Vacation at North Myrtle Beach (June 16-20)

Grandpa & Grammy got a 2 bedroom condo and invited us to join them for a few days. We had a blast playing in the sand, jumping waves, riding the lazy river, and many other things (oh, yeah, and eating, too)!

All tuckered out from a day at the beach


Malachi did not enjoy looking at all the fish in the "dark." If you can see his face, you can tell that he had been crying. He cried the whole time that we were looking at the fish. The only time that he was happy was when we were in the center of the aquarium where there was a touch tank and other hands on items with a lot of natural light. Ezekiel seemed to enjoy it, though, and take it all in well.

Outside Ripley's Aquarium
Thanks to Grandpa and Grammy for sitting in on a 2 hour meeting on their timeshare so we could all go to the Aquarium for free (and our anniversary dinner). It was fun!

Malachi-isms

• "she-shul drint" - special drink (usually an apple juice slushy from Sonic)

• "fradg-rae-are" - refridgerator

• "No, My can reach it" - No, I can't reach it.

• "Betty" - what he used to call Grammy, but we have worked on it so , now it is "Rammy & Ranpa" (Grandpa)
• "Shate, shate, shate your boo-TAY" - you get the idea (Oh, how funny)
• "Da wor-sa you. Ha-you-ya. Ha-you-ya." - We worship you. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. (Malachi loves to sing---wonder where he gets that from?---and will often bust out in spontaneous song and expect me to join in---except on his ABCs)
• "Win-down-rain in his hans" - [He's got the] wind and the rain in his hands.
• "Kidz-wheel" - Kids World (where Daddy works some and they have cool toys)
• "Fwaint-you" - Thank you---a whole lot better than "da-doo" yeah!
• "se-nen" - seven (my favorite to hear him say)
• "em-em-em-em-ma-pee" - L, M, N, O, P
• "dub-a-doo" - W
• "sung my AB, ABCs..." - Now I've sung my ABCs...
  

I'm working with him on changing his My to I most of the time. So, far he's doing ok. He also improved on Grammy (as stated before) and I love you. We are working on shapes and recognizing numbers and letters. He knows the important M, Z, K, and D. The rest are a little shaky. He can recognize 1 & 2 pretty well, too.

***We also went to the beach last week. I'll try to get some pictures out soon. I've been super busy since school has been out, and I want to get all the junk piles cleaned up around the house and get some order going on. I mean, seriously, its been a year of clutter and little order! I'm struggeling.

***Oh, yeah, it looks like we will be getting a new roof thanks to all the hail storms (like 4) that we have had this spring. Woo-hoo!

It's Over!!! (Clap, Clap, Clap)

Ezekiel was scheduled to have tubes put in his ears at 7:30am, so of course, we had to be there at 5:45am for a 5 minute "surgery." Today was the last day of school for students, as well. So, we arrived on time and had to wait for awhile. I was up at about 4am, and Daniel got up about 4:45am. We got Z up at about 5:15. Malachi was still sleeping while Grammy came to stay with him.

Anywho, about 6:45am they gave him some tylenol and something to make him a little woozy & distant. He was hilarious! He was talking like crazy and definitely a little "drunk" acting. They took him away from us at about 7:05. We waited for about 5 minutes in a "conference" room. A nurse came in to say the doctor was done and would be in in a minute. We waited back out in the waiting room for about 5 more minutes. I went and held him in recovery about 7:20. It took us a little while to recheck all his vitals and get him out of his gown. I forgot my camera, so I only have a pic on my phone of him in his little hospital gown. We were home by 8am, and I was at work by 8:45am. Ezekiel wanted to play when we got home, but he was still quite woozy, so we made him lay in his bed for awhile. Grammy said that he was awake for awhile but never whined (it's a good thing, since Grammy's recent surgery wouldn't allow her to pick up our child).

He took 2 naps today and had a good afternoon/evening. He has wanted to play but also a little more clingy & whiny than usual. I was thrilled, though, at how well he did all day. God totally blessed this little boy's surgery and day.

