I love training – it was always amazing to me when my dog would be running full speed in one direction only to skid to a halt at a word from me. I felt an odd sense of triumph and humility when an 800 pound piece of horseflesh would walk quietly by my side without a rope, halter or anything compelling it to remain with me except for weeks of conditioning.
How much more amazing to watch a little child who comprehended so little such a short time ago grasp complex ideas and cheerfully go along with my directions. Sometimes he would grasp my tentative efforts to impart an abstract concept so quickly I wasn’t even sure I had actually done any training but was indeed faced with a child genius. Here’s some proof.
I started blanket training and within a few days he knew the edge of the blanket was his boundary – how he came to know this is quite beyond me because I barely knew what I was doing in the first place! We put him on there while we picked dewberries last Sat. and he never left, even when the mist turned to a slight drizzle and we were out of sight behind some bushes.
Meanwhile I’ve transferred the concept to his nap time and place his mattress all over the house so he learns to stay and go to sleep anywhere. Funny story – one nap time I put him down and moved to another room. A few minutes later I came back and he was sitting just off the edge of his mat. I told him he’d better hop back on and with a little grin he obeyed.
He’s also learned to say “please” in sign language – seems he loves dewberries. He will also grudgingly sign “drink” to get his bottle or cup at mealtimes.
And finally, we’ve been practicing picking up his toys. Yesterday he had a bunch of things out in the kitchen and I was finished with my work in there so started like I always do, saying, “it’s time to pick up.” Immediately he grabbed an item and scooted towards the drawer where it belonged and put it away. Boy was I one happy mama!
I’m at 32 weeks – only 8 left to go! The Midwife checkup went well – all is normal. Baby is growing and moving around, I can now feel little body parts instead of a random bump. I’ve peeked into the world of herbs for a few discomforts. I’ve tried hard to stick to my no sugar campaign even for my birthday but finally caved and made some chocolate milk when Brian told me he’d eaten a brownie at work.
Here I am with my two children. Mostly I figured you wanted to see a picture of my belly.
It’s apparent you’re a parent:
I was standing in the checkout line at a store when a couple behind me noticed some pregnancy tests on the shelf next to us and started talking. After the guy suggested they get one, the girl said she didn’t need to know. Then, lowering her voice and pointing at me when she thought I wasn’t looking she told the guy “I’ll know I’m pregnant when I look like her.”
Guess it’s obvious now.
Sermon illustration:
A 7 year old reasoning on parenthood – How can you tell if two people are married? “Well, it’s hard to know, you have to watch and see if they are yelling at the same kids.”
At Church:
“Oh, you’re starting to show now! That must mean you’re due tomorrow or something.”
I think my favorite part of having Brian around in the evening or for an outing is watching how he interacts with Lance. The minute Brian walks in the door he is greeted by a big smile and an excited “aaaah”!! Lance knows the fun is about to begin.
They love to check out all the wonders of this world, from water fountains to AC units that blow your hair on end.
Hiding from Mommy.
They also play all sorts of fun games, like sliding around the floor in a frying pan, balloon bop and chase the birds.
Brian likes to challenge Lance, make him into a little man.
And like Mary Poppins, every day is a holiday when they’re together – the pet store turns into a zoo and the bathtub becomes a water park.
Daddy has been big on practicing walking and all their hard work has finally paid off – two weeks ago Lance took off and hasn’t stopped. They are both extremely proud of their accomplishment and love to show off for the church nursery and to all of Brian’s buddies at work.
Saturday Brian took me out to the Ft. Worth Botanical gardens as a special outing for my upcoming birthday. The weather was just right and the sights were beautiful.
Brian took my picture next to the “Cinco de Mayo” roses – pretty color and wonderful fragrance. We also took time out for a family photo along with many other brides, families and little girls in white dresses – the fountain must be a popular backdrop.
I thought this flower was beautiful – Lance just wanted to play in the water.
And here I am, posed by my favorite flower – Snapdragons.
Afterwards we went out to the Macaroni grill and enjoyed some delicious Italian food in a very romantic setting. We got there just in time as a rain storm hit during lunch. On our way home we stopped by Bed, Bath and Beyond to get my birthday present – some cooling racks I’ve needed for baking and such.
After the fun on Saturday I was totally unsuspecting of any surprises on my actual birthday (yesterday). Brian outdid himself though! I was awakened to a wonderful breakfast tray that I ate leisurely in bed – what a treat!
Having missed breakfast with his parents, Lance was left to himself and decided to make mommy a birthday present too – a big mess! I guess there are a limited number of resources available to a one year old.
Mommy helps him clean up.
Later that morning I had a ladies Bible study and came home to this!! What a surprise! Brian had been up early the last two mornings gathering supplies, picking flowers, and writing a card. I had dropped him off at work and knew he had a meeting that covered the entire time I was gone so I was perplexed as to how he managed to pull this off! Turns out he got a little help from a buddy at work – but Brian got all the brownie points I was very surprised and amazed when I walked in to such a display of love – I truly have an incredible, resourceful man.
