School Year Resolutions

I always mark the end of summer after the passing of Labor Day. For some reason, although I have not been in school for many, many years, I still seem to think of the calendar year in semesters & school breaks. So, I am delighted for Wyatt to head off the preschool in just a few weeks, so I will have a valid reason for thinking that way.

It has been a crazy, busy summer - much more hectic than I thought back in May when PMO & other activities ended & I thought "What am I going to do this summer?" My resolution for the Fall is to become more organized & try to do a few more things for myself - that's right, I said myself - Me, me, me... there! I have a list a mile long of the things that I WANT to do, but often times an even longer list of the things I feel I need to do. With Wyatt in school 2 half days a week, I am hoping to use that free time to get back to my old self a bit - find a hobby, start a project - heck, maybe just sit home & drink coffee & watch The Today Show, you know? I think as mothers, it is important to find breaks for ourselves whenever we can, and feel okay admitting that there are plenty of days when we just want to scream. Hopefully this occasional free time will help me make it through those evenings when my hubby calls to say he won't be home till 8:00.

On my list for this Fall - here are a few things I am looking forward to:

1. Sitting somewhere with 1 of the 20 magazines we get at our house & a coffee (preferably a Pumpkin Spice Latte) for at least one hour, uninterrupted

2. Practicing the guitar

3. Catching up on my favorite morning programs for the first time in possibly 2 years

4. Window shopping & browsing at ____________ (fill in the blank with ANY store)

5. Having a chance to call & catch up with old friends that I have been meaning to get in touch with forever (I often say I will do this during naptime & then just either want to nap myself, or get caught up in household chores & the like)

Here's hoping that you all will make a list for the Fall & get breaks for yourself, whether you have children or not, whenever you can! In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your summer!

Bubblegum

Yes, that's me

... whose child is calling to me from the chalkboard in a crowded neighborhood yogurt joint "Mommy, draw a ding-dong, draw a ding-dong!" (Too bad only he & I know what he is trying to say is a "ding dong bell - aka a doorbell)

... who has the greasy hair & workout clothes on at The Little Gym, and not because I just came from the gym

... whose son "toots" in the bathtub, giggles & follows it up with "Mommy, pull my finger!" (Thanks Dad!)

... who thought it would be a good idea to zip into HT at 8:00 PM with my 2 year old. Sorry again to the other patrons in my checkout aisle who had to witness me wrestling Blow-Pop's away from my son.

... who seemed to be one of only 3 people (and the other two were with me) dancing and carrying on at the recent Coldplay concert. Come on people, how can you not move - at all - to music? I kid you not, it was a sea of stiff bodies that this Widespread lovin' hippie was not used to seeing.

... who might have a bit of trouble controlling the volume of my toddler's voice at the local library - what can I say? The kid gets excited about books & it's just too damn quiet in this place!

Life with a toddler has definitely gotten a bit more hectic - I now have a little person on my hands who is a total sponge. Each day has it's ups & downs - lately the downs are full of emotional tantrums & tears, but I know we will survive. I have to try to laugh as much as I can at even the worst moments because I know one day I will miss this little 2 year old ;)

Many "Speedy" Returns

**This never got posted, but I am putting it out there now & hope to have some more posts about our recent adventures soon! This has been one crazy, hot summer!!**

Well, this will be brief. My head is sort of spinning - we have been in Hilton Head for 5 days & have returned for 36 hours only to head down to Emerald Isle tomorrow morning. I had to throw in a few highlights from our trip down south though. Wyatt & I left on our road trip last Sunday & managed to make it down there in about 7 hours total (stops & all). Wyatt was an amazing companion on the road (even with no nap) - he brought some of my own childhood excitement back to stopping at McDonald's with play areas & going into big, colorful gas stations with all sorts of treats. We had an amazing visit with Miss Jean - we took in all the sights, sounds & playgrounds that the island had to offer - Mom & Jean even got a night off to see moe. Of course, if you asked Wyatt, the highlight of his trip would be seeing Speedy - Speedy is Jean's classroom pet hamster & it was love at first sight for Wyatt. Each morning he would check on Speedy & give us the play-by-play narration of what he was up to. I could ramble on & on, but thought I would post a few pics for now & one day I will catch up on here (I know I still owe a few birthday pics!)

Two Year Stats

When I think about how much time we spent at the doctor in the first two year's of Wyatt's life, with all of the baby check-ups, it seems hard to believe that the next time we have to go back for a visit is at the 3 year mark! Everything was great this morning, with the exception of a quick shot - we got over it quickly (yes, I do mean WE...do you know me???). Here are the updates:

Weight - 30.5 lbs (75%)
Height - 35 1/4 in (75%)
Head - 50.75 cm (90-95%) :)

'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...

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