Nowhere is where I would be, without you with me.

So what's it gonna be?

2012-01-22T20:08:00.002-06:00

Tonight at dinner, we sat down to a meal prepared all by Daddy. Sundays are always crazy days for us getting kids to Sunday school, attending church and bible study, and ending the day with children's choir. Squueze in the kids nap and a load of laundry and call it a day. Sundays are always great, albeit busy days.

So tonight while I was picking up from choir, daddy made us dinner. Collette, on her last leg, cried the drive home from church to let us know how tired and hungry she was. When we c\all came to the table to sit down for dinner, Christian passively asked her. "Collette, is this going to be a crying dinner or a happy dinner? Because it is your choice. And is is nicer to have a happy dinner."

Confused or calmed, Collette stopped crying, and managed to eat all her dinner. Guess all she needed was someone to set the tone.

Trojan Boy

2011-11-18T17:59:00.001-06:00

Christian is know for his random questions, and usually I have learned to brace myself. But today he asked me, "mommy they use rubbers for protection right?"

WHAT?

I guarded asked him what he was talking about while my mind raced to ways of explaining the birds and the bees, explanations I had not yet planned out or even considered having too. He questioned, "they use rubbers on their pinchers, right mommy? To protect them from getting pinched, so they put rubbers on the lobsters?"

Sigh of relief, as well as anguish for the extreme anxiety I experienced in a period of brief seconds, and I answered, "Yes, lobsters have rubber bands on thier claws honey. They are called rubber BANDS"

A bit concerned, he looked back at me and countered "that's what I said mommy, RUBBERS."

The mostest

2011-11-13T12:39:00.001-06:00

Staying at home is all about living for the random moments. Today, I had a great one.

After discussing the working of his old highchair with him, Christian looked at me and said, "Mommy you know what I love the most?" "What baby?" I had my bet he was about to list off some favorite foods, after all he has a belly after my own. With eyes full of emotion, he looked at me and asserted, "You and Collette. And know what I love the mostest?" Either answer would have tugged at my heart strings, but I had to question which one at this moment was his favorite, so I pushed him forward, "what baby?" "You I love you the mostes. You are my mommy and you always will be." And to put an end to the sentence he leaned over with a sticky face lips covered with peanut butter and jelly, and kissed my nose.

I just beamed. And I could not help but think. How could what just happened ever compare to anything someone wrote about me in an annual review? Some words you will carry with you for a lifetime, some you will forget in an instance.

Amazing Race

2011-11-12T21:34:00.000-06:00

Christian has begun to consider Collette mobile, even though her most effective move is to belly roll toward an object she desires. She can scoot and wriggle around, but chasing and tag are not her fortes. Nevertheless, I hear Christian tell her today. "Collette, let's play hide and seek. You go hide." She just sat there of course, bemused by her brother's attempts at interacting.

He's also run up her her and exclaimed, "Collette, come on, let's race!" And took off running through the house. knowing Collette's dilemma coupled with Christian's excitment, I did what any good mother would do, and scooped the baby up so she could "chase" her brother around the house.

She better learn to crawl soon, all this running around is wearing me out!

I'll be there for you

2011-10-21T09:41:00.002-05:00

We had our first death in the family that Christian could coherently trace. Scott's uncle passed away. His uncle lived next door to his dad, Christian's pa-paw, and so, Christian knew the name once we said it. We did not want to hide anything from Christian so just answered questions when he asked. He seemed to take everything ok, and just replied that it was very sad news.

But a few hours later in the car, he told me, "mommy, you are a lot bigger than me." "Yes," I flatly replied. "And older." "yes," again thanks for pointing that out. Then he added, "and you will probably die first." Wow, this conversation got deep quick. I explained that we did not know when we would die, and was trying to go on, when he interrupted and calmly said, "If you die, it's ok, I will take care of baby Collette."

I never would have guessed he would have thought of something like that.

When I grow up

2011-10-20T22:33:00.002-05:00

In response to me telling Collette she really needed to sleep, while she was fussing in the car, Christian reached over to her car seat, looked at her and tenderly stated, "Collette you really need to sleep so you can grow up big and strong and be my best friend forever."

I have never heard him say that before, and I will never forget it.

Easy as ABC

2011-10-18T19:39:00.002-05:00

Christian loves to interact with Collette. This morning while I was making coffee, he gathered his old ABC books, took them out and began methodically going through each one and telling Collette about them. At this rate, she has no choice but to be a child prodigy.

In His hands

2011-10-16T20:16:00.002-05:00

Christian has been involved in choir for the first time this year. Now that I am home, I have more flexibility in taking him places, and am ok with letting him go places for brief periods of time becuase I do get to spend time with him all day. It was so hard to have him involved in anything while I was working, because I wanted to have him at home!

The choir song this past month was "he's got the whole world in his hands." Christian has been singing it, as have I, because their is nothing like learning through repetition. It's been about a week since we have sung it together, but I guess it's been on his mind. Yesterday while eating breakfast, Christian started staring at his hands. I thought maybe he had placed a sticker on them that had fallen off, or that he dropped something, because he kept flipping his hands over, palm up, palm down. He looked puzzled.

Then he asked, with his mouth full of half chewed cheerios, "mom, how can he hold the world in his hands? How does it fit?" What an incredible opportunity to begin talking to him about the awesome power of God. I told him about how God is all powerful, all everywhere all the time. It really seemed to be getting through to him and I was silently praising God for giving us this chance to have a spiritual conversation.

While Christian absorbed what I was saying, he finished chewing and said, "He'd drop it if he got stung by a bee. That would hurt."

Don't drop our little ball God. It's our whole world. And it is in Your hands.

Meals on Wheels

2011-10-14T21:29:00.001-05:00

Tonight Christian helped me make and take a meal to friends that just had a new baby girl. Christian was proud to get to carry things into their house and look at the new baby. I thought it may bring up recent memories of his own transition into having a baby sister. While I was carrying in the remaining items, Christian wildly ran up to me and exclaimed, "I just saw a pterodactyl!" Luckily it was a false alarm, or at least I could not confirm his sighting.

In leaving the Triassic, we got into the car and started on our way home. Christian clasped his hands together and sighed saying, "wasn't she just darling!" I have to admit it made me smile to have myself mimicked so fervently. It can be either the best or worst feeling of the world when you see the imprint you leave on your children. This time it was for better.

Bubba nose best

2011-09-23T19:47:00.002-05:00

Christian asked me to take a video of he and Collette. For no real reason, other than the boy likes to be the center of attention! In watching it, I really enjoyed how much he talked to her, and actually looked to her to respond. It's no secret that Collette loves people and is a happy baby, but that girl just loves her big bubba. She lights up when he is around. At the end of the video I was trying to get him to show how she kisses his nose. Only him. She opens her mouth up big for a kiss and always reaches for his nose!

Tender tears

2011-09-21T11:18:00.002-05:00

It may sound cruel at first, but I love hearing my daughter cry. It's a sign that she is here and needs me. And I am so blessed to be the one that gets to comfort her and meet her needs. I am so thankful that she has been brought into my life. I know at her age, she can reach comfort after being given a soft spoken word and gentle touch. Despite what I used to think, caring for your children does not get easier as they age. It gets harder. Dealing with bullies, cliques, competition and limits are hard facts of life. Recovery takes longer. Having to explain and rationalize the sometimes harsh actions of the world is challenging. But most importantly, I will give my children the ability to cope with problems when they arise. I am realizing now that providing them with those tools requires a lot of talking, trust and tenacity.

Some of life lessons have to be earned through experience and not learned through a planned lesson. But for now, I know my daughter's cries can be easily remedied. So I cherish the simple act of picking up my baby and holding her closely, knowing that for now she can easily find comfort. And my role, is to teach her to develop a reliance on Christ, so that throughout her life, whether I am there to hold her or not, I will know she is always in his arms.

A song in my heart

2011-09-13T20:21:00.002-05:00

Christian has started attending children's choir at our church, which is a whole new adventure of understanding what he is exposed to. How so? He came home happily singing last night night: "I'm bur-mark-a-libre-maid." I had to hear a few rendetions before I could translate it to "I'm remarkably made." Thankfully, that was the only line he remembered.

Pre-school

2011-09-12T21:25:00.001-05:00

The first day of school I am always nervous. Even if I am not the one attending class. I enrolled Christian in a pre-school program, so that I would have some time to work from home, while he would have a set curriculum and time to socialize. The program is perfect in that he is only there three days a week, and home by noon. So, I still have him at every meal. Since we were out of town, today was his first day. Scott was off work, so we were both able to walk him into class.

He immediately went to the same toy he played with at the open house, and settled in talking to the kids around him. I was hesitant to leave, and kept wanting to turn back and race to the room and scoop him up. But I knew the class was right for him, it just was not easy for me.

When I picked him up, in the car pool lane, I asked him how he liked his new school. "Really good!" He enthusiastically stated. I was a bit worried my role had been outdone, and I would be swiftly replaced with teachers and friends from his new class. Further on the ride home, he must have sensed my worry, because he added, "I was excited to see you when class was over."

I could not have said it better myself.

What things will come

2011-08-26T21:01:00.002-05:00

I try to explain to Christian all the things Collette will be able to do some day, so that he understands she is developing just as he did.

I guess something leaked through, because today while in the car he stated. "Mommy, we don't know what Collette's voice will be." I answered, "no, babe, not yet." Smiling he retorted, "I can't wait to find out!"

His feelings may change, but for now, we both wait in anticipation.

Artifacts

2011-08-22T20:28:00.003-05:00

During dinner tonight Christian stared at his celery then pontificated.

"Mommy a long, long time ago, people did not have spoons or plates and things like we did. They had to use other things. And did you know that people used celery as spoons to stirt beans and mix food in bowls? That is what they used to cook."

"Interesting observation. That may be very true. What do you think they did with the celery after they used it for cooking? Did they eat it?"

"No. They threw it in the trash where it belongs."

And ironically. That's where his ended up tonight as well. Guess we have not evolved.

Return to sender

2011-08-17T20:39:00.002-05:00

While in the car today, Christian asked me- "Mommy can we go back to that nursery?" I did not know he even knew the word nursery, so I had to clarify, which nursery? He told me "the one in the brown building." Still not ringing a bell, so I prodded more until he said, "the nursery where Collette was born." Aha. No, we won't we going back I thought. So I asked, "what for?" Instantly he said, "So they can fix Collette." Fix her how? "They know how to make her stop crying, they can fix her."

