Monday, December 26, 2022
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Yo Shepardboys!
Shepardboys https://www.google.com/search?q=austriakate.shepardboys@blogger.com Kate Shepard
Kate
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Friday, March 23, 2018
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Amazing Creatures
Meet the toddler. I believe the toddler to me the most amazing creature on Earth. It's no secret that I'm totally smitten with my children and I won't lie, I love being a momma to these little men. Each age has it's ups and downs but for the sake of this post, I'd like to discuss the toddler.
Fearless, devoted, loving, curious, determined. These are some of the words for toddlers. Mine toddler happens to be the 16 month walking since 11.5 months variety. If they were full sized, they could easily rule to world. Thankfully for their mothers they are pint sized which keeps them from being in fatal danger often. My toddler is my shadow. He was to do everything the big people around him are doing. Eating at the table, sitting in a chair, driving a car, playing with Legos. Whatever we are doing, he MUST try it. Otherwise he will sing the song of his people. Trust me....you don't want that.
My toddler since birth has a special look that's just for me. It melts me, it keeps him alive. Sears into my soul and changes whatever I was going to do into serving his whim. Now fast forward to the 16 month version. He still has that look, but he's bigger and even more convincing.
He's amazing. Yes, he's my toddler but yesterday I took a lot of time to really watch and be with him whilst his brothers were outside and away from us. He can do almost everything I can do, he just lacks size. But he doesn't let that stop him. Yesterday he figured out how to reach the kitchen cabinets...it's easy, you just pull out drawers, climb up and keep using drawers to climb up higher and higher until you can reach what you were after. He just wants to see what's going on. His thirst for the new, exciting world of the big people is never quenched. Ever.
Now, I've learned a few things. This isn't my first toddler. 8 years ago I had my first toddler and I was a nervous first time mom and on my own as my husband was overseas in Iraq. I probably micromanaged him and keep him from exploring for the sake of safety not full realizing that he was much more capable than I knew. I'm a first born so maybe this is just their lot. My toddler now is a third born. I taught him to navigate the stairs instead of baby gates when we arrived here in England. There are some boundaries but instead of saying "no" I redirect him or give him a positive task to accomplish. Like when he starts pulling the soil out of my pots I show him instead how to pat in down into the pots. Some things are tricky like when I'm pulling weeds and he starts randomly pulling at plants. He doesn't know which plant is desirable and which isn't, he's just trying to be a big person and help.
Now my deep thoughts on this. What happens to the toddler that he stops wanting to learn, help and be part of community. Do we do this somehow unintentionally? What if toddlers never gave up this attitude but just refined it a little as they grew into full sized beings? The hunger for learning, thirst for creativity and drive to be part of something bigger. Everything is amazing to them, they laugh and giggle as the smallest thing. Nothing boring. If this could be carried through to adulthood and beyond I believe the world would be changed by these amazing little creatures grown up to remind us that everyday, everywhere the world is filled with wonder.
Fearless, devoted, loving, curious, determined. These are some of the words for toddlers. Mine toddler happens to be the 16 month walking since 11.5 months variety. If they were full sized, they could easily rule to world. Thankfully for their mothers they are pint sized which keeps them from being in fatal danger often. My toddler is my shadow. He was to do everything the big people around him are doing. Eating at the table, sitting in a chair, driving a car, playing with Legos. Whatever we are doing, he MUST try it. Otherwise he will sing the song of his people. Trust me....you don't want that.
My toddler since birth has a special look that's just for me. It melts me, it keeps him alive. Sears into my soul and changes whatever I was going to do into serving his whim. Now fast forward to the 16 month version. He still has that look, but he's bigger and even more convincing.
He's amazing. Yes, he's my toddler but yesterday I took a lot of time to really watch and be with him whilst his brothers were outside and away from us. He can do almost everything I can do, he just lacks size. But he doesn't let that stop him. Yesterday he figured out how to reach the kitchen cabinets...it's easy, you just pull out drawers, climb up and keep using drawers to climb up higher and higher until you can reach what you were after. He just wants to see what's going on. His thirst for the new, exciting world of the big people is never quenched. Ever.
