Daddy Gone – Day 1

Yesterday I spent most of the day packing and cleaning up the house in order to leave the house and spend a week with my parents at Maranatha in Muskegon. We are staying in their trailer (all three of us) so I don’t have to try and parent by myself for a week without Steve. Steve is, by the way, in Washington (state of) for a week long ELDI experience. It was a very sad morning for us, as we said goodbye to Daddy. Kayleigh followed Daddy to the door and raced back to the window to see him all the way down the road. I think she knew he wasn’t just going for the day at work. It was heartbreaking. We’re going to try and blog about our “vacation” each day so that Steve can keep up with his babies while he’s away from us. So … here’s the run down 10:30 – 12:15 We left home and traveled to Muskegon from Kzoo. We made one stop at Grammy’s house to get the baby swing for Benny, but otherwise the trip was without incident (Benny slept, Kayleigh danced the entire time).

12:30 – 1:30 We unpacked all that we needed and ate a wonderful lunch (bbq chicken, grilled corn, salad, potatoes, veggies, rolls, mmm) with the Blanchards and the VanRhees

1:30 – 2:00 We headed up and went to the pool, armed with swimmies, beach toys, SUNSCREEN, Swedish fish, Benny in the Moby, and our cameras. I was certain that Kayleigh would be tentative in the busy, large pool (after all the past week she’s been quite hesitant in the baby pool). However, she charged RIGHT ON IN!!

2:30 – 4:15 Kayleigh played at the pool and Mommy swam for a bit with her while Aunt Lori had Benny. After Benny started to melt down, Grammy and Aunt Lori stayed to play with Kayleigh while I brought Benny to nap at the trailer.

4:15 – a very tired Kayleigh returns from the pool, ready for a nap (but … a little too late for one of those). So, she ate supper at 6:00 and, but 6:30 told Grammy she was ready to go to bed. Seriously, she wanted to lay down and go to sleep. So, into her jammies she went and she was down! So far, one wake up around 9:30 … we’ll see how the night goes (for all of us).

I’m sleeping on the sofa bed with Benji out in the living room with me. Kayleigh’s in the guest room on the bottom bunk bed by herself, and Grammy and Grandpa are in the back bedroom with Brittany. Ahhh so, here goes nothing …

And here’s today’s image of the day. I think it’s appropriate to call it The Fish with a Fish

Techno Geek, Jr.

My little girl takes after her father, easily. She loves anything with buttons, that makes music, that has interesting motions. She is quite aware that her phones/computers aren't "real," so she will reach for the real stuff whenever she gets a chance. It's a battle to keep the plethora of laptops, iPhones, iPads, and iPods out of the reach of little hands. Sometimes, I don't try and just teach her to be careful. As a result, she has learned several "techy" skills that are probably unusual for her age. She can start and stop her iPod, turn on the picture slideshow on the iPad (she plays name that family member with it), and dial numbers on my phone (hence the reason Mommy had to put a lock on with a number code to avoid crank calls). Daddy combined Kayleigh's love for fish and the iPad and downloaded an application that is a virtual aquarium. She generally runs around asking for her fishy with the iPad in her hands. Kayleigh also loves jumping in the jumper (despite the fact that she's VERY big for it) and listening to the Glee soundtrack while I take a shower.

Somewhere between these two loves (technology and her jumper) she decided she could easily combine the two. When I told her to get her two toys (she always grabs two before she gets in the jumpy), she came running back saying, "One ... One...fishy ... fishy ... iPad. Momma, iPad." I did a double take because I didn't even know she knew the words. But sure enough ... iPad is definitely Kayleigh's newest word. Can we say Mac advertisement?

Wordless Wednesday

This is shameless thievery from my friend, Amanda. She posts pictures that say all that needs to be said. I finally found a pair that suffice for my blog. So, enough of the introduction. Here's Wordless Wednesday courtesy of the Van Dyk kids. Kayleigh's contribution

Benjamin's contribution:

Kayleigh Lately

So basically, these past few days my daughter has been making me roll on the floor laughing. I couldn't pick a favorite incident if I tried. Her vocabulary is growing by leaps and bounds and she's experimenting with that. Therefore, it's impossible to predict whats going to come out of her mouth at any given moment. I've been trying to snap pictures of each of these "funny" moments so that I can remember to blog about them. I'm sure these are things a mother looks back on fondly ... so I wanted to capture them all. As it is I know I've forgotten some already. BUT ... without further ado, here are the ones I was able to "remember." As a side note, Kayleigh has learned that she needs to (a) remove her paci when the camera comes out (b). it's about HER (c) smile wide and say cheese. So, when I say, "I'm going to take your picture," she follows the procedures automatically and these are the results.

Picture #1: Kayleigh's Night O'Fun (WARNING: THIS IS GROSS!!!) This story is best told in dialogue format. Steve: Say goodnight, Kayleigh. Kayleigh: NIGHT NIGHT Momma (followed by the queen wave). NIGHT NIGHT BENNY (still waving as she goes around the corner). Me: WAIT .. Steve, are you putting her to bed without pants on? (insinuating that this wasn't a good idea as Kayleigh has the tendency to remove her own diaper). Steve: Yeah, it'll be fine ... Me: OOOKAY (I've learned it's best not to argue and let him learn on his own when it comes to the kids. There's no point in telling him that my time with them all day usually makes me right). *** Passage of time ... approximately 30 minutes ... lots of joyful screaming and thumping coming from the bedroom. Steve goes in to the bedroom. Steve: NO NO NO KAYLEIGH NO! (a huge sigh ... screaming of a baby girl ... then a defeated sigh) You were right. I was wrong. Me: What does that mean?? Steve: Kayleigh took off her diaper and is flinging poop around the room. Me - Laughing hysterically for the next 20 minutes while Kayleigh runs bare butt naked around the house and Steve cleans up the mess.

