This year has been a great year for the Bowmans, full of adventures, mini-vans, and the news of another baby! We are expectantly waiting for 2011 and all the things God is going to do in us, through us, and around us. But for now, some of the years top posts....
Biggest Announcement of the Year: Read My Shirt!
Best Max story of 2010: Captain Adorable
Biggest Reaction from Readers: Oh no, HE didn't!
Most Reads: A Day to Remember
Hardest Thing to Swallow: Changing My Theme Song
Best Chad story of 2010: The Super Sleuth and The Case of The Beep Beep
Top Funny Moment: The Hamburger
Grossest Story of 2010: TMI: The Poop Edition
The Closest Look at My Inner Psyche (Psycho): Reading Between The Lines
Worst Parenting of 2010: My Bud Light Dilemma
Best Revelation of 2010: What LIfe Would've Been Like
The only time I was wrong this year: This Really Just Happened
Best Gabe Story of 2010: Goodnight Love Girl
The Post I still get asked about: TRUE LIFE: Chad listens to Mariah Carey Christmas Year 'Round
First Blog Post Ever!: Top 10 Things I've learned since Aug 19th, 2009
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Missing
I think there's a dark hole in my house... or a boogie man who lives under the bed and takes small treasures so that he can sell them for money... or a mouse family who has to steal stuff from us to decorate their abode... or a little 16 month old who never stops and puts things in secret hiding places that his mother has yet to discover....
But regardless, we have a long list of missing items, and the list is growing at a rapid rate. And this is a problem for me because I'm a clean person, and organization freak, and the extreme opposite of a pack rat-- I do NOT keep anything that isn't still warm from body heat (proving that people actually use it), and I am Goodwill's favorite person, because I stop by every 2 weeks with more stuff from our house that was standing in the way of me and clutter-free.
The moral of the story- I know where everything is, stuff does not get lost, and I can put my hands on anything we own in .34 seconds.
Or I could, until the mysterious disappearances began!
[caption id="attachment_1226" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Missing the letter "p" from the alphabet magnet collection"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1229" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Missing the red ball from the Bright Star giraffe ball thingie"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1228" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Missing the circle magnet from the magna doodle"]
[/caption]
But regardless, we have a long list of missing items, and the list is growing at a rapid rate. And this is a problem for me because I'm a clean person, and organization freak, and the extreme opposite of a pack rat-- I do NOT keep anything that isn't still warm from body heat (proving that people actually use it), and I am Goodwill's favorite person, because I stop by every 2 weeks with more stuff from our house that was standing in the way of me and clutter-free.
The moral of the story- I know where everything is, stuff does not get lost, and I can put my hands on anything we own in .34 seconds.
Or I could, until the mysterious disappearances began!
[caption id="attachment_1226" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Missing the letter "p" from the alphabet magnet collection"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_1229" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Missing the red ball from the Bright Star giraffe ball thingie"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_1228" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Missing the circle magnet from the magna doodle"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1227" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Missing a corner edge piece from the floor mat puzzle"]
[/caption]
If you have seen any of these items, please contact me immediately. You will be rewarded.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Merry Christmas 2010
Well at least I'm blogging about this while it's still 2010! Christmas this year was great. First of all, it included snow, like on the ground, visible, several inches, in GEORGIA! The first white Christmas in a hundred and something years, seriously. But I didn't take any pictures-- I'm good like that.
Secondly, I started off the festivities a little behind the eight ball-- we got in town from TX and got settled in our beds by midnight, and I had to be at work 7 short hours later. I got 2 solid work days in, some major house cleaning (thanks for the help, Chad!), a food menu planned, groceries bought, and finally, all the packages got ribbon, just hours before Christmas eve struck... but I did get done! (I also didn't get my Christmas cards in the mail until DECEMBER 23rd-- this is so un-Lauren that there aren't words.... I'm the person who has them planned by September, addressed by October, and mailed the day of Thanksgiving...)
My parents and youngest brother, Eli, arrived on Thursday. They mainly came to see Max, but did talk to me some. On Christmas Eve, we visited with my Dad's parents and went to our Christmas Eve service at church before scouring the county for dinner... only to be left with frozen pizza... that I burned!
We woke up Saturday for Christmas... Max was the last one awake and I'm assuming this is the last year that will happen until his age ends in "teen". And we unwrapped presents-- you would've thoughts that we had 34857 people at our house- but no, we just have 2 very loved (spoiled) little boys. The first two presents that Max opened were such a hit (a new toothbrush and a new football) that we could've stopped there, but he was so much fun! He unwrapped stuff, and got excited, and even went into toy over load! After presents, we had Christmas brunch, and then it was my nap time :) By this time, it was snowing-- it was perfect napping weather. And then, late afternoon, we headed up to Dawsonville to celebrate with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. And due to the safety of the swagger wagon, we made it back home in the midst of the Georgia blizzard.
But Sunday, I was exhausted-- less from the Christmas weekend and more from all the events/ work leading up to it! But after a 3 hour nap, I turned into scrooge and took down all the Christmas decor-- I HAD to in order to make room for all the new toys clogging up our paths! We even had to re-arrange furniture and create a "playroom". But it works :)
And Chad and I got each other/ ourselves a great gift-- finally, a big screen/ flat whatever, HD 42 inch BUYRH 823837, blah blah TV!! Welcome to the 21st century Bowmans!! You're only about 10 years late....
And while we were at it, we did get to celebrate the birth of a baby that changed the world and our lives forever- Christ the Lord! Thank you God, for sending your Son!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
When "Nature" Calls
*NOTE: Certain pictures were removed after some disturbing online data
While we were in Texas last week, the temperatures spiked to over 77 degrees one day. When we left Georgia, there was ice on the ground, literally, and we had been experiencing temperatures in the 20's. Needless to say, we weren't exactly packed for summer weather!
On December 20th, we celebrated Christmas. After a morning full of gifts, we had Christmas dinner-- turkey, stuffing, potatoes, etc...-- and we ate it ON THE PORCH, picnic style. The day was so gorgeous and sunny that it was actually hot. After lunch, we all stayed in the yard and played.
Before I knew it, Max was dripping with sweat. So naturally, I took his pants off of him and let him run around with just his long sleeve onsie and tennis shoes. But after chasing all the nerf balls, it was obvious that he needed to lose his shirt. So Max wandered around the yard in just his diaper and shoes.... until I noticed that his diaper was really really wet. So I took it off and allowed him to "air out" for a bit before putting another diaper on him.
It was so cute, that I just couldn't stand it-- so I ran inside to get a camera. This was a kodak moment if I've ever seen one! I was snapping pictures from behind when all of a sudden he squatted down-- apparently he needed to do a little duty, a #2 if you will. He did his business, and did a little #1 to wash it off, and he stood right up and went back to chasing the nerf balls. Like nothing had even happened... like it was the most natural thing in the world... like this is where everyone goes #2!
Yep, that's right, he is such a boy, that without any teaching or prodding, he realized that pooping and peeing outside, was way better! Maybe this means he'll be easy to potty train?!
While we were in Texas last week, the temperatures spiked to over 77 degrees one day. When we left Georgia, there was ice on the ground, literally, and we had been experiencing temperatures in the 20's. Needless to say, we weren't exactly packed for summer weather!
On December 20th, we celebrated Christmas. After a morning full of gifts, we had Christmas dinner-- turkey, stuffing, potatoes, etc...-- and we ate it ON THE PORCH, picnic style. The day was so gorgeous and sunny that it was actually hot. After lunch, we all stayed in the yard and played.
Before I knew it, Max was dripping with sweat. So naturally, I took his pants off of him and let him run around with just his long sleeve onsie and tennis shoes. But after chasing all the nerf balls, it was obvious that he needed to lose his shirt. So Max wandered around the yard in just his diaper and shoes.... until I noticed that his diaper was really really wet. So I took it off and allowed him to "air out" for a bit before putting another diaper on him.
It was so cute, that I just couldn't stand it-- so I ran inside to get a camera. This was a kodak moment if I've ever seen one! I was snapping pictures from behind when all of a sudden he squatted down-- apparently he needed to do a little duty, a #2 if you will. He did his business, and did a little #1 to wash it off, and he stood right up and went back to chasing the nerf balls. Like nothing had even happened... like it was the most natural thing in the world... like this is where everyone goes #2!
Yep, that's right, he is such a boy, that without any teaching or prodding, he realized that pooping and peeing outside, was way better! Maybe this means he'll be easy to potty train?!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Mr. Max, 16 months old!
