Getting Cozy

Noah loves getting "cozy." His newest thing is getting his favorite blankets and pillows and putting them in his favorite chair & curling up and watching a show. Right now "Trains" are his favorite. (That would be Thomas the Train but he just calls it trains.) The only problem that I have is that Noah doesn't like me to sit in his chair and snuggle or get anything productive done. He basically likes me to pull up the plaid ottoman pictured behind the chair and watch him watch a show. As soon as I try to do the dishes or anything, Noah starts saying, "Mama, Mama! Sit!" Seriously? Oh yeah. This kid is not deprived. But his world is going to get rocked when the baby comes. Sorry Noah. I love you. Curled up & cozy

What a ham

Perennial Beauties

These are just a few pics of some of my perennials in bloom.

This is actually a huge flower. It's a variety of Rudebekia (Black-Eyed-Susan) but I'll have to check & see which one, because it's unbelievable.

My Climbing Iceberg. I planted this LAST year, and it was only about 3 ft. tall (at best). Now she's taller than the fence. Looks like we'll have to do some training of this beauty. I just love her though.

The Ups & Downs of Motherhood

It's funny how in a matter of seconds (especially with a 2-year old) the emotions and behaviors associated with those emotions can cycle faster than ANY Bipolar patient I've ever met in the psych hospital. Enter my son, Noah. There are definitely ups and downs of motherhood. There are some moments that fill my heart with so much joy and love that make my heart feel like it's going to burst. Like this morning. Noah isn't potty trained yet, and he will go to a private place to make his poo poo. This morning, he went to his private place, made his poo poo, and then came up to me and said, "poo poo." I told him that we'd clean it up and get a new diaper and we headed to his room. When we entered the room he said, "Saw-wee," (That's how Noah pronounces sorry.) It melted my heart.
But there are other moments... you know the ones...moments like I had today, when my 2 year-old is hitting and kicking me, that test my patience and make me ask myself, "What was I thinking? How am I going to handle two?!? I'm already beat down tired and can barely keep my house from being declared a national disaster! What will I do?" And I'm a positive person! Luckily, I have a supportive husband that answers my frantic calls when I'm on the verge of tears and freaking out because my child just kicked me hard in the stomach and I'm pregnant and trying not to freak out. Of course, Michael's first response is to spank Noah. I'm philosophically different here, believing that it's not a good idea to tell my kid, "Don't hit," and then smack him. I'm not putting down those that use corporal punishment. I've worked with kids too long to want to use that option though. Anyway, after a brief pep talk from my husband, and giving Noah a few minutes to calm down, I pulled my head up and calmly re-approached my son.
He said, "saw-wee," gave me a sweet hug and a big kiss, and I rocked him to sleep. Lots of ups and downs and the day is only half over! But I must say, that I know God will give me the strength to handle this, and I know that all Moms have days like this. I'm just putting mine out there, so if any other mom is at her wits end, she'll know that it happens to the best of us. I know that it's all worth it. As I glance at Noah sleeping soundly in his bed, I am assured that yes, indeed, it's all worth it. But I still think I'll go have a chocolate bar!

Balancing Bear Game

Last night I invented a new game, which involved balancing various objects from diaper wipes boxes to stuffed animals on my head. The high point for Noah was when I balanced his bear on my head. Daddy then helped Noah play the game, and it was quite a hit!

Noah with the bear on his shoulders

Noah was jumping up and down so much, he started sweating! Check out his hair!

FUN!

Cleaning Out The Garage

While lots of people were out traveling and celebrating last weekend, our family took on the mundane...and HOT task of cleaning out our garage. It was HOT & Noah was a trooper! The garage isn't completely finished, but it is a lot better. We tried to break it up by playing, drinking juice, swimming, and blowing bubbles.
Noah loved cooling off in the fan. Look at his hair flowing.

Daddy takes a break for bubble fun.

It was HOT! Juice helped.

Cereal With Daddy

Noah became very curious watching his Daddy eat cereal with milk out of a bowl. Daddy showed Noah how it was done & Noah had his 1st cereal with milk.

Noah had his own bowl, but he preferred eating from Daddy's. That's par for course at our house.

Family Swim Night

Tonight the whole family got into the pool. It was a warm 84 degrees and perfect weather to take a dip. Daddy got Noah this new little floatie and Noah had fun taking rides. He sure LOVES his Daddy!

Nothing but a happy, happy boy!

I just love this smile!

Daddy & Noah kisses