They do know what they are doing in that nursery, but, I explained, we have to keep her. Tears and all.

Older still

2011-08-13T20:42:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is my 29th birthday. I know that, because my mom keeps reminding me. Ask me in a few months how old I am, and I will have to defer to my husband. I'm not good with numbers. About working with them or caring about them. Probably how I ended up marrying a man so much older than I am.

Nevertheless, numbers don't matter to me. Even so, I still get asked, as I'm sure everyone does- "How does it feel to be another year older?" I guess to consider the question, I'd have to consider where I am now. I have a graduate degree, two kids and an amazing husband. I have a family that respects me, a church home that supports and encourages me, and a life that challenges me to always better myself.

Based upon where this year has brought me, to answer how I feel about being another year older, I'd have to just say blessed.

I hope I am fortunate enough to continue to see my age increase. Even if I still never remember how old I am, I hope I always remember how I feel.

Ages and Stages

2011-08-02T21:34:00.004-05:00

Today was Christian's four year check up. But our day did not begin within the walls of the waiting room. To understand how I felt at the time, I must first say, that we had been going non-stop all day, including my forced nursing in public due to my lack of bringing a blanket. Collette had not had a good rest all day, but taken several cat naps in between destinations and activities. So she was on the brink of a meltdown. And I was suffering post fast food guilt that can only be felt after consuming a meal that's primary form of preparation lay in a deep fryer.

So the wait in the waiting room was not the first thing that was getting to me. 15 minutes after check in Collette woke up, irritated at being at another place and not in the comfort of her crib, the room was filled with other children arguing with my son as to whose turn it was on the rocking hippo, and I was handed a 8 page questionaire on the development of my son that had to be completed before we made it into a treatment room.

The questionaire is prepared to assess your child's development in motor skills and interpersonal communication, in other words, the thing you never really take the time to evaluate as a parent so you feel like a couple on a newly wed game and your only hope for a correct answer is to soemhow get a que from your spouse. Thankfully the questionaire is not filmed. So I asked my source directly.

Can you list three foods? Can you follow commands in this order? Can you draw these shapes without tracing them? Tell me about something you did yesterday, so I can verify you know past tense. Can you please get off the rocking hippo and tell me more of these answers so we can get out of this waiting room?!?

Come to think of it, maybe the ages and stages questionaire is not about your child at all but a cruel psychological trick to watch parents interact under the most stressful of situations by having their kids complete inane tricks. But I never saw a two way mirror, so I could be wrong.

We finally returned the clipboard and we escorted to a room, to begin the series of medical assesments, weight, height, etc. Then came the moment we were waiting for. The reason you could feel our tension. Shots.

I warned Christian in advance that he was having shots and that they would hurt. But I did not get specific enough, and should have had the foresight to know he was not fully aware when he kept saying how excited he was to have shots.

When the nurse entered and said, "time for you to get shot." Christian froze and paled, and pleaded, "I don't want to get shot with a gun." After some quick recovery I assured him it was just a quick prick with a needle. I was holding Collette,who was also inconsolable at the time, when the nursed asked that I also grab both of Christian's hands, hold down his arms, and make sure he did not move while she completed the injections. Having to comfort one child while restraining another is not an experience I felt I was lacking in my parental repertoire, but I got to experience it nevertheless.

Shots over with I cuddled and comforted Christian only to have the nurse return and request we go down to the lab for his blood work. Christian again looked panic stricken and once she left quickly pressed- "are they going to take my skin off?" I was taken aback until I realized he was asking if that is how they would extract his blood. Skin removal. To get to his blood. I went into comfort coaching overtime, and did everything I could to put on a brave face so he would not feel any of my fear for him.

Needless or needles to say, both Christian and I needed tylenol this evening after our visit to the Dr. And we both have gained insight on what to expect during our next check up. Next time, I'll know to send daddy instead.

Can't go back

2011-07-19T13:44:00.003-05:00

I have several things that have been blog worthy happen, but I can;t record them all. I've been wanting to get back into writing. And have written several posts in my head. Late at night while nursing the baby, or standing in line at the grocery store, or composing during traffic. But since those are written albeit in my mind, I have no need to repeat them.

So I guess its time to start fresh, and there is no time like the present.

This morning I took the kids to the YMCA since I need to loose 8lbs in seven weeks- this workout stuff has gotten more serious. I had the misfortune of working out to two other young mothers who brought their babies in strollers alongside their elliptical machines. So what's wrong with that, you wonder? You'd have to see to believe. These mothers of six week old babies looked as though they'd never had a baby let alone have a newborn. I instantly admitted my jealousy, and quickly made new friends. It's ironic how expressing what's on your mind can reveal what's in your heart.

After chatting with these fabulously fit mommies, I picked up my kids from the free childwatch. Christian instantly told me, "mom, I was mean." Then he began to confess his hitting of another child at the program as they fought over a toy. He knows our house rules apply on the road, and we don't hurt others. But his action was done and he knew it sealed a fate of consequences. He told me he said sorry and had already had a time out.

In trying to teach him that at times, sorry is not enough, I have been referring to the story of Adam and Eve, who though warned with how to behave, chose not to, and so, were given grave consequences. I asked Christian what we learned from that story and he told me "they can't go back, and now they have to walk alone." So once he told me of his actions, he knew something would be done, and immediately pleaded- can we still go to church class? We, of course still were going to attend- after all- I needed it, and did not want to suffer because of his action. (I know what a great mom, but it's true, I wanted to go no matter what!)

God knowsour needs because class was on communication and discipline, which helped to shape my reaction to his action. I know we can't go back on our actions, but we also don't have to walk alone. What a reassurance as I move forward, one step at a time.

Write it down

2011-07-18T21:04:00.002-05:00

Do you have it recorded somewhere? They'll want to remember. Someday, they'll want to look through things and remember. It's important. You should write it down. Keep track of it all. That's what I'm told.

But it's always the odd things that parents track in baby books that I can not seem to understand its bearing on the future. Things like when a baby rolls over, first smile, first word how does a date in a book measure the value of those memories. And why does the date matter more than the memory?

I do understand what matters. Memories matter. And memory fails. So to help catalog the countless phrases, problems and prophecies of my children, I am recommiting to this blog. Not to sort out the days of memories, but to remember what sort of days I had while home, learning from my children.

Surviving and Thriving

2010-11-05T13:23:00.002-05:00

I know, I know. My blog has fallen far off my radar. Scott was out of town last week and I got a taste of single motherhood, which is something I hope will never be a permanent issue in my life. We had one tear filled night when Christian could not stop crying at bedtime begging for daddy to rock him and hug him. It got to me so badly that when I called Scott I was crying too. While I never meant to interupt his vacation, I hope he at least felt good about being missed.

Hope the blogosphere has not been crying its eyes out over my absence. Somehow, I doubt that has happened.

But I am committing to improve and be better about capturing life's little moments.

Flash of Light

2010-07-31T08:39:00.002-05:00

Woke up this morning to a scuffling sound in our bedroom, and a flash light cricling our ceiling. The light was waving all around the room until it finally landed on it's point of destination. It was targeted on our laundry basket. Without a sound the basket was lifted and being carried out of our room, with the flashlight being drug by its cord wildly enlightening random items in our bedroom.

When I asked, "What are you doing, you woke me up."

The light bearing source responded. "I not say anything mommy, I just getting the laundry. Don't worry I take care of it." And he carried the clothes to the laundry room and proceeded to start the washer just in time for me to enter and verify, that he had indeed seperated colors from the whites.

It was a bright way to start the day.

Mr. Manners

2010-07-15T21:13:00.002-05:00

I'm not lost. Just fell off the blogosphere for a while. I'm sure there was no concern that Christian has ceased making intriguing comments, I just have not had a chance to record them! Here is one below to get me back on track.

Christian was walking around the house this morning looking for something he misplaced. He looked under the couch, all through his toy box and around his bead. Curious as to what this search was for, I inquired, "what are you looking for?" With a heavy sigh, he told me "I can not find it, I lost my manners."

Mr. Fix it

2010-06-23T21:37:00.002-05:00

We are very fortunate to have in our very own possession a daddy that can fix just about anything. When the toliet gets clogged, we call daddy, when the batteries of a favorite toy give out, we call daddy, when Christian wants to open the lid to the charcoal grill and get his hands dirty, we call daddy. My husband has always been the one to investigate any problem and remedy it. Now, as Christian is becoming more aware of my husband's handiness, he automatically bypasses me when a problem arises, such as a page torn in a book, or a train's wheel falling off, and proclaims, "don't worry, daddy will fix it!"

This prevents me from having to work on items, which in all likelihood I would not be able to fix anyways.

While getting ready this morning, I left Christian watching a movie and eating blackberries. I always tell him where I am going and what I will be doing, as it usually never fails he follows me shortly after I leave the room. This morning I told him I needed to go finish getting ready and fix my hair. He glanced up at me a bit perplexed and asked if it (my hair) "was broken?" Relaizing my word choice and the quality of my hair, I agreed and said, yes, it was, and I needed to work on it. Instantly Christian jumped up and ran through the door exclaiming, "don't worry, daddy can fix it!"

If only it were that easy. I stuck with my mouse and hair spray today.

Affects of the oil spill

2010-06-14T20:31:00.000-05:00

While cleaning up dinner and getting my boys their dessert, I offered to heat up my husband's brownie. Thinking Christian may also like his warm, I asked him how he would like his brownie. Without any hesitation he hollered, "black like an alligator."

While after the BP crisis I can see how some people may consider aquatic life blackened, I can not make the connection with how brownies compare to alligators.

Thin is in

2010-06-13T20:51:00.000-05:00

Christian and I were making a poblano corn cassarole to take over to dinner at a friend's house tonight. He is a great assistant in the kitchen, and hands me items I need, or holds the measuring cup over the bowl while I pour necessary ingredients. Whenever I am using a knife, his only role is that of a spectator. While peeling and choping garlic, I was explaining to Christian that we have to take the skin off, as it is no good to eat. I was explaining that lots of foods have skin to protect them.

Later while we were mixing the ingredients, Christian surveyed me for a moment and said, "Mommy, you are skinny." I smiled appreciating the compliment. He went on, "You have skin all over you." I told him I did, in fact have skin all over me, but that was not a qualifier for being skinny.

