Malachi-isms

Callie has Callie-isms. I thought it was time for Malachi-isms.

"Bur-rah" - VeggieTales (Bob & Larry)
"My-My" - Malachi
"Bape" - grapes
"Holt" - hold
"Ho-doe" - hot dog & Mickey Mouse (at the end of the show they sing hot dog, hot diggity dog)
"Bop" - pacifier
"Ny-ny" - teddy bear he sleeps with and "night, night"
"chort" - shorts
"dirt" - shirt
"shooo" - shoe
"dort" - fork
"fpoon" - spoon
"ny" - knife
"Zeeeeee" - Ezekiel (his favorite person)
"ap-pa" - pineapple
"bar' - Nutrigrain bar
"Chase" - Chase (a big boy friend from church)
"hey" - hey or a telephone
"choo-choo" - train
"woo-woo" - car

There are more and more to add to the list each week.

Camping (Finally)

Ok. So 2 and a half weeks ago, Daniel and Malachi had a "camping trip" in the backyard. They grilled on chicken and hot dogs on the camping grill (and ate pineapple). They played soccer and pushed his car around. I was trying to cook some potatoes in the oven to eat with the food, too. We also got to enjoy making and eating s'mores made around the camping grill. I helped get the boys ready for bed. At about 9pm, Malachi and Daniel laid down on the air mattresses in the tent. They both slept through the night outside in the tent. I enjoyed the bed all to myself. It was a lot of fun for all! I also took some pictures of Ezekiel while the older boys were playing outside.

Still Alive

We're still alive. We haven't moved yet, but hopefully soon. We should find out tomorrow when we will be moving.

Malachi is feeling better and is sleeping better at night. I have also found that VeggieTales will calm him down enough to go back to sleep in his crib if he wakes up crying. ("Malachi-ism"s coming soon!)

Ezekiel is sleeping well at night. He normally sleeps 6-8 hours straight starting between 8 and 9pm. He is happier and awake a little bit more than he used to be.

I am getting used to being back at school, sort of. I miss my boys. The almost 8 weeks I was at home made me cherish that time and seemed like a vacation. I'm not too sleep-deprived. I went to the Y today to "workout." I'm not a gym person. Family and friends can tell you, I'll go once and sound committed but won't go back, and that's if I have someone to back me up. I went all by myself (soft-of). I left from work and dropped the boys off at the "Playhouse" at the Y. I felt bad since I just left work, but I am just sick and tired of being FAT. So, I spent 20 min. on the treadmill. I actually ran about 4 min. of that, but everything else was a fast-paced walk. I felt pretty good after that. I'm going to try to go back tomorrow. I just felt so much better this evening after doing a little cardio. I'm also going to try the elyptical machine tomorrow. We'll see how it goes. Besides being tired of being fat, I don't have the money to buy new clothes. You see, I was fat like this in the winter last time. Now summer is around the corner, and shorts and a bathing suit are not looking too good. I just want to find my hips again.

Daniel is working lots of hours to try to make up for what I lost from my check last month. He has to take care of Malachi, too. Once the childwatch closes at the Y, Malachi usually has to nap on the floor, under his desk, so Daniel can get something done. But it looks like a raise is in Daniel's future. Praise the Lord!

Kiev has found a new home (sniff, sniff, sniff). I took her over to a co-worker's boyfriend's house on Sunday night. She is getting along with them well and was going to meet my co-worker's dog tonight. As long as they got along this evening, Kiev is no longer ours. I'm really, very sad. But I know that she is getting some much needed love, attention, and play time. I haven't missed the fur and extra time needed to take care of her in the morning, but I have just missed her. She is in good hands, though.

That's it for us now. I promise I'll post those pictures from Daniel and Malachi's "camping trip" from almost two weeks ago soon. I haven't forgotten, just been extremely busy.

On Our Way

Malachi is feeling better and slept like a rock last night. He spent most of the day with Daddy and the afternoon/evening with Momma. Grammy and Grandpa were around some this evening, too. It was a much better day today. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, sweet boys.

Surviving is Overrated

Malachi is sick again. He hasn't been sleeping very well at night for the past week, and we didn't know why. Things finally came to a head yesterday with Malachi crying all day long. Daniel took him to the doctor. He has an ear infection and a cough. So, here we go again with some of the horrible liquids. At least Malachi likes the amoxicillin. He was in a horrible mood this afternoon after spending the day away from Dad and Mom. He's been with either one of us for the past 8 weeks. I had two crying boys, neither of which I could pacify. I finally got Malachi to bed early, thankfully. I was then able to feed Ezekiel for a few minutes, and he was out. I think he'll sleep awhile with as much crying as he did this evening.

I had a bad morning, a rough afternoon at school, and an incredibly tough hour and a half at home with one sick toddler and one tired baby. I'm exhausted. At least I know that Ezekiel will sleep well tonight and only wake me up once or not at all. He sleeps anywhere from 5-8 hours when I first put him down between 8:30-9:30pm.

