Jacey Chronicles: The Three Musketeers

Jacey absolutely ADORES his cousins. He loves Lillie like his own sister and misses her if they've been apart for just a few hours. When he sees a picture of a baby, boy or girl, black or white, small or big, he says that its Lillie and I think he truly thinks of her as a baby--and not just any baby, his baby. He gives her kisses and loves on her and drives her truly crazy.

Now, the boys, that's another story. He thinks his cousins hung the moon and the stars. When they laugh out loud, he laughs out loud. When they spin, he spins. When they burp, he makes a gross burping sound. Etc. Etc. Etc. Tonight at dinner, Joseph was laughing so hard that he was snorting and of course, Jacey tried to duplicate it. Only thing is, he had just shoved a noodle in his mouth and snorting whilst eating is not such a good idea.

Well, here are the three of them last weekend...

Random: Waterbed Woes

Today was just one of those days. I've got a kidney infection and was off my game all day long. Jacey had music class this morning and I took him home for a nap afterwards only to fall asleep and nearly miss my doctor's appointment. So we rush off to the doctor, messing up his nap. Then, I realize that he hasn't had lunch or a diaper change just about the time that he spots the tree o'suckers and they call me back. So, I give the poor hungry child a sucker, get my exam and prescription, and head off to more errands. On the way to the car, I pick him up and notice that he's soaked through his shorts. OMG! I hadn't changed him in hours due to the nap mishap, doctor's appt, and all around bad momma-ness. To make myself feel even worse, I drive through McDonald's and feed the pee pee smelling child fried foods. Healthy, I know. And all he wants is some "Baaapes" (aka Grapes). Sigh. After a proper nap, some fresh fruit, and some cuddle time, I was feeling better about the whole mess. Then the waterbed happened.

Mom had her bedroom painted today so I helped her drain her waterbed so they could paint behind it. We ordered some dinner and started the bed to fill. We commenced eating and completely forgot about the bed. Russ jerked his head up mid bite and yelled oh shit, running into mom's room to find this...

Jacey Chronicles: Words He Knows

Jacey is really big on animals and their sounds or the things they do. Here are the ones he knows. . .
Cat- mow
Dog- wuf wuf
Frog- blit (said with tongue slipping out)
Monkey- ohah
Alligator- puts his fingers together in a chomping motion
Rabbit- scrunches up his nose and mouth
Giraffe- sticks his tongue out (but not reliably...sometimes he does the rabbit face for giraffe)
Elephant- unnngh (with hand to head like a trunk)
Lion- waaah
Bear- aaaah
Duck- wack
Rooster- oodlee
Chicken- bok
Bird- chip

Of course, these are all much more impressive in person. ;-p

Jacey Chronicles: Scaredy Cat

Jacey and I woke up this morning around 8am and I was brushing my teeth and getting dressed when the bedroom door opened and a man called out. I nearly jumped out of my skin and sort of lunged in front of Jacey. Then, I realized that it was Russ. Of course, Russ thought my reaction was quite amusing. He turned to Jacey and said, "Momma's a scaredy cat" to which Jacey replied, "Meow, meow."

Jacey Chronicles: Timeout

I know, the title is misleading. No, I've not lost my mind and started putting my 16 month old in timeout. However, I do, often, put my 7 year old nephew in timeout. We make Joseph do his time at the garage door with his nose to the wall. Here's some video of Jacey putting his nose to the door in empathy with Joseph.

Jacey & Joseph in timeout

Jacey Chronicles: The Awe of Parenthood

Some days, I love being a mother more than others. I have to admit that I have my moments when I am able (if only for a fleeting second) to remember the autonomy of who I was before I became "Momma." I generally don't even give this former life a second glance but there are those days when I am just overwhelmed by even the most menial tasks and I say to myself, man I miss those carefree days. And then, there are days like today.

I am, in this moment and at various points throughout today, the most blissful, adoring parent imaginable. Staring at Jacey tonight, sleeping so hard in my arms--with his little poochie lips, sweat making his chubby cheeks stick to my arm, dampness clinging to his soft baby hair, and the smell of his warmth mingled with baby lotion after a warm shower--and I am completely, totally dumbfounded by the amazing blessing that is motherhood.

I have never been given nor worked so hard for such a prize as this. I have had a full and happy life. I have seen and done many things that I dreamed of. I have put into play many plans for my life. But, never did I ever dream that anything I would ever do would be as rewarding and worthwhile as what I am doing now. Thanks be. Words do so little justice.