Voting

Monday, December 15, 2008

Happy Holding Hands

Last Thursday (Dec. 11th) Brady and I were out all morning running errands getting things done for Christmas, our visit to MiMi and Pop Pop's house, and the expected visit from Nonnie. In most stores I either put him in the shopping cart or the stroller. When we got to Hobby Lobby I knew I had to just go in and grab one thing that was right by the register so I told him he could walk in the store with Mommy "like a big boy" (it is a big deal to be able to do most things these days "like a big boy") if he stayed with Mommy and I could see him. If he did not obey, he would have to hold my hand in the store. As I am getting him out of the car I told him he needed to hold my hand through the parking lot because whenever cars are around, we ALWAYS have to hold hands. He didn't like this idea because he wanted to walk "like a big boy". I explained, as I am holding his hand, that we have to hold hands to be safe. When we got in the store I let his hand go and he walked "like a big boy" throughout the store. He stayed close to me and behaved perfectly. As we were leaving the store I said we need to hold hands going outside to be safe with all the cars around. He willingly took my hand and walked to the car with me. As we were driving up the mountain to our house, my dear son stole my heart right out of my chest for the one millionth time......Brady: "Mommy I felt happy holding your hand." Me: "You did?" Brady: "Yes, Mommy. It made me feel very happy holding your hand." Me: "Awww, bud, that is very sweet. Thank you. It made Mommy feel very happy too." Then I tucked that breathless moment away with a quick thank you to God for the special gift in the back seat that couldn't see my eyes fill up.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Brady's Compassion

Kerry Tenbrink once told me that one of the signs that your child is not going to grow up to be a serial killer (oh the conversations of mothers!) is that they feel - and display - compassion. I remember the first time that Brady expressed compassion - it was for a character in one of his books - and I was SO relieved that I called Kerry and let her know...."YEA!!! Brady showed compassion toward someone".

Since that time, Brady continues to show compassion often...which now that I have checked that sign off of my list of "How can I be sure my son won't be a serial killer" (rest assured, this list doesn't really exist), I just enjoy the heart swells that come when I observe my child feeling for someone else.

His latest "Concern" is for the rooster in the Ambien commercial that seems to come on every day in our house while the Today show is on in the background of our mornings. The premise is that now that the lady has taken this new Ambien she is not getting up in the middle of the night/early morning anymore; therefore, she is not seeing the rooster in her bedroom any longer. With the rooster getting the boot, the scene is him walking down the street by himself and Brady (in a very sad, concerned voice) says "Where is the turkey going?" I just answer "he is going back home to the farm, he is fine." That seems to make Brady feel better and quiets the sad thoughts he must have concerning the "turkey". Such a compassionate little guy!

Friday, December 5, 2008

WELCOME!

I am finally doing this...journaling my spousal sublime and my parenting pilgrimage. I was diligent in keeping a pregnancy journal, a one year baby scrapbook & journal, and finally, a two year calendar in order to record Brady's growth and development. Watching Brady grow and change has opened my eyes to so much and I know there is no way I will remember the countless moments that take my breath away. I have planned on starting a traditional journal since his second birthday (he is now 2 1/2 years old) to ensure the heart swells that he creates will be documented forever, for the benefit of my aging mind and a keepsake on which my children can reflect. The traditional journal has not come to fruition so I have chosen the modern version as I find the laptop often on "top of my lap" and my typing speed greater than my hand writing speed. So here it is...the journal I would regret never starting... and posted in a blog so that those we love can stay current with all things CKB (Chris, Katrina, Brady).

Love,
K