ELI is TWO MONTHS Old!

We measured Eli last week when he turned 2 months old! He was 12 pounds 11 oz. I still need to get his length measurements, but figured I should probably blog what I have on my mind while it's still there!

- He is wearing size 3 months clothes, but a few 6 month sizes because of the cloth diaper fluffiness.

- Eli's routine has become more predictable. He usually takes 3 distinct naps a day, and sleeps from 11:30pm to 4:14am almost every day!

- He LOVES his swing. In fact, Eli loves to be moving at all times. It's not that he is particularly wiggly, he just likes whoever or whatever is holding him to be in motion.

- Favorite toy is by far the giraffe toy. It must be perfectly designed for babies...all of them loved that toy!

- His smiles are coming more and more often! Guaranteed to get him a smile are brother's smiling at him, and Zoe making him clap his hands.

- We've heard his little baby chuckles a few times. They are so cute...and we haven't quite figured out what makes him laugh...he seems to be very easily amused at all sorts of random things!

- He's an amazing car traveler! He sleeps and sleeps or sits quietly staring. We didn't have to stop many times on the trip from Beaufort to here, and I'm very thankful!

- Eli loves to know that Mommy is nearby. He is very attached to me, and it's kind of flattering to be his favorite person. :)

- Little coos are being heard more and more as he's figuring out how to "talk" to us. He likes to talk most in the mornings.

- His cries are extremely distinctive now to my ears. Unfortunately, he has been having some fussy spells between 7 and 10pm on occasion. I think it's been very uncomfortable gas. We can hear and feel his poor little tummy working over time on something! Praying for this phase to pass quickly!

- Tiny little fingers are grabbing and holding on to me or his blanket while he's nursing and playing. He bats at little toys on his bouncy seat too!

It's been so much fun watching Eli grow up! I can't wait to see what this next month will bring. :)

Do the Moo Shoo

I really enjoy that time of night when all is still and quiet. You can't hear anything but the noise machine over the baby monitor, or maybe the swing makes a click-click sounds as Eli rocks comfortably.

This is when I like to do fun things without being interrupted, like stalk facebook, unpack a box, or just stare out the window blankly and quietly. You know, quiet things. If there must be noise, the clicking of keyboard keys as I chat with a friend is completely acceptable! :)

Then I hear a new noise coming from the kitchen.

It's metallic, perhaps...with a bit of crunching. Not a rhythmic sound, more choppy and irregular. Hacking? What in the world could that be?

We interrupt this blog to bring you a Veggie Tales video.

There was Matt, freezer door wide open, trying desperately to do the "Moo Shoo"! (You need chicken for this, see?).

The chicken was not cooperating. It was frozen solid, in a mass perfectly shaped for the least amount of movement possible. The release-button for the shelf was wedged tightly against frozen chicken!

So from thence came the noise...heavy kitchen knife meeting block o'frozen chicken, trying to create space to lift it out.

I am happy to report that the chicken will be served without the freezer door for dinner tomorrow night. :)

WIAN - Bein' Ian

Aunt Kathy began broadcasting from this channel when Ian was very little. Often when I see Ian doing something, I can't help but think of her saying it!

For example, this afternoon:

He dressed himself today.

Gray shirt. Blue shorts. Black socks. Brown dress loafers.

And, later in the afternoon, he amused himself by playing in the backyard while I hung up the diapers...

Fast, shiny metal airplane. Bright, fluffy miniature pink poodle as its pilot.

Of course, by the time I was ready to run for the camera, the flight had been grounded. He mentioned something about running out of gas.

Then, he pointed out the maintenance guy cutting the grass next door.

"Mom, why is he cutting the grass over there?"

(This question instantly made me feel awkward. Did we really spend that little time keeping the grass cut? Uh, probably. I think I could count the number of times we mowed the grass on my hands...haha).

"Well, people mow it, like Mr. Scott mowed our grass to keep it short."

He scrunched his face quizzically, "But why do they have to cut it? Why does it have to be short?"

"You know, that's a good question, Ian. I don't know who first thought of that idea."

Without a pause for thought, "I know who."

"Yes, Ian?"

"It was probably a girl that had that idea."

Hahahahahaha. He's turned my own joke on me.

