Playing with Felt

I wish I had a picture to post of the girls playing with the felt doll set my mom gave them for Christmas. I stole one from www.thefeltsource.com!

This was such a brilliant idea for constructive play for my girls, that I wanted to share it.

My mom made each of the girls a felt board, putting a label with their names on the back. They are very careful that they get the right board when I allow them to get their felt sets out.

Selena and Shana each got two ziploc bags with a felt doll, and all of her clothes and accessories all cut out. I think my mom and Neesie spent a lot of time doing this, and I am so thankful!

Here is the description from the website: The 8" girl dolls are Lindsey, Maria, Mikko, and Keisha. They are used just like the old fashioned paper dolls except that they never wear out and like all of the felts at The Felts Source they are hand washable!

The really neat thing about these sets is that they each come with a Christian story that includes the other dolls as well as all the outfits that come in the sets. When I tell you that this provides hours of play for my girls, I am not joking. Today they had their felt boards set up on the floor between their beds, and were imagining all sorts of wonderful things. I didn't hear from them for an hour and a half!

There are boy dolls available too. I'm considering getting the girls the felt dollhouse or the story sets as well, since they like the dolls so much.

If you are interested in getting these dolls for your family, the website is here.

Two Saturday Mornings for Two Girls

Early one Saturday morning, two weeks ago, a little girl was swooped out of her bed by her Daddy. He dressed her quietly and quickly, but not before another little nightgown clad figure appeared at our bedroom door with a questioning face and furrowed brow.

"Your week is next week," the little anxious one was told.

An little over an hour later, Daddy and oldest daughter came home bearing goodies in a brown bag, and we got to hear about the breakfast date with Daddy.

A week later, the smallest girl was similarly whisked out of bed and hurriedly dressed. Her older sister was still snoring in her mountain of pink blankets. With a giggle and a wiggle she gave me a big kiss and practically flew downstairs with her Daddy.

When she returned, she walked on air, prattling on and on about her Dunkin' Donuts trip. She danced all morning with a glow on her face.

The girls are already talking about their May dates with Daddy and the fun they will have. Who knows, maybe I'll get one too!

Two Little Very Grown - up Girls

Once there was a mama who loved her little girls very much. She loved to peek over the side of her bed to look at them as they slept in the bassinette when they first came home from the hospital.

She loved to stare at them as they slept in their comfy crib, even though she had to stand on her tippy toes to touch them as they slept.

She loved to kneel next to their toddler bed as they lay there among their many dolls and stuffed animals.

And she just can't wait to sit on their big girl beds and read them bedtime stories before tucking them in and giving them extra kisses.

Every stage of life is a blessing ...

Happy Fourth Birthday, Lena!

Dear Lena,

What a year you've had, sweetie! I was looking at pictures of your third birthday this morning. Your legs have grown, your face is more adult looking, and you are blossoming into even more of a sweetheart.

Daddy and I are so proud of your tender heart. When we read the book about the bear who became friends with a homeless man, you were close to tears as you thought about someone not having a home. You want to give all the coins in your piggy bank to the children who don't have enough food for lunch. "They don't have peanut butter and jelly, mama. If I give them my money, they can get some," you say.

We're proud of what a wonderful big sister you are. Last month when we went to the inflatable bounce place with friends, you waited for so long at the top of the slide for your little sister to struggle up the steps. You let children go past you many times, just so that you could hold her hand as you went down together. You painstakingly press puzzle pieces into her hand and guide her to do puzzles that are way too advanced for her. You tuck her into your bed and then snuggle next to her to read together.

You are making your own peanut butter and jelly sandwiches now, and you love the color purple and the number 20. You loudly proclaim that Aisle 20 is your favorite to all the shoppers in Shop Rite. You love Thomas the Train, but we are only allowed to name the engines in numerical order. You put your blocks away in color coded order and you can count to 100. You love to read and do puzzles, and you have an avid imagination. You help mama sort the laundry, even though you usually jump in it after that!

Do you remember last week, when I asked you what it felt like to have a Daddy and Mommy who love you so much? You dimpled and wrapped your arms around your cute little self and said, "It feels like looooooove, mama!" And you were right, because every time I look at you, Lena Bean, it feels like love.

Love. Forever.
Mama

Chuckles

Things that made me chuckle (or cringe) this week:

"Mama, I turned around today. Now I'm four because I turned four."

