Just a little smile

A change from some toddler talk to some baby coos again.

Emerson was in for her two month well visit. She had a rough afternoon, so hadn't had her full most recent bottle. I undressed her to be weighed and measured. She was extremely unhappy with this. Big alligator tears streaming down her red face. 

When she was able to be retuned back to my arms it was moms turn to cry. She very quickly focused in on me and started listening to my voice. She calmed. She smiled. She coo'ed right back at me. 

I COMPLETELY melted. Giddy with a big smile of my own and happy tears I talked to my smiley little peanut. I soaked in her happiness in the midst of some stressful days. 

Day 23 of write31days. 

Frustrated

Toddlers can often become quickly irritable and impatient. Then sometime mix it with being tired and you can have quite a mess.

Well I am often trying to help Jackson describe what he is feeling by asking him descriptive questions.  Often when he is getting angry at a task or extremely impatient and starting to be destructive I ask him if he is feeling frustrated because of (insert whatever he is trying to accomplish). He usually will respond, although not always right away, in big sobs and say "yeah Im frutrated." 

When real calm but struggling at a task I have heard him define his own feelings by saying, with a sigh, "I'm frustrated."

Today I learned that he applied frustrated to another situation. Grandpa was trying to put his shoes on but the fabric in the heel can make them difficult. He was having trouble and Jackson noticed. 

"Grandpa, are you frutrated?"

Day 22 of write31days

Having too much fun

Matt (or rather his friends) reminded me of a past great quote from Jackson just before Emerson was born. 

We went to a friends family lake house. Jackson was having a great time playing with ride on tractor trucks, digging in the sand, and (after some getting used to) playing in the lake water. 

He started in the sand, moved to bringing us leaves on the dock before settling in for awhile climbing up the slide and quickly sliding into the water. It was all at very shallow water but we still had to watch him from the momentum of the slide into the water putting him sitting in the sand under water. He was scared of the slide for a while, but once discovered it used all the rest of his energy

When it was time to leave our little man became very upset. Always trying to help him explain his feelings I asked him if he was sad to go because he was having to much fun. 

Between sobs and huge alligator years he choked out loudly yeah, I'm having to much fun!"

He was so sincere, so tired, and so cute having too much fun. 

Day 21 of write31days

I'll blow away

It was a beautiful, even warm, fall day so we walked to the park. Jackson was having a lot of fun having his dad push him high and tickle his legs on the swing. They switched from the swing with a seat that has a plastic harness drop over the swinger to the normal infant/toddler swing. 

It was slightly windy out and jackson was now swinging in a more open swing. Although you could see he was having a lot of fun, J became increasingly concerned, even scared, with the wind he was feeling.  "I'll blow away, I'm gonna blow away Dad."

Even though his dad told him that wasn't going to happen, he was sure it would. He got off the swing. 

Day 20 of write31days

What'd you do at school today?

When I pick Jackson up from school I can almost immediately conclude some aspects about his day. Usually I can tell if they painted, how much he slept (or didn't), and how successful he was going on the potty. Then within minutes of him very excitedly greeting me I usually know about a specific incident during the day or just about a poster on the wall or toy in the room.   

When we are in the car on the way home I love to ask him more questions about his day. His retelling of his day usually involves naming a classmate and occasionally stating that kid was mean. 

Well this time when I picked him up and started asking about his day I heard the most interesting story yet. 

"What did you do at school today Jackson?"

"We went outside and played, then I married Sophia."

Quickly turning down the music, "What did you do after you went outside?"

"Played"...

"No after"...

"Married Sophia"

Luckily at a stop light, I whip around to see him. "You married Sophia?"

HUGE grin on his face and eyes big, "Yeah, I married her."

Smiling now, "How was the wedding?"

"Good!"

Day 19 of write31days

Growing Up

Today was my first day back at work.

 

(Insert HUGE sad face here)

 

Not only is this challenging all in itself after 8+ weeks off and having added a child, but my husband is also out of town. Now to be fair, I could have started Monday when he is back but for several reasons with work starting today is the better choice.

 

I was fully prepared the night before, bottles filled (more than necessary), clothes laid out, Kurig cup out, toddler milk poured in fridge, backpack packed for me and J, ...we were ready.

