Oh Whata Night...

Bed time is not a quite time in our house. It usually involves a naked baby running down the hall escaping rushing waters and bubbles encased in an oh so inviting porcelain lagoon. Although, a long soak whispers my name, it has yet to lure my son. Upon capture and the confines of four walls, objects not glued down are thrown into the tub. I wondered tonight as I tried to duck and intercept where did this behavior come from? Sure, Brent and I are partly to blame but I am not sure I am willing to claim full responsibility. Of course, we encourage throwing, dunking, and kicking but only when a ball is present. Perhaps, it's the sound or the splash that makes it so appealing but I am more inclined to attribute it to the snakes and snails that this little boy is made of.

I am quickly accepting the expression "He is a boy". I always thought that was a ridiculous statement. "He's a boy", well, obviously! Does that make the spiting, climbing, throwing ok? Does that phrase help me tolerate, ignore or foster the energetic behavior of my son?

The answer is no. However, I have come to appreciate there may be some truth in it. There just is something in his genetic make up that makes him want to play with ants, climb as high as he can get, and jump in puddles till he is soaking wet. I personally, call for reinforcements when a bug needs to be disposed of, crawl back in bed when it's raining and try to keep both feet on the ground in attempts to avoid injuries. Where else would he learn such things?

Often when his actions can be interpreted, by others, as unruly I am relishing the moment. Even if I am soaking wet. I love that he is learning by doing, testing the limits and can't sit still. He is amazing. I love that he wants to be outside twenty four hours a day, likes to run down hills as fast as little feet will go, and tries to throw golf balls into the gutters. After all, aren't the best lessons learned from experience?

Who wouldn't love puppy dog tails when you hear your son try to say I Love You for the first time or when he grabs your hand so you can help him uncover uncharted territory, or when he sits on your lap to watch Bob The Builder. Our life isn't dull and I don't anticipate having a quite house but that is ok because there are moments with my little guy that are filled with sugar and spice.

What a difference a year makes...

It's amazing that we are doing things for the second time as a family, a whole year later. This year was different from last, as it should be. This year, the stroller was no match for a 21 month old little boy filled with determination and wonder. He could hardly contain himself, there were too many temptations calling him and by no means was he going to experience this amazing place inside a carriage. He needed to be free to see where his little feet would lead him. We needed to be close by to narrow and navigate his path.

His eyes conveyed all that we needed to know. He was taking it all in. Silent at first, absorbing all that was before him. Learning through observation (this tends to be his style). Eventually, a sign language "more" with the word quickly following. He was tickled that these "things" we read about every night exist. In real life. Shrieks and bouncing reinforced our hunch. We spent most of our time watching a 5,000 pound Elephant get a bath. I think T could relate to the daily scrub down, minus a big hard brush and strong spray from a hose. Although, there are times after a long day outside I could use them!

What could be better than a tickled pink little boy, thinking he is much bigger than he is, at the zoo? A tickled pink little boy, at zoo, watching his most favorite thing (right now), diggers. They are doing a little or rather large remodel. The Elephants are getting a new home. We had a birds eye view (pun intended) from up above as the bulldozers, cranes and diggers moved large amounts of dirt. Workers in yellow hard hats built concrete steps using tools. This scene (straight from a Bob The Builder) was memorizing. T had seen them before but actually working, moving dirt, was a whole new concept. I think all these struggling home builders should start charging admission to watch them construct a house. I am sure they would make a small fortune off of toddler boys and their love of big yellow equipment. We certainly weren't the only parents at the fence.

We moved onto the monkeys. Swinging from ropes, best friends entertained themselves. He was interested but the statues won his affection. Hugs and kisses. Gentle pats to the baby cradled in his mother's arms. T was quick to share that the gorilla even had eyes and a month. Imagine that! We could have spent hours in the bamboo cave that held these two gentle creatures.



