November 2009
(Disclaimer: Post cut short by crazy kids screaming and hurting themselves and a mother ready to give herself a time-out...)
We had so much to be grateful for this year! The many blessings were also huge changes in our lives: our long awaited house (that we enjoyed for such a short time before leaving to GA!), a new healthy baby, Brighton starting and LOVING school, Justin's new federal agent job that he has wanted so badly, healthy families and enjoyable relationships with our siblings, and the list could go on. More recently, however, the thing I am most grateful for (and THANK YOU MOM & DAD) is the generosity of my parents in helping us pay for Adaira to attend preschool here on the island so I can get some rest. Dale, at three months old, still sleeps like a newborn and requires constant attention during his waking hours, and with Justin gone at least 12 hours a day I felt like I was going to lose my mind. Adaira surprised me with her behavior toward the new baby as well. I thought she'd be a big helper but as it turns out she doesn't like the fact that this little one steals all my time and energy. She has acted out quite a bit and I can't really trust her alone with Dale right now. She's rough with him, yanks on his arms or legs, yells in his ears, wakes him up any chance she gets...etc. She's just dying for my attention and doing the worst things to get it. It's hard being out here since Dale really is so demanding and I have no choice but to try to juggle him and try and rush my alone time with Adaira. That's why preschool was so great, not only to get her out of the house but also so I wouldn't feel so guilty about not being able to show her much fun during the day. Her preschool is four hours a day, five days a week, and I finally feel like I have some "chill" time and it is WONDERFUL! Brighton's school celebrated Thanksgiving with a lunch with the parents with the kids all dressed up as pilgrims or indians. Two days later Adaira's school had the parents come for a presentation. They were excited to pose for the camera with their lovely hats...
Good gosh, I can't finish this freaking post! I was trying to put captions under the pictures but they keep moving on me. Dale is screaming non-stop and Adaira and Brighton are chasing each other around, crawling all over me, I can't figure out the dang formatting, and now Brighton slammed a door in Adaira's face smashing her in the head. I'm done. The pics speak for themselves...Brighton learned how to finally ride his bike and we enjoy going to the beach with our new friends. Back to my life now...
Comments
I had a day like that yesterday... Kalvin was supposed to be up in his room sleeping and all was quiet, so I thought he was sleeping. Then I heard giggling and knew I was doomed. I went up to see him laying naked in his bed and almost stepped in the poopy diaper he had taken off. I quickly realized he had literally smeared poop ALL over the carpet. I continued to try to get him to nap for about 45 more min. before I gave up on the idea and he was a little devil the rest of the day... dumping a quart of water on Tristen who was sitting on the carpet in the living room, crumbling up a half a bag of bread all over the carpet in the living room... Life can feel nearly impossible sometimes. You are a strong woman though and will make it!
Congrats Brighton I can't wait to see you ride your bike . No training wheels that is GREAT!`
Right after Claire's surgery the doctor explained how it was more severe and that she would be going home with a catheter; Trevor immediately asked him how soon she could return to school. The doctor looked at Trevor like he was crazy and said, "Isn't she just in preschool?" Trevor said, "yes, but it is ESSENTIAL for all of us."
I laughed but he was serious.
And it was true.
Hope it gets easier.
Your children look super sweet and happy in all of the pictures!
~Brianne
Call me sometime. Lov ya, Ale