'I Don't Like Those Babies..."

It's official! Wyatt is now 2 years old, and we had a big celebration to kick off age 2. Our backyard party seemed to be a success with lots of friends, family & of course BIG fun! I swear Wyatt didn't slow down for one second! We have lots of great pics, which I will post this week, but here is a favorite that I snagged from my friend Corrina's blog:

This morning when Wyatt got up, all he could talk about was going in the playroom to look at his new presents again - the child practically fell asleep with a golf club in his hand last night!! When I informed him it was time to head to The Little Gym to play with friends, he promptly rolled his eyes & said "I don't like those babies!" Ahh, they grow up so fast :)

Turning the Big T-W-O

I realize this is so cliche, but time flies when you have a kid - man does it ever! The first year seemed to sort of drag on a bit - not in the "is this ever gonna end" sort of way, but more in the "when will my baby (fill-in-the-blank with said milestone)" sort of way. This second year has absolutely breezed by in what seems like a heartbeat, and it is with great delight, but also much shock that we get ready to celebrate Wyatt's second birthday. In honor of the big T-W-O, here are a few of my favorite things from this past year:

1) Sitting at story time with my sister Carrie & her daughter Lily at the Southwest Branch (we miss you, please re-open soon!!). We were all in a circle, Wyatt was approaching 15 months & still not walking. All of a sudden he let go of my hands & just took of running towards the hand puppet the librarian was holding in the middle of the circle. He took 8 steps, and Carrie & I both literally shrieked with delight! Even the librarian knew they were his first official steps! It was of course touch & go from then on, but he did eventually get the hang of it!

2) Wyatt heading off to Parent's Morning Out in September - having a rough morning or two, but then becoming so attached to his great teacher there that he never hesitated to say bye each & every Thursday. (Did I mention how much I am missing this Thursday free time over this summer??) He really had so much fun there & picked up on so much - he wasn't even walking when he first went!! Seems crazy!!

3) The constant chatter that has surrounded me my whole life (have you MET my family??) has now been passed on to Wyatt, and it has been just truly amazing to watch him vocally turn into such a little person. My favorite recent example of how far we have come in a year - when he was first learning to talk, Wyatt used to look up at the duck decoy on our mantle & say "quack" - it really was one of his first words & ways of communicating with us. Over time Seth taught him that it was a bird, a duck, and furthermore it was a decoy. Well, fast forward to a recent trip to the Little Gym during 'Pirate Week.' Wyatt wonders off, as he often does during circle time there once the bells are put away, and next thing I know he's got his eyes fixated on something up on the parallel bars. Over the sound of Teacher Brooke singing I hear a faint little voice shouting "It's okay - that decoy won't scare you Mommy (repeat, repeat, repeat)" I follow his line of sight, only to see a fake stuffed parrot poised up on the bars...I almost cried with laughter.

4) Wyatt has become awfully fond of his playgroup buddies, and rightfully so - he has known most of them since he was a mere six weeks old. Every now & then he will ask me what one of them might be up to, or even recall a memory that he has shared with one of them - "Eat ice cream with Cadence at Bulls game," "See Abby Linus at Local Yogurt" (okay, so my kid's memories all currently involve sugary treats...oh well) I would be a much less sane person without some other mom friends to vent to, and it has become so much fun to watch all these babies grow & change :)

I could ramble on & on all night, as I am sure most parents could about their children at any age. Just wanted to share a few happy memories with you all, and it really was time to post something new on my blog :) Hopefully this will spark some fond memories of your own...

I Give Up

Yes...I am one of them. One of those people that has caved under society's pressures. As I type this post, I am sitting here for the second time today in my Crest Whitestrips. I also just applied Renova cream to my face, and just a few short weeks ago I covered my grays. I am 31, and I am caving to the pressures. But come on - My husband sent me bathing suit shopping the other day & I had a moment in a department store looking through suits where I thought "Why do I have to wear a "mom" suit? And furthermore, why do "mom" suits have to be so heinous?"

I guess you could say that recently my toddler is making me feel a little bit older than I am, and lately I am feeling a bit rundown. I mean, let's be honest - I certainly don't spend time on myself like I used to and if we are being really honest, there was a time in my life when I would shower each & every day. With showers sometimes few & far between now (sorry friends), and haircuts & the like happening with less & less frequency I have decided to at least take a few matters in to my own hands. If nothing else, it has made me feel like I am spending a little more time on me for now, which is never a bad thing, right?

