Along with perfecting "So Big!" and clapping to your favorite song "If You are Happy and You Know It," you love to wave "Hi" and your favorite person to wave to is definitely Daddy. You make the best fake-sounding laugh when he's around especially after work. It's hilarious to watch you get his attention this way.

You are still curious as can be and do not mind crawling off into other rooms to explore according to your own agenda. I pray that I can always keep track of you, little one, and I pray this confidence and sense of wonder opens many wonderful doors in your future.

You cut a bottom molar this month and didn't really enjoy the process. None of us did, but hey, one down, seven more to go! You are trying your hand at different table foods, but are holding fast to baby food.

We love you John Man! I am looking forward to this Spring where we will spend hours outside. Maybe you will even be doing some walking! God Bless You!

Not Yet Letting It Go

2014-01-15T23:12:00.001-06:00

Sweet Sheriff,

I wasn't quite ready to let the day go as I tucked you into bed tonight, but then again, I was. You certainly were. After waking almost an hour earlier than usual, having hardly wasted a minute of the day, and not napping, you were spent. I knew a meltdown was coming when you longingly mentioned it almost being bedtime at dinner. You are one, though, to not let go until required to by us or sheer exhaustion, and usually the former comes first. I couldn't even get through a review of our day as you lay beneath your Dusty blanket before you were quietly said, "Goodnight, Momma."

Today, Son, inspired me. Yes, it also completely exhausted me, but today lifted my spirits and gave me a beautiful vision of a future filled with more memory making with you. There will be days where it's your brother that I race in the backyard with while you are at school and even special moments with your new little brother or sister while you older ones do "big kid" things. But today, well, it was your day.

So it's late. I should be sleeping, but I'm jotting down these memories because tomorrow will be a different day, and whether good or bad, it won't be today. And I kind of loved today.

In the 9th Month of Babyhood, My Boy Gave to Me...

2014-01-03T20:46:00.004-06:00

A Glimpse into His Personality!

Ok, so we've been listening to one too many Christmas carols around here. You turned 9 months at the end of November, and after a quick trip to LA to celebrate with our family, it's been full-on Advent mode around here, complete with much colder temperatures and Christmas crafting. I've had to do laundry more often as you and your brother just don't have that many flannel jammies!

It's been pretty dreary and without much natural light coming inside. I wish I had tried to take these pictures again, but somehow you managed to destroy the sticker again.

You've been pulling up and just starting to cruise along furniture, and your favorite spot is surely the train table. This keeps W and I on our toes, and we can no longer hide dangerous toys up there, and of course, his toys are much more exciting than yours. You are a curious little fellow and want to get into everything. I have caught you more than once on a shelf trying to see where it might lead.

You "sing" in the car, and The Muppets' "Twelve Days of Christmas" seems to be a hit. In fact, I've calmed you down with melody on a few night wakings.

You've mastered "so big!" and W thinks it's so cool that you've got a trick now. You show off mostly in the high chair where your favorite baby foods are green beans and bananas. You also seem to like the meats, big boy. You aren't quite a fan of table food just yet but are enjoying sampling the various puffs out there.

When I try to teach you baby sign language, you look at me like I'm nuts. On the other hand, you are also a master of turning off the light in your room when we walk out.

Keep smiling and shining, sweet John Man!