I haven't blogged in quite a while...though there's been plenty to write about. Just where is the time? Daily I am being challenged as a person and wife and mother. Daily I am learning. Daily I am loving my God given role. Daily the new child within is growing and interacting and getting ready to make his transition into our arms!
Pregnancy with an almost 3 year old running around and growing has not been easy. Especially as we near the time to meet our second little fellow, I find my energy and my body just can't manage as well. I have tried to stay positive and know how important that is for this little one growing within and for Abigail & Jeff too!
Here are some of the highlights of Abigail's growth from March to now that I've wanted to blog about for a while. ....
I Love You Mommy- March 2012
Somewhere around March 13th, probably a Monday evening cause that's when Jeff is gone, I had the pleasure of putting Abigail to bed. Jeff has been doing bedtime with Abigail since early on in this pregnancy because of weaning her and the difficulties I was having early on. He has enjoyed his time with her in the evenings. But Mondays are my night since he has Bible Study Fellowship. This night we did normal bedtime ritual stuff- pj's, teeth brushed, reading "lots and lots of books", cuddling, eating frozen grapes and singing and praying. While cuddled up in my arms, she looks up at me and with the sweetest voice says "I love you Mommy". This was a very special moment- not just the tenderness and unprompted-ness. This was the first time she'd said the entire phrase to me and with such meaning. she'd been saying "love you" with her arms across her chest hug/sign for love. But this time was different and will be etched in my mind and heart forever!
Breasts Not Working- April 2012
I was in the bathtub with Abigail (34 months). She's been weaned for about 5-6 months. We've had conversations about her having "mommy milk" and who will have it next (Baby brother) and that is all baby brother will eat at first. She'd tried a couple of times early on to suck again but more playing or curiosity. She leaned in to me in the tub and put her mouth on my breast (but not really
sucking or trying) and said "not working mommy":) I said nope- in a couple of weeks they'll be working again and we had the conversation about baby brother having mommy milk and talked about if she remembered having mommy milk- which she did. It was really nice!I love that she knows what breasts were created to do!
She also has a toy block with a picture of a baby bottle on it and I love that she does not associate it with formula or milk but calls it a water bottle.Can't wait to see what she'll do & say with baby brother drinking mommy milk.
Disappearing Belly Button- April 2, 2012
Abigail wanted to know where my belly button went. I told her it went away and would come back when baby brother comes out. She seemed satisfied with that answer. Then she checked her own belly button and it was there and she deduced that she has not baby brother (in her tummy). :) And since then when she looks at my lack of a belly button she says "baby brother took it" and "it will be back".
Being Silly-April 6, 2012
I have a silly, silly child! She asked me to come to her room. She wanted to show me that she emptied all her drawers out & put the clothes in her bed in a big pile. when I came in she laughed and said "being silly". HA!
Motor & Jesus- April 27, 2012
A gust of wind scares Motor the cat & she runs off to hide. Abigail follows her saying 'don't be afraid Motor' to comfort her. Then when asked why she shouldn't be afraid, it's cause "Jesus is with her". Then she proceeded to explain to Motor in a loving, confident voice. Love the comforting & evangelizing to the cat!!!!
Dancing with Daddy- April 29, 2012
Abigail loves to dance around to music- by herself, with her animal friends, with scarves, with mommy or daddy. This Saturday morning, after breakfast she requested to dance with daddy. Daddy has already blogged about these precious moments. But here's my perspective. As mom of this precious child and wife to this awesome husband, there is nothing in the world that warms my heart more and affirms what life is all about than to be a silent witness to these moments. He put on a song they love to sing together and once she realized what is was- the smile on her face was priceless, the head on his shoulder while singing "there 's a great big beautiful tomorrow" was beautiful. They danced and cuddled and sang the entire 7 minute version. Makes me know that there is a God, this love is what life is all about and we were meant to be parents at this time and place!
Missed You Mom- early May 2012
We had Hynobirthing classes for four Saturday mornings in a row in April. This meant that Abigail was with a grandma or aunt from about 8 am - 2pm. She loved it but it became evident that she also recognized time away from mom and dad. She said to me while putting her to bed soon after classes ended, "missed you Mommy" as she snuggled. I knew exactly what she meant and I missed her too! What a sweet girl.
Big Girl Bed- May 12, 2012
I had wanted her crib down for selfish reasons- like it hurt to lift her up & over with this other child in utero. I also thought maybe she'd be able to get up & entertain herself for a little bit once her brother arrived so I could stay flat, sleep and feed him. Firs t night looked like she may not stay as Jeff posted a pic of her lying against her bed. But she climbed in and slept all night. And in the morning------- "wake up time Mommy". She called and waited. And that continued to happen until this morning, May 23rd. I think she's found her new freedom. She is/was proud though being in a big girl bed- you can see it in her eyes and smile when she says "big girl bed" to others! A ritual of growing up (sniff, sniff). Naptimes have been challenging and we've had some funny playtimes and ointment placed all over animals and room cause she got out of bed and played. But overall, the transition as been good.
Operation Apple Removal- May 15, 2012
Yes-she put a piece of apple up her nose. And I could not convince her to stay still enough to get it out with tweezers nor hold her down and do it or blow it out. But thankfully, when daddy got home, a couple of blows and it came out! Doctor trip averted! Yikes- scary to think what might be next- in nose or ear or mouth?!
Mommy's Shirt- May 18, 2012
Abigail to me today: mommy's shirt does not fit, Abigail will go get another (and off to my room she goes) ! I was wearing an around the house tank & yes my belly is now too big for it !:) Yes- it's about that time at almost 40 weeks--- to meet our second precious blessing!
Abigail the Big Sister- new role coming any day
I cannot wait for the memories to be made as this new little guy joins our family. It has been wonderful to watch Abigail interact and grow to understand what my growing belly means. She has talked, read to, sung to, caressed, hugged and interacted with her brother in my belly a lot. He will know her voice! She has planned out what she can do with him- read to him, sing, pray, puppet shows, and more. She talks about how she can help- diapers, food, etc. And what I really love is she includes him, the yet unseen baby brother, every time she talks about the "whole family". This child is going to be loved and smothered with helpfulness by his compassionate, kind and wonderful big sister!!!!!
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