Peek into Our Sunday Mornings

Every Sunday morning for the last year, Eric and I have gotten muffins, made french press coffee and just relaxed.  It is a "family tradition" that we have grown to love, and still do with the boys.  Although, it's a bit less relaxing now.  This morning was no different, and I thought I'd offer a little peek into it.  Plus, how cute is that picture?  Atticus will suck his thumb and snuggle anything that's soft; a pillow, blanket, or even Bella.

Summertime & Watermelon

Is it truly summer if you don't eat your weight in watermelon?  Well, that's how it is for me.  I could live off of watermelon during the summer, and it's especially good on those wicked hot days.  The boys, taking after their momma of course, can't eat it fast enough.  Eric decided to share some with the boys, which led to two little birds constantly squawking for more.

Although this was an after dinner snack, which we usually don't do, I couldn't get too upset.  I have to be thankful that my kids can't get enough of fruit, as opposed to junk food and candy.

Heat Wave

Now, I will preface this by saying that I know it's a lot hotter in other places right now.  It's just that this temperature is wicked hot for Michigan.  I can't remember the last season it has been this hot.  And apparently we're just getting started.  I know I shouldn't be complaining, but it's the polar opposite extreme to winter.  Both heat and snow force you indoors, it's just that we have sunshine instead of gloom right now.

But can I just say that you can layer more and more clothing to help stay warm, but you can only take so much off?  We don't have central AC, so we try and use a couple of window units to cool the whole house.  We are able to make it a lot cooler than it is outside, yet I still sweat in shorts and a tank top.  I really can't imagine having to be outdoors.  Lord help those who work landscape, construction, roofing or any other job that requires you to be outside.

I must find some way to come to terms with my state's seasons.  I don't think my utopia exists, so moving away doesn't really solve my problem.  The worst part?  In six months, you'll probably be telling me to shut up about how I wish for warm weather.  When I get to that point, would you be so kind as to remind me of this post?  I honestly think I should print out these recent weather forecasts to avoid complaining about the cold. 

The Second Child

Have you ever heard people talk about how the second child gets less special treatment than the first?  I really thought that it wouldn't be a problem for me, because darn it, I wouldn't let it happen.  Well, I had my first experience with it this week, and it made me feel just awful.

When Baxter was about to turn one, I was almost in denial.  I could hardly believe it, but for Atticus, that shock wasn't there.  It was still pretty weird, him turning one, but the disbelief wasn't present.  And then there was Wednesday, when we celebrated his birthday with our families.  Now granted, I had to bring a bunch of food and load the kiddos and everything else up by myself, but I still should have been on top of it.  On top of what?  Oh, I forgot any sort of decoration (which I had for Baxter's birthday), and I even forgot our camera.  How could I forget that?!  Thankfully, my photographer father-in-law brought his and I will be getting copies of the photos he took.  But can you imagine if he hadn't brought his camera?  There wouldn't be a single photograph to capture Atticus' first birthday.  Man, even writing this makes me feel like such a lousy parent.

I want all of our children to feel special whether it's the first time something has happened or the fifth.  Every child should feel just as valued as the first, no matter what.  And it's our job as parents to make the effort needed to make each and every one of our children feel that way.  I know that as time goes on, things will take place that don't elicit as much excitement for us, but our kids shouldn't be able to tell.  The first day of kindergarten should be a huge deal, or the first t-ball game or the first sleepover, etc, etc.


So I can't let this incident get me down.  I just have to make even more of an effort in the future to give the same treatment to both boys as they experience new things and move into new stages.  I think this is why you also hear people talk about avoiding anything huge for your first, because you're going to have to do it for every kid that follows.

A Green Day

Last Friday, the boys and I had a couple of play-dates, and once we were home for the day, I decided it was time for some new photos.  We were just hanging out,  playing on the floor, so what better locale for a kiddo photo shoot? Although, after looking through them I realized that I had inadvertently dressed us all in green.  Oops.

Lately it seems like I have been coordinated the boys' clothes more and more.  I am generally okay with coordinating, matching, not so much.  They are not twins, and so it just seems a bit over-the-top to me.  If anyone likes to dress their children in matching outfits, I say go for it, it's just not for me.  Although coordinated seems to be becoming my cup of tea (don't tell Eric).