The doctor said that there was some pretty thick fluid behind both ears, so we definitely made the right choice. I'm sorry, Ezekiel, for passing down this horrible ear issue! God was taking care of you, though. Those are the best hands to be in!


***Side note: While Ezekiel had the hearbeat thing on his toe (when he screamed the most), I discovered that he had 2 one-year-molars! How does that happen? He only has 4 other teeth on top and 2(!) on the bottom. So, he has 6 on top and 2 total on bottom, but he has about 3 bulging spots on the bottom. Go figure. How weird?!?

The Verdict

Ezekiel has his surgery to get tubes in his ears set for Tuesday early in the morning.

Apparently, he also contracted a virus that gave him an intense fever for 24 hours and now a sort of rash. Thanks, antibiotics, for killing all the bacteria (good & bad) in my son's body and allowing his defenses to be weak.

I just want this vicious cycle to end---not to mention it is the end of the school year with exams and TONS of paperwork. Oh, and I'm expected to teach students who think life is over after End-of-Grade tests. How fun!

Ok. I'm done complaining. God is good. I'm alive. I have food and a roof over my head and a family who loves me. And, God has given me all that I need. It's good to put my complaining in perspective. Good night all.

Dear Ezekiel,

You are a little over 15 months now, and you continually show me how little I know about raising boys. You and your brother are so completely different, yet you love each other unconditionally. I'm afraid, though, that one of the things that makes you less like Malachi is what you have inherited from your mother. You see, Malachi got lots of allergies from his dad. You got the ear infections. You've only had 2 ear infections, but the first took over 2 full rounds of antibiotics to get rid of. A few months later, you got another ear infection, and we've been through about 4 rounds of antibiotics now. Each time we would take you to the doctor for a follow up, I would hear..."There is no more infection, but there is still some 'healthy-looking' fluid behind the ear drum." When we would finish up the round of antibiotics and an ear infection would come up a day or two later. It's not fair, I know. Sooooo...we are going to the Ear, Nose, & Throat doctor on Friday for an initial appointment. I'm assuming that tubes are the next step, and I'm OK with that. I have not been happy with how many high-powered antibiotics you have been on in your short little life. They kill all the bacteria in your body that causes infection, which means that all the good bacteria inside of you is killed, too. Your little stomach must be torn up. I can tell by your poops.

I've been wanting to get rid of your bop during the day, and only use it at sleep times, but with the past month and a half, I've abandoned that thought until we can get you better. Malachi will be getting rid of his bop this summer as well as going to Potty Training Boot Camp. So, I figured it would be a good time for you to get rid of that nasty pacifier that I never wanted you to have but others insist that you use. I've only got two more weeks of work until I'm out for summer, so look out!

You are sooooo, soooooo, sooooooooo SMART. You can pull yourself all the way up on the toilet seat all on your own. You can step up on the stool in the bathroom to see the fish and get down safely. You understand most of what I am saying, like "let's go wake up Malachi." Just yesterday, you finished off your milk in the car and shook the bottle in your hand and said, "ah-da" (all done). You say "da-da" when you see Daddy. You can say, "ba-ba" (bye-bye) when leaving someone---if you are in the mood. You used to sign thank you, but you don't care to do that anymore. You can take one of your cars and push it on the floor like it is supposed to be used. You love to push your lawnmower around the house that your Nana & Maw-maw bought you. You can eat with a fork or spoon (when you want). Just today, you were eating rice & beans really well with an adult fork. You go, boy! AND, YOU CAN'T SIT STILL EVER, AT ANY TIME, AT ANY MOMENT THAT YOU ARE AWAKE, EVER. You are all boy, but so different from your brother.

I think you may be the rebellious one compared to your brother. I'm not comparing to say that you are worse or better, but your brother was all that I knew until you came along. And, I am totally amazed at how God can cause 2 boys, 19 months apart, with the same parents to be sooo incredibly different.

