Mr. Social

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted last.  We have been very busy with the business, an active toddler, and a pregnancy.

Thankfully our schedule is going to slow down a bit so I should be able to keep up again:)

Carson has become Mr. Social.  He went through a shy stage that we thought was pretty normal.  Both Josh and I were extremely shy growing up so we thought he would be the same. Well Carson has seemed to grow out of it.  He now wants to say hi to everybody and I mean everybody.  Even people who don't want to say hi to him.  Which really bugs me.  How can you not say hi back to an adorable two year old!  The nerve of some people.  However, it is teaching him about the real world, it's just hard as a mom to watch.

This new social interest is also causing Josh and I to step out of our box a bit.  I don't think I've ever talked to strangers so much in my life!  Suddenly I'm striking up conversations with random people at the grocery store as I interpret what my son is trying to say to them.  Plus what he's trying to say is usually very two-year old oriented.  "Hi, HI, I have Lightening McQueen on my shoes.  He goes fast and my shoes light up...see...oh they didn't light up...sorry blows raspberry."  When I interpret these conversations people look at me like my child is strange.  Oh well, it makes sense to a two year old and I happen to find it adorable :)  I make sure to reassure Carson since I think his new budding social life is good for him.

Hugs & Kisses - The Essential Part of our Discipline

The beginning of this pregnancy was no cake walk.  I was more exhausted this time around and that made my morning sickness much harder to deal with.  Then I had a few weeks on bed rest during that time.  Through all of this, Carson didn't get much mommy time.  I was too tired and had absolutely no motivation to do anything.  Plus the smell of another person, including my precious son, set my morning (all day) sickness off.  Carson didn't get a lot of love and attention from me for a period of about three months.  Do you think it's a coincidence then that he became out of control during this time?  My poor hubby's head was spinning trying to figure out what happened to our once happy and obedient toddler (well, at least most of the time :).  Finally, when some of my energy started returning and my morning sickness was fading a little I realized how little I had been hugging and kissing my little guy, which is something I did a lot (I can't help it, he's just too cute!).  I immediately started planting kisses on his cheek while he was playing or hug him randomly.  With just this little change his devil horns were starting to disappear.  As more of my energy returned, I added in play time and one-on-one attention and what do you know!?  Our little guy was back.  We could once again go out in public. Our house became much more peaceful.  Now, time, love, and attention are my #1 priorities in order to keep his good behavior up and his bad behavior at bay.  It takes time and energy but for us, it is well worth the effort.

My Little Hunter

Josh and I were watching the most terrible documentary last night.  By terrible I mean rather unbelievable.  It was about Stone Henge and maybe there was some truth to it but the majority of the documentary seemed to be taken up by snippets of what life was like in 4000 b.c. by portraying out there stories.  So the whole time Josh and I were saying how ridiculous this was, how do they know if two brothers went hunting on sacred ground and were frightened by spirits?  Anyway during this time of bashing the film, Carson was apparently watching the two brothers hunt with fascination.  These two hunters took down a pig with bows and arrows and that was the end of the story.  Carson wanted to know what happened to the pig after that. While I was thoughtfully trying to think of what to say to a two year old on this subject, Josh blurts out that they took it home and cooked it.  My jaw dropped!  In my mind I'm thinking that Carson is picturing fuzzy animals being cooked.  Yet to my surprise Carson had the opposite reaction I thought he would.  He thought it was cool and talked incessantly for the next 20 minutes about how they took the pig home and cooked it and ate it, all the while showing us how they hunted him.   Then he stops and demanded his hat, coat and boots so he could go hunt a pig too.  Finally, we were able to convince him that there were no wild pigs in our neighborhood. Sometimes it shocks me how fast little boys become boys. 

Puke

This is a subject that would have had me running...that is before having a child.  I always thought my mom was a saint for taking care of me when I was sick and cleaning up after me when I couldn't make it to the bathroom.  Then I got married and my hubby took over the role my mother previously had, elevating his level to sainthood. 


