Freckles and "mommy happy!"

It always seems the boys flip a switch and go from good, fun and manageable, to difficult, crabby and ornery when Pete is gone during the week. They usually sleep better when Pete is around too and this week seemed more drastic of a change than usual. The first night Pete was gone, Drew was determined it was morning at 12:30 am. Then when I did get him back to sleep shortly after one, Ty woke him up again and 3:30 and none of us went back to sleep after that. Yesterday morning they did make it to 5:20 - so that's considerably better, but still early. This lack of sleep sets the stage for two tired boys and one very tired mommy. Even still, we are finding plenty to smile and laugh at. As I was attempting to complete a necessary task that is getting more difficult with my growing belly, I was starting to get frustrated. Drew, seeing my frustration and not wanting it to continue, jammed his hand inside his jeans, ran up to me saying, "Drew dry! Drew dry! Mommy happy!" and proceeded to shower me with kisses like I do him when he's dry. Ah yes...
And freckles have been frequent topic of conversation when Drew discovered one on his finger, and a couple days later another on his leg. He was very distraught and wanted it off - telling me to wash it. Even showing him my freckles made no difference. This week that changed. My sister sent the boys some Valentines gifts, and Ty received a set of 3 Thomas the train water toys. It included Thomas, James and Rosie. Rosie has lots of freckles painted on her face and Drew was quick to point them out. Now he wants me to put the freckles on his face!! Out of the blue now, a couple times a day, he'll walk up and ask, "Mommy? Frecko? On? Frecko face?" Then, this morning, I walked into the living room to find Drew with his pants around his ankles. Since we are working on potty training I sprang into action, not wanting to clean another mess in the carpet, and asked what he was doing. "Frecko? Mommy, where go? Where Frecko go?" So not only does he want more, he's making sure the ones he does have don't go anywhere!!

Wow - lots going on this last week! First - many of you have been asking and I thank you all for your prayers. At my Dr. appointment my blood pressure was no longer high - which means no bed rest for now at least. Actually, my BP was low this time! Everything looks good with baby and now me too - still having lots of contractions, so when they start I just have to make sure to rest right away. After being on bed rest for the last two months with Ty, this makes me VERY happy indeed!

Saturday we headed to GB for my cousin's baby shower and spent some time visiting with my brother and his wife, my parents and my grandma. I was driving on the way over and there was just a beautiful sunrise. The sun was a brilliant red - Pete took pictures through the car and they don't do it justice, but thought you might enjoy seeing one of the better ones. Just remember, it's through a dirty windshield in a moving car!!It was fun seeing everyone. Drew handed out his homemade valentines and Ty showed everyone his walking skills. My cousin's shower went very well and we are all eager to hear of baby Noah's arrival. We

even got a couple of "preggo" pics!At the shower there were many pictures and boy - Ty sure looks like several of the Calkins' baby pictures. My brother, my cousin, my dad, my grandpa are just a few I'm sure, but it was fun to compare them!The most recent bit of "new fun" now that Ty is walking - he can be "super" just like Drew. They love having their "night-nights" tied around their shoulders and running around the house. While they usually do this right after breakfast before they get tubby time or dressed, they ask for it much more than that...but mommy gets tired of re-tying the blankets!!And even though you can't tell by pictures - we ARE trying to break Ty of his nuk. He just has an older brother who can now reach it from the high places and give it back to him!! Drew will often cry harder than Ty if it is dropped beyond reach or lost!

Boy fun

The boys just continue to be better play mates and this makes mommy VERY happy indeed. This morning they are antsy waiting for Grandma and Grandpa to make their appearance. Our toy box is in the corner at the bottom of the stairs. Drew and Ty have emptied the car box and are lining them up on the stairs. They are both amused by this activity - and it's cute to see them playing together so well. For now, at least. This Friday is my next Dr. appointment. We shall see how everything looks with the baby and I. We are eager to meet this little one. We went shopping for a used dresser this weekend and were explaining to Drew we needed to buy one for the baby. When we returned home unsuccessful, Drew was confused and asked, "Where baby? Baby at store?" Yeah, somehow he got baby and baby's dresser mixed up...and I think he's still mixed up! How do you explain baby is coming soon, but not right now? When the sun wakes up 60+ more times?

Time flies!

This week has been a perfect example of watching time fly. Last post I commented that Ty was making progress walking - and now is a walking maniac. He is doing more walking than crawling now and it literally happened overnight! With his expanded mobility, Ty interacts even more and better with Drew than before. It is getting easier to get things done at times because they will occupy each other for a decent amount of time. This is great seeing as how I will be busy with Weebo soon!

This weekend we also put the clamp on diapers for Drew. He is making slow progress - but still has a ways to go. Drew is a bit more difficult to train than many of my friends' boys have been, but we have known from the beginning he is a more stubborn, strong-willed little chap. Although, in his defense, I have to say that he is doing worlds better than even just four months ago. It seems that there has been a breakdown of a brick wall in him and that probably happens with increased communication skills on his part; but he has come a long way. Now with his attitude a little more under control, we are tackling the business of keeping his Lightning McQueen underwear dry! It will be very nice to not have three in diapers! :)Looking at the boys just three days ago is so different than what is seen now! Time flies, changes happen quickly. Remember to seize the moment - it'll be gone before you know it!