Boys of a Feather

Today the four of us found ourselves in our Jeep driving to Anden’s Kindergarten Roundup. 

We had all the requisite paperwork filled out.  We were prepared with our oldest child, his birth certificate, his shot records  and one well rehearsed nearly five year old.  He was instructed on how to behave, what to expect and that jelly beans would be provided on our return if he does indeed follow the pre-laid-down instructions. 

Upon our arrival cookies were set out on a table and available for any unsupervised little hands to grab at will.  Since we had our rather cumbersome stroller in tow, I put Anden at a table with one half of a large cookie and a bit of lemonade while we stood a couple feet behind him perusing the brochures provided.  The next thing my husband sees is our prodigy, sweetly and slyly approaching the irresistible cookie table with something of a disguised smirk on his cute puss.  Anden carefully takes two treats, and nearly tip-toes back to his table.  My watchful husband whispers “look at your son.” I look at baby Logan, and of course, he’s making some adorable face… upon recognizing that the Son I’m looking at isn’t the correct one, I see his act and try to hide a smirk of my own – that little devil.  My vigilant hubby approaches little Anden and advises him that the cookies are for all to share.  He needs to ask before ingesting copious amounts of sugar before his FIRST meeting with his FIRST elementary school teachers and Anden obliges.  He promptly places one half of the cookie back on the pile – This in the midst of the burgeoning swine flu hysteria.  We can feel other parents eyes boring into the back of our heads. 

“No! No, no, NO’s” we whisper-scream in unison.  Poor kid – “Can I have the cookie or can’t I??”   Ha, I get his reasoning; we parents have none at all!  What would we have him do?  He can’t have the other half of the cookie, yet he can’t replace it.  I imagine he was trying in his almost 5 year old brain to figure out a way to make this cookie disappear into the nether to please us.  Well – we ever resourceful parents of course have a solution.  WE like cookies after all….If the dreaded swine flu is rampant on this little man’s hands, we most assuredly gave it to him, or will be receiving it from him shortly.  It was a pretty tasty cookie if I may say so.

After waiting in an increasingly warm but precious little library we were escorted with around 20 of our fellow sweaty yet cookie satisfied (and possibly newly swine flu infected) parents and kindergarteners to one of four classrooms that our kidlet would be attending.  17 students will be sharing this room and the four kindergarten teachers were all  taking turns reading a power point presentation, ad-libbing as they go.  Power presentations are awkward, but the teachers did a fine job.  I found all of them to be wonderful, and quickly found the one that I’d like my little boy to have. 

We shall see how the lottery plays out, but any of them will be fine I’m sure.  I did a LOT of research on which school had the best scores in the state, and by far, Sunrise elementary won the contest. 

Anden was AWESOME.  Perhaps a little shy (UNHEARD of in this little boy.) He held our hands through the tour of the school.  He was quiet, listened, and seemed quite satisfied with himself that the basic requirements asked of new students he had either met or surpassed.  That’s my boy! 

My heart drops into my belly, joins hands with my stomach and they both sink straight to my feet when I think of my first born, my miracle child who was surely only born a year ago going to kindergarten.  He’s beginning this amazing, sometimes trying, often difficult but also so rewarding and necessary journey into our public school system.  He’s officially loosening his grip on my proverbial apron strings.  He’s likely more prepared than I am! In fact, he’s stoked.

While in the halls between classrooms one teacher casually remarked towards our pudgy and angelic baby Logan that he’s “a future kindergartener.”   I wanted to tackle her.  That’s putting it lightly.  Why does this world want to make my children be more independent? I don’t want my kids to grow up quite yet! These kiddos.  We lease them for such a short time. 

3/24/09
Ugh. I’m sick.  Everything hurts, I can’t hardly do a thing and I’m feeling guilty because I know that this feeling is not mine alone.  In fact, there are many people in this world who are feeling the same way, but what they’re feeling is not as temporary as my silly illness.  My complaints are thus not very important.  I know this, but I can’t help but want some sympathy, and my family is quick to provide love and comfort for me. <3

I have the same cold that my husband endured with bravado, and I’m just a complaining glob! Dwayne went out to get Anden and me lunch, and constantly asked if I wanted to go to our bed to sleep – while he was working!  He continually asked what he could do for me, and offered to get me any cold medicine that the world produced. Could one ask for a better husband?
I slept nearly all day, and my wonderful, and sweet 4 year old understood, and didn’t complain once. He told me “I’m sorry you’re sick mom, I hope you get better soon.” I’m SO Blessed!!