I'm not sure we fleshed it all out.

Idol morning

2010-06-11T06:34:00.000-05:00

Christian woke me up this morning by walking into my bedroom with my ipod in his hands jammin to a song. He said, "wake up mommy, want to listen?" He handed me a headphone so I could share in his musical taste, and playing was Billy Idol's "White Wedding."

I just wish he would not run the battery out every time he used it. Guess I need to work on his ipod etiquette.

Farmer Boy

2010-06-01T22:05:00.000-05:00

We went to church last night to help with a VBS outreach opportunity by distributing flyers to neighboorhoods near our church. Before leaving, we sat down at a large table with other church members. We started to discuss where we were raised and by extension, in what environment. Knowing what fun Christian has an elderly member asked Scott if he was raised on a farm.

Before he could reply, I answered, "No, he was raised in a barn."

Ba-da-bing.

Waking up on the right side of the bed

2010-05-31T07:52:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning to Christian walking in my bedroom delcaring his pull-up leaked, and he had pooped. Some people may say that makes the start for a pretty sh&*(# day. I usually require 10 - 15 minutes to get out of bed and adjust to the fact that I need to awaken. In this situation, delaying was inevitable, so I sluggishly threw back the covers. Anticipating the worst I groggily entered his bedroom, imagining it would be remodeled with complete waste. But he walked me to his bathroom, and showed his accomplishment- all contained in a beautiful white toliet.

Now if only I could get out of bed each morning as easily as he goes to the bathroom on his own. probably won't happen anytime soon.

Communication is key

2010-05-17T21:22:00.002-05:00

I have been making every effort in notifying Christian of transitions. Two minute warning before dinner, notice that we are about to leave, what our plans are for the weekend, etc. Tonight while making brownies and Christian sat with Daddy working on trains at the kitchen table, I let Christian know that it was two minutes until bedtime. Granted that he would have to leave his daddy's lap and much adored "work" time, as well as forfeit any chance of eating brownies, I was concerned that it may invoke a revolt.

But, Christian turned to me and said, "ok mommy, thanks for telling me."

Laundry

2010-05-11T21:19:00.002-05:00

I finally broke down and approved Scott to buy a new washer. I hate not living by the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" mentality. I am a penny pincher and would rather not just buy new things. I really thought with the use and abuse our washer has withstood over 12 years, that it would finally die. But it still runs, just not efficiently. Since potty training/ potty trained, Christian has had an ocassional accident, and after washing the clothes, they still smell. In fact, the washer spreads the odor onto the other submerged clothes. I don't like pointless labor, and there is no stronger feeling of time wasted to finish a load of laundry only to have more clothes smell worse then when they first entered.

Don't get me wrong, we were not walking around with clothes so pungent birds fell from the sky. But the Downy freshness bear never made an appearance at our house.

So while up late one night folding laundry, I left Scott a note conceding. The next day, we had a new washer.

Scott picked it up on an errand to Lowe's to pick up a new sprinkler head. At least that is the excuse he used when he went on the washer odyessy. He came home, without the sprinkler head, and set up the new washer, leaving the old one to sit on our patio until we donate to the church's garage sale.

Christian was left out of the laundry equation until the next morning when he awoke to our washer on the patio. Perplexed he looked at it, walked around it, and said, with a deep sigh, "aw man, someone put our laundry outside. How dis happen?"

I did not have the heart to tell him that I pulled the plug. But had an easy distraction in showing him the new washer which received a number of "whoas" and "dat's nice"(s).

Blue Eyes

2010-05-10T08:31:00.002-05:00

I had the following conversation with Christian on the way to school this morning:

Me- Honey, you look tired.
CD- What you say mom?
Me- I said you look tired, are you tired?
CD- My eyes are not tired mommy, my eyes are blue.

I think we may have both been right.

Warmth

2010-04-28T20:07:00.001-05:00

Walking in and out of the house in the evenings, I can get a little cold. Tonight in walking outside, I mentioned to Christian that I was chilly, and he instantly leapt onto my leg, wrapped his tiny arms around me squeezing with all his baby might and said "I keep you warm momma."

I did not know how to tell him, he always does.

Casual Conversation

2010-04-24T22:55:00.002-05:00

We were in a flurry all day today preparing to host a number of families at our house for a party. Hosting a party for us, puts almost as much pressure on us as does selling a house. We want it to be as presentable as possible. And while we knew this day was coming, there was still a lot to be done. Christian had been a great help setting up, and even drew a sign on the recycling bin to let everyone know where to put their recyclables.

But later in the afternoon, when we all were engrossed in last minute activities, we had a short pause, and Christian looked at me while we were on the patio. He grabbed my hand and asked, "momma, you want to sit and have a talk?" I melted, and immediately all of the tasks, projects and to do lists faded away and I asked him back, "what do you want to talk about sweetie." With a brief reflection, he said, "the ocean." And so we did. He told me how whales talk under water to their babies and dolphins live in the ocean and sharks bite.

Christian has never asked me to sit and talk before, and it may be a long time until he ever does again. but I know the one thing I remember from that day of endless activities and preparation occured during those few minutes my baby and I sat and had a peaceful chat.

Grown up Goodbye

2010-04-21T21:08:00.001-05:00

Christian has taken to ignoring his daddy's goodbye kiss in the mroning, perhaps as a means of disregarding the goodbye altogether. After all if he ignores it, it won't happen...right?

When daddy goes in for a kiss, Christian swiftly turns his head and leaps into my arms saying "mommy, save me!" The technique usually fails, as daddy still manages to get a kiss somewhere.

Today as daddy was gathering his last few items, he began to leave and Christian stood up and offered a friendly handshake. At least it is progress.

With a vroom vroom here

2010-04-19T20:36:00.000-05:00

Christian has been practicing his nursery rhymes learned at school. They are having a small performance with his class this week, so I guess he feels the pressure is on.

He usually asks me to sing along with him, or sing songs pertaining to his favorite topics. Today, it was sing a tractor song. I can't recall many songs dedicated to tractors from my youth, unless you include country music, for which, I can not promise to know all the words. Christian would not accept my proclamation of ignorance of any tractor song, so he suggested Old McDonald. We changed the song to sing "Old McDonald had a tractor...with a vroom vroom here and vroom vroom there." He loved it, and for this morning, it replaced his recital of Baa Baa black sheep.

I just hope I don't get him in trouble at school for changing the song!

A Pear for Mommy

2010-04-11T19:41:00.002-05:00

At bedtime, we have started saying more specific prayers with Christian, aside from the basic as I lay me down to sleep. We strive to teach him to think of others and ways to help them. Tonight he asked if he could say a "pear" for mommy first. Intrigued, since I normally am the speaker, I granted his request and sat hands clasped, listening. Here is what he said:

"Dear God, thank you for mommy, help her go to school, listen to her teachers and be nice to friends. Amen."

We do not usually iterate those requests in him, although we do thank God for him, and ask that God bless his day at school, and help with any particular burden. But I was amazed that he translated that request to me. His simple sentence revealed a profound lesson of selflessness, that I hope he and I can both continue.

When being hollow is good

2010-04-10T21:42:00.002-05:00

This year for easter, in addition to the list of egg hunts and bountiful easter baskets, Christian received a 2 lbs chocolate easter bunny from his grandpa. It is nearly his height, and has endured many battle wounds resulting from small teeth making every attempt to engulf this poor creature. Christian loves his bunny, but was disgusted at the bow around it's neck and demanded its removal immediately. He walks around the house holding it, and even shares bites with anyone who comes to visit.

I hope this does not set the stage for increasing the size and quality of gifts for him each year. If so, grandpa has some big ears to fill.

Lights Out

2010-04-05T20:07:00.002-05:00

In continue with the traditional child in a car interegation, Christian always asks "what's that?" for any object we pass, even those already known to him. We have lately been trying to explain that just because a business is not open at the precise moment we pass it, does not mean it has shut down. We are trying to teach him that people work in shifts, for diffferent reasons, and with different skills. He has a hard time understanding why daddy and I go to work around the same time, but not everyone else does. I have started teaching him that people lock their doors and turn off the lights to save on electricity.

Today when passing a darkened business, Christian studied for a moment and stated, "It not closed cause of economy, it closed cause elctricity." I repeated his statement for emphasis, and he grinned at me and assured, "that's right mommy, good job."

Later mom

2010-03-28T20:27:00.002-05:00

Spent the day in East Texas visiting family, and as those days usually go, we run around the farm all day and leave well past the prescribed nap time exhausted. This time Christian did not fall asleep in the car the moment we hit the highway, but instead watched a new found favorite film, "Strawberry Cake," or "Strawberry Shortcake." Yes, really. We found it while staying at my older brother's apartment suite we rented in Corpus. I played it one afternoon for Christian. It was my first experience of a movie targeted for girls, and I cannot believe the difference in gender roles already assumed at such a young age. While I would not want a girl or boy growing up to resemble the characters, they did make every effort in promoting friendliness and manners throughout the show. I could not believe the targeted message of assumed roles for women. But I digress.

Christian stayed awake and took a nap once we got home. This delayed our evening plans and caused our evening routine to run late. He woke up at 6:30 p.m. and with his usual bedtime of 7:30, we knew we could not make it work tonight. Instead we ran to our favorite taqueria, indulged and returned to give him a quick bath.

Spending a weekend with Christian is such a luxury- I try to soak up every moment. While he was in the tub, I kept reaching across the procelian wall giving him hugs telling him what a good boy he was. Finally, in desperation, he responded, "stop mom, let me take a bath. Then, hugs." I had to laugh at his respectable request, although I found myself unable to comply, even though I tried. It did make me think that though about the times I get frustrated at the constant attention demanded of me and my desire for personal space. And really, I am lucky that he doesn't listen either.

Because if I did get my space, I might miss a moment I would never want to forget.

When I get bigger

2010-03-04T21:35:00.001-06:00

In a world obsessed with size, it is hard to relate to the desire the grow, unless it involves financial or mental growth. As adults, and especially adult women, we don't typically strive to "get bigger." Our happiness tends to revolve around our waist size. Today, on the way to school, Christian helped me see my size in a different light.

