Happenings

Not much going on around here - still hibernating (which will go on for several more months, I am sure) and cleaning. Both boys are a little sick today. High fevers in little, little boys make me nervous, but I think we're mostly in the clear. Clear runny noses, that is.

Today Gavin was the Alice in Wonderland rabbit (looking at his wrist, "I'm late! I'm late! and then running around the house), a witch hunter, a monster killer, and a farmer, all before lunch. He's got quite the imagination. Good things happen when the TV is turned off! We've been working on less tube time and it has been great. His monkey-features are becoming less pronounced and it gives us a chance to work and play more together. When he doesn't get his naps I get a little short with him and I want to do better with that. And I want him to get better at continuing those naps. :) It's just too soon not to have one!

Last night McKay was boiling hot and I held him for quite a long time - two times last night he fell asleep in my arms. He hasn't done that in months, so I had a hard time putting him down. Usually I am the queen of schedules, timing, and falling to sleep on your own. But not yesterday. He's my sweet little buddy.

Brian and I were called to be a Ma and Pa on the youth trek for our stake this summer. I'm super excited. I've always wanted to go. I know it won't be easy, but I've always wanted the opportunity to grow from that type of experience. I am getting really into the history and reading books and making plans to make it a fun and positive experience the kids will remember. We don't go until the end of June, but there seems to be a lot to prepare before then.

And we're planning out the details of our Hawaiian vacation. Can't wait!! That will be in April.

My latest favorite websites include Clean Mama and Power of Moms. Lots of good things happening around here because of that inspiration.

Gavin-isms

In an effort to take my mind of a certain 2-year-old screaming and kicking the door during his naptime (and boy - does that make me grumpy!) I will write some funny things he's said in the last few days. And then I'll go hide outside to stop me from spanking him (which I kind of feel like doing but will. not. do.)

Gavin: What is this?

Mom: It's an envelope.

G: But what does it do for?

M: Morning, Gav.

G. Mom, where you goed?

M: To exercise.

G: Oh. My dad's home and my mom's home.

M: Please don't touch that right now.

G: Just a teeny tiny touch.

After touching something he knows he probably shouldn't have been touching:

G: I won't touch this anymore. (hiding the thing he won't touch anymore behind his back with both hands.)

G: Can I have some lem-um-made?

See, he can be cute. And in that time he's stopped screaming. I feel better already. Now let's hope he falls asleep.

For the Record

Kids who don't sleep when it's the pre-determined sleeping time (i.e. nap time) make me grumpy. Why can I not be more flexible with this?

I guess after five straight hours I feel like I'm entitled to a break or something. Who do I think I am??

But before I got grumpy, I bathed the baby, fed and dressed the children, cleaned the pantry, and had dinner in the crock pot. Ten points for me.

And now that nap time is over (with no nap) I am ready to be happy for the next shift.

Flashback

Today I dressed McKay in this drab grey shirt and cute overalls.

Then I remembered this:

I don't know why, but clothes are a real time marker for me. It's fun to look at them side-by-side.

New Year

I don't know what it is about this year, but for some reason I am extremely motivated. Perhaps it's the 17-degree weather outside that is not making me feel so bad about being inside. That plus everyone being sick after Christmas has kept us hibernating like bears. And I like it. I used to tell myself that I needed to do 'one thing' a day. An errand, visit a friend, etc. But I don't think that's true anymore. I'm finding plenty of things to keep me happy right here in my 1200-square-foot cozy home. More than enough.

I think I finally have a grip and a real plan on this housekeeping business. It's nagged at me for years. But I'm seeing the light and I'm really excited about it.

This is the plan. Not just for the house, but for everything in my life:

BALANCE.

My word of the year. It's what I'm always striving to achieve, yet haven't quite figured it out. This is the time. Finding this will bring me peace and joy and allow me to really enjoy my days. I've finally figured out a major problem with me. Among others, I get too involved in one thing. For a moment I'll be die hard cleaning (January 3 and 4. No shower for 2 days. In pajamas. Boys in pajamas too.) and neglect everything else. Or I'll get all gung-ho exercise and eating good and only think about that while the boys eat mac and cheese and the house is a pit. Those are just a few examples.

This is the thing. There's a lot that needs to be done around here. I feel like my responsibilities are never ending. But I'm not going to let that consume me. One day at a time, bit by bit, I can do it all. I can do a little bit here and there of everything, because in truth, it does all need to get done sometime. I am okay with a house that doesn't look like perfection every day. Because real people don't live there. But, I do want it to be clean and organized. And if I'm going to be here all winter, I'd better love my surroundings.

A little cleaning, a little exercise, a little cooking, a little reading, a little playing. Church callings and service, spouse time, and organization. I can spend time with the boys, live in a clean place, and feel good about myself all at the same time. For the first time I am really seeing that it is possible. Not perfect. Not equal. Just balanced. I am so ready for that in my life! Clear as mud? It makes sense to me, so I'm going with it.

Excuse me, but I need to get up and do the Hot Dog dance with Gavin. They're playing our song.

Nine Month McKay

You are such a sweet thing. I love this age where you are so aware and learning so much. You are grabbing food more proficiently these days and can get most of it in your mouth. The rest of those semi-soaked Cheerios somehow end up all over my body. We are starting to feed you big people food and you are figuring out those different textures. You didn't love all the baby food you ate. But after smelling it myself, I can't really blame you. You love bread, graham crackers, and muffins. You love fruit and oatmeal.

You are sitting up and playing with all sorts of toys. You can entertain yourself for awhile and love when Gavin comes to play with you. I will hear you laughing hysterically from the other room and walk in and you and your bro are having your own little party. You still roll all over and want so badly to crawl and move forward, but haven't figured it out yet. You reach as far as you can and get so frustrated that you can't get what you want.

You still take three naps a day - usually 1 or 1 1/2 hours. It's rare if you sleep longer. You fall asleep on your own quickly and still sleep about 12 hours a night. You are happy to see our faces when we come to get you. You still love to be swaddled. I don't know how much longer we can do that because now you are getting so wiggly that you end up with blankets covering your head, and that really ticks you off.

You have found your toes. You usually have one sock on because you pull or kick them off. You sit on the floor and bend your body in half to get down and eat your toes. I'll keep them clean for you, okay?

Of other major significance, somewhere in the past month or two you stopped puking all over us after eating. Your dad and I always look forward to that milestone. It's nice not to have to have three burpcloths (or in your case, full sized blankets) everywhere we go.

You are getting more okay with other people holding you. Generally if I'm in the room, it's somewhat of an issue. But you are realizing that I'm not going anywhere. You are loving your dad and are happy to have him pay attention to you. Your bright eyes and huge two-tooth smile make us so happy.

I just love you.

Nine Month Stats:

length: 28 1/4 inches - 50%

weight: 20 lbs 14 oz - 55%

head: 46 cm - 75%

My perfectly proportioned baby with an orange-on-a-toothpick head.