First tantrums, golf, and saying "thank you"...

It's not my favorite milestone. But, we're all human, right? Little Lady pitched her first full-blown tantrum yesterday. I THINK she was mad at me for not nursing her for the 2nd time in 30 minutes? Maybe it was something else? She didn't want to be held. Instead, she dove for the floor and wailed there, kicking her legs and refusing to look at me. I had to try hard not to laugh. In part, it was funny; but it was also so revealing about her personality. Jackson wants to be held when he's angry. He wants to talk about it and find some sort of reconciliation (even if it's unreasonable). He wants you to know he's mad, and he wants you to know why he's mad. He might look a lot like Andrew, but he's so like me in that respect. Evie? My mini-me, but Just. Like. Her. Daddy. They want to be left alone when they are mad (seldom happens, but watch out when it does). They'll let you know when they are finished (find something to do because it may be a while), but they probably won't want to talk about it even then. Funny how kids make you see your flaws in such real (and sometimes, dramatically unfortunate) ways. 

Jackson and I start preschool at home next week. We're both super excited! :) In addition to his love for cars, monster trucks, and trains, he has also decided to take a huge interest in golf. I know NOTHING about golf...except that the commentators make for good background noise during a Sunday afternoon nap (not that I get to take those anymore - I'm remembering this from my childhood, of course). We've played putt-putt twice now, and he approaches each hole with a strategy. Thanks to Daddy, he now owns a putter, a driver, and an iron. Apparently, an iron is also a chipper? Jackson told me that. We also have golf balls (and other things not originally designed for that purpose) all over the house in "holes." Andrew told him once when to use which club. Now, he spouts off distances to the hole and selects (usually appropriately, I think) the right club to use. I'm blown away by this obsession and his ability to stay interested in it. Golf is expensive, right? You can start donating funds immediately! Are there such things as "golf moms"? :)

I'm loving Evie's new-found love for reading. She prefers books with animals in them, making this adorable giggle for her favorites: dogs, giraffes, elephants, and bears. The best part? She MUST sit in a lap to read. When she toddles over (because she never crawls anymore...) with a book in hand, be prepared to place her in your lap before reading. Otherwise, she shakes her head letting you know that reading a book to her while she's in front of you, beside you, or just near you is unacceptable. I love it. Takes after her brother like that. Keep bringing me those books, Little Loves. 

People often say that your second-born children talk less. That has proven to be completely inaccurate around here. Evie can be and is just as vocal as her brother. She talks all day long, engages in lengthy "conversations" with us, and appropriately uses non-verbals (pointing, head shakes, etc.). My favorite of late? Just last week she said "thank you" for the first time. It sounds a lot like "taaaaan-ooo," which is fabulous. She says it most when I give her food. Girl after my own heart. :) 

Feeling grateful around here...tantrums and all!

The Perfect Picnic

This is #108 on my way to one thousand gifts if you're counting with me...

I often have to remind Jackson (and Payton when she's with us) that certain toys are "baby/toddler toys" and that big brother can play with Evie's toy IF he's playing with her, but NOT if he takes it from her to play by himself. It's still a work in progress, see. 

But a few weeks ago, Jackson decided that he wanted to play with Evie's picnic basket. This was no ordinary picnic basket. It was full of all the necessary picnic supplies - plates, cups, food, utensils, even a blanket. Instead of taking it from her, Jackson told me that he wanted to have a picnic with "Little Lady." I was moved and told him that I thought she'd LOVE it. She adores her big brother and beams every time he pays her the slightest attention.

He went to work setting up the whole thing – food on each plate, the place settings arranged to perfection. Then, he invited her to come: “Little Lady, would you like to come to a picnic with me?” She smiled and giggled because he was talking to her, and I helped get Evie to her seat. Jackson proceeded to explain to her each piece of the picnic, letting her “sample” each food. She just stared and smiled at him.

I stood a bit back not wanting to disrupt the moment. Jackson was being so sweet, and Evie was in awe of her big brother. I fought every temptation in my body to run for my phone or my camera so I could capture the moment and share it, but I knew I’d miss it all if I went. Instead, I just watched and soaked it all in, begging God to commit that moment to my forever memory. I want to remember Evie’s face – sheer joy and wonder. I want to remember Jackson’s pleasure in doing something with her, maybe even for her.

Those are the gifts (the moments) I thank God for. And those are the moments I live for. 

Happy Birthday, Evie!

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

To Evelyn on this, your first birthday:

One year ago today, I woke up in denial that I was in labor and that you'd be (finally) joining us. I still wasn't completely sure you were my daughter and not my son, so it was my first question after you were born: "a girl, right?!" I had no idea what I'd do with a little girl - bedazzled pink outfits and pretty little bows were completely lost on me.

But you stole all of our hearts, little love. The moment you looked into our eyes we felt greater love than we'd ever known. And although Jackson took a few months to come around to you as our "Baby Evie," he loves his "Little Lady" and knows how important his job is to protect you.

There are so many things we love about you...your sweet smile, the way your nose scrunches up and your eyes twinkle, your wiggle dance, the way you have refused a bottle, your giggles and cries, your snuggles, hugs, and kisses, the way you melted your daddy's heart, watching you eat and truly enjoy it, the way you communicate with us verbally and non-verbally - a grunt, a point, and the way you shake your head, the sly way you crawl into my lap or entice us to feed you whatever's on our plates, your fearless climbing, your love for being outside, the way your face lights up when you hear music, see dogs, or get that much desired attention from your brother.

  

God has such great plans for you, sweet girl. Live a life of faith, and know that as The Lord has blessed you with beauty, grace, and health, He has in turn blessed me. Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mama

Heaven welcomed a great man today.

