One of the best things about motherhood is getting to see the world the way my little Tiger sees it. He is growing and changing at lightening speed, and sometimes I forget what a big boy he is becoming.
He is so verbal now....and he speaks a language that often only I can decipher. I remember "talking" with littles before and helplessly looking up at their mom, my eyes pleading for a translation. Now...I am that mom to Tiger. And it kind of is awesome.
Tiger astonishes me with what he knows. He's grown quite attached to his baby Mickey Mouse, which he refers to as "Mouse" or "Mine" depending on his mood du minute, and last night, on a whim, I asked him where each of Mickey's body parts or facial features are. I was astonished when he pointed and said the parts! This happens to me over and over, as he will "read" his picture books to me and continually shows me his ever growing vocabulary. Or when I sing a song that I have been singing to him since he was born, he will sing along...granted the words he sings aren't clear to anyone but me...but still!
I am not telling you this as part of a bragfest, because if you witnessed my parenting on a daily basis, you'd see how little I have to do with his learning. You might be quite disturbed, in fact. ;) And I fully recognize that there are 20 monthers out there who are way more advanced than G is. But there is something so stinking magical about seeing new words and concepts start to "click" in your child's head. Today, it was watching G finally do a whole puzzle by himself, after months of me coaching him on certain pieces (ok ok I helped him learn that one!) and then running upstairs to the sound of Mr. T drawing a bath, shouting, "Bath time! Bath time!"
It's those little moments that take my breath away and threaten to knock me over with the realization that my baby is not a baby anymore. And it makes me both want to beam with pride and fall into a heap and sob, because I know he is his own person...that all of this time we spend together is just about helping him grow more independent and, hopefully, a strong young man who fears God and serves Him in this world. And someday, he isn't going to need me. And that everything we are doing as parents is helping him reach that goal of not needing us.
Le sigh. It is kind of sad to think about. But I am going to relish every new stage and watch the joys of growing up through his eyes as long as the good Lord allows. It is a really awesome privilege. And, it is kind of the best thing ever.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
23 weeks: mango tango
My dear sweet Dragon is 23 weeks today. BabyCenter says: Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango).
Well, Dragon is really really active. He loves kicking me to remind me he's here. He's actually more active than Tiger was, or maybe I'm imagining things...either way, I have a feeling he's going to be quite a handful!
It's interesting that Dragon is the size of a mango, considering I just bought a Costco pack of mangoes. They are finally ripe and delicious, but I'm not sure why I continue to buy Costco sized packs of fruit because I'm the only one who ends up frantically eating them before they're officially dead. I discovered this after I asked Mr. T. if he likes mangoes, to which he replied, "No." And then I asked him if he likes any fruit, and he replied, "Not really."
Say what? Who doesn't like fruit? Apparently, the guy I married. Six and a half years ago. And I'm just realizing this now. I'm a fast learner. :P When I expressed my disbelief, he mentioned that he loves broccoli.
O.kay.then.
Anyhoodles...Tiger's molars are still trying to erupt through his gums, and he'll be fine one minute and then grabbing his mouth and crying, "owie!" the next. Poor little guy. I try to put my finger in his mouth to feel if they're close, but he won't let me anymore. I guess that the counterpressure of that doesn't help. :(
I'm in nesting mode for sure. Mr. T. was cracking up because he looked at my iPad searches from the last week and they consisted of paint colors, how to cover an ugly filing cabinet, light fixtures, craigslist desk searches, and the like. I have this big desire to actually go through all of our rooms and just tossing everything. But I think that would cause my neat, organized, pack rat of a husband to have a meltdown. So...not going to do that. I did just donate about 3 garbage bags full of clothes and know I have at least one more bag to give. And I want to purge my closet of just about everything. I really do. I'm telling you. Nesting.
I'm thinking of how to do the boys' room to incorporate Dragon's arrival. Given Tiger's recent obsession with choo-choos and airplanes, I'm thinking a general transportation theme is in order, so maybe I'll add to the trains in the room and make it more diverse. But I feel like I need to purge the whole house before I can start on that. Nesting. What a strange thing.
I hope you all have a happy happy weekend!
Well, Dragon is really really active. He loves kicking me to remind me he's here. He's actually more active than Tiger was, or maybe I'm imagining things...either way, I have a feeling he's going to be quite a handful!
It's interesting that Dragon is the size of a mango, considering I just bought a Costco pack of mangoes. They are finally ripe and delicious, but I'm not sure why I continue to buy Costco sized packs of fruit because I'm the only one who ends up frantically eating them before they're officially dead. I discovered this after I asked Mr. T. if he likes mangoes, to which he replied, "No." And then I asked him if he likes any fruit, and he replied, "Not really."
