Molly and I had a lovely conversation about our bellies based on KK's comment last night that she would check our site religiously if we posted some belly shots of Bob. Molly's comment was "Nobody wants to see Daddy's belly - ewwwwwwwwww!" Molly suggested that we start by posting a photo of Annie's belly. She went on to explain that it was soft and squishy and when you do a rasberry on it she laughs from her whole belly.
Molly is enamored with her sister - she literally shakes and jumps up and down when she realizes that Annie is awake from a nap. We have a monitor in our room so that we can hear Annie if she wakes at night. Since she happens to sleep in Molly's room we get the privledge of hearing some conversations between Molly and Ann (and yes, Ann participates fully!) that I hope forshadow a bond that they will have forever.
Molly - "Annie, you are such a cutie pie...do you know what a cutie pie you are...do you know how much your sister loves you?"
Ann - "AHHHH, OOOOOOO, WAWAWAWAWA"
Molly - "Awwww I love you too, Annie Bananie!"
Ann - "OOO, AHAHAHA, WAWA!"
Molly- "Do you want me to kiss your belly, Annie? I love you little sister."
So Ann's participation is minimal but integral to the development of their relationship - Molly believes that Annie's babbling signifies whatever answers she wants to hear in her head. Molly feels love and friendship from Annie before she is able to say a real word. And I well up every single time I hear their exchanges. My heart swells with pride for Molly, who was our baby for 5 long years. People swore that Molly would have "issues", that she would be jealous or hostile being usurped from her role as the baby. I would like to give myself the credit - to say that Bob and I are such loving and wonderful parents that Molly felt no confusion or competition but as usual very little of it was within my control. Molly is just a sweet, loving kid with a big heart and the instinct to nurture.
Just as I sat back and watched as Peter and Molly developed an absolutely wonderful sibling relationship from the moment Molly came home from the hospital I am equally lucky to watch Molly and her sister learn to appreciate each other. I never had a sister - I LONGED for a sister and believe that I have developed a few very close friendships with girlfriends out of that longing. I feel so blessed to be able to watch them grow together - and someday I'll do a whole blog about how my 2 gorgeous girls are every going to get a date when the boys see their very big, very protective big brother hovering over them!!!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The History of the Harding - Wheeler Family
I thought I should start with a little history about how we became a family. 8 years ago I decided that I was tired of waiting for the man of my dreams and was ready to move on and make my dream of becoming a mom a reality.
I became a foster parent on August 14, 2000 and picked Peter up at the hospital on August 16, 2000. He was just 5 days old and quite a handful. A traumatic pregnancy and birth, 5 days in the hospital alone and some health issues made for one very high maintenance baby. After we got through the first 3 months of sleeplessness and crying (on ther part of both Mommy and baby) Peter flourished. His personality became joyful and sweet and it remains that way to this day. Peter loves to be held and loved even at 7. He is bright and loving and affectionate. School is a struggle for Peter but he is one of the most motivated learners I have seen and his charm always seems to mae him a teacher's pet.
Just after Peter's 2nd birthday Molly-girl came into the world with her eyes wide open - literally. I was blessed to be in the delivery room for Molly's birth and was able to bring her home from the hospital to live with Peter and I 2 days later. Molly was and is all about the frills and thrills of being a girl. From the day I brought her home she has been her brothers biggest fan and my constant partner in all things - shopping (even grocery!), manicures, reading and more shopping!
Just after Molly was born a friend introduced me to Bob. He showed up in green pants and a green shirt with a scruffy beard and standing at least 6 inches shorter then me. Although I would not consider myself a person who judges based on appearance I had no intention of pursuing this man. So he pursued me! For 2 years. I let him take me out every once in a while - we went to Chucky Cheese, the mall for rides on the horses, Barnes and Noble for story time and Friendlies for ice cream. He endured pee, vomit and screaming car rides with levity and love. He professed his love for me and for the kids endlessly even as I pushed him away. And suddenly one day as he was leaving after another fun filled day of piggy back rides and peanut butter sandwiches I realized that I no longer wanted him to leave. I suddenly wanted him to wait until the kids went to bed so we could cuddle and talk alone. I don't admit defeat easily but I was totally in love with this man despite never having gone out on a date without the kids.
It was not so ironic that on the day Bob and I got married CT was hit with the biggest blizzard in ten years. Thanks to my large extended family and my parents generosity the day was exactly as I had dreamed it would be. (my parents are a whole blog unto themselves!)
Bob is kind and generous with everyone - he loves me and the kids intensely, dedicating his work and life to making ours better. He spends a great deal of time with our children, working part time while I pursue my career and education full time. He picks the kids up from school, does homework, plays with them, does the majority of our laundry and generally keeps us going on a daily basis. He is a gift and a blessing.
