Get it, girl.
On my to dos:
- Plan Isaac's 3rd birthday party [John Deere Tractor themed, again. Apparently having the same theme two years in a row has no bearing on a 3 year old]
- Finalize the packaging components of my mini-rebrand.
- Put together a family outfit for some updated family pictures before we leave for our weekend away.
- Decide on some new floors and backdrops for the studio.
- Put together a coordinating outfit for Ezra to use in the studio with the new drops to get people to book a session! Including this updated chair, that I got for free from my Aunt:
- Prep for my first senior session tomorrow evening.
- Try to act like a grown up over middle school stuff.
- Carve out time for Tony to work on Isaac's swing set.
- Oh yes, and work. :)
- Plan Isaac's 3rd birthday party [John Deere Tractor themed, again. Apparently having the same theme two years in a row has no bearing on a 3 year old]
- Finalize the packaging components of my mini-rebrand.
- Put together a family outfit for some updated family pictures before we leave for our weekend away.
- Decide on some new floors and backdrops for the studio.
- Put together a coordinating outfit for Ezra to use in the studio with the new drops to get people to book a session! Including this updated chair, that I got for free from my Aunt:
- Prep for my first senior session tomorrow evening.
- Try to act like a grown up over middle school stuff.
- Carve out time for Tony to work on Isaac's swing set.
- Oh yes, and work. :)
Countdown to Easter :: Day 12
Thursday, March 29, 2012
I don't teach my kids enough. As in, it's a wonder Isaac knows how to recite his ABC's, but he most certainly doesn't know what each letter looks like! Although we're pretty certain he has a touch of colorblindness, like Tony, the boy just seemed to lock in on his colors. And don't even get me started on Ezra, I'd be embarrassed to tell you how many times I've read a book to him.
And then, you have their spiritual development, towards hopefully one day asking Jesus to be their Lord and Savior. Augh, I'm just awful! Prayers before mealtime are consistent between home and daycare, and every evening we do our bed time prayers. We'll also pray when we hear of someone being hurt, ill or when an ambulance passes, but I still don't feel like I'm doing a great job actually weaving those tidbits of my faith into the everyday small moments of their life.
Enter pinterest.
Specifically this idea from The True Confessions of Mrs Olson.
I was sold! Fun, the Bible, learning and a countdown. I was so fired up, I even laid it out on our google calendar to be sure I didn't forget to start on the right day.
Yesterday was the first day, so being the first day, we followed these guidelines:
Day 12 :: mini playdoh … “The name of Jesus” Read the story of the Angel coming to Mary in Luke 1. Talk about what the name of Jesus - Immanuel “God with us” means. Talk about the meaning of our own names. Read Philippians 2:10 together and discuss. Use the playdoh to spell out the name of Jesus.
Isaac was really excited to see the return of the Easter eggs, even if they were empty and borrowed from my Mom. I didn't let him see all of them, but stuffed some dried cherries in one to bribe his listening ears.
Isaac first thought that Gabriel was Mary and didn't quite understand why Mary would be afraid to have a baby without being pregnant, but he asked some great questions.
All while making two monster eyes. Oh, boys.
We talked about his name and Jesus' name and how God ordained him to be called Jesus. Only I didn't use the word ordain, because he's not quite three. ;) He seemed to enjoy him and is really excited about today, Day 11's, special treat!
If you want to catch up, today is a great day to start! :)
Ezra was intent on climbing the stairs the whole time I was with Isaac. It's a good thing he's so darn cute.
And then, you have their spiritual development, towards hopefully one day asking Jesus to be their Lord and Savior. Augh, I'm just awful! Prayers before mealtime are consistent between home and daycare, and every evening we do our bed time prayers. We'll also pray when we hear of someone being hurt, ill or when an ambulance passes, but I still don't feel like I'm doing a great job actually weaving those tidbits of my faith into the everyday small moments of their life.
Enter pinterest.
Specifically this idea from The True Confessions of Mrs Olson.
I was sold! Fun, the Bible, learning and a countdown. I was so fired up, I even laid it out on our google calendar to be sure I didn't forget to start on the right day.
