Levi - 18 months (and almost a week...2nd child syndrome, folks...no big deal)

So, to celebrate Levi's 1 and a HALF birthday last Tuesday...we took him to the Bronx Zoo - which he loved! I am pretty sure the pigeons flying around that place were his favorite, though -- go figure. 

This little fella is changing so much! We've only been gone a month, but it seems like he has changed soo much in the past month.  I didn't get a picture with his lion, but -- here is a picture to commemorate him on the day he turned 18 months...here we are, eating breakfast at the Carmel Diner...where Jay and I had our first date! :

So...some fun little facts about Levi....he is obsessed with balls!! Every time we walk by the basketball court, or even in peripheral vision from it...he starts excitedly chanting: "ballllll!!! ballll!!!!"  He's very independent -- (read: strong willed) -- and likes to do things the way HE wants to do them...he is very 'vocal' about it if you try to get him to do something he doesn't want to do.  Which is often around here lately...he's cute, right?? So everyone wants to hold him and tickle him and pick him up.  And he does.not.like it.  And he communicates it well, too.  He's more of a 'from a distance' kind of person...he flashes smiles and says 'hi' to everyone...but as soon as they come near him, he's not interested. Though the other day there was free time for the campers, and everyone was hanging around on the pavement in front of the dining hall, skipping rope, playing with sidewalk chalk, water guns...and he was right in the thick of it - kids picking him up and everything...and he was un-phased.  Who can figure this kid out, I don't know.  Anyways...I'm hoping the exposure to so many people will soon feel a little more 'normal' for him and he won't be so clingy. This kid LOVES his Mama, that's for sure.  He has the hugest smile, beaming from ear to ear when he sees me...even if it is only mere seconds since he last layed eyes on me.  He squeals in delight every time I get him from bed.  Which he climbed out of this morning, by the way.  Jonah and I were in the kitchen eating breakfast, and Levi comes walking around the corner like it ain't no 'thang.  Okaaaaaayyyy. not sure what to do about THAT.  He's still sleeping in his play pen.  And he is still a really good sleeper - still naps around 2-3 hours in the afternoon -- and 12-13, sometimes more, at night....he's usually up at least an hour later than Jonah in the morning (they still share a room).  He loves his blue blankie...but doesn't seem to be too bothered with stuffed animals. 

He loves playing with trucks and blocks.  Just lastnight, Jonah and Jay were up at the chapel watching a movie with the campers, and I had some one-on-one time with Levi...and it was the sweetest thing, reading books with him and snuggling -- he was so happy, I put him to bed a half hour later than normal -- he just seemed so delighted to be hanging out with just me! 

He is learning new words every day: today he said "Mammie" when we were talking on Skype with her -- his first time!! He says Papa, ball, bath, hair, Da-da, Mama, Jo-Jo (there is a kid here named Jo-Jo...we're still not sure if he thinks of Jonah when he says it...or every white kid around that size...), baby, bye-bye, "goggie" (doggie), Elmo (I can't type exactly what he says for Elmo, its a sing-songy little voice he uses, like "ee-ooo"), he says a sound for Cookie monster and Big Bird too, which I won't bother attempting to type.  He knows what a lion says and a monkey says.  He can point to his toes, hair, belly, eyes, nose, teeth, and hands.  He seems to understand so much of what we say.  He's getting more and more verbal all the time, but -- so far doesn't seem nearly as 'chatty' as I remember Jonah being at the same age.  He's very happy - but selective with who he shares his happiness with...he seems a little on the shy side.  He loves to dance!!! Loves music - he sings 'na - na naaaa' (to the tune of lullaby) when he's tired and when we are snuggling him before bed.  I would never have said he's a picky eater, though with this camp food, it seems that he has become one. But then again, so have I...

He loves his shoes! Its one of the first things he wants when he first gets out of bed in the morning, to go and put his shoes on.  His little blue crocs. Which broke yesterday. yikes.  He loves going in the car - loves being in his stroller -- really, he loves to be outside and doing things! 

He's a very busy little baby...does not sit still!! Which is interesting when we try to take him to chapel...he does okay during the singing, but we usually end up leaving when any amount of talking happens! 