(2). I was working on cleaning up the house on Monday morning and was unloading the dishwasher and changing a load of laundry. Kayleigh had been playing with her Mickey and Minnie Mouse and I thought she was thoroughly occupied. Once I had finished unloading the dishwasher and the laundry was restarted, I thought it odd that she hadn't joined me yet. So, naturally, I began to panic. It was just too quiet. I went looking for her and smacked myself inwardly when I saw that I hadn't closed the bathroom door tightly. (This usually costs me a roll of toilet paper). However, she was standing next to the toilet, muttering in gibberish to herself. She had a different pacifier in her mouth and had the toilet cleaning brush. She was rhythmically slamming the toilet bowl. As I got closer, I heard it wasn't gibberish, instead she kept saying, "CLEAN PAPI .... CLEAN PAPI ... COME ON ... CLEAN PAPI."  I don't know why it occurred to her that the toilet was the best place to clean the pacifier (maybe because we  clean diapers in there all the time??), but it had. Needless to say, we're down one paci ...

(3). Monday afternoon she was sharing chips with Bri. After Bri left, she put the remainder of the bag up on the dining room table, thinking that that would be far enough from little hands to avoid trouble. I started feeding Ben and let Kayleigh play around. While I was focusing on making some eye contact with my little man, I took my eyes off the big girl. She proceeded to climb up into my chair (narrating what she was doing the whole time ...) "CLIMBING ... MAMA SEAT ... CLIMBING ... MAMA SEAT", and grab chips "TOUCH CHIPS ... TOUCH CHIPS ... TOUCH CHIPS" then she slid down "DOWN ... DOWN ... DOWN" and grabbed the remote "MOTE ... MOTE .. MOTE", she turned on the tv (I have no idea how she knew which button), "TEE TEE", and sat on the pillow eating chips while singing "TITS, TITS, TITS (her best attempt to say chips). Here she is, vegging out (right below my feet as I feed Ben)

(4). This morning I was working in the kitchen while Kayleigh was having her "treat." I needed to get supper preparation started before we headed to the store. Kayleigh could tell we were going somewhere (car seat was on the table already and her shoes were out), so she was really excited. She didn't want to miss anything, but she was really hungry. So, she dragged an upside down laundry basket into the kitchen (easily her favorite toy right now), then went back to the TV stand (her snack table) and grabbed her plate and milk and brought them into the kitchen. She had set up a table right next to where I was working. She couldn't miss anything now. I laughed at her creativity, but then she started saying, "Up ... " and she'd stand up as tall as she could "Down ..." and squat down as low as she could go. She kept repeating until I recognized her words (I had never heard her say these) then she proceeded to make her ups even higher, by jumping and her lows even lower, by laying on the kitchen floor ... She wanted Mommy to join too. So, for 5 minutes we did Kayleigh aerobics doing "ups" and "downs" while eating a snack.

Lest you think my baby boy is missing or gone ... let me give you a little Benjamin story too. Ben has been sleeping in his rocker since he came home. It's supportive but soft and cradles the head well. He LOVES it and can soothe himself to sleep in it, so we have hesitated putting him in his crib at all. He's not used to it and we have poor night sleeps as a result. So, I'm trying as much as possible to have him nap in the crib during the day so that the nighttimes will get better. Here's what Ben does when he's in the crib ... yup, no sleeping, just playing ... the entire time ... I also think he's starting to reach for stuff ... really? is that even possible at this age?

That's our little family ... Thanks for reading :) I hope it was worth a laugh for you!

Ben’s Smiles

Wasn't it quite literally just two days ago that I was saying I wasn't sure of Ben's smiling ability? His mommy and his sister (I'm sure his daddy but Steve was working) were loving it. Kayleigh had the most precious gasp/surprise face when she saw it for the first time ... unfortunately, my video camera wasn't out. I had hoped I could capture it again, so I asked Ben to smile for the video - and tried to have Kayleigh kiss him like she had. Here's the result :) ... Still precious in its own right ... but not the same as it was unprompted. Kayleigh was repeatedly kissing the face of Ben that she could see on my iPhone instead of actually kissing Ben. So, that's the hang up you hear me narrating.

** IN un-related kid news, I'm totally happy with my new iPhone. (I got it at a very reasonable price because my contract was up for renewal, and Steve managed to sell my old iPhone for a great price too!) Thus, I now have HD video recording on my phone, FaceTime (which is video chatting with other iPhone users - and will come in handy when Daddy is gone for a week!), and dual-cameras that take pictures outward (like normal cameras) and also reverse to take a self portrait that you can see on the screen! It has a zoom lens also like my other iPhone didn't. I'm a HUGE fan already. (As you can tell by the increase in my posts with pictures and video on fb).

Well, without further ado ... here's the video (maybe it will transfer better here than it did on facebook).

Ben's Smiles 6-25

Kayleigh and Benjamin’s Fabulous Friday Fun

The Friday forecast was supposed to be warm and not humid. Perfect weather for experimenting with my 5 week old outside and letting my 19 month old have a little summer fun. So, I planned to try a 2 nap day with Kayleigh, so her prime swim time would be free. Ben basically sleeps after eating anyway so he was flexible. Kayleigh cooperated by laying in her bed for 1 hour while I set up and fed Benji. Then she was ready for lunch, sunscreen and a suit. By the time we were all set to go (Mommy excluded; why did I need a suit?) :), it was 1:30. We walked outside and I went to settle Benjamin in his canopy, where he pretty much chilled the entire time. He was awake, looking around and "talking" but he never complained.

Once Ben was all situated and content, I started about getting Kayleigh interested in the pool. She was a little scared (probably didn't fill the pool early enough to let it warm). Despite the fact that she's been swimming before, she's always cautious again. She did that at the hotel pool last week too. She flips out about getting started and then, she eventually has a great time. So, here she is checking things out (still in her cover up ... Suit and Cover Ups from Sam's Club??? I thought it was sooo cute).

