Happy Thanksgiving! We all have so much to be grateful for!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Just being with Lillie
It is always so good to spend time with each child alone. You really get a chance to talk with, look at, and just be together. You and I went on a date to Panera to get hot chocolate and to walk around the mall together.
Oh, the things we talked about. We had heavy discussions about the American Girl dolls and their lives. They are real to you, you see. I asked you which doll was your favorite. You said, "Samantha...because her dress is much prettier than Molly's Miss. Victory clothes." When you are playing with your sisters, I hear a lot of "If you let me have that pencil, I'll let you be Miss Victory." I learned that Zellie likes Felicity and wants to take swimming lessons at the YMCA. I laughed out loud at that one. Rose likes Molly best.
I then let you take over the camera. Quite a privilege. I let you snap photos of whatever you wanted. I think you took 300 photos at Toys R Us. Precious.
You said, "Let's be best friends forever."
We decided at this point to write down our favorite princess per your request. I said, "Let's ask each other question." You said, "Okay, who is your favorite princess?" You wrote Cinderella and Belle. They are mine too!
I wish I had the perspective of a child again. Was this tree a million feet tall to you??? Please remember?
This was your pick for favorite dress.
At one point, you turned to me and said, "I will see you in heaven. I will miss you in heaven." Gulp. I always getting a little lump in my throat when you say comments like that.
These are a few pictures showcasing your photo talents. Many things were captured to "show Rose" and "Ohhh, Dominic would love this." I watched you the whole time and gave you all the time in the world.
That's right. You and me.
Lovely. You are a queen to us.
Lillie, you are now 6 1/2 years old. You are getting so tall. You are doing so well in school. You LOVE math and reading. Your Papa and I think you will be a speed reader. You read so fast and fly through every book. You read a 367 page book in two days. It was non-stop and serious. You were very motivated. You have a great brain for math and piano. You are playing beautifully and I don't sit to practice with you anymore because you understand your pieces most of the time.
You are Dominic's Lego/ship building buddy. You can talk Star Wars with the best of them. You were telling us the other day about General Grevious' ship. Very funny. You and Dominic create ships at the table most days. You know the names of all the characters.
Lillie, I know at times it must seem I am on you a lot. I don't want to be. I want to be your gentle mother guiding you through the storms of life. I dream for you many, many wonderful things. I want you to be a lady and be like Our Lady. I want you to learn many wonderful things, experience all the beauty in the world, meet a wonderful man if it is your vocation or be a holy nun if that is your vocation. I want to help you when you are a mother. If God asked what we dreamed for you, it would be nothing but loveliness. If the cross comes your way, we want you to know that we are here to help you carry it. We want you to know how loved you, wanted you are, and treasured. I apologize for my shortcomings with you and hope that I always ask your forgiveness and that you too will learn the fine trait of asking forgiveness. My mother taught me that those words can heal many wounds. "Please forgive me." and in return "Of course, I forgive you. I love you. Can we start over?"
People always tell me how complimentary you are. It is true. You love life. You get so excited to do the smallest things. You enjoy friendship and are a good friend to people. You love babies, not only ours, but other peoples babies. You are always so quick to tell someone how nice they look, or that you love their purple sweater, or their shoes. You love movies especially the American Girl movies and believe in your head that you really are imitating the Miss Victory dance. Darling. Serious faces, please. Although, you are always up for the Lone Ranger, Leave it to Beaver, and are looking forward to the day we let you watch Star Wars.
Before Clairvaux was born, you and I went on a date to get your hair done, your nails painted, and to get a little treat. It was great to be with you. You picked bright green nail polish.
We picked up a drink at the Sonic and headed home. It was good to be with you. We are so proud of you.
Overwhelming to a six year old. "My own Hot Chocolate?"
