Thursday, August 27, 2009
Visit with Cousins and Grammy
We had a short, but good visit with Mom, Cindy, Nathan, and Sarah!! But...the time we spend together never seems to be long enough....not sure if that's a good or bad thing : ) Can't wait till next time!!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
A Lesson From My 2 Year Old
Yesterday was a very challenging day here at the Smith house. From sun up to sun down I was having discipline issues...mostly with the oldest. When there are issues even with one, it is difficult for everyone. Partly because it takes so much of my energy and time, but also because it can put me in a not so good mood. I find it very challenging to discipline and remain joy filled and patient....I guess that is every Mother's quest.
So, by the time I was preparing dinner, my patience and joy had pretty much been depleted. It seemed that Isaac was doing something every 5 minutes to get in trouble and/or terrorize Eric. I was standing at the stove and Eric was tugging at my leg, crying at the top of his lungs. He wanted me to pick him up. I kept telling him, "Not right now, Mommy is trying to cook." It's not easy to hold 25 lbs and cook at the same time. Luckily, Lauren was in a great mood and was very pacified in the swing watching a Baby Einstein show. However, the stress of the day was getting to me.
When I had a moment in between chopping, sauteing, straining, and steaming, I picked Eric up because the screaming hadn't stopped. Instantly, he was fine....he just wanted me to hold him. For a moment, everything was quiet...except the B.E. music in the background and the sizzling on the stove. Then....Eric started singing...."Our God....is an awesome God...".
In the midst of our crazy day, Eric wanted to sing praises to our AWESOME GOD!!! And doesn't God tell us that even in the midst of our storms or troubles or challenging days...that we should praise Him?? Yes. I got a lesson from my amazing 2 year old son today....that sometimes we just need to take a step back, be still, and praise God. Not because everything is going great. Not because everything is working as it should. Not because we did everything right. But because He is God and He is worthy of praise.
Thank you God for teaching me...even through my baby Eric. Thank you that Isaac and Eric learned that amazing song..."Our God is An Awesome God" at VBS!!!
So, by the time I was preparing dinner, my patience and joy had pretty much been depleted. It seemed that Isaac was doing something every 5 minutes to get in trouble and/or terrorize Eric. I was standing at the stove and Eric was tugging at my leg, crying at the top of his lungs. He wanted me to pick him up. I kept telling him, "Not right now, Mommy is trying to cook." It's not easy to hold 25 lbs and cook at the same time. Luckily, Lauren was in a great mood and was very pacified in the swing watching a Baby Einstein show. However, the stress of the day was getting to me.
When I had a moment in between chopping, sauteing, straining, and steaming, I picked Eric up because the screaming hadn't stopped. Instantly, he was fine....he just wanted me to hold him. For a moment, everything was quiet...except the B.E. music in the background and the sizzling on the stove. Then....Eric started singing...."Our God....is an awesome God...".
In the midst of our crazy day, Eric wanted to sing praises to our AWESOME GOD!!! And doesn't God tell us that even in the midst of our storms or troubles or challenging days...that we should praise Him?? Yes. I got a lesson from my amazing 2 year old son today....that sometimes we just need to take a step back, be still, and praise God. Not because everything is going great. Not because everything is working as it should. Not because we did everything right. But because He is God and He is worthy of praise.
Thank you God for teaching me...even through my baby Eric. Thank you that Isaac and Eric learned that amazing song..."Our God is An Awesome God" at VBS!!!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Lauren Playing With a Baby Doll
I gave Lauren a baby doll to hold the other day and she had the best time patting it and looking at it!! I couldn't believe how fascinated she was. She is growing up so fast!!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Summer Mini-Vacation at Home
So Scott took off Thursday and Friday of last week and we had an amazing time together!
Thursday morning we went to The Reston Zoo. The boys had a blast! They love getting up close and personal with the animals. Well, Isaac enjoys is more than Eric, but they both enjoyed themselves. Lauren didn't like the animals very much though. Not all of them....just the noisy ones....the goats and sheep to be exact. There is a huge barn they keep the goats and sheep in and you can walk through the barn and feed them. And there are ALOT of them....I would guess about 40!! So, when they "baaaa" and "maaaa" it is very loud, and Lauren cried and cried. So I had to walk through there very quickly.
