The Reality of Two...It's not double the work!

No, someone once told me that when you add a second to the brood, you don't double your work, you triple it! I say hogwash! It's not even close. WAY more! And while I don't presume to understand the amount of work to come in raising two boys as the lone female among the bunch, I do know and understand how very little "me" time there is these days. I am so thankful that I was able to come to grips with the reality of a mother early on. I realized very quickly how meaningless it is to quibble over the fact that you probably won't shower with any given regularity, or at least when you want to, how you will treasure the rarity of a visit to the bathroom by yourself and will sit there extra long just to see how long it can last, how quality time with your husband may consist of a quick hello, an even quicker kiss goodnight, and maybe a "how's it going" passing each other in the hallway, and how a clean shirt without food, boogers, spit up or some form of dirt is basically unheard of and ceases to bother you more than a passing glance.

And I have to shake my head and smile at it all. We still pass each other in the hall and give a kiss goodnight, but more often than not it's to change places with one of the kids that is not sleeping through the night, or to figure out who's going to sleep in the bed, the mattress on the floor or in the crack of the boat bed. The other night we started out with Cooper in the hallway and us in our bed. Middle of the night Thomas comes in and boots me out of bed, just in time to hussle Cooper out to the couch to eat. I thought better of disturbing the snoring Whipples in the big bed, so Coop and I headed to Tommy's room where he slept in the toddler bed and I tried to sleep on the boat bed. Musical beds! At least I didn't end up on the mattress on the floor. There is so much sand in that bed from the kids jumping that it's hard to sleep unless curled up tightly on the blanket that also doubles as "the tent".

Cooper has a great case baby acne right now, is still sleeping a great majority of his life, and in the last week has put together 5 to 7 hours of sleep a few nights. That, combined with John taking some midnight-1 am feedings, and I feel like I can manage pretty well throughout the days. I'm getting used to running in and out of the house to watch both boys at once, and have figured out how to hustle Cooper from floor, to bouncy seat, to swing and back, all the while keeping Thomas happy while swimming and playing at the beach. It just takes constant motion on my part, and I feel like I'm figuring it out, one day at a time. It helps that on days when I start to hyperventilate, Lil and Bruce come to my rescue, taking Tommy upstairs, outside and out on little trips, freeing me to just focus on Cooper. I don't know if they realize what a life save that is, but it is truly what is keeping us afloat during this crazy time. It also helps that Thomas seems to be adjusting to his changing life. When it's time to come in to feed Coop, he's pretty good about coming in with me and waiting it out, providing he can be entertained with a show and a snack. I'm very grateful that he's quick to distract and slow to get frustrated. All in all, 5 weeks have flown by and I think we're all very eager to enjoy a beautiful summer together.

The Week of the Baby Whisperer

This week we went and picked up mom in North Bend to have around this first week that John goes back to work. I just couldn't imagine what it would be like if I had to be home alone so soon, so mom eagerly took on the challenge of helping out. Thankfully, she is a jewel with babies, and the week was entirely enjoyable being able to share time together, hang out and catch up, figure The Coop out (or try to that is!) and keep things a bit more sane on my part. We were able to trade nap times, share time outside with Thomas, I was able to take Thomas to preschool and spend time with him there, as well as enjoy some grocery shopping without both boys. Bruce and Lil take Thomas upstairs and outside when I needed to feed Cooper (Thomas is still trying to figure out why mom spends 45 minutes at a time feeding Cooper on the couch instead of playing with him) and that helped out a bunch. I don't want to lean on them too much, but it is such a relief and a blessing that Thomas can call up "hello?" and can be distracted and loved on when I'm fussing over Coop. I really don't know what I'd do without all the support we've had. I'm scared to think of what will happen when I'm actually alone.

Week 3 Wrap-Up

This week we determined that unlike Thomas and his 4 1/2 month addiction to the swaddle, Cooper does not enjoy being wrapped up like a burrito.

Cooper does not appear to enjoy the dubbie (pacifier). He'll take it about 10% of the time. Most of the time it just makes him gag.

This week we kicked Cooper out of our room and into the hallway. He does WAY too much snorting, grunting and groaning to remain by the bed. Between John snoring, Thomas coming into our room halfway through the night and what sounds like the Seahawks whole defensive line grunting before the next play, I was getting even less sleep than the norm for a newborn sleep schedule.

Junior Parade

For the last two years, we've attended the Ski to Sea Junior Parade as spectators, enjoying the sights and sounds with Thomas. Both years it's rained, but not enough to keep us from attending. This year, with Thomas' Catch The Son Preschool a part of the action, we decided it would be fun to try "being" in the parade instead of watching. After a mad dash to the starting line, and leaving Cooper at home with mom, it was time to enjoy a different view. Thomas had a blast riding his bike along the parade route, zooming way ahead and weaving in and out of the parade crowd. John and I had fun listening to the near continuous comments from people along the parade route about the little boy riding that cool bike. It was almost embarrassing the amount of attention he received. Good thing he didn't realize what a hit it was. He already enjoys the attention he gets way too much.

Mother's Day 2007

My third Mother's Day celebration! And what a beautiful Mother's Day it is! I have two beautiful, healthy sons, a wonderful husband, a family that is full of love and support, and a home that is filled with laughter, joy and love. I could want for nothing more on this special day.
Barb and Stephen came up with their family to celebrate, but I took a long nap this afternoon and missed out on most of the cooking and hanging out. I was thankful that they were able to hang out, enjoy time together and celebrate the double birthdays of Stephen and John.

John's 38th Birthday!

Today we got an early start out to go pick up mom from North Bend. Unlike last year when I surprised John with dinner with friends at Big Fat Fish Company, this year we had no plans other than just to spend time together as a family. John even ordered his own gift online, which almost guarantees that he won't send or take it back, unlike 99% of the gifts I try to get him. It didn't seem very fitting for a birthday celebration, but with a three week old in the house, I think neigher one of us is much up for a big party or night out on the town. We'll save that for when we're getting a bit more sleep at night.

Circumcision Slumber Party- Put on a pound since birth!

Today was the big day for Cooper...the day we see how well he's growing and to get his little "snip-snip". I wanted to run him far, far away and keep him from this trauma, but it will only be some surgery he'll have to get later in life when he'll hate it even more, so I pulled myself together, loaded him up with Tylenol and hit the road. Thankfully, Lil watched Thomas, so we didn't have to worry about him as well. That was a blessing for the morning.

8 pounds, 3 ounces-up from his 7 pounds, 3 ounces he was when we left the hospital. 20 and a quarter inches

However much Mommy Guilt I feel about it, Cooper has put on a pound instead of losing weight since joining this world, and I believe it has to do with the extra food I give him when he's unsatisfied with my milk. It makes it much more bearable for me to give in and supplement, knowing that he's growing and not having any of the weight loss and jaundice that Thomas faced his first few weeks. Although you'd think he's already grown by his latest measurement, in fact they are much more accurate with his length measurement, and they have him at 20 and a quarter instead of the 19.5 that he was at the hospital.

Today was rough for Cooper, and although his first two weeks have been relatively quiet, calm and sleepy, the snip-snip today brought him to life with gusto. Tonight John and I took the night in shifts, as I knew that I needed some sleep or I would fall apart. Thankfully I got about 4 hours of solid sleep and took over my shift at 2 am. At 2:30 am, holding Cooper on the couch in a sleep-deprived haze, I heard the telltale sounds of a rousing Thomas coming from his room. Sure enough, much to my horror, out comes a tousled hair, blinking TT, dragging his pillow and dubbies in tow. I put a crying Cooper down on the floor, and quickly ushered Thomas into bed with John, hoping to keep him somewhat asleep, knowing John had just gone to bed himself. An hour later, after climbing over John, playing with his face, and generally doing his best to wake John up, Thomas gave up and shuffled out at 3:30 am. I wanted to cry, as Cooper was just trying to settle down and I had a fantasy of catching a nap on the couch. Not to be. I tried to coax Thomas back to bed, but soon realized it wasn't to be. How could he go to sleep when Mommy and Cooper were partying it up on the couch without him. I tried to shut my eyes while Tommy watched El Dorado at 4:30 am, but that was not to be, either, as Tommy kept up a steady drumming with his feet on his crib slats for the entire movie. At 5:30 I agreed he could come out of his room and join us anyway, as I'd given up on getting any rest with a crying Cooper and energetic Thomas. It was just easier to admit defeat, cuddle with the boys on the couch, try to comfort Cooper and console myself with the hope that tomorrow night I can find some sleep.

