My Sleeping Darlings

I have a certain fascination with taking photos my children while they sleep. And I love to watch them sleep. I know that it has something to do with them being still and quiet, and experience seldom had while they are awake. It also provides me with a chance to pray for them, to remember all the beautiful things about being a mother to these three little ones. It is a beautiful show of trust. They have no fears, no worries, no cares that keep them from sleep.

Saoirse is a cuddler, she loves to be stroked and scratched, like a little kitten.

Carsten is my first child to sleep better with me holding him. Honestly, that was super comforting to me when Roman is gone. I would hold him until he fell asleep on me than lay him in his cradle.

Ethan talks in his sleep. When I have a chance to overhear him, it sounds like he has very exciting dreams, about fires, boats, and friends.

Sleep my child and peace attend thee, all through the night

Guardian angels God will send thee, all through the night.

Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,

Hill and dale in slumber sleeping,

I my loved ones watch are keeping,

all through the night.

 

Merry Christmas my dears!

In the morning you will wake to lots of sweets

and gifts from those who love you.

Right now you are in deepest sleep

and you don't know how much I see

you are God's sweetest gifts to me.

Love, Mommy

 

Potty Training

There is so much that has been said
Of little boys who wet the bed.
The woes of others gone before,
From these nightmares I wake in horror.
Swimming in a smelly sea
Of soaking sheets and salty pee.
Then there is the public fail,
The pants that leave a yellow trail,
Red-faced I'll dash
And he will laugh!
Then looking up there will be faces,
Compassionate with smiling traces.
The stories told by other mothers
Are not of woe, just humorous!
What once embarrassed
Now is cherished.
So as I face the weeks ahead
There may be times that I will dread
To bring my son outside the house
Unless cologne is heavy-doused!
But he will learn
And I will live
To tell the tale triumphant!

~Caitlin Mallery

Originally published July 10, 2013
We are still working on this potty training business, and I can't wait for the day I am done with diapers!

Watch the Sky

The wee ones and I spent some time outside this morning. After enjoying sidewalk chalk and shadows, Ethan laid on the ground and told me he was going to "watch the sky." This delightful activity kept us all entertained for a while, discussing and observing what may be found in the sky. Here is the list we came up with:

Stars (but you can't see them during the day)

Airplanes and the moon

Clouds

Birds (geese were the favorite)

Our flag

 

Hope you all can take some time to watch the sky and find some amazing things above!

Chasing Birds

 

Toddler fists hold the seeds tight

Toddler feet running fast encased in wellies bright,

His voice is loud and clear,
"BIRDIES!"

The brown wings spread wide
The red breasts skim the barren dirt.
They wait for him to go inside,
And then they have a feast!

~Caitlin Mallery

Boyish Fancy

Ethan really enjoys books. One of the most delightful moments of shopping came as we approached the book section of Costco and he yelled, "Boooooks!" and reached way over the side of the cart toward the glossy covers. But he can be rather specific about his story choices. So here are some of his favorites:

 

 

He is decidedly boy in his book tastes. Steam engines, trucks, rockets, fire trucks, and tractors make up the bulk of his reading. Animal noises and counting books are also considered fun reads.

And I am a fan of Little Golden Books. I think they look nice on the shelf and also hold appeal to young children. So I hope to accumulate a fair amount.

It is good to see my son enjoy books. He even enjoys a children's encyclopedia, the pages with airplane diagrams, rocket launches, and ships full sail are his favorite. All I have to do is make up a story about Captain Ethan (Cap'n Me) and he is very content.

 

Of course, his first choice is to play outside. Always.

 

Building Your Vocabulary: Describing My Kids

The American's use of language is rather pathetic. I personally think that texting is sending us further down the slippery slope of weak language skills. Being something of a poet, as well as an avid reader (when time allows) I appreciate those who have a well-endowed vocabulary.

Around Christmas, our homes are enriched with the lyrics of ancients carols, beautifully describing the glorious gift of God. Then there are cheesy, modern limericks that attempt to capture a joyful spirit. And the same phrases used in every generic card and letter. It would be pleasant to hear a few more old terms, and unique descriptions come up in the Christmas cards and letters. So if I were to send out a Christmas letter (which I am not, just pictures) what unique words would I use to describe my children?