He still loves milk...the milk tastes different here, but - I think he has finally gotten used to it! He still uses a sippy cup - but finally learned to drink out of a straw a couple weeks ago!! He wants lemonade whenever we have it...which seems to be our beverage of choice these days -- and he loves it! He prefers to drink out of a real cup...but he's still quite messy with it.  He loves cheese, and oatmeal...and cookies...and anything with flavour...doesn't seem too delighted with the camp food, but when we go out to eat, he gobbles it up!  Bread is his favorite food group, I think!

I am probably missing many of the things that make him 'him'...but this boy...he seriously melts our hearts...we are all just smitten with him (unless he is being 'vocal' about his unhappiness...then we all get fairly annoyed with him! poor fella) -- and he is just a sweet little snuggle bug...I feel like around camp he has a bad reputation for being grumpy and unfriendly...but in his circle of comfort, he is just a sweet, lovable, cuddly, funny little darlin'...he loves to tease and make us laugh! I am beyond grateful that I get to be this little boy's Mama...Time goes so fast -- but with all the things he's learning...I'm glad he still seems like such a baby sometimes, too...he's growing and healthy, but still has such a 'baby-ness' about him that I love...I love the age he is at right now, learning so many new things, so aware and interested in the world around him...he's so smart - so funny and sweet and awesome...I love you, Levi Wilson Paulino.

written Sunday, June 23...orientation is over...camp begins!

We survived staff orientation at Camp Joy. just barely. 

I knew they would be my hardest weeks (I hope I haven't spoken too soon!!), as the days were very long, and Jay was in sessions all day long...with a few little breaks we could join him for...but for the past two and a half weeks...I have been doing 97% of the parenting...with a little 18 month old who is very clingy and nervous of people...and busy...and not loving the heat or the food. oh my soul. please please let actual CAMP be better, Lord. please.

Jonah is in NYC as we speak with Jason and most of the counsellors for the first day of registration...they take a bus in and pick up the kids...should be back to the camp in the next hour and a half, hopefully.  And it is HOT!!! I have air conditioning in my bedroom, and I still find it quite warm. 

Jonah is so pumped for the kids to get to camp! I really hope camp is what he imagines it to be...I hope he is as excited after the kids actually GET here as he has been anticipating their arrival.  He is so much like me...I am afraid he puts too much mental energy into things, and his expectations are so high about excitement and relationships and time together! I hope this summer will truly be an amazing experience for him.  For all of us, really. Its not been super easy so far...just the long days of Jason 'doing ministry', while I still have the needs of the kids to try to handle...that dis-connect that comes on all sides when there are so many distractions.  Jason has a big responsibility this summer...to lead camp...and still lead his family...to be handling the needs of his leadership team, his counsellors, his campers...his wife...and his own two boys.  We are remembering now why ministry can be so hard on a family...but: we believe God brought us here and has a purpose in our being here...and we will try to trust Him...and let Him use us to show everyone who glances our way...what it looks like to love Jesus, and love others. Not an easy task.  And not possible when I put the expectation on myself...I've already fallen short...its hard.  I realize how very selfish I am and how I can so easily grow bitter and critical when things aren't going my way...or when I am tired, defeated, frustrated, resentful of time others are getting from Jay that I feel I deserve...'cause I have certainly felt all those things and then some the past couple weeks.  But...I was reminded again yesterday, of the importance of choosing to be thankful...of intentionally looking for the joys and gratitudes...and there are, indeed...many. 

So...on this super hot day, waiting for the first session of Camp Joy kids to arrive...as I listen to my waking babe down the hall...I am grateful that God is showing me new mercies every day...that His love and attitude towards me are still loving...and He's offering me mercy again...today.  I need Him.  In this spiritual community...I often feel cynical...I look around at those 'kids' who are experiencing 'highs'...knowing the 'lows' are likely just around the corner...seeing their immaturity and naivety...and instead of joining in on their spiritual highs...I sit on the side-lines, being smug and 'common sense' about spiritual journeys...but I am ashamed at my attitude, and grateful for His grace...still ever-grateful for His goodness...and asking Him to help me to SEE.......Jesus.  To give me a greater hunger for His Word...and to be humble enough to know He has brought me here not just to use me...but to work in me...to show me He's still changing lives...and begging Him to change mine...that I will be more in love with Him...that I will stop GETTING IN THE WAY.  I need so much more patience...and a heart that is gracious and full of compassion. full of Him.  I type because I can look back on these words and remember that God is working and stirring  in me to love Him and trust Him and stop wishing time away....things come and go too quickly to be always wishing for something else.  Erin and I always say 'wherever you are...be all there..." a motto I need to live by this summer.

