No, I'm not training for a marathon or something of the sort. I wish I was, but I'm not. I am however doing something of equal or greater importance in that of training Cillian.
It is not easy being a mother of a tiny tot sometimes. The consistency required of me to train Cillian can be exhausting at times, but in the end it is always rewarding, I'm discovering.
I decided to write this post to share some of Cillian's recent behavior which I've been very happy with, resulting in the last few weeks of what I'll call tot training. My philosophy on childrearing is constantly evolving and refining, the more I read, the more I observe, the more I learn. I think children are such fascinating little creatures - resilient, bright, inquisitive, naturally affectionate, fun-loving. But without proper guiding and training, these sweet little people can so easily grow up to become monsters - unbridled, selfish, and therefore, in most cases that I've heard of or seen, unhappy.
Some basics of my ideas of training and disciplining - going hand-in-hand - are that consistency is fundamentally key. Also, one should not discipline without having trained first. My understanding of training is that it is teaching what kind of behavior is expected of the child; discipline is teaching a consequence for disobeying the understood training. For example, if a child runs through the house screaming because they are being chased and they know they will be tickled if caught, that is simply a kid reacting like a kid. Enter training. Eventually that screaming is going to get on someone's nerves or wake up a sleeping sibling. Whatever the case, if one desires the screaming to stop, something has to happen. The child needs to be taught that the screaming is not tolerated before they are punished for disobeying. They have not disobeyed yet - they haven't been taught what is expected.
So, what I am doing with Cillian is training (and disciplining too). I am teaching him to obey me. In learning to obey me, he will learn what kind of behavior I expect from him. If he is disobedient, he is disciplined for what he understands. He is doing pretty well so far.
An overview of the last few months - since Jameson was born in November, I noticed that Cillian was having more trouble obeying and being his normal happy self. I had expected something like this, as the arrival of a new sibling can be expected to upturn the usual routine for the older one(s), which can result in regression. I'm pretty sure that's what happened with him, especially since, on top of learning how to handle less attention, the craziness of the busy holidays were hot on the heels of Jameson's birth. Naturally, his routine was severely disrupted with all of the late nights, the hustle and bustle of driving here and there, traveling hours at a time in the car, etc. etc. His little self couldn't take the inconsistency which resulted in random little fits of piercing screaming when we couldn't understand what he wanted or needed. It was quite frustrating.
Now, not only are we back on schedule with our normal daily routine, but he is talking more and can therefore communicate better to us. This makes training a lot easier for both parties.
The few things I've been teaching Cillian are:
* to come to me
* to stop doing something
* to keep hands to yourself/hands in your lap (this comes in handy when he's sitting with me and I'm either on the computer or have something I don't want him to touch)
* to be still (mostly during diaper changes and prayers is this one utilized)
* when I count to three, at the end of three if he doesn't obey, there will be a consequence
* during church, if I have to take him out, it means a spanking for him, not playtime
Yesterday was quite successful. He is obeying more and more every day. I know I have to keep reenforcing and being consistent. It is working before my very eyes... I have a cheerful and gradually more obedient 19-month old who is a joy to be with.
Something else I've noticed... the more I play with him and spend time being with him, the more he wants to obey. He knows that I love him and feels safe in the boundaries I create for him to protect him and to teach him how to obey. I wouldn't describe Cillian as an especially willful child, but he, like every little tot, is inquisitive enough to test the boundaries at every turn. It is the nature of a child, I believe. And I simply have to remember that he is testing those boundaries I place for him to make sure that he is safe. He is happiest when he knows he is safe. I can see that training and discipline take a vital role in ensuring that for him. And in turn, my reward in this consistent work is not being pushed to my emotional limit and exploding in anger at my child who is merely doing what he knows - he is what I create of him. If I teach him to obey, he will be obedient. If not, he will be a constant frustration to me, which is unhealthy and unfair to both of us.
Cillian truly has a dear, very happy disposition. It is my job as his mother to preserve his pure God-given spirit and weed out the sinful nature and human selfishness that can develop in him if left unattended.
Please pray for me, a young mother, as I continue learning and teaching for the benefit of my children. I am so grateful for this calling. It is such hard work, but so good and so fulfilling. Glory to God for all things and especially these children He has entrusted us with to bring up in His ways!
Have a wonderful day and thanks for reading. :)
Here's the Quote of the Day!
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." ~ Proverbs 22:6
Showing posts with label Cillian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cillian. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Friday, December 9, 2011
Out of the Mouths of Babes...
Cillian has been talking a whole lot more recently. Mostly his lingo consists of made-up gobbledegook that greatly resembles that of the Ewoks from Star Wars. Sometimes I could have sworn I've heard hints of what sounds like Korean. I've been trying to keep up with all of the new words he is learning, having begun a list in late September adding up to nearly thirty words, I believe.
But now, he is such a mimic that he is capable of repeating much, much more. He seems to be retaining some favorites though...
Here are mine.
His new one is "Peat?" (please) and I love it because it always sounds like a little question.
He calls nearly every animal a puppy. When we're at the grocery store, we like to take him to look at the fish. "What do you see, Cillian? Are those fish? Can you say fish?" "Puppyyyyy!!!!"
About forty percent of the time, when learning a new word, Cillian will come out with it backwards. So, sometimes I have to mentally reverse whatever he is saying to see if it makes any more sense to me... I have a verbally dyslexic child.
Another one of my favorites is when I'm doing laundry and he helps me out by (very usefully) opening and closing the dryer door. When the dryer is empty enough of clothes to make an echo, he'll poke his head in and shout, "Echo! Echo!!!" (which comes out sounding more like, "Ahcowww!!")
I think my absolute favorite might be the way he says "ok." It sounds like "ah-kee." After we're finished wiping him down from the mess of eating a meal, we get him down from his high chair and tell him, "Ok, go!" And he'll run away yelling, "aah-kee go! ah-kee go!!"
He's beginning to put two words together now. So, as his vocabulary expands, I'm sure we'll be seeing more conversational elements to his talking. I love this. Sometimes Caleb and I just die laughing at the things he comes up with. I wonder how much we'll be laughing when he's actually coming up with ideas of his own later on.
My mom kept note (as much as possible) of what my siblings and I said when we were little, and reading it now hardly ever gets old. I hope I'm able to do the same. I don't ever want to forget this.
We're living "the young years" and I love this time. It's difficult at times, but greatly outweighed by cuteness, laughter, and a plethora of chubby cheeks.
Here's the Quote of the Day... I really believe this one with all my heart.
"The soul is healed by being with children." ~ English Proverb
But now, he is such a mimic that he is capable of repeating much, much more. He seems to be retaining some favorites though...
Here are mine.
His new one is "Peat?" (please) and I love it because it always sounds like a little question.