"Ni ni cwothes, bruth teeeeeeeeeeth, ni ni time." "Yes, Shae. Your teeth are sooooo yellow, you need to brush them. Here, let me do it FOR you."

Two minutes after Daddy leaves for work. Dramatic Sigh. "I am just missing my Daddy. But he is going to work to get money for us. Do you think he'll give me a penny when he gets home?"

"I need some strawberries because my back is hurting. It will feel me better."

"Ear Dod. Ank oooo for ood. Bess it do dour bobees. In Esus ame. Anen."

"Sha-NA! You are not being kind and you are making God sad because you are not giving me the *** fill in the blank toy*** I want. You need to share with me. Obey."

Upon reading a story book. "It wasn't a whale, mama. It was just a big fish that swallowed Jonah. Why would they lie?"

"God did so much for us. He made me, He made you, Daddy, He made you, Shana, and mama, (dramatic pause) He EVEN made YOU."

Life Lessons

So today, Selena's fish Tico died. She received two fish for her third birthday. Tico has always been sickly. I think he has "almost died" about once a month in the six months we've had him. This morning I noticed that when we fed the two fish, that Tico stayed at the bottom of the tank. He slowly died until late afternoon.

Selena seemed so cheerful through the process, running to see if Tico was still alive. I was very sad, she seemed almost excited about the whole thing. But when she got up from her nap and ran to check the tank, I could see her sadness. She went upstairs, and I found her on the floor, face pressed into the carpet. I hugged her for a while, and we went to find a little earring box to bury Tico in.

She told me that she thought Daddy would make Tico alive again when he came home. I explained to her that Tico was not ever coming back. She wanted to help E take her little dead fish out of the tank and she got her plastic rake to "help" us bury him.

As I tucked my little sad girl into bed, I wished I could take away all her hurts. I wish that I could shield both of my girls from sadness. But then I remembered that it is through these things that they will grow. They will become who God wants them to be. So my role is to kiss away those tears. Let them cry. Let them learn and grow.

Life Lessons.

The Girl's March Memory Verse (and song)

Happy Birthday, Selena!

Selena.

You are turning three today, and we can hardly believe it!

This year, you have grown like a weed. It has been hard to keep you in dresses and pants because you have gotten so tall. Even though you are growing and changing week by week, you still have your beautiful smile and lovely eyes.

Every day, Daddy and I feel so blessed to have you. We love your songs, dances, and leaping hugs. We love you.

This year you have started to retain what you learn in Sunday School. We enjoy hearing about your lessons, detailed to the point that you tell us when Mrs. Reuther turns the page! We are delighted as you tell us how Paul was in a basket, and about King "Cadnezzar."

You are still a little bookworm, rapidly devouring our library books, and the books mama gets to review. You love to color, and will spend an hour sitting and carefully trying to stay in the lines.

You've come out of your shell. We have watched you blossom from a very shy girl, to someone who loves having guests! You talk to random people in the store, and make friends wherever you go. You even charmed the people at Dunkin Donuts into giving us more free donuts than we could eat! You played soccer, went to VBS, had a couple sleepovers at PopPop, Nanna's and Auntie Nee's, and even ask to ride with them to and from church. You love to go out with Daddy, happily skipping out the door holding his hand.

We've watched you become a sister to your precious Shae Shae. Loving her came naturally to you, and you opened your heart, and room to your sister. You're learning to share your toys too. You are always making sure that we are taking good care of her. We really couldn't ask for more. Yesterday was the first time that you and Shana were able to walk together holding hands. How exciting for you!

You've started to display a helpful spirit that mama is so happy to see. You will offer to help with anything at anytime, and you will stay until the job is finished. You also have been "making breakfast" out of play food for mama and Shana each morning during your quiet time in your room. It is so interesting to see how you choose to spend your hour alone each day, and you make some excellent choices.

You sing your Bible songs loudly in the store when we go out, and you love to learn hymns. You've started to pray for our meals too, and to memorize Scripture. We pray that this will continue, and that you will love Jesus with all of your heart.

Mama loves reading to you, teaching you, and snuggling under blankets with you. I love singing in the car with you. Your imagination is astounding, and we've started making up bedtime stories together. Sometimes, Shana wakes up just to listen to us. You are a great companion, making it fun to shop and to have girl nights when Daddy is late coming home. We already talk nonstop to each other all day long.

