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.

My Boys (Dad, Malachi, and "Z")

Daniel (Dad) has been working lots of hours to make up for the large sum that I am missing out on right now. It makes him very tired. I hate that he is so tired, but I am thankful for the jobs. He is still having to work his pastor "job" (really ministry). My head just spins thinking about all he has to do on top of being a great father. I'm so blessed to have a wonderful man of God as my husband.

Malachi still loves his little brother. He is a true toddler, though. He doesn't understand that he can't step on his little brother or other rough things, but he still listens well and loves to "hep" put diapers in the trash and other things like putting clothes in the dryer and emptying the dishwasher.

When "Z" is on the floor, Malachi has to be there sitting with him or laying with him.

Today Ezekiel was actually awake and not crying for quite some time. This is the first time this has happened in the afternoon ever. I guess he's starting to be awake a little more.

Too cute and AWAKE!

I'm still on maternity leave and will return on April 16th. Thanks to our spring break, I will get over 7 weeks off to be with my boys. I am feeling pretty good, not 100%, but better than I have felt in a long time. I am over my "cabin fever" and feeling good about being a mom of 2 at home. I have been making small trips occasionally and taking a day a week to go to a friend's house who is a "SAHM" of a 1 year old. I actually miss my work and students a little but not enough to go back until its time.

Dear Ezekiel,

You are one month and two days old today. Yesterday at your appointment you weighed in at 9 lbs. 12 oz. Wow! The doctor says you must be taking in at least 28 oz. of milk a day in order to have gained over a pound in two weeks. You are up to 21 and a half inches. That's a gain of 1/2 an inch from birth. You are growing so quickly. You still don't sleep long periods of time at night, but we are starting to figure out a schedule/system, and it is making things easier on me.


You don't smile a lot yet, and you sleep A LOT! It seems like you are awake for about a total of 4 hours a day (not counting the time that you eat). Most of the time you eat and go back to sleep. The past few mornings you have been waking up about 7:30 or 8. That is when you will eat and be awake for awhile. It makes it hard for your Daddy to get out the door that way. He very rarely sees you awake. You also cry a lot. I don't remember your brother crying that much, but it's ok. You need a little more structure in your day, but are pretty good about going with the flow as long as you have a full stomach.


You seem to really like your big brother, Malachi, and he absolutely adores you. When I lay you on the blanket on the floor, he will lay there with you. He wants to put the blanket on you when you are sleeping in the swing. You do pretty well at sleeping through all the noise that he makes when he plays. I hope that means that you will be able to sleep through any noise just like Malachi can now. The first night at the hospital, you came in our room at about 3am. What did you do? You cried. The only way I could get you to not cry was to nurse. That's ok, though, because you latched on so quickly and helped my milk come in sooner. It was a long night. When your big brother came into the room to see us the next morning, you immediately calmed down and cried less from that point on. I hope and pray that you and Malachi will be close friends. When you get mobile, I know he'll be glad to show you the ropes.

I love you so much Ezekiel Luke. I can't wait to see more of your personality and all the wonderful things that God has in store for your life. I'm so glad that you are here. I have really enjoyed being home with you and your big brother.

-Mommy

Things I Love About NOT Being Pregnant

• I can lay comfortably in any position in the bed (especially on my stomach).
• I can hug my husband and not be a mile away from him.
• I can bend over easily and not be a chore to get back up again.
• I am definitely lighter.
• My post-pregnancy pants are actually a size too big, since I didn't gain as much weight this time.
• My stomach is shrinking not growing.
• I can wear more than one pair of pants and two shirts.
• I can walk and run again.
• I can lift things without feeling like I am going to throw out my back.
• I can get the baby out of the bed and cuddle my husband or have more room to myself.

(taken at 39 weeks)

Fun with Hamburger and Friends

Monday night Daniel grilled hamburgers. Malachi enjoyed being outside on the porch with his Daddy. He also enjoyed eating hamburger (without the bun!). I was shocked and amazed. This is coming from the kid who will rarely eat meat, and it needs to be on a bun when eating meat. Wow! He's also been trying and eating a few new foods. Maybe, just maybe, we are coming out of the picky toddler stage. Let's hope!

If you look closely you can see he was having a little too much fun on the dirty porch (hence the black on his nose and hands).


Today we had a little "playdate" with Kyla. It was so nice to sit, relax, and watch the children play. Malachi had lots of fun playing with her toys and sharing his cheerios. Below, he's being a good big "brother" to Kyla. He's so nurturing. Thanks for the time Lesli! We'll do it again soon.

"Hep!"

The past three days I have taken my two boys and one girl (Kiev) out for a walk since the weather has been in the 70's and 80's. After walking about 3/4 of a mile pushing the limousine (double stroller), Malachi is ready to play outside with Kiev. Well, Grandpa came home early today to mow the grass and do some yard work, since it supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow. Malachi hung outside with Kiev, throwing her ball at her and giving her sticks.

Then, when Grandpa was done and Grammy came home, he wanted to "hep" (help). He helped push the lawnmower (while it was off), carry crape myrtle branches to the road, and push the edger around (while off). He had so much fun. He wanted to make sure that everyone was watching him "hep." Ezekiel rolled over to his side while we were walking and stayed comfy there for at least an hour. He was content being outside in the shade, sleeping.


Malachi was also stoked when Grammy came home. He was playing with his car which is not much bigger than hers. I think he just really wants to ride since its more his size and its the only car that he hasn't ridden in. Look out world!

Dear Malachi,

You have amazed me at how many words you have added to your vocabulary in the past week. There is no way to describe how neat it is to see you articulate different emotions. I can actually sort of carry on a conversation with you. How cool! You say things like "help, keys, ball, up, down, hot, dad, eye, nose, shoes, bowl" and many more. You try to say things that you can't yet. And if you know you can't say anything, its just "da!" with a big smile.

When you went to the doctor two weeks ago for your upper respiratory infection, you weighed 27 lbs. You are wearing 24 mo. and 2T shirts. You still mostly need 18 mo. pants, but you are getting ready to move up in pants, too. You still are wearing your favorite spiderman shoes. You love to look at other shoes. We bought you a hat to wear when your brother came home. You love to say, "hat," and wear it around the house and outside.

You love your little brother. You love to be near him and hate to hear him cry. It hurts you when he cries. You are more used to his cries than you used to be, but I can tell that it still pains you. Anytime I put the blanket on the floor for Ezekiel to lay on, you automatically lay down on the floor next to him. You will often point out his eyes, nose, and head. You also love to hold him. When I place in on your lap, you put your arms underneath him and just giggle. When I pull him away, you whine to have him back. You have also started tickling him. You basically pinch his clothes and make a "tick, tick" sound. It is quite precious.

Before your brother was born, I could tell that you were becoming a little boy, but lately you have really matured and shocked me at how much of a big boy you can be. So far, Malachi, you have handled all these changes really well and love your growing family. I hope that the love continues and you know that we love you just as much as we did before, if not more. You are a precious gift from God. Thank you for bringing such joy into our lives.

2 week check-up

Ezekiel had his 2 week check-up today.

He was 8lb. 6 oz., 20 in. with a head circumference of 35 cm.

He had gotten down to 7 lb. 8.5 oz before leaving the hospital and was 7 lb. 10 oz. at his 5 day check-up. He is gaining weight fabulously! I knew he would be. The boy can eat!