calling all moms....

As you all can see, last week we celebrated fully Graham's 2nd birthday! I loved gathering all the train party supplies, love making it a special day for him....when it comes down to celebrated holidays or special moments for people- I couldn't find more pleasure than blessing someone day in the small and big things- life is so short not to celebrate life from time to time. So yes we all had a blast being choo choo's around the house. But... did I mention Graham is 2 now! Graham has been a complete delight to parent (and still is), but with in the last week he has learned how to say "no," or in his language "naw"- he tries his hardest to get his way on subjects he knows he not allowed to enter, touch, ect... and test me over and over again. As a mom of 2 years- this week I thought- can I really do this everyday? Not that I don't want to or don't have it in me, but I have to be sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo consistent with discipline- the energy it takes sucks me dry sometimes! Graham loves to please others, but at the same time he is very strong willed and likes to do his own thing at the same time too. Don't we all! So sometimes I feel like when I am talking to him I am talking to a brick wall- I KNOW everyone says- welcome to the 2's! But, in my heart I want to say even though that's what the world wants to tell me about a 2 yr old- and yes g does need to learn how to listen, respect others, obey, all of the above, just because he's 2 why do we try and let the world tell us this is ok? So- for all you moms- I am trying everything in my power to say "no" in 500 different ways a day, I am understanding what you all meant now about having quote on quote-"those days!"- it's amazing the frustration that little booger can get me....so I've found for him to sit alone for a while is working the best for him at the moment...and sometimes me too! I've read books, done growing kids god's way studies, the whole nine yard- and today i realized- i pray for g all the time- for his future, his character, but do i as a parent? Parenting is hard. We weren't given children and taught within 9 months of pregnancy what to do when your 2 year constantly repeats the same word over and over again even after getting a spanking, trying with his every being to get his way. Today I was pooped! Sometimes I wish we lived on a large farm so I could open the door and let my ball of energy run it all out. I say all this in a way to let you know I am human, sinful, and I am still learning this whole parenting thing...and still will for a long time! I don't want to be a parent that has all the right answers all the time or thinks I do...b/c as I parent more and more I see how each child is completely different!

Now, Ellie- I noticed over the weekend after going to church and chatting with some of our close friends that I don't mention a lot about ellie's feeding tube or bottles. I sometimes think sub consciously I have days I don't have to believe we are still working on her bottles. But we are! I have good and bad days with her eating- bless her heart she's had so much congestion the last two months that any baby would have a difficult time swallowing while taking a bottle-she's really trying. I have now started giving her a small bottle every 3 hrs I feed her and what she doesn't finish of her 4 oz feed, I put in her stomach tube. I am so proud of the progress she's made and the sweet little love she is even when she's not feeling great, you'd never know it. She for sure has my hubbies nature- so chill. I am seeing that Graham is starting to show many signs of his momma- today he went to breakfast with mike and a buddy, then to church and played with others, then we had a couple over for dinner, tonight he was soooooooooo energized because he was around people. That just like me. I am so stimulated by fellowship, but at the same time recently I do love a quiet house at times to grow in who God created me to be. And as a mom, that sweet time to spend with my Savior has changed oh so much with two- I will find my time with the Lord might be during g's nap time, or sometimes while he's playing at my feet....there is nothing more in life than I can do than rejoice and praise him for blessing me with my kids. We are sooo blessed...those aren't just stale words to me, I mean it will my every being. I know this blog post I just kinda rambled from this and that- great way to express our world right now of 4. thanks for listening!
This picture makes me laugh- she's like mom please stop taking pictures of me!

Things that make me laugh- showing me I'm a real mom now....

I sing barney songs in the back of my head all day long

I take showers while g is napping

i work out/run with a double jogging stroller

i have random "treats" i find in my purse now

my car smells like kids, and is filled with baby gear- strollers, toys, carseats, books, and kids cd's

i know all the words to sid the science kid!

i know it's 9 o clock b/c seamee street is on

so sweet these things that will pass so quickly....