Throw up is actually something I feared dealing with as a parent (how silly is that!?). I have a strong stomach for other things, I'm a caregiver for goodness sake, yet seeing vomit, makes me...vomit. 
I was very pleased when Carson was a little over a year and I met my first challenge head on.  I didn't even gag as he threw up every 20 mins all over me, the couch, and the floor then smearing it everywhere the entire night.  With calm reserve I quickly wiped away the messes.  My husband looked at me like an amazing warrior...he was proud of me as he quickly went to hide away from the nastiness. 

Having a toddler means that my strength is tested often.  He picks up every little virus he comes into contact with.  It dawned on me this last time, just a few days ago, how awesome it feels to be a mom.  As I held his little bucket and helped him sit up from sleep to take care of business, it amazed me at the strength you get just from becoming a mom.  It just happens.  You don't even realize it or see it happening but before you know it you're stronger than you ever thought you'd be.  It took me awhile to become a true mama bear but oh boy I now have no problem letting out a nice growl (or roar as necessary).   

Winter Wonderland

I am loving this snow!  Maybe it has to do with the fact that we are now living in a warm house in which the heat doesn't fluctuate.  Watching the snow fall outside our windows is truly beautiful.  Plus I have really enjoyed playing in the snow with Carson attempting to build snowmen.  He doesn't understand the concept so he ends up just knocking them down.  Rather disappointing after spending 45 mins attempting to shape and sculpt one.  Oh and he thinks the stick arms are his toys so our snowmen have arms for about 3 seconds.
Since turning two, it's like Carson has taken a magic independent pill that suddenly gave him the ability to play on his own for a majority of the day.  Where'd my little guy go?  Okay, well he's still little and I am enjoying this new age.  He is such a character.  Oh and he's gotten completely Daddy obsessed which I know makes the hubs happy since he has watched Carson snuggle me for the last 2 years.  Whenever Josh would try to comfort Carson he would just get pushed away, poor Dad!  It broke his heart.  The other night Carson fell asleep in Daddy's arms which was the first time since Carson had become aware of who was holding him...so about since Carson was a few weeks old.  Let's just say he's enjoying the new spotlight.  Plus it gives me a little bit of a break!  

Carson got to ride in the vroom vroom cart today

It is amazing what becoming a mother does to a person.   Today Carson and I went grocery shopping.  We went to Yokes because they have the cool carts with the cars in front.  Carson loves those things and he always recognizes that Yokes is the store that has them.  As we pulled into the parking lot I got a little nervous because there were a lot of cars.  Which meant more parents with their children using the special carts.  I drove past each cart return to make sure there wasn't one hanging out by it's lonesome before heading inside.  As we were walking in, I peeked over to where the car carts should be and there were none.  I was quickly disappointed as Carson was making vroom vroom noises in my ear.  I took a step further and spotted a couple pushing their son out in none other than Carson's favorite car.  I spotted that they only had one bag of groceries so I practically chased these people down and asked them if they were done with the cart.  They looked at each other and I knew what they were silently saying.  We parents keep our children in the cars until the last possible moment to make parting a little easier and to create happiness as long as possible.  They were already outside the store so what was the harm in ending their son's ride a little short?  I thought about offering to follow them to their car to prevent any tantrums but decided that might be a little awkward.  They finally said yes and I let out a woohoo (on the inside).  Then I smiled and graciously thanked them and we made small talk.  They understood.  Shopping with a toddler is so much easier when they are entertained.  Those carts are a sanity saver!  Thankfully the little boy seemed to be distracted by the extra company and gave up the car without a fuss to his mom's surprise. 

I had to laugh as I headed into the store.  Before having kids, never in a million years would I have walked right up to a stranger like I did.  Especially if it was any inconvenience for the other person.  Had the couple said no, I wouldn't have been offended.  They would have been standing up for their son's right to enjoy the car a little longer and I would have just hung back I while until I could retrieve it from the cart return.  Minor conflict is not such a big deal to me anymore. I knew I would grow and mature after having a child, but I did not expect my own personality to change.  I love that it has.  I love that I have the confidence to be a mama bear.   Not only for Carson, but for myself as well. 

