Ahh - two months into your new school and it's time for the annual parent teacher conference. I didn't know what to expect going into the meeting. I am still wrestling with pushing your ahead or holding you back for next fall.
Well, you shocked Mrs. Cool with what you knew!! She was amazed at how much you understood and were capable of retaining. She feels we should place you ahead into the kindergarten class. You are all boy and love to play and run wild! Easily distracted when you want to be silly. We'll work on your focus this summer :-)
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Stinker B
Brad,
You are quickly approaching your 2 year marker and I can not believe where the time has gone. I found a journal entry today. I wrote it after I returned from the hospital. I thought we were going to lose you through miscarriage. I went to the ER on a Saturday. They checked my HgH levels via blood work and they were still high. I couldn't get a sonogram till Monday. They sent me home to wait with a handout on Spontaneous Abortion (aka miscarriage) - terrible wording, terribly tacky. Papa and GeGe came up to Enid to help me with Cole. Your Daddy was in Georgia. I called him just as he got to the golf course. He went back home to sit and wait. I can only imagine how alone and helpless he must have felt.
I can still feel every feeling by reading those words. There will be times in your life where the emotions will stick with your forever. This was one of those times for me. Below is the original entry:
November 6, 2005
Baby McDaniel,
I thought I would have nine long months to write you a letter. I wanted to form all the right words to make a beautiful heartfelt message for you to read as you grew up. But, I'm afraid our time is short.
We waited so long for you. We wanted you so badly and planned for you each month. You shocked us with the news. Against all odds and by the hands of God, you joined our family. Because of your... determination(?) we had cause for worry early on. I wanted so badly to pass it all over to God and just delight in the news of you. But as a human I couldn't do that all the time. I just prayed that God's hands were forming you as perfectly and healthy as He could, and that I would carry you to term.
The day I saw blood my heart stopped. I thought it couldn't be real - there was just too much. I was able to stay calm enough to figure out a plan and then I had to call your Daddy. Oh - it broke my heart to tell him. He's the only one that can bring me to tears like that. Calling him from the hospital has been the hardest thing I've ever done. He loves you so, so much. They sent us home with a wait and see. I was just in PRAISE of God that you are still in there, inside me, against all odds!
I pray all the time for you. I praise and thank God for his love, mercy, and grace. I can't believe how BLESSED I/we have been. I can completely see his miracles by keeping you here safe inside me. I know He can finish forming you and celebrate your birth. Part of me wants to scream to Him and beg for Him to spare you (and us) I want the bleeding to stop, I want to carry you through 9 months of pregnancy, I want to be your mom and for you to be in our lives. I want to tell God "I WANT, I WANT, I WANT!"
But, He already knows my desires. He knows my wishes. I have to keep praying for just Him. I need Him in my life to help with the worry, the pain, the emotions, the what-if's. I want/need/desire for His perfect plan to be in charge of my life.
So whatever that may be, just know that I love you and I want you and I dream of holding you - here or in Heaven. God is in control and He will do what's best. I'm truly grateful to everyday you've been in my body. You are a part of my heart. You are a child of God that I was blessed with despite what the future may hold.
My sweet baby, I write to you now what I hope you will read. And I pray that God's will be done. I love you my child #2. I love you.
November 7, 2005
God is so good! I'm not just saying that because we got GREAT news today, but His love is overwhelming!
I was prepared to see a little peanut today. Small, budding limbs, the faintest heartbeat. Imagine my *SHOCK* to see a baby! You were bouncing and swimming, moving, and kicking - and yes! There was a heartbeat!!!
I thought I was BARELY seven weeks along. Your size proves to be 12 weeks. May 27,2006. I started dating your daddy on May 26th,1993. I dreamed of having a baby on that day! We'll talk to the dr as to why I've been bleeding later. But I'm so thrilled for you. You are a fighter!
