Nursing Strikes - Oh Joy

Well, it had to happen eventually. After two very prodigious nursers Michael had to come and change things up this third time around. He began teething again last week and refused to nurse, much to EVERYONE chagrin. Oh my, at first he only refused one side. That's fine, I've had that happen before and I can deal with it. Then he refused nursing at all during the daytime and could only be duped into nursing when he was sleeping in the middle of the night. Very frustrating, but I pumped a little to relieve the pressure. Then for a few days he decided to not nurse at all not even during the night, but just let us all know how unhappy his was with his new teeth and how tired he was and how he wished that everyone would leave him alone and let him go back to sleep after an hour or two of wailing. Fun times. There is a light at the end of this tunnel. Yes, he accepted nursing several times yesterday and it is looking better and better. I hope I don't have to endure another nursing strike again - ever!

Seth has begun a big job and loves his work so much. After being off for a while he was itching to get back into the swing of things. He comes home so happy but exhausted. He is a man made to work. He can't be idle or it frustrates him. He loves his job and he does it extraordinarily well.

Katrina is learning to read a little more proficiently. It takes a lot or practice and patience on both our parts, but I try to entice her with the promise that oncde she learns to read on her own she will be allowed to stay up till 9:00pm in her bed reading books. Oh the anticipation!

Shiona is my little monkey. She is coming more and more out of her little world and becoming more aware of people and things around her. She has become a lot more affectionate too. This is so special because she doesn't just dole out hugs and kisses for the asking. She is very scholastic and loves her school work. Plus, she is continuing to understand her responsibilities as a big sister and step up to the plate more.

Michael is still not crawling and is only rolling over from belly to back - STILL!!!! Ok, I'm really not worried. I know guys develop slower than girls and that he is a big boy. It's gonna be harder for him to lug his 22lb ball of chub around than most smaller babies. He stands well, though, but still needs support. What I love so much about him is that he seems to have an adult sense of humor. For example, I put Seth's hat on him and told him lets go show Dada. He tried to grab it off, but I said, no, let's show Dada. He got this smile of anticipation on his face and kept lightly patting the hat. It was like he knew it would be humorous and couldn't wait to see Daddy's face! He also is extremely alert to what is going on around him. He reminds me of Katrina in that not much escapes his notice.

I am just a busy, happy housewife, mother, teacher, sister, daughter, friend, etc... just doing the things I love best and get most fulfillment out of. I enjoy schooling the girls and keeping the house tidy. I love playing with Michael and exercising and cleaning and teaching the girls little chores. I love being a homemaker...except for the cooking part. I'm really no good at it and suffer from lack of creativity and inspiration often. *Sighs* But my family does not starve and we get along all right.

When Seth comes home I can't wait to put the kids down and have a wonderful, relaxing evening with him. We enjoy our home so much that even though we get a date every Thursday evening, we will often decide to stay home and just have the children watched while we relax at the house. It is the most wonderful thing to be married to your best friend and lover. He is completely the most incredible guy I ever have met. I love him so much more deeply now than ever before. I can't imagine how my love will magnify with each passing year of knowing him better and having memories and special times that keep our hearts knit together. Our marriage has had some very big ups and some big downs, too, but thanks be to God each time we come through things much more stronger and deeply in love.

I recently advised Suzanne on a plan for losing weight. She took it and ran with it and so far has dropped over 8lbs. She is such a walking success story that several people have asked for advice, help and a copy of the plan I made for her. I'm just so proud of Suzanne for being so committed and sticking with it, cause it isn't easy! Her goal is to be down to her ideal size by Mary's wedding and I think she'll make it if she stays focused. I hope people don't think I'm obsessed, but fitness is a passion of mine. I love to stay fit and learn all I can about proper eating and exercising but I also love encouraging others and imparting what I've learned on to them. It is especially challenging as mothers to find the time to stay fit and keep everything else going. I know that just a few kind words of encouragement have meant the world to me and have challenged me to keep going, be strong, stay focused and not be discouraged. I love knowing I can do the same for others.

I'm going through a woman's Bible study booklet by myself and have been so challenged by it. I love the meat in scripture. The stuff that really hits home and convicts and turns my eyes off myself (where they seem to be constantly) and onto the Lord and depend on His strength to help me through all the trials and things that come my way big or small. I am sharing some of the information from this little Bible study booklet on my other blog site www.deedsoflove.blogspot.com. I've entitled the blog site "Love in Action". It is intended for wives and mothers, but some single girls to read and comment too.

And I must sign off - plenty of things to do today, so I must not dawdle.