Now, I've learned a few things. This isn't my first toddler. 8 years ago I had my first toddler and I was a nervous first time mom and on my own as my husband was overseas in Iraq. I probably micromanaged him and keep him from exploring for the sake of safety not full realizing that he was much more capable than I knew. I'm a first born so maybe this is just their lot. My toddler now is a third born. I taught him to navigate the stairs instead of baby gates when we arrived here in England. There are some boundaries but instead of saying "no" I redirect him or give him a positive task to accomplish. Like when he starts pulling the soil out of my pots I show him instead how to pat in down into the pots. Some things are tricky like when I'm pulling weeds and he starts randomly pulling at plants. He doesn't know which plant is desirable and which isn't, he's just trying to be a big person and help.
Now my deep thoughts on this. What happens to the toddler that he stops wanting to learn, help and be part of community. Do we do this somehow unintentionally? What if toddlers never gave up this attitude but just refined it a little as they grew into full sized beings? The hunger for learning, thirst for creativity and drive to be part of something bigger. Everything is amazing to them, they laugh and giggle as the smallest thing. Nothing boring. If this could be carried through to adulthood and beyond I believe the world would be changed by these amazing little creatures grown up to remind us that everyday, everywhere the world is filled with wonder.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Teeth...
Sam is trying to cut at least 4, maybe 6 teeth at once. This is making for a sad little Samsam. He's restless, not sleeping or napping well and I'm tired as well. I'm hoping after this wave there will be a lull before the eye teeth come in. He still enjoys chasing his brother around and getting into the middle of whatever he's doing.
Ben has really started to take an interest in reading and writing. He's learning letter sounds and likes to write people's names. It's coming together for him and one of these days it's going to really click and I expect he's going to take off with reading. He's also very interested in anything Narnia, seeds and gardening, pinewood derby cars...He's a busy kid! We would like to have a pinewood track at home to race cars. Grandpa Thomas is making a car for our "derby" and I've heard even Grandpa Shepard has given it some thought. These cars will probably be so beautifully done that I won't want little boys to play with them...I'd better get started on my entry!
Ben has really started to take an interest in reading and writing. He's learning letter sounds and likes to write people's names. It's coming together for him and one of these days it's going to really click and I expect he's going to take off with reading. He's also very interested in anything Narnia, seeds and gardening, pinewood derby cars...He's a busy kid! We would like to have a pinewood track at home to race cars. Grandpa Thomas is making a car for our "derby" and I've heard even Grandpa Shepard has given it some thought. These cars will probably be so beautifully done that I won't want little boys to play with them...I'd better get started on my entry!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Grand Prix
Videos from the AWANA Grand Prix! Just Ben's car...when it was my car's turn the next week I was too busy yelling "Turn my car around, it goes the other way!" to take video. I'm convinced if they ran my car the way I was weighted to go, I would have won....Ben took 4th for speed and was disapointed that they forgot to give him a trophy. Benjamin and I are working on new cars (won't be able to run in the AWANA race) and I'm looking at practice tracks so we can hold our own races at home. Awards will be hugs, kisses and cheers only.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sorry not to have a picture of him standing on the top...but i instead felt the need to drop the camera and make sure I could catch him. Rest assured..he did decide to stand on top and announce his victory.
Sam isn't walking on his own yet but he loves to push things around the house, climb, ride the radio flyer mini trike and every now and then take a few steps. Crawling or riding is much faster for him.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Teeth!
I have just moments ago discovered that Sam has finally cut some teeth. Well at least one on the bottom. All the drooling and fussing today has produced a serrated edge on the bottom gums. Probably also why he wasn't much into napping today. That and the excitement of getting ready to go to DC tomorrow. 10 months and nearly 3 days and he is finally getting a set of chompers!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
distrubed sleep, wet floors
The last 3 days, Benjamin has been up around 3-4am, resulting in him sleeping with us. By day he has been wetting his pants once a day. I wonder if he is sensing the disturbance in the force with my mother being sick and/or if he is unhappy about the upcoming trip to DC. We have been talking about Sam and I driving up to RI to visit with my family for a while and Benjamin going home with Morgan. Ben keeps saying "No, it would be more fun for all 4 of us to go see Grandma" and I'd have to say I agree with him. But when you add in 2 more airline tickets, it gets expensive not to mention Morgan taking time off of work. I suppose I could take Ben and Sam with me but Benjamin can be high needs outside of his typical environment and not too much taking care of grandma would happen. He'll be fine with Morgan, I'm just wanting a little more sleep and less floor cleaning.
