A little bit glad it's all over

Warning: this is a long, rambling post. Probably indicative of the state my head is in. Stick with me if you can.

It's been a huge weekend with our 6 year wedding anniversary and Turbo's third birthday. And I have been as sick as a dog. Seriously. I haven't felt this sick in ages.

It started on Wednesday with a sore throat, and as I was going to the doctor for something else anyway, I got her to check me out. "It's viral," she declared, "so gargle with salt water, take some Panadol and you'll be ok in a few days." Great. I actually hate that virus word. It means there's nothing you can do about it so suck it up and get over it.

Thing is, I didn't get over it but got progressively worse over the next couple of days. Now I can handle a sore throat, blocked nose and foggy head. I can even handle a bit of a hacking cough. As mums we have to be a little bit tough and carry on. The kids do not wait for anything. But this! This was way worse. I felt like I had to lie down all the time, and on Thursday, I spent a large portion of the day on the couch while Smiley played around me and on me. Thankfully, Turbo was at kindy for the morning. Although, I nearly cried when I realised I had to drag myself off the couch to go and get him.

This sapped me of all strength, I couldn't talk very well and oh, the pain in my ears! On Friday morning, the pain in my ears was unbearable and Panadol was doing nothing. Back to the doctor I went, thinking she'd take one look in my throat and ears and prescribe me some strong drugs. "All clear, " she said. "Sometimes when your throat is sore, your ears get sore too." No kidding. She gave me some stronger pain relief and a precautionary script for antibiotics and sent me on my way.

By that afternoon, I was feeling no better, maybe even worse and I was starting to cough a very painful, hacking cough. I got Mr Samoa to come home early, get Turbo from kindy (I could not even get myself to the car) and go and get the antibiotics and some fish and chips for the boys.

In all of these happenings, I also had to managed to bake for Turbo's birthday morning tea, which was happening on Saturday at our house. That said, the baking was a disaster. Anyway.

After a night of fitful sleep, as you tend to have when your throat is killing you and you can't breathe through your nose, Turbo woke up at 5am. How can you tell him off when it's his birthday though? So around 6am, we put on our happy faces, grabbed the balloons Mr Samoa had blown up the night before, and entered his room singing Happy Birthday. He opened his presents and the long day began....cleaning the house for the party (which thankfully was just my family - 14 adults and 6 kids!!), cooking popcorn, decorating and getting the garden ready. Didn't quite manage everything. The balloons didn't even get tied up and were all over the floor, but the kids all had fun kicking them around.

Turbo had a ball, which was the main thing. He got a bike from his Nana and Grandad and got to blow out his candles on his dinosaur cake. The 4 older boy cousins (which includes Turbo) ran around, made a mess and had fun. A successful party! I, however, was feeling terrible and sat down for a lot of the party, barely managing conversation. Check out some photos here...thanks Sammy!

After the party, my awesome parents cleaned up and then took Smiley home with them for the night. My first night away from him in almost 14 months! My mom was a bit apprehensive but knowing Smiley, all he needs is someone to cuddle and give him some attention and he's happy. I was right. He was totally fine, slept 12 hours straight during the night, gave them a two hour day nap (which is more than he gives me!!!!) and was all in all, "a delight" - my mom's words.

After a brief appearance at Scrag's awesome Toy Story party, (I thought I might just pass out during the treasure hunt, fun as it was), Mr Samoa delivered Turbo to his sister's house where he was spoiled and adored by his two older girl cousins all of the rest of Saturday and today.

Yes. It's true. We had a totally kid-free night ahead! After a long afternoon nap, I dragged myself out of bed, still feeling no better. I pulled on some jeans and flat shoes (Mr Samoa was lucky I even got out of my pyjamas) and we headed out for the long-awaited dinner at local restaurant. From what I could taste, the food was lovely. Mr Samoa loved his so I guess that's what counts? Instead of living it up, we headed home straight after where I crawled into bed and ate the delicious dessert my friend K had made us...even in my sick state I could taste this was good! Chocolate mousse cake with a biscuit base.
Mr Samoa = one piece.
Me = the rest. Yeah well, you gotta eat something when you're sick, right?