Unfortunately, I was unable to get any pictures because our camera was "MIA" for a couple of weeks : (
Friday morning we loaded up and headed to the Air and Space Museum. Scott took the boys sometime last year and they have been talking about it since. It was really nice! I am not one for museums....but then again, I didn't used to like snow....and even SOME bugs are growing on me....anyway, now that I'm a parent, it's crazy the things you find enjoyment in!! We had a great time! The highlight was going up in the 16 story air traffic control tower....very pretty view AND riding in the spaceship simulation ride!! The boys LOVED that! They have a an IMAX theatre, but no shows or times for us. We will go back there again and again.
Saturday we ran some errands and went out to eat at our favorite Thai restaurant for dinner.
Sunday was church and the pool in the evening.
What a great time we all had. Can't wait till next time!!
Thursday morning we went to The Reston Zoo. The boys had a blast! They love getting up close and personal with the animals. Well, Isaac enjoys is more than Eric, but they both enjoyed themselves. Lauren didn't like the animals very much though. Not all of them....just the noisy ones....the goats and sheep to be exact. There is a huge barn they keep the goats and sheep in and you can walk through the barn and feed them. And there are ALOT of them....I would guess about 40!! So, when they "baaaa" and "maaaa" it is very loud, and Lauren cried and cried. So I had to walk through there very quickly.
Unfortunately, I was unable to get any pictures because our camera was "MIA" for a couple of weeks : (
Friday morning we loaded up and headed to the Air and Space Museum. Scott took the boys sometime last year and they have been talking about it since. It was really nice! I am not one for museums....but then again, I didn't used to like snow....and even SOME bugs are growing on me....anyway, now that I'm a parent, it's crazy the things you find enjoyment in!! We had a great time! The highlight was going up in the 16 story air traffic control tower....very pretty view AND riding in the spaceship simulation ride!! The boys LOVED that! They have a an IMAX theatre, but no shows or times for us. We will go back there again and again.
Saturday we ran some errands and went out to eat at our favorite Thai restaurant for dinner.
Sunday was church and the pool in the evening.
What a great time we all had. Can't wait till next time!!
Friday, August 14, 2009
"I want 10 babies"
Isaac LOVES babies SO much!! He always has. When we brought Eric home, he loved, and loved, and loved on him all the time. And when Eric started to get bigger, Isaac would say, "I miss my baby Eric." And when we brought Lauren home, Eric and Isaac would love and love and love on her....and still do!! They LOVE having a baby sister. However, in the last couple of weeks, Isaac has been noticing that Lauren is getting bigger. The other day he said, "Mommy, I miss my baby peanut Lauren.....she's getting so big."
He has been asking when we are going to have another baby. I have been explaining to him that we are not having any more babies...that we are finished!! I have also explained that when he grows up, he can get married and have his own baby.
So, this morning Isaac said, "I love my baby (meaning Lauren)." Then he said, "I want to have this many babies...and held up both hands." And I said, "10?" And he said, "Yes, I want to have 10 babies when I grown up." Then he said, "I think my wife will want 10 babies too."
It was everything Scott and I could do to not start laughing out loud. He is TOTALLY serious!!
He LOVES babies : ) So sweet!!
He has been asking when we are going to have another baby. I have been explaining to him that we are not having any more babies...that we are finished!! I have also explained that when he grows up, he can get married and have his own baby.
So, this morning Isaac said, "I love my baby (meaning Lauren)." Then he said, "I want to have this many babies...and held up both hands." And I said, "10?" And he said, "Yes, I want to have 10 babies when I grown up." Then he said, "I think my wife will want 10 babies too."
It was everything Scott and I could do to not start laughing out loud. He is TOTALLY serious!!