We live near an elementary school, that receives the normal 8 a.m. bustling traffic on weekdays. This morning a sunny yellow school bus rolled past us, and I heard Christian release a sad sigh. He quickly shared his thoughts, saying, "someday when I get bigger, and mommy gets bigger, we can ride the school bus to school...when I older and mommy older." I smiled and told him I would love to ride with him to school (but I excluded the fact that I in know way anticipated getting bigger, the old part may not be in my control.) At first, I thought it was nice that he saw room for me to grow. And then I realized that, like it or not, we both have and will always have room to grow, and get bigger, hopefully by each other's side.

I was glad to see we both share excitement about the future, and that we both want to share it together, no matter what size we become. In that case, I do hope I get bigger.

In the know

2010-03-02T20:26:00.001-06:00

While preparing breakfast this morning, I was balancing watching Christian on the stool at the counter digging through the cabinets and pouring my much needed coffee. The stool wobbled making Christian shake, and jumping into rescue mode, I prepared to launch myself across the room to prevent a fall. My mother like reflexes were in place to rescue, but did not process setting the coffee pot down first, and so, I spilled my treasured coffee (luckily my husband knowing my morning needs always prepares two cups for me, so not all was lost.) I think I was self conscious enough not to mutter any foul words, but I know I let out a disheartened sigh when the coffee spilled.

Suprised more from my spill, then the near death experience of falling head first from a stool, Christian toddled over to me, grimaced and uttered, "mommy, you know better than that."

Being on that side of the comment was a new directive for me, and I must admit, I do know better. On several accounts.

Hard Knock Life

2010-02-24T21:33:00.002-06:00

Ever have a song stuck in your head - well a few lines from a song? I find myself singing a few lines from certain songs over and over. While getting ready this morning, ironing my clothes, I found myself singing "it's hard knock life for us." And humming through the words I don't know. I must have been very reptitive, because a moment later, Christian came around the corner carrying a book slung over his shoulder singing, "it's a hard knot life poor us."

Shaping Up

2010-02-18T20:51:00.000-06:00

While getting ready this morning, I asked Christian how he thought I should style my hair. He usually assists as my fashion consultant and will let me know what he thinks looks good. I told him today, I was thinking ponytail. My hair was a mess, and the shower I hoped for last night did not come to fruition. But he paused and reflected on how I should wear my hair, and replied, "hmm an octogon."

I wore a pony tail.

Frog legs

2010-02-17T20:56:00.001-06:00

On a recent visit with grandma, Christian was read a bedtime story that had a picture of a frog in it. To explain all the illustrations, Grandma KK pointing out the animals and what they were doing and told various lessons about each item. When it came time to discuss the frog, she pointed at it, and told Christian that "frogs eat flies." Immediately upon hearing this, Christian collapsed in the bed, horrified, hands clung protectively over his eyes. KK quickly reinforced that she said "flies," not "eyes," but I am afraid Christian will never eat frog legs for fear of retaliation from the eye eating frogs.

The birds and the bees

2010-02-15T21:00:00.000-06:00

May be too early for Christian to know all the details about life, but lately he has been fixated on distinguishing genders, and watching people's reactions when he tells if something is male or female (or boy and girl in his words.) Last night at dinner, in an unrelated outburst, Christian looks at me and proclaimed, "mommy is a lady." I was flattered and looked at Scott. Christian also eyed daddy and reflected. "Daddy is a man, he drives a tractor, zoom zoom."

I was quiet on my views of the women's right's movement, but if he keeps these sterotypes up, it won't be long until we have that discussion.

Snow men

2010-02-12T12:51:00.000-06:00

Work cancelled due to inclement weather, but that did not keep Christain and I inside the house. I had a goal to make the neighborhood's largest snow man, and worked at it for nearly two hours. i must admit my snow workmanship skills are a bit rusty and it took some time and practice preparing the snow balls in order to re-hone my skills. Once I had the tactic down, I compiled large masses of snow, while Christian ensured now leaves or sticks were in my path. One thing I had not considered was getting the middle section of my snowman on top of the bottom section. Compacted snow is very heavy. With instense manuvering and admist the cheers of Christian and the neighbor kids, I eventually stood on my knees, rolled the ball on my legs then slowly arched up keeping the weight on my legs, and flopped it on top. Wasn't pretty, but got the job done.

Let it snow!

2010-02-11T20:47:00.000-06:00

We woke up to a steady falling snow. I was thrilled at the sight and drug Christian to the window to coem and see. He glanced outside, and in utter distress exclaimed "it is falling on my chair! we have to turn it inside down!" I explained that the snow would melt and all would be well with his chair. The snow was simply resting on it. Seemingly calmed with that response, he continued to look outside and then in spotting his car he cried out "it's falling on my car too!"

Guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Carbs

2010-02-01T20:46:00.002-06:00

Picking up Christian from school today, and he offered to go home and cook dinner. Guess he could tell I was still not feeling great, having today been diagnosed with a sinus infection on top of everything else. I was grateful for his offer, and so asked, what will you make? He pondered, then asserted "roni" aka macaroni and cheese. I agreed that it sounded good, but wanted to esnure we had a well rounded meal. "What about a vegatable, we probably need one, what should we have?"

After a brief pause, he declared, "bread."

Guess we need to review the food pyramid.

On the farm

2010-01-31T21:38:00.000-06:00

After a week of being sick, Scott and I decided to take Christian to one of his favorite places in the world- the farm. He regularly asks if we can go to ma-maw and pa-paws house to visit, and not being ones to deny him, we made the trip. In order to get out the door quicker, Christian insisted in traveling in his PJ's. Which worked for us, since we were having breakfast down on the farm. Shortly after eating, Christian wanted to dash outside and play.

Scott worked on his deer feeder while the boy and I explored the woods. After a day of playing, we left to head back to Dallas and get ready to attend a super bowl party. Our excursion made us tardy for the party, but we were all happy for the brief escape.

In the marketing plan?

2010-01-30T20:20:00.002-06:00

In a house full of individuals getting over illnesses, Scott and I decided to venture out and try to piece together a few hours of fun with what was left in our afternoon. o after nap, we went to a new McDonalds with a huge indoor play area. It reminded us of rainforest cafe. It was a multi-level tree fort with tubes, slides and rockwalls. Christian had a blast.

After a period of play, Christian ran up to the table and pressed, "where my donalds go?" Even though he had eaten lunch a few hours previously, he wanted his nuggets. We placed the order, had the treasured food delivered and noticed Christian's subtle signs of needing to go to the bathroom (grabbing his crotch and looking around the room. ) We raced to the bathroom, and Christian looked at the theme decored walls and said, "this chicken nugget toliet?" "Yes, honey," I replied, "this chicken nugget toliet."

I had to wonder with all the marketing McDonlad's does for its image and its efforts to design a kid friendly environment, if they ever anticipated the toliet leaving such a lasting impression.

Just kidding

2010-01-25T21:15:00.001-06:00

A dog whining and a child delaying bedtime makes for a great evening chore. While wrestling on the floor with Christian and make vain attempts to get him calmed donw for storytime, I was hit with an opportunity. The dog whining under our feet. He needed to go potty. What a great way to segway Christian to his bathroom for potty and brushing teeth by having him help take AJ outside to potty.

So I asked Christian to let the dog out, and he seemed disinterested until daddy jumped from the couch and exclaimed, "no my do it!" (mimicking Christian's latest catch phrase.) Christian followed suit and the boys let AJ outside. I was still laying on the floor having lost my wrestling match, and Christian stated, "oh no, too late, potty on the floor." My dog is not the type to have accidents, so I could not imagine Christian pointing to something unless it was bad. I looked where the dog was, and no, nothing on the floor. I looked perplexed back at Christian, where he laughingly said, "I just kidding!"

What? My son played a pratical joke on me and I completely fell for it? Man, I better raise my guard for when he really wants to challenge me.

Yes sir.

2010-01-24T20:03:00.000-06:00

Grandpa came by to visit Christian this weekend. It's been a while since they have had concentrated time together. Christian (and I) had just woken up from a nap and met Grandpa in the TV room. But before we could go, Christian had to sit in the recliner and wake up. He told me the clock told him to "take a break." So he was not ready to visit.

Once the clock moved forward with its permission, Christian entered the room and showed grandpa his train set. As grandpa posed different inquiries, Christian continually responded with either, yes sir, or no sir. Much to dad's delight.

He responds the same way to me, and his teachers at school. I realized that he got this from me, when as a means of corrected, I would tell him "NO SIR!" when misbehaving. He told me "no sir mommy" a few times when he felt I was out of line. Guess he saw his comment work, and has decided to keep it. I have not even approached the topic of distinguishing between sir and ma'am. For now, the sirs have it.

Two and a Hab

2010-01-10T20:59:00.002-06:00

Today's Christian is officially two and a half (or hab, if you ask him.) We had bubba over for dinner and made a chocolate cake to have a small family celebration of Christian moving closer to little boyhood. He even helped in the singing.

ICE!

2009-12-22T20:45:00.000-06:00

19 degrees below zero, we entered the exhibit covered from head to toe. the Gaylord Texan put on an awesome display of carved Ice this Christmas. They bring in a group of carvers from China every year to produce this display. At the end of the exhibit was a large room with stairs carved from ice that lead to a slide of solid ice. Christian was so amazed he had to go down it several times. And I of course, was obliged to follow.

The exhibit's theme this year was the Grinch, and at the end when you turned in your parkas, they had a big screen with the movie playing, and hot cocoa available for purchase. So we all sat down and indulged while we defrosted. The rest of the hotel was extravagantly decorated, so we spent some time walking around taking it all in. My little brother was hit with an allergy attack, so we exited and were walking back to the car when Christian had an accident and wet his pants. He did not have on a pull up, since we stopped to go the bathroom and it was wet. I thought I could time walking back to the car without issue, but was proven incorrect.

Philosopher

2009-12-17T21:43:00.001-06:00

Christian crawls into bed with us early in the morning and usually wriggles around for 15 minutes before we get up and drag ourselves out of bed. He knows he should be quiet and usually whispers while he lies there with us. This morning he crawled in and after laying still for a long while, he grasped my face and looked me straight in the eye proclaiming in flat voice "how I wonder what you are." Being only half awake, I sat there wondering what he could be processing. Was he complaining about my sleeping? Was he contemplating gender roles? Did he question his parentage?

Then it hit me, he wanted me to sing twinkle star.

