Eleven months…

Either Sissy’s eleventh month was more hectic or she is more active.  Though I thought it impossible, I believe it is the latter.  Sissy.Never.Stops.  For this reason, all photos from this month are action shots (ie. courtesy of my iPhone).  Here’s what this little mover is up to… & into!

After watching every moment of Olympic gymnastics and seeing her sister practice her own gymnastry, Sissy decided she too should join the flipping fun.  She will stop mid-crawl at any random moment, put her hands and head down, and try valiantly to flip over on her own.  She generally requires some assistance, but she is remarkably close to somersaulting all by herself… She can pick both hands up off the floor and stand on her head and tiptoes.  Pretty impressive for an 11-month old I think!  Here she is demonstrating the skill for Granny…  (yes, those are some nice “vintage” floors!)

This feat of baby strength must be followed by a big “finish” of repeatedly throwing her legs in the air and then banging her feet on the floor.  She also feels that one flip is never enough, prompting us to aid her in flipping perfection time after time after time.  Should she be in the presence of folks who have not yet seen her routine, Sissy will now somersault on demand, so next time you see her, do be sure and ask her to show you how!

In addition to gymnastics, Sissy is also trying out her dance skills, though they are not nearly as impressive.  She began with the typical baby bounce, then added in a cute two-handed wave (which was impressive in that she waved each hand in a different fashion.  Go on, try it… it’s harder than you think!).  Now, however, any music prompts the super-baby-flailing-arms-head-shaking-bun-bouncing dance.  It is truly something to behold!

Ever learning, Sissy now knows the difference between her decoy remote (an old one with no batteries) and the real remote, which she also knows should be pointed at the tv.  Kids these days, they catch-on quick!

Toys are nice, but really not necessary.  Sissy prefers odd objects to chew on and play with, including but not limited to… window sills, bolts and the wheels on her crib, diapers, swings, shoes, walkers, junk mail, and furniture.  She is now affectionately referred to as our little billy-goat. 

She also enjoys playing in the kitchen, especially when Mommy gives up and lets her play in the cabinets and fridge...

Speaking of chewing… Sissy’s top two teeth came through a week ago.  Now that she has double the teeth, she has kindly doubled her chewing. 

This month, Sissy got a roommate as the goose moved back into her old digs.  We have a good friend staying with us for a while, so she kindly loaned her big-girl/guest-room to him.  I don’t think either of the girls mind a bit… they will squeal and giggle on end!  Though they are supposed to be sleeping, I enjoy watching them play (when they think no one is watching) too much to stop their fun. 

 

Her favorite foods this month are peaches, yellow squash, banannas, and green beans, all of which taste better when she feeds herself...

As you can tell, we feel that wearing clothes is highly unnecessary for busy babies.  Not only does it save on laundry, but it also makes clean-up and diaper changing easier too... All three areas in which we can use all the help we can get.  I've changed plenty of diapers in my life, but no one, and I mean NO ONE has EVER been as tough to change as Sissy!  Like I said, she's unstoppable!  Or, in the words of the terrible 80s song, "nobody gonna hold her down... oh no, she got to keep on movin'!" 

Stay tuned for our next update:  Sissy 1.0!

Thoughtful Thursdays: Proverbs Three Woman

Not so long ago, a group of friends and I were looking at what it really means to be a “Proverbs 31 Woman.”  What does she look like and do?  Is this even attainable?  Does such a fine female exist?  (I think not, but I digress.)

Perhaps you too have wondered or at least heard of this illusive “Proverbs 31” lady.  While I am not judging nor discouraging those who wish to model themselves after her or seek this measure of proverbial perfection, I have decided that I would rather be known as a Proverbs THREE woman. 

Now you go read it and decide whom you would rather be... It’s only one chapter, but in thirty-five verses there is endless wisdom… Instruction for everyday, covering discipline, good-behavior, being fair, true wisdom, fear, unexpected tragedy, money/financial matters, and even sleep (my personal favorite!). 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” (Prov. 3: 5-6) … and sweet your sleep! (v.24)

Turning the Goose Loose: First day of 5-K

I can't believe this day is here. I thought it would be easy but am surprised at my own apprehension.  I am anxious about more than a few things, but the goose is all excitement.  She is ready, but I don't want to let go. Sure we make each other batty on a regular basis. No I don't have the knowledge, gifts, or patience to teach her myself. Still, I want to hold on. It feels like I am letting her loose all alone in the big scary world, though I know it's just kindergarten. 

She didn't want a new book bag. (Which is rightly called a backpack as she reminds me that you don't take books to kindergarten.) She turned up the offer for a new lunch box. (Rightfully called a lunch bag. I stand corrected, again.)  She did request a $13 princess water bottle which I frugally vetoed and pointed her instead toward an equally useful $3 water bottle with flowers on it. She can write. She can read. She can add. She is ready. No fear. She doesn't know a soul and says she doesn't care. She required a mama-manicure (twice) in five different colors no less for the first day of 5-K... Some new socks.... And a peanut butter and honey sandwich with extra honey. Two weeks of practice going to sleep and getting up early. Three years of preschool. And five-plus years of getting mama ready to let go. 