Carson's Life

Today it hit me how different of a life Carson is going to have living in an Adult Family Home.  This isn't our permanent solution, but we'll be here for at least a couple of years.  Plenty of time to influence his upbringing and create memories here that he will actually remember.  This morning he shared breakfast with a 90-year old Japanese woman.  Plain old cheerios but they smiled at each other while they ate and they had somewhat of a conversation with Carson's baby gibberish.  It melted my heart and made me question, how many other toddlers are doing this?  Probably a few, but not many.  I know that it will make his life so much more rich having empathy early on for our elderly.  Maybe that's why Josh has such a tender heart for the frail as well, because it started so young?  Besides panicking over dropped pills Carson might pick up and eat (I have become religious about sweeping and vacuuming) there really is no negative to this situation.  Josh and I both get to parent Carson.  That's another thing most toddlers don't get, both parents.  While I still do the majority of the "mothering" such as providing comfort, Daddy is here to go rough house and play outside with the water hose.  It makes me unbelievably happy that we have a way to not only support ourselves but be stay-at-home parents. It's not easy by any means, but well worth it.

Carson also has other sources of attention.  When he gets bored with us, he goes into the living room and hams it up for the grandmas and grandpas.  Thankfully everyone here loves children.  It seems to be good for the young and old alike to be together.   One of the grannies here, Josh's actual Grandma, can get a little unsteady but she also likes to wander.  Well whenever she starts to walk, we walk with her a ways before sitting her back down.  Josh and I were busy and I just here "mommy, mommy, mommy"  over and over in a very loud and anxious voice.  There Carson was standing in front of Grandma Allen pointing up at her slightly bouncing up and down.  He had positioned himself in a way so that she was unable continue walking.  He was alerting us that she was up and needed assistance.  It really amazed me.  When he helps me put the ladies to bed at night, he grabs gloves from the drawer and puts them on as we walk to their room just like mommy.  I couldn't have a better little helper.

I hope as time goes on he continues to see this living situation as an adventure like he seems to do now. 

Let Boys be Boys

As I was putting Carson to bed last night, a neighbor started up their lawn mower and Carson who was almost asleep instantly sprung out of my arms and ran around yelling Daddy and pointing to the window.  He wanted to go help and be apart of what was going on.  His brown eyes just lit up.  I laughed and as usual responded by kissing him and telling him..."you are such a boy."

During Carson's pregnancy we found out his gender.   At the time of the ultrasound, we discovered he was a boy sooner than we were supposed to.  The tech was just sweeping over his little body checking everything out, but we unmistakably got our answer.  My life changed, right then and there.  From that point on I was the mom of a little boy.   My mission in life changed and all I could dream about was the many different things we would do together like racing cars around the house and playing in the mud. Not to mention that from then on I had and have the responsibility of raising a little boy to be a man of God and a good husband and father.  All those dreams of racing cars and playing in the mud together have come true and in ample amounts.  When Carson comes inside covered from head to toe in dirt, I smile.  It makes my heart happy knowing he was for a little while able to be the little caveman he so desires to be.

The differences between a boy and a girl became apparent much sooner than I thought was possible.  The moment he started really interacting with us, probably around 3 months, he started showing interest in tools and anything that Daddy did.  It became really important to me to protect the ability for him to be a boy.  Sometimes I hear gasps around me at the things I let him do, like jump off the couches at anxiety inducing heights.  As long as a few pillows are underneath him, I have no worries and I let him go for it.  I also let him use real tools alongside daddy during projects.  Once again I hear gasps as he tries to hammer a nail into a board.  Instead of overreacting and stopping him, I stand back and watch him.  He's not hammering like a crazy man, he his slowly and methodically trying to get that nail into that board.  So I just wait and watch and give him time.  He was completely content to try over and over to get it to work like Daddy.  Finally, when he gave up I put the hammer and nails away, but during subsequent projects and with supervision, I have let him try again.   I don't have high expectations for him in regards to his manliness, I just want to support what is there, his own personal interests.  We call him our worker boy.  Anything he can physically do, he tries.

