George Part 2

Ugh. I think I am about to disown our unplanned addition to the family-George. George is causing nothing but trouble or is it Dalen causing the trouble and using George as the outlet so he won't be punished...yeah, that sounds more like it.

Last night Dalen was sent to his room for, oh forgive me but I have stopped keeping track, and when I went to tell him his time was up I found him in his crib, George in one hand, one leg over his crib, and the other dangling. The problem-Dalen wasn't put in his crib, he climbed in. "Dalen how did you get in your crib!?" Eyes wide and a little fearful looking (he was still dangling on the side of his crib) he responded, "George!" I got a little video of it and sent it to my family.

Tonight I told Dalen like 1,000 times he couldn't get into his Easter basket filled with eggs because it was to be used at his school egg hunt and I found him snooping in the candy that was hid in the eggs. I told him to get away from the basket and if I saw him over there again I would throw all of it away and for those of you who know me well enough know I really would have. So things got quiet and I realized he finally listened and left the table BUT where did he go. I called his name several times but heard no answer. I started down the hall and heard Dalen laughing and my dad's voice. This was getting all too weird. I followed Dalen's laughter into my closet where he was crouching down on a pile of shoes and talking to my dad on speaker phone. He knows how to make calls but pressing send and Dad was the last person we called so there they sat. Dalen laughing and Dad laughing as well. The joke was on me! Guess who else was hiding?? Yep, you got it-George!

My Little Man From Mars & My Little Lady From Venus

I have been a mom of two for nearly two months now. I have to give credit to God (for answering my prayers) things have calmed a lot. We have gone from having bad days and good moments to fine days and horrible episodes. These episodes can consist of just about anything-I will spare you the details.

We all know the saying Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus and you may have even read the book (yes, it really exists!). I surely hope this blog isn't misunderstood but I just have to write about my experience having the best of both worlds-a boy and a girl. Of course I don't love either child more than the other but I can definitely tell that you love your children for different things. Please don't misunderstand what I am saying. I love them the same but they are so drastically different that I appreciate them for different reasons which produces love in different ways.

I can already tell Dalen is going to be my best bud, one I will laugh and cry with but enjoy life with always and he's definitely my partner in crime. Cola Leese is going to be my best friend, one I can share intimate parts of my heart with and relate to in ways no one else can relate with me in. I can already sense the tension though. Tonight I went to our church's monthly women's get together and Dalen was told he couldn't go because it was an all girls event. He then began protesting he wanted to go to girl events. There are nights I can lay in bed for hours reading novels and holding Cola's hand and she is perfectly content and then there are days I can spend running wild, getting dirty and laughing hysterically with Dalen.

There are extreme differences that come from gender. My only hope is that my bond with my children meets the needs of each heart evenly.

My New Found Hobby

Either my baby is just waaay too peaceful or I have been unemployed for too long! I have found a new hobby-reading apartment ratings online. Yeah, besides changing diapers and fixing bottles I have no life. Seriously, try it...you will laugh so hard! Just to let you know how hilarious these can be read a few of my favorites!

Don't move here...shoot outs everyday! (Thanks for warning! I'll be sure to put on my bullet proof vest when I drive by. Some of you will get that later.)

Horrible staff, slow maintenance and the security gate provides no protection from our friends entering. (Well, if ya ask me it sounds like they may need to make some new friends! LOL)

Wonderful facilities and great view of a lake out back. Everything works wonderfully and we've never had any major problems but when our plumbing backed up into our great room maintenance was on it in no time! Another problem with our oven smoking and a few with the stove but it took them only 2 short days to repair these. (Are you sure you haven't had any major problems? My lord I would hate to see what everything working horribly looked like!)

If you love living with German roaches this is the place for you! My favorite is when they come out of an electrical outlet. (German roaches? Who ever heard of such! Wonder what the exterminator does when he comes? Kills them or asks for a green card and sends them home?)

I hope you have enjoyed these as much as I have. I am driving the kids and Mario crazy reading these and screaming with laughter.