Logan seems to be happier, even though he has this darned cold too. Bless his heart. He’s only been around for 4 months and here he has suffered 4 colds in that short period! On a great note, he turned over twice yesterday! Yay Logan-boy!  He’s going to be one beautiful little man. Just like his brother. I fall in love with him more and more each day.

 Our family has been plagued by minor colds this entire winter. Very annoying. I’m not annoyed just because we’re uncomfortable, but if we’re going to endure winter colds, it should at least ACT like winter outside. It’s much easier to bundle up under blankets and sniffle if there’s a slab or two of snow outdoors.

We live in Colorado for Goodness sakes! It seems that the rest of the state has been snowed upon, but February and March have sported 60-70 degree weather in our area. Anden has only been able to go sledding once! Christmas was a balmy 55 degrees. Sheesh! We signed up for Colorado because we want ALL four seasons! A larg-ish snow is expected this coming week, so fingers, toes, eyes and legs crossed. Here’s hoping.

A whole ‘nother trillion dollar spending spree by the government is in the works. We’re apparently buying off ‘toxic assets’ from banks (because the first nearly trillion dollar bailout just wasn’t enough.) We’re still in the mires of this recession. I’m just so grateful that Dwayne has his wonderful job.

Maybe the second trillion will draw us out of this recession. Take a second to fathom that… TWO trillion dollars. My Dad pointed out that if one person spent a million dollars a day – EVERY day – since Jesus was born…. It would still fall under one billion dollars.
When I was a kid, one million dollars was unbelievably rich. I once asked my mom if in her entire lifetime, if she and John would earn one million dollars. She responded “probably not.” Two trillion dollars …wow.

Dwayne’s working from home Tuesday through Thursday and is in the office on Monday and Friday. We LOVE having him around! He’s largely left alone (excepting Anden and my own occasional trips into his office for potty breaks.) Have to say though; we love his commute on those Tue –Thur. days! We dig it when he takes breaks – yay for dad and hubby time!!

Today Dwayne told me about a mother who asked for a refund for their child who had enrolled in the National Driver Training Institute’s driving prep program. When called to determine the reason for the refund, the family stated that their child was deceased. At 15 years of age, this admirable, church going young man had succumbed to liver failure. Cancer. That creeping unthinking, unyielding beast. 15 years old.

Every single night I pray to our Lord for many things. First off, I thank him for my amazing family. I thank the Lord for my extremely gracious, thoughtful, sweet, caring and kind husband. I thank Him for my obnoxious, wonderful, curious, handsome, funny, and wonderful Anden John Bond. I thank him for my second miracle, my Logan; my sweet, darling, beautiful, precious littlest boy. I thank him for all these blessings.

I ask him to be with the countless people in this world who are suffering: nervous people in waiting rooms at hospitals anxious for the status of their loved ones. People in third world countries who are watching their children or loved ones die from preventable illnesses or hunger… people who are bearing the cold on concrete because either a roof isn’t offered, or they lost it through no fault of their own. People who are enduring outrageous violence by their own neighbors. 

I ask him to be with them, to comfort them, and to keep them. Let them know deep in their hearts that their suffering will come to an end, in this life or the next, and that they or their loved ones will rest in God’s bosom. I thank our Lord for our health. I ask that he let it continue. I want more than anything for my children to live long, fruitful lives. I pray that Dwayne and I will be able to be there and enjoy our children and grandchildren for a long, long time.

Lastly I ask that he show me the way to better this world in his vision. Hopefully if he does give me the challenge, I pray that I’ll be up for the task.

Thank you Lord, for my family and so much more. Help me rise to the occasion and be a better Mother and Wife. I love you, and adore you. Thank you for our lives.
Amen.

