Dinner With Friends

On Sunday afternoon, our friends Tim & Angie invited us over for a get together and dinner. All day, Will was anticipating our "dinner party" and couldn't wait to see Addyson again (read: play with all her toys). :) And Craig and I were really looking forward to catching up with some friends we don't see often enough. The other guests were our friends Eric & Andrea and their two kids Katelyn and Alec. Eric, Tim and Craig were very good friends in high school and, though they might not see each other for months or a year, they can always just pick up where they left off. It's funny that we don't see each other more because we don't live that far apart and, of our good friends, they are the most similar to us as far as "phase of life".

We took another "dads and kids" picture and it's so fun to see how much has changed in two years! Scroll down to the bottom of this link first to view a similar picture two years ago. Left to right (above) is: Katelyn (5), Eric, Alec (18 mos), Tim, Addyson (2), Sophia (15 mos), Craig & Will (3).

The kids outside on the deck waiting anxiously for their meals. I'll have to tell you about the awesome meal we had in my dinner post soon.

This was so cute! They were sitting with their hands folded while Will said grace. He was saying it in these next couple pictures and I love how Addyson is looking at him. Such cute kiddos!

Oh my gosh. This was hysterical. What do you get when you put three kids, ages 2-5, behind the wheel of a Barbie Power Wheels Jeep? A LOT of laughter!!! The kids were wearing their parent's shades and just laughing and laughing as they drove up and down the little alley/road behind the house.

Haha!

The dads were chasing after them the whole time to make sure they didn't crash into anything. And, yes, a few toes got run over. :)

Sophie and Alec took turns riding in the Cozy Coupe.

What a super fun night. And ha! This is the only shot of all the moms from this night. Angie, myself and Andrea are staggered left to right. Haha.

You can also check out some cute video footage on my YouTube links here and here.

This looks like a "Just Married" picture. Haha. Silly Sophie. :)

Peek-a-boo! Here I am!

Just another cute one.

Addyson and Will.

We'd love to do this more often!!!

Random Thoughts For Today

Ready for some super random thoughts that I've had today?

1) I love my job. I love that I work with babies and kids. I love that I work with pregnant and breastfeeding women. I love that I get to talk about food all day and that, with the exception of some mentally stressful cases that I worry about, I go home at the end of my work day and my job is DONE. I love the job security I'm blessed with (WIC's not going anywhere in this economy!) and the health benefits package that our family is lucky enough to share.

2) How long do you use a baby monitor? I turn mine on by my bedside (the base is in Sophie's room) every night and keep the volume very low. I can pretty much hear the kids through the floor if they cry, so it's not really necessary. I remember when we transferred Will to his new room that I wondered if I would want two monitors just because he was no longer in a crib and I'd probably want to know what he was up to. We kept it in his room for awhile until Sophie slept regularly in her crib at night and since then he hasn't had one. Hmm... we could probably get rid of it now.

3) I am really craving warm chicken salad sandwiches. I think I'll add that to the menu this week - we DO have a void to fill on Thursday or Friday.

4) My clothing style has really changed since my second child was born. During my second pregnancy, I opted for way more solid (usually dark), long-sleeve, maternity t-shirts that were dressy enough for work but casual enough for home. And now, I don't know why, but I just prefer a much simpler style. Solid colors instead of prints (they just seem more timeless and less trendy - Craig is very pleased about this - he teased me all the time about clothes with a print), layers whenever possible, cute accessories to dress it up, and I'm LOVING the latest trend of embellishments on tops and frillier (but not obnoxious), girlier details. I think part of it is that now with kids and all the pictures we take, I prefer to let them stand out while I sort of blend into the background. Plus solid colors are much easier to coordinate with my kids' outfits when necessary.

5) I should really learn to be better at grilling. Scratch that. Craig should really learn to be better at grilling.

6) Every time I get in my car at the end of a work day these past couple weeks and my temperature gauge says over 100 degrees, I am instantly sad for the poor children and animals that you hear about getting left in vehicles... and often fatally. I don't why, but that is my first thought every time. Morbid, I know.

7) Lately I have been peeing a ton. I'm trying to drink more water like I used to during pregnancy because it occurred to me that maybe I should give my body the same respect and special focus JUST BECAUSE even when I'm not "with child". But I have to say: I am seriously annoyed by how often I have to pee as a result. Kinda' like how I feel when I have a cold and it sets me back from the normal, busy life that I feel accustomed to. I just get irritated when I have to stop whatever I'm doing to go pee all the time. I know. There are much worse things to complain about and I should just shut up. ;)

8) Things I am thankful for today: my family, my health and the health of my family, my job, beautiful weather, my camera, yummy recipe inspirations for next week.

Hope you all had a great Wednesday!