He LOVES babies : ) So sweet!!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Photos by Sweet Peas Custom Portraiture
My good friend Allison Gallagher came over a few weeks ago to take some pictures for us. Allison and I have been friends for a long time...I think since 1998 or 99. I met her when I owned the Merle Norman in Arlington. She came in for a makeover and mentioned something about looking for a little part time work, so I offered her a job!!
Many moons later, we are both married to computer geeks and Mommies. Always having a passion for photography, Allison decided to start her own business.....Sweet Peas Custom Portraiture....specializing in maternity, infant, and children.
She did an amazing job....especially considering the boys were not in the best of moods. They were not very happy about taking pictures....go figure!! They usually love the camera. But....I love these pictures and I'm already looking forward to our next session. Each picture is worth more than I can describe. Some of the faces that were captured are exactly who Isaac, Eric, and Lauren are. Priceless. Here is a quote from Allison's website....
"My greatest desire as your photographer is that when you look back at your session photos you smile, recognizing a look, a moment, a quality that is uniquely your child’s. And that the photos will say more about your child than words ever could."
.....boy did she ever! Thanks Allison! I'm so happy for you and proud of you.
www.yoursweetpeas.com
Many moons later, we are both married to computer geeks and Mommies. Always having a passion for photography, Allison decided to start her own business.....Sweet Peas Custom Portraiture....specializing in maternity, infant, and children.
She did an amazing job....especially considering the boys were not in the best of moods. They were not very happy about taking pictures....go figure!! They usually love the camera. But....I love these pictures and I'm already looking forward to our next session. Each picture is worth more than I can describe. Some of the faces that were captured are exactly who Isaac, Eric, and Lauren are. Priceless. Here is a quote from Allison's website....
"My greatest desire as your photographer is that when you look back at your session photos you smile, recognizing a look, a moment, a quality that is uniquely your child’s. And that the photos will say more about your child than words ever could."
.....boy did she ever! Thanks Allison! I'm so happy for you and proud of you.
www.yoursweetpeas.com
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
More Fun in KY
Isaac has been saying for the last several months that he wants to drive a fire truck when he grows up. Which would be so cool, since my Uncle Dave used to be a fire fighter and his son, Kyle (my cousin) is a fire fighter now. In fact, he is a full time fireman in Myrtle Beach, SC!!
So, my Aunt Amber (Kyle's Mom) got Isaac a fireman costume for his birthday and he LOVES it! And while we were in KY, we all visited the fire station my Uncle Dave used to volunteer....Wheelersburg, OH.
Everyone had a blast looking at and sitting in the fire trucks. Isaac is still talking about it! And every time we hear a fire truck, Eric runs around the house saying, "Fire truck, fire truck, fire truck........weeooweeoooweeeooo!!"
6 months old and.......
.......2 NEW TEETH!!
Since Lauren was about 6 weeks old, she started sleeping about 8 hours a night...which was a HUGE blessing and answer to prayer....since my boys were not such great sleepers!! Then, she started sleeping 10 hours a night at about 8 weeks old, and did so till 4 months. WOW....it was amazing to be a Mommy of a newborn and two little ones and be sleeping through the night.
Then....at about 4 months, when we moved into the new house, she stared waking up at night. Sometimes she would go back to sleep with her binki, but most times, I had to nurse her. However, there were times she wouldn't finish all my milk.
In the last few weeks, she really started nursing more during the day and at times, would want to nurse 2 times at night....but again, was not finishing all my milk at times. So, I started thinking, "HHHmmmmmm....she seems to be trying to sooth herself, but WHY?"
So, last Thursday, I decided to check her gums....and what did I find??? TWO TEETH!! Both on the bottom and already broken through the skin!!! I couldn't believe it!! Only because with the boys, I KNEW when they were teething!! For months, they were fussy, loose stools, and less of an appetite. But she is a trooper!! And at least I now know this was partly to blame for the waking up at night.
I am so anxious to see how much she weighs because she is so heavy in my arms! She is already bustin out of her 6 to 9 months clothes and getting into her 12 months sizes!! Hard to believe our baby girl is halfway to 1 year.