This concludes this broadcast of WIAN. :)

What is Permanent?

When it comes to our words and feelings, what is permanent?

I had to think about this today. (You'll see why). I love my kids. More than words or pictures could ever sum up. But, I'm still human.

So sometimes, I feel like my words are sort of like a reminder of how I feel.

Other times, my words are something I feel like I have to do as part of a list, or a task at hand.

Then there are the times that those words feel subject to change on my whim. Feelings are feelings, after all…they do come and go.

But what if there was a permanent marker for my heart, and I always felt the same way, no matter what happened?

That's what having a child made me ponder today. Permanent markers...err, permanence.

Come here, you little permanent marker covered imp! Time out!

First, I pondered what on earth you thought you were doing. Were you drawing me a path or something?

Were you marking a spot on the couch to sit together? Or were you agreeing with the conversation Mommy and Daddy were having about one day getting a new neutral couch?

(Remind me not to discuss a new camera or computer for a while.)

It really doesn't matter what she was doing, of course. She had a consequence the same as any other time…no worse just because it happened to be a permanent marker. (Which is where I surprised myself. When I look at pictures of stuff other kids ruined, I thought I would lose it if that was my child! SERIOUSLY! WHERE are their parents!??!).

My next thought was how very, very angry I was at her for ruining the couch. I didn't like her very much. WHY my child? But, oh always that urging of my call...to CHOOSE happiness, and to CHOOSE love. I do love, you, Zoe....even when you color on my couch.

Soooo...why didn't I beat the child? First, the real issue is where she should be coloring. Would I beat her for coloring on the table or walls? No. Secondly, it's hard to beat someone when you're focused on how much you love them. And finally, I want her to know that no matter how permanent her actions may seem, there's still love. I thank God for that love in my heart. Times like this I guess show how much I am changing as I grow in this journey of motherhood.

Because really, nothing is actually permanent except change, right?

Oh, and this.

Customized cross graphic from http://www.christian-graphics.net/

"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Romans 8:38-39

(Or permanent marker!).

I love you, Zoe, more than you'll ever know. But that pales in comparison to the permanence of the future, and Christ's love for you.

On a less serious note, permanent marker is not as permanent as you think. If you were wondering why you smelled something wintergreeny fresh while sitting on my couch…

I have Anna to thank for this. She boldly battles stains like no other person I've ever met. Also, I have Google to thank. If you want to see how to get permanent marker out of a couch, click HERE.

Maybe one day I'll explain to Zoe the difference between washable markers and permanent markers. I may even pull out this post, and have a really deep and meaningful conversation with her about things that stay and things that never change. But today, we're just going to work on coloring on paper, not couches. :)

P.S. I have no idea where she got the marker. Attribute it to moving and misplaced items.

P.P.S. The green stuff is wintergreen "flavor" rubbing alcohol...which I also have no idea from whence it came, but it sure did work wonders!

"Because Eli will be happy when he comes."

Do you remember the story behind this little outfit?

If not, you can read the full story HERE.

To sum it up, Ian chose this onesie for his brother, saying, : "...I like it a lot! It's perfect! We'll get this one, Mom. It has a smiley face on it, because Eli will be happy when he comes, and he's my little brother..."

How appropriate then that today, after this amazingly fun little photo op, Eli laughed for the first time! It was just a little baby chuckle, but a laugh nonetheless! I can't wait to share those precious little giggles with you at some point!

Speaking of laughs...Ian was laughing a lot while I grabbed some quick pictures. Eli even snuck in a smile.

I think this might be my new favorite picture. Just classic. Ian's crazy huge smile...and little brother's apparent bemusement. Who knows what he is thinking, really.

Just this week, Ian has developed even more wonderful "Big Brother" skills. When Eli was crying in the van on the way home from the store, he asked Matt to turn on the music. Eli stopped crying, and Ian BEAMED. "See Mom, he is happy now. I did it. I asked you to turn on the music and he stopped crying. He likes the music, Mom."

I will admit to you I don't actually tear up often, but here I am about to cry like a baby. Because, over the past few days, every time Eli cries...Ian goes to him and sings to him. He sings his ABC's, Jesus Loves Me, and insane made-up tunes. What's even more precious is that often Eli doesn't even hesitate his crying, but cries louder. And Ian patiently continues singing to him as if it doesn't matter if it helps or not!

