The Honeymoon (Honey15moons?) is Over

Well, after 15 months, the other shoe has dropped. Sweetie has joined her sister in giving me gray hair. It's been so interesting--the two of them are SO different.

Smartie is strong-willed, so we have had plenty of battles of will (the honeymoon was over with her at 10 days!) But she's an introvert like me. We read a book or snuggle for a few minutes, then she goes to play by herself.

Sweetie is much more compliant, which is why we've had such an easy time for the first 15 months. Early on her people needs weren't a problem. I could just sling her on my back and go about my business. But her extrovert personality is really starting to clash with mine. She's not content just to be held anymore, she wants to be on my lap shredding my newspaper, banging on my keyboard, and constantly interacting. I love playing with her, but I need a break every so often.

I can't pass her off on her sister because Smartie's an introvert too. I'm trying to teach Smartie to say, "Mom, I need some space, can you come get Sweetie," instead of hitting. I really don't know quite what to do with Sweetie. She wants to DO things and GO places. She stood by the coat closet one day yelling, "Go ga-bye." For an HOUR! I thought the strong-willed one would be harder, but I'm afraid I can't keep up with Sweetie. She doesn't just need to be active, she needs someone to be active with her. So if any of you have a kid like Sweetie, give me a call. We'd love to have a playdate.

Potty Obsession

Sweetie has become obsessed with the potty in recent days. She's been watching Smartie, I think, and several times I have caught her with her pants off (diaper on, she can't unbotton her shirt with the between-leg snaps yet) trying to climb onto the toilet. We got out the potty chair and let her pretend to go. No actual tinkles, but she gets such a kick out of trying. I'm tempted to give the one-day potty training a try. This may be a window of opportunity. But I don't know if she's really ready for it, and I don't want to push her too soon. She's only 15 months, after all. Maybe we'll try for a day and see how it goes.

Welcome Baby!

My sister, her DH and DD welcomed a little boy this evening. He made his entrance at 6:22 weighing in at 8 pounds 2 ounces and 19.75 inches. Mom and baby are doing well after a successful VBAC. Can't wait to meet him!

LC duties

Today I had the privilege of sharing some of my breast feeding knowledge with a friend. As most of you probably know, I had surgery a few years ago that damaged my milk glands. I did extensive research and went to a lot of work to nurse Sweetie. (I also had some problems with Smartie before the surgery.) If anyone ever has nursing issues and would like some advice from an experienced mama, just give me a call. I know a lot about correct latch, ways to supplement, and how to increase supply.

TNT Update

Getting the mail has become the headline event at our house lately. Rarely does a day go by that we don't find a little envelope with a donation. Every dollar helps, and we are so grateful.

We have been surprised on several occasions to see a return label from someone we don't know well, or from another young family with lots of obligations. We'll think maybe they sent $20, only to find a check for $100, $200, even $500! We've begun to realize it's not about how well they know us but how much they've been touched by Leukemia and other blood cancers that drives the donation. (I share this not to make anyone feel bad for not giving more. We really are just as grateful for the $20 donations as for the $500 one.)

Our funniest donation was from one of our Crown students who apparently gave us their weekly tithe right down to the cent! We get a chuckle every time we see that 24 cents on the end of our balance.

With today's mail, we were thrilled to find that Papa Runner needs just $30.76 to reach his minimum goal! (The official minimum is $3900, we rounded up to $4000 for our letters and websites.) So if any of you have been meaning to send us something and just haven't gotten to it, you can go to Papa's webpage and finish out his goal. If he's reached the $3900 mark, you can click the link to Mama's webpage to work on hers. And of course, you can always drop a check in the mail or pass one on in person. (Wonder how many checks we'll get in the next week for $30.76!) Thanks again to our 59 wonderful donors and all the others who have offered prayers and well-wishes. Your encouragement means a lot on those cold runs!

Car Seat Safety

After watching this video, I'm glad we got Smartie a car seat rated to 100 pounds. Sweetie is still riding reverse at 15 months, which is even safer. We have no plans to turn her around any time soon.

Safe in the Arms of Jesus

Grandpa passed last night (Thursday) around 10:00 surrounded by family. It's comforting to know that, although we grieve, we do not grieve as those who have no hope.