You Wanna "Do It Yourself?" Fine by Mom...

Mom: Would you like a drinkable yogurt?
Wyatt: Yes please! Yes please!
Pause for 1 minute while he slurps the entire contents...
Wyatt: (furiously shaking empty yogurt container)Put this in the motorcycle! Put this in the motorcycle!
Mom: What motorcycle?
Wyatt: That motorcycle! (Pointing towards garage)
Mom: Ahhh...put it in the RECYCLE?
Wyatt: Yes please, yes please - RECYCLE! Put this in the recycle!

In addition to being handy with the recycling, Wyatt has begun to claim everything as "mine." This goes for the bagged salads in the grocery store when we are shopping, and for everything in the dollar area of Target - so watch out for us if you see us out shopping! The other day I was washing his breakfast dishes & he kept saying "That's my tray, that's my bowl" I finally broke down & said "Okay, if it's your stuff, why don't you wash it!" Which he did, proudly...

I also have again run out of steam for blogging more often because I have been answering the questions "What's in there?" or "What's that?" ALL DAY - no exaggeration people. Ahh, the joys of motherhood :)

Ode to Dad

As I think all mothers & wives are guilty of at some point in the marriage, I often kid my husband about how the Mom is the one that does it all - cooks, cleans, takes care of baby, etc, etc...we've all been there. It wasn't until I have found myself all alone this week that it dawned on me what 'Dad's' biggest job is - moral support for 'Mom.' Who do I vent to? What about when I need another adult to make me feel sane?

I am lucky enough to have a husband that does much more than just come home at night & listen to me bitch, but for simply doing that I am thankful - it might be the best thing my husband does for me & my sanity!! So, until you return hubby, i will try my best to keep my sanity in check & our household in order ;)

Do It "Big Boy"

Besides the words "Mommy pick Wyatt up," which usually comes out sounding like one big strung together word, especially when we are cranky, Wyatt's latest favorite phrase is "do it big boy." "Do it big boy" can mean anything from drinking a drink with no lid on it, to trying to go pee in the toilet, to climbing the stairs holding onto the railing & not my hand. Needless to say, he has been keeping me on my toes, and hence the reason I have not had a lot of free time for blogging lately. In a quick recap, here is what we have been up to lately:

Strawberry Picking - I picked, Wyatt prepared for a future in competitive eating. I swear the child ate a pound of berries out there & had the red beard to prove it!

Water, Water Everywhere - Wyatt has become quite fond of water - running through the sprinkler with Mom & Dad has become a new favorite, as well as splashing in the baby pool. Most recently, Wyatt enjoying wading into the ocean at the beach - the child has no fear!!

Grocery Shopping - We had our first test drive with the child-sized cart at Food Lion the other night, and Wyatt was quite the shopper. He went for the produce & the fruit - even putting his own items on the scanner at the register & asking the lady to please "beep it" (that's how he knows we have paid for something)

Dancing - Wyatt has really become fond of dancing - maybe because his two cousins do it all the time, but this kid loves music! Any time there is music playing, you can count on him to cut a rug...

Being like Daddy - Now that Wyatt is almost two, he wants to also try to do a lot of the things that Daddy does. He has enjoyed a couple of trips with Pop & Dad up to the hunting cabin for fishing

"Mommy Back" - Getting better about learning that Mom always comes "back" when Wyatt goes somewhere on his own, whether it is PMO, the nursery at church or even my guitar lesson. The book 'Mama Always Comes Home' has been great too!

Snip, Snip

It was time, as much as it saddened me...

Watching Planes & Sipping Coffee

This morning we ventured into Beaufort, NC with Nanny & Papa. It was an exciting morning looking at the boats on the water, the planes in the sky & then stopping for coffee (chocolate milk). Wyatt was thrilled to meet both a large kitty cat on the docks (which he yelled "Pickles" to, Amy) & then a dock hand's Jack Russell!