3/5/09
Logan! You’re crying a lot lately, and we can’t understand why… the time for colic has passed (you’re over 3 months old) and we’re thinking you have baby acid reflux, you poor, poor thing.  Now that I’ve said this, I DO have to say that as of this date, you haven’t been cranky for three days. You’re smiling,  giggly, and cute as a button. We’re SO relieved that life appears to be less miserable for you.  It seemed like you were in so much pain sweetheart.  I completely eliminated drinking cows milk, and have been giving you gas drops religiously after every feeding.  Whatever the cure, we hope you continue to be your happy go-lucky self my sweet, sweet baby boy. You’re CHUBBY!  You’re Adorable.  Your Dad and I are loving every minute of you being a baby – it passes so quickly.  Gah, I want to kiss you right this minute!

Anden John Bond – You are a funny, wonderful, thoroughly fantastic little boy! Today you had a tea party at preschool that you and your classmates had been practicing your manners for. (Chewing with your mouth closed, keeping your napkin on your lap, etc.) You went to preschool well dressed and complimented your classmates. “Jonathan, you look really nice today – Autumn, you look really good today. “ On and on. I was So proud to be your mommy little Anden boy. I always am.

You told me the other day that you wished you could dig and dig into the ground to find all the shiny gold. After a slight pause, you said that you shouldn’t because you’re worried about all the pipes that go to all the houses that go to the sinks in the houses. You were quiet for a moment, and then said “But I do want to find treasure.” Ha, you kiddo! You know, there are moments like this that I look at you with loving, tearful eyes, watching my boy grow and understand, seeing a little piece of who you will be, how your mind works. I ask you for a hug at these moments. You don’t necessarily understand why I need that hug, and those embraces are always brief. I want to remember these wonderful moments. These glimpses into how your mind works. I just love you my precious first baby boy. What a Lucky Mom am I!!

Tomorrow we’ll be going to Barnes and Noble’s to hear a book by the authors of Curious George. You LOVE Curious George!!!! I hope you find it as exciting as I want you to. I will for certain bring my camera as an adult-sized fuzzy Curious George apparently will be in attendance!
You also astounded your Dad and I at your last soccer game. You were focused; you kept your eye on the ball. You were also one of the goalies this game. You’re so cute, you dance like Mohammad Ali when the ball comes your way, and you stopped every single one. Six in all! We sure cheered for you! We were and ARE very, very proud of you little angel.

Well children, and other readers of this journal. We have elected Barak Hussein Obama as president of the United States of America! It was such an exciting day for myself, and millions of Americans. I had chills throughout the entire inauguration. President Obama seems to be off to a swimming start and I pray for him during these turbulent economic times. Our first black president. I’m so proud of America, and now Dr. King’s message has come full circle.
Gas prices plummeted thankfully a few months back. The economy is in ruins due to banks administering faulty loans - In my opionon greed and ignorance played a large part in this. The big three car companies received a government bailout . The government  has given them (banks and the big three US auto makers) Billions.  This will grow to Trillions, with a capital T.  It’s a complicated issue, and I try to stay on top of it – if not to change it, then at least to understand.

Folks are losing their houses and a ‘mortgage crisis’ has been proclaimed. House prices are in the basement, no one’s buying, (quite impossible because the banks aren’t lending)  no one can sell their homes. People are losing jobs at an astronomical rate. Thankfully Dwayne still has his job, and I imagine he’ll continue to hold it; he’s brilliant at what he does.
Anden’s still a talker; I swear he’s going to be a politician. Logan’s gaining tons of weight. Grandma and Grandpa Miller visited this weekend and commented that in just one month, he’s gained nearly a whole ‘nother Logan!
Every generation faces its crisis. Every single one. And honestly, the folks that write headlines wouldn’t make the money they do  if they didn’t make everything into a histrionic fervor. 
On the upside, a very large passenger  jet landed in the Hudson River in New York due to catastrophic engine failure after hitting a flock of geese at 3,000 feet. No one was killed. This event, and the pilot’s handling of the situation has been hailed as a miracle.   Just today I read that it hit a ‘soft body’ in the river that helped shield the blow, but no organic (plant life, mammals, etc) material was found to explain it. Either way, I know God is at work in the smallest details, and thank Him that they all survived.
As we plow ahead into another year, I expect wonderful things to happen. Our little Logan will roll over, sit up on his own, walk, and maybe talk. Anden will achieve many things. He’s already recognizing letters, he may read before the year’s end. My husband and I will grow more and more in love with one another.