He calls nearly every animal a puppy. When we're at the grocery store, we like to take him to look at the fish. "What do you see, Cillian? Are those fish? Can you say fish?" "Puppyyyyy!!!!"
About forty percent of the time, when learning a new word, Cillian will come out with it backwards. So, sometimes I have to mentally reverse whatever he is saying to see if it makes any more sense to me... I have a verbally dyslexic child.
Another one of my favorites is when I'm doing laundry and he helps me out by (very usefully) opening and closing the dryer door. When the dryer is empty enough of clothes to make an echo, he'll poke his head in and shout, "Echo! Echo!!!" (which comes out sounding more like, "Ahcowww!!")
I think my absolute favorite might be the way he says "ok." It sounds like "ah-kee." After we're finished wiping him down from the mess of eating a meal, we get him down from his high chair and tell him, "Ok, go!" And he'll run away yelling, "aah-kee go! ah-kee go!!"
He's beginning to put two words together now. So, as his vocabulary expands, I'm sure we'll be seeing more conversational elements to his talking. I love this. Sometimes Caleb and I just die laughing at the things he comes up with. I wonder how much we'll be laughing when he's actually coming up with ideas of his own later on.
My mom kept note (as much as possible) of what my siblings and I said when we were little, and reading it now hardly ever gets old. I hope I'm able to do the same. I don't ever want to forget this.
We're living "the young years" and I love this time. It's difficult at times, but greatly outweighed by cuteness, laughter, and a plethora of chubby cheeks.
Here's the Quote of the Day... I really believe this one with all my heart.
"The soul is healed by being with children." ~ English Proverb
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Two
First off, I want to apologize for my previous opinionated post, and especially if it offended anyone. I just now reread it with more of an open mind and realized I could have very easily come off as haughty or self-righteous, and I did not mean for that to happen. So, please forgive me if I have stepped on your toes in stating my opinionated views. It was unconsciously done.
On a bright note... I am relieved and happy to announce that Jameson Caleb Wilson is HERE!!! He was born, as I predicted, at a whopping 10 pounds, 3 ounces, on Wednesday, November 9th, at 4:21 in the afternoon. It has been a wonderful three weeks so far getting to know him and take care of him.
He is perfect.
The labor and delivery went very smoothly. My doctor scheduled me to go in at 6 PM Tuesday night for a Cervadel treatment (a cervix softener, which normally helps start labor). Caleb and I went to the hospital Tuesday night and found out that I had already started labor on my own (I had had some more real-feeling contractions the night before, though they were hardly regular.) My water broke on its own at 4 AM, Wednesday morning. And I labored for the next twelve hours, finishing with less than ten minutes of pushing.
So thankful not to be pregnant any more! Jamie was getting pretty uncomfortable those last couple months... now I know to really watch what I'm eating for the next one, since he was a "little" ten-pounder. They just get bigger from here on out, right??
Cillian loves his new baby brother. For a 17-month-old, he is (most of the time) surprisingly gentle toward him, which is really sweet to watch. Jamie receives many a kiss on the head and pats on the arm or back from his big brother.
So far, Jameson is a wonderful eater, a pretty good sleeper, and an overall content little guy (like his brother was as a newborn). I think it's really interesting how, with one's first baby, everyone tries to figure out which parent the baby looks more like, whereas the second is compared almost exclusively with the older sibling. I am seeing more and more of Jamie resembling Cillian, though he certainly has his own look.
Things really are pretty easy as of now, despite having another little one to care for. Caleb had nearly three weeks off this time around, which was an amazing help. My mom came back to help out for a few days when Caleb went back to work this week, and that was also much, much appreciated! So now I'm on my own. :) Tomorrow is the first day. Say a prayer for me if you think of it.
I must say, I am amazed at how quickly I'm recovering. I feel nearly back to normal already! And I suppose losing 20 pounds almost instantaneously certainly makes a difference in how I'm feeling. I tell ya... if you want to see yourself lose weight instantly, just have a ten pound baby. I love love looooooove being able to bend over again! My restless leg syndrome is gone, and I'm not nearly as breathless as I was while pregnant (so nice). I generally feel better all over as compared to my recovery with Cillian.
I'm probably getting less sleep with Jamie than with Cillian as a newborn, but then again, I don't remember too clearly just how much sleep I was getting as a first time mom. Thank goodness Cillian still sleeps in until 9 AM every morning now!
So thankful that Jamie is here now and healthy and growing. At three weeks old, he is now 11 lbs, 3 oz, exactly a pound more than he weighed at birth, which I am very happy for! Glad to know he's healthily gaining weight.
More updates soon. And pictures on facebook, I promise! Soon soon.
For now... here's the Quote of the Day. For the first time, I thought I'd make it original, since it applies...
Quote of the Day:
"Love, to me, is defined by how calm-hearted I can be during the multiple times I get up in the night to tend to this little creature who needs me to love him and keep him alive as much as I need him to teach me patience and purity of heart."
~ NCW
On a bright note... I am relieved and happy to announce that Jameson Caleb Wilson is HERE!!! He was born, as I predicted, at a whopping 10 pounds, 3 ounces, on Wednesday, November 9th, at 4:21 in the afternoon. It has been a wonderful three weeks so far getting to know him and take care of him.
He is perfect.
The labor and delivery went very smoothly. My doctor scheduled me to go in at 6 PM Tuesday night for a Cervadel treatment (a cervix softener, which normally helps start labor). Caleb and I went to the hospital Tuesday night and found out that I had already started labor on my own (I had had some more real-feeling contractions the night before, though they were hardly regular.) My water broke on its own at 4 AM, Wednesday morning. And I labored for the next twelve hours, finishing with less than ten minutes of pushing.
So thankful not to be pregnant any more! Jamie was getting pretty uncomfortable those last couple months... now I know to really watch what I'm eating for the next one, since he was a "little" ten-pounder. They just get bigger from here on out, right??
Cillian loves his new baby brother. For a 17-month-old, he is (most of the time) surprisingly gentle toward him, which is really sweet to watch. Jamie receives many a kiss on the head and pats on the arm or back from his big brother.
So far, Jameson is a wonderful eater, a pretty good sleeper, and an overall content little guy (like his brother was as a newborn). I think it's really interesting how, with one's first baby, everyone tries to figure out which parent the baby looks more like, whereas the second is compared almost exclusively with the older sibling. I am seeing more and more of Jamie resembling Cillian, though he certainly has his own look.
Things really are pretty easy as of now, despite having another little one to care for. Caleb had nearly three weeks off this time around, which was an amazing help. My mom came back to help out for a few days when Caleb went back to work this week, and that was also much, much appreciated! So now I'm on my own. :) Tomorrow is the first day. Say a prayer for me if you think of it.
