Since I became a mom...PART 2

One of the things I forgot to mention the other day about SINCE I BECAME A MOM is that I have lost my short term memory...since I became a Mom.

If you tell me something, and I don't immediately write it down or put it on my calendar or add it to the very large and ugly stack of papers on my dining room table, then I will promptly forget it forever...or until I'm lying in bed or standing in the shower or in some equally inconvenient place.

Which is why I forgot the very thing that made me write the SINCE I BECAME A MOM post, the one thing that triggered my mind into thinking about all the things that have changed...it just flew right out of my head. And believe it or not, wine did not have anything to do with me forgetting...this time. =)

So anyway, here it is:

It's the holidays. The air is crisp, the leaves are falling, the skies are blue and beautiful, and most people are in good spirits. So, charities are out in full force (including my employer, but that's another story, altogether) asking for money. They tug at your heart strings and play you videos and show you pictures and ask for your donation to help their cause.

In years past, I had NO problem ignoring most of these pleas. I chose not to answer my phone or open my door. I scrolled quickly past the blog posts and deleted emails without reading them (sorry if some of them were from you). I read my bulletin during church instead of paying attention to the video. But then....but then, I had a child. And all of a sudden, everything changed.

Every time I hear a sad story about a child who is ill, I think about how it could be my child. Every time that I see a child go without medical care or food or love or shoes, or anything! my eyes well up, and I start thinking about adopting a little baby from India so they don't have to live on the streets. I come home from women's dinners and church activities and craft fairs, and I tell my husband that we NEED to give to this charity and this missionary and that cause. I tell him the stories that I heard, and just when he might be about to agree to give...I hear about ANOTHER cause that needs my help! Aaahhh!!

What do I do??

We are not made of money. In fact, we are SO not made of money. If only I wouldn't have wasted so much money years ago when we were young and single and had 2 amazing incomes....oh wait, that's another story, too.

Anyway, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to give to all the great things that I hear about, but we can't. So, I choose the few that we can help monetarily, and we decide to pray and cry for the others. And thank God every single day that we are SO blessed to have a healthy and beautiful child...a child who never goes hungry, who has lots of shoes and too many toys and is surrounded by friends and family who love him unconditionally.

Just another way that things have changed since I became a mom. If you are looking for somewhere to donate some of your love and finances to, these are some of the organizations that I have fallen in love with. Check them out if you get a chance:

World Vision - a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision provides hope and assistance to approximately 100 million people in nearly 100 countries. In communities around the world, we join with local people to find lasting ways to improve the lives of poor children and families.
- and a special story about World Vision here

Reese's Rainbow - International Down Syndrome Orphan Ministry -- Outside of the U.S. children born with Down Syndrome are viewed as outcasts with no ability to learn or be functional members of society. They languish in mental institutions, hidden away from the world in shame. Reese's Rainbow provides financial support to families trying to rescue and adopt these children.
- a personal story about plea for help for Reese's Rainbow

Samaritan's Purse - For over 35 years, Samaritan's Purse has done our utmost to follow Christ's command by going to the aid of the world's poor, sick, and suffering. We are an effective means of reaching hurting people in countries around the world with food, medicine, and other assistance in the Name of Jesus Christ. This, in turn, earns us a hearing for the Gospel, the Good News of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Our emergency relief programs provide desperately needed assistance to victims of natural disaster, war, disease, and famine. As we offer food, water, and temporary shelter, we meet critical needs and give people a chance to rebuild their lives.

The Luca John Foundation - this is a charity that was founded by my neighbor's daughter and son-in-law after they lost their little boy shortly after his birth. They provide support (both financially and emotionally) to families who lose infants. It's amazing to see the love that has come out of such a tragic thing.

If you're looking for a cause to support this holiday season, all of these are amazing. If you already have your favorite cause to give to, thank you so much for your giving spirit. Reading these stories makes me realize how blessed we are to live in the way that we do. We are so lucky....and there are so many others who need our help!