The many crises our planet faces will ebb and flow, they’ll always be replaced with new ones. I just hope the people we love stay healthy, and happy. I love this crazy chaotic world. May it go on and on and on…. And may the many wishes pressed into coins tossed into all the fountains come true. They’re rarely tossed for ill.

Anden’s Christmas school program was today.  He was FANTASTIC! He played the starring role, Santa Clause!  What a cutie.  He had makeup induced rosy cheeks, said “Ho Ho Ho”, at just the right moments.  I’m so proud of my little man.  Way to Go Anden!  You’re such a bright star!

Today was also Family movie night.  Every Thursday we have a family movie night that consists of (a wholesome, or sometimes a not so wholesome (Pizza) dinner) all you can eat popcorn, “special dessert treats” and a family friendly movie.  What a wonderful day.

Also, update on Logan

Birth weight: 7 lbs, 10 oz.  Upon release from the hospital (2 days later) 7 lbs, 8 oz.  Two week appointment found him to be 8 lbs, 2 oz.  Good growing Logan! Keep it up sweetheart.

Once again, we’re just SO proud of Anden!  I couldn’t ask for a more outgoing, caring, sweet, beautiful, wonderful Son!  I sure love my big 4 Year old man!  He stole the show.  He always does.

Dear Santa,

I want a football and not a b-b gun (it’ll shoot your eye out and make you break your glasses), and a truck that makes music. I want a hummer car. I want NOT something that shoots. I want a big huge flat thing that you slide under the door, so you can close it a lot easier and it won’t make noise. Happy Merry Christmas!

I’m going to be Santa for a Christmas Program, Santa. And we picked a Mrs. Clause. Anden is um, Santa!

I want for my brother, more toys, LOTS of other toys, and they’ll be lying all over the place Santa! (Insert maniacal laughter here)
And we’ll make you Christmas cookies and milk and put them on the table for you, Santa, they’ll be laying on the table.

And that’s all I want to say. Nothing else.

Love,
Anden

Logan’s birth story.

Two ultrasounds and one sonographers’ 98% guarantee that we would have a girl, meant that logically, we were prepared for a girl. We were surrounded in pink and ready for our newest arrival.
On November 25th, three days past our given due date (November 22nd, 2008) I awoke around 5am to painful contractions ranging from 3 ½ minutes to 1 minute apart give or take. I woke your dad at 10 till 6, just before he was going to go to work – and called your grandma Natalie to tell her that the time might be near. She and Grandpa John just might want to put some clothes in a suitcase in case our little bundle of joy was making her appearance that day. The ride to the hospital was dark – your brother was excited to go to the hospital, and to have a vacation with Grandma and Grandpa. I – between my contractions noticed stars in the sky over the mountains, the sun just beginning to highlight the tips of the Rockies – just as I had the day I was to have your big brother. Your dad was calm under pressure. I kept saying “get me to the hospital!” and though he once nearly ran a red light, and actually stopped at a green one, we made record time to the labor and delivery suite.

We arrived at the hospital and I told the admitting nurses “Oh, I just hope this isn’t false labor!” They asked if I had had any discharge, to which I replied “I’ve been loosing the worlds’ largest mucous plug for about a month!” Turns out I was in active labor – 5 cm’s and was admitted to the hospital. Bring on the epidural!!

