FI-NUH-LEE!!!

EJ finally lost his first tooth last night. It's been wiggly for quite some time, which is just my most favorite part of the whole process (hear that sarcasm?). "Look, Mom. Look how wiggly it is." At least 10 times a day. So, anyway, last night, his Dad was tucking him into bed, and in the course of pulling up the covers, my husband smacked his hand into EJ's face (nice, right?). I guess it wasn't too hard, since he didn't cry (EJ, that is). He did, however, have that wiggly little tooth pop right out. He's ecstatic. He's been waiting "for-eeeeeeever" to finally lose a tooth. It went under his pillow, where the Tooth Fairy (who thankfully had been preparing for this moment) left him a $5 bill. Geeze...inflation! When I was a kid, she only left a quarter! :) The TF did tip me off, though, that all the rest of his teeth are only worth a dollar. She doesn't want to go completely broke!

What we do for our kids...

A friend posted a website she found with hilarious songs to calm your baby (or maybe just yourself!). It got me thinking about the quirky and downright humiliating things we do for our kids (We even had a "Get That Poo-Poo Out" chant...and had to chant it EVERY time Emma Grace went...even in a public restroom!). Since I'm a huge fan of sharing embarassing personal information, here for your viewing pleasure are some songs I used to sing to Elliot.

To the tune of "Rubber Duckie" (you know...the Ernie one from Sesame Street):

Chubby Baby, you're the one.
You make kisses lots of fun.
Chubby Baby, I'm awfully fond of you.

Chubby Baby, joy of joys.
When I squish you, you make noise.
Chubby Baby, I'm awfully fond of you.

HA! Sometimes, I think I'm insane. I also sang (to the tune of How Much is that Dog in the Window?):

How much is that baby in the mirror?
The one with the sweet, chubby cheeks?
How much is that baby in the mirror?
I do think that baby's for keeps!

How much is that baby in the mirror?
The one with the big, chunky thighs?
How much is that baby in the mirror?
I just cannot believe my eyes!

And, not to be forgotten (this was usually reserved for diaper changes):

Smelliot...bum bum bum bum...Smelliot!
You are my Smelliot.
Smelly Elliot.
Little smelly Elliot!

Hahaha...I still sing these sometimes :) Even the older two join in!

Life, Love and Loss

"What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."

James 4:14b

The Bible says it so well. Our lives are fleeting...momentary...transient. Sometimes, that is a great relief. After all, the trials and angst of this world are also fleeting! However, many times, the concept of this "mist" of life is a painful thing. Nothing brings that home harder than when a life is snuffed out way too early. Friday, just hours after burying her grandmother, a young woman I went to high school with (and friends of my family) and her husband of only one year and 5 months pulled over to the side of the NJ Turnpike. For reasons unknown right now, he got out of the car and tried to cross the interstate. A car travelling the same stretch of road hit and killed him instantly, as his young wife sat in the car watching. A mist. He was only 27. A vapor. What was already a painful time for her just turned infinitely more agonizing. And all we can do is watch (and pray!). Memories inadvertently come flooding back, as with any loss. The initial pain, the grief, the numbness, the denial. My heart grieves for what she has lost...her husband, her best friend. But I also grieve for the experiences she was robbed of...having babies with her true love, buying their first home, those memories she will never get to make.

Life is a mist. We must make the most of what we have, since we never know when our mist will vanish. And now I'm off to pray some more...and hug my babies extra tight.

funny girl...

EG: "Mama, I wanna be a squib (squid)."
Me: "Why do you want to be a squid?"
EG: "Cuz I wanna be in water. Squibs live under the water."
Me: "Okay. Good night, honey."
EG: "Good night, Mama. I love you."
Me: "And I love you, my little squid."

She is SUCH a hoot! LOL