And to end on a light note...one more thing SINCE I BECAME A MOM...my jeans no longer fit, I run into doors and walls because my hips stick out more than before, and coffee has become a non-negotiable.

Since I became a mom...

I get less done, I cook more, I snuggle and hug and kiss and love more...

...since I became a mom.

I notice cute kids "driving" the cart from the little car in front. I notice moms who are mean and impatient and rude to their kids in the store. I check out that super cute stroller on the bike path. I smile and tease the baby in the cart in front of me.

...since I became a mom.

I can no longer tolerate F bombs. I couldn't really tolerate it before, but now it just really grates on me. Now I'M the one muttering under my breath about those idiot kids.

...since I became a mom.

I can no longer watch movies about sad things unless it has a happy ending. And I especially can't want shows or movies where kids are hurt. (I bawled like a baby through Australia today and don't even get me started on Slumdog Millionaire.)

...since I became a mom.

I ABSOLUTELY can NOT understand what possesses someone to hurt or sell or torture or kill a child. I can understand the frustration and impatience you feel with a child, but they are depending on YOU to care for them. How in the world can a caregiver do so much damage to a child. (Little Shaniya's story in NC is eating me up!)

...since I became a mom.

I now understand what people meant when they said, "you'll feel differently when it's your own." Boy oh boy, do I get it now.

...since I became a mom.

BUT, I still don't get how all of that love is inside of me. Where did it come from?? How in the world did it just SHOW UP when my boy was handed to me? And where did the extra love (and patience and adoration and appreciation) for his daddy come from? God is amazing, that's all there is about it.

...since I became a mom.

Now, I can really appreciate the sacrifice and the AWESOME AWESOME gift that God gave to me when He allowed His Son to die, to SUFFER so immensely, on the cross, just so that I could live. Oh, what a sacrifice it was. I can't even fathom.

...since I became a mom.

nerve endings are closer to the surface, tears come more easily, laughter and smiles come more readily, chores go unfinished, priorities change...

...since I became a mom.

And I'm SO loving all of it!!

So Big

My boy is getting SO big. He learns something new approximately every nanosecond that he is awake. I am just amazed!

I just watched him (purposely) drop his sippy cup of milk on the floor. Then he marched over to the oven and pulled off one of his washcloths. He took the washcloth to the spill and bent down to wipe it up. Apparently, one wash cloth wasn't enough because he went back for one more. Then he tried to throw the washcloth in the trash, but I'd locked him out of the pantry where the trash can is.

We hear a new word almost every day now, too. Last night he said "drink," which is how we refer to his cup and anything that he drinks. It was bedtime, but his cup was sitting on his dresser, and he wanted to finish it before bed, so he pointed and said, "drink!" He also just started saying "Off" as soon as he wakes up, because he wants me to turn OFF all the stuff in his room - fan, radio, humidifier. So sweet.

He picks up on EVERYTHING! Oh, how I love this boy. More and more every single day...even when he's pulling everything off of the counter or out of the drawers, or dumping his milk on the floor so he can fingerpaint in it, or when he's wriggling while I'm changing a poopy diaper or tugging on my pants screaming while I'm just trying to make lunch as fast as I can...I love him...

Who's Really In Charge

It's obvious by these pictures who is REALLY in charge in our house...

Now that the boy can climb up into the chair like a big kid, and he knows exactly what to do with the remote, I think that we will have to watch Colby's Clubhouse nonstop from now on! I love this kid!!


I made some chocolate cookies today, and I think they were quite popular w/ the male species in my house...

The light of my life

Since my blog is seriously lacking in the cute boy area (cute boy = my kiddo!), here's a video of the kid's latest antics. As much as his daddy is opposed to him becoming a soccer player, I think the boy has some skillz! =)

Fall is here!

Life seems to be passing me by FAST! My last post was at the end of August, and now here it is October and the weather has turned cool and the leaves are changing, and I'm the mom of an 18 month old!! Wow!!