New York...two weeks in...

Two weeks?! What in the world? It feels like a lifetime already, in some ways...so far removed from my 'regular life'...but we have officially been here at Camp Joy in Carmel, New York...for two whole weeks.

It is surreal to be back here, to say the least.  As we were driving and getting closer, it was so strange all the landmarks and road signs that seemed so familiar, even though the images and names hadn't crossed our minds in 8 years. Very weird how our minds store information we don't even know is there!

The boys did really, really great on the trip...and it was a long one! Especially considering neither of them have EVER been in the car that long...about 15 hours total, though we broke it up into two driving days so we could visit with Jay's family near Nobleboro, Maine.

It was a whirl-wind weekend before we left, with Erin's wedding and friends visiting and packing, and leaving our house...insane, really. Its a wonder we made it here in one piece...Neither one of us are great planners or packers...we always say we will do better next time, but...then friends come and visit, and of course, we would much rather visit than pack!!! yikes. We'll never learn....

Anyways...we're here.  Jay pretty much just jumped right back into camp ministry...but...for me: its not quite the same as when we were here before, with two little boys in tow...one of whom is 18 months old, and very busy...and very shy...and loves his Mama...like: a lot.  I'm slowly feeling like I'm finding a groove a bit...its still orientation for the staff, so our 'place' is a little foggy right now, as the schedule isn't as accommodating for two little boys as it might be when camp actually begins, this Sunday.  But, the days have been okay, and I feel better when I'm connecting with people...or at least connecting with my kids, instead of just 'surviving'...

The boys are certainly being 'loved on', though...especially Levi...(of course! the one who is a little more intimidated by people, he's the one who gets showered with attention and tickles and people in his face...) Jonah has been very busy keeping up with the 9, 10, and 11 year old staff kids...5 bigger boys for him to play with...he's in his glory, for sure!! He's been learning to ride a scooter, and is gone some days almost all day long, riding his little scooter, playing at the basketball court, chasing his friends, or playing with the counsellors...it is non-stop action for that kid! He's picked up a little bit more of an attitude while we've been here, too....THAT, I'm not such a fan of. And the independence he's got here is confusing him about who's still in charge here! oh my word. And parenting in such a public place is not super fun...though its probably saved his life a few times!! .....joking......

Anyways.  I am very thankful to have a little house to live in for the summer...and we have a washer and dryer (no-one hangs their clothes on the line here...so strange!), and a shower and tub...and beds, and couches and a table and chairs...fridge, stove...and an air conditioner was put in yesterday, which is certainly making life a little more bearable, too...its certainly not 'home', though...I didn't realize how much of my identity is found in my home...where I spend the majority of my time, and what I 'do' is mostly in my home...I've felt a little lost at times not having my 'stuff' around me.  But...I'm finding a bit of a groove.  And really trying to be 'present' and not wishing time away, or pining after home and my family and friends who are continuing life without me...This is a pretty amazing opportunity, and I want to enjoy it, and do and be whoever God has planned for to happen in my life and heart this summer. 

I just got the password for the internet for my laptop lastnight, so I will try to hopefully update this blog a bit now that I can actually type and be connected to the internet! But this is a start...and all for now, I guess...

Mother's Day

I always feel a little 'heavy' on Mother's Day...its a celebration, of course of OUR Mothers...and an intentional recognition of celebrating all they do for us.  So, on the one hand: I think of MY Mom...seriously the MOST gracious and patient woman I know.  I honestly do NOT remember her raising her voice at us as kids...nor do I remember her being a zombie, or being 'checked out'...so...I cannot imagine the patience and grace needed to raise 5 kids, pretty much single-handedly (no offence to my Dad, but...he was a Pastor...and of the generation and mindset where 'the ministry' came first, so....I'll not delve too deeply into THAT subject, but...really...she handled most of the parenting...) Such an amazing example of godliness and kindness and generosity and self-lessness...if I could aspire to be half the mother she is...I would be pretty amazing.  So, I consider it a huge, huge blessing to be the daughter and friend of such a woman.  These days, while I still need my Mama...she is a friend...sometimes we feel pretty certain at the end of our lengthy conversations, that if people would just consult us...perhaps the problems of the world would be solved!! We have so much to say, if only someone would give us a chance!! haha. But she really is one of my very closest friends and confidants...I am incredibly grateful for the relationship we have, and so thankful to live so close...its pretty amazing to see her as a "Mammie" to my boys...again: the patience and grace she exhibits...yikes: its a rebuke to my very impatient and ungracious soul.  She's awesome. And I celebrate her, as I try to, not JUST on Mother's Day, but...whenever I can...she deserves it...she is STILL caring for us, and showing me what it means to be self-less and serve others...she does it well, and from a sincere and loving heart. I am beyond blessed to call her my Mother.

