My Thoughts for Father's Day

I enjoy Father's Day-though I truly hope that both my own father and my husband feel loved and appreciated each day of the year.
As I sat with David tonight-alone at a late dinner-I asked him about this past year of being a dad and what he has learned. It was a nice reflection on the changes that have taken place not only within our family, but within ourselves. David is a very present father, not many seem to be that way. I would not know any different. My father was always around, always involved, and always present. I married David because I had a dad that did more than just provide for his family. My Dad was about family. He was about teaching...even if it was with a red pen sometimes!
I can remember spending time at the dining room table with him working on math or editing a paper. Playing basketball outside. Watching hockey-even though I did not like it. (wink) For one of my birthdays we were at the store and he bought me a single red rose-that moment had more of an impact on my life than he ever knew. I remember him being angry with me for making bad decisions. Punishing me for lying. I can remember the hug he gave me before he and mom left Vermont my freshman year of college. I smile watching the video of him walking me down the aisle and our father-daughter dance together. I smile even more, and get a bit teary-eyed too, when I see my girls run to be with him.
My dad could teach many dad's some lessons out there....

So Dad, this year I did not get you a card, because hallmark just would not cut it. Happy Father's Day-I hope you know the impact you have had on my life.

A Parenting Shift

If I had just had my sweet Chiara, just one baby, than life would be very different....quieter I think. ;)
Mayah is my peanut and my pistol! She can drive you crazy and then turn around and have you rolling on the floor laughing. She takes work. Time. Patience.
I have decided to take a new approach with my "My-My". I am going to see her how The Lord would want me to....what is He trying to teach me? How is He trying to grow me? What lesson can I learn today by being Mayah's Mommy?
Why should there be pressure on a 2 year old to 'make me happy' or 'please me'? I have this overwhelming sense lately that God is trying to get through to me....through her! Sounds crazy, but He is.
David and I tring a new method with her. This week it is about 'attending' to her. We never realized how most of what we say to her is either a question or demand. Have you ever thought about that? Have you ever just sat with your kids and took in what they were doing....no correcting, no directions, no questioning???? Try it. It is not as easy as we thought.
What it also made me realize is she does not get enough one-on-one time with either of us. Chiara gets school time, Leah gets nursing and held often, but what does Mayah get? I hear ya Lord...loud and clear. It is something mothers are doing all across the world-balancing the needs of their children. Mayah's need is attention-just being with her. She does not really want me 'playing' with her persay, but she wants me right there. Watching her and verbally noticing her. It has made a difference already.
For those reading this who do not know my sweet number 2...she is STRONG WILLED....yes, in all caps! She requires something different from me than Chiara (leah is too hard to tell right now since she is still so young). Chiara is happy if we cuddle on the couch and read books together. She is happy if she and I sit at the table and do crafts or school work. Mayah's personality requires me to think WAY outside the box....
David and I are praying that as we progress in this new approach with Mayah we will continue to see a difference in her behavior, attitude, and actions throughout the day.
Parenting is not easy-and it is especially not easy with a strong willed child- but I would not ask for any other 'job'! I love each of my girls and look forward to God's lessons through this season.

Steam, Puree, Freeze

Ok, so making baby food is not 'hard' but it is certainly time consuming. I love that my babies have all had their food made by mom. Of course with Chiara I was brave enough to make pureed meat-I think I avoided with with Mayah and Leah gets Organic jarred.

I have been more willing to buy organic jarred food for Leah, but I still do fruits and carrots myself. It is so easy....just takes time that I seem to have less of each day than the day before.

So, I sit here feeding Leah bits of homemade pancakes and mashed banana's ( I mashed) and waiting for the day of cut up bits instead of pureed. Sorry Leah...don't mean to rush you.

I am Me

It seems to me that lately I have noticed that other people have a problem with the fact that I enjoy staying home...I don't mean being a stay at home mom, but that I am a homebody. I don't need to go here, there, and everywhere to feel content. Actually, I am sick of crowds, trying to manage three kids, and not lose my mind. I love my house....I love having a clean and orderly house. I do not need to go out and get away to feel like me. Sure, there are some weeks that I can't wait to go out to the grocery store alone or get my hair done. Most days though I would rather be with my husband or veggin' out. I like the phone and can chat it up on my own couch.

So, don't pressure people that like to be home. Don't make them feel like they have to be like you. God created us all different. I have 3 girls and of the older 2 one is a homebody like me and the other like her Dad....go, go go! We are all different...relax, I'm ok with being home.