Wednesday Morning

Today is garbage day. I haven't posted in awhile because I have enjoyed putting that energy toward other things. This morning was cute and inspiring though. After waking up 6 times to use the restroom because someone is oh so active on my bladder, and another little someone decided at three a.m. he needed to crawl into bed with mom and be carried back to his own room for a fitful remaining few hours of sleep… then being woke up early again by the annoying screech and rattle of the garbage truck and a pounce from that same little person who pounced at me at three o'clock….

I'm wondering if I slept at all. But this was a lot of fun this morning! I'm glad I didn't miss it.

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Caution: Contents May Be Hot!

My coffee needed a "Caution: Contents May Be Hot" label on it this morning. I burned my tongue. I never burn my tongue on my own cup of coffee! Then flashbacks of my little fellow standing up by the coffee maker and pulling every button he could find before I caught him came through my mind. Sure enough, when I looked, the temperature knob was turned up as high as it could go.

That reminded me of other random stuff around my house that just stop and make me laugh. Things I know that I know that I know will be missed some day. Like the fireman figure that was waiting on the other side of the window sill to greet me this morning when I opened the blinds to let in the sun.

The motion-activated fire engine that was apparently parked under our arm chair and produced its authentic siren sound when the lady who was attending Bible Study Monday night dared to turn her body. Who knew?

Wednesday

Today is my day to be awakened at an absurd hour by the garbage truck. We have three that come through, on both sides of the street. So technically that is six times I hear screeeeeeeeeeeeeeech, boom, voooooooooooooom, screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeech right outside our windows: A weekly travesty for me, the delight of one two-year-old, and nothing of disturbance to one nearly thirty-year-old male (how does he sleep so well?). It always gets me thinking about what we're going to do today. It's going to be a beautiful day weather-wise. Some have dared to hint at the excitement of even more "fall weather" approaching. A few years ago I would have counted myself among them, have following a few winters and being stir crazy I want every day of summer coming to me… Fall means the eminent doom of Winter is approaching with the first snowfall frequently before Thanksgiving, even into October, which technically is Fall. Now if Winter would confine itself to its dates (mid-December to March) I may feel differently. But when it encroaches and steals the glorious days of Fall and Spring, I can't help but feel doom when even those seasons approach. Anyway… I'm getting off track (and you dear friend, know who you are… Fall, indeed!)

Let me just say that as my mind was listing various ways to go about our tasks for the day: opening windows; pulling out soil (I will let someone else do that heavy part); finding my pruning tools, garden gloves, and sticks and leaves bin; potting my amazing clearance mums (yes, I know that's fall-ish, but I had to while they were on super clearance because who in the world actually wanted to buy mums last week while they were the store special… when the weather outside was in the 90's; their now less than $2.00 price was irresistible and that way, if I kill them again… gulp… like last year… I won't feel bad at all!); cutting back all our spring bushes and flowers; putting some of our spring garden "to sleep;"…. Lots of outside stuff today…Maybe even doing some more organizing in the garage if I could just get my little fellow to think he doesn't need to find his own "tuff" in all the chaos of our garage, pulling apart boxes and squeezing between things. I always wonder why he just can't enjoy play! But no, he must "fine tuff." I guess it looks like I am having so much fun he must join in.

All this was in fact, a fun way to get out of the house and complete some of the tasks which have been put off with the extreme heat we've been having. Getting out of the house is a good thing. Away from tasks left undone from yesterday, because Isaac's early bedtime was just too nice and I had to go to sleep myself. And now that I'm up super-early, I have more time to finish… but instead, I get to enjoy a wonderful quiet time, and even get to write all this because…sniffle, sniffle… my wonderful husband pulled out the laundry from the drier so it wouldn't wrinkle, set it on the couch, so I can fold it…. Emptied the sink of all its dirty dishes… and I mean every dirty dish, even the ones from the stovetop. And not stopping there, he even cleaned the stovetop. Everything around the house is ready and waiting for a new day! I can even start a new round of laundry because there's nothing sitting on top of the washing machine! And the most amazing part of it all: I didn't even ask him!! I didn't ask him to do any of it. He just did. I thought he was grading and working and prepping for his weekend class Friday and Saturday. And here in the midst of all that… he took time to help me out. What an amazing husband I tell you!! I think I'll let him sleep in!!!