We won't be moving this weekend, but we should be moving the following weekend. We might have found a good home for Kiev. I'm praying for things to go well. More information to come.

Ezekiel has been in size 2 diapers for about a week now.

I'm going to sleep now. I'm tired.

I'm a Survivor

I survived my first day back to work. I was not too happy to go back. I did miss my students, but I was enjoying my time at home with the boys much, much more. I got up about 6am, and with a little help from Daniel was out the door at 7:40am with Ezekiel in tow. Thankfully, Daniel is taking care of Malachi in the mornings and has always been pretty good about helping me (after I wake him up 2-4 times).

I clocked in at work at 8:05am (only 5 min. late). My room was in utter shambles. I had gone in for about an hour the day before break to do a little clean-up. I have begun to work through the horrible mess, but I survived.

I wanted to cry when I put Ezekiel in his Great-grandma's car and said goodbye, but I did it quickly and walked into the building. I called to check on Z two or three times and called to check on Daniel and Malachi. It was difficult, but I enjoyed coming home and nursing Z and playing with Malachi.

I've got to back post some pictures from last week and Daniel and Malachi's backyard camping trip. I'll try to get it out soon, but I don't have as much "time on my hands" as I did before.

Finally...

We should be moving into an apartment soon. It was supposed to be vacated this week. We should be able to start to get things moved in by next weekend hopefully (approx. April 20th). I would like to send out birth announcements and our new address at that time. We'll keep you posted.

Thanks to Grandpa and Grammy for allowing us to stay in your space for all this time. Our finances are much more secure now, and we are looking forward to just being a family of 4. I know that you both will miss us all (the boys most of all), and we really appreciate you being willing to help. I know that is what family is for, but we are eternally indebted to you. Love ya.

Surprise!!!

This is what you get when you have your back turned on your 21 month old son while feeding your infant son. Malachi was quiet for awhile, but I didn't think anything of it. He is often quiet while playing in the kitchen but does no harm. I'll be more in tune with what he is doing next time.

Easter

Easter morning was like every Sunday morning at our house---hectic. Pictured below is Ezekiel in his hand-me-down outfit. Malachi was in a nice dress shirt that is being protected by his bib. These were the only pictures that we got from that day. We did have a nice day at church and were visited by some friend's of mine from the school. After cleaning up at church, we went out to lunch at Cheddar's with those friends. Malachi and Ezekiel seemed to really enjoy themselves but were so exhausted (as were we all). All four of us took a nice nap that afternoon before having friends over for dinner.

"Camping"

Last weekend Daniel and Malachi were planning on going camping with our other two pastors and their sons. In order to see if he could handle this endeavor, Daniel set up the tent in the rec room, and he and Malachi spent the night in the tent. Both of them really enjoyed it, but it was too cold that weekend to go. They are planning a trip sometime to spend some good quality time together. Here are some pictures of Malachi playing in the tent with "Da."

Ezekiel is Growing

Ezekiel is almost 7 weeks old and changing by the hour. We are all sleeping a little better. Ezekiel won't sleep on his back or side, but he sleeps like a champ on his stomach. I tried for several weeks to avoid this, but we all needed our sleep. I'm trying to keep a good eye on him. Since I've been putting him on his tummy, he'll sleep in his bassinet for nighttime and naps. He'll normally go around 5-6 hours at night without waking up. It's good. Last night he slept over six hours, ate, and went back to sleep. He woke up again three hours later. It was so nice. It will definitely make going back to work next week a whole lot easier.

He doesn't like to eat from a bottle, though. I'm not looking forward to sending him off with someone knowing that he will cry a lot and not eat a whole lot. Hopefully, we can find the right bottle and get him to eat better. He does not like the Avent (what we used with Malachi), but I've found a bottle by The First Year that he seems to tolerate a little better. He still will take a looooooooooong time to fight and finally eat from the bottle. I'm just praying that he will adjust. I'm going to do a bottle a day for him. Please pray that he makes the transition well.

Daniel and I continually talk about how different Ezekiel is from Malachi. It is just amazing, how two boys about 19-20 mo. apart that look similar could act so differently, even though Z has only been with us for close to 7 weeks. Z is still not a "happy" baby. He still sleeps most of the day (and night). When he is awake, we all have to work hard to keep him from crying. He doesn't like to swing or sit in his bouncy seat anymore. When he is awake, he just wants to be held and nurse. It is definitely do-able, though. I have gotten much more time to myself and no baby in the bed with Ezekiel. Malachi didn't give me a lot of time to myself for awhile, but that's ok. They are both different and both are total and complete blessings from God. Now that Ezekiel is here with us, I can't imagine life without him, even though it was less than 2 months ago. Ezekiel was a total surprise, and I wasn't sure if I was ready to be a mom of two, but I have been blessed by my Creator and given two of the most precious boys in the world. Malachi is such a joy to watch him grow and form words. Ezekiel is gaining ounces each day and forming his opinion of the world.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me three of the most incredible men/boys in the world. I am blessed beyond belief.