Lena, I love you so very much, and forever. God has abundantly blessed all of us. You've made my heart sing. You've made me love being a mama.

Happy Three.

Mama

Sisters

We've painted and hammered and nailed and arranged. The two sisters are sharing a room. Last week we heard them giggling together, playing, when they should have been asleep. Lena was reading out loud to a bouncing and giggling Shana. Their delighted screams brought a smile to my face even though I tried to be stern as I said, "WHAT is going on in here?"

Secretly I was delighted. Because I want them to love each other forever and always.

Shana is so adoring of her sister that she will.not.leave.her.alone. Poor Selena has to do her puzzles on high surfaces and read her books on the couch so that her precious things won't be ruined. She knows that her hair will get pulled constantly, and that her sister will drool on her face giving kisses.

Shana has to put up with Lena following her around with a blanket trying to "cuddle." Shana does not have time for this pasttime, and her older sis will not take a hint! She has been awakened multiple times by a too loud noise, or a sudden opening of the door.

Mama is loving this.

Amusing Moments

What amusing moments have you had with your kids? We went to ShopRite a couple of days ago, and I decided (bright idea, Bev!) to let Lena ride in one of those huge car attachment thingies. Lena loves to go grocery shopping with me, and I love taking her, and Shana just has to come because she has no choice!

Miss Shana is now almost 8 months old, and she took her first assisted steps this week. By assisted, I mean that she was clinging for dear life onto a rolling push toy. She seemed a little frightened, but that could have been because her mommy was screaming, "you're WALKING Shana, you're WALKING!" Referring to myself in the third person makes this slightly less embarassing.

Anyway, I digress. Grocery store, right.

Lena was excited to ride in the car. She never gets to because, they are generally disgusting and grody looking, and also because I am a woman of habit. If I "always" do something, I continue to do it ad nauseum. Also, I have chronic hip pain, and I am very careful not to trigger it.

I decided to think outside the box for a change, and saw a relatively clean car for Lena to ride in. She was SO excited. I might add that I couldn't even get the cart out of the parking lot without running to the front side and tugging it from the front!

Anyone within 6 feet of us, gave us wide berth for passing. A couple of amused men said "whoa!"

Grandmotherly women said, "It is hard with young ones, hang in there!"

I must say, I wasn't feeling sorry for myself. I was laughing my way through the store. Lena was turning her steering wheel and saying "Beep, beep - excuse me!" Shana was chuckling everytime I crashed into something.

"Careful, Mommy!" shouted Lena as she braced herself for each crash. "Don't forget green grapes," she added.

I don't think I'll try this again. Lena missed out on her favorite part of shopping: helping me put food on the belt. I missed out on her help entertaining Shana. I might add that I couldn't even get out of the checkout lane. The store manager had to pull while I pushed. It was very amusing.

Any similar experiences to share? Or have you seen a mom like me?

When Shana is a "big girl," and able to do more for herself, I'll want to remember what it was like to hear her babbling on the monitor for me to come get her from her crib.

I'll want to remember the dinner out that we had when she spit up on me about five times, drenching me thoroughly. When Selena is a "big girl," and doesn't need Mommy so much, I'll want to remember the nights when I returned to her room a second time and she would say, "Mommy I love you sooo much - can you just hug me for a little while?"

I'll want to remember how she loved socks, applesauce, and her Bible CD from Uncle Khuram and Aunt Charissa, memorizing every song and blessing her daddy and mommy with the singing of them.

When Shana is running and jumping and playing games like a pro, I'll want to remember when I could hold her close and rock her in our glider.

I'll want to remember when her whole face would light up at the sight of Daddy, Mommy and sister.

When Selena has real friendships and it isn't just Mommy, Lena, and Shana anymore, I'll want to remember the mornings we did preschool while Shae grabbed at Lena's papers. I'll want to remember the hours of reading Little Bear books, and building castles for her horsies.

The giggles and the messes, and the times I let her stand on her little white stool and help me cook.

When the girls are old enough to sit still, I'll want to remember how we could never get a decent picture.

Because they are getting to be big girls so fast. Because they are doing more for themselves and depending less on me, I'll want to remember everything and never ever forget how wondrously tiring and fulfilling these days are.