I don't think our society presently allows little boys to be boys.  It requires getting dirty and lots of attention and energy to makes sure they are safe.  It can be downright exhausting when he wants to go outside and play in the "wat" for what seems like the millionth time that day.  But it is worth it and I encourage you mothers of boys to really accept them for who they are.  Let them get dirty, get scraped knees, and run around like a wild child for a bit.   Focus their physical energy on activities they enjoy.   You will have a much happier and content child if you do.

Return of a decent bedtime?

Carson fell asleep before 8 tonight.  It was exactly 7:56 when his heavy lids closed.  Just had to share the great news!  We've been dealing with Carson running around like a crazy child until 9:30/10ish before he would finally crash.  That's been going on for the last two weeks.  Maybe he just had using the potty on his mind? I've heard that right before developmental milestones children have a hard time sleeping.  Whatever the reason, this is such a relief that maybe the tide has turned and we can once again resume our 8pm bedtime.  Josh and I have been missing our alone time together. 

Alright, that's all for now folks.  I'm logging off and then dancing with joy around the house! 

Our Loving Challenge

Our child is CHALLENGING.  Not that this is bad, but some days it makes me want to rip my hair out or sit on the floor and just cry.

Carson doesn't sleep and then he doesn't stop moving during the day.  Carson is full of energy and he's smart.  This all leads up to some pretty exhausting times.  Like today!

Although, how can we not love him for who he is!?  He is our goof ball, full of fun and joy.  We have never laughed so hard or worked so hard in all our lives.  Any bit of laziness I had before Carson came into our lives is gone.  I have been cured of idleness!  

I daily have to work on stretching my patience which is helping me to grow into an all-around better person.  Although some days it's hard not to want to yell..."just stop freaking moving so I can get your socks on!" 

Yet for how active Carson is, he is equally as great of a snuggler.  He will climb in my lap and just cuddle.  Gosh, I love that.  It also gives me the chance to just sit and catch my breath.


I know this time is flying by.  It already has been.  It felt like just yesterday when I was holding my tiny little newborn and now I can barely pick that same boy up!  That has been emotionally difficult...I can barely pick my boy up.  Holding him for long periods of time starts to physically hurt.  It makes me sad that those days might be over sooner than I was expecting.  Thank goodness for the Ergo!  That carrier is the only reason I can still bounce him to sleep when need be or carry him around a store while he's sleeping. 

Carson has challenged our preconceived notions of what parenthood was supposed to be like.  He was supposed to fit into our box and really, Carson wouldn't fit into anyone's box.  We have had to devise new plans to meet his needs and rid ourselves of narrow mindedness.  We have had to rise to the occasion of each of his developmental stages.  I am excited to see what kind of man he grows up to be!

I hope he knows how much I appreciate and love this time with him.  No matter what exhausting challenge he presents us with each day, it is an honor to be his parents and we couldn't imagine life without him.

Daddy Time

I enjoy watching my husband father our child.  Sometimes I get frustrated because I feel like he doesn't do things "just right" or rather how I would personally do it.  I am trying to learn to be more relaxed and let him figure out what works for the two of them. 

Yesterday, I went out to coffee with my sister who I hadn't seen in awhile.  She just recently got back into town from spending the winter in California as a bee keeper.  Anyway, Starbucks is not really the place to bring a crazy energetic toddler.  As I was leaving, Josh started worrying about Carson getting cranky and wanting Mommy.  I didn't have many answers.  It was probably going to happen.  Luckily for the majority of the time Carson was a peach.  But as any toddler will, he went through a time of screaming unhappiness.  When I came home it was pretty cute to find baby carriers strung all over the house.  The Moby was stretched across half the living room and leading into the kitchen.  My Maya Ring Sling was undone and disheveled on the living room floor and unfortunately the one carrier he actually could have used, the Ergo, was in the car with me.  Even though he couldn't figure either one out, it melted my heart that he tried.  He obviously was able to get Carson through the Mommy withdrawal time because they were both happy by the time I got home.
 

