The Distractable Mommy

Perhaps the only thing I miss about pregnancy is the incredible immune system that I had while pregnant.  In the past 2 weeks I’ve had, in order of appearance, Bronchitis, the common cold, with a grand finale of a horrid sinus infection.  Add to that a 21 month old with an ear infection/cold, and a 3 month old with a double ear infection and a “touch” of RSV.

In the words of Arthur Bach, “Don’t you wish you were me?  I know I do!”

Figuring out the clock, originally uploaded by meandscreech.

Shepherd,

I’ve missed out on the past few monthly letters, something I’m embarrassed about, but hope you understand. We’ve finally adjusted to life with Colette and you, and things are starting to smooth out. Our daily routine has begun to sink in, for which I’m very grateful.

These past few months your vocabulary has exploded. Not only so, but you’ve taken to converse with us in gibberish, with all the proper intonations and facial expressions. We still don’t understand much of what you say, but you must know what you are saying as you are adamant about it. You’ve taken to calling the baby “Co-Co” much to my chagrin, but I must admit, it’s rather cute to hear you say “baby co-co”.

You’re making more and more connections with ideas and reality. You now can point to a purple block that says Mommy on it, and then point to me, your chest puffed out with pride at your connection. You point to babies in books, then point to Colette. You’ve put “hot” and “ow” together, without any prodding from us. I’m amazed at how smart you are, figuring out puzzles, opening up doors, and in the past few days, pretending along with me. Your favorite thing to pretend is eating. The animal farm you have came with a barrel of apples. You pretend to take an apple and eat it, and yesterday, fed me one of your pretend apples. You also pretend to be animals, your favorite being a dog. You’ll crawl around going “bow-wow-wow” (something I must thank The Wiggles for teaching you).

Your favorite toys right now are trucks, cars, and blocks. So it’s not surprising that while riding down the road, you’ll suddenly holler “BIG TRUCK!” and begin pumping your hand up and down, just like Daddy taught you. You happily point out cars, trucks, BIG trucks, and airplanes.

We recently had to start time outs with you. Mostly because you’d developed a nasty habit of hitting your sister. A stern “no” no longer did the trick, so we’ve started having time outs in the time out chair. You hate this. Then again, which kid actually likes time outs. But it’s proven effective. The other week, after a particularly nasty blow to Colette (you threw your golf club at her), I placed you in time out for a while. I had to keep you there long enough for me to cool down. After I cooled down, I went to you and explained that we don’t hit the baby, we don’t throw things at the baby, and asked if you wanted to say you’re sorry. You got down from your chair, ran in to the living room where the baby was, and kissed her. I took that to mean you were sorry. Since then, we haven’t had any episodes like that, so I’d like to think you’ve gotten the point.

All in all, you are a joy to be around. You talk so much, and you’re quite the ham. You bring so much light and laughter into my life, and I am so grateful for you. I love you so much little man.

Love,
Mommy

The three pounds I’ve lost in the last week. Colette’s smile beaming up at me in the morning. The incredible vocabulary my son has, and his attempts at conversation with those words. My husband fixing 3 bottles in the middle of the night so I wouldn’t have to get out of bed. My parents allowing us to use their washer as ours is broken. A phone call from my brother in Seattle. The beauty of the autumn leaves. The smell of fresh cut grass, as I mowed the yard (yes… I mowed this week, and I loved every minute of it, don’t ask). A phone call from a friend to see what’s up. Finding the perfect gift for someone. Finding a dollar in the bottom of my purse. Trying on a pair of old jeans to find they fit, even if a bit snug. Homemade pumpkin pie. My children peacefully sleeping as I type.
For all of this, and more, I am so incredibly thankful. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!