Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday J, you were so proud of the dress you received from Donna. You also loved the Melissa & Doug Easel and are very excited to use all your art supplies from Grandma and Grandpa Walter with it.
I had an interesting day closing on a house (finally) and getting all the paperwork lined up. This is a lot of stress off my plate. So now I have a goal, a battle to fight, the unknown is gone for now.
The worst part of troubleshooting is the unknown, it is also the best part. However, every time a resolution is found it is a relief to be working towards a goal vs aimlessly moving around to find a foothold. Today was a day of solutions and I am happy with that.
Babies and Tech
Today I stayed home with little E. Today I had a plumber, an electrician and a Home Realestate person drop by. It was a long day, but a good one. I was able to get E two good naps and experienced one pooplosian that he saved up for right after I changed him.
It was a good day.
It was a good day.
Temporary Home
So we have devised a final plan for the house. However we may be living in a tent for the time between moving days…
This is one of those situations where I know it will end, I am just ready to be on the other side of it.
This is one of those situations where I know it will end, I am just ready to be on the other side of it.
Cake
Today L got sick so I brought her home. But before that I took her to see where I work. She was very excited about that. Then tonight we ate J’s birthday cake. I know it has a word on it but it is ok. The cake was delicious other than the acidental rubber mat filling…someone at hy-vee has interesting choices for filling…
But it was a great day of Nemo, pedia-lite and kids pepto.
But it was a great day of Nemo, pedia-lite and kids pepto.
Presents
Today was Js combined birthday party with Violet. It was a well planned party thanks to the Skovs. As for us, well we are still getting the hang of parenting and one of the million facets of parenting is getting to know all your kid’s friends. Which we have not done yet.
Also tonight was an affirmation of a piece of parenting we are trying to get the hang of. Not giving in to pouting or whatnot. Now L was upset because she did not give sunny her treat tonight. But the rule is they need to take care of things before they get to bed. Otherwise when they get to bed it is a matter of them thinking of 1 more thing they need again and again. It got pretty ridiculous a few weeks ago so we put our foot down. Tonight it was a bit our fault because they were off routine. But it is all good, L eventually gave up crying after I had a quick talk with her and J was ok as well (she forgot her Kleenexes).
It was a good day, but very tiring. Thanks to G-pa and G-ma for playing with the kids and allowing me a nap. They definitely love them.
Also tonight was an affirmation of a piece of parenting we are trying to get the hang of. Not giving in to pouting or whatnot. Now L was upset because she did not give sunny her treat tonight. But the rule is they need to take care of things before they get to bed. Otherwise when they get to bed it is a matter of them thinking of 1 more thing they need again and again. It got pretty ridiculous a few weeks ago so we put our foot down. Tonight it was a bit our fault because they were off routine. But it is all good, L eventually gave up crying after I had a quick talk with her and J was ok as well (she forgot her Kleenexes).
It was a good day, but very tiring. Thanks to G-pa and G-ma for playing with the kids and allowing me a nap. They definitely love them.
Sledding
Took the kids sledding for the first time today. While it was a fun experience I cannot say it was enjoyable by all members. N seemed like he was on the verge of tears at all points for various reasons from not knowing what to do at the bottom of the slope and not wanting to walk back up. E was a real trooper and was trying everything truly enjoying herself. J was having troubles as she often would veer off by herself and was having difficulty being independent from the group. But when I got them sledding together the emotions were somewhat consolidated, J was happy to be with everyone else, E was happy to just be on an adventure, and N was still emotional because he couldnt have the sled to himself but was ok with it because his sisters were there.
One thing I did learn though. Sledding is much more enjoyable when you are in shape.
One thing I did learn though. Sledding is much more enjoyable when you are in shape.
Parent Teacher
Today was the first of many many parent teacher conferences. These are pretty cool, they tell you how your kid is doing and how you can help at home. As well L and N are in the Excite program that enourages high risk youth to succeed.
Note to future self, yes you loved the first parent teacher conference and yes you were proud of your kids.
Note to future self, yes you loved the first parent teacher conference and yes you were proud of your kids.