Opening day of boating season.

This was one of those times when I had to put on a brave face and "just do it". After a lot of thought and debate on the outing, I finally decided to give it a shot, even though I was really conflicted on it. It would be so much easier to just sit back at home, sit on the couch, feed Cooper his meals and wait for the crew to come home from opening day of boating season. I wouldn't have to get the baby ready for an outing I had no idea about, nor would I have to worry about the wind, the waves, nausea, cold, what to do if Cooper doesn't like all of the above and starts to cry...things like that. Basically, I could sit back and just do "safe". After all, after a week, I've got it all figured out, right? Then again, do I like "chicken"? No! And I refuse to be one of those moms who continually plays it safe just for convenience. There may be times when it won't work, but if I'm just acting out of the fear of the unknonw, then I'll never take Cooper out. So, I sucked it up, packed up a bag and we headed out.

Turns out it all went great, better than I expected actually. Nothing happened, nobody went overboard. Cooper didn't throw a fuss, Thomas didn't throw a fuss. The waves were calm and I didn't get sick. (I promised myself I won't ever be nauseated again after 38 weeks straight of it with Cooper!) Lil packed a fabulous picnic lunch for us to munch on while we both motored and sailed, which was a big treat for us all to enjoy and the weather held up nicely with no rain. I was very thankful that I decided to go, however nervous I was about the whole deal. I would have missed out on the enjoyment of seeing Thomas light up seeing the SpongeBob-decorated boat, the SpiderMan on another boat, helping Grandpa steer the boat, and cuddling with him on the bed in back. I would have missed out on taking Cooper for his first sail at 8 days and hanging out together as a family. Memories that I wouldn't have back on the couch at home!

Tip Toe (or trudge) through the Tulips.

Last night John was up with Thomas until after 1 am, and I wasn't so sure Thomas would be up for preschool this morning. It took some coaxing on my part, but we managed to get out of the house with enough time to face the first day of neighborhood rush hour traffic and a donut break before heading into preschool. Forced with knowing I had to get home to get ready for our outing down to the tulips, I promised Thomas I'd pick him up like all the other moms, and left the building with tears in my eyes. This wasn't the first time I've left him, as I've ran out to get gas and a donut for him, but it was the first time I intended to be gone for the duration. I wiped the tears away, raced home, got ready and raced back, thankful the traffic didn't hold me up too much. I have no idea how I will manage to get stuff done with both boys and John at work, but I'm in denial about that and want to just face each day as it comes...when that time comes.

We met up with The Lawrences and Jodi and Lauren down at Krispy Creme. Both boys were sleeping, so we led the way out to Roozegaard Gardens to see if there were any tulips still up and out. Turns out the kids had more fun running around the gardens than actually caring that the tulips were pretty much out of business for the year. It was nice to catch up with Jodi and talk about the pregnancy and my delivery of Cooper. The kids get along so well, and it was very cute to see Madeline holding Tommy's hand as they made their way to the gardens. It will be such a sweet blessing to see these kids grow up together. I am so thankful for such wonderful friends to share in outings like these.

Twins (3 yrs. removed)

Saturday-Cooper is 2 days old Hovander Park

After holing up with baby Thomas for what seemed liked months, we've decided this time around to get out as quickly as possible and return to life as normally as we can with a newborn. Thomas wanted to head out to Hovander Park to play on the tractors and climb up the observation tower, so we took off to enjoy the sun and take advantage of the great weather. Having just come home yesterday, I was more than content to hang out with a sleeping Cooper and let them wander off, but it was nice to be brave and get out and about.

The Whipple Boys!

More pictures...

Baby Cooper!

Cooper Gordon Whipple joined the family April 26th @ 5:30pm. Baby and Mom are doing great, and Thomas is handling it fairly well. Cooper is 7 lbs. 5 oz. and 19.5" tall. More pics to come later.

The Baby Story-Day 1

This morning I was all set to get my epidural, having been told during the night that I'd reached the magic number 3 and could get it before starting the pitocin. Dr. Cook was even in the hospital, having been called in for an emergency c-section. Unfortunately, my best case was not to be, as "they" decided that I should probably get to a 3+ or 4 before getting it. Come on?!! What is a plus? So, we geared up to try to get the show on the road and get to that magic number......4!

My Goals for this Birth

I went into this with only a couple expectations or goals. My nurse told me that some women come in with 5 page birth plans all drawn up, so I didn't feel too bad about my goals.

1. No crying. I was determined that because I was going to get my epidural in time, that this time I would not cry, I would tough it out and not cry at all. Another problem I had with Thomas was that during my hard labor and wait for the epidural doc to show up, I ruined my contacts and had to use my glasses. I hate my glasses and don't see as well with them. This time around I took a spare pair of contacts just in case, but again, my goal was to keep from crying and messing with my contacts.

2. Get my epidural in time to avoid crying. Again, this involves my contacts as well as the thought that I'd already experienced the unbelievable and unimaginable pain of hard labor, so there was no need to go through this again. Been there, done that.

By the time my nurse upped my pitocin to level 3, I was in "the zone". My nurse tried to keep me occupied with chatter, distraction and options of walking around my room or rocking in the chair, but I found myself thinking of Julia in her delivery of Sam. She was totally focused. No sound, no lights, nothing but intense concentration. Noise bothered me. The lights bothered me. The way the tv was positioned bothered me. John walking across the room almost sent me over the edge. Luckily, he quickly sat down next to me, assumed the position and didn't move again. I may just have opened my mouth at that moment, and I don't know if the words out of my mouth would have been kind or even rational. Unlike the labor of Thomas, I found myself holding it together with a huge amount of help by John, who calmly recognized my need for his support and held my hand as we watched the minute hand through each contraction. All I could do was stare at the clock and watch the hand as it made its way around towards relief from the pain. John says it was an hour. I say it was two. By the end, I did not meet Goal Number 1. I was in tears and could not imagine going through it for any additional length of time. Thankfully, by that time, I'd reached the magic number 4 and we waited for the epidural doc to make his appearance. Dr. Newell is the son of Dr. Newell who worked with Bruce in the early days here in Bellingham. All I know is that he was an angel and should make quadruple whatever they're paying him these days.
Things went very quickly once I had the pain meds. Unfortunately, and I didn't tell them "this" part, the stomach flu that Thomas and John both endured during the week began to make its appearance with me as well. All morning my nausea had been increasing, but shortly before beginning to push, as Cooper was ready to go, my stomach decided it had first priority and John went running for the bucket. The nurses rushed in, only to again find me in tears, crying, "How am I supposed to push when I'm throwing up?" all blubbery and distraught. I'm sure it was quite the sight, and I am thankful that John and I have been together this long or he'd probably run for the hills. It's one thing to watch your wife give birth OR throw up. It's quite another to watch your wife vomiting AND birthing at the same time! They gave me a quick break and then hurried things up to get pushing. Two pushes into it and I had to stop-to throw up! Ahhhhhh! It was awful! Just awful. They shut things down again and went out for a quick conference with Dr. Cook. In the brief lull in throwing up, Dr. Cook quickly breaks things down and says to me, "Let's get into launch position." I believe he even said at one point something about throwing up might speed the baby down and out! Okay, no time for jokes here, folks! Cooper was out with a few pushes, thankfully (he was just "hangin out" while I puked my guts out), and that was that for the drama! Dr. Cook told me that I was probably sick from a big drop in my blood pressure and stuff like that, but I don't know. John was sick on Sunday, Thomas was sick on Tuesday. I figure it only made sense that Thursday would be my day, and oh how I prayed that Cooper would somehow be spared.
Cooper came out so beautiful! With Thomas they took him away and cleaned him up before letting me at him, but this time they pulled Cooper out and pushed him directly into my arms. I think I was still a bit shocky at this point, and I remember feeling that I didn't know what to do with him. He was so tiny, so wet, so perfect and beautiful, but I wanted them to remind me what to do with him. By the time the parents came in, I think I had it together enough. Thomas came in with Bruce, but he wasn't too thrilled with all the activity, the machines, the strangeness of it all, and all too soon he needed to leave. I felt bad that they had to go so soon, when I know they probably wanted to stay and hang out a bit. I can't tell them all enough how grateful I am that I didn't have to worry one bit about Thomas while we were busy at the hospital. I knew he was happy and content with them. Physically I came through it pretty well, although I had the shakes so bad for a long time that I thought I'd shake right off the bed. Mountains of blankets did the trick eventually, and I felt more like myself. Again, it may have been an issue with the blood pressure, as I heard the nurses remark off to the side that they had to watch "it", whatever it was. They never addressed it directly to me, so "it" must have resolved itself with time. Unfortunately, due to over crowding, I had to leave the big birthing suite for a room upstairs a few short hours after giving birth. I still couldn't move my lower body, though, and while John was away tucking Thomas into bed for the night, I had to try to urinate for the nurses, pack up my bags and shower all with no feeling in my lower body. It was a nightmare process I hope to never repeat. You aren't left with any dignity after a hospital stay like this. John came back just as it was time to move, and we trekked upstairs to "the closet" or a tiny room that looked like a room from a bad horror movie with a mental hospital featured. I looked around and told John that we would not be staying more than the one night, even if it went against doctor's recommendations.
Cooper had a great night despite several times when he vomited. It broke my heart to see it, but the nurses assured me it was common for newborns to urp up all the fluids, etc. I just prayed the flu didn't hit him too hard, and by morning it had passed. I think we slept a bit here and there, but during the dark of night I prayed for strength for the coming day, knowing that all too soon I would go home with not only Thomas to take care of, but this precious baby boy that we'd fallen in love with months earlier. You think you love...until you see them face to face. And then it's like there was never a time when you didn't love them. God truly gives you that extra storage of love that you don't think you're capable of.