On Max's 16th Month day (December 19th, 2010) we were in Texas, celebrating Chad's grandmother's 90th birthday!! While we were the we also had Christmas and caught with up the Bowman clan. But in the midst of everything, I missed the Max-man's day, and didn't get to blog about milestones, so let's pretend like this is a week ago:
Max, you are 16 months old-- and you think that qualifies you as an ad ult! You walk (run) around like a man with a plan-- everything you do includes a butball (football) and you're really starting to put words together. You repeat a lot of things- especially when we're reading books, and on your own, you've begun calling stuff what it is-- your snuggle is no longer a snuggle, now it is a buggle :) And in order to go night night, you must have your buggle and a bassy. Have you noticed the trend? You love the B-sound-- so everything starts with a B!! Butball, buggle, bassy, even Mommy starts with a B-- and has g's in the middle?! Boggy! But with those eyes and those cheeks, I'll answer to anything! And you call yourself "Baxks". When I ask where's Mommy's baby, you point to yourself and say "Baxks!"Words that actually start with a B are clear as day- and your favorites are ball, bus, baby, and book. This is a really fun stage- I just love it.
You still wear 18 months clothes, size 4 diapers, and size 4-5 shoes. (I gave you my baby feet, sorry about that!) You still sleep about 11 hours at night and take 2 two- hour naps during the day. If our schedule is off and you only get one nap, then you'll take a 3 hour nap. You have stopped crying when Maggie and Courtney show up in the morning which makes us all very happy. You are still eating very well, although you must have a "dip" for veggies-- whether it's ketchup, ranch, bbq, or some other sauce, you're not picky, but you will not eat veggies without dipping them. And you are SO messy that I don't even know what to do! It would be easier to hose you off after every meal, but unfortunately, it's too cold outside for that. With your 3 meals a day, your 3 cups of milk, water and the occasional snack, you're easy as can be. But you have quite the sweet tooth. And again, due to your eyes and cheeks, I give in a lot. You've eaten quite a few candy corn, M&M's, donuts, and cinnamon rolls for a child that "doesn't eat much sugar". Ha! I guess that only lasted for the first year...
You LOVE and I mean LOVE your Daddy-- if he's home, you want to be playing with him and if he's not home, you are calling for him. And when you hear the garage open, you start bouncing. You two wrestle ALL the time and play butball all the time as well. You like for us both to chase you but when we get close you turn around and run towards us, because you can't stand the angst and the excitement. It's hilarious. I need to get this on video.
You have recently begun asserting your opinion- whether that requires violently shaking your head "no", thrashing yourself about, or throwing a temper tantrum. My personal favorite is when you gently lay down on your tummy, place your head on your hands and mope. It's the "mature" temper tantrum. And have I mentioned that the word "no" breaks your heart? You despise hearing it, you want nothing to do with it, and you cry like you're hurt after hearing it. Seriously. And when I tell my parents, Annie and Pop, stories like this, they just laugh and say it's pay back. Apparently you're not only my mini-me physically, but emotionally, too. Poor Daddy!!
You still love running errands with me, and anytime you're hurt or tired, you want me to hold you. You throw your head back and your arms straight up, as if it's your silent way to beckon me. If I don't respond quick enough, you'll add sound. We're buddies, me and you. You think I'm funny and I think you're funny, and I think you're the best, and you think I am too. You're old enough to cuddle with me now, and sit with me for brief periods of tv watching. You let me rock you to sleep sometimes, and you still calm completely when I pray with you at night. I tell you all the time that you're my best baby, and you know what? You are! I just love you and love you and love you.
I just want to remind you that my love for you will never run out. Try as you may, I'll still have more. That's just the way it is. God made me that way-- because He made me in His own image. Which means He loves you like that too- He loves both of us like that- except He does it perfectly. There is nothing you could do, nothing, that will make Him love you anymore or any less. You're just stuck with both of us-- God being God, perfect and heavenly and forgiving, loving you like crazy, and me being your Mom, trying to be more like God, so filled with love for you that my heart could just pop!
Happy 16 months my Max!
Max, you are 16 months old-- and you think that qualifies you as an ad ult! You walk (run) around like a man with a plan-- everything you do includes a butball (football) and you're really starting to put words together. You repeat a lot of things- especially when we're reading books, and on your own, you've begun calling stuff what it is-- your snuggle is no longer a snuggle, now it is a buggle :) And in order to go night night, you must have your buggle and a bassy. Have you noticed the trend? You love the B-sound-- so everything starts with a B!! Butball, buggle, bassy, even Mommy starts with a B-- and has g's in the middle?! Boggy! But with those eyes and those cheeks, I'll answer to anything! And you call yourself "Baxks". When I ask where's Mommy's baby, you point to yourself and say "Baxks!"Words that actually start with a B are clear as day- and your favorites are ball, bus, baby, and book. This is a really fun stage- I just love it.
You still wear 18 months clothes, size 4 diapers, and size 4-5 shoes. (I gave you my baby feet, sorry about that!) You still sleep about 11 hours at night and take 2 two- hour naps during the day. If our schedule is off and you only get one nap, then you'll take a 3 hour nap. You have stopped crying when Maggie and Courtney show up in the morning which makes us all very happy. You are still eating very well, although you must have a "dip" for veggies-- whether it's ketchup, ranch, bbq, or some other sauce, you're not picky, but you will not eat veggies without dipping them. And you are SO messy that I don't even know what to do! It would be easier to hose you off after every meal, but unfortunately, it's too cold outside for that. With your 3 meals a day, your 3 cups of milk, water and the occasional snack, you're easy as can be. But you have quite the sweet tooth. And again, due to your eyes and cheeks, I give in a lot. You've eaten quite a few candy corn, M&M's, donuts, and cinnamon rolls for a child that "doesn't eat much sugar". Ha! I guess that only lasted for the first year...
You LOVE and I mean LOVE your Daddy-- if he's home, you want to be playing with him and if he's not home, you are calling for him. And when you hear the garage open, you start bouncing. You two wrestle ALL the time and play butball all the time as well. You like for us both to chase you but when we get close you turn around and run towards us, because you can't stand the angst and the excitement. It's hilarious. I need to get this on video.
You have recently begun asserting your opinion- whether that requires violently shaking your head "no", thrashing yourself about, or throwing a temper tantrum. My personal favorite is when you gently lay down on your tummy, place your head on your hands and mope. It's the "mature" temper tantrum. And have I mentioned that the word "no" breaks your heart? You despise hearing it, you want nothing to do with it, and you cry like you're hurt after hearing it. Seriously. And when I tell my parents, Annie and Pop, stories like this, they just laugh and say it's pay back. Apparently you're not only my mini-me physically, but emotionally, too. Poor Daddy!!
You still love running errands with me, and anytime you're hurt or tired, you want me to hold you. You throw your head back and your arms straight up, as if it's your silent way to beckon me. If I don't respond quick enough, you'll add sound. We're buddies, me and you. You think I'm funny and I think you're funny, and I think you're the best, and you think I am too. You're old enough to cuddle with me now, and sit with me for brief periods of tv watching. You let me rock you to sleep sometimes, and you still calm completely when I pray with you at night. I tell you all the time that you're my best baby, and you know what? You are! I just love you and love you and love you.
I just want to remind you that my love for you will never run out. Try as you may, I'll still have more. That's just the way it is. God made me that way-- because He made me in His own image. Which means He loves you like that too- He loves both of us like that- except He does it perfectly. There is nothing you could do, nothing, that will make Him love you anymore or any less. You're just stuck with both of us-- God being God, perfect and heavenly and forgiving, loving you like crazy, and me being your Mom, trying to be more like God, so filled with love for you that my heart could just pop!
Happy 16 months my Max!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
TMI: The Head Lice Saga
It's been TOO long-- one would think that nothing exciting or humorous or crazy has happened in our lives-- nothing bloggable-- but it's quite the opposite. As Max is entering into toddler-hood and Gabe and Chad are as entertaining as ever, believe me, there is still plenty of entertainment in the Bowman house-- but I must blame it all on this unborn child-- it has zapped my energy and my ability to be efficient. When I lay down at night, I begin writing my next blog post in my head, but I never make it past the opening paragraph before sleep overtakes me.... but when I wake up, all I can think about it making it to the bathroom on time, and there goes my next post... so where should I pick up?
Let's start with our infestation of head lice. Yup. Exactly-- EWWWW, GROSS. That's exactly what I thought when I got the call that Gabe had lice. Chad and I immediately recounted times in our childhood, when our elementary school teachers would put on rubber gloves, and sharpen two pencil and begin sifting through everyone's hair. Apparently that doesn't happen much anymore in the school BUT head lice is rampant. I began googling right away-- and found out WAY too much information- you'd think I would've learned my lesson with that, by now. I did breathe a sigh of relief when I found something that says that lice happens to everyone-- not dirty people-- thank you insecurities!