After another fitful night's sleep, slightly improved by nose spray, we woke up....by ourselves...not woken by kids....just by our own body clocks, at 7am. We sat around for a long time, amazed at all the time on our hands. My mom on the other hand informed me later that having Smiley with her and all that that involves made them late for church.

Mr Samoa then headed off to church while I raced over the bridge to pick up Smiley, thinking he'd be pining for me by now. He wasn't. I got a very mild welcome actually. Anyway, by then I was feeling awful again, totally sapped AGAIN so I had a little snooze on the couch. Don't you love moms? You can do that when you're at their house.

And this afternoon we picked up Turbo, who had had the time of his little life. And now, my two blessings are  tucked up in bed, back him, safe and sound. Ah, a night away certainly does make you a bit more grateful.

So I am thankful for the weekend, but also glad it's over. I am starting to feel a bit better now. The antibiotics must be kicking in. Mr Samoa has one more all day meeting tomorrow and then it's holidays for him. Looking forward to that.

Did you manage to stay with me all the way to the end? I'm not usually a person of so many words. And some photos might help but I don't think I'm up to it. So this is it. I'll stop now.

Misunderstood.....again

To be great is to be misunderstood.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I'm beginning to think this is going to be Turbo's motto for the moment. At least until he can gain full control of his strength and his emotions. I've lost count of the number of times he's been misunderstood lately.

He likes to roar. As a lot of boys do, I think. And he is VERY loud and vibrant. Asking him to be anything other than loud is impossible. It is how he has been designed. Part of who he is.

Today, as he ran past a little girl who was standing near her mother's leg, he roared at her. And because he has absolutely no concept of personal space, it was quite near to her face. The mother looked in horror from me, to Turbo to her daugther, who had started to whimper. And I have to admit, I pretended I had not seen a thing.

You see I am sick to death of apologising for who Turbo is. "I'm sorry, he didn't do anything to your child, he's just loud.." or "..he's just being a little rough, sorry." When in actual fact, he's really just being a boy.

We were at McDonalds playground, my frequent afternoon hangout of late, and a little girl walked in, took one look at Turbo, who was zooming around and yelling in excitement, and ran out scared. She brought her dad back in with her, who, by the way, was very nice. But this girl was in a school uniform. Don't they have boys at her school? Has she never seen one before? Maybe not one of Turbo's kind?

Turbo's not often mean. He's not one to hit or shove or bite unless provoked. And this same full on, roaring, strong boy, will take another child's hand, saying "Come, come, I'll show you", and lead them gently down the slide if they're scared. His confidence is astounding. He'll make friends wherever he goes and climb high up ladders and towers at playgrounds.

These 'misunderstandings' happen often. You would think these mothers had never been around other children sometimes. But it's so nice, every so often to meet someone who not only understands, but has one like Turbo. The children click instantly and hoot with laughter as they roar in each other's faces and yell at the top of their voices. Ah, a kindred spirit.

I do think Turbo is an amazing little boy, with great capacity within him. He's just a little misunderstood at the moment.

What about you? Have you experienced what I'm talking about? Have you got a child like Turbo?

A little bit of this and that

You would think after receieving such a lovely gift from Mr Samoa, I might remember to wear it more than once. Not the case. Apparently I now need to create a habit of wearing it. Who would have thought?

The culprit has claimed another victim. My wonderful mom stayed the night last to help me out while Mr Samoa is away. After getting up several times last night, my mom took over in the early hours of the morning. Apparently she was up for two hours with him!
And so a rather shattered and exhausted mom has now left me to it. At least she has seen it firsthand and knows I'm not kidding about how bad he is at the moment.

My mom with my gorgeous niece

I feel this leaves me no option but to leave him to cry. I am going to put my mattress next to his cot, though, and offer reassurance every now and then. And if he wakes Angel Turbo, we will just have to deal with that.

