Anniversary

Today my husband & I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary. How time flies! I can't say our marriage has always been easy. Coming from disadvantaged backgrounds (my parents divorced when I was young & my husband's Dad passed away when he was around the same age, so both of us were raised by single Moms), I am proud of our journey so far. Plus, 3 little ones in less than 6 years are a lot to tackle. We were just kidding that this year we were going to break the pattern. We had a baby in 2007, 2009 & 2011, but not in 2013. We are happy my Dad was able to share this special day with us. I found this poem by Wilferd Peterson to be so inspiring.

The Art of a Good Marriage

by Wilferd A. Peterson

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.

A good marriage must be created.

In marriage the little things are the big things.

It is never being too old to hold hands.

It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.

It is never going to sleep angry.

It is at no time taking the other for granted;

the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,

it should continue through all the years.

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.

It is standing together facing the world.

It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.

It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.

It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.

It is not looking for perfection in each other.

It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humour.

It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.

It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.

It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.

It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.

It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

References:

The Art of a Good Marriage by Lusa Organics

Peonies

Early summer is one of my favorite times of the year since peonies are in bloom. Plenty of rain & fertilizer ensured the biggest & most gorgeous peonies in my garden this June. They were so heavy, I had to cut a few to prevent the stems from breaking. I couldn't let pretty flowers go to waste. Thankfully, Sophia was kind enough to pose for me while holding the peonies.

Jacob happened to be in his "needy" stage during the past few weeks, so the photo session almost didn't happen because he was screaming the whole time wanting to be held. It is impossible to reason with a toddler, especially the one who is teething. Jacob's first set of bottom first molars came in about 3 weeks ago, followed by the upper first molars 2 weeks later, followed by canines (cuspid) this week. Why did they have to come in all at once?

Whenever Jacob is awake, he wants to be held by me. He doesn't want Daddy or Russian grandpa. He is not interested in playing with toys or watching cartoons. He doesn't want to try new interesting foods or play outside. He is pretty much next to me the whole time I am at home. I often have to get things done while holding him on my left hip. The only "quiet" time I get nowadays is when I go to the restroom (while Jacob is screaming behind the closed door). It is exhausting & time-consuming. I feel like I can't get anything done.

This is the only way I can get some "down time" to make dinner

So grateful for my Ergo baby carrier

Sophia & Gerritt have been so patient. I am grateful they have each other during this transition period.

"Mommy, can you print coloring pages?"
"....., help me find my lost toy?"
"....., read a book to me?"
"....., help me finish a puzzle?"
"....., take me to the store?", etc.

Unfortunately, the most frequent answer is no. I spend so much time keeping Jacob happy, I have almost nothing left for his siblings. I am probably suffering from young baby amnesia because I don't remember Gerritt & Sophia being this "difficult." The hardest part is coming home from a busy shift at work & not having even a minute to myself. My 2nd shift begins. My Dad tries to help as much as he can & often takes Jacob for a stroller walk outside. Even with 3 adults (my Dad, my husband & I), Jacob still manages to get into trouble. Today, for example, he scratched himself by climbing into a rose bush & dropped a floor lamp onto himself (thankfully, it fell on his arm & not his head).

Jacob feeling better & running toward me to eagerly share a flower

Flowers from Jacob (I am lucky to receive them every couple of days)

The good news is that it has been a week since Jacob started to sleep better. No more whimpering or crying or tossing every hour or two. It is just sound sleep from 9 or 10 pm until 4-5 am. After a few sips of milk early in the morning (sometimes I can hear his tummy growling), Jacob sleeps until 7:30 or 8 am. He often wakes me up by dropping a hand on my face, just to make sure I am there. Then he opens his eyes & gives me the biggest smile. If I don't acknowledge him (I often try to pretend I am still sleeping), he falls on top of me. Our morning "dance" is special & magical. I wouldn't trade it for anything.