Family Fun

Wednesday Daniel didn't go into work. This was the first time since the first week of Ezekiel's life that he's had a day "off." Since he works two jobs, he works at least a few hours all 7 days of the week. He's been working a lot lately since I've been out of work. It's been hard taking care of two by myself most of the time, but I have enjoyed getting to know Ezekiel and playing with Malachi.

My favorite picture of Ezekiel thus far

Mid-yawn

Malachi - "I love getting my little brother."

"Cheese" --- I love getting my picture taken!

"Vroom, vroom"

Ezekiel slept through most of it.

After we all got ready, we went to downtown Concord to a consignment shop or two. My favorite shop was locked and closed for no apparent reason. The second shop was greatly overpriced (I won't be going back there). I can buy brand new stuff for what they were wanting for a pair of shorts for Malachi.

That was a bust. Then Daniel wanted to go to Bass Pro Shops to look at some fishing gear. Before heading there we ate at a Mexican restaurant and went to New Creation Book store to buy some VeggieTales CD's. They had some of the CD's 2 for $10. We got the worship CD and the 70's CD. Malachi loves them both and asks for them as soon as he gets in the van. It is a little bit more entertaining for us adults compared to the theme song and the hokie pokie.

The picture of Malachi in the racecar shopping cart was taken in front of the big fish tank. Sorry for the flash. I should have put my camera in a different mode, because the ones without the flash on were even worse. Anywho, Malachi had fun "driving" the car and looking at the big fish. Daniel didn't come away with any fish gear, but he did scope out what he wanted for later.

It was so nice just to have some quality time as a family without feeling like we had to run and do stuff or get something from the grocery store. I hope we can have another day like that next week before I go back to work.

Many Words

This evening Grammy and Grandpa took Malachi, Uncle David, Ezekiel, and I to CiCi's. Daniel was working. I think they had a Secret Shopper appointment. Anywho, two nights a month this CiCi's has a balloon artist in the house. He finally made it to our table right before we left. He asked Malachi what he would like. I said, "Would you like a dog?" He smiled and said, "Daaawwwg." Then the man asked what color. I said, "Would you like blue?" Malachi smiled and said, "Booo." Of course, neither he nor I knew what he wanted, but I asked about something that I knew he could say and participate in. By the way, he ate 3 (small) pieces of pizza (no toppings/cheese) and one piece of apple dessert pizza.

I said earlier that Grammy and Grandpa took us out to eat, but I should say that Grammy and "PawPaw" took us out to eat. Malachi says Mom, Dad, and PawPaw. Sorry, Grammy, there's none of your name coming yet. He does have a Nana, and I know that he can say that. It is so funny to hear him say it. You see, most of his words have come on his own. He doesn't repeat after me several times. He just all of a sudden starts saying a new word, and we have to figure it out. Now I know why southern grandparents are referred to as PawPaw. There are many children that say it first, I guess.

Here are some words and their meanings:

• "Seat" - his booster seat, his car seat, and just about any chair to sit in. I think it also means 'I want to sit.'
• "Eat" - I'm hungry. Let's eat. You are eating. I am eating.
• "Hold" - Hold me and pick me up
• "Hep"/help - I want to help. Help me. Look at me, I'm helping someone. (I'm a big boy!)
• "Daa" - Please and Thank you (Don't ask me why)
• "Ama"/amen - said at the end of the blessing or bedtime prayer or anytime we pray
• "Zeeeee" - his little brother Z (Ezekiel's nickname)
• "Ha-ma" - Handy Manny (a Disney show about working together and tools---Handy Manny is Fez from That 70's Show). It also means his TV shows on Disney in general, but he does recognize that one with more emphasis.
• "Bye-bye" - and does a funny wave
• "Hey" - Hi and a telephone
• "Ny-ny" - night, night - Good night
• "Eye-di-di" - I love you (my personal favorite)
  

His favorite show and music is VeggieTales. We have to listen to his CD with his name in the VeggieTales songs most of the time in the car. His two favorite shows on Disney are "Little Einsteins" and "Handy Manny." He also likes "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" and "The Doodlebops." He also loves to watch Clifford because he is a "daaawwwg" and loves those books, but we don't watch it that much. Disney's programs are much more entertaining for adults. Since Ezekiel has been here, Malachi has been watching more TV. It just helps me keep an eye on him while I'm nursing his little brother and holding him. I have been trying to wean him away from watching so much now. It's not good for him to watch too much. However, he is learning things from the shows, like how to pat, pat, pat his legs and say "pat," too. I've never been an advocate for TV, but it sure does help when you've got your hands full.

I have to go back to work two weeks from today. I was looking forward to it when I had cabin fever, but now, I'm not too sure. At least I only have to work for two months before summer break. I have really enjoyed the last two weeks with Malachi and Z. Malachi is growing so much and coming out with new words almost everyday. Ezekiel and I are finally figuring out a routine. I am getting a chance to rest a little and sleep off and on. I don't know if Ezekiel will sleep through the night soon, but he's getting better about sleeping on his own and not near me.

I think that I have rambled enough. Good night.