The Baby Story-Day 0

Last night I slept from 3:30 until the phone rang at 6:44, shocking me awake and out of an unsettled sleep. I hadn't really expected to get the hospital call this morning, although I still was showering and getting ready at 2:30 am, figuring if I couldn't sleep I might as well get myself ready to go just in case. The hospital did have room to get my induction going, so I left John and Thomas home to sleep and headed off. I was even early enough to watch the hospital helicopter come in for a landing and off load a patient, one of our favorite events on our twice weekly trips to the birth center for non-stress tests. Dr. Cook had warned me that today would be pretty non productive, and John could take his time coming in, but I secretly hoped that somehow my body would be ready, surprise us all and get going with having this baby. All morning long, Kristen, one of my many great nurses, assured me that although I was doing all I could, nothing much was happening, so I should just keep pacing the room and watching the clock. Because I was hooked up to monitors, I couldn't sneak down to the lounge to get a snack, I had to drink a lot but had to call the nurse to unhook my wires to use the bathroom, couldn't walk the halls with the other laboring moms, and couldn't eat anything but liquids from the hospital. I did manage to sneak two half sandwiches (my intake for the entire day) from the snack lounge with the approving smile of my nurse, who was taking pity on me, and I watched three hours of the Food Network Channel, but time was moving slowly with moderate pain from the meds and nothing to amuse me but the steady heartbeat of Baby Whipple and the slow increase of contraction lines on my monitor. By late afternoon Mom and Dad rolled into town to take over with Thomas and John joined in on the fun. I was thankful for his company and steady presence, pleased to be able to laugh and tease as the hours rolled on. Late that night, despite making steady and increasingly painful progress towards the magic number 3, we all decided I was too tired to continue into the night, and they knocked me out with a morphine shot-or so they intended. Of course, it only knocked me out until a little after midnight, which amounted to about an hour of sleep. John came back to the hospital after midnight and by two my two night nurses had assured me that by morning I'd be able to get my epidural. I was able to sleep sporadically throughout the remaining few hours, thanks to the morphine fog I drifted in and out of. By 6 am, we were all waiting to get the pitocin drip started.

Learning to Ride his Bike-3 years old

Thanks to Scott Culberson, John took a chance with this type of bike, hoping to help Thomas learn to balance and figure out how to ride. Although Thomas didn't initially think much of it, because it tipped over on him, John took him out to Zuanich Park to ride around on the paths, and again today we took him to Bloedel Donovan Park and he picked it up pretty quickly. He started out wobbly, as you can see on the video, but seemed to figure it out with a few crashes here and there. The challenge will be to keep him safe without hovering, as he's quite the daredevil. I could see today that we can't get away without a helmet anymore.

Daddy's Daredevil.

10 Days and Counting!

I am finally down to days, thanks to Dr. Cook's plan for a April 25th induction. More than likely we will start slowly (come on now!) and make the big push on the 26th, but there is always hope that I will either start early on my own or it will progress quickly on that first day. What a journey this has been, and so many different emotions involved throughout. I can honestly say this has been the hardest and most trying time in my life, and has brought out so many different thoughts, feelings, and experiences that we have all gone through together. I have been at most sickest, my most desperate, my happiest (with Thomas and all his joy and love) and hopefully, looking back, my strongest (in order to get through it with my sanity). My blood pressure is rising, which is why I'm having to do twice weekly non stress tests at the hospital and why we're probably going to induce in the 38th week. Cook doubled my blood pressure med, which has helped to this point, and the pressure hose that Kim recommended have helped with the leg and feet swelling. I now rotate between three shirts and three pairs of pants, and I'm refusing to buy anyting else unless it's an extremely cute summer outfit once I drop these pounds off and I don't have a human being stretching and pushing his way around my internal organs. It's amazing that we're this close, and scary too, as we still don't honestly have a named picked out for him. We're pushing it, that's for sure!

Breaking away...

Done with Work-Sorta....

Today I tried to finish up at work, with Dr.Cook telling me last Friday that I was done. There was no way that was to happen, as I left my job thinking I would be back again at least this week and hadn't wrapped anything up officially, or unofficially for that matter. It was quite chaotic trying to get everything organized, and I'm trying not to worry about leaving things undone. I find that I am quite a control freak about certain things, and with work it is especially so. I don't like the thought of leaving my stuff or missing anything important, or just not being there. At the same time, what in the world am I saying? Not want to leave? Did someone spike my morning coffee?!!! I hope that sometime this week, after finishing up at work, I am able to just leave it all behind and focus on the other stuff, which is what Cook wants. He wants me home as much as possible, on the couch and bed as much as possible, at the same time acknowledging that having a toddler at home is not a lot of rest. Just this afternoon, in order to try keep Thomas awake, we went out for a treat, hiked through the "jungles" of Fairhaven Park, checked out the fish at Whatcom Falls Park and ate donuts and gumballs at Lafeens. Of course, no trip through the neighborhood is complete without a stop at the school to swing. Now if that ain't work I don't know what is! My hope is that we'll just set a date and complete this amazing adventure sooner than later. This week I have two non stress tests at the hospital and a doctor's appointment. Next week will be the same, plus two days of preschool. We'll see how it all plays out, considering I'm as big as a barn and feeling the affects of a big weight gain. Baby Whip is doing fine, so that is great. He's just making a lot of noise!

Mommy/Daddy to Mama/Dad now Mom and Dad

I was just remarking to John several days ago how I had noticed that in the last few days he'd taken to calling me "mama" in a soft, sweet little voice. It was very endearing, and melted my heart. At the same time, he had taken to calling John "dad" in conversation, both very emphatically when he wanted attention and very softly when he needed some lovin'. Now, today, I've heard it shortened even further to just "mom", although this morning when he was cuddling it was still "mama" and when he was crying for something it was still "mama". Tonight, from his room, I could hear, "Dad, come and play garbage trucks with me!" and "Dad, I want you!" And then, "Mom, I need you help me!" when he wanted me to clean up his mess instead of picking it up on his own. I can't believe the time has come when I'm no longer "Mommy" to him. It has not been that long that he's been talking, and now that endearment is almost gone. I know that I could not hold onto that forever, nor would I want to, but I guess I wasn't prepared for it to change so quickly, almost over night.