In other news, Sam as a couple of friends that are a month older than him...both walking. Sam is still happy with cruising and now and again lets go and balances. When I say "now and again" it's MAYBE once a day that I see. No teeth yet. Morgan trimmed the hair over his ears at my request...his wings were getting out of hand. He is still 99% nursing with some solid food with dinner sometimes, mostly to keep him busy.
We have not taken too many pictures recently. This is a picture of Benjamin's MonaVie smile. He likes his purple juice. Sam had a bruise on his cheek where he smashed his face into solid objects several times in the same place. Now he has a scratch on his forehead from, I'm guessing his fingernails. Usually the most recent pictures I post on facebook because it's just easier.
Better go see if the chicken is thawed...it's going to be another whirlwind evening! Wish me luck!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
New Stats!
Benjamin had his 4yr old doc appointment today and Samuel had his 9 month appointment. Here are the new stats...
Sam: Height 2' 6.25", Weight 21 lbs 2 oz, HC 47.6 cm
Ben: Height 3' 1.75", Weight 30 lbs.
Benjamin is BACK on the growth chart and climbing...Sam is at the top of the chart!
I'm feeling sleepy at the moment so I can't think of any thing clever to write.
Sam: Height 2' 6.25", Weight 21 lbs 2 oz, HC 47.6 cm
Ben: Height 3' 1.75", Weight 30 lbs.
Benjamin is BACK on the growth chart and climbing...Sam is at the top of the chart!
I'm feeling sleepy at the moment so I can't think of any thing clever to write.
Monday, August 25, 2008
I Did It!
I typed up a list of all the books my boys own. I might of missed a couple but certainly this is as close to a complete list as is possible given the way items are moved all over the house. I'll place a link to the right as well.
http://austriakate.googlepages.com/shepardboyslibrary
http://austriakate.googlepages.com/shepardboyslibrary
Sunday, August 24, 2008
I NEED AN EXCAVATOR!
Ben is on a mission to get an excavator (truck what has a scoop on the front) for his belated birthday. He has told me every day, several times a day about his need for one. Long, drawn out detailed stories about the when, where and why...much, much more detailed then these videos. He as seen big ones and little ones around town. He plays with his trucks out in what used to be the veggie garden.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Sam's new tricks
It's been a while, again. With conference in Kenosha...I'm a little behind. I've caught up on the weeding at home, but the plot needs attention yet. We are still not really unpacked and the laundry sits in differing stages. AH well.
Lately Sam has picked up the nickname PegLeg. His crawling is getting much faster and he has added the skill of crawling with a favored toy in his hand. Usually a block or something smallish. His approach usually sounds more like "thrap, thrap" as each hand hits the floor but with the toy in his hand is more of a "thrap, clunk." The "thrap, thrap" is a nice even rhythm, where PegLeg is not.
Also he is quite the gardener. When pulling weeds results in the need for a bath...you know you've got above and beyond the call of duty. Twice now Sam has managed to have dirt from head to toe and even inside the diaper. Those rolls really hold on to the dirt!
Lately Sam has picked up the nickname PegLeg. His crawling is getting much faster and he has added the skill of crawling with a favored toy in his hand. Usually a block or something smallish. His approach usually sounds more like "thrap, thrap" as each hand hits the floor but with the toy in his hand is more of a "thrap, clunk." The "thrap, thrap" is a nice even rhythm, where PegLeg is not.
Also he is quite the gardener. When pulling weeds results in the need for a bath...you know you've got above and beyond the call of duty. Twice now Sam has managed to have dirt from head to toe and even inside the diaper. Those rolls really hold on to the dirt!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
The Answers
Ben, Sam, Sam, Sam, Ben, Ben! Grats to all those who participated. Even their parents get confused sometimes.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Sam's favorite poem
borrowed from a LLL mom!