Just for the record, as I went in for the sonogram my mind was already made up. I didn't know about you being 12 weeks, but even if they did not see a heartbeat - I was not going to give up on you. My brain was already convinced it was just too early to detect. I believed in you that much. And I always will. Brad you are my fighter, my charmer, my laughter, and my stinker. Thank you God for letting us know and love him. Now, we're off to face the "terrible twos" together. I can't wait.
You are quickly approaching your 2 year marker and I can not believe where the time has gone. I found a journal entry today. I wrote it after I returned from the hospital. I thought we were going to lose you through miscarriage. I went to the ER on a Saturday. They checked my HgH levels via blood work and they were still high. I couldn't get a sonogram till Monday. They sent me home to wait with a handout on Spontaneous Abortion (aka miscarriage) - terrible wording, terribly tacky. Papa and GeGe came up to Enid to help me with Cole. Your Daddy was in Georgia. I called him just as he got to the golf course. He went back home to sit and wait. I can only imagine how alone and helpless he must have felt.
I can still feel every feeling by reading those words. There will be times in your life where the emotions will stick with your forever. This was one of those times for me. Below is the original entry:
November 6, 2005
Baby McDaniel,
I thought I would have nine long months to write you a letter. I wanted to form all the right words to make a beautiful heartfelt message for you to read as you grew up. But, I'm afraid our time is short.
We waited so long for you. We wanted you so badly and planned for you each month. You shocked us with the news. Against all odds and by the hands of God, you joined our family. Because of your... determination(?) we had cause for worry early on. I wanted so badly to pass it all over to God and just delight in the news of you. But as a human I couldn't do that all the time. I just prayed that God's hands were forming you as perfectly and healthy as He could, and that I would carry you to term.
The day I saw blood my heart stopped. I thought it couldn't be real - there was just too much. I was able to stay calm enough to figure out a plan and then I had to call your Daddy. Oh - it broke my heart to tell him. He's the only one that can bring me to tears like that. Calling him from the hospital has been the hardest thing I've ever done. He loves you so, so much. They sent us home with a wait and see. I was just in PRAISE of God that you are still in there, inside me, against all odds!
I pray all the time for you. I praise and thank God for his love, mercy, and grace. I can't believe how BLESSED I/we have been. I can completely see his miracles by keeping you here safe inside me. I know He can finish forming you and celebrate your birth. Part of me wants to scream to Him and beg for Him to spare you (and us) I want the bleeding to stop, I want to carry you through 9 months of pregnancy, I want to be your mom and for you to be in our lives. I want to tell God "I WANT, I WANT, I WANT!"
But, He already knows my desires. He knows my wishes. I have to keep praying for just Him. I need Him in my life to help with the worry, the pain, the emotions, the what-if's. I want/need/desire for His perfect plan to be in charge of my life.
So whatever that may be, just know that I love you and I want you and I dream of holding you - here or in Heaven. God is in control and He will do what's best. I'm truly grateful to everyday you've been in my body. You are a part of my heart. You are a child of God that I was blessed with despite what the future may hold.
My sweet baby, I write to you now what I hope you will read. And I pray that God's will be done. I love you my child #2. I love you.
November 7, 2005
God is so good! I'm not just saying that because we got GREAT news today, but His love is overwhelming!
I was prepared to see a little peanut today. Small, budding limbs, the faintest heartbeat. Imagine my *SHOCK* to see a baby! You were bouncing and swimming, moving, and kicking - and yes! There was a heartbeat!!!
I thought I was BARELY seven weeks along. Your size proves to be 12 weeks. May 27,2006. I started dating your daddy on May 26th,1993. I dreamed of having a baby on that day! We'll talk to the dr as to why I've been bleeding later. But I'm so thrilled for you. You are a fighter!
Just for the record, as I went in for the sonogram my mind was already made up. I didn't know about you being 12 weeks, but even if they did not see a heartbeat - I was not going to give up on you. My brain was already convinced it was just too early to detect. I believed in you that much. And I always will. Brad you are my fighter, my charmer, my laughter, and my stinker. Thank you God for letting us know and love him. Now, we're off to face the "terrible twos" together. I can't wait.
