Here are a few things I’ve thought of writing about, but didn’t. Enjoy a couple of the ones that *almost* got away…
Jude dressed himself, by himself, yesterday. I thought about taking a picture of him, standing proudly in his camo night shorts (turned backward), orange dune buggy shirt and grey ortho-socks pulled all the way to his knees as he stood there shouting, “I do it myself, mama!” But I didn’t. I just soaked in the joy of that moment, not running for the camera, but instead wrapping my arms around my little man, sniffing his sweet hair and telling him how much I love him.
Isabelle has, of late, been requesting that we call her by another name (other than MeiMei or Isabelle). Last week it was “Kona”. Not sure if you spell that with a C or a K, (or an ‘ona’ for that matter) but I’m going for the K. After she declared this news of her name change with us, she followed up with a sneaky tester question:
“Mama?”
“Yes, Mei.”
“Noooooo!!! Konaaaa!!!“
“Okay, Kona. What?”
Silence.
A few minutes later:
“Mama?”
“Yes, Kona.”
“PERPET!!!” as a huge smile broke out across her face.
*perpet* is Isabelle- speak for ‘perfect’
Since then she has decided that Kona no longer suits her. Surprisingly, the name was sort of starting to stick and we have all had a hard time not calling her that, much to her chagrin.
Yesterday she and her posse broke out the kitchen towels and came running to me, safety pins in hand. Isabelle urgently pushed her safety pin at me.
“Mama! Sheperhairbaaaa!!”
“Shepherd hairball??”
“Nooooo! Sheperhairbaaaaaa!!”
*thinking* thinking* thinking*
“Oh. Superhero!“
They proceeded to run up and down the hall, “capes” blazing as they nearly ran into each other, giggling hysterically. Then they decided they needed someone to save. Since I was the only other human in the house who was not donning a superhero cape, I was the lucky victim.
No pictures of that little snippet in time, either. Considering how much aspartame is consumed daily in this household, I might want to rely less on my memory and start running for my camera.
P.S. Ideas for future posts are welcome. MOST welcome. For your sake and for mine.
Lori says
I think sometimes the very best posts are the cute little stories like you just told. So adorable!!
Michele says
I agree with Lori! These kinds of posts are the best! We love reading about your sweet babies!
With soon to be 9 kids, I am thinking you will never run out of material.
Tish says
OH MY GOSH! I was JUST about to do a post about the well being dry…about bloggy burnout…about “I’ve got NOTHING for you, peeps!”….but then i couldn’t even bring myself to write that post and clicked on you instead!!!!!!! and here you are writing about the same thing….but at least you have SOMETHING…and some really cute something at that! Too funny!
Bangs says
It’s nothing profound, but maybe a little update on Shepherd. How is he adjusting? How long after the last cast did he start walking? How many hours a day is he wearing the brace? I am also curious as to how his recovery stats compare to Jude.
If you don’t do this, well that is fine too. I love all your posts!
Tish says
you inspired me to post something about my nothing!
Patricia/NYC says
Love these slice of life stories! I can't help but smile at EVERY Isabelle/Kona story! She is such a cutie!!
My well has run a bit dry too these days…sometimes we need to ditch the camera & soak it all in before it all flies right by!
Hugs, girl!
Wendy says
I loved this post. I think so much of life’s beauty and sweetness comes in the more ordinary moments if we just pay attention to them. The stories are precious and give another little glimpse of your kiddos which is fun.
Hey, did you get my email? Hope it didn’t upset you. It’s just like me to make it all that much more of a rollercoaster…sheesh. I’m pretty thick sometimes! I’ll let you know what I hear.
Cindy says
Hi Stefanie…
I met you a PW's house, (Kacee's momma). I was looking at her site and saw your link. The latest entry was sooooo cute. I too think "I need to write something that will stand out or make a difference…but sometimes life just gives you simplicity like making super hero capes and learning how to crawl (Noah is just about there). I watch him on Tues, Wed & Thurs while Kacee is doing her dental hygiene thing… My girls are grown up. It went fast…cherish all those memories. And it's okay if you don't grab the camera everytime. :0)
Have a memory filled day!
Cindy
trina says
Stefani, you are such a great writer…that I can visualize it all. I think posts like this one is the best! Been thinking about ya. How’s the potty training coming along? Boy, do we need encouragement over here,too. Two in stinky diapers is no fun. Somebody is always stinky..LOL.
Holly says
Have you read my post today? It’s another installment of Daily Conversations with my 3 year old.
Yep.
Sometimes those are the best!
I love your first guess at superhero…Shepherd hairball?
Fantastic!
My 11 year old daughter is arguing with me over what her lunch options should be. Can you believe she wants to open one of her Daddy’s MRE’s (Meal Ready to Eat- Field food) instead of having lasagna, tacos, chili or a turkey sandwich? I think I could write a post about MRE’s…they really have gotten better over the years.
okay, maybe not!
π Blessings!
Jen & Rob says
Sometimes just writing about how ‘uneventful’ things are can be a nice read too! I’ve always enjoyed reading your inspirational quotes and bible versus which help waiting parents. Any that have spoken to you recently? I know I’m always looking for special words. Take care!
Jenny G.
DiJo says
No pictures needed!!! I can completely visualize it!!!!
Good thing I am on vacation starting tomorrow. I too need some new material!!!!
I hope you have USCIS news when I get home!
Blessings,
Diana
Tracie says
I haven’t been grabbing my camera as much lately either because I found that I wasn’t savoring the moments will my kids, just capturing them on camera. I still take pictures, but I’m more in the moment. I love that she is changing her name. That’s hilarious!