Since Lauren was about 6 weeks old, she started sleeping about 8 hours a night...which was a HUGE blessing and answer to prayer....since my boys were not such great sleepers!! Then, she started sleeping 10 hours a night at about 8 weeks old, and did so till 4 months. WOW....it was amazing to be a Mommy of a newborn and two little ones and be sleeping through the night.
Then....at about 4 months, when we moved into the new house, she stared waking up at night. Sometimes she would go back to sleep with her binki, but most times, I had to nurse her. However, there were times she wouldn't finish all my milk.
In the last few weeks, she really started nursing more during the day and at times, would want to nurse 2 times at night....but again, was not finishing all my milk at times. So, I started thinking, "HHHmmmmmm....she seems to be trying to sooth herself, but WHY?"
So, last Thursday, I decided to check her gums....and what did I find??? TWO TEETH!! Both on the bottom and already broken through the skin!!! I couldn't believe it!! Only because with the boys, I KNEW when they were teething!! For months, they were fussy, loose stools, and less of an appetite. But she is a trooper!! And at least I now know this was partly to blame for the waking up at night.
I am so anxious to see how much she weighs because she is so heavy in my arms! She is already bustin out of her 6 to 9 months clothes and getting into her 12 months sizes!! Hard to believe our baby girl is halfway to 1 year.
Friday, August 7, 2009
More Celebrating in KY
Mmmmm....yummy cake!
Eric opening a present from Grammy and Papap (next to Sarah, my sister's daughter)
Isaac opening a present from Grammy and Papap
Nathan (my Sister's Son) opening a present from Great Auntie Lala (my Mom's Sister)
Isaac reaching for a balloon next to Mammy (my Mom's Mom)
Lauren playing with Grandma Judy (my Dad's Mom)
Eric looking a little beat.
Sarah, Lauren, and Cindy (my Sis)
Celebrating in Kentucky
Mom, Isaac, Eric, Lauren, and I headed to KY on Thursday, July 23rd. It was a great trip there! Everyone was so good and patient for the drive.
The boys had another Birthday party while we were in KY so we could celebrate with family too!! Again, we had pizza (their favorite treat) and I made a carob cookie cake. It was really yummy and they loved it! Since Isaac can't have chocolate, carob is a great alternative. After it came out of the oven, Mom stuck it out in the sun room to cool. Well, right before we sat down to eat the pizza, we
couldn't find Isaac or Nathan (my sister Cindy's oldest). They were out in the sun room taste testing the cake!!! I caught Isaac in the act : )
The boys had another Birthday party while we were in KY so we could celebrate with family too!! Again, we had pizza (their favorite treat) and I made a carob cookie cake. It was really yummy and they loved it! Since Isaac can't have chocolate, carob is a great alternative. After it came out of the oven, Mom stuck it out in the sun room to cool. Well, right before we sat down to eat the pizza, we
couldn't find Isaac or Nathan (my sister Cindy's oldest). They were out in the sun room taste testing the cake!!! I caught Isaac in the act : ) Double the Fun Birthday Party
So, I'm playing catch up with everything....cleaning, cooking, baking, paperwork, scheduling doctors appointments, emails, phone calls, and blogging!!!
Isaac and Eric's Birthday Party was Saturday, July 18th. It was a blast!!! It was completely crazy....for a couple of reasons....it started at 10:30 am and there were about 10 little ones!! But, the boys had a great time so that's all that really matters : )
We made some cute hand puppets, opened some presents, ate some yummy pizza and cake!! I'm SO glad Mom was here because we couldn't have done it with out her! Thank you Grammy!!
Isaac and Eric's Birthday Party was Saturday, July 18th. It was a blast!!! It was completely crazy....for a couple of reasons....it started at 10:30 am and there were about 10 little ones!! But, the boys had a great time so that's all that really matters : )
We made some cute hand puppets, opened some presents, ate some yummy pizza and cake!! I'm SO glad Mom was here because we couldn't have done it with out her! Thank you Grammy!!
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