Ages and Stages

We just got Clark's 18 month pictures taken! I can't believe he's already been a part of our family for a year and a half. I swear the more kids you have the busier you are, the faster life moves. It seems like Clark wasn't a baby for as long as the older two! Since he's our last we are trying to soak up the moments with him. We find ourselves saying, "This is the last time we'll have to go through 'this' stage." Whatever 'this' may be; sleepless nights, making bottles, baby food jars, lugging around a baby carrier, changing crib sheets, cleaning high chairs, etc. We are done with all of those stages! Some stages we are happy to see go and some we will miss. Clark still belly laughs from the gut. It's the sweetest, happiest sound for ears to hear. I hope he doesn't lose that for a long time! We miss the snuggles. It was sad to see those go. Every now and then we get lucky and he'll cuddle up for a few moments on the couch, but for the most part, he's out grown the snuggling. We miss the waddling stage, when they first learn to walk. We will miss seeing the look on our baby's face the first time they figure out how to splash in the bathtub. Yes, Clark still loves to splash, but there's something about the FIRST time they figure out they have the power to truly soak the bathroom floor using just their wee little hands and a downward smacking motion! Some things we haven't missed. We only carry a little tiny diaper bag. We don't miss having to pack half the house and take it with us every where we go. Don't miss sleepless nights. Don't miss the baby carrier. Gosh those things are heavy and awkward to carry!! Don't miss the baby throw up. My boys were the worst! We are looking forward to no more diapers. Clark is already showing signs that he may be an early potty trainer. Let's hope . . . . . we deserve at least one of our children to potty train easily!! We are looking forward to our kids being able to buckle their own seat belts. Chase can do his, but we still have to do Mallory and Clark's. We can't wait for the day to just be able to pile in the car and go! It's interesting how quickly you move through all the stages whether you like them or not!

Clark is learning to adjust in the 2 new stages that he is going through right now. About 2 weeks ago we moved him into a normal bed. After watching him come this close (put your thumb and index finger very close together) to climbing out of his crib we decided to put him in a bed. I know some babies climb out of their cribs and they escape just fine. Some climb out and end up with broken legs and get caught dangling between the bars. We decided to skip possible medical expenses from Clark making a "prison break" and went straight for putting him in a bed. Even if he won't stay in it. We didn't want to risk him hurting himself. He stays in the bed if he's really tired. He's actually great at nap time! But most of the time at night we have to sit by his bedside and tell him to "lay down, it's night night" or he just keeps getting out. We usually have to sit there about 20 minutes or so until he's almost asleep. But he's getting used to it. Slowly, but surely. It's only been 2 weeks. It will take some time. We had forgotten what a long process this can be!! We're up for new ideas if anybody wants to share how you keep your toddler in bed. It's been 2 years since we've done this!

Clark's first week in the nursery class at church was Easter Sunday. He hates it to say the least. When we walk out he SCREAMS!! We have tried telling him "Bye-bye, we'll be back in a little bit to come get you." And we have tried sneaking out. Neither method has worked so far. As tough as the little guy is, he's very clingy! He's always been clingy! We didn't have one single issue with Chase. His first Sunday in the nursery he walked right in like he owned the place and he never looked back. Mallory we only had to stay about the first 10 minutes until she got situated playing then we stepped out. We only had to do that the first 4 or 5 Sundays and she was fine after that. Clark is not showing any signs of being ok with being left. Of course it's only been 2 weeks, we know it will take time for him to adjust. He's also been left with a sitter the least. We moved out here to NJ and we don't get out much so he's not used to being left with anyone on a regular basis. I think that might be part of the problem. We may have brought this on ourselves. Clark really likes men and all the nursery workers are female. So he might be having a hard time with that. Last week they had a man in there helping and Clark actually cried himself to sleep on his shoulder. I felt bad. Clark drooled all over his suit! Hopefully he'll adjust soon! We keep telling ourselves these things just take time and a lot of patience! No more walking the halls with a baby at church. We actually get to go to class. I can't decide whether or not I'm going to miss this stage. Sometimes it makes church seem to last FOREVER when you're just walking the halls with a baby/young toddler who won't let you sit through a class. Sometimes it's nice to socialize and relate to other parents who are also in the hallway with a child the same age. Sometimes it's some good one on one time with you and your baby to just play in the foyer with a few toys. Moving on from this stage is bittersweet. . . . I almost feel like I'm the one growing up.

We also got a picture of all the kids together when we took Clark to get his 18 month pics done. It turned out ok. We have been trying to get a picture of the kids together for awhile, but we can't get Clark to sit still long enough and have them all looking at the camera. (There's a stage to look forward to - when we can all look at the camera and smile without having a wrestling match!) Clark was supposed to be standing in the middle, but started walking away. Chase caught his hand, and at least they're all looking and smiling! I love Chase in this picture. He has his arm around Mallory and he's holding Clark's hand. He just looks like the perfect big brother making sure his younger siblings are taken care of. I love this about Chase!