Rebecca says
Hey, this is cute!!! I enjoyed reading about all of your “little somethings”… your house sounds a lot like mine. π
xo
r
Andrea says
Don’t ya just love that kid?!?!?
xoxo,
A
Deanna says
As you now know, I’m a nanny, and yesterday had a hilarious 3 year old funny momment while brushing her wet hair after tubby time. As most 3 year olds do, she was running from the brush, and I told her that if we didn’t brush it now the tangles would get bigger be then even less fun to brush. The threat of bigger tangles worked, she stopped running, and then as the brushing started she asks me- “What’s a bigger tangle? Like a dreadlock?”
I laughed and said yes. At least for a little while the thought of dreadlocks may save me from chasing a 3 yearold around the house with a brush in hand.
(she learned about dreadlocks while we were on vacation in the Caribbean recently, for those of you wondering why a child of this age knows what those are)
Just thought I’d share a funny moment, since I have no blog of my own!
Never as funny as yours are though Stef!
Even your times of ‘nothing’ are entertaining!
-Deanna
Megan says
How is the potty training going? Have you tried out any of the tricks we gave you? Also, does your sister have a website that she updates regularly? I would love to hear about her and Cole!
*Overflowing* says
Cute post! My husband is always telling me to put the camera down and just enjoy the moment π
Future post ideas:
~Any organizing tricks
~How do you keep everything clean?
Tell me how you do it girl. Share your glorious tips!!
~stacy
Cory Jill Syd and Brenna says
I love posts about random happenings with kids… it’s the little things that mean the most, you know? Don’t apologize for writing about nicknames and superheroes. We eat this stuff up! LOL!
Also, the picture that popped up when I opened your blog today was a picture of you and your husband. It made me realize 2 things:
1. If she has 8 kids and can do her hair and look presentable, then I should be able to do my hair at least a few times a week with just my 2 kids.
2. My husband used to be a squarepatcher too! In fact, I have a shirt exactly like the one your hubby’s wearing. Small world.
Nicole A. says
So cute! Never a dull moment at your house, I bet. Too much personality for that! I did love this post, because the little things that happen everyday help to weave together the bigger moments and milestones.
I was wondering how your cute little nephew (and your sis and family) is doing now that he’s home. I followed your journey with her, and he is such a cutie.
Have a great day!
All the best,
Nicole A. in OH
The Ferrill's says
I love hearing the little stories…they make for big memories!
Now, in your previous post…did I see a little snippet about a move this summer? Are you talking about last summer’s move? Or are yall moving again?
And if you are moving again, can I put in my two cents about where you move? It starts with a B and ends with a M! π
a Tonggu Momma says
My post tomorrow? Already titled as “Boring Bullets (without the bullets).” You are not alone, ma’am.
And Kona? Means leeward in Hawaiian, but it can also mean lady. So… not a bad name, I guess. It could be worse.
Oh, and Cindy’s comment? The whole “I met you at PW’s house?” Nanny nanny boo boo to BOTH of you! (And Cindy – in case you read this – I’m just jealous. Ignore. There was NOTHING wrong with your comment and EVERYTHING wrong with my bitterness and evilness. LOL.)
Michelle says
How about a day in the life of you? I have to imagine w/ all those lovely kids it could be very interesting. I know you have done alot of FAQ type posts which I totally enjoyed which lead me to this idea. Or maybe you could have a guest blogger, like a close friend or something? Whatever you post is always enjoyable and I’m going to stop with the suggestions before I sound like a bit of a stalker!
Donna says
I’d love for you to do a post on how you handle a large family, you know, the logistics (food, laundry, day-in-the-life sorta thing. π
Dita says
That was a PERPET post! Yes, photog mom…sometimes you just HAVE to leave the camera on the table and get into the “picture” yourself!
I would love to be your kids for a day!
Marty says
what an adorable post! I love keeping track of such things. so inspiring! thanks. (looking VERY forward to receiving my tees which are scheduled to be delivered today! thanks so much for going to PW’s or else I’d never have discovered them!)
Doreen says
You could babble nonsense and I'd still be here! But you never do, do you!
Doreen in Montreal single mom to Faith-Jiangxi & Mia-Sichuan
Wendy says
I was thinking of post ideas and there are so many that I know I would find interesting like:
Shepherd…how has/is his transition going
What are the transitions like with the other children and how do you meet the needs of the others when you have a new one that needs so much time, care and attention.
Daily logistics…I’ve read some of you hysterical posts on a “day in the life” but seriously, how do you do it all and stay on top of it all (and sane). How do you find time for kids/self/marriage/blogging/runninga business and a household.
It’s all interesting to us who find you so inspiring and funny, too. I feel like I’m drowning with 5 sometimes and many of us feel the same whether we have 2 kids or 10 and it’s great to hear other moms’ ideas for managing it all!
I’m sure I could think of a bunch more, but these are the first things that came to mind.
Wendy says
I was thinking of post ideas and there are so many that I know I would find interesting like:
Shepherd…how has/is his transition going
What are the transitions like with the other children and how do you meet the needs of the others when you have a new one that needs so much time, care and attention.
Daily logistics…I’ve read some of you hysterical posts on a “day in the life” but seriously, how do you do it all and stay on top of it all (and sane). How do you find time for kids/self/marriage/blogging/runninga business and a household.
It’s all interesting to us who find you so inspiring and funny, too. I feel like I’m drowning with 5 sometimes and many of us feel the same whether we have 2 kids or 10 and it’s great to hear other moms’ ideas for managing it all!
I’m sure I could think of a bunch more, but these are the first things that came to mind.
Shawnstribe says
can we run out of comments too, but still wanna popby and say hi, good to hear from you
xxx
s