 

I was prepared for things to go wrong, or just not smoothly (and they did). But this morning Jackson rocked it!

 

He didn't cry when I woke him up. He sleepily said good morning. In a daze he drank his milk and walked to the potty. He stayed there then until he went. I almost gave up on the idea and was going to let him get up so I could start getting him dressed. He insisted though and sure enough he did eventually pee.

 

He asked what the weather was when I went to get him a different shirt. He didn't fuss when I had to check on Em while he was in the bathroom. He was ok washing his hands quickly. He let the dog out of her cage and cheerfully came downstairs in search of his backpack.

 

 We got sister in her car seat, got his shoes on and as I was pouring my second cup of coffee to go I praised him. I told him what a good boy he was being this morning and thanked him.

 

Standing there with his backpack on his response was priceless...

 

"Yeah, I'm doing a good job growing up."

 

Too quickly Jackson, too quickly.

 

Day 18 of write31days

Emerson - 2 months

Two months old baby girl! 

Though she be but little, she is fierce.

She unofficially weighs 6.8 pounds and loves to snuggle all of her close to you. 

She still tucks her legs up but has been spending lots of time kicking on a play mat. She makes the best faces, looking all around when awake and playful. Usually her legs never stop moving when playing and her head darts all around, focusing more and more on the mirror. 

She sleeps at night but cries all afternoons. Reflux has had her quite uncomfortable. Around 5 weeks she became almost unable to comfort in the afternoons, refusing to eat sometimes and just crying at even the thought of you putting her down. At about 6 weeks she was put on some medicine for reflux and it has slowly made a huge difference. Her rough hours have been from around 11am till 7-8pm. She has had a few days where I have practically held her that entire time. Just as fast as I put her down when I think my sweet little girl is dreaming away and comfortable, she is up and crying loudly. I have become a master at one handed activities around the house such as washing a bottle, cutting broccoli, holding a book to read, putting the leash of the dog and managing the various things J gets into. Emerson has had some good afternoons but the poor girl is uncomfortable a lot, looking forward to her next doctor visit. 

She is happiest between  7:30am-9 and 7:30pm -10. She usually will be very calm and playful. She has been cooing and making the sweetest sounds, the very best are when she hears you and looks your way with an innocent little sound. 

The absolute best lately though has been SMILES! She sneaks a few in at you and they are AMAZINGLY ADORABLE! Its like this little reward and sign that you have been doing something  right since she entered the world. 

Looking forward to many more smiles baby girl. 

Happy Day

Jackson usually likes to point out the weather when we first go outside or are in the car. Usually he states "It's a pretty day out" or "It's wet/foggy/sunny out."

Well today it was early, the sun was finally high enough to make it seem light out. It is cool and birds are chirping in the nearby tree. 

Jackson stops walking and looks around..."It's a happy day out Mom."

Yes, today is happy Jackson.

Day 17 of write31days

The way he says it

Toddlers innocently do not always pronounce words correctly. 

Jackson has a few words that are adorably said wrong.

Our dog is named Serenity. (Don't ask). Jackson gets super excited to play fetch with her and loves to "help" take her outside by standing at the door way while I do so. Every time he says her name though its not Serenity but very clear...SENERY.

Jackson sees us typing at our laptop. He has this Fisher Price learning computer of his own that lately he has been loving to "do work" on or "write" the books we read. Well, each time he mentions his computer is it pronounced "PUTER."

Day 16 of write31days 

Where is...?

Jackson loves a good game of hide and seek. Whether it is between you and him or to find something he has hidden, it is sure to draw lots of laughs and excitement, and is sure to be repeated over and over.

Hiding an object is often hilarious, and then quickly burns you out. He will be having fun with a toy and then for whatever reason decide to hide it. He hides it right in front of you, no sort of discreteness. Then after you find it and he wants to do it again he always hides it in the same place. 

We were playing trucks on the floor and baby sister was sitting next to us on her play mat. We started putting trucks in the over turned basket. As I was looking at her he happened to "hide" his long dump truck. "Mom, where'd my truck go?" Turning around I asked him which truck. With an eager smile he points to the over turned basket and says "That truck." Playing along now I say "I don't know, where is it?" He replies, "Right there" pointing again to the basket. 

