These Days

 We have hit the terrible two's full throttle.  We have days when she is sweet as pie and well, others... lets just say that I understand the term now.  A friend of mine tried to encourage me by saying that every child goes through this period and that around age 3 1/2 it wears off.  Oh gee, swell.  Just one more year to go.  

Since the weather wasn't so favorable this weekend we took the children and the double stroller to walk around the mall.  We found ourselves in Sears of all places when we became those parents.  You know the ones.  The ones blankly staring at each other as their child, who has clearly lost her ever-loving mind, is uncontrollably screaming at the top of her lungs.  

She had every right too.  I told her we were not buying the riding lawn mower.  

The four of us went to the USC baseball game season opener Friday afternoon.  We had a blast letting Lucy Mills and McClain run around the stadium, eat hot dogs, and chase after Cocky.  The American dream is a beautiful thing.   

I am married to the greatest man.  

He adores his children and immerses himself in their world entirely.  He gently teaches them, plays with them, corrects them, cares for them, sings to them, and enjoys them.  What a gift this man is to our family.  

With each new morning I have been waking early to sip my inviting cup of coffee and read Jesus Calling.  I highly recommend this beautiful devotional.  As I scan the written words, page after page, I am in awe of what seems are God's love letters to me and only me.  

His mercies are new each morning.  Even when dealing with the terrible two's. 

Be Still My Heart

My sweet boy McClain, who would have ever thought I could love a little guy as much as I love you??  I think it's a mutual adoration we share for one another because you certainly have eyes {and snuggles and kisses} for Mommy.  

You love to be outside, and the dirtier you get the happier you are.  You discovered the potting soil for my flower pots on the side of the house and you are a magnet to the black soil.  I remember how your sister would cry if she got her hands dirty. . . not the case with you my buddy.  You would roll around naked in the griminess if I let you. 

It amazes me how inborn your ability is to flirt with pretty girls.  When one looks your way and begins to talk to you, you bury your blushing, red cheeks in my neck only to cut your eyes in her direction and flash a mischievous grin afterwards.  You love the ladies and the ladies love you. 

You never miss a chance to address anyone and everyone who passes you by.  You wave and say "eeeyyyyy!!" {heyyy}

You and Lucy Mills love to play chase.  As soon as I announce that "Mommy is going to get you," you run straight into my arms, rather than darting away, and collapse your little body against mine.   

McClain, you are now 14 months old. You have been going to sleep on your own with little to no fuss since you entered the world.  For the past two weeks I have started snuggling you before bed and rocking you to sleep at night.   I trace your forehead and ear with my fingertips and watch your lids flutter until you surrender to dreamland.  

As I approached your class at the end of CBS one Thursday I heard a woman repeatedly asking, "where is McClain's mom?" She made her way in my direction and asked me the question again to which I replied "that depends, what did he do?" She had volunteered in the babies class that morning and apparently you charmed her.  She went on and on about what a precious child you are which melted my mama heart to the core.  Now whenever I see her in the halls she asks "how's our McClain doing?"
He is doing wonderful. 

Love you SuperBuddy. 

Happy Hearts Day

Hi

On a daily basis I have been asking in my most excited, super-fun mommy voice if Sweet Girl would like to use the big girl potty and get a treat.  To which she regularly replies "I not use da big girl pottyyyy!" Well wouldn't you know that as I return to pick her up from the nursery after church, Lucy Mills along with all three teachers, exclaim "Mom, guess who sat on and USED the big girl potty?!" 

She hasn't done it for me since...

He can say "ba ba" (bottle), "dada," cup, "cacker" (cracker), and "Gee" for Suggie but not mama.  Really buddy? 

He says it with his eyes though. :) 

I know he does. 

Sweet girl likes rap music.  Whenever she rides in the car with Daddy she asks him to play Ice Ice Baby. I'm not quite sure what to make of it. 

I take comfort that when she rides with Mommy she asks for Holy, Holy.  {aka: children's bible songs}

I guess I'm hoping that the good will outweigh Marky Mark in the long run. 

One month into 2012 and I already get the mom of the year award.  McClain had his first ear infection and I waited a few days to take him to the pediatrician.  The only symptom he had was a nasty cough and Lucy Mills' ears have never been an issue, so I wasn't eager to pay the co-pay have him seen. Thank God for meds to get my Superbuddy back to normal.  

As the not-so-sweet sibling moments occur, I encouraged LM to be sweet to her brother especially since he wasn't feeling well.  She came back with "yeah, McQuain not feel gud...he might frow up." No sweetheart that was last month.  It's his ear this time.  Summertime are you close? 

Lucy Mills points to McClain's curls and says that he has piggytails.

Oh my sweet babes.  What filled my days before you? Nothing as worthwhile as you two.