Saying for April 2007

"I want tree from Nada" (translation- I want treat from the pinata)

"Tommy, you're being so patient," while out shopping for the baby. "No, mommy, I losing my patience." Said as he's sitting squirming in his stroller at our last store of the afternoon. I had to ask him twice what he said, I was so shocked at what he said. I could only laugh and head out of the store for treats, as yes, he had been patient with me, and yes, it was time to be done.

"Be patient, Mom. Be patient." This coming after I'd called him several times to get his poopy diaper changed. Pretty brash words for someone who just poo-ed his pants! Of course the rational part of me needed to correct him and let him know he can't talk to me like that. The biggest part of me was fighting to keep from laughing out loud at him.

After wishing Dick happy birthday on the telephone.

"Uncle Dick live in Texas?"
"Yes, he lives in Texas."
"Oh. That where tornados are." (He has a book on tornados that mention Texas and a type of tornado.) "Will the scientist warn him when tornados come?" (One sections points out that scientists study tornadoes and the different ways they warn the people about big storms and tornados.)

Conversations with Tommy

"Daddy, what that boy doing?" as a young boy raced around the school and climbed the rock wall.
"That boy is doing laps and climbing up the rock wall."

"That boy want to slide with me?"
"No, he's busy climbing up the rock wall."

"That boy mean?"
"No, he's just focused on running and climbing the wall."

"That boy grumpy?"
"No, he just wants to run and climb around on that wall."

"That boy not want anything to do with me?"
Laughter from John. "No, he's just focused on what he's doing."

"Daddy, that boy grumpy?...."""""


"Mommy, where is the planet?"
"Up in the sky."
"No, Mommy, where is it?"
"Up in space?"
"No, up in outer space, Mommy!"

Tube Time With Cousins

This morning it was raining again and pretty chilly, so we knew we had to get the kids out of the house and into something active. I decided to show John the joy of Tube Time and we headed off, picking up the Hutchisons at Lafeens. The kids had a lot of fun and John, Brad, Billy and Erica got into the action as well, following the kids into the Purple Tube to test out the scary factor. Mom and Dad stayed back at the house with Grace, who didn't get to enjoy this particular activity.

Later on in the day, after Thomas and I had a long nap, we headed down to the waterfront to have Boss Tweads with Mom and Dad. Andrea stayed back with the kids, who after a long day of play and no naps, were ready to head to bed. It was a fun way to enjoy yet another rainy day. I just have to be thankful that we had yesterday's great weather with perfect timing.

Cars Party- 3rd Birthday Weekend!

This weekend was the big party! The King/Vankemseke clan rolled into town early Saturday morning, bringing not only presents for Thomas but much needed supplies for Baby Whip. I haven't spent a lot of time shopping for the little guy, as work and preschool have kept me on the go and exhausted. I have looked around several times at the stash they brought over and have had a sense of relief that they brought the essentials that we really needed. By afternoon the party was in full swing with the Vankemsekes, Hutchisons, Pohlmans, Lawrences, Wesleys, Stephen and Barb, and finally Mark and the Whipple boys coming in to celebrate. With the early morning weather threatening to create an indoor circus, we prayed desparately for some decent weather, and instead of the rain and cold it turned out to be a beautiful, sunny afternoon. We were so thankful. The presents for Tommy were over the top and I could barely keep my focus with all the bodies clamboring around, wrapping paper flying and toys coming from all directions. I still remember when the wrapping paper was the best part of the whole event. Now, Tommy's entire morning was consumed with "Are my friends here?" "Will they bring presents?" "Is it my birthday yet?" "Are my friends here?" "Are my friends here?" over and over! I was very grateful for all the help from my sister and mom, for Lil's hosting the party upstairs and food supplies, for John and Stephen manning the cameras and video, for Barb's help in the kitchen and for Billy's pinata skills. It would never have gone off without everyone's help.

Play in March

Thomas is really big into pretending these days. Some of his favorite times are pretending to be Lighting McQueen and running around with Mater, hiding from the tractor Frank, playing pirate ship and Daddy Bird. He likes to assign roles from the Save Um's. Daddy is Noodle, I'm PB Jammies, he's Jazzy. He's back to taking tubby time outside even though yesterday it was snowing.

Sayings- "Grandpa, settle down" when Grandpa was trying to talk to him and asking him questions.
Thomas is big on rivers, streams, waterfalls and fountains. Tonight in the bathtub, he says, "Mommy, I'm making a pee-pee fountain."

He's learning to put things together (matching) and likes to point out things that match, are the same color or are the same shape. He's identifying all the major shapes and likes to point out the big T and little t for tommy wherever we go or in whatever we're reading. He's starting to figure out knock-knock jokes but after "who's there?" he just laughs at whatever you say. He's still eating and writing with his left hand, but throws things around with his right hand, so it's undetermined if he's a leftie or a rightie at this point. He changes it up too much to know right now.

He enjoys singing Old MacDonald, London Bridges, the Save Ums, Tractor Tom, Jingle Bells and learned the ABC's in two tubbie times singing with daddy.

He's starting to call John "Dad" instead of Daddy now, and says, "Where's my dad?" in such a cute little voice.

He'll go pottie when he's running around naked, but demands a diaper on to go hide to do his business. He's still refusing to use any other potty in the house, and continues to insist on flushing our toilet.

He enjoys cracking the eggs, pouring the milk, dumping in the cinnamon and stirring up the mixings for French toast, and makes the morning coffee with help, although more often than not the grounds are the dirt piles and he's the excavator or e-ment crusher. He helps pour the pancake mix and stirs the water, and has just figured out that dad makes cool shapes to cut up.

"There is a lot of stuff in here" as he's trying to get out of the Pilot. It just happened to have a lot of stuff in it, including bags of clothes, various fast food sacks, items of clothing, coats, left over Valentines strewn all over the floor, bags of work stuff, etc. I couldn't help but laugh and then John remarked, "Yeah, Thomas, Mommy laughs when you say it, but if I said it she would give me a dirty look. I'd get the dirty look." To which I replied, "Yes, you sure would."

As John was getting out of the Pilot after watching Thomas while I was at the doctor's, Thomas said, "Have a good one, Daddy."

Listening to a Rascal Flatts song, Thomas asks John, "what they singing bout, Daddy?" "Love," John replies.

Our 8th Anniversary, 2007

Today is our 8th anniversary! It is so hard to believe that we've been married for 8 years and together for 9! I think it is harder to believe because I have such clear memories of our early days together, from our first "meeting" on the steps of the Martin Center, our first date after a wild and raining bike ride on Ski to Sea, jet skiing on Lake Whatcom, our trips and our days playing out at the Stanley house and other memories that seem like yesterday. John brought home 2 dozen roses as a surprise and Bruce and Lil treated us to an evening out. We took them up on the offer and headed out to Everson to have steak at Black Forest. Thomas crashed on the couch before we left and was still sleeping when we got home, so he had no clue we left him, which makes it easy.

Nasty Weather, Beautiful Pictures

Although the day was nasty for the majority of the time, John was able to capture these beautiful pictures right as night fell. Wish the sun would have come out earlier to play, but the scene was spectacular, even as the rain continued to fall.

Tommy's 3rd Birthday

Today we woke up to singing birthday songs and talking Tommy's day up for celebration. It's amazing to think that he's been a part of our lives for three years now. How time flies! We got a kick out of our clear memories of Tommy's first birthday, themed Wags the Dog. This morning I took cupcakes to preschool, although I wasn't sure they would be allowed as there is a no cupcake policy during snack time. I had seen another mom bring them in for a birthday and another mom bring in cookies, another no-no for preschool snack, so I figured that I'd take them for the special occasion with a back up snack just in case. This being my first snack day, I was apprehensive as it was but it was exacerbated by my worry about the cupcakes. When we got there, though, Teacher Dana quickly approved and went about eagerly mentioning his birthday throughout the morning. At snack time all the kids thanked us for bringing in the special treat and wished him a happy birthday. I think the cupcakes, frozen go-gurts and Goldfish were good choices, as I saw most of the kids inhaling them all up.