"Suess" for Nursing Mothers
Mother's milk is just the thing!
Would you nurse her at the park?
Would you nurse him in the dark?
Would you nurse him with a Boppy?
And when your boobs are feeling floppy?
I would nurse him in the park,
I would nurse her in the dark.
I'd nurse with or without a Boppy.
Floppy boobs will never stop me.
Can you nurse with your seat belt on?
Can you nurse from dusk till dawn?
Though she may pinch me, bite me, pull,
I will nurse her 'till she's full!
Can you nurse and make some soup?
Can you nurse and feed the group?
It makes her healthy strong and smart,
Mommy's milk is the best start!
Would you nurse him at the game?
Would you nurse her in the rain?
In front of those who dare to complain?
I would nurse him at the game.
I would nurse her in the rain.
As for those who protest lactation,
I have a perfect explanation.
Mommy milk is tailor made
It's perfect food, you need no aid.
Some may scoff and some may wriggle,
Avert their eyes or even giggle.
To those who can be cruel and rude,
Remind them breast's the perfect food!
I would never scoff or giggle,
Roll my eyes or even wiggle!
I would not be so crass or crude,
I KNOW that this milk's the perfect food!
We make the right amount we need,
The perfect temp for every feed.
There's no compare to milk from breast-
The perfect food, above the rest.
Thos nursing smiles are oh so sweet,
Mommy milk is such a treat.
Human milk just can't be beat.
I will nurse, in any case,
On the street or in your face.
I will not let my baby cry,
I'll meet her needs, I'll always try.
It's not about what's good for you,
It's best for babies, through and through.
I will nurse her in my home,
I will nurse her when I roam.
Leave me be lads, leave me be ma'am.
I will nurse her, Mom I am.
"Suess" for Nursing Mothers
Mother's milk is just the thing!
Would you nurse her at the park?
Would you nurse him in the dark?
Would you nurse him with a Boppy?
And when your boobs are feeling floppy?
I would nurse him in the park,
I would nurse her in the dark.
I'd nurse with or without a Boppy.
Floppy boobs will never stop me.
Can you nurse with your seat belt on?
Can you nurse from dusk till dawn?
Though she may pinch me, bite me, pull,
I will nurse her 'till she's full!
Can you nurse and make some soup?
Can you nurse and feed the group?
It makes her healthy strong and smart,
Mommy's milk is the best start!
Would you nurse him at the game?
Would you nurse her in the rain?
In front of those who dare to complain?
I would nurse him at the game.
I would nurse her in the rain.
As for those who protest lactation,
I have a perfect explanation.
Mommy milk is tailor made
It's perfect food, you need no aid.
Some may scoff and some may wriggle,
Avert their eyes or even giggle.
To those who can be cruel and rude,
Remind them breast's the perfect food!
I would never scoff or giggle,
Roll my eyes or even wiggle!
I would not be so crass or crude,
I KNOW that this milk's the perfect food!
We make the right amount we need,
The perfect temp for every feed.
There's no compare to milk from breast-
The perfect food, above the rest.
Thos nursing smiles are oh so sweet,
Mommy milk is such a treat.
Human milk just can't be beat.
I will nurse, in any case,
On the street or in your face.
I will not let my baby cry,
I'll meet her needs, I'll always try.
It's not about what's good for you,
It's best for babies, through and through.
I will nurse her in my home,
I will nurse her when I roam.
Leave me be lads, leave me be ma'am.
I will nurse her, Mom I am.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Sam's on the go, go, go!
Sam, who has only been crawling for maybe 6 weeks...is now pulling up. Oh yeah! It started a couple weeks ago with grabbing mama's shirt and pulling himself to standing. That was sorta cute to have those little eyes looking right at you...and those little arms wrapped around your neck. But now, it's serious. He crawls over to the tote of toys, pulls himself to standing and holds on with one hand while be proceeds to empty the tote with the other. The downside of this is his auto correct mechanism isn't quite there yet. In short, there are a lot of bonks on the head if someone doesn't catch him. He needs to invite his friend, Miss Van Roo over (our chiropractor's nearly 9 month old daughter) over so her mommy can adjust his poor little cranium.
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