Friday, September 12

Update (still no pictures!)

I just realized this morning that even though I don't have a camera to work with, I can still post about what's happening in our lives (what a concept!!) So here are a few new things with us.

Scott is still busy, busy, busy on the farm. It's taking quite a bit to get used to being a farmer's wife. Scott has always still helped out on the farm every year but this is the first time since the 9 years we've been together that the farm has been his full-time job and livelihood. It's quite a switch from him just being there to help out when he has time to him being there full time. I used to look foreward to those rainy days when he wouldn't go to the farm, but now it seems like there is always something to be done, rain or shine. It gets a little lonely after the kids are in bed and I'm sitting at home by myself in this quiet house. Since we live further from the farm, Scott doesn't come home for meals and so there are some days that we don't see him at all. (Though usually I see him at night, and sometimes Oliver too) I try to make sure that Kalia doesn't go more than one or two days without seeing him at all, and she always likes to call him at bedtime to say goodnight. So we make trips out to the farm and Kalia (and sometimes me and Oliver too) goes off on the Semi or the tractor with Scott.

Oliver is growing like CRAZY! He is the opposite of my petite little Kalia. At 3 months he was almost 17 pounds already, and at 2 1/2 Kalia is still around 25 lbs. It makes Kalia seem lighter that's for sure. Oliver is just falling in love with his big sister. It seemed like for a while he wasn't sure what to think of her smothering hugs and kisses, but now he loves to just stare at her and smiles and laughs at almost everything she does. I could not ask for a happier baby. I really feel like God blessed me with relaxed, easygoing Oliver after I had such a horrid pregnancy. He still sleeps a lot (3 naps a day, but the afternoon nap is around 4 hours!) and when he is awake he is all smiles! He is so quick to give anyone a smile who is willing to spend a few moments talking to him, and his whole body wriggles with excitement. Also, he is awesome at putting himself to sleep! Often I am just going to come play with him or spend some time holding him, and he's just asleep when I come over! What a goof. On a more serious note, we could use some prayer for him also. Dystonia runs through Scott's family (one side of the neck muscles seizing up and becoming tighter and shorter than the other) and we have noticed that Oliver holds his head to one side. I mentioned it to my doctor already at his 1 month appointment, but now at the 3 month he took me seriously and referred me to a specialist. So we took Oliver to a pediatrition on Tuesday and she said it looked like Oliver had a neck muscle injured during labour and that if we did physio therapy with him then we may be able to prevent the dystonia. So, off I will go with my tiny (well, okay not so tiny) baby to physio!! Please pray that he is okay with doing the exercises and that we will be able to loosen that muscle.

Now for Kalia, she is just soaking up life like a sponge! In 10 minutes one day she learned how to spell her name and has been doing it ever since! She's also learned to spell Oliver's as well as recognize her name in writing. I didn't even realize she could do that until one day she pointed up to the letters of her name in her room and said "Look mom, K-A-L-I-A!" Of course I think she's a little genious, but what mom doesn't? She definitely has a stubborn streak that has come out especially since I am alone with the kids alot and she doesn't get as much one on one time. She can be so sweet that I want to melt, but also so frustrating that I want to tear my hair out!! She has such a great imagination though. She plays with imaginary friends and makes up little role playing scenarios for us and it is so much fun, I never know what she will come up with next! She has gotten so cuddly lately too, she just loves to come over and give me a snuggle, telling me she loves me "so very much!"

And as for myself, I am finally getting out my jewelry again and it is really fun to have something creative to work on while the kids nap. Other than that, I have been organizing my house and baking a lot, as well as spending as much time outside as possible when it is nice out. I am really trying to find time every day to talk to God and do devotions because it makes my days so much easier to take. Well, that's all for now, and my camera is ready to be picked up so hopefully I'll get to it in the next week or so and come back with some pictures!

8 comments:

Lauren said...

Wow! You are one busy mom! Both Kalia and Oliver sound absolutely wonderful, I'm so glad you're loving being a mommy of two so much! I totally understand about having your husband away so much, Lyndon is working out of town right now, and is gone two days at a time...it can make for very long days and somewhat lonely nights. I'll definitely be praying for Oliver, I hope everything goes well!

Wenona said...

A 4 hour nap?? You are one blessed woman! I am excited when Koen takes a 2 hour nap! Sounds like you guys are busy and making the most of the summer. Take care!

Trev and Rebekah said...

Thanks for the update.
I pray that your little man will be okay. I am glad Etienne finally took you seriously.
At his one month appointment did you already know that it could be that thing that runs in the family or were you just concerned?
I love it that Kalia plays with imaginary friends. I love it when kids have imaginations.
Miss ya and love ya.

Trev and Rebekah said...

Thanks for the update.
I pray that your little man will be okay. I am glad Etienne finally took you seriously.
At his one month appointment did you already know that it could be that thing that runs in the family or were you just concerned?
I love it that Kalia plays with imaginary friends. I love it when kids have imaginations.
Miss ya and love ya.

Erica H said...

Great update! Its been too long! :) I totally understand what its like not to have a husband home - Rusty's hours (with being a pastor) are SO crazy! And I remember as a kid not seeing my dad for days because he was so busy farming. Harvest time is just crazy for farmers - just think, the winter months will be so nice when you'll have your husband around more to help those bleak months not drag so much. I miss you so much! I wish so badly Annika and Kalia could play together again. :( Oliver and Kalia sound like such wonderful kids - I'm so happy you got a good, laid back baby...I'm hoping God will look on me with favour this time around and give me one of those. Hehe! :)

patti said...

isn't it so funny how boy babies are just built so different? kalia and oliver sound just like my 2. jackson is around 24lbs and Hannah is 29lbs.

hope you get some great family time in soon!

Christine said...

So glad things are going well. Soon the busy harvest will be over and you will have Scott at home again.

JENN said...

Wow! Kalia can spell her name? That's amazing! They definitely learn a lot when they are that age! And you are really blessed to have such a relaxed baby! And that he falls asleep on his own! My boys didn't learn to self soothe until I weaned them, even though I tried to get them to do it earlier than that! It's good to hear you're keeping busy!