Who would have thought I'd he calling Turbo an angel!! But he is. A delight.

Thankful for that.

Smiley took his first steps a couple of weeks ago, a week before he turned 11 months. And now he's really going for it. So cute to see! Motherhood is so full of contradictory emotions. I am such a tired, exhuasted, frustrated, but very proud and full of love Mama. Here's a little video on the very day he took his first steps:

(Sorry it's sideways but i don't know how to edit it...I did download software and try!)

And nothing like coffee with some other awesome bloggers to pick you up a little.
You probably have already, but check out the great blogs of Sammy, Gail and Simone.
Note to self: remember to pay next time before you leave the cafe!

A sheepish thanks to Gail and Sammy. I owe you!

 

Dear Turbo

You're two years and nine months today. Random age, I know, but you are growing and changing so fast and I don't want to forget

how amazing you are.

On Sunday, one of the awesome ladies who look after our kids at church, said I need the award for the fittest mother! They were playing a game where they call two names and those two children run across the room. You, Turbo, ran every single time whether your name was called or not. And there were a lot of kids!

You are fiercely loyal and tell us off when either one of us raise our voices at each other. You are talking in short sentences now. Sentences like, "Mummy, I don't want it" is a favourite, mostly concerning dinner, or "Mummy, come see, ober dere" (over there) is another one we hear frequently. Your Daddy often tells you he's proud of you, so often you say it back to us.

A really strange but cute word you have come up with is 'tikkamaa'.

You use that to refer to any boy racer type car. In the movie Cars, there are four boy racer cars that come and put Mack to sleep on the freeway/highway. When these cars accelerate, the noise they make is tikkamaaaaaa (hold the maaa and go upwards in pitch towards end). Don't worry if you don't get it. It's quite hard to explain. Only two year old brains really get it.

You LOVE other children and will make friends wherever you go. You often follow a group of kids around and join in their game whether they like it or not. But most times, they end up liking you anyway. I mean, what's not to like?

I can count the number of time we have a had a toilet accident on my one hand. And always number one accidents. You are amazing!

You love your younger brother but are having a hard time sharing your toys now that's he's mobile. He often ruins your games and wants what you're playing with. We're doing our best to be fair to both of you. But I can imagine Smiley must be extremely annoying sometimes.

You hate brushing your teeth and always make a fuss of it, even though we do it every single day. Your persistence is a thing to be admired.

You have very good manners for your age, and are especially good at saying thank you. It's so nice to hear your cute little "Senk you!" when I do something for you. 

Other adults say you are a joy to have around and listen well, and my heart swells with pride. We do, of course, have our days, like this morning, when you wailed all the way through the mall to the car because you didn't want to walk. You are always loud, and commit fully to everything you do, including your meltdowns.

You are, and will always be, my amazing, loving,

spirited baby little boy

Rain, rain go away

My friend commented on Facebook that she may be reading her son the story of Noah's Ark instead of the story of Jesus' birth this Christmas!

Rain is forecast all week, and supposed to just clear a little in time for Christmas Day.

I know the farmers need the rain, and I guess that need is greater than mine. But what am I supposed to do with two boys who are climbing the walls? Today's weather is a little better and we spent some time on the trampoline letting off some steam. And I made some play dough, which kept Turbo busy while I was finishing off the last of my Christmas baking.

Now what? Hmmm.

Head up to the mall for a coffee with Mr Samoa? That's the best we could come up with. At least Turbo will be able to run up and down a little. But will we even be able to get a parking space?

Anyway, I hope you are having a great week so far!

Here's some photos of when I let Turbo out in the drizzle yesterday. Love how the colours are so vibrant and bright when it rains.

Starting Christmas traditions

Up until now, when asked the question, "What's your family doing for Christmas?" my thoughts always extended to my Mom and Dad, sisters and Mr Samoa's family.

But this year, my thinking has shifted somewhat.

Because, actually, my family is me, Mr Samoa, Turbo and Smiley.

And we need some family traditions, just for our little family of four. Turbo is now 2 and a half and I think it's so important to start them this year.

