Anticipation

I have been wanting to post this series of pictures for awhile. They are from Talia's 1 yr. portraits--roughly half of the total pictures taken! I just think it's hysterical; please indulge me. :)

Easter pix

Here are some fun pictures from Easter.

Easter Baskets!

I love this top!!

Look what Benjamin got!

Benj is proud of his new Elmo potty!

The Yellow Sections

As most of you know, Seth is working on completing his doctorate. He is planning to graduate this coming December and now there is just one thing between him and this goal: a tiny little research paper called his dissertation. Recently Seth sat down to map out a plan that would enable him to spend the regular time he needs in order to make consistent progress on this monumental task. One night he showed me an Outlook calendar, mapping out his ideal week. His time was divided neatly into color-coded sections showing work hours, dissertation hours, sleep, etc., but the yellow sections caught my eye: "Family Time." This is nothing new. I've said it before (here), Seth has amazed me throughout our 7 1/2 years of marriage with his unswerving commitment to his biblical priorities, but this "visual" reminded me once again of how hard he works to love his family.

This post was written in response to the Something Good prompt 'Priorities'.

12 Words!? She must be a girl!

Yes, it's true. I counted this morning and Talia can say 12 words: Dada, Mama, sock, thank you (ta tu), boo!, book, cup, bye bye (ba ba), woah!, stinky (kih-ky), ball, and Pooh. I don't know when she started picking up words left and right, one day I just realized she was actually saying something! She amazes us with how much she picks up by imitation.

Speaking of imitation, another one of her favorite new tricks is doing animal sounds. Her best sounds are cow ("mmm"), pig [a short, deep throated sort of growl], and lion "rAAAAh." But she will try to imitate almost any sound you give her. One night we were watching a Baby Einstein video featuring all kinds of animals ("Baby Noah"). Each segment shows a different environment (rainforests & tropics, the savannah, the outback, etc.) and shows 5 or 6 animals from that region. Each new animal is introduced with a picture and the sound it makes. Talia was trying to imitate each one. So cute!

We are also learning body parts. So far she can point to her eyes, mouth and hair. I think hair is her favorite because whenever I give her one she doesn't know she just smiles and starts whacking her head!

Physically, Talia has made a lot of progress lately! Since her first crawling experience last Sunday she has learned to get from a laying-down to a sitting-up position by herself and has started pulling up on her knees. It won't be long before she is fully mobile. Watch out Benjamin, nothing is safe anymore! Also, I discovered a sharp new tooth yesterday morning that must have come through in the night. This brings her total tooth count to a whopping 4! (For those who don't know, 4 is not an extraordinary amount of teeth for a 1 year old.)

If you were to visit our house during the day you would most likely find Talia reading a book, playing a musical instrument, or destroying something. Yes, this just about sums up her favorite pastimes. She does love to "read" books; in fact, she can not endure a diaper change without one. As soon as I lay her down on the changing table she immediately begins signing "please," meaning "please give me a book." As soon as I hand over the desired object she begins nodding emphatically and happily babbles, "ta tu" (thank you). Another favorite on Tali's daily agenda is making music. She loves to play our piano as well as the variety of instruments we have accumulated, including a tambourine, cymbals, wood block, maracas, plastic recorder and kazoo.

Unfortunately the aforementioned activities are not always undertaken with the utmost care for our possessions. Talia has single handedly destroyed many a board book, most of which I have salvaged with the help of my trusty bottle of Crayola school glue and my roll of clear packing tape. Our books were in nearly pristine condition before Talia hit the stash. Alas, that is no longer the case. Apparently the instruments are no longer safe either. Last night, while picking up the toys strewn across the living room, I discovered the plastic "plug" to the kazoo underneath the rocking chair; the underlying circle of wax paper was nowhere to be seen. (I suspect it made a not-so-tasty after-dinner snack for a small pixie wearing a diaper.) Fortunately I have seen many kazoos repaired in my day. :) Even while in bed Talia can manage to find something to get into! I finally had to remove the bumper pad from her crib after she pulled 3 of the ribbon ties to absolute shreds. I like to call her "my little destructive child."