Oh, the things we talked about. We had heavy discussions about the American Girl dolls and their lives. They are real to you, you see. I asked you which doll was your favorite. You said, "Samantha...because her dress is much prettier than Molly's Miss. Victory clothes." When you are playing with your sisters, I hear a lot of "If you let me have that pencil, I'll let you be Miss Victory." I learned that Zellie likes Felicity and wants to take swimming lessons at the YMCA. I laughed out loud at that one. Rose likes Molly best.
I then let you take over the camera. Quite a privilege. I let you snap photos of whatever you wanted. I think you took 300 photos at Toys R Us. Precious.
You said, "Let's be best friends forever."
We decided at this point to write down our favorite princess per your request. I said, "Let's ask each other question." You said, "Okay, who is your favorite princess?" You wrote Cinderella and Belle. They are mine too!
I wish I had the perspective of a child again. Was this tree a million feet tall to you??? Please remember?
This was your pick for favorite dress.
At one point, you turned to me and said, "I will see you in heaven. I will miss you in heaven." Gulp. I always getting a little lump in my throat when you say comments like that.
These are a few pictures showcasing your photo talents. Many things were captured to "show Rose" and "Ohhh, Dominic would love this." I watched you the whole time and gave you all the time in the world.
That's right. You and me.
Lovely. You are a queen to us.
Lillie, you are now 6 1/2 years old. You are getting so tall. You are doing so well in school. You LOVE math and reading. Your Papa and I think you will be a speed reader. You read so fast and fly through every book. You read a 367 page book in two days. It was non-stop and serious. You were very motivated. You have a great brain for math and piano. You are playing beautifully and I don't sit to practice with you anymore because you understand your pieces most of the time.
You are Dominic's Lego/ship building buddy. You can talk Star Wars with the best of them. You were telling us the other day about General Grevious' ship. Very funny. You and Dominic create ships at the table most days. You know the names of all the characters.
Lillie, I know at times it must seem I am on you a lot. I don't want to be. I want to be your gentle mother guiding you through the storms of life. I dream for you many, many wonderful things. I want you to be a lady and be like Our Lady. I want you to learn many wonderful things, experience all the beauty in the world, meet a wonderful man if it is your vocation or be a holy nun if that is your vocation. I want to help you when you are a mother. If God asked what we dreamed for you, it would be nothing but loveliness. If the cross comes your way, we want you to know that we are here to help you carry it. We want you to know how loved you, wanted you are, and treasured. I apologize for my shortcomings with you and hope that I always ask your forgiveness and that you too will learn the fine trait of asking forgiveness. My mother taught me that those words can heal many wounds. "Please forgive me." and in return "Of course, I forgive you. I love you. Can we start over?"
People always tell me how complimentary you are. It is true. You love life. You get so excited to do the smallest things. You enjoy friendship and are a good friend to people. You love babies, not only ours, but other peoples babies. You are always so quick to tell someone how nice they look, or that you love their purple sweater, or their shoes. You love movies especially the American Girl movies and believe in your head that you really are imitating the Miss Victory dance. Darling. Serious faces, please. Although, you are always up for the Lone Ranger, Leave it to Beaver, and are looking forward to the day we let you watch Star Wars.
Before Clairvaux was born, you and I went on a date to get your hair done, your nails painted, and to get a little treat. It was great to be with you. You picked bright green nail polish.
We picked up a drink at the Sonic and headed home. It was good to be with you. We are so proud of you.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Goodbye Mama
I never want to take the ordinary for granted.
This is my going away party when I leave. I hear a lot of the following:
"Good-bye Mama! Where are you going? Can I come with you? When will you be back?" Love. Love you. "
Everytime I pull out of the drive way and they are waving and yelling "Good-bye", I am always a little sad that someday this darling scene of them standing on the porch will never be again. I love it. I love looking through the passenger window to see them.