Tommy had a great preschool morning, too. Within minutes I told Tommy I had to go out and get snack and stop by the office, and he only gave the briefest pauses before going back to his playdough project. The other mother helper quickly engaged him in conversation about their creations, so I slipped out. When I returned, I peeked in, and finding him still going strong, I kept quiet watch in the hallway. Teacher Dana advised me to sit in the other room and kick my feet up, just to pass the time and see how long we could get out of him today, as he was doing so well. He made it at least 45 minutes, only asking for me twice and both times being consoled by Teacher Dana and going back to his work. At transistion to circle time I quickly came in and checked in, then encouraged him to go to circle time while I set up snack in the other room. He went without a hint of tears and I didn't hear from him again until hand washing time, which meant he went to Chapel without me, too. Teacher Dana reported that he asked for me when they were lining up, but she reminded him that I was setting up snack, and he quickly got in line and went on his own. It was a great morning and I was very proud of him.

This afternoon we took a nap to refresh ourselves after playing with the Lawrences and then hurried out to Haggen to pick up his birthday cake and get to Red Robin to see Daddy. I had sent John out to find additional presents on his breaks from work, and he was able to find the last minute front end loader for Thomas that we thought he'd like. Red Robin dinner was fun and afterwards we gathered at home to open presents and eat cake and ice cream. It was a lot of fun watching him enjoy his new wooden bike and front end loader, as well as the candles and cake. A nice way to end a full day of birthday fun!

Kicked Out!

Yes, that is right! Kicked out! As in his room! By a not yet three year old! "Don't come in here," is what I heard, as I made my way into Thomas' room to visit. Obviously, he and daddy were engaged in some serious playtime, busy constructing machines and such with his MegaBlocks. I guess it didn't matter that I'd spent all day entertaining the little guy, first to the park, then to donuts, then out on errands together, where we spent an extended time checking out each and every cheap wind up toy Haggen has in stock. Had he forgotten the stop at Starbucks after he asked for "kids cocoa and chino" for mommy? Did he forget the post-parktime sprinkled donut (not the cake kind!) at Lafeen's?
Daddy quickly got involved, gently but firmly reminding Thomas yet again that it makes Mommy (or anybody) sad when he talks that way, that that isn't nice, that it will hurt feelings, and on an on. Thomas choked out an apology, but you could tell in his face he was still clearly distressed that I was invading, and he let me know by jumping in his crib and burrowing in his pillow. With Mommy in the room, playtime was over! Realizing it wasn't worth it, and maybe I should take advantage of some couch time, I walked out, only to hear Thomas quickly jump out of his crib and back to the construction site. As I walked away from the door, it shut on me, and I could hear Thomas reply, "Good, she's gone."
You've got to be kidding me! Pregnancy hormones raging, I walked to the shower, knowing my tears were not the result of my son's desire to have alone time with his dad. But still, I would not help but feel a sense of sadness, knowing that this was the first of many times that I will be reminded that although I may have given birth to him, may be willing to die for him, he will still break my heart, again and again. I can only think that this is but a small little crack in preparation for the day ahead when he will choose his friends over me, his girl over me, and eventually leave the home we have shared together for so long!

(And yes, there was a knock on the door, followed by a very sad little "I saw-whee, Mommy" from the other side shortly thereafter.)

Latest Activities

Thomas has been sick the last week and missed both days of playgroup this week. With what we don't know, but after a day of complaining that his underarm hurt, Bruce checked him out only to find grape size nodes under his arms and a fever. We'd already spent 4 nights up and down with him during the night due to his bad cold and unrelenting cough, leading me to believe we might as well have this baby now as we're sleepless anyway. With the new development we knew he was a sick little boy and it's taken most of the week to get him back on his feet, although his nose is still running like a faucet. Bruce and Lil have left for their abbreviated cruise (it had a cleaning after an outbreak of Norwalk Virus on it) and John and I have juggled our schedules to be at home to watch Thomas. At the same time, I started having a lot of cramping and back ache, which was uncomfortable and borderline painful for several straight days, only adding to the stress of interrupted sleep at night. With Thomas getting up and coming into our room at night, me trying to sleep either in the boat bed or on the floor in our room, the baby being awake for long chunks of time during the middle of the night, and now all the cramping, I'm really starting to feel the strain. I'm trying to keep positive about it all, but I've shed some tears through it all. John is shouldering the majority of the playtime with Thomas, and in itself that is a fulltime job. He loves to pretend, play upstairs, go up the park, build GeoTrax, play outside and take long tubbies outside-all with the constant interaction of mom or dad. You're either his best friend or you're not, and on any given night he'll decide who he favors and tell the other one to leave. He's had several little conversations about that and how that makes us feel, as well as more than one time where he's had to apologize. I can't believe I've been kicked out of the bedroom of my not-yet three year old, but it's happened! The saying, "I gave birth to you...." has entered my mind more than once with his newfound quest for independence.

1st Sharing Bag-Preschool PlayGroup Catch the Son

On Monday Thomas was given his job for the today's playgroup and it was "sharing bag". Thomas doesn't seem to get the whole idea of the sharing bag, but during circle time he's usually eager to see each item that is pulled out and talked about. On Monday night, John and Thomas talked about what he wanted to fill it with, and they went about putting in train track pieces, random Thomas the Train attachments and other items not really special enough to take with him, but I enjoyed watching the two of them work at it together. Last night, nervous that I would somehow forget the sharing bag altogether, I asked Thomas to figure out what his top three toys would be to take with him to show his friends at school. He didn't seem too interested, so I picked them out for them, then just to be on the safe side tucked the bag by the front door so we wouldn't forget them on our way out. I'm usually pretty anxious leaving the house in the morning, as no matter how early I get up, it's usually interesting to see how fast I can get Thomas ready to go. I can't even imagine what it will be like when there is a baby to get ready too.

The morning passed by quickly enough, and Thomas seemed to do better in class, even allowing me to "visit the office" and escape to the restroom without him. It took a lot of coaxing from the teacher's helper to get him to stay, though, and for that I was grateful. I hid out for a while in the hall, taking my time and trying to see how long he could go without mom right there in sight. He did a lot better, but when the activity ended he realized mom hadn't come back yet, and the crying began. I figure it's all about the baby steps, and I had to be thankful for even a little break. When it was time to go to gym, an activity Thomas loves, he called to me, "You coming Mommy? You coming with me?" in his sweet little voice. I could tell he was itching to go, and lined up with the other kids, but he kept a close watch on me to see what I would decide, and the look on his face was both anticipation of the fun ahead and a hint of tears in his eyes, just in case I wasn't coming with him. Of course I was going to go, not wanting to watch a meltdown right before Sharing Time. Shortly before it was time to go back to class he got nailed in the nose by another body flying by, but managed to pull it together by the time we walked into class and sat down by teacher to open his sharing bag. Very eager to share his toys with the others, he one by one pulled out his Chevron towtruck, his monster truck, his Cookie Monster talking toy and finally his chainsaw. I could tell with each toy he was eager to see the reaction each one brought from the other kids. And of course, his toys were a big hit, as it took the Teacher Dana several warnings to the other kids scrambling to get to him that they had to wait until class was over to talk to Thomas about playing with his toys. It was quite endearing to see the other kids clamoring around him wanting to check each one out, and Thomas handled it well, although he wasn't too sure they weren't going to take his stuff home with him, and kept looking to me for support. It was one of those "firsts" that I won't soon forget.