Yesterday was the first day, so being the first day, we followed these guidelines:
Day 12 :: mini playdoh … “The name of Jesus” Read the story of the Angel coming to Mary in Luke 1. Talk about what the name of Jesus - Immanuel “God with us” means. Talk about the meaning of our own names. Read Philippians 2:10 together and discuss. Use the playdoh to spell out the name of Jesus.
Isaac was really excited to see the return of the Easter eggs, even if they were empty and borrowed from my Mom. I didn't let him see all of them, but stuffed some dried cherries in one to bribe his listening ears.
Isaac first thought that Gabriel was Mary and didn't quite understand why Mary would be afraid to have a baby without being pregnant, but he asked some great questions.
All while making two monster eyes. Oh, boys.
We talked about his name and Jesus' name and how God ordained him to be called Jesus. Only I didn't use the word ordain, because he's not quite three. ;) He seemed to enjoy him and is really excited about today, Day 11's, special treat!
If you want to catch up, today is a great day to start! :)
Ezra was intent on climbing the stairs the whole time I was with Isaac. It's a good thing he's so darn cute.
Missing Him
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
I miss him, Ezra.
Last night between groceries, dinner, a Target trip, dishes, laundry and running I only spent time with him for an hour, tops. What plagues me is that this isn't even my busy season. This is just living life.
Some nights, all I want is to be able to lay him down and have him sleep through the night, the majority though, I wouldn't trade having him sleep by my side for anything. Our nights of sweet slumber in such proximity are numbered, even if for another year, they're numbered
And I know this, because . . .
I miss him, Isaac.
With the constant barrage of words leaving his mouth, outside demands permeating his mind and never ending onslaught of images challenging how he views himself and others, the worries I felt as he was just beginning to explore the world have only intensified. Nightly, I wonder whether we are successfully raising a compassionate, intelligent and loving boy.
Some nights, all I want is to be able to scoop him up in my arms, cradle him like a baby and know that he's going to reciprocate the feelings of the sweet moment. I tasked myself very early with enjoying this young age for all of the joy, forgetting the frustration, and yet, it still feels to have too quickly escaped me.
But most of all . . .
I miss him, Tony.
The leisurely way that we used to be able to sleep, yes, sleep in our bed. Slowly, we'd relinquish our grogginess to the warming sun. My head fit perfectly in the crook of your shoulder. My cheek knew it's place on your chest. Our bodies would tangle, my arm curved around your back, your hand on my waist, with your other arm supporting your head, as we just lay next to each other.
Some nights, I try to remember what it was like, just you and me. The memories are never what I expect. They are hollow. The life we've been able to enjoy, husband and wife, doesn't compare to the one we're experiencing as Mama and Daddy.
And someday, I'll miss our babies, even more than I thought possible, God willing, because they will be in their own homes, raising their own families, loving their spouses.
And then, it will again be you and me, our lives filled with so much love and [bitter]sweet memories.
So I will miss you now, in some aspects, for the promise of tomorrow.
Last night between groceries, dinner, a Target trip, dishes, laundry and running I only spent time with him for an hour, tops. What plagues me is that this isn't even my busy season. This is just living life.
Some nights, all I want is to be able to lay him down and have him sleep through the night, the majority though, I wouldn't trade having him sleep by my side for anything. Our nights of sweet slumber in such proximity are numbered, even if for another year, they're numbered
And I know this, because . . .
I miss him, Isaac.
With the constant barrage of words leaving his mouth, outside demands permeating his mind and never ending onslaught of images challenging how he views himself and others, the worries I felt as he was just beginning to explore the world have only intensified. Nightly, I wonder whether we are successfully raising a compassionate, intelligent and loving boy.
Some nights, all I want is to be able to scoop him up in my arms, cradle him like a baby and know that he's going to reciprocate the feelings of the sweet moment. I tasked myself very early with enjoying this young age for all of the joy, forgetting the frustration, and yet, it still feels to have too quickly escaped me.
But most of all . . .
I miss him, Tony.
The leisurely way that we used to be able to sleep, yes, sleep in our bed. Slowly, we'd relinquish our grogginess to the warming sun. My head fit perfectly in the crook of your shoulder. My cheek knew it's place on your chest. Our bodies would tangle, my arm curved around your back, your hand on my waist, with your other arm supporting your head, as we just lay next to each other.