Gabe's mom found the Atlanta Lice Ladies on the internet-- they come to your house and treat your head and check everyone in the family with all natural stuff-- which considering the bean in my belly and our little man-- not to mention, no one should really be having chemical placed on their heads!- - it was a great find. The lady gave us TONS of information, including the fact that head lice is the second most contagious/ rampant thing-- second only to the common cold-- and that this time of year, between all the travel, Santa's beard, and hats, it's everywhere!! She gave us a special comb to use every 10 days for the rest of ever on his head-- apparently, as long as kiddies are in school, they need checked constantly. AND get this, it doesn't start itching until it's been on your head for WEEKS... because at that point the eggs have hatched and grown large enough to bite you- yup, exactly: EWWW, Gross!
She gave Gabe rules: no telling secrets because of head to head contact, only give air hugs to his friends, don't play the telephone game, don't share hats, and he needs to wear mousse, everyday, all over his head-- this provide a barrier and doesn't let the nits (lice eggs) stick to your head.
After Gabe's treatment and all of our checks, we loaded up to head home but I was STARVING-- so I took our PJ-clad baby, Gabe, and myself by Five Guys for a quick burger-- remember that our heads had been treated and combed and brushed through with a foam and a gel-- we looked crazy-- like grease monkey, with crunchy bad hair dos. And I was so hungry that I scarfed down food will Max sucked ketchup off his fries and Gabe filled up his cherry coke like 16 times-- the people there probably thought that we didn't have a home and that we were eating for the first time in months. Check them out:
And no, I didn't capture any pictures of myself. We also learned that they (the eggs) can't live off the body for more than 48 hours-- so since Gabe hasn't been at our house in 48 hours when this happened and none of us had it, our house didn't have any-- PTL!!! We got new combs just in case, washed his sheets and hats, just in case, and moved on with our lives....
But always nagging in the back of my mind was the fact that those bugs had been in our house for several weeks.... UNINVITED. The Lice Ladies always do a follow up too, and although the Atlanta Ice of 2010 caused us to have to reschedule, we found out yesterday that the Gabester is 100% lice-free!!! And now you can bet your bottom dollar that he has mousse on his head EVERY day!! (Which is great news for me, because it makes his curls curl-up even tighter, and they're just adorable!)
Let's start with our infestation of head lice. Yup. Exactly-- EWWWW, GROSS. That's exactly what I thought when I got the call that Gabe had lice. Chad and I immediately recounted times in our childhood, when our elementary school teachers would put on rubber gloves, and sharpen two pencil and begin sifting through everyone's hair. Apparently that doesn't happen much anymore in the school BUT head lice is rampant. I began googling right away-- and found out WAY too much information- you'd think I would've learned my lesson with that, by now. I did breathe a sigh of relief when I found something that says that lice happens to everyone-- not dirty people-- thank you insecurities!
Gabe's mom found the Atlanta Lice Ladies on the internet-- they come to your house and treat your head and check everyone in the family with all natural stuff-- which considering the bean in my belly and our little man-- not to mention, no one should really be having chemical placed on their heads!- - it was a great find. The lady gave us TONS of information, including the fact that head lice is the second most contagious/ rampant thing-- second only to the common cold-- and that this time of year, between all the travel, Santa's beard, and hats, it's everywhere!! She gave us a special comb to use every 10 days for the rest of ever on his head-- apparently, as long as kiddies are in school, they need checked constantly. AND get this, it doesn't start itching until it's been on your head for WEEKS... because at that point the eggs have hatched and grown large enough to bite you- yup, exactly: EWWW, Gross!
She gave Gabe rules: no telling secrets because of head to head contact, only give air hugs to his friends, don't play the telephone game, don't share hats, and he needs to wear mousse, everyday, all over his head-- this provide a barrier and doesn't let the nits (lice eggs) stick to your head.
After Gabe's treatment and all of our checks, we loaded up to head home but I was STARVING-- so I took our PJ-clad baby, Gabe, and myself by Five Guys for a quick burger-- remember that our heads had been treated and combed and brushed through with a foam and a gel-- we looked crazy-- like grease monkey, with crunchy bad hair dos. And I was so hungry that I scarfed down food will Max sucked ketchup off his fries and Gabe filled up his cherry coke like 16 times-- the people there probably thought that we didn't have a home and that we were eating for the first time in months. Check them out:
And no, I didn't capture any pictures of myself. We also learned that they (the eggs) can't live off the body for more than 48 hours-- so since Gabe hasn't been at our house in 48 hours when this happened and none of us had it, our house didn't have any-- PTL!!! We got new combs just in case, washed his sheets and hats, just in case, and moved on with our lives....
But always nagging in the back of my mind was the fact that those bugs had been in our house for several weeks.... UNINVITED. The Lice Ladies always do a follow up too, and although the Atlanta Ice of 2010 caused us to have to reschedule, we found out yesterday that the Gabester is 100% lice-free!!! And now you can bet your bottom dollar that he has mousse on his head EVERY day!! (Which is great news for me, because it makes his curls curl-up even tighter, and they're just adorable!)
Friday, December 10, 2010
Genius!!
Sometimes, I'm so good and so thoughtful that even surprise myself. Yesterday was one of those days. I got home from work with A LOT to do. Max was already fussy, so we played for a few minutes, then I put him down for a nap. I started working and when Gabe got home from school, I got him started on his homework and we worked together.
Meanwhile, Max never fell asleep. This was very sad news for several reasons- 1) He was tired 2) He is still fighting a cold 3) I needed to run to the grocery store and I had a couple other errands that needed running and a fussy baby would NOT make that fun 4) Chad and I were going on a date so we needed him well-behaved for the sitter. Even though I repeated all these reasons to Max, he did not sleep.
So once Gabe and I were done with work, and I couldn't put off the grocery store one minute longer (we had already eaten every single breakfast, lunch, and dinner option that I could scrounge together from our pantry) I loaded up both boys for something that wears this pregnant woman down quite quickly. I decided to combine all my errands into one and go to Wal-mart, along 38497593487 other people, and just make it a one-stop shop. AND then my GREAT idea hit... while I was putting Max's shoes on his feet, I had Gabe sneak over to the Christmas tree and pick 2 candy canes off of the tree and put them in Max's bag. Genius! Once we got to the store, I'd hand each boy a candy cane, we'd fly through my list, and be done before they could even finish. The best part is that we have Gobstopper candy canes, which the boys LOVE.
It worked perfectly. We got our cart, manned our positions, I handed out the "distraction" and we were off.
And then it backfired:
There was green everywhere. Dripping down his chin, arms, hands, and chest. Sopping the cart, smeared on my shirt, rubbed on Gabe's noes and glasses, streaked over the groceries, covering his white sleeves, and needless to say, all over Max's face. It took 10 wipes to get him remotely cleaned up, just so we could go checkout and he still looked like the grinch. One man even stopped me, appalled, and in no way finding the situation humorous and said "what IS he eating?" And when I told him, he looked me in the eye and said "awful, that's awful" and marched off. It was a 50 year old man, I kid you not!
Needless to say, I will pick my shopping tools better next time- thinking through all the ramifications and weighing my options. And will someone please remind me that colored candy canes will not be a good idea, as long as we have children under the age of 8. Period. Sheesh!
Meanwhile, Max never fell asleep. This was very sad news for several reasons- 1) He was tired 2) He is still fighting a cold 3) I needed to run to the grocery store and I had a couple other errands that needed running and a fussy baby would NOT make that fun 4) Chad and I were going on a date so we needed him well-behaved for the sitter. Even though I repeated all these reasons to Max, he did not sleep.
So once Gabe and I were done with work, and I couldn't put off the grocery store one minute longer (we had already eaten every single breakfast, lunch, and dinner option that I could scrounge together from our pantry) I loaded up both boys for something that wears this pregnant woman down quite quickly. I decided to combine all my errands into one and go to Wal-mart, along 38497593487 other people, and just make it a one-stop shop. AND then my GREAT idea hit... while I was putting Max's shoes on his feet, I had Gabe sneak over to the Christmas tree and pick 2 candy canes off of the tree and put them in Max's bag. Genius! Once we got to the store, I'd hand each boy a candy cane, we'd fly through my list, and be done before they could even finish. The best part is that we have Gobstopper candy canes, which the boys LOVE.
It worked perfectly. We got our cart, manned our positions, I handed out the "distraction" and we were off.
And then it backfired:
There was green everywhere. Dripping down his chin, arms, hands, and chest. Sopping the cart, smeared on my shirt, rubbed on Gabe's noes and glasses, streaked over the groceries, covering his white sleeves, and needless to say, all over Max's face. It took 10 wipes to get him remotely cleaned up, just so we could go checkout and he still looked like the grinch. One man even stopped me, appalled, and in no way finding the situation humorous and said "what IS he eating?" And when I told him, he looked me in the eye and said "awful, that's awful" and marched off. It was a 50 year old man, I kid you not!
