One more CAROL

Thanks to my sister the proof reader for pointing out that I spelled "carols" incorrectly last time.  I was the math/science person she was the reading/writing person- I love you Jackie I will try to use my spellcheck more often : )  

So last night we were singing Rudolph-@ the end:

"Rudolph the red nose raindeer you'll come down and tell us a story"

Cooper is loving the Christmas and really wants me to tickle Santa underneath his beard so snow and white.  I am really enjoying listening to him sing.  It is just too bad he stops each time I try to record him.  Hope your and yours are having a wonderful holiday season!

X-mas carrols

Jingle bells jingle bells jingle on the way 

oh what fun it is to run in a one horse often slang hey!

I love when Kinders sing the words to their favorite Christmas carrols!

I love my Cooper!

A Kinder perspective

Cooper: Mom, we need to get my teacher a present 

Me: Ok what do you think we should get her

Cooper: I don't know, but when we do she will give me a paper thing back and I haven't gotten one yet so we need to do that before we go on Christmas break.  Only the kids that give a present get a paper thing so can you get one tomorrow?  

The conversation started when he walked in the door yesterday from school.  This morning as he was putting on his backpack and walking out the door at the same time he shouted- "don't forget to get my teacher a present so she can give me that paper thing!"  I love the kinder perspective of the little things!  I think I will save Ms. Wagner's "thank you" note in his baby book and remind him of this story as he gets older : )

8 things tag

Ok so I have been tagged and I think this is the first time I've done this:  

8 shows I watch:

1. ER (I am having a hard time with this the last season- I feel like I am losing an old friend)

2. Gray's Anatomy

3. Big Bang Theory

4. How I Met Your Mother

5. CSI Miami

6. NCIS

7. 30 Minute Meals with Rachel Ray

8. Dr. Phil ( I love Dr. Phil- I have a BS in psychology and so his show is great to me)

*All of these shows are recorded- I don't ever get to sit down and watch them live.  I watch after the kids are in bed or when I am up feeding Zoe at 4am.

8 favorite restaurants:

1. Saltgrass

2. Johnny Carino's

3. Zio's

4. Macaroni Grill (spying an Italian theme?)

5. Fire Wok

6. Formosa Garden

7. Cracker Barrell

8. Any Fast Food chain (french fries are yummy!)

8 things that happened to me today (ok yesterday-it is not even 8 in the morning)

1. Went to Church

2. Zoe spit up right down my shirt with a big grin on her face

3. Ate at a new restaurant (The Egg and I)  good but way overpriced

4. Took a long nap with Jaxon

5. Cleaned out my van

6. Watched my kids have a ball playing flashlight hide and seek outside

7. Went to Lifetime Fitness Child Center Christmas Party

8. Went to the grocery store

8 things I look forward to:

1. Singing in Heaven

2. My dad seeing Zoe for the first time

3. 2009 3Day Breast Cancer walk

4. Christmas morning

5. My next date night alone with Jeff (these are so few and far between)

6. Being together with the Norwood side of the family again

7. My trip to TN in Jan to meet up with my 6 high school friends

8. Finishing my Christmas shopping

8 things I wish:

1. That my children grow up to feel emotionally balanced

2. That I am strong enough to not fail in my New Year's resolutions

3. Finacial peace

4. That I leave my mark on the people I meet in a positive way

5.  For World peace

6.  That Cooper to find a way to express his emotions in an acceptable way

7. That magical fairies would come in the middle of the night and organize and clean my house while we all slept soundly with no one waking up!

8. That all of my friends would have a stressfree enjoyable holiday!

8 people I tag:

I am the last one to do this so I think I'll just tag my seven imaginary friends that read this blog- and my friend D'Lyn.

Fa La La La La La La La La

My sweet elf helper has done an excellent job helping to decorate around here.  These are just a few of the decorations that we have around the house but it is hard to look anywhere and not see a bit of Christmas spirit!  The tree while small was my black Friday purchase- prelit and $25.  Mason decorated almost all of it by himself.  He is grinning from ear to ear beside stuffed animal land.  We also have Santa Land and Snowman Land- I hope that your house is filled with Christmas spirit and warmth as ours is!  Merry Christmas from the Babcock family!!

finally

I know finally Kayren is blogging again.  Ok you are right it has been a while.  I want to blog about my 3Day experience but I have to say the decompression is still taking place.  Lots and lots is still rolling through my head and heart!  So I thought I would give you a little laugh.  Picture it- Black Friday- Walmart- 10:00am.  I heard a older gentleman say to an associate (and no he did not have a smile on his face I think he was genuine)- "you guys been very busy today?"  I instantly started to laugh.  Nooo, not today- it is only the day after Thanksgiving-  Bless his heart!

I'm walking, and walking and walking

In 4 days I will leave to accomplish something that I think is the most amazing challenge of my life.  I will be walking in the breast cancer 3day.  My team and I along with so many others will be walking 60 miles over the course of 3 days to honor those who have fought and won, fought and lost, or are currently fighting breast cancer.  I am both proud and humbled to participate in this event.  Each team member is required to raise $2200 in order to participate.  If you feel that this is something you would be able to help me with I will post the web address that will help you to do that.  More than needing those funds however I need prayer.  Prayer for my feet, stamina, emotions.  Prayer that I will be able to use my life as a gift to others as the Holy Spirit guides my path.  Someone asked recently if I thought that this was the best year to have done this with 4 kids (one very little).  When you go to the website you will read my story and know why this year is the right year.  If you know of anyone struggling with this disease currently, has won their battle or has lost it in years past- let me know their names- I will write them on my tent, tee-shirts wherever I need to in order that I may mention them by name with each and every step.  Thank you in advance for your support!

