Friday, November 05, 2010

These two little guys...





So here I am trying to strike a balance and find time to update a blog while maintaining some sense of control in our home at the same time. Not an easy task with Crew around- he is ALL about being and acting like a 2 year old. Which, according to his pediatrician, is perfectly normal and acceptable for him. Since he is 2! In these photos he had pulled Brock's Batman t-shirt out of the clean laundry basket and proceeded to wear it proudly all day long. He is quite the character in real life- even without this type of t-shirt on. He is wild and demanding and loud and stubborn and smart and into everything; in addition, he knows what he wants. Did I mention he is demanding?! Oh yes he is. But he has this way of pouring on the charm too. We only wish he would be more charming- more often! We are worn very thin by his demands most days, but that little bit of love he gives somehow makes us hang in there with him and try to work things out. However that turns out to be. One day we will tell him all about how he acted when he was two and likely he will grow into someone fiercely independent and able to do amazing things. Because that's exactly how I would describe him right now. Only the "amazing things" he does right now most often get him in trouble!
His little brother, Teague, on the other hand is quite the opposite these days. He is so mellow and happy and just a little bundle of charm. His eyes light up at almost everything he sees and everyone of the kids can make him smile and coo now. It makes us all melt and he seems to know that and it leads to more smiling and cooing. Teague is so observant and aware of his surroundings now. He still loves to be held and cuddled and smothered with kisses. And although he is just 11 weeks, it seems as if we've had him around forever. We couldn't imagine life without him. He's added a lot of love and happiness to our lives already! Now we do know that he will be 2 one day too, but for now, we're soaking him up just the way he is.
Wyndham continues to spend long days in her wheelchair or laying on the couch. I've nearly worn my back out having to lift her and change her diapers a few times this week. My body was not made to lift 80 lbs, but we're are managing to get through this extra-trying time for her. She seems to be more accepting of her double casts right now and rarely lets it affect her mood. I wish I could just roll with circumstances the way she does. We are lucky that she's such an easy-going kid too. It makes the hard times in life just a bit more tolerable. With 3 more weeks to go it is starting to seem like there is an end in sight for this phase of her recovery. Hopefully she will have her casts off jst in time for Thanksgiving and believe me, it will give us all something to be grateful for! Or should I say one MORE thing to be thankful for. We are a big, busy family, but when I pause long enough to reflect on it or write out a few thoughts on life right now, I can see clearly how we are blessed as well. Blessed- even with challenges and an independent 2 year old. =) Hope you're finding things to be grateful for as November gets underway. Being grateful for small things each day can lead to a heart filled to the brim with contentment all life long!

7 comments:

DJones said...

I rarely comment (but always check in!), but I just had to say a little something. Your description of Crew would be some (a lot)of the same words that I used to describe my son. For all of his demanding and high maintenance, he had such a wonderful, loving and sweet side. Quite the charmer. There were days I wondered what in the world I would do with this crazy kid! But I tell you this because as he has grown, he is less demanding. Although still very independant. But also very loving and outgoing. He is 6 1/2 now. I couldn't imagine him any other way. So, hang in there!

Unknown said...

i LOVE the batman! :] I can't believe Crew is 2! [i feel old! :] ]

Lauren said...

Those boys are just precious!!!!! Love you, friend!!!!

mimisherry said...

I cannot imaqine how busy and consumed you must be each and every day! You have far more than the "usual" demands and challenges. As usual you are bright and positive about it.
XO<3

BT Laurie said...

I appreciate your honest comments about parenting. I too had a "Crew" and survived the terrible twos - although I learned the importance of SELF CARE during that time. Exercise and sleep ARE STILL A NECESSITY for my sanity. My 'Crew' mellowed considerably at 10 years old. I have told him more than once that his smile and charm kept him alive!
You final comment about finding small things to be thankful for each day - is SO IMPORTANT! A thankful, prayerful heart and a grace filled God will help you make it! I admire you and your husband for making raising your children the #1 priority in your life. You are giving the world a treasure and honoring God with your commitment. Press on Jody!

Sasha Farina said...

you're an amazing mama! i love his batman tshirt btw :) yay crew.

Unknown said...

Jodi,
I have so much respect for you, and don't even know you. Thank you for sharing your fellings, and if it makes you feel better, then you should let them fly. Your expressions of frustration help others to realize that its ok to be frustrated - in a healthy way of course. Your families tragedies have to be faced daily. After the loss of my son, I know that dealing with the loss of a child is unbearable in itself, but having to help, care for, and raise Wyndam, I can only imagine the grief that goes towards that also. You are an amazing person, and I don't know why life is so hard for some people and not for others.....I hope you see blessings and grace soon!

Love, Christy

P.S. can't wait to see some wonderful recipies for Thanksgiving :)If you have time!