What's Inside

While eating lunch today, Abby and Caleb were discussing many thought provoking things. Like who their favorite Car character is, what they were eating for lunch, what Abby did at school today-the usual.

Then, Abby randomly says to her little brother, "Caleb, did you know if you took off your skin, you would see the inside of your body?"

While I choked on my lunch, she continued, "You can see all the stuff inside, like your heart and your bones and Jesus...hey Caleb, did you know that Jesus and God are in here (pointing to her chest)?"

Caleb immediately looked down at his chest and peered into his shirt. He kept trying to look inside himself and said, "I want to see Him! Where is He?"

Abby said, "No, no, Caleb-you don't see Jesus until you go to Heaven!" in a tone that suggested she was all wise and knowing, while her brother was clueless. I even caught a glimpse of her rolling her eyes while she explained it to him.

Well, I am glad my four-year old understands such a mystery. I guess that is why we are supposed to have child-like faith.

The Battle Of The Big Boy Bed

The time finally arrived where I gave in and put Caleb in a big boy bed. With Abby, she was in one before she was two years old, since her brother was on his way. But, with Caleb, I put off this process as long as possible. It is completely selfish, but I have enjoyed keeping him trapped in his crib so that he naps and I get a break.

However, when I continually found him pretending to sleep in his sister's bed, I took the hint and found some great deals on craigslist (love that site) on a frame, then continued to the store for mattresses and the Cars bed set. I swore I would never give into the commercialized stuff for bedrooms, but the kid is obsessed with that movie and any kind of car in general.

So, last week I picked a day to put it together, lugged the second hand Pottery Barn headboard up the stairs (I think I broke my big left toe in the process), stored the crib in the garage (I am so longing for a basement) and put away every possible play item I could think of in his room.

I forgot about the books.

For the past four days, this little man has found every possible way of making his books the most exciting event to happen in the afternoon. After the first two days, I got smart and put them in the hallway so he was left with nothing to find. The result? He kept knocking on his door, asking for "another book, Mommy!"

Now, I once considered myself slightly experienced when it came to these milestones in my children's lives. When Abby first slept in her bed, we had a two day battle of discipline for every time she got out of her bed, and she eventually figured out who was in charge.

With Caleb, not so much.

I have heard every excuse in the book on why he will not nap:
"Mommy, I'm not tired!"
"Mommy, I don't like this blanket!"
"Mommy, I need a car!"
"Mommy, I want to get out!"
"Mommy, I pooped!"

Which leads me to the convenient change in his bowel movements-he suddenly is filling his diaper in the middle of nap time. I have to admit, that is talent.

Finally, after days of practically falling asleep at the dinner table in exhaustion (that would be me and Caleb), he gave in.

True, he fell asleep pretty much the time when his sister started waking up, but I'll take what I can get.

The Latest From Abby

Just a couple of recent one liners from my daughter...

"Mom, I'm getting to be a grown up because my legs are getting long, you know that?"

"My heart feels big 'cause I'm so happy."

My heart is big, too, Abby.

Discussing Theology Over Breakfast

While eating breakfast with Abby this morning, she randomly asked me when she could go to Heaven. This obviously is not the first time she has asked this, since I have written about such conversations in the past. This particular conversation cracked me up, though.

Abby: "When can I go to Heaven?"
Me: "Hopefully when you are older."
Abby: "Like when I'm 15?"
Me (slightly panicked): "I hope you're a little older than that. Heaven is where we go when we die."
Abby: "When we die?"
Me (regretting the honesty and hitting the pause button on the Today show so I could try and concentrate): "We live here on earth for awhile, telling people about Jesus, and then we will eventually die and go to Heaven, which is a good thing. But, we don't need to go there until God wants us to."

(Okay, it was the first conversation of the day and I was really tired.)