We visited the little farm, the lions, the tigers and even the prairie dogs. We fit in the all the good stuff on a beautiful day. Nothing makes me happier than spending time with my two guys. They fill my heart and make me smile.

Hippy Hoppity

Happy Easter!!

The Easter Bunny came to one of our playgroups this week. Thomas loved him.....he watched his every move. He had a deep appreciation.....as long as he was beyond arms reach. When it came time to sitting on his lap his love faded. The Easter Bunny was a little scarier up close. There was no way he was leaving my side. Even with me holding him, you can tell he still isn't sure. Oh well, maybe my little one is more of an observer, this Easter anyway.

We had a fun week. We visited Bunnyland where we spent a long time at the petting zoo, took a hayride, went down the slides, sat on tractors (his favorite), and played in park. Whew! Our Easter eggs are all cracked but beautifully colored. Thomas did a great job. The cupcakes are being gobbled up....by all of us although, if Thomas had his wish they would all be his. Thomas' Easter basket was filled with Matchbox Cars this morning! His favorite. He wouldn't share them...too cute.

Here are a few pictures from the past week!

What??? A Post???

It's been months. December came and went. Birthdays, holiday parties, Christmas, and New Years rolled through like a hurricane. It was longingly anticipated and before we knew it, the only sign of it's arrival was the destruction left behind; wrapping paper, confetti, toys and a few extra pounds.

January wasn't much different, more birthdays celebrated and more food consumed. I took a trip to Arizona to get my house on the market....this was my guise anyway....I was planning on visiting with friends, laying in the sunshine and taking runs on the canal! Sadly, I worked incredibly hard, painting, working in the yard, and putting on the finishing touches, leaving no time for fun. I was disappointed that I didn't get to see everyone but my hard work paid off. My house was sold within three days of being listed. To ward of the winter doldrums, Thomas started playing indoor soccer every Saturday with Daddy. We rewarded his weekly success with a pancake breakfast afterward. It was just as much fun for him as it was for us.

February brought a snow storm, many fires and lots of home made chili. In case you weren't aware Thomas would let you know that the fire is hot! He became quite the educator. Valentines Day was filled with hugs, kisses, cards that made noises, a fire engine puzzle. Brent and I were treated with free babysitting so we wasted no time. We headed out to an afternoon movie and splurged on an early dinner

March came in like a lion, complete with a six inch snow storm. It was fabulous. Our first big snow. Brent had to work remotely, schools were canceled, more than one driveway shoveling was required and the sled came out. Thomas preferred manual labor. He chose to work vigorously with his miniature shovel over a fun ride down the hill in our sled. He certainly isn't a dare devil, a trait I think I will appreciate when he is a teenager. Soccer has ended and the grass has started to turn green. The buds are starting to sprout on the trees and the flowers are peaking through. The weather is becoming more beautiful and the extra daylight is invigorating. Thomas is already outside as much as I will allow. He is getting so big, 21 months in April. More words are attempted everyday...I think he is incredibly smart but I'm his mommy. I enjoy every minute with him, he is magical.

We have been house hunting for a month. It's time for us to settle into our own space and create a home for Thomas. Living with my parents has been amazing. They are such a huge help, I am not sure what I will do without them. I am a bit nervous about it, actually. Thomas is very attached to Pop. They eat cereal together every morning and he welcomes him home at night. Grandma chases him around the house and takes him out to the driveway every Monday to see the trash truck. It's a wonderful relationship. We will miss their company but we won't be far and plan on making weekly sleepovers.

Our new house is in Severna Park. Ten minutes away from Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay. We are a few miles away from the water and the Baltimore Annapolis Trail is in our backyard, literally. It's four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and a half finished basement (eventually we finish it completely). We are excited to move in this June!


Brent and I just returned from Vegas. He had a business trip and I joined him later in the week. We spent the weekend eating, drinking, sitting by the pool, playing some craps, and watching the games. It refreshed me. I came back ready to be an energetic Mom and wife. Even a short trip can do wonders!