This is my going away party when I leave. I hear a lot of the following:
"Good-bye Mama! Where are you going? Can I come with you? When will you be back?" Love. Love you. "
Everytime I pull out of the drive way and they are waving and yelling "Good-bye", I am always a little sad that someday this darling scene of them standing on the porch will never be again. I love it. I love looking through the passenger window to see them.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Clairvaux-Four Months Old
The months are flying by. You are as sweet as could be. You are such a happy baby now. You find much contentment swinging in your swing, gazing at the warning labels on your car seat and swing, playing on the floor on your play mat, and watching the big kids run by. You usually suck on your fist all day and have recently found your voice which scares you sometimes.
You can roll from your stomach to your back like it is your job and can almost roll from your back to your stomach. I've noticed you are riding on my hip more and more.
We stop by the mirror several times a day for you to chat with Gladys, your mirror friend. It amazes you everyday that she is there and she looks and smiles just like you.
You have become quite the social drinker. If anybody makes any sound, you pop off from nursing and watch (upside down of course) and then you start nursing again only to pop off to see what the new sound is.
Dominic comes up with the best names and sayings for you. Today, you were chatting very loudly and he said, "You are such a walkie-talkie. You walkie when you talkie." Yesterday, he said, "I love our little Laffy Taffy." I love the names he comes up with for you.
You are sleeping pretty good. You are usually ready for bed around between 7:00-8:00 and will get up one or two times during the night. You sleep in the co-sleeper right next to me so most nights I don't even realized I've grabbed you to nurse and have put you back in bed. I love waking up with you curled next to me especially all warm and cozy.
I haven't had to supplement you yet which is a first. You are doing well. I take you in next week for your four month check. I notice you now push off from me to turn and watch the kids more and more. You are getting better in the car, but still don't care for it much. Your naps are still pretty sporadic, but I am sure we will be finding consistency soon.
I just love you. I tell you often in your ear that you are a perfect person. I love your smile and how you kick your one leg wildly when I come to get you out of the swing. You will even be playing nicely and I will walk over to get you, and your little leg gets going with excitement. I like that. It looks like we gave you a buzz hair cut so we call you Buzz Lightyear. I love this age because you are overcome with love when you see me. I am completely arrogant when it comes to your love for me. I am proud!
Let's see how you are growing:
Clairvaux-Three Months Old
Saturday, November 13, 2010
This ALL happened the same day
How do you start your day in snow suits and end your day in the latest swim wear fashions? Very easily. Ask them.
We woke up to our first snow of the season so they dressed appropriately and headed out for 10.7 seconds.
After they had their fill of the white stuff, the play quickly turned to princesses and Anne of Green Gables.
The temperature did rise 10 degrees so that definately warrants swim wear.
It really is amazing what their lives accomplish in one day. Most days the house is completely destroyed even though we pick up all day it seems. I love it. It means the house is full of love and happiness. I will be sad when these days are gone. I recently watched Toy Story 3 after much hesitation because every one told me that I would blubber because of the content (child getting older going away to college). I did better than I thought I would because I personally thought the movie was a bit dark for children, but I did get a weak heart at the stark realization that someday the toys, dress up, snow suits, gloves, hot chocolate, plays, babies, all of it will someday be left in the drawer for the last time. Sometimes, it is very funny that I am usually unaware of when it ends and something new begins. That is the #1 reason why I usually don't care a bit about the mess. I am so glad they are home.
We woke up to our first snow of the season so they dressed appropriately and headed out for 10.7 seconds.
After they had their fill of the white stuff, the play quickly turned to princesses and Anne of Green Gables.
The temperature did rise 10 degrees so that definately warrants swim wear.
It really is amazing what their lives accomplish in one day. Most days the house is completely destroyed even though we pick up all day it seems. I love it. It means the house is full of love and happiness. I will be sad when these days are gone. I recently watched Toy Story 3 after much hesitation because every one told me that I would blubber because of the content (child getting older going away to college). I did better than I thought I would because I personally thought the movie was a bit dark for children, but I did get a weak heart at the stark realization that someday the toys, dress up, snow suits, gloves, hot chocolate, plays, babies, all of it will someday be left in the drawer for the last time. Sometimes, it is very funny that I am usually unaware of when it ends and something new begins. That is the #1 reason why I usually don't care a bit about the mess. I am so glad they are home.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Vianney-19 months
To my lovely Vianney.