Bethlehem's Blessings

2009-12-16T22:29:00.001-06:00

In one of the many Christmas activities for the season, I signed up as a volunteer at our church to participate in Bethlehem's Blessings. It is a children's activity where the room is set up like the town of Bethlehem including small shops and activities that occured back then. We all dressed in ancient garb (except I donned mine with my aircast poking out of my robe.) There was a bakery with cinnamon rolls, (not sure if that is historically accurate but they smelled awesome), a rope maker, music maker, mosiac worker, and several others.

I worked with a small group of girls being the toy makers. We were provided clay and rolled it out onto small pieces to form balls for heads and small bodies to piece together to become baby Jesus'. the kids loved the idea and getting their hands dirty. Christian was fussy that night before we had to leave to attend, so Scott and I made an executive decision to leave him at home while only I went to attend. being in a rush, I grabbed a bag of carrots and said that would be enough for my dinner. I raced to church just in the nick of time to be fitted with the last outfit. We sat in the sanctuary with the attendees comprised of doting parents filming their children's vocal performance.

At the end of the song, the shopkeepers were called to their stations, and I got a call, and dug my cell phone underneath my robe nearly pulling off my head garment. Scott had calmed Christian down, and suprised me by coming to the church with dinner in hand for me to eat before I had to volunteer. My boys were able to play for a short time before Christian had to say goodnight to the live nativity.

Even in the choas of the streets of Bethlehem, tonight truly was a blessing.

After working the event, I made it home to read a bedtime story and head off to a 9 p.m. appoitnment to have a MRI on my unhealing foot. Yes, a 9 p.m. appointment. A very expensive one, which should help me understand what is wrong with my foot. I'll find out more on Friday.

Nineteen forty eight

2009-12-05T15:10:00.003-06:00

Dad accompanied me and Christian to our first race. Before the boot which has rendered my walking to a sluggish state, I had intended on trying my legs at a 5k, knowing full well I would come in dead last if not just dead. My injured foot prevented me from commiting to the 5k, and so, we downsized to a 1k family fun walk.
Dad pushed Christian while I hobbled the longest distance I have moved in my air cast. At intervals, Christian exited his stroller and ran beside us, staying on the sidewalk, following the group of people. Christian was distracted a few times, by leaves, mud, power lines, alternate paths and a lake, in which he wanted to go swimming. We harnassed him a few times after his diversions, but he primarily stayed the course and toddled beside us.

We ended clapping behind him as he crossed the finish line at 19 minutes and 48 seconds, completing his first race.

Get Out!

2009-12-03T20:59:00.002-06:00

Christian has been going pee pee on the potty fairly regularly lately. He still goes in his diaper if we do not set him on the toliet and give encouragement on a regular basis, but still, at this age, I am happy with his progress. I have tried to maintain a routine of taking him to the bathroom to at least prolong the time periods between having to change wet diapers. Before bedtime, is part of our routine.

I took off his school clothes tonight and went with him into the bathroom, where I typically monitor his progress...or aim. He went, then looked at me and hurriedly yelped, "get out!" I was taken aback that he knew that phrase and targeted it to me. Humbly, I asked, "Are you sure you want mommy to leave, can't I stay?" To make sure I understood his message, he grabbed my hand, pushed me out the door and loudly shut it behind me repeating, "get out!" While I stood on the other side of the door trying to come to grips with what happened, I hear him making his infamous potty sounds. I started getting excited hollering through the door "Christian are you going poo poo on the potty?" It was such an unexpected advancement, I could hardly constrain myself from going back in.

My interjection after being dismissed from the bathroom was not met with warm welcome, as he replied, "talk loud, don't listen." Choking down my laughter, I talked loud in his room, pacing the floor, until I would be permitted to know what was going on behind that door. Eventually, after a forced monologue, I was called back into the bathroom, to "look at it." And there it was, his poo poo on the potty. We celebrated with a bowl of raspberries, stickers, and wearing a jammie shirt to school.

Eventually, I will have to teach him to say "excuse me." But for now, I will just get out.

Christmas Lights

2009-12-02T20:52:00.000-06:00

Christian helped us put up lights outside the house, and as soon as we lit them, he went running in circles excited. He also took the time to examine a few individual bulbs to ensure they worked at optimum performance.

Look at it

2009-11-27T20:59:00.001-06:00

I try to clean the dog poo out of the yard weekly. Usually it is while Christian is outside playing, and we are throwing the ball for the dog. I am an expert multi-tasker.

Lately, Christian has taken an interest in my poo hunting and helps point out piles in the yard. he has become so engrossed in his role, that on days he spots a pile and I am not intending on picking it up, he tell me, "Nasty poo-poo, mommy, pick it up!" When I decline, he assrts "Get a bag, clean up!" Sometimes I win, sometimes I don't.

This week, he was escorting me to all the piles and if I collected the specimens before he was near, he would exclaim, "wait I want to look at it!" I can't say this is one of my glorious tasks, and it is certainly not one I want to linger upon. So I would scoop up as fast as possible. Christian was so disturbed by me not waiting for him, he would grab my poo poo bag and open in up to view the latest contribution.

After that, he had full reign to find and look at the piles, and just call me over when he was ready.

To drink

2009-11-23T20:26:00.001-06:00

I got Christian ready this morning and seated him at the table, and ask, "What do you want to drink with your breakfast?" He replied, "Syrup."

He had water.

The Village at Allen

2009-11-21T21:05:00.004-06:00

I had been hearing advertising for an event in Allen with Christmas activities, cookies, hot cocoa and a tree lighting, and thought Christain would have to attend. What I did not realize and could not have until we got there, was that the event was in a tiny area and it was well attended. We could not turn around due to the pressing crowd.

I had mom and Jim meet us there and shrtly after we decided to leave the vicinity and go out to dinner. We left the area as all restruants had a minimum of an hour and fifteen minute wait. After reloacting to Chuy's in Plano, we started eating dinner, fighting over tortillas that Christian inhaled faster than we could pass. Christian was hyper from all the activity and Scott and I took turns following him around a very crowded restraunt only to finally have him seated when he started hugging the waiter bringing tortilla refills.

We love our carbs, what can I say?

Band-aids

2009-11-19T19:28:00.001-06:00

While getting ready this morning, Christian began routing through my cabinets and looking at my vitamins. After I kindly refused his offer of "want medicine mommy?" he proceeded to dig deeper into the cabinet. He found a box of band-aids at the back. Studying my boot on my injured foot he kindly offered, "need band-aid mommy? Got boo-boo?" I told him I did not have any cuts and did not require a band-aid at this time, and that we could save them for when we would need them.

This prompted him to begin stuffing handfuls of band-aids in the pockets of my slacks with the insistence that I "be careful at work." I am happy to say I came home without having used any band-aids, but have a reserve, for when the occasion calls.

Joker

2009-11-18T20:52:00.000-06:00

Every morning Christian sits at my bathroom counter helping me get ready. This consists of surveying my make up draw and handing me items he feels are appropriate and surveying my jewelry to select pieces that work with my outfit. today I was looking in my closet trying to find inspiration for an outfit while Christian was alone with my make up drawer.

I should have known better, but I have to admit, I am not that concerned with his mimicking me. After all, don't we want our children to learn from us? I was very impressed at his application. Eyeshadow all on the right eye, lipstick up to his ears, and powder all down his neck. It was like looking in the mirror. I think he carries off the look nicely.

Don't worry we washed it off before going to school.

Jesus Loves ABC's Happy Birthday

2009-11-13T19:59:00.002-06:00

Confused? I sure was. Christian found one of Daddy's birthday cards just before bedtime and it inspired a few songs from him. He first started singing Jesus loves me, and I only caught the tail end of that on video. After that he started half way through the alphabet and summed up his concert with a short rendetion of happy birthday. Whatever the order, I still think he has an amazing voice and I am thrilled to hear him sing.

Blessings

2009-11-12T21:23:00.000-06:00

After taking a sick day yesterday to stay home and tend to Christian, work today was a steady act of cathcing up. Early in the morning, I called Christian's school to see how he was feeling, and was met with bad news. He had been fussing and crying several times this morning, which is not like him. Scott went to pick him up, so the boys were home when I pulled in at 5:30.

When I pulled up in the driveway, I could hear Christian screaming. Must have been a hard day for my boys. I scooped him up, calmed him down, and we all headed out for a 6 o'clock appointment at the vet's. Our dog, AJ has had a sudden growth on his leg. The vet confirmed that it was cancerous and would need to be removed soon. We don't know what type of cancer and the vet feels strongly that it is not one that will take over, but might show up on occasion. We left with a 1,000 quote tucked under one arm. After that news, we went and picked up some dinner and got home to eat a later dinner.

Christian was already begininng to fuss due to the delay, so as soon as we got home, we all got out of the car quickly. I am panicky during the transition from garage to house. I know how many break in occur from robbers sneaking in the garage, and I am terrified that I may ssubject Christian to some terrible act by getting out of the car with the door open. Because AJ was in the back, we had the door open, and I opened the rear hatch while holding our dinner and ushered him towards the door when he jetted towards the dark alley. Scott was letting Christian out of the car, and due to his two year old sense of curiousity, he came to the back of the car to look out in the driveway at the dog running loose.

Trying to guide both of my innocent boys inside, and balance on my non-injured leg, I pressed the rear hatch button to automatically close, and started to lose control of the dinner in my hands while reaching down for the leash to stop the dog. I stood up quickly to regain control of the food and dog, and smashed my head into the corner of the trunk sending me tumbling down on the grund, dropping the leash and foot I had just regained control over.

If a robber was coming, this was his que. Scott came to my aid and helped get everyone inside while I wobbled holding my head and went straight for the freezer grabbing the first pliable frozen item- a pack of chocolate chips and placed them on my head.

We sat down to our fast food and Christian kept leaning over to check on me and offer his comfort. Scott left shortly after dinner to go grocery shopping, as I could not fathom surving the pain of walking on my foot for that length of time. At bedtime, I held Christian close, knowing we were alone, and if I wanted to keep him up a little longer and cuddle, Scott would never know...unless he reads this. I love my cuddle time with my son. He started singing Jesus loves me, and helped me place my evening into perspective. We have a dog, we can afford to tend to and make sure his life is comfortable. We are able to put a meal on the table, and share it as a family. And when one of us is hurting, the others put forth a great effort to help alleviate the pain. Holding my son, I was reminded again just how blessed and lucky I am to have this life...or maybe that was the concussion setting in- either way- it felt good.