Sweet Sleep

It was nighttime in our household. The only sounds that could be heard were the swishing of the dishwasher downstairs, Pachelbel's canon coming from Shana's temporary room and piano classics from Lena's room. I sleep with two monitors on my nightstand so that I can hear both of my babies when they call.

To give a little background, lately sleep has eluded me. Shana had been sleeping from 8-5 with no wakeups for a while. Lately, however, she had been waking multiple times throughout the night. I didn't feed her, but would put the pacifier in her mouth without saying a word to her. Then, I would rush back to the warmth of my bed, sinking into the deliciousness of our mattress. Just as I would drift into sleep, I'd hear her again. Even if I didn't respond until she fell back to sleep, I would find myself awake -- sometimes for hours during the night. This went on for a couple of weeks and I was exhausted.

But back to the story ...

This particular night, I was so tired as I went to bed. In fact, I had struggled with a migraine two nights before just from the exhaustion. And that night I started to come down with a cold. But I noticed that Shana had started to sleep through the night again - sporadically, but it was a start. And the times she woke, she would murmur a bit and go right back to sleep.

Wonderful, satisfying, restful sleep. Thank you, Lord. Sigh.

A high pitched, shrill cry pierced the softness of my dreams and I started in my sleep. Which girl was it, I thought sleepily looking at my pair of monitors. It was Lena. My blind -as- a -bat eyes squinted at the clock which read 3:30am. I threw back the covers and jumped out of bed (lately having perfected this into one fluid motion).

Lena is my dependable 12 - 13 hour a night sleeper. But the one night that I really needed it, here she was crying about something having to do with going potty and she wasn't calming down. I felt something akin to hysteria rising within and took some deep breaths. I was launching into a long dissertation of how she had awakened me and I was really tired and couldshepleasegobacktosleep?!!

The only response I got was more crying (she had wet her diaper and was upset that she hadn't gone in the potty), and I don't blame her for it. I can only imagine myself with bloodshot eyes and hair standing on end rambling to my two year old about how I was so upset that she had awakened me when her sister was peacefully sleeping next door.

Daddy woke up, so I must have been pretty loud. He could sleep through a tornado. He guided Lena into bed and waited while I prayed with her. He guided me into bed, speaking to me in soothing tones and hugging me until I was able to stop rambling about how I thought I would never get any sleep, and if it wasn't one girl it was another. I rambled about how we had a drs appt for Shana the next day and that now since Lena had been up at night, she would be tired and grumpy. My poor husband.

The next day he was still sympathetic and restructured his busy morning so that I could drop off Lena at his office while I took Shae to the doctor. I am so thankful for him.

I am also thankful that we are seeing the light of day (no pun intended) with this whole sleeping thing. Shana is turning back into my 8-5 sleeper slowly but surely. I knew we'd get there!!

Christmas Cookie Fun

Baking with Mommy is so much fun!

We danced around the kitchen singing, "Ta-daa!"

Lena was amazed.
"Mommy, two rollers!"

Frequent breaks to kiss baby Shae Shae were taken

All ready to paint the cookies with icing!

Finished product to serve to Daddy. I think my little helper may have taken a couple of bites!

A Note to Self - don't do this again.

Monday was a wonderful day. I went out with my two girls. We had a wonderful shopping trip and it was easy. I got really confident. Shopping with a toddler and an infant? Ha! No big deal. I decided to venture out again the next day. Well, after my outing on Tuesday that rivals even this one, I've learned my lesson.

On the docket Tuesday:

1. Go to bank

2. Go to Kohls - Christmas shopping that really needed to be done!

3. Go to Shana's dr appointment at 12 noon

4. Have as wonderful a trip as we did the day before.

I didn't mention that an ice storm was forecasted, but the meterologists on the news cheerfully told me that the storm wouldn't start until 3pm.

Item one on the list was checked off with no problem at all. Item two was more of a problem. We got out of the car, Shana in the stroller and Lena walking. Kohls was packed - we had to park really far away. I should have gone home at that moment, but I felt like I had to get the shopping done.

It also was raining lightly, so I picked Lena up and pushed the stroller with my other hand. We made it into the store and my Lena girl was FREE! She is not used to just being able to walk in a store. Since Shae can't sit up on her own yet, the double strollers that Kohls provides won't work for us.