I must say, I am amazed at how quickly I'm recovering. I feel nearly back to normal already! And I suppose losing 20 pounds almost instantaneously certainly makes a difference in how I'm feeling. I tell ya... if you want to see yourself lose weight instantly, just have a ten pound baby. I love love looooooove being able to bend over again! My restless leg syndrome is gone, and I'm not nearly as breathless as I was while pregnant (so nice). I generally feel better all over as compared to my recovery with Cillian.
I'm probably getting less sleep with Jamie than with Cillian as a newborn, but then again, I don't remember too clearly just how much sleep I was getting as a first time mom. Thank goodness Cillian still sleeps in until 9 AM every morning now!
So thankful that Jamie is here now and healthy and growing. At three weeks old, he is now 11 lbs, 3 oz, exactly a pound more than he weighed at birth, which I am very happy for! Glad to know he's healthily gaining weight.
More updates soon. And pictures on facebook, I promise! Soon soon.
For now... here's the Quote of the Day. For the first time, I thought I'd make it original, since it applies...
Quote of the Day:
"Love, to me, is defined by how calm-hearted I can be during the multiple times I get up in the night to tend to this little creature who needs me to love him and keep him alive as much as I need him to teach me patience and purity of heart."
~ NCW
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Birthday Weekend
I am now twenty two years old, two years and two months married, and thirty-two weeks pregnant while chasing around an exploring 15-month old.
I love it.
Though I'm feeling like a house - a house dragged along on wheels, since I have to keep up with Cillian's quick, chubby little legs - I am more than ready to have another baby boy around. But even though the enormous feeling that comes with being this pregnant is there, I am trying to savor these last few weeks I have, feeling Jameson's kicks and squirms inside me, uncomfortable though they are quickly becoming.
Honestly, I will be surprised if Jameson comes out smaller than Cillian was - this child feels huge! And he is certainly stronger and more active than Cillian was at this point, and Cillian hardly gave me a rest. I love feeling all this kicking though, as if Jamie is already trying to compete with Cillian for my attention. I have a hunch that he's going to give Cillian a run for his money as soon as he comes out.
This weekend was quite a fun one, beginning with a drive to Cincinnati to celebrate my birthday with my family and dear auntie, then home for Sunday and part of Monday. Mom Wilson came in the afternoon to pick Cillian up so Caleb and I could drive to Batesville for our overnight getaway at Stonebridge Inn and Spa! It is our favorite place to relax.... I cannot stress how beautiful and quaint this place is. If you wish to see for yourself, here is a link to their website.
http://stonebridgeinnandspa.com/
The hospitality, the rooms, the house, the view, the atmosphere, the spa, the staff.... it's all the epitome of perfection, in my opinion! Caleb and I both had massages on Tuesday, which were heavenly... it was a wonderful birthday.
Today is a catch-up/recovery day. I'm working through a small mountain of laundry, writing some thank-you notes, and straightening the house a tad bit, whilst enjoying a quiet day with my little buddy. Maybe we'll go take a walk later. It's supposed to be nice and cool out today.
Speaking of said buddy... I can hear him waking up from his nap. Just talking softly to himself. He's usually so sweet and cuddly when he wakes up from a nap.
I can't stand it. I must go get him. Writing will have to wait. So for now, this will have to do!
Here is the Quote of the Day:
"Whatever you may be seeking, seek it with all your strength, but do not expect your own search and efforts to bear fruit of themselves. Put your trust in the Lord, ascribing nothing to yourself, and He will give you your heart's desire."
~ St. Theophan the Recluse
I love it.
Though I'm feeling like a house - a house dragged along on wheels, since I have to keep up with Cillian's quick, chubby little legs - I am more than ready to have another baby boy around. But even though the enormous feeling that comes with being this pregnant is there, I am trying to savor these last few weeks I have, feeling Jameson's kicks and squirms inside me, uncomfortable though they are quickly becoming.
Honestly, I will be surprised if Jameson comes out smaller than Cillian was - this child feels huge! And he is certainly stronger and more active than Cillian was at this point, and Cillian hardly gave me a rest. I love feeling all this kicking though, as if Jamie is already trying to compete with Cillian for my attention. I have a hunch that he's going to give Cillian a run for his money as soon as he comes out.
This weekend was quite a fun one, beginning with a drive to Cincinnati to celebrate my birthday with my family and dear auntie, then home for Sunday and part of Monday. Mom Wilson came in the afternoon to pick Cillian up so Caleb and I could drive to Batesville for our overnight getaway at Stonebridge Inn and Spa! It is our favorite place to relax.... I cannot stress how beautiful and quaint this place is. If you wish to see for yourself, here is a link to their website.
http://stonebridgeinnandspa.com/
The hospitality, the rooms, the house, the view, the atmosphere, the spa, the staff.... it's all the epitome of perfection, in my opinion! Caleb and I both had massages on Tuesday, which were heavenly... it was a wonderful birthday.
Today is a catch-up/recovery day. I'm working through a small mountain of laundry, writing some thank-you notes, and straightening the house a tad bit, whilst enjoying a quiet day with my little buddy. Maybe we'll go take a walk later. It's supposed to be nice and cool out today.
Speaking of said buddy... I can hear him waking up from his nap. Just talking softly to himself. He's usually so sweet and cuddly when he wakes up from a nap.
I can't stand it. I must go get him. Writing will have to wait. So for now, this will have to do!
Here is the Quote of the Day:
"Whatever you may be seeking, seek it with all your strength, but do not expect your own search and efforts to bear fruit of themselves. Put your trust in the Lord, ascribing nothing to yourself, and He will give you your heart's desire."
~ St. Theophan the Recluse
Thursday, June 16, 2011
One
I am officially the mother of a one year old.
Cillian turned one two weeks ago and he is as happy and bouncing as ever... I sure love my tiny tot. He is our little sunshine - it sure takes a good deal to dampen his cheery spirits. I look forward to seeing his grinning dimpled face every morning, as he bounces happily in his crib, ready to start the day with me.
I've been blessed with a very happy baby...
We had a celebratory cookout for him at a park here in Indianapolis the Saturday after his birthday, and it went very well. I made a couple of car cakes (complete with racing stripes!) with the help of my neighbor and we had the classic burgers and hot dogs, fruit salad, green salad, potato salad, and cake and ice cream. We had a lovely turnout of family and friends and drove home with an extremely generous caboodle of new presents for Cillian.
I know it's the most cliche thing I can say on the subject, but I really can't believe how fast this first year with Cillian has gone... it truly flies by quicker than you can imagine. But wow, it's been a terrific time so far. Caleb and I love being parents, and I am convinced now more than ever that our decision not to wait for kids was one of the best we could have made for our newly married life.