We Have Teeth
Brad, You were starting to worry me. I'm seriously doubting if you have all your teeth. Between your dad's and my dental history our kids are in for lots of dental appointments. Yesterday 3/25 you got 2 new teeth! Granted, they are molars (upper right and left) - the bottom left is soooo close. So now we are at 7 teeth. I'm hoping for the other one by your 2nd b-day! YEA for teeth!
Deep Thoughts by Jack McHandy
I don't mean to joke, but I love the following questions Cole has asked within the past month. I love that he wants to learn more about God and is trying to really grasp the understanding behind these questions. I am thankful for those men and women in his Children's Church who have helped us teach him. I am thankful for the prayers said for our boys by family and friends. My biggest goal as a mom is for both of the boys to know and love our Lord. I will celebrate like no other the day they accept Him into their hearts. I hope I have answered Cole's questions in a proper way with biblical truth in a 4 year old understanding. Our actual conversations:
"Why was Jesus born?" He was born to save us from our sins
"How do you get to heaven?" First you have to love God with all your heart and ask Him to live in you. You have to understand the gift he gave us with Jesus. When our bodies get old and they don't work anymore, God will take our spirit to Heaven.
"Why do our bodies get old?" They just do, everything here on earth ages.
"Do you come back?" No, and you will not want to come back.
"I don't want you to go, I will miss you" I hope I'm not going anytime soon. I want to stay here with you, Brad and Daddy as long as I can. You will want me to go, and I want you to go to Heaven too.
"Are there fish in heaven?" Heaven is full of all the best things
"Can I take a rocket ship there to visit you?" No, the only way there is through Jesus.
"Your daddy will be sad if you go to heaven" Yes, He'll be sad here on earth, but not when we are in heaven together.
"But not GeGe because her body is not getting old" - I love that you bring it back to the 4 year old level ;-)
"Why were those men mean to Jesus when he was on the cross?" They were mean to him because they didn't believe who he was. They were being mean like our sins are to God.
"What is a sin?" When we don't listen and obey God, that is a sin
"Why did they put holes in his hands and spiky things on his head?" They were torturing him, they didn't want him to get away, they wanted to kill him.
"Why did they put him in the hole and cover it with the rock?" He died on the cross and that is how they buried him, in a tomb. But the best part is that he rose 3 days later! He lives. That's why we celebrate Easter. Easter is when he rose out of the tomb.
"Why was Jesus born?" He was born to save us from our sins
"How do you get to heaven?" First you have to love God with all your heart and ask Him to live in you. You have to understand the gift he gave us with Jesus. When our bodies get old and they don't work anymore, God will take our spirit to Heaven.
"Why do our bodies get old?" They just do, everything here on earth ages.
"Do you come back?" No, and you will not want to come back.
"I don't want you to go, I will miss you" I hope I'm not going anytime soon. I want to stay here with you, Brad and Daddy as long as I can. You will want me to go, and I want you to go to Heaven too.
"Are there fish in heaven?" Heaven is full of all the best things
"Can I take a rocket ship there to visit you?" No, the only way there is through Jesus.
"Your daddy will be sad if you go to heaven" Yes, He'll be sad here on earth, but not when we are in heaven together.
"But not GeGe because her body is not getting old" - I love that you bring it back to the 4 year old level ;-)
"Why were those men mean to Jesus when he was on the cross?" They were mean to him because they didn't believe who he was. They were being mean like our sins are to God.
"What is a sin?" When we don't listen and obey God, that is a sin
"Why did they put holes in his hands and spiky things on his head?" They were torturing him, they didn't want him to get away, they wanted to kill him.
"Why did they put him in the hole and cover it with the rock?" He died on the cross and that is how they buried him, in a tomb. But the best part is that he rose 3 days later! He lives. That's why we celebrate Easter. Easter is when he rose out of the tomb.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Boarder Dude
One of the benefits of being stationed in Mountain Home (hey, you have to look for some) is the fact that the boys can grow up learning how to ski or snowboard. So, the first winter here we purchased some gear and headed to the slopes.
