Memories Captured Link Up : This I Promise You

36 weeks pregnant, 2 weeks before Baby M was born

While you've only been here for 6 short months, we've got this bond, you and I.  We have this closeness that's hard to describe.  It just seems as if you know what I'm thinking.

Even from within, you were able to read my mind. You knew when I worried about you. You found your own way to communicate with me. Your gentle kicks always told me you were just fine and to stop worrying.

Well Baby Girl, I can promise many things to you as we travel along our journey, but not to worry well that just comes with the Mommy territory.

1 month old

Each day I see you grow before my eyes. I can hardly believe how quickly you have changed.  As you grow your needs will change. Even when I struggle with your growth I will put my own feelings aside and be there for you, this I promise you.

 2 months old

I will treasure each smile we share as we continue with our journey together.  I will smile with you often and listen to you always, this I promise you.

3 months old

With each passing day you're learning more and more.  I will celebrate your triumphs and comfort you in your disappointment, this I promise you.

4 months old

Sometimes you may struggle to make the correct decisions.  I will help you to learn from your mistakes and not continue to remind you of them, this I promise you.

5 months old

I'll be the first in line to pat you on the back when you accomplish your goals.  Some may take a little longer than others, but I'll help you to be patient, this I promise you.

6 months old

When you're confused along the way, I'll listen to your worries and help to guide you, this I promise you.

Keep growing and being healthy little girl.  I look forward to seeing who you will become, just don't be in too much of a hurry.

Mommy Loves you!

I'm linking with  Alison and Galit today.

He Has Come So Far

Today as I was watching B and G play together I began to reminisce. 

B is my 'little old man'.  Despite the fact that he is only 6 years old I'm telling you this kid is wise beyond his years.

I have always been able to have conversations with him and he seemed to completely understand what I was saying.

For example, he was the first person I told when I found out I was pregnant with G (B was the only person home and I just had to tell someone).  At the time he wasn't even 2 years old yet.  He watched me with his big blue eyes and nodded as I explained that he was going to be a big brother.  I still remember the expression on his face and his response, "You have baby in yo tummy, Mommy?"  "I wanna see!"

As any parent, I am so proud of him.  I feel badly because I don't think I tell him this as much as I should.  I neglect to tell him this because he is so mature and I just figure he knows.  Well just 'assuming' he knows isn't good enough!

Recently he has made me so proud with what he volunteered to do completely on his own!  Before sharing with you what he volunteered to do I need to provide you with some more background information.

B took part in his first Christmas program when he was 3 years old.  He was involved in a preschool program within the church daycare he attended. 

As he stood on stage it was obvious that he was petrified!  I mean absolutely terrified.  He stood up in front of all of those people clenching onto his bear and just stared at them.  It took all I had not to cry for him.  

He managed to stand for 1 song and when it ended he quickly ran off of the stage calling, "Mommy!"  Naturally, I quickly scooped him up in my arms and held him.  Just writing this now makes me want to cry!

2008 - 3 years old

The following year we moved him to a different preschool program.  It was a preschool within the same township that I teach. 

While Brent and I waited for his class to walk out in front of the audience we held our breath.  We were hoping that he didn't have the same reaction as the previous year.  Much to our surprise, not only did he walk out with a smile, but he participated in the singing and the movements to all of the songs!

2009 - 4 years old

For the 2010 - 2011 school year he remained in the same preschool program because it was a 2 year program and he wasn't old enough for Kindergarten. 

Unfortunately, due to his work schedule Brent wasn't able to attend this Christmas program.  I, however, was. 

Again, I was beaming with pride as I watched B join in with his classmates and participate appropriately with each song.  This year it was a little different, however, he had become a leader.  Right before my eyes I saw my son taking initiative and following directions and this was the first time I realized it outside of our home.

2010 - 5 years old

In 2011 he was ready for his first Kindergarten Christmas program.  His years in preschool had prepared him well.  This year not only did he have to sing and move, but he had props!  He did a great job remembering what to use and when to use it.



2011 - 6 years old

Now here's the part that I've been leading up to ---- B's class had an end of the year program. 

B brought home a note from his teacher.  The note indicated that B VOLUNTEERED for a speaking part in the up coming program!