Say what? Who doesn't like fruit? Apparently, the guy I married. Six and a half years ago. And I'm just realizing this now. I'm a fast learner. :P When I expressed my disbelief, he mentioned that he loves broccoli.
O.kay.then.
Anyhoodles...Tiger's molars are still trying to erupt through his gums, and he'll be fine one minute and then grabbing his mouth and crying, "owie!" the next. Poor little guy. I try to put my finger in his mouth to feel if they're close, but he won't let me anymore. I guess that the counterpressure of that doesn't help. :(
I'm in nesting mode for sure. Mr. T. was cracking up because he looked at my iPad searches from the last week and they consisted of paint colors, how to cover an ugly filing cabinet, light fixtures, craigslist desk searches, and the like. I have this big desire to actually go through all of our rooms and just tossing everything. But I think that would cause my neat, organized, pack rat of a husband to have a meltdown. So...not going to do that. I did just donate about 3 garbage bags full of clothes and know I have at least one more bag to give. And I want to purge my closet of just about everything. I really do. I'm telling you. Nesting.
I'm thinking of how to do the boys' room to incorporate Dragon's arrival. Given Tiger's recent obsession with choo-choos and airplanes, I'm thinking a general transportation theme is in order, so maybe I'll add to the trains in the room and make it more diverse. But I feel like I need to purge the whole house before I can start on that. Nesting. What a strange thing.
I hope you all have a happy happy weekend!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
party planning...or not.
Tiger's 20 months now...just four months shy of being two. Thank you, Captain Obvious.
Since his birthday will coincide with Dragon's arrival, I've been thinking maybe I should have an early birthday party for Tiger. Frankly, though, I'm not sure what to do. I mean, we had a super huge birthday bash for him last year because it's an important birthday in Korean culture. But it was super huge compared to what I and my siblings had -- which was a lovely party at home with our big fat Korean family and maybe some close family friends.
After that, my parents maybe threw me 2 birthday parties -- once at McDonald's when I was four (again a cousins only party) and then when I turned nine, when I actually invited my friends. All other times, it was maybe a birthday dinner at home or the Olive Garden with just our immediate family.
Lots of people tell me that two is one of those birthdays you can get away with not doing anything, simply because the birthday boy won't remember it. But part of me feels bad that Tiger's world is about to be rocked, and would love to throw him a party. Then again...we have so many people that we would love to invite -- I just tallied a list of 25 kids and 30 adults! -- and that just seems like a huge bash again. Don't even get me started on momblogs and Pinterest parties and real life parties I go to and feeling totally overwhelmed by the idea of throwing a fabulous party to please the kiddies and wow the parents. And the fact that I'm going to be hugely pregnant. And he's not going to remember it. Oh, and did I mention I'm going to be hugely pregnant?
So, I'm thinking maybe just a family birthday dinner this year. Which would be great if we still lived on the West Coast so we could have more people...but it might just be Tiger, me, Mr. T., and my sister. (My cousin would be there, too, if she weren't moving away *sob* next week -- don't go, VintageJeannie!) But that seems sad. Maybe I'll make my mom come to town early for his birthday party. Hehe.
Either way, this is just one of those mom moments where I just need to tell myself that it's okay. And everything's going to be just fine. A nice, intimate dinner with Tiger and my family actually sounds just about right. So I can breathe easy....for now....until next year this time, when I'm frantically preparing Dragon's dol (which Mr. T. has said we don't need to do for him since we already had one for Tiger - ha!) and thinking about doing a 3rd birthday party for Tiger. ;)
Since his birthday will coincide with Dragon's arrival, I've been thinking maybe I should have an early birthday party for Tiger. Frankly, though, I'm not sure what to do. I mean, we had a super huge birthday bash for him last year because it's an important birthday in Korean culture. But it was super huge compared to what I and my siblings had -- which was a lovely party at home with our big fat Korean family and maybe some close family friends.
After that, my parents maybe threw me 2 birthday parties -- once at McDonald's when I was four (again a cousins only party) and then when I turned nine, when I actually invited my friends. All other times, it was maybe a birthday dinner at home or the Olive Garden with just our immediate family.
Lots of people tell me that two is one of those birthdays you can get away with not doing anything, simply because the birthday boy won't remember it. But part of me feels bad that Tiger's world is about to be rocked, and would love to throw him a party. Then again...we have so many people that we would love to invite -- I just tallied a list of 25 kids and 30 adults! -- and that just seems like a huge bash again. Don't even get me started on momblogs and Pinterest parties and real life parties I go to and feeling totally overwhelmed by the idea of throwing a fabulous party to please the kiddies and wow the parents. And the fact that I'm going to be hugely pregnant. And he's not going to remember it. Oh, and did I mention I'm going to be hugely pregnant?
