what's up

I had this whole blog post written in my head at about 4:30 this morning when I couldn't sleep. Now that Crawford is down for a nap (not asleep, mind you) and I have time to put my thoughts on paper internet, they have all fled my brain.

This week has been crummy. The stomach bug was pretty horrible, and I had a hard time kicking it. I took a nap every time Crawford did, never made our bed (because I was surely going to get back in it multiple times a day) and didn't cook a thing. I knew I was 100% better when I woke up this morning because I made my daily to do list! I don't get anything done if I don't have a list, so I keep one going all week long.

Blogging was obviously on my to do list, because it never happens anymore.

This whole parenting thing is no joke. Months 0-12 of Crawford's little life really weren't that hard. He was a great sleeper and eater and an overall happy baby. Yeah, there's some big time life adjustments that take place when you have your first baby, but all things considered it was easy. All of a sudden, he/it is hard. He's still a total joy and a happy kid, but keeping up with him is much more demanding than it used to be. I was facetiming with my brother recently and he was so stressed out just watching me chase/reprimand/play with/protect Crawford slash deal with the dog slash actually have a conversation (obviously that was the element that took a backseat. Sorry G!). But, I forget that it's a little nutty sometimes because it is just our normal. Hayden stayed with us a few weekends ago and Lynn told me she went home exhausted. Ha! She even slept in and took a nap! Apparently she told Lynn "Mom, Crawford isn't easy anymore!" It's true.

I was talking to some friends the other day about how thankful I am that the Lord brings change in our children gradually. I am so thankful for that. You have time to adjust and grow and change alongside that little nugget that makes you want to pull your hair out. Speaking of pulling my hair out, Crawford likes to play in the fireplace. We swept all the rocks (that he liked to try to eat) out, so now he just grabs the screen and puts his toys inside. Really, it's no big deal if the thing isn't on, but if it was... well, disaster obviously. So we teach him he can't touch it ever. But, he does every day. And after a warning (and trust me, he knows he's doing something he's not supposed to), he has to sit in time out (read: on the couch, with me making him not go anywhere, with no toys). It is almost always torture. We barely make it one minute. I want so badly for him to learn right from wrong and how to obey. So, we'll keep trying and being consistent yadda yadda.

I want him to learn his colors and animal sounds and how to praise Jesus (seriously people, pictures of your kids praising Jesus on Instagram? I die.). I am anxious to see results of the things I work hard to teach him all day long, but I know this is a season of patience-growing. I tell him about 14 times a day to be patient (when the kid is hungry, he wants food NOW), but the Lord is stirring the same reminder in my heart each day.

After this trying week of sickness and one half-day of normalcy, I realize how much better and easier life is when he/He has my attention. When I put my stupid phone down and get on the floor and play with him. When I utilize the time I have designated for quiet, Bible-reading, prayer time. When I include him/Him in what I'm doing, rather than just tell him no. When I make toys out of empty boxes and laugh and play with him. And you know what? I LOVE that. That kid is so much fun, and seriously hilarious. It is MY joy to spend every day with him (and Him).

And now, for a few videos. Because my kid is awesome:


So real life right now. He LOVES to walk with the walker and blows bubbles all.the.time.


This video cracks me up. I left the room for a minute and came back to find him throwing the balls out one by one. I think he would have kept going until they were all gone. So much fun!