Teenaged Dogs and Toddlers

We're going through an interesting period of time right now at our home.

Our puppy just hit 6 months old. Our son just hit two. Both of them are now exhibiting erratic and occasionally frustrating behavior.

Arkhon (on the left), Kevin, and Loki (Arkhon's brother)

Arkhon is a wonderful dog. He is now as tall, or probably a bit taller, than Dakota. He usually listens really well, sits and stays on command, and knows quite a few more tricks. However, over the last week or so, it's like he's suddenly forgotten how to do everything. He's pushing his limits and trying to see how far he can go. When you tell him to sit, he will eventually do it, but he takes his time and ever so slowly inclines his rear toward the ground.

He has these super bursts of energy where he just can't contain himself, and occasionally he winds up urinating on the floor.

Did I mention that before this week he hadn't had an accident in nearly two months?

Kevin on the other hand, is just really sad lately. A couple of days ago, he woke up sad and followed me around all day saying, "Mommy, mommy." That would have been fine if I could have done something to make him happy, but it didn't matter what I did, he just got more upset or cried. If I picked him up, he cried. If I put him down, he cried harder. Even things he usually loves, he just wanted to cry about.

That was kind of a long day.

That night, we wouldn't go to sleep. It was after 11, and I knew he was tired. However, every time I thought he was asleep and tried to get up from his bed, he'd sit up and sob. I was tired and frustrated, but I was handling it okay until he cranked back and slammed his head into my nose.

I heard it make a crunching sound, and I was done.

I set him on his bed and held my nose. It hurt and I didn't know what to do. I began to pray as Kevin cried and tried to get me to hold him.

I told Heavenly Father that I didn't know what to do to help Kevin go to sleep, and I needed his help. After a moment, Kevin stopped crying and just patted my cheek, saying, "Mommy? Mommy?'

My heart melted and I patted his cheek back and said, "Kevin, Kevin."

Then a thought struck me, and I know it came from the Lord. I asked Kevin, "Do you want me to rub your belly?" He seemed to think about that, and then he laid right down. I was able to stay out of his bed and just sit on the floor next to it while I rubbed his tummy. It didn't take very long for him to go to sleep.

The next morning, he slept in until 11:00.

Since that night, the belly and back rubbing has been an answer to prayer. I even got Kevin to take a nap yesterday! That was a first for a while.

Parenting is a constant learning experience. I know I couldn't do it without the Lord's help. Having both the dog and the baby going through the terrible twos can make for some frustration, but there are also wonderful moments mingled in with it.

Yes, it's been challenging, but the times when I do something right make it kind of wonderful. I'm learning a lot too.

For the Days of Frustration

Being a mother isn't always easy. 

You probably knew that already, but I feel the need to express myself. 

I've always wanted to be a mother.  That has really and honestly been the sole major goal in my life.  However, some days it is difficult. 

These last few days, I've found myself in a strange mood.  Or rather, in a large number of strange moods.  Usually, I'm pretty laid back and almost always calm.  However, for some reason I have been easily frustrated the last couple of days.  It seems like Kevin is in to everything, and no matter what I'm trying to do, he is bound and determined that I shouldn't accomplish it.  He keeps eating the mouse button off of my laptop.  He thinks it is hilarious. 

He also has been trying to electrocute himself with every single cord he can find. 

Usually, my frustration is an expression of my exhaustion with him trying to hurt himself.  It could also be the fact that I often don't get a full-night's sleep. Some days I feel like a worm trying to follow a cheetah.  I simply don't have the appendages to keep up and prevent him from doing what he wants.

My main trial is projects.  I've always been a bit single-minded when it came to accomplishing a task.  It's really hard for me to stop once I start.  Kevin is teaching me how to do just a little bit at a time.  

Now that I've expressed that side of things, let me tell you what gets me through those frustrating times.  It is Kevin himself.

Kevin can tell when I'm out of sorts and he tries his best to cheer me up.  Currently, he loves blowing raspberries on my arms and neck.  If I'm feeling a bit upset, he will do his best to clown a smile out of me.  I really appreciate that about my baby boy.

