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If anyone out there is still reading this blog… ahem… it’s been awhile (sorry!). Chaos has officially ensued at the Harrington house as we prepare for the arrival of our newest addition. [insert something funny here about how dear hubby and I are apparently super fertile]. We are so excited to embrace another little person and can’t wait for HIS arrival (yep… it’s another boy!).

On to the point of this post. So, I have recently been spending a great deal of time talking to Liam about being a big boy and how he can snuggle mommy to go to sleep at night (as opposed to nursing- his favorite sleep association). Liam’s typical response to this conversation is, “I don’t want to be a big boy. I’m a baby. I nurse ONE more time.” This carried on for about a week. Last night, I found myself exhausted and WAY TOO pregnant to be comfortable in any kind of nursing position. So I simply said, “Not tonight,” when Liam asked. He accepted my response {gasp}, and rolled over and went to sleep (after much tossing and turning). Tonight… he didn’t even ask. And with the help of a little white noise (thank goodness for iPhone apps), he quickly drifted off to sleep.

Weaning this time truly is bittersweet for me.

[Disclaimer: I am not at all opposed to the concept of tandem nursing; I just don't think it's for me. I would go nuts wondering if the little one is getting what he needs. I remain a huge advocate of extended nursing.]

Posted on February 13th, 2012 by tonya
Filed under: Liam Christopher, Nursing | No Comments »

Today I opened an email. The message really wasn’t relevant to me, but I read it anyway. The contents exposed that my department at UNCC is hosting a candidate search for a potential assistant professor of urban education. Out of curiosity, I downloaded the attached vita for one potential candidate. Her accomplishments and degrees were certainly impressive. As I was reading, I couldn’t help thinking… that could have been me. Oh my goodness. THAT could have been me. And I sighed. With relief.

For what I realize is that I am content with my life as is. No… not content… happy. There was a time when I wanted to advance in my field. To be a full professor. To research and teach and write. And as the years went by and our family grew, those dreams began to fade. And now? They’re really not there anymore. And that’s OK with me.

Each day I am thankful for my life’s work.

And one day, when my little ones are not so little anymore, maybe then I will find another dream to chase.

[Me: "Open your mouth, Liam"]

Postscript: I should add that I am thankful for my husband who would gladly trade places with me so that he could be a stay-at-home dad.

Posted on January 6th, 2011 by tonya
Filed under: Liam Christopher, Mothering | No Comments »

It seriously seems like yesterday that my little sister and I were packed into the back of the family station wagon arguing over who got which pack of fries (DON’T touch MY fries! Hey, that ONE better be from YOUR bag!). Flash forward 25 years and look at our girls. They do so love each other, and it is simply the sweetest thing ever.

Sometimes I blog just to post cute pictures like this one.

… and this one. (Wonder what these two are saying?)

This growing up/growing old thing is crazy. My head sometimes spins from the sheer speed of it. And if I am feeling this nostalgic, I can only imagine how my parents must feel. And my granddad. Their memories and stories (of long ago) remind me to savor this time with my own kids. To relish in their simple pleasures. And to love them, love them, love them. {squeeze… hug… kiss… repeat}.

Posted on November 6th, 2010 by tonya
Filed under: Family, Mothering, Remembering | 1 Comment »

Oh. my. goodness.

Have you ever seen anything this cute? As if these squishy little thighs are not cute enough on their own, now they can be spiffed up with BabyLegs!

Conversation this morning with dear hubby went something like this…

No, dear, these are not leg warmers on your son, they are BabyLegs. “Well, he looks like a flashdance baby to me.” Oh, Daddy, wake up and smell the cuteness!

{Look at the squishy place where baby Liam’s thigh meets his BabyLegs. Must squeeze now.}

You can find these cuties online at BabyLegs.com. The versatility of BabyLegs is amazing. They can be worn as warmers, tights, or even socks. And, one size fits all! The patterns and colors are oh so cute (they even offer holiday prints). What sold me (besides the obvious cuteness)? BabyLegs make diaper changing easier, and they protect the sweet knees of my little crawler.

Shhh… don’t tell hubby, but I have a plan for incorporating more BabyLegs into Liam’s fall wardrobe. They will be the perfect accompaniment to onesies (my favorite baby wear).

Posted on October 1st, 2010 by tonya
Filed under: Liam Christopher, Products | 2 Comments »

I could buy them all the toys they desire (I couldn’t really), but I promise they wouldn’t be as happy with Legos and Wii games and what-nots as they are with collecting acorns. Yes, acorns. I love this. At Mawmaw and Pawpaw’s, Emma Kate and Jack collected a large paper bag filled with acorns. And they were oh so excited to bring them home. Currently the acorns are scattered on our front porch. Apparently, they serve as a form of currency. (This is much better than the original plan they proposed: to collect acorns for a brother-sister acorn fight).

Happy birthday to my sweet mother who turned *ahem* older (and wiser) today. We were so happy to be able to spend a little piece of your day with you. I love that my children beg to stay with the two of you. You must be much cooler than you give yourself credit. With or without a yard full of acorns.

Posted on September 24th, 2010 by tonya
Filed under: Family | 1 Comment »