We tried to find Cole a ski class, but they didn't have any instructors available. Keith doesn't ski and my one and only lesson was 21 years ago. So with all that valuable experience, we tried to teach Cole ourselves. Bad Idea. I had no idea how difficult teaching the snow-plow is, when I don't really snowplow anymore.
First time on the bunny slope all Cole could do was point out the boarders. He's skiing career began and ended that January afternoon. It didn't help that I fell on you trying to get us on the tow rope.
Second time to hit the slopes we rented Cole a board. Bogus Basin is where our little dude got a taste of going straight down. Keith was clear on teaching him that, just not the stopping aspect. Once we got back to Soldier Mountain (by the way, best kept secret EVER - very cheap, never crowded) we got you some instructors. Sunny and Brody gave you private lessons. They said you were the youngest boarder they've seen and to be careful... for some reason he gets pointed downhill and doesn't stop. After a day of learning you were ready for the big hill! Daddy took you up while mommy waited nervously in the lodge. I think you were just tired, but you took a spill that rang your bell. Now you are done boarding and want to ski again. Too bad Daddy has a say in it! hehehe We have a couple more prepaid lessons that I hope we can use up this season. I'm learning more and more about your personality. You like things you are naturally good at. You will accomplish what is asked when you are sure you can complete it. Enter with some caution, and perfect what you can. I love my little boarder dude.
We tried to find Cole a ski class, but they didn't have any instructors available. Keith doesn't ski and my one and only lesson was 21 years ago. So with all that valuable experience, we tried to teach Cole ourselves. Bad Idea. I had no idea how difficult teaching the snow-plow is, when I don't really snowplow anymore.
First time on the bunny slope all Cole could do was point out the boarders. He's skiing career began and ended that January afternoon. It didn't help that I fell on you trying to get us on the tow rope.
Second time to hit the slopes we rented Cole a board. Bogus Basin is where our little dude got a taste of going straight down. Keith was clear on teaching him that, just not the stopping aspect. Once we got back to Soldier Mountain (by the way, best kept secret EVER - very cheap, never crowded) we got you some instructors. Sunny and Brody gave you private lessons. They said you were the youngest boarder they've seen and to be careful... for some reason he gets pointed downhill and doesn't stop. After a day of learning you were ready for the big hill! Daddy took you up while mommy waited nervously in the lodge. I think you were just tired, but you took a spill that rang your bell. Now you are done boarding and want to ski again. Too bad Daddy has a say in it! hehehe We have a couple more prepaid lessons that I hope we can use up this season. I'm learning more and more about your personality. You like things you are naturally good at. You will accomplish what is asked when you are sure you can complete it. Enter with some caution, and perfect what you can. I love my little boarder dude.
The Young & The Restless
In May 07 I got a call to come home, my grandfather was at the end. He was sick for a long time and things kept getting worse. The family opted to stop aggressive treatment and let God's will be done.
Keith was gone TDY, so I packed the boys up and somehow made it to Texas via airplane. (two car seats, a stroller, two checked bags and a backpack full of things to keep you entertained) Cole peed all over the place during takeoff, Brad had to sit in my lap, nowhere to change his diaper... I wish I were nicer to traveling families during my working days. I really had NO idea of what was involved!! Oh - and on the way home we were delayed 6 hours in BWI, Brad learned to walk in the terminal, and they lost our luggage. I didn't even care, God knew I couldn't carry another stinking thing to the car in the rain anyway!
Making it home in time to say goodbye was worth every effort required. I don't know how much of Papa you will remember Cole. You know him from pictures and the sick man in the hospital. He loved you and Brad. He was a hard worker who had his vices, but loved his family with all his heart. He and Grandma Florence saved their money and were able to take the ENTIRE family on cruises and all inclusive vacations. I have such great memories of those trips.
My babysitter got Aunt Kimi and I hooked on The Young & The Restless one summer. I hope you don't know what that is, but it's a soap opera. We would watch it everyday and plan daily activities around it. I knew every story line for over 20 years! Papa and Florence would watch it too - nothing like hashing up a good conversation over Cricket and Phillip vs. Nina and Jill with your grandparents!! I loved that show, and I loved the silly bond I got to share with him over it. I quit watching it for your dad's sake. Really, garbage in, garbage out. But my heart will always hold a soft spot for that show and the bonds behind it. I miss you Papa.