Day With Dalen!

Last week I saw a status on Facebook about the Gymnastics Center of Chattanooga. I decided to take full advantage of their open gym (which occurs every Friday from 10-12 for preschool aged children). After paying $5 and spending about 5 minutes in the gym I knew it would be worth every single dime...and it TOTALLY was!

A few things Dalen got to do was walk on a balance beam, jump on trampolines, jump into foam pits, and run absolutely wild. I know I am going to sound like a complete and total dork but I have to share this...there was one jump into a foam pit that was really high up and Dalen had to climb a ladder to be able to jump off. I helped him up the ladder walked him to the edge and said, "Ok, one, two, three...JUMP! Uh, JUMP!" I could literally feel Dalen shaking all over. He was bent over laughing holding his stomach with his hand and his left was holding mine. He was adorably nervous but so excited all the same. I got really serious with him and said, "Dalen you have to jump! You can do it!" He looked at me, wide eyed and said, "I tan't (can't)." I told him I would hold his hand his first time but after the first time he would realize he could do it on his own. Finally, he went flying through the air and landed in the foam pit laughing so hysterically his face was red. It is a moment I will surely never forget.

I looked down from the side laughing and said, "Buddy, you did it!" He stopped laughing immediately and looked back to the jump and said, "Oh wow, Mom! I did!" He said from the beginning he couldn't do it and after he did it was almost like he was so convinced he couldn't that he still couldn't believe that he did it. The next time I made him do it alone. Some people probably think that's a little harsh for a little guy but it's amazing what happens when you push your kids a little bit, strictly for the fact that you know they can do something. Every time I watched him jump I could just see him believing more and more in himself. He would climb up the ladder with more and more confidence, step to the edge, bend over laughing and confidently leap into the pit below. This is a place we will definitely visit more and more.

Beautiful day with my beautiful family

Yesterday was a great day! With the exception of waking up thinking it was the big day me and Cola were supposed to head to Chattanooga to hear my sister speak at a a American Heart Association luncheon. I dressed Lady in all red, put on my red heart bracelet and headed down Parker Street towards the interstate. Luckily, I called my sister to see where she was and she told me, "Uh, thats on Thursday!" So I headed to Target instead. You can see little one up top all dressed, with her little curls. I love them!
We finished at Target and Mario let me know they were at Deer Park. I love the picture of Dalen above. He loves being outside and loves the park! After about an hour the park was the hot spot in Cleveland. It was so crowded! Everywhere I looked there were moms and babies, strollers everywhere, and even two postal workers eating lunch on a bench. It was a beautiful day everyone wanted to take advantage of.
Here we are! We sat on a bench and watched Dalen run crazily throughout the park. Poor Cola Leese spent almost the entire time squinting because the sun was so bright. I think I will get her some sunglasses soon!
Ok, this picture is so worth 1,000 words. Mario can barely even keep his eyes open because the sun is so bright, Dalen is mad because sissy got in the picture, he is whining because his eyes hurt because of the sun, and next you so see sibling rivalry as his hand is placed every so lovingly over her Cola's...FACE! For all of you who know Dalen-you know this was NOT an accident.
Then we went to Moe's and ate on their patio. Dalen barely ate because he was too busy watching the birds. I threw them a lot of bread from my quesadilla and he jumped in his chair, laughed and screamed. He actually shared food for the 1st time in his life! He pegged the birds with chips, cheese and even a bite of cookie. I was so proud of him for actually sharing (something he does NOT do well) that I let go of the fact he was being too loud to attract birds and way too hard with his throwing.

It was such an awesome day! I love good food mixed with a great family and lots of sunshine!

A few things I'd like to say to fear...

I have never really experienced fear. Of course, there are things I have been afraid to attempt but I can never recall sincerely wanting to do something and allowing fear to stop me. I can honestly, with all of my heart, say fear has never been a problem for me. I've never feared people (except occasionally my dad, haha), natural disasters, the future, really nothing. The few times in my life that I have experienced fear I have always conquered it by facing my fears. I'm sure there have been a few times that fear has gotten the best of me but it must not have been anything too significant because I can't recall anything right now.

