The Runaway Mom

I will be honest- sometimes I just want to run away (but do not worry- I am not really going to). And while I would probably need my car so I could get around wherever I ended up, I would probably choose to actually run so I could get some much needed, but not really ever happening, exercise. The reason I would like to runaway? Life is hard and I do not like it being that way. So I have decided that if I could just leave for a while, everything would be ok. And when I come back (again, not to worry- I would definitely come back. I would probably only last being away for a day or two), things would be better here. My one child (who shall remain nameless) would not wake up at 4:30 in the morning and not go back to sleep, my other child would obey me, only say kind things and not pee all over the floor (or on other people when sitting in that person's lap) sometimes. We would have a bigger house, my work would be easy, I would actually remember to pay the bills on time, I would keep up with the laundry, Nelson would not be busy all the time,  and there would be this abundant cash flow which I would use to pay for Jimmy John's for lunch on the days that I work (cause making my own lunch is apparently the straw that breaks the camel's back when we are all getting ready in the morning), a personal chef, someone to watch my kids at 6 in the morning so I can go running when it is not 8 million degrees, and the list could go on and on (and it does it my head but I do not want to bore you with it on here). But I am pretty sure that this running away would not accomplish anything. To take an illustration straight from my pastor- We are like rocks in a rock tumbler- being refined and made to be shiny. But the process is bumpy, tumbly (is that a word??) and sometimes painful. But that is the way that God made it to be. I would have no need for Him if my life was easy and not marked by sin and the fall. After telling my brother today that I was so "mard" (original to Nelson- his version of the word "mad") he suggested I drink a margarita (he knows me well!) and listen to this talk- Embracing Joy in a Deceiving World. I think it is going to be exactly what I need to hear (I just haven't listened to it yet cause I fell asleep when the kids were napping- hey I was up at 4:30 this morning- cut me some slack)! In the mean time, I think I better just being praying a lot for God to give me contentment and joy in world that tells me happiness is all about easiness, feeling good and indulging yourself. I will let you know how that is going (or not going- if I am honest). In the mean time, I will enjoy looking at these cute faces each day and hanging out with that great guy who loves this broken me. 

                                     

Door County 2012

I can not believe it has been almost two weeks since we were in Door County! I have been so busy watching Mad Men during my free nights, that I have neglected my blog. But since Nelson is at Batman with a friend, I am here being a great wife and not watching any episodes without him (even though he has already seen them all- he just wants to watch them again with me). But back to vacation- since everyone is talking about how hot it is, I will definitely mention that one of my favorite parts of being there was the cooler weather. It was in the 60s at night and high 70s during the day. This made for a lot of time outside. I have decided (and I am sure most people would agree with me) that life is just better when you can be outside. I would not go so far as to say I would enjoy being outside all the time because that would be something like camping. and in my worldview, camping is something I like to leave to other people. But I definitely enjoy being able to play outside, run outside, watch my kids burn off energy outside, etc. So we were outside a lot. Most days involved me taking a run with my dad, all of us going to the beach for a few hours in the morning, lunch, naps, and more beach till dinner time in the afternoon. It was pretty great. We did branch out a few days and go to some of our favorite spots- The Farm (they underline it and always have because it is just that awesome), Wilson's, and to visit Cookie the Cow.

I always struggle to come back from vacation because it feels like home is not "good" enough. But since I am trying to be more content in a lot of areas of my life, coming home was just what I needed. I sure look forward to going there every year and am thankful we get to go, but like Dorothy said, there really is no place like home.

Photo Dump

After just importing about 75 pictures to the computer, I realized there are lots of things missing from my blog! First, was three weekends ago- Father's Day! We had a great lunch on that Saturday celebrating my grandfather, dad and Nelson. 

Nelson opened some gifties on Sunday. I still think one of my favorite things to watch is Tripp getting so excited to give presents- he can't keep it a secret!! He actually thought of some presents to get Nelson that he would really like- coffee and a polo!

Another great thing as of late was a 24 hour date our friends gave us last weekend (well two weekends ago really). and of the 75 pictures I just uploaded, none of them are from that weekend. Oops! We were probably too busy eating or sleeping to take pictures. That pretty much sums up the 24 hours- we ate at all new restaurants and loved every single bite, took naps, slept in and even went to a movie that started at 10 p.m.! Crazy I know! The kids had a great time- I am pretty sure they did not miss us at! Many thanks to our sweet friends for giving us this special gift!!

Just this past weekend,  my dad and I ran a really fun race- it was just a mile and it was almost all downhill. Then Tripp got to run the 1/4 mile kids run. He was so proud of himself because he ran the whole way and then was so excited for the tasty sno cone at the end. It was well deserved!

I will leave you with this oldie but goodie- about a month ago, my brother and sister-in-law came in for a visit. Tripp could not wait for them to come. And this is how I found him: 

If that does not warm your heart, you might need to check your pulse!

Transitions Anyone?

