In order to accomidate for the new baby (yes, for those who don't know yet, I am a little over 14 weeks pregnant) I decided the boys room must be painted. (The boys have bunkbeds now...still in the boxes...which are espresso, the crib and changing table are white and well, frankly, it wasn't going to go with the crazy blue that coated their walls.) This meant that we moved the kids and I out for the weekend and Daddy painted, and painted and painted.
We went to stay with Mimi and Papa. The boys were in heaven. Gavin got to play in their gravel pathway with diggers and spent hours moving pebbles from here to there. He wouldn't set the digger down for fear, "Brayden might want to take this and I am working here." He drug it with him and was in his happy place.
Brayden is obsessed with Papa and his guitars. At one point, he got into the music room, grabbed the guitar by the neck and drug it across the house, down the hall and into Papa's room to ask for a song. I am suprised my dad didn't have a heart attack on the spot. Fortunately, I was spared replacing the $1,200 stringed instrument, seeing as Brayden managed to keep it from hitting a wall (Praise the Lord) but I did have to keep a closer eye on the little sneak!
Both the boys got to practice their ABC's on the microphone's, dance to Faraone family favorites and Gavin convinced Papa to sing "Go Tell it on the Mountain" at least 20 times.
Brayden is also obsessed with "Rawphy" aka Ralph, my parents cat. The amusing part of this is that, Brayden is terrified of furry animals. However, he would climb the stairs, run to my parents room and climb up on the bed to peek at Ralph, on his little cat bed. He loved sneaking peeks and seeing how close he could get. The minute Ralph made a move to be petted, Bray would jet away and tell the kitty, "Dop!". Brayden most definitely didn't want to be touched by the cat. (One brave time, with Gavin by him, he did stroke Ralph, but it was short lived.) Up and down the stairs we would go, in search of the cat, checking on his sleep habits.
The boys had such a great time. I will admit to being a tad tired, but I couldn't be more grateful for a family who works so hard to accommodate me and who love my boys so dearly. I really do have great parents. My boys are tiring and they are good sports. I also have a great husband, who didn't get to see his boys, but made sure their room was ready for them to come back to. As Gavin said this morning, "Do I get to keep the paint?"
"Yes, Gavin."
"Oh good, my room looks very pretty."
Good job Dad! And, thanks Mimi and Papa!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Nearly two
Brayden is nearly two now and such a ham. He cracks us up daily with his antics and his mischievous smile. He really is starting to look like such a little boy!
Fire Station
Here are some of the pics from the fire station and our boys doing their own fire fighter shots. They loved their new fire hats! So much so, Brayden got grumpy when we tried to take it off for lunch!
Bike riding
Shawn took the boys down to the fire station to get bike helmets. Ever since, the boys cannot get enough of the helmets and going on "bike walks". Brayden mostly wears his helmet and runs, but sometimes he jumps on the back of Gavin's trike. It's really pretty cute!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Sunshiney day
The boys have been on the upswing. We are still wiping noses, but no longer killing the environment with the amount of tissue we are going through. It's been nice to see Brayden's giggle and hear less of Gavin's cough.
Today, Gavin and mom got to go on a date. We went to Starbucks to get "cocko" and a breakfast sandwich. He opened the door for me, paid (with my card) and saved me a table. We talked about trains, the sunshine and what to get Brayden for his birthday (and of course what to get Gavin, when his turn arrives). It was a sweet time and I was in love as I held hands back to the car and got my cheek kissed.
When I arrived home, Shawn (who had taken Brayden swimming...he switches off with the boys every other Saturday) had Brayden eating breakfast and announced he wanted to take the boys to the fire station to get bike helmets. The next sentence threw me,
"I thought you could stay home and have time to yourself."
Ahhhhhh....the angels started singing and I believe I faintly heard the Hallelujah Chorus. I can't remember the last time I had the house to myself during the day. Even if it's a short time, it has been so nice. I got a shower in, the laundry started, kitchen and family room clean, bathroom relatively clean and a few other side chores done in about one eighth the time it takes with the kids.
The sun is shining, I have my soundtrack playing, the pink tree out front is blooming and all is well with the world. If only for a moment, I am loving sitting in my home, purely content.
God is good all the time, but on days like today, I am reminded just how incredibly good and overly blessed I am. Here in the sunshiney moment, I shall set up my alter to look back and remember His great goodness, when the whining starts and the rain comes.
Thank you God for the reminders to carry us through...we don't deserve Your unfailing love, but man am I grateful!
Today, Gavin and mom got to go on a date. We went to Starbucks to get "cocko" and a breakfast sandwich. He opened the door for me, paid (with my card) and saved me a table. We talked about trains, the sunshine and what to get Brayden for his birthday (and of course what to get Gavin, when his turn arrives). It was a sweet time and I was in love as I held hands back to the car and got my cheek kissed.
When I arrived home, Shawn (who had taken Brayden swimming...he switches off with the boys every other Saturday) had Brayden eating breakfast and announced he wanted to take the boys to the fire station to get bike helmets. The next sentence threw me,
"I thought you could stay home and have time to yourself."
Ahhhhhh....the angels started singing and I believe I faintly heard the Hallelujah Chorus. I can't remember the last time I had the house to myself during the day. Even if it's a short time, it has been so nice. I got a shower in, the laundry started, kitchen and family room clean, bathroom relatively clean and a few other side chores done in about one eighth the time it takes with the kids.
The sun is shining, I have my soundtrack playing, the pink tree out front is blooming and all is well with the world. If only for a moment, I am loving sitting in my home, purely content.
God is good all the time, but on days like today, I am reminded just how incredibly good and overly blessed I am. Here in the sunshiney moment, I shall set up my alter to look back and remember His great goodness, when the whining starts and the rain comes.