That address is:

http://08.the3day.org/goto/kayrenbabcock

Boy do I have mud on my "face book"

So I have discovered the whole facebook revolution and I have to say - man, I feel dumb.  I didin't realize how many people were on this kick.  I thought I was doing good to have the whole blog thing up and going.  I had no idea that friendships were being rekindled and strengthened through the power of facebook.  I have been in touch with several high school friends, a few college, and have had several heart to hearts with a cousin that I had not had the pleasure of his company in years.  I was vastly unaware however of the number of my current friends who had accounts and feel as if I have just crawled out from under a rock.  (Could it be the rock of 4 children and an all consuming load of laundry mixed with a mess of toys and dishes?!) Most likely!  Anyhoo to those of you who have not discovered the revolution - it's out there and easy to do- For those of you who have- thanks for the invites.  

Anybody want a waffle?

Ok so we are promised never to have more than we can handle.  I believe that-sometimes I am a bit wobbly though.  Where to begin... I have been quite neglectful in house keeping over the last year or so- call it depression, busy, lazy (combination really).  Anyway the house is beyond a disaster and I am not good at asking for help nor is it any ones problem but mine.  I am willing to take control.  However today I got to my most wobbly ever.  The problem: 9 years ago when the house was being built someone with a nail gun hit a pipe from the air conditioner drain pipe.  This caused a teeny-tiny leak that has been going for 9 years!!!!!!!!!!!!  Now I have no flooring in part of my downstairs and 3 holes in my walls.  To add to that the enormous mess of the house looks even worse.  Not to mention the amount of money it will take to repair all of it.  Funny thing is Nick the guy from the plumbing company has been to my house twice in less than a year- He knows a lot about my family and kids and even asked how my newborn was.  Great company if you ever need a plumber.  So I am cleaning out the laundry room (really moving the mess to the garage) that is where they originally thought the leak was and I find a whole waffle behind the dryer.  Now I ask you how in the world does a whole waffle get behind the dryer.  There is no room between the washer and dryer to get back there.  I am throwing stuff around as the flooring people are pulling up the new floor that was installed in April of this year and waiting for the plumber - I am bawling my eyes out because I feel I can not handle another thing thrown my way when I find this waffle.  I instantly started to laugh.  You see the only way for it to get back there is if someone threw it back there.  A flying frisbee or something?!  Who knows?!  It just reminded me that there is more to life than money, plumbing issues, dirty houses, laundry etc...  My children are healthy and happy!  That is what matters.  That is what matters.  If I died tonight and you came to my house and saw the mess you might think geez what happened here.  But if you dug down deep into the hearts of my family you would find them full of the love that I have tried to bestow upon them!  They are my life!  They are the blessing that God has given me!  So the next time you find yourself wobbling under the pressure ask yourself- Hey, maybe I need a waffle!  : )  May God bless you today right now where you are.  By the way I will post pictures when it is all said and done.  Right now I have a really hard yucky waffle to frame tee-hee!

Is it over yet

My dad sent me an email about voting my conscience.  He said to delete any email that has any type of political view. He said to go to the candidates themselves (website or whatever), and vote my conscience.  I have tried but over the last few days have received 10 political emails.  Is it over yet?  I have enough to worry about without being asked "vote for my candidate b/c of blah, blah, blah yadda, yadda, yadda."  Enough already!!  I have made my decision and an confident in it.  I will not share it with you b/c just like salaries - who you vote for is a personal thing.  I am looking forward to this whole thing being over and cannot stress enough to you my friends media can be a dangerous thing some times.  Don't believe everything you read or hear- go to the source.  By the way, when the time comes in a future to pick a candidate and one of them is Drake Prescott Hamilton- you can vote for him- he is my nephew and is a good boy and will stand for what is right : )  And that is my political commercial!

My big boy

Jaxon has had a big weekend!  His birthday was Friday- 3 years old.  He still says I a baby mommy when I say - you'r e such a big boy!  I have enjoyed being his mommy soo much the last 3 years.  He was an easy squeezy baby- slept well, ate well- he is mostly laid back and well adjusted.  He has started trying to throw fits but when he starts I just start laughing b/c his face is too cute and he just laughs back.  He loves his "boo bankie" (his blanket) and his paci very much!  Jaxon loves music and dancing.  He will often ask for me to turn on music and dance with him.  He has really started talking a lot in the last 2 months since his brothers started school.  I think that is because he can now get a word in.  His favorite place to go right now if Fiesta Texas.  In fact in lieu of a birthday party we went.  We have season passes and usually go for a little while when we go out there.  We always take snacks and stuff, never play games or eat the food and usually take the cups we bought there to refill if we spend any money at all.  Yesterday we went all out- food, fun and light "savers".  (although one of them broke before we even got home).  We had a wonderful time and it is awesome to watch the world through his eyes.  Currently I can hear him in the toy room playing with Thomas.  Mason is helping him to build a big train track.  I thank God for Jaxon all the time.  He is the greatest little dude!  Happy Birthday, Son!