Camera (forgotten by the door, thank you Lord for phone cams!)

Bracelet (to remind her that she is loved)

Kiss (one on the cheek and one in her hand to hold onto all day)

Hugs (for me and Sissy)

And no tears (Surprisingly!  I was just hoping to make it back to the car first) 

Here we go... I’m turning the goose loose. 

Thoughtful Thursdays: Baby Steps...

Today I begin a series I like to call “Thoughtful Thursdays”… and, as per usual, I am a day late.  So for the first installment, we’ll call it “I thought it was Thursday” or “Forgetful Friday”...  the choice is yours.

These “Thoughtful Thursdays” are not designed to impart pearls of wisdom, solve the world’s problems, or serve as a platform for any particular position.  Instead, I hope these open-ended prompts push you to think… and read… and pray, and perhaps even come to your own conclusion or resolution.  Why do you believe what you believe?  Better yet, what do you believe?  Is it consistent with God’s Word?  Do you live it out?  I think if we are honest, the sad truth is that all too often our answer to all of these questions is “I don’t know.”  I urge you to know.  Someday we may all find out we were wrong about at least a thing or two, but let’s be thoughtful, intentional, prayerful people who can say, “I know…” “Here’s why…” and “I try…”  So that, in the words of Paul, “your faith may not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” ~ 1Cor.2:5

Thoughtful Thursday:  Baby steps…

Sissy is trying to learn to walk.  She is very capable of getting where she wants to go using all four of her limbs, yet she wants so badly to walk.  If she holds onto something, she can do it, but if she let’s go, she falls.  Sometimes she knows she’s off-balance and gently sits down.  Other times, she is moving so fast that she comes crashing down… usually head-first.  She can’t catch herself, and I usually cannot get there quickly enough to catch her either. I hate watching her fall, but I love watching her learn… I always seem to learn something in the process too.

We first learn to stand by pulling up on something steady… something that doesn’t move.  As we get stronger, we try to get to our feet on our own.  Sissy is quite amusing at this right now.  She will sit on her knees, put her right foot out to the side and bounce.  You can totally tell what she’s trying to do… she’s working up her momentum… building her muscles… working on her balance… training herself to stand.  She’s practicing a very important and basic skill that’s required BEFORE she can walk: first, she has to learn how to stand alone.  Someday very soon she will master this standing-up thing, she will let go of the couch, she won’t need to hold onto my fingers, and she will toddle away.  Her steps may be shaky… her balance uncertain… but she will practice… she will improve… she will walk… and someday run. 

How is this like our faith?  Are we…

Still crawling?

Holding on?

Letting go?

Practicing?

Getting stronger?

Learning to balance?

Walking, with shaky steps?

Sure-footed?

Ready to run?

Think on it…  and Read on… 1 Corinthians 2; 3:1-2,10-13

(and if you’re feeling really inspired… blog on too!)

TEN Months!!!! And Beach Fun

That's right folks, Sissy is TEN months old! 

She can now climb stairs and couch-cruise with ease.  She LOVES playing in "the pen" (pack-n-play) and riding in her sister's doll stroller... I don't think the goose minds it too much either. 

She has modified her wave (it frequently looks like she's giving the benediction as she holds her hand out and babbles at the same time), and she has learned to point now too.

Her favorite toys this month are balls, and though any kind will do, Daddy finds great joy that her favorite is a golf ball (of course!). 

We think she and Sampson may be able to communicate on a deep level, for she often imitates him... carrying things in her mouth while she crawls, fetching the ball and bringing it back, eating anything she can find on the floor, and staring out the back window for hours.  She still loves his toys, especially "nasty cow," and he kindly shares them with her.  She will even crawl up right beside him and pat him on the head or belly...  they are so sweet together and SO much alike!

We unsuccessfully tried introducing regular formula and wheat products to Sissy's diet this month, but we did learn that she has no problem digesting sand.  I do believe it is her favorite food, and she got plenty of it on our family beach vacation.  She enjoyed splashing in the pool and by the end of the week was giggling in the waves, but nothing compares to feel of sand on your knees... and gums!

As always, the goose had a grand time at the beach and the pool.  Her swimming is improving every day, and we continued our tradition of playing putt-putt.

This year the goose (and Daddy) had the extra-special treat of hanging out with some new (& old) friends.  It was so much fun to watch these two play like they had known each other all five years of their lives. 

Here's to another month of fun... at home and in the sand and sun!



Nine Months...