Some nights, I try to remember what it was like, just you and me. The memories are never what I expect. They are hollow. The life we've been able to enjoy, husband and wife, doesn't compare to the one we're experiencing as Mama and Daddy.
And someday, I'll miss our babies, even more than I thought possible, God willing, because they will be in their own homes, raising their own families, loving their spouses.
And then, it will again be you and me, our lives filled with so much love and [bitter]sweet memories.
So I will miss you now, in some aspects, for the promise of tomorrow.
Ezra: Nine Months
Oh boy.
Ezra, dude, you're 9 months now.
This past month was quite the doozy, with a snowman and traditional "snowbank" shot.
Your first experience sledding.
And then just like that, it was spring.
And you've just taken off! Your crawling is quite speedy and you love to walk behind Isaac's CAT truck or the little walker toy. Isaac was standing unassisted for short periods of time and walking by 10 months, so thankfully you're looking to be just a bit slower. :)
We also think that your hair is a little different and you certainly have less of it at this point than your brother did. I hope one of you two end up with your Daddy's hair!
Your Aunt Gina got you this sweatshirt at a thrift store and I'm pretty much in love with how you wear it. Well, that and the green grass, but mainly you.
You don't have any teeth yet, and neither did I until I was one year old, but we've started to give you some finger foods, like strawberries, grapes, avocado, orzo, quinoa, cheese, bread, pancakes. Basically a pretty wide variety of food and you've loved it all!
We joke that you're going to think that your name is "stinker butts," because that's what you get called all the time! Both for when you're tooting on me and when you make a break for the steps.
These things are like a magnet for you! Anytime Isaac opens the gate without telling me, you make a beeline up the steps. Your Daddy and I are quite concerned you might be more of a handful than Isaac, and that's saying something. ;)
I absolutely adore you to pieces little man and I know that your development and personality are just going to explode in the next few months.
I can't wait.
Ezra, dude, you're 9 months now.
This past month was quite the doozy, with a snowman and traditional "snowbank" shot.
Your first experience sledding.
And then just like that, it was spring.
And you've just taken off! Your crawling is quite speedy and you love to walk behind Isaac's CAT truck or the little walker toy. Isaac was standing unassisted for short periods of time and walking by 10 months, so thankfully you're looking to be just a bit slower. :)
We also think that your hair is a little different and you certainly have less of it at this point than your brother did. I hope one of you two end up with your Daddy's hair!
Your Aunt Gina got you this sweatshirt at a thrift store and I'm pretty much in love with how you wear it. Well, that and the green grass, but mainly you.
You don't have any teeth yet, and neither did I until I was one year old, but we've started to give you some finger foods, like strawberries, grapes, avocado, orzo, quinoa, cheese, bread, pancakes. Basically a pretty wide variety of food and you've loved it all!
We joke that you're going to think that your name is "stinker butts," because that's what you get called all the time! Both for when you're tooting on me and when you make a break for the steps.
These things are like a magnet for you! Anytime Isaac opens the gate without telling me, you make a beeline up the steps. Your Daddy and I are quite concerned you might be more of a handful than Isaac, and that's saying something. ;)
I absolutely adore you to pieces little man and I know that your development and personality are just going to explode in the next few months.
I can't wait.
Hot Mess
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Two weeks ago, I managed to flash the bus as I was getting off at my stop. My cheeks didn't get too rosey, thanks to my realization that my thick sweater tights were the only thing that anyone got an eyeful of . . . until later in the day and I realized that there was a hole in them.
Last Friday, my bottle came detached. To complete the picture, I give you 4+ months of regrowth & baby bangs.
Yesterday, I feel up the escalator after power walking my way past a group of guys who were leisurely talking as they walked. I had just gotten lunch and had both of my hands full, so I managed to make my tumble, spill my lunch on myself and bang up my knee.
Just keeping it real here folks.
Can we blame this on the weather? Has anyone else been a super klutz? Or am I just really amazing?
Last Friday, my bottle came detached. To complete the picture, I give you 4+ months of regrowth & baby bangs.
