We had a nice time with John's mom here. She was the one to greet Johnathan every morning and help keep him from waking us up while we recovered from the previous night's lack of sleep! She kept all of the dishes clean. She fixed us French toast one morning and had the coffee ready every morning! She ironed Johnathan's shirt for Sunday morning. She took turns with diaper duty for both kids. And she was always glad to love on Baby Kalleigh--isn't that the most fun job of grandmothers?
Thanks, Momo, for all your help last week. We appreciated it!
Here are a couple of pictures during her visit:
Look at that fluff of a dress! I love it!
PART 2: The Terrible Twos
It's really been difficult lately. I know it's normal with the new baby, but it's so hard! We got ANOTHER report from his teacher today at school that he had been hitting and kicking many of the other children. Then his teacher told us that he was bothering another little boy, so that little boy bit him on the finger. Great. There's something else for him to learn. I thought going to school was a good idea, but I'm starting to question it about now because of all the bad habits he's picking up.
That being said, how appropriate are these next two pics?!
PART 3: 2nd PKU
I took Kalleigh in today for her 2nd PKU. It's the awful one where they stick the baby's heel and squeeze all of the blood out of her foot while she screams at the top of her lungs while looking into my eyes with this look of absolute betrayal as I hold her down and tell her it's okay. While doing this, I had a flashback to when I had to hold 7 month old Johnathan while the dentist pulled his tooth that was sticking straight out because Johnathan had thrown a tantrum and knocked it that way. Again, it was awful.
Then there are the shots. They go through different stages. First it's the stage where they have no idea what's coming, sort of like Kalleigh's PKU today. They're happy, cooing, looking in your eyes with love and admiration, and then, "Woah! What was that???" And the screaming begins, accompanied, of course, by the look of emotional trauma because you, the mommy, have just betrayed her.
Next is the stage where Johnathan was at his 2 year old check up and vaccinations. He knew the word "shot," but wasn't quite sure what it meant. I had told him that it might hurt a little, but that it would be all done soon and he would get a sticker. When the needle came out, he looked at it doubtfully, unsure of what would happen next, and then, "Oh man! That hurts!!!" And the sobbing began, accompanied, of course, by the look of emotional trauma, because you, the mommy, failed to tell him just how badly it would hurt.
Next is the stage that I have not experienced yet, so I'm not as equipped to explain the agony as those of you who have been or are going through this stage. But this is the stage where they know exactly what's coming and they cry all the way to the doctor's office, and fall apart before they are even called back to see the doctor, sobbing, "No shot! No shot!" so loudly that all the other mother's cover their children's ears and hold them close to comfort them. Then when you actually get in there and get the shot, it's not nearly as bad as the child made it out to be in the first place and they go out of the doctor's office wearing their sticker as a heroic medal and can't wait to show everyone their battle wound, the Band-Aid. Is this anywhere close to being right?
I'm also convinced that it is just as bad for the mom as it is for the child. When Johnathan had his PKU, we both left in tears, just like we did after his 4 week shots. As the mother, I know that this is the best thing for the child; I'm so thankful that we have the preventive medicine that we do. But it's just so hard to watch your child suffer!
And that brings us back to the Father. I'm convinced that sometimes God allows us to go through hard times knowing that we will be stronger and healthier afterwards. It's not to punish us. He's our heavenly father! What father enjoys watching his children suffer? No way! It's agonizing to watch our children in pain! And just like we are there to hug and kiss and comfort our children after those "mean ol' shots," God is there to comfort us when we have gone through our own trials.
Thank you, God, for continuing to open my eyes to learn more about You by growing my understanding about what it means to be a parent!
6 comments:
Thank you for your great perspective. And yes, your assessment of "the child who knows what's coming" is correct. Everyone goes through this stage with their child, but for some reason we feel all alone when WE are the one going through that terrible moment. This world needs more mommies like you!
We're going through the terrible 2s ourselves right now! Hayley is not having a problems with hitting - it's screaming. Sometimes, she shrieks for no apparent reason. The Children's minister at our church have addressed us on it. It's so hard to hear that - it makes you think you are doing something wrong in your child-rearing.
I'm with you with those shots too! I hated taking Hayley for them because they DO look at your like you betrayed them. But look at it this way: you don't have to take Jonathan for another shot until he gets in kindergarden!
The pictures were too funny -- and in no way represent that sweet little boy! (Said like a nana!)
No that was not Hailey's first taste of ice cream she has had it before, but I think she is starting to learn what it looks like. :)
How are the dgos liking Kalleigh?
Kim, just keep being a good mom and taking your kids to the doctor when the ought to go. I'm sure it's hard. On a much smaller scale, and I know you've felt this way with your dogs, too, Stryker has a way of making me feel bad if he's hurting or can't get what he wants. He's my baby, in a way...^_^Love you Kim!!!
It's great God doesn't let us have the big problems right off the bat. Reading your stories make me remember my two at school and the things they did and questioning if I was doing the right things. You are and are such a great mom. Each stage and age brings new things to be surprised at. Keep looking to God and stearing your children to God and all will work out. I am just in the teens and I don't know somedays if I will make it out of this phase of the kids life (Or if they will!!) Remember to write down all the funny things they say. You think you will remember but it is so hard. Give Jonathan a big squeeze from Mike and Joy and kiss that beautiful little girl we have never met! JOY
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