Rock Chalk (sniff, sniff) KU

Saturday my boys and my brother-in-law and nephew all loaded up and headed to the KU game.

This was Corbin’s first experience at a KU game and both he and Chris were excited.

On the ride there Corbin wrote me this note. It was super sweet to get this while I was sitting in a computer programming class. I’m not even joking…I spent my whole Saturday at a class learning about how to teach kids to code.

Here the boys ate some yummy hamburgers and gluten free french fries!

Corbin’s face is foreshadowing what is about to happen:

At the game, in their seats…one big boy looking extermly happy and one little boy looking a little pale.

And this was the second half. Corbin spiked a high fever and wanted nothing more than to leave. But there were 3 others in the car who were going to stay and watch that game…who can blame them!

So, Corbin rested on Chris’ leg and lap for the rest of the game.

On the ride home Corbin cried for about an hour and then fell asleep. Sunday, Corbin held steady at a 104° temperature throughout the day, and finally by mid-morning Monday the fever broke. But, it was a long few days with a sick kiddo up multiple times in the night. 

Unfortunately, Friday night we were at a friend’s house with a group of people and their kiddos. I’m praying no one got Corbin germs! I promise, he had no symptoms of not feeling well until lunch in Lawerence.

The other unfortunate thing is that Corbin now believes the reason he got sick was because he went to Lawrence. He does not want to go back. Yes, yes, I know KSU fans everywhere agree with him

What to Say?

I’ve been to a few baby showers in the last few weeks where the guests have been asked to write or give a piece of advice to the new mom.

I had a hard time with this request. Here were some choices I thought through:

 

“This is just a phase and it too will end.”

But here’s what I always asked when I got that peice of advice:

“When will it end?”

“I have no idea.”

“What do I do to get through it?”

“Drink, try to laugh at it, oh and drink.” ;)

For me as a new parent, that adviced did NOT help. I understand it now. I have perspective, but at the time when I just wanted someone to “fix” the tantrums it didn’t help.

 

“Sleep now while you can.”

Umm, ok when you’ve never had kids and you have no idea what sleep deprevation is this advice means nothing. They know that sleepless nights are coming but they don’t understand what that will truly feel like, so to me this is pointless to tell anyone. Unless of course this is your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th child; then you understand this saying but you’re too busy with the other children in your life to be able to actually take it.

 

“Just relax, you’ll figure it out, it just takes time.”

Nope, that doesn’t cut it for me. I know I’ll figure it out eventually, I would just like someone help me get there now. So I feel like this advice is just a little patronizing.

Those were just a few that flitted through my head. But for me, those pieces of advice never worked. It’s more like words of moral support and encouragment.

Each child is unique and what works for one doesn’t work for another. Every parent has different views and expectations.  Each family works differently. 

So, what’s the best advice I could give?

“Most parenting problems and questions you have can’t be answered by people. Parenting is a partnership between you, your spouse, and God. I promise you that parenting will be the one gauranteed way to get you on your knees to pray. It will be the one gauranteed way to make you feel like you NEED Jesus because you certainly don’t have a clue what you are doing. So, my advice, buy a good cushion or knee pad because you are going to be spending a ton of time down there.”

Ok, gotta wrap this up…apparently there is a “major” problem in Corbin’s room right now. (I can guess the problem will be that parts of his Marble Run aren’t going together exactly as he would like….anyone have any advice?)