First Day

Yesterday was James' first day of Mother's Morning Out. I was looking forward to him having the chance to learn and grow this year, taking a few baby steps away from me in the process. We have planned to do the program with one of his sweet little friends from playgroup although finishing up swim lessons had us starting the program a day earlier than initially planned and without our little friend.

I wasn't totally prepared (with things or emotionally) for what yesterday would bring. His tiny little backpack was not back from the embroidery shop yet and I had to label his sippy cup with painters tape and a black marker because I waited a little too long to order his labels. Lesson learned for real back to schools in the future, have everything ordered in June! Honestly it's my personality to shop around or think about it a little too long. No surprise there, but I don't want to feel unprepared in the future.



Of course, I took what ended up being the longer route out of my neighborhood. Since I don't plan on having roofers blocking my driveway or doing mini photo shoots before I leave in the future hopefully time will be on our side. We weren't late, but there in time for drop off. He started playing right away, and I ducked out.

Out in the hall, I was asking the director about coming in a little late due to swim lessons the next few weeks, when I heard James start to cry and ask for me. I know from the gym and church nursery this only lasts as long as it takes him to see a truck or car to divert his attention so I was fine leaving my little buddy behind.

It wasn't until I got to my car that the flood gates opened. One of my (single and childless) friends recently posted on Facebook how she didn't understand why parents cry when sending their kids off to another year of school. Her mom was always happy to see her and her siblings go. In fact I don't think I cried one tear because I was sad, they were all tears of joy.

I cried because my son is growing up to be a sweet, curious little boy. I cried because I've poured every ounce of myself there is to give into him each and everyday of his life, and now I'm letting someone else pour a part of themselves into him. I cried because I love him more than I ever knew I could love anyone. I cried because time is flying by faster than I'd like. I cried because I was finally getting a moment to think a full thought and complete a task uninterrupted. I cried because Josh, his grandparents and I have taught him just about everything he knows. It's so amazing all he's learned, and now he will be learning even more. I cried because I felt a little lost with out my sidekick and partner in crime. I cried because my husband finally picked up his line so I could tell him how wonderful our little boy was. I cried because he's growing up faster than I want him to. I cried because he's delightful to be around 97% of the time and I was going to miss him the next two hours. I cried because he is a little piece of me and a little piece of Josh that God created, and I think he's just pure perfection.

After I finished my Starbucks and got off my emotional roller coaster. I used those two (and a half) hours like I've never used two and a half hours before. Not only did I clean, fold laundry, unload the dishwasher, make lunch, I got out power tools, completely reworked the shelving in my closet moved three dressers around, made a charging drawer in my night stand table and organized the heck out of our master bedroom. It felt so so good to accomplish and finish things, I felt just as proud of myself as I did of James a few hours earlier. Productivity is a possibility for just a few hours a day.

When I picked him up he was so excited to see me and kept asking for more, more, more the whole ride home. He loved it, and I'm so very glad he did.

The roofers woke him up from his nap a little too soon after such a big day. He wasn't ready to go down to play after his nap.



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It's been a while, not that we don't have a lot going on, we do. I just haven't had many free moments to write about it. I'm actually writing this while doing cardio/legs at the gym-hello multitasking/not being good at anything I do anymore.

In a very sad development Splenda has been moved to the caution list by the CSPI and Truvia isn't the same. I kicked coffee while pregnant and have even bid a fond farewell to Coke and all sodas, but staying home with a toddler requires more energy than my body is currently producing. I need caffeine and I'd like it to taste good (with as few calories as possible).

I am looking forward to picking up an occasional Starbucks conveniently located next to James' mothers morning out program to fuel whatever house project/cleaning I'll be doing in those two (and a half) 'free' hours each week.

Wonder how long it will take me to paint every room in our house two hours at a time...

We'll have to pick paint colors first, which has been an obstacle thus far. Every wall in this house is painted a hue so far from our comfort level that we can't even think of colors that would work while in the room (insert red dining room).