I love to see you smile. After a day at work, you will run as fast as your little legs will carry you into my arms for your needed hugs. You are a Momma's boy right now. It's Ok by me. I enjoy the cuddles while I can get them. The stillest moments of your day, besides when you are sleeping, is when I am carrying you around. You like to dance to music (even when Malachi & I are singing). You try to talk to us and join in our conversations at time. I just have one more thing to say...

Can you please stop growing up so fast? You'll be speaking in sentences in about 6-9 months. Stop being so advanced! Can't you stay young a little longer (I'd say small, but you are still small--19 - 20 lbs. on any given day)!

I can't imagine life without you, and I am so proud to be your Momma. Thank you for being such a sweet, sensitive, and incredible little toddler. God has blessed us with the best "surprise" that we could have asked for.

-Momma

Malachi's Special Day

Yesterday was "Malachi's Special Day." Daniel had gotten some circus tickets the day they went on sale, and we planned on just taking Malachi and getting someone to watch Ezekiel. The boys rarely do things separately, but we thought Malachi might enjoy just getting to spend time with his Mom & Dad without a little brother to take attention away.

We dropped Ezekiel off at Grammy & Grandpa's house and headed to R&R for breakfast. Malachi tore into some grits, while Daniel & I had eggs, bacon or livermush, grits, & toast. While we were waiting for our food to be delivered, Malachi was making "towers" with the jelly packets. He was a little sad to be away from his little brother and not be at Grammy & Grandpa's, but when he realized how much attention he was getting from both of us, he was fine. We headed to the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center for Ringling Brothers' Boom a Ring (just a 1 ring circus). The show started at 11am, but they do a sort of "meet the cast" and little "games" to do for the kids an hour before, and we arrived about 10:20. We got some popcorn and a coke (b/c Heaven knows we were not paying $16 for a mini-flashlight with some animals on it). Once we took our seats, the lights went out, and Malachi FREAKED OUT! We payed for his seat that he sat in for about 3 minutes. He spent the whole show in my lap, the first half---crying. He kept saying, "My doe bye-bye." At intermission, the lights came back up, and he munched on some popcorn and calmed down. He still sat in my lap and forced me to keep my hands over both his ears most of the time. He did enjoy seeing the white tigers and the "dog whisperer"/trainer. He leaked through his pull-up, so I got cried on, snotted on, climbed up, and peed on! Overall, though, we all had a good time, and Malachi enjoyed sharing about his experiences.

We went back to Grammy & Grandpa's to pick up Ezekiel who was down for his 3-4 hour nap. Malachi played and ran at their house, which suited him just fine. We had "lupper" from Bojangle's at their house, then headed home about 5pm. Both boys seemed to enjoy their time away from each other, but were extremely happy to be united.

The night before we attended Cousin Jasmine's kindergarten graduation at FA. Afterwards, we ran through Sonic to get Malachi a "she-shul" drint (special drink). We put the leftovers in the fridge overnight, and he was drinking on that all morning and afternoon.

***Congratulations, Jasmine, on your K graduation. David, my bro., pointed out that we'll have a K graduation almost every year for the next few. Callie should be next year. Skip a year, then Malachi. Avery is next. Lastly, Ezekiel. There may be more K graduations eventually, but these are all happening very close together. I don't know if any of Grammy & Grandpa's children are officially "done" having children yet. Only time will tell!

I'm thankful & frustrated

I am sooo thankful that I am not pregnant or nursing right now. I've been done for about 4 months now after a spell of over 3 years! My hair would fall out at astronomical rates during the nursing process, and my hair had become quite thin. Now, my hair is not falling out at alarming rates, but it is finally growing like normal! The only problem, I have little, short hairs all along the top of my head that do not like to cooperate. It makes it look poofy! I guess that's the price you pay. At least its getting thicker. I am very grateful, and it is sooo nice to not have the thin hair that I've had for about 3 years, it is great!

Also, Ezekiel had ear infections in both ears, after taking him back to the doctor on Thursday. He got a higher powered antibiotic and is doing better, but he is still pretty sick. He just has never done well with antibiotics and ear infections. I wonder who he gets that from!

