Where the kids are...

I've been reminded today how terrible I am at chronicaling the children's moments. Poor Explorer doesn't even have a baby book! So, here is my jab at it:

Explorer: Today he said "Down" and it sounded like "down"! He says thank you, momma, dad, "insert big sis' name here" (with all three syllables!), here you go, oh, and uhoh, He also signs several things, and we are working on "cup" because when he can't reach his cup he is unbearable. He is sleeping in a bed with a rail, drinking from sippy cups, still using a pacy. He has a contagious laugh and wonderful sense of humor. He likes to help sweep, hates the vacuum, doesn't eat noodles, but loves yogurt, and also likes to tear my house apart. I child-proofed for this child!

Entertainer - My firstborn son turned three on Friday. I remember how hot it was the week he was born - over 100. On the day of his birthday, here in the Pacific Northwest, it was over 60! He is really starting to get the potty training thing. He is late, but that's Mom's fault, not his. He loves Diego and firetrucks, dresses up in princess clothes, loves to color, but is particular that only one inspired drawing go on each page, which creates lots of paper with only one circle (I mean smiley face) on it. He is moody, but incredibly loving. He loves to cuddle and give kisses, and comfort. He is an awesome, unselfish, and protective big brother. He is a selfish, aggressive, and jealous little brother!

Miss Perfect - I am slowly understanding my Little Miss Perfect. She really really likes things perfect. She will not allow a side pony tail - that would not be symmetrical. (NOTE: the reason Mommy LIKES side pony tails is because they never look lopsided) She puts her shoes on first thing in the morning so that she never steps on a crumb. She must must must have a blankie to sleep. She will not eat a bite of food that is not perfect. It must look perfect. It must smell perfect. ....She is very skinny. I have often worried about her soul, because she is not very malleable and humble, but occasionally she will pray the most beautiful and sensitive prayers. I believe the Lord will humble her, and break her heart, and that she will be a FIREBALL for the Lord. She will be inspired to pray until tears, to proclaim the truth until someone listens. She will be the fork in the road in the life of everyone she meets- people will have to choose to do it HER way (which I pray is also the Lord's way), or to purposefully go the other. This is my prayer. So, I pour as much truth into her as I can, and pray ALOT!
I had gotten bad about dismissing her complaints, because she always wants things different, but I'm realizing that is her love language. If she can have iced water, a little light in her room, a certain plate, clothes that are soft, and "itching lotion" every night, then all is right with the world. In a few more years, she'll be able to do all of those things by herself, and as long as she understands these things are not ALWAYS going to happen, then maybe giving in a little wouldn't kill me!

Golden Girl - My eldest is nearing the end of first grade. She is so smart, but unfortunately not really challenged in her classes. She could be doing really high math by now. Her desire to know and understand surpasses my desire to explain! She is a thinker. She will hear something in church, and ask a question about it weeks later. I enjoy her questions so much! Recently, she is experimenting with really telling Mom "no." I think it will be a very short experiment - she has too many things that she loves to do, and she learns very quickly!

As a group, they play together really well. They are starting to share well, and to look out for each other. The girls work together and encourage and remind each other. They don't resent each other (except for resenting the one who doesn't have to take a nap!) and they don't call names. My four little blessings!

Diet starts today

Gotta start somewhere right? I'm ready to enjoy my summer, get my strength back, and look different this Labor Day than I did last year. Are you with me?!!

Spots!

I think I am a fairly healthy person (I write this even as I am suffering from a cold and feel terrible.) I had allergies and asthma as a child. And back problems. And lots of sprains. But, somehow I didn't feel like I was sick alot. As I have had children, it is amazing how they not only have my genes, but also my husband's! They look like him, and they get sick like him!! It is amazing!

I mention this because my husband has skin problems (dry, scabby areas on his hands and wrist). And my kids have caught it! Several years ago Miss Perfect broke out in hives. They were mostly on her face, and she got them several times. After a few trips to the doctor she was diagnosed with benign hives and told there was absolutely no cause, nor any reason to worry. Explorer might have rosacea. His cheeks get red and infected looking for no reason at all and are very dry. Miss Perfect is always itchy, and asks for "itching lotion" every night before bed. And now....

Golden Girl has broken out in a rash. It is all over her arms, which caused me to think it was poison ivy or something, because (on May 15th) it is finally nice enought for her to climb around in the back yard. But she also has it on her tummy and back, beneath her shirt. So, that made me think heat rash (in 70 degree weather) but the arms are really strange for a heat rash. So, I have no good explanation. Suggestions?