Just a glimpse of our every day crazy..

At the apple orchard, kids are playing, I have no idea what I was doing, trying to round our stuff up I think.

Friend: "That's Megan, she's in charge of our kids' ministry."

Person I haven't met: "Oh, great! Are these all of your kids?"

Friend: "Well, not all of them. See that little blonde boy with no pants who just put that chip-clip on his penis? He's Megan's. And that other blonde boy peeing on the tree? He's Megan's too."

Don't worry. The kids' ministry is in good hands.

Raising a misson-minded preschooler.

Is it possible to raise a mission minded preschooler? At the very least, I know it's possible to raise a hospitable, compassionate, loving one. The other day I was a few minutes early picking William up from preschool. He was eating his snack with his classmates and one of the assistants was sitting next to him. After a few minutes of chatting, William told me that he invited all of his friends and teachers to come play video games. I told him how great that was, and sometime we could do that. A few minutes later the assistant(a mid 50s Saudi woman) told me about this interaction.

Her: Nodding at William "He is very special. I have henna on my fingers, you know henna?"

I told her I was indeed familiar with henna.

Her: "Most of the other kids ask me what it is and are afraid for me to touch them, they think it will come off. William asked me what it was, shrugged his shoulders, and was fine with it. He was the only one!"

I love that my baby was so accepting of this. I love that in his own sweet way, he made this woman feel accepted and loved. The missions of children are so much more than we realize sometimes.

William's First Practical Joke

Scene: Will, Owen and I are in our backyard. I'm sitting on top step of my deck, reading a book. Owen is playing in the baby pool, and Will is standing behind me lost in deep thoughts. Suddenly, Will interrupts the silence with This Statement..

Will: "Mommy, I just love pooping outside."

Me: "Um.. (putting book down) Did you poop outside, honey?"

W: "Yep!"

M: "Sweetie, we don't poop outside, only animals poop outside. Hold on, I'm going to get a bag.. (coming back with a bag) Okay baby, where's the poop?"

W: "Come on, mama! I'll take you!" (he grabs my hand and pulls me into the yard while I, petrified of stepping on the poop, look a million directions at once). Will Points up. "There it is Mama!"
M: "Where??"

W: "In the tree!" Then his lips start twitching, as he's holding back a giant grin.

M: looking at the tree, then back at William "Will, are you making a joke?"

W: "Yep!"

We both start cracking up. My sweet Willy-nilly had me completely duped with his first practical joke. Ahhh the love.

The world from William's eyes..

All Grown up... Sort of.

A draft I found from last July.. How has a whole year passed??

Will at lunch: "Mommy, I'm all growed up!"
Me: "Really?"
Will: "Look at me Mommy! I'm not a preschooler anymore."
Me: "Huh. Then what are you?"
Will: "I'm a boy."
Me: "Wow! When did you grow up?"
Will: "Last night. When I was sleepin'."

Tomorrow is Will's 3rd birthday!!

Nature Deficit Disorder

Our children are suffering. I look outside and instead of seeing children climbing trees, exploring nature, and discovering, I see empty lawns. In fact, it has become so serious that there is a disorder that refers to this epidemic. Here are some facts about Nature Deficit Disorder...

A lack of routine contact with nature may result in stunted academic and developmental growth. This unwanted side-effect of the electronic age is called Nature Deficit Disorder (NDD). As Richard Louv presents in his book, Last Child In The Woods, the agrarian, nature-oriented existence hard-wired into human brains isn’t quite ready for the overstimulating environment we’ve carved out for ourselves. Some children adapt. Those who don’t develop the symptoms of NDD, which include attention problems, obesity, anxiety, and depression.

Nature-deficit disorder is not a medical condition; it is a description of the human costs of alienation from nature. This alienation damages children and shapes adults, families, and communities. There are solutions, though, and they’re right in our own backyards.

How do we know Nature Deficit Disorder is a problem in today's society?

Our children may be the first generation at risk of having a shorter lifespan than their parents.

• Sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity have contributed greatly to the numerous health problems plaguing today’s children.
• Chronic conditions such as childhood obesity, asthma, and attention-deficit disorder have all increased over the past few decades.
• Approximately 16% of US children (~ 9 million) aged 6-19 are overweight or obese.
• Childhood obesity has doubled over the past 30 years for preschoolers and adolescents and more than tripled for children aged 6-11.
• These chronic conditions may lead to pulmonary, cardiovascular, and mental health problems in adulthood.
• Outdoor activity in the natural environment has taken a back seat to television, video games, the computer, and a demanding schoolwork and extracurricular schedule.
• Today’s youth are losing the contact with the natural environment that is potentially beneficial for their health and well-being.

Source: National Environmental Education Foundation

You don't need to climb a mountain to combat this problem, just go outside and play! Let your kids play in the yard, take them on walks, take them to parks. Just let them explore! :)

Chunky Crayons for Little Hands

I love crayons. I love the look of them, the feel of them in my hand, and the smell of a freshly opened box. I'm a huge nerd, but I'll admit it! However, when you put crayons in the hands of my little people, they break. I've found the best way to involve little guys in making their own, toddler-sized crayons!