When it looked like she was comfortable with the water in the pool, I tried the sweet spraying duck atop the pool ...

She finally got into the pool (with no small amount of convincing on my part). It took a monumental effort to get her to sit down. I tried coercing her, talking with her, splashing, everything I could. Nothing was going to work. Finally, when I had about given up she said, "Mommy ... sit." Since I was already sitting I told her so. She laughed and said "No .. No... Mommy ...sit" and pointed to the water. She was pointing out my hypocrisy ... at 19 months! Why should she sit if Mommy wasn't going to get her butt wet too. I was so impressed with her that I did sit ... without a suit, in my gym shorts. It was most uncomfortable and I sagged quite a bit while trying to move stuff back inside, but I'd do it again for that little face :)

One moment when I was off talking to Ben, little sunbather stole my chair and wouldn't get out. All I had to do was threaten to take a picture and she went scampering :)

After all of that climbing, splashing, talking, and playing, Kayleigh asked to go inside. I hosed her down outside, plopped her naked in the breezeway (with a towel) and got Benji inside. While he chilled on the floor, we got K all warmed up and cleaned up. Here she is with her snack, just chillin in the glider while I folded diapers and got Ben's bottle ready. She's now in her room refusing to nap in the bed. I've picked her up off the floor 3 times now and have just about given up ... it's just a nap and just for a few minutes :) ...

Here's her video ... Swimming 6-25

Been a long time …

It's, again, been a while since I've had enough time (and when I do have the time - had the energy to stay awake) to make a blog post. In that time, the kids have grown (Ben in physical appearance and Kayleigh in vocabulary) so much. I'm finding that we're busier in the summer than in the school year (by a long shot)! So many things available to do that it feels like we're going somewhere everyday! I'm already dreading the coming of winter and the - stay inside and feel dreary all day long season! But for now, we have plenty to look forward to (despite the fact that June is almost over!!) Some of the fun things ahead: ~ A week at Maranatha for fun in the sun and on the beach with Grandma and Grandpa (while Daddy is gone). ~ Day trips to GR to have playdates with Aunt Alaina and Ryan ~ A trip to Fredrick Meijer Gardens with Great Grandpa Van Dyk ~ A week as a whole family at the Potter's Cottage on The Channel and steps from the pool at Maranatha ~  A Tigers game with the Hoeksemas (Date TBD, but it's happening) without the kiddos for our anniversary #6. ~ Days at the Ipema's, which have yet to be determined and will probably happen spontaneously ~ Backyard pool fun!!!!

Sigh .. even with a little baby, summer is just so much fun. There are so many options of things to do to keep the days from getting boring and monotonous. And with school out, we have so many additional playmates!! Life is good.

Highlights of things we've already done this summer: ~ A beach day at Bass Lake with Uncle Dan, Aunt Alaina, Ryan, Grammy and Grandpa and the whole Bentley family ~ An afternoon at Grandpa and Grandma Van Dyk's with Daddy (for Kayleigh) ~ An overnight in Chicago to visit Shedd's Aquarium with Benji, Mommy and Daddy (not quite as fun as we had hoped ... but ... live and learn!)

Updates on the growing going on: Benjamin is beginning to fill out his 3 month clothing ... he hasn't been weighed since his 2 week appt and won't again until the end of July. But his cheeks are chubbier, his tummy fatter, and his double chin quite a bit more pronounced. Ben LOVES movement so the swing and his vibrating rocker are easily his favorite toys. He's basically screaming if he can't be moving or sleeping or eating. When he does have quiet moments of snuggling, he loves to be held sitting up, facing the world: have to see stuff and do stuff ... no just gazing at Mommy or Daddy for this little guy. He definitely has smiles that flicker across his face. We're working on determining their intentionality ... stay tuned :). However, he is a strong little guy and holding up his head seems to be his primary goal. Whenever he can he practices steadying that thing; I don't think it will be too long before he's ready for that stage.

Kayleigh has progressed to frequently using two or three word phrases. She will readily ask for "more cheerios please" or "more juice mommy." She is starting to pick up on verbs as well as nouns (I only notice this because I learned that children who learn English tend to pick up on nouns first where as other languages might start with verbs ...) I'm hearing: Sit, walk, stand, stop, GO, sleep, and READ as well as new nouns like: bird, frog, monkey, baby, BENNY, pillow, bed, blocks, bottle, phone, brush, shoes, car, etc. She also has a few adjectives: BIG ball and SAD Benny, and we're working on colors. She loves using the possessive to tell us which items belong to each person in the family. "Benny's ... Mommy's ... Daddy's ... Gammy's ... etc" I think the most astonishing thing thats she's mastered is her ability to listen and follow instructions (sometimes multiple instructions). When I'm trying to round up the crew to leave I can say, "Kayleigh we're going in the car. Please put on your sandals." She will walk to her room, squat down by her drawer, and proceed to spend the next 5 minutes fastening her purple sandals. If you try to interfere with her independence you can expect a tantrum. She is proud of her abilities and wants nothing more than to use them. Her father loves abusing this, "Kayleigh, get Daddy the remote." She smiles and happily toddles to find it and retrieve it chanting "Tee tee, tee tee" the whole way.

Her new favorite activities include: Snuggling in bed with Mommy and Daddy (at all hours of the day), sitting on the other part of Mommy's lap (the one not being used to feed her constantly eating brother) and READ or watch MICKEY (she is obsessed with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse). She loves going out - "in the car" or "in the stroller." So, we try to keep her entertained ...

I think that's about it. I thought this post would be relatively even in its talk about both children, but honestly, since I'm not sure if Benji's smiles are intentional, I don't have much to say on him! Kayleigh just learns by the minute ... I'm sure it will balance itself out soon enough!