Kicking it

2009-11-11T20:14:00.001-06:00

After what I felt was a productive weekend, I started Monday off with an aching foot. I hobbled to work and called a podiatrist. I got an appointment over my lunch hour. After a few x-rays and brief examine, the Dr. put me in a brace, said I had severed a tendon in my foot, and neeed to give it rest, and try not to over exert. Having only dealt with the pain for a day, I felt like it would go away. I told him I still wanted to do yoga, and excercise.

The saying time heals all wounds does not apply to tendons. From my short experience, time intensifies wounds pertaining to tendons. I am on an anti-inflamatory, have not done yoga, or very much at all on my foot, and it hurts. I go back in a week for a follow up, and I hope, a better solution.

Daddy be so sad

2009-11-10T19:21:00.002-06:00

We try to teach Christian that while riding bikes on the patio, we do not run them into the flower beds. It does not bother me much, but it does annoy Scott. So whenever it happens, I tell Christian, "oh please don't do that daddy will be so sad." I want Christian to understand emotions, and do not want to claim that his daddy would be mad at him directly, so I try to label the act as disappointing.

This morning while leaving the house, Christian wanted to park his tricyle that we recently got him. (It's a red radior flyer made out of metal that someone was throwing out on the side of the curb, so we picked it up!) When trying to move the trike, he accidentally bumped some flowers and whispered "daddy be sad" and pointed to a broken flower. I picked up the trike and moved it and explained to Christian it was just an accident. we called daddy to make sure he knew what happened, and to show that he was not at all sad with his little boy.

After the boys talked, Scott said his goodbye and told Christian he loved him. To which Christian replied, "I love Omi" (who is his grandma) "and Opa too" (and his grandpa.) So after all the side stepping and emotional precautions I put into place, it may have been a loss. It may be that daddy be so sad.

Professional and Pricey

2009-11-07T20:56:00.002-06:00

I decided I had butchered Christian's hair enough over the past two years, and it was time for a professional to have a hand at it. I took Christian to Cool Cuts for Kids before Grandpa came over for dinner tonight. I made the mistake of telling Christian we were doing hair then having grandpa come over, because all he computed was grandpa and the entire way to the barber shop, he kept saying "grandpa, are you?" "Ride tractor?" Grandpa, there he is!" and pointed to nearly every car we passed.

We went into the shop and they had small cars for chairs and Christian sank right down into his. During the car ride, I kept preping him for the behavior we expect while getting our hair cut- be still and quiet, then get a candy. It was his first time ever, and he sat very still and only winced once when she approached his ear with the clippers. I only winced when I got the bill.

While Christian was having his hair done, another client came in with his mom. He apparently is a regul;ar. The mom sat down with him in her arms screaming and burrowing himself while the hair dresser cut his hair. Christian and I looked at each other, like, "really?" I am so glad he reacted well. That is exactly why I waited to take him somewhere. I did not want it to be traumatic.

We returned home in time to help daddy with the final preparations before my dad and Cindy arrived. We had a great dinner prepared by Scott and afterwards, Christian sat with dad on the couch watching Planet Earth. We wanted to show Cindy the quality of a blu-ray player on our new flatscreen. She was not thoroughly impressed- not being much of a tv watcher. But Christian would not even blink an eye, and hung on every word dad said about the animals on the screen.

Class Halloween Party

2009-10-30T20:10:00.003-05:00

Christian's school had the kids dress up and participate in a halloween party today. Christian was in full costume and so excited to be a lion. All his friends kept petting his belly, and the child wearing the appropriated labeled Bam-Bam shirt kept pulling Christian's tail. I packed Christian a "spare" halloween costume, since I did not presume he would last through the day as a lion. His back up outfit was his sheriff jammies.

We were asked to bring 10 pieces of wrapped candy, which I did not feel was sufficient. So Christian and I made 10 goody bags for all his friends, inclduing a handful of chocolate candies, fruit snacks, and minature halloween playdoughs. He was so excited to show his friends his gifts, but mostly upset that he could not eat the grapes we brought for his class party. At least he wanted the grapes- and not the goody bag.

I wish I could have seen them all in their costumes, but I had to drop him off a little early to unload our bags, and because I picked him up early to come and trick or treat at my office. He was totally spoiled at the office, but did get to sharpen his trick or treat skills, by carrying his bag around asking for treats. No-one could resist, and we ended up with way too much candy. Throughout his trip around the office, Christian was so curious about all the desks and chairs...mostly the chairs. He knew it was a place someone set, and if they were not at their seat, he felt that it meant the spot was open for him. Yet, we did not receive any job offers, much to his dismay.

Pumpkin Painting

2009-10-27T20:01:00.000-05:00

Christian picked and prepared a pumpkin for a contest held by our church on Halloween. He chose the paint colors, which included, red, white, blue and brown. And painted all over the pumpkin- including the bottom, until he stepped back gave it a look, and declared "all done."

His precious pumpkin received honorable mention. Can't wait to see his designs in the years to come.

Campfire

2009-10-25T21:53:00.007-05:00

While the weather was warmer than anticipated, we did not complain. Scott was patient enough to build us a campfire outside our tent so that I could satisfy my smore craving. I ate three. Or inhaled them. And even slowed down enough in between smore eating to share some with thouse around me. Christian loved his for a few bites, then became more interested in eating just the marshmallows.

Waiting patiently-boots intact.

The first bite.

A very tired, and happy momma.

ABC's

2009-10-24T14:32:00.001-05:00

We took Christian camping this weekend, down at Pa-Paw's house. We took a long weekend to have some quality family time, and it seemed to be what everyone needed. Christian began doing and saying things Scott and I had never heard or seen. He went pee-pee on the potty twelve times over the weekend. He still went in his diaper in between, but we were thrileed at his sudden and unexpected progress.

He also started singing alot. A new one to us, was his ABC's, which vary in accuracy each time he sings. I captured one variation on film. Oh, and to sing, apparently, one must purse their lips. He does not get that from me.

Piano Lessons

2009-10-23T21:25:00.002-05:00

We went over to my mom's house for dinner tonight. Christian immediately spotted the piano and sat down to play. Grandma helped guide him with the appropriate way to use a piano- or she tried.

Give it some gas

2009-10-20T21:22:00.000-05:00

I am not the most patient driver. I never claimed to be. I do claim that I watch my actions in front of Christian, and because of him, I am better in driving, and all other areas of my life. I don't curse or scream or threaten other drivers. But I do admit, I get frustrated in traffic, annoyed with how some people drive, and stressed when I am going somewhere. I am sure there is no way to avoid noticing that, even though I try to shield Christian from it.

On the way home from my hair appointment last night, Christian and I were talking about traffic, and all teh cars on the road. We were at a light that turned green. Christian knows the signals and actions that follow with red or green lights- even the arrows. So when it turned green he said, "Now it's green go, give it some gas!"

I just had to laugh at my back seat driver, and take a good long look in the mirror.

Chips and Salsa

2009-10-19T20:06:00.002-05:00

Christian and I miraculously slept in this morning, which meant I woke up at 7:20, only to glare at the clock with mock affection, since we normally leave at 7:30. Feeding and dressing atoddler is a short period is no small feat, so when we got out the door at 7:50, I was quite pleased with my progress. I made it into work 15 minutes late and so, stayed behind a few minutes.

Enroute home, I got a call from Scott. He had picked up Christian and promptly received a dinner order. When asked what he wanted, Christian told his daddy. "Chips and salsa. Outside. For lunch." It was the sweetest order and so, we could do nothing but comply- except have it for dinner, not lunch. We tried out a new mexican restraunt, and Christian was a saintly child throughout the entire meal. He ate four tortillas, some of which had migas (scrambled eggs with pico). And he even tried out some queso, which was so similar to butter, he instantly fell in love.

At the end of the meal, he offered to pay...with daddy's money, and gave the waitress our credit card. While waiting for her return, he amused himself with looking through daddy's wallet, where he found a picture of the two of us in Maui. He was delighted at the find, and kept gingerly pointing to mommy and daddy in the picture. I started teasing him asking, "do you love your mommy and daddy?" He let out a heartfelt sigh, and reflectingly responded, "I love my daddy," paused, and finished, "so much." Scott beamed, and I fought not to think competitively.

On the drive home, we took a new path, and drove past a elementary school playground. Scott still euphoric from his son's outward proclaimation of love, was futile to resist Christian's desperate pleas, to "go play there, daddy, turn around...go backwards." So we made our way back to the playground through awkward no u-turn roads, which made us feel like we were driving in circles. Christian, asked daddy if we were lost in the car (which Scott believes he must have heard that phrase from me, because as a man, he never gets lost,) yet we eventually made it. Christian played for about 20 minutes, before it got too late and too cold to continue. We all huddled in the car, and Christian asked me to "sit back here" with him. When I told him I would, I was rewarded with a kiss on my nose. And I knew no matter what he says, our love is pretty much level across the board.

National Night out...during the day

2009-10-17T21:36:00.000-05:00

Our neighborhood rescheduled our celebration of National Night out to Saturday afternoon, which yes, defeats the fact that the country held their events on Tuesday night or event was not at night, nor when the nation celebrated. They rescheduled the band, bouncehouse and food. Since it was so much trouble to move, and we support the event, we took Christian after nap, and before going over to Tran's for dinner.

We ended up playing on the playground a majorty of the time, since the bouncehouses were quickly overloaded with older, rougher children. Christian had no qualms about climing to the top of the slide on the bounce house and zipping down with lightning speed.

We stayed for about an hour before having to rush home to begin preparation on the food we were bringing to Tran's house.

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-17T11:47:00.002-05:00

This month was my month to host a playdate. Normally playdate are during the week, since almost all of the moms in my mom's group are stay at home moms. But I broke the rule, since I could not host a playdate, unless I could attend it. So Saturday morning, I arranged for a few other moms to meet me at Owen's Farm.

Christian had a blast, and was far more interested in feeding and tedning to the animals then the pumpkins. We did a hayride- twice. And probably would have gone more if I would have lingered near the tractor.

Here is a compilation of the morning's activities.

So sorry mommy

2009-10-13T16:50:00.002-05:00

Christian and I have been home sick for two days. He is getting better while I feel worse. My throat is killing me. Upon a second trip to the Dr's offfice this morning, we were told that the other Dr. has not in fact tested for flu, and that by now, it would be too late to medicate to treat Christian, since he was 5 days in to a 7 day illness. We did increase the use of his inhaler to ward off pnemonia and increase the ease of his breaths.