 

As I wrote a couple of posts ago, we started by buying our first Christmas tree and decorations. And on Friday afternoon, we put on some Christmas carols and set up the tree as a family. Turbo was super excited. I didn't even know he knew what a Christmas tree was!

He was so eager to help and hang the decorations, and once it was completed, it was like he was on a serious high.

Who knew a tree could be so exciting?

And then on Saturday, we attended a Santa parade with 'Nanny and Gempa'. Turbo really enjoyed it, although he has no idea what it was all about and he

actually looked the other way when Santa came past! O well, plenty of time for that.

After the parade there was lots to do. Turbo visited the fire engine crew, watched a helicopter take off and went on a jumping castle. Fun fun fun!

And a little exhausting I must say.

I have a few other things up my sleeve like baking some Christmas biscuits and a special night on Christmas Eve....where one day we will read the story of Jesus' birth. 

Having kids certainly does make Christmas even more special I think.

I remember my childhood Christmasses fondly. My Mom and I always baked mince tarts (yuk!) in the weeks leading up to Christmas, put up the tree and decorated the house. Christmas morning we always awoke to a stocking from Santa then went to church and then as soon we were home, gathered with our mince tarts, tea and other goodies, and one of us put on the Santa hat and handed out the presents. The rest of the day was spent in the pool, playing board games with cousins and eating a big Christmas lunch.

I want to make memories like that for our children. Starting this year!

Oh, and we recieved a package from South Africa from my Aunt with this beauty who has a place of honour on our tree. Gorgeous isn't she?

Thank you Aunt M!

Get me outta here!

Yip, been a heck of a day.

A day where everything your kids do annoys you.

Where you overreact to small things and your emotions have a life of their own. Just can't seem to control them - especially the anger.

When Turbo tipped the contents of his potty onto the floor next to the toilet in his bid to help me, I knew he was doing his best. I knew, but I couldn't help myself. I yelled and shoved gently moved him towards the door.

And when he resisted my attempts to brush his teeth for the thousandth time, I threw the toothbrush at the mirror and locked myself in my bedroom for a couple of minutes. The alternative would not have been nice.

I won't even go into my frustration with Smiley. Super cling-on boy!!!

And for me, a usually level-headed and relatively calm person, this behaviour is disconcerting me. There could be a few explanations.

1. I'm so freakin tired...from waking up at night, from the full on demands of having a 2 year old and an 8 month old, both active and never still, from cooking and cleaning and washing over and over again

2. This season has been extremely taxing in every way for 5 long years. Sure it's nearly over, but it isn't just yet.

3. Ummm, I don't have any more reasons but I feel there should be a third

Did you know (I'm sure you all do) that financial pressure of one of the main reasons couples divorce? Not that we've ever come close, but we've been under quite extreme financial pressure for a long time.

Yeah, ok, I know there are people much worse off.

On days like today I end up thinking "Get me outta here!".

But no-one answers my cry and I can't leave, so....

you just carry on.

Getting more and more frazzled as the day goes on.

Today's only saving grace was an hour and a half respite at coffee group this morning. We went to a cafe run by another church where they look after your kids while you have cake and coffee for only $4!

Got to hang out with two lovely woman and forget my woes for a while.

Sorry for the pitiful post. I will rally and be ok tomorrow.

Has anyone had a day like this recently? I'd love to know I'm not alone

Finally made it

I've finally made it to the computer. The house is a complete mess, there's loads of washing to be washed and folded, and dinner to cook. But I just have to write something. Pause.

Nothing comes to mind.

I have a head cold. You know those ones where your nose is completely blocked, so blocked you can't even sniff and you might as well not eat because you can't taste anything? My thoughts are fuzzy.

Let me try again.

I love the way this woman and this woman are getting real about marriage on their blogs. That's where Mr Samoa and I are at. It's a bit hard going at the moment. Constant tiredness, sickness all around, messy house, short fuses, and a bit of baggage coming to the forefront needing to be dealt with.