Vianney. You are just fun to look at. Your hair is white, curly, bouncy, and wild. Your teeth are curved up and out. I love them. It is funny having a baby and having you as a "bigger" baby. You are still a baby. I just had you last year. I am now holding Clairvaux and not you.
You are quickly joining the Big kids and all that they do. I love how they barter and plead your cause for things. "Vianney wants to sit at the table with us."
Sometimes, I get sad when I look at you and watch you. I want to be with you all the time. I want to be with all of you all the time. I know this time is going so fast. I know this time is fleeting. I just want to soak it all up and just sit in the living room and watch you all grow and play. I know there are only 365 days in your little one-year-old life and I selfishly want every one of them to be mine to watch. You are free. Your little life revolves around your blanket, your ghen-ki, your books, your sisters, holding Clairvaux for 3.5 seconds and then you are "dun" and most importantly "Bah-wull." Everyday I say, "I need to get her off that bottle." Tomorrow, right?
As much I love your age, you are going through the challenging stage. Every thing is a bit dramatic. The beauty of having more children is that I know that this is a phase and it will pass. I was much more overwhelmed with my earlier children when they were going through this age then with my later ones. Some days, we say your "fusser" is stuck. It is on repeat. If you know what I mean. I am sure you are just as frustrated with me because I don't meet your every need the moment your little 19 months old self needs whatever the current demand is, but trust me, it is good for you.
I love watching your older sisters with you. They still treat you like a baby and are very sympathetic to your needs.
This was hysterical. I can't remember if you were all nursing or wearing your baby in your "Moby" wraps, but funny. I could document all day the things you do together. Too bad I have to get something done around the house.
You are Zellie's subject especially when it comes to hair. You know how she loves all things hair. You are too small to understand that she is completely manipulating you to appease all her hair styling desires.
Rose has her special way with you. She is gentle with you and doesn't get frustrated. She has a variety of nicknames which range from the following: Chubby, Cindy Irene, Irene, and Louise. Most of us call you Cindy Irene Matouse Boever. It makes no sense, I know, but that's what we call you.
There is something I love about getting you out of bed. I love the excitement you have to be rescued. I love your sweaty hair, stinky binky, and the death grip you have on your blanket. I love that you just want to lay on me for a little bit to wake up.
What are you doing at this age developmentally?
You aren't talking much. Lots of gibberish, but you don't say many clear sentences. Don't get me wrong, you try to tell me all about IT, I just don't understand you. You can say all the kids names, Papa, Mama, and lots of one syllable words, but no sentence speaking yet. I bet you weigh around 23 lbs. You aren't the best eater, but do love taking your Cod Liver Oil. I've noticed you've gotten really fast at going down the stairs forward (meaning walking). You love to throw your diaper in the trash. I know I've not written in your baby book much, but you will have a million more pictures of your babyhood than the earlier kids because of this blog and our new camera.
I was telling my sister the other day that I think this age is cranky for a few specific reasons. One, you are getting less sleep. You still need two naps a day, but I've weaned you down to one so you will sleep when every one else does. Two, I don't think you are eating as well because you are feeding yourself most of the time and when I was feeding you, I usually would stuff you. I am sure you are so confused about the new baby. Just a few months ago, you were the baby and got all the attention, and now it is on Clairvaux. I know it settles down, but I am sure you are adjusting. I will be patient with you if you are with me.
I love you, Vianney. I know your little wonderful world has been rocked these past months with the birth of your new sister, but I love you just the same. We dream for you many big things. We dream for you to grow to know how much God loves you and we love you. I know you might not understand right now why I'm holding Clairvaux so much when just a few months ago it was you, but I promise in the future she will be your best friend.