Bob and I both wanted more children and just for fun (we were honeymooners after all) we decided to give conceiving a child a shot. We had a heartbreaking year of miscarriages and pain. After the diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy we decided that my health was suffering and gave up. But God had other plans for us. While receiving treatment for the ectopic pregnancy for 2 months my doctor did weekly ultrasounds. About 8 weeks after the initial diagnosis of the ectopic pregnancy we got some startling news - I was pregnant again! One in a million chance the doctors told us. And Annie is a one in a milion baby!
After a rough pregnancy Ann came into the world via c-section on September 4, 2007. She screamed for 10 minutes straight until they wrapped her up and brought her to us and that is the last time we heard her cry. She is sweet, smiley, lovable and content. She is absolutely adored by her brother and sister and smiles at the sound of their voice or the sight of their faces. Annie is her Daddy's baby - they are both laid back and calm - even with the constant chaos that surrounds us! And so we became a family, not in the traditional way but in the way that God chose for us to become a family. We are blessed!
I became a foster parent on August 14, 2000 and picked Peter up at the hospital on August 16, 2000. He was just 5 days old and quite a handful. A traumatic pregnancy and birth, 5 days in the hospital alone and some health issues made for one very high maintenance baby. After we got through the first 3 months of sleeplessness and crying (on ther part of both Mommy and baby) Peter flourished. His personality became joyful and sweet and it remains that way to this day. Peter loves to be held and loved even at 7. He is bright and loving and affectionate. School is a struggle for Peter but he is one of the most motivated learners I have seen and his charm always seems to mae him a teacher's pet.
Just after Peter's 2nd birthday Molly-girl came into the world with her eyes wide open - literally. I was blessed to be in the delivery room for Molly's birth and was able to bring her home from the hospital to live with Peter and I 2 days later. Molly was and is all about the frills and thrills of being a girl. From the day I brought her home she has been her brothers biggest fan and my constant partner in all things - shopping (even grocery!), manicures, reading and more shopping!
Just after Molly was born a friend introduced me to Bob. He showed up in green pants and a green shirt with a scruffy beard and standing at least 6 inches shorter then me. Although I would not consider myself a person who judges based on appearance I had no intention of pursuing this man. So he pursued me! For 2 years. I let him take me out every once in a while - we went to Chucky Cheese, the mall for rides on the horses, Barnes and Noble for story time and Friendlies for ice cream. He endured pee, vomit and screaming car rides with levity and love. He professed his love for me and for the kids endlessly even as I pushed him away. And suddenly one day as he was leaving after another fun filled day of piggy back rides and peanut butter sandwiches I realized that I no longer wanted him to leave. I suddenly wanted him to wait until the kids went to bed so we could cuddle and talk alone. I don't admit defeat easily but I was totally in love with this man despite never having gone out on a date without the kids.
It was not so ironic that on the day Bob and I got married CT was hit with the biggest blizzard in ten years. Thanks to my large extended family and my parents generosity the day was exactly as I had dreamed it would be. (my parents are a whole blog unto themselves!)
Bob is kind and generous with everyone - he loves me and the kids intensely, dedicating his work and life to making ours better. He spends a great deal of time with our children, working part time while I pursue my career and education full time. He picks the kids up from school, does homework, plays with them, does the majority of our laundry and generally keeps us going on a daily basis. He is a gift and a blessing.
Bob and I both wanted more children and just for fun (we were honeymooners after all) we decided to give conceiving a child a shot. We had a heartbreaking year of miscarriages and pain. After the diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy we decided that my health was suffering and gave up. But God had other plans for us. While receiving treatment for the ectopic pregnancy for 2 months my doctor did weekly ultrasounds. About 8 weeks after the initial diagnosis of the ectopic pregnancy we got some startling news - I was pregnant again! One in a million chance the doctors told us. And Annie is a one in a milion baby!
After a rough pregnancy Ann came into the world via c-section on September 4, 2007. She screamed for 10 minutes straight until they wrapped her up and brought her to us and that is the last time we heard her cry. She is sweet, smiley, lovable and content. She is absolutely adored by her brother and sister and smiles at the sound of their voice or the sight of their faces. Annie is her Daddy's baby - they are both laid back and calm - even with the constant chaos that surrounds us! And so we became a family, not in the traditional way but in the way that God chose for us to become a family. We are blessed!
Blogging Novice
Blogging is completely new to me. My cousin Brigid sent me a link to her blog and through that I found Whitney's blog. I decided after reading Whitney's blog, as well as, every one of her friends blogs that I might be able to do this. Peter, Molly and Annie grow and change each day. I take pictures obsessively and torture various family members with them on a weekly basis. One of Whitney's friends uses her blog as a journal of sorts for her children and I love that idea. Imagine how technology will have changed by the time Peter, Molly and Annie are in college??? So here it is - one more way for this very proud wife and mom to show off her family - warts and all!
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