We've been 'away', staying at my parents house in the beautiful Mairangi Bay on the North Shore of Auckland while they were overseas. Beautiful beach, cafes, good weather. Sunhats out. Felt like a holiday. Which was good.

Cousins have been hanging out.

 Brothers have been showing their love.

Really needing a bit more of this:

That will have to be all for now. Over and out.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Naughty cow & gorilla kisses

There are so many things I'm loving about Turbo's age and about Smiley's age, different as they are. Turbo is 2 years and 5 months to be exact.

I'm loving how his vocabulary is increasing daily. And words like 'dinosaur' and 'butterfly' are coming out of his mouth. He understands way more and is starting to speak in short sentences. The other evening, we were reading a book and he came to a page where the animals had a made a big mess with some paint cans. He said, "Naughty cow! Made mess! Time out! Stay there!" Yikes. That could be a recording of me. Yes, the words are coming thick and fast and I better be careful about what I say!

He LOVES robots and we discovered a trick to make him sit down for 15 minutes while we have a coffee. We buy him these $3 pack of robots and play shooting games with him (what can I do, he has older boy cousins). Up until now all we had time for was to order the takeaway cup of coffee before he was pulling on our sleeves to get going. Here's a picture of Turbo bathing with his robots...and his pink nails which he asked to be painted at kindy. Apparently this is normal for little boys? 

Smiley is now 7 months old. He has been sitting for a while now but is starting to scoot around on his bum. I'll leave him in one spot and he'll be another when I return. Only thing is he falls over frequently and bangs his head because he's moved away from the cushions I had placed behind him. He grabs everything and has a fetish for phones and remotes. Is it the buttons? Or maybe because he sees us with them a lot so thinks they must be desirable objects!

His two bottom teeth are coming through which meant a rough couple of weeks but hopefully we're in the clear now...until the next ones. And he kisses us (with an open mouth) and also kisses soft toys. We put two big stuffed gorillas next to him, one on each side, and he will turn to kiss each of them again and again, kicking his legs in delight in between each 'kiss'.

And here he is practising another new skill: pulling himself up to standing. What next? Love the chubby legs, too.

I want to enjoy these little things and not wish my boys' lives away. There are, however, a few things I am looking forward to:

1. Leaving both the boys with family overnight
2. More sleep
3. Doing really cool family stuff like going to Rainbow's End (Theme Park) or Waiwera (Hot & cold pools) and all being able to participate together
4. Sleeping in
5. Sitting down for a coffee or dinner out all together
6. Both of them being at school or kindy so I can work/study more easily
7. Cool chats about school or other topics
8. Seeing what they're good at emerge
9. More dates with Mr Samoa, just the two of us
10. Being less tired

I feel so blessed to be able to see these awesome little beings become teenage boys! I just can't imagine how that will be. They will probably tower over me. I'll just have to wait and see.

Hindsight

Ok so the blog construction is going a little slowly. It seems sometimes you have time and then for days on end you don't have a moment to breathe. It's one of those 'don't have a moment to breathe' weeks.

I've been thinking about how when you fall pregnant, so many couples with kids tell you to enjoy your last months of sleeping in and coming and going as you please. I indulged them with a smile and didn't give their advice a second thought. I was thinking of the wonder of holding my bundle of joy in my arms. Or about staying fit and healthy during the pregnancy. In fact, I didn't give much thought to actually being a mother during my pregnancy and spent hours getting fit for the birth! Wrong focus completely. But hindsight is...well not good for much really.

And so it was when I fell pregnant with the second that again we were advised to enjoy our last months as a family of three, with just one child. This time I listened and the three of us spent hours together enjoying and appreciating each other. I thought having one child was hard. Turbo is actually quite a challenging model (and the inspiration for the title of this blog) and at times, I felt completely overwhelmed by him. But lately, quite a number of times, I've turned to Mr. Samoa and said "I can't believe we thought one was hard!".