Needless to say, I will pick my shopping tools better next time- thinking through all the ramifications and weighing my options. And will someone please remind me that colored candy canes will not be a good idea, as long as we have children under the age of 8. Period. Sheesh!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The Unmarried Fat girl with a Toddler
So this gives me a serious complex. I'm allergic to my wedding ring this pregnancy. Seriously. And when I googled it, apparently this is a normal side effect to pregnancy. These darn hormones are smack crazy. Wearing my wedding ring cause my finger to get red, swollen, flakey, and itchy. And then it almost hurts. And itches. But hurts.
So I stopped wearing my ring. And sometimes I wear a cheapo band from Kay Jewelers-- like the super skinny, plain band with nothing pretty about it. But even that makes my finger act up. So most of the time, I'm an unmarried, fat girl carrying around a toddler. And between my pregnancy acne and pony-tailed hair, honestly, I'm just fighting the men off of me.
But this ring thing really bothers me. I don't know why this bothers me so much, but it just kills me when married people take off their ring. I just think it should always be worn- always. And for real, it's one of the first things I noticed about people-- are they married? And I assume that if there is no ring, then they are not married. And I guess I'm even naive enough to believe that everyone who is married treats is as a scared union, no others allowed, like I do. So naturally, to me, rings say "off limits and off the market". And I like it that way.
So my husband always wears his ring. We got him to super duty ring, so that work wouldn't mess it up-- we wear told when we were buying it that if there was a medical emergency, that they wouldn't be able to cut it off. I knew immediately that it was the one he needed-- he uses his hands at work all day, he does the dishes a majority of the time, he golfs, plays, works out, etc... it needed to be tough to stick with him a lifetime. And of course, I got the pretty ring. It was brand new when we got it, but it looks like estate jewelry and I've never seen anyone with anything like it and I JUST love it.
But now that I'm growing a child, while carrying around a child, and I can't wear my ring, I feel SO insecure. I worry about what others are thinking. I feel judged. And I just hope that I remember this is next time I start to "infer" about someone else's life. And I can't help but wonder how Mary felt-- she showed up pregnant and had NOT even done what it takes to get pregnant. I can only imagine how judged she felt. And then Joseph- he was told to stick with her- despite what "it looked like"- and he did. He stuck with his fiancee who was pregnant with God's baby. I guess I just need to get over myself- does it really matter what others think? And maybe it will open up a cool conversation-- maybe God wants to use this situation. He used Mary's situation-- that's for sure! He sent us a Savior- the Savior of the World!
So I stopped wearing my ring. And sometimes I wear a cheapo band from Kay Jewelers-- like the super skinny, plain band with nothing pretty about it. But even that makes my finger act up. So most of the time, I'm an unmarried, fat girl carrying around a toddler. And between my pregnancy acne and pony-tailed hair, honestly, I'm just fighting the men off of me.
But this ring thing really bothers me. I don't know why this bothers me so much, but it just kills me when married people take off their ring. I just think it should always be worn- always. And for real, it's one of the first things I noticed about people-- are they married? And I assume that if there is no ring, then they are not married. And I guess I'm even naive enough to believe that everyone who is married treats is as a scared union, no others allowed, like I do. So naturally, to me, rings say "off limits and off the market". And I like it that way.
So my husband always wears his ring. We got him to super duty ring, so that work wouldn't mess it up-- we wear told when we were buying it that if there was a medical emergency, that they wouldn't be able to cut it off. I knew immediately that it was the one he needed-- he uses his hands at work all day, he does the dishes a majority of the time, he golfs, plays, works out, etc... it needed to be tough to stick with him a lifetime. And of course, I got the pretty ring. It was brand new when we got it, but it looks like estate jewelry and I've never seen anyone with anything like it and I JUST love it.
But now that I'm growing a child, while carrying around a child, and I can't wear my ring, I feel SO insecure. I worry about what others are thinking. I feel judged. And I just hope that I remember this is next time I start to "infer" about someone else's life. And I can't help but wonder how Mary felt-- she showed up pregnant and had NOT even done what it takes to get pregnant. I can only imagine how judged she felt. And then Joseph- he was told to stick with her- despite what "it looked like"- and he did. He stuck with his fiancee who was pregnant with God's baby. I guess I just need to get over myself- does it really matter what others think? And maybe it will open up a cool conversation-- maybe God wants to use this situation. He used Mary's situation-- that's for sure! He sent us a Savior- the Savior of the World!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Totally Illogical
When I take Max to the doctor because he's sick, and we have to use the "sick entrance" rather than the "well entrance", it makes me feel like I'm a bad mom.
Today I got to go to the grocery store ALONE- it was like the best reward ever. This is huge, because I didn't have to entertain while I shopped or hurry or avoid certain aisles or get any of Max's "help". I even talked to Anna on my way to tell her about what fun I was about to have... and then while I was there, watching other moms with their children, I was wishing mine was with me.
Tonight, after dinner, we turned on Christmas music, while Chad and I were cleaning the kitchen. I came around the corner into the living room and saw Max and Gabe dancing, hand in hand, and what did I do? Cry.
We spent all last week in Indiana and my parents took WONDERFUL care of us. They took care of the boys, cooked and cleaned up after the Bowman tornado, spoiled us all rotten, let the pudgy, sick, tired pregnant lady sit on her booty, and while I enjoyed every single second of it, I simultaneously felt guilty for not helping.
I know that my regular pants are going to hurt and send pains up my middle if I wear them. Yet, I still wear them.
When people call me and start with "Hey, do you have a second?" I always feel like something is wrong or they have something bad to say. On the other hand, when I call people, I start with, "Hey, do you have a second?"
Now that it's cold outside, I take Max's coat with us everywhere. But I always leave it in the car, wherever we go. I'm sure it's doing him a lot of good in there.
I have more crazy person thoughts and ideals, I just can't think of them now, so these will have to do. And honestly, I can't blame the majority of these on hormones-- it's just the way I am.
Today I got to go to the grocery store ALONE- it was like the best reward ever. This is huge, because I didn't have to entertain while I shopped or hurry or avoid certain aisles or get any of Max's "help". I even talked to Anna on my way to tell her about what fun I was about to have... and then while I was there, watching other moms with their children, I was wishing mine was with me.
Tonight, after dinner, we turned on Christmas music, while Chad and I were cleaning the kitchen. I came around the corner into the living room and saw Max and Gabe dancing, hand in hand, and what did I do? Cry.
We spent all last week in Indiana and my parents took WONDERFUL care of us. They took care of the boys, cooked and cleaned up after the Bowman tornado, spoiled us all rotten, let the pudgy, sick, tired pregnant lady sit on her booty, and while I enjoyed every single second of it, I simultaneously felt guilty for not helping.
I know that my regular pants are going to hurt and send pains up my middle if I wear them. Yet, I still wear them.
When people call me and start with "Hey, do you have a second?" I always feel like something is wrong or they have something bad to say. On the other hand, when I call people, I start with, "Hey, do you have a second?"
Now that it's cold outside, I take Max's coat with us everywhere. But I always leave it in the car, wherever we go. I'm sure it's doing him a lot of good in there.
I have more crazy person thoughts and ideals, I just can't think of them now, so these will have to do. And honestly, I can't blame the majority of these on hormones-- it's just the way I am.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
TMI: You might be pregnant if
You Might Be Pregnant if:
1. Your favorite passtime is going #1
2. Going #2 is the hardest thing you do all day
3. You require a nap daily
4. When you arrive home, you rush in the door so you can put on sweat pants
5. You drink water like you may never be able to find another drop again
6. Every episode of The Bert Show on Q100, Grey's and Private Practice makes you cry-- but the normal cry stuff makes you merely shrug your shoulders
7. You go to bed by 9pm and fall fast asleep within .0675 seconds
8. You have teenage acne all over your 27 year old face
9. You think in terms of "weeks"
10. Being nauseous is a normal part of everyday-- and you have to choose between eating really bad for you things that settle your stomach, or skipping the calories and the lbs and puking.
1. Your favorite passtime is going #1
2. Going #2 is the hardest thing you do all day
3. You require a nap daily
4. When you arrive home, you rush in the door so you can put on sweat pants
5. You drink water like you may never be able to find another drop again
6. Every episode of The Bert Show on Q100, Grey's and Private Practice makes you cry-- but the normal cry stuff makes you merely shrug your shoulders
7. You go to bed by 9pm and fall fast asleep within .0675 seconds
8. You have teenage acne all over your 27 year old face
9. You think in terms of "weeks"
10. Being nauseous is a normal part of everyday-- and you have to choose between eating really bad for you things that settle your stomach, or skipping the calories and the lbs and puking.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Girl stuff
Gabe wants "it" to be a girl and us to name her Alexis because Alexis in his class has "really long hair and gorgeous eye lashes"-- I kid you not.
