We are the Stow Family and this is our story. Our lives are blessed by Love, Joy and Hope. Follow our sometimes interesting stories on loving our two boys, exploring parenthood, and celebrating a little extra - two parents, two boys and an extra chromosome!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

This 'n that...












I've been meaning to post for a while now and I've got quite a bit to say... so sorry in advance for any rambling or on-goings that may become a bit tedious to wade through!

Working from home

Well, I must say I am very busy! Whew! How did I write articles AND work full day AND do photography AND be a mom and wife? I just don't know! Writing articles and doing bits and pieces here and there really keeps my days full, and it isn't as if I have coffee with friends and mess around at all - there really is so much to do.

Most of all, it's great to be around and be able to stop for a moment to play with Malakai or hold Harlan during the day. I feel so connected to the boys, and I feel that I'm taking better care of my husband and marriage too.

Harlan's Crying

After five-and-a-half months of serious crying we've finally turned a corner. Harlan's crying has become so much better and we're getting to know the little boy behind the screams. Whew! It was tough for a while there and we're so happy that he's finding new ways to express himself!

He also adores Malakai - if there is anything that can make him smile and giggle, it's when he's watching Malakai do his thing - it's adorable!

Malakai
What a busy little boy - he's so inquisitive and really wants to push his boundaries, all day long! But I can see a real understanding in his behaviour, as if he's more in tune with what's going on around, soaking everything up like a little sponge!

He LOVES to read and will go and get his books and go through them one by one, pointing at the pictures and wanting to know the words for things. I want to really nurture this love for books and keep him interested because I think books are wonderful gateways to the world.

Discipline is still a major thing for me. As Malakai becomes older he's obviously trying to assert his independence, but he's also doing naughty things like hitting his brother and throwing things at us, which I need to curb right away. Except, everything I've tried seems to elicit only laughter from Malakai - seriously - he laughs like it's a game. It can be incredibly frustrating, but this is where we are right now and I'm hoping we find a way to teach Malakai that some behaviours are unacceptable - and soon.


And that's it really - we're all well. Blessed by health, by the roof over our heads, by the help we receive daily, but our friends and family.

4 comments:

Deqlan said...

what gorgeous pics and well done to kai and harlan for doing so great! look so forward to seeing you guys sometime soon! enjoy them Loren, so happy for you!

Unknown said...

Was lovely to see u all on sat! As usual the photos of both boys are beautiful!!! Glad everything is working out working from home! Ha ha kai is too cute with his laigjing at u when u disapline, keaton still does it sometimes!!! See u on wed! Megs

Anonymous said...

I'm always so grateful when you post. Your photography, your beautiful boys and your updates make me smile!

Malakai has definitely "matured". He is incredibly beautiful, Loren! I see Harlan is the same!♥

Thank goodness for Harlan's colic stopping (I'm assuming it was colic?). I don't know how you do it all and I remember how Gabe's crying (it was always so minimal) would turn me on my own self in panic.

I think the whole discipline thing has to be done as you would with any child. Gabriel now understands "time out" well, (unfortunately, he received plenty at school) but it is a necessary means. I remember watching one of Will Schemerhorn's DVD's, and a couple in Ireland was interviewed about their son with Ds. Anyway, they had hired an American behaviorist to help them with their son, and she told them clearly that their son deserved boundaries just like any other child. That has always stayed with me...Anyway, just a thought. :)

So happy to read your update!

Elriza Paul said...

He-he, aah, the discipline, good luck with that! Miss you my friend, feels like we haven't seen eachother in ages!!! Maybe time for a girls night out again? Glad to hear all is well with the boys.

Hope to see you soon!
Elriza