Monday, January 28, 2013

When you sleep...


It's wonderful. When you are awake, it's wonderful too. But when you sleep, it's like the entire house gives a ginormous sigh and we all take a break. When you sleep, my mind wonders, reflects, composes itself. Sometimes there's tears. Sometimes there's chocolate. And sometimes there's a desperate prayer for an increased amount of calmness, insight, and forgiveness for saying a curse word in my head or getting angry at a certain husband for not understanding me.


When you sleep, I sleep sometimes. Sometimes I run on the treadmill. Sometimes I do the dishes, a load of laundry, make the bed, or clean the computer desk. Sometimes I even take down the Christmas decorations from a month ago. When you sleep, other things can get done...sometimes.

Sometimes, when you sleep, I spend my time thinking about when you are going to wake up. And it makes me frustrated. It's like my ears are turned up and I constantly feel like I hear you crying...even when you're not. So it makes perfect sense that I creep into your bedroom and take pictures of you sleeping, because there's nothing like a clicking camera to keep little babes snoozing in their cribs. But I can't help myself. I LOVE watching you sleep. I love to hear you breathe and think about where you are going in your dreams. You are safe, loved, and comfortable.


I love it when you sleep.

Friday, January 18, 2013

You are 6 months, shout hooray!


Liam and Finn,

You are 6 months today. And you are growing, growing, growing! I looked at pictures of you from 1 month ago and you look so tiny, so different. 6 months ago today, I saw you for the first time "outta da womb" and I never pictured these big, healthy babies I have now. But here you are!

And you are marvelous.

My beautiful Liam, you are becoming such a smiley baby! When I set you and brother in your highchairs and I sing and make funny noises and clap my hands, you smile immediately and even laugh. I hope you always think I'm this funny. You are my inquisitive little boy. You watch and study things around you very carefully. And then you talk about it. Boy, are you my little chatter box! Holy moly, you have so much to say for such a little guy. And I love it. Sometimes you will be in your crib and just talk and talk and talk and Daddy and I will stop what we're doing and say "Is that Liam?" And then laugh, because it does our hearts good to hear that noise. Especially because it's NOT crying. :)

My sweet Finn, I can't get over those eyes. This afternoon, you woke up from your nap early and wouldn't go back to sleep. So, I rocked you and you looked straight at me with those big, blue eyes and my heart melted. You are getting to be such a strong boy! You LOVE standing on your legs. After I change your diaper, you get so excited and can't wait to be lifted up so you can stand. You love your daddy. Period. I think he is your favorite person in the world. Of course, I get a little envious after a long day of messes and meltdowns and the minute daddy walks in the door you are all smiles and so excited to see him. That's good, though, because I also love it when he walks through the door. :)

My dearest babies, I love you so much. Each new stage is exciting and I actually like that you each go at your own pace. I never want you to forget that even though you came as a package, Mama and Daddy love you for your individual gifts and personalities.

Happy 6 months my babes! Enjoy every minute.

Love,
Mama

(A little "smothering" brotherly love.)

(I love this picture, because it's so indicative of each babe's personalities.
Liam: inquisitive, Finn: busy.)


(B's mini-me)

Monday, January 14, 2013

Who loves Liam?


Last Sunday, Brandon was teaching his Sunday School class at the same time babies needed to be diapered and fed. So...as he taught, I would trade babies from his arms. At one point, I knew I needed an extra pair of hands, so I marched into the Primary Room and handed Liam to one of the counselors, while I made bottles in the church kitchen.

After I came back down to the Primary Room, the Primary President asked if Liam could be a "special guest" for her sharing time. She went up to the microphone and invited me and baby up to the front. She introduced us and then asked the children "Who loves Liam?" Little hands shot up and one sweet girl answered "His mom!" I looked at Liam's little angelic face and nodded enthusiastically. The Primary President asked "Who else loves Liam?" More hands went up and and another little boy said "His mom!" Smiling, the Primary President replied "Yes, his mom loves him a lot. But, who else loves Liam?" Another answer was yelled out "His mom!" I kissed Liam's forehead and nodded again.
The sweet leader then asked "Who else, besides Liam's mom, loves him?"

"Daddy", "Grandma", "Ancestors", and "Jesus" were all heard around the room.

I love thinking about everyone who loves my babies. I especially love thinking about how much Heavenly Father and Jesus love them. It makes my heart so happy.

And, yes, I love them so much 
it should be shouted at least 3 times.



(Liam and Finn in their new highchairs. They are such big boys!)
*****
A little shout-out to Brandon Johnson:
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
(more to come...)

Thursday, January 3, 2013

"Cause I'm going to make this place your home.'

The babies are supposed to be napping, but I can hear little Liam's voice. 
He is such a chatter box. I love it. 
Except when they're supposed to be napping. 

The holidays are over. And I seriously needed a couple days recovery.
The dishes piled up, and so did the laundry.
We all stayed in our pajamas, without any care to get ready.
Some days are just like that. And that's okay.
Especially after the holidays.

My sweet babies,
our home may not always look perfect.
Dinner may not always be ready on time.
Or, some nights, ready at all.
You may have needed a bath yesterday
and the green beans stuck in your hair
from today's lunch may be a good indication 
you definitely need one now.
The beds aren't made and the dishes aren't done.
You may have clean clothes neatly folded in your drawer
...you may not.
Your toys cover the family room floor
like foliage on a fall day.
And your mama?
She's the one passed out on the couch
from lack of sufficient sleep for as long as she can remember
the past 6 months.

But...

"Hold on, to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave is stringing us along
Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home

Settle down, it'll all be clear
Don't pay no mind to the demons
They fill you with fear
The trouble it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you’re not alone
Cause I’m going to make this place your home"