Yo no soy marinero. Soy capitan.

Joseph is definitely a toddler. I had this thought several months ago, but I had no idea what was in store. At 20 months, he is starting his terrible twos. One of his most frequently used words is, of course, “no.” Sometimes it comes out strong, like he is scolding us. “No! No! No!” He’ll say. And sometimes it’s a long, dragged-out “nnnnoooooooo.” Other times it’s in the middle of a whine or a cry.

I was anticipating the word no. I was even kind of wondering when he would start saying it all the time. After all, everyone was always telling me that “no” is a toddler’s favorite word. It doesn’t really bother me all that much. What I didn’t know about was some of the other things he had up his sleeve. For example, he has a fake cry. I don’t know why he does it, and I’m not sure that he does either. Sometimes when he does it, he’ll even say, “fake cry.” It’s as if he can’t get up the energy to really cry, but he wants to let me know that he’s not happy about what is happening to him.

Every surface in our house has become a potential platform or step stool.
Every diaper change has become a war.
Every breakfast has become a losing battle.
Every little task has become a long, drawn-out process.

He also has to do everything by himself, even if it is too difficult for him. It usually ends up with him crying, but he will still not accept help from anyone. This includes buckling any buckles he comes in contact with, building impossible towers, and pulling garbage cans across the yard.

Having a new baby sister around probably doesn’t help much, but he was already doing many of these things before she was born. I guess now they just seem much more pronounced. And although sometimes it is so frustrating (I mean HOW HARD IS IT to just hold your cup of water without spilling it everywhere?), I think this age might be the best! His imagination is wonderful. His memory is unreal. And his perception of things is more innocent and pure than it will ever be. And as an added bonus, he can now tell us about it. His vocabulary seems to increase daily. (The other day, he woke from a nap, clearly in the middle of a dream. He came up to me, and “sprinkled” something into my hands saying, “Mommy, take this.” “What is it?” I asked holding it in my hand. “Money.” he answered.) I'll take all that comes with the terrible twos.

Coming up for air...

Things are a little busy, and slow at the same time. I'm remembering how it was even though this time is so different. Renée is wonderful and patient and so sweet. She still sleeps a lot, Joseph still doesn't. I am waiting for the day that I am allowed to pick up something heavier than the baby (like Joseph, for example). They say that I can in four more weeks, but we'll see if I really wait that long. I feel like I'd be able to do it now, although I won't.

It's been hot, which makes it hard to get out and do things with a newborn. Is that why I don't? Is that the same reason why I stayed in the house with Joseph for so long when we lived in New Orleans? Whatever.

I miss Joseph. He's right here, but it's not the same. I can't take him anywhere by myself since I can't lift him in and out of the car. I'm sure Tony will appreciate the day when I can lift something heavier than the baby.

Quick introduction

Renée Allison was born on Monday, July 10 at 10:07 a.m.

Weight: 7 lbs. 2 oz.
Length: 18 inches

All is well so far. Tonight is our first night home. I will update again soon.

No looking back now

I've meant to tell everyone all of the things that have been going on in our lives these last couple of weeks: all of the crazy emotions, all of the great things Joseph has been doing, all of the preparations we have been making. But it has been just that-- crazy, busy, and emotional. So I apologize for making you all wait for more stories (Really, that's all I'm going to say because I ABSOLUTELY hate when people say they are sorry for not keeping up their blogs. Write what you want, when you want. It's yours. Besides, it's just plain boring to read long apologies about not writing. So there, even if it's been a very long time, there will be no more apologies in my parenthesis.)

So here we are. Monday is the day. Hopefully I will have time to post a quick update for all who are wondering (However, I'll be in the hospital for 3 or 4 days. So don't expect anything on Monday unless the hospital has recently installed internet access). And since everyone is wondering, I will of course also post the baby's name (I think we have one chosen, but we are not telling yet). Wish us luck, and until next week or a little later (and if it's later, I'm NOT sorry in advance)...

You can't always get what you want.

Joseph has decided to sleep in his crib through the night for the last three nights in a row. I know that when this happens, I should jump for joy and take all of the sleep I can get, because this trend will not last forever. But did I mention that I'm only 1 week away, and I can't sleep? Here I am at 5:00 in the morning, and I've been awake for over an hour. The thing is, after the baby is born, I know that I'll have NO trouble falling asleep. Bring on the insanity!