Miles has not called Adam "Yo-Yo" in several weeks.
On one hand, I'm happy that his speech is improving so much so that he can say "Adam" with clarity (although sometimes it's said sloppier than others). On the other, I've been missing his little "Yo-Yo?" calls throughout the day, because it also means that Miles is getting bigger. Less of a baby, more of a little boy. One who is too big for nicknames, I guess.
It was cute while it lasted. So cute, actually.
And I'll admit, I still call Adam "Yo" every once in a while. Someone has to.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Kindergarten Conference Recap
Last week I sat down with Adam's teacher for a brief visit to discuss his progress thus far.
Not surprisingly, he is doing very well in Kindergarten this year. His teacher commented on how he was her "little man," meaning that he was mature and wise beyond his Kindergarten years. She appreciates his ability to laugh and be silly at appropriate times, yet reign it in when it is time to focus on the tasks at hand. He gets along well with others, and is meeting all of the developmental milestones at this time.
We both chuckled about his dislike for anything that has to do with coloring, cutting, or gluing - something they do a LOT of in his class. She told me he asks her every day "do I have to color this?" He would much rather be doing numbers (simple math problems, usually) or writing his letters than coloring. Anything but coloring!
He is very interested in his music class this month, as they are learning about Beethoven and his 5th Symphony (among other works). Needless to say, I am very happy to oblige when asked "can we listen to Beethoven?" Yes, yes we can.
Other favorite parts about school include recess, "free choice time," and of course, lunch. He loves to sit with his best buddies and talk about whatever it is boys talk about while they eat their lunch.
Praise God that he's enjoying his school year thus far, and pray that the rest of the year goes just as well. I have a feeling he'll be reading very soon!
Not surprisingly, he is doing very well in Kindergarten this year. His teacher commented on how he was her "little man," meaning that he was mature and wise beyond his Kindergarten years. She appreciates his ability to laugh and be silly at appropriate times, yet reign it in when it is time to focus on the tasks at hand. He gets along well with others, and is meeting all of the developmental milestones at this time.
We both chuckled about his dislike for anything that has to do with coloring, cutting, or gluing - something they do a LOT of in his class. She told me he asks her every day "do I have to color this?" He would much rather be doing numbers (simple math problems, usually) or writing his letters than coloring. Anything but coloring!
He is very interested in his music class this month, as they are learning about Beethoven and his 5th Symphony (among other works). Needless to say, I am very happy to oblige when asked "can we listen to Beethoven?" Yes, yes we can.
Other favorite parts about school include recess, "free choice time," and of course, lunch. He loves to sit with his best buddies and talk about whatever it is boys talk about while they eat their lunch.
Praise God that he's enjoying his school year thus far, and pray that the rest of the year goes just as well. I have a feeling he'll be reading very soon!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Kindegarten!
Today, after a baked oatmeal breakfast (per your request), you walked out into the cool, clear morning with a smile. A little nervous for what was to come, but ready to face the exciting day ahead. We had time to snap a few pictures and chat with bus-stop buddies before the bus was ready for pick up. A kiss goodbye, and you were off!
Fast forward to the afternoon, when you bounded off the bus so quickly you forgot to grab your backpack. I was so happy to see a smile on your face, but even happier to have you home. I thought about you and prayed for you the entire day, and could not wait to hear all about it. Your smile told me that indeed, my prayers had been answered and you had a great day. God is so good!
Your favorite part of the day was recess (one in the morning, one in the afternoon), "free time," and gym. Typical boy. You enjoyed eating lunch in the cafeteria, as well as singing songs with your teacher, Mrs. Gatchalian.
A few of your favorites:
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Fruit: Apple
Favorite Dessert: Apple Pie or Crisp
Favorite Past-time: Bike Riding
Favorite Movie: Kung Fu Panda (1 or 2)
Favorite CD: Tom Petty, Greatest Hits
Favorite Toy: Transformers
Welcome to Kindergarten, my love. It's going to be a wonderful year!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Oh, Tooth Fairy...
