Stop and Smell the Dandelions

Today was not easy having to tell Daddy bye for a whole long week, but we made it through the day.

First, Will was going to walk to the hanger (so we said are goodbyes), and then he had to much to carry so we dropped him off at the hanger. Second, I get a voicemail shortly after saying his flight will not leave until 2pm. Ailish was of course excited that Daddy was back. Will and I were also very excited because my friend Lyndsay was willing to watch the munchkins so Will and I could go on a date. We had a wonderful brunch at Java Flats and of course we couldn't leave without a promised cookie for Ailish. While waiting at the back of the line Will puts his arms around and says, "Look at that view." It was serene looking past the porch, swing and on to the snow caped mountains. We certainly felt like we were on vacation for just a minute. We came home to a very happy Ailish cheering, "Daddy Daddy Daddy, Momma, Momma, Daddy!" She gave us big hugs while Ian contently swung in the swing. We then spent some time with the munchkins at the playground where Ailish insisted Will and I go down the slide together (it was a double slide, slide next to slide). We did holding hands. It was so much fun and it made Ailish happy. Then she wanted to go down on my lap next to Daddy. Sure, not a problem. Ian's just in front of me in the Ergo carrier. What a sight! Shortly after, it was time for the real goodbye for the week. Ailish cried and I cried because, I just wanted on more hug!

When we arrived home I set out to not mope by taking the munchkins on a walk. Ian in the Ergo carrier and Ailish in the wagon. O, that lasted until crossing the street where Ailish wanted to get out and walk. She walked all the way to the store. Such a big girl. Such a sweet girl too, stopping excitedly at each dandelion along the way. On our way back it was quite precious. She wanted to pick a dandelion, but couldn't. I picked it for her and she held it for a while. Then she put it in the wagon and then a few steps latter she gave me the dandelion. So sweet!

Honey Bear even got a walk in today and just not a walk to go relieve herself, but a walk around the block! She was excited for sure and it made me happy to finally do so. Thanks to our very helpful friend Meredith. She is helping me while Will is on deployment. Nine more days, but who is counting? O, yeah, that would be me!

Poor Ailish, the day would not be complete without tripping, falling, or bumping her head or face at least three times. She fell of the kitchen table twice today that I know of. Once resulting in a bloody lip and secondly falling bottom first but still manage to bang her head hard on the floor. There was also the bump from the playground (she has a nice shiner from that one). However, I am not sure how that one happened because I told her it was time to leave and I started walking away and she started back up the playhouse and then I heard the cry.

We managed to get by the evening with Ian crying and coughing and Ailish a bit too tired to make up her mind. Graciously, we made it. Both kids in bed by 7:30ish. We shall see how the night goes. 

Humbled Momma

Some days it just takes some crying and tears to clear that plank out of your eye. Even if it means praying on the toilet in front of your daughter (because she barged in on your "quiet time"). Yep, that was me today. I was tired of feeling tired, tired of hearing my babies cry, and tired of not being motivated to have fun. Granted its hard to do when half your day is spent feeding a baby and the rest comforting a sick toddler. However, I miss hearing laughter in our house and I miss being spunky. So, my daughter heard my prayer. It went something like this "Dear Jesus, please forgive me for raising my voice. Please Lord, help me to be a better mommy, to be patient, I thank you for these blessings, Ailish and Ian, please help me to be more creative, and to better understand their needs. If I am being lazy, help me to have the energy. If I am being selfish, help me to be selfless. Please help me to better organize our days. In the name of Jesus. Amen." And my sweet little Ailish stood next to me head bowed and hands together.

After dinner I told Will my thoughts and he shared a message he heard on the radio. It was about a mom whose house was a wreck because of her child. The child comes running to their mother to show her the drawing they drew. This here is the kicker- the mom doesn't admonish her child for the mess, but praises her child by saying what a great artist they are and admires their drawing. Today the child is an artist because they remembered their mom telling them what a great artist they were. I want to be a mom like that! So, now my new prayer is that I can distinguish what is just being a child and what is my pet peeves.

On a lighter note, I decided to introduce Ailish to Hide-N-Seek. I explained it to her, she closed her eyes while I counted and head and told her to find me. I should have found a comfier spot and brought a book with me. She began to play in our room, check on Ian, brought the Ergo carrier out of the room, and then she goes, "Momma?" "Come find me." After repeating a few times she found me and smiled and wanted to get into the Ergo carrier. At least I might have gain some muscle while putting away laundry ;)

Ian found his way out of the bouncer and was found on the floor during Ailish's tuck in time. Note to self: next time leave wiggling baby strapped in swing.

Kodiak Allergies

Ailish is having a tough time with allergies. Poor little girl with a runny nose wiping her hair out of her face just to have snot as hair gel. I handed her a tissue for her "leaky faucet" and she said "Thank you." with her sweet little congested voice. Precious little baby girl. Daddy found some good over the counter medicine to give her. Unfortunately, she thought we were torturing her and she pushed my arm sending the stickiest medicine known to man all over me. We did manage to get at least half of it in her, I hope. The medicine didn't even taste bad (Will and I did a taste test). Ailish and I had to change our pajamas and Will had to go back to work with a sticky uniform.

