February 2009

First of all, thanks for all your comments and support regarding the last post. For the most part, we've made it through the rough patch I think. We've made some adjustments to his schedule, as well as some adjustments to my expectations. Here are some pictures of a visit to Boulevard Park with my family. The last picture is at Pittock Mansion in Portland. My mom, sisters, and I took a fun trip there last weekend. Farewell to Bonnie - we will miss you so much. Korea is awaiting your arrival!

It IS just a stage, right?

I do believe that parenting is the most difficult undertaking I have ever endeavoured. It has been a challenging month. Ethan has hit his stride as a two-year old....most of the time cute, funny, witty, and incredibly sweet. The rest of time....not so much. He has been throwing tantrums lately, and has mastered the art of whining. But the most challenging behavior has been his refusal to sleep. Up until this point, he has been such a good sleeper as we were dutiful in the early months with sleep training. But lately it has become a battle of epic proportions at naptime and bedtime, and he also wakes at least once in the middle of the night. This requires me to go downstairs and rub his head until he falls asleep again - which wouldn't be so bad except that I cannot get back to sleep so easily. I am realizing that when I lose sleep, my irritability and impatience levels rise considerably, especially given that Eric and I start work at 6:45. We have tried several techniques to combat these behaviors while trying to remain consistent and in control, but it is still quite frustrating. I guess it seems to be getting a bit easier, but I suspect it will be a long road. I am constantly trying to figure out whether he's manipulating me and it's a matter of will and power, or if he truly emotionally needs something. And then I'm always asking myself about what he's learning as a result of this situation and what the long-term consequence/solution is. Compound that with maternal guilt (since I work during the day) and you've got a recipe for exhaustion and feelings of parental inadequacy. That's been a theme for me lately....feeling inadequate and incompetent. But it has reminded me further to lean upon God for those qualities which I lack. Parenting also makes me strive even more to be the person I desire to be: selfless, loving, patient, healthy, and an example for my children to follow. I'm pretty sure I fail more than I succeed, but in my weakness, He is strong.

Holiday update

Greetings! I hope the holidays find you all abundant with joy and gratitude. I haven't blogged in ages so I'll give you the quick holiday update. First of all, we are very blessed to have an extended holiday vacation......a major perk of working in schools. We not only have two weeks off but an extra three days due to the snow. I have really been enjoying the beauty and rarity of the snow - what a blessing to have a white Christmas. We were able to spend a day with the Schwartz clan (sadly sans mom and pop and the Parkers) which was a lot of fun, especially since Sam, Michele, and Ada live in Arizona and it was a treat to see them. It was also fun to watch our brood of kiddos be cousins playing and laughing together.

Speaking of kiddos, I am pregnant and due June 28! Most of you are already aware of this fact, but it is certainly big news for us. The first trimester has been more difficult than it was with Ethan, but I am starting to feel better. My belly is poking out and things are healthy so far. We are excited! Now we just have to figure out some names (not finding out the sex), how we're going to pay for daycare, and oh yeah, where the babe is going to sleep.

Christmas was low-key for us. We went to a nice Christmas Eve service and Ethan ended up crawling into bed with us that night. Eric's mom Sue was with us for the day, and Ethan had so many presents we had to open them in about three rounds. It was lovely - a fire going all day, good food, and playing with our son. Thanks all, for Ethan's cool presents, he is loving the new entertainment. The best part of the break has been having the time to just hang out with Eric and Ethan. Since we work and Ethan is in daycare for the school year, it feels like a real treat to be able to spend time together without the mad scramble to get all household chores over the weekend. Ethan and I have spent a lot of time just cuddling on the couch, watching movies, laughing, tickling, counting, playing, and just loving each other. He exhausts me no doubt, but he's such a sweet, sweet boy.

The Engman men on the ferry

What we call "crazy face"

"Mawmowees" in the snow!

Ethan and his new fire truck.

A new drum set!! A big hit.

Love and peace to all!

Pokey Little Puppy

I'm a little late, but here are some Halloween pictures of Ethan. He was the cutest puppy ever! We went over to our friends' house for dinner and then went trick-or-treating around the neighborhood with his friends "dragon" Ross and "Spiderman" Charlie. Last year he was in a stroller so this was his first experience of actually going up to the door and saying "tweat!" He must of thought it was the Tour of Homes instead of Halloween because he would ring the door bell and then just walk right in. On several occasions I had to rummage through random people's houses trying to find my son! He had such a fun time and so did we!

Stoney Ridge Farm

Yesterday we went to Stoney Ridge farm and had a great time. We fed farm animals, ran around a pumpkin patch and corn maze, went on a hay ride, and ate some delicious food. Of course, Ethan's favorite part was seeing all the "mawmowee" tractors.

I Heart Magazines

Most of you know that I am a voracious reader. I usually have 3-4 books going at a time - a non-fiction, a classic, a devotional, and a contemporary novel. In addition to books, I am absolutely hooked on magazines. Ever since my first Sassy at age 12, I have subscribed to dozens of magazines that have chronicled my interests in life. Currently, I subscribe to the following:

The Week - I recommend this magazine to everyone! It is a concise news mag that takes articles from newspapers across the nation and edits them into small news pieces that represent a variety of editorial opinions. The best part about it is that it's slim, articulate and to-the-point -you get the basics on numerous cultural issues.

Cookie - A mom's magazine with a chic edge.
Better Homes & Gardens - I mainly just covet all the interiors.
Real Simple - A classic for modern women.
In Style - It's a little embarassing to admit, but this is the magazine that I look forward to the most. There's just something about getting a big, glossy, perfumey magazine in the mail. I usually read this one all in the same night I get it. It's quite contradictory to my nature - I rarely spend more than $15 on any article of clothing, much less $600 on a pair of Christian Louboutin stilettos! Really - does anyone besides celebrities actually pay that much to look good? I guess it's an indulgent escape for me - I love the fashion, the beauty secrets, the other-worldliness of it all.

When do I have time to read all these? They are a perfect companion to my rare date with the treadmill or the gym. And unlike books, they don't require concentration, so I read after Ethan's gone to bed during commercial breaks.

The reason why I bring this up is that my renewals are coming up soon and I am thinking about switching things up. So what I want to know from you is, what magazines do you read and recommend? Write me your suggestions please! I am eagerly awaiting. Happy reading.

Ethan turns 2!

Ethan's turns 2 tomorrow and we had a small party for him yesterday. It started out at The Fun Zone - an indoor play area with large bouncy structures. Then we came home, opened presents, and ate some food and cake. Here is Ethan with his cousins Travis and Jayna and Aunt Sarabeth in a big bouncy box.

Here is Ethan enjoying some birthday cake:

Today we did our annual pictures in the leaves photo session. My favorite:

Later today we are going to go pick some apples so we can make some homemade applesauce. I love this time of year! The fun continues for him tomorrow, when he gets to spend the whole day with his Grandma Sue instead of going to daycare. Thank you to the folks who came to our little gathering - we appreciate you making a trek all the way up here. Ethan woke up this morning delighted with all his new toys. A shout out to Bonnie - also the birthday girl, and our dog Bailey, who shares a birthday with Ethan.