I'm back

Ok so it has been a while- I thought I didn't have much to blog about but I realized that I have just been under a lot of emotional baggage and allowed it to weigh me down.  If you are an English teacher don't judge me - that sentence was a total run on right.  Let me say that I am totally bummed that they are taking Abby of off ER before the end of the series.  I do think it is time for the series to end.  I can honestly say I have watched it every season since the beginning.  I don't know that I have seen every single episode, there are not many that I have missed though.  Anyway I hate to see my favorites leave shows.   Are there shows that you have watched from the beginning?  Soaps? 30 minute sitcoms?  Do share! 

Lesson learned thank you

Cooper learned this morning that one should never hold a kitty just before you take a shower.  Paint the picture in your head won't you?  The shower is on, the kitty is not declawed and very playful in the morning, the 5 yr. old is naked waiting for the water to get warm and decides he wants to love on his kitty.  Hmmmm... lesson learned thank you!  : )

There's a first time for everything

For the first time in I don 't know how long we went a whole weekend without eating out!  That may not mean much to some of you but we are an eating out, convenience, on the go kind of family every weekend.  We have calculated many times how much money we spend eating out and even though we pick places that have decent kids meal prices we still put a huge hole in our budget.  We have been talking about how lucky we are and how we abuse so many times the money that God gives us. (not that we don't give but we don't protect and use wisely the money left over.  So this was a big weekend for us!  Not one penny spent on fast food or the like.  We are striving to do the same for the week.  I wonder how long we could go before we did eat out next?  What is the longest you have ever been without eating out- or is there a set standard in your home about how much you do or don't eat out?  Do share!

Toddler moments

Jaxon has been talking more and more these days with the older boys in school.  I guess he has decided that now he able to get a word in edgewise he will.  Here are two conversations I have had with him over the last week:

Me:  Wow, Jaxon you are really strong

Jax:  Yeah, and I cute too

And in the great game of I will stall so I won't have to sleep:

Me:  Ok it is time to go to sleep

Jax:  I can't 

Me:  Why

Jax:  My feet are scared

Me: (trying not to laugh) What are they scared of

Jax:  Crocodiles

Me:  Oh yeah? Why should feet be scared of Crocodiles?

Jax:  De eet dem, and your face and your ears and your eyes and your mouf too but de yike feet the most.

Stinker - He plays this game so well!!

Where's the food?

My precious Cooper is learning to be so independent these days.  Last week he mentioned to daddy that he had been eating breakfast at school.  Now, we provide breakfast for him here.  Apparently he thought that because the K-2 grade kids wait in the Cafeteria in the mornings that he was supposed to eat breakfast there to.  So, he was going in, getting in line with the other kids and giving them his "number".  I think his exact words were, "I go in give em my number and they give me food."  First let me say we had not put any money into his account because there was no need.  He eats here before he leaves, and takes his lunch.  Second, we had never told him his number.  This cutie patootie was going in and giving him #258 and I guess they would look into those big blue eyes and give him food because 258 is his bus number.  I love love love this boy!  Yesterday, we told him you may eat breakfast in the cafeteria but we need to give you money.  We gave him a dollar.  When we asked what he ate he said, "I just had some chocolate milk".  He did not get his change back either : )  I guess we do owe a bit of money so we will let that slide (tee-hee).  We have been cracking up for days over this.  When I told his teacher, she asked if it was ok if she shared this with the administration because everyone loves stories of independence gone astray.  She mentioned how much she was enjoying having Cooper in her class because he is always good for a great comment and laughter.  That's my boy!

8 years ago

At 6:38 pm on Sept. 21, 2000 a precious 4lb 13oz baby came into this world with reckless abandon.  The doctor came in to "check" me right before a scheduled C-section.  The C-section was to begin at 6:30 and it was 6:15.  He woke me up and said he would just check and see how I was doing and would be back after he was finished in the OR. He quickly changed his mind and within minutes there were 15+ people in the room.  I remember them telling me not to push about a thousand and one times and I remember how loud the tv was.  I remember that Martha and Alan (Poppy and MarMar) had just stepped out to get a bite to eat and they came running back in.  Aunt Jenny was there to take pictures, and Jeff was there with a look on his face that I never seen before nor since.  I remember shouting for someone to turn off the tv because I was trying to concentrate on not pushing.  Mason was ready ready ready to greet all those people.  The nurse said "Kayren, don't push" and I said  "I'm not but he's coming!"  The doctor caught him with one glove on and one glove half on.  The room went silent.  He wasn't breathing at first and was completely blue.  Within a few seconds they had him pink and handed him to Jeff.  My favorite picture of all of my babies are the ones where Jeff holds them for the first time.  He presented him to me- and I fell in love!  Here was this tiny, swollen, cone headed, bruised-eyed, baby with a cut on his right arm.  Apparently because of the one long contraction that lasted all day on Wednesday -He had been squished and that caused him to look like he had been in a battle.  On top of that, he had come through the birth canal so quickly that he cut his arm on my tail bone (too wierd).  I only got to hold him for a minute and then he was gone.  By 7:05 my room was empty.  Julie Covington and Laurin Hall had called at 5 something and I told them to come on that it would be a while.  They came in to me sitting on the bed in a room all alone and were shocked that it had all gone down so quickly.   They say children change your life but who are they.  They don't say how because there are no words to say how much they do!  Here are 10 ways that Mason has changed my life:

