First Shiner

Noah picked a fight with the kitchen table.

It won.

(The evidence was more obvious but it's already healing - and the camera just doesn't do it justice.)

Hotlanta

We had an awesome weekend at my brother and sister-in-law's house outside Atlanta -- grilling out, walking the neighborhood, garage saling, playing games (from peek-a-boo to Whoonu?), soaking in the hot tub, watching movies, late-night talks, vespers, church, and great food. Noah loved being re-introduced to the girls in our family (it seems we only have boys here in Nashville) - though somehow he managed to come away with a black eye (more on that later). ;) Can't wait to go back!

26 Weeks

-- 1.7 pounds
-- 14 inches
-- male
-- thumb sucker (via ultrasound)
-- acrobat (even Josh can feel that)
-- VIABLE (WooHoo!!)
-- adorable (just look at that face at 24 weeks!)

These are the things we know and LOVE so far about little boy #2. I can't wait to learn even more!

In the meantime, I'm feeling the entry into the third trimester: nesting, tired, sore, swollen, off-balance, big, warm, and potty-happy. I dream of massages. I'm counting down the days until our pool opens. And I've voluntarily limited my physical exertion to control the number of braxton-hicks contractions I experience in a day.

That said, I'm still loving it. I'm thrilled this boy has stayed put this long (those pesky contractions can do a number on the anxiety level). I'm so thankful not to be on bedrest. I'm enjoying my days with Noah more than ever. And God has given me a very sweet, affectionate, and understanding hubby who keeps rubbing my feet and telling me that I look beautiful. I have so much more than I deserve.

But I'm still praying for more. Like a quick labor. I've convinced myself that since my mother and two sisters-in-law all had very fast second deliveries (one in the car), mine will be fast too (though hopefully not in the car). If yours took forever, keep it to yourself. I'm planning to remain blissfully optimistic on that score for another 14 weeks...

It's the Little Things

After I spilled cottage cheese all over our kitchen rug today (a good reminder that I'm quite capable of making bigger messes than Noah), I noticed that its only tag does not tell me whether the rug is washable - it just warns me that it's flammable.

I’ve always wanted to host a bonfire on my 2'x4' kitchen rug. But couldn't they come up with something a bit more vital? Like who to call with questions...or what it's made of...or even a “don’t run with scissors” piece of fortune-cookie wisdom? Instead, it's "don't set fire to this piece of woven cloth and hope it will look the same when you're done."

On second thought, perhaps it's best I don't know why they chose that tidbit of advice. I hate to think how many people must need to hear it.

Relative

We just finished a very fun and busy week with a special guest in our home: my youngest nephew (2.5-yrs-old). He is a really sweet little boy who fit right in with our family and gave us a taste of having two boys. And since my mind is already gearing up for the presence of male siblings in our home come July, I couldn't help noticing a couple dynamics between my nephews and my son.

First, I realized I was only used to seeing my younger nephew in the presence of his older brother (4.5-yrs-old). To me, he was part of a pair. I had been more likely to notice the aspects of his personality that differed from his brother's. Once he was at our house sans-brother, it was so much easier to see him in 3D. His sweet temperament, good manners, and playfulness--all attributes he shares with his brother--were more obvious than ever. My appreciation for him didn't change, but it did gain more depth. I miss him already!

Second, I saw by day 3 that Noah acted differently around his cousin than he would have alone. As one of my southern friends would say, he "showed out" more. He was less likely to sit and play or suck his thumb. He clearly idolized the older boy and was often in his face or space, begging for attention. Alone again today, he reverted to his quieter self (a bit to my relief).

Naturally, I've been wondering how these phenomenon could impact our sons. How will Noah change when he's "the older" instead of "the only"? How will our second son's personality be shaped by his desire to impress Noah? Will my view of our boys be typified by their differences or will I be able to see each fully, without comparing?

I hadn't realized until this week how appropriate it is that we call a family member a "relative." A mother of five once told me that the birth of each child doesn't just add to the family, it shifts the position of everyone in the family. This week, I've seen the truth of it. Next fall, we'll feel the truth of it.

In the meantime, I'm counting on--and praying for--the following:
1. That my boys will love and respect each other as much as I love and respect my brothers.
2. That God will help me avoid the traps of comparison.
3. That God will be using the richness of each member of our family to inspire, refine, and improve each other.