So then I asked the obvious question-- when you get older (like in 25 years), will Alexis be your girlfriend? He responded immediatly with "No, Kelsey from my kindergarden class- she has beautiful curls."
Well duh. And then he went on to tell me that he hasn't talked to her since Kindergarden- aka 2 years ago. And he's still pining after her and her hair?? Um, we may have a problem on our hands.... when the boy crushes, he crushes hard!
But what can I say, at least he has his priorities straight-- I mean, ALWAYS pick a girl for her hair-- it says a LOT about her. And I always talk about his curls and Chad's curls and how much I love them.... so I know how he feels!
So then I asked the obvious question-- when you get older (like in 25 years), will Alexis be your girlfriend? He responded immediatly with "No, Kelsey from my kindergarden class- she has beautiful curls."
Well duh. And then he went on to tell me that he hasn't talked to her since Kindergarden- aka 2 years ago. And he's still pining after her and her hair?? Um, we may have a problem on our hands.... when the boy crushes, he crushes hard!
But what can I say, at least he has his priorities straight-- I mean, ALWAYS pick a girl for her hair-- it says a LOT about her. And I always talk about his curls and Chad's curls and how much I love them.... so I know how he feels!
When Gabe prays, he asks God if it could be a girl this time.
And then he asked if I would just not tell him if it was a boy- he didn't want to know.
Poor kid-- doesn't he know that Bowmans always have boys??
Monday, November 22, 2010
Read My Shirt
So Max has an announcement:
That's right, Max is going to be a big brother and Gabe is going to be a big brother again :) We're very excited about this news and pray for a safe baking process in the oven. The ETA of the newest Bowman is June 23rd. And I have about 3 more weeks left in this darn first trimester... yay!
My original appointment was with the doctor that delivered Max- and it was last Thursday. Due to a last minute conflict, Ruth came with me, instead of Chad. This is her showing her married status since it appeared as though we were "together" together. BUT after waiting for 2 hours and many other horrible disasters, I left the appointment after missing work, Ruth missing work, and paying a sitter for NOTHING- like seriously, nothing. So I found a new doc, and we went today and got to see the heart beat. It was fabulous.
Today Baby Bowman's (BB) heart rate was 174. And BB measured right at 9 weeks and 4 days. We're so very grateful for our newest blessing- Praise Jesus for this new life!
That's right, Max is going to be a big brother and Gabe is going to be a big brother again :) We're very excited about this news and pray for a safe baking process in the oven. The ETA of the newest Bowman is June 23rd. And I have about 3 more weeks left in this darn first trimester... yay!
My original appointment was with the doctor that delivered Max- and it was last Thursday. Due to a last minute conflict, Ruth came with me, instead of Chad. This is her showing her married status since it appeared as though we were "together" together. BUT after waiting for 2 hours and many other horrible disasters, I left the appointment after missing work, Ruth missing work, and paying a sitter for NOTHING- like seriously, nothing. So I found a new doc, and we went today and got to see the heart beat. It was fabulous.
Today Baby Bowman's (BB) heart rate was 174. And BB measured right at 9 weeks and 4 days. We're so very grateful for our newest blessing- Praise Jesus for this new life!
Friday, November 19, 2010
My 15 month year old
Oh my Max, you're 15 months today. You're more full of life and curiosity then ever! (And trouble too!) You like to run away from me when I call you, and you think "the look" is funny... I think you get that from your Daddy! You're saying words often... although never on command... because you're stubborn... I think you get that from your Mommy! This week, you've mastered Gabe: GAaaae! Again: Geen! Water: Wa-wer Socks: Kocks Cheese: CHeeeese and that's all I can think of right now.
You really like singing songs- or rather, when I sing songs. The sillier, the better. Recently, I've been singing Ho-Ho-Ho-Hosanna, Ha-Ha-Ha-llelujah, He-He-He-He saved me, I've got the joy of the Lord! And that is big fun. And because of that, you go around fake laughing all the time. Let's just say that we spend most of our time cracking each other up.
We went to the doctor today and you weigh 24.3 lbs (5oth percentile) you're 31 inches (50th percentile) and you're head is 19 inches.... 75th percentile. You also had to get 2 shots-- and although most babies get more than that per appointment, because I spread them out, I cannot handle it. And you're so tough, and you don't cry for more than 15 seconds, but it still makes me feel so mean!
You still love playing ball more than any other game and you mostly ignore your other toys. You will sit in my lap to read a book or two, but otherwise, you're way too busy for anything stationary. You LOVE being outside. I open the back door and let you play in the fenced in backyard by yourself-- I've been leaving the door open while I'm in the kitchen or working at the table, and you play for over an hour. When I come out to check on you, you ignore me. BUT if we're inside, then you insist I hold you. Somehow you know if you don't have my full attention, even if I'm trying to pretend like you do. And I'm not sure you know this, but you weigh 24.3lbs.... that's a lot when you're trying to unload the dishwasher or carry laundry or cook. But when I try to put you down, you shake your head back and forth and wrapped your legs around me. And have you seen your cute face? I fall for it every time. I'm so proud of you and I love your personality. But you've also mastered temper tantrums... which make me think that these next several months are going to be an adventure!
When we pray at night, you hold very still-- which is super unlike you. I hope that this is because God already has a hold of your one year old heart. He loves you more than I do-- enough to give His own son for your life. That's a love that's bigger than this mom can understand. Daddy and Gabe love you like crazy too, but if you add my love, and their loves, and your grandparents love, and your uncles and your aunt all together-- it still doesn't even begin to add up to the love God has for you. I know you don't get that- yet- but I'm hoping that God uses me to teach you all about that. I love you my little bubba, my BEST bubba! You make life SO fun, that when I think about it, my heart swells and I just think I'm going to bust- like there's not enough room in my body to hold it all. I love you, happy 15 months... I'm SO glad you're mine! (and as you're Daddy reads this, he's saying "OURS!" :) )
You really like singing songs- or rather, when I sing songs. The sillier, the better. Recently, I've been singing Ho-Ho-Ho-Hosanna, Ha-Ha-Ha-llelujah, He-He-He-He saved me, I've got the joy of the Lord! And that is big fun. And because of that, you go around fake laughing all the time. Let's just say that we spend most of our time cracking each other up.
We went to the doctor today and you weigh 24.3 lbs (5oth percentile) you're 31 inches (50th percentile) and you're head is 19 inches.... 75th percentile. You also had to get 2 shots-- and although most babies get more than that per appointment, because I spread them out, I cannot handle it. And you're so tough, and you don't cry for more than 15 seconds, but it still makes me feel so mean!
You still love playing ball more than any other game and you mostly ignore your other toys. You will sit in my lap to read a book or two, but otherwise, you're way too busy for anything stationary. You LOVE being outside. I open the back door and let you play in the fenced in backyard by yourself-- I've been leaving the door open while I'm in the kitchen or working at the table, and you play for over an hour. When I come out to check on you, you ignore me. BUT if we're inside, then you insist I hold you. Somehow you know if you don't have my full attention, even if I'm trying to pretend like you do. And I'm not sure you know this, but you weigh 24.3lbs.... that's a lot when you're trying to unload the dishwasher or carry laundry or cook. But when I try to put you down, you shake your head back and forth and wrapped your legs around me. And have you seen your cute face? I fall for it every time. I'm so proud of you and I love your personality. But you've also mastered temper tantrums... which make me think that these next several months are going to be an adventure!
When we pray at night, you hold very still-- which is super unlike you. I hope that this is because God already has a hold of your one year old heart. He loves you more than I do-- enough to give His own son for your life. That's a love that's bigger than this mom can understand. Daddy and Gabe love you like crazy too, but if you add my love, and their loves, and your grandparents love, and your uncles and your aunt all together-- it still doesn't even begin to add up to the love God has for you. I know you don't get that- yet- but I'm hoping that God uses me to teach you all about that. I love you my little bubba, my BEST bubba! You make life SO fun, that when I think about it, my heart swells and I just think I'm going to bust- like there's not enough room in my body to hold it all. I love you, happy 15 months... I'm SO glad you're mine! (and as you're Daddy reads this, he's saying "OURS!" :) )
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Gabe's morning
Gabe loves structure- a lot! He likes to know how things are going to go down, and when he does, he thrives! I think this is why me and him get along so well. For instance, after running errands, as we're pulling in the driveway, we work out a plan: "Gabe, I'm going to take Max to his bed for a nap, and then we'll carry in the groceries. I'll put them away if you'll wash the grapes and pick them off the stems, then we'll make the cookies." And as soon as we're in park, he is ON it!!