Trusting your instincts as a mother (example involving circumcision)

Recently Josh and I were discussing a parenting issue that many have to face with their baby boys and that’s circumcision. This has been on my heart a lot lately because if I were to get pregnant again, I would love another little boy, yet the thought of dealing with the circumcision issue was stressing me out.   For many reasons, I regret choosing circumcision for Carson.  This is my mental process on the issue:  God says he formed us in the womb (Psalm 139:13: “For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb).  If this is true, then why did He form little boys with foreskins?  This one really gnaws at me.  Secondly, I had found out that the foreskin is rich in nerve endings and an extremely sensitive part of the penis.  Then why are we cutting it off?  Is it because the Old Testament says so?  Circumcision was a physical covenant between Abraham and his decedents.  During that time, if you wanted to be a follower of God, it was something you had to do, but once Christ came and became the ultimate sacrifice and died for our sins, we were no longer bound by the law in order to receive Salvation. So therefore it is my belief that it is not required of us as Christians.  Is it done for medical reasons and hygiene?  My husband’s grandpa had a circumcision at 80 years of age.  We took this into consideration.  Although, women suffer from infections all the time and yet we don’t cut off any of our baby girl’s parts to prevent them.   Most infections boil down to lifestyle and how that person cares for themselves.  How much sugar do they eat?  Studies have also shown in the last few years that after the first year of life, circumcision only prevents about 1% of infections of which most can be treated with antibiotics unless recurrent and severe. It may have other health benefits, but are they enough to warrant a routine surgery? Is it to be like Daddy?  I think that plays a big role in the decision.  When Josh and I were discussing the issue, he admitted a concern of his was one of his sons being different from him and now his older brother, Carson.  It also brought up the issue of will he be teased for being different?  Still, are those big enough reasons to warrant an unnecessary procedure, especially since circumcision numbers are going down so drastically?  Also, why would I choose a natural birth free of interventions and then have an unnecessary intervention done for my baby boy just a short time later? It just doesn’t make sense to me.  As I was talking this out with Josh, we decided it is done because of cultural influence.  It is a medical fad probably very similar to routine tonsillectomy.  (Although this has to do with a much more intimate part.)  Regardless of all these facts, Josh and I both know the biggest reason that has shaped my opinion is that Carson had complications from his circumcision.  Thankfully it seems like everything is okay, but only time will tell if there are any long-term effects.

I’ve done a lot of mental head slaps since Carson’s surgery because (and I’m getting to my point finally)   I had this nagging feeling deep in my gut that circumcision wasn’t the right decision for him.  That it was a bad idea.  At the time, I had no facts to back up my intuition and was responded to with statistics on how safe it was.  Yet I kept feeling uneasy about it.  After his circumcision, I knew why.  Hence the mental head slap.  While I was holding my inconsolable screaming two-week old, I silently kept thinking, why didn’t I listen to that feeling?  I cried buckets of tears as I helped hold him down while the doctor tried to fix the issue which then had to be fixed again days later causing even more pain physically and emotionally.  Mostly, my tears came from the fact that even though others assured me that this was the best decision, I, as his mother, knew better for him.

While Josh and I were discussing what our decision would be if we were to have another boy, he mentioned that my mothering instincts are abnormally strong and through our laughter he explained that’s a good thing.  He values my opinion more highly because he knows my opinion is coming from the desire to do the best thing for our child and future children.  Therefore, he left the decision up to me and will support whichever way I choose.  I really appreciated that.  Why hadn’t I sat Josh down and had this conversation BEFORE Carson was circumcised?  Why did I keep quiet about my true gut instinct on the issue?  Josh would have listened, I am blessed with a wonderful husband who respects me.  The answer is because I was not yet secure in my place as a mother.  I trusted other opinions over my very own.  Becoming secure in my instincts as a mother has been a building process.  My heart has been a construction site and the pieces have slowly come together.  I now consider myself a mama bear and Carson’s circumcision experience laid the cornerstone of my confidence.  

