Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Soon to be distant memories





This kid does my head in sometimes. I honestly thought I was a great parent...okay slightly better than mediocre parent, until he came along. This well thought out, considered and prayed about third and last child keeps us on our toes. The twos and its reputation of being terrible have been with us and all its glory.
When other parents would tell me of their two year old's behaviour I would nod with empathy all the while judging them quietly in my head. Giving my self a little metaphorical pat on the back. My first two had their moments but they never seemed that bad. 
And then along came Zak zak. I loved having a newborn baby. The night time wakes to breast feed were lovely in comparison to the previous time with Joe. I really loved it. But when he hit one we began to brace our selves. The tantys began. At first we could soothe it with the dummy but since getting rid of it the tantys escalated. Anywhere, anytime. I want it  and I want it NOW!
Oh  little fire cracker, who and what will you become? 

Out of our three kids, he has been the only one to need pediatrician visits. Born with three knots in his umbilical cord after doing somersaults in the womb and possibly too much coffee on my part (who knows!), we keep an eye on an ASD,  which is a small hole that is between the left and right atria of his heart. He is developing fine and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Routine echo-cardiograms keep an eye on it which is getting smaller as he grows, hallelujah.

twisties after starving all day!
Last year he underwent a small operation at Starship hospital for a urology issue. It was a rough day for hubby. The anesthetist was a lovely youngish mum who immediately put my mind at ease. I took my first knitting project and prayed that all would be well. We were last on the list that day, so it was a long day of starving after traveling from Whangarei to Auckland that morning. 
When Zak zak came out of his anesthetic he was beside himself, and would not stop crying. The recovery nurse said this was quite normal but we were really feeling it after 5 minutes of it. I got out my Ipod and played the song, Come to me, by Jenn Johnson.  Zakzak heard the the first line of the music and immediately calmed down and stopped crying and even went back to sleep. I can't explain the amazing sense of Gods peace that filled that place, but it was very cool.  

He continues to challenge and amaze us. Desperate to catch up with his older siblings who on the one hand will fight for him and on the other hand get  annoyed when he breaks their stuff. He certainly adds a dynamic to the house hold that we love. The neighbours certainly hear it! Our three kids sound like 10 kids! 

Usually affectionate, and up for a cuddle, he can melt your heart with a "soweee" or a "tickle me mummy". We are fascinated at how much he looks like his father and nothing like me. A real life mini me. There are only four more months of the twos, and I am going to (force my self ) to make the most of it. The toilet training, pointing out every helicopter in the sky, or diggers or the cranes . The board books, Mickey mouse club house and Mr potato head, the everyday new words and sayings. All these things will soon be distant memories. 

I will not forget the well rounded parenting experience I am receiving, in fact I am grateful. No more metaphorical patting my self on the back,  more empathetic to the parent of supermarket tanty toddler now more than ever. No more quietly judging.  Because if there's one thing I learned on this 10 year parenting journey is...these little beings have a mind of their own.  


15 comments:

Curious Runner said...

Very cool Jackie, he is one blessed little dude to belong to your family and vice versa! x

Neetz said...

:) He's a real lil dude ... very cute. And oh man, I know that feeling of "what kind of child is this???" that's how we felt when we were blessed with our Kendyl! haha. It was like having to learn to parent all over again! xxx You're awesome parents and your kids all are gorgeous! xx

Unknown said...

Haha! You're a great mum JackstaB, there are so many things I admire about you and your attitude to life. And I love that last shot...!

Johnny said...

Haha that last shot! Brilliant. I hear you about the 3 kids sounding like 10!
Your kids are SO lucky to have you as their mama. xx

Unknown said...

I'm right with ya sista! Except mine ain't 2 years old yet... waaa waaa waaa! I still have like, 1 year and four months before he is three!! haha

Sima J said...

hahaha love your writing :-) So true .. I am very glad we live out in the country and only have a couple of neighbours within earshot! Good on you for making the most of the time! xo

PaisleyJade said...

You rock - and that pic at the end is the best!

Miriam said...

awesome - love you to link this in with BMWB if you want to

Meghan Maloney Photography said...

This is such a lovely heartfelt post Jacksta - I loved it - and your attitude to the 'learning' you are receiving. God knows just what we need to challenge our 'status quo's I reckon!

Weza said...

I totally relate to this post. Our boyboy has been quite the challenge to my parenting, he doesn't sleep well, sharing is not easy for him and tantrums are his favourite pass time right now. Stark contrast to his sisters who made me look like mother of the year. Oh hoe children can humble us.

Sammy said...

He is just gorgeous xxx

Sophie said...

oooh he does sound like a firecracker! Big ups to you for keeping up with him! He looks like butter wouldn't melt in his mouth! :) Very cute!

dearfutureme... said...

Awesome post - you guys are doing a great job of parenting your three wee blessings!

Tall Pipi said...

So wise Jackie. He will grow up to be such a little individual because you let him be himself.

Brigitte said...

Love this - love your honesty X
I'm hearing you on this and sending you a big high-five cos it really sounds like you are doing a great job with your little 'firecracker'. I've got one of those too! Only with red curly hair.....! ;)