Still Pictures

The days are rushing by.. such is life with a newborn. Life with young children, really.

They flash by in a series of still scenes that I wish I could capture in my mind forever. Sometimes I miss them if I'm too busy or feeling too harried.. or not paying attention to them. Little voices, little looks, funny little sentences. And in too short a time, those moments are past.

Here are a few moments I want to capture this week.

Steele, coming in from outside yesterday: Those girls did something to my ear!
Justin: What girls?
Steele: The chickens!

Justin walked into the schoolroom yesterday and found Xochi planking.
Hilarious.

Some little friends came to visit and see Tobin last week. One of the boys (age 5) said to Justin: I'm not used to the smell in your house.
Justin: What smell? Bacon?

We laughed and laughed.

We're going to hire a personal hair stylist for Tobin.


I looked outside yesterday and saw this scene.
Xochi helping Justin work on the edger wearing her princess dress
and black rubber boots. Love.

Steele's Bedtime Prayer

(as best as I can remember but I think this is almost verbatim)

Dear God,

We thank you for the babies in Mama's tummy. We ask that you would make them live. But whether they live or die, that's your choice. And we trust you to do what you want. But we hope they get to live. And we ask that you would give the doctor's wisdom to bring them out safely.

In Jesus' name, Amen.


There are so many things I loved about this prayer - it made my mama heart smile SO big. But my first thought was: That boy has some good theology!

The Right Woman for the Job?

Around my breakfast table this morning....

Steele: Are you gonna get a baby in your tummy?
Me: I hope so!

(keep in mind that this is not the first time we've had this conversation and I'm guessing it won't be the last)

Steele: Is that why you have to get shots?
Me: yup!
Steele: Ohhhh Adia, I hope you never have a baby so you don't have to get shots!
Me: Well, Adia probably won't have to get shots. Hopefully her body will work how God made it to work and she will be able to have babies without taking shots. Mama's body can't grow babies on it's own so that's why I have to take shots.
Adia: Well, you grew Xochi in your tummy.
Me: (shocked at this insight into Adia's little brain)
Steele: No, Chelsea did.
Me: No, Amanda grew Xochi in her tummy.
Adia: (Eyes widening and a smile spreading across her face) MY Amanda??!!
Me: No, a different Amanda.

Me (in my mind): Ohhh boy....

I'm really glad I can trust that God thought I was cut out for this job, because sometimes I find it awfully comical.

Next up: How to explain to people that the baby growing in your tummy is actually adopted...

Steelisms

1. Our pastor and his wife stopped by our house today to pick up some of these:




Now, we go to a small-ish church (probably a couple of hundred people) and Steele sees Pastor Bert and Grammy Jane every Sunday morning. They've also been to our house when both Adia and Xochi were baptized, he's seen them when they've stopped by to say 'hi', when we became members of our church, etc. etc. etc. My point is: he knows them. Well.

But today, as they pulled out of our driveway Steele whispered urgently in my ear:

Oh no!! We forgot to tell them about following God!

To which I replied (trying to hold back hysterical laughter):

Oh honey... they already know about following God. Pastor Bert teaches us God's word every Sunday.

Steele: Oh?! That was Pastor Bert? I didn't even notice him!

To which I couldn't contain myself any longer and busted out laughing trying to retell the whole thing to Justin in between breaths.


Then, later this evening, while on our way home from picking up tacos at the gut truck and some farm fresh eggs (don't ask... I guess ours are just mooching organic feed off of us) we went over a dip in the road.

Justin exclaimed: Whoa! That made my stomach drop! What about you guys?

Steele's little voice from the back seat: Yah! That made my p*nis jiggle.

Again, uncontrollable laughter from the front seat.


And finally, after dinner, randomly:

Steele to Papa: Hey buddy, good work today! High five!

Steele's Prayer in the Shari's Parking Lot

2/11/2010

Dear God,

Thank you for this beautiful day.

Thank you for the tow truck that took our van away.

Thank you for the police officer that helped us get across the street.

Thank you for the suburban to drive us home.