Always Have a Camera Handy

Gettin' Our Groove On

After being cooped up in the house all week with bathroom renovations going on & with Seth out of town, Wyatt & I decided to venture out this afternoon to check out the Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival in Silk Hope, NC. We had a great time - I felt like my old self at a hippie music festival, only this time responsible for a small child of course... Here are some pics from our adventures!

Wyatt's favorite part was riding into the festival on the trailer being pulled by a real farm tractor!

Enjoying some bluegrass by Big Fat Gap

Looking at the wooden carvings for sale - this one looked a bit like Santa

Wyatt spotted this chicken behind the food stand!!

Enjoying some delicious festival food

Rolling in the grass laughing...doesn't get much better than this

Very intrigued by the people hula hooping

Enjoying an ice cream cone from a local creamery

Just for Jean

My best friend Jean is coming to visit this week, and in honor of her arrival Wyatt has been talking about "Ms. Jean" all weekend. To begin the countdown Wyatt donned Jean's party hat that has been passed through many a 29 year old's household. Needless to say, the workers at my house this morning doing our bathroom renovations were quite tickled with Wyatt's choice of head wear.

As Easy as 1-2-3

A few months ago, I discovered that Wyatt was really interested when I would count things. I wasn't going to sit the child down with flashcards, but I figured he would catch on soon enough if I counted things like stairs when we were going up them, or asking him at snack time "Would you like one cracker, or two?" (You can guess what the typical answer was!!)

The other night he surprised me in the bathtub by saying "Froggy," after pointing to the froggy on the tub spout. He then pointed to another frog in the bath and said " 'nother froggy - two froggies" None of this is consistent of course, but it was pretty exciting to hear!! So, here is the only video I have been able to capture of Wyatt counting to 10, which he has started to do all the time - I think he's a bit camera shy, so you'll have to turn the volume up! (Yes, he also has blue marker all over his face!!)

Wordless Week - Self Portrait

Wordless Week - Dancin' Machine

Wordless Week - Monday

Home Remedy

-Start with one sick toddler

-Add giant cozy chair, 3 blankies & favorite stuffed animal

-Create one new favorite treat for sore throat & cough - Greek Yogurt Smoothie (see recipe below)

-Finish with a quick episode of 'Bob the Builder,' or any other favorite TV show

-Yields 1 content toddler, for the time being - I'll take what I can get!!

(Yes, that would be my calorie counting book in the background - not Wyatt's - LOL)

Greek Yogurt Smoothie
-1 individual container of All Natural Fat Free Chobani Greek Yogurt (we use the kind with fruit on the bottom)
-1/2 cup skim milk (you could use any kind of milk)
-6-8 frozen strawberries, peaches or whatever fruits you like
-handful of fresh blueberries
-BLEND & pour!

Writer's Block

I have not been feeling very creative when it comes to blogging lately - I am going through a bit of a phase where I am sick of constant communication & access to people, places & things via the Internet. I know, I know - it's 2009 & that's the way things are done these days, but I have been trying to slow down my pace of life a little & make more time for what is important for my health & sanity - like working out, learning the guitar & spending some time outdoors with Wyatt & family, showering daily, etc, etc... plus, I have been using my creative juices lately with things for Lily & Wyatt, and with planning out some summer fun for hubby, toddler & myself. So, my apologies if I am not on here often - I will try to drum up a witty & inspiring post sometime in the near future (and a better attitude :) ). For now, here are some recent photos of family fun!

Who Doesn't Love Winning!?

I say that like I win things all the time - not the case!! But, I am hoping to win this cool thing for Wyatt - my friend Abby is giving one away over at her blog, so stop by to check it out & enter!

Daddy Goes

I would like you to meet the newest member of our family - "Daddy." Don't worry, he has not replaced Seth - who is referred to as "Real Daddy" - this is "play" Daddy. He was sort of an impulse purchase the other day while making a larger purchase at Toys R' Us - Wyatt's cousin has this man for her dollhouse, and it is a favorite each & every time we are there playing. When I tell you that we have not put Daddy down since the moment we purchased him, I am not kidding. Daddy has been on all sorts of adventures through town - he had a cone at TCBY yesterday, bologna for lunch, helped us put together a few backyard toys yesterday... even a trip to Sarah's science fair this evening, complete with a visit to Birdman Dave.