Adam lost his first tooth this week!
When I had predicted earlier in the day that it would fall out in a few days, I had no idea it would be at dinner, thanks to a crusty roll. Toothless was not as thrilled as one might expect him to be, what with that scraggly tooth gone from his mouth forever. Rather, he refused to look in the mirror, and sat at the table in tears over the whole incident. What can I say? My boy doesn't like change. Seeing his big brother both upset over the incident and annoyed at repeated requests to "show me your teef, Yo-Yo!" Miles quickly reassured him, saying: "don't worry, Yo-Yo. We will go to the doctor and he will put a new one in your mouth." Simple as that!
Discussions about the Tooth Fairy cheered him up slightly, although I had to tell him that she did not bring Wii games. As it was, Jeff and I scrounged up $3 to leave under his pillow, along with a note. And of course, the next morning he was all smiles. Toothless smiles, that is.
When I had predicted earlier in the day that it would fall out in a few days, I had no idea it would be at dinner, thanks to a crusty roll. Toothless was not as thrilled as one might expect him to be, what with that scraggly tooth gone from his mouth forever. Rather, he refused to look in the mirror, and sat at the table in tears over the whole incident. What can I say? My boy doesn't like change. Seeing his big brother both upset over the incident and annoyed at repeated requests to "show me your teef, Yo-Yo!" Miles quickly reassured him, saying: "don't worry, Yo-Yo. We will go to the doctor and he will put a new one in your mouth." Simple as that!
Discussions about the Tooth Fairy cheered him up slightly, although I had to tell him that she did not bring Wii games. As it was, Jeff and I scrounged up $3 to leave under his pillow, along with a note. And of course, the next morning he was all smiles. Toothless smiles, that is.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Summertime.
I cannot believe that our summer is nearly over. Cooler nights and shorter days remind us all that the school bus will be coming soon. What have we been up to, you ask?
Water. Two weeks of swimming lessons at Calvin earlier this summer was well worth the time and effort. The pool membership to Orchard Hills also proved to be worth the money, as we've spent many hours in the pool together. Adam is swimming above and under the water with great confidence - as long as he has his goggles. And, not to be overshadowed, Miles has mastered the art of holding his breath when under water and "swimming" as well. Both boys love fishing dive sticks out of the water, goggles required. I joke that when at the pool, Miles spends more time under the water than above it.
We've also enjoyed swimming in my mom's lake. Adam is quite proficient at jumping off the boat and making a splash. Miles loves to don his life jacket and float around in the water "all by myself!" Many happy memories were created on the boat this summer, per usual.
Thankfully, we managed to make it to the beach a handful of times this year. I'm not sure what the boys love more: the sand or the water. They could play for hours in each. What a blessing to live in Michigan with access to beautiful Lake Michigan.
Bikes. Drive past our house during the non-napping hours and you will most likely see my boys riding their bikes in the driveway. It's definitely their past time of choice as it's the first thing they ask to do when tempted with going outside. Racing in the driveway, either with the two of them or with the neighbor boy. You would think they would tire of this activity, but it hasn't happened yet. The boys also love going on bike rides with Jeff: Adam riding solo this year (eeeeks!) and Miles riding along on the Tagalong (Hold on, Miles!). No doubt Jeff prefers to haul the Tagalong than the Burley - much lighter weight. Miles prefers this set up as well, as one can imagine.
Speech Therapy. This summer Miles began speech therapy twice a week at Mary Free Bed. The progress is slow but steady. At the beginning of the summer he could not say "s" or "f" sounds, but now he can. I know he's a little tired of these one hour sessions, but I encourage him to continue, and once he's there he's usually in good spirits. My hope is that insurance will continue to approve these sessions through the end of the year, and we'll take a break after baby comes and start up again (Lord willing) in the spring.
It's been a great summer. Busy times and lazy mornings spent playing in pajamas both. Fun times. Lots of laughter. We are blessed.