In Jesus name, Amen.


Well, the suburban didn't exactly drive us home (Grammy's van did) but "amen" to all the rest, sweet boy.

Trying and Day 5

Steele (age 4.5) tonight as he was hugging his sister goodnight: I'll try not to be so grumpy to you tomorrow, Adia.

Hey, at least he's trying! I tell ya, that boy melts my heart - especially when he tells me I'm such a cutie-pie.



Not much new on the elimination diet front.

Breakfast: oatmeal, blueberries, cinnamon and agave nectar again.

An apple somewhere in here.

Lunch: Ethiopian cabbage again

Herbal tea and another apple somewhere in here.

Dinner: sautéed asparagus and an avocado.

Awfully boring and sparse, I know. I was really busy today though and we were at my mom's around dinner time so I went and got everyone a Costco pizza and churros. I just needed to eat something fast before I inhaled that dairy-covered, gluten-loaded pepperoni pie. I had really odd feelings after dinner - I told my mom that even though I hadn't touched a bit of pizza or churro I felt like I had just overeaten. I'm hoping to eat something a bit more interesting tomorrow. I also promised my friend and fellow high school alum, Denise, that I'd post my dinner plans for the next two weeks.

Lola, School, Necklaces, Tummies and other funny sayings

While I was away in California, it seems the kids came up with their usual hilarity. My mom was getting a kick out of reporting to me everything they said and did.

For example, in one instance, Adia had been playing with some necklaces all morning when Grumpa asked Steele if he wanted to go outside and ride on the lawnmower.

Grumpa: Adia, do you want to ride on the lawnmower?

Adia: (Pausing and looking thoughtful for a moment) Can I wear my necklaces?

Yah, because one cannot ride on a lawnmower without being properly accessorized.

OR

Walking Uncle Gabe to the bus.

Adia: Where are you going Gabe?

Uncle Gabe: To school.

Adia: Again?!?!

Uncle Gabe has decided that he also wants a new baby girl and told my mom so the other day. Even though she delivered Gabe at 43, at 53 - she told him she didn't think that was going to happen. I told her she should adopt a little girl. You should have seen the excitment in Gabe's eyes. Abbey promptly piped in about how babies just make noise and cry all the time. Gabe said, "Xochi didn't cry when I was holding her. Only when Cutzi took her away from me." This from a boy who changed Steele's diaper at age 6. He's going to be such a good papa someday.

Upon Stacy's recommendation, I checked out some Charlie and Lola videos from the library. Adia has been calling herself Lola ever since and calls Justin, Charlie. Throughout the day we have a myriad of conversations similar to this:

Justin: Adia, are you outside or not?

Adia: Not....... I'm Lola.

Because, you see, it's not Adia who's not outside - it's Lola.



The day after Xochi was born I was talking to Steele on the phone telling him that I was probably going to be flying home with her.

Steele: You get to bring Baby Xochi home with you?

Me: Uh huh.

Steele: And she never has to go back in Amanda's tummy again?

Nope. And I'd bet money Amanda's happy about that too.

Only a 3 Year Old

These are the things that daily make me laugh.... the things that pretty much only happen to 3 year olds.

We have a rule in our house. The rule is: you only poop in the big toilet. Pee? Well, for three year olds... while it's not preferred, it is acceptable to go in the "little toilet." So I'm sitting at my computer at the dining room table and I glance in to Steele in the bathroom on the little toilet. After hearing a couple of big exhales from him I say, "Are you pooping on the little toilet?"

From Steele: Ohh Noooooo....... as if it just happened to him and he had no choosing whatsoever in the matter.

So he gets up and, with his jammy bottoms around his ankles, waddles his way penguin-style over to the big toilet. To finish, I guess.

When he calls me in to wipe him I glance at the little toilet and all that's left in there are a couple smears. So I say, "Did you dump your poo?"

From Steele: Yah. I did. I dumped it for you, Mama.

Thanks for that, son.

As I begin cleaning up the little toilet I hear this...

From Steele: Hey! Where'd my underwear go?!?!