Ethan:

Inquisitive ~ given to asking questions

Accommodating ~ willing to help

Ardent ~ intensely eager

Emphatic ~ forceful or insistent

 

Saoirse:

Effervescent ~ bubbly, enthusiastic

Vivacious ~ lively and spirited

Warmhearted ~  affectionate and kind

Winsome ~ innocently charming

 

What words would you use to describe your children?

 

Also, check out these thought from Hayley over at Carrots for Michaelmas about Christian art and music.

 

Isaiah and My Children

Ethan Patrick

Strong Nobleman

Isaiah 32:8

But the noble man devises noble plans and by noble plans he stands.

 

 

 

Saoirse Dawn

Freedom has risen

Isaiah 60:1

Arise, shine; for you light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

 



Little Red Bike

Mindy has the sweetest songs that seem to reflect the simple joy of an ordinary life.

 

A Sister's Hero

Ethan has not seen Spiderman; probably won't for several years. But Spiderman is everywhere these days, advertising himself on snacks, sneakers, and children's clothing. Ethan has dubbed him, "GUY!!"

in the deepest, rumbliest voice he can muster.

So when I found some PJs featuring "GUY!" I bought them and have enjoyed watching his innocent fasciation with the colorful character. Who knows what traverses his tiny imagination about this strange superhero. I hope my little boy enjoy heroes and is always a hero to his little sister!

(He is good at destroying any bugs in the house.)

Heroes; Knights in Shining Armor; Prince Charmings

Roman and I recently had a chance to see a performance of Shakespeare's Henry V. It is the source of the "band of brother's" quote so inspiring to soldiers of WW2.

Tom Hiddleston as Henry V

Seeing the noble character of Henry as presented by Shakespearean lore, I began to consider the of oft-condemned character of Prince Charming. This day and age is quick to dismiss them and their counterparts as relics of childhood, myths of the past bearing no relevance to this day and age. 

I used to think that such a romantic notion was impossible. Then I married Roman.

He is a true prince, with a noble and generous heart, a strong and courageous nature, tender, affectionate, utterly romantic, compassionate and eager to help everyone. Every virtue exonerated in romantic novels and ancient fairy tales is combined in him. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is not a myth!

Prince Charming, Knights in Shining Armor, the heroes of the stories were meant to inspire to greatness. And though it seems that few men take the challenge, once in a while there are Henrys and Romans who stand above the crowd and demonstrate true princely behavior.

Teddy Roosevelt

Such men often seem as giants to compared to the rest.

George Washington, often called a prince among men

They are leaders of vision, with characters that inspire.

Prince Albert, husband to Queen Victoria

They do not need to be in the spotlight.

King George VI of England, father of Queen Elizabeth II

They will overcome personal afflictions and rise above petty disputes.

So many truly great men have existed throughout history. I add to that list fiction heroes, whom I wish my son to become very familiar with.

Ioan Grufford as Horatio Hornblower

Series such as Master and Commander and Horatio Hornblower. And my favorite sailor/mathematician Nathaniel Bowditch. 

All the deeds of King Arthur and the knights of the round table.

Kings and Queens of Narnia, given titles that express good attributes. Throughout the series all the kings seem to come from the lowest place to be granted the highest honors.

All the characters created by Robert Louis Stevenson,  Rudyard Kipling,  G.A. Henty, and the list goes on. 

We gave our son the name Ethan meaning strong and Patrick meaning noble. As he grows we will teach him how make his name the inspiration for his character.

I want my son to be like his father, a prince among men.

I want my daughter to believe in Prince Charming and know what he should really look like.

She will not be easily deceived, since she has such a man for her father.

I believe that there can be many heroes and knights and princes in this world, when given the inspiration to follow and the opportunity to succeed!

Notes On A Birthday

Counting balloons, "1,2,3, MORE!"

Attempting to blow out the candles.

Hurrah! He did it!

Cousin Creed enjoyed the water balloons.

Cousin Justice dominated the squirt guns.

Sweet cousin Remember. Saoirse had a matching swimsuit, but she napped for most of the water party.

Roman encouraging some daredevil tricks.

Cousin Kindal got water spots on my camera!

Cousin Evelyn studied and watched.

The birthday boy testing the water blob.

Our neighbor boys whom Ethan loves playing with.

(See the water spots) The water blob was a big hit! And it held up through two hours of hard play. We are officially an awesome aunt and uncle!

Ethan opened every gift with a big "Ooo, OOoo!

So the birthday was a success, and I look forward to watching my little boy grow up with all these splendid cousins. Thanks for coming everyone!