Your big brother, your Dad, and I waited until Grandma Natalie and Grandpa John arrived at the hospital. The original plan was for them to take your big brother to a hotel so he could go swimming, as I was in labor with Anden for over 8 hours. The midwife however, told them that the baby (you!) would be a fast one, and they stuck around. Little man, from the time I was admitted, to the time you came, we were only there for 5 hours. When the midwife finally told me to push – you were in our lives no less than two minutes later… and you were perfect - 7 lbs, 10 ozs, 19 inches long. . OTHER than the fact that we were prepared for a girl and that you certainly weren’t. We had pink outfits to go home in, pink blankets to cuddle you in, pink bed sheets, bumper pads, ribbons for your hair and many pairs of perfectly pink shoes.

Well, bless their heart, your Grandma and Grandpa Natalie and John Miller took your big brother to his Thanksgiving program that day. They then went shopping, and we were outfitted with blue items shortly. Damage control, I called it. No less than 4 days later your uncle Doug (his wife Kristen, cousin Mitch and Kelly), uncle Daven (wife Tawna and cousin Megan) and your Grandma and Grandpa Bond also came to the rescue with beautiful boy clothes. Your dad and I fell in love with you immediately. We may have been just a TAD disappointed that we now had to prepare ourselves for our sweet newborn to have a circumcision where before, that was a non-issue. But to us, little man, you were, and still are, perfect.

SO! Then the hospital informs us that we have 24 hours to name you! We had originally planned to call our little girl Raygan Michell Bond. To be honest, we really hadn’t thought of boy names, as again, we were told that without but a smidgen of a doubt that you were a lil’ gal. Both your Dad and I had thought of the name Logan, among others. What clinched it for us: Your Dad went to park the car for our departure – I went with him. As we were walking back to the hospital to fetch you from the nursery, we both noticed that the name of the street we had parked on was – you guessed it! Logan! A more literal sign, one could not ask for. We took our “sign” and the musical name we both loved, and you have your name. Logan Michael (after your maternal grandfather) Bond.

We’re both just so grateful that you’re healthy, and finally here. You stole our hearts immediately. You have a little onesie that says “little brother” on it, and Anden just LOVES it when you wear it. He adores being your big brother. He’s constantly asking to hold you, and when he goes to bed, he is always telling your Dad and I that “you guys are in charge now, make sure to feed the baby!” We reassure him that we will J.

After we took you home, your Dad was able to take a week and a half off. We were discharged from the hospital the day before Thanksgiving. We sure had a lot to be thankful for. We ended up having pizza for our Thanksgiving dinner, and it was absolutely lovely. We continued our “family movie night” tradition with the movie Ratatouille. We did end up cooking a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal the following Sunday.

You were a gift from God little Logan, and we had so much to be grateful for. Everything else was, forgive me, but small potatoes.

You’ve been a dream baby. You’ve slept quite a bit at night. You only fuss when you have a dirty diaper or are a bit hungry. We love holding you, looking at you, touching your every feature. You have your Dad’s skin. He’s fairly pale, with red undertones. You’re the same. Anden and I are both olive skinned. You were born with blue eyes and as of this writing (12/10/08) you still do. Anden had brown eyes from the start. You have an adorable heart shaped face, blonde eyelashes and eyebrows, and a lighter and sparser mop of hair than your brother did. You have my hair pattern. You’re the sweetest little thing, and I just can’t help from kissing you every chance I get!

You’ll be exactly ONE month old on Christmas Day. <3

Welcome to the world darling.  May it fall in love with you as we have.

You’re so very loved baby doll.

As usual, this writing is LONG overdue.

I’m Pregnant with Baby number two!! We were told at our 20 week scan that there is a 98% chance that this little life is a female. Dwayne is still confident that our new blessing is a girl, I’m a bit shy to make that proclamation quite yet. I’ll believe it when I see it – as it were. I had my 26th week pre-natal appointment today. So far he/she is measuring RIGHT on target! Hooray! We just can’t wait to meet our little miracle. This precious person who will forever change our lives for the better. So far we’ve come up with two finalists for the name – Reagan, and Autumn. So… we shall see! She’s due November 22nd.

This little person is super active! (For want of a better preface, I’ll use “she” from now on) She is just a wiggle bug! I know this will likely be my last pregnancy so I’m enjoying every minute of our precious bond.