Since I have gotten older and accumulated more responsibility I now know that fear is something that tries me often. Especially since I have had children there are a few things I fear. Now that I am aware of fear being the root of the problems I have been seeing there are a few things I would like to say to fear.

I know that some of the greatest opportunities in life have been missed because of fear. Fear will rob you blind if you allow it. Recently, I started considering going back for my master's in teaching to teach Psychology and literally I went round and round with every excuse I could find but really it was just fear surfacing. Fear of failing, fear of not being accepted, fear of debt, fear of no one hiring me as a teacher and the list could go on and on! The first thing I'd like to say to fear is that opportunity is mine until I give it to you and that is just not happening anymore. The worst that can happen is that I take advantage of opportunity and I fail. It definitely won't be the first time and I am pretty certain it won't be the last.

I always use the excuse that I am not good at making new friends but really I am afraid to. I don't think but I KNOW I have missed some wonderful people along my journey in life all because of a horribly painful experience with a close friend who betrayed me for a reason I still don't even know. Since that experience I have had no desire to make new friends in fear that if I did I would be hurt again by someone who was so unhappy with their life that they would do anything to me as unhappy as they were by hurting me. I have a million excuses not to make friends...they won't get my sense of humor, I don't want to start over, I hate explaining the past to grow a future with someone-really it's fear. Fear, I will be open to new friendships and I will not allow the fear of someone's past evil intent to rule my future from being shared with others.

Since I have had kids I put every decision under the microscope. I take every decision waaaay too seriously. Of course, you should take big decisions more seriously because your choices not only effect you but will effect your children as well but some small decisions can be made without months of deep thought. I realize that I don't necessarily fear decisions but I fear myself making them because I don't trust myself. Trusting yourself with your own life is one thing but trusting yourself with the lives of two innocent children is another thing. Beyond knowing that I have a hard time trusting myself with decisions I have to know that much more that God trusted me. He trusted me with a sane mind to decide things for myself and trusted me with two children to responsibly decide things on their behalf as well. Fear, I will rest in the trust God has in me.

My theme song in life right now is Celine Dion's (love her!) What do ya say to taking chances? The more chance you take the less fear hinders. You realize that failing isn't so bad but deprivation of opportunity is so much worse! I hate fear. I absolutely hate you, fear. I have allowed fear to control my thought process, rob me of enhancing friendships, destroy great opportunities. What has fear done to you??

Action Packed Week!

Yesterday we enjoyed the day at the Aquarium with Charis. Can I assure you there is never a dull moment with these two in the same room. At one point Crystal and I were RUNNING, yeah picture me running, after Dalen. Charis was running after him screaming his name for him to stop. Once we finally found him he was cracking up, dancing to a man's banjo.
They now have a butterfly garden. The butterflies are pretty and BIG.
Charis was SUPER brave and held them. Dalen had a traumatic meltdown once he realized one was on his back. He cried, screamed and danced all around until it was off.
We saw lots of beautiful fish...
and of course sharks.
Saturday we packed up and headed to the sunny south for a quick trip to Orlando. We could barely make it three steps before being stopped because people wanted to get a closer look at the baby. We were asked over and over her age and weight because she is still so very petite.
How lovely it was to let our toes lose in the beautiful wind that was warm!
My husband and I argue all the time because he says S.C. has the prettiest palm trees but we ALL know that is NOT true.
We were able to join a congregation for Sunday morning service. Little Lady got all dolled up in polka dots and I just loved dropping her off in a nursery of such a diverse group of little ones. That is something we don't get to do here in Cleveland. This nursery looked a lot like Heaven-blacks, hispanics, asians and many more I am sure. I did fine leaving her in nursery for the 1st time.