Ian has a successful tummy time and held his head up for quite a while. Ailish encouraged him by wrapping her arm around him. Then we had to encourage Ailish not to put her arm around his neck.

August brought Will's parents to town for a week and we had a splendid time showing them around and joining them for a Whale Watching Tour. So much fun! Yes, we did see whales! It was a sweet time for Ailish and Grandma Smith to bond. Ailish's little personality came out that week too! It was also very exciting because we had our ultrasound and found out that we were having a BOY!

About a week later Will left for the northern most point of Alaska and the next day Ailish and I headed to the lower 48 to spend time with my parents. It was an adventure being 5 months pregnant with a 15 month old on my lap. She did great on the flights going to the lower 48. Where we were able to stop in LA to visit Ailish's Aunt and Uncle, her cousin, and my best friend and her three girls. The girls and the grown ups had a great time at the play ground. Mommy sat on the wet ground, went to change, only to find no stall doors, and a wet pair of shorts. So, I quickly decided a wet pair of pants were better than a wet pair of shorts and perhaps I would have time to buy some stretchy pants before boarded. Ha ha! Then we hauled it back to the airport where I frantically asked the people in front of me if I could get in front of them in the security line. I was not about to have to wait for the next flight to DC (my flight was boarding at this time). Thankfully, the people and the security guards had mercy on me and I threw our carry on into the stroller and ran to our gate with Ailish on my hip. Praying all the while I would not start early labor. We made it and arrived safely to a tired Grandpa and Grandma. I think Ailish and I were most shocked by all the lights and traffic. Twenty minutes out from my Dad's house and Ailish starts crying and it took me 15 minutes to realize she just wanted me to hold her hand. The highlight was going to the beach and watching Ailish experience a warm ocean for the first time. Ailish liked putting sand in every ones chair and sitting on Aunt Heather's lap. As well as falling asleep in Granddaddy's arms. Another highlight was getting to know my step mom better and spending some sweet time with my Dad, and watching Ailish adore her grandparents. We then met half way to spend the remainder of out time with my Mom and step dad. What a surprise that day was. My Mom, my Dad, my step parents, and my brother and his family all had lunch together at the same table! God blessed my brother and I with that :) The highlight at my Mom's was Ailish in the garden with her Grams and taking walks together, and eating Smores. Ailish loved playing with Reef (my mom's dog and blowing bubbles). My step sister Andrea and I got to take baby bump pictures together as well as pictures with her sister Renee. Ailish loved her Aunties. It was a great three weeks. We thank God for the restoration of relationships during that time as well as sweet memories! Ailish's vocabulary also grew during this time. The words included: Thank you, Granddaddy, and I wish I could remember the rest. It was sad to say goodbyes and Ailish did not sleep on the plane rides back. When she eventually fell asleep on one of the flights, people said, "She finally fell asleep." Yep, that's when you know it was a long flight. The last leg of the journey was a short 45 minute flight where Ailish got to set in a grown up seat and we were greeted by the love of my life. I am so glad he liked my haircut of over a foot taken off ( it was donated). It felt great to be reunited again. What a blessing of a trip and a blessing of a husband! Thank you Lord for your many blessings!

Diaper Spillage Happens in Restaurants Too

Well, it has almost been a year since my last post. Sadness, I know. So much has happened and I wish I  had blogged about. Maybe one day I will remember all those sweet and funny memories. I will try my best to give a quick overview and henceforth keep up with blogging, given the ability and time.

However, my friend Meredith just informed me I should start with the present and then go back. Thursday, Will and I decided to eat out since the children were still napping in the car. We went to the Powerhouse, they have the best box lunches aka good amount of food for a great price. The kids woke up of course and Ian needed to be held and as our food was being placed in front of us I felt Ian's  stomach rumbling. Then a little vibration on my leg followed by a very distinct odor. Will graciously offered to change his diaper and picked him up. That is when I noticed a waterfall of mustard coming out of the little man's outfit. Will left immediately and came back when he realized he didn't have the keys to the car (we had left the wipes out there). Upon his request to dig the keys out of his jacket pocket I informed him to keep his jacket with him because his shirt was covered in Ian mustard. Along with seeing a couple drops of mustard on the floor and on my jeans (I had just got out of the dryer that morning, the only ones that fit right now). Meanwhile Ailish is wondering where did Daddy go? So, I encouraged her to eat. She was more interested in being social with the lady behind us when Daddy returned and began introductions. "My Daddy, my Mommy." While pointing at us and then something incoherent. The lady just smiled and Ailish continued a very similar conversation over and over again. Will politely directed Ailish's attention elsewhere and we eventually finished our lunch with yet another laughable parent moment.

I would write more, but I am tired and Ailish has a bad cough :( And if I want at least 4 hours of consecutive sleep before the boy wakes up to feed, I must retire now and pray Ailish is able to sleep well too.