Abby: "When was Jesus born?"
Me: "Over 2000 years ago."
Abby: "2000 years ago?! Like before people were born?"
Me: "No, people were alive. Remember that Mary and Joseph were His parents?"
Abby: "Oh yeah."
Me: "You see, Abby, God has always been around. He made the earth and the first people. Then those people had babies, who grew up and had babies and that's how all the rest of the people have been made. Then, after a long time of people being born and making all sorts of mistakes, Jesus was born to save all of us from our sins. That way, when you fight with your brother or talk back to me or when I lose my temper or say mean things, that's forgiven because of what Jesus did for us."
Abby: "Oh. Mommy, you can turn your news back on now."

What Used To Be

I used to be able to get up early and have quiet time without interruption. Now, with the slightest light that shines into my daughter's room, she wakes up and wants to join me.

I used to run errands whenever I wanted. Now, I have to stop and think, "Is it worth it?" before piling the kids in the car and taking off.

I used to be able to work out in the living room with some privacy. Now, my sit-ups have become extra hard with a two-year old sitting on my stomach and my leg exercises have turned into pretend tunnels for his cars.

I used to go out with my husband whenever we felt like it. Now, we have to think of sitters and not getting home too late.

I used to make porterhouse steaks for dinner. Now, I longingly pass that aisle in the store and buy hamburger meat and chicken.

I used to have alone time in the bathroom. Now, I am watched by two children who do not understand the word "privacy."

I used to sit and read books for enjoyment. Now, I always have someone on my lap and the story usually consists of Thomas, Dora or Cars.

I used to appreciate our satellite for all the channels I could enjoy. Now, I enjoy it for Noggin, Nick Jr. and PBS Kids.

I used to finish conversations on the phone. Now, I am consistently interrupted by tugs on my shirt, crying, arguing and "Can I talk?"

I used to buy what I wanted at the grocery store. Now, my snacks are replaced with Dora yogurt, fruit snacks and juice boxes.

I used to spend my Christmas gift cards on myself. Now, I spend them on new kid's bedding and toy boxes to hold their Christmas gifts.

I used to say whatever I wanted when upset. Now, I realize I have an audience that follows my example.

I used to buy new clothes every season. Now, I spend money on deals for my ever-growing daughter.

I used to think I would never do what my parents do. Now, I find myself fortunate to have such great examples.

I used to feel like myself. Now, I feel like a mom.

And I would never go back.

Seven Years

Today is our seven year anniversary. I will be celebrating by taking Abby to school, shopping for a mattress for Caleb's new bed, cooking dinner and basically doing all of my daily activities.

Nick will be celebrating by continuing his chaperone duties in Miami, FL. Which includes enjoying the warm weather, the beach, hanging out at Paul O'Neill's club, golfing, and sometimes watching the high school boy's basketball team practice.

Someone has some major making up to do when he gets home.

In all seriousness, though, I am very blessed to be married to such a wonderful man. These past seven years have been wonderful and I look forward to what God has in store for us in the future.

Nick, I couldn't love you any more than I do right now.

http://www.imeem.com/people/EuwhI-A/music/bhAyCkgY/over_the_rhine_rhapsodie/

Be Careful Of Threats

Our family tradition is to attend the Christmas Eve service at church, head over and celebrate with all the Rosenfeldts, and then spend time with Nick's immediate family, opening presents together. This usually gets us home by 11:30 p.m./12:00 a.m. Then we wake up for Christmas morning at home, give the kids time to play with new toys while we take the tree down and pack up the van for PA to spend time with my family.

Needless to say, every part of this plan depends on the kids getting plenty of rest so that they can fully function. So, on Christmas Eve day, Nick made the threat to Abby that if she did not take a nap that day, Santa might not come that night.

Well, she took her chances and stayed up all afternoon. Obviously, Santa came that night and our little girl actually had the nerve to say to her daddy on Christmas morning, "See! I didn't take a nap and Santa still came-told you!"

Which led Nick's threat of no Santa to become a lesson on grace. Abby heard a nice little talk from us about how Santa showed grace to her, giving her presents when she did not really earn them.

I would like to say that she was profoundly inspired by this lesson, but frankly, I have a feeling she just thinks she knows better.