Speaking of our married life, Caleb and I are approaching our second wedding anniversary coming up on July 12 (also Caleb's 27th birthday). And that is also hard to believe!
I am so happy right now. This is truly the best life I could have dreamed of having - better even. Of course it's better than I could have ever imagined. I'm blessed beyond understanding with the husband, little son, and family I have. What an abundance of blessings I have to be thankful for!
Back to Cillian... he is in the beginning stages of walking now. He can stand up without support for a few seconds at a time, always testing himself by lifting his hands off of whatever he's holding on to in the "So big!" way. He can also take a couple of steps when he's feeling more daring, but so far he's been slow and steady in the walking development. He'll be a pro in no time though.
One of his favorite things to do is dance - he loves bouncing whenever there is music playing. Some hits are Celtic music (the kid knows his roots!) and my piano playing. As soon as I play his song, he crawls over as fast as his little limbs can carry him so he can plink along with me while he dances like crazy. I love it...
He has been saying a couple of words too, which is fun - normally "duck" and "dog" only without the "d's." So we hear quite a lot of "uck"ing and "og"ing. Whenever he hears a sound outside (and most times, it's not even a dog,) his tiny eyebrows shoot up, eyes bright. "Og! Og...og. Og!" Every once in a blue moon a "d" will slip out, and we'll hear the legitimate "dog," but it is a very rare occurrence, nearly to the point of being mythological.
I sure am enjoying these simple days of just me and him during the day. His simple and predictable routine. Wake up, eat, play, sleep, repeat. We're in between teething spells right now, so I'm enjoying not having to deal with that for the present. The most upset he ever gets is when he's tired, hurts something, or can't have something. It's a pretty simple little world of Cillian's right now. We're in the beginnings of discipline, but even that is relatively simple.
Life is pretty easy with a one year old. I love every age he is in, and each stage he comes to is "the best so far." I wonder if I'll continue thinking that once he reaches teen-hood... Hopefully if I do my job right, I will be. :)
For now, I'm loving my one year old. He is my little man. And he holds my heart in both of his tiny hands.
Here's the Quote of the Day!
“My friend has a baby. I'm recording all the noises he makes so later I can ask him what he meant.”
~ Stephen Wright
Cillian turned one two weeks ago and he is as happy and bouncing as ever... I sure love my tiny tot. He is our little sunshine - it sure takes a good deal to dampen his cheery spirits. I look forward to seeing his grinning dimpled face every morning, as he bounces happily in his crib, ready to start the day with me.
I've been blessed with a very happy baby...
We had a celebratory cookout for him at a park here in Indianapolis the Saturday after his birthday, and it went very well. I made a couple of car cakes (complete with racing stripes!) with the help of my neighbor and we had the classic burgers and hot dogs, fruit salad, green salad, potato salad, and cake and ice cream. We had a lovely turnout of family and friends and drove home with an extremely generous caboodle of new presents for Cillian.
I know it's the most cliche thing I can say on the subject, but I really can't believe how fast this first year with Cillian has gone... it truly flies by quicker than you can imagine. But wow, it's been a terrific time so far. Caleb and I love being parents, and I am convinced now more than ever that our decision not to wait for kids was one of the best we could have made for our newly married life.
Speaking of our married life, Caleb and I are approaching our second wedding anniversary coming up on July 12 (also Caleb's 27th birthday). And that is also hard to believe!
I am so happy right now. This is truly the best life I could have dreamed of having - better even. Of course it's better than I could have ever imagined. I'm blessed beyond understanding with the husband, little son, and family I have. What an abundance of blessings I have to be thankful for!
Back to Cillian... he is in the beginning stages of walking now. He can stand up without support for a few seconds at a time, always testing himself by lifting his hands off of whatever he's holding on to in the "So big!" way. He can also take a couple of steps when he's feeling more daring, but so far he's been slow and steady in the walking development. He'll be a pro in no time though.
One of his favorite things to do is dance - he loves bouncing whenever there is music playing. Some hits are Celtic music (the kid knows his roots!) and my piano playing. As soon as I play his song, he crawls over as fast as his little limbs can carry him so he can plink along with me while he dances like crazy. I love it...
He has been saying a couple of words too, which is fun - normally "duck" and "dog" only without the "d's." So we hear quite a lot of "uck"ing and "og"ing. Whenever he hears a sound outside (and most times, it's not even a dog,) his tiny eyebrows shoot up, eyes bright. "Og! Og...og. Og!" Every once in a blue moon a "d" will slip out, and we'll hear the legitimate "dog," but it is a very rare occurrence, nearly to the point of being mythological.
I sure am enjoying these simple days of just me and him during the day. His simple and predictable routine. Wake up, eat, play, sleep, repeat. We're in between teething spells right now, so I'm enjoying not having to deal with that for the present. The most upset he ever gets is when he's tired, hurts something, or can't have something. It's a pretty simple little world of Cillian's right now. We're in the beginnings of discipline, but even that is relatively simple.
Life is pretty easy with a one year old. I love every age he is in, and each stage he comes to is "the best so far." I wonder if I'll continue thinking that once he reaches teen-hood... Hopefully if I do my job right, I will be. :)
For now, I'm loving my one year old. He is my little man. And he holds my heart in both of his tiny hands.
Here's the Quote of the Day!
“My friend has a baby. I'm recording all the noises he makes so later I can ask him what he meant.”
~ Stephen Wright
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
New
I did something dramatic yesterday.
For about a month or two, I've been contemplating the idea of a different haircut. For those of you who don't see me on a regular or local basis, it's gotten pretty long - about mid-back length. I've been growing it out for almost two and a half years from a short haircut (one that I loved, but was quite short.) I'd been torn between cutting it shorter or keeping it long through the winter at least, since it's taken so long to grow out to the length I love.
But... a couple days ago, I was really thinking about the pros - shorter hair wouldn't be a grabbing factor for Cillian, it would be quicker to wash, quicker to style, easier to look good without doing anything... the list was too great to ignore.
So, yesterday I called to see if I could get an appointment the same day, and they scheduled me for an hour later. I started getting excited fast. S came over and watched Cillian for me and I went over to get it cut.
It's adorable. I have half the hair I did before, as I was able to donate what I had (8 in.) to Locks of Love, which I always like doing if I have enough. So now, the length skims my shoulders, and I have a cute fringe of bangs that can be worn either swept to the side or straight in the middle. I absolutely love it. It's a good young mommy haircut. Cute and comfortable, functional and easy.
Some other updates...
Cillian is a bouncing 4 months old now, and he has started grabbing his knees and his feet, which both Caleb and I have been excitedly anticipating! So that's a really fun milestone. He has also started blowing raspberries, bubbles, and anything vocal involving his tongue and excessive drooling. :P
He has gotten increasingly wiggly and squirmy, trying to get out of any kind of restraint if he gets bored. It's funny to see how far he can scoot himself out of his swing (when stationary). He's a great little jokester and loves to laugh - I love that he's an easy baby. (But I'm scared that I'm getting spoiled with just how easy he is!!)