James escaping my playing him Mary Had a Little Lamb and Twinkle Twinkle on the keyboard in his playroom. Hanging from the chandelier seemed much more fun!

I'm doing my best to keep him OFF tables, so we read lots of books, 'Twas the Night Before Kickoff is his current favorite and working on our Gator chomp to get ready for football season!




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One-and-a-Half Years

How could it be that that a year and a half has passed since you were born? Your daddy and I agree that it's hard to remember a time that you weren't a part of our lives. I guess everything pales in comparison to you.



Vibrant is possibly one of the best words to describe you in fact.
Every range of emotion you express with gusto from pride in a new skill learned, excitement and joy to be starting each and every day, anger from not being able to do what you want- you clearly let us (and everyone else around) know how you feel.



You are 33" tall which puts you in the 72nd percentile and weight 24 pounds 10oz, 34%.



At 18 months old, you have lots of interests and activities, here are a few:
Puzzles, trains, cars, trucks ("vrmm vrmm vrmm"), stacking (and knocking down blocks), walking Molly, playing with friends, swimming, and ducks-oh your LOVE of ducks.


You love to eat: Spinach, grapefruit and ice cream are your favorite foods. You are willing to try most things and I am very proud of your palate and fruit and veggie intake. The other night you had a spear of asparagus in each hand alternating bites and smiling in between saying, "mmmmm."



You always give a squeal of delight when we bring you something "yummy, yummy, yummy" to eat, and have even tried sushi.


Adventurous within reason...
You love to climb, on top of any table (which doesn't go too well at the library), up ladders and of course into your parents or grandparents laps. I'm grateful that you are more than willing to hold our hands while going for walks and when we get out of the car. Sometimes you are ready to go go go a little faster than me, I'm sure that will never change. You'll hold on tight in a new situation or when things get a little crazy. There is no doubt you are all boy, but I'm glad sometimes you are a tad cautious. As Grandpa says to you all day long - DANGER, DANGER.



At your 18th month well visit, your doctor commented on how confident you are-which is really neat and probably an inherited trait from your momma and daddy. You're also very vocal-saying more than 30 words and phrases. Momma and duck are the most used and abused words in your vocabulary. I'm typically always by your side, and you like to have as much of my attention as possible, Mom, Momma, Mom Mom Mom - I have to say, it never gets old. It amazes me how you can find a duck in just about any book we read, any room we are in or just about anywhere we go.


Just because I've kept track, here are some of your words: Mom, Momma, Dad, Dadda, Josh, Hi, Hi Josh, Hi__, bye, bye bye, Beau, Ball, Gaga (Grandma's go to name), Quack, Uh Oh, Hello, good bye, good night, Poppa, Goonpa (Grandpa), Nannie, Duck, No, Hat, Hot, Yummy, Bird, Llama, Yes, Blue, Leg, Ohoh Ahah (monkey sound),
You can identify most spots on your body: I love that you lift up your shirt to show us your belly button when we ask where it is and sometimes get ears and eyes confused.



Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is your favorite song. Even if you are busy climbing on a table, rocking in the rocking chair or all the way across the room at storytime, Twinkle Twinkle gets your attention and you get on the floor and do all the sign language with the song.


Reading is back to being one of your favorite things to do (there was a 3 month book throwing phase that was resolved by the old standby "Where is Baby's Pumpkin" we read a lot about trick-or-treating this summer. 'Twas the Night before Kickoff is your favorite book now. We spend a lot of time reading lots of books everyday, and you've begun to occupy yourself by flipping through books on your own (happily spotting ducks amongst the pages).



To this day I get stopped in the store and receive many comments about how happy you are. I'm so glad you are so happy and filled with such joy. A hug from you usually means both you and your little friend end up on the floor. I cherish every moment spent with you. Without a doubt my life has been changed for the better, been given more meaning and blessed beyond measure because you are in it. If this is how good the first year and a half is, I can't wait for the rest, you truly are THE BEST!

Love always,

Your Mommy