Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Interacting.





My days seem to run together into a blur of unending clothes to wash and dry, toys to pick up, baths to give and meals to prepare and clean up after. Sometimes there are little bright spots, like a nap while Crew sleeps (he naps for 30-45 minutes, usually 3 or 4 times a day), or a tiny Tupperware teaparty with fresh baked banana bread with Ava, or Brock playing a new chord on his guitar, or the smile Bella gives after recently losing her two front teeth. There is a lot of 'usual, ordinary' stuff going on around here, which is both wonderful and exhausting at the same time. I'm still trying to figure out how things can be both. =)
I'm more and more amazed at how a newborn baby can take it's first breaths and need care non-stop around the clock and then less than six months later has a full-blown personality, likes and dislikes and wants to log into Webkinz using his own password! Crew has decided he wants to do what everybody else is doing around here. In the top two pictures you can see he has rolled over and moved away from the infant playgym and thinks he is playing on the laptop woth Ava. I'm sure that there are age recommendations from pediatricians as to how much screen time a baby should or shouldn't have. I'm sure Crew doesn't even fall on those charts yet, but try telling him that! He's been fussy for the first time in his short life starting this past weekend. I think he is starting some teething, but also I think he just wants to do more than he is able to do at this point in his development.
Wyndham seems to be noticing him more as he smiles and interacts with her with sounds. I wonder if she can sort of understand his babbling more than the rest of us can. For some reason, it just seems like they have a language all their own. It's cute to watch, and I'm already hoping Crew will pick up sign language easily so that he and Wyndham can grow their connection even more.
I'm ready for some sunshine and fresh air as this winter/cold/rainy weather drags on here in Michigan. We never take spring break vacations, as the golf course is usually just kicking off the season, so I am anxious as ever for a warm spring. I can tell my mood has suffered some the past few months, and it is topped off this month as we approach another one of Teagan's birthdays without her. It's always a bittersweet time of rembrance and celebration. I look forward to seeing some new life and bursts of growth on the trees and from the ground as a reminder that there is beauty all around and life goes on.
As much as I interact with my family, there's always a piece of me that never ceases to miss one more of us. Even if it meant more laundry, more books and toys and clothes to pick up, it wouldn't matter to me. Her hugs and kisses would be more than enough payment for the extra effort it would cost me. As busy as I am each day, I still miss interacting with her. And that makes me love the interactions with the rest of them that much more.

13 comments:

Dana said...

the pictures of Crew with Ava are adorable but the ones with Wyndham brought tears to my eyes for some reason.

Cheeziemommie said...

I just love these pictures that you posted today!

Chelsea said...

You bless my heart every time you post. Such an encouragement as we do life. Thank you.

JSM said...

Jody~ I am addicted to your zucchini muffin/bread recipe.. any chance you would share your banana one too?

Jen said...

I am a mom in Texas and have been following your blog for a while. I have a 5 year old and a 3 year old. Sometimes when I feel like I am going crazy with my kids and all the demands of being a mom I look at your blog and feel inspired. I also take a moment to thank God for my children. Your blog has touched my life- thank you.

A Mother's Love said...

Hi there! I just came upon your blog and I have to say, I LOVE it!!! You are a wonderful person and a blessing to your family, and everyone around you. I am so sorry for your loss, we too have suffered a loss, Our son died of SIDS. If you ever have time, please visit my blog...it's new and still needs work!!
http://www.tutusandchoochoos.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing your stories & beautiful pictures!!1 Kelley

erin said...

jody,
you have such a beautiful family.
much love and blessings,
erin

Anonymous said...

love you jody....wish we could tea party together cos I miss my friend....xx

Lauren said...

Jody, your blog is a continuous blessing! Those pictures say so much!!! I LOVE them!!! And know that God is with you in the midst of those times when missing Teagan!!

Anonymous said...

I love your blog. Look forward everyday to check to see what is going on with your family. I hope you keep doing what you are doing because you are such an inspiration to all of us and WE ALL MISS TEAGAN TOO. Thanks for all you do.

Anonymous said...

What a great post.
The photos of Crew and the girls are priceless.
Carly

Anonymous said...

Jodi, I love your blog! It makes me want to love more, pray , cry, smile...Today , my best friend lost her 14 yr old daughter to cancer, as i read your words tonight i just want to cry. Your blog has been such a blessing to me,I love the last paragraph..I'm sure my friend would feel the same way,if she were to read it..Thank you for making me try to be a better mommy/person..thanks for being you..:)

Casey said...

Oh my....that little guy is getting soooo big. I dont respond much my dear...but I read your blog all the time. I just love your attitude...you are a breath of fresh air, and you make me realize how great life is.

Laurie