Mother's Day Out

Two weeks ago, Sophie and Gideon started Mother's Day Out. They go every Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 2.

HEAVEN.

I now have days where I can make phone calls without Gideon trying to grab it from me and chatter away to the plumber. I can go to the doctor without Sophie picking up every single tongue depressor in the office while I'm getting my ears checked. I can go to the grocery store without filing the cart with kids and having only 1/4 of an inch left for actual food. I go HOURS without listening to Sesame Street songs and tantrums.

The kids are doing well, too. They really need the socialization and the time away from each other. Poor Gideon is usually at the mercy of his somewhat demanding older sister at home. If she's thirsty, she brings me both sippy cups and asks for milk or juice. Then she brings one to him, shoves it in his hands and stares at him until he drinks. At school he gets to do things his way. If he wants to play with trucks, then he plays with trucks. His teachers adore him and swoop him up every morning as soon as he gets there. He cries a little each morning but fine after a few minutes. He's loving it.

Meanwhile, Sophie is learning that she is OK if Mama is not there during the day. It's actually the first time I've seen her frightened. She's usually such a strong and determined little thing. When we pull into the parking lot, Sophie's eyes fill with tears but she doesn't make a sound. She walks beside me and goes right to her classroom. The crying gets worse as we get closer. She always turns around and lets me hug and kiss her. Still, while I know she trusts me and she knows that I'll come back, I can see that she's scared. It's very much like what I used to do when I was a kid. It's probably going to be a problem every year she goes to school. My Mama was able to teach me how to overcome my fears and I know that I can help Sophie. Her teachers describe her as "emotional". She doesn't cry all day but she's still struggling. It's going to take some time. It's a little odd to look at her and see a tiny mirror of myself.

Milly and I are having fun together. I get to spend quality time with my newborn. I was really missing that. I got that with Sophie because she was my first. When Gideon was born, Ben was at home and was able to help me get that newborn time. Now I'm able to get that with Milly.

I'm so grateful for each of my kids. Even if they do drive me nuts every now and then.

My Eldest

Sophie changed my life. Since June 25th, when those two little lines popped up on that test, I've been a different person. She came into this world with a huge amount of DRAMA. That really should have tipped me off. Here are a few Sophie stories.

SOPHIE STORY #1
Last week, Gideon was already bathed and in bed and Milly was asleep in her crib. I plunked Sophie into the tub and she started to play while I tried to wet her hair without her freaking out. (Hair washing is a big Freak Out right now.) All of the sudden, she looked up at me very seriously.

"Poop."

"Beg your pardon?"

"Poop. Yep. Poop."

She always sounds like Rainman. Sure enough, there was a floater in the tub. I hauled her out and stood her on a towel while I drained and cleaned the tub. She wrapped her arms around her and shivered while she watched.

"Sowwy!"

"It's OK, baby! You just had to go poop. We're just going to clean the tub and let you get back in."

"IS COLD!"

"I know. It's just going to take a little bit."

*peer into the tub* "Poop."

"I know, baby."

"SOWWY!"

*REPEAT 8,245 TIMES UNTIL I GET HER BACK IN THE TUB*

This is the most meaningful conversation I've had with my daughter. She pooped in the tub, she was sorry and now she was cold. Over and over until we were both giggling. I've never had so much fun in my life.

SOPHIE STORY #2
This is from Ben. He just remembered to tell me about it tonight and we both laughed until we cried. Sophie is still in her crib. We're waiting until we move to get her a big girl bed. On Sunday morning he went to get her out of bed and realized that she had gotten a hold of the box of Milly's clothes next to her crib. Sophie is also learning how to put her own clothes on and decided to give it a shot. She decided to try on her infant sister's sweater.

As pants.

That's Mommy's little genius.

SOPHIE STORY #3
Sophie has basically given up her nap but sometimes will still need to just lie down for some quiet time. She does better if I let her back in my bed and I lie down next to her. We laid down today and she snuggled down into her daddy's pillows. I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep thinking it might make her be quiet and stop twirling her doll around her head. (Not so much.) Finally I just let her lie there and be quiet even if she wouldn't sleep. I turned over and the sheet fell down my arm. Before I could reach it, Sophie reached over and pulled it up to my chin. A few minutes later, I turned again and the sheet fell again. Sophie pulled it up, patted my shoulder and said "Night-night, Mama." My heart nearly burst with love for my little girl. She may be strong willed and very silly but she is so tender hearted. That combination is going to be dynamite in God's hands.

And I have a front row seat.

Missions

Me: "Lord, there's a lot of talk at church about missions. I don't feel like I get to participate much."

God: "Oh? I've given you a specific mission. What do you mean?"

Me: "What do I mean? What do You mean? I haven't felt any tugs to go to China or Jordan or the wilds of Borneo. What am I doing to bring Your word to those that are lost? Don't you want to use me?"

God: "Honey, get up and go back to Sophie's room."

Me: "Um...OK."

*Cue me walking back to see a wild-haired Sophie chasing after her brother squealing at the top of their lungs both of them waving harmless looking toys they have learned to weaponize.*

God: "Here is your mission field."

Me: "I guess it is similar to the wilds of Borneo."

God: "Now pick up that Noah book and give it a shot."

Me: "Hey guys! Want to hear about Noah?"

Natives: *stop dead in their tracks and drop toys* "No-No? Too-ba-too? OHKAY!"

Then we read about Noah 5 times in a row.