No teeth yet, but I'm sure they're coming. He had his four month check up today and is now a whopping 15.7 pounds! I knew my biceps were feeling a little stronger...
Another something new...
We're gradually adding to our living room and now have some nice wine colored sheers hung up (thanks to my beloved handyman.) They look really nice. Caleb and I also got a couple new pillows to tie all of our living room colors in, so now our theme is kind of fall-like with the wine color, a sage green, gold and tan. I really like it. It feels like home to me.
The running is going well! I've managed to stay dedicated for almost a week and a half now. And I'm up to running three minutes/walking one minute today. Last night the two minute run/one minute walk completely wore me out. I'd even go as far as to say that it nearly killed me. But tonight, it wasn't so bad because the TV happened to be on when I got to the gym. Surprising how well having something to watch helps! I'm beginning to love my cold showers after these workouts.
Eating is going preeeeetty well. Unfortunately, I got a little off-track this weekend since we were out of town visiting Caleb's brother and his family in Carbondale, PA. It was a really fun weekend, but I definitely didn't watch my eating as well as I could have. So now I'm back to breakfasts with my Kelebs and lunches consisting of one huge salad. And no dessert. That's been easier than I would have thought. Especially with my being an ice cream addict.
Weight update will come tomorrow. It's always best to weigh oneself in the mornings. ;)
Here's the Quote of the Day:
This one always gets a good chuckle out of me.
"Bigamy is having one wife too many. Monogamy is the same."
~ Oscar Wilde
For about a month or two, I've been contemplating the idea of a different haircut. For those of you who don't see me on a regular or local basis, it's gotten pretty long - about mid-back length. I've been growing it out for almost two and a half years from a short haircut (one that I loved, but was quite short.) I'd been torn between cutting it shorter or keeping it long through the winter at least, since it's taken so long to grow out to the length I love.
But... a couple days ago, I was really thinking about the pros - shorter hair wouldn't be a grabbing factor for Cillian, it would be quicker to wash, quicker to style, easier to look good without doing anything... the list was too great to ignore.
So, yesterday I called to see if I could get an appointment the same day, and they scheduled me for an hour later. I started getting excited fast. S came over and watched Cillian for me and I went over to get it cut.
It's adorable. I have half the hair I did before, as I was able to donate what I had (8 in.) to Locks of Love, which I always like doing if I have enough. So now, the length skims my shoulders, and I have a cute fringe of bangs that can be worn either swept to the side or straight in the middle. I absolutely love it. It's a good young mommy haircut. Cute and comfortable, functional and easy.
Some other updates...
Cillian is a bouncing 4 months old now, and he has started grabbing his knees and his feet, which both Caleb and I have been excitedly anticipating! So that's a really fun milestone. He has also started blowing raspberries, bubbles, and anything vocal involving his tongue and excessive drooling. :P
He has gotten increasingly wiggly and squirmy, trying to get out of any kind of restraint if he gets bored. It's funny to see how far he can scoot himself out of his swing (when stationary). He's a great little jokester and loves to laugh - I love that he's an easy baby. (But I'm scared that I'm getting spoiled with just how easy he is!!)
No teeth yet, but I'm sure they're coming. He had his four month check up today and is now a whopping 15.7 pounds! I knew my biceps were feeling a little stronger...
Another something new...
We're gradually adding to our living room and now have some nice wine colored sheers hung up (thanks to my beloved handyman.) They look really nice. Caleb and I also got a couple new pillows to tie all of our living room colors in, so now our theme is kind of fall-like with the wine color, a sage green, gold and tan. I really like it. It feels like home to me.
The running is going well! I've managed to stay dedicated for almost a week and a half now. And I'm up to running three minutes/walking one minute today. Last night the two minute run/one minute walk completely wore me out. I'd even go as far as to say that it nearly killed me. But tonight, it wasn't so bad because the TV happened to be on when I got to the gym. Surprising how well having something to watch helps! I'm beginning to love my cold showers after these workouts.
Eating is going preeeeetty well. Unfortunately, I got a little off-track this weekend since we were out of town visiting Caleb's brother and his family in Carbondale, PA. It was a really fun weekend, but I definitely didn't watch my eating as well as I could have. So now I'm back to breakfasts with my Kelebs and lunches consisting of one huge salad. And no dessert. That's been easier than I would have thought. Especially with my being an ice cream addict.
Weight update will come tomorrow. It's always best to weigh oneself in the mornings. ;)
Here's the Quote of the Day:
This one always gets a good chuckle out of me.
"Bigamy is having one wife too many. Monogamy is the same."
~ Oscar Wilde
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Milestones
For the past three months, since we brought Cillian home from the hospital, he has slept next to our bed in a co-sleeper. It was a wonderful arrangement and worked great. And I knew that around three months would be a good time to transition him into his own room in his crib. So, after his three month checkup yesterday, I had it in the back of my mind to talk to Caleb about it.
That night, Caleb and I discussed it and decided to just do it. We moved everything (the rocker and the co-sleeper - which is now functional as a changing table,) into his room and he spent his first night away from us. He did splendidly and slept an outstanding eight and a half hours (from around 10:40 PM to 7:15 AM). I'm so glad we didn't have to worry about him screaming or crying throughout the night. Woohoo!!
So he's sleeping pretty well, which is very nice. Next milestone will probably be teething, which I'm a bit apprehensive for. Any tips, tricks, and advice would be SO very welcome! I would love to know all I can before it happens.
Something I noticed this morning... I got up around 10:45 after feeding Cillian (who promptly fell asleep for another two hours), took a shower, made an effort to wear SSS (Something Somewhat Stylish), put on some makeup and did morning prayers. What I realized was this. It's remarkable how different my day goes based on how I start it as either a Natalie morning or a Mommy morning. Not that one is better than the other - they're simply different. When it's a Mommy morning, I tend to gravitate toward the quick T-shirt and comfortable pants combination versus trying to put an outfit together that is both comfortable and something I would look good wearing in public. I also forgo wearing makeup when it's a Mommy morning. And I've actually become much more comfortable doing that since I've been working hard at keeping my skin in good condition (which is pretty easy once it gets to the standard I like to keep.) So that's just something I want to try to get better at - feeling like myself while being a good mom. There's a balance to be found, and I'm getting there.
Backing up to last night, I did something I haven't done in several months. I picked up my five pound weights and worked my arms like nobody's business. And boy, I can feel it today, so I know I did a reasonable job. My triceps, especially. It's nice to feel some muscle soreness! I had no idea how much I missed that feeling. So hopefully that will become a nice routine - working out a bit before bed. And Caleb did some pushups while I worked my weights. It was a nice feeling.
