Baby Dolls and Bugs

I know, there are huge differences between girls and boys. Let's face it, some of them are obvious. I guess that the differences in their behavior and preferences really stand out to me since I have had boys for 15 years and a girl for only 6 months. The boys were very different, but also very similar. They were all creatures of habit and comfort. They liked routine and liked to be dry, loved and full. They were all such sweet babies. They never really cared about anything on their bodies as long as they were warm in winter and cool in summer. Toys were just about anything they could hold in their hands. They all went through a phase where all they really wanted was a plastic spoon from the utensil drawer! Dirt, trees, and anything outside was a huge bonus. Yes, we even did the worm thing at around 2 years old. I do not miss finding those in pockets on laundry day!
Annabeth has already turned out to be so different. She really seems to notice what I put on her. She likes to wear dresses, she keeps running her hands down the skirts. I put bows in her hair and she keeps checking to make sure they are still there. She will get fussy in the morning and visibly cheer when she gets fresh clothes on. She likes bubble baths, having her hair brushed, and primping in general. I will say that the biggest thing is the baby doll. She has several already and loves all of them. She likes to look at the larger ones and will smile and "talk" to them. She has two soft dolls that are a good size for her. She loves to hug them to her and "kiss" them. She sleeps with them and takes them with her wherever we go. I took rattles for the boys but I have to pack the babies for her. I took her to the Dr. today for a check-up and he had to do the exam around the doll because of the death grip she had on the thing! I prayed for all of my children before they were born. I would have been thrilled to be a mom to only boys. When I found out that I was having a girl, I prayed that she would be feminine and girly and a mama's girl. God is so good, He listens to not only the things we need but He delights in giving us the desires of our hearts as well. I think my Father looks at Annabeth and I, and smiles at the relationship we are building. I am one blessed girl!!!

Where Does Your Mind Go?

I find myself wondering lately about my intelligence. Ha Ha to all you jokesters, it really was there to begin with. I'm talking about how on earth I went from being a relatively intelligent person to being a clueless blob. I have an almost 13 year old child who has to carry the unimaginable burden of all the earth's knowledge. I don't know how he managed to gather and acquire it without my knowing about it, especially since I'm also his teacher, but there it is. It also floors me that he knows so much and can still make a C on a math test and think that's okay! I can only hope that when he is the father of a bright up and coming teenager, he will still be just as smart as he is now. Or do I??????

14 Down A Lifetime To Go

Happy anniversary to you my dear husband. My blog is usually filled with the antics of all of our little monkeys, but today I decided to post directly to you. I met you almost 18 years ago now, we have been married for 14 years, been through 5 children, 2 states, several jobs, several moves. I can honestly say that my love for you magnifies daily. You are my guide, my love, my friend, my sounding board, my boundary. You define me in so many ways. I stay home with our children and yet, have never felt stifled. You allow me to be me and stay sane in the middle of the madness! I have never understood how you managed to make me feel so safe, sheltered, protected even, all the while making me feel so free. The love of Christ is in you and around you and spills out to shine The Way for all who meet you. I thank you my dear man for making a scared, abused little girl feel like a blessed, confidant woman. I love you and am eagerly anticipating the rest of our lives together.

Big Bubba Brother

Poor, poor Annabeth! The overprotective big brother thing has already begun. I got her dressed the other day in a sweet little pink dress with matching bloomers to cover her diaper. She looked really cute and it was a very warm day. I brought her out into the dining room and David asked me if Annabeth was only going to wear a shirt for the day. I informed him that the outfit in question was a dress. He looked at me and in all seriousness said "don't you think that is a little too short for her?" Look people, the girl is only 5 months old! I can only imagine the junk we'll go through when she hits the ripe old age of 2!

I Got You Sinupret

You know your child watches too much tv when they use commercial hook lines in everyday conversation. I need to amend that, not just everyday conversation, terms of endearments. Have you seen that commercial with the mom and daughter saying "I love you, I love you more, I love you more, I got you Sinupret"? Well, for a few weeks now, Seth has been using that as a marker for how much he loves us. "I love you soo much mommy, I got you Sinupret". Sunday morning he got so aggravated at me because I wouldn't get up, that he informed me that he had taken my Sinupret back to the store. Out of the mouths of babes right? A new development in the ongoing Seth/toilet saga, he wore real underwear for the better part of the day today. Yay Seth!!!

Poop

Sunday, March 1 2009 will go down in history as the day Seth decided to poop in the potty. For those of you with no children, bear with me, all others REJOICE! After much pleading, coaching, cheering and yes, bribing, Seth pooped last night in the place where poop belongs. Matt had the little boys at church to play with a friend during youth group, Seth told Matt that he had to go. Matt informed him that he had not brought any of his pull-ups with him, could he please go in the potty. Well, the little booger did just that, like he had been doing it all along. So far today he has done it again at home. Pray people, 1 in diapers is enough for anyone!!!