Our days are full of fun and laughter as each one brings something new to discover and learn. I won't pretend these two crazy kiddos don't completely wear me out. (Most nights, as I close the door to their bedroom I can't help but let out a gigantic sigh of relief.) But as I stop to reflect on the beauty of their development I remember the joy of being a mom. What a privilege it is to undertake the task of teaching these sweet children "when [we] sit in [our] house, and when [we] walk by the way, and when [we] lie down and when [we] rise." (Deut. 6: 7)

"Benj" & other toddlerisms

I don't think I've mentioned that Benjamin, unable or unwilling to say "Benjamin", now refers to himself as Benj. This has always been one of my nicknames for him, but it is so funny to hear him say it! He is still in the stage where he refers to himself in the third person, so he is constantly saying things like, "Benj eat!", "Benj read book," and "Benj stinky!"

Five months ago I was a little worried about Benjamin's language development as he was not yet putting two words together. I need not have been concerned! The little jabberbox never stops talking! I wish I had a video clip of the way he explains things to me--hands out, fingers splayed (palms up), emphatically gesturing to punctuate every word. When he really gets going he alternates this with patting his thighs. It is hysterical to watch!

Another fun little development has been the discovery of his creative side. Benjamin has begun to make up words to the tunes of songs he knows. For example (to the tune of the "clean up" song): "Read books, read books, ev...mmmbb ev...mmm" (I think that's "everybody everywhere"). Or how about (to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle"): "Benjamin, Benjamin, Benjamin-min, Benjamin." He has also started telling his own jokes. This is one of our dinner favorites. (Any family member followed by anything they are not actually eating may be substituted in, as desired): "Talia's eating....(dramatic pause) PIZZA!" (Hysterical laughter) "Talia's eating...CEREAL!" (Ha ha ha ha ha)

He is still quite enamored with letters and numbers. He has known all the sounds the letters make for quite some time now, and has gradually been learning each letter's name, but we recently discovered that he can say the entire alphabet, in order, quite clearly. He also loves to sing the alphabet, as long as you go slowly. He loves to count, too, which is a great motivator to get him to do things he doesn't want to do (like eat and pick up toys). He can count up to 29 so that gives us plenty of room to get accomplished what we need to do (29 bites--that's a lot of bites!) One of his new favorite activities is playing this game on the computer.

Right now Benjamin is also very hung up on the "rules." He goes around the house reciting things like, "no ball on table," "no push Ya Ya," "no touching," "no lick (his lips are quite chapped)." And when we put him down to bed the script goes like this: "No talking, no singing, no kick wall, no ABC's, no 1, no 2, no 3, no 4....etc," which are all things he loves to do, enabling him to stay awake (and keep his sister up) long after we put him to bed! It makes me wonder if he ever absorbes the positive things I say to him. I really don't follow him around telling him "no" all the time! I guess it's just his personality. He loves rules and order and routine. I wonder where he got that?.... :)

Healthwise, we are still dealing with some issues. He did get over the pneumonia from a couple of weeks ago, but the day before his re-check appointment he started coughing again and now we are back on an antibiotic, as well as the nebulizer for another 6 weeks, Singulair, a cough medicine, an antibiotic ointment for infected patches of eczema, and Tylenol for fever! We are realizing more and more that he is just kind of a sickly little guy and is in need of God's healing. We are praying for permanent strengthening for his weak body.

I know this doesn't nearly summarize all that Benjamin is doing and saying these days, but I hope it gives you a glimpse into his busy little life that brings us so much joy.

Legitimate Emotions

One thing I like about the way Seth relates to me is that he takes care to legitimize my feelings. When listening to my account of my difficult day with the kids or acting as the audience for my latest soapbox rant, he will often say, "I can understand why you would feel that way" or even "It is perfectly legitimate for you to react that way." I appreciate that Seth almost never begins a conversation with the attitude that my emotions or reactions are somehow wrong (even though they may be.) He lets me feel how I feel and waits to "fix it" until I am ready to hear.