So, I'm thinking maybe just a family birthday dinner this year. Which would be great if we still lived on the West Coast so we could have more people...but it might just be Tiger, me, Mr. T., and my sister. (My cousin would be there, too, if she weren't moving away *sob* next week -- don't go, VintageJeannie!) But that seems sad. Maybe I'll make my mom come to town early for his birthday party. Hehe.
Either way, this is just one of those mom moments where I just need to tell myself that it's okay. And everything's going to be just fine. A nice, intimate dinner with Tiger and my family actually sounds just about right. So I can breathe easy....for now....until next year this time, when I'm frantically preparing Dragon's dol (which Mr. T. has said we don't need to do for him since we already had one for Tiger - ha!) and thinking about doing a 3rd birthday party for Tiger. ;)
Monday, July 23, 2012
derailed
Well, we (Tiger and I) were really gearing up and getting excited for the Potty Train. That is, we were until Tiger started acting weird after I picked him up from daycare on Thursday night.
His eyes were glazed over.
He wouldn't eat.
He started burning up everywhere.
He was listless.
I took his temp and it read 102.7. I knew right then our best laid plans were going to have to be set aside.
We gave Tiger some Tylenol and put him to bed. And all night long, he woke up, hand to mouth, crying "owie!!'n". And it was right then and there I knew the dreaded two year molars were making their appearance.
Thankfully, he has been ok during the days. But the night times have been a bear. Oh I do hate these two year molars!!!! It makes me so sad to just have to sit by and watch them torture my sweet one. And his appetite has been less than awesome. Sigh.
Oh well, they don't call 'em growing pains for nothin'.
Sadly, Tiger seemed really interested in the potty and his new big boy undies all weekend. We are going to California in a couple weeks, so the Potty Train is derailed for at least a month.
I have got to say that, as disappointed as I was to have our plans delayed, part of me is relieved that we don't have to deal with pottying on a six hour flight, as well as the driving we are going to be doing all around Southern Cal.
And my little boy has another month to mature and get babied by his momma. Nothing wrong with that!
And now, I leave you with a random pic of my Tiger...chilling. At Ikea. :)
His eyes were glazed over.
He wouldn't eat.
He started burning up everywhere.
He was listless.
I took his temp and it read 102.7. I knew right then our best laid plans were going to have to be set aside.
We gave Tiger some Tylenol and put him to bed. And all night long, he woke up, hand to mouth, crying "owie!!'n". And it was right then and there I knew the dreaded two year molars were making their appearance.
Thankfully, he has been ok during the days. But the night times have been a bear. Oh I do hate these two year molars!!!! It makes me so sad to just have to sit by and watch them torture my sweet one. And his appetite has been less than awesome. Sigh.
Oh well, they don't call 'em growing pains for nothin'.
Sadly, Tiger seemed really interested in the potty and his new big boy undies all weekend. We are going to California in a couple weeks, so the Potty Train is derailed for at least a month.
I have got to say that, as disappointed as I was to have our plans delayed, part of me is relieved that we don't have to deal with pottying on a six hour flight, as well as the driving we are going to be doing all around Southern Cal.
And my little boy has another month to mature and get babied by his momma. Nothing wrong with that!
And now, I leave you with a random pic of my Tiger...chilling. At Ikea. :)
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
c'mon ride the train...
The potty train, that is.
I've decided we're going to attempt potty training this weekend. Tiger has been telling us for a couple months now when he's going or about to go potty. So...I figure it's worth a shot.
Some tell me there's a window between 18-20 months, and if you miss it, you'll likely have to wait until they're three.
It'd be nice to have Tiger out of diapers before Dragon gets here....
Plus...it's summer, so it's the perfect time to have him run around pantless. So we're gonna roll up the rugs, and give it the old college try. Grace trained adorable CB in 3 days using the 3 day method...so we're going to follow that method.
I figure the worst that can happen is that we realize Tiger's not ready. And that's okay. If at first we don't succeed, we'll wait and try (and try and try) again.
So...off to Target I go, to stock up on potty training essentials.
Pray for us.
Preparing for lockdown.
I've decided we're going to attempt potty training this weekend. Tiger has been telling us for a couple months now when he's going or about to go potty. So...I figure it's worth a shot.
Some tell me there's a window between 18-20 months, and if you miss it, you'll likely have to wait until they're three.
It'd be nice to have Tiger out of diapers before Dragon gets here....
Plus...it's summer, so it's the perfect time to have him run around pantless. So we're gonna roll up the rugs, and give it the old college try. Grace trained adorable CB in 3 days using the 3 day method...so we're going to follow that method.
