Soap Box Bed Time

Hello there.

So Milo and Nathan are finally bedtime buddies. =) We expected a lot of tears, a lot of drama, but we knew we needed to get moving in that direction if we are ever going to have more kiddos. We thought this would be a very gradual... drawn out process, as we planned on doing it as gently as possible. But it wasn't. In case you're interested, here's how we did it: We stopped asking Milo if he'd like Daddy to put him to bed and started happily telling him that Daddy was going to put him to bed. We talked about his TV buddy Caillou and how his Daddy put him to bed. We really talked it up. Then when bedtime rolled around, I told Milo I was going to the store and that Daddy would put him to bed tonight. He kissed me goodbye and the boys went off to play for a couple more minutes. {I went to my parent's house.} The plan was for Nathan to text me when he fell asleep or if it got real bad. And if I didn't hear from him by 9:30, I'd just come home. It wasn't long after 8:00 that I got a text that read, "SUCCESS!!!" Milo had a couple moments where he managed to squeeze a couple tears out, but calmed down when Nathan offered to let him watch his favorite show Caillou on the ipod. Within five minutes, he was asleep in Nathan's arms. Sure, I don't love that he has to watch TV to fall asleep, but a couple minutes isn't going to hurt. And we are already trying to lessen the need for that with each following evening. That's it. I think it was just the right time for Milo. He was able to fully understand what was going to happen. I think it made Nathan feel pretty great, too.

Now on to my soap box. We went to the park this afternoon since it was another beautiful day. Well... we ended up waiting until after nap time. By that time, the school kids were there. I have nothing against school aged children, but those kids had no respect or awareness of the little guys around them. They were wild. I don't think we should micromanage our kids. And of course kids will be kids. But I think its unfortunate that parents/caretakers don't have the sense to remind their kids to watch out for the little ones. I kept having to redirect Milo away from the 'big boys.' It was not a pleasant outing at the park. Say what you will about my thoughts, but I dream of a house in the country where our home is where they play and explore and their siblings are their playmates. Hmmm. Kind of like the Duggars. Of course we will NOT be having that many children. But... I like a lot of what they've got going on.

Love

Just wanted to post a quick update.

All went well with our trip to Michigan. Our transfer went well... now praying things go well down the road. We'll know whether or not it was a success at the end of the month, however we will not make any formal announcements for a while. Either way, we'll like some time to ourselves to hopefully enjoy the news or process the news. And a lot can happen in that first trimester. So again, we'll share news when we are ready. Thank you for your continued prayers.

We did not have much time in Michigan, but we did get to spend some time with some very, very dear friends whom we miss greatly. It's always bittersweet. Bitter from distance. Sweet from the blessing of friendship.

Oh yeah. Today's Valentine's Day... ummm ok... I missed it by a minute. I hope you had a lovely day whether you were with your other half, family, friends, or just flying solo. Nathan and I celebrated our 13th Valentine's Day together. Our day was simple, but sweet. And while we did partake in the sweet gestures and such, we certainly didn't do or say much more than what we do on a daily basis. Every day is filled with I love you's, hugs, acts of sweet kindness for one another... My Valentine's Day is more a day to be thankful for Nathan, Milo, and our family.

Prayer

Ok my friends. I need you to say a special prayer right now. Just a quick... "God, give them life in their womb." Yesterday I was in Nashville for blood work and ultrasound to check on my progress with things. While in the waiting room I met some really nice ladies, all praying, praying, praying for a baby. We quickly shared our struggles and successes. The hurts... I left, praying for each one of them. And... I have another friend here that is making her first attempt at IUI. This is a truly great couple who will make great parents. We all need a special prayer this week. So please... for six women all trying for a baby this week... please pray that prayer for us.

Daddy's Boy

The other day, Nathan and I went on a little date which ended with a stop at Barnes and Nobles. I was skimming a book about raising boys. {I know. We were on a date and I was reading a book about kids... What can I say?!} Anyway. The book mentioned that between 18-36 months boys typically go through a major daddy stage. We. Are. There.

Let me back up. Nathan has been freelancing while we wait for another job that is on the table to pan out. So he has been home a lot. And we are LOVING the family time. Enter Daddy-Mania.

24-7 Daddy is on Milo's mind. Sure. I'm there too, but all day long he wants daddy to play. And Nathan can't say no. Nor does he want to say no. Milo still comes around for milk and lovies, and I still put him down for naps and bedtime. But 90% of the time, he wants Daddy to play.

Am I jealous? No. Nope. Nah. OK. Maybe sometimes. But I am thoroughly enjoying the breaks. Our house has stayed clean. Dishes done. Laundry managed. Wonderful meals on the table. And I feel so refreshed. But most of all, I love the fact that Milo so greatly adores his daddy. And I love hearing "Milo did _____. I taught Milo _____. Look at us Mommy!" It brings great joy to my heart seeing these two guys bond.

And it also makes my heart ache for children, boys, who don't have that. Who don't have a dad. Who can't have their dad. Whose dad doesn't play, show affection, care. I feel like Milo will be able to understand what it means to have a Heavenly Father because he has an Earthly Father to show him what that looks like. Tonight, I pray for all of the boys and girls who are without their fathers... for whatever reason. For the military children who are sacrificing their dads for us. For the children who lost their fathers. And for the children whose father's simply are not there. May God wrap each one in His loving hands and fill that void.

Nathan sure is lucky to get such an awesome post and it isn't even Father's Day. ;)