Saturday, May 24, 2008

Important Things You Should Know


Also known as, News From Here For Friends and Family Members Who Care About the Mundane Details of My Life.

We're schooling year round this year due to time we had to take off for moving and a new baby. I didn't take much time off when Grace was born, but we missed a few days and just focused on the most important subjects. I'm taking off this week to plan the next couple of months. I want it to be a really productive summer in terms of academics, brushing up on our weak spots and finishing whatever we haven't gotten done yet. Silas is also more than ready to learn to read, and in fact chastised me just yesterday because he isn't reading yet. ("Mama, you haven't taught me to read yet! You said you were going to teach me to read!" Um, yeah, we talked about that last week...) Pretty amazing for a kid who could have cared less till a few months ago. Elizabeth has plowed ahead in a few subjects and finished several books, like reading and math, so we will be able to focus more intensively on her areas of struggle. The goal is for a strong start this fall. I'll have a 3rd grader, a kindergardener, and a preschooler this year. WOW!!! I can't believe it.

Grace singlehandedly created 2 loads of laundry in the past 12 hours. She is more talented than any of my other children have been in this regard, and trust me, that is saying a lot. I'm doing 20+ loads a week right now. Part of it is just that she has a sensitive little tummy. I have to be careful what I eat, but more than that I have to carefully watch that I keep foremilk/hindmilk in balance and that I don't stuff her too full. I am all about following baby's feeding cues, but if Grace eats too much it's not pretty. However, she is growing at an astounding rate and she's all rolls and chubby cheeks, so she is certainly getting enough. She'll be moving from newborn clothes to 3-6 month size this week.

Billy and I are sick with sinus infections. Although we live in a warm, wet, moldy climate, it probably has more to do with too much sugar and too many late nights watching multiple episodes of 24 taking care of a new baby.

I finally fit into my fat jeans this morning. You know, it is a little disheartening to have a baby and then not even be able to wear your fat clothes. I still have a goodly ways to go, but at least the weight is starting to come off. Time to break out the confetti and cake celery! I've come a long way from my first pregnancy when I prayed daily (no joke) , "God, please don't let me get fat." I'm no longer obsessed with being skinny. But it would be nice to be at that ideal size for reasons of pure vanity.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Ice Cream



I scream




You scream




We all scream



For ice cream!



Thursday, May 15, 2008

A Day in My Life--May


It's once again time for Little Jenny Wren's "A Day in My Life." Actually I'm a day late posting. There was just no time last night to tell about my day.





I woke about 4:30 this morning with a noisy baby. She and I moved to the rocker recliner in the living room for the rest of the early morning so everyone in the back of the house could sleep. We both fell back to sleep and I dreamed that I was having a party but couldn’t find anything to wear. In my dream I was also doing mountains of laundry. Someone removed the wire shelving from above the washing machine and wouldn’t put it back, which was a catastrophe in dreamland, just as it would be in real life. I love my laundry room!


I ended up oversleeping with my snuggly baby, and jumped up just in time to fix Billy a quick breakfast before he left for work. I made the kids and me some toast with the bread I made yesterday. It’s from the last of our wheat, which isn’t readily available here. Fortunately my parents should be able to bring me some more soon.

I showered and quickly dressed the kids and we took Elizabeth to speech therapy. She was having a difficult time with the R sound, but a few sessions with our therapist friend from church have solved the problem. Her therapist said she doesn’t have to come back any more!


After her session we dropped by the dollar store for pencils. Elizabeth had a few dollars burning a hole in her pocket, and she insisted on buying a small gift for each of us. I put a limit on how much she could spend, or she probably would have spent it all. One of the things I love about my girl is her giving spirit. She loves to give gifts!


At home I put on a load of laundry (from the real laundry mountain) and nursed baby Grace, who is 5 weeks old now. Then warmed up leftover spaghetti while the kids watched Dora the Explorer. I’ve tried to be even more conscientious about using leftovers since the cost of food has gotten so high.


Elizabeth got the mail and came in shouting, “Jack is here! Jack is here!” Billy and I have recently gotten hooked on the show 24, 6 years late to the party. We don’t have cable so we have been ordering the complete seasons from Amazon, which saves bookoodles of money. Season 4 arrived today. The kids are not allowed to watch it, but E knows we have been keeping our eye on the mail box!