So -- on Mother's Day...we celebrate our Moms. As we should. 

And for those of us 'lucky enough' to BE moms ourselves...we are celebrated.  And, being the mother of two small-ish boys...one of whom is oblivious to the reasons for the celebrating, and one of whom is gung-ho for pretty much ANY type of celebration...for me: its the joy of BEING a Mama...yes, its the sweet cozy PINK throw blanket that is for 'Mama only', and the card dictated to Jason to write on his behalf...getting to be one of my most looked-forward-to times of any celebration...for this boy does love to make cards!!...it is the yummy meal and the excitement of celebrating...but its really, truly...the fact that I AM a Mama...that makes me grateful on a day like Mother's Day. Not because every single moment of my mothering is blissful...but because I GET to be a Mama.  Its a joy I was denied for many years, when my heart literally ACHED to be a Mama, and its not something I forget...the pain and difficulty of a day specifically set aside to celebrate not only OUR mothers, but BEING a Mother...when your heart is longing to know what its like to hold a baby of your very own in your arms...to FEEL what it feels like to be a mother, to have a Mothers Day card written for YOU...to finally BE the Mom instead of only HAVING a Mom...the pain is indescribable on a day like today for many...I remember it.  So, while I celebrate my Mom...and feel celebrated as a Mom...I cannot help but think of others who must be finding today difficult...it was a painful day for me for many years...I am beyond grateful that God has allowed me to be a Mama to these two sweet little boys.  I do not relish absolutely every single waking moment as I once thought I would, because, honestly: some moments are not to be relished. Its hard, being a Mom...its incredibly waring on my nerves sometimes...seeing the 'bad parts' of myself in my 5 year old boy who is SO MUCH LIKE ME!!!!...its annoying sometimes, honestly!!!! But...really: I love being a Mama...and for the most part, as is suggested in the name of this blog, I really am a 'happy little Mama'...its my joy, to be raising these two little people...I hope I do them justice...

Amanda did a reading at her church this morning - and I wish I could have heard her.  She is an amazing Mama...raising such a good boy on her own...and doing it WELL...I'm blessed to be able to watch her mother...and so happy our boys love each other.  She doesn't read this as far as I know, so I won't make a long sappy tribute to her!! But I wanted to share what she read this morning...

To those who gave birth this year to their first child—we celebrate with you
To those who lost a child this year – we mourn with you
To those who are in the trenches with little ones every day and wear the badge of food stains – we appreciate you
To those who experienced loss through miscarriage, failed adoptions, or running away—we mourn with you
To those who walk the hard path of infertility, fraught with pokes, prods, tears, and disappointment – we walk with you. Forgive us when we say foolish things. We don’t mean to make this harder than it is.
To those who are foster moms, mentor moms, and spiritual moms – we need you
To those who have warm and close relationships with your children – we celebrate with you
To those who have disappointment, heart ache, and distance with your children – we sit with you
To those who lost their mothers this year – we grieve with you
To those who experienced abuse at the hands of your own mother – we acknowledge your experience
To those who lived through driving tests, medical tests, and the overall testing of motherhood – we are better for having you in our midst
To those who have aborted children – we remember them and you on this day
To those who are single and long to be married and mothering your own children – we mourn that life has not turned out the way you longed for it to be
To those who step-parent – we walk with you on these complex paths
To those who envisioned lavishing love on grandchildren -yet that dream is not to be, we grieve with you
To those who will have emptier nests in the upcoming year – we grieve and rejoice with you
To those who placed children up for adoption — we commend you for your selflessness and remember how you hold that child in your heart
And to those who are pregnant with new life, both expected and surprising –we anticipate with you
This Mother’s Day, we walk with you. Mothering is not for the faint of heart and we have real warriors in our midst. We remember you.

10 year anniversaries and other fun stuff

Wowzers...I clearly don't write enough - I feel like there is so much to say to catch up the past month or so!