Thank you God for the reminders to carry us through...we don't deserve Your unfailing love, but man am I grateful!
Monday, March 1, 2010
The orange plate
Today Gavin threw a monumental fit over the fact that Brayden got the orange plate. Seriously, he cried for about 15 minutes at the table (loud enough to be heard over the blow dryer) and about 15 more in time out (I decided Brayden shouldn't have to watch the fit while he tried to enjoy his waffles). An orange plate? Really?
Upon reflection, I have decided Gavin is my child in many ways. He likes what he likes. I like to eat with a salad fork. I want the small fork. When Shawn accidentally gives me the big one, 9 out of 10 times I ask for a small one. (Yes, my husband's tolerance is exceptional).
Gavin also does not handle decisions well. You give him a choice and he hems and haws for hours. You narrow the choice and all the sudden he wants something outside of the choice. This is so the dilemma when we go out to eat. I think I know what I want, but after I pick it...I am pretty sure I want something else. (Or worse, I tell Shawn to choose and then tell him I don't like his choice...that never goes over real well.)
I think sometimes, seeing your flaws reflected in your children, make you all the more ready to take on the battle. You desperately want to free them of your inadequacies and so you run in head on. I want him to be thankful for what he is given. I want him to be able to make decisions with confidence and not worry about what he missed in not choosing the other. In short, I want better for my child than I have for myself.
My friend asked me..."Why not give him the orange plate?"
My response, "Because when he's my age he'll be eating with a salad fork and that's totally unnecessary."
She didn't get it...but I do.
Upon reflection, I have decided Gavin is my child in many ways. He likes what he likes. I like to eat with a salad fork. I want the small fork. When Shawn accidentally gives me the big one, 9 out of 10 times I ask for a small one. (Yes, my husband's tolerance is exceptional).
Gavin also does not handle decisions well. You give him a choice and he hems and haws for hours. You narrow the choice and all the sudden he wants something outside of the choice. This is so the dilemma when we go out to eat. I think I know what I want, but after I pick it...I am pretty sure I want something else. (Or worse, I tell Shawn to choose and then tell him I don't like his choice...that never goes over real well.)
I think sometimes, seeing your flaws reflected in your children, make you all the more ready to take on the battle. You desperately want to free them of your inadequacies and so you run in head on. I want him to be thankful for what he is given. I want him to be able to make decisions with confidence and not worry about what he missed in not choosing the other. In short, I want better for my child than I have for myself.
My friend asked me..."Why not give him the orange plate?"
My response, "Because when he's my age he'll be eating with a salad fork and that's totally unnecessary."
She didn't get it...but I do.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Sick little guy
Brayden had a fever earlier in the week. One hundred and two for about a day and a half. He was so sad. My bundle of energy was just Mr. lethargo. He would sit around with his eyes half mast and cling to his blankies. Gavin kept asking Bray questions and Bray wouldn't answer. Gavin got really frustrated to have his playmate give up any sort of activity.
We made a play date for Gavin to get out of the house (and hopefully not catch the cold). When we went to drop him off at Mrs. Stephanie's house to play with her nephew Charlie, two people whom Bray loves...he just whimpered "Athen"...his name for Gavin, as Gav jumped out of the car. Even Mrs. Stephanie, whim he adores couldn't muster much out of him.
When we got to the Doctor Brayen lost it the minute we walked into the exam room. He's had a lot of shots lately and is now terrified of anything resembling a doctor. When the nurse left he calmed down, but even when my mom came in with her stethoscope on he cried until she took it off. He cried for the Dr. and even the special Lightening McQueen I bought him and a Lollipop could not calm him down. Finally, after checking him out, my mom just carried a sniffly Bray out of the room.
Two ear infections and a really sore throat, was the prognosis. Poor kiddo. I felt sad for my hot bodied, sick little guy. I felt really bad, that there was a part of me that loved having him slow down and cuddle. Loved that I was the one he wanted and loved that I was his main source of comfort (well aside from his blankie, stuffed monkey and paci). Granted, after awhile it did get old being clung to...but in a strangley sweet way.
After 12 hours of antibiotics, bray is back in his crazy, energetic full glory. He and Gavin are playing and fighting, he's been pushing the limits and singing through the stores at the top of his lungs. It's good to see. We missed our little boy. But a part of me also misses the little cuddler who just wanted me and hie blanky.
We made a play date for Gavin to get out of the house (and hopefully not catch the cold). When we went to drop him off at Mrs. Stephanie's house to play with her nephew Charlie, two people whom Bray loves...he just whimpered "Athen"...his name for Gavin, as Gav jumped out of the car. Even Mrs. Stephanie, whim he adores couldn't muster much out of him.
When we got to the Doctor Brayen lost it the minute we walked into the exam room. He's had a lot of shots lately and is now terrified of anything resembling a doctor. When the nurse left he calmed down, but even when my mom came in with her stethoscope on he cried until she took it off. He cried for the Dr. and even the special Lightening McQueen I bought him and a Lollipop could not calm him down. Finally, after checking him out, my mom just carried a sniffly Bray out of the room.
Two ear infections and a really sore throat, was the prognosis. Poor kiddo. I felt sad for my hot bodied, sick little guy. I felt really bad, that there was a part of me that loved having him slow down and cuddle. Loved that I was the one he wanted and loved that I was his main source of comfort (well aside from his blankie, stuffed monkey and paci). Granted, after awhile it did get old being clung to...but in a strangley sweet way.
After 12 hours of antibiotics, bray is back in his crazy, energetic full glory. He and Gavin are playing and fighting, he's been pushing the limits and singing through the stores at the top of his lungs. It's good to see. We missed our little boy. But a part of me also misses the little cuddler who just wanted me and hie blanky.
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