Anyway, we're headed to Auntie Alaina's today, so I should probably use my few minutes of quiet time to pack up the van. Hopefully, I'll return to consistent posts soon :)

My Little Sunshine

My toddler believes she is the queen. I think her grammy helps her believe that, but I also think that she's somehow learned exactly how to get people to laugh (thus getting the attention she wants). Acting like the queen sure brings a smile to people's faces, therefore, the behavior persists. Her biggest "queen" trait - the Miss America wave. She has nailed the elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist without ever being taught. She uses it frequently and with great success. Kayleigh's Miss America wave scenarios: ~ Steve said they were walking in the parking lot and nearly got hit by a driver who wasn't paying attention. Steve's response: violent internal anger. Kayleigh's response: elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist ... and a big smile (probably followed by HI CAR!!)

~ We're still training in the toddler bed. The first few nights were incredible, now we've turned into a normal toddler (trying to get out all of the time). Last night Steve decided to let her keep the door open, just a crack, figuring that if she could get out, she would. Then we'd know she was up and about rather than letting her play quietly in her room unbeknown to us all night. The first few trips took just a few seconds. Lay her down, kiss her, walk out ... within 2 minutes ... here she comes, toddling into the living room elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist (HI MOMMY, HI DADDY!) ... Off to bed again, only to more of the same. (When we threatened with the spanking after the 3rd try she did finally stay in bed.) But each time she entered the room, she did so, as the queen.

~ When we're driving down the highway, or in the Meijers parking lot, riding in a stroller, or really anywhere Kayleigh has a chance to make eye contact with people, she pulls out the wave. Elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist .. followed by Hi _______. Very rarely are her efforts ignored ... and most often she gets a laugh.

All of these little idiosyncracies remind me of the baby she was. As soon as she could hold up her head and smile (with intent), she was doing so at everyone who came across her path. My dad used to say it was "just gas." But it wasn't ... the pattern was always clear ... when she caught your eyes she'd brighten and smile. She's a social butterfly, and my sunshine :) ... I can't help but burst into a smile when she hits me in a leg hugging tackle at full speed, or, when she pulls my arms away from her diaper and hugs them to her chest (forcing me to stop moving for just a minute to say I love you), or, when she's really tired (or really jealous) and deposits herself in my lap (or on top of her brother) and just says, "Mmmm Momma..."

Well, I'm about to get one of my favorite greetings of all time (since it's nearing 8:00 a.m.) ... the one where she waits by her bedroom door ... willing it to open ... and greets me with the light up the world smile.

Here's to a sunshiney day (even with the dreary forecast) :)

Time flies …

These past few weeks have absolutely flown by. Life has been such a whirlwind of activity. Each day moves so quickly that when I finally have a few moments to stop and look back, I can't believe how much has happened! Tomorrow is Benjamin's 3 week mark. Let's recap all that's been the life of 4 Van Dyk's (5 if you include the furry one) in the past 21 days. ~ A new baby, Benjamin Steven ~ Mommy recovering from surgery ~ Kayleigh adjusting to life as big sister ~ Daddy learning he will work as a contract employee at Secant for the summer ... 2 jobs for him! ~  Cousin Rachel's graduation open house ~ The first family beach trip to Tunnel Park with Hoeksemas, VanDykes, and Texers ~ Our first overnight as a family away from home, at Grammy's ~ 2 Playdates with cousin Ryan and Auntie Alaina (Uncle Dan even came to one!) ~ A regional championship for Mommy's tennis team ~ Courtney's open house ~ Benjamin's first time with a babysitter (Jordan) while Mommy coached tennis with Robin ~ Tennis Color Wars ~ Sydney's Open House ~ Spring Sports Banquet ~ Daddy booking his flight to leave for a week in July to study administration ~ A State Championship tournament that included 1 flight championship, 1 runner up and 2 semi-finalists for a 4th place finish and a fantastic dinner at Mangia, Mangia ~ Anna's open house ~ Small group baby shower for Benjamin ~ Cousin Brandon's wedding in Georgia (that we couldn't make but heard was absolutely gorgeous) ~ Cousin Justin and Dawn's new baby girl, Zoe Carol Scott was born

That pretty much includes most of the highlights :) I hope I didn't forget any major ones! It's been a whirlwind of activity, and I wish I could look forward to things slowing down, but we have 3 more open houses this week, a staff dinner with the middle school, :), a cottage birthday party for my little brother, and somehow managing to do the usual chores that seem extra hard with two little ones ramming around.

In all the busy-ness though, I rarely find myself stressed like I was when I was teaching. As I survey all of the things that I listed, they are things that give me joy, that make smile ... that keep me convinced that this is exactly the life I want to be living ... busy as it may be. I just need to remember to take time, when I have it, to cherish the days while my kids are still little and snuggle-able ... After all, before I blink I'm certain I'll be taking Kayleigh to kindergarten or watching Benjamin at his first soccer game, listening to Kayleigh's first piano recital, or drilling Benjamin on his multiplication facts (if that's still part of the curriculum by the time he's there) :) ...

Well, I'm going to continue cherishing the blessing that it is having BOTH babies sleeping at the same time during the evening. I might even go to bed at 9:30 ... why not?

A few photo highlights from the events listed above ...

