brotherhood

I knew he’d be a great big brother from the moment I looked my very clingy 20-month-old in the eyes and said, “Mommy has to go to the hospital now so your baby sister can be born. Be a big boy and stay here with Grammy. You can come see me soon, okay?” Instead of tears and a death-grip around my neck, as was expected, he toddled over to Grandma’s waiting lap, waved good-bye, and somehow his young self knew he was stepping into, stepping UP to, a new role: Big Brother.

He has always been watchful of Sister; always aware of her needs and ready with a binky or a toy or a fun game to make her smile. When he was almost 3 (or maybe newly 3; I forget), I was loading the kids into the car after a trip to the library. As Dallin climbed into his carseat he noticed a wayward fruit snack, fallen from the bag he’d eaten earlier on our drive. This coveted treat was a surprise and the look in his eyes told me of his glee at this fortunate discovery. Instead of instantly popping it into his mouth he started twisting and pulling it with his little fingers. He was breaking it in half so Kate could have some, too.

Today was the last day of Kindergarten. As he packed his bag for school he carefully counted up his ‘blue tickets’: earned for good behavior and, today, to be used to ‘buy’ treats and toys from his teacher. When he came home bearing two new hair clips for Kate, I wasn’t surprised. His teacher told me he had carefully picked out something for her before he chose the treats and prizes for himself.

Dallin is the kind of big brother I always wanted; he’s the kind of older sibling I should have been (sorry K, P and J). He got this generous and loving gene from his dad, and I’m trying, every day, to be more like my boy.

growing...

5 months...can you believe it?

The Dog Days

We have a bit of magic that resides at our house. It is the magic of transformation. The 4-year-old who lives here is sometimes a girl, but on occasion she can 'magically' transform into a puppy. The changing is simple and reminiscent of Wonder Woman: she does a little spin and [voila!] she becomes a puppy. Nothing you say or do can get English words out of our puppy. She does, however, communicate in a very Blues-Clues-like 'wroo roo roo.' If words are absolutely necessary, Puppy will do the Wonder Woman spin and change back into Girl. But only for a moment, then she spins again, falls on all fours, and gallumps along in her canine way.

The up side to all this schizophrenia is that Puppy is very obedient. I can get her to do almost anything, as long as I preface the request with the pronoun 'Puppy.'

"Puppy, stand up."
"Puppy, make the bed."
"Puppy, fetch the remote control."
"Puppy, change back into Kate."

;)

Oh, the joys of pet ownership!

Watch out VH1...

My sister turned me on to the crazy fact that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir makes music videos. Who knew? They have several out there, but if you'd like to see my beautiful and talented choir-member mom, this one has a good shot of her. She is in the first clip of the choir, the farthest one on the right whose entire face is showing.

Go Mom!

answered prayer

Soccer season has started. It is our first foray into the world of organized sports. Yesterday, I sat watching across a busy practice field; watching my boy practice with his first team, first sport, first time. They were standing in a circle, each boy with a ball in front of him. The coach had them put their toe on the top of the ball and stand with the other foot on the ground. Then, jumping, they would switch feet, back and forth, quicker and quicker. I'm sure this exercise has a name, but I certainly don't know it. What I do know is that as I sat there, with tears filling up my eyes and blurring my vision, I was grateful for answered prayers; for the life and capabilities of a boy who wasn't supposed to be 'normal' or 'able' or even here. His little body, running and kicking and laughing, is my miracle. And, I'm grateful for the chance to witness the hand of the Lord every day.

blessed

blessing day, March 1, 2009