So today was certainly a very good day. I got some laundry done and got the grocery shopping accomplished. Tomorrow's project is to work on more laundry and straighten up the house so it looks more presentable.
Here's the quote of the day:
"The first duty of a Christian, of a disciple and follower of Jesus Christ, is to deny oneself. To deny oneself means to give up one's bad habits, to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad desires and thoughts; to quench and suppress bad thoughts; to avoid occasions of sin; not to do or desire anything from self-love but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself means, according to the Apostle Paul, to be dead to sin and the world, but alive to God."
~ St. Innocent of Alaska
That night, Caleb and I discussed it and decided to just do it. We moved everything (the rocker and the co-sleeper - which is now functional as a changing table,) into his room and he spent his first night away from us. He did splendidly and slept an outstanding eight and a half hours (from around 10:40 PM to 7:15 AM). I'm so glad we didn't have to worry about him screaming or crying throughout the night. Woohoo!!
So he's sleeping pretty well, which is very nice. Next milestone will probably be teething, which I'm a bit apprehensive for. Any tips, tricks, and advice would be SO very welcome! I would love to know all I can before it happens.
Something I noticed this morning... I got up around 10:45 after feeding Cillian (who promptly fell asleep for another two hours), took a shower, made an effort to wear SSS (Something Somewhat Stylish), put on some makeup and did morning prayers. What I realized was this. It's remarkable how different my day goes based on how I start it as either a Natalie morning or a Mommy morning. Not that one is better than the other - they're simply different. When it's a Mommy morning, I tend to gravitate toward the quick T-shirt and comfortable pants combination versus trying to put an outfit together that is both comfortable and something I would look good wearing in public. I also forgo wearing makeup when it's a Mommy morning. And I've actually become much more comfortable doing that since I've been working hard at keeping my skin in good condition (which is pretty easy once it gets to the standard I like to keep.) So that's just something I want to try to get better at - feeling like myself while being a good mom. There's a balance to be found, and I'm getting there.
Backing up to last night, I did something I haven't done in several months. I picked up my five pound weights and worked my arms like nobody's business. And boy, I can feel it today, so I know I did a reasonable job. My triceps, especially. It's nice to feel some muscle soreness! I had no idea how much I missed that feeling. So hopefully that will become a nice routine - working out a bit before bed. And Caleb did some pushups while I worked my weights. It was a nice feeling.
So today was certainly a very good day. I got some laundry done and got the grocery shopping accomplished. Tomorrow's project is to work on more laundry and straighten up the house so it looks more presentable.
Here's the quote of the day:
"The first duty of a Christian, of a disciple and follower of Jesus Christ, is to deny oneself. To deny oneself means to give up one's bad habits, to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad desires and thoughts; to quench and suppress bad thoughts; to avoid occasions of sin; not to do or desire anything from self-love but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself means, according to the Apostle Paul, to be dead to sin and the world, but alive to God."
~ St. Innocent of Alaska
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
A Week to Remember
First off, apologies for not having written in nearly a week - I'd meant to be more regular! But, at least I'm writing every few days and that's certainly better than I've ever done. So I'm alright with it.
Here's an update on this week's meals.... they went pretty well!
For Tuesday's menu, I made a meatless lasagna (which I'm going to start making WITH the meat now...) with a salad (spring mix, topped with chopped almonds, parmesan, and raspberry vinaigrette), and some wonderfully crusty Italian bread. The lasagna came out alright. I've done better in some respects, but I definitely think lasagna is one of those recipes you have to tinker with over time to really get that "family secret recipe" effect. So, I'm going to be patient with that one.
As for the bread.... I have to take a moment to rave and rant about this bread because it is THE BEST I have ever tasted. (This is the second time I've gotten it.) The best parat about it is that it's only three bucks at Meijer, and it is called an "All Natural White Mountain Boule." (That's what the label says.) And wow.... if you just pop it in the oven to crisp for a few minutes, it comes out perfectly chewy on the inside and the epitome of crispiness on the outside. It's heavenly. And I love it.
Wednesday night, I made double baked loaded potatoes with broccoli. Not much of a sophisticated dinner, but it was delicious and filling. We each had half a head of broccoli, so I'd say we both had our vegetable quotient for the day! And the potatoes came out great.
Thursday night was my victory night.... it was perfect. I made omelets and hashbrowns (the way my Mom makes them, which is little cubes of potatoes fried in tons of butter). It was perrrfect, I tell you. The omelets had sausage, finely diced green pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese.
And that's the cooking update. :)
So..... I've had an epiphany. I think I've realized that all I need (in order to feel productive and motivated and just...better,) is to get out more. Cillian and I visited a good friend and her little boy today for the afternoon and it was a wonderful time. Just the thing I needed. I came home mentally and emotionally refreshed, made dinner (fettuccine alfredo, fresh green beans, salad and bread), cleaned the kitchen and commenced to finish the laundry and straighten the upstairs. So, I'm thinking about starting to go to some kind of support group for mothers and see how getting out of the house on a regular basis goes. That and setting up more "playdates." (I put it in quotations because they're more for me than for my three-month-old at this point.)
Today was a very, very good day. I got a lot done, had a shower, visited a friend, got to drive, and came up with the beginnings of a new piano composition (something that has not happened in months.) Glory to God for all things!
A further explanation for my previous post, "Hypocrite," so as not to be misunderstood (I fear it may have been misleading): I am not depressed, as I may have led some of you to suppose. And I am fortunate not to be suffering from any baby blues. I am simply adjusting and trying to figure out what's "real." I apologize for any misunderstanding I might have projected by writing as I did. I assure you, I am completely happy! I have recently learned that I really need to be ok with what I am capable of accomplishing, whether it be simply getting showered one day or cleaning the whole house the next. I am not superwoman (yet...haha), and I shouldn't beat myself up for not meeting my lofty expectations - though they be for myself. I have to be a realist for now, not an idealist. I'll be much happier with things if I just accept that I can't do everything. So there you have it!
It's been a very good week. I feel more balanced and much more grounded. I'm realizing it's ok to be emotional if I have to be, because I've never gone through so many changes (and changes of this monumental nature) in such a short time before in my whole life. I'd be in trouble if I wasn't being somewhat emotional. So this week was somewhat of a milestone because now I have a feel for what direction I need to head toward. One step at a time, Natalie... one step at a time.
I'm excited for the weekend. Both of our families are coming tomorrow to celebrate my birthday a day early with us, and I'm eager to see all of them. It'll be a fun time. Two more days until I'm entirely LEGAL!!!!
I think I'll leave you with the Quote of the Day...