The Long, Awaited Pictures

April 25, 2008
A Night at the Intimidators

"No, My sun-dasses (sunglasses) on"

"Doe (go), baseball!"

Ezekiel loves, him, some popcorn!

Yes, he's cute! I don't think anyone watched much of the game.
Ezekiel had many people who were very interested in him.
He was often the center of attention. Go figure!

February 23, 2008
My day with my two little boys

"Watch me, Momma!"

"No, My swing!!! My det (get) out, now!!!!!!!!"

I couldn't resist this picture.

On the way down

Ezekiel LOVES this ball and just about any ball that he can get his hands on.

They're coming!

Throw it here, Malachi.

On the outside, looking in

Bark tastes better than most of the food you feed me, Momma.

"My mate (make) ice-tream (cream)"
Malachi got this idea from a little girl who was playing in the same area at the park with her dad. He acted like it was a store window and would "make" ice cream (pile of wood chips) and bring it to me. How fun! I love wood chip ice cream!

On the Way Up

Malachi is beginning to feel better now that he's been on an antibiotic since Tuesday night. I am soooo glad. His behavior has been almost unbearable lately. Well, yesterday evening we had dinner with friends and then went out to run some errands. He was sooooo sweet. I had forgotten how much I had missed that boy! Apparently, he had been sick longer than I anticipated. He still had his "terrible" moments a few times at dinner, but he was sooooo wonderful after that with little to no complaining! Wow! Next time he starts to get really ornery, I will know to take him to the doctor. Sorry, buddy! I don't know if you don't tell me. You gotta let me know. I'm sorry!

We're going to an Intimidator's (Single A minor league team) baseball game, again, tonight. We went 2 weeks ago and had a blast! I need to post pictures. I know, I know.

I'm completely done with school on Thursday, June 12th---my last day!

Daniel had a ceremony to honor his achievement of being ORDAINED with the Assemblies of God at the NC District Council on Wednesday. Way to go, Daniel!

Sick, Again

Just about 2 weeks ago, I was bragging to my colleagues at work at how it had been about 2 months of the whole family being HEALTHY. Then, last Monday I had to take Ezekiel to the doctor. He had a cold that turned into an ear infection in his left ear. He went on antibiotics immediately and seemed to improve. By Wednesday (last week, still), Malachi had the cold part, but he usually will get over them quickly. The last time that he was "sick" at the doctor was right after Z was born. That's over a year!

So, this afternoon, I took both the boys back to the doctor. I thought Ezekiel might be not responding to the antibiotics, but he is doing fine with about 2 days left with his medicine. Malachi has a double ear infection with a deep cough. He was prescribed a round of antibiotics and some cough medicine. I hope that all will improve. Malachi has also have seemed to hit the "terrible" part of the twos, also. It's been a rough few days

My Day with My Boys

Yesterday (Wednesday), I was forced, uhhh coerced, uhhh privileged to spend the day with my two little boys. We couldn't find anyone who could care for the boys, so, since Daniel had something to do, I had to take the day off. What a bummer! At first I was a little miffed, but as I began to see all the cool things that I could do, I began to lighten up. So we...

• went to Babies R Us to get a gate to close off the kitchen from the living room (over 5 feet)
• went to a consignment shop nearby to get a puppet a shirt ($4)
• had lunch at home
• took naps (not I said the cat)
• washed dishes, washed clothes, folded clothes, vacuumed (you get the idea)
• went to the park (for the first time with both boys)
• had dinner at church (as is our Wednesday custom)
• attended service/class at church
• went home

I got some pretty good pictures of the boys at the park. I'll try to post those later within this post. I'm on a different computer that I can't download pictures easily. The park was the highlight of the day! Both the boys were able to slide, crawl/walk on the "toddler" equipment and play with a few random children. Malachi still doesn't like to swing! He loved it when he was a baby. Go figure.

Ezekiel Can...