Keith was gone TDY, so I packed the boys up and somehow made it to Texas via airplane. (two car seats, a stroller, two checked bags and a backpack full of things to keep you entertained) Cole peed all over the place during takeoff, Brad had to sit in my lap, nowhere to change his diaper... I wish I were nicer to traveling families during my working days. I really had NO idea of what was involved!! Oh - and on the way home we were delayed 6 hours in BWI, Brad learned to walk in the terminal, and they lost our luggage. I didn't even care, God knew I couldn't carry another stinking thing to the car in the rain anyway!
Making it home in time to say goodbye was worth every effort required. I don't know how much of Papa you will remember Cole. You know him from pictures and the sick man in the hospital. He loved you and Brad. He was a hard worker who had his vices, but loved his family with all his heart. He and Grandma Florence saved their money and were able to take the ENTIRE family on cruises and all inclusive vacations. I have such great memories of those trips.
My babysitter got Aunt Kimi and I hooked on The Young & The Restless one summer. I hope you don't know what that is, but it's a soap opera. We would watch it everyday and plan daily activities around it. I knew every story line for over 20 years! Papa and Florence would watch it too - nothing like hashing up a good conversation over Cricket and Phillip vs. Nina and Jill with your grandparents!! I loved that show, and I loved the silly bond I got to share with him over it. I quit watching it for your dad's sake. Really, garbage in, garbage out. But my heart will always hold a soft spot for that show and the bonds behind it. I miss you Papa.
Randomness
Cole was briefly in gymnastics, and you were a natural! It was an all boy class. Miss Tawni was so much fun with you all. I wish she were still here. I would have kept you in it. Maybe some day you'll still have interest in it.
We start your first soccer season in April. So far there's only been one practice and it was so much fun to watch. A motherly brag, but you are the best on on the team. I've also noticed that you sit back and take in the chaos around you. You do what is asked of you, and you do it well. So far with this team you are not the crazy kid with ants in his pants. It's interesting to see your little mind work and understand what the coach is saying. I can't wait to watch you develop. You try to do the "tricks" your dad shows you. You two are my favorites!
Brad can't get enough Easter candy. He could care less what is in the basket. He saw an egg, he opened the egg, ate the contents, dropped the egg, and moved on. One after another. What do you need a basket for. Your belly collected your prize.
Brad's first pee-pee-in-the-potty 3/23. I've been sitting you on the toilet facing the tank. I should have known you needed to stand on the stool like a big boy. You aimed it at the wall, in the shower, and the floor. Maybe this isn't technically a pee-pee-IN-the potty, but you thought the song and dance was good enough!
Cole is in a Transformer mode. I hear "what's my name?" all day long. You can't remember Barricade - that's who you always want to be. You then give us and the pets transformer names too. We go through this SEVERAL times a day. Another one of your favorite sayings "Do you want to wrestle?"
Brad loves to sing "do da do da"
Cousin Nicholas came to visit - they boys were so great around him. Cole and Brad would scream "Super-baby"
We start your first soccer season in April. So far there's only been one practice and it was so much fun to watch. A motherly brag, but you are the best on on the team. I've also noticed that you sit back and take in the chaos around you. You do what is asked of you, and you do it well. So far with this team you are not the crazy kid with ants in his pants. It's interesting to see your little mind work and understand what the coach is saying. I can't wait to watch you develop. You try to do the "tricks" your dad shows you. You two are my favorites!
Brad can't get enough Easter candy. He could care less what is in the basket. He saw an egg, he opened the egg, ate the contents, dropped the egg, and moved on. One after another. What do you need a basket for. Your belly collected your prize.