1. I now understand unconditional love.

2. Looking into the eyes of your child when they hurt is the most painful ache in your heart.

3. I have never laughed/cried so hard when it came to one person.

4. Mason has a way of looking at a person and bringing out laughter and love.

5. Holidays are even better with Mason around.

6. Mason has an incredible sense of humor.

7. Stubborn is as stubborn does.  ( I thought I was stubborn)

8. I now know that bald is definitely beautiful. (he was shiny)

9. Mason has a very forgiving heart.

10. Speaking of heart Mason never fails to feel compassion for those who are less fortunate. 

I could keep going - but I won't - I will just say how thankful I am that this amazing little dude came into our family and rocked our world!!

I love you son!

Where did the time go?

8 years ago today we were in a hospital room watching TV waiting for the doctor to tell us if the medicine was working to stop my contractions.  It wasn't and at 8:30 in the evening on Sept. 20, we were told that Mason was not going to wait any longer- within 24 hours we would be holding our first baby boy.  Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine how that precious baby would change not only our lives but the lives of so many others.  I know that for the next 24 hours I will be replaying that day over and over in my head and on my blog.  I hope you will indulge me as I remember that amazing day!  Here is a picture of what he looks like now.  Happy Birthday Weekend, Son!  I love you!

Phone call from school

So today I got "the phone call"  the one every mom or dad is concerned about, the one from the school nurse- I wondered- who's hurt, who did we infect, etc...  The nurse was soo nice as she said, "Mrs. Babcock, this is Debbie the school nurse.  I think you need to come and pick up Cooper"  My heart was in my throat throbbing hard and fast..."He had an accident"...yes, yes, and... "and he doesn't have an extra change of clothes in his bag."  My first thought was phew and then the second was stupid me.  I sent a change of clothes the first week and never put them back in.  I knew better.  Then all I could think of was Cooper and how embarrassed he must have been and wondered if he had had one of his meltdowns.  I hurried to school with an extra change of clothes, socks, and crocks (couldn't find his extra tennis shoes).  When I went into the nurses office, the nurse smiled and before I could ask where he was I saw his tiny little face peering out from around a window in the back room.  He smiled this huge smile!  I went into the room and SMELLED his accident.  She had failed to tell me what kind of accident it was.  He said, "Sorry mom I kinda pooped in my pants"  Really, huh couldn't tell.  So I took him to the bathroom and cleaned him up completely- threw out the clothes- I even used some diaper rash cream on his legs because he had rubbed himself raw.  (Sorry this is gross but he was such a trooper.)  Turns out he had had the accident in the cafeteria at lunch.  The bathrooms are outside the cafeteria and the kids have to raise their hands to get permission to leave or get any sort of help.  So, he didn't get the help and had the accident.  He told me that he didn't want to sit down for the rest of the time that he was in the cafeteria so he didn't finish his lunch.  He said he didn't tell his teacher because she eats her lunch in a different room.  After lunch they went to music and I think it was there that he was discovered because apart from the smell when they first entered the room (which the music teacher thought was one who passed a puffy on the way in the door) he wouldn't sit down.  That was how he ended up in the nurses office as one of his classmates helped him get there.  He wanted to stay at school and I walked him back to class.  As I opened the door several kids said, "hey Cooper's back"!  One of them said "Hey, Copper, how come you pooped in your pants?"  to which he replied, "I dunno- I guess it just happens sometimes."  What a kid- What a gross, amazing kid!  There is no way that I would have gone for that long and not be upset, and I know there is no way I would have gone back into class.  He of course apologized several times and then again when he got home.  I love him all to pieces that one!  The picture above is of Cooper and his new kitty.  I guess animals do help calm the soul!  : )

Don't bite your friends?!

So I love Nick Jr. and Noggin.  While I like most shows, there are a few that get on my nerves.  Yo Gabba Gabba is one of them.  I know there are those out there that love it but it is not one of my favorites.  Jaxon however, loves it so I let him watch it and that is usually when I bury myself in something that will keep me busy and out of earshot.  Today I was cleaning out the laundry room (also known as the I don't know where to put this so I'll shove it in the laundry room room) and as I came through the living room I heard them singing "Don't, Don't, Don't bite your friends".  It continued by showing each of the friends eating and doing normal things with mouths while still stressing not to bite your friends.  At the end of the song the pink thing said, "I'm sorry".  While not a big fan I am intrigued by the way they addressed a developmentally appropriate way of showing stress to an audience that is probably watching.  I had 3 biters and have dealt with many others and I always say mouths are not for biting friends.  Good job Yo Gabba Gabba people- but I'm still not going to watch you ; )

How many times

Wonder how many times I have said theses phrases:

sit down

stop crying

don't do that

stop touching each other

if you do that again...

stop talking

eat

and now to my list I add-- what are you doing to the cat and

put the cat down and the ever popular

if you keep doing that he is going to scratch you

On a separated note Mason has his first pimple on his cute little cheek.  Picture day is Wednesday and he asked me in a little bit of a panic voice, Mom do you think this will be gone by picture day?  How many of us can relate to that?  Poor guy!