Anden JUST started pre-school this last Monday. He loves it so far. His teacher this year is Miss Nancy, and Anden proclaimed today while he boarded the car that “I really, really do like Miss Nancy.” So that’s good. I can’t believe it’ll be just one more year till kindergarten starts. Awwww, the time has flown by so quickly. Also, by then our new little baby will be nearly a year old! Wild! I hope the years between the two siblings won’t be a hindrance to their relationship. I hope they are the best of friends and remain so their entire lives. I believe that a second child for our first is a gift to them both. A blood companion that no matter what can be counted on in case family is needed. The future is ALWAYS uncertain; we never know when the Lord will call us home. Hopefully these two will always be close, and have one another.

Anden’s so excited for the baby to come. He’s always hugging and kissing my belly (the baby). He says he’s going to change diapers, get ‘babas’ for the baby, play with her, give her baby toys, and take care of her in the backseat of the car. SO cute! I can’t wait till they can finally meet. This little guy’s been waiting for 4 years to be a big brother!

Anden also just finished his first t-ball experience! He was on the Zephyrs team, and of course, no score was kept, but boy was it fun to watch! We’ll be enrolling him in soccer, and he’ll start in September.

My sweet husband and I just purchased our first real set of living room furniture that was delivered today. A BEAUTIFUL couch/armchair set and an equally exquisite matching end table/coffee table set. Our house looks beautiful, and can you believe it? It’s almost as if adults live in the house :P.

I’m still at home with munchkin number one, thanks to the best husband/dad that ever was or will be! Dwayne is such a great dad and provider. I don’t know what I’d do without that man, he makes me fall in love with him more and more each day. I’m such a blessed and lucky woman to have him. Children, when you read this, know that your dad is ONE of a kind. You’re lucky to have him. He loves you so much.

Dwayne’s still with National Driver Training Institute, where he’s been a miracle worker. They’re SUPER fortunate to have him as well. I’m so proud of my guy! He’s been working really hard to create a successful website, fishermanresource.com. It’s a real money maker. He’s very proud of it, and he has every right to be, it’s awesome!

Anden’s so funny; he’s a wonderful little man. Every day he makes us laugh. He teaches us how difficult parenthood is, but every ounce of difficulty is worth the reward of that little boy. He’s so kind and sweet. He listens relatively well, but HEARS everything, and reasons out things like an adult. It stuns me to see this little person coming into his own. I just know that Dwayne and I are constantly trying to keep up, and be the best parents we can.

We’re in the middle of an interesting election year. Barak Obama VS John McCain. Black/White, young Democrat VS White, older Republican. Still not sure which way I’m going to vote. We don’t currently have health insurance for the adults in our family, so whoever comes up with the best plan on that may sway my vote. We’re also STILL at war in Iraq, and of course that’s a hot button issue. We’ll see how history plays that one out.

This is an Olympic year. The summer Olympics are being held in Beijing. Anden will be in an Asian themed Olympic performance at the end of his summer school experience. We’ll definitely have that on video.

We’re reportedly in a recession. Oh how the dollar has fallen. Gas is $4 a gallon. MUCH higher than the $2.50 we were paying just two short years ago. Dire news for the economy. The whole world is looking into alternative fuel sources. Long overdue in my humble opinion. But, it’s happening. What a roller coaster life this world goes through. I’m just thrilled to be along for the journey!

Little Logan, I can’t get enough of those cheeks!  Your whole body is entirely too cute.  Chubby calves, cutie-pie tummy, perfect toes and fingers.  The cushiony kissable worry lines between your eyebrows - those expressions that if on an adult - would make one think you carried the world on your tiny shoulders.

I love the ‘baby dance.’ Those flailing hands and feet, puckered lips, wide eyes that can hardly blink as they’ve so much to take in.

Don’t get me started on your smiles - my goodness.  A treasure indeed.  I think butter would melt at the sight, I sure do!

Contented sighs, fingers that fold tightly when you’re hungry and being fed, then slowly relax as your tummy fills.   

I love the perfect feeling of such a tiny human on my chest, and being able to comfort you with kind words, hearing those cries go from wails to whimpers then to quiet breathing, barely audible sighs. 

You are darling to your whole family little boy, we love you!!