If the crying continues to much longer, I have to laugh...since Ian will inform me at long last, "It's not working, Mom. He just wants na-nas." He doesn't get frustrated or insulted or anything. It's just a matter of fact thing. Wow, do I need work on this one!

Big Brother. Little Brother.

I have to repeat myself and end this blog the same way I ended the other...Ian, you were right. Eli is happy...he has the best brother in the whole world. :)

They Keep Me Honest

Just as I mentioned in my last post, certain aspects of having children are inspiring. They really make you think about our inner sources of inspiration and motivation.

But, some of those things come directly to my ears...I don't really have to read into, or think about very much.

Case in point: mess of books on the floor, waiting to be put away.

"Mom, what are you doing?" Ian eyed me as I pulled all of the books out of the box.

"I'm putting these books away on the shelf where they go," I informed him with a sigh.

"Oh. The movers brought them here for us?" (He asks this question almost EVERY time I'm unpacking a box and he takes interest).

"Yes. And, I'm unpacking them and putting them away. But, I'm going to take a break now, so I need you to leave this pile alone. Ok?" I crawled over to the couch and stretched out.

Ian jumped to his feet and grabbed my arm. "Oh no, Mom! You can't leave this right here! You need to get up and put it away FIRST, and thennnnn you can rest!"

I chuckled, "Well, Ian, sometimes you need to rest a minute and then get the energy to finish."

He very seriously eyed me, "Well, Mom, sometimes you just need to pick up and then you can energy."

Ugh! Really?! Truer words have never been spoken! Um, and I'll confess I had already walked away from that pile 3 or 4 times. Hehe.

(Fast forward a couple of hours).

Next case in point: special ice cream treat...a reward for Ian playing nicely while I took a rest, (earned this time, yay!) and for Zoe taking a nap.

I gave each of them a popsicle, and also one for myself. Many of you know, I am the ice cream eating champion. I enjoy ice cream most when I get brain freeze. :) I returned to the freezer for my second popsicle. (It only seems fair that when you eat twice as fast, you get twice as much?).

Zoe raised up one sticky little finger. "One. Jussss one."

(Insert sound of screeching brakes here).

"What did you say, Zoe?" I couldn't believe my ears.

Ian concentrated, and furrowed his brow a moment.

"She said, 'Just one,' Mom. She means you just get one for now, and more later," he ended with an ever so helpful intonation.

"YES!" Zoe smiled her broadest and cutest little smile. "One!"

I closed the freezer door. You know, they're right. Drat! Foiled again!

Maybe someone is thinking my kids are telling me what to do. But, I know they know that I'm the parent...and this respectful and direct counsel is very appreciated by me. (I don't look at it as my kids telling me what to do, but instead holding me accountable to a higher standard). They are the best accountability I have! They see me day in, and day out. They are going to keep me honest to something I think all of us hold close to our hearts: Let your actions speak louder than your words.

I'm completely fine with this arrangement.

(Until they begin charging me for their services!).

:)

Turn, Turn

Eli was sleeping on my chest this morning as I was slowly waking up...

...and in comes marching big brother and big sister to begin the day!

I didn't want them to wake him up, so I gently set Eli on the bed in the warm place where I had been, on his back.

I walked to the bathroom and heard little grunting noises coming from the bed. (Oh dear, guess we woke him up after all!).

When I returned, he was on his stomach once more, slow and steady breathing...back to sleep!

Apparently, he can turn from his back to his stomach when he really wants!

You know what's amazing to me? Even watching this third of my children day-to-day in their development...I always marvel at this process of learning to move. Nobody told them they needed to move! They watched and tuned into the wiring of their brains for it, and just did it!

Who says babies aren't inspirational? :)

Moving: The Numbers

This post is about stuff.

I hope it's not boring...there's no cute quips from the kids! That post is coming. I had to share an accomplishment first. Aside from the emotions of leaving friends, and rejoining others...I have never been quite so excited to watch my things go into boxes.

Check out these numbers from our 2008 move (from North Carolina to Beaufort):

3 people...

that's Matt, Ian, and me.

12,000 POUNDS...

of household goods that was moved when we went from NC to SC.