• say and wave bye-bye "baa-baa" - he usually throws one hand up and open and closes his fist to wave
• say and sign all done "aaa-daa" - he will throw both hands up in the air and open and close both fists
• say "Da-Da"
• sign 'more' by putting his index finger to his open palm (usually with some help---he's not good at this one yet)
  
• sign 'thank you' by putting his hand to his open mouth
  
• Praise the Lord when asked to do so and smile
• Give his Daddy 'five' when asked
  
• climb up unassisted into Malachi's toddler bed
• catch on to everything around him super fast
  

Malachi-isms

• "shish a burrs" - fish & bears (pretzel goldfish & Teddy Grahams)

• "shretch shries" - french fries

• "yeah, me, too" - as in, conversations today---MJ: Momma, My put my un-wear in the trash (I put my underwear in the trash). Mom: Good job, Malachi! MJ: Yeah, me, too!---How funny!

• "Da-doo, hav-in doo-dles" - Thank you, helping, noodles---Thank you for helping me eat my noodles
• "My car in Mommy-Daddy room" - My car is in Mommy & Daddy's room. He likes to arrange the pillows in a certain way and pretend it is a car or a train.
  

Such a Long Way

Malachi James' Journey (thus far)

From This

(2 weeks)

To This

(10 months)

To This

(20 months)

To This

(2 years & 8 months)

Ezekiel Luke's Journey (thus far)
From This

(4 days old)

To This

(5 months)

To This (previous post---13 months)

Enjoy!

His romper says, "I do all my own STUNTS"!

For those of you who know anything about Ezekiel, know that this is absolutely and completely him. He has no limits on what he thinks he can do and will try to do it when I'm not looking:)

Happy Birthday, Daniel!

I know that your birthday was yesterday, but we were all kind of busy. We did "celebrate" last night, and you opened your present and had cake. I'm sorry this is coming a little late. Yay! You are 30 (gasp)!!!

This past weekend I set Malachi up for a "cute" moment. We had planned on buying Daniel a cake from a place in K-town called The Party House. They have the nice, sweet, very sugary icing that we like and moist cake. Anywho, Daniel was sitting in the other room with Ezekiel, and Malachi was "helping" me cook. So, I told Malachi that we had a "surprise" for Daddy, and that surprise was a cake. I told him not to tell Daddy because it was a "secret, shhhh." He was excited about it and repeated the phrase several times. Then I would say, "shhhh. Don't tell Daddy about his surprise. It's a secret." After our little "discussion," Malachi left me to go hide. He was thinking of the surprise that he gets when we play hide and seek. He kept saying, "My hide." He was going to his bedroom. Daniel asked him what he was doing. So, Malachi told his Daddy that he was hiding for the surprise. Daniel asked him what the surprise was, and he responded in saying that it was going to be Daddy's birthday & that we would be buying him a cake.

It was absolutely hilarious! Sorry, kid. I just couldn't resist and see what our 2 1/2 year old would do. You are so sweet and innocent!

Random-ness

We have a tradition that started from my childhood. Every Sunday we have cinnamon rolls for breakfast. There are 8 in a pack. It used to be 3 for me, 3 for Daniel, and 2 for Malachi. Now that Z eats cinnamon rolls, that math has changed a little. This morning, Daniel had 2 (on the way out the door), Malachi ate 1 and a half, I had 2 1/2, and Ezekiel ate about 2. Before too long, we'll be making 2 cartons each week! Don't they look cute with icing all over their faces!

I love them, Momma!

Over spring break, we had some gorgeous weather! We all enjoyed being outside.
Malachi is walking "see-ev" inthe front yard.

Ezekiel sat like this for a long time. How precious!

Hurry, Momma, we want to get in now.

"res-oo pak-pak"
All of a sudden, Malachi started running around last week saying, Rescue backpack from Go, Diego, go! He hadn't seen the show in about a week, but decided to put on his rocket bag & hat and run around the living room saying rescue backpack. He continues to amaze me.