[caption id="attachment_213" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="This was Rachel's Open House at my new favorite place :)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_214" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Tying KVA with the school rivals :) "][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_215" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Girls looking spirited for Color Wars"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_216" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Benjamin's Synposis of his first 21 days!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_217" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Kayleigh's synopsis of Benjamin's first 21 days"][/caption]

Kayleigh and Mommy proudly present…

Our favorite Kodak moment yet ... [caption id="attachment_210" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Kayleigh heard Ben cry and took this upon herself :) "][/caption]

My 3 children

With a newborn its easy to overlook things. I find my usually very programmed lifestyle getting shot to pieces. I knew it would, it's just different when it actually happens. I have to take calming breaths and tell myself that this too shall pass :). (Maybe it will take 5 years but it will pass). The lack of schedule and organization allows me to forget all KINDS of things. For example, since sleep is my primary objective when I have any quiet time, I often forget to feed the cat, finish the laundry that got started, do the dishes ... all in the name of rushing off to bed for just a few short minutes of sleep. This means my house is worse than it's usual disarray ... Anyway, the point of this post is not to commiserate about my lack of sleep (again, I knew it was coming) or talk about how off my game I am. Rather, I'd like to highlight that in my perpetual state of doing only what's urgent (who ever is crying at the moment), I've forgotten a very important member of our family: Andre, our "first" child.

Andre has subtle (and not so subtle) ways of getting my attention. He'll attempt to snuggle himself between Benjamin and I during a nursing session; he will walk right through the middle of family dinner ... He will sleep on my chest with his nose RIGHT IN MY FACE so that I awake to big cat eyes. All of this is his way of saying I'M HERE TOO ... DON'T FORGET ME!!!

During my lunch on Monday, he had had enough ... It was blistering hot (we hadn't put in the window a/c yet), the babies had been very fussy, and I was short on sleep. I had finally had a chance to eat something (lunch at 1:00 p.m. was my first food intake of the day) and I was famished. I sat down to a well balanced spread :) and began to inhale. I had forgotten a spoon, and when I left, Andre jumped up on the table to inspect my food. When I returned, this is what I found:

[caption id="attachment_207" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="My 3rd Child"][/caption]

I started to get mad and throw him off the table and then had to stop myself because as I brought him to his water bowl, I realized it was bone dry. I don't remember the last time I refilled it (and Steve's not big into cat food/water duty... litter during pregnancy is about all he can handle)! Andre couldn't help it ... he probably really needed the water :( Poor kitty ... I promise I'll do better for you in the future :)

Just a quick thought …

We've been crazy busy adjusting to life this week ... I don't think I'll get to write a decent blog post for a while. BUT I'd just like to share my joy right now ... It's 7:50 a.m. The kids are still sleeping, I got up just TWICE last night ... 4:30 and 6:45. Steve put Ben down around 12:30 and let me sleep at 11:00 p.m. SO I had a great night, K slept in a little, and Ben is back napping. I get to enjoy breakfast with my daughter before feeding my son ... I couldn't have hoped for a better a.m. schedule :) WOO HOO ... now if tomorrow could repeat that ... :)

The Battle Begins

Steve and I were so anxious to get home from the hospital and get Kayleigh from my parents. We know she was having fun, but we missed her!! The way the delivery process began, we said a hurried goodbye at church nursery on Sunday and didn't see our big girl (aside from her 30 min visit to see Ben) until Wednesday night. She was so glad to be home and just came in to the house running and screaming and pointing out all of the familiar things. She hugged me, snuggled me and really hasn't stopped being "lovey" since she got here. She had a great night sleep and is well on her way to kicking yet another nursery cold. :( Any way, last night gave Steve and I chance to see what has been on everyone's minds: How does Kayleigh like Benjamin? What does Kayleigh think? Well, I think this sequence of photos describes it best.

First, Benjamin was napping in Kayleigh's "favorite" chair:

[caption id="attachment_198" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Benji napping in the "rocker""][/caption]

Kayleigh sees that her rocker is being used by someone other than her. She, to her credit, waits patiently until he is moved. Then, she stakes her claim.

[caption id="attachment_199" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Asserting herself as the "firstborn""][/caption]

When we ask her to share, she does so ... grudgingly :) But we think it's cute.

[caption id="attachment_200" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Sharing the chair"][/caption]

I don't think she was too excited that her bedtime is before Benjamin's. But, someday we'll make it up to her, when she's more prepared to understand the privilege. Right now, we prefer to do an 11 p.m., 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. feeding rather than a midnight, three and five. :)  Putting him in bed too early means we're up too early :) You know the drill ...

Kayleigh slept so well despite her brother's wake ups. We only had to go in once for her (around 6 a.m.) even though Mommy was up from 1:00 until about 4;30 with Ben. So, thus far, we are blessed with wonderful, tolerant children. We'll see how the next week goes as they continue to adjust to their new lives/environment. BUT, here's a nice peaceful image to leave you with ... father/son bonding ... Steve says "we're buds."

[caption id="attachment_201" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Daddy and Benji"][/caption]

Introducing Benjamin Steven Van Dyk

On Sunday morning, Steve and I dressed Kayleigh and headed to church to help out with nursery. As I walked to the car a shooting pain stabbed through my abdomen. It wouldn't leave, not with proper hydration, not with sitting, standing or walking ... it persisted for over an hour and a half. Finally, when I couldn't handle it any longer, we decided to go to the hospital to get it checked out. Kayleigh stayed in nursery until after church when "Uncle" Ben and "Auntie" Robin picked her up to hang out while we figured things out. At the hospital, the triage unit thought that I was in early labor - and the contractions were coming closer and closer together. After a few hours of walking around the hospital things started to stop. The doctors and Steve and I were trying to figure out just how to proceed when we decided that knowing the size of the baby boy would really be helpful. Dr. Puckett ordered and ultrasound and they estimated that the baby was approximately 8 lbs. 7 oz. (just a little bigger than his sister).

Steve and I didn't want to make the decision to either break the water and get labor moving or go home. We were sort of praying for some direction one way or the other, and as a God send, after I got off the cart from the ultrasound my water broke. God definitely gave us clear direction. :) My labor began to progress well on its own. I had my epidural (and then at 8 cms had it again). Right after the new epidural, the baby's heart rate dropped significantly. The doctor decided we needed to get him out. We were prepped quickly and began the Caesarean. Steve stepped out until just before the baby was brought out. My doctors were amazing as they coached me through it all ... and at 12:19 a.m. on May 17th, my beautiful son, Benjamin Steven Van Dyk was born.