"In marriage the festive joy of the first day should last for the whole of life: every day should be a feast day; every day husband and wife should appear to each other as new, extraordinary beings. The only way of achieving this: let both deepen their spiritual life, and strive hard in the task of self-development."
~ Fr. Alexander Elchaninov, Diary of a Russian Priest (from the book "Preserve Them, O Lord")
That is one of my favorite quotes of all time from one of my favorite books of all time. Very spiritually enriching.
Here's an update on this week's meals.... they went pretty well!
For Tuesday's menu, I made a meatless lasagna (which I'm going to start making WITH the meat now...) with a salad (spring mix, topped with chopped almonds, parmesan, and raspberry vinaigrette), and some wonderfully crusty Italian bread. The lasagna came out alright. I've done better in some respects, but I definitely think lasagna is one of those recipes you have to tinker with over time to really get that "family secret recipe" effect. So, I'm going to be patient with that one.
As for the bread.... I have to take a moment to rave and rant about this bread because it is THE BEST I have ever tasted. (This is the second time I've gotten it.) The best parat about it is that it's only three bucks at Meijer, and it is called an "All Natural White Mountain Boule." (That's what the label says.) And wow.... if you just pop it in the oven to crisp for a few minutes, it comes out perfectly chewy on the inside and the epitome of crispiness on the outside. It's heavenly. And I love it.
Wednesday night, I made double baked loaded potatoes with broccoli. Not much of a sophisticated dinner, but it was delicious and filling. We each had half a head of broccoli, so I'd say we both had our vegetable quotient for the day! And the potatoes came out great.
Thursday night was my victory night.... it was perfect. I made omelets and hashbrowns (the way my Mom makes them, which is little cubes of potatoes fried in tons of butter). It was perrrfect, I tell you. The omelets had sausage, finely diced green pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese.
And that's the cooking update. :)
So..... I've had an epiphany. I think I've realized that all I need (in order to feel productive and motivated and just...better,) is to get out more. Cillian and I visited a good friend and her little boy today for the afternoon and it was a wonderful time. Just the thing I needed. I came home mentally and emotionally refreshed, made dinner (fettuccine alfredo, fresh green beans, salad and bread), cleaned the kitchen and commenced to finish the laundry and straighten the upstairs. So, I'm thinking about starting to go to some kind of support group for mothers and see how getting out of the house on a regular basis goes. That and setting up more "playdates." (I put it in quotations because they're more for me than for my three-month-old at this point.)
Today was a very, very good day. I got a lot done, had a shower, visited a friend, got to drive, and came up with the beginnings of a new piano composition (something that has not happened in months.) Glory to God for all things!
A further explanation for my previous post, "Hypocrite," so as not to be misunderstood (I fear it may have been misleading): I am not depressed, as I may have led some of you to suppose. And I am fortunate not to be suffering from any baby blues. I am simply adjusting and trying to figure out what's "real." I apologize for any misunderstanding I might have projected by writing as I did. I assure you, I am completely happy! I have recently learned that I really need to be ok with what I am capable of accomplishing, whether it be simply getting showered one day or cleaning the whole house the next. I am not superwoman (yet...haha), and I shouldn't beat myself up for not meeting my lofty expectations - though they be for myself. I have to be a realist for now, not an idealist. I'll be much happier with things if I just accept that I can't do everything. So there you have it!
It's been a very good week. I feel more balanced and much more grounded. I'm realizing it's ok to be emotional if I have to be, because I've never gone through so many changes (and changes of this monumental nature) in such a short time before in my whole life. I'd be in trouble if I wasn't being somewhat emotional. So this week was somewhat of a milestone because now I have a feel for what direction I need to head toward. One step at a time, Natalie... one step at a time.
I'm excited for the weekend. Both of our families are coming tomorrow to celebrate my birthday a day early with us, and I'm eager to see all of them. It'll be a fun time. Two more days until I'm entirely LEGAL!!!!
I think I'll leave you with the Quote of the Day...
"In marriage the festive joy of the first day should last for the whole of life: every day should be a feast day; every day husband and wife should appear to each other as new, extraordinary beings. The only way of achieving this: let both deepen their spiritual life, and strive hard in the task of self-development."
~ Fr. Alexander Elchaninov, Diary of a Russian Priest (from the book "Preserve Them, O Lord")
That is one of my favorite quotes of all time from one of my favorite books of all time. Very spiritually enriching.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Ordinary
Today is simply an ordinary day - it's a Wednesday. Cillian and I woke up at 11 AM this morning and started the day off to a bit of a late start. He was very happy this morning, which I always love. It puts me in such a good mood when he's awake, smiling up at me from the side of our bed. So we had our normal routine: feed, change, I change (or shower and then change), and then we say our morning prayers and go downstairs for breakfast. On the occasion that Cillian goes straight back to sleep after his morning feeding, I turn the monitor on and try to get as much done as I can (usually laundry) before he wakes up again.
The rest of the day normally consists of play, feed, change, sleep, repeat. Sometimes while he's awake and happy, I'll let him kick around in his pack n play while I plink some piano for him.
I've composed a waltz for him that I've been perfecting for a year now. I decided to entitle it Cillian's Waltz since, when I was pregnant with him, he would kick particularly playfully when I performed it for him and now, he likes to "sing" along.
Sometimes, I read, sometimes I write, mostly something on the computer, which is not how I'd like it to be. I need to restrain myself from so much media... I really use the computer too much, I think. I need to rediscover my love for reading and practicing hand-writing (letters and journalism alike) and drawing and knitting. Productive things I could be doing with my hands other than getting better at....typing, I suppose.
I think the most eventful thing about this post will probably be the Quote of the Day, which I'll leave you with.
"Everyone is made in God's image; but to be in His likeness is granted only to those who through great love have brought their own freedom into subjection to God. For only when we do not belong to ourselves do we become like Him who through love has reconciled us to Himself. No one achieves this unless he persuades his soul not to be distracted by the false glitter of this life."
~ St. Diadochos of Photiki
The rest of the day normally consists of play, feed, change, sleep, repeat. Sometimes while he's awake and happy, I'll let him kick around in his pack n play while I plink some piano for him.
I've composed a waltz for him that I've been perfecting for a year now. I decided to entitle it Cillian's Waltz since, when I was pregnant with him, he would kick particularly playfully when I performed it for him and now, he likes to "sing" along.
Sometimes, I read, sometimes I write, mostly something on the computer, which is not how I'd like it to be. I need to restrain myself from so much media... I really use the computer too much, I think. I need to rediscover my love for reading and practicing hand-writing (letters and journalism alike) and drawing and knitting. Productive things I could be doing with my hands other than getting better at....typing, I suppose.
I think the most eventful thing about this post will probably be the Quote of the Day, which I'll leave you with.
