Frequently Asked Questions, Pt 2

I get really tired of answering the same questions all the time, so I prefer to get it all out here. You can read part one here.

1.  Whoa! How much does she weigh? (in reference to Kylie)

At the moment, about 17 pounds.

2.  You sure hold your babies a lot.

I realize this isn't technically a question, but it is almost always stated in a tone that implies a response is expected.  Yes, I hold my babies a lot.  Most babies like to be held and I enjoy holding babies.  I don't see why this is a problem.  I have no problem putting the baby down if I have to get something done or I'm playing with the other kids, but if I don't have anything that needs my attention at the moment, I like to sit and hold the baby and talk to the baby.  When I don't have a baby of my own to do this with, I will frequently search for someone else's baby to hold.  I also don't leave my babies much--my theory is that babies are designed to be breastfed, so how long baby can go without Mama is roughly the same as the amount of time baby can go between feedings.  I will not judge you if you function from a different theory than this, particularly if you have to work (I do remember what its like to leave a small baby to go back to work), its just how I feel about my babies.

3.  What's the age difference between you and Doug?

7 1/2 years.  I am his young, hot trophy wife (except for the "hot" and "trophy" part).  So he'll probably die long before me and leave me all alone for years.  Thanks for bringing that to my attention again.

4.  Why does your family live on a Reservation?  Are you Indian?

The tribe that the Flathead Reservation belongs to has a long history of being somewhat friendly, if not downright welcoming, to whites.  The land was opened for settlement fairly early (1910) and my farming/ranching forbears came for the opportunity to work some good land.  Most of their descendants never left because its one of the most beautiful places in the whole wide earth.  I am not of native descent.  Both of my sisters, however, married tribal members, so my kids have quite a few Indian (and I've rarely ever heard anyone from the rez use the term "native American" in an informal context) cousins. 

5.  Is it strange to be a twin?

Is it strange not to?

6.  Why does Dylan play with his belly button like that?

*sigh* I don't know

7.  Are you tired?

No, I'm just not wearing any eye makeup.

8.  How'd you end up here?

The short answer:  I believe very strongly in personal responsibility and accountability.  Therefore, I don't think that the decisions of the people around us (or their opinion of our decisions) should unduly influence the course we take in life.  While deeply desirous of strong, emotional connections to people, I have always had a rather independent streak.  Just ask the poor woman charged with the task of disciplining me in my early life.  If you ever want the long answer, you'll just have to ask me in person, in private, when I'm in the mood to talk.  Good luck with that.

9.  Is Keilana always so quiet?

No.  She is never quiet.  She is never still.  Who is this child you see every week in Primary, and how is it that I've never met her?

10.  Wow, is that your handwriting?

Yes. I only write big for you blind people.  Its always that small when I'm writing for myself.