The Kids At A Glance

Ahh ha! Remember that Leap Frog globe I got Craig (sort of as a joke, sort of serious) one Christmas before the kids were born? Well it's been sitting on Will's toy shelf since we made his big boy room into a map theme and it just never got much attention. He's suddenly totally into it now and loves locating Ohio. He's also been very into learning cardinal directions lately and knows when looking at a "compass rose" (he likes that term) that N, S, E, W stand for North, South, East and West. He also knows that Nana lives east of our house. :)
And poor Sophie took a little spill at our friend's house on Sunday. She was carrying around a plastic tea cup and when she caught her fall, the bottom of the cup scraped her forehead. It was totally a surface scrape with no bleeding and she didn't even cry. Our friend just helped her up and she scrunched her nose a little and looked mildly upset/confused. Throughout the evening it got more and more red and a little goose-egg-looking. Now she has a 1" long scab on her forehead that we're just treating with Neosporin. Poor baby.

And that was "the kids at a glance". Click here for a previous glance.

Chameleon Parenting

(A continuation of my thoughts on being a good parent...

...so feel free to skip this one if you were bored by the first post. LOL)

I saw a quote recently that I wanted to share.

This may not be exact, but it's something like:

"We can not always prepare the future for our children,

but we can prepare our children for the future."

I like that.

It seems to really sum up the job of a parent.

But I was also thinking about how that task of preparing our children for the future might be very different depending on the child.

We get a flyer on the topic of development from the folks at Zero To Three every time we visit our pediatricians office for a well check. Yes, I read them nearly every time.

The most recent for Sophie was the 12-18 months flyer and there is a statement on the backside that says:

"Understanding who your child is, what his strengths are and where he needs more support, is essential for promoting his healthy development."

It got me thinking more about a topic we've talked about on my mom's forum online...

something my friend Leah geniusly referred to as "chameleon parenting": knowing how to be the kind of parent that each child needs, as different as that may be.

I really believe that within each child, there is a God-created plan of who that child is intended to be. Yes, there is the influence of nurture (nature vs nurture) that can lead a child down a very different path. But ultimately, each child has a natural way they are mapped to follow.

Within the concept of nurture influence, I've thought about how I've evolved as a parent just since having a second child. How I was likely more protective of Will or afraid of certain things or more rigid about various things.

I've thought about how both kids now have to share my attention and how I might respond differently to things than I did just a year and a half ago.

I've also thought a lot about how my kids are different and how they are the same...

and how I, in turn, need to respond differently to each of them in different situations.

Sometimes that seems unfair or unbalanced, but perhaps it's in the best interest of the child.

I don't generally like to "label" my children because I think that children, in most circumstances, will behave how you expect them to behave. Meaning: if you expect them to act out in public, they're probably going to. You've put it out there and children can read/sense non-verbals just like adults. If you expect them to adapt to a new schedule or new routine, they will.

But it's also important to know your child so that you can know how to best parent them. Pick your battles, let certain things slide, know when you need to be firm, provide extra love/comfort when necessary, provide more space/independence when necessary, etc.

So, here are a few key personality traits in my children:

(though some things I know will change as they grow)

Will

Will is very trusting and unafraid of people. He will go to anyone without question. I don't really ever envision him being afraid of new people or environments. Will was an "easy" baby and is usually pretty calm and adaptable. He's often very serious and not as likely to laugh out loud, but he's such a big-hearted lovable kid. Right from the beginning, I spotted the ornery side of him. Much to the surprise of our family, I was spot on with my prediction of his strong tendency to test boundaries. Will is not a follower, but he is definitely an observer. Often in a new or interesting environment, his face goes completely blank and he's in his own little world as he takes it all in. And, my goodness, that kid is sharp as a tack. His memory is like a steel trap and he has such a huge desire to learn. My prediction for the school-aged Will is that he may need some reminding to stay on task with homework as he's a bit of a procrastinator and may be reprimanded for talking too much and not following directions. I think, like his daddy, he's going to be very "worldly smart", but the classroom setting is not going to be his best environment for learning and so his intelligence may not be reflected in his grades. Prior to this summer, I would have told you that Will is more cautious with physical endeavors. But he has really changed in that arena this year and is becoming more courageous and capable of lots more things. So see? Even my other thoughts and views of Will right now could easily change as he grows. One more thing: Will has been a pretty independent kid right from the get go. He still liked to be babied for some things, but in many ways, he could get along just fine without mom or dad. For example, in the sleep department, it was never to his advantage that I go back in his room when he fussed, because he was always able to self soothe without my help and so I was less likely to go to him in the middle of the night. Still, he is a sensitive boy, and I try to be respectful of his feelings even when they surprise me with their strength.