"Everyone is made in God's image; but to be in His likeness is granted only to those who through great love have brought their own freedom into subjection to God. For only when we do not belong to ourselves do we become like Him who through love has reconciled us to Himself. No one achieves this unless he persuades his soul not to be distracted by the false glitter of this life."
~ St. Diadochos of Photiki
Monday, August 30, 2010
Take Me Out to the Ball Game...
This evening, Caleb and I took Cillian to his first ever baseball game - the Indians vs. Columbus at Victory Field. We had the classic experience complemented with crackerjacks and hot dogs and Cillian in his little baseball uniform. It was a wonderful evening. It happened to be my first baseball game with Caleb too, which was very nice. The weather was warm and cooled up soon after we got there.
I got some good pictures on Caleb's iPhone, so hopefully I'll be able to load those on facebook soon so you can see evidence of our fun evening. Cillian napped for the first 15 minutes or so, but then he was awake for the rest of it and really enjoyed it. I think he liked the feeling of the warm breeze on his bare toes.
I have the best husband in the world. I didn't get around to grocery shopping today since I favored getting a good nap in over getting Cillian all ready and figuring out a menu for the week.... so Caleb offered to shop on his way home, and I accepted. I was planning to just do it tomorrow, and hadn't even expected him to rise to the occasion, but he did. And that is something about him that I adore.
So it was a nice, lazy day and I definitely caught up on sleep, which was refreshing. Tomorrow's main activity shall be laundry, which desperately needs to be done. I also need to work on general organization around the house.
Cillian has started to laugh - genuinely, adorably laugh. He loves to stand up, so if we hold him up, his tiny legs do the rest of the work. And I discovered that if you make him jump, he starts smiling and smiling, and then his baby chuckle, and then chuckling over and over until it becomes a laugh. I love this sound. So, naturally, I repeat whatever it is that makes him exude this perfect, musical sound until he's worn out. He's also very close to rolling over, which is exciting. I love how happy he is all the time, and tonight was no different. He was such a good sport.
We rushed home because we were dying of thirst and ran in the door to put some water in the filter.... it took forever to purify, but man! Water never tasted so good to me. So now, I'm going to sit back and enjoy my glass of ice water with my husband and my son and maybe have a bit of ice cream to go with it... (yes, ice cream goes with ice water.)
Cheers, all!
Quote of the Day:
"Vice is so attractive and ready at hand, and nothing is so easy as to become evil - even without anyone to lead us on to it; while the attainment of virtue is rare and difficult, even where there is much to attract and encourage us."
~ St. Gregory the Theologian
I got some good pictures on Caleb's iPhone, so hopefully I'll be able to load those on facebook soon so you can see evidence of our fun evening. Cillian napped for the first 15 minutes or so, but then he was awake for the rest of it and really enjoyed it. I think he liked the feeling of the warm breeze on his bare toes.
I have the best husband in the world. I didn't get around to grocery shopping today since I favored getting a good nap in over getting Cillian all ready and figuring out a menu for the week.... so Caleb offered to shop on his way home, and I accepted. I was planning to just do it tomorrow, and hadn't even expected him to rise to the occasion, but he did. And that is something about him that I adore.
So it was a nice, lazy day and I definitely caught up on sleep, which was refreshing. Tomorrow's main activity shall be laundry, which desperately needs to be done. I also need to work on general organization around the house.
Cillian has started to laugh - genuinely, adorably laugh. He loves to stand up, so if we hold him up, his tiny legs do the rest of the work. And I discovered that if you make him jump, he starts smiling and smiling, and then his baby chuckle, and then chuckling over and over until it becomes a laugh. I love this sound. So, naturally, I repeat whatever it is that makes him exude this perfect, musical sound until he's worn out. He's also very close to rolling over, which is exciting. I love how happy he is all the time, and tonight was no different. He was such a good sport.
We rushed home because we were dying of thirst and ran in the door to put some water in the filter.... it took forever to purify, but man! Water never tasted so good to me. So now, I'm going to sit back and enjoy my glass of ice water with my husband and my son and maybe have a bit of ice cream to go with it... (yes, ice cream goes with ice water.)
Cheers, all!
Quote of the Day:
"Vice is so attractive and ready at hand, and nothing is so easy as to become evil - even without anyone to lead us on to it; while the attainment of virtue is rare and difficult, even where there is much to attract and encourage us."
~ St. Gregory the Theologian
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Ten Weeks
Today Cillian is ten weeks old, and I can scarcely believe that much time has past already. His little personality is manifesting itself day by day with each new babble and smile and expression. I love this tiny creature so dearly. I love it when he's sleeping, but I love it so much more when he's awake with his sparkling little blue eyes open big and wide.
Ok, pause. In the midst of writing all that sweet stuff about said wee one, he commenced to fire off the most explosive of diapers I have EVER beheld. The newly christened "level ten" (usually it only goes up to level five) was out the diaper, up the back, and in the hair, warranting a full-blown, hose-down bath. Wow. I hope that doesn't become a regular thing.
Back to the sweet stuff. He really is the happiest little guy ever - he giggles and coos and talks all the time. I love seeing in his face that he recognizes me. Surely one of the most rewarding expressions in a baby's face is that of recognition. His round face lights up and he smiles this heart-melting, perfect smile. But he doesn't smile just once, he smiles over and over and over again or with one really long smile. I don't want to ever forget this. And I was just thinking as I was nursing him that I truly do feel the urgency to remember EVERYTHING. I can already feel the moments slipping by. The moments are so frequent that they become a way of life, but that should never jeopardize my taking the time to slow them down and memorize them, second by second. That's why, even though he's hardly three months old, I watch him every minute I can spare. He is my son, and I want to know him for as much of his life as I can.
Ok, pause. In the midst of writing all that sweet stuff about said wee one, he commenced to fire off the most explosive of diapers I have EVER beheld. The newly christened "level ten" (usually it only goes up to level five) was out the diaper, up the back, and in the hair, warranting a full-blown, hose-down bath. Wow. I hope that doesn't become a regular thing.
Back to the sweet stuff. He really is the happiest little guy ever - he giggles and coos and talks all the time. I love seeing in his face that he recognizes me. Surely one of the most rewarding expressions in a baby's face is that of recognition. His round face lights up and he smiles this heart-melting, perfect smile. But he doesn't smile just once, he smiles over and over and over again or with one really long smile. I don't want to ever forget this. And I was just thinking as I was nursing him that I truly do feel the urgency to remember EVERYTHING. I can already feel the moments slipping by. The moments are so frequent that they become a way of life, but that should never jeopardize my taking the time to slow them down and memorize them, second by second. That's why, even though he's hardly three months old, I watch him every minute I can spare. He is my son, and I want to know him for as much of his life as I can.
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