Vianney. You are just fun to look at. Your hair is white, curly, bouncy, and wild. Your teeth are curved up and out. I love them. It is funny having a baby and having you as a "bigger" baby. You are still a baby. I just had you last year. I am now holding Clairvaux and not you.
You are quickly joining the Big kids and all that they do. I love how they barter and plead your cause for things. "Vianney wants to sit at the table with us."
Watching "Molly, An American Girl" even though you have no interest in movies yet. Yet, you will sit with them. What a good girl.
Sometimes, I get sad when I look at you and watch you. I want to be with you all the time. I want to be with all of you all the time. I know this time is going so fast. I know this time is fleeting. I just want to soak it all up and just sit in the living room and watch you all grow and play. I know there are only 365 days in your little one-year-old life and I selfishly want every one of them to be mine to watch. You are free. Your little life revolves around your blanket, your ghen-ki, your books, your sisters, holding Clairvaux for 3.5 seconds and then you are "dun" and most importantly "Bah-wull." Everyday I say, "I need to get her off that bottle." Tomorrow, right?
As much I love your age, you are going through the challenging stage. Every thing is a bit dramatic. The beauty of having more children is that I know that this is a phase and it will pass. I was much more overwhelmed with my earlier children when they were going through this age then with my later ones. Some days, we say your "fusser" is stuck. It is on repeat. If you know what I mean. I am sure you are just as frustrated with me because I don't meet your every need the moment your little 19 months old self needs whatever the current demand is, but trust me, it is good for you.
I love watching your older sisters with you. They still treat you like a baby and are very sympathetic to your needs.
This was hysterical. I can't remember if you were all nursing or wearing your baby in your "Moby" wraps, but funny. I could document all day the things you do together. Too bad I have to get something done around the house.
You are Zellie's subject especially when it comes to hair. You know how she loves all things hair. You are too small to understand that she is completely manipulating you to appease all her hair styling desires.
Rose has her special way with you. She is gentle with you and doesn't get frustrated. She has a variety of nicknames which range from the following: Chubby, Cindy Irene, Irene, and Louise. Most of us call you Cindy Irene Matouse Boever. It makes no sense, I know, but that's what we call you.
There is something I love about getting you out of bed. I love the excitement you have to be rescued. I love your sweaty hair, stinky binky, and the death grip you have on your blanket. I love that you just want to lay on me for a little bit to wake up.
What are you doing at this age developmentally?
You aren't talking much. Lots of gibberish, but you don't say many clear sentences. Don't get me wrong, you try to tell me all about IT, I just don't understand you. You can say all the kids names, Papa, Mama, and lots of one syllable words, but no sentence speaking yet. I bet you weigh around 23 lbs. You aren't the best eater, but do love taking your Cod Liver Oil. I've noticed you've gotten really fast at going down the stairs forward (meaning walking). You love to throw your diaper in the trash. I know I've not written in your baby book much, but you will have a million more pictures of your babyhood than the earlier kids because of this blog and our new camera.
I was telling my sister the other day that I think this age is cranky for a few specific reasons. One, you are getting less sleep. You still need two naps a day, but I've weaned you down to one so you will sleep when every one else does. Two, I don't think you are eating as well because you are feeding yourself most of the time and when I was feeding you, I usually would stuff you. I am sure you are so confused about the new baby. Just a few months ago, you were the baby and got all the attention, and now it is on Clairvaux. I know it settles down, but I am sure you are adjusting. I will be patient with you if you are with me.
I love you, Vianney. I know your little wonderful world has been rocked these past months with the birth of your new sister, but I love you just the same. We dream for you many big things. We dream for you to grow to know how much God loves you and we love you. I know you might not understand right now why I'm holding Clairvaux so much when just a few months ago it was you, but I promise in the future she will be your best friend.
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