The New Troubles
Lice, what a terrible word, but yet it is now a part of my life. Kids are around other kids who are around thousands of fluffy and unclean surfaces every day. So on top of the colds we get to deal with pesky critters. This is the second time we have had to deal with lice with the kids. We need to figure out where it is coming from.
On a related note I thought it was interesting that L would always itch her head at night, I thought it was something with her sleepyness. Now I know the cause of the big ratty hair in the morning
On a related note I thought it was interesting that L would always itch her head at night, I thought it was something with her sleepyness. Now I know the cause of the big ratty hair in the morning
Litte Things Like Cookies
10 years from now I hope to still be doing this blog. 10 years from now I imagine I will find a lot of strange photos and this will be amongst the strangest of them. What was it about my day that inspired it?
It is a photo of some things I taught the kids to make today. A reminder that it is the little moments in life that really are the great ones. At this time the girls still want their new daddy to lie with them in the bottom bunk. How long will this last? As long as it can. Until then I want to cherish those moments, savor them for the rocking chair days. I wont remember the bonuses, or the fights or the houses. I will remember lying with the girls letting them feel comfortable and safe in my arms before falling asleep.
It is a photo of some things I taught the kids to make today. A reminder that it is the little moments in life that really are the great ones. At this time the girls still want their new daddy to lie with them in the bottom bunk. How long will this last? As long as it can. Until then I want to cherish those moments, savor them for the rocking chair days. I wont remember the bonuses, or the fights or the houses. I will remember lying with the girls letting them feel comfortable and safe in my arms before falling asleep.
Dolphin
Dolphin is E’s toy to cuddle with in bed. I am all about stuffed animals in bed but I have come to realize that you need to put boundaries on things. It has gotten to the point that the bedtime ritual of swapping toys from one bed to another takes way too long. So we have instigated the one toy in bed rule tonight. Dolphin didn’t make it, Kermit did though!
On a side note, the kids kept falling asleep on the way home, so I made N the sleep cop, whenever someone fell asleep N was to poke them to wake them to keep them awake. Guess what N got in trouble for during nap time at the daycare…
Lesson 1: Always watch what you teach your kids…
On a side note, the kids kept falling asleep on the way home, so I made N the sleep cop, whenever someone fell asleep N was to poke them to wake them to keep them awake. Guess what N got in trouble for during nap time at the daycare…
Lesson 1: Always watch what you teach your kids…
Polish and Toenails
Yes I got my first crown today but I am going to try to purge the memory of the dentist hitting my nerve with the anesthetic….which is akin to getting shot in the face.
Tonight what I would like to remember is Andrea painting the girl’s toes and fingers. They were so happy to do it, afterwords L requested that Mom lay with her in bed…so sweet.
Tonight what I would like to remember is Andrea painting the girl’s toes and fingers. They were so happy to do it, afterwords L requested that Mom lay with her in bed…so sweet.
Technology and Babies
Today was an average day, but picking up the kids they were hyper excited. Just one of those days where kids are bouncing off the wall. Things were pretty haywire at home and I was wearing out. Then as we got everyone in bed I remembered that we were going to skype with Emily so she could meet her new extended family. That really changed my day, they love Emily without actually meeting her. It was very cute to see the girls excited to meet their aunt. They liked seeing their cousin and uncle too This is going to be fun.
This is going to be fun.House Sale
A little less stress in our lives as we got a good offer on our house. This means we really need to crank up our home search. While this means I don’t have to worry about the home it does bring up my other major concern in life. Little E still is not free for adoption and my logical brain keeps grasping for reassurance. The home sale lets me know that God is in control and things will work out to His will. “Thy Will be done”, I know sometimes His will does not coincide with my own but this is one of those times I don’t want to learn the hard lesson, I want the joyful lesson.
Clock
Time has a different context when my day is so full. Days where I am at work and have a ton to do go by so fast. As well rather than getting off and being home around 5:30 I now get home around 6 and my commute in the morning is 75 minutes.
Another thing is that we still have no idea if we are going to be able to Adopt E, he is very much a part of our family. This time with him is very precious and we want to cherish every minute not sacrificing it because we think he won’t be with us in a few months.
Life is interesting and God gives us the time He desires and the tools to deal with things.
