Motherhood-a sense of humor wanted!

When you are single and something doesn't go quite as planned it is just not a big deal. Then you get married and something doesn't go right- you move on. When you have children and something goes awry the world seems to fall apart. After talking with my "Mommy" friends, I have discovered that the most important quality for being a mother-a sense of humor. I also realized that there is no such thing as "perfect". I do not know one single mother who has said to me lately that they have a "perfect" life. Things just go wrong sometimes. Not the end of the world wrong but a "oh, I guess plan B is in order" wrong.

I am thankful for the women who have helped me see the realness in parenting. I have had to use the humor in life to get me through more than one day. Like the time Greer decided to see if the contents of his cereal bowl would fit into his bib pocket. They did and he didn't spill any of it! I learned something new. Or the time that he came to me with his hands extended asking

" Mommy, what's this?". Well ,it was Desitin and he had "painted" his dresser with it. We learned that Desitin does indeed make a great removable paint in a pinch. Yes, I am finding the humor in motherhood. Life is just more fun when you laugh in the face of adversity!!! I think I just found a new motto!

By the way, Greer came home from school Wednesday singing Jingle Bells. It came out as "Chicken Bone, Chicken Bone, all the way. Hey!" Sing it you will see- it makes perfect sense to a two year old that has not yet learned about phonetics!

While I am writing Greer and Fiona are playing . They are playing side by side. I hear giggles and the occasional "No, no sister." He is learning to share and she is learning to be assertive. They are both growing by leaps and bounds.

Greer has started going to Mother's day out on Wednesday. He has made some friends and only thinks that it is good after much protest. It seems to be for my benefit! He is learning colors and can count to five when being lead. He still loves music and we egg that on as much as possible. Greer is so loving and kind. He was at school this week and the class went to watch a movie. The teacher sat him beside a little girl, Jordis. He proceeded to hold Jordis' hand, kiss her cheek and then go in for the big smooch. Evidently, Jordis was not so pleased with her suitor and they had to move Greer because he wouldn't stop. That's our boy!!

He loves to be outside. He has started discovering the stars and moon. He will say"look mommy, moon." He wants to see everything and figure it all out. With this we discovered also comes some really nice screaming and throwing of items! We are convinced that maybe this is good practice for when he plays baseball or football. His other new found passion-Soccer. He wants to play soccer with Julian and Jaxon, daddy, Fiona-anyone who will.

Fiona is really jabbering up a storm. She is pulling up on everything trying to walk. She has stood a couple of times for a few seconds but isn't brave enough yet to take a step. She is good to let Greer know when she wants something or he is too close. She also has two teeth. I am waiting for her to bite Greer. She loves to eat anything she can hold and HATES peas. We have tried them in every form. She will not eat them. Fiona is a very cuddly baby and like her brother is very independent.

We are so lucky to have these little ones in our life. I am truly challenged everyday but in the end there is nothing better for me than laying down with them and feeling their breath as they sleep. I won't have this for too long so people tell me. I am taking full advantage of it now. I hope all are well and we send our love to you.

Realities of being a Mother

I used to have a concept of what a mother should be. I (when I became a mother) would always look nice and never wear clothes that were out of style. I would go out with my husband on a date at least once a week. I would always look my best and have my hair done.
The reality of it is- that you do sacrifice your clothing allowance, hair allowance and everything in between to give your children what they want and what you want them to have.
I would be glad to give up whatever I had to just to see the smiles when they wake and to hear the new words.
Greer is now 23 months and is funny as all get out. He plays the Guitar like he is Eric Clapton. I must say he also likes to play in the nude. He wears a bath towel, which I have taught him to say "Super Greer." The great part of this is he also says " Super Greer is Super Fly." Yeah- having a toddler is great sometimes. Then there are other times when I ask myself if we will ever make it to three.
Fiona is 6 months. She is rolling around like a roly poly. She is also trying to scoot. She has the most wonderful smile and the most horrible screech. She is very much aware of what she does and doesn't want. And she lets you know. She loves Greer and they are on the verge of having their own little conversations in the back seat of the car. I am sure it is how to over throw the Queen!

Friends of a lifetime.

There are friends in your life that come and stay and there are some that only come to visit. My friend Kim and I have been friends since 4th and 5th grades. It seems that we counted and it has a span of 30 years! I am amazed that I am even old enough to say this. When she was pregnant with her son, she gave me the honors of naming him. That is huge when it comes to giving a child an identity. She is always there for Greg and I, no matter what else she has going. Her son is like our second son. All of our friends and family know Kim and Suttyn. I am writing this because our son's are having a friendship by design and we hope that it becomes one of choice. Greer LOVES them, knows when I say they are coming and looks for them with excitement at the door. It is reassuring to know that someone outside of your family loves your child as much as you do. I value our friendship so very much. Greg has also formed a lifelong bond with them both. I am glad to say that I have several friends that I know I will grow old with but Kim and Suttyn are family. I look forward to sharing our lives with such good people.

First smiles!

I was dropping the kids off at my Aunt's house so I could run to the hospital. I had been doing this for a couple of weeks and we had a routine. I woke up and thought it was going to be a beautiful day-Fiona should wear her dress! I dressed my little doll and had a moment where I realized I had a baby girl!

I had propped Fiona up to take a cute picture of her in her dress. She turned and looked at Greer and smiled. It was the most beautiful smile. I realized that at that moment they were bonded for life. She had already begun to love her brother. It was pivotal for me an only child.

Even though she is 9 weeks old, I feel she has been with us from the beginning. Maybe her soul was just a part of Greg and I. Her name was the first one decided on before we ever started trying to have children. We are so very blessed.

Being a family of four!

There are times when I think to myself "How are we ever going to do this." Then of course right behind it comes the feeling of how did life exsist without our two beautiful children. Life not only changed but became that much richer. Seeing the compassion that Greer has for his sister is wonderful. Since we stay at home some of the social qualities aren't displayed as often. He loves to try to help when she cries. He offerrs a paci or a not so gentle squeeze of her hand. Bless her she has quickly learned to cry out when he comes near. I know before long these will turn to laughter over something her brother has done. For now they serve as a warning signal to us that we need to come quickly!

Greer has so many wonderful qualities. He is so funny and loves to be the center of attention(don't we all). He loves to play peek-a-boo. The funny thing is he only says "Boo". Dancing is his true passion. Any music, from the CD's we own to the music in comercials, to bad polka on satalite-he will drop everthing to dance. He loves to chase the dog around the house with anything he can find. At the moment it is the plastic clothes hamper. She hates it!!!! She loves it when he drops food though!!

Greg and I are learning to live on little sleep and to manage life a bit differently. I will dare to say for now we wouldn't change a thing. Okay-maybe a bit of sleep and a few cocktails!

Fiona arrives!!!!

Fiona Grace Simmons

arrived on January 15, 2008. She weighed in at a petite 5 pounds and 13 ounces. She was 19 inches long. Coming into the world at 5:58 pm. Mother, Daddy and brother are all so very proud. As you can tell by the picture she has her daddy's feet and long legs. We are now adjusting to life as a family of four. Greer likes his new sister but isn't so sure about sharing the momma. I am sure this just takes time. For now we are just giving a lot of love to everyone in the house. Our family has been so very fortunate to have the love and support of family and friends during this time. Thanks to those who have brought food, clothes and flowers. We appreciate everything!