Round 2

So today I had a Young Women Presidency meeting at my house. While we were talking Luke came in again with -you guessed it- poop on his hands! Plus he also decided to color the kitchen floor with his brown crayon-I guess I should be thankful that is the only thing brown there. Ha ha!

Two year olds are disgusting!

Wow!!! Okay, so we have been talking about starting to potty train Luke. We thought that we would wait a few more months at the advice of those who have done it before. We figure that when he is a little older and when it is warmer makes sense. But today I wish that he was. He has started hiding when he needs to poop. This isn't usually a big deal, but occasionally he will emerge from his secret special place with poop all over his hands. Apparently when he is done he decides to explore. But I guess thankfully he developed his Dad's sticky hands phobia so he immediately comes to me to clean him up. Not a fun job. This has only happened a couple of times-and very sporadically. So today-(of course since I am writing this)it happens. But for an added bonus he decides that the family room carpet makes more sense for cleaning than water and soap.AHHH! So I clean him up and we have a conversation about not putting his hands down his pants. My pediatrician warned me about not doing the "shame and blame" thing. So as positively as I could we discussed why that was gross and not to do it again. He looks at me with his big blue eyes and says, "okay, Mama." On he goes to play. I kid you not-1 hour later-he comes to me with his hand covered in poop. This time I admit to say I wasn't so upbeat about it.
Jake and I always laugh that changing a kid his age is like changing a teenager. One time Jake said to me, "I swear I half expect when I put his legs down for him to ask me for the keys to the car." I laughed so hard. It is amazing how there age creeps up on you. Jake and I are not the type to be squeamish about diaper changing, but babies are one thing. This is bad-and this is coming from someone who used to change adults!
Anyway, so as if you were not grossed out enough, another side note of a habit I am trying to stifle. Again thanks to his father's sticky hands phobia, Luke hates to get his hands dirty when he eats. You would think that this would encourage a mess free eating pattern-oh no, he makes a mess, but has recently decided that using his hair as a napkin, instead of the one provided, works great! The napkin or rag that we give him he feels is better suited for wiping the table! I guess at least he is trying, but needing more frequent baths.
I am sure that I will miss these days when they are gone, but sometimes I am anxious for personal cleanliness to kick in!

Let me explain

I feel compelled to let you all know that we are doing fine. Everyone was so sweet to leave comments on my last blog, and I even got a concerned phone call about it. I guess that in writing I am not very good at conveying that it was less serious than it sounded. I was just frustrated. The only reason I decided to write it was because I thought that so many of you would be able to relate to the frustrations we all face day to day. Just an outlet. I am fine, we are all fine. And yes, we will survive Decatur-if only just. Just kidding! love you all.

I hate rude people

Today I decided to take Luke to the mall to play on the indoor jungle gym. I felt like he needed some exercise and a change of pace for the day. The area is for children 42" and smaller. The last two times I have taken him there it is full of BIG kids. Last time it was full of probably 12 year olds and today there were seceral kids pushing my height-I know that isn't saying a whole lot as far as height goes-but still way to big to be running and jumping off of the equipment. What gets me so fired up about it is that the parents are sitting there, watching there kids almost clobber (? spelling) the little kids. I was sitting on the side holding Ty when this girl fell right into me and Ty. I was so ticked! Then the big kids wouldn't let Luke down one of the slides. I have been to public playgrounds before and there are always those who don't obey the rules, a few bullies and oblivious parents. But I swear it is worse here. Almost everytime I go out in public I am amazed at the lack of class, courtesy and respect around here. It is absolutely ridiculous. I feel like a fish out of water most of the time. I know that nowhere is perfect, but for those of you who think we exaggerate our town, I affirm that it really is THAT bad!
Jake was talking to his boss the other day about the customer service here. Holt, is from Mineapolis. He was laughing so hard at the stark contrast in customer service. I swear people here do not know the definition. Most people we know that are transplants here just like us say the same thing about the town. And to those of you who have so graciously visited us, you understand a little. My sister, Heather, always makes me feel good about backing me up on this-the town is a hole! I know that some of you try to make me feel good about it and say that is couldn't possbily be that bad, but it is. I just feel bad for Jake. I know that whenever I run into issues out and about it is frustrating, but these people are his every day world. They are his employees and his donors. Every day he is constantly reminded of the yucky things of the world. He gets threats and there have been some altercations in and outside his work, one knife fight. A lot of his donors are just completely living off of the government with no desire to better themselves, comletely no self-worth or sense of inner pride. I know dealing with that day in and day out is so taxing on Jake. I love him so much for working so hard for our family.
Sorry to complain. I actually just meant to post about the stupid people at the mall and this kinda turnded into a "I hate Decatur" gripe session. Thanks for the therapy.

Ty's Nursery

I have been saying that I was going to post pictures of Ty's nursery-voila!

2007 in Review

I thought I would do a highlight real of 2007. As I was putting it together it made me so happy to think of all the great moments and memories of 2007! Luke has changed so much. He has gone from our little baby to a big boy. Now a year later it is hard to picture our life without Ty, and Jake I love you even more today. Our five year anniversary trip to L.A. was some of the best times I have ever had with you-and that is saying something! Here's to many more years together!

Check out my Slide Show!

New phase

Well Ty had his 4 month check-up today. He is doing well, weighing in at just under 15 lbs. and 24 1/2 inches. So he is in the 5oth percentile for weight, just under 50th for length and just over 50th for head circumfrance. We started our first solids today-yum yum, rice cereal. He didn't like it much, but we will try again. I loved this phase with Luke. Trying new foods with them is fun to watch their reactions. Luke was always so funny-he would make the loudest "yummy" noises while he ate, and he could never get enough. I also love this next phase because selfishly it makes my life a little easier, I am now not his only source of nourishment, so I can let Dad take over sometimes, and I am not stuck nursing quite as often.
Ty is so funny. Now that he rolls, he won't do anything but. As soon as you lay him on the floor he rolls right to his tummy, and sometimes rolls over and over again to get to what he wants. SO fun!

Growing up so fast

Ty is four months old today! I can't believe it! He really is such a sweet baby. He had a rough few weeks at the beggining of December, but is back to sleeping 8-9 hours at night before waking up around 6 am for his morning feeding. Then he goes back to sleep for another 2-3 hours. He also still naps a lot of the day. He rarely cries and is so happy and smiley.He keeps rolling over, but he does get a little frustrated when he gets his arm in the way and it doesn't work. He loves his big brother, and I must admit, lights up when I come near. Jake says that he follows me around the room with his eyes if I am moving around or talking. I am so grateful for him.

Best New Years Ever

Today I have been reflecting on my best New Years Day ever. It was last New Years. Jake and I woke up that morning with a lot on our mind. For the fifth strait month we were wondering if all that we had gone through that month would give us the most wonderful blessing-a new baby. We had decided that if I still had not started then we would take a test that morning. Jake got up and went to the grocery store to buy a pregnancy test. For the second time we felt overwhelming joy as we saw it turn positive. Our prayers had been answered and we were going to have another baby. Luke would be blessed with a sibling and our family would feel complete. I will always remember ringing in the New Year with one of my best days of my life. I am so grateful for Ty.