That's ma boy!

Over three weeks ago, Eveline and I decided it was time for Seth to lose the pacifier.  Truth is, it was past time.  And this mama was having a hard time wrapping her brain around "depriving" her son of something he loved so much.  Nevertheless, that night I told Seth that in the morning, we were going to put his paci away forever.  He repeated what I was saying (the clearest sign he is listening) and went to bed.  With his paci.  The next morning, I put them all away.  Every last one.  (Even his hidden ones).  That day, he took a nap and went to bed, all paci free!  He had a little trouble with night-time, but the for the most part, it was a beautiful transition!  Yay, big boy!!!

Then, just one week later, I decided it was time for step two:   potty training.  Seth has been using the potty on and off for months.  But there was too much transition for us to consider "real" training, with Uganda and new sister and life changes.  This month?  No excuses.  So I again told him the night before what we were going to do:  put the diapers away and wear underwear.  He repeated me.  Nice.  :)

I also told Seth that if he used the potty, I would get him roller skates, which he had been wanting ever since he discovered by roller blades in the laundry room.  (oy)  I even went to Target and bought a pair (adjustable size and on sale for 15 bucks!!!).  We put them on top of the cupboards where Seth could see them but never reach them.  And the fun began.

Now almost three weeks later, Seth is doing GREAT.  He wears underwear all day and goes to the potty every time we take him.  He has had a few accidents, but they are less every day.  So earlier this week, he got his reward.  Yahoo for roller skates!!!

I'm so proud of you, little man.  You're getting so grown up!!!

Our healing Savior

This is not my story.  It's the story of my friend, Melissa, which I'm sharing today.  It's perfect timing, really, since she just turned 40 yesterday.  Yay Meliss!  But a year ago, we didn't know if she would see this day. 

The story really started years ago as a tumor began to grow in Melissa's spine, without her knowledge.  With strange back and neck pain on and off for years, Melissa had grown used to her back "issues."  But in the fall of 2009, the pain hit an all-time high and Melissa couldn't bear it.  She had a CT scan and an MRI (if I remember correctly) and there it was:  a big tumor growing in her spine.

The pictures didn't answer whether the tumor was malignant or not, and frankly, it didn't matter.  Leave the tumor and Melissa wouldn't live.  Surgically remove the tumor and Melissa might not live.  Neuro-surgeons around the country declined to operate.  When a few offered hope, Melissa stood up to that tumor and went for it.  In the face of odds I choose not to write here (God has no "odds" anyway), Melissa faced surgery.

The preparation was daunting and the doctors filled her with steroids that were uncomfortable themselves.  Melissa's surgeon was encouraging but realistic.  If she lived, Melissa likely wouldn't walk again.  And so we prayed.  At least four congregations prayed.  And her friends prayed some more.  And she had the hugest Caring Bridge page you've ever seen.

One year ago last week, Melissa had that life-threatening surgery.  PRAISE THE LORD, the entire tumor was removed.  In one shot.  AND SHE LIVED.  But not only did she live, she walked.  Just a week later.  Oh. My. Goodness.  What a testimony to God's greatness in this woman, Melissa.

Looking back, it's hard to even wrap my arms around where we were a year ago.  Yes, there are some lingering effects.  But for the most part, Melissa is whole.  And just as lively as ever.

So I dedicate this Memorial Box Monday to Melissa, my girl, who showed us how God can walk with us through the Valley of the Shadow of Death to the other side.  Thank you Jesus for your healing powers.  AMEN!!

Um, um good.

Yea, she likes Cream of Mushroom soup.  Yea, she's my kid.  :)

What you missed was her entire face in the bowl.  She just wouldn't do it for the camera!

Meanwhile, Big Brother was busy making faces at himself in the spoon.

Never a dull moment.  :)

Snuggle Tight

One of the first things that Leah learned when she came home was how to get love from Mama.  For example, if you brush your finger across the dresser, simply yell, "Owie!" and trot your finger over to Mommy for a kiss.  These days, I think I kiss about 200 "owies" a day.  Happily.  I try not to think about those days when Leah had owies much worse than any we have seen here and no one to kiss them.  I can't imagine long days in a crib, with no one holding you.  It's no wonder so many adopted kids have flat heads.  Ugh.  So I happily kiss, kiss, and kiss all of the owies, since Leah is relishing the fact that she has someone who will.

Seth, on the other hand, has had that kind of attention since day one.  I've always held him when he's sad and snuggled him when he needs me or is sick.  Recently, Seth has had a new request when he goes to bed.  "Mommy, snuggle tight."  See, I have learned that it's not enough for me to lay next to him and be physically present in his space.  He wants me to "snuggle tight" against him.  Sometimes he says "with two hands."  It is so sweet and breaks my heart every time.  When I hear it, or when the snuggle request comes, I simply snuggle tight and don't ask questions.  :)

Aren't we grownups also like that?  Even at 40 years old, there are times when I need to snuggle tight.  Like after a particularly interesting meeting with my Expensive Friend.  Or after a hard day of work or upon hearing disappointing news.  But as a single mom, absent little hugs from my sweet kiddos, I have to find my hugs somewhere else.  It's one of the tough parts about being single.  I get great comfort from Scripture and in  times of prayer with my Savior.  Then there are those times when I want Jesus with skin on.  Someone to sit by me and hold me and cry with me.  Those are the moments when my heart breaks a little more.  

Nevertheless, I persevere.  I kiss owies and snuggle tight, relying on my Heavenly Father to hold me until someone else will.  Lord willing.

I resemble that remark!

 Mom has had much to say about how Seth and I are into everything, so I thought I'd set the story straight.

Here you can see that we are exploring the shower.  We aren't hurting anything and are perfect angels.

Then Saturday, we had a great day.  We were lazy and just played in the house all day.  See, Seth and I like playing together.  Sometimes.

Seth was BEGGING me to get in the basket with him.  Happy to oblige!

Don't mind our crusty noses.  We all have colds!

This "fun" sharing thing is almost over.....

CHEESE!!!

I'm too cute for words.

Yep, I know it!

One of the reasons we stayed in today is because Seth is learning to use the potty all the time.  He does pretty good at going but not so good at telling mom when it's time.  So we spend a lot of time in the bathroom.  My job is to clap and cheer wildly when he is successful.  And to flush.  Nice.....

We played airplane

And sit-n-spin.

I'm good at it.  :)

Wait just a minute.  Is my butt in the right place?

There's the mark.

And I am on it!

SPIN!!!

I tried to explain to Seth that this is the WRONG way to do it.

So then we had to do it together.

This sharing thing is for the birds.  I'm riding my lion!

No, I'm not upset.  That's my ROAR!

Seth and I then had to turn the lights on and off a few dozen times.  Do you have any understanding how fun it is?  Of course, once you're up there, you gotta jump!

Seth was not so sure, so I showed him.

Come on big brother!  You can do it!!

It IS very hilarious.

There's no proof, but he did finally jump.  And then jump and jump and jump.  :)

Finally, Seth and Mama like to read books.  A lot.  I am learning that it can be fun but it's still not my first choice activity.  But after jumping, Seth read some books.

All in all, it was a perfect Saturday, Mama said. I thought so too. :)