I'll be back in a few weeks with a "back to school" post. For now, both of us are choosing to forget that the day is near. More swimming, please.
Water. Two weeks of swimming lessons at Calvin earlier this summer was well worth the time and effort. The pool membership to Orchard Hills also proved to be worth the money, as we've spent many hours in the pool together. Adam is swimming above and under the water with great confidence - as long as he has his goggles. And, not to be overshadowed, Miles has mastered the art of holding his breath when under water and "swimming" as well. Both boys love fishing dive sticks out of the water, goggles required. I joke that when at the pool, Miles spends more time under the water than above it.
We've also enjoyed swimming in my mom's lake. Adam is quite proficient at jumping off the boat and making a splash. Miles loves to don his life jacket and float around in the water "all by myself!" Many happy memories were created on the boat this summer, per usual.
Thankfully, we managed to make it to the beach a handful of times this year. I'm not sure what the boys love more: the sand or the water. They could play for hours in each. What a blessing to live in Michigan with access to beautiful Lake Michigan.
Bikes. Drive past our house during the non-napping hours and you will most likely see my boys riding their bikes in the driveway. It's definitely their past time of choice as it's the first thing they ask to do when tempted with going outside. Racing in the driveway, either with the two of them or with the neighbor boy. You would think they would tire of this activity, but it hasn't happened yet. The boys also love going on bike rides with Jeff: Adam riding solo this year (eeeeks!) and Miles riding along on the Tagalong (Hold on, Miles!). No doubt Jeff prefers to haul the Tagalong than the Burley - much lighter weight. Miles prefers this set up as well, as one can imagine.
Speech Therapy. This summer Miles began speech therapy twice a week at Mary Free Bed. The progress is slow but steady. At the beginning of the summer he could not say "s" or "f" sounds, but now he can. I know he's a little tired of these one hour sessions, but I encourage him to continue, and once he's there he's usually in good spirits. My hope is that insurance will continue to approve these sessions through the end of the year, and we'll take a break after baby comes and start up again (Lord willing) in the spring.
It's been a great summer. Busy times and lazy mornings spent playing in pajamas both. Fun times. Lots of laughter. We are blessed.
I'll be back in a few weeks with a "back to school" post. For now, both of us are choosing to forget that the day is near. More swimming, please.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Healed.
After 4 weeks in a cast, Miles received the "all clear" at yesterday's doctor appointment to go cast-free. One would think he would have been excited to not have to wear his cast, but he wasn't happy at all. In fact, he started crying big, crocodile tears when the Doctor told him he didn't have to wear it. He was somewhat comforted by a (strictly cosmetic) band-aid and knowing the the Doctor was going to give the cast to "some other little boy with an owie on his thumb."
Today he's band-aid free and still favoring that hand, but this is to be expected. In the next weeks he should switch over and be back to full-function of his thumb.
Praise the Lord that the bones healed up nicely! Just in time for warmer weather, too. I know he'll be excited that he can wear his baseball mitt on his hand now. Which reminds me to look for a right-handed mitt for toddlers. This has to exist somewhere, right?
Today he's band-aid free and still favoring that hand, but this is to be expected. In the next weeks he should switch over and be back to full-function of his thumb.
Praise the Lord that the bones healed up nicely! Just in time for warmer weather, too. I know he'll be excited that he can wear his baseball mitt on his hand now. Which reminds me to look for a right-handed mitt for toddlers. This has to exist somewhere, right?
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
All he wanted was to go bowling...
Poor Miles.
He's been asking to go bowling for several weeks now, so we thought what better way to celebrate turning three than to take him to the bowling alley for a little fun? About the 8th frame, he was carrying the ball up to the lane when he tripped and fell. Long story short, his thumb took the brunt of his body and the bowling ball. We quickly assessed the damage and after grabbing napkins and a bag of ice, we headed straight for the car and off to the ER.