George

In the words of Mr. Roger, "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!" I just got back from strolling Little Lady at the park close to our house. After about two minutes of crying she settled down and fell peacefully asleep. I realized a lot on that stroll. (1) I am HORRIBLY out of shape. (2) I have ONE, yes ONE, pair of casual pants that fit. (3) I haven't shaved since months before I had Cola. I know disgusting! Once I can bend completely over in the shower without it hurting I bring out the weed eater and go to town. Trust me...that is what it will take.

Dalen is off to his Aunt's house. He is playing baseball, eating grilled cheese and trying to defeat her in air hockey. Talking about cheese, yesterday at my parents Dalen asked for some shredded cheese to snack on until lunch was ready. He offered some to his sister and my Dad explained very firmly she can NOT eat cheese. He then shook his head yes and said, "Oh yeah, she just eats boobs." HILARIOUS!

Everything is a bit of a blur since I had baby #2 but I think my sister gave Dalen a monkey for Valentine's Day. He calls him Curious George and we have slowly but surely realized George is Dalen. Dalen will say things like George needs to poop and two minutes later we realize George hasn't pooped but Dalen has. George gets whippings, time out and rocked to sleep. It's kind of sweet to see Dalen care for this stuffed monkey but I can't say I don't wish he would nurture his sister a little more like he does George. For the most part, George is treated well.

My chiropractor appointments are continuing. Still struggling with pain on occasion but I am so thankful the headaches have stopped for a few days. After waiting for a bit in the office, an older lady looked at me and said, "She surely looks a lot like you!" I then told the lady if she could see her brother and Dad she would totally change her mind. She took another long look at the baby and then at me (can I just say awkward?) and said, "Well, it's really her big, chubby, round face that looks so much like you." So with that said and my 6 week mark approaching quickly I am beginning my weight loss journey. And, that it will be...a journey. I loved weight watchers but I know I need exercise as well. This next week I will be thinking a lot about what route to take. I can't believe bathing suit season is just around the corner!

What's In A Name?

Today Dalen got a haircut. He was so excited to go to "Victor" until we pulled in the parking lot and he began whining and covering his hair. Luckily it only lasted a second and he quickly warmed up to Victor after seeing his tattoos (which he thinks are super cool...is this a sign of things to come?)

Before

After

The real reason for this post is to ask, "What's in a name?" Does it really matter what you name your kids? Will they really turn out the way their name is defined? Of course, I can't go two steps in public without people wanting to see my little one and ask her weight, age and then of course, her name. Just about every time I tell someone her name they think I am saying Cole Elise. Most of the time they ask her name, I tell them, then they tilt their head in deep thought, then ask me to spell it, then say something like "Oh wow, I've never heard that before." Then it ALWAYS ends in the person asking, "Where did you get that from?"

The truth is I liked the sound of Cola Leese. Sorry folks! No deep revelation from God or inspiring meaning or prophetic command from God telling me to name my child this. I just liked it...yeah, stone me now. Is it so bad that my child's name doesn't have some wonderful meaning that makes you tear up? If we all researched closer what our names meant we probably wouldn't want our children to fulfill their meanings. The truth is I've known some really sweet Amys and some not so sweet Amys. The same name, has the same meaning but let me tell you two Amys can surely act totally different!

I once read my name meant "pearl". In a Bible study once every one in attendance began talking about their names and their meanings. I laughingly said what mine meant. I said it in a tone that everyone knew I didn't really think it meant anything great. A lady began to cry (as I began to laugh) and said, "Oh, Megan! Pearls come with a great price and are of great worth!" Yeah, she was kind of strange. I just don't if I am totally convinced it really matters what your name means or if even has a meaning. What do you think?

And lastly, I leave you with pics of Dalen as he played baseball for the 1st time today. It was some sight!