I've heard the adjustment from one child to two is the hardest. I'm not sure if I believe that. I mean, the thought of adding another squealing, whining and demanding baby to the mix does my head in. Maybe it's that by the time people do add a third, the first is already quite independant...toilet trained, talking well, helping you out a bit with the other two and going to Kindy for a few mornings a week. And maybe it's that your house is already in chaos from the first two so an additional third doesn't make much difference.

All that said, I AM loving my time at home, especially with Smiley still being so little. I would rather be with my sons for this season than anywhere else.

Getting domesticated

This is a picture of a yummy banana loaf. And the best thing about it is that I baked it myself! Using this recipe that's pretty low in sugar and can be dairy free.

For those of you who know me well, this is pretty big. And lately I've added chocolate and carrot muffins, scones and choc chip biscuits to my repertoire. They all taste yum!

And great for the budget too. When we feel like running up the road for something sweet, I've taken to baking something instead. Good on me.

Enjoying the ride

I can't believe how different this time around is...in a good way. In a GREAT way actually. I am LOVING this baby of mine. He is such a gorgeous, happy little thing and often brings tears to my eyes when we're gazing at eachother.

Often I have thought how I regret not enjoying Benjamin - at all. For 5 months I battled post-natal depression, although at the time I didn't know that was what I had. It sucked every bit of enjoyment out of life and out of being a mum. Couple that with him being a spirited baby who didn't sleep well. People around me were worried. I lost weight alarmingly fast. The difference now is like chalk and cheese. I still have my days, as every mum does, but deep down, I know it doesn't even compare.

I am thoroughly enjoying and so appreciating my one-on-one time with Esera. Thursdays and Fridays are our days. Big brother goes to day care and I breathe a sigh of relief. I can have a nap, I can stay in my PJs all day, I don't have to leave the house. Esera is a relaxed little chap who doesn't cry a lot and who I can leave under the play gym, unattended, for quite a while. I could never do that with Benjamin. He would demand attention within minutes.

People have commented that babies respond to your emotional state. Stressed mother = unsettled baby. To a degree this may be right but personality sure plays a big role too. Benjamin will be turbo-charged until he dies!

I love each of my boys for who they are. As I've said before, I wouldn't change a thing about Benjamin. He is special. But I am really glad Esera is who he is too.

He's here!

Well, with little time to write (or to do much else), pictures will have to tell the story for now. Can't wait to write my birth story...it's a goodie!

After his first bath, checking Dad out

The first night, he slept 7 hours and got my hopes up high...he hasn't slept more than 2 hours at night since!

4 days old and already really alert and checking out the world

To say it's anything less than full on and crazy with a todler and a newborn would be lying. But I am determined to enjoy the journey this time and appreciate the things I didn't with Benjamin. Talking of Benjamin, his behaviour is a little bit challenging at the moment, but that was to be expected. He is lovely with Esera, and kisses and pats him and even shares his toys...but with us it's tantrums and defiance. We are giving him lots of cuddles and attention and hoping the storm will abate soon.

We have had so much support and meals and gifts...I feel so blessed and loved and am so thankful for the people God has placed around me, and for my family. We ate our last given meal tonight after 2 weeks of not having to cook...pretty awesome ay! If I haven't said it already, thanks to all those who've helped make this time easier for us

Catch up time

Well I am offically a terrible blogger! In fact, I can't even call myself a blogger. I've been thinking about shutting my blog down. Yes, it's that sad. But then, I may get some new motivation for it sometime in the future.

Anyway....

There have been a few things happening. Like Christmas, and New Years!

Xmas lunch with my Cousin R...Marmite sandwiches, raisens - what's new?

THE best pavlova made by my awesome sister

The joy of watching kids open presents

Priceless family photos with Nana and Grandad

Hubby's been working full time at a summer job and now he's not. It was great to have some extra money...although the rate at which it was spent was astounding! It's also great to have him back at home. Especially when I'm finding things that much more difficult with my big belly and swollen ankles. Loving the time spent together and enjoying the last weeks of being a family of three.