What a trooper my little guy was. I can only imagine the pain he was in. He fell asleep in my lap while we were waiting in the waiting room, and then woke up when it was time to get X-Rays. The X-Rays showed that he had an open fracture - the first part of his thumb had been smashed to bits from the fall. There was nothing they could do to put it together again, but he did need to get stitches on the pad of his thumb.
He sat on Jeff's lap while they did the stitching up. He was so brave - just yelling and crying "ow ow ow ow ow!!!" (can you blame him?!?), but never flailing or kicking or resisting. The doctor was happy he did not have to get out the "papoose" board to restrain him and frankly, so was I.
Monday morning we headed to the hand doctor to have it looked at by a specialist. He confirmed that the break was extensive, and unfortunately, there is no way of knowing at this point if it will heal properly. The key right now is to immobilize it, and so after cleaning the stitches up and wrapping that up with antiseptic gauze, he fashioned a removable fiberglass splint for him. We'll go back next week for X-rays and then assess what the next steps will be.
I'm praying for healing. Tonight when we were changing the dressing I couldn't help but squint at the sight of his little mangled thumb. It's swollen, oozing, and appears to be quite disfigured at the moment. But God can heal his thumb, this I know for sure.
He's been asking to go bowling for several weeks now, so we thought what better way to celebrate turning three than to take him to the bowling alley for a little fun? About the 8th frame, he was carrying the ball up to the lane when he tripped and fell. Long story short, his thumb took the brunt of his body and the bowling ball. We quickly assessed the damage and after grabbing napkins and a bag of ice, we headed straight for the car and off to the ER.
What a trooper my little guy was. I can only imagine the pain he was in. He fell asleep in my lap while we were waiting in the waiting room, and then woke up when it was time to get X-Rays. The X-Rays showed that he had an open fracture - the first part of his thumb had been smashed to bits from the fall. There was nothing they could do to put it together again, but he did need to get stitches on the pad of his thumb.
He sat on Jeff's lap while they did the stitching up. He was so brave - just yelling and crying "ow ow ow ow ow!!!" (can you blame him?!?), but never flailing or kicking or resisting. The doctor was happy he did not have to get out the "papoose" board to restrain him and frankly, so was I.
Monday morning we headed to the hand doctor to have it looked at by a specialist. He confirmed that the break was extensive, and unfortunately, there is no way of knowing at this point if it will heal properly. The key right now is to immobilize it, and so after cleaning the stitches up and wrapping that up with antiseptic gauze, he fashioned a removable fiberglass splint for him. We'll go back next week for X-rays and then assess what the next steps will be.
I'm praying for healing. Tonight when we were changing the dressing I couldn't help but squint at the sight of his little mangled thumb. It's swollen, oozing, and appears to be quite disfigured at the moment. But God can heal his thumb, this I know for sure.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Happy Birthday, Miles!
Three! Today you are three!
On this birthday you are less of a baby and more of a little boy. A big, blue eyed wonder of a little boy. You have changed considerably since last year, and not just in size. Your language has really taken off, and even though most of the time I act as your translator, you have a way of communicating. Someone once said, "he talks a mile a minute - too bad I have no idea what he's saying!" No worries - I always know, and nine times out of 10, Adam knows too, so between the two of us, we've got you covered.
You are feisty and determined. As the little brother, you often feel you have to defend your territory, be it a toy, your spot on the couch, or racing to the destination spot first. It's hard being the youngest, I'm sure. But the scrapper in you puts up a very successful fight more often than not, and that makes me smile. You've got spunk, kid.
You are very loving. You still let me rock you in the evening, and sometimes before naps, too. I love how you are quick to say "Wuv you, Mommy" and plant wet kisses often. What I thought was last year's "phase" has continued this year. "Mommy Do!" has continued full-force. Will you grow out of it this year, I wonder?
You have focus and patience that your brother did not at your age. You will sit and do puzzles - big ones. You will color and do other projects for long periods of time. The other day you drew what your Dad and I thought was a very impressive picture of a person, complete with eyes, mouth, arms and legs. That is something! Oh, and so far, you continue to be left-handed. Interesting!