Hats

Last night was the first night I was left at home with the kids for an extended period of time. I conquered every obstacle quite well and patiently. It has been so stinking cold out that every time I leave with baby I am super sure of having her bundled up. I realized half way to Chick-Fil-A I had forgotten all about bundling myself up. I was in a short sleeve shirt and just about the time I noticed I didn't bundle up, Dalen begin crying and screaming from the back seat I forgot my shoes! I am pretty sure the drive-thru person thought we were either VERY poor or homeless.

Baby decided to throw the biggest fit yet in the back seat while we traveled home. She cried, cried, and cried. She NEVER cries! I was so super proud of Dalen. He began with the soothing phrase, "It's ok little girl! It's ok!" I gunned it when I sensed his frustration as the phrase was spoken louder and louder. Eventually he quit trying to calm her after he yelled, "It's ok little girl...now, hush...NOW!" Baby steps is what I have to recognize. As soon as we got in the house I realized it was passed time for her to eat and she was whaling! Then Dalen began to cry for his "chiten" (chicken). What I would have given for 3 extra arms! I began to fix her bottle and I noticed something so great-Dalen was totally silent. I peered over the bar in our kitchen only to find him holding the passy for his Sissy and gently rubbing her forehead. YAY! Dalen spent majority of the night holding his sisters hand and leading worship. There was a couple times where he jerked her arm up so she would worship to his songs but he did pretty good. We then had company and the rest is history. He became his out of control self. I don't know what it is about company but he becomes out of control!

Today was Hat Show & Tell at Dalen's school. Here is the hat he chose to show and the one he picked for sissy.

Hat from South Africa.

Hat from Paris.

Can't you tell she is loving this?!

My Secret Love Affair

I have a confession. I have been having a secret love affair with Sleep. It's all I think about, dream about, pursue after, desire, want, cherish when we are together-you get the point. Last night was an amazing date between the two of us. We put Lady in her playpen at about 10:30 and got 4 solid hours of sleep and then were woken again at 4 am and 7:30 and then both kids allowed us to sleep until 9 am. Now that my friends, is a miracle! Dalen actually slept passed 7 am! WOW!

Sleeping in until 9 made way for a frantic morning considering we never get Dalen to school after 8:30 but what's the harm in a kid sleeping in every once in a while? I am just glad I was actually on top of things and already had his backpack packed with his clean sheet and blankie and had an outfit in mind for him to wear. I then proceeded to take about a three hour nap today. I have killed my pride. I need sleep and I know it!

My neck is still giving me horrible problems and seems to be the onset of HORRIBLE headaches. They are so bad that all I can do is lay as still as possible and literally pray Dalen doesn't let out one of his screams and that the baby doesn't cry. We literally spent the whole entire night on Sunday whispering to each other and ban Dalen from playing with any toys on the hardwood floor. Nothing helps-I have tried Tylenol, Motrin, IB Profen and I have actaully contemplated taking one of my Percocets (that's when you know I am so desperate).

Anyway-our days have been spent asking Dalen over and over what hat he wants to take to show and tell on Thursday. For those of you who don't know, Dalen has a hat collection from all over the world that keeps growing every time my Dad visits somewhere new or far away.

Here is Dalen before he took off to school today.

See You In Your Dreams...

I am so exhausted I honestly do not know how I am currently functioning. I forgot this part. The part where you go endless nights with literally no sleep at all and you are so tired that you walk around looking horribly like a headless zombie. You know how the Bible says God has storehouses of snow? I think he meant to have storehouses of sleep for times like these. You could just cash in some sleep and he could watch over the kids and the house.

Literally, the last two nights our little lady has pushed every button and tried every thing she could to keep us awake ALL night. I am NOT exaggerating. If I wasn't up, Mario was. I know what you are thinking, just nap when she does but thats impossible with a rowdy two year old running around. So I have been hired on to a new full time job-keeping this baby up ALL day.

There are only a few ways to keep a sleeping baby awake; cold rag on the cheeks, change their diaper, blow in their face, take their clothes off and on. Needless to say, your day is spent annoying the hound out of your kid. It's annoying and makes a very cranky baby but I am so hoping for a sleeping baby tonight. Any suggestions??