raising redheads

Happy Birthday, Pawpy!

It's a snowy one, but I hope it's great!

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This week has been rather poopy:

Exhibit A:

Braden holding the dog poop in his hand a few days ago. UGH.

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Exhibit B:

Braden pooping in the toy room while I was in the bath with Nora upstairs. (Abby was watching him, but she went into the bathroom for like a minute tops. I heard the door from upstairs, so I know it wasn't long.)

Braden makes his way up the stairs and into the bathroom. I have the shower curtain closed and he is saying, "mom I neeeeeee you."

Because this is typical of him to act so neeeeeedyyy, I said, "No you don't buddy, go downstairs with Abby."

I open the shower curtain to be more firm.

And I see it. A bottom-less boy with poop all over his hands, arms and legs.

Like man poop.

So I jump out of the tub and run to the top of the stairs (after getting Nora out of the tub as well and throwing poopy child in...) and I scream at Abby to find out where he took his diaper off at and what he has touched on the way up the stairs.

When I walk down the stairs myself I saw a ridiculous site. I'll spare you the details, but it was a mess to say the least.

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Exhibit C:

Yesterday while I'm doing dishes, Braden says something I couldn't understand. So I turn around to find him looking almost the same way as I did in exhibit B. This time, I saw the diaper and saw no poop in it. I was searching and searching until finally I asked him, "Braden where did your poop go? Where did you take the poop?"

He answers, "Heidi ate it mom."

sigh.

And although one part of me hates to admit it, I was slightly glad for it because I had no mess to clean up other than the one on the boy. That is so wrong of me.

Nora is still without a binky and she has almost completely stopped 'pinching' for comfort. She amazes me! She went to her very first day of big girl church on Sunday (without her brother...which is huge!) and she sang in front of the whole congregation. I wanted to sweep her up in my arms and rock her like an infant. It was hard. sad. But she loved it, and I did fine. I am always so incredibly proud of this little girl! She is doing well at her 'homework' and can recognize many letters when asked! She will be reading before we know it!

Braden is doing good as well. Although he does silly things, he is 2. I have to keep that in my mind and keep a good perspective. At the end of the mess, when I have a clean boy in my arms I can't help but thank God for his curiosity, strong will and innocence. He makes me laugh and he loves to snuggle. He lifted my shirt last night and took his little fist to my belly, saying "Knock Knock..."

He will be a great big brother to Emery!

We got more snow last night and are supposed to get another few inches today. Daniel is doing ok, but is ready for spring. Please continue to pray for strength in his body. He is so worn out at the end of each day and overwhelmed when he has to wake up and do it all again. But he does and I am so thankful! He is a great husband.

I am feeling great! I will have a 16 week update for you tomorrow;)

Grandpa Dan is home from the hospital, and feeling well. I just got off the phone with him and he sounds clear and his voice was strong. I'm so thankful for the wisdom of good Dr's and a Lord who directs our steps!

Have a good day, and I hope you find awesome rest.