Back to PreSchool Playgroup after Winter Break

Today we went back to preschool after Winter Break and it wasn't easy getting Thomas to go this morning. He was perfectly content to hang out, lounge on his couch and watch his morning Tractor Tom while I got breakfast going. It's hard because he didn't sleep well last night, and I ended up sleeping in a few segments with him on the floor of our room just to get through the night. I don't know what was up, but at 1 am he decided he was done sleeping. I put him back to bed at 2 am after a round of Tractor Tom and Tubbie Toast on the couch, but he was up again at 3 am. This time I put him in our bed, only to find that he was keeping John awake crawling all over him, asking about the fire alarm light and playing with his face. I decided the only humane thing to do with John was to pull him onto the floor with me and try to ignore the fact that Thomas was going to cuddle and snore in my face for what was left of the night.

So, I was less than excited about rushing off for playgroup this morning, but figured with the break last week, we needed to get Tommy back into the swing of things. Especially since I have yet to be able to leave him alone in the room, much less the church building at this point.

Although Thomas did better at playing the whole time, and without his Dubbie this time around per Teacher Dana's request, Thomas cried on the way out that he didn't want to go swimming with Justin. That was fine with me, as I was exhausted after covering the teacher's helper shift for the entire time, as opposed to just hanging out with Thomas. Exhausted and really just wanting to go home and curl up on the couch instead of watching a swim lesson with an exhausted little boy. So, we took the easy route and headed home. Thomas was out cold within minutes of his lunch and I quickly followed. Nap time is such a wonderful thing!

Showing Love for the Boat Bed

Thomas has enjoyed jumping on his boat bed, wrestling on his boat bed, watching movies on his boat bed, dancing on this boat bed engine, and climbing from his boat bed into his crib, but so far has resisted actually SLEEPING in his boat bed. Tonight that all changed. At bedtime, while getting ready, he told John that he wanted to sleep in his boat bed. John did not hesistate, and went about fortifying the bed with extra pillows and the bean bag to support him while he slept. It's pretty amazing that just last night he was continuing his love affair with his crib. Tonight it all changes and he's quite the big boy in his big boy boat bed!

Valentines Day 2007

Thomas should have woke up to his Valentine Gift this morning, but unfortunately the part he didn't find last night, the bag of Hershey kisses-I ate. Yep, that's right. I ate it all up, as Tommy would say. Yes, pretty much a whole bag of Hershey kisses gone...in about two days. So much for filling his bag up with his favorite treat. He did find some of his present last night, the race car tin that had race car chocolates (that I also ate) in it, but I was going to fill it up with what he really likes....Hershey kisses. Poor guy! Having to deal with a pregnant and very chocolate-hungry mother to deal with on Valentine's Day.

John brought home roses at lunch time, and Thomas enjoyed sharing with grandma his "rosens" with her. Thomas' wish for Valentine's was a dump truck and the movie Polar Express. While we were out and about this morning, he told me again that he wanted a dump truck and Polar Express. When John got home from work tonight, Thomas was able to open Polar Express. Today our double jog stroller also came, which is a sobering reminder that this big event is definitely taking shape, no matter how much I try to deny it. Soon, instead of eating chocolate, I'll be pushing two little boys around! I don't think I truly understand how this is going to change it all for us!

Sayings for February 2007

Thomas has become very literal in the last week. One moment he may be pretending he is a fish, and then when you ask him something like a fish, he'll respond with, "No, I'm a boy!" Or, he commented the other day as we drove in the car, "Look, Mommy, a storm." I responded, "Oh, no, we might get all wet." To which he replied, "No, Mommy, the rain will get the windshield all wet."

"Daddy, focus, focus," when getting him ready for a bath.

"Ooohhh, that's amazing!"

"I'm a goober-diber" as he dives into the tub.

"I want my bi-per off"

"Think, Mommy" after he asks me to be Farmer Fee and he's Tractor Tom.

"What you say?" when he wants you to repeat something.

"The ship pulled up at the boobie (buoy) at the -eena (marina)"

Spring Days ahead!

This last week and weekend have been absolutely fabulous and Thomas has enjoyed a lot of his time outdoors. We've enjoyed time out at the parks and down on the beach, enjoying a break in the cold weather. Thomas didn't dig the cold much, and wouldn't go out in it, but now he's figured out that when the sun is out he should go out and see if it's warm enough for him. The last few days he's been asking more and more to go out, which is great because he can run and run, pretending to be monster trucks and big machines until he's exhausted.

Swim lessons Attempt #2

Today, due to the confusion with preschool times and swim lessons over lapping, I decided to give it another shot and see if he could make it through a private one on one lesson without needing a time out (how crazy is that!) We had to race from the parking lot at Catch the Son to the Y, stuffing some peanut butter and jelly down for energy, and it was a wild dash. He did fantastic, and it was clear that although he doesn't have the attention span to wait it out with his hand on the wall in a full class, he certainly can handle the lesson itself. It was great to see his instructor, Justin, teaching him to swim with his arm out and head in the water, and they spent a lot of time trying this out. This is new for Thomas and I was eager to see if he could progress from singing on the wall like at Bayside. He did a great job and was able to work with Justin "swimming" for the toy cars Justin allowed him to use and floating with assistance on his back, which was a great struggle for him at Bayside. After jumping time after time into the pool, which he loved, it was time to finish it up. No complaints from Thomas, and no time out warnings necessary. Justin was happy with how it went. On our way out, with an exhausted Thomas tugging at my hand, he looked up at me and said, "Mommy, that was awesome!" with a big, toothy grin on his face. That was all I needed to hear.

Visit to Play Group at Catch the Son preschool

Today we went to try out the Play Group for 2 1/2 year olds- 3 year olds at Catch the Son preschool up at the Lutheran church near our neighborhood. Thomas has been on this wait list since last spring, so almost a year now, and despite having signed up for swim lessons shortly before getting the call that we'd been entered, it is our priority to get him going now so that he can go there for preschool come fall. I was excited about Thomas having the opportunity to interact with other kids his age and begin to learn all the fun new things a set up like this can provide, but more apprehensive than I thought I would be. I was anxious about how he would handle the new environment, how he would do without mom as his number one fan and coach, and the new expectations he would need to learn. Having been warned twice in Monday's swim lesson that he would get a time out, I suddenly questioned whether I had adequately prepared him for what was ahead, although how can you "adequately" practice standing in line for your turn, going to chapel, sitting at a big table for snack and sharing with a bunch of other kids until you're actually in that spot. Although I was there, I tried to keep my distance and let him join in with the other kids, and it was quick to see that although he did spend a fair amount of time solo, he did engage with the other kids at the right times. When I left the room for a minute, he did notice, although it was a while before he came looking for me, and I quickly sent him on his way. When walking in a line to chapel time, I did walk near him, encouraging him to stay in the train line like a good train car. Teacher Dana was the engine and he seemed to like the idea. In chapel, he joined the others in singing a new song and then dipping their fingers in a bowl of water to symbolize baptims (the pastor gave a 2 minute-ish talk on the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He did okay during circle time, although I had to remind him a couple times to get back on his letter and sit and listen to the lesson on shapes. When the ball was rolled to him signaling his turn to share who he loves the most, he said, "My mommy and daddy" in a very clear voice. I thought I was going to cry right there, hiding behind the doorway. And it was particularly adorable to watch him eating his snack with the other kids. I was pretty impressed with my little guy, and thought about all the times mothers feel their hearts swell with pride for their little ones. I'm not sure how I will feel leaving him alone on his first day come this Monday, but I have several more days to sweat it out, dwell on it, stress out and contemplate my decision. Who knows? He may just surprise me yet again! After all, I suspect it's all my issues and not his, right?!!!

Swimming at the Y- Try #1

After several less than fun outings to the aquatic center, I decided it was time to give another pool a try. Today was the first day of lessons and I was hoping it would be an outing for Thomas and I to enjoy on our days together but one that I would not have to actively participate in. I'm in no mood to put on a swim suit and get in a kiddie pool at this stage of my pregnancy! Although Thomas did well for his age (not quite three!) he did not do well enough with the older kids to keep him from being warned numerous times, followed by two warnings towards a time out. Now, I'm all for structure and order, safety and the like, but I wasn't too thrilled with my son being warned with timeouts for infractions that included not staying on the wall as directed, not keeping his hand on the wall and staying on the step while waiting for 4 other kids to take their turn. Watching it, I realized he is just not ready and up there with the 4 and 5 year olds in this class, nor should he be. He wasn't doing it deliberately, he just couldn't follow the directions like the others could and he couldn't stand still long enough while waiting. I saved his little buns from time out more than once, and by the time the lesson was over I was exhausted from trying to keep a reign on Thomas and not fall into the pool myself. Although Thomas said he had fun, it really wasn't the experience I want for him at 2 1/2. It should be about fun, splashing, learning some skills and learning to listen to some extent. It should not be about timeouts and warnings, as I feel he is still too young to be restrictive to this degree.