Brad's first pee-pee-in-the-potty 3/23. I've been sitting you on the toilet facing the tank. I should have known you needed to stand on the stool like a big boy. You aimed it at the wall, in the shower, and the floor. Maybe this isn't technically a pee-pee-IN-the potty, but you thought the song and dance was good enough!
Cole is in a Transformer mode. I hear "what's my name?" all day long. You can't remember Barricade - that's who you always want to be. You then give us and the pets transformer names too. We go through this SEVERAL times a day. Another one of your favorite sayings "Do you want to wrestle?"
Brad loves to sing "do da do da"
Cousin Nicholas came to visit - they boys were so great around him. Cole and Brad would scream "Super-baby"
M.D.O. - Sorry Son
Cole,
I noticed a class picture from Mother's Day Out. I wrote all the names I knew on the back, and realized that you might have questions one day as to why I pulled you out of there. It was a very hard decision and several factors went into play. I dreaded pulling you away from the friends you just made. I mean, you had to say goodbye to all your friends in N.C. less than a year ago. What was I thinking?
Well... I knew from day one that this was not the right environment for you. I had this "feeling". I know now to listen to it much faster! I was torn between respecting what the teacher was doing to maintain a class vs. what I thought was fair to you. I hope you understand that I will always support you, but I will always give the respect your teachers deserve. It sounds so silly to say to a preschooler. I'm not the kind of parent to think my children can do no wrong. But, I'm definitely not the kind of parent to keep you in an environment where there are serious issues affecting you. We moved you from the program and sent you to Children's House. HUGE DIFFERENCE!!! It was so hard to watch you be the new kid. All the other children knew the rules, the order things are done, and established friendships. It didn't take long before you had it figured out and made friendships of your own. It's a good thing knowing you can adapt to these kind of changes well. You are such a quick learner! Within one week all the issues we had at MDO were reverted and you were doing things I KNEW you could do. I'm so much happier knowing I'm not pushing you into the door, you want to be there. There's even a part of me that feels good knowing you don't want to go home when I pick you up.
I noticed a class picture from Mother's Day Out. I wrote all the names I knew on the back, and realized that you might have questions one day as to why I pulled you out of there. It was a very hard decision and several factors went into play. I dreaded pulling you away from the friends you just made. I mean, you had to say goodbye to all your friends in N.C. less than a year ago. What was I thinking?
Well... I knew from day one that this was not the right environment for you. I had this "feeling". I know now to listen to it much faster! I was torn between respecting what the teacher was doing to maintain a class vs. what I thought was fair to you. I hope you understand that I will always support you, but I will always give the respect your teachers deserve. It sounds so silly to say to a preschooler. I'm not the kind of parent to think my children can do no wrong. But, I'm definitely not the kind of parent to keep you in an environment where there are serious issues affecting you. We moved you from the program and sent you to Children's House. HUGE DIFFERENCE!!! It was so hard to watch you be the new kid. All the other children knew the rules, the order things are done, and established friendships. It didn't take long before you had it figured out and made friendships of your own. It's a good thing knowing you can adapt to these kind of changes well. You are such a quick learner! Within one week all the issues we had at MDO were reverted and you were doing things I KNEW you could do. I'm so much happier knowing I'm not pushing you into the door, you want to be there. There's even a part of me that feels good knowing you don't want to go home when I pick you up.
Chocolate Cake
I spent the better half of the day making a chocolate cake for my MOPS meeting. I baked it, cooled it, iced it, and packed it in the travel box. I ran upstairs for a quick shower and leave Keith with the boys.
K: "Here's some cake"
C: "Where did you get that dad?"
K: "In there"
C: "Did you get that out of Mommy's box? That was for other people."
K: no response
C: "Do you like spankings? Because you are going to get one!"
My sweet Colby, looking after mommy and her hard work. In actuality, Keith didn't touch my cake and served them a chocolate muffin with left over frosting on it (almost fooled me!)
K: "Here's some cake"
C: "Where did you get that dad?"
K: "In there"
C: "Did you get that out of Mommy's box? That was for other people."
K: no response
C: "Do you like spankings? Because you are going to get one!"