After lunch I sat down with the middle littles while they fell asleep. They are not fans of naps, but still really need them. I have learned that it works much better if I supervise them until they are asleep. Silas lays down on the futon and Sarah and I take the rocker recliner. It usually doesn’t take long before they are out and I can go about my day without wondering what they are up to! Elizabeth is reading over my shoulder and giggling at this as I type. She has been working on her school work while I get the littles down. Somehow new pencils made it more fun today.


I was ready to shift into high gear for the afternoon when baby woke and needed to be fed. I enjoy the chance to read, rest, or spend time with God during our nursing times, and I try to not take them for granted. The newborn stage is so short. There are times when I feel frustration that I’m not being more “productive”, yet what is more productive than nurturing a sweet little life, an eternal soul made in the image of God? Mopping can wait. I did coach Elizabeth on her schoolwork during that time.





Finally I was able to spend a couple hours cleaning and doing laundry before it was time to leave for church. I accomplished one of my goals, which was to clean off the top of the pie safe. In our last house it became an unsightly collection spot for this and that. When we moved in here I thought perhaps if I put some nice decorations on top we might avoid that. No such luck. It looked worse than ever.




I filled my biggest mixing bowl with all that stuff!



Whew, much better! It’s a beautiful piece of furniture, and I hate to see it cluttered with junk.


We have family suppers at church on Wednesday night. Last night they served red beans and rice. It is soooo nice to not have to cook on that night!


I didn’t actually get to attend church because Grace needed me. I spent most of the time in the nursery. I don’t typically leave my babies till they are older, just because they are so tiny and I don’t like to subject them to all those germs if I don’t have to!


We visited with friends for awhile afterward and got home about 8:00. We put the kids to bed and watched a couple episodes of 24. Actually we would have headed to bed earlier, but Grace was having tummy trouble and we would have been awake anyway.


Finally Grace fell asleep and we turned in around midnight. Sweet dreams!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Two Links and a Lactation Tip

I've discovered a couple delightful blogs lately. One is 4 Reluctant Entertainers, a blog dedicated to Christian hospitality. It's artful and encouraging.

The other is Blue Yonder, also delightful, even if I was tortured there by pictures of incredible pies today! Oh my!

Now for the tip, since I have to post things in threes.

When my other babies have gotten too much milk, they just unlatched in frustration. Grace, however, seems to think if she just drinks FASTER! AND! FASTER! she can somehow manage the deluge. Then we end up with choke, cough, sputter, gag, cry...It hasn't equalized with time. Finally I tried a tip I read once--let gravity work in your favor. Feeding babe while laying on your back sounds tricky, but it's not really hard and it works. No sputtery baby. I know I'm not the only one who's had this happen, so perhaps it will help one of you moms out there!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Down the Rabbit Hole




Have you ever had a day that just felt like it came from Bizzare-o Land? That was my yesterday. Everything from kids stuffing flowers in their ears to accidentally dumping ice water on the 4-week-old, to dreaming up new ways to aggravate each other that I wouldn't have thought of if I lived to be 100. Today I'm happy for new beginnings!

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Home Sweet Homeschool (links)

Teen Graduates High School, College in One Week

How Long Should a Homeschool Day Be?

(Hat tip, Jess at Making Home. )

Reading Placement Test (scroll down, it's the San Diego Quick Assessment)

I was delighted that Elizabeth, who's 7, is reading at a 5th grade level. This was especially encouraging as we get back into the full swing of things since baby's birth. I've focused more on just the 3 R's for the past few weeks. A trip to the library is on the agenda for tomorrow, and a full re-evaluation of where I'm achieving and failing as a teacher is coming up very soon as well. I know I have areas of both. I never doubt our decision to homeschool, but it's the scariest thing I've ever done.

Monday, May 05, 2008

Ice Cream Shop



When we lived downtown, we were half a block from an old-fashioned ice-cream shop, a community fixture. We paid our favorite shop a visit yesterday after Silas's birthday party.




The owner bought it many years ago when he was just 17 years old.




It's a treat for the eye as well as for the palate, filled with brightly-colored old-fashioned delights...




Lollipops...




Pennsylvania Dutch hard candy...



And stick candy, just 15 cents each!

(Would you believe, I didn't even get a picture of the ice cream!)

Frugal Birthday


To celebrate his 5th birthday, Silas wanted to take a few friends fishing. We chose an easy-access park on the water.

Dessert: brownies and sandwich cookies.

Favors: 4/$1.00 water guns.

It was easy and relaxing. We didn't catch many fish, but we sure had fun.