As Mommy recovered, Kayleigh came to visit us in the hospital. She was quite unimpressed with her brother, but pretty excited about the Big Sister shirt she got. Here she is showing us just how big she is!

My baby girl is a little princess and I miss her so much ... even as I grow in love for her brother more everyday. Here's my last two photos one with my Kayleigh Elaine and the other with my beautiful new Benjamin Steven :)

[caption id="attachment_193" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Benjamin Steven Van Dyk - 9 lbs 10 oz, 22.25" "][/caption]

Rivertown Playdate

This week was crummy for getting in my "labor walks" and even more crummy for little peanut to spend time outside. We were well occupied Monday - Wednesday with chores, tennis and the typical errands. BUT by Thursday we were thanking the Lord that it was playdate day!!! A change of scenery was most definitely needed. So, Kayleigh and I met Auntie Alaina and Ryan at the Rivertown Mall. We ate lunch in the food court, walked a bit, and then Kayleigh got to play on the indoor playset, and Ryan got to people watch.  I wasn't quite sure if Kayleigh would be ready to play in that "public" of a setting, but since she's generally very social I thought it would be okay to try. She TOOK OFF! She was just so excited she couldn't help but squeal and squeal and giggle and RUN! I was so completely surprised as she confidently climbed up the stairs to the slides. Found a slide, put herself in position and slid down (only when she saw Mommy at the bottom). It was just like we practice at the park, only Daddy wasn't up at the top of the slide showing her what to do and how to do it. She did it all by herself (with plenty of other older kids scrambling past her, pushing around her, and trying to get their turns). Kayleigh was not the slightest bit intimidated by the older kids, but she did know, I think instinctively, that when they pushed past her it was her turn to move. She let them push past and would wait her turn, but she never got scared or needed Mommy (other than to make sure I was there to catch her as she slid on down the big girl slide). Here are some iPhone pictures of her "big event."

[caption id="attachment_186" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Climbing towards the slide"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_187" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Looking for Mommy"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_188" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Getting ready to go"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_189" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Squealing with excitement"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_190" align="alignnone" width="225" caption="Exploring the caves"][/caption]

Nature vs. Nurture

Today I was brought back to my days in Educational Psychology where we discussed how much of a child is truly moldable based upon environment. I recall walking away with the conclusion that so much can be taught through a nurturing environment. I attempt, as I raise my daughter, to reflect on what this environment has taught her. I also ponder just how much of that is nature manifesting itself and how much is my nurturing. I haven't really come to any conclusions except that ... all of these traits are insanely like me ... only multiplied in their intensity. I'm not worried yet, but if they continue to grow, we could have some interesting days ahead. This morning's observations...my 5 "B's": (1). Blanket: The blanket comes everywhere with us now. It's a permanent fixture in my child's life, her every comfort tool. She can't relax without it, and I don't make her try. The pacifier isn't far behind, but since we're working on weening that off, we allow the blanket. Today  I watched her interact with the blanket and noticed several things ... when she sits down she will take a moment and carefully arrange it so as to cover her legs and feet entirely. She will then tuck it underneath her so she stays firmly enclosed the entire time she sits. Since she was adamant about taking her blanket with her downstairs this morning (and she scoots downstairs sitting), it took nearly 15 minutes to get from the top of the stairs to the bottom because, before she would scoot her butt down a step, the blanket HAD to be exactly, properly, placed. She WOULD NOT be rushed or hurried. No step could be skipped ...

(2). Breakfast: Each morning Kayleigh has a routine. We get up, she kisses mama, gets her diaper changed, then heads off to eat her Cheerios and Toast with a glass of orange juice. Recently we added "watching" the picture frame ... she likes to have something to do while she eats and Mommy isn't always there to talk to her. So, she will simply names people in the pictures as she eats. This morning, after she kissed me good morning she walked me, verbally, through her routine. I skipped a step (forgot to turn off the fan in her room before leaving) and went straight to the soggy diaper. She WOULD NOT lay down and be changed for all her screaming, OFF MOMMA OFF OFF OFF. We had to put the pants back on, go turn off the fan and return to the "dipper" (diaper). I was additionally absent minded (twice in one morning, I know...) but I forgot to turn on the frame. So when I stepped away from the table I was greeted with whiny  cries "TICTURE, TEE TEE, TICTURE, TEE TEE." We COULD NOT skip a step ...

(3). Barfettes: Kayleigh loves playing with her barrettes in her room. She insists on wearing them in the mornings (but only in the mornings). She must be wearing two, and they must be of the same kind. Because I don't always return the single barrette I use to the card there are several colors which she will NEVER wear. She must have both, and they must both be in at the same time. If she senses that you have tried to pull a switcheroo (or sees it in the mirror) she will scream and pull them out ... No mismatches, Mother ...

(4). Blinds: We were playing in her room today and Kayleigh made it quite clear that (after the music was turned on, to a suitable song ... we went through at least 15 before she found one that fit her mood ... the lights were lit to her liking ... her lamp lights in pieces or all at once and she only wanted certain colors on) she would like the blinds up so she could look out the window. Because it's difficult for me to reach over her brother and the headboard, I simply threw open a few blinds that didn't cause me discomfort. That was a mistake. We spent the next 20 minutes "fixing" them so that all of the blinds were open to EXACTLY equal height. This kid was pointing, whining, (and then when she realized the words), saying Up Up until the blinds (covering all 4 adjacent windows) were perfect. Then she nodded her head, clapped her hands, and gave me a "hi momma" as if to say "thank you."