We went through a few possible locations before eventually discovering the dump truck. :)

Day 15 of write31days

Today

Birthdays are humbling. They allow you to reflect and plan, remember and dream. 

The first year of my thirties did not disappoint. 

It started with a little travel...

Was filled with three amazing weddings that not only was I able to attend but be a part of the bridal party. These friends mean more than words and I was so honored to be a part of their beautiful day.

I learned... more about leaving work at work to be present at home;

 to appreciate each moment, they can be memories far to quickly;

to make time for family;

to let him (and now her) be little, for they are only little for so long;

to shake off the little things and smile.

I watched...my little boy grow up to a silly, independent, intelligent, sweet two year old;

 my baby girl enter the world...

 and my family grow to four.

 

I saw the glisten in my father's eyes for my baby boy, to teach him and love him and I couldn't be more grateful.

I can juggle more than I ever thought possible. 

 I see the love for a sibling from a mothers perspective. 

 I understand what its like to argue with a toddler...and loose; to question what is presented to you, to love unconditionally and to be excited for life. 

I appreciate the small gifts, especially from my innocent, sincere, thoughtful, honest toddler.

Mom! A worm!

 It has been a truly special birthday.

Thank you thirty. 

Heres to thirty-one.

Timer

For the past few months the most effective way to have Jackson end an activity or leave somewhere is to set the timer in my phone, tell him what happens when it goes off and then start the timer. When he hears it then he is usually very cooperative and accepting of ending something fun for a task requested by mom. It allows him to come to an end in his own terms, he doesn't feel just yanked away. Even though you may otherwise give him an accurate count down, "we're leaving in 5 minutes," this is something more tangible since he really has no idea of time. 

Well we are riding in the car today with the radio on when suddenly Jackson says "Mom, the timer." I have no idea at first what he is referring to. "you want me to set it? For what?" He says no and then it dawns on me. Stuck Like Glue by Sugarland is playing on the radio, the same song that goes off every time the timer finishes. 

Day 14 write31days

Work

Jackson was asking to call my mom to talk to her. I told him we can't because she was at work. He asked a few times. Finally he said "We can use my phone, maybe it will work."

Smile.

Day 13 of write31days

You get my sunglasses?

We are extremely fortunate to be able to have my father watch Jackson, and now Emerson too, for some days a week while we work. I can not put into words how much of a positive influence he has had on Jackson. Once in a while, just like any good toddler, Jackson will pick up a behavior from someone that you don't always intend on him doing.

My dad needs glasses to read and see close up. He carries a pair with him, and immediately after using them often puts them up on his head. 

When Jackson starts to read, directions or a book, or maybe we ask him to identify something from a text, or even just picking out a sticker from the sheet, he recently needs his sunglasses. He will say "You get my sunglasses so I can see this?" with a concerned, serious look on his face while pointing to what he is trying to see.  When (if) you get them for him he will put them on and say "that's better."

Jackson was helping my dad with a little house project. My dad was using his glasses on and off till Jackson got a hold of them to "see better." Well, pretty soon my dad needed them back. He asked Jackson, stating he couldn't see. Jackson replied, "That's ok Grandpa, I can see."

Using Grandpa's glasses to read

Day 12 of write31days

He does listen...

One of my favorite things of the toddler age is when he surprises you that he really is listening to what you have to say. When you least expect it he will say back to you something you have told him. He not only heard you the first time, he listened enough to learn what you meant and apply it. It can be adorable, hilarious and so sweet making you pause to think about how you taught him that or where he did finally pick it up.

Baby sister was really upset, fighting the reflux while trying to eat. Jackson entertained himself with his own "babies." He brought his little Corduroy doll and his alligator puppet down stairs and placed them on the play mat. He brought over the stack of mini Mickey books and "read" a story from each one to his babies. Then he would ask if you wanted to hold one of them. He handed it to you stating "careful, you have to hold the head."

We were at my in-laws and Jackson wanted more fruit snacks. My mother-in-law told him he could take them home later and we made a few distractions away from the fruit snacks. Well, at one point Jackson turns to me and says "we go home now so I have fruit snacks."

