Besides the every day unexpected trials and tribulations, I've really struggled with splitting my time between both of our kids. Every day. I find it a struggle.
I know, everyone goes through this.
But it still doesn't help me.
Or make me feel better.
Let me paint the picture for you.
Clayton. All over, all the time. No breaths. No breaks. Constant eyes need to be on him almost all of the waking hours. He puts things in his mouth, gives things to the dog, climbs, falls. I seriously feel like I never stop with him.
Then there's Mal. Questions about everything. Wanting to do everything. Can we paint? Can we play dolls? Can we play doctor? I'm hungry. I'm thirsty. Let's do this. How about that? Did you hear me mom? Come look at this.
Then there's me. Pulled. Torn. Going here and there and everywhere. Never stopping. Never sitting down. Constantly doing something. Wanting to meet the needs of BOTH of our kids. ALL the time. It makes me crazy.
Then I have their separate moments with just me. When each of them are sleeping at separate times.* Sitting with Clay working on his words. Really playing with just him and having all my focus on him. Or playing games or cooking with Mal. When I can answer her questions, and really listen to what she's saying.
It's crazy. (Yes, I said that twice. Must be true).
Especially the developmental differences right now. Mal can do so much more than Clay can right now. And Clay needs so much more guidance. I feel one is always getting gypped in an activity.
But then I think about it. Mal is modeling to Clay how and what to do. Clay is giving Mal a chance to slow down, explain things. And me. I'm just there. Holding on. Hoping they're both learning in the process.
Is that the teacher in me?? Probably. I can't help it. It's in my blood. And always will be.
* Which notice this means NO break for me:o) K, just checking to see if you noticed that.
Top 11 for LAST week:
(Sundays have seemed to be busy lately)
11. Surprise! No, we are not pregnant:o) HA! Anyways, took Mal to the doctor this week for her persistent cough. She'd had it for 2-3 weeks. Turns out--she had pneumonia!!! I was in complete shock!!! And felt like a horrible mother. No fever, tiredness, lack of hunger or energy. It was so strange. But I was glad to get her in and get it taken care of. Who knew?!?!?
10. Sunday Catch-up. Sundays have turned into my catch-up days. I honestly can get SO much done in such a short time. Both kids took great naps...which lead to the a clean bathroom and kitchen, humidified washed and new filters put in, bread making, laundry folded, and other little misc jobs. Amazing what I can do in just a few hours!! Before kids, this was extremely not the norm.
9. Library FOR Clay. The roads and weather were so bad on Thursday that I decided to stay in Paw Paw after I dropped Mal off at school. We went for a quick run to the grocery store (to grab a few snacks since I was not prepared to stay) and then headed to the library for a 0-2 program. He did great!!! He was sharing, playing nicely with the other little kids. However, he was the only one running around the room and making loud noises. It was great to have something for just him. He's not used to that. This will become a regular thing for us:o)
8. No Cavities. I called the dentist last week. Yeah, it turns out I haven't been in the dentist in TWO years. Surprise again!:o) Seems I was having our second kid that year and then it all just went down hill from there. I was nervous all week about having cavities. Seriously. BUT I didn't!! Thank-you Lord!! That will never happen again. Promise Mom.
7. Home Activities. Every once and awhile (ha!), I try my best to get in some educational, hands-on learning in my house. This week we finger painted, made Valentine hearts, baked/cooked, made smoothies, played out in the snow. Games, doctor, cars, bride (yes--my daughter had me get out my veils and wanted my dress out too), monsters, baby, sleepovers, coloring/drawing, read books, puzzles, dress-up, dance party. Wow.
6. Oops. Clay peed on me twice one day this week. Which is really unusual. Even when he was a baby, he was not one to do that. So this day was a huge surprise. He got me once while I was putting him on his potty and another after I put him in the tub to wash his pee off of him. So bad that I had to change my clothes TWICE. And my first outfit was a new match of old clothes that was cute. So I was bummed. While peeing on me the first time, he also peed on his sister who was going to the bathroom at the same time. Who doesn't have potty parties?? After gathering up all of the tainted clothes, I quickly threw them in the washer not realizing I also put his diaper in. GROSS. It was everywhere. Two washes, helped. But some of the clothes still have it on them. Lesson learned. I hope.
5. Church. I really dislike saying this but it has been awhile since we've been to church (like a few months). Being 30 minutes away, it's a drive with both screaming kids. Enough said. Anyways, I love being there and get excited about going. This week was on change. Which hit home. Change is not easy. Lots of uneasy feelings and questions but He is there.
4. Clayisms. Monster eater. He has got to be growing this week:o) Or in the process. One lunch this week he ate TWO crust less PB & J, 2 cucumber slices, 1/2 a banana, 1/2 egg, AND 2 pieces of cheese. Unbelievable. And he probably would have ate more! He also fell again this week, split the piece of skin between his lip and upper jaw (my mom had a name for it but I can't remember what it's called), and it wouldn't stop bleeding. It was around nap time. I grabbed his blanket, him, and heading to his room. While putting pressure on his lip, I rocked my almost 2-year old to sleep. It was precious. And it makes me sad to think that I might not do that again. I really was shocked he fell asleep but I soaked in every last breath. One heartfelt moment.
3. Malloryisms. Not too many sayings this week. In fact none:o) However, last Tuesday she came home from school on this filling your bucket kick. Which if you are an educator, I'm sure you've had a seminar or PD on this concept. When you compliment or do something nice for someone you are filling up their bucket, and if mean or making someone feel bad, you are taking away their bucket fillings. I was surprised how much she really understood and took in. It was extremely positive and made her aware of her actions. I need to remember this on days like today, where she taking "it" out of our buckets:o) She is very hot and cold with her brother. One minute she's hugging him like crazy, helping him in every way--and then the next, she's pushing him, wanting to be away from him. It confuses me.
2. SNOW. I know some of you dislike the snow. I say if it's going to be cold, let's have LOTS of it. AND we do!! The kids and I have enjoyed playing in it. It's not my favorite to drive in...but I do like being out in it. I think I need some snowshoes:o)
1. Healthy Living. I honestly can't tell you the last time I felt this great. Almost every night this week, I went to bed without feeling sick to my stomach. And there wasn't a morning this week that I woke up with a headache (I had one when that winter storm went through). Or having muscle aches all day without even working out. I have more energy. My attitude is better which I attribute to my less "sick" feeling. I really don't want this gluten free thing to be my future. But I am amazed at how much better I feel. It scares me. I need some gluten advice.
Well, that's it folks!
Another week down.
More lessons learned,
more tasks completed.
Hope you had a great Monday.
Until next week,
Mrs. Newell
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