My sweet Colby, looking after mommy and her hard work. In actuality, Keith didn't touch my cake and served them a chocolate muffin with left over frosting on it (almost fooled me!)
Friday, March 21, 2008
Marty The Cat
Cole got a cat for an early 4th birthday present. His dad is such a sucker for his little man. We were showing him pictures of labs, goldens, and german shepards. We thought about getting him a bigger dog (Keith doesn't consider Mickey and Merlin as dogs) Honestly, they are terrible around children. They don't trust kids, rightfully so, and I don't trust them. My little rats will nip and bite if given the chance. We would show Cole picture after picture and he replied with "I don't like them, I want a cat". Cole held the kitten they had for adoption and in one statement of "I want to take her home", we were signing the papers. Actually, there's a little more back story - but Steve Thomas is the main perpetrator in our cat ownership!
We adopted her from the Humane Society in Nampa and she was the cutest in the cage. We brought her home and Cole fell in love. I mean l.o.v.e. He says "I love her so much" constantly. We gave him the option of naming her. He would change it daily. She was known as Palm Tree, Lizard, Mustache Cow, and Tiger. In fact, she didn't have a permanent name for the first month! We called her cat for the most part. Ashley came up with Marty. That's the name of the zebra in the movie Madagascar. She does have a zebra-eske belly. So, Marty stuck because it was easier than Palm Tree and I didn't want the vet to think we were WAY off our rockers when I made an appointment. I also decided to let him handle her in his own way so she adjusted to it. Well, adjusted she has.
Now, she's not the cutest anymore (I kinda wonder where we got that original idea), and she's not the smartest (she loves water, tolerates baths, and toe nail clippings), but she's GREAT with the boys. They play with her and I often think "why doesn't she scratch their eyes out?" The boys carry her around by the armpits. That was cute when she was small, but now that she's almost fully grown it causes her back legs to be drug along the ground. She never once meows in pain. They chase her and fall on top of her. By that I mean they CRUSH her. She never once tries to scratch her way out. She's tossed around and toys are hurled at her, and she accepts it as play. Marty just purrs and purrs. She loves them. I have told several people she is flat out dumb. Maybe she's smarter than I give her credit for. She knows this is how the boys show their love and interest. Marty Cat accepts them just as they accept her.
We adopted her from the Humane Society in Nampa and she was the cutest in the cage. We brought her home and Cole fell in love. I mean l.o.v.e. He says "I love her so much" constantly. We gave him the option of naming her. He would change it daily. She was known as Palm Tree, Lizard, Mustache Cow, and Tiger. In fact, she didn't have a permanent name for the first month! We called her cat for the most part. Ashley came up with Marty. That's the name of the zebra in the movie Madagascar. She does have a zebra-eske belly. So, Marty stuck because it was easier than Palm Tree and I didn't want the vet to think we were WAY off our rockers when I made an appointment. I also decided to let him handle her in his own way so she adjusted to it. Well, adjusted she has.
Now, she's not the cutest anymore (I kinda wonder where we got that original idea), and she's not the smartest (she loves water, tolerates baths, and toe nail clippings), but she's GREAT with the boys. They play with her and I often think "why doesn't she scratch their eyes out?" The boys carry her around by the armpits. That was cute when she was small, but now that she's almost fully grown it causes her back legs to be drug along the ground. She never once meows in pain. They chase her and fall on top of her. By that I mean they CRUSH her. She never once tries to scratch her way out. She's tossed around and toys are hurled at her, and she accepts it as play. Marty just purrs and purrs. She loves them. I have told several people she is flat out dumb. Maybe she's smarter than I give her credit for. She knows this is how the boys show their love and interest. Marty Cat accepts them just as they accept her.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Brad's Starving
This kid can eat. He will eat all day long. In fact he's digging through the pantry right now (at the tender age of 21 months). The worst part of his day is when I'm cooking dinner. My little guy has no patience or concept of "it will be ready in a minute." Brad screams bloody murder if I'm in the kitchen and it is not producing immediate food results. I should have him checked for a tapeworm. I don't understand where it all goes. He's still in the 25% percentile for his size/age. He manages to get it all down with only FIVE teeth. Amazing.