Day 11 of write31days.

Coo's

My write31days have fallen behind a bit. I have all these things on my mind to type up, just not enough time to do it. I want to see this through as best I can though so I am going to keep at them (in order of occurrence, just maybe not on that day).

First up is a change of pace from toddlers....baby coos!!!!

Emerson has had a battle with reflux lately that has left her mostly like this. 

But after being put on some medicine she has had much longer awake time where she is playful and curious. She makes the best faces and looks all around trying to focus in on things. 

During one long stint on the play mat she made her first noticeable, clear coos. The excitement I felt is nothing short of the jump up and down kind.

Day 10 of write31days.

Phrases I never want to forget

"Oh WOW" 

It is hushed and rushed. He says it with excitement, accentuating and quickening the wow. He says it when you present him with something new or anything you just made. His eyes open big and focus in on the object. He is displaying pure joy that you can not help but smile big yourself.

"Yeah, of course"

He says it short, with maturity and certainty beyond his years. It is sweet and calm, displaying confidence as he says of course, his voice growing a little louder. His shoulder usually shrugs and his left arm raises. His head tilt is inviting to bring you in to whatever you have just asked him. You sought his permission for something and his response is so sweet that you not only cant wait to join him but any slight negativity has instantly vanished from your thoughts. 

"That ok mom?" "Thats a good plan?"

He already has his mind made up but he asks you anyway. He seeks your approval (and may cry if you don't give it). He is proud of his idea and shares it with you, hoping you'll see his thoughtfulness and like his agenda. He asks you slowly with his explanation but quick with his question. As soon as you agree he is off, mind twirling to the next task. 

Day 9 of write31days

Some ramblings

Getting ready to leave for the day I asked Jackson if he wanted to bring a toy. He spent some time making his decision and then "Ok mom Im ready, I've got my bells and treasure map!" He then started talking fast about the basket we had to get to hold these items he wanted to bring. Needless to say it took us a little longer to get out of the house as expected as I tried to defuse the basket idea. 

I wanted to back my car into the driveway. Jackson, confused at first as to what I was doing, repeated what I said in question form, "Backing in?" Then, when he realized what I meant he goes "This is what Grandpa does. Grandpa is a smart man."

Jackson was hunting for leaves with my dad in his backyard. He had to have something with him to hold the leaves, so he got the wheelbarrel. It was full of pinecones already but when we tried to clear them out Jackson was adamant that they stay. Then as he is hunting he is singing his pirate song.

Day 8 of write31days

You need help?

Jackson is fortunate to be able to spend time with his Great Grandma. My dad, my grandma and Jackson are a trio during most days that my dad watches him.

While on maternity leave I am fortunate to go on some adventures with them. As we were returned from one Jackson was out of his car seat before my grandma was out of the car. He came running around the car to my grandma's door right away..."You need help Great Grandma?" He sincerely, patiently and almost inquisitively wanted to know if she needed help getting out of the car, an act he has seen my dad do often, helping her to step out and walk with her cane.

A little later in the house they were sitting on the couch trying to complete a puzzle. Jackson stopped the puzzle building (or for J the "looking at the puzzle map") to ask Great Grandma if she was comfy. "You need pillow Great Grandma?"

He got her one...and then another. Stay thoughtful baby boy.

Day 7 of write31days.

Twinkle Twinkle

Sometimes I just hear a whimper, other times a full blown cry. Sometimes it stops right away, other times it only gets stronger (louder). 

What I often hear next has caught me off guard on more than one occasion. 

"Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are..."

This little man is calmly singing a song, a song that I sang to him since he was just born. He is singing it to his sister. 

"Who you singing to Jackson?"

"Baby sister, cause shes crying."

He sings softly, to comfort her as the song was sung so many times to comfort him.

Day 6 of write31days

I can help

Jackson loves to help. As soon as you say your going to do something he says "I help you."

If you are doing anything in the kitchen area he immediately runs to get his "big step stool" to reach up to the counter. Often he offers to help while simultaneously getting ready, assuming he can. 

He offers to help for practically everything that he otherwise knows you will do without him. 

Jackson, mom has to pay some bills...I can help.