I promise to post more frequently. I feel like life has settled down a little, at least for the next two months. Here are some latest pictures of T!

First Few Weeks Of December

It's been weeks since my last post. I am not sure where they went. This time of year I think they get sucked into the abyss of holiday madness. I personally love the chaos of the season. I operate better under pressure. I like staring at the calendar knowing the days are numbered and there are gifts to be bought, lights to stare at, and Santa to sit on. It makes me Merry.

I love the temperatures that make you want to curl up fireside with a blanket, hot chocolate in hand. Wrapping paper with mod designs that spice up even the blandest gift. Peppermint candles and hand soaps that make you want to lick your hands.

The aroma of our tree fills the house. Pine. Heavenly! Thomas, Brent and I picked out the most perfect Douglas Fur. We wondered the rows bundled from head to toe, looking for one that would start our first Christmas, as a family of three, off right. Brent sawed it down with Thomas crouched down beside him, hands resting on his knees.

Next year will be even better. This years activities repeated and ones that were put on hold restarted. I can hardly contain myself just thinking about it. Decorating a yet to be selected, new house. Creating memories that Thomas will look forward to.

In the meantime I am going to enjoy every moment of this season and try to make the chaos last.

Anything Is Possible

Today my girlfriend Carey did something amazing. She completed an Ironman. I tracked her distance and pace online, wishing I was there to see this feat in person, to cheer her on and be there at the finish line. Living in Maryland prevented me from being apart of the "on location cheering squad" but it didn't keep me from appreciating every one of her accomplishments. After each segment, a posted time and a cheer from me. I sat at my kitchen table all day whispering good girl Carey, keep going.

3,000 miles away I was proud . Proud because I know how hard she worked to get to this day. Proud because she was on pace to achieve her goal, proud because she is my friend and she inspires me and proud because I could see from so far away that she had faith in herself and her training.

At the eight hour mark she was just getting of the bike. She had finished the swim and six hours on a hard seat. I was in awe at that point, yet there was still five more hours of running to come. I'm sure any anxiety at this point was mine and she was confident, establishing her long stride to the finish line.

The amount of work that this race physically requires is incredible but more amazing is the mental toughness one must exhibit. I once read that if you know someone who desires to be a triathlete you are linked to someone extraordinary and you should be mindful of the privilege you have been afforded. I am aware everyday, she is an amazing friend and I am blessed to have her in my life.

Congratulations Carey, You are an IRONMAN.

Baby It's Cold Outside!

Winter is officially creeping in. Almost all of the leaves have dropped, the rain has come periodically making it feel colder and the clocks have been turned back. Brent and I sat at the kitchen table this morning and he said he loved this weather, as a big gust of wind swept through the yard. I asked him if he thought he get sick of it. He said yes after a few months he may but that's whats great about being somewhere where there are seasons. Just when you think you can't take it anymore things change. We both are looking forward to fires on the weekends, bundling up in our winter coats and the first snow.

The weather has kept our little man in the house more so I am trying to come up with fun indoor activities that exhaust him just as much as running up and down the street. Friday we went to an Open Play through the county. It was in a gymnasium filled with mats, balls, hula hoops, bikes etc. The kids were all his age so he had a great time. Saturday was soccer practice :) There is an indoor facility that offers classes to children of all ages. They call his age group the Bunnies. So cute. A parent accompanies the child and they learn basic soccer skills while building balance and coordination by using all the fun stuff, parachutes, bubbles, noodles, cones, balls, etc. I loved seeing my two boys out there! T thought kicking the ball and running was so fun, in fact that was all he wanted to do. He wasn't really interested in listening, building towers, or holding the parachute. Brent and I could hardly blame him. Why do those things when you can play soccer? Swimming will start again in January so I think I have plenty to occupy him on a cold winter's day. Toys R Us is always a great place when all else fails.

I think we have a good contingency plan in place....bring on the cold!