Kittens and sleep

So we are discovering that kittens do not lend themselves to a household of sleeping.  It is not the kitten that is disruptive per say (although the bell on the collar must go), it is the 5 year old who wants to pet the kitten constantly.  He has come to me the last two nights carrying this poor kitten saying, "mom, I don't really feel like sleeping- I just want to pet Oscar".  This makes for a very tired mommy.  Which brings me to this question- how many of you out there sleep while your husband gets ready for work?  Just wondering?  I feel guilty when I don't get up when Jeff goes downstairs to eat breakfast, drink coffee etc... but after going back to work last week, keeping up with kids, getting up several times in the night with various children, or being awake for partner snoring reasons or heartburn reasons of my own- I am soo tired!  What do you do at your house?

Oscar

When your 5 year old sits nose to nose petting a kitten and you hear him whisper into the kitten's face "you're the kitten I've been looking for all my life"- do you adopt the kitten from the animal defense league?  I'd like to know how many of you could say no.  I couldn't- and now we have Oscar- a 5 month old kitten who doesn't even mind that Jaxon carried him through the living room holding him by just his tail this morning.  He is a GREAT cat!  Cooper has thanked me at least a dozen times for letting us bring him home.  He still wants to go to the animal defense league and pet the lonely kittens and walk the sad doggies (those are his words).  We have been there for the last few weekends volunteering and this week came home with Oscar.  So what would you do?

I still haven't learned!

After having 4 children of my own, being involved with 5 nieces and nephews, babysitting for years, and having my own home daycare you would think I would have learned by now.  Changing formulas and placing a baby with a sensitive stomach into a swing with brand new batteries is NOT a good thing!!!!  Poor little innocent pitiful baby girl- mommy is not too bright is she?!

Sorry!

So apparently I offended some with my last post-  I would like to say sorry to all of you who are following the election coverage closely trying to decide who to vote for.  Let me try to explain- Olympics - love them, love the coverage, watch tons of it!  

Football- love it, college, pro all of it watch as much of it as possible.

Christmas- watch 24 hours of "A Christmas Story" for most of the 24 hours (you'll shoot your eye out)

Election years I just get tired of all of the coverage and the bickering.  Maybe because in my family I was the peacemaker and if there was fighting or anything I begged for calm and quiet.  So if you were upset by my post or if I came across as ignorant I really didn't mean to offend anyone.  Just blogging feelings! 

Politics

Is there anyone else out there that doesn't care?  Not to forsake those who fought for our freedom or whatever but sometimes politics just get on my nerves.  Who cares if she is young has a DS baby and daughter is pregnant?  Maybe she is the most real person we have had in front of us.  And who cares if he is not really black.  And who cares if he hasn't served in the military.  I just get so tired of it all.  YES, I vote and I do research to see whom I think is best for my family but I really get tired of hearing it all.  Ok I will now climb down off of my soap box and get back to my family!  Thank you for your attention!  : )

Mr. Big Head

Jaxon's Wednesday night teacher told me that one of his classmates mentioned that something was cute. (this was while the lesson was taking place)  Jaxon began to repeat over and over "i cute, i cute, i cute".  When the teacher said yes, Jaxon you are cute who told you that?  Jaxon's reply "my mommy!"  Ok so needless to say I am enjoying the older boys being in school so that I can enjoy some time with Jaxon.  

WE ARE NORMAL!

Zoe's test came back normal so we do not have CF!!!  What an answer to big prayers!!  Of course there is still more testing to do to see why she is having the trouble she is having, but they were testing for worse case scenario.  Although I feel we could handle anything, selfishly I was begging God not to ask us to handle this one.  I try to use my life as a teaching tool for others, and I was really trying to prepare myself for this one, but I am very very thankful that I don't have to.  Thanks to all of you for your kind words and your prayers for Zoe!!  

Zoe

We finished our test for Cystic Fibrosis yesterday without too much trouble.  We will know something by Thursday.  While the test was non-invasive, it was not the most comfortable for Zoe and there was lots of crying. : (  The lady that administered the test was awesome!  When we finished she asked to hold Zoe and held her up close on her shoulder and kissed her apologizing to her.  I really appreciated that!  I will post tomorrow when we know the results of the test.

David Cassidy and the first day of school

I totally got your attention with the caption didn't I?!  OK before I can post about the first day of school - David Cassidy is on the Oprah show and while I don't usually watch her I caught myself with a HUGE grin as I was watching him perform while checking email.  I didn't realize I was that old?!  ; )  As for the first day at school - it was great for both kids.  Mason had a good one but is a bit touchy this afternoon (he is very tired).  He said going to 2nd grade was not as scary as kinder and first because he knew what he was doing.  Cooper was amazing this morning!  We got out of the car and he told Jeff and me, "I'll just go ahead and go to my class - I remember where it is."  We told him that parents were supposed to walk their kids to class on the first day of school.  He looked so big when we left (sitting in his seat and coloring his first paper).  He didn't say much when we first went into the classroom, but when we left he was talking up a storm to the little boy next to him.  His classroom is right next door to the special ed teacher's room and Ms. Wagnor (Coop's teacher) had already asked if she could use a weighted lap pad if needed.  When she told me that I almost hugged her!  I stopped by and introduced myself to the special ed teacher and we talked for about 5 minutes or so and she assured me that she would visit with Ms. Wagnor on a regular basis and also said that she was very good with kids like Coop.  GOD IS GOOD!!!!