We have been in a phase of transition for the past few weeks- potty training and room sharing. Right off the bat, I would like to say that both have been going amazingly well. After about three or four days of intense potty training (and by "intense," I mean constantly asking Tripp to go to the bathroom, etc) and just a few accidents (and by "a few," I mean two or three) accidents, Tripp pretty much goes to the bathroom by himself now (and by "pretty much," I mean he needs help getting his underwear back on and wiping after going #2  but does the rest himself). I had him in pull ups for nap times and night but he usually does not wet either of those times. I had to ditch the pull ups because they were giving him a crazy rash, but I was not ready for just straight up underwear. After a lightbulb moment, I realized that they have cloth training pants and we got some of those. If he does wet those, it is enough that he can feel it and know that he wet the bed. Anyway, I am happy to have that one behind us, and so thankful that it went so well!! I really am so proud of him and the quick learning!
Then, last Monday, in a whirlwind 2 hours, (the two hours leading up to bed time) we decided to put Tripp and Lily in the same room and switch our room with theirs. We have been thinking about it for while, but were planning on waiting till we took our house off the market. But we found some perfect furniture at an awesome resell it shop in St. Louis (Ditto, for those who might be wondering) and I did not want to miss out on it. So after Nelson got home from work on Monday, we went and got it. We did not really think through the fact that we would then need to do something with it once we got it home. It could not stay in the car, could not go in a bedroom, could not go in the basement (cause that would be weird for open houses/showings) so we just decided to seize the moment and do it. We took all the furniture out of our two bedrooms, then put the new furniture in our old room, Tripp and Lily's new room, then moved our furniture into Tripp's old room. Thankfully, Lily took her last short nap of the day and Tripp helped for a while and then watched Busytown when he lost interest in helping. We got it done just in time for bed so we tossed them in their beds and hoped for the best! They both did great, Lily still sometimes "squawks" (as we call it) in the middle of the night (for a minute or two before she goes back to sleep) but that does not wake up Tripp. They nap together too and have been fine then as well. Seeing as life has been one, big, crazy transition since Lily was born, I have been extremely grateful for the smoothness of these changes. Again, could not be more proud of those two!!

Tripp and Lily's new room

    

New toy shelf

   

New dresser (already painted perfectly to match their bedding we already had)

 

Our stuff now in Tripp's old room (and Tripp still trying to figure out whose room is whose)

Starting a picture wall

Take Two

This weekend was potty training, take two. Last time was an utter disaster. Nothing was successful about it (except making me even more afraid to try again). I had decided to wait as long as possible to try again (hey our pediatrician said we had till at least three and a half before he would start to think I was even crazier than I already am). I was fully planning on taking that much time until Tripp had to succumb to peer pressure, or cousin pressure. He saw his super cool cousin using underwear and thought maybe that was a good idea for him as well. So we bit the bullet and went for it this weekend. And let me tell you- it is stressful (and apparently Tripp agrees)!!! 

I am exhausted because I feel like I am constantly watching him for any inclining of a sign that he might have to go to the bathroom so I can race him to the potty. Or I am calculating how long it has been since the last time he went to the bathroom in case I need to ask him if he needs to go again. And then there is the fact that you can not get anything done because you can not go anywhere. Because then you might be stuck, like me, on day four of feeling totally trapped in the house with a really big shopping list and trying to go to Wal-Mart as quickly as possible, in between toilet breaks. And then you get stuck in the longest line ever, and have a crying for seemingly no reason baby (which obviously negates my last post where I said she was happy all the time), and a toddler who decides to pipe up that he has to go to the bathroom. And instead of being excited that he told me, I just feel mad and wish he just had a diaper on, because that would make life so much easier. And then, pour into that mix some raging hormones that your body is trying to get under control because your baby decided to stop nursing (not to mention the pain that you are trying to get under control). And then, of course, a dose of reality hits. And I remember that being a mom is probably the hardest thing I have done and may ever do. It is exhausting, selfless (or supposed to be at least) and often, stressful! But nothing good ever comes without work. So work we will at this potty training stuff. And one day, I might be glad that my kid does not wear diapers. Until then, we will all just eat a lot of chocolate chip cookies as stress relief/potty rewards.

P.S. No need to worry about Tripp's man-hood being compromised based on the smallness of his undies. Those were left over from attempt #1. I have since gotten him underwear that actually fits.

my 7 month old

Man, I love this kid!! It hasn't been easy, but she is sure pretty great now. I have officially decided I am a 6 month and on baby loving person. The only reason for 0-6 months (in my mind) is to get to where we are now. Which is a much better place in life. For everyone. Little Lily is sitting, army crawling, reaching, putting everything in her mouth (ok, that might be the one baby thing I still do not like- along with spit up), smiling, laughing, sleeping, eating all kinds of solids, and just loving life. I love her little sticky-out ears, her big blue eyes (we will see if they stay blue!) and her every increasing blonde hair. She has funny little dimples and she loves her bro. He can make her laugh like no one else can. We love you little Lily and are so thankful to have you in our lives!!