Random thoughts here, because its to keep track of my life, since I am not journaling or even taking an abundance of pictures lately...what in the world is wrong with me?????

So - I turned 36 on April 26...and that is perhaps the reason for my failing memory and lack of organization. perhaps, but...I think its just me.

I got an Ipad mini from Jay for my birthday...which I didn't really wanna take out of its plastic wrap because...we truly cannot afford an Ipad mini. But -- I'm grateful for a kind husband who loves to spoil me and tries to encourage me to have nice things and even though I know the truth: he never makes me 'feel' poor...he is sweet like that.  holla back for credit increases on your credit cards less than a week later, too, am I right???? :)

So - that's been fun...and Jonah is pretty pumped about it, too! Thanks, Jay, for one more thing to lord over Jonah's head when he's mis-behaving. Which seems to be often these days, but...that's not what I'm writing about today. 'Cause he's a good boy...its not his fault he's so much like his Mama, it about drives her crazy most days because...when we're both happy, we're awesome...and when we're not, we are verbal...and get mad and are stubborn and don't back down 'til we get our WORDS OUT!!!! yikes. let's just say, I realize a lot about myself, watching this kid.

and its our own fault for choosing to have our wedding one week exactly after my birthday. we get pretty low on the funds every year around this time. and we cannot help but celebrate: we do love ourselves some birthdays around here!! its NOT our fault that we had Jonah 2 weeks exactly before my birthday...that was out of our hands...but...it contributes to the celebration/broke-ness we experience in the month surrounding our anniversary....

so, yeah, we celebrated our 10 year anniversary on Friday.  We thought it deserved to be celebrated with an overnight in Moncton at the Residence Inn...which is un-be-lievably nice. Like: I would live there -- it is so clean and huge and has everything you need: full size stainless steel fridge, dishwasher, kitchen, dishes, couch, dressers, KING SIZE BED!!! -- huge shower...oh my soul -- its beautiful. The only thing missing: a tub. But -- they DO have a hot tub. Which we certainly took advantage of! And we had the whole pool to ourselves. Good thing: we laughed our foolish heads off, re-enacting a scene from New Girl that is hilarious when you're not....tiny, like we are...not. hmm. anyways. we had soooo so much fun -- felt like we were on our honeymoon - it was just so fun not having a schedule or kids to come back to -- just walking around Moncton, eating Mexican food, going to the movies, eating cheesecake...relaxing in the hot tub - waking up when we CHOSE TO!!...eating a delish breakfast, shopping, laughing, talking, dreaming, and just enjoying every minute. for real. it was awesome. we missed the boys a little bit, but...we just enjoyed each other. and its always nice to have an opportunity to miss your kids...I was so happy to see them again. Didn't take long to get back into 'real life'...so, a nice little break every once in a while is good.

Ummm. hmm. what else is going on these days? oh yeah. we're going to NEW YORK for the summer! what?????

So -- Jay's heart has certainly never stopped having a place for those kids from Camp Joy...and I'm sooo glad I got to see him working there for 3 summers...it was so amazing seeing the ways he loves those kids and his heart and his gifts and just the ability he had leading camp...such a perfect job for him...and I'm so glad he gets to do it again, and that we can all be there to experience it together. Two little boys in tow will certainly make for a different experience than when we were there before...it will be so different, not even living there now - having had a whole 8 years of LIFE happen since we last stepped foot on that property. I think it will have its challenges, for sure, but -- what an adventure! What an awesome place for two little boys to spend an entire summer! I won't be working there, since Levi is too little to be giving this Mama too much 'free time' - but we'll incorporate ourselves into camp as much as we can -- I'm sure Jonah will especially! He is soo so excited! I'm so excited to do this as a family - and for Jonah to experience life there, and chapel with all those little cuties dancing their hearts out...and I'm so excited to see Jay do this...its been a long time since we've done this together - and so much of our lives now are lived 'separately', ya know? So - I'm excited that we'll all be there together, on the same property every day...and I'm excited that I will be able to 'escape' when I need to...I do so hate to be 'confined'...

anyways -- I'll keep posted...

This is getting rather long, and...honestly: I'm trying to watch TV!! - So I'll sign off.  I'm excited for the change of pace we're about to enter in the next 3 weeks.  So fun. a little 'hiatus' from our life. I think it will be so good for us.  And I can hardly wrap my mind around the fact that when we come back, Jonah will be going to SCHOOL just a few days later. Insane. Time goes entirely too fast.