His mornings look a lot like that too. He has a white board in his room with a list:
1. Shower and get dressed
2. Brush your teeth and hair
3. Make your bed
4. Eat breakfast
5. Put your lunch and snack in your bookbag
6. Be at the bus stop by 7:15
7. Have a super day! (added by my mom :) )
So at 6:30am, Gabe's alarm goes off. He immediately jumps up and heads straight to the bathroom and runs through his list-- without fail. Sometimes he's a little faster and sometimes he's a little slower... but regardless, he's at the bus stop by 7:15, looking sharp, with a smile on his face. :)
We've got a good thing going on here, I know this. But you also know from this blog, that I have a hard time with how fast everything happens in the life of these kiddies. I swear, it was just last year that I met Gabe-- he was three but told me he was 5 for the day. His eyes were huge, as were his cheeks and his puffy wavey hair, and his hands still had the baby knuckle dimples. And now, he gets up on his own, he has his own alarm clock, and he gets himself ALL ready. Gulp.
Well one morning last week, I looked outside and he was standing at the bus stop without a coat. And it was in the low 40's. Problem! So I called him back to the front door, ran upstairs to get his coat, and put it on him. Then he headed back to the end of the driveway (his bus stop) and I went back to my morning routine. Well, about 5 minutes later, Gabe came back in the house and told me that a neighbor drove by and told him the elementary bus had already gone by. Gabe was NOT happy about this-- he was convinced that the bus flew by him while he was on the sidewalk putting on his coat. This cracked me up, because the bus is so loud, it's bright yellow, and it has a large blinky light on top... I was pretty sure it didn't fly by us without us noticing! I figured out pretty quickly what had happened-- this was the first day after daylight savings time-- and he always uses the microwave clock to determine when it's time to head outside-- and he goes out right at 7:15 because the bus comes by 7:17-- so obviously, whoever changed the clock, didn't make it exact, which would cause a glitch in the bus stop timing. I asked Chad what time his phone said: "7:25" and then I looked at the microwave: "7:22"... so his missed the bus way before the whole coat incident.
But Gabe would just NOT take this explanation. I got Max dressed and drove Gabe up to his school, by this time we were also about 3 minutes late for school, so we had to sign him in. The lady at the desk greeted Gabe, and he didn't make eye contact or respond. So I bent over and whispered to him, "Gabe, when an adult speaks to you, you need to make eye contact and answer them clearly. That is how we show respect." So he looked up, and started to tell the lady about the morning's saga: "Good morning, but for me, it wasn't a good morning, because while I went to get my coat, the bus flew right by me, and I didn't even know it even though I was outside. Then this lady stopped her car and I thought she was going to steal me, so I started running to the house, but really she just told me that I had missed the bus. Can you believe she (pointing to me) made me put on my coat and miss the bus?"
Then he took the pass she had written for him, and walked to class. Instead of saying anything, I just chuckled and left too.
A couple days later, I went to bed early feeling sickly. And I also went to bed without fixing Gabe's lunch or his snack. So the next morning, when he got to step 5 on the list, there was nothing in the fridge to put in his bookbag! So Chad talked him through packing his own lunch. And his own snack. And after everything was said and done, Gabe looked at his Dad and said, "Now that I know how to do this, and fix my own breakfast, I don't even need to see you all in the morning." He was NOT disrespectful at all when he said this, he thought this was a great plan.
And as if that wasn't enough, this morning, Gabe came in our room is his handsome brown boots, navy cords, and a striped rugby shirt with a collar and I told him he was looking so good that he might get a girlfriend today. Do you know what he said to me? He said he already knows who he likes. Excuse me. EXCUSE ME! Not too long ago, I was his girlfriend, and anytime that word was mentioned, he would let anyone know that-- but not today. No, the words 'Lauren is my girlfriend' didn't even enter his mind, instead, it was Kelsey. Kelsey, Kelsey, Kelsey.
This caused me to flair up- it caught me totally off guard... he's really growing up. He not only gets himself ready and can fix his own lunch, but he also helps unload the dishwasher and takes care of Max while I fix dinner. He forms his own thoughts, and troubleshoots to find a better way to do things-- he speaks to adults well and explains situations clearly, effectively, and usually with humor! And he wants to do things on his own-- he's ok with the idea of not seeing an adult in the morning-- he's ok being Gabe, and he's very comfortable and confident in his abilities. And he likes a girl. GULP!
Dear Lord, teach me to let go and let him grow up accordingly. Teach me to encourage independence from us and the world and social norms, yet point him towards dependance on You. Guide us on how to train him and equip him to be a responsible, respectful man with impeccable character. And God, help me to love ole what's her name, all the what's her names to come, in a manner that shows respect for Gabe and leads him to make wise choices about relationships and his heart. But God, if you want to keep all girls from him for about 20 more years, maybe even rekindle his affections for his first girlfriend (me!)- one that promises not to break up with him or lead him on or manipulate him, or any of those other nasty things girls do- then that's fine by me! Amen!
His mornings look a lot like that too. He has a white board in his room with a list:
1. Shower and get dressed
2. Brush your teeth and hair
3. Make your bed
4. Eat breakfast
5. Put your lunch and snack in your bookbag
6. Be at the bus stop by 7:15
7. Have a super day! (added by my mom :) )
So at 6:30am, Gabe's alarm goes off. He immediately jumps up and heads straight to the bathroom and runs through his list-- without fail. Sometimes he's a little faster and sometimes he's a little slower... but regardless, he's at the bus stop by 7:15, looking sharp, with a smile on his face. :)
We've got a good thing going on here, I know this. But you also know from this blog, that I have a hard time with how fast everything happens in the life of these kiddies. I swear, it was just last year that I met Gabe-- he was three but told me he was 5 for the day. His eyes were huge, as were his cheeks and his puffy wavey hair, and his hands still had the baby knuckle dimples. And now, he gets up on his own, he has his own alarm clock, and he gets himself ALL ready. Gulp.
Well one morning last week, I looked outside and he was standing at the bus stop without a coat. And it was in the low 40's. Problem! So I called him back to the front door, ran upstairs to get his coat, and put it on him. Then he headed back to the end of the driveway (his bus stop) and I went back to my morning routine. Well, about 5 minutes later, Gabe came back in the house and told me that a neighbor drove by and told him the elementary bus had already gone by. Gabe was NOT happy about this-- he was convinced that the bus flew by him while he was on the sidewalk putting on his coat. This cracked me up, because the bus is so loud, it's bright yellow, and it has a large blinky light on top... I was pretty sure it didn't fly by us without us noticing! I figured out pretty quickly what had happened-- this was the first day after daylight savings time-- and he always uses the microwave clock to determine when it's time to head outside-- and he goes out right at 7:15 because the bus comes by 7:17-- so obviously, whoever changed the clock, didn't make it exact, which would cause a glitch in the bus stop timing. I asked Chad what time his phone said: "7:25" and then I looked at the microwave: "7:22"... so his missed the bus way before the whole coat incident.
But Gabe would just NOT take this explanation. I got Max dressed and drove Gabe up to his school, by this time we were also about 3 minutes late for school, so we had to sign him in. The lady at the desk greeted Gabe, and he didn't make eye contact or respond. So I bent over and whispered to him, "Gabe, when an adult speaks to you, you need to make eye contact and answer them clearly. That is how we show respect." So he looked up, and started to tell the lady about the morning's saga: "Good morning, but for me, it wasn't a good morning, because while I went to get my coat, the bus flew right by me, and I didn't even know it even though I was outside. Then this lady stopped her car and I thought she was going to steal me, so I started running to the house, but really she just told me that I had missed the bus. Can you believe she (pointing to me) made me put on my coat and miss the bus?"
Then he took the pass she had written for him, and walked to class. Instead of saying anything, I just chuckled and left too.
A couple days later, I went to bed early feeling sickly. And I also went to bed without fixing Gabe's lunch or his snack. So the next morning, when he got to step 5 on the list, there was nothing in the fridge to put in his bookbag! So Chad talked him through packing his own lunch. And his own snack. And after everything was said and done, Gabe looked at his Dad and said, "Now that I know how to do this, and fix my own breakfast, I don't even need to see you all in the morning." He was NOT disrespectful at all when he said this, he thought this was a great plan.
And as if that wasn't enough, this morning, Gabe came in our room is his handsome brown boots, navy cords, and a striped rugby shirt with a collar and I told him he was looking so good that he might get a girlfriend today. Do you know what he said to me? He said he already knows who he likes. Excuse me. EXCUSE ME! Not too long ago, I was his girlfriend, and anytime that word was mentioned, he would let anyone know that-- but not today. No, the words 'Lauren is my girlfriend' didn't even enter his mind, instead, it was Kelsey. Kelsey, Kelsey, Kelsey.