This post was written in response to the Something Good prompt 'Relating to You'.

I have mentioned a site to many of you individually, and placed a link in my sidebar, but have not previously written a post on this topic. I would like to officially introduce you to a new blog called "Something Good." This is what the creator, Becky, writes: "This blog is made for wives and dedicated to husbands, to create a place in our culture where men are respected." It has become so acceptable in our culture to demean and demoralize men that many of us don't even recognize the problem anymore. I could say so much on this subject, but since this is a plug for the blog, I'll let it speak for itself: What is it all about? To read more about the origin of this important vision (and the blog name) read Why does it matter?

Briefly, for those who are not into clicking links, here's how it works. Each Monday the administrators post a new topic starter. The topic gives a specific focus and is designed to prompt positive thoughts about your man. (For more: How does it work?) Anyone can participate. In fact, I would highly encourage you to participate. Shaunti Feldhahn, author of For Women Only: what you need to know about the inner lives of men, writes, "Dozens of men told me how painful it is when their wives criticize them in public, put them down, or even question their judgement in front of others....Just as your man will be hurt and angry if you disrespect him in public, he will think you are the most wonderful woman in the world if you publicly build him up....Trust me--from the men I've talked to, that will be the equivalent of his coming home to you with a dozen roses and a surprise date night without the kids. He will feel adored." If you need more encouragement to get started read personal testimony, Should I participate? Or perhaps you may find encouragement here: What if I have nothing to say?

(Links above--except the book--are also provided in the right-hand sidebar at the top of the Something Good homepage under the heading: "About Something Good.")

Periodically I plan to post my responses to Something Good topics (labeled with the Something Good button pictured at the top of this post) here on our family blog. This will serve two purposes: 1. To demonstrate regularly to my husband my respect for him in order to love him in the way he needs to be loved. By taking these opportunities to honestly praise him to a readership of his own friends and family I hope to shout loudly, "Sweetheart, I am proud of you!" 2. To serve as one more bridge to lead women to the community of encouragement that is making a difference in the way our men fight the battle. (See What do men think about it?)

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

Talia is crawling!

We arrived home after church this morning and left the kids to play in the living room while I got lunch together. A few minutes later I heard Seth, "Baby Girl, you're doing it! ... Kiersten! Come quick!" Knowing what must be going on, I dropped the fork with which I was stirring the tuna noodle casserole and hurtled into the living room. Seth backed her up a few feet from the puzzle she was examining and sure enough she wiggled and squirmed herself into a knees bent, "all fours" pose. One knee stepped forward, followed by the other before she collapsed face-down in a heap of exhaustion.

Go Talia!

On Weight Loss and Mental Progress

I had a weight-loss breakthrough last week. It came in the unlikely form of a container full of cookies. I was trying, successfully (although barely), to resist the temptation to snack on them mid-afternoon and thus giving myself a little pep talk. While I went through the traditional line of half-hearted reasoning that usually ends in weakened resolve and giving in to temptation a brand new thought hit me: "Successfully thin people don't routinely snack on cookies in the middle of the afternoon. I have to think like a thin person!"

One of my favorite motivational authors/speakers is a financial expert by the name of Dave Ramsey. (Some of you are wondering what can possibly be inspirational about finances!) On his daily call-in radio show he will sometimes give advice that is contrary to the counsel of the other "experts" in the caller's life, based on what he calls "plain math." In these cases he often tells people, "if you want to be rich, study rich people (not your broke brother-in-law with an opinion) and do what they do." In my case, if I want to be thin I need to replace my default mindset with the thought and motivation of those who succeed in being thin.