My little sister is getting ready to be married in 3 and a half weeks - and its so fun seeing her excitement getting her NEW HOME ready!! They just bought a house, and its only a 10 minute walk or less from my house! So, that's awesome...I'm so blessed to live so close to most of my family. I keep trying to 'warn' Jonah that we won't see them all summer long...I'm hoping he won't be home-sick...this boy loves his family!

Okay. I said I was signing off. And I am. Right now. G'night.

Jonah is 5 Years Old

 

1. Favorite TV Show: Phineas and Ferb and Sonic the Hedgehog.
2. Favorite color: orange and blue.
3. Favorite book: Phineas and Ferb magazine and Geronimo (Stilton)
4. Favorite toy/hobby: look at books, building towers, playing computer and with Daddy’s ipod.
5. Favorite food: chicken on the bone and Rice Chex
6. Favorite friends: Daddy and Mama, cousins, Erin and Danny, Mike and Alyson, Levi, Darian.
7. Favorite outfit: Sonic sweater and Mario shirt (just new for his birthday)
8. Favorite fruit: not banana. its better than banana: orange.
9. Favorite snack: cookies - vanilla.
10. Favorite animal: platypus.
11. Favorite cereal: little cereals.
12. Favorite thing to do outside: play with my ladder (also new for this birthday)
13. Favorite restaurant: favorite ‘srestraunt’ is Swiss Chalet.
14. Favorite drink: orange juice or milkshake.
15. Who/what do you like to have in bed with you: Perry, Larry, Tyrone, puppies, blue blanket and star blanket.
16. What meal do you want for your birthday: enchiladas, beans, rice...and Rice Chex. (got a laugh the first time, so he wanted to try it again!)
17. What do you want to do when you grow up? I wanna be a librarian.
18. What makes you so happy right now? play with my toys from my birthday, I love Mama, snuggling with Mama, and playing with my ladder.
19. What is your favorite song? worship songs.
20. What do you like the best about you? helping people, I think I’m funny, playing computer games and Leap Pad and Daddy’s Ipod.

 

 

So - my baby is 5 years old. Something about '5' that seems so...old. He had his kindergarten assessment this week - which is a mile-stone in and of itself...and now here he is: an actual 5 year old. What?????

I love this kid. so much. He is sweet and funny and charming and fun and up for anything - everything is an 'adventure' for Jonah - anything out of the ordinary seems so exciting to him.  I usually make breakfast a big deal on his birthday - but since I had to work in the morning, we had a small pizza delivered to us for lunch, and he thought that was so much fun! Then we played Scrabble Junior -- poor kid, I clearly don't play games with him enough -- he was on top of the world that we were playing that!! And he was bouncing off the walls at his party at supper-time with Papa and Mammie, Erin and Danny, Mike and Alyson, Amanda and Silas, and Lori, Maggie, Sarah, and MaryAnne - a house FULL of people - and he was sooo so happy! He got awesome presents - and was so happy with each one -- I was so grateful for that -- he handled the chaos and loads of 'stuff' really well and was kind and happy and non-bratty -- always a plus!!

I see so much of myself in Jonah -- both good and bad, unfortunately...things I know about myself, when I see in him....I'm even more aware of those characteristics in myself...which is why when we 'fight'...we really get on each others' nerves...we are both very 'react-ory' when we're hurt or frustrated...very verbal and just needing to be heard...so when we're upset with each other...well: its even more frustrating for both of us...but...we get over things once we get our words out, generally speaking. We have a lot of passion, both of us!! Which can be good...and can be bad, too, of course! He is full of mercy, though -- so many times, I am ashamed of my reactions and quick-ness with things that upset me...and he is so quick to forgive me and move on.  He is a very good communicator - I never have to wonder what he's thinking or what's on his mind - he wears his heart on his sleeve.  He's very sensitive - when he knows he's hurt us or disappointed us, he gets teary and sad...when he makes us mad...he tends to be quite stubborn and angry...I remind him several times a day that he needs to stop 'growling'...when he's frustrated he 'growls' or grunts - and makes these angry sounds...which drives me crazy...and then I hear those same annoying sounds coming out of my mouth...and I internally reprimand myself for the same thing. yikes.