This caused me to flair up- it caught me totally off guard... he's really growing up. He not only gets himself ready and can fix his own lunch, but he also helps unload the dishwasher and takes care of Max while I fix dinner. He forms his own thoughts, and troubleshoots to find a better way to do things-- he speaks to adults well and explains situations clearly, effectively, and usually with humor! And he wants to do things on his own-- he's ok with the idea of not seeing an adult in the morning-- he's ok being Gabe, and he's very comfortable and confident in his abilities. And he likes a girl. GULP!
Dear Lord, teach me to let go and let him grow up accordingly. Teach me to encourage independence from us and the world and social norms, yet point him towards dependance on You. Guide us on how to train him and equip him to be a responsible, respectful man with impeccable character. And God, help me to love ole what's her name, all the what's her names to come, in a manner that shows respect for Gabe and leads him to make wise choices about relationships and his heart. But God, if you want to keep all girls from him for about 20 more years, maybe even rekindle his affections for his first girlfriend (me!)- one that promises not to break up with him or lead him on or manipulate him, or any of those other nasty things girls do- then that's fine by me! Amen!
Friday, November 12, 2010
It's the thought that counts...
This morning, my sweet, precious, adorable baby woke up at 6am. I've got to say, at 6am, he was a lot less sweet, precious, and adorable. Especially on a FRIDAY. Friday is my "sleep in" day-- my alarm goes off at 6:30, when Gabe's does, and I don't actually get out of bed until about 6:45, once Gabe is done showering.
So although it was only "early" by about 45 minutes, it was EARLY because it was my day!
But when life hands you lemons..... so we headed down for breakfast. As Max and Gabe ate, I scurried around putting laundry away and doing all the first of the day things that are easier to do withOUT little hands "helping".... We got Gabe out the door to the bus and then my "good" idea hit me. I got Max dressed for the day and we played a bit until the first signs of "fussy"-- since he woke up an hour and a half early, he was ready for his morning nap early, too.
As soon as I saw the first eye rub/ fussy combo, I scooped him up and we went into his room. I gave him his snuggle and his passy and positioned him on my lap just right, as we sat in the rocking chair-- and then I began singing. You see, my idea was to sit and rock and sing praises to Jesus until Max fell asleep. What could be better than worshiping Jesus with this sweet baby? Max was really into it... at first. He stroked my face and cuddled up and just listened as we sang.
I was on my 5th song when the wiggling started... next came the flailing... but I kept on singing... I just had to "overcome" him... he'd give in and relax again for sure if I just kept going.... then came the screeching paired with the flinging himself backwards. I tried to act like this wrestling match wasn't effecting me... with hair in my face and my knuckles turning white, I kept on smiling and singing and gazing at my "precious" boy....
At this point, as my hands started to cramp up, so I decided I was losing this battle. So I put in my last ditch effort- I stood up, cuddled him up in the "newborn" hold and started swaying and shushing... and he went silent. His eyes began to roll back in his head as he rubbed his snuggled on his cheek. It was working!! I was going to win!!
But then, I started to notice that my "newborn" weighed 25lbs instead of 7lbs, and the bounce and shush was making me really out of breath. All of a sudden my back started aching and I started sweating... I looked at the clock and made a mental note: "I'll do this for 5 more minutes, he'll certainly be asleep by then, but if not, I'll just lay him down". It was my goal- I could do this for 5 minutes. I put the muscle spasms out of my mind, closed my eyes and hummed. I was really getting into it, rocking ever so gently and putting my sweet, precious, adorable baby right to sleep.
After many minutes, probably past my goal, I opened my eyes: it had only been ONE minute and my little baby was starting straight at me- not even blinking- not even close to sleeping.
And it was at that moment that I realized I was "beat" by the one year old-- there would be no sweet cuddle with my baby while he sleeps lemonade out of this lemon-- Jesus didn't get near as many praises as I had planned-- and the boy was wide awake. Darn it! So I laid him down, wiped the sweat off my brow, and walked out. Hmmph.
But it's the thought that counts, right????
So although it was only "early" by about 45 minutes, it was EARLY because it was my day!
But when life hands you lemons..... so we headed down for breakfast. As Max and Gabe ate, I scurried around putting laundry away and doing all the first of the day things that are easier to do withOUT little hands "helping".... We got Gabe out the door to the bus and then my "good" idea hit me. I got Max dressed for the day and we played a bit until the first signs of "fussy"-- since he woke up an hour and a half early, he was ready for his morning nap early, too.
As soon as I saw the first eye rub/ fussy combo, I scooped him up and we went into his room. I gave him his snuggle and his passy and positioned him on my lap just right, as we sat in the rocking chair-- and then I began singing. You see, my idea was to sit and rock and sing praises to Jesus until Max fell asleep. What could be better than worshiping Jesus with this sweet baby? Max was really into it... at first. He stroked my face and cuddled up and just listened as we sang.
I was on my 5th song when the wiggling started... next came the flailing... but I kept on singing... I just had to "overcome" him... he'd give in and relax again for sure if I just kept going.... then came the screeching paired with the flinging himself backwards. I tried to act like this wrestling match wasn't effecting me... with hair in my face and my knuckles turning white, I kept on smiling and singing and gazing at my "precious" boy....
At this point, as my hands started to cramp up, so I decided I was losing this battle. So I put in my last ditch effort- I stood up, cuddled him up in the "newborn" hold and started swaying and shushing... and he went silent. His eyes began to roll back in his head as he rubbed his snuggled on his cheek. It was working!! I was going to win!!
But then, I started to notice that my "newborn" weighed 25lbs instead of 7lbs, and the bounce and shush was making me really out of breath. All of a sudden my back started aching and I started sweating... I looked at the clock and made a mental note: "I'll do this for 5 more minutes, he'll certainly be asleep by then, but if not, I'll just lay him down". It was my goal- I could do this for 5 minutes. I put the muscle spasms out of my mind, closed my eyes and hummed. I was really getting into it, rocking ever so gently and putting my sweet, precious, adorable baby right to sleep.
After many minutes, probably past my goal, I opened my eyes: it had only been ONE minute and my little baby was starting straight at me- not even blinking- not even close to sleeping.
And it was at that moment that I realized I was "beat" by the one year old-- there would be no sweet cuddle with my baby while he sleeps lemonade out of this lemon-- Jesus didn't get near as many praises as I had planned-- and the boy was wide awake. Darn it! So I laid him down, wiped the sweat off my brow, and walked out. Hmmph.
But it's the thought that counts, right????
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Slacking
I've been such a slacker lately-- blame it on the weather, or our house guests, or daylight savings time, or maybe the really good book I'm reading, but basically, I work, and take care of the boys, keep them fed and their clothes clean, have some quality play time, and then veg. It's a good life!
We're in the midst of a lot of changes right now in the Bowman house- some of them relational, some of the circumstantial, but anytime my worlds get shakin up a bit, God gets bigger. I like that about him. But I guess God is the one who is unchanging, while me on the other hand.... not so much! I guess what I'm saying it that I just LOVE how God shows up just when you need-- just when you let him. I've been in a dry season for a while, and I'm just so thankful to be tuned into His works and greatness again. Like I said before, it's a good life!
Chad and I seem to connect more too. It's like we remember we're teammates- we have great conversations, we work to stay on the same page, and we serve each other. Our small group is reading Love and War, by John and Stasi Eldrege. It's about marriage, and we all really like it. But the crazy thing is that Chad is really into it-- and this has never happened before in our marriage. He prefers things he can listen to on his iphone, not something that has to be read. But for some reason, this book is really speaking to him. His favorite thing, thus far, is a picture they paint about spouses be like soldiers who sleep back to back to protect each other-- Chad really likes the image of us being in the trenches together. Anyway, that was a really long explanation to land back at my original point: it's a good life!
We've had several big events happen as well, with picutes that have yet to make the blog, and I'm making it my goal to have them up by the end of the week, but in the mean time, I leave you with a few from pumpkin carving... I realize this is about 2 weeks late, but with Gabe our official designer, and Max as the guts getter, I decided that it's better late than never.
We're in the midst of a lot of changes right now in the Bowman house- some of them relational, some of the circumstantial, but anytime my worlds get shakin up a bit, God gets bigger. I like that about him. But I guess God is the one who is unchanging, while me on the other hand.... not so much! I guess what I'm saying it that I just LOVE how God shows up just when you need-- just when you let him. I've been in a dry season for a while, and I'm just so thankful to be tuned into His works and greatness again. Like I said before, it's a good life!