Shana was wide awake and grumpy. Lena was happily prepared to run around the store like a newly released captive.

I knelt to her level and made her focus on me as I told her that she had to stay with Mommy and that I needed her to obey me right away when I told her to do something.

Her joy was dampened somewhat but I think she still had high hopes for the trip.

So we rolled along as I shopped (or tried to), talked Lena through the store and away from all of the interesting displays (at one point she was hugging a mannequin), and constantly rolled the carriage back and forth to keep Shae from crying. Finally, I decided I had had enough!

So I had Lena on foot, grumpy Shae in the stroller, a heavy bag of purchases, and my purse. We had to wait for a long time in line with a lot of grumpy fellow shoppers. I finally managed to jiggle Shana to sleep.

The grumpy cashier looked at me as if I had 10 heads. Maybe I did at that point, all I know is that I needed 10 arms. Lena was flashing smiles at him, trying to get attention, but he just gave her a blank stare. As we were preparing to leave, Lena couldn't get the zipper to her jacket up and told me that her jacket was "broken." Next thing I knew, she was crying about her jacket, and Shana was crying too. I bent down to pick her up and dropped everything I was holding. Help!!! I departed the store as everyone stared at me and no one offered to even hold the door.

We went out in the rain and this time I was carrying Lena and the big Kohls bag while pushing Shana. I felt something in my back wrench.

At the dr, I was WAY early so I fed both girls in the car. Lena was ready for her nap and I was exhausted and I felt my back and sciatica acting up.

The dr's appointment went well except that Shae had to get vaccinations. Lena was prepared for this, but as Shae got more and more upset, Lena started to cry and hug her. "Don't cry, Shae Shae! Don't cry!"

After the dr's appt, I breathed a sigh of relief until I was ready to leave and saw the sheet of ice that had fallen while I was in the office. Let me tell you, it wasn't anywhere near 3 yet either.

An elderly couple was at the door, the man was in a wheelchair. I opened my mouth to say "Can I help you to your car," when I realized that there was no way that I could help them and that the lady was offering to help me. I did allow her to open the door for me. We slipped and slid to the car barely staying upright. We fishtailed on the way home too - it was not a fun experience.

I was soooo glad to get home. I vowed never ever to leave my house again. All three of us took a two hour nap after that!!

By the way, we did go out again yesterday and it went well -- but I learned that overconfidence doesn't pay. There are times when you just can't be supermom!

A Myriad of Things .... and a few pictures to keep you happy!

I am so glad to be able to post! It has been a long time, I know. I used to spend time blogging after Lena went to bed. Now, when Lena goes to bed, our evening hours are spent cuddling, tickling and keeping awake our little one month old!

Yes, there are definitely some scary moments when the two girls are together!!

I LOVE having two girls. Yes, there are times when I am so tired, I wonder if I will make it until naptime. There are times when I feel like all I am doing during the day is changing diapers. But that all pales in comparison with the joy I have in my heart with the addition of Shana.

spending time with Daddy

Lena and I are having so much fun introducing Shae Shae to all of our "traditions." We hold her hands together so she can thank God with us for Lena's food. We bring her onto the couch to snuggle under our red blanket and read with us. In the car, since the days and nights are colder, we now have two blankets. Each girl gets one, and Lena is especially thrilled by this.

Lena has more jobs around the house too. She has to straighten her room and throw away all the diapers that need to go into the trash. She holds the clean diapers while I am changing Shana. She has to walk more when we are out.

I have to admit, I haven't gone out by myself with the two girls too much yet. It seems a little daunting, but I'm sure I'll get there!

Napping is great! Shana takes three naps during the day. During nap number one, Lena and I eat breakfast together, and then Lena goes to her room for quiet reading time. I then get an hour to myself ;-) Nap number two is my favorite, because Lena naps and I nap too! During nap number three, I try to make dinner and we eat.

Nighttime is a little more challenging. She has skipped her 1:30am - 2:00 am feeding so often that I am pushing that a little bit more. However, Lena is right across the hall, and I don't want two girls awake. I'm hoping we can get her just eating once at night without too much fuss!

The housekeeping I've been able to accomplish is minimal! I am trying to keep it in perspective. In the morning, if I get the dishwasher emptied, and all three of us dressed I am happy. By afternoon, as long as the floors are vaccuumed, and dinner is cooked I am happy. By evening, if I have been coherent enough to talk to my hubby about his day, I am happy.