Friday, May 02, 2008

Cheap Lunch

I'm not a fan of fast food, but if we are going to occasionally splurge on cheap, nutritionless treats that don't even really taste that good, I don't see any reason to spend more money than necessary.

Yesterday the kids and I each got a double cheeseburger from McDonald's dollar menu. The dollar menu isn't where McDonald's makes their money, though. It's the side items.

So instead of buying fries and drinks (we usually get a cup of water, honestly), we hit the dollar store and got 3-for-a dollar cheetos and a 2-liter bottle of Sprite.

Total to feed all 4 of us, with leftovers? $6.

From now on, I think I will keep a small stash of 3-for-a-dollar chips in the van so all I have to do is add dollar sandwiches and water in a cup (unless we bring our own drinks). That leaves a few more dollars for real eating out, which is a lot more fun!

Frugal Fridays hosted by Crystal.

Guess



Guess what I got?




Guess what somebody gave me?




Maybe this helps!




Yes, a treadle sewing machine!

Billy's parents generously shared this lovely family heirloom with us. It looks to be in good working order. And it's beautiful.

Show and tell Friday hosted by Kelli.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Sweet Feet



Tiny shoes...




for tiny feet...




So sweet!

Cher Bebe



I figured it's about time to post an update on Grace for those of you who read for family news. It's been fun to have a baby here. When we announced I was pregnant we got only congratulations, in contrast to the snarky comments we got further north when we announced #3. A predominantly Catholic culture is different in many ways from what I'm used to, but one of the great positives is the appreciation for life that seems more pervasive here. The community seems to treasure children, and wherever we go, people (guys and girls, all ages) start what Billy calls Cajun grandma talk. "Awww, cher bebe!" Apparently that's the rough equivalent of "sweet baby," which is what I call all of mine. Even the guys have to kiss and love on her.

We were overwhelmed with meals and good wishes after her birth. In fact, I still have a couple meals in the freezer. I've only cooked 3 or 4 times since she was born. I'm very blessed and spoiled!

Grace is thriving on all the love. She had gained a whole pound 5 days after we came home from the hospital, and now at almost 3 weeks, she is already past that initial new-newborn stage. She's filled out and smooth, and we've had to adjust the car seat straps to accommodate her growth.

She is a good sleeper, as my babies go. As long as she isn't gassy and stays warm, I get a good 2 hours between feedings. She had a bad night or two, but I tried cutting dairy out of my diet and it's done wonders. (I've learned a lot over the course of having a few children--I wish I had known to try that the first time around. Would have saved Baby some pain and us some sleepless nights, I think.) She really is a sweet, easygoing little one. She doesn't cry much and when she does, it's usually easy to stop. She especially loves to lay on her tummy across anyone's lap.

She loves her daddy already, and unless she's hungry he can soothe her pretty well as easily as I can. I love to see them together--she looks so tiny in his arms.

The kids are in love too. Elizabeth is already such a help. Her favorite assignment is to hold Grace while I do some little task nearby. She can usually get her to stop crying just by talking to her. The other day she read her the funny papers from cover to cover. As much as Silas wanted a brother, he is crazy about his new sister. He grins from ear to ear when he gets to hold her, and he is the one who always wants to give her hugs and kisses. There are big problems at our house if he misses her good night kiss! This morning he sang her the ABC songs and all the Sunday School songs he knows. Sarah has made the transition to big sister pretty easily. I try to make sure I snuggle her often, since she is such a cuddly girl. She loves Grace too. She likes to hold her, but only briefly. She mostly loves to pet her fuzzy head. She was a bit disappointed that she doesn't get to feed the baby, but she got over it quickly. The other day she announced proudly to her favorite nursery worker at church, "My baby doesn't have a bottle! My baby gets Mommy milk!"


I had a lot of fears that I was "due" for a hard baby since Sarah was so easy, but the transition from 3 to 4 has been surprisingly easy. Of course there's always lack of sleep, more laundry, time spent in baby care (many hours daily), and just the logistical adjustments of adding another person to the mix, but overall I couldn't be more happy. Grace is so easy, and my older kids are big enough to take on extra responsibilities, so I know it won't be long till we are in a new routine that works. I think part of it is that I am just more relaxed this time, and I know a little more what I'm doing than I have before. (A side note, this is my first baby since I started taking Armour thyroid for hypothyroidism, and that's done wonders for my mental and emotional state. I'm handling everything better this time, from pregnancy onward.) I know this newborn phase will only last a few weeks and then we will be back to something like normal, so I'm enjoying the long hours of snuggling and trying not to worry too much about all that's not getting done. People have told me over and over that after #3 it's all the same, whether it's your 4th or your 14th. (Don't worry anybody, we aren't having 14!) They've said that it really does get easier. If Grace is any indication, that's true. Although I didn't know during the pregnancy how it would all turn out, I'm crazy in love too. What a little joy!

