Helena says... (Part Two)

Recently at a children's Bible study, Helena learned the story of Abraham and God's promise to him. We went over the story with her, and we connected the story to her memory verse from the study: "I trust in your word" (Psalm 119:42). God promised Abraham that he would have lots and lots of kids (as we put it), and Abraham trusted God's word; he trusted that God would do what he promised. And, of course, he did.

I also taught Helena the "Father Abraham" song (Father Abraham had many sons, many sons had father Abraham. I am one of them, and so are you, so let's all praise the Lord.). I like to change the word "sons" to "kids," to include daughters like Helena, and because its a better rendering of what God promised to Abraham anyways.

The other night at bedtime, I sang the Father Abraham song to Helena. Lying there in the dark, I tried to make the connection again for Helena. "Abraham trusted God's word."

To this, Helena promptly responded, "You didn't trust God's word, Daddy."

I was a bit taken aback by this bold assessment.

"I didn't? Why not?"

"You only have two kids."

Engaging in Illegal Thumb-Sucking Activity

Our little girl loves her thumb.  I was okay with this until she began to ride the subway when not in a stroller.  The world of germs seemed to appear on that day, causing me to decide the rest of our children will not suck their thumbs.  No way.

Child number two does not seem to understand this.  Benjamin first found his thumb on Day 3.  We immediately called Helena over, she loved that her little brother was just like her, we took a picture, and he lost his thumb. 

On Day 5 we took a picture and then promptly took his thumb out.

 By Day 12, Benjamin had learned that if he happened to get his thumb in, he'd better hold on tight.

What about a soother, right?  (Pacifiers are almost always called soothers in Canada.  Such an appropriate term, I think, that it's been fully adopted in our family.  Unlike calling the letter z "zed", which we have only partially adopted.)  Yes, we have one.  Benjamin's relationship with it has been decreasing as each day goes on.

 

So we'll see what happens.  Any tips?

In Sickness and In Snow

One of my new year's goals is to just get 'er done.  I am SO GOOD at procrastinating, it's embarrassing.  So, this year I'm just doing it.  Part of the goal is to spend less time on the computer, as it is my go-to when I am avoiding, which has made not doing the blog easier.  See, I want to catch us up over the last 4 months in which so much of life I'd like to remember has not be memorialized on Livin' Life, but then here I am once again dragging my feet in writing a simple post about today...

The past week has been different for a few reasons.  All three of us had the flu, each coming down with it two days apart.  John & I were trying to figure out last night what is easier - taking care of Helena when she feels good but we feel awful or when the roles are switched - and we honestly couldn't decide on an answer.  But, thank the Lord, our sick symptoms are almost gone. 

The other reason it's been crazy has been due to the weather.  One day - freezing cold.  Next day - supposed to be 50F but instead it's wet glorious snow.  Third day - cold.  Fourth day - barely need a jacket outside.  Fifth day - back to being frigid.  And so on.

On day 2, Helena & I went out and played in the snow while John fought the flu.



On day 4, John & Helena went and got soaked in puddles while I was in bed.

On day 8 (today), Helena wanted to build a snowman but that's not possible in green grass, so we made one inside.

First Haircut

For some reason, I had this notion that Helena's first haircut was going to a great opportunity for fun pictures. Well, it wasn't.  She was thrilled to walk into the salon and find all these fun things to sit on, but from the moment the hairdresser walked towards her until the moment we left - with a quick horsey ride in between (during which I had to be at her side) - she was hysterical.

My arms were wrapped around her body with her head on my shoulder for almost the entire haircut, but on my fourth or fifth time of trying to sneak away to take a shot, I made it in time to take the above photo.  Two seconds later Helena was practically falling out of the fire engine trying to get to me.

I apologized to the lady for giving her such a rough time right when the salon opened.  She replied that Helena actually did much better than most kids on their first haircut!  So, for all of you mothers whose kids haven't had their first haircuts yet, you now know to not expect too much.

The Parents Rap

I can't figure out how to put this on the blog, but all you parents out there, you should watch this 3 minute video.  It'll provide you with a good laugh.

http://www.dump.com/parentsrap/

Where has the time gone?

When I think over the last week, I ask myself what have we done with all our time?  Then I realize, well, we did a little of this...

Sleeping with Daddy

and a little of that...

napping alone

and a little more of this...

Falling asleep together while we wait for the doctor.

 That's right - a nasty bug hit our home once again.  Ugh.  I know kids get sick a lot in their first few years and it's good for them as it builds their immune systems, but John & I are really ready for the regular sickness to be over & done with.

With being sick, our social lives ended but we still had lots to do at home:

Like celebrate John's birthday with homemade donuts.  I know, they definitely don't look like donuts but they tasted like donuts!  It was my first attempt, and I learned many things, one being making donuts when it's 94 degrees is just not a good idea.

Making Gak.  Helena was very interested until it was time to touch the finished product.  Anybody have any good craft/project ideas to do with a 1 1/2 year old?

Having matching painted toenails is Helena's and my new thing.  She can barely manage to sit still long enough for one of her toes to partially dry but she loves to pretend to paint my fingernails and toenails.

Yes - a report on food!  It's been a LONG time since one of those.  Well, I've been cooking away even though there have been no posts.  I actually just finished my first Shutterfly cookbook of our favorite desserts, so there are lots of sweets to eat around here.

We're better now.  Anyone want to come over for dessert?

Happy Father's Day John!

 

John, you are a great dad.  Thanks for wanting to do exactly what Helena wanted to do this morning.  We miss you lots and are excited to see you on Wednesday!

The Best Feeling in the World

A thought occurred to me a couple weeks ago, when I was missing my daughter, who was in Oregon.

I used to think that the best feeling in the world was when you were a kid and you got hurt or something was wrong, and you just ran to your mom or dad and they held you. You felt safe, like everything in the world was OK, like someone was there to take care of you no matter what and love you no matter what. I loved that feeling, and sometimes I really miss that feeling as a grown up.

But it's not the best feeling in the world. It's the second best. The best is being the parent in that situation.

I'm glad my daughter is back!