Lucky for us, the instructor and I agreed that the money I forked over for lessons could be applied to private instruction, where he can work and play with Thomas one on one in the pool. This worked out quickly, as when we got to the car the message on my phone was that Thomas was finally offered a spot off the wait list at Catch the Son preschool, at exactly the same time as the lessons that I'd just paid for at the Y. Justin was willing to work with Thomas at 11:30- 15 minutes after Thomas finishes Play Group. And I thought our Mondays and Fridays were going to be quiet!

Beautiful Day!

I'm so thankful that Thomas is transitioning to no nap now that I'm feeling better, and although today wasn't one of my stronger days, we had a full and fun day together. With the sun shining, we headed out to get a treat at Starbucks and then off to Fairhaven Park. Thomas remembers that this is the "fountain" park, and we talked about how great it will be when the weather changes to summer and the fountains come on again. It was 38 degrees as we walked to the playground. Very chilly for any extended time out, but enough to run around, do some climbing, get some swing time in and play a little Diego and baby Jaguar together. From there we dropped off paperwork at the doctor's office and headed out to find Drew a birthday present at Mt. Baker Moto Sports. It was so fun to see all their new quad bikes and Thomas enjoyed climbing up and testing them out, as I enjoyed watching him get to much out of sitting on them, turning all the switches, playing with the levers and testing me on my knowledge of engines. "This is cool," he said, bouncing on one seat and reaching for the clutch, or something that resembled one anyway. When did my baby start saying "cool"? I could only chuckle and agree with him, wishing and taking an extra glance at the smaller kid-size version on the floor of the showroom. How I'd love to get him one! It was a good thing that it didn't take me long to find the BMX shirt that I wanted to get Drew, because on the way to the clothes we spied a mini snowmobile, just waiting to be checked out. Thomas wanted nothing to do with clothes at that point. Having our fill of the snowmobile, the mini quad bikes and the big quads, we filled our hands with candy from the machine and headed out. I get such joy out of hanging out with him and I'm so proud of him at times like this. He didn't whine and fuss about leaving. He didn't throw a fit to stay longer. We simply said goodbye to the bikes and headed out. No big deal. It makes it such a treat to take him out and about. Somewhere in the back of my mind is the toddler in Walmart that we've all seen, working up a big fit in the busy aisle.

In saying that, there are times when he will press me. When I say no, he's apt to respond with, "Ah, man!" and "I can't?" in this unbelieving voice. There are also times when he'll go to the other parent, saying, "Mommy says no," with big tears filling his eyes. Or he'll say, "you want to play" or "you want to" do this or that, what ever it is he's trying to do at the time. Who can deny that? I may be in the middle of something, but when I hear the words, "Mommy, you want to play with me" followed by "come on" I'm a puddle of mush.

As we drove away I heard the call for O'Donell's from the backseat and we quickly stopped in for a fry. When we got home we made a quick lunch for the beach and headed down, delighted by the actual warmth in the sun. It was great to sit down by the beach and enjoy our time down there once again, leading me to believe it's actually not that far off until we can truly be back down on the beach spending out time outside instead of cooped up figuring out which Tractor Tom we have yet to watch today.

Jenny and the kids came down to play at the beach, but by the time they got here a freezing wind was blowing across the lake so we stayed inside as well. By 4:45 it was time to head out to soccer, although I wondered if Thomas would manage to stay awake for the short car ride. I literally had to drag him off the couch and into the car, his eyes drooping the whole way. John met us there, and although he made it for about 40 minutes, it wasn't his most attentive soccer day ever. He did a lot of running around and laying on the ball today.

Funny Comments for January 07

Just last night, when I was trying to wrestle, Thomas squirms away and says, "No mommy, daddy wrestles." I snuggled up to him again, tickling and smooching on him, only for him to yell, "No, no mommy, daddy wrestles me." I asked, "Well, then, what do mommies do?" Without missing a beat, he replied, "You cook." After a moment digesting this, I burst out laughing. How funny that he should think me, of all mothers, cooks! Has he not noticed that I HATE to cook? Has he not noticed that John and I eat the same meal again and again and struggle to make sure we're feeding him lots of different stuff, however much it wouldn't be our choice? My feelings were a bit hurt, considering I think I spend a fair amount of time playing, taking him on outtings, trying new activities with him and even wrestled him before the belly got too big for it to be safe. John mentioned that he should feel hurt, considering he does a lot of the cooking around this place, including many breakfasts, coffee breaks and dinners for all of us. I just had to think about the professional mothers everywhere who would be aghast at his innocent comments. Maybe in the 50's but certainly not NOW!!!

"Take my Bi-per off, please!" when he's got to go potty or he thinks it's wet. "My Bi-per is wet, by bi-per is wet," he'll cry out, still refusing to wear his underwear or pullups. The other day, when John told him he could he could go poo in his toilet just like he goes potty, he says, "No, put on my bi-per. I go hide in my room." He likes to hide behind things, like his door, in the closet, behind the plant or in another room when he does his business. We've made progress, though. Just today he came out of his room with his diaper on and told me he needed to go to his bathroom. That's the first time he's told me he wants to go even with his diaper on. Still refuses to wear the pullups or underwear, but at least we're making small baby steps.

"You okay, mommy. You not sad."

"Mommy, look at the boats racing" while watching swimmers in the pool doing laps in their lanes. When a rather large woman came into the pool area and started for the stairs to the pool, Thomas says to me, "Mommy, look. Super, super, super big ship coming."

"Mommy, I want to cuddle you."

Sleeping in the boat bed for the 1st time-Nap

Today, despite a meltdown about having to take a nap (which re-enforced the need for a nap!) Thomas was able to take a nap in his new bed. Now, this might be the one and only time it happens, as he is letting us know he certainly has no plans to give up his crib, but at least it was entertaining to John and I. It was also a sobering moment of realization. By sleeping in a big bed instead of a crib, he truly takes that "next step" from the baby we have had. Seeing in his bed, I realized that I am in no hurry at all to rush this process along. If I have to buy a second crib for the new baby, so be it. Thomas can stay in his crib as long as he wants.

Upstairs Bathtime

Boat Bed Constructed

We kept a close watch on a much loved boat bed that Pottery Barn kids has had for several years now. It was our thought that eventually either John would make it himself in the shop or we'd break down and make the purchase. Lucky for us, Costco came out with a much cheaper yet just as nice version, and although we missed the first shipment, we called every day awaiting the next shipment. The work paid off, and the morning I raced to Costco found us buying the 4th of 6 beds....all before noon. I was so thankful, to say the least. They flew out of the store. Tonight John spent time constructing it, and it was the first time that Thomas even hinted that he might actually let the baby sleep in his crib while he slept in the bed. Of course, at bedtime, he was all about the crib, but it was fun to have the bed in the room and fits really well. It was also nice knowing we saved about $1500.00 on this purchase as well.

Boy Band-Johnny, Sam and Tommy

The Next Generation of Cousins Gather

Lots of us Whipples, Pohlmans and Hutchesons gathered for Grandma's Memorial Weekend. Before the house passes into new hands, the game of Dark Hall was passed down, a boy band was created and time was spent enjoying each other's company and catching up.

Growing the Moose-6 months!