More Random-ness

Malachi ate broccoli last night!!! He ate 3 "flowers" of good sized pieces of broccoli. It was frozen and then "cooked" in a pot. Ezekiel will also eat a few small pieces of broccoli when offered. The only other time Malachi had eaten broccoli was about a week before when I had a salad. He asked if he could have one (raw), dipped it in ketchup, and ate the flowers. He called the stem of it a bone. As in, "No, My eat a bone." This is the only vegetable that he has eaten since baby food. Woo-hoo!

Ezekiel finally got to move up to the one year old room today at church. His "teachers" said he was great and had a lot of fun. I knew he would enjoy it much more with all the walkers. Now, he's right across the hallway from Malachi. That means it is a little easier for drop-offs before church.

Ezekiel has also busted his lip twice and his nose once. He busted his lip for the second time yesterday. The first time was Easter Sunday when I was in the nursery with him. The nose bleed happened the day before at FA's Eggstravaganza. The first nose and lip happened because he was holding items in his mouth while walking, then fell. His lip never swelled much. Most of the bleeding took place inside his mouth. I don't have a clue how he started bleeding yesterday. Go figure!

Malachi is wearing pull-ups now. I tried at the beginning of Spring Break, but my nerves couldn't handle it. He just doesn't seem to care about going potty. So, we've decided since he won't go potty, he at least gets to change his own pee-pee diaper. We still do poop. We try to get him to do most of the changing of his clothes now. He can do it but usually doesn't like to try hard enough and asks for help quickly.

Malachi is a good big brother. Yesterday, Ezekiel was crying in his crib while the 2 were trying to nap. Malachi walked over and got his "bop" that dropped out of the crib and went back to lay down. Ezekiel was immediately quiet and went to sleep. He really does look out for his little brother a lot.

Ezekiel has been on one nap a day for about a week and a half now. He was close over spring break, but he sealed the deal when he started his new mood about a week ago. Most of the time, he will refuse to go to sleep unless Malachi is going to sleep with him in their room---more brotherly bonding!

Conversation with Malachi

One day last week I was cutting and about to peel an apple for Malachi to eat with his lunch.

MJ: No My eat paper. (No, Malachi eat paper)
Mom: What paper?
MJ: [points to the apple] No My eat paper.
Mom: Oh, Sweetie, that's PEEL on the apple, not paper. I'm about to peel it. You don't have to eat it.
MJ: Oh! [smiles with new understanding]

Dear Malachi,

I have really enjoyed spending time with you this week. I've been off for my Spring Break. We have been able to play outside together, have lunch together, and take special trips together (most of them with Z, too). You are talking sooo much better each week. You love life and live it large! You have an impressive imagination. Anything can become an animal or any cup can become coffee to share. You are also an incredibly well behaved little boy. I am amazed at times at how well you listen and follow directions for being 2 years, 8 months, 2 weeks, and 6 days (according to your Lilypie ticker). When I get you out of the car and then we walk over to get Z, you always wait for me to grab your hand before walking around the car. You wait for me to get Z out and then grab my hand again. When Ezekiel is crying in the car, you will usually try to do something to make him laugh.

You are Mommy's little helper. You will throw things away when asked, put things away, get things out. You also love to sing with me. You will sing my favorite songs when they come on the radio, and you'll sing the A-B Song with me as well as others. I've just had an absolute blast lately. After we get past a few hours of you forgetting that you can't get away with certain things with Mommy & Daddy, you will gladly oblige and listen later. We typically do a short time-out with you in your room/bed when needed. It usually works.


The way that you talk, play, and act now really makes me proud as a parent to be your Mom. I know that I can't take credit for most of it. All the glory goes to God and blessing us with an incredible son! Thursday night you and I ran out to Babies R Us to use a coupon about to expire. We took Daddy's car, and I rolled down the window for you. You put your hand on the door and let the wind blow through your hair. You enjoyed just taking it all in. You were so well behaved in the store, and you tried on a couple of pairs of shoes for me. On the way home, I just wanted to do something special for you, so we stopped at Sonic and got you a "special drink." You would have thought I bought you the world. You were so excited to have your special drink and kept talking about it.