Sunday Review

Thanks to everyone who left funny emails, encouraging comments, and words of insight. This Sunday went a lot smoother! Sundays are just hard days for little guys! You wake up, you be still at church all morning, you come home to eat and nap, and then wake right up again to be scuttled off to church again, then back for more bed. He was a lot less whiney, so that made all the other infractions bearable. I was expecting much worse considering we were out for twelve hours on Saturday doing some fun things I will have to write about later!!! I am going to finish taking the pictures for those posts on Monday! Have a great week!! Thanks for all the comments, emails, and texts! It was very encouraging to my young mother heart!!!

Checking In

That was a pretty dismal post yesterday. Haha. But I just felt like I had to explain why I could not do my normal "daybook" post. Today is a new day… and a gorgeous one too! Since I've been writing Jon it seems like posting and updating here has been easier. So I thought I would just include a snippet of what I just wrote so that yesterday's post isn't left on the top here:

I've got all the windows open and enjoy hearing the summer critters and my wind chimes outside the front door… and there's a wonderful breeze coming in and around the house. Just beautiful! After all that blistering heat we've had THIS kind is just amazing! We played out in the sprinkler today, enjoying some good ol' summer fun, came in, had lunch, read books, brushed teeth and put a certain lad down for a nap. I was prepared for a long fight again. Last night took over an hour and a half until he finally stayed in his bed. It was 11 o'clock before he stayed in and fell asleep… Then this morning I heard little bare feet on the floor at 6:30… and a cautious little head peeking into my room, wondering what to do. Needless to say, after so little sleep, so much fighting, and then playing… he's tired and really needed the nap. Thankfully this time he only climbed out of bed once and then fell asleep within seven minutes! Yes, I was shocked. Not sure how long he'll sleep… I hope a while so he can catch up on some of that sleep he's missing!

Like I told him… I'll sign off for now and do a few other chores around here before I hear those bare-pigs on the floor again!

A Quote to Remember

We made yummy muffins for breakfast this morning, and because he made them I guess, Isaac was really enjoying them. He ate very well and then was more than happy to get down to play. Normally he will sit in his chair after we take his tray off and wait for Stephen to take him to the sink to wash up. This time he slithered down while the tray was still in mid-air, going to find a resting place on the table nearby. Stephen said, Isaac, let me wash you off, bud. And Isaac chimed up from the living room… No… (Looking himself over) I keen. Just as matter of factly as anything, like crumbs and dry food were not a mess at all. He did come in to show dad eventually what he was talking about… but it was really funny at the time. No… I keen.

Dog Days

Well, the rest of the week has proven to be exceptionally hot, even hotter with each passing day. Isaac and I did not venture out to the store or any type of play places by ourselves since earlier in the week. We went out early in the morning, when the heat was less oppressive; however, morning temperatures of 80 to 85 are not that low really. The first morning out I put the sprinkler on low, I thought this may be successful now that he is a pro at the water splash pad at the zoo. And it did work. He had a lot of fun. I took a video, but am having trouble downloading it. I will have to wait until Stephen can show me how to get it onto my computer from my phone (surely that's possible!). We also filled up his pool. What would we do without our little (big) swimming pool? Isaac would not be a happy camper because there is no way his own mother would sit outside without that nice pool! I have deep gratitude and amazement at everyone who works outside on days like this. How can though do it? I can literally feel my skin burning! We frequently (minute by minute) keep dousing ourselves in water to keep from melting. Melting would be a bad thing…

Playing Around

I thought I heard mouse in there!

Climber

He knows he isn't supposed to be up there, right? So what does he say, "Mom! Cam-uh!" Cheese!

