This past week I met a photographer friend of mine at the downtown slc library. We took pics of our kids and each other reading to our kiddos for a father's day gift for our hubby's. I loved how they turned out. It really fits their personalities at this stage in their life, and their relationship with each other. They both LOVE reading, and I can't be happier about it. Dan reads chapter books to Easton (almost) every night before bed. Right now they are reading the "how to train your dragon" series and they just finished up book 3, and are starting book 4. I have to say that this is the best thing for the both of them to do together! Not only are the benefits lasting for their relationship, but I also know that Easton is getting some good brain power for future academics!
Nixon loves books, too! He loves it when I can spend a few minutes here and there during the day to sit and read to him. Nixon has trouble sleeping (to say the least)... and most nights I lay on the floor next to his crib and recite, as best as I can from memory, lines from his favorite books. This really is the most calming thing for him- aside from nursing (which I am trying to phase out soon, now that he's 19 months old)! The night before these pictures were taken was a particularly "no sleep" night. Actually it was probably the worst night I had ever had with him. Which is saying a lot, since he has yet to go ONE night without waking up at least 2 times in his life so far! I was out late with my sisters, and I didn't get home until about 1am or so, then Nixon was up at the exact moment I laid my head on the pillow and it was downhill from there! At one point I was so tired and frustrated that he wasn't sleeping! I didn't know what else to do, I rocked him, nursed him, tried to lay him in bed with me, even turned on movies for him to watch and he would not be consoled or fall back asleep! I was REALLY exhausted after a couple of hours of this, and knowing that I would have a very early morning (to drop dan off at work, then meet up in SLC at 8am- picture ready) wasn't helping my attitude! Then my mind wandered to of all of the people that I know, and their own struggles to have children. Of someone that had just made the hard decision to place her soon to be born baby up for adoption after buying clothes and baby gear and having the excitement of an upcoming baby. And of all of the stories that I had heard recently in the news of children falling out of windows, and into rivers, or becoming missing or terminally ill... in an INSTANT all of my frustrations were immediately gone! I felt such guilt. I know that this "no sleeping" phase will someday end... and Nixon will be a big kid, that will become a teenager and adult and so forth. This time in my life, and in their life is really a glimpse in the eternal perspectives and I am going to soak up every minute of it! I am so grateful for my life and my faith. And for all those MANY sleepless nights up with my babies, and worrying and waiting up on date nights (which seems like a lifetime away right now).
I say BRING IT ON!!
Right now I am going to try my best to enjoy these boys just the way that they are and to not loose perspective.
They are so precious.
I am one lucky momma...