Fortunately, this week was also full of opportunities to see the benefits of having two boys. It was awesome to see Noah learning how to play with (and share with) his cousin, so excited to be with him, asking for him whenever they were apart, and learning new skills from him. I loved toddling around with two boys and seeing how they reacted to the playground, Easter baskets, books, Daddy/Uncle Josh, shrimp, and so much more. They really are a joy.

And they made me even more excited about welcoming another little boy into our family this summer! I can't wait to meet him - and see his relationship with Noah (and his cousins) blossom. At the same time, I'm so thankful for the insights and lessons God is giving me now, preparing me for the future and preparing our family for the new adventure.

Easter 2009

The Easter Bunny
We arrived at the rec center right on time: 10am. By the time we got to the playing fields, it was 10:05, and the egg hunt was over. That's right, it took a total of 4 minutes for a few hundred toddlers to vacuum the fields of eggs. Thankfully, Noah didn't know what he'd missed, and he probably enjoyed playing on their jungle gym just as much. He also got to meet the Easter Bunny (a mute, cuddly creature he seemed to find highly suspicious).

Resurrection Trail
We visited Christ Community on Good Friday for their 12 stations of holy week for kids. Each station had church members dressed as disciples, soldiers, or angels with something for the kids to do, taste, or touch. I think Noah spent most of the time watching the other kids in our group, but he loved the linen strips from Jesus' tomb and the chocolate coin from Judas. (Best not to think about the symbolism there.)

The Music
I just have to mention how thankful I am for the beautiful music at our church all weekend. Friday night was the candlelight Tenebrae service - dark, subdued, classical. Sunday was the party with every major Easter hymn, high note, and big ending. Each was the perfect backdrop for our reflections and activities on the death and resurrection of Christ.

Egg Hunt
After church, we had our traditional Sunday brunch complete with grandparents, "hidden" eggs/baskets, ham, and hot cross buns. The empty plastic eggs were a big hit with Noah and his cousin - glad I didn't bother stuffing them with candy!

BBQ
Finally, we ended the weekend with what we Yankees call a "barbeque" (meaning we grilled something - no bbq sauce need be involved). Noah had two pals at his picnic table, where they all ate an impressive amount of hotdogs and tater tots, only falling off the bench a couple times.

5 Minutes of Silence...

...is never a good sign.

(Note the culprit is not in the picture because he was busy having a "talkin' to" while Mom & Dad tried very hard not to encourage his adorable miscreance with their smiles and laughter. He also did a surprisingly good job of cleaning it up - a new talent Mommy will be utilizing!)

Time to Picnic

In homage to the PERFECT weather we've been having, Josh and I have recently made two purchases we're already using daily:

An adult picnic table...

(with Noah's seal of approval)






And a kids' picnic table...

(with Tigger's seal of approval)





Special thanks to the Andersons for delivering the former, and to a kindly grandmother in Liberty Hills willing to part with the latter (for $2!!).

Noah Moments

Who's the Doc?
Sunday night, Noah suddenly spiked a fever. Monday, I noticed his mouth was hurting (not eating, spitting, crying and touching it), so Dr. Daddy checked it out when he got home (and found a few canker sores). Noah thought Daddy's exam was pretty hilarious, so he walked around afterward with the flashlight to his mouth, saying "Ahh!"

ALL of it, please
Noah has recently figured out that it's much more fun to hold the whole muffin or banana or pita and select your own bites than it is to be given dime-sized portions. The results are so cute - and messy. Mommy is very thankful she got a dustbuster for her birthday.

A Squirmy Carry-on
While I was packing for the cruise, I think Noah was trying to send me a message...

"NO!"
Every day when Noah wakes from his nap, I take him over to the window to examine the state of affairs (trucks in driveways, dogs on the loose, possibly even boys playing). Yesterday, he started playing with the window blinds, giggling all the while. I said, "That's fun, isn't it?" and he said, "NO!" with a huge smile on his face. He clearly doesn't understand the abstract meaning of the word, but he now realizes that it can be very fun to say with emphasis.

Future...Janitor?
Noah took his cool new toy--a leaf blower--to Aldi with us yesterday. He got that floor spick-and-span (Do you see any leaves?) while Mommy cleaned up on cheap food.

Introducing Mr. "T"
I think Noah has a new best friend. Despite his Noah-given name, he doesn't wear his weight in gold necklaces, he's bouncy, and I'm pretty sure he puts up with more abuse than any member of the A-Team would have allowed...