Today I went into the doctor's for the monthly checkup and he checked to see if my placenta has move up and away. Time has worked well in my favor and I don't have placenta previa, which would have been an automatic c-section. Although I fear the impending labor and delivery trauma, I wasn't relishing the idea of a six week abdominal recovery time, considering the level of activity there is with a 3 year old in the house. My insatiable hunger has resulted in a 22 pound weight gain at this point, though, so that's a bummer. He told me that I could gain 8-12 more pounds and still be at a reasonable weight gain. Good idea, doc, but then I reminded him that I gained 50 plus pounds with Thomas and told him that I hoped to just stay below that. So far I have about 30 more pounds to play with. My goal is to stay 10 pounds under that and I'll be proud of myself. Very proud. Bring on the moose!

Grandma Bernice Joins her Family in Heaven

Even at 96 years of age, it still comes as a shock when a loved one dies, and although there were small changes in the daily lives of Grandma, Bruce and Lil, indicating her time might be limited, it was still shocking to hear Lil's voice calling for me down the stairs, calling out that they thought Grandma might be dead. Of course I fell apart heading up the stairs, wanting to help out, trying to figure out what I needed to do but somewhat stifled by my tears and attempts to hide my sobs. Having to do nothing really, except somehow pull myself together as I imagined what was going on in the house next door, I tried to entertain Thomas, who said to me as I tried to hold back my sobs, "You ok, Mommy? You got something in your eyes?". No resuscitation was authorized, although there was concern that it would be forced, and in that was finality. Her body was still warm, but Bruce was certain it was over and nothing more should be done. With her feet still in her kitchen, heading towards her chair to watch the Christian programming for the evening, Grandma went to join her husband, son and daughter with the Lord. My last memory of her was on Wednesday as Thomas and I visited briefly outside her sliding glass door and marveled at the snowstorm blowing across the lake. It was a beautiful morning, the snow falling so hard visibility was very limited, and she was sitting at her table in her pink housecoat with Polly. She waved to Thomas, who smiled big and waved back, and remarked about how pretty it was. Polly thought it would be nice to make a snowman outside for her to see. We said our goodbyes and plowed through the deep snow, not realizing it was our last time with her. When John asked me if I wanted to go over that night, I most definitely did not. I did not want my last memory of her to be in death, on the floor. I would prefer to remember her smiling at us in the doorway, in her pretty pink housecoat, so warm and loving till the very end. Thomas loved her very much, and although a lot of his time spent over there was with Bruce and Lil on their trips over to visit her while I was at work, I remember Thomas asking to go visit Grandma Bee-niece. I was amazed the first time at their exchange, as they appeared to have their own communication worked out and their own routine established. Thomas would take a tour of the house, looking here and there, pulling things open, peering inside, then moving on, all the while Grandma would be fishing around for something. I was quite the stranger in this little dance, but I sat back and watched them, fascinated. Thomas ended up at the little table by the couch, pulling open the drawer and rummaging around inside. I feared Grandma would chastise him for touching any breakables inside, but she simply shuffled her way towards him, smiling, a box in her hand. The dance continued as he pulled out the bell and she set out the little figurines that she'd found. He would shake the bell, she would talk to him, then he would pull out the coasters, and she would line up the figures just the way it was supposed to be. "He likes to float them around," she explained to me, and I realized the coasters were the boats and the figurines animals in the boats. They then played together, words very brief, just time together. She didn't seem concerned about her stuff, didn't worry about his little hands on her treasures. It just seemed like they were enjoying what must have been their little ritual. My heart was touched at the gentle way she had with him, the love she showed towards this little boy. In all his life, there was nothing but love from her, even when he was rubbing her nylons up and down her legs, swinging around her cane, running naked across her lawn or launching himself full speed through her house. I'm so thankful for the time he had to know her and pray that the time he had with her, however short, will be as meaningful in the foundation of his life as it has been in ours.

Dierks Adventure #3-Vancouver, BC

After much thought, deliberation and a bit of prayer, John's enthusiasm won out and we headed for Canada. Bruce and Lil once again corraled Thomas for the afternoon and evening, giving us a welcome night out together, which was such a blessing.

The night belongs to John, though. After braving the cold outside Pacific Coliseum, John raced through security checkpoint #1 (the body search) and was roadblocked at the stairwell leading down to the floor. By the time I caught up, he was racing down the stairwell and jumping the divider to security checkpoint #2 (ticket check #2) where he was FIRST to get a floor General Admission bracelet allowing access to the floor. I briefly saw him, but was trying to avoid falling after multiple pushes from the teenybopper white teeshirt brigade squealing and pushing their way to the front of the line. By the time I had my own bracelet, he had passed through security checkpoint #3 (bracelet check) and was FIRST to the stage, amazingly securing not only front row but CENTER STAGE, exactly where we were hoping to be. I'll tell you, this whole thing has been a blast to experience. After all the concerts we've been to, to be blessed with three front row shows has been unbelievable. To have John enjoying the whole thing made the night so much more great, and without his excitement, I would have baled and pushed Andrea to take the tickets. Being in the front row is crazy. It's the absolute best. It's great to be able to see all the action, to be that close to the artist, to see all that goes on up there. Unfortunately, it's also very strange. Although John and Dierks bonded over a shared Bud Light in Everett and a tossed drumstick in Vancouver, plus numerous high fives (some stolen from my outstretched hand), I really have no interest in actually touching the man, caressing his leg, petting his boots, collecting his sweat drips, or climbing the back of someone in front of me just to get a brief touch. Numerous times, as Dierks leaned over me to touch hands of those behind me, I was inches from his body, and could not dare look up for fear of looking directly at inappropriate areas of his body. John and I had to laugh as we hugged the stage to allow others behind us to reach up to the stage, letting those behind us get a chance that we were obviously passing up. I kinda felt guilty in a way for not participating in this love fest, as if it is somehow expected that I'd be swooning at his feet, which were inches from my face a lot of the night. John was busy snapping shots of his thumb next to his boot, turning around to get a shot of his body inches from Dierks, and the like. It was so much fun, and I have a hard time believing we will ever again have such a great concert experience. I enjoyed spending time with John without worrying about Thomas, enjoyed our time having fun at this show, and truly appreciated all the work he went to in making this a very memorable night with Dierks!

Funny Quirk #1 Developing

As Thomas nears three years of age, he is showing signs of little quirks developing. One of these came about while on the farm at Christmas. It is no secret that the Whipple kids don't like animals, particularly dogs. Big breaking news came through when Stephen and Barb convinced the kids that Gunny wouldn't hurt them. It appears Thomas may also carry on the family name in this way, as he's not too eager to get close to anything that isn't human and lacks much interest too.

He did show some interest in meeting the puppies, but as he neared them, he quickly started to back away, gagging as he went. "Too stinky!" he cried, trying to overcome the dog smell, inching forward, but gagging all the way. We erupted in laughter, not quite believing what we were seeing. Little Thomas, not used to the farm smells, was actually dry heaving at the smell of the puppies.

Since coming home, it appears his gag reflex remains super sensitive, and I've found him gagging from a dirty diaper in the car, gagging on a tomato that he didn't exactly like (he loves tomatoes!) and gagging when he goes into the bathroom to flush the toilet (one of the things he loves to do!)

Quirk #2-Noises

The second quirk that Thomas is displaying involves sound. Now, I write this trying to convey a sense of humor through it all. We find these little things about our boy pretty amusing at this point, and can only laugh at his antics. Now, if he's 12 and doing this, it won't be so funny.

Thomas refuses to let someone flush the toilet around him, and he only wants to flush the main toilet downstairs. Apparently the other toilets are too loud for his sensitive ears to handle. When we forget and go to flush one of the other ones, he's quick to cry, grab a hold of us, shoo us out and say, "That too loud, mommy, that too loud," at the top of his lungs, with huge tears threatening to spill from his eyes. He's very serious about this. A recent trip to the restroom at Macy's resulted in a meltdown in the stall, only ending when I covered his ears tightly with my hands and flushed it with my foot, praying that the loud sobbing wasn't prompting a call to Child Protective Services.

As demonstrated by the picture I posted above, when cooking, Thomas asks for his helmet (thanks Lily!) to put on because the mixer is too loud, and he was also photographed upstairs cooking with Stephen-helmet securely strapped on.

Just a funny little boy developing a very interesting personality.