Only a three year old. I sure am glad the chances are pretty slim that I'll lose my underwear when I go the bathroom.





While I'm here, this subject leads me to another favorite.

Kirkland Household Surface Wipes

I think I've mentioned before that, while I'm not too keen on using tons of chemicals, sometimes you just have to learn to live with the carcinogens. Especially if they come in the form of these babies. (Disclaimer: I have no idea if these contain carcinogens. I just thought it sounded funny)

I have these things all over the house and my absolute favorite use for them is on the "little toilet." A couple wipes after use and they're good to go for another round. They also work great for middle o' the night pee spraying incidents. (again, only 3 year olds) I have them in the kitchen for wiping down Adia's booster seat after a meal, or giving the counter tops a quick wipe-down. I think they've even cleaned dog puke off our wood floors. And the best part is that I actually prefer the Kirkland ones over their Lysol counterpart.

a) They're cheaper

b) They smell better

c) They have a cool "scrubbing" side that actually works

d) They're cheaper

Funny

I wish that I could somehow capture or write down all the adorable things Steele and Adia say and do all day long. They bring me such joy. Most recently though, here are some more notable moments.

1. Sometimes I let Steele and Adia stay up and watch a little bit of Dancing With the Stars. During the show and throughout the day Adia will turn to me, eyes wide and say with her best announcer voice, "Carrie Nada Nada!"

2. One of Adia's favorite things to do is to creep around, knees bent, hands in front of her and say in the sweetest little high-pitched voice, "I'm gonna sneak you mama. I'm gonna sneak you." I'm going to try and get a video of this one.

3. This morning as the kids were eating breakfast and we were talking about Baby Xochi and birth mothers I said to Steele, "You're going to be the biggest kid in our family." And Steele said, "Yah, I'm the biggest and you and Dee Dee are small. You're tiny Mama. You're this big!" (Holding his fingers about an inch apart in front of him) Then Adia piped in, holding her fingers together in front of her, "You're tiny Mama!"

Awwww... just what a mama needs to hear from time to time.

Volume

Tonight on the way home from the park Adia was recounting to Steele how she fell off the playground ladder....

Adia (2): I few off da wadda Teele.

Steele (3): ......

Adia: I few off da wadda Teele.

Steele: ......

Adia: I took some medicine Teele.

Steele: .....

Mama: Steele, Adia's talking to you.

Steele: I know.

Mama: Normally, when someone's talking to you it's nice to let them know you hear them by answering them.

Steele: Well, I'm having a hard time talking right now because my voice is turned down.

Mama: *hysterical laughter*

Steele: Here, let me turn it up. HEWO ADIA!!!!

Steele in the lodge

Little Steeley Lou Who with our neighbor, Lara.

The final snow.

Steele Says

Steele (age 3.5): I'm gonna saw my head off!!

Just what I always dreamed my son would say to our social worker as she was here doing our home study....


That's it! No more Bible stories for that boy!

Adia Moon

When Justin got Adia out of bed this morning he came and laid her down beside me. I had my arm around her and she had her arm around Care Bear (who is now appropriately dressed in a diaper, bloomers and an undershirt).

Adia looked up at me and said:

You're so cute, mama.


Now, I happen to know - for a fact - that at 6:51 this morning (since for some reason I happened to note the exact time) after having a bit of a teary professional melt-down last night, that I DID NOT look cute. But her sweet little face looking up at me almost made me believe it.

These little ones are such a continual, sweet blessing.

And while we're on this subject, I just thought of something else. Also this morning -after I had moved around some furniture in the kids room - I called Steele in to show him how his "new room" was coming along and he exclaimed:

Ah!! This is AWESOME Mama!

After pointing out a couple details to him he was like:

Oh yah!! (totally excited beyond what the actual changes merited)

But I loved it.

Steele Says

Papa: How come you don't do the moves at library story time?

Steele: Well, um, I don't think they have very good moves.

This was so funny to us for a lot of different reasons.