2012 - 6 years old end of the year program

He started out as this little 3 year old boy who was brave enough to stand holding his bear on stage for one song.

He has grown into this little boy who volunteers for a speaking part.  He practiced each night.  He memorized the part and when it came time to preform . . . while he was a bit nervous, he still did it!  And we couldn't have been more proud of him!

My Days are Changing

For the past 12 weeks I have had the absolute pleasure of being home with my daughter.  I have mixed emotions about returning to work.  I am, however, very thankful to have been given the gift of time.  To put it simply, children grow up so quickly.

I would like to share with you what Baby M and I have been doing for the past 12 weeks.

We are headed home from the hospital!  Please don't pay attention to the fact that she appears to be flashing her middle finger.  We've worked on this and she no longer does

it . . . for now at least.

Painting finger nails

Giving/Getting baths

Rocking




 

Smiling and Talking



Soothing a fussy baby/being a fussy baby

Sitting up, Learning to Focus, and Playing

Napping . . . we've done a LOT of this!



Tummy Time

Cuddling  . . .  by far my favorite!

So there you have it my life for the past 12 weeks.  I wouldn't change an single second of it! 

What are your suggestions for keeping myself together on Monday morning?  (Besides the obvious, I'm going to need my morning Coke to stay awake!)

Noises of the Night

               
                 It’s 2:00Am, a time when most are fast asleep and dreaming.   If someone is up at this time it’s typically for one of two reasons; a delightful evening of experiencing the night life is beginning to come to a close, as last call is 3:00AM, or you’re up with a child.  It doesn’t seem like too long ago when I was taking part in the first option.  Tonight however, the only partying I am doing is ‘rocking’ with Baby M.  Oh and I don’t mean rocking as in dancing the night away.  I mean rocking as in I’m sitting in a chair, holding her, and moving the chair back and forth in hopes that the movement with quickly lull her to sleep.  It seems so much more glamorous to be out on the town enjoying the night life until 3:00AM, I wouldn’t change one single part of holding my sweet little girl for anything.   At this point I’m sure some of you are thinking I’m crazy, while others know exactly what I’m talking about.

              I find it interesting how the noises of my house seem to come alive when everyone except Baby M and I are asleep.  As I stare blankly at the lime green wall of my bedroom, I feel almost as if I am in some sort of a coma.  I am so tired and can barely keep my eyes open.  Yet this baby I’m holding in my arms seems to think I should be on her time schedule.  She has absolutely no understanding of day and night.  Not to mention her lack of understanding regarding the other 4 people she lives with.  She will quickly learn about these things.  I begin to hear the endless hum coming from the refrigerator (It’s from my college days we keep it in our room so I don’t have to go down stairs to store milk.) at my side.  It is accompanied by the squeak of the rocking chair and every so often a low snore can be heard from my husband, who is enjoying a nice night’s sleep.  And to top it all off, the most enjoyable noise of all (Yes, I just described noise as enjoyable.  Keep reading you’ll understand why in a moment.)  The sweet coo coming from my little girl.  You see she isn’t being fussy at this hour, she simply wants to be held and interact with her Mommy (Now do you understand why I called this my favorite noise?).  All of this could be irritating.  I choose not to view it in such a negative way.  Instead, I choose to find the positive in all of this ruckus!

                 I know the reality of this situation.  It is short lived.  Right now in this moment she needs everything from me.  The only communicating she is able to do is through her cries and coos.  I am left to decipher between them all to determine what specifically she is in need of.  There are times, however, when she looks directly into my eyes and it’s almost as if she is able to completely understand just what I am thinking at that moment.  All of these seemingly endless moments do eventually come to an end.  And in the grand scheme of a child’s life they are such a tiny part of it.  It seems like only yesterday I was partaking in these very same activities with my now 6 year old son.  He still hugs and kisses me, but far and few between are the days when he wants to sit and rock with me.  No longer does he depend solely on me for his needs.  So right now I’m going open my eyes, as much as possible, and simply enjoy this time with my daughter.  I know that as soon as I blink my eyes the moment will disappear and she will be 6 years old, in Kindergarten, and far too big to want to rock with her Mommy.