Mason's new teacher

So tonight's meet and greet with Mason's teacher was completely different.  Her room was very organized: Names on the kids desks so they could find where they would be sitting on the first day.  Bulletin boards completed.  She had little laminated business cards for parents wallets.  Baggies with their names on them for their extra supplies.  Little pieces of paper with their names and breakfast numbers for them to go ahead and memorize.  She came over as we were filling out paperwork and introduced herself.  She moved around the room during the whole thing visiting with each and every student and parent and had an awesome hand shake.  I think she will be great for Mason.  Looks like we are off to a great start!  Can it really be that 2 of the 4 are going to be in school on Monday.  I take it back - I'm not ready : (

New Teacher

So tonight we met Cooper's new Kinder teacher.  I have to remember that God is in control.  Her classroom was not what my classroom would be and her people skills were not like mine and she just rubbed me different.  I have to remember that God has a place and plan for Cooper.  It challenged me to remember that Cooper actually functions better with people who are much less controlling than I.  He was very excited and when we finally got to meet her there was no one in the room and he talked her ear off.  Let's hope her patience in listening continues and he has a really great year!

Too sweet

This afternoon I was trying to get some work done when Zoe began to cry (again).  She has had a rough day and I had put her in her bed asleep but of course she had woken up within 5 min of me walking out.  Jaxon begins to say "baby crying" as he does and Cooper shouted "I'll check on her".  I heard the gate to her room open and heard her stop crying.  Within about 10 minutes Cooper comes downstairs, wipes his hands on his tiny grey sweatpants (well they look tiny to me), and says:

"Well, she's quiet for now.  I got into her bed and turned her over and patted her back.  She burped so I turned her over and wiped her mouth.  Then I told her a story and put her paci in her mouth and patted her until she went back to sleep.  I'll go up and check on her in a while but she is ok for now."  

Who is this sweet child? What happened to the kid that was kicking a little boy at McDonalds today because the kid was calling him a screaming doodie head.  (Hey, I would kick someone if they called me that too ha-ha).

I love how he takes care of her!

Not a reflection

All you mothers repeat after me 

"I am a great mom"

"God gave me my children for a reason"

"I can not take my children to seriously I must enjoy them"

"They will not stay little forever"

"When my children do not behave exactly as others- it is not a reflection on me that I am bad - it means that they are little humans and I am not perfect either."

Now go hug your children and find lots of reasons to be thankful for them today!  

*To my friends who inspired this post thanks for reminding me to remind myself God chose me to parent the children I have and He had a reason.  They are mine because He gave them to me.   He gave you yours too and that means you are the greatest mommy in the world for them!!!

Hugs and kisses for a great week for you!

Hooray for school

Yesterday I registered Cooper for Kinder.  It was hard to register Mason but for some reason Cooper was harder.  Anyway, as we were driving out of the parking lot Mason said "so, next week is our last week before school starts?"  I told him it was and we would be sure and do something fun each and every day until then.  His response: "Well, mom, school is fun too".  What a kid!!

It's a great feeling

It is a GREAT feeling when your five year old says to you: 

"Mom, I think I'll go lay down and try to take a little nap."

What?! I'm sorry what did you say? : )

Family Reunion

We returned on Monday from our family vacation in Amarillo, where we attended the Babcock family reunion.  We had a great time and met lots and lots of new relatives.  The trip up and back was not to bad just long but the kids were AWESOME!  The boys all got to ride a horse and a four wheeler which I think was the highlight of the trip for them.  The horse they rode was named rooster and Uncle Bobby led rooster while riding bubba.  Cooper thought Uncle Bobby was the bomb and I think they formed quite a friendship.  When I get them I will post a few pictures.  We had some technical difficulties with our camera so I choose to stop many times and like Mary "cherish all of the things I saw in my heart."  There were several times that I had to wipe tears from my eyes because the joy in my kids eyes and the smile on their faces were too much to handle.  We also got an opportunity to see the farm where Martha grew up and Jeff spent much time as a child.  Then Jeff took us to see the houses where they lived and the schools he went to.  It was nice to be able to share that with him.  I think the highlight of the weekend for me was being able to spend time with Jeff's family.  We had not seen Brady and Christine in a while and it was great to watch Alan and Martha with all of their grandchildren together.  The best quote that I head while on the trip was-- The panhandle- you can look out farther than anywhere else on earth and yet see absolutely nothing!  True soooo True!

Travel Time

I left town on Thursday to take the kids to Houston and let daddy have some alone time.  We had a  great time and enjoyed visiting with my friend D'Lyn (Auntie D'Lyn) and her girls, as well as my brother and sister-in-law and cousins Katie and Kevin.  All and All the visit was pretty calm.  Auntie D'Lyn has quite the way with babies and Cooper especially loved spending time with her dog Jake.  If I had said yes, we might have a dog named Jake here with us now.  My brother's house was a blast for us all.  Katie spent a lot of time with Zoe and Jaxon.  Kevin played with Mason the whole time and with Cooper some.  Cooper dubbed the study "his" room and camped out in there most of the weekend.  I had a wonderful visit with Chris and Tonja and enjoyed lots of laughter.  Thanks to my friend D'Lyn and to Chris and Tonja for their hospitality!  We all enjoyed our time with you!  We leave Thursday for a trip to Amarillo for the Babcock family reunion!  I hope our trip is as easy and successful as this last weekend.