(5). **** This is easily my favorite of the 5 B's *****: BLAGH ... It's Kayleigh's word for anything disgusting. And there are many things that are disgusting to Kayleigh. One is a pacifier that she has had in her mouth for too long. She doesn't like the spit that comes off of it and will insist that you get her a new one that isn't "BLAGH." ... She also finds her hands "blagh" after snacking on Cheerios, falling in the dirt, wiping her own nose and will come running to Mommy with her hands out, screaming and crying until they are wiped down. She was MOST distraught this morning when we painted a picture for Dadda (posted below) and Baby Brother (not posted because his name is on it); she had paint on her hands, her chest, her face, her feet..???, everywhere. It was a near meltdown until she realized Mommy could take care of that too. BUT my favorite blagh of the morning came when she was contentedly playing by herself. She came over to hug my leg and I said, more out of habit than anything, "What are you doing, Kayleigh?" Imagine my surprise when she looked me square in the face and said "POOP." I started laughing, sure that she had picked up the lingo from her father or me during some random conversation. I made a mental note that we MUST stop using any more foul words lest she pick those up. When ... I smelled it. She hadn't just been throwing out a new word, she really told me what she was doing. I looked at her and said, "Did you dirty your diaper?" Again, looked at me with the same intentional face and nodded ... "BLAGH ... dipper" Potty training, we aren't far away ... :)

My Monday Mother’s Day :)

My husband took me out to dinner; my toddler waddled into the living room on Sunday morning with a new picture frame and a collage of photos that Daddy made. As soon as she handed it to me, she named every person in the pictures and then gave Mommy's face a big kiss. It melted my heart because it was so unprompted. I have a sweet year 1 album of my precious child that my mom made for me ... in general, I was quite spoiled on Mother's Day. This morning, though, on Monday, when everything has returned to the routine: the dishwasher is running, there are heaps of clothes in the washer and the dryer... this is when my baby girl decided she wanted to express her thoughts to Mommy. My little squiggle squirm doesn't give snuggles without prompting; she's too busy doing everything. She doesn't love being carried or held really, ever. Now that walking is so effortless, she wants to do it all of the time. This morning, I don't know if it's the overtiredness that comes from two family get togethers, or shortened naps and night time teething that made her snuggly, but, whatever the case Mommy got all kinds of love this morning ...

It began after breakfast when she wanted to sit in the rocker with her blanket on her lap and watch "tee-tee." She usually does this, with her head in my lap for less than 5 minutes before wandering off to get something to eat or play with. This morning she snuggled for at least 10 minutes, enough to watch a segment on cosmetic procedures (eww), but followed it up with an unusual request. "Up, Up. Mommyyyyy Up." I hoisted her up over the belly and she snuggled right into my shoulder. She gave me a kiss and pinched my cheeks (I honestly don't know where she learned that because I don't pinch her) and returned to a rocking/cuddling position for another 10 minutes.

After a quick detour to the pantry for some Cheerios, she went to her room, asked for music, laid on her big girl bed and listened to a little Phantom of the Opera with Mommy. She let Mommy sing the "Think of Me" song, and she just watched her fan turn round and round and patted my leg in rhythm. When Mommy finally got the clue that it was time to try a nap (even though she'd been up for less than 1 hour), I suggested it. She crawled herself up and deposited her head on my shoulder and said, "Nigh nigh."

After I forced myself to put her in the crib (I held her as long as her baby brother would tolerate it ... 10 minutes maybe), she grinned at me on the way out, waved, and said, "I love you, Mommyyyyyyy."

Sigh ... 18 months old today ... can I freeze her here? She's just so precious and worth every second of the arduous labor she put me through. My only complaint is how quickly she's growing. Each time I turn around there's a new word on her lips, a new skill in her library of tricks, a new "precious moment" to cherish. Oh well, I suppose those are the simultaneous joys and aches of being a Mommy. You love it because it's happening and want to cry because you understand just how quickly it goes.

I love you, Kayleigh ... more than you'll ever understand (except of course, as my mom used to tell me, until you have kids of your own).

True Confessions

I've been doing much better in the last few days centering my mind around the lack of urgency in delivering this baby. However, today, I had a set back. I know it's stupid, and I'm stupid for doing it, but I couldn't resist. Let me explain ... 18 months ago, I was 37 weeks and 6 days pregnant. It was a rainy, Saturday - very cold and dreary (quite expected for November). Steve and I had nothing in particular planned for the day, so it became a sort of "lazy Saturday" that we just made up as we went a long. We got coffee in the morning, took a walk (not very far), did some work (I think I was grading massive projects at the time), and then decided we were going to do shopping and dinner out. We went to Meijers and picked up all of the items listed on the "labor packing list" along with a few other things (I distinctly remember getting Andre wet cat food so he wouldn't feel too "left out" when the baby came. Almost equally silly was our purchase of N/A champagne to "toast" our new baby...). Afterwards, we went to Texas Roadhouse. We had never been there before and thought we'd try it. The wait was over an hour, so we checked in and walked to Sam's Club to pick up a few more items (Sam's Club shares a parking lot with the restaurant). We returned with 30 minutes to spare but ended up waiting an additional 30 MORE minutes. What really made it ridiculous was that no one wanted to give up their "waiting seat" for a very obviously pregnant woman. I stood the entire hour ... our meal took a long time (I ordered a salad ... I don't usually, but for some reason that sounded "right"). As a concession for our ridiculous wait, the manager gave us a giant brownie sundae for dessert, which by the time we got it, neither of us felt like eating (it was pretty late, like 9:30 or something). I remember we drove home, exhausted, never unpacked all the groceries we had purchased, just left the paper sack on the counter and hit the sheets. Around 3:00 a.m. that Sunday morning, EXACTLY 38 weeks pregnant, my water broke. 24 hours later, on Monday morning at 3:05 a.m. we were holding our precious gift, Kayleigh Elaine.

