Memoirs of a Moorings

Baby Talk

"The more elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate." ~Joseph Priestley

We have a self feeder on our hands! And if I don't get the snacks on the tray fast enough, he will put up a fuss and let me know. I love his primitive communication skills.

A grunt = "hey you, more Cheerios now."
A high-pitched squeal = "I'm really needing to get your attention right now and I need you to look at me."
Then there's a new look with scrunched up eyebrows and a head cock.....still trying to figure that one out.
A soft touch on the arm = "do you see me? I'm here."
A snuggle...needs no explanation. And it's my favorite of all his communication.

No Fear

"The meaning I picked, the one that changed my life: Overcome fear, behold wonder." ~Æschylus

He who was once terrified of Chuck E. Cheese is no longer.

As a kid, I can't remember having any big fears so it's a little hard for me to empathize with this boy's fears. But I was happy to see him overjoyed at the sight of big Chuck! Way to go.

A Litany of Lists.

“One of the secrets of getting more done is to make a TO DO List every day, keep it visible, and use it as a guide to action as you go through the day.” ~Jean de La Fontaine

I'm all about making lists these days.

There's something about getting all that needs to be done out of my head and on paper that makes me feel productive. Organized even. But I've got lists everywhere. I found a list in my pocket last week and one in the inside pocket of my purse this week. And another in the car.

There's a running list of groceries needed on the side of the fridge.

There's a list on my Blackberry of errands to be run.

There's a list in a notebook I just started carrying about what this baby is up so I can update for his 9 month posting.

There's a list of ideas for Rhyan's 5th birthday party. The theme is Mario Bros.....and there are so many great ideas. And of course, a list of ideas for our new little guy's first birthday.

There is the 1,000 Gift list. A reminder of how God is daily blessing me.

Then there's a list of goals I want to accomplish along with the actions needed to complete them and my one little reward for checking it off. (Perhaps I'll post that list when I get around to finishing it).

And because I am notorious for leaving lists in the wrong purse or on the desk at home when I need it at work, I started using Tada. Quite handy.

Now I wonder what being a list maker says about me?

When I'm not making lists...I've been getting good laughs from this little baby who cannot stand to have anything put on his head--a hat, bib, blanket, towel. Nothing. He whips it off so fast. I don't know why this tickles me so, but it does. I know I'm probably exasperating the poor kid!

8 Months and Counting.........

Isn't 8 the number of new beginnings in the Bible? That's what I feel is going on with this sweet little baby. New beginnings. He's blossoming into himself more and more everyday and is big. I held him the other day for almost two hours while I chased after Rhyan at a birthday party. Let's just say my arm got a work out. It was sore the next day. We have had to graduate to a big boy car seat because the infant car seat simply was not doing the job. That infant tub is going to have to go too. He's gotten so comfortable with laying down in the tub that when I don't use it, he still tries to lay back and chill--which pretty much sums up his personality: chill.

And we have been using the word no a lot with this little octopus. He loves my jewelery and hair. So I remove his hand and say no. He laughs......and so this goes on at least 20 times until I remove the target or pull my hair back. The adventure is only beginning.

Here's an update at 8 months:

:: He's clapping and dancing. When I say "clap, clap, clap" he goes for it.
:: He's got his second tooth in at the bottom
:: He'll grunt to get your attention or touch your arm until he has eye contact with you.
:: Repeats sounds
:: Giggles in his sleep
:: Scooting alot, but still no signs of crawling
:: Discovered that toes are tasty
:: Is fascinated by TV....and his daddy...and always big brother
:: Is one quick little octopus
:: Loves cheerios......and when he sees one anywhere...on the floor, in his high chair, he'll make a mad dive to get to it.
:: Has captured his momma's heart.

Seen. Known. Loved!

"It's not only children who grow.  Parents do too.  As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours.  I can't tell my children to reach for the sun.  All I can do is reach for it, myself."  ~Joyce Maynard

Came across this little piece of art by Sark the other day. Oh, how I needed this reminder.

I've been exhausted, getting nothing done really this week, trying to get a system going, but having too many things to do to be effective-both at home and work. Been back at work for barely two  months and wondering how I'm going to keep this up. So yeah, I've been asking God: "do you see me? I'm tired. Do you understand that I'm exhausted Lord?" And He let me know that He sees me. He knows what I'm going through and He's loving me right through it all. And that's what I love about God. That He is always there. Today I got a bit of a break.........some light breaking through the clouds. I'll get a nap today. Rest for this weary soul and body. He sees me. He knows I'm tired. He knows a nap is just what I need.

What a simple thing: to want to be seen. known. loved. It's what we all want. What we all need. Last night, me and my hubby were up extra late talking about the boys. What we want for them as they grow into manhood. How we want to guide them the right way. Give them the best chance to be their best selves.

We talked about our own childhoods........how we wished some things were different. Don't we all?! We are so aware of those missing pieces of our childhood and we each have a set of things we want to make sure that they get: for me, it's a solid knowledge of how to handle finances, how to be comfortable with who they are. For my husband, he wants them to see an example of how to be a man. But for every thing we want to do, how many lessons will we forget? We are human. We are not perfect. I'm sure there will be some things these two little boys will say they wanted that they didn't get from us.  I'm hoping that we get it right....that whatever it is that they lack will be minimal. But whatever happens, may these always know that they are Seen, Known and Loved!

*pic has nothing to do with the post....but I love how they are caught in the moment....and of course, no post for my parents is complete without a pic of their guys!

Summer Loves: The One Thousand Gift List

180. Sweet crisp watermelon
181. Frozen grapes
182. Two brothers sharing an eskimo kiss
183. And an evening bath
184. Watching a baby enjoy the splish splash of a warm bath
185. ...and the echo of his scream in the tub
186. Noon day Bible Class--like a refreshing river in the middle of the day
187. Summer days drenched with sunshine
188. Sleeping with sheets only instead of the heavy comforter
189. Fresh bbq off the grill
190. An ice-cream cake for my birthday
191. A birthday gift from my favorite store from my husband along with a gift card--an extra bonus!

192. Flips flops and polished toes.

193. A little baby in onesies with fat little brown legs kicking.

194. Reconnecting with friends from the college years.

195. Homemade lunches at work.

196. Warm mornings filled with sunshine.

197. Crickets outside my bedroom window singing lullabies just for me!

198. Ceiling light shows for two little boys at bedtime.

199. Fudgsicles and warm chocolate chip cookies

200. Leftover dinner = no cooking for tonight!