Toddler-Sized Crayons

1. Take the paper off of the crayons and break them into small pieces (Little ones LOVE to help with this!)
2. Put them into separate muffin tins. They can be separated by color, or mixed together to create neat combinations)
3. Pop them into the oven, 7-8 minutes at 250. When they are done, stick them into the freezer to harden, then tap them out.
4. Color away! :)

What I have learned about giving your children independence.. AKA Let it go already!

My children have taught me countless things. One of these things that I wanted to share was how to allow your preschooler to gain independence. When William was just over a year old I became pregnant with our second child. Because of a very difficult pregnancy I was on bed rest for 3 months, then Owen was born 3 months early. Because of all of this, with the help of my family and wonderful husband, William learned how to be fairly independent.

Now at almost 3 I can't believe the things he has mastered. Sometimes I still want him to be a little baby and let me do things for him, but alas, the independent will is strong in him! (As I write this he walked into the bathroom without a word and went potty) His desire to be independent has taught me SO much! I have learned that it's okay that he doesn't do things perfectly. If he puts his shoes on the wrong feet, his socks on inside-out, or his pants on backwards it's okay! He's allowed to make these mistakes.

I see many parents insisting on fixing these little errors, and sometimes I find myself doing it. It's a constant reminder that it's okay for our children to make mistakes. It's part of learning and growing up. Mainly, this time in William's life has told me to just let the little things go, and laugh along with him. :)

Things I say when I'm tired..

I happen to be one of the worst morning people I have ever met. I have been known to say things in that state between sleep and awake that I would never say when I am conscious. I have also been known to talk in my sleep, which can also cause problems. For example.. No one in their right mind would tell their 2 1/2 year old *who is supposed to be potty training* "Can't you just go in your diaper??" *sigh* At least I have a super supportive husband who doesn't hate me because of what I say when I'm half-asleep. Even though I have been known to say, very angrily, "Can't you just leave me alone??"

Maybe he just loves how horrified I am when he tells me later what I said that morning. *sigh*

Breastfeeding Help

Hello again world! I was looking for jobs for Nate today and I ran across an ad for a part time breastfeeding consultant. The only requirements were a high school diploma and experience breastfeeding. Well, I have both! I LOVE breastfeeding my son, and am very proud to do it! I am one of those moms who has no problem whipping her breast out in a restaurant if it is what the baby needs! (I am discreet, however, because I know it embarrasses some people, e.g. my husband). I decided, I would reply to the listing. I was reading over the letter I sent them, and thought that I would include my breastfeeding story here as well. Here it is..

I breastfed my first son for 5 months. I was never wholly confident in the process, and felt as if I was never giving him enough nutrition. I was also afraid of leaving him for more than one feeding without bringing my pump along. Things have changed quite a bit since then!

I am currently breastfeeding my youngest, who is 9 months old. I have been told that my breastfeeding story is unique. My youngest son was born at 28 weeks gestation and was in the NICU for 8 weeks. During that time I pumped milk for him to take during a feeding tube. After he had been in the hospital for roughly 5 weeks I began to struggle with pumping around the clock. I had clogged milk ducts and began losing my milk supply. I lost confidence in my abilities and ended up quitting nursing altogether. I had stockpiled enough milk for him to be able to use only breastmilk for the next three months and I was confident in my choice. After my son came home my pediatrition discussed with me the ways to stretch out my milk supply for as long as possible to give my son the most benefits. We began feeding him formula along with his breastmilk, only to find that he could not tolerate it without severe pain and gas. One night as I was laying in bed worrying, I decided to see if I had any milk left (it had been roughly 3 weeks since I had last pumped or nursed). I was able to get a few drops out of one breast. Driven with the commitment to do everything possible for my son I scoured the internet for hope of renewing my milk supply. I found encouraging websites and had wonderful discussions with my son's pediatrition. With the help of their advice and encouragement, as well as Mother's Milk tea, I regained my full supply of milk and have been nursing him ever since. I am now very confident in my body's ability to produce milk and I know that my body can detect exactly what he needs to eat. I know that if I miss more than one feeding he will be just fine! As long as he has a bottle with him, I don't have to worry. My breasts wont dry up if I don't pump for a few feedings. We have a wonderful nursing relationship and he is thriving!

William, Oh William...

Today William and I were in Target and had this interaction.. He walked up to a rack of Spanx and said "That's a shirt?"

Me: "Uhm, no, they're like underwear."

Will: "That's so cute!"

Me: "Hmm.. I guess.."

Will: "Mommy wants those?"

Me: "No, not really. Other mommies might though."

Then we walked on and he saw bras.. *sigh* He ran up to one, grabbed it, and said: "Mommy! What's that? That's so cute!"

Me: "That's a bra"

Will: "Mommy want a bra?"