I’m sure others reading this have had similar experiences in which you didn’t trust your gut and regretted it.  Where does that “feeling” come from?  I had a conversation with my Dad recently and he shared with me that a woman’s intuition is God given and something to be honored, respected, and trusted.  I’m thankful he shared this with me because it furthered my confidence in following my own intuition.   We are empowered as caregivers.  How could we properly care for our family without this necessary tool?  What would life be like if women were emotionless robots?  It wouldn’t be a pretty picture.  So follow your instincts!  If you have a strong feeling about something, it is definitely for a reason, even if that reason is never known and above all, pray about it!

Teething - I hate you!

Why must teething last so long!?  I'm thankful Carson is developing molars because I am really tired of him swallowing his food whole.   However, this process has been long and exhausting for the whole family.  After three weeks of a few molars attempting to come through, they finally broke free.  Hopefully that means this round of teething will soon be over and we can have a break (please God!).

Today, Carson had to be held the entire day.  Even washing my face was a challenge.  Our lack of sleep has just gotten worse (poor hubby almost fell asleep at work).  I've already decided that tomorrow, I will be getting a double shot in my rice milk latte.  Thank goodness I'm not preggers yet! 

Today was also a growing experience.  I finally stopped worrying about what Carson was keeping me from doing and sat my bum on the couch and just cuddled him, caressed his face, and played with his hair.  It felt pretty darn good too.  The stress of getting our home perfectly clean and the laundry folded melted away.  I was able to just dissolve into that moment with my child and comfort away the pain from his swollen gums. 

This was something I had been fighting for days now.  I was putting my "chores" before my very own son.  How many things do we put before our children each day and not even realize it?  What about our spouses? From now on, I'm going to be paying a little more attention to the details of life instead of my polished furniture.

Developing Patience

I smacked Carson's little hand twice yesterday and I so desperately wish he could understand my heartfelt apology.  He understood my hug that followed but it would have felt good to have heard "I forgive you mom."

I acted out of frustration and the desire to stop the behavior fast.  The first time was at the park when he was shoving fistfuls of rocks in his mouth.  Not just once, over and over again.  Hiding under the play gym to eat them thinking I wouldn't see.  He was trying to swallow and refusing to spit them out, I was scared and frustrated so I took his hand and smacked it.  What did he do?  His mouth went rigid and still and he looked down at his hand and back up at me with sad eyes.  He didn't understand.  Did it stop his behavior, absolutely not.  I had a harder time getting those rocks out after I smacked him than before. 

The second time was at a friends house.  He was eyeballing their wine rack which he knows to leave alone.  I could see him pacing back and forth thinking about touching that tempting glass.  He walked backwards, did a spin and came back to them.  Finally, he reached out with one little finger and I said no.  Instead of stopping, he frantically grabbed a glass and tried to bang it against the other glasses decoratively hanging there.  I ran over, grabbed his hand...and smacked it.  Did he stop or learn a lesson?  Nope.  He immediately ran to the other side of the wine rack and tried banging those other glasses against each other.  So instead this time, I put him in time out.  Did this stop his behavior?  Yes. 

So many times I act out of frustration with Carson.  He doesn't need short-tempered reactions to grow.  He needs consistency, a steady heart, and patience.  He needs to learn that this action equals this consequence, not frustrated outbursts from mom.  It can be a challenge with such a lively child.  He never stops moving and eventually, I just get tired.  My patience gets depleted.  Although, I know I can muster more.  My exhaustion is an excuse to my quick reactions.  I spent extra time in God's words last night because one of the best ways I know of learning patience is from our very own creator.  I also know knowledge is power and practice makes perfect.  The more times I discipline Carson correctly, the more it will become second nature.

