Just For Laughs

A friend of mine sent this to me and I had to post. It's exactly how I feel about winter. Too funny!

Discovery of the Week

These past two weeks, I finally had decided to give the whole teeth brushing thing a shot. I had imagined something like Ethan being on the ground in a headlock between my knees and using my legs to hold down his hands while struggling to get the toothbrush in his mouth. Which is why I've been dreading it and had postponed it for the longest time. Luckily, this was NOT how it all went down. Instead, he was curious and actually pretty cooperative...minus a few whine here and there. I would sing a song (and try to make it fun) while we took turns brushing. He would even imitate doing the up and down motions. Anyway, I don't know if his teeth are really clean because he ended up doing more of chewing on it than brushing, but hey at least we're getting into the routine of it. It's funny though that he knows when it's time because he would race to the bathroom every night in excitement! =0)

Just For Laughs

Ethan's frustration of the day? Not being able to get to his belly button because I had him in a onesie outfit.

On Being a Mamma

"So many days I felt like: Really? This is what I'm doing? I didn't see the value right away. But when I saw my work in God's eyes, and saw that I had the most important job...it didn't get easier for me until I got right with God. Once I surrendered to motherhood, I was thrilled about it. It bacame a true joy. Nothing's more important than my family." - Candance Cameron, actress (interview for MOPS magazine)

God has been consistently tugging at my heart this past month with one word: surrender (to motherhood). I guess I didn't realize it is something I have to surrender to but then again, I protested and said haven't I given my life, my time and my energy! What more can I sacrifice?! But then He gently whispered back to me, "Yes you have, but it's out of a sense of duty instead of unconditional love which overflows with joy." As I meditated on that, reality hit and the truth hurts. Apparently, I've never truly embraced this new chapter of my life but instead have been fighting it. This battle of only giving a part of myself while worrying about the other part of who's going to meet my wants and my needs has been constant like a tug-of-war. And obviously that is where God comes in. Anyway, it's funny how you navigate through this journey of motherhood, doing the best that you can while stumbling along the way only to realize that the best isn't good enough because you tried to do it on your own - without Him. I'm far from being perfect and God still has a lot of charactering refining to do in me. But in the mean time, it's good to know I am loved by Him and that I'm not alone on this journey!

Blogging "Twittering" Style

Went to a Chinese buffet for dinner tonight and I've never seen Ethan eat that much! He looked pretty bloated afterwards.

Mamma Wisdom of the Week

Ever since we got back from our vacation, Ethan hasn't been eating very well. In fact, he would throw most of his food on the floor before even tasting it...not leaving much else to eat. How did a kid who used to eat anything and everything all of a sudden became a picky eater?! I'm just perplexed. And to be honest about it, it drives me crazy: that he won't eat, that all the food is on the floor, that him and Kaika crawl underneath the table to eat it (afterwards), and that I don't know what else to cook! Maybe it's just a stage. Maybe he's teething or because he's sick. Maybe he just likes seeing my reactions. Anyway, I know I just need to chill and not make a big deal about it. I was reading that meal time shouldn't be a battle and that I shouldn't force him to eat. But it's just hard not to worry whether or not he's getting enough nutrition that he needs.

Anyway today at lunch after half of his food ended up on the floor AGAIN, I decided to try a different approach and make it fun. I gave him a spoon, put some food on it, and helped him maneuver it to his mouth. Hardly anything made it in, but at least he was entertained. Eventually he ended up grabbing the food and eating them by hand and ate more than he has in a while! Yay!

I'm Yours

Date nights and romance seem to take more effort since Ethan came along. But that won't stop us, especially on Valentine's Day weekend because we have plans: a dinner and a movie. As always it was nice to get away and reconnect again without worrying about diapers, wipes, bibs, miscellaneous food items and of course the baby. My purse was so light I thought I had forgotten something! Anyway, Dear John was great and we even got to hold hands through the whole movie...ahh =0)

Tantrums

Gotta love it. This is a scene by scene of what happens when I say no or take away something from Ethan (that I don't want him to play with): Whining and feet stomping occur followed by falling to the ground as he dramatically throws himself back so that his head hits the floor with a thud. Then he would look at me with tears welling in his eyes and crying as if I did it to him. Sigh. Yeah this happens like at least 10 times a day. Sometimes it's easier to ignore it and walk away; but other times, it isn't. Brian and I had to kinda laugh about it though since we both know he can brace himself without hitting his head (that kid has some strong ab muscles), but obviously he does it for affect: reactions and sympathy. Not quite sure what else I'm supposed to do, but at least the hitting thing hasn't been much of an issue.

Discovery of the Week

I know my mom would be proud of this one: Ethan finally learned how to "blow kisses." She tried to teach it to him back in November when she visited, but he just looked at her and ran away to play. But lately he has been in this copying mode while he saw me doing that. Hasn't quite gotten the kissing noise down so it comes out more like hand to wide open mouth and out. Not bad though. Makes me laugh every time.

Other than that, Ethan's new favorite words are "dat" (that) and "hot" which a strong "t" accent at the end. Not sure where he learned that from because it wasn't from me. He also does this finger pointing thing where he puts his middle finger and thumb together (reminds me of a "rock-on" gesture) while saying dat to everything. In case you're wondering, he does know the word "mamma"...but only chants it when he's frustrated! Go figure huh?

Growing Boy

Ethan turns 15 months today and also had a check up appointment. We got some new growth measurements:
Weight: 27 lb. 1 oz. (85th percentile)
Height: 32 1/2 in. (80th percentile)
Still happy and healthy for the most part although I think he might be coming down with a cold. The whole runny nose thing started yesterday. Red nose and no fun =0(

Ft. Myers

So we're back from our vacation and returning to reality this week has been pretty rough. Brian came down with a bad cold (the one I previously had) but worse and I'm dealing with the winter misery AGAIN! Sigh. I'm trying hard to be joyful in all circumstances, but it's just not working out very well right now.

Anyway, my depressing self aside...our trip to Florida was wonderful! There's just something about being by the ocean that makes me smile and feel like I'm home again. So refreshing and carefree. We decided to take advantage of it and spend everyday hanging out on the beach or by the pool. It was awesome! Ethan especially loved exploring the 7-mile stretch of sand, playing in the water and finding all the fascinating "treasures." Boy, did he nap well! =0) Brian and I took turns during those naps for some relaxing alone time. He decided to go running & kayaking; and I chose to sit and read a magazine from cover to cover (without any interruptions) & go for a long walk. It was great! At night, we explored the city and enjoyed some live entertainment after dinner. And what better way to end the night than by drifting off to sleep with the sound of the waves crashing on the shore in the background. Don't think I could have asked for a better vacation!!!

As for the plane ride, Ethan did considerably well even though he was antsy. Flight #1: we were able to move to the bulk head seats for extra room. Flight #2: we had the entire row to ourselves. So that was a HUGE blessing! Not so lucky on the way back, but we had enough kind people on the flight to help entertain him. The biggest surprise of all was that at one point during the flight, Ethan was so tired that he eventually fell asleep on Brian's shoulder. Neither one of us could believe it - what a precious moment! Anyway, I can attest now that flying with a toddler can be done, but it's pretty stressful...just expect to entertain him the entire time. Hey, at least there was no screaming involved.

Love the sand between my fingers & toes...and teeth too!


Taking a morning stroll on the pier
Whoa, that's a big bird!
Hunting for seashells on Sanibel Island

Hanging out on the sand bar

Just For Laughs

Talking about major bed head! (after a 3-hour nap)