Yesterday, I feel up the escalator after power walking my way past a group of guys who were leisurely talking as they walked. I had just gotten lunch and had both of my hands full, so I managed to make my tumble, spill my lunch on myself and bang up my knee.
Just keeping it real here folks.
Can we blame this on the weather? Has anyone else been a super klutz? Or am I just really amazing?
One Month Shy
Monday, March 26, 2012
When did we get one month shy of this kid's third birthday?
When did he go from my itty bitty, fresh and new with all the insecurities that being a first time mom holds, to this mister?
Thank goodness I still get glimpses when he sleeps.
Oh sweet, troublesome, inquiring Isaac, "I love you soooo much." Regardless of how many times you, in reply, tell me you only love me "a little bit."
When did he go from my itty bitty, fresh and new with all the insecurities that being a first time mom holds, to this mister?
Thank goodness I still get glimpses when he sleeps.
Oh sweet, troublesome, inquiring Isaac, "I love you soooo much." Regardless of how many times you, in reply, tell me you only love me "a little bit."
Paper Mama Photo Challenge: Green
I don't know what it is about this image, but I love it. I rarely, if ever, take crying photos of Ezra. This is primarily due to the fact that he's a generally happy baby, meaning, if he's crying, he wants me. And who I am to deny him some love?
For this photo though, he was keen on exploring and was none too pleased that I sat him back down on his britches. It's unfortunate that this is my favorite, because I'm so in love with the outfit, the colors, the light, everything, but the sun changed and there was not to be a fantastic smiling version.
I'm linking it up with The Paper Mama's photo challenge.
For this photo though, he was keen on exploring and was none too pleased that I sat him back down on his britches. It's unfortunate that this is my favorite, because I'm so in love with the outfit, the colors, the light, everything, but the sun changed and there was not to be a fantastic smiling version.
I'm linking it up with The Paper Mama's photo challenge.
Ready.
Friday, March 23, 2012
I'm just so incredibly ready for this weekend.
I hope it's a great one, for us all.
Running
Thursday, March 22, 2012
I've found running again.
Slowly, but surely, I've found my legs. It started with the new year, well, kind of. You can't exactly say I started the year off on the right foot with running, being that my first run wasn't until January 17th.
But I've continued on, although I don't think I ran in February, and let me tell you, this early spring weather, has been an amazing motivator!
I'm able to get some outdoor runs in on the weekend.
I've been working very diligently to get Ezra to sleep by 8pm in the pack and play in our room. Considering the fact that I never once successfully got Isaac to nap outside of my arms or sleep before we went to bed at 10:30pm, I feel very good about the progress I've made! However, Ezra usually only sleeps from 8:00-10:00pm and then wakes up about the time I'm getting ready for bed downstairs. I then bring him to bed with me, so that he can nurse the night away.
Regardless, this 8:00pm bedtime for Ezra and 9:00pm for Isaac has allowed me to start establishing a pattern of running at night, without feeling guilty that I'm away from them!
To be honest, a lot of my motivation to run was spurred by Gina's training for her first half marathon. Never in my life did I think that I would miss running, but after my first half marathon 4 years ago, it's had me hooked. Just hearing about her long runs gave me the inspiration to dedicate time and I was planning to find a September 1/2 marathon, but Gina got me thinking about a May one now and depending on how much I can increase my mileage in the next few weeks, I think I'm going to do it!
It scares me a bit to say that I'm going to run a half marathon again, because while I have the confidence gained in completing one previously, just typing out the fact that it was 4 years and 2 kids ago is very intimidating!
Do I have any readers who have returned to running a 1/2 or even full marathon after one or more children?
Circa 2008: Nadia, Tony and I at the end of our Grandma's Half Marathon.
Slowly, but surely, I've found my legs. It started with the new year, well, kind of. You can't exactly say I started the year off on the right foot with running, being that my first run wasn't until January 17th.
But I've continued on, although I don't think I ran in February, and let me tell you, this early spring weather, has been an amazing motivator!
I'm able to get some outdoor runs in on the weekend.