I have a question for moms with baby slings/carriers. I have the ultimate baby wrap, and have put Shae in it, but I am still scared to go completely hands free. She seems secure, but I don't know, her head just seems a little floppy in it. Does anyone have a sling that you just LOVE? Does anyone have the Moby wrap? Shopping season is coming, and I'd love to be able to push Lena in the stroller or cart while wearing Shana.

Ok - half of my quiet reading time hour is up ... love to you all. Mwah!!

She Did It! (follow up from last post)

Well, it appears that it was that easy! Last night went beautifully, except for a little hiccup at 4:11am. I heard her cry out, and found her sitting on the floor next to her bed. Her night light had blown out, and it was pitch black in her room! So I replaced the night light, tucked her back in and didn't hear from her again until morning.

Naptime was lovely, and we took the crib down soon after.

I just can't believe we have gone from this ...

To this ...

Big Girl Bed

I am sitting here in the dark in my living room. I hear hubby typing on the keyboard in the office. Upstairs, the strains of guitar music waft under Lena's bedroom door.

It can't be this easy.

We were able to find a white toddler bed, (the exact one I was looking for in the store, mind you), on Craig's List. We picked it up at a house about two miles away. Lena was with us, and she seemed excited when we told her that it was her new bed.

It has been in the garage for a week, and she says hi to it everytime we pass it.

"Lena new bed," she says decisively.

Tonight, Daddy brought the bed upstairs and we, (meaning mostly Daddy), put it together while Lena climbed all over us and sang loudly. I think she was actually perched on my head at one point.

I felt ambivalent as I took the mattress from her crib, changed the sheet, and watched Daddy place it in her new bed. What happened to that little infant who looked lost in the big expanse of crib?

So we prayed, kissed her goodnight, and stood outside her room for a few moments. Silence.

She's been in her big girl bed for 43 minutes now, and it just can't be this easy. I mean, this girl was seriously attached to her crib.

I can't wait to see how the rest of the night goes. I'll post an update in the next few days!

A hodge podge of things ...

One of the things I love about blogging is that when I am struggling with something, you are all there to encourage and point me to the Lord! Thank you so much for your comments on my previous post. I have read them several times over.

We are doing well! Lena is growing up so quickly that I hardly know what to think. We just got her a toddler bed, and I can't believe we are at this stage already.

She's starting to say things about how she feels too. "I sad." "I have fun." When she is hungry she says "I have dinner?" When she is tired, "I upstairs." When her hands are sticky, she says, "I a mess." It is so entertaining and gratifying to know what she is thinking and feeling. We are constantly laughing at her antics. She's inherited her daddy's love of a joke!

Last night, we put her to bed and said , "I love you," as we always do. As we were closing the door, a little voice said, "I wuv oo." It was so special!

She has a CD that she listens to when she has quiet reading time in her crib in the morning. One of the songs is "Ho ho ho hosanna, Ha ha hallelujah, He he he he saved me, I got the joy of the Lord." She has started to run around saying, "He saved me! He saved me!" This has led us to renewed vigor in praying that He will indeed save her at a young age.

Well, I am sitting here laughing because Mr.S just got two wisdom teeth pulled, and he is really loopy!! I think I will go enjoy his silliness some more. As you probably already noticed, I don't have too much to say tonight.

I'm looking forward to a cozy at home day tomorrow while the rain pours outside. Mr.S will be home recovering, and I'll get to baby him to my heart's content.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!

Selena's Sayings and Doings

In the morning when we get up, I usually hurry downstairs to make coffee for Mr.S 's travel mug. Lena was up as well this particular morning, and as we reached the bottom of the stairs she struggled to break free.

"Det Down, Det Down," she pleaded.

I put her down and went into the kitchen to measure out the coffee. I heard her bustling and banging about in her play kitchen, but I didn't give it another thought.

A few minutes later, she appeared, triumphant. She handed me her pretend kitchen aid (it does resemble a coffee pot!) and a plastic cup.

As I took it from her, she decisively said, "Daddy."

So Daddy got two cups of coffee that morning, and her pretend pot has been next to the real one ever since. Sometimes we make coffee in her pretend pot just for fun!