January 14, 2011

Once again we have reached a monthly milestone. Andrew is four months old today. One third of a year old. (Hold on a sec, I'm hyperventilating.) I know it doesn't make sense to anybody else, but I feel the swift passage of time quite acutely.
So let's take a quick visual tour through memory lane.

Chubba Bubba


Cute little Bug


Smiley Riley


Squishy, my AndyDrew

Overload

You may wonder why I always seem to be on overload. So I have given you a small taste. This video demonstrates what my WHOLE day is like. And this was just before 8 o'clock in the morning! It's not the best video quality, but I was going for sound more than visual. Enjoy a taste of my day.

This Is For You, Mom

Ethan was singing "Shake Your Booty" at snack time. It's supposed to be "Shake Your Groove Thing", but when children try to translate from listening to Alvin and the Chipmunks, well, you never know what they're really going to hear. And Ethan's "Shake Your Booty" somehow manages to be about ten syllables, rather than four. So I wanted to get a video of him singing it. I was unsuccessful. However, what I did get instead couldn't have been planned. In just these two tiny seconds, I received the greatest gift; laughter. I could not stop laughing. I could hardly walk up the stairs to show Nick what his son just did. I couldn't stop thinking of my Mom and how she would have loved to see this. Usually, I am reduced to trying to describe an event and leave it up to her amazing visualization. This time; I get to show her!

So this is for you, Mom. Enjoy these two tiny seconds as many times as you want. Believe me, I have already watched several minutes worth of this video and am laughing each and every time. It doesn't get old, to me, at least.

The greatest thing about it, was that Ethan just stood right up and kind of chuckled at himself. He pops right up and laughingly said, "Oh, sorry Mom."

Later, when I got the video uploaded onto the computer, I showed Ethan, over and over and over again. And he was laughing as hard as I was. I hope he keeps that attitude. He seems to have inherited my grace. That, coupled with his complete inhibition is a little scary, but can be oh, so funny, too. I hope he can always laugh at himself. It took me years to learn to laugh at myself, and I spent many a miserable hours watching others laugh at me. When I found to humor in my "gracefulness" I was a much happier person. Now, I'm usually the one laughing the hardest....unless my Mom or sisters are around.

We've Reached That Point...

Andrew is already in 6/9 mos size clothing! Just 3 1/2 months old and in 6/9 mos clothing. He's becoming more aware of his surroundings. He's starting to reach for things close by; mostly my fingers or the collar of my shirt. He is also becoming quite vocal at times. I love to hear him talk. He is not necessarily soft spoken! And there is a clear transition from him talking nicely to getting upset. It is so funny to watch, because there are times when his face looks happy but his voice is not, and there are times when his voice is happy but his face is not! Usually when he reaches that point, he is ready for a nap. By the time I pick him up and sit in the rocking chair, he is out almost before I can start rocking.
Andrew is such a happy, contented baby for the most part. I enjoy him immensely.

Joey went back to school today after Christmas vacation. He enjoyed his time at school, but was in a stew about having homework. He decided that he just wasn't used to doing homework and he shouldn't have to do it anymore. Poor Joey. I'm wondering though, why the homework sent home today was the same homework he had done before going on break. I wonder if there was confusion since there was a substitute, and if different homework will come home tomorrow. We'll see. In any case, Joey has even less of a reason for throwing a fit, as he has already done this homework and it should be that much easier!

Nick has highs and lows, and not a lot in between. In one half hour of time, he can throw the biggest fit about having to clean up, to changing it around and being the most helpful. Usually there is a paid consequence in between, and I'd like to think that he learns his lesson. But he does the same thing the next time it's time to clean up....or whatever the task may be. He can be very defiant and unloving (literally saying things like "I hate this family" and "Do you want me to punch you to death?") to being one of the most loving, cuddly kids, craving attention and affection.

Ethan! I don't think he could squish any more character and personality into that little body of his. He is an absolute riot! He keeps me laughing more than anybody right now. Unfortunately, I'm usually laughing when trying to discipline him...which isn't very effective. You would think that by my third child I would have learned some control. The thing is, as they get older, it is much easier to be ugly when disciplining. But the problem is, that by the time they are old enough for that, they have learned that I'm not an effective disciplinarian (since I laughed for the first few years of their lives) and they don't listen, obey, or respect me...hence, getting ugly!
But Ethan...I wish more people got to see him in his "natural habitat" because he is a ham! When we come to town, he can be funny and outgoing, but he never gets quite to the level that he gets to at home. And if he catches you watching him be funny...he'll stop and get all shy.

Well, even though I may have more to say, I should probably try to get some sleep. Goodnight.