New developments

New formula-  Wow what a difference a change of formula makes.  (and going poop)  Long story short Princess Zoe has some digestive issues and had become a bit "impacted".  : ( 

One suppository later and a special formula switch and I have a completely different child.  Soooooooo much less crying!  Thank God!!  Cooper of course had to put in his opinion and said, "Mom if you need some help helping Zoe poop don't ask me that's not a brother's job.  I'll just kiss her when she needs me!  

Thanks, but no-eew

It is so sweet when siblings want to take care of each other but this one goes a little too far (sweet but eew).

We are in the car this morning and this is the conversation:

Cooper: Mommy my finger doesn't fit in Zoe's nose

Me: No, it doesn't it isn't supposed to

Cooper: But, mom, she's to little to pick her own nose

Even as I type it I am still laughing!  I know I will never get tired of his comments!!!  Enjoy!!!

Bits here and there

Ok so I have been a little slow with posts- I was smacked right between the eyes with the whole postpartum thing but I am slowly coming back around.  The kids are hanging in there and we have had some serious fun @ Fiesta Texas thanks to the season passes that Jeff's parents gave us for Christmas.  Cooper and Mason are both big enough to ride the big rides and Jaxon loves to watch people and rides and sit and talk and snuggle with me.  So he and I find a place to "chill" with Zoe and Jeff goes with the boys.  We keep in touch on our cell phones and catch up with each other every few hours or so.  Jaxon's vocabulary has really jumped over the last few weeks and his sentences are becoming more complex.  We have been doing some little crafts around the house the last few days and one had to do with pirates.  Cooper asked me last night "hey mom, why do pirates where matches?"  Of course he meant patches but he was so cute and innocent when he said it.  Be looking for my post coming up on the 60 mile walk I will be participating in for breast cancer.  I will need your help!!

I was a victim

Tonight I was the victim of a random act of kindness.  I won't go into the yucky details of what was a very very long day but I went to HEB to "get away".   I took Zoe with me and she slept on the way there while I cried.  I pulled myself together and went in.  I didn't need much but she had a tummy ache and screamed most of the way off and on through the store.  I was patient and quiet, got my few items and patted as she spit up on me several times and was almost settled when I got up to the check out.  I am used to people smiling and saying things like how sweet and how old is your baby etc.  There was an attractive woman who approached me- she had her hair pulled back and was wearing a tee-shirt and shorts.  I was waiting on her to ask how old Zoe was but instead she said, "can I help you by unloading your cart"  I couldn't speak!  I only nodded and began to sob.  She looked up and said, "oh please don't do that you'll make me start."  The whole time she was unloading she was talking about how beautiful Zoe was.  By the time she was finished Zoe was sound asleep on my shoulder and the woman said, "you must be a great mom with the perfect touch."  I don't know who she was but when we hugged- Because I was not going to let her get away without hugging her- she was one of the most beautiful women I had ever met.  I have often bestowed upon others random acts of kindness because I love to see people's faces when you do something nice for them.  But after this one I will do it way way more often!!  I would like to say thank you again to my HEB hero whomever she is!

All Smiles

One of the hardest things about having a preemie is the developmental part of it.  We are always left wondering if there are any developmental issues as a part of being born early.  Zoe turned 2 months old yesterday and had been tracking things with her eyes the last few days.  On Sunday I thought she smiled at me but it was hard to tell.  Today she did for sure- She looked straight into my eyes and when I said hi to her she smiled that sideways grin that starts the whole smiling thing.  Thank God for these little milestones!!

Little Fishes

Today I embarked on something that I had been fearing and realized that I had made it a bigger deal in my head.  I took the boys and Zoe to the pool at lifetime for a little summer fun.  We took food and drinks so we didn't have the pressure of "mommy can we buy a snack/drink/whatever?"

The boys were great and Zoe slept in the shade.  My sweet friend Heather, came out to say Hi and took Zoe to visit inside.  She fed her while spending some cuddle time with her and I got some no pressure time with Jaxon and Cooper in the deeper water playing ring around the rosie.  To sum up a great time was had by all!  They are tired and happy tonight and I am looking forward to an early bedtime for them : )  I will take my little fishes back again I think- It was a great way to spend the day!

Every Hour of Every Day

This is a common site around the house these days.  Cooper is in love with Zoe and begs to hold her all day long.  It is hard for him to understand that Zoe needs her sleep and needs to be put down every once in a while.  I am soo glad there is no jealousy there.  On a side note I have now figured out how to put a picture on my post after having a blog for how long now?!  Yeah Me!!! [Ok stop laughing at my stupidity : ) ]

Lovin' Summer

I am lovin' summer especially since it is my last one with Cooper before he officially becomes a school age child.  I have spent this week rediscovering the movie Greese with both Cooper and now Jaxon.  (Thanks, Shannon- we promise to get our own copy)  Both of them have always loved music but this has dancing as well.  Cooper just finished his dance routine to "Summer Days"  and Jaxon sings the end notes with Olivia and John as if he were part of the cast- What a crack up!!!  Oh I know I've said it before and will say it a million times more - I love kids-

What's on my mind

What's on my mind- I feel blessed today- I got the bill from the hospital for Zoe today!  WOW!! I feel blessed that God has Jeff in a great job with great insurance.  We have a roof over our heads, way too many clothes, gas in our cars (even at these prices), food in our stomachs.  Just in case you are wondering-$55,000 for 17 days- yes, you read that correctly!  Our part-$239!  That's it that small amount.  Now, that doesn't include the doctor fees or my cost that is just Zoe in the NICU- but how blessed are we-there are not enough words.  I thank all of you for your kind words of encouragement, gifts, food for the family and for your prayers.  My cup runneth over!!