I just kept looking back at you and realizing what I hadn't before. It was then that I understood. You see, your Grandpa occasionally will get this far-off look in his eyes (like he's proud, about to cry, and jump out of his skin with joy, all at the same time) when he looks at me or you or Z. That evening I finally got it. It's like I could just pinch your cheeks and hug all over you all day long and that it wouldn't be enough. I am so proud of who you are, so overjoyed that you are in my life, and about to cry when I think of how far you have come and how much farther you have to go. I love you so very much, but I don't know how else to say it or explain truly how I feel.

Thank you for being an incredible little boy! We'll keep playing your "songs" on DVD, especially the Jubilee song. My prayer always has and will be that you become and incredible man of God, and I hope that we are doing all that we can to set that example and raise you up in a Godly manner. You are my first born (and probably the most like me---between you and Z). I love you!

-Momma

13 Month Comparison

Ezekiel

Malachi

The Boys Today

Ezekiel-isms

"bop, bop, bop" - his pacifier (what Malachi calls all pacifiers)
"ba, ba" - bye, bye
"da, da" - Daddy

I swear that he knows what he is saying. He also tries to repeat certain phrases like, thank you.

Ezekiel is growing much faster than expected. He is getting better and better at walking. He wants to run, not walk. He can turn in any direction by basically using a pivot foot. He loves to lift both his hands way up in the air when we say, "Praise the Lord!" He will also do it all on his own when he coughs. He still loves his big brother. He wants to be in the middle of everything, especially what I am doing. He is still a Momma's boy, but he is getting better at being content with Dad and others. He has 6 teeth still. He is actually growing and gaining some weight. He normally eats like a horse and much more than his big brother.

He is such a joy, but he makes it difficult to make dinner. He is still very clingy and wanting to be held. I remember this stage with Malachi now and how difficult it was to make dinner or do anything else while he was awake. I can't wait for him to get a little bit more independent (and listen better). He is much more mobile and in to everything that he's not supposed to be into, than his brother. Malachi was a much better "listener" at this age and doing the "right thing." He definitely gives me a run for my money.

He also loves Kiev! Any time he eats, I think the two of them have certain visual signals that I don't see. He likes to giver her food, and she will not leave his side while he is sitting at his seat. Go figure!

Ezekiel's first ride in a forward-facing carseat (Sat., March 15)

Malachi-isms

• "Zee, hap-py" - Z is happy. He also tells us when he is crying ("ty-in"), he is sad, or silly ("see-eee").
• "Da-doo" - Thank you
• "Well-wum" - Your welcome
• "Paw-srill" - Paw-Paw Phil (this one just cracks me up the way he says it)
• "My pay Paw house" - Malachi (I) am playing at Grandpa's house - anytime he talks about someone or uses their name as an Possessive noun adjective, he shortens it to one syllable (like "Da in Da bed" - Daddy in Daddy's bed)
• "Yes, mam" - Yes, ma'am (sir) - last weekend he just started saying "yes." Before he would repeat the phrase if he meant yes. Now he will answer with yes and starting about Thursday this week, he started adding ma'am most of the time. We are working with him on addressing men by sir, but right now "yes, ma'am" is cute even to his Daddy.
• "Shh, Zee, see-peen" - Shh, Z is sleeping
• ***He is using the G and K sounds more often but still not on a consistent basis. I am encouraged, and I know others are because he is getting better to understand with each day.***
  

"Ezekiel-isms, too"
Ezekiel is also babbling more and more. He doesn't seem to say mom & dad with purpose but he does have the ma-ma, da-da, ba-ba, and few other occasional sounds. He has just turned the corner to toddler-hood. He has always been flexible, but he is getting better at playing and being happy until he is tired. Then, he lets you know it is naptime. He loves life and lives large. He listens to our "no"s a little better and enjoys being part of the whole part of play-time with Malachi. He loves to push cars around and give everything the taste test, still.