We've had a very busy week so far -- the boy had his 18-month check along with 3 shots, I had a check w/ my doctor that resulted in some medicine and a flu shot, and I also took my first trip to the dentist in 4 years. Luckily, my teeth still look great after all that time. I've taught 6 aerobics classes, driven all over to drop off and pick up my son, attempted to take the dogs to the vet (our walk-in clinic we love is closed for a couple weeks, but I didn't know that til I got to the office), and went to Fire Safety week at a local museum. And it's only Thursday!!

Tomorrow is Mom's Day Out, and it's my turn to be OUT! I'm meeting a friend for coffee, and then I'm debating about coming home to clean or hitting the mall to do a little shopping. What a decision, huh?

I know I've been absent from here lately, and I've been spending my blogging time on facebook, but I think I'm missing my blog. Maybe you'll see more of me in the near future!

In the meantime, here's a new recipe I tried today. It was SO yummy! I only made half the recipe because my butternut squash was small. And I may have calculated the curry powder incorrectly because my soup had quite a bit of spice. I liked it, but others may not like it that spicy. I paired it with hot Naan right out of the oven. Oooh boy! So good!

SLOW COOKER CURRIED SQUASH SOUP

INGREDIENTS
1 large butternut squash (about 4 lb), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 10 cups)
1 large apple, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 1 3/4 cups)
1 large onion, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
2 teaspoons curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
3 1/2 cups Progresso® chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
1/2 cup canned coconut milk (not cream of coconut)
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 small red apple, unpeeled, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup), if desired


DIRECTIONS
1. Spray 4- to 5- quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In cooker, toss squash, apple, onion, curry powder, salt and white pepper. Pour broth over vegetable mixture.
2. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 to 10 hours.
3. Pour about 3 cups of the soup mixture into blender; add coconut milk and brown sugar. Cover and blend until smooth; return to cooker. Blend remaining soup mixture, in 2 more batches of 3 cups each, until smooth; return to cooker.
4. Increase heat setting to High. Cover; cook 10 to 15 minutes longer or unto hot. Serve topped with chopped apple.

I got the recipe from the Pillsbury website -- here's the link: http://www.pillsbury.com/Recipes/ShowRecipe.aspx?rid=46164&WT.dcsvid=Mzg0Njc0OTg1OQS2&rvrin=DBBD7E49-9BFB-43A8-A8E2-10E93C187E70&WT.mc_id=Newsletter_PB_10_06_2009&rvrin=DBBD7E49-9BFB-43A8-A8E2-10E93C187E70

The Longest Week EVER

Things have been pretty busy and chaotic around here lately...my "part time" job (have I posted about that yet?? it requires its OWN post) has taken over my life, I'm planning a surprise 40th birthday party for The Colonel next weekend, and we have friends and family coming into town - in fact, I'm awake and posting at 4:41 am because all the little things I need to accomplish were bouncing around in my head not letting me sleep. I got up to make a bunch of TO DO lists before I forget what I need TO DO, and now here I am - posting.

So, on top of all of this, we had a very unwelcome guest in our home this week. It showed up late on Sunday night - just after I'd closed my eyes to go to sleep. The Stomach Flu invaded our house. It started with Lil Major and went something like this:

Day 1 - puking (every 30 minutes for about 13 hours)
Day 2 - fever and rag doll syndrome (the boy would NOT move and when you picked him up, he was just limp)
Day 3 - appears to be getting better, little spurts of energy, and then...
Day 4 - Diarrhea AND Daddy gets the bug - bad!

I caught a hint of it on Wednesday evening - terrible headache, exhaustion, but maybe that was from not sleeping for 2 nights as I lay on the floor next to my son, with the puke bowl only inches away. Then on Wednesday as I drove from meeting to meeting, I started looking around my car wondering what I could puke in if I needed to. Luckily, I didn't need to. I came home from my meeting to find The Colonel had come home from work sick, I forced Lil Major to go to bed early, and we were all in bed by 7:30pm. I slept hard and long that night and woke up Thursday feeling almost normal.