At the End

It's been another long day. Either they really are getting longer, or I am just realizing how long they actually are. Today was so long because it was full every minute with activity. I could tell when Isaac woke up that he was not feeling completely whole… his little eyes were puffy but his smile was still there. He had energy, until about lunch time when he completely bottomed out. All he could do was snuggle down on the floor and run a car across his tummy. I told him his cheeks looked a little red (like he had a fever) and he said, No… they were blue. Oh, okay. Then could I please look in his mouth to see if there were any polka dots. Orange and green of course. He took a nap, and pulled on my heart when he woke up. He was still so tired and whiny. It is not a happy thing to see your little fellow not feeling 100%.

After Isaac woke up, Stephen did an amazing job of being here at home and completely rearranging our living room! We are enjoying it now. He has finally come in for the day, and working on the couch with his computer. He has done an amazing job keeping our house looking nice both inside and out. Several things off our to-do list today!!! We took the dining room table down and moved the couch where that used to be. We moved several other pieces of furniture… nothing stayed in the same place except the two corner cabinets which are occupying the only two corners we have in the living area. (We of course live in a square house, but the other corners are busy with doors and hinges, and the like.) We have a lovely, cozy sitting area now where we used to have the dining room and have a nice open area… although I am currently noticing my son is trying to circle around my recliner… as if the living room just isn't big for him…. Some people are never satisfied!

A Quote to Remember

An original sentence… by Isaac. (Unwilling to put pants back on after a diaper change. Rather, enjoying the comfortable feel of being undressed.)

Day is Done

It has been a really, really long day. But it is over now…almost. As soon as I can finish writing and wind down a little bit. But I so happy to report that I can now flush the toilet without fear! I can (one day, when all the backwashed grime is gone) take a long, long shower. (Exactly how many scrubbings will it take to get the bathtub clean again?) And Isaac is good for one more year before having another maintenance check-up. Today's was long (I said that, right?)… very long. I am so thankful for a husband who went through this entire day's trials with us. A large sacrifice of time on his part, hours and hours…including taking care of Isaac while I had Bible study to night. I think right now I hear him getting back into the ticking groove on his keyboard.

Isaac is 37 and a half inches tall, and 25 pounds. Extremely skinny for his age, and exceptionally tall. The doctor did not consider the bruises a testimony to any type of child abuse thankfully; even casually overlooking the bruised bump that conveniently found itself on his forehead right before we had to go in today of course! By the dirt collected under his finger nails and between his fingers from admiring the plumber's rotating machine in the front lawn today for over an hour and by the popsicle stain running down his arm… she came to the conclusion that he was active. But little did she know that drama leading up to the appointment. I overcame the feeling of being belittled because… there is just really nothing you can do when the housing plumbing is beyond your control. Thankfully she didn't see the stains on my own shirt from those same popsicle-hands and muddy fingers, that were much dirty before I was able to get them somewhat clean before we got in the car. I just don't even notice things about my own self when I am trying to get my own child looking decent. There are days I get to our destination and wonder if I put my shoes on, or did I even look in the mirror to fix my hair? Or… what am I wearing?

It's been a long… LONG day!

Birthday Dollars

Isaac thinks he is a "fye-mun." Everyone is a "fye-mun": the police officer, the construction worker, the mailman. All helpers and workers get lumped into his all time favorite job: fireman! So how convenient that the week after his birthday he is able to spend some birthday dollars in the Dollar Aisle and buy a fireman hat and jacket? A dream come true I tell you!

Big Boy

On Friday, Isaac and I took a trip to our local Salvation Army Thrift store. I was tired of trying to squeeze t-shirts over his head and hear his hilarious sound effects as he struggled to get free. Our last trip to the thrift store ended as soon as we walked in the door, so I was not too excited about this trip, thinking the same thing would probably happen. But it actually didn't. He had fun pushing hangers around, eating his snack, drinking juice, and sitting in the back of the cart since the front was broken. We enjoyed finding a couple toys also for him to play with as well as a brand new Elmo game I will keep undercover until Christmas comes around.

We found some nice church pants for forty cents… and got a couple pairs. So Sunday morning he was quite tickled, after our fun trip to get "big boy stuff" to wear his "big boy pants" to church for the first time. The picture doesn't fully capture his fun attitude, but the church shoes, the bow tie… all Isaac's doing. He had fun.