Jackson, I am going to go change clothes...I help you?

Jackson, I've got to write down the books we read...I come help.

 Jackson, mom has to go get __(insert any object not in arms reach of me)__...I help you.

Jackson, I need to __(insert any cleaning task)__...I help you?

Today the most recent help before bedtime was when we were reading stories. My phone was in the kitchen and during our story it buzzed several times. After the story finished I told him I was going to go grab my phone while he gets the next book ready, hoping he would stay in his cozy, calming down state. Nope, he jumps up quick and is practically ahead of me on his way to the kitchen, "I can help mom."

When in a hurry or just really want to complete something fast and allow Jackson to remain content, his helpfulness can be a little annoying. I try to check myself though for he wont want to help forever. He wants to feel important and, without meaning to, I am making the task I am trying to do seem more important than him. He wants to be by me, plain and simple. One day I will say I am doing something and he wont mind. One day I won't have my little helper. One day I will wish I was back to this day.

Day 5 of write31days.

Thatd be awesome

We were doing a Halloween painting craft. I painted Jackson's foot to make a print. When we had a print I basically said ok go nuts to paint or print on the paper here. His reply...

"Mom I paint your foot? That would be awesome!"

Day 4 of write31days

I love you Mom

Before I even walk in the door after being gone at a bridal shower, I can hear an eager voice close inside. It's excited, quick spoken, I hear the word mom.

As soon as I walk in Jackson greets me.  Then, before I have barely stepped into the kitchen, I have said only hello, I have not set down my purse or my keys, this little voice almost shyly but happily says "I love you mom."

Later in the evening he came up on the couch with me to watch YouTube on my iPhone and snuggle for a bit. After what I thought was him already engrossed in his show, me starting to relax and cozy up with baby girl in my arms I hear a soft voice again...."I love you Mommy."

These words will never stop surprising me at the warmth, genuine happiness, and pure joy they provide. 

A day will come when these words are said much less often, perhaps with less comfort so I will treasure them deeply now. For he says them on his own, when he feels their meaning, their value and wants to share. My little man I love you too...I love you all the time. 

Start of negotiations

Jackson can sometimes be hard to argue with, and yes I can't believe it that I recently find myself in "arguments" with my two year old. Negotiation is how it always seems to start and I often wish everything in life was as simple to find alternatives to as J views.

He often states a very simple, thought out, logical alternative to what you have just told him to get what he wants. 

A very simple example occurred today that made my husband I look at each other and think sure, makes sense. 

Matt was getting ready to leave for work and all four of us were heading downstairs. Holding Emerson I asked Jackson if he was going to walk down the stairs or if he wanted Dad to carry him. Quickly and sweetly he said "no, you carry me downstairs and give Emerson to Daddy to carry."

Sounds good J.

The Write31Days Challenge

Yesterday I came across the Write31Days challenge. As the last few weeks of maternity leave are upon me I thought this would help document the fun, memorable, and chaotic time off with my toddler and infant through words from my two year old.

An InLinkz Link-up

Day 1:

(From yesterday, October 2)

At Target for a few quick items we tried to avoid the dollar section. Something of course caught Jackson's eye and as my impatience quickly grew he was now reaching to pick something up. As I started to tell him to put it back he was one step ahead of me with a calm, thought out reason as to why he needed it. 

Very calmly and matter of fact Jackson said, "We get this flashlight for Daddy to fix the TV so I can watch my movies?" He repeated it a few more times to me and two Target employees. The flashlight reminded Jackson of a happy moment when he felt helpful. He wanted to go back to that time and getting the flashlight for dad could do that.
We bought the flashlight.

Day 2: Start of negotiations
Day 3: I love you Mom
Day 4: Thatd be awesome
Day 5: I can help
Day 6: Twinkle Twinkle
Day 7: You need help?
Day 8: Some ramblings
Day 9: Phrases I never want to forget
Day 10: Coos
Day 11: He does listen...
Day 12: You get my sunglasses?
Day 13: Work
Day 14:
Day 15:
Day 16: The way he says it
Day 17: Happy Day
Day 18: Growing up
Day 19: What did you do at school
Day 20: I'll blow away