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 Second Birthday, Shana!

Dear Shana,

I can't believe you are turning two tomorrow. Our baby has grown up. We love you from the top of your curly head to your little toes.

You are such a big girl! We took down your crib, and now you are in a big girl bed. We bought you a potty chair and you have a brand new big box of pull ups in the closet! You can brush your own teeth, and you even have two chores to do each day.

You "yike" so many things. We look forward to the times when you tell us what you "yike." One of the sweetest moments for Daddy was when you were looking at him with your big beautiful eyes filled with love. You turned to me and said, "Mama, I yike Da - eee." And he "yikes" you, sweet one.

Other things you "yike:" M&M's, Baby Bay, yogurt, yellow, socks, James the red engine, bubble baths, and strawberries. You also like to stand right behind me while I'm cooking dinner, holding onto my leg so that you can step wherever I step.

You have the most tender heart, and you love to show us how much you care for us. Sometimes you will just hold your arms up for a hug, or you will lay your head in your sister's lap. We are always stopping to kiss you because you are just that sweet. You seem to touch hearts wherever you go, with your adorable smile and cute little way of speaking.

I can hardly believe that you are growing so fast, and you want so much to be like your big sister. But you know what, my Shae Shae? You will always be my baby. I never want to forget how irresistibly cute you were at the brink of two.

You can climb up next to me and snuggle with me anytime you want, baby girl. Because two years went way too quickly, and your mama loves you soooooo much.

Happy two, my sweet.

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."

The Girl's March Memory Verse (and song)

Happy Birthday, Shana!

Shana.

Shana of the sparkling eyes and irresistable smile. Today is your first birthday, babybug. There are so many things that I love about you. Would you like to know a few?

You are a busy little bumblebee, always doing something. When we go downstairs in the morning, you go right to the baby cups and plates and throw them to the floor, screaming with delight as they clatter. You started walking at nine months old, and I love watching you toddle around the house behind your big sister. You love us so freely, and we all adore you.

You growl with delight when something pleases you. You try to make us laugh with your little joke of blowing into the lid of a cup. You do it over and over while we pretend to convulse with laughter.

You love life so much. You are happy from the moment you wake up until you lay your little curly head down at night. When you laugh, you'll throw yourself backwards no matter where you are. Sometimes you bump your head, but you rarely cry about it. You are always discovering new things to love. You astonished me when we went to storytime with Selena, and you enjoyed it so much, even at your young age.

My favorite time of the day with you is when we sit on the floor together, just the two of us. I hold out my arms, and you run to me. We rock and you pat my back.

You and Selena are truly the best of friends. You hold hands in the car, hug and kiss all day long, wrestle until one of you cries, and play together in quiet reading time. You stay in your crib, and your sister "reads" to you, or you sing together and pretend to cook. You are never perfectly happy unless your sister is nearby.

You are definitely a Daddy's girl, which is adorable. As I type, you and Daddy are rocking in the big chair. You are lying down on him, eyes wide open, perfectly still, except for the slow movement of your pacifier. You are making contented sounds deep in your throat. Daddy is your rock, and you wait for him to come home all day.

Shana, I simply can't believe that you are turning one. You are such a joy to all of us. When I look at you I remember the first time I saw you, just a year ago. You are our precious babybug.

I. Love. You.

Happy One.

Love,
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.

Shana is 6 Months Old!

So when did my baby get to be so old? Our little Shana. Ready to crawl, full of joy, jumping bean, Shae Shae. Her chubby little fingers have wrapped themselves around our hearts.

The girls hold hands and snuggle every morning when they wake. Lena and I are drowsy while Shana is bright eyed and all smiles. This morning, Selena asked me if Shae Shae could stay with us. Of course she can, she's your sister, I said. She lives with us, she's a part of our family.

Things I adore about Shana:

Her absolutely totally joyous smile - it brings happiness to all of us

Her independence

Her sticky uppy hair which is wildly crazy in the morning

Her little grabby hands that are always reaching for something (right now it is her sister's hair)

Her fake cough

Her slobbery kisses

Her LOUD voice

Her rare cuddly times when she just lets me snuggle her up to my face and rock her

Her expressive eyebrows which are usually up in the air

Her eyes - they are her daddy's

Once again I am in awe of God's provision and blessing in giving her to us, just as he blessed us with her sister. We love you so much, Shae Shae.

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!!

Finding a Rhythm

Our precious Shana was born just eleven days ago. This is my first week on my own, and I have to admit that I was apprehensive and nervous about being alone wth my two girls. Today went really well, and I am pretty sure that I can do this!

Having child number two is vastly different from my first experience! I am amazed at how much I can love Shana, when my love for Selena is so great. I am still in awe of the miracle of birth and that this sweet bundle was inside of me for nine months. I feel so much more peaceful and less worried about the little things. With Selena, I was worried about doing everything perfectly. Now I know that I can't. I am thankful to see the love that Lena has for her little sister, and I pray that it will always be so. This morning, as all three girls were in bed together, I thanked God for the two of them. I pray that God will save them both at early ages. I pray that we will always be close.

The biggest issue for me is the sleep deprivation that I'm experiencing right now. However, I know that this is only for a season. These moments will be gone all too soon! I can't say I'll be sorry when I have her sleeping through the night though!

So today I was able to get my girls dressed, keep them fed, take a nap while they both napped, make dinner, clean our bathroom, and do one load of laundry. I was also able to read to Lena for an hour. So as this week progresses, I will be slowly finding a rhythm and redoing our schedule.

Any tips or advice from any of you? Many of you have more then one child and have made this transition already. I'd love to hear from all of you!

Oh dear, Shana just anointed her daddy with spit up and he is calling for reinforcements!!

good bye all ....