The mini-dude is starting to make recognisable noises (current fave is ba-ba-ba) and really interact.  We have a wee bedtime routine where I hug him, put him in the cot, move round to the other side to turn music on and then lean over and kiss him goodnight.  He watches me do all this with such adoration and excitement that I always leave the room smiling, and tonight was no exception.  

I think the 2nd child probably gets neglected more than the first (and I actually thought I was quite neglectful of the dude in some ways!) so I love seeing him so happy at the end of the day, no matter how many times I’ve ignored him because I’m too busy or don’t want to stop what I’m doing.

Tonight I’m grateful for my friend C who suggested a babysitting swap and who consequently sat in our house for 4 hours tonight while KBE and I ‘enjoyed’ (there’s a whole story there involving a goat’s cheese fiasco) a meal and trip to the cinema.

I’m also grateful to KBE for being quite lovely really, when I’m nice and especially when I’m not.

Day 2 of potty training and is it sad that I’m grateful we have quite a few wooden and tiled floors in our house?

Day one of potty training - could be a lot worse.  He can be a wee monkey sometimes, and is definitely at the pushing boundaries/independence stage - but the dude is a star and I’m glad every day contains at least one moment where I get to hug him and tell him he’s great and I love him.

We spent a few great days with my sister and her family in Scotland and arrived home totally shattered.  This was mainly due to the nightmare bedtime antics of the dude, and a small sofabed.  We really did have a great time though, and there are so many things I’m grateful for:

A really easy flight, car hire collection and drive to Inverurie

Making a detour to see KBE’s sister in Edinburgh - they loved seeing the boys and it was good to catch up

The fun the dude and his cousin (and role model!) Noah had together

Spending extended time with my sister and brother-in-law without any arguments - we must be growing up!  I don’t mean to imply we often argue, or that they’re difficult to get along with - but the reality is we haven’t spend so much time together for about 5 years, and I really enjoyed it.

I also came home, random as it sounds, grateful to be part of our church.  My sister’s church is quite big, busy and well organised; they’re very involved and clearly love it.  Yet it left me totally cold.  It’s actually been quite a while since I sat through a ‘traditional’ church service - and by that I don’t mean old hymns etc (they had drums!), I mean a service with a minister, running order, offering plate being passed round etc, and I found it really hard to engage with it all.

Of course we have a set way of doing things, have someone up at the front etc, but it’s different.  Maybe it’s just because we didn’t know anyone (but then no-one else really chatted to us), or maybe the fact that at home I, or anyone, can get up and share means that I feel more a participant than an observer.  It’s easy to get frustrated about things, and focus on the annoying quirks, but I am immensely grateful God brought us to our church family.

I am NOT grateful for the 3lbs I put on in 3 days - that is not an exaggeration either!  Just as my pre pregnancy weight target was in sight I stayed in a house overflowing with snacks and have been continuing the habit since I came home.  I need help!

I’m joining Carrie in the sporadic posting club - sorry!

I actually can’t remember ANYTHING of note that happened in these 2 days - shows how interesting my life is. Actually it’s a reminder of why I started this 365 in the first place; to take time to notice moments of grace in the busy nothingness that too often characterises my daily life.

I resolve to do better (yeah right!)

I love water.  All my life the bath or shower has been my place to relax and I have been known to stay in the bath for over 2 hours and take showers which last well over half an hour.  This evening I was tired and narky and experienced true grace as I prayed in the shower.

We were doing another whirlwind tour of North Down today.  First stop KBE’s parents’ house where the boys were spoiled and I LOVED watching KBE’s 87 year old Nanny laughing on the swing.

Next a paddling pool for my niece’s fifth birthday party.  The dude was the youngest kid in the water, and he tends to be a bit scared when he first goes in so it could have been a nightmare, but I was so glad he had fun, and grateful to 2 of my sisters who patiently played with him.

I’m also grateful that KBE responded to a moment of thoughtless stupidity on my part with a lot more grace than I expected.

I’m not always sure I like being married to a GP.  Don’t worry, I’m not swapping KBE in for a new model, but today I kind of wished I could just be a normal patient.  We’re not even registered at his practice, but they all know who I am, or more specifically who I’m married to.  

Anyway, I had an appointment today (nothing major) with a doctor I’ve never met before; and she didn’t say anything about KBE but was very good, and very nice, and very efficient - a textbook consultation.  As I was gathering my things and getting ready to go she continued chatting and asked about our holiday, the boys, and I suddenly realised she did actually know who I was.  It left me feeling a bit weird - I’m pretty sure that though she’s a good doctor and treats all her patients well the consultation was different because of who I’m married to.

I suppose it’s the same in pretty much every part of society - we get things, or are treated differently all the time because of who we are or who we know.  Sometimes it’s very handy, sometimes we enjoy being treated differently, sometimes it distorts how we view ourselves and others.  Quite random really, but my visit to the doctor has left me quite challenged about the way I expect others to relate to me, and how I treat them.

I loved walking in the forest with my boys this afternoon.  Actually, I always love walking in the forest but today’s dander was especially great because:

1. After only 45 minutes of effort KBE successfully moved the buggy board connectors onto our rearward facing buggy (aka the red buggy) which meant the mini-dude could watch his brother and I as we walked along.  This made him very happy.
2. KBE and the dude got to try out their remote controlled boat on the Bann - I wish I’d had a camera to capture the expression of pride, excitement and contentment on the dude’s face.

Then, when the boys were finally asleep I got to watch ‘arguably the best tennis match ever’ - great.