Vacation Adventures

We had a few "adventures" during our trip to Montreat this year. Everyone did awesome during the 10 or 11 hour drive there. Tripp had some difficulty adjusting to his new sleeping situation however. He did not nap the first day and each night seemed to have a new challenge of its own. The first night was just the fact that realized he could turn the lights on and off. Not a big deal. Dealt with that. The second night was that he decided he would sleep in the other twin bed in the room and freak me out when I could not find him when I went in to check on him (he was still awake and I made him move back to the other bed). Later that night, I found him in his bed curled up with his stoplight clock because, according to him, he needed more lovies in his bed. The best night though,  was maybe the fourth or fifth night, when I went in to check on him (we felt like he needing a little more checking on than usual due to his track record) and he was totally naked in his bed. No diaper, no pajamas. I asked him what that was all about and he said he just did not want to wear a diaper anymore. Some moms might be excited about this, I was not considering it was bed time and I knew that even if he was ready to be potty trained, we had a 10 hour road trip back to St. Louis in two days and I did not want to start any potty training before that. Anyway, after much cajoling, I got him back in his diaper (I did not even worry about the pajamas even though it had been getting down down to the mid fifties at night). I was heading to visit with Nelson's family at a different house and he volunteered to stay with the kids back at our house. I later got a text from Nelson that he went to check on Tripp, could not find him, eventually found him again naked, but this time under the bed, sound asleep. But with his lovie, Blue Dog of course. So he got him in his diaper and back in his bed. I came home and we were getting ready for bed. I thought I should check on him one last time. I did, he was in bed, under his covers and with his diaper on. I thought we were good for the night. I apparently thought wrong. Somewhere around 1 in the morning, I hear crying from his room. He does not normally cry out unless there is good reason so I go in there quickly to find him under the bed, naked, but having peed on himself (and Blue Dog of course). So I cleaned him up, the floor up and tried to put him back to bed. However, he could not have his lovie because it was wet with urine so he would not go back to bed. After trying to get him to sleep in our bed (a big joke), I was desperate so I eventually took him back to his room and gave him a new, made up lovie (Red, the fire truck from Cars which thankfully does not make any noise). I slept in the other twin bed in his room cause I wanted to make sure this would not happen again!! Thankfully he was fine until the morning, we did not mention it to him again and he was fine the next night. All I can say is that there must have been something bizarre in that mountain water, cause he was sure having some issues!!

Our other most memorable adventure was the drive back. We had been going about 4 hours when the tire pressure monitoring light went off. We stopped at the next exit to pump up the tires. All seemed ok. We got back on the road, the light turned back on again. I felt something strange, I pulled over, Nelson got out and of course, we had a completely flat tire.

Nelson called AAA and we were both so glad he did. First, we have an anti-theft nut or whatever it is called, on our hubcap (cause you know, lots of people want to steal hubcaps off my awesome car) and since there was nothing about it in the manual, we had no clue what to do. But the AAA guy did. Next problem- we couldn't get a jack under the car because it was half on/half off the road. The original AAA guy had to call another AAA guy to come with a special jack. They got the spare on, and we were on our way (about 2 hours total at this point). We are in the middle of nowhere Tennessee so we head to the nearest Wal-Mart to get the tire fixed. Nelson goes in and they tell us there will be a two hour wait. To even get our car check out. Ha, apparently they missed the fact that we have two small children and still have six hours ahead of us to drive. So we move on. We found a Discount Tire Company and they could not have been nicer. In about an hour and a half, they got us all taken care of and on the road again. We were doing great, rolling along with our new tire for about thirty minutes, and then we hit traffic. Traffic because the highway we were supposed to take home was closed. I think about this time Lily started screaming because she apparently decided that today was a good day to  not nurse or sleep well. We made our way around the closed highway and were cruising along again. Nelson was getting tired so it was my turn to drive. We stopped at a gas station and get fueled up for the last 3 hours home. I took Tripp in to change his diaper to find out he had pooped and had been sitting in it for hours. and his poor bottom was bleeding. and there was no changing table. so he screamed while I tried to clean him up. Got back on the road. Tripp is asking for dinner. We said no dinner tonight. We are not stopping again. Here- have some candy and chex mix. That makes for a great dinner (as a side note- we have let him watch movies nonstop since the flat tire earlier in the morning. So he was on about hour 10 of movies. We did not care. So we have officially decided from here on out, during a road trip our kids can eat whatever they want and watch as many movies as they want. probably my best parenting decision to date). We are headed into St. Louis. The kids have just fallen asleep.

We hit traffic. The last highway we are supposed to get on is closed. We are stopped, the kids wake up. They both start crying. Nelson and I start laughing at the madness of it all. Thankfully this did not last long and in about 20 minutes, we were home. I kept waiting for Tripp to throw up- I thought that would be the final thing to happen during this drive. Thankfully it did not and my car has already been to Waterway and given some much needed TLC.
There were a few other adventures, but these stand out as the funniest ones, ones worth remembering, and hopefully, ones that will not get repeated!