Earlier this week, I got to have a Mommy-Cole day! We went to a play in Boise and then off to lunch. I ordered him his first Root beer Float. He l.o.v.e.d. it , affectionately calling it his "beer float", but beer sounds more like "beard." Last night we decided to make homemade ice cream and make our own floats. To steer clear of the caffeine we used sprite instead. Cole wanted to know if I had beer/beard and I said no - then he asked if I had any float. Yep, float is covered! So we had our sprite floats with neon straws and they were pleased. We even got to talk about how much Papa Sir loves sprite floats, coke floats, Dr pepper floats and oh ya - root beer floats. (that's also his standard sno-cone flavor!)
So, I'm off to make dinner and dread the constant screaming for "snac-nees." (those are what he calls fruit chews - hehehe) One day I'll become wise and feed him WHILE I'm cooking - I'm fairly confident he'll make room for dinner in that bottomless belly.
Earlier this week, I got to have a Mommy-Cole day! We went to a play in Boise and then off to lunch. I ordered him his first Root beer Float. He l.o.v.e.d. it , affectionately calling it his "beer float", but beer sounds more like "beard." Last night we decided to make homemade ice cream and make our own floats. To steer clear of the caffeine we used sprite instead. Cole wanted to know if I had beer/beard and I said no - then he asked if I had any float. Yep, float is covered! So we had our sprite floats with neon straws and they were pleased. We even got to talk about how much Papa Sir loves sprite floats, coke floats, Dr pepper floats and oh ya - root beer floats. (that's also his standard sno-cone flavor!)
So, I'm off to make dinner and dread the constant screaming for "snac-nees." (those are what he calls fruit chews - hehehe) One day I'll become wise and feed him WHILE I'm cooking - I'm fairly confident he'll make room for dinner in that bottomless belly.
The Modern Day Journal
I wish I could count all the journals I have started and left to die. I wasn't even much of a "diary" girl when I was younger. So why start again? For my boys. I've become so bad at writing in their baby books. I want to record all these precious times, funny sayings, and everyday memories that I know I will forget. Keith will also be deploying soon, and I hope he can read through this and get a better picture as to what we're up to while he's away. The good, bad, and ugly of what he's missing while we are missing him.
There has been some friends who's journal entries have really touched my heart. I've seen the benefit of leaving behind words and memories for our loved ones. I want my boys to know how much they are loved, even on the days I'm louder about other things. I want them to know that I am human and have other thoughts I don't get to express when I'm in mommy-mode. I want them to know that staying home with them them is really my dream come true.
First thing's first... I'm a horrible speller. I also type how I speak - not always grammatically, structurally correct. I went to college. I know there are verb tense rules, prepositional phrasing, and correct comma usage. I just have issues with adhering to them. If you can look past those errors and read the content, this journal will serve its purpose. There might be some randomness at first. As memories come to me I will write about them. Seriously, these boys have had some humorous moments. I'm ditching the old handwritten journal and going high-tech - almost strictly for the fact that the computer provides spell check. I'm really that bad!
Now, I have some catching up to do!
There has been some friends who's journal entries have really touched my heart. I've seen the benefit of leaving behind words and memories for our loved ones. I want my boys to know how much they are loved, even on the days I'm louder about other things. I want them to know that I am human and have other thoughts I don't get to express when I'm in mommy-mode. I want them to know that staying home with them them is really my dream come true.
First thing's first... I'm a horrible speller. I also type how I speak - not always grammatically, structurally correct. I went to college. I know there are verb tense rules, prepositional phrasing, and correct comma usage. I just have issues with adhering to them. If you can look past those errors and read the content, this journal will serve its purpose. There might be some randomness at first. As memories come to me I will write about them. Seriously, these boys have had some humorous moments. I'm ditching the old handwritten journal and going high-tech - almost strictly for the fact that the computer provides spell check. I'm really that bad!
Now, I have some catching up to do!
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