Monday, April 28, 2008

For Your Reading Pleasure

Since I can't even get my dishes done, much less blog, here are links to people who are clearly more organized and less newly postpartum than myself.

Jen of Et Tu? (Diary of a Former Atheist) is interviewed at The Cynical Christian. The topic? Approaching Atheists: What Can Christians Do? Good stuff. I don't often run into avowed atheists, but in a region that's 80% Catholic , I do frequently encounter people who are greatly disenchanted with organized religion. Ironically, Jen is Catholic, but her faith is clearly real to her. I appreciated her thoughts.

Anna's older children have all found their life's work and become good at it at very young ages. I recently asked her how she and her husband accomplished this, and she kindly answered me with this post.

Billy tells how to choose a good Christian book at The Disciple's Journey.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Pottery Barn Kids Without the Price Tag


Shannon posted ideas of Pottery Barn Kids wall hangings that would be so easy to copy. I had the same thought when I got the recent PBK catalog. I especially love the ladybug art pictured above. Go check out this super cute stuff. When I'm less newly postpartum, I MUST give these a try! The possibilities are endless. In addition to wall hangings, you could make cards and who knows what else.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Sweet Sleep


This show and tell is more practical than artistic. This is the new Arm's Reach Co-sleeper we got for our sweet new baby, Grace. I am loving it! I've tried just about every newborn sleeping arrangement from bassinet to pack and play to crib to full co-sleeping and none of it worked for me. This was recommended by a pediatric nurse friend, and it's perfect. Grace is right next to me, so I can keep a close eye on her, pick her up easily (without getting out of bed), and during nursing times I don't have to worry about dozing off and dropping her. That's always been a big fear. The sleeper actually straps to the bed between the matress and box springs for a nice tight fit.

She loves to sleep in my arms, but she also does really well in the co-sleeper with her foam wedges and a good swaddle. The nurses at the hospital showed me how they wrap the babies, and while I haven't perfected their burrito swaddle, I can get her snug enough that she feels secure and sleeps well. This is my first success with getting baby to sleep on her back. I think the swaddle has something to do with it.

In any case, I wholeheartedly recommend the co-sleeper. It's kinda pricey and at first I thought we had just bought a really expensive pack and play...It's a lot more than that, though. Works for us!

Show and Tell Friday hosted by Kelli.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Labor

I have lots of posts floating around in my head, but a certain sweet little person is keeping me pretty busy. Meanwhile, read Hannah's great thoughts on birth. She is right on target!

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Abigail Grace


Grace was born last week after an easy and uneventful labor. Her first name, Abigail, means "song of joy" and that is certainly what she is to us!

8lb 13 oz
20 1/2 inches long



Friday, March 28, 2008

A Sarah Funny

If you've ever watched a Veggie Tales movie (I LOVE them--uh, that was sarcasm...But my kids really do...) you know the theme song:

If you like to talk to tomatoes
If a squash can make you smile...


Sarah, my almost-3-year-old foodie, sings it like this:

If you have a chocolate tomato
You will be very, very happy.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Quiet

Sorry for not posting. I'm afraid about now I tend to feel kind of hermit-like, quiet, home-focused.

I'll be back soon I hope. Meanwhile, Billy Stevens at The Disciple's Journey is writing again. Good stuff. Check it out.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

New Daily Routine


Just the very basics--to be adjusted as necessary!

Morning—Before 10

Quiet time

Dress and comb everyone

Make beds/tidy rooms

Breakfast--hard boiled eggs and fruit or granola bars and fruit

Supper in crock pot

Bread in machine

1 load laundry


Mid-morning—10-12

Mid-morning snack-veggies & dip/nuts/goldfish/pb crackers/popcorn—outside!

2nd load laundry

School/preschool


Lunch

PB&J or burritos+fruit, chips, and/or cookies

10 minute tidy

Story time, if possible!


Afternoon

Naps/quiet time

School

2 loads laundry

Finish supper


Evening

10 minute tidy/clean rooms

Eat supper

Wash dishes

Thaw meat for next day

Lay out clothes for next day

Everyone bathe/brush teeth