He loves to pray...and I so often wish I could record his prayers, because I don't want to ever forget the sweetness and depth of truth he already knows about Jesus - and how he talks to Him and thanks Him and worships Him with this simple, profound child-like faith. I've learned much from him.  He loves to sing - loves to dance! He still makes up worship songs - that are pretty near impossible to listen to without your eyes filling with tears and your heart exploding with love...I love his heart.

He is so eager to please - loves to help me cook, set the table, clear the table -- vacuum!! - help with Levi - clean up his toys - get dressed by himself.  He still loves the bath - yesterday I was finishing up a few things in the kitchen while he was in the tub - and he washed his hair and body and got himself OUT of the tub, hung up the bath mat and put all the toys away before I even realized what he had done! I guess he figures he's old enough!

He loves playing outside -- even more-so when he has someone to play with, of course! He entertains himself quite well most of the time - still loves building towers and playing with all his little toys...he's a very good little artist these days! He's really interested in learning about numbers and letters and anything 'school-y'! I think he will love school!!

He's so awesome with Levi (most of the time!) - and just instinctively helps him and 'rescues' him when he falls or starts going up the stairs -- I love seeing these two together -- they mutually adore each other -- I hope this is always true of them! Jonah can make Levi laugh like nobody else can!! They play really well together and just love each other so much -- I'm so grateful!

My battery is dying on my computer -- and I see I have rambled on enough, anyways. I'm so thankful for this little boy -- Happy Birthday, Jonah Daniel Mark -- I love you.

My baby is 15 Months

I mean, seriously...he is every bit as delicious and sweet as you might imagine by looking at all this cuteness right here. And he gave us REAL kisses tonight for the first time...he's been giving us those open-mouth, slobbery sweet baby kisses for a long time...but we got the real deal tonight - puckered up and the sound and everything...for about 5 minutes straight...we were all in a trance - none of us wanted to stop!! Me and Jay were both kind of holding him when we were kissing him goodnight, and Jay kissed me on the cheek...and its like Levi finally understood! Haha -- kisses all around...we were melting on the spot, I'm telling you...so sweet.

So - this babe...is just a little cuddle-bug...so sweet and easy and charming in his own little way...he doesn't give his affections to absolutely everybody like Jonah did at his age, but...to those he does...he can just weasel his way right into your heart. He is quite a fan of Aunt Erin and Mammie -- reaching out to them the instant he lays eyes on either of them...and cries every time they leave.  He's made both of them quite smitten, I think! He loves praying -- holding our hands and nodding his head up and down while he says several times "awww-men." At night-time when I'm holding him and he's sucking his thumb, he'll take his thumb out to say amen when I'm praying with him. So sweet.  He loves to sing and dance, just like his brother! He can't listen to music without tapping his little feet and bending his knees. He's a great sleeper -- sleeps anywhere from 12-14 hours at night, and naps once or twice during the day, for a good 2 - 4 hours (unless he sleeps in too late, then he'll nap only once).  He's a good eater -- can easily eat as much as Jonah.  We went to Boom Burger the other night and had to order him his own hamburger -- yikes...eating out is getting more expensive now!  He loves hamburgers! Still loves his milk! And BREAD -- oh my word, sometimes we have to hide the bread if we're having it with a meal, 'cause once he spots it, he only wants the bread.  He's walking everywhere -- and starting to pick up speed now!! And he sneaks up the stairs every chance he gets! He's not quite as good at getting DOWN, though, so I have to keep my eye on him!  He's a very easy, content baby -- just plays and reads books and entertains himself...he's quite a fan of Mama, too -- seems to need more snuggles and being held lately, but...still very good to just play.  I wouldn't say he has a 'strong personality', but...baby definitely knows what he wants - he's not super easy to distract! Persistent, for sure.  loves books - and loves climbing up into his little black chair, and slides down into it so his head can rest on the back or on the arm...so cute.  He adores Jonah -- and they play quite well together -- he's not afraid to stand up to Jonah, though!!

I can hardly imagine my life without this little fella in it...we are all just so in love with him...He may be the 'second child', but...he's certainly not hurtin' for affection or attention! Just so tiny and cute and lovable! I am loving the stage that both these boys are at right now -- wish I could make time stand still sometimes...I am still just truly so happy that I get to be their Mama and get to spend so much time with them.  Its not all bliss and roses all the time...but...I am very aware of the gift and blessing they are, and the joy is truly mine, that I get to be home with them...time goes entirely too fast.

Happy 15 months, baby boy. We love you.