Leaving the Dr. we went to my office to put out a few fires that had come out in my absence. Christian sat at my desk coloring with highlighters. As soon as he finished with one, he would hand it to me and say "all done, put up." Work got the better of him and on the way home, he past out without any lunch. He woke up an hour later, when I had laid down in bed. I heard him in the living room, scooped him up and held him, assuming he was hungry and we would eat a late lunch. But he fell back asleep in my arms.

When he did wake up for good, I took him to the kitchen to wash up before lunch and set him on the floor, instructing him to dry his hands on the towles hanging on our lower double oven. It is just his height. I turned my back and washed my hands and overheard him softly mumbling "so sorry, mommy, so sorry." He accidentally knocked the towels off the rack and was trying to loop them back over the oven's handle. He sweet innocence broke my heart.

Scott came home early to allow me time to lay in bed in pain, and took Christian to play on the indoor Chick-fil-a playground. The boys brought home dinner from a small mexican torta shop, and Christian got a kid's meal quesadilla. He called it tilla (short for tortilla) and ate nearly all of it.

I am so grateful that even in times of sickness, my boys know how to be respectful and help out momma. I am so blessed.

Baking

2009-10-12T13:05:00.001-05:00

What better way to spend a day at home sick, than making a chocolate cake. Well, unfortunately, this process is evidence of why illness spreads so easily in my family. Here is a video of our little "contaminate" in action.

Would you like to try some?

When I party

2009-10-09T20:59:00.001-05:00

Christian and I were attempting to go to a consignment sale tonight in search of winter clothes for him. With the temperatures dropping, I could no longer delay purcahsing him warmer clothes. We got to the sale as it closed. I read teh wrong date and time on the calendar. But I was not the only one! There were other mommies there wanting to go in that were turned away.

With shopping on my mind, and cool weather still infringing, we decided to go to Target and pick up a few items there while daddy worked on the plumbing in the shower that went out this morning. Christian wanted to walk with me around the store, and having no time restraints, I agreed. We went up and down the children's clothing aisles and he and I woudl take turns pointing out things we liked, mentioning colors and sizes. I was trying to allow him to show me his own style (not just underwear on the outside of pants) but styles that appealed to him.

He was amazing at mimicking me, picking things up, asking "this one?" And placing it in the cart when he received an affirmative. We ending up with several selctions and I left feeling so close to my little boy.

When we got in the car, I was talking to him about his clothes, telling him he could wear them to school, and church, and made the statement that we wear clothes all the time, and in an effort to ellicit a response, I posed the question...right? Christian told me flatly, "no." I thought he was trying to be funny by giving me the obviously worng answer and so, I prodded him further, "when do you not wear clothes?" He responded confidently, "when I party." And he slyly grinned from ear to ear. WHAT? What was this child exposed to? Did I really know the other two year olds at teh daycare? When had this type of activity gone on? Did I need to question the morality of his teachers? What would CPS make of this?

Stunned, I asked him to repeat his answer. "When do you not wear clothes?" He replied clearly, "when I potty." Sigh. The boy had a point.

Alley Cats

2009-10-03T15:47:00.003-05:00

This weekend was Christian's first time to go bowling. We went with Auntie Ann to celebrate her niece's 5th b-day. Christian was thrilled with the prospect of running all around the place, and we eventually got him to the alley, where he immediately wanted to start playing. I turned my back for a second and he was sliding half way down the bowling aisle, which if you have not walked on one recently, they are extremely well waxed. I retrieved him with very little grace. We got our bowling shoes, and thankfully Christian's shoe size is the exact shoe size they start carrying for children. He put on his shoes and selected his ball.

The hostess set up a bowling ramp, which I have never heard of, not that I am privy to toddler bowling activities. This ramp, was like a metal slide for the ball that the child could simply give a slight push and send it ricocheting down the ally. Christian managed to set up his 6 pound ball and send it smashing in to the pins so effectively that near the end of the game, most of the other parents started using the ramp for their older children.

After being outbowled by a two year old, (and all the other kids) Ann and I went with the kids to the arcade to use their game cards. I mean, to help them select age appropriate games. We raced cars (Christian's favorite) and rode a flight simulator (Madeline's favorite) that made Ann and I sick!

Hugs

2009-09-29T20:39:00.002-05:00

In the usual evening frenzy, Scott and I got home and started our multitude of tasks to get dinner on the table, bills paid and the house put in order. Christian usually goes back and forth between us, and we alternate engaing him while the other one finishing an activity. Scott and Christian were outside watering plants together while I was starting a load of laundry when I heard Christian walk in the room.

"I need to hold you mommy, want hugs." I was taken aback by his outreach for affection and scooped him up and gave him hugs and kisses. While he usually lets us cuddle and kiss him, he very rarely has asked for hugs unless he is hurt. I went outside to ask Scott if he sent Christian in on a mission to suprise mommy. Scott told me that he had asked Christian for hugs, and was told by Christian, "no, mommy needs hugs." And so, I got some.

Old McDonald

2009-09-23T20:42:00.002-05:00

Tonight I was reading to Christian from a lifet the flap bible. For those that are not kid book savy, this is one of those books that one the page there are small flaps that the kid lifts with a small picture underneath. It keeps the kid busy and focused on the story without turning the page while you read. And for those that have not read to a toddler recently, premature page turning is a constant occurance.

We were reading the story of Noah's ark and under each flap was another set of animals. Christian was so engrossed in finding all the pairs and calling out what they were. After finishing the story of Noah, we closed the book. Christian looked and me, pushed the book back in my lap and asked for "more old Mcdonald." I have to admit, Noah does seem to have a flotilla of farm animals.

Not sure how we will explain this in Sunday School.

Waiting

2009-09-20T17:44:00.001-05:00

Each time we have guests, Christian love to go sit on our bench outside and wait for them to pull up. He knows each family member's car and is usually pretty accurate in picking them out as they arrive.

Tonight we were waiting for Omi and Opa and I took a few shots.

Bubba's B-day

2009-09-17T21:18:00.002-05:00

Tonight we celebrated Christian's brother's b-day and went out to Red Lobster. Christian is still convinced we are saying monsters when we say lobsters, and so is very intrigued, yet resistant to approach these weird creatures. I sat for most of the meal, with frequent trips up to the lobster tank to investigate. One of the hostesses, in an effort to entertain Christian, offered to let us watch the starfish (I mean sea stars!) eat.

The sea stars eat baby shrimp (not alive). She dumped the shrimp in and you could see the sea stars start moving their arms to smell tehir food. A few moved towards the shrimp and I could watch them land on them and puff up like little mushrooms while they ingested their meal. I was far more entertained than Christian, who kept chasing around the clown fish, calling him Nemo.

Back at the table, Christian had been drinking nearly all of bubba's water at the table, and thought it so funny to grab the cup each time Justin wanted a drink. Thankfully, Christian has a patient bubba, and we had a waiter willing to bring extra cups. When we headed back to the table, Christian asked to go potty. Normally this is a facade for his desire to get naked and run around, but I called his bluff and led him to the bathroom. He sat on the potty, and made a pee-pee! I was so excited I cheered him on, and guess I gave him stage fright, because he stopped soon after he started.

We went home to dessert consisting of cupcakes from central market. Christian attacked the carrot cake one, and ended up eating nearly half of it, icing first. The orange on his lips was the small carrot made in icing on his cupcake.

For bubba's birthday, Scott and he will be going deep sea fishing next month. I think it qualifies as a gift that keeps on giving...for Scott.

Guess

2009-09-16T20:21:00.001-05:00

I am notorius for misplacing my coffee around the house. must be because I am chasing a child, trying to cook, get ready for work, prepare dinner, and clean before leaving. So the coffee gets reheated at least three times each morning. At least when I can find it. This morning, in the get ready frenzy, I was walking around, thinking I was talking to myself and asked "where did I leave my coffee." To my suprise, I was answered. Christian looked at me and said "guess!" I told him I already was because I could not recall where I left it. For a moment I thought he may have played a role in my coffee's disappearance, but I found it on the mantle. I can't say that I don't look at him suspiciously now and then when my coffee does disappear. But for now, I have no one to blame but myself.

Shake that booty

2009-09-14T20:26:00.001-05:00

Christian had a catch phrase he unveiled during the cruise. While walking down the hallways to our cabin, he would start singing "shake that booty!" And I am pretty sure it was not a reference to pirate treasure. So this morning, on our first day back, I had a sit down with the director of his daycare to dicuss his new found proclaimation. I explained that while I am sure it was a well intentioned phrase used in music class (as it did not come from home and it was unlikely to come from Sunday School); I was uncomfortable with him using it. I realize the teacher probably did not mean it sexually, but let's face it, it is an explicit dance move and not one I think a toddler should be worried about. I admitted that I am likely the only parent to bring this up, or interpret the situation at its worst, but I still felt inclined to protect my son from those types of phrases and movements to preserve his innocence as long as possible. And let's face it, not all people view toddlers as precious or innocent and I would not want anyone to misinterpret my son's catchphrase.

I was assured that she would find the source of the phrase and ask to end it, out of precaution.

At least the cruise is over and we no longer need to worry about Christian standing behind a particularly rotund behind screaming "shake that booty."

Grand Caymans

2009-09-10T18:36:00.000-05:00

Scott and I decided to have a short excursion to ourselves, so on the day of Grand cayman, we booked a dive. Omi and Opa volunteered to take a later excursion and keep Christian for a few hours, then place him on the ship's daycare for two hours. I thought of every excuse not to go and to run back on the ship and rescue my son, but finally convinced myself he woudl not need rescuing and could survive in unfamiliar territory. Ok I was not convinced, but I did not want to look like a sap in front of my husband so I sucked it up and went diving.

Scott had to take a beginner's orientation, since he is not certified, while I lazily sat at the back of the class (a pre-arranged deal with the teacher) reading a book about a death row convict wanting to donate his heart to the sister of a girl he was accused of murdering. Happy times!

When we got to dive, Scott was allowed to be my buddy, and we ventured off on the reef. I took several photos with our underwater camera, but need to develop the pictures. If I can find a place that still develops film.