I've been working very diligently to get Ezra to sleep by 8pm in the pack and play in our room. Considering the fact that I never once successfully got Isaac to nap outside of my arms or sleep before we went to bed at 10:30pm, I feel very good about the progress I've made! However, Ezra usually only sleeps from 8:00-10:00pm and then wakes up about the time I'm getting ready for bed downstairs. I then bring him to bed with me, so that he can nurse the night away.
Regardless, this 8:00pm bedtime for Ezra and 9:00pm for Isaac has allowed me to start establishing a pattern of running at night, without feeling guilty that I'm away from them!
To be honest, a lot of my motivation to run was spurred by Gina's training for her first half marathon. Never in my life did I think that I would miss running, but after my first half marathon 4 years ago, it's had me hooked. Just hearing about her long runs gave me the inspiration to dedicate time and I was planning to find a September 1/2 marathon, but Gina got me thinking about a May one now and depending on how much I can increase my mileage in the next few weeks, I think I'm going to do it!
It scares me a bit to say that I'm going to run a half marathon again, because while I have the confidence gained in completing one previously, just typing out the fact that it was 4 years and 2 kids ago is very intimidating!
Do I have any readers who have returned to running a 1/2 or even full marathon after one or more children?
Circa 2008: Nadia, Tony and I at the end of our Grandma's Half Marathon.
Time with Isaac
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Gosh, I just love this little kid. His willfulness tempered by his humor, with just a splash of sweetness.
His one liners lately have been hilarious, like "I have to go potty! I don't want to poop in my underoos!"
While pushing Ezra and I on the swing "My muscles are so strong, like Daddy's!"
Unfortunately, I believe he's gotten his fashion savvy from his Dad. He insisted on having his pockets pulled out and you've got to love the matching Lightning bandaids.
If you follow me on Instagram [which I keep private to those I recognize], you were along for the ride Friday night as we finalized our swingset purchase.
Isaac was more than happy to spend a little time in the riding lawn mower area, of the 2nd Menards of the night:
After dealing with a less than intelligent worker at the first Menard's, we finally had success!
Now . . . to have the time to assemble it in time for Isaac's birthday. For the past couple birthdays and Christmases for the boys we had asked for contributions towards a swingset, so we were able to get a nice one with what we'd put aside as well. Currently Isaac's favorite thing is to dig in the dirt in our backyard, so I.can't.wait until he has something fun to play on!
After the Menard's trip, Tony gave Isaac some stir sticks. He originally used them to just hit things, but then decided by crossing them that it was an airplane. How sweet is that?
While driving in the car recently Isaac asked Tony "Drive faster Daddy! I want my fingers windy!"
And also, while driving, I asked Isaac was Ezra was doing, because I couldn't see him. He casually responded "Playing with his face." Confused, I finally realized what he meant and asked "Do you mean rubbing his eyes?" "Yup!"
His one liners lately have been hilarious, like "I have to go potty! I don't want to poop in my underoos!"
While pushing Ezra and I on the swing "My muscles are so strong, like Daddy's!"
Unfortunately, I believe he's gotten his fashion savvy from his Dad. He insisted on having his pockets pulled out and you've got to love the matching Lightning bandaids.
If you follow me on Instagram [which I keep private to those I recognize], you were along for the ride Friday night as we finalized our swingset purchase.
Isaac was more than happy to spend a little time in the riding lawn mower area, of the 2nd Menards of the night:
After dealing with a less than intelligent worker at the first Menard's, we finally had success!
Now . . . to have the time to assemble it in time for Isaac's birthday. For the past couple birthdays and Christmases for the boys we had asked for contributions towards a swingset, so we were able to get a nice one with what we'd put aside as well. Currently Isaac's favorite thing is to dig in the dirt in our backyard, so I.can't.wait until he has something fun to play on!
After the Menard's trip, Tony gave Isaac some stir sticks. He originally used them to just hit things, but then decided by crossing them that it was an airplane. How sweet is that?
While driving in the car recently Isaac asked Tony "Drive faster Daddy! I want my fingers windy!"
And also, while driving, I asked Isaac was Ezra was doing, because I couldn't see him. He casually responded "Playing with his face." Confused, I finally realized what he meant and asked "Do you mean rubbing his eyes?" "Yup!"
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