What a busy busy girl and a busy busy month!  We took two long, yet quick trips... one to the beach to visit with Mommy's college friends and their families and another to Florida for a family reunion (& a quick stop to see a dear friend along the way).  Mommy was either too busy making memories or chasing Sissy to take many pictures, so you will just have to imagine the fun we had.  Sissy wasn't too sure about the ocean, though she LOVES the sand... eating it that is!  We thanked the good Lord many, many times for her stellar behavior in the car.  Thankfully, she has developed a routine of sorts and napped most of the time. 

Outside of road trips, we have enjoyed some quality time with our cousins (Mommy never wants them to leave!!!  They are great playmates, babysitters, helpers, & friends.)  Sadly, again we have no pictures, but will work on that soon!  Both girls LOVE being entertained by and entertaining M & E... Sissy waves almost every time she sees them, even if they have only been out of her sight for a second. 

Speaking of waving, somehow that precious wave never gets old.  Even when it is far past her bedtime or she is getting into something she shouldn't, she will stop, give you such an innocent look, and wave like she hasn't seen you in days.... Gets us every time.  She does seem to understand that the wave goes with "hey" and "bye-bye" now and will generally wave on command or when she sees a new person. 

Sissy still likes to shake her head "no" but not as frequently as last month.  She now saves that gesture for foods she does not enjoy or moments when she is being told "NONONONO" by three different people at once.  Her crawl is a bit more regulation now, though she doesn't put her right knee down, just left knee/right foot, but she is FAST!  She can also pull up on more things and move around while holding on.  She likes to test this standing/walking skill most in her crib at bedtime.  Just when you think she is asleep... she decides it is time to roam about the cabin, chew on the rails, and check-out the sleepy sheep.  I think she is going to be an explorer... much more than the goose. 

"DaDa" is slowing being replaced in frequency by "Mamamama" and "Ba-Be". Several times we thought we heard a "Hey" in the babbles, but the jury is still out on that one. 

The highlight of Sissy's ninth month, at least for us, was her dedication.  Both sets of grandparents and our great church family joined us as we promised to raise Sissy to know and show God's great love. We pray His love grows in her heart every day. 

The girls had matching dresses for Sissy's dedication & the Goose's fifth birthday photos...
Before Sissy was born I found two (on sale!) in the right sizes  that were exactly like my favorite gown the Goose wore as an infant.

The little red chair was the one item that my grandfather wanted from his mother's house...

We don't know how long it had been in his family, but he remembered having it as a child.

It is over 100 years old.

FIVE!

It doesn’t seem so long ago that we packed our bags with unnecessary items, clueless as to what one really needs to have a baby, and headed to the hospital to evict & meet the goose. We had no idea what to expect, having taken no childbirth classes, and our only birthing plan was to do what we were told to do. Thirteen hours later, she arrived… (why is it people say you will forget the unfortunate details of labor??? That is a total lie!) and five years later… we are still clueless!

Each year brings new milestones, challenges and joys… some of them we expect and more than a few surprises too. This year was no exception.

We valiantly battled cdiff (more than once), and, for the time being, have conquered that foe. We’ve even managed to reduce our visits to our favorite GI, though it seems he will remain a part of our lives for the foreseeable future. Still, we rejoice at a year of less tests and less illness!

This year the goose has grown almost four inches, added a few pounds, expanded her vocabulary, learned to read, and gained a great deal of confidence and independence. There are no more tears when leaving Mommy’s side, though still a few when I return. But that’s ok… at least I know she’s had fun wherever she has been.

Though much more mature at five than four, the goose still LOVES babies… pretend and real. Her motherly instinct is quite strong and there is always enough love to go around. Until this year, all of her babies received names associated with their appearance, their giver, or the names of real babies she knew. This year however, dolls receive new names on a regular basis, much to the chagrin of Mommy & Daddy, for we are frequently scolded when we refer to the babes by their former names. For a brief stint, we were forced to veto some names as the made-up moniker came a bit too close to profanity (Pissco, for example). Thankfully, the goose ditched Deno, Cesco, and Only (pronounce Aun-lee)… for more socially acceptable names like Gracie, Grace, Mary Grace, and so forth. Still, I will always cherish Pretty Baby, Necked Baby, Big Baby, Tiny Baby, Laughing Baby & The-Baby-Amanda-Gave-Me.

Of course the biggest event of her fifth year was becoming a big sister. She loves Sissy with all her heart, and I pray that lasts forever. She is a great helper, playmate, comedian, and cheerleader. What more could a little sister (or Mama) ask for?

Evidently Sissy, Daddy & I do not provide enough companionship for the Goose, for she has invented several imaginary kids. Currently the roster includes Linda, London, and Lindsey. These three must be referred to as her “kids”… not her “friends” or “daughters,” and “They are not imaginary! I’m pretending that they are real.”

Yes, we remain clueless. What the next year holds only God knows, but I do know this… as long as we have this silly goose… there will be laughter. Happy Birthday!