Me: "No, not today."

Will: "Where's mommy's bra?" (You wouldn't believe all the looks I'm getting at this point)

Me: "They're at home."

Will starts pulling on my shirt and says "Mommy's bra's in there?"

Me: "Yeahh" (as I try to keep my shirt in place)

Will: "Mommy's milk's in there too?"

Me: "Yeah, Mommy's milk's in there too.. Look, a car!" Phew. That was the end of that conversation!

Wow.. How much life has changed....

Today is William's second birthday. Wow. Where has the time gone? I know that phrase is so cliche, but it's so true! This time two years ago I was laying in a hospital bed holding my newborn son; completely clueless about how much my life was going to change.

Before I had a baby it was nothing to say, run to the grocery store. Today it takes 1. courage 2. at least 45 minutes 3. Diaper bag packed with everything imaginable because the one item you forget (say extra outfit) is the one item you need (example; blowout) 4. LIST (you will IMMEDIATELY forget the reason you came to said store) 5. Logistical plan for the entire store to figure out how to get in and out as quickly as possible 6. The greatest amount of willpower EVER to avoid the lovely chocolate bars in the checkout lane...

I love my children though and would change nothing! Today for William's birthday I dropped Owen off at mom's and took him to meet daddy for lunch. He even got birthday ice cream! After Will's nap Grandma and I took the birthday boy to the bike trail to try out his brand new plasmacar *AWESOME*. We then decided to head to Baskin Robbins for EVEN MORE ICE CREAM! (Read "Happiest Boy Ever"). We timed our arrival perfectly with Daddy's and we were able to open his presents as a family before bed. Yaay birthdays! I am very excited for Nate's half day tomorrow so we can let William pick out his gifts from his Grandad and Great Mamaw, as well as his birthday party at Lion's Park. :)

Unbelievable Love

I have been thinking about my boys a lot recently; how could I not seeing as how I am with them all day every day! Anyway, I remember being pregnant with Owen and being worried and in awe at the same time thinking "how could I possibly love this baby as much as I love William?" I already had a fierce love burning for this baby in my chest, my need to protect him was unbelievable. However, I still could not understand how I could have that much love in my heart?

Well, the past few weeks have been extremely difficult; the hardest thing I have ever done in fact! I was contemplating how insane we were to have two babies so close together, but at the same time I wasn't able to think of doing it a different way. I thought to myself, "if you had to choose which son to not have right now which one would it be?" I couldn't even wrap my head around that question. Of course I know that if I didn't have one I would have so much more time to devote to the other, but it is impossible for me to choose which one. Of course, I don't have to, and I'm sure I never will (God willing).

I was also thinking about Jacob and Esau in the bible. I can't imagine what their mother would have gone through knowing how they battled. When I thought about how she encouraged Jacob to swindle his brother out of Isaac's blessing at his deathbed I was truly perplexed. My thought was "how could she shortchange her eldest out of this right?" I first wondered if she was playing favorites between the brothers but I don't think that is the case. I think she knew that for one reason or another Jacob needed to have that blessing instead of Esau. A mother knows her children; knows what they are capable of and tries her best to help them achieve it. I think this is an example of a mother trying to do what is right by her children, even if it doesn't appear so at first glance.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Apparently this book, one of my all time favorites, is being made into a movie this year! Hoooraay! In other news; Owen had a spell yesterday so we are looking at Friday for a come home date.

Whenever I read one of my previous sad posts it really makes me appreciate everything Jesus does for me. I would never be able to "pull myself up by my bootstraps" if it weren't for Him. He is so amazing in the strength that he gives me and the endurance that he has set before me. I am so thankful for Him! I cannot imagine why we have gone through this as a family, but not knowing is just fine with me.

I know that God has a plan for me, I have seen it many times in the past. There have been so many times in my life when I have wondered why I am going through certain things only to be shown years later that it has taken me to where I am today. For example, I had to have my heart broken to move to Ames; if I hadn't moved to Ames I would never have met Nate. How can I question a God who gives me such amazing gifts?

There has been so much going on in our house recently it's crazy! William is going through a stage where he does not want to go to sleep; he just can't stand to miss anything! He is cognitively growing by leaps and bounds! He is counting to 10, saying most of his ABC's, and is using 2-3 word sentences constantly. Today we had this conversation: William: "Where Sammy?" Me: "Sammy is in the bedroom." William: "Sammy nigh nigh?" Me: "Yep, Sammy's night night."

From an educational standpoint this just astounds me! To know that for him to have this conversation with me many things have happened. He is able to understand object permanence, knowing that Sammy has gone somewhere, but that she exists in another place even though he can't see her. He also knows that when you are in a bedroom chances are you're sleeping. Not to mention that he has developed proper syntax for answering questions! Way to go Will! It is so amazing for me to watch his development when I am able to appreciate what it takes for him to say such things! Ahhh.

Alright, I think I am going to head into the kitchen for a snack of strawberries and whipped cream! :)