So, next time you see us out & about don't be surprised if Daddy is with us, because as Wyatt says "Daddy goes!"

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

I was reluctant to post this when I first returned from our recent trip to the Roanoke River. It was a very cold, and very wet weekend & one which I wanted to soon forget. It was only when I had a few days to warm back up (and be thankful that it only rained on us, instead of snowing) that I realized just how much fun we did have. Something about being in the Great Outdoors always brings out in the best in my relationship with Seth - no matter how cold, how wet or how downright miserable things get, we always seem to have a lot of laughs & make plenty of memories. Now, that's not to say I'll be rushing back to the Roanoke for another 22 mile canoe trip (my arms are still sore from paddling in a headwind in pelting rain), but maybe one of these days we'll get back out there in the canoe...

http://tiny.cc/OzuBd

"A picture is worth a thousand words..."

I had to create this post this morning when I found out that a near & dear friend had finally launched her business - J.B. Haygood Photography www.jbhaygoodphotography.com

If you ever need photography done, for any reason, she's your gal. Extremely professional, great with children & and a true artist behind the lens. My husband & I had some photos taken a while back with Wyatt & I swear it was the first time we've been able to capture some true smiles on camera!

Congrats Jen - I wish you the best & know it will be a huge success!

How Do You Keep Up?

I ask myself this question as a Mom all the time - how can you possibly keep up with all the information out there in regards to motherhood, babies, products, classes, education, playgroups, social skills, language development, healthy eating - the list is never ending & overwhelming. My husband often rolls his eyes at me when I mention something from one of these categories - "People have been having kids for years & years & they figure it out - we will too"

Recently though, I have felt the pressure of motherhood in all things "safe" for my child. Like anyone with a kid, it seems you are always being bombarded with wanted and, more often, unwanted advice. Are we victims of the Internet & the access we have to endless amounts of information? I often think so... Don't get me wrong - it's great to have access to so much, but like anything, I believe moderation is key. For example - Google "sunscreen chemicals" & boy will you get a new education. Again, I appreciate that this information is available, but it all contributes to what I believe makes it harder to be a "good" mom these days. What bottles are you using? Are they made of plastic? What sippy cups? How are you washing them? You are using WHAT on your kid's skin? Non-organic wipes? Your kid eats sugar? Hydrogenated WHAT? Sunscreen is now dangerous? AHHHHHHHHH!!!!

I understand that we are lucky to have more research being done these days to discover causes of cancer, other diseases & disabilities, but damn if it isn't hard to keep up with everything. And when is it all truly too much? When is it fact and when is it "sort of" fact? Is some info more important than others? And my biggest question is, if these products are better & safer, then why do they cost so much damn money? (That is my same "beef" with healthy food, but I will save that for another rant) How do you "keep up" in this economy?

How do you keep up? Are you practicing the same things for yourself, or just your child? I'd love to hear & get some tips!

Snow Angel

Blah-gger

Not feeling the blogging this week - had several good ideas for posts, but all have fallen flat when it came time to put "pen to paper." I am trying to start both a workout routine & a diet this week, so both have sort of rocked my world for the time being. Until my next post, here are some recent favorite pictures:

Wyatt loves when I wrap George up like a baby in this blanket

My budding artist

Trying out the wireless headphones in the back of our new Honda Pilot

I just love this smile - he was so proud to go down this HUGE slide all by himself!

A fishing lesson from Dad

Targa

Tonight was a night for the record books - when I become a famour guitarist, I suppose I will look back on February 17, 2009 as the day when I learned guitar from my first lesson. Okay, so maybe not. After all, it was only the first lesson & it has taken me 5 months to schedule!!

The nicest thing about tonight though, was that I took 30 minutes for myself. Not for Wyatt, not for Seth, not to do housework or catch up on email...just 30 minutes to do something for ME. I am looking forward to the next few lessons - I went ahead & scheduled out for a month to force myself to do it. Hopefully I will be playing children's tunes before long, and maybe in the not too distance future I can strum a few Grateful Dead tunes for Wyatt as well.

The best part of my evening though was coming home to a happy toddler shouting "Targa, targa" (his word for guitar) quickly followed by "pick, pick." I promise to have some tunes for you soon buddy!