Day 2

It is Friday - Day 2 of summer vacation.  It is around 5:00 pm and the boys are quietly waiting on their dinner after spending about 20 minutes outside.  So far So good.  I have taught Cooper how to play some games on Nick Jr. and have played the playstation with Mason some.  I have wrestled with Jaxon and Zoe is happy and fed.  I have had dinner with my family 3 nights in a row and hopefully tonight will be 4.  I have done 4 loads of laundry this week and two of the have been folded and put away.  I had forgotten how hard, yet how fun it is to be a SAHM.  I have said it before - time passes so quickly may we never forget to enjoy even the most mundane of tasks as mommies and wives!

whew

What happens when you nest after your baby is born- You get your backyard cleaned up and ready for summer and get almost all of your garage cleaned out in one day!  Much to my dismay however the boys enjoyed having mommy and daddy just coming in and out and semi-trashed the downstairs that was neat and tidy when we got up this morning.  I am reminded of the song "Water Colored Ponies"- the line says "seems an endless mound of laundry and a stairway laced with toys give a blow by blow reminder of the war.... but the water colored ponies will one day ride away."  I thank my God for allowing me to be a mother.  May I never weary of cleaning and be thankful for each and every day with my children!  

Old Eyes/ Fat Eyes

I went to the eye doctor today for the first time in about 10-11 years.  I have always had good vision 20/20 so imagine my surprise when I realized that I couldn't see Zoe's features without my eyes crossing and watering.  I bought me some cheaters and I could see her sooo much better.  So I decided to get them checked.  Oh Man, basically I was told "yep, you are close to 40 and that means your going to need some cheaters because your eyes are getting older."  When did I get old - I mean I don't feel like I am still in college or anything but I didn't realize I was getting "old".  I was also told that when your hormones are surging your eyes can retain water.  I guess after having a baby not only do I have to worry about losing baby weight but now my eyes are retaining water.  What is that about?  Which leads me to this question "Do these cheaters make my eyes look fat?"  Here's to growing old with dignity and grace!

What to do in the summer

I am looking for fun crafty stuff that is easy and cheap to keep idol hands

busy this summer.  I want my kids to do fun stuff but it needs to be stuff they

can do on their own while I am nursing the baby and that will keep their attention.

I already have new sidewalk chalk, new paints of various types, new coloring books,

new playdoh, etc (all of which are hidden away for now).  I want to set them up in a 

routine for the summer as if it is a preschool so that there is a plan.  This will help

keep the fighting and mindless snacking down a bit- Any ideas out there- let me know

either by responding to this post or emailing me at kayrenbabcock@yahoo.com.  

I am back in!

OK so I am back in to the system.  You know what happens when one is pregnant, has nausea for most of the pregnancy and is put on bed rest while attempting to still be a mom and wife?  You forget your password and you can't blog.  So this is catch up:

Bedrest for 6 weeks

Lots of help from friends

Birth to a baby girl 7 weeks early

Children in day care and school

Back and forth to the hospital for 17 days

Baby home before Mother's day

Things somewhat settling down 

Now figuring out how to be a mommy of 4.

Well that sums it up and now I will learn how to be a better blogger

Tagged

Ok so I know you were all waiting with bated breathe for the moment that I responded to being tagged by Shannon so here it is (You must understand that I am not a computer genius so sorry if I don't do it like everybody else.):

1. I have to step over cracks taking turns with my feet. Left right left right etc. I don't like to stutter step so if I go left left I have to take giant steps next in order to go right right- yes, I know I am a freak.
2. I don't like my foods to touch on my plate and I am an item eater. I will eat all my beans first and then potatoes and then meat etc..etc... unless they go together with gravy. ie... Turkey dressing potatoes and gravy. (I can take turns eating those in bites)
3. Marshmellow peeps and other fancy Easter treats are gross. (cadberry creamed eggs, snowballs etc..)
4. My secret pipe dream is to be a backup country music singer
5. I have a friend who has three nipples!! No kidding and no I will not tell you who!! No it isn't me!!
6. I worked for McDonalds for a very long time and could make balloon animals and things like that for birthday parties. I even got to go to several promotional events with the McDonalds Cooperation dressed as the hamburgler
7. I believe in love at first sight. I fell in love with Jeff the moment I saw him. Really I did!!!

Update

I too have fallen into the "I just don't have time right now" group and have not been great about keeping up with my page. We had a fantastic Christmas morning at home. Santa visited around 2:30 and it gave us time to catch up and laugh and enjoy each other's company (Jeff and I of course) The boys rose early and the mayhem was awesome! The holiday was continued the week of New Year's as we welcomed Jeff's brother Brady and wife Christine and their children- The cousin's had soo much fun together. It has been a crazy few weeks! The holiday was topped off with finding out today that the Babcock Boys will be welcoming a sister to the clan as of June. Wow we will have pink in the house!! Yeah!!