4 people...

packed our stuff.

2 days...

DAYS it took them to simply put things in boxes.

6 TONS...

Did I mention that a family of three had 6 tons of belongings? I know not everyone has the weight of their things, but put this in world perspective. Some people have the perhaps 5 pounds of clothes they are wearing (and sometimes even that is unusual). We are blessed. Beyond measure. And, really...that is a LOT of stuff for only 3 people.

2 trucks...

Yes, it took two LARGE moving trucks to move our stuff. I'll admit, I was embarrassed!

1 decision...

To change the way I looked at my stuff.

3 years...

To change my actions.

I had become a collecting point to pass on to others. I couldn't bear to see useful items go to the trash, and I knew eventually I'd find a purpose. I hadn't made the time to sort through old paperwork and only keep was Uncle Sam required. I needed to sort through items handed over from parents cleaning out our rooms. I was turning into a hoarder. I. Had. Too. Much. Stuff.

If I really believe that Jesus is coming back at any moment, why on earth am I keeping all this stuff?! And, isn't my stuff keeping me from living each day to the fullest?

I started to get overwhelmed. How did I get all this stuff? Where did it come from? When was I going to have the time to get rid of it? Could I just toss things, or find someone that needed it? What was I going to do with all this stuff? Where did it come from...!?!?! Was I going to end up on a TV show one day wondering how I got in that awful mess!?

I was a mental mess, going in circles and wondering how I could ever uncover myself from this giant pile...of STUFF! It really did seem impossible. I didn't have the time to deal with it! Maybe I could just stop getting more stuff, and the rest of the stuff would just disappear on its own at some point.

(By the way, did you know that even packed boxes in storage represent your time? Time you could spend doing productive things...reading a book, going for a run, giving hugs to friends, or sitting and making new dreams for the future. EVERY item you own has an investment of your time. If you don't believe me, consider that even if you never open your box, it requires space which costs money, which you have to use time to earn to keep it there. I could elaborate, but I think you get the basic idea!)

Being only human, once we had moved and our family continued to grow...I also continued to amass things. Little girl clothes (too many cute outfits, too little time), more junk mail (too many envelopes, too little time), and just stuff in general (too many random things, too little time, haha!).

I'm really good at organizing and making space work for me. This means that I didn't notice how much our stuff had actually grown until I saw all the extra stuff in ONE extra bedroom of our rental house. We had a whole bedroom FULL of extra stuff!

Over the space of three years, and the craziness of life, I kept plugging away at that pile. I prayed for wisdom and strength to accomplish the task. And I used super-nesting energy to get rid of van load after van load. I was DETERMINED to bring back less with me.

THAT is why I was excited to see things get packed up. I had to know...did I change as much as I thought I had?

Without further ado, the numbers from our May 2011 move:

5 people...

in our family...Zoe and Eli are with us now! Wow...we better not leave again. We multiplied, haha.

10,000 pounds...

of household goods. (Ok, it's not as drastic a difference in weight as I had hoped). But please consider that there are now more people! It gets more exciting when you look at the next numbers though!

2 people...

packed our stuff into boxes.

7 hours...

they were able to get it all into boxes in only 7 hours! I'd like to think that if nothing else, things were more organized!

5 tons...

we knocked down our gross weight by a full ton. Keep in mind the furniture has been the same. We had only purchased 2 new shelves since moving, which were replacing 2 that broke. That weight almost literally represents 2 tons of other "stuff."

1 truck...

our stuff fit into one NORMAL sized truck!! I have never been so excited about a moving truck before.

1 decision...

I will never let my stuff rule over me or my time again.

Maybe this was a little random. But, I had to share how excited I am about what this move represented for me in a more physical sense.

Watching those boxes being unloaded was fun. It was a totally different picture from 3 years ago. It was a manageable and realistic amount of things for a growing family of five. And I knew that in those boxes were things we were using, or would use...not just random boxes of STUFF!

Numbers don't lie, and by the grace of God, I achieved a goal.

Through these words hurled into cyberspace...I want you to hold me accountable. I will never let my stuff rule over me or my time. I'm in control of what goes in and out of these doors.

And you my friend...you're in control too. Whether they are moving boxes, piles, or mental lists of stuff...your numbers are yours for the molding. :)