End of an era

It's the end of an era. I knew it had to happen one day. It happens to everyone eventually and there's really no avoiding it. Sure, some defensive steps can be taken, but it only prolongs the sad, inevitible reality. Sooner or later, we're all affected by this, and parenthood is never the same.

Matthew learned how to climb out of his crib. (Moment of silence, please.)

After lunch today, we did our usual nap-time routine, and I sat down with Mark to watch a bit of TV on his lunch break. Matthew was his usual noisy self in his room. We ignored him, thinking he'd settle down and sleep as he usually does. After about 30 minutes of listening to him chattering to himself, I noticed that the light was on in his bedroom. A moment later I heard the door click shut. Getting up to investigate, I found the little monkey, butt naked on his toybox, reading a book. Upon seeing me, he gleefully announced, "Mommy, Maffew wake up!"

It was then that I knew, life as we know it is over.

I plopped him back in his crib, hoping--praying--that he'd remain. Moments later, I again saw the light shining under his door, and my worst fears were confirmed: It's Big-Boy-Bed Time for my baby boy.

And so I lovingly dedicate this blog to our Sweet Crib... (insert some tender, melancholy music here.)

My dearest crib, I am so grateful for your time of service.You held the first of my babies six years ago, and lovingly contained the second child for three and a half years, even after enduring what must have been a lonely year in storage. You've always contained my children gently, allowing me to safely trap them, sometimes for hours at a time. You've never asked for a thing in return, aside from sheets free of baby pee and vomit. Now you will live out your twilight years, without your fourth rail, as a toddler bed, for the last time. (music swells) Thank you my dear crib. I hope you enjoy your new Thomas the Tank Engine Toddler bed set. I hope that the near future brings an end to being peed on. And I hope that your final year or so is peaceful. And restful. And quiet.

Really, really quiet.

Valentine's

So, Happy Valentine's Day everyone. After 12 1/2 years of marriage, it's not quite as exciting as it once was. It's not worth battling the crowds for a nice dinner out, and it's not like we could find a babysitter tonight anyway. Mark did get me some roses, which are lovely. I got him a card about farting. *shrug* He might be one up on me. (It was funny!) ((and appropriate!!!))

There's not much new to report. The kids are doing well when they're not trying to kill each other. They learned how to scale up the bunk beds, using a rocking chair and their big play kitchen. Industrious little fellows are they. So it was time to get the ladder out of the closet. I'm just praying no one falls (or gets pushed) off.

Oh, I got my new little aquarium started and it looks great. Meemo the clownfish is very happy there, and he loves the new frogspawn and other corals. The big tank is empty, and just waiting for a buyer. I got good money out of the rock, sand and lights. Hopefully, someone will want it soon, or I'll see if the fish shop will take it back for credit.

And I finished my sweater last week. Love it. It fits perfectly. I want to get more yarn to make another.

Oh, I ordered a drop spindle and a batt of roving off of Etsy. I'm trying to learn to spin yarn. Last night I made about 5 yards, which is drying in the kitchen. It's pretty fugly yarn. Spinning is supposed to be relaxing, but I'm not so sure. We'll see.

Lent is coming up very quickly. I usually give something up, like Starbucks or chocolate. I think this year, instead of giving something up, I'm going to give something back. I'm going to only do charity knitting for the 6 weeks of Lent. I haven't made any preemie hats in ages, and I can probably make 100 or more of them to donate to Mercy's NICU. I can also make some more helmet liners for the GYC basket to be sent to Iraq and Afganistan.

I really hate the Lenten season. I know we're supposed to be penetant and reverential, but honestly, I just feel--I don't know--squashed or something. With the addition of Wednesday services, all the music practices are messed up, and it feels like we're at the church all week. Trying to fit everything in means giving up a big chunk of family time. The whole family feels the stress.

So this year, I'm trying to change my perspective. I'm not giving something up for Lent. I'm just giving. I'm giving my time to the church when needed, and I'm giving my knitting time for good causes. Maybe this year I won't be a raving lunatic by Easter.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone. Let's love those who are with us and those who are not.