After the dive we raced on board to collect Christian and grab some lunch. As the Caymans are comprised of reefs, the cruise could not dock on port, and so we had to ride a ferry to the dock. Christian adored the boat ride, and managed not to fall into the ocean, so overall it was a success in my book.

We went walking along the pier and tried to swindle our way onto a submarine that goes to a 100 ft depth. It was an excursion offered on our boat, but only early in the morning. The store's sign said it departed every hour. I went ahead of Scott and the dawdling Christian to book a ride, and as I walked up they told me the next ride was about to depart. It seemed it was fate and we were meant to ride at that exact moment! They held the ride while I motioned for Scott to hurry, and as I was telling them the amount of tickets needed, they disclosed that it was only for children 4 and above. We were told to come back in two years. I'll make sure to mark that in my calendar.

With that disappointment and naptime approaching our enthusiuam waning, we decided do a little shopping then head back to the ship, and take a nap.

Jamaica

2009-09-09T21:26:00.001-05:00

Jamaica was one of my least desired stops on the cruise. Everything I heard about it made me terrified. Pick pockets, agressive sales, prostitution and drug trafficking. I was worried we'd be set and arrested in some foreign tropical paradise. Ok- Maybe hoping for an excuse to stay on the beach, but I was not about to break any laws to do so. So we erred on the side of caution and took and excursion to a private beach with loungue chairs, a catered meal and drinks. It was perfection. Christian would have been happy to play alone on the beach all day, and I could have sat in the loungue chair for hours.

We had an incredible meal of jerk chicken, red beans and rice, jamaican hush puppies, corn and coleslaw. Christian kept getting up from the table to go back to the beach. He had no interest in food. I brought his blocks with us, which was a great tool. He dug, built castles and buried coins in the sand. Like me, his biggest concern for the day was the sand sticking to him. We are both a bit of neat freaks. Everytime he scooped a new bucket of sand, he'd cry out, "oh no, my hands dirty!" we made many trips to the ocean to rinse off..oh and swim.

The beach break was amazing, safe and clean. They had music playing and people taking professional photos, so we took very few ourselves. I do have some great ones of us holding a parrot. More to come soon.

Beach Break Photos

2009-09-09T08:53:00.002-05:00

Fat lip, flat heels

2009-09-07T21:34:00.007-05:00

First formal night of our seven day carribean cruise, and so, Scott and I thought we would try taking Christian to the child care provided. We had toured the room, completed the paperwork and met the teachers the previous day. Everything was impressive and seemed in order. We thought surly they could manage for two hours while we languidly ate dinner and preserved our formal wear, by having Christian eat elsewhere. Scott dropped off Christian with little issue, received a complimentary phone- in case of an emergency- and hiked from the opposite end of the boat back to our dining room, where we met my in-laws for dinner. We made it through the appetizer and just finished the main dish when we received a call...on the emergency phone. Scott spent half the time listening to it ring trying to determine if the call was a test, or an actual call.

When he finally answered, I heard him say, "ok so is he still bleeding?" Not the phrase for a mommy to hear at anytime, especially when her son is on the opposite end of a massive boat, and she is restrained by formal wear. Scott got off the phone long enough to explain to me that Christian fell, when pushing back from the dinner table and split his lip and was bleeding and crying. I raced out of the dining room and began the 10 minute race to the children's area. I took three strides to Scott's single step, which did little more than wear me out, as we both ended up lost several times. I finally made it to the children's area, Scott lagging behind, long before he resigned himself to me being the first to rescue Christian from this tragedy. Christian was in the arms of a teacher with a napkin pressed against his lip, and a few blood stains on his long sleeved button down shirt. (He was in formal wear too.) I cuddled him and returned the phone, keeping him clutched in my arms with the assurance that mommy was there and he was safe.

Even though the baby was secured and calmed, we did not feel the night was over, nor could we leave my in laws waiting at the table, so we went back to complete our meal. We wlaked back hurriedly to try and eat our food while it was still luke warm. Comforting Christian while walking down the wet stairs in a formal gown is a challenge. before I knew it, my foot slipped from under me and I slid down three steps. I gathered myself, without loosing hold of Christian took another step, felt my heel give out underneath me and slid again. Christian by this time was beyond annoyed and frustrated at me for falling twice after he was already injured. While I scrambled to my feet after catching myself with the armrail, I glanced around at all the people in lounge chair who surely thought I was a drunk and caused Christian's fat lip.

After recovering from my falls I realized that not one, both both heels on my shoes had snapped, causing my stumble down the stairs. I had to take off my shoes and hand thme to Scott because while Christian was irritated with my fumble, he still wanted me to hold him. So off we trecked back to the dining room, with a crying toddler in a bloody shirt being carried by a mom without shoes in a formal gown, followed by a frustrated father holding said broken shoes in hand.

We know how to make an entrance.

Move it

2009-09-04T20:44:00.002-05:00

Christian's new favorite activity is dancing to the you tube version of move it, move it from Madagascar. He can listen to it over and over without becoming the least bit bored. it does help me wear him out some nights, but I get exhausted in the process.

Here is a video of him dancing. And yes, I have taught him all his moves...including falling down.

Brothers in there?

2009-09-03T20:27:00.002-05:00

Christian has become a little explorer lately. He is learning new parts of the body- to include wrist, elbow, and eye brows. We have been giving him a small flashlight and shining it on things around the house and his little body to get him to ask about new things. He took the light and shined it in my eyes, easr and mouth. He found my mouth the most interesting. While wide mouthed with a flashlight beaming down my throat he peaked through inquisitively asking "any babies in there?" Scott and I started laughing and I quickly assured him no, no babies down there. "Brothers in there?" Again, no. "Any sisters?" No. I had a brief monologue about the benefits of being an only child and how much more we could do for him with that status. He was not interested in my discussion and demanded, "mouth open mommy." And he continued to peer. His final question put an end to any concern I had about his desire for siblings when he inquired if I had "any bicycles down there?" None of those either. For a while, it made me feel a bit empty.

Chicken Tacos

2009-08-31T20:40:00.001-05:00

Scott went to crime watch patrol training tonight so he could volunteer to drive around our neigborhood and look for criminals. Not wanting to be alone all night, I invited myself and Christian over to my dad's house for dinner. Once I got home from work, we had to rush out the door to make it to dinner at a respectable time. Last time we were over we ate the divine chicken tacos for my birthday.
I told Christian we were heading to Pam-Paw (his name for my dad). Usually one of the first questions Christian has when related to Pam-paw is riding the tractor. But tonight, Christian proclaimed "I go to zoo!" Our zoo membership includes one free guest, and I guess it goes to show who we normally invite! I assured Christian that we could go to the zoo another time, but tonight we were going to dinner.

His next memory arose and he squealed "nick-en tacos!" While I shared his exitment at the prospect, I knew that was not on the menu, and I disappointedly sighed, "I wish." And then I remembered all the child phsychology books I have read about how children pick up and emulate your emotions. Christian started fake whining for his "tillas" (tortillas from Kroger- which are well worth crying over) and I had to placate him with the promises that he could ride the tractor. We made it through dinner with only a few pleas for a ride, and dad kindly took him around the neighborhood on his lawn mower- I mean, tractor. Christian was so proud to "drive" the tractor, and clung to dad's leg when they got off and were surrounded by the family dogs. Cindy took a few snapshots before the dismount. I had Christian focus on the camera and slightly smile by asking him to show me his teeth.

Big Noise

2009-08-26T21:18:00.001-05:00

Scott and Justin went fishing tonight leaving Christian and I to hang out a little while. We quickly ate dinner and went to the library gathering a plethora of books, mostly about dinosaurs, per Christian's request. We then went to the "movie" section, which is realy the CD's. Our library has a section of children's music that is awesome. All the Wee-Sing and Disney sound tracks your heart desires. Christian found a new CD this time- the soundtrack to Madagascar. For those who have not witnessed the impact of "move, it move it" on Christian's life, it is quite a spectacle. After check out we quickly went to the car, where only after I promised Christian we would listen to "move it," did he release the CD from his grasp. We sang and dance the entire ride home. Entering the house, we went through the ordeal of ensuring that "move it" would be brought inside to continue listening to it, all the while I was plotting ways of secretly eliminating the CD without Christian noticing.

I let the soundtrack play while I washed him in the tub. As I was drying him, he decided to toot. Startled, but at this stage, no longer shocked, I stated "Christian you had a little noise come out of your bottom." He was insulted and angrily pulled back. I could see the frustration in his face-at least I felt it was frustration and not more gas pains. In response to me, he stuttered, "no no, mommy, big noise!" Guess we should never place limits on our children. I am sure with age, he will get bigger, and the noises, louder.

Baby Sister

2009-08-25T20:13:00.002-05:00

Christian and I were looking through his baby books before school. I keep them under the bed in the masterbedroom. He has a book made of cards he received throughout his first year of life and another scrapbook comprised of artwork he produced his second year. In looking through the cards there were several we received with pictures of tiny hands, toes, and storks carrying the token child. Well aware of the symbols. Christian spouted out to me "I, I, I want baby sister," and looked at me longingly. This was not a topic we had at all introduced or been discussing. I retorted that he had a big brother already that loved him very much. Yet he stood firm, "I want sister." With a pat on the back and a quick step away, I turned my head and told him, "good luck with that one, baby!"

My birthday!

2009-08-14T21:07:00.002-05:00

Today was an amazing birthday at work, followed by a delicious b-day dinner at my dad's. My request was chicken tacos and chocolate lave cakes. On the car ride to dad's I kept telling Scott and Christian how I planned on eating two tacos. Christian looked at me and asserted, "no, one!" I begged and pleaded to be permitted two, when he started his counter negotiation: "tractor?" was his solid demand. So I asked, if you get to ride tractor, may I have two tacos. His prompt nod let me know we both would be happy to agree on those terms.

Christian even ate four tacos, some with meat, and some were just straight "tillas" aka the Kroger brand tortillas, which if you cannot consider your life fulfilled until you have sampled one.

After dinner, Dad took Christian on the tractor, and I blew bubbles, with Christian's bubble machine (can't call it a gun.) That toy is amazing and addicting. I'm so glad to have an excuse to play again. Childhood is a delight.

Random Bathtime conversations

2009-08-12T21:27:00.002-05:00

Had Christian in the bathtub where he decided to sample his bubbles and hold a typical toddler conversation. Thought you all would enjoy hearing his fleeting thoughts.