Glad

This is day number five. And I am wishing I had taken his pacifier away sooner! It is so freeing! And makes him such an independent boy! I noticed already on day three he was starting to know when he was tired and laying himself down on the carpet. Well, yesterday when we were out with friends, he climbed up in my lap and put his head down. And if he had not been handed an ice cream bar… I am sure he would have fallen asleep. And then today!...

Me: (seeing Isaac leave our water play fun and lay down on the hot dark asphalt of our driveway… on his back, face up, eyes closed… sorry, no camera!!!) Isaac, are you tired?

Isaac: Naw.

Hahaha. Needless to say, he was scooped up, dried off, and eagerly closed his eyes as soon as he could wrap his arms around Tigger. I like no pacies!!

Sing-Along

Song: Who built the ark?

Isaac: "Knome-uh! Knome-uh!"

Song: Who built the ark?

Isaac: (Brother) Knome-uh (built the ark).

Transitions

Now that our young guy is officially two years old, it's time to transition off the pacifier. We had narrowed it down to just bedtimes successfully since last Winter or Spring. And just the past couple days we have cut it out altogether.

My first plan of action was to snip some of the end off it. He still got his pacifier's presence and comfort, but it wasn't doing the old job for him. One night of that was enough for me, we needed a clean break. So the next day he and I made a special Big Boy Day, road the train at the mall, played in the playground and went off to find a much coveted Pooh Bear he had wanted at a gas station stop but was denied. So we went off to find Pooh to replace "pacie." We were excited to find him on extreme clearance at the Disney Store and were able to get Tigger (his other favorite) on sale too! Both much less for the price I was expecting to pay for just one. Last night went so smoothly! I was surprised. He woke up bright and chipper talking to Pooh and Tiger, brought them out and snuggled down on the living room carpet to finish waking up. (A normal tradition now that we have a new carpet he very much adores.)

But naptime… this is not going as smoothly. Which I have heard does not go as well. Understandable. It's the middle of the day, and learning to soothe one's self to actually stop and go to sleep could be hard for an active little guy. He's just saying, "Mum, cum. Mum, cum." But I have noticed his little voice is just singing now, must be talking to Pooh or Tigger, and it's getting softer… softer… softer. I have a feeling that after being in there for almost an hour now, he'll fall asleep.

We do have a routine before naptimes, which has helped so much. I noticed today though, since he's been trying to put himself to sleep a couple days now, that the closer we got to our "normal" naptime, the quieter he got. He actually laid down on the floor and rolled his trains around. I could tell he was able to start feeling that he was getting tired, which he has never had to do before. So I scooped him up and he cheerfully waved bye to his train, "She yuh!" (See ya.) We did a bathroom run and while putting on his pants again he saw Pooh waiting in his bed for him. He told Pooh he was coming, and started snoring. He was ready. He was so ready I thought for sure he would be asleep by now! I know I could be. But when I personally take naps, my days just get so behind. Maybe once I finally here zero noise from his room I can drift off for a quick pick-me-up.

You know… do you ever have one of those days where you wish you were blogging and posting your pictures from your most recent trip to Hawaii. That thought just struck me… huh! Nice. Aloha!

Stool

Do you recognize this stool? Isaac loves to flip it over like it is a seat. He carried it into the living room especially to be by his new library books and read them. I made this stool in my Jr. High shop class. It is by no means the steadiest stool made, in fact it can be quiet dangerous to your health to stand upon... but for this... it's perfect! It has achieved it ultimate purpose in life!

Isaac the Builder

This fellow could sit and build all day long! In fact, he does pretty much! If he isn't helping me around the house, he is in the living room building with blocks... or reading his ever changing collection of library books. We have added the weekly Toddler Time at our local library into our routine. Our regular teacher was not there this week, we missed her. She usually keeps everyone engaged and interacting. The sub this week.... I give her huge applause for trying! How difficult to step in for an ALL boy toddler class. Not that it HAS to be all boys, girls weren't excluded, it's just that apparently our city is low in the population of toddler girls. A few girls would add calmness and quiet to a room of toddler boys anxious to be out and feeding off of each others energy.

Off to Work