Sophia

Sophie is physically fearless; determined and strong. She loves to explore and is highly coordinated to do so. Recently (since learning to walk), she has gotten to be a little ornerier in ways such as snatching Will's things and being a destructive, little tornado as she moves from room to room. But really, I think that's an age-appropriate exploration for her. She is a very good girl and doesn't seem as apt to test boundaries as much as her brother. She's very silly and laughs and smiles a lot. It's a little too early yet to tell what her learning habits will be, but she's just so busy that she doesn't seem to have the patience for pausing long enough to listen when I try to "teach" her something. She's just recently started sitting still for reading some books, but it depends on her mood. Sophie is MUCH more cautious of people and strangers. She loves the safety of the familiar. And she is most definitely a mama's girl. I know I've mentioned this before, but Sophie just seems to have an insecurity about her where she is less trusting and more fearful in general. It's like we have to convince her that she's safe and reassure her that we will always be here for her. I really don't understand how some babies are just born this way (with no real understandable cause) and others are just totally calm and confident. Does it have to do with birth order? Additionally, Sophie seems to have a much greater need for physical contact as part of that reassurance. And so... I give it to her. Craig thinks I coddle her too much. But it is my gut instinct to fulfill this need now and have her grow up feeling that her needs have been met, rather than to try to make her "tough it out" now and then seek out someone else to fill that void later. Make sense? So I hold her A LOT. And I love on her A LOT. And she gets lots of physical contact and affections. Not necessarily much more than Will did at this age, but she just seems to need it more and thrive better with it. I really don't think I'm fostering a dependency with her. On the contrary, I think I'm giving her the security and confidence she needs to be able to grow independently when she's ready. So don't be surprised if Sophie maxes out the weight of the Ergo carrier or if I have an impressive amount of one-handed skills while a babe is in my other arm. That's just the kind of parent Sophie needs and that's just what I'll do.

I delight in my children's differences.

Watching them become who they are is so fascinating.

It is the highlight of being a parent.

How amazing to see these two little people we created -

how they are different and how they are similar.

Will and Sophie are both complex - not a typical mold for either of them.

And so I think it is my job to fit my parenting techniques around those complexities.

Okay, I'm still not done with my thoughts on parenting. (Seriously, what is with me lately?) But I'll give it a rest for now. :)

Makeshift T-Ball

Step 1: Cut a piece of PVC pipe to about child's hip height.

Step 2: Place upright in bucket and fill in with rocks to stabilize.

Oh! A swing and a miss! (Don't forget: he's a lefty, so this is post-swing.)

We'll keep working at it. ;)

UFC, Here He Comes!

Will - practicing his arm bar on daddy before bed one night.
Craig's struggling... he wants to tap. LOL

Ottawa County Fair

Fair 2010!

We planned to make a family trip out on Thursday after the kids' doctors appointment to spend time with Craig's fam and see all the animals as usual. But I also knew Will would probably love to see the horse races again this year, so he and I made a special trip out on Tuesday evening with my mom.

My grandpa had two horses in the first two heats (do you say "heats" with horse racing?) starting right at 6:00. Whew! That was a challenge to get out there in time after work!!! But his horses did well and it's always nice to see grandma & grandpa.
My Godfather, Jim, and my cousin Brianne with Will. Bri is so cool. She has been an awesome babysitter for us several times this summer when we need someone to fill in around our regular babysitter's days off. She is just so natural and they love her! She does an awesome job with the kids and is going to be a fantastic mother one day.
P.S. - This is Will's focused face. It's like he's not even there. He is so intent on watching everything and taking it all in that he seriously doesn't even hear people when they're talking to him. LOL

This horse and carriage (pulled by an enormous white Clydesdale) was there to take members of the racing participants for a brief trot around the track between heats. So we got to take a ride on the track with grandma! This also happened to be the same horse and carriage company that my sister in law hired for her wedding.

Checking out the baby animal barn.

How cute is my mom? I hope I look that good when I'm 50! You rock, mama!

Then on Thursday, Craig and I decided to wait till after nap time to take the kids back out to the fair. As it turned out, none of Craig's family was even there that day. But we still had fun seeing all the animals and tractors.

Will - checking out a framed picture of his daddy as the 1997 Fair King. Yep, that's right ladies and gents: I married royalty. LOL We had only been dating about three months and I happened to be on an exchange trip to Germany that year.

Ahh, this is so funny to think about. Before we officially became a "couple", Craig and I went back and forth trying to woo each other, but never at the same time. (Yes, I just said woo. It's late and I couldn't think of a better word.) Anyway, this went on for about a year and during the 1996 fair (I believe) I was totally stalking him. I walked around with my cousins trying to spot him and I remember going through the steer barn lots of times to see if he'd be working on his animals. Haha. Sounds so ridiculous now. But, hey, I was 15! And now look: my hot man and our cute son walking together through the same barns. See? Stalking pays off. LOL :) Some day I'll tell you the full story of how we met and became an "us".

Our little "Ocho Cinco". Haha! :)

And yes! Sophie and I were there too. We're usually behind the camera though.

Oh hey! My favorite part! Will and I LOVE the llamas and alpacas.

Seriously, they are so freakin' cute. It's like a farm animal with an afro. :)

In the early evening, Craig's sister Kelly came up with baby Cecilia and we hung out and ate a quick dinner in her camper before getting out of there before the storm hit. Will and Soph had fun playing hide and seek in the camper while Craig and I ate. Good times.