I figure the worst that can happen is that we realize Tiger's not ready. And that's okay. If at first we don't succeed, we'll wait and try (and try and try) again.
So...off to Target I go, to stock up on potty training essentials.
Pray for us.
Preparing for lockdown.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
silver linings
Well, folks...we are more than halfway there...I'm 21 weeks tomorrow!
Uh. What? Dragon is going to be here in four months? We're going to enter the newborn stage again? I just. I just. I just. The sleepless nights. The breastfeeding struggles. I remember them too well. But they're also a nice, distant memory because things are so. much. easier. in so many ways now. I guess dealing with astubborn willful toddler is harder in other ways. Newborn stage + Tiger's terrific twos = uh oh. I'm going to enjoy these last months of pregnancy before the hard hits our lives full force.
And yet, the silver lining in this hard stuff is getting to parent these two amazing boys. We prayed soooooo much for all of this. For the sleepless nights. For the scraped knees. For the messy house. And yes, even for the dirty diapers and the vomit. I cannot wait. I cannot wait to meet Dragon. I cannot wait to see Tiger as a big brother. It's going to be wild. And crazy. And AWESOMESAUCE.
Speaking of silver linings...I have two things to report.
First, tomorrow, the silver lining in having to take off of work AGAIN to do an anatomy scan, is that I get to see Dragon again. I hope the little rascal complies. ;)
Secondly, our house has been in upheaval for the last week because we've been getting it painted. Lots of silver linings there -- including a super fun camp out in the family room (see pic of Tiger celebrating below), and, um, kind of a gorgeous new house feel! I cannot wait to go shopping to decorate our new paint schemes! I'm going to do a post on it once we get our house back to ourselves.
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Uh. What? Dragon is going to be here in four months? We're going to enter the newborn stage again? I just. I just. I just. The sleepless nights. The breastfeeding struggles. I remember them too well. But they're also a nice, distant memory because things are so. much. easier. in so many ways now. I guess dealing with a
And yet, the silver lining in this hard stuff is getting to parent these two amazing boys. We prayed soooooo much for all of this. For the sleepless nights. For the scraped knees. For the messy house. And yes, even for the dirty diapers and the vomit. I cannot wait. I cannot wait to meet Dragon. I cannot wait to see Tiger as a big brother. It's going to be wild. And crazy. And AWESOMESAUCE.
Speaking of silver linings...I have two things to report.
First, tomorrow, the silver lining in having to take off of work AGAIN to do an anatomy scan, is that I get to see Dragon again. I hope the little rascal complies. ;)
Secondly, our house has been in upheaval for the last week because we've been getting it painted. Lots of silver linings there -- including a super fun camp out in the family room (see pic of Tiger celebrating below), and, um, kind of a gorgeous new house feel! I cannot wait to go shopping to decorate our new paint schemes! I'm going to do a post on it once we get our house back to ourselves.
EEEEEE, so much to be excited about.
And...yeah...nesting much, Tina?
Monday, July 2, 2012
it's a....
BOY!!!!
And we are so stinking excited!!!
Truth be told, Mr. T. was convinced that he was a she...to the point where I was almost convinced and had a dream that I had a girl, and so I was a little surprised when the ultrasound tech said, "It looks like you're going to have two little boys now!" But...girls scare me a little bit...I just don't know what I'd do with one. So, in my heart of hearts, I was hoping for, or maybe I just knew we were having, a boy. Interestingly enough, I got this weird feeling our little totsicle is a girl. Or maybe I'm not-so-secretly hoping that s/he is a girl. Because how cute would a little baby girl with two big brothers be?
Anyhoodles...our ultrasound confirmed what I've suspected all along about this little one...he's going to be a handful! He would NOT sit still or turn the right way for the tech to get all the pictures she needed...so...we have to go back again within the next 10 days. Poo.
Anyway...I told you that we have a name for G-man's little baby brother. It starts with a B and ends with a lake. :) However, now that it's confirmed that Baby B is a boy...I've decided to change up the boys' bloggy names. Since G-man was born in the year of the Tiger, Tiger he shall be called. And, Baby B is going to be born in the year of the Dragon (just like his daddy!), so Dragon he shall be called. (I hesitated to make this switch earlier, because calling a girl Dragon has all sorts of yucky connotations, since the Dragon Lady thing is super weird and racist....but, Dragon for a boy is so super cool. :) )
So...that's the update from me...I have two sons, Tiger and Dragon! Woohoo!!! I cannot wait to see the kinds of joy they bring to our house together...and the mayhem that will ensue. Let the good times begin!
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