Chad and I seem to connect more too. It's like we remember we're teammates- we have great conversations, we work to stay on the same page, and we serve each other. Our small group is reading Love and War, by John and Stasi Eldrege. It's about marriage, and we all really like it. But the crazy thing is that Chad is really into it-- and this has never happened before in our marriage. He prefers things he can listen to on his iphone, not something that has to be read. But for some reason, this book is really speaking to him. His favorite thing, thus far, is a picture they paint about spouses be like soldiers who sleep back to back to protect each other-- Chad really likes the image of us being in the trenches together. Anyway, that was a really long explanation to land back at my original point: it's a good life!
We've had several big events happen as well, with picutes that have yet to make the blog, and I'm making it my goal to have them up by the end of the week, but in the mean time, I leave you with a few from pumpkin carving... I realize this is about 2 weeks late, but with Gabe our official designer, and Max as the guts getter, I decided that it's better late than never.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Apology
I just wanted to apologize for my forthcoming bragging but for some reason, God gave us the cutest baby in the universe. Believe me, there is nothing we did to deserve it-- he wasn't a special order or anything-- he just came exactly like this!
Now did the Creator of the Universe know what he was doing when he made this little masterpiece or what??
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139: 13
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139: 14
And in case that wasn't enough-- just watch him as he walks and shakes his shiney hiney.... seriously, cutest baby, ever!
From the front....
From the back...
Monday, November 1, 2010
Happy Halloween!
I know this is a day late, but I was so tired when we got home last night, and got the boys to bed, that I just couldn't bring myself to post pictures!! SO I'll do a re-cap instead....
We went to church yesterday morning, and Max's friend, Haven came home with us while his parents went on a hiking date. Both boys ate lunch and then slept forever-- they never even got to play together, ha! But I'm so grateful that Max took such a good nap-- close to 3 hours!! Then he was all ready for his first trick-or-treating experience!!
The 4 of us headed over to the Prusa's, with our new garage sale wagon of course, to make our way through the street of t heir neighborhood. They have a GREAT neighborhood for stuff like this and it's so family friendly.
We had a cow and a red dragon ninja and little Miss EG was a cute little bumble bee. She buzzed and said "trick or treat" and Max would "mooo" but only when no one was around, ha!
It was a fun night, and we're grateful for our sweet friends. Here's the play by play pictures....
Aren't they so cute???
Hope your Halloween was happy.... and now, onto November and Thanksgiving!!!!!
We went to church yesterday morning, and Max's friend, Haven came home with us while his parents went on a hiking date. Both boys ate lunch and then slept forever-- they never even got to play together, ha! But I'm so grateful that Max took such a good nap-- close to 3 hours!! Then he was all ready for his first trick-or-treating experience!!
The 4 of us headed over to the Prusa's, with our new garage sale wagon of course, to make our way through the street of t heir neighborhood. They have a GREAT neighborhood for stuff like this and it's so family friendly.
We had a cow and a red dragon ninja and little Miss EG was a cute little bumble bee. She buzzed and said "trick or treat" and Max would "mooo" but only when no one was around, ha!
It was a fun night, and we're grateful for our sweet friends. Here's the play by play pictures....
Aren't they so cute???
Hope your Halloween was happy.... and now, onto November and Thanksgiving!!!!!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
The First Run with The Pumpkin Patch
A couple weekends ago, me and the other 2 mommies in our small group decided to get our 3 babies together for another photo session. The last time we did this, it was nap time and the bambinos were quite fussy. Also, baby Reed was so little, that we had to keep our eyes on him the WHOLE time because Max and Haven wanted to touch his eyes and pull on his limbs. Anyway, the pictures we got really summarized the struggle to capture them :)
Considering the time of the year, the obvious perfect place for pictures would be the pumpkin patch! So everyone met at my house at lunch time. It took a while to get us all fed, then we fed the babies and changed them and made sure everyone was as cute as could be in their fall gear. Then we loaded up in the mini van, and headed about 8 miles down the road to the Pumpkin Patch. When we arrived, there were moms and kids everywhere! It was obviously THE place to be. We got out all 3 stollers, got all three boys strapped in, got all 3 diaper bags out, and grabbed our cameras-- and finally, we were off!!
As we started walking towards the pumpkins, a less than pleasant woman asked, "Did you all just get here?" We grinned and enthusiatically replied, "Yes!!"
Lady: " Well you can't be here. You have to have reservations."
Danielle/ Lisa: "Oh... ok, thanks."
Me: I stood there starring at her like she had 54857 heads. In my OCD way, I had gone to the website several days before and saw nothing about having to have reservations-- we just wanted some pictures for Pete's sake.
(Scene change: we turn around and head back to the van)
Danielle/ Lisa: "That's weird-- there's lot of other people here" "Yeah, funny, hahahahhaaa" (Please notice their attitudes)
Me: Still not talking, still in a state of shock, mouth hanging open, and totally caught off guard.
By the time we got back to the van, and packed everyone and everything back up, and wiped the seat from our brows, I had snapped out of it slightly... but I still could not believe all the effort and time and planning that had gone into this little adventure/ photo session turned bad.
FAIL!
So, choice number 2, head down the road to the park, we'll snap pictures there, and it will still be fall and adorable. We pull up tp the park and our idea doesn't seem to good anymore... I mean, it's not like they can play on the playground... and where are they going to sit?? And then Reed dozes off.....
FAIL!
So, it was time for the last resort.... DAIRY QUEEN!! By this point, all 3 babes were napping, or needed to be napping, we had toured Woodstock, and so we drove through the drive thru, order 3 blizzards and headed home. It was a delicious end to quite an awkward adventure!
I did manage to get a couple photos before we left... they should help describe the funny-ness of the day!!
[caption id="attachment_1108" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="The 3 Amigos"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1114" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Look at this little Love Dove, yummy!"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1112" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Alright, sit for the picture...."]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1110" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Wait! Haven, come back!"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1111" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Max, go back! Sit down and stay put!"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1113" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Oh, snap fast!!"]
[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_1109" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Finally :)"]
[/caption]
Later that afternoon, after the girls and babies had headed home, and after Max woke up from his nap, Chad got home. We were sitting on the couch talking, and being entertained my Max, when all of a sudden, we heard a racoon in the trash:
He was after our blizzards!!
Considering the time of the year, the obvious perfect place for pictures would be the pumpkin patch! So everyone met at my house at lunch time. It took a while to get us all fed, then we fed the babies and changed them and made sure everyone was as cute as could be in their fall gear. Then we loaded up in the mini van, and headed about 8 miles down the road to the Pumpkin Patch. When we arrived, there were moms and kids everywhere! It was obviously THE place to be. We got out all 3 stollers, got all three boys strapped in, got all 3 diaper bags out, and grabbed our cameras-- and finally, we were off!!
As we started walking towards the pumpkins, a less than pleasant woman asked, "Did you all just get here?" We grinned and enthusiatically replied, "Yes!!"
Lady: " Well you can't be here. You have to have reservations."
Danielle/ Lisa: "Oh... ok, thanks."
Me: I stood there starring at her like she had 54857 heads. In my OCD way, I had gone to the website several days before and saw nothing about having to have reservations-- we just wanted some pictures for Pete's sake.
(Scene change: we turn around and head back to the van)
Danielle/ Lisa: "That's weird-- there's lot of other people here" "Yeah, funny, hahahahhaaa" (Please notice their attitudes)
Me: Still not talking, still in a state of shock, mouth hanging open, and totally caught off guard.
By the time we got back to the van, and packed everyone and everything back up, and wiped the seat from our brows, I had snapped out of it slightly... but I still could not believe all the effort and time and planning that had gone into this little adventure/ photo session turned bad.
FAIL!
So, choice number 2, head down the road to the park, we'll snap pictures there, and it will still be fall and adorable. We pull up tp the park and our idea doesn't seem to good anymore... I mean, it's not like they can play on the playground... and where are they going to sit?? And then Reed dozes off.....
FAIL!
So, it was time for the last resort.... DAIRY QUEEN!! By this point, all 3 babes were napping, or needed to be napping, we had toured Woodstock, and so we drove through the drive thru, order 3 blizzards and headed home. It was a delicious end to quite an awkward adventure!
I did manage to get a couple photos before we left... they should help describe the funny-ness of the day!!
[caption id="attachment_1108" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="The 3 Amigos"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_1114" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Look at this little Love Dove, yummy!"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_1112" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Alright, sit for the picture...."]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_1110" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Wait! Haven, come back!"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_1111" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Max, go back! Sit down and stay put!"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_1113" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Oh, snap fast!!"]
[/caption][caption id="attachment_1109" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Finally :)"]
[/caption]Later that afternoon, after the girls and babies had headed home, and after Max woke up from his nap, Chad got home. We were sitting on the couch talking, and being entertained my Max, when all of a sudden, we heard a racoon in the trash:
He was after our blizzards!!
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