Routine

Routine and structure are something I value. My thought is that it is an innate desire for us all to have structure. God designed life with structure, the sun comes up, the sun goes down. Unless you live in Alaska, that is something you can expect. Expectations help relieve stress, we know what's going to happen, and can prepare for it. Sometimes, a break from the routine can be fun, but a life filled with unorganized chaos can wreak havoc on health & home.

For the last few months, we have had a lack of routine. Mostly because our schedule has not allowed for one and also because I have been too stressed to frankly give a darn. Well it's made a big difference. We're beginning to substantially feel the effects of chaotic living. We're all ready to rip our hair out. Thankfully, we received a break in the form of an employee helping in the mornings at the Adult Family Home instead of me. The change in schedule will be starting this week. This will give me the ability to bring routine & structure back to our lives. I'm hoping this will benefit everyone, including Josh, even though I know he'll miss me at the AFH in the mornings.

So I finally get to plan a routine and this time it will be more realistic! Every time I plan one, I set lofty goals. So this time I decided, why not create a routine that I can actually follow! Silly me, why didn't I think of this before!?

I'm not a fan of rigid schedules. My times are flexible. The idea is that Carson can expect the same thing each day which will hopefully create a more peaceful environment. I'm also planning our routine around Carson's natural inclination for wake, nap, outdoor, and bed time. I don't want to fight his natural biological clock. That would just be creating extra work and frustration for both of us.

So this is our brand new daily routine:

6:30-7:30ish: When Carson wakes up, get him ready for the day and then breakfast.

8:30ish: Interactive play/reading time with Carson. Quick clean up of house. Mommy hops in shower and can hopefully get ready for the day ;).

11:00ish: Lunch and then down for a nap.  This is also a time that Mommy gets to relax and have some personal time (if not napping with Carson and catching up on sleep, then this is usually when I get my Bible time in)

12:30-1ish:  When Carson wakes up, it's time to get any errands done for the day and if no errands then off to the adult family home to help Dad. 

3ish: Back home to accomplish any daily chores and outdoor time for Carson (If weather permits)

4:30: Start dinner & quick clean up of house
5:30: Daddy gets home!
6-6:30ish: Dinner & then clean up
7pm: Family time. This is our time for devotionals or we all get on the floor and play with Carson.

8pm: Carson to bed!
8:15pm: Finally some relax time! Then to bed myself to start all over again.

My Sponge

It constantly amazes me how observant Carson is. Sometimes I forget because he doesn't yet have the words to describe what he sees, but he sees it. He only needs to see something once before imitating it. We are very careful when we mess with our electronics because we know it will only take once for him to witness how we get in and out of the locked up area before he'll be able to do it himself.

Yesterday Josh and I were pretty zonked out so we broke our cardinal rule which is the TV does not get turned on until Carson is in bed. I felt like zoning out in front of the tube so as the day was coming to a close, I watched Robin Hood, the one the BBC did. It's a cute show and Carson was sitting on my lap watching it with me. After sitting for awhile, Carson jumped down and I figured it was time to play. He can only handle sitting still for so long, even when he's tired. Well first thing he ran to his toy basket and grabbed a toy sword that was leftover from a Halloween Costume. It's a toy that really hasn't seen much action because he never knew what to do with it. Well after watching Robin Hood, he knew exactly what to do with it. He ran into the middle of the living room and started swinging it around like he was fighting the air. It was unbelievably adorable!!! I started laughing even though I was somewhat conflicted as to whether it was an okay thing or not for him to learn. I couldn't believe he put together the fact that hey, I have that, that thing they're swinging around, it's in my toy basket right over there, I can do that too! He was so pleased with himself that he figured it out. As he was fighting the air and making adorable noises (because fighting the air is such a challenge...he picked up that fact as well), he had a gigantic smile on his face.

It did remind me how careful I need to be. Sometimes I let some words go in front of Carson because he can't technically repeat them yet but someday soon he will be able to. Plus he can copy so much more than words. Like bad attitudes, a spirit of ungratefulness, work ethic, and oh so much more. This is probably my favorite thing about being a parent, it really forces you to become a better person.