This may not sound very revolutionary, but when compared to the way I've been thinking for my entire weight loss journey, it is almost a 180-degree shift for me. I lost 45 pounds after giving birth to Benjamin. While pregnant with Talia I gained back some pregnancy pounds (as I should have) and have now lost all but 5 of that. Now that I am "mostly" back to pre-pregnancy weight, losing momentum, and busy with routine and kids I am finding that my old line of reasoning is dangerously close to leading back to my old (not thin) self. As this new thought settles in and takes root I am realizing I have gone through my entire journey mostly thinking, "what can I get away with?" rather than, "what will best help me meet my goals?"

When I compare these two thought patterns I realize the first sets me up in a victim mentality. I am imagining myself under the thumb of some undefined authority and, like a mischievous imp, trying to push the limits to the point just before I get in trouble. My, how mature. That sounds like my 2-year-old! On the other hand having a default mindset that involves the bigger picture (my goals) automatically places me in a position of strength. I am no longer slave to those unwanted masters, Guilt and Obligation; instead I have given authority to a much nobler captain: Hope. I am seeing a worthy goal and choosing to believe it is attainable. When I make decisions that will lead to the desired outcome, temporarily painful though they may be, the results are only positive and beneficial.

Hmm. This is all sounding strangely familiar. Maybe its the echo of that famous Weight Watchers mantra floating around in my head "It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle." Or as the title of one email newsletter asked lately, "Are you still thinking like a dieter?" Isn't it funny how something you've heard a million times before can suddenly make perfect sense?

Banana Pudding

To be honest, I've never really given much thought to banana pudding before this morning. But today I have discovered something: it is a miracle food! I absolutely adore banana pudding. Now I'm not talking about the fancy banana pudding people make here in the South--with Nilla wafers and real bananas in it--nope, just plain old package mix banana pudding, Wal-Mart brand.

What!? is so special about banana pudding, you may ask. Well, nothing...unless you have a baby who's name is Talia and she is 1 year old and she refuses (I mean REFUSES) to take her antibiotics for her double ear infection. Yesterday we had a screaming, flailing, sweating, spitting, red-in-the-face, vomiting little girl who would NOT take her medicine. Today we had a slightly apprehensive, mildly fussy, yet ultimately compliant little girl who eventually took every last drop of Augmentin because it was mixed into banana pudding. God bless the pharmacist at Rite Aid who suggested such a brilliant course of action!

Sick :(

Yesterday morning, while I attended a ladies meeting for our Sunday School class (that I happened to be semi-"in charge" of) Seth took both kids to the pediatrician's office. By himself. For a double appointment. I myself have only braved this feat once, but Seth the fearless Daddy, defender of his poor sick children, said "bring it on!"

Both kids have had cold symptoms all week: runny noses, cough, a bit fussy. All in all, however, I was feeling like we had fairly mild cases, compared to some of the bugs that have been going around. Until Friday. Benjamin woke up from his afternoon nap and at first sight I could tell he had a fever. The thermometer finally stopped climbing at 103.0. I called the pediatrician on call who told me to give Benjamin a couple of extra breathing treatments and bring him in to the office in the morning. As the evening progressed it became clear that Talia was quickly following suite. A long, restless, feverish night ensued.

Upon completion of my meeting I called, anxious for the diagnosis. They were at Rite Aid turning in prescriptions--uh oh, not a good sign. Talia, as it turns out has a double ear infection (that would explain the repeated inconsolable crying the previous night) and possibly a touch of the flu. Benjamin came out with a diagnosis of right lung pnemonia. He also has the flu.

On my way home I picked up the previously mentioned prescriptions, a total of 4 bottles, although happily both children are on the same medications (an antibiotic and Tamiflu to reduce flu symptoms) with the same doses.

Unfortunately, things got worse before they started getting better--let's just say certain events led to 2 unplanned loads of laundry, but fortunately today they seem to be on the mend. Benjamin has perked up quite a bit and is no longer fighting his high fever. Talia slept a little better last night and seems to be in less pain today. And no more unplanned laundry. Both kids are now sleeping peacefully, a fact of which I intend to take full advantage with a nap of my own!