1. I've always wondered why he doesn't do the moves. Now I know.

2. We are a family who does moves. Good moves. Hip shakin', booty boppin' moves. So what's up with that?

3. Now that I think about it, reason number 2 may have hit the nail on the head. Nothin' compares to the Jobes family moves.

Good Moves

Random Funny Picture

Sweet Steele

Mama: Steele, what a sweet boy you are. How'd you get to be my son?

Steele: (very matter-of-factly) Jesus brought me here.

More From Mr. Steele

I was just telling Steele that I don't feel very well - a little tired and a bit worn out today for some reason.

He informed me that after Dee Dee was done with her nap that he would get his doctor stuff out and help me to feel better.

Me: Can't you do anything before that? How about some snuggles?

Steele: Ok, but just one.

Me: Just one?

Then he got really generous -

Steele: Ok, this many snuggles (holding up three fingers)

Me: Thanks, son.

Steele: Ok Mama, ok Mama. Just hold on. Now I'm going to saw you apart. This will just hurt a little bit.

SAW ME APART??? Where the heck did that come from? I couldn't stop laughing.

Maybe he's been watching too much Grey's Anatomy.....


Don't worry!!! I don't let him watch Grey's Anatomy! It was a joke. I've had problems with people getting my jokes lately. Just wanted to make sure you all knew that. A joke.

Steele Says

Steele was marching around the living room just now when all of a sudden he stopped right in front of me and yelled:

MAMA!!!

What? I said to him.

Then in the sweetest little voice:

I'm sorry..I lost my temperature. I'm very sorry mama. Please forgive me.

And then he marched off again.

Silly kid.

Praying For Baby

Tonight as I was praying with Steele and Adia before bedtime I finished up by praying for the next little Jobes baby, whomever that may be.

Lord, we pray for the next little baby that you will bring to our family. Please watch over him or her. Keep them safe and healthy. We pray for their birth mother - that you would help her to make wise choices and that you would lead her in the right path.

And just as I was about to say "In Jesus name we pray. Amen" Steele, with his little head bowed and his hands clasped tight, piped up.

And a boy.

Yes, Lord. Steele would like a boy. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

I then decided to question Steele a little further about his prayer. This is, after all, the second time he has offered, without solicitation, the fact that he would like a boy.

So you would like a boy baby, huh Steele?

Yah.

How about you Adia? Would you like a boy baby too?

These days Adia repeats and agrees with everything Steele says, so she answered with an emphatic. Uh-huh. Wide eyed with a head nod.

Then Steele again.

Two boys. Holding up two fingers.

Oh, TWO boys?

Yah.

And what would you like to name these boys?

Lewis and Allan.

Allrighty. I'll keep that in mind, Steele.

Such Manners

Steele: Mama, Sesame Street is over. Can I watch Winnie the Pooh?

Mama: Sure.

Steele: All right. Thanks for asking nicely.

Mama: We need more babies, Steele.

Steele: Yah, and I need a brother.

Mama: Yes you do, son. Yes you do.

I Don't Believe in Telepathy but....

... this kid is freakin' me out!!



The first time it happened we were driving down the road on the way to swim lessons. No music, no talking... just silence. We passed an automotive shop where they had a sign flashing the words, "Are you prepared for driving in the summer heat?".. or something along those lines. I make note of it in my head and the next moment Steele says, "Mama, are you prepared?" "What son?" I say.

Are you prepared?

What did you say?

Are you prepared for driving mama?

Where did you see that?

I don't know.

Did you see that on the sign?

Yah.

So I call my mom.

Mom? I think Steele's a genius. I think he can read. I explain what happened.

And she says... Maybe it's telepathy.

But I don't believe in telepathy.

She says...Well, me either but that's weird.

Weird is right.

So then on Tuesday night we were driving out to the beach to roast hotdogs. Same situation. No music, no talking, nothing. We pass by a sign for a business of a man that goes to our church. Iverson Earthworks. I note it in my head. And a moment later from the back seat?

Iberson! Iberson! Iberson! Iberson!

I look at Justin.... He did it again!! That thing! He did it again!!

Creeeeeepy! That's all I have to say. Creepy.