A nice picture, several updates
Aug 23, 2004 Parenting
And some children stats:
Madison will be five months old next week and is already crawling. Not well, not gracefully but she gets up on hands and knees and gets to where she wants to go. She has two teeth — got ‘em both last week — and is slowly but surely getting more hair. She also hit 20 pounds just before she turned 4 months old but hasn’t put on any weight since. Maybe it’s the crawling.
Noah has decided to take Spanish this year and some science workshops. His reading improved a lot over the summer and it’s been lovely to find him with his nose in a book every morning. He also reads to Madison, which she enjoys. Pretty much anytime he gives her attention, she’s pretty darn happy about it.
Me, I’m writing more but still frustrated by lack of time. Not frustrated in a bad way, but I do look longingly at my laptop several times a day. Last week I sent out three queries, followed up on four queries that had yet to receive a response, turned in one assignment, started work on another and continued work on a third. I also had a bunch of extra work to do for my regular job.
I do my research and brainstorming during Madison’s long nap, which she’s having now, and then write in earnest at night. I try to crank a lot out on the weekends when Brett is home. I think this is a pace that I can continue but it feels very precarious. One too many assignments could put me over the edge.
I’m looking forward to fall and getting into our homeschool routine again. We usually did our actual sit-down, focused work in the morning last year and I think that will likely continue. I can help Noah with whatever he’s got going while taking care of Madison so I’m not worried about that. Of course my housekeeping standards are constantly slipping. Right now my only goal is to keep the carpet clean enough that Madison doesn’t come across anything life-threatening while crawling and I’m proud to say that I’ve met that goal. Anything else is gravy.
August 23rd, 2004 at 10:40 am
Oh, what a precious photo! Thanks for the update. It’s one I could have written, in terms of staring longingly at the laptop. My ma comforts me by saying Erma Bombeck brought her typewriter into the bathroom with her. If I could get my battery to hold a charge, I’d consider it. So nice to hear from you, and about the kids. Jackson is very interested in Spanish, too.
August 23rd, 2004 at 10:58 am
Great picture, as always!
It sounds like you are working a lot, and that has to be good for your writerly self. I am looking forward to being so busy with a baby and work!
August 23rd, 2004 at 11:53 am
What a beautiful photo. I hear ya with the gravy.
August 23rd, 2004 at 3:31 pm
They’re beautiful! I love the look on both their faces…
And I hope you’re able to feel more productive!
August 23rd, 2004 at 5:45 pm
Your children look gorgeous!
August 23rd, 2004 at 7:08 pm
Really nice to hear your voice… I miss your blog, although I completely understand why you’ve put it on hiatus. Your children are beautiful.
August 23rd, 2004 at 9:51 pm
Aren’t they just so gorgeous!! Melting my heart!! Hoping things go great with the writing and that school gets all sorted.
August 24th, 2004 at 8:12 am
Absolutely gorgeous. And as for those housekeeping standards - they sound just right to me!
August 25th, 2004 at 12:29 am
Thanks for the update and pic. Both are great. Madison is really shooting up and wow on the crawling and teeth! I think Noah’s eyes are the most beautiful shade of blue. I am content to clean enough so that Keegan isn’t covered in dog hair. That drool is a real lint brush.
August 29th, 2004 at 8:02 am
great to hear you’re keeping it together. you are so busy, I’m glad to see any post at all from you. and crawling at five months! what a girl!
August 29th, 2004 at 12:37 pm
Beautiful children! Such fresh faces!
As for the time thing, I completely understand. I used to not have time to even talk to my husband! However, (I know it’s hokey) but I have started going to http://www.flylady.net to get in on her house blessing (or whatever they call it, still haven’t mastered their “terms”) activities. She says “Just 15 minutes.” BOY, this has helped me. WHEW!!
Maybe you could consider also having someone to come in and help with housecleaning a few times or even just once a week. It isn’t as costly as one might think and the rewards far outweigh whatever cost is associated with it because of the time saved that you can spend with your family.
God bless.
~Jen
August 29th, 2004 at 9:15 pm
Your kids are beautiful.
September 1st, 2004 at 1:37 am
Beautiful picture!!! Glad to hear all is well with you!
September 13th, 2004 at 7:35 am
I think it is quite refreshing what you do. I myself hate kids. But I know there are a few adorable ones out there. Your child looks just beautiful. Very nice picture.
I wanted to give this to you. It is a song written by Kate Bush. One of my all-time favourites.
Pray God you can cope.
I stand outside this woman’s work,
This woman’s world.
Ooh, it’s hard on the man,
Now his part is over.
Now starts the craft of the father.
I know you have a little life in you yet.
I know you have a lot of strength left.
I know you have a little life in you yet.
I know you have a lot of strength left.
I should be crying, but I just can’t let it show.
I should be hoping, but I can’t stop thinking
Of all the things I should’ve said,
That I never said.
All the things we should’ve done,
That we never did.
All the things I should’ve given,
But I didn’t.
Oh, darling, make it go,
Make it go away.
Give me these moments back.
Give them back to me.
Give me that little kiss.
Give me your hand.
(I know you have a little life in you yet.
I know you have a lot of strength left.
I know you have a little life in you yet.
I know you have a lot of strength left.)
I should be crying, but I just can’t let it show.
I should be hoping, but I can’t stop thinking
Of all the things we should’ve said,
That were never said.
All the things we should’ve done,
That we never did.
All the things that you needed from me.
All the things that you wanted for me.
All the things that I should’ve given,
But I didn’t.
Oh, darling, make it go away.
Just make it go away now.