Too bad The Colonel couldn't say the same. He's been moaning and groaning ever since. AND NOW, Mema has it, and it may have hit her the worst! So, it's kinda weird how it's affecting those of us who have been around the kid...the less time you spent w/ him, the worse it hits you. Makes no sense. And I feel so bad for Mema b/c she's miserable, and her TO DO list is as long as mine to get ready for next week. Bah!

Just to show you how bad it's been, I didn't even THINK to get out my camera and take a picture of my super cute but so pitiful limp noodle son as he lay on the floor (seriously, he NEVER just lays anywhere unless he's asleep in his crib!).

And we had to cancel Mom's Day Out this week (b/c it was my turn to work, and obviously, I couldn't take the sick kid w/ me). And my TO DO list is growing and nothing is being crossed off. And it's stinkin' 4 something in the morning, and I'm not sleeping.

And it's only Friday morning.

The LONGEST week EVER...

16 ½ Months

It’s been WAY too long since I posted. I think about posting, I start to plan out posts in my mind, I think about which pictures to post…and then…life happens, or I read all of your blogs, and then I never post. But, I’ve read some of your posts about the new things that your kids are doing as they get bigger, and I decided I need to do that for Lil Major...especially since I haven’t added much to his baby book lately.

We've been busy this summer. We've been to Dallas, to Indianapolis, and to Oklahoma City. We've been to the zoo, Exploration Place, the park, and the pool. Time flew by, and I can't believe it's almost time for The Colonel and I to have birthdays. And our little bambino has been very busy, too.

So, here are some things that my sweet baby boy (who is growing up before my eyes!) has been up to lately:

You say: Hummer, Papa (which means Daddy and Papa), Up, cow, duck, and you just said drink for the first time.

You know where your body parts are: hair, ear, nose, hand, foot, knee, head, tongue, tummy

You know animal sounds: cow, duck, monkey, sheep

You know the signs for more and please. We’re working on: thank you, all done, and help

You are FAST – you can get into an unlocked cupboard or the pantry in record time! So, you keep Mommy hopping, that’s for sure! You also can open most of the doors in our house – sometimes it’s fun and keeps you occupied as you close yourself into your room or the closet and then open and close the door a hundred times…other times it’s scary, like when you open the door and try to get into the garage. Baby proofing has happened in our house this week, and Mommy is MUCH happier now.

You love the water. At the beginning of the summer, you were a little nervous in the pool, but ever since our trip to Dallas, you can’t get enough. You love the sprinklers, fountains, and hanging out in the pool w/ Mommy and Daddy.

You call every SUV a Hummer, much to Daddy’s dismay. You love to play with the trains and Daddy’s RC airplanes, and your favorite time of day is when daddy gets home from work and you play in the basement and on the stairs.

When we ask if you want to go outside, you get SO excited. You start kicking your legs and jumping around until we get outside.

You love to read, and you bring us books many times a day to read. You also love balls, any ball, all balls! Including the 6-pound medicine ball, which you carry around the basement like you’re a body builder.

You wear 12-18 month clothes, but most pants are too big around your waist. You wear a size 5 shoe, and you’re about 30” tall.

When we go out with the stroller, you would rather help us push the stroller than ride inside of it.

You’ve started to have a bit of separation anxiety, and sometimes you’re sad when we drop you off at the nursery at church or when we leave you with Mema and Papa. But, it only lasts for a few minutes, and then you get busy playing with your toys and having fun.

The night before you turned 15 months old, you decided that you were done nursing. You just stopped like that! Mommy was a little sad, but it was time.

Right after you turned 16 months, you stopped taking your afternoon nap. Mommy was ok with you having only one nap, but we wanted it to be an afternoon nap. So, we started finding fun things to do in the morning so that you wouldn’t get too sleepy, and now you just nap in the afternoon.

You are a pro at getting your diaper off, and you love to run around naked. But, after a freak peeing incident, we closely monitor your naked time. =)

My boy is so much fun. He loves his mama and daddy, and he's quite the cuddler. I love him so much, and as much as I welcome naptime and bed time, I also love watching him learn and discover when he's awake. Life is full and busy and stressful and fun and passing by way too quickly!