Oh Miles, where will this year take you? Hopefully potty training is at the top of your list, because I know it is on mine. Soon spring will be here, and I know you're excited to get out the t-ball and baseball mitt again. Sports are your thing, I'm here to tell you (and I'm not just saying that because I'm your Mom, either).
Here's to the next year of your life, Mr. Miles. It's going to be fantastic.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Hello? Is it me you're looking for?
My poor, neglected blog.
Today I am pondering the following quote, which I found on another blog:
"And the fundamental mission of motherhood now is the same as it always was: to nurture, protect, and instruct children, to create a home environment that enables them to learn and grow, to help them develop a heart for God and his purposes, and send them out into the world prepared to live both fully and meaningfully."
- Sally Clarkson, author of The Mission To Motherhood: Touching Your Child's Heart for Eternity
Mission Impossible? Some days I think we all can agree that this incredible job can be a doozy. Last week is fresh in my mind, what with two snow days and cold temperatures keeping us cooped up indoors for the better part of it. By the end of the first snow day I exhausted my "bag of tricks" and was wondering what shenanigans snow day two would bring. We muddled through, even if it did involve baking zucchini bread (Adam's favorite), nerf gun wars, playing with snow in the sink, and a movie in the morning "just because." Creating a home environment that enables them to grow...
On the other hand, what a blessing it is to be given the task of raising two little boys - two boys who are sweet more than they aren't, who love me, love each other, and love others. A blessing indeed.
Miles and I have been going to Bible Study every Wednesday and it warms my heart to hear him sing the chorus of "Holy Holy Holy" during the week. If you were listening to him, it would sound like "Ho-weee, Ho-weeee, Hoooo-weeeee..." over and over. Adorable. He may be "just' three, but he's hearing and soaking in God's word on a weekly basis at BSF. Adam and I have both been enjoying reading Bible stories from a new kids bible in the evenings (if you're interested, you can find it here). His questions are honest, never ending, and oftentimes hard to answer, but I love that time with him. Help them to develop a heart for God...
Yes, it's a big job but it's not without rewards, both big and little. Oh, and joy. A lot of that, too. Lots of laughter can be heard in this house. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Today I am pondering the following quote, which I found on another blog:
"And the fundamental mission of motherhood now is the same as it always was: to nurture, protect, and instruct children, to create a home environment that enables them to learn and grow, to help them develop a heart for God and his purposes, and send them out into the world prepared to live both fully and meaningfully."
- Sally Clarkson, author of The Mission To Motherhood: Touching Your Child's Heart for Eternity
Mission Impossible? Some days I think we all can agree that this incredible job can be a doozy. Last week is fresh in my mind, what with two snow days and cold temperatures keeping us cooped up indoors for the better part of it. By the end of the first snow day I exhausted my "bag of tricks" and was wondering what shenanigans snow day two would bring. We muddled through, even if it did involve baking zucchini bread (Adam's favorite), nerf gun wars, playing with snow in the sink, and a movie in the morning "just because." Creating a home environment that enables them to grow...
On the other hand, what a blessing it is to be given the task of raising two little boys - two boys who are sweet more than they aren't, who love me, love each other, and love others. A blessing indeed.
Miles and I have been going to Bible Study every Wednesday and it warms my heart to hear him sing the chorus of "Holy Holy Holy" during the week. If you were listening to him, it would sound like "Ho-weee, Ho-weeee, Hoooo-weeeee..." over and over. Adorable. He may be "just' three, but he's hearing and soaking in God's word on a weekly basis at BSF. Adam and I have both been enjoying reading Bible stories from a new kids bible in the evenings (if you're interested, you can find it here). His questions are honest, never ending, and oftentimes hard to answer, but I love that time with him. Help them to develop a heart for God...
Yes, it's a big job but it's not without rewards, both big and little. Oh, and joy. A lot of that, too. Lots of laughter can be heard in this house. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
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