It was very very difficult not to sense the similarities as our weekend started to take shape. I'm currently 38 weeks and 6 days pregnant. It is a Saturday that turned out lazy because my tournament was cancelled. It was unseasonably cold and wet ... not much different from that Saturday in November. We did some shopping today for things we needed (not the silly labor packing list ... I haven't even packed for me because I can't bring myself to believe that this child will EVER come out) and as the day wore on, I joked with Steve ... Perhaps we ought to go to Texas Roadhouse (we've only been there one other time, except for that fateful night and that was to celebrate Kayleigh's birthday, just the three of us.). When we walked in and the place was jammed packed, wall to wall with people and we were told it was a 40 minute wait ... we smiled at each other, left and went to Sam's Club ... We didn't have to wait after we returned, and a sweet elderly couple moved over instantly when we walked in the second time. BUT, I ordered the same meal as I did before ... and secretly I'm hoping that everything goes the same tonight (so much so that I haven't even unpacked the items we went shopping for ... lest I "jinx" the whole scenario).

Oddly enough, the dates line up rather curiously. The morning my water broke was Sunday, November 9th. Kayleigh's birthday was Monday, November 10th, 2008. If little man is born, with a similar situation, he would be EXACTLY, 18 months younger than his sister ... to the date! I think that's pretty fantastic ... and  a great little setup ... Sound good, God??? :)

No worries, I'm light hearted about all of my superstition. When I wake up tomorrow morning with my membranes still VERY much in tact, contracting as I've been for the past 3 weeks, I won't be any more disheartened than I would otherwise ... I'm just trying to have a little fun with these last few weeks.

As a P.S., Kayleigh has been so naughty at restaurants lately ... she just can't seem to sit still. But tonight, she was back to her old self: hilarious, flirtatious with everyone around her, patient, and sociable. We had a great pre-Mother's Day dinner ... I am truly blessed with my little family.

“Stork” Parking …

I really don't like to make excuses for myself as a pregnant woman. I mean, it's a God-designed, life-giving process that every mother on the planet went through at least once. BUT, there are some conveniences that I find just completely wonderful; it always makes me appreciate the retail store that provides it so much more ... It also makes me semi-resentful of the places that do not choose to provide this convenience. Today ... I really missed the "Stork Parking" at Meijer. Picture this:

It's pouring down rain ... a pregnant mother (say 38 weeks) carrying her squirming 18 month old toddler underneath an umbrella while juggling a diaper bag, keys, and phone. (Can't leave the phone anywhere when you're "about to pop"). There were no spots closer than 6 spaces out because they are all handicapped spots. You  can park in the first space if you go to the perimeters of the lot, but then you're actually walking MORE than you are if you park 6-8 spots back. Nevermind said pregnant mother was running in for 1 item ... 1 item!! There's no 10 minute parking either ...

I'm not trying to say that the handicapped spots aren't necessary. I firmly believe they are. As an able bodied (though not really nimble right now) customer, I'd be glad to park behind the handicap spots and walk past those. BUT, as I tried to search for spots, I saw college students, teenagers, and non-pregnant women cut me off for the spots just past the handicap ones ... Again, I don't fault them as they had no idea what I was juggling simply by looking at my mom-van. But, really, would it be so difficult to add a few designated spaces for expectant mothers just past the handicap ones??? I know one customer who would make a point to frequent any retailer that did so ... :) ...

Anyway, after my ordeal (not only was it the long walk, juggling everything in the pouring rain - I had to re-dress my now "strip-teasing" toddler as she sat in her carseat. Again, at 38 weeks pregnant I can't stand in the van with her, in front of the seat, I can't stand outside, getting poured on, so I have to run around and sit opposite her in the backseat to re-dress her. I also had to clean up the bowl of Cheerios she dumped all over her lap (she got her barefoot stuck in the "spill-proof" bowl and upon removal showered herself in Cheerios), AND locate the umbrella and all necessary items needed to make it through a trip to the store), I decided that running in for just a roll of tape (so I could finish wrapping Mother's Day/Wedding/Graduation/Birthday gifts) was ludicrous. So, as a concession to both my sweet daughter (who could sense my frustration and kept grabbing my arm in a hug and saying, "I love Mommy") and my own mood, we stopped at the bakery and bought doughnuts. Yup, I spoiled her too ... Clearly, she doesn't mind :)

Oh Where is My Chocolate??!

3 days ... 3 days ... That's all Little Boy Van Dyk has before he will surpass his sister for amount of time spent inside the womb. For all of the assurances my doctors gave me that he would be early, he has certainly NOT lived up to their expectations. And Mommy thinks perhaps the doctors reassurance that she'd see her baby "soon" (over 4 weeks ago) was just a cruel joke. Today's appointment was less than encouraging by way of progress. The midwife I saw left the room with a cheerful, "see you next week." (Not the usual, "we'll probably see you at the hospital, but schedule a 1 week before you leave just in case.") I know that babies come entirely on their own timetable, so I really shouldn't put too much stock in predictions one way or the other ... I just never imagined that my 2nd would take longer to "bake" than my first! Anyway, I came home from the doctor more depressed than is usual for me. So, I straightened up the house in a flurry of energy (Kayleigh was down for her a.m. nap), started a load of diapers, and then was going to dive into the Little Debbie fudge brownies I have become obsessed with as of late. However, the brownies were gone (I can't blame anyone but myself as I'm the only one that eats them) as were the Swiss Cake Rolls. I already devoured the chocolate related Rice Krispies in Kayleigh's box of treats, so that leaves ... potato chips??!! It's not an adequate substitute when trying to console oneself. Oh well, at least my favorite nephew is coming over today :) He and his mom always find a way to make even the sad days BRIGHT and CHEERFUL.

I'm going to try and wrap my head around May 23rd as my actual due date now ... not early May (like my dr had said a month ago), that way I can stop getting angry each morning that I wake up and am still pregnant :) ... Anyway, time to just go enjoy the peace and quiet that will all be over soon enough.