Happy Birthday, Aubri!

Ok. So I wanted to give a shout-out to my new "official" niece, who just had her first birthday party today!

I don't remember her birth date exactly. I need to put it in my calendar, but she is 2-3 weeks younger than Ezekiel---imagine me not remembering something! I have a friend who teases me about not even being able to remember how old I am (which is totally true).

I also didn't realize that I had been misspelling her name for a year until I saw it spelled out on her cake. I wish someone would have corrected me. The English teacher in me always likes to spell words and names correctly. Well, now I know---and knowing is half the battle (GI Joe)!

Happy 1st Birthday, Aubri! Malachi and Ezekiel had a blast at your party. Enjoy all your presents, oh, and welcome to the family (officially). You have always been a part of the family, but I'm glad it is official. You have a great mom & dad (and the rest of the family, too:)!!!

Recent Events in Our Life

Ezekiel has been taking more and more steps lately. He just gets so excited or wants to run much faster than his little legs can carry him that he gives up and does his speed crawl. I don't know if I have ever seen a baby crawl that fast. He went in to the doctor on Wednesday this week for his 12 mo. check-up. He was 16 lbs. & 14 oz. and 28 3/4 in. long. That means that he has gained around a pound in 6 months! I am absolutely baffled. Ezekiel eats more and better than Malachi. He's no where close to being turned around in his carseat. It is kind of sad, he's a year old, and we are still using the carrier carseat! I guess we'll start slipping Carnation Instant Breakfast into his soy milk to get him to gain weight. He eats well and is happy, but I guess his metabolism is extremely high due to his high level activity at such a young age. He is in the bottom 3% in weight, like the top 10% in height, and almost at a learning level of 18 mo. He really is smart for his age, just tiny!

Malachi is talking more and more often and speaking more and more clearly. He's really starting to SING and catch on to things quickly. He likes to sing his ABCs, Happy Birthday, Jesus Loves Me, Hot Dog Song (from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse), Little Einstein's theme song, and two songs from My Friends Tigger & Pooh. On Wednesday evening as we were leaving for church, one of my favorite songs were on the radio (Amazing Grace [My Chains are Gone]) and Malachi starting singing the song. It probably helps that I like to belt the song each time it comes on. I love it! This evening, when we were leaving Lowe's, a song was on about Christ being "Holy, Holy, Holy." Malachi was singing along with, "holy, holy, holy." This realization of how impressionable my children are and how hard I have worked to make our lifestyles to be those that are excellent examples to our children, is mind-blowing! I love to hear him sing. It melts me through and through.

Last week I noticed that he had cut 3 of his 4 two-year molars. It's about time kid. Ezekiel has had 6 teeth for at least a month now. Daniel & I still have all our teeth. He, he, he:)

In just a few days, Daniel and I will be traveling with 187 eighth graders to the Outer Banks for 3 days. The boys will be with grandparents (all different ones at various times).

I'm on the verge of a mental breakdown but am working to resolve that this week. I'm just too stressed & tired. I have been more sick in the past 6 months than I have been in the past 6 years. It's not fair to my family or to my students at work. Daniel has a different possibility of a job change to what he wants and is called to do. Please pray!

We just bought a new dishwasher and disposal for our house. The dishwasher sounded like it was about to fall apart into a gazillion pieces and spill water all over the place. We got a good deal, and Daniel installed them both. The boys had fun today playing in the box (or should I say, house).

Malachi is using the g and k sounds some now but not always. He's impressing me with his memory and how attentive to certain things that he is.

Here are some birthday pictures as well as some others!

Oh, look Mommy! A forward-facing carseat that I can't use before I gain at least 3 pounds!
It was just what you asked for me, before you learned that I just don't gain weight. Ha, ha!

I love my cake, Momma! Thanks for letting me feed myself with a big ole spoon.
I enjoyed every bite, once I finally figured out that being messy was ok.

From this (Feb. 2007)

To this (Feb. 2008)

What a big boy!