My poor little boy got bitten by a suspected spider last week and his foot and ankle swelled up like a balloon. A call from daycare, leaving work, 2 doctor's visits, hubby leaving work and eventually hospital. I am sooooo grateful we didn't have to spend the night there.

The day after the swelling came down...this photo doesn't half do it justice!

I'm now 35 weeks pregnant and doing things like washing tiny little babygros, making room for a bassinet in our room, buying drawers off Trademe for all the extra clothes and actually having to think about labour and breastfeeding. Eeeek!

We've added a sandpit, pool, umbrella and a trampoline to our little back garden. Love the way Benjamin plays BY HIMSELF sometimes!! He loves it outside. Especially since we got the tramp given to us by some amazing friends. Without our help, he can move the garden chair over to the tramp, climb up and bounce away. I was a little scared at first, but that's typical of Benjamin to figure it all out for himself, and he can't jump very high. And the joy it gives him! I'll be washing dishes, watching him jump and roll and sometimes just lie on it with a big smile on his face. Sigh. Contentment.

Benjamin has reached new levels of fussyness with his eating. I cooked one of his (very few) favourite meals - a tomato and cheese pasta bake. I usually use penne pasta, the plain, straight tubes, but this time I used half penne and half spirals. He was eating happily (such a treat) and then asked for more. There was still pasta in his bowl. He reached for my bowl. I let him have it. And he continued to eat from my bowl...but ONLY the penne. His bowl was full of spirals, you see. He'd picked out the penne and already eaten them all. So in order to dish him out another portion, I had to pick out the spirals from the pasta!

I will try to be better about blogging...and I apologise to my few followers. Thanks for following me! Until next time...

Brain dead

Well to say motherhood is a challenge at the moment is an understatement. Sometimes I wonder if all mothers find it so hard or if somehow it's ME...do I just not quite manage? Maybe it's the stage Benjamin's at. Or dare I say it again: Benjamin is a Spirited child = darn hard work!!



I never want to be one of those people who think they've got it harder. Because in actual fact, I have a great life! I am very blessed. I just tend to forget that a lot lately. My tolerance level is close to zero. Probably because I'm 6 months pregnant!!! (which I hardly ever think about - poor Bump, I do love you too!)



Most places I go, someone will make a comment about how full of energy he is, or how loud and chatty, or how friendly. Yes, he is all of that. And it's wonderful. He is full of character and life and vibrancy. But that also means he is NEVER still, except for when he's eating in his high chair or engrossed in a DVD.



Sigh. Of course, at the end of the day, I wouldn't change a thing about my Benjamin. I just need a fresh dose of strength and perspective. I know where to go for that.

"Riding in cars with girls"

This is a great photo taken on the day he turned 18 months old. He's already a hit with the girls, and quite comfortable at the wheel!

Good clean fun

My Mom had a great idea to use up the boxes from the move....shows you don't need money to have fun with your kids!

We taped the flaps of 3 sturdy boxes together, inside and out, and cut a hole in the side for the window. Benjamin loves it!

Boys, boys, boys

Well my bump is officially a boy bump, making him the 5th grandson on my side, and the 6th grandson on hubby's side. Boys!! We are making a little tribe of them. In all honestly, I was a little disappointed when I first found out. That, however, was short lived as I began to think about all the great things about having another boy. And at the end of the day, God knows what my family needs. He knows what Benjamin needs.

I think part of my disappointment came out of fear. I was a little ummm...shall we use the word, concerned, that the baby to come will have a temperament similar to Benjamin's. And even if he does not, how am I going to deal with my wonderful, loud, active, lively, demanding, easily bored Benjamin when I am breastfeeding, for example? Thankfully there are many great mothers that have ideas for me.

On Friday night, Benjamin hung out with 3 of his older boy cousins. He was having so much fun he didn't want to come in for dinner! And tomorrow he gets to hang out with another 2 boy cousins, one of which is 3 weeks younger than him. How awesome is that!

Here are some photos of all the handsome boys










P.s. Fellow bloggers: How come you can get the photos looking all good in the preview and when they're published, it messes them all up? It's so annoying!