Even when he's trying to get into trouble, he is really just doing it to make me smile.  He thinks it is all a game, albeit occasionally an aggravating one for me.  Kevin loves everyone and a small smile from hm can brighten up anyone's day.

I love my baby boy more than I can express, and even when I want to go hide in a corner and let someone else watch him for a minute, I wouldn't trade him for all the sleep and all the calmness in the world.  He gives my life meaning, joy, and love.

I think my frustration lately is mostly because my husband is gone six days a week for over twelve hours.   I only get to see him for a very few hours a night, and often that time is taken up by shopping or eating dinner.  We don't have very much time together, and I haven't really had a break from being a mom for several weeks. 

I'm not trying to complain, just trying to express that being a mom 24/7 can be difficult sometimes.  My experience over the last few days, however, has really made me more sympathetic to single mothers.  Single mothers everywhere, I salute you.  I can't imagine doing what I do, and trying to earn a living all by myself as well.  I get the wonderful added blessing of knowing exactly what my son is being exposed to and what I want to teach him.

Last night, Grig was wonderful.  I was trying to sew Kevin a pair a pants, but he wouldn't let me do anything.  When Grig got home, he and his son played while I finished sewing.  It was a nice opportunity for me to accomplish a project.

As I am typing this, Kevin is trying to bite me. 

I love my boy.  He is teaching me what really matters in life, and how to use what little time I have.  Every day that I spend with him teaches me more about myself and my Heavenly Father.  Parenthood is a wonderful blessing and a joy. 

For those days that are frustrating, remember your blessings.  Remember why you are doing what you are doing.  If you don't have a reason, find one.  This life is nothing without purpose.  My purpose is now my son and my husband. They bring me joy and they make trials worth it. 

I wouldn't have my life any other way.

Gratitude Week: Children

Today I'm grateful for children.

Often today, society has told us that we should do what we want to do first, and then after that, if you still have time, maybe have one child. 

I believe that is false.  Children are the greatest joy any person can have.  Kevin has brought some frustration, yes, but that is so miniscule compared to the blessings that have come from having him.  Children are a lot of work, but they are such a great joy.  I want to have vacations WITH my children, not FROM my children.

When Grig and I got married, we made the decision together to not wait to have children.  We prayed about it, and we believed that it was the right thing to do.  Every set of parents should make that decision between them and the Lord and do it when it feels right.  For us it was the right time, right away.  Kevin came just slightly over nine months after we were married. 

Things have worked out.  We had enough money to pay off our hospital bills completely, and we haven't really struggled since.  I know that was a blessing from God because we obeyed his commandment to 'multiply and replenish the earth.'  It is a commandment that has never been revoked. 

Kevin is such a joy.  He has a smile that just lights up my life.  He is so adventurous and happy.  Every day he learns new things, and sometimes I learn them with him. 

I have five wonderful, living nieces and a nephew.   Each of them is a joy to be around, and I am so happy that Kevin has wonderful cousins to play with. 

Grig and I would like more children, and we're letting it happen in the Lord's time.  Kevin will be a wonderful older brother.  He has a lot of love to give.  Sometimes, too much love for the dog and she has to go hide. 

He is intelligent and caring. He loves to make us laugh.  I'm pretty sure his purpose in this life is to bring joy to those around him.  I can't wait for him to grow up and for us to become friends, so I can get to know him as the incredible adult that he is going to be.  However, I am enjoying the time I have with him now and I don't want to miss a single moment. 

I have wanted to be a mother my whole life.  I got a college degree, but right now I am living my dream.  Kevin is all I could have hoped for, and I love him with all my heart. 

I understand that some people are unable to have children that desperately want them, and my heart breaks for these parents.  Know that we are thinking of you and praying that your dreams will come true as well. 

I'm grateful for children.  Teaching them is my profession and raising them is my dream.  Their innocence brings joy into my life, and I love the way the world becomes simple in their eyes.  May we all work to preserve their innocence and teach them to be responsible, hard-working, loving adults.

My little drummer boy