I have enjoyed seeing pictures of Grandpa Purvis with various family members on Facebook today. We're all celebrating his life and the fact that he is no longer in a failing earthly body. Instead of singing hymns today at church (or in his assisted living or hospital room), he is joining the angels in their never-ending song of praise to God. And, I imagine, he's glad to be reunited with loved ones who had gone before him.  Especially Elizabeth, who he often told me he missed so much.

Though I have only known Grandpa Purvis for a relatively short period of time, I will miss the deep, resonating sound of his voice in prayer over a meal and how he loved detailing a story of adventure or mischief. The first time I ever met him will be a memory forever-etched in my mind. He asked me to marry into this crazy Purvis family almost immediately...even before Andrew did. I have been blessed by his faithful prayers over the years and his annual Christmas card signed in his own handwriting. 

And, I am so glad that my children were able to meet such a wonderful man as Paul Purvis. They may only remember him in pictures and stories, but they will know his far-reaching legacy. 

 

  

 Miss you, Grandpa Purvis, but grateful you are in the presence of the Almighty.

A lesson in spontaneity.

We spent all of last week with my parents, my sister and brother-in-law, and my brother in Marathon, FL in the Keys. We had a blast - ate great seafood, played in the beautiful beaches, did some fishing, visited Key West, and spent good quality time together. 

On Saturday, we drug ourselves out of bed early to head (with Rachel and Chris) to the Orlando airport and get back to the real world. As soon as we arrived at our gate, SW was searching for 3 willing ticket holders to fly out later (Monday) on their overbooked flight. We kept hearing them make offers, but didn't think too much of it. The offers kept getting better though, and when I went to the bathroom, Andrew (sneaky boy) went to talk to them about the deal. Because we accounted for all three tickets and only needed one hotel room, they made us an offer we couldn't refuse, even got our bags off the plane for us. Andrew had Monday off, so it didn't take too much effort to convince me that this would be a fun adventure that extended our vacation a little bit. And so, we headed for the hotel, walked to Walgreens to buy more diapers and snacks, let Jackson play in the pool and ride the "exabater" (elevator) - which he liked just as much as the pool - and put the kids to bed. 

At 9pm, we sat on our balcony and started planning for Sunday. We talked several weeks ago about wanting to take Jackson to Disney while he still loved Mickey Mouse, but we debated spending all the money to travel since our kids are so young. Without pictures, he might not remember a thing...and we know that. But, we couldn't pass up the chance to do this...and it was so worth it. A rental car (and carseat), a 20 minute drive (and $5 in tolls), 2 adult and 1 child admission tickets to Magic Kindgom, lunch and dinner inside the park, a tram ride, a monorail ride, a double-stroller rental, an ibuprofen, cotton candy and 6 Mickey Mouse suckers later, we got this.....

And it was worth every penny! I am so glad I let Andrew talk me into this - expensive and unexpected, but so rewarding! We didn't ride everything, do everything, or see everything - how could you with a toddler and infant? It was way more crowded than we like, we waited in line too long in some places, we took turns holding a sleeping almost 11 month old in the heat, and we stayed in the park 12 hours to see the nighttime parade. But none of the effort on our part (because we were both exhausted Sunday night) was without reward. It was perfect.

Jackson, upon seeing Mickey live and in-person, had to be held back from running to him when we met him the first time. Seriously...I had to hold him by the shirt when he tried to take off for Mickey during someone else's picture! And the second? Just as magical! He got to hug Donald and Goofy too. He was thrilled to fly with Peter Pan (laughing at Captain Hook), and he could have ridden the train around the park all day. We found every playground that existed and laughed at pirates and flying elephants. And I'll treasure forever Evie's face on It's a Small World - she sang along the whole time and lit up at all the lights and sights. Andrew and I just laughed as Evie and Jackson giggled and snuggled in the stroller all day as we walked from land to land in search of shade and water and more family rides. 

This is definitely an experience I'll treasure forever. I like to think that I've come a long way in my willingness to be spontaneous. And I'm so grateful for this lesson in spontaneity!

Jackson turns THREE...tomorrow!

Tonight, I put my two-year-old Jackson to bed for the last time. The next time I put him to bed, he'll be three years old and beginning the fourth year of his life. Jackson, my baby boy, who changed my  life forever when I found out I was pregnant with him and then when I felt him move for the first time and then again when I first saw his face. This must be impossible!

To Jackson - my very precocious, catch-phrase saying, insanely articulate, joke telling, toe-headed,  loud laughing, finger sucking, matching game professional, expert counter, and perfectionist, who loves slides and hates coloring, who has the sweetest voice and the most mischievous look in those eyes...

Happy Birthday! Mama loves you, little love! And that "cheese face." How could I not?

PS. Watch out for his throwing arm!

Too much snow. Not enough sleep.

I don't like snow to begin with. Really, I think it's pretty but much prefer to be warm...even hot. So, like almost everyone I know, I'm over the snow. I'm tired of the cold. And colds. It's March, for crying out loud! I need sunshine and warmth and flip flops. We need days at the playground! But, Jackson did enjoy the sledding this weekend. He didn't want to play in the snow much (maybe because it took 15 minutes to get dressed enough for it?), but we did take a "snow walk" last week, which we three enjoyed (thankful for my Moby). Andrew says that this is more snow than usual this late in the year. I think he's lying to me.

And sleep. I definitely need that.  Potty training a precocious toddler and getting up A LOT at night with a sick infant makes for long days (which means I take long showers at night). Jackson is proving to be a potty training champ though. And, I could never be mad at this cute face.

And by the way...when did this happen?

Gearing up for Easter weekend, a week-long visit from Payton next week, Evie reaching the 9-month mark, and Jackson turning three. Thank GOODNESS my Mama will be here with us to celebrate later in April. She will make the sting of missing my GA family and friends a little easier to stomach.