Category: Micah

A Big Boy Bed

Posted on by Becky

Micah’s crib days are now over.

It was definitely time to make the switch to a big boy bed! We just didn’t have one. But some friends loaned us theirs since they aren’t currently using it (Thanks so much, Melissa!), and if I understand correctly, this used to be the “big boy bed” of another friend (right, Kristy?). So this bed has served several little boys now!

For quite a few months now, Micah has been able to climb in and out of his crib. Since we didn’t have a toddler bed to move him up to, we decided to lower the crib’s side rail in order to minimize falls. We still fought the “stay-in-bed-during-naps-and-at-nighttime” battles. I figured that it would actually be easier to fight those battles in the familiar crib than to fight them in a brand-new setting, like a toddler bed.

Well, he loves his new bed! For some reason, he feels the need to “climb” into his bed every night–he climbs over the footboard and falls into the bed! (Silly boy!)

And what is it that compels every child to jump on their bed?!?!

I had it all neatly made–of course, that didn’t last! Micah took the quilt and began running wildly around the room with it on his head.

So now that he has a “big boy bed,” he got a lesson in “bed-making” too. . .

Two kids out of cribs now! (Hooray!!!!)

Where does the time go?

Decorating the tree

Posted on by Becky

I have severe “tree” allergies, so much to Daniel’s sadness, we have an artificial tree. I wish I could change it–real trees are beautiful!–but I’m just allergic. I remember spending a week with someone who had a tree, and having terrible migraines much of the week and waking up with rashes all over my entire legs throughout the night, unable to sleep. I’ve had allergy shots since then, so my reactions are milder now. But in deference to my health, we have an artificial tree!

It is the same artificial tree I have had since my senior year of college. I bought it during the after-Christmas sale, 50% off, knowing I would definitely want a tree when I was living on my own, working at the CPA firm. I had no idea that my kids would be enjoying it someday too. I got my money’s worth, for sure! It has served me well for 12 years now. Daniel calls it my “Charlie Brown Christmas tree” but every year when we don’t have the “extra” money to buy a new one, I put it up again. The kids and I love it! 🙂

We have all been sick the past couple of weeks, so although I started getting out Christmas things the day after Thanksgiving–put the wreath on the door, set up the tree–it is still sitting in the living room, undecorated.

Well, I should say, largely undecorated. Mara never said anything to me, but the other morning, I walked past the tree and saw this:

And I deduced that she found a color-by-number candy cane picture in her Christmas coloring book, and took it upon herself to color the page, cut them out, and decorate the tree–without ever mentioning anything!

And then, suddenly I remembered her saying, “We should decorate the tree with candy canes again like we did last year!” (Thank you Grandma B!) Maybe she was working on decorating it, right at that moment. . .

I had to laugh (and probably only my family will laugh about this), but Mara said, “We really need a star for the top of the [kids’ 3-foot] tree.”

Micah gasped, “OHH!” and went running into the kitchen. He came back with the bright yellow “Rovenstine For Sheriff” magnet (from my Indiana days) and the kids insisted that I attach it to the top of the tree!

“Here’s a starrrr!” he exclaimed.

It was their tree, and I don’t presently have a better option, so much to their delight, I tied it to the top.

(I really want to send this picture to Al and Aaron Rovenstine!)

Don’t worry–we will decorate the tree for real later this week!

Peanut Butter Kisses

Posted on by Becky

If right now you are expecting a recipe, you are going to be disappointed.

But for me, as a mom, it’s something just as sweet!

My two-year-old son has been a little stinker the past few days. But he sure knows when (and how) to turn on the charm!

His latest trick is to say, “Kiss Mommy,” in the sweetest voice, his eyes pursuing mine across the room. Of course I go over for a kiss, and he plants one on my cheek.

He gets me laughing every time. Then of course he laughs.

We shared lots of kisses.

And lots of laughs.

What could be better?

Oh, except that I forgot to mention: all this was going on while he was eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich . . .

Want a kiss?!

I almost said ‘no.’

But then I realized that someday I’ll look back thinking,

‘What I would give for one of those peanut butter kisses!’

Speaking of ABCs . . .

Posted on by Becky

Micah and I practice ABC “charts” together, but I never know if he’s retaining anything. It seems that he just wants to “do charts” because Mara does.

But I was encouraged this weekend to know that he is recognizing some letters on his own.

He saw a “XEROX” box and said “‘X’! Two ‘X’!”

Then he gasped, pointing: ” ‘O’!”

Later he accurately identified ‘N,’ ‘S,’ ‘O,’ and ‘X.’ 🙂

He’s making progress!

Micah Speak

Posted on by Becky

“Cat!”

“‘tar! tih-TAR!” [guitar, one of his favorite words these days! Every toy is a ‘tih-TAR!’]

“Kag-gat!” [quiet]

“‘bey! ‘bey!” Shaking his head ‘no’ vigorously, to say that he (or someone else) didn’t obey.

“dih-duh! CAY! CAY!” [Carissa, it’s ok!] Usually while running into her room, where she is crying in her crib.

We love it that he’s starting to talk so much more!