Too Much Mom

As you may know, I have a stage 5 clinger on my hands.  My precious son Addis is a total clinger.  If I'm sitting in the floor with him, he is quite content.  If I am moving about or in the kitchen or heaven forbid sitting on the couch, he is usually in a full blown melt down begging to be held.  Although it may seem sweet that he likes his momma so much, let me assure you, it adds stress. 
So today when I put up the baby gate to block off the play room so I could sweep the kitchen, I fully expect pandemonium to ensue.  I figured Addis would last two seconds and then hang on the baby gate screaming for freedom.  I was wrong.  He as Stella played for an entire hour.  No one was fussing and both seemed to be fully enjoying their time in baby jail, so I got some work done.  Usually I have to squeeze in chores during their nap times but today was different. 
After their naps, I put them back in the play room with the baby gate up as an experiment, figuring it was a fluke.  I was wrong again.  They are just so content playing without me.
So I began to wonder.  Do my precious ones get "too much mom?" I love staying home with them and yes, "stay at home moms" typically have clinger children.  And I was prepared for that.  But maybe they are getting too much mom.  It's good for them to play by themselves and with each other.  It's good for them to try sharing without me instructing them all the time.  It's good for their imaginations and little minds.  And it's good for my sanity.

I'm not saying I will always be locking them in their playroom and taking time to write a blog post (or check facebook) but I am saying that I am going to allow them time to chill by themselves and see what happens.

Alas, all good things come to an end.

Hunkering Down

This week will make four months since we brought Addis home.  I can't believe it's only been four months, it really seems like he has been with us forever.  In fact, I can't really remember what life was like without him.  He brings so much fun and joy to our home.  I'm sure Stella would be lost without him, they are best buddies. 

With that being said, he is still a little fussy.  I can't help blame myself.  In the four shorts months he has been home we...

Went to my little sisters baby shower in North Carolina

Visited the Berry's in Mississippi

Attended a wedding in Ocala Fl.

Went to Disney World

Visited my family in Paducah

Made the trip to Lexington numerous times

The list goes on and on.  What I'm trying to say is, there may be something to this "hunkering down" thing with newly adopted children.  My theory was that he was so little, he could just join ranks with this crazy family who lives life on the road.  Plus, it's hard to say no to occasions that are so important.  I can't go back now and even if I could I probably wouldn't change anything however...we are officially hunkering down.  With the exception of a day trip to see my Grandmother and maybe a quick weekend getaway, we are staying put.  For one thing, I'm wiped out.  Traveling with two one year olds is hard.  Secondly, it will be a fun little experiment to see if staying settled for a bit will help with Addis's fussiness. 

I've never been one to stay put for long so luckily, Carrie and Julie came in for a visit earlier this week.  It was literally a 24 hour visit but it was so much fun!  We ate, fed kids, talked and just enjoyed being together.  It was such a blessing.

I'm sure I'll be eating my words because something will come up and inevitably we will find ourselves throwing two pack-n-plays in the car and heading out, but for now...I'm staying home.  

 Stella in her new dress from Granny Fern

 So serious

 The girls playing in the water

 So sneaky

 Kata, Stella, Emma, and Abigail enjoying a Popsicle

 Carrie and Kata

 Poor Addis

My little artist

10 Days of Fun

We just got home from a whirlwind trip to Padcuah and back.  I was finally able to introduce Addis to my grandparents and show him off in my home town. My cousin Jill and her massive crew were in town too so it was a blast. We also had a little meet and greet for Addis to meet my Paducah friends.

 Getting ready for the meet and greet.

 Playing with Malia

 Being reunited with Cella.  This made me cry, it was so special to see how well these babies are doing.

 Reunited

 Riding the train at the mall with Granny Fern and Grammie

 The caboose

 Train ride with the Baker crew

After a few days in Paducah, I left my kiddos behind and headed to camp.  It was really hard to leave them for a week but I had so much fun being back at Crossings, this time as a participant.  As always, Crossings was amazing.  Our group had so much fun, bonded as a team, and grew in our relationship with the Lord.  What more could you ask for?

 The girls

 Jonathan and Goose trying out the water zip line

 Our group minus Jonathan

After camp, I came back to Paducah to get my kids and got to spend a couple of days with Jess and June.  We went swimming one day and to the park another day.  It was so much fun!

 We gotta get this kid a swing

 Jess meets Addis

 So thankful for Granddaddy...

 and Grammie

Picnic at the park

 Cousin Time.

More park fun

Where did June go?

I can't believe it's July!  The days are just passing me by.  Our sweet Addis has learned to walk, (well at least 10 steps before crashing) and Stella just gets sweeter and sweeter by the minute.  She is always asking for hugs and kisses.  Are all kids that awesome?
I confess that I still have my hard days with Addis. I love that kid so much but I will say, he is much more "vocal" than Stella ever was.  By "vocal" I mean the kids screams and cries for no apparent reason.  It's teaching me patience (I think) and it's a reminder that this sweet baby just needs a little extra care and attention.  Maybe it's because of his history or maybe it's just his disposition.  That's the hard thing, not knowing.  I feel like I knew Stella's little disposition from the beginning.  With Addis I keep wondering...Does he feel bad?  Is he sick?  Is he tired?  Is he hungry?  Is he just needy?  Jonathan is good to remind me that he won't be a baby forever and at some point, he will be able to tell me what's wrong.  Until then, I just hug my babies and ask God to give me grace for this season.

 Stella busted sneaking a bite of Addis's Birthday cake

 Love this little girl.

 Happy Father's Day

 What a cutie!

 Love this little man

 Oh yes we did!

 Baking in style

I love my children but what a huge blessing to spend three days with these precious friends in New Orleans.

The Happiest Place on Earth

We did the impossible...two babies under two at Disney World.  Luckily I had my parents to assist with the craziness.  We had such a good time.  I've never really been a believer in Disney but I'll confess,  I came away thinking it is a very magical place. 

Addis Turns One

I can't believe our little precious turned one today.  I woke up feeling a little blue because I have zero information about his actual "birth day."  I'm sure it was a lot different than the birth I experienced.  Mainly I was thinking about his birth mom and what that day was like for her.  Was she happy, sad, ready to get it over with?  I guess I'll never know but I do know one thing, that will be the only birthday I will ever miss!
Stella took Addis balloons to wake him up.  He's one happy birthday boy!

 I confess, we had ice cream cake for breakfast.  Addis dug right in.  He did pause for a second to cry about how cold his hands were...and then he kept eating.

It really was a fun day.  We weren't able to throw a big birthday party because of VBS but I feel like we totally celebrated him all day.  We will throw a party later, when we can do it justice.  Until then, happy birthday little man.  You are one of the greatest blessings of my life.

My kids are funny

I hate to brag but I have some really fun kids.  I heard some squeals and giggles coming from the kitchen and I came into Stella totally entertaining Addis.  I couldn't get to my camera fast enough.  I have the best two little buddies!

Watch them here

(The 22 second mark is like my favorite moment of the week!)