Another thing is that we still have no idea if we are going to be able to Adopt E, he is very much a part of our family. This time with him is very precious and we want to cherish every minute not sacrificing it because we think he won’t be with us in a few months.
Life is interesting and God gives us the time He desires and the tools to deal with things.
First Feeding
Ok so I am a little windy and I hate when things are unecissarily long. So I am going to shorten up this junk. Today I hung out with E most of the day. The big moment was giving him his first solid food. Lots of pictures and video were taken. It was a good night for baths as well. I think I will enjoy this parenting thing.
Bed
Today I had plans to take a picture of the Ager playground that we went to. However, being who I am I simply forgot. So I thought through my day’s activities and something really stands out. N comes into our rooms now and again in early morning for water or to ask to go to the bathroom. It seems a little odd because he has a sippy cup next to him in bed and the bathroom is closer than our bedroom. What he is really asking for is if we will let him sleep in the bed with us. The answer is No, we currently want to maintain that boundary. There are times in a parent’s life where you have to do what is right for the family/kid before what you want to do in the moment. Fighting these impulses is going to be hard. You want to make things right with a crying baby or demanding kid. There is an easy way out and there is the teachable moment. Do I want to hold my baby as he goes to sleep? Or do I want to learn to recognize when he is just about there and put him down so he learns to fall asleep on his own? Do I let N come to our bed when he is uncomfortable or do I help him to think of his own bed as a place of comfort?
It is interesting being part of the parenting group. It was a bit like looking at HS groups. You have different sections f parents standing together with different approaches to everything. But, for the most part it is just a bunch of people trying to do their best with their kids.
The problem is, as much as there is to learn from other parents, Adopting a sibling set adds a whole level of uniqueness to the already complex problem of of parenting.
I think we are up to the task, God has brought us this far and will take us even farther.
Leaves
A hard morning’s work. The kids were all good with the raking for about 5 minutes before they lost interest. But it was great I was able to watch the kids play in the yard and chase down shiner. Once sunny came outside one of the girls spent her time walking her around on a leash. I would really like to get a routine going so everyone knows what to expect with their day.
What is fun is how much different a chore like raking leaves is now. The kids bring a whole new element of fun and disorder that I find very enjoyable.
What is fun is how much different a chore like raking leaves is now. The kids bring a whole new element of fun and disorder that I find very enjoyable.
Daily News
I am fairly confident that I wont have anyone reading my photo blog but it is good. I hope that during these days I can capture a bit of myself and share it with the kids some day. Maybe not, maybe they will think their dad is a crazy guy who shares too much. If so…kids I apologize for my future self. I was cool at one time (at least my ego thinks I am). But hey, with all these school newsletters and Wednesday updates I have to sort through, you can at least feign interest
Toothbrush
I had a great day today, after a walk to enjoy the 60 degree weather at work I decided I was done for the day. So I took off and picked up the kids for some time in Antelope park. I really wish I could have captured that moment but alas no camera was on me. However, This picture represents the day adequately. Sure it is a singing Justin Bieber toothbrush, which should be horrid. However, how can I hate something that brings this joy to my daughter. It still is a strange thing to say “daughter” but nonetheless I cannot despise something that brings joy to her.
Clean
We survived this weekend and look at the state of this living room. HA, it can be done, but lets see what it looks like in 3 weeks.
The Night Before
Much like the night befores that have occurred so far in my life…night before HS graduation, College graduation, wedding day. This is also a momentous night. Tomorrow, our empty beds will be filled for as long as they will hold the children. In 6 months we will adopt them.
This has been my all consuming thought throughout today. Will I be a good Dad, will I know to teach them. Will I love them enough? Will I teach them to make their faith their own? These are things that run through my mind, how do I become the person these children will need me to be…or am I already that person. I believe that I will learn more teaching them than they will gain from me.
No matter what, life will never be the same ever again….I say bring it!
This has been my all consuming thought throughout today. Will I be a good Dad, will I know to teach them. Will I love them enough? Will I teach them to make their faith their own? These are things that run through my mind, how do I become the person these children will need me to be…or am I already that person. I believe that I will learn more teaching them than they will gain from me.
No matter what, life will never be the same ever again….I say bring it!