February 27, 2009

Food for Thought

In my travels, I once met a man named Vlada. He was an old man, but still so full of life. The stories he could tell were amazing and he shared freely. He once told me about traveling on a river in Africa with a cannibal. The cannibal shared with Vlada what he believed to be the best-tasting part of the human body - the base of a thumb.

I've thought about that over the years, and shivered. But sometimes when I look at my kids I wonder. I mean, surely those fat little chubby cheeks would taste yummy. Or those chunky thighs. What is it about how cute they are that makes me say "I could just eat you up!"?

Is it possible that's what happens in nature? Forget about a mom eating her young because they were sickly or small or something. Maybe they were just too stinkin' cute for their own good! Maybe she just couldn't help herself. And one bite leads to the next....Oops. Good-bye baby!

February 24, 2009

Almost There!

Ahh...

the incomparable joy

of realizing

that some of those old clothes

fit once again!

February 20, 2009

Beautiful Baby

"What beautiful eyes he has!"

"She's just gorgeous!"

"What a cutie!"

"Her Daddy will be chasing the boys away!"

When we go out with our little ones, the comments pour in. So what's the best response? I never really know what to say. "Thank you" of course. But who are they complimenting? Me on my great genes? Or maybe they're complimenting me for picking a spouse with good genes. So is saying thank you really saying "thank you for thinking I'm nice looking" too?

Often when people tell me my kids are beautiful I'll say "I know, aren't they?" But then I get funny looks. So I guess it's back to "Yes they are. And I made them that way. Well, with a little bit of help from Daddy."

How's That Feel?

Well, something is working! The anesthesiologist and I are becoming quite close, what with my requests for epidurals and all. Here's a look back:

10. Potty training - still a struggle, but at least he's using the big one now!

9. Milk and soy free foods - getting easier, slowly

8. Car we're using for car that's not working - we were given another car!

7. Updates for computer - still not working

6. Slow computer - make that, s-l-o-w---c-o-m-p-u-t-e-r

5. Losing baby weight - HOORAY! new "diet" works wonders! Only 7 lbs to go!

4. Housing - I think this epidural never took

3. Car that won't go in reverse - we bought a used car!

2. Mother-in-law - getting sick helped me see her in a new light...until she called the other day...

1. Breastfeeding - a thousand times better now!

All-in-all, I have to say I'm quite pleased. But don't worry - I'm sure there will be more requests in the near future!

February 13, 2009

Happy Birthday...?

This was the one that was never meant to be. I'd die before turning 30!! At least, that's what I always thought.

But now, here it is - my 29 + 1 and I'm not excited. How did I even get here? I know I'm not a teenager anymore, but 30????

It's vanity, I know. "30 is the new 20!" and all that jazz. I think I'd rather stay 29. There's something about that number. It's old enough to feel distinguished - upper 20's and all. Add to that the fact that I'm married and have two kids - heck! I'm all set!

But 30? I mean, we work with a high school youth group! I know they look at us and see so many milestones between us already. But once you're in your 30's you might as well have one foot in the grave! To a teenager, 30 is ancient.

And isn't 30 when you're supposed to have it all together? House, career, savings, all that? Oops. I knew I forgot something.

Hmm, I know what you're thinking - this is too much thinking for one little birthday. What will you do when 40 comes along? Well let me just tell you - I'm pretty sure I won't be alive to hit 40!

February 8, 2009

Beauty

I once told my mom I had inherited all of her and my dad's worst qualities. I was short, had hair that couldn't decide if it was curly or straight, needed braces and glasses - basically, everything a teenage girl could complain about. My mom was hurt and upset, and now I can understand why. When I look at my tiny girl, I can't help but wonder what her complaints will be. What offhand comment will someone make that affects her whole life? Which features will be analyzed daily in the mirror? What will she beg God to change?

I look at my daughter and see perfection. She's so beautiful. So elegantly crafted. So sweetly designed. I want her to know I think that. I want her to know that it's true - and not just because I'm her mom.

Dear sweet girl - you are beautiful! You were formed in the image of your Creator and He delights in you! He gave you as a precious gift to us and we are so blessed to know you. You are of great value - of high worth. All of your parts were designed with purpose in mind - no matter what you think of them. All of you is beautiful. But beauty is not the greatest part of your worth. You are a child of God and both His princess, and Daddy's. No matter what you do or become, we will rejoice that you are ours. You are perfect in our eyes.

February 3, 2009

Six Words...for Motherhood

"My marital advice? Marry an orphan." - Kristina Wright

Inspired by a new book on love and heartbreak called "Not Quite What I Was Expecting: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure", I've decided to attempt summing up motherhood in six-word phrases. Feel free to add your own - hey, we've all got a mom somewhere.

Never before felt so much worry.

All the gains outweigh my losses.

No thanks. I'm good with two.

One boy. One girl. It's perfection.

When do I get adult conversation?

How is this much love possible?

How do moms of multiples survive?

Of course I'm a working mother.

Back then, friends' moms were cool.

My mom believed in unconditional love.