Good Karma

Last night, I was Christmas shopping at Ann Taylor Loft when I heard a toddler screaming in a stroller at the top of his lungs. Boy, have I been there. Instead of trying to help his poor mother, the staff and patrons in the store were just scowling at the poor lady. It was 7:30. The kid was done. Embarrassed and exasperated, the woman put down the pile of clothes she was trying to purchase and said to the clerk, "Just keep it. We just can't do this anymore." I walked up and told the mother, "I have a toddler, too. Go check out, Mom." I whipped out my handy iPhone and started playing some of the fun apps, and the little guy stopped crying immediately and just played and laughed until his mom was finished with her purchases. She was so grateful, and I was so glad that I was there to help both of them. I've done this at several places, and it hasn't failed yet. After they left, the sales clerk thanked me for my help. She said, "I didn't know what to do." I jokingly said, "Hey, I should get a discount for getting the baby to quit crying and letting the mom check out." She said, "Yeah, you should." When I checked out, the clerk gave me over $20 off my total purchase price as a thank you for the help. I was just kidding about getting a discount, but happily accepted the positive karma for doing the good deed!

Noah & Mommy's Busy Day

Today was such a busy day for Noah & Mommy! After we cleaned up from our bath this morning, we went to Academy, KE Cellars, Michaels, and then McDonalds for "frice." Noah was sooooo good and I couldn't ask for a better toddling companion. (Most shopping days are not this good, so I thought I better document it!) He was soooooo tired & ready for a nap by the time we got home. After naptime, we fixed our snowman, who is very old but very special to me. Michael brought him to me many years ago when he was working pediatrics in the schools. The snowman was made by special education children, and I put him up every year. Unfortunately, he lost an eye, his nose was LITERALLY hanging on by a thread, and Noah pulled off one of the buttons on his mouth. Poor snowman!

All fixed, snowman is happy & Noah got a prize of some new shoes from our shopping expedition.

It was a cold day, but he put on a hat AND a coat (for the 1st time in toddlerhood) and played in the front & back yard.

After outside play, we ate dinner & then went with Daddy to Hobby Lobby for some replacement lights. What a busy day! But FUN! I'm so glad we didn't try to go to the BHC Christmas party. This was much better and a lot less stress on us both.

Noah's 1st Chocolate Santa

I brought Noah home his 1st chocolate Santa last night after work. He loves all things Santa and all things chocolate, so it went over well! I love coming home from work & getting his hugs and sweetness. Christmas is going to be so fun with him this year! I wonder what Santa will bring? I hope he brings me a maid...ahhhhh....my Christmas wish!

I turn my back for one minute and...

This morning, I showed Daddy how nice Noah can eat his yogurt all by himself using his spoon. Daddy clapped and was so proud. Well, Daddy left, and I went to the kitchen to warm up some oatmeal. I heard Noah say, "Uh ohhhhhhhh," which is never good. I turned my back for one minute...and this is what I found.... My first thought was, "Ugh, another mess to clean up." Then I decided that if I actually slowed down and stayed in the present, I'd appreciate this for what it is...absolutely hilarious!

After his yogurt, Noah was in much need of a bath.

Noah thought it was a special treat to have a bath so early in the day because we usually take our baths before bedtime.

Ode to....the sweater vest

In honor of my friend, Mary Beth...here is the best picture I had of her Christmas sweater-vest. Mary Beth is liberal, outgoing, and loads of sunshine...and it's a riot that she presents in her conservative, what was it she called it? "Conservative school teacher sweater-vest?" In all seriousness, I don't think I would've made it through this last week with near the fun hadn't it been for this fun-loving, authentic, and "comfortable in her own skin" (or sweater-vest, beret...whatever strikes her mood) friend!

Future so bright...gotta wear shades

Noah fascinates me. He loves to wear his shoes...even with his pj's. Sometimes he actually throws a fit when he has to take his shoes OFF. Yet, he hates to wear clothes...a constant battle. He refuses to wear a winter coat...but he had the most fun today putting these sunglasses on over (& over & over) and then running around the house.

Cancer Institute Christmas Party

Today was the ETMC Cancer Institute Christmas Party. As you can see from the picture below, Noah was not in the happiest of moods today. He actually was pretty good at the party...but it just isn't developmentally appropriate to have an 22 month-old at a sit down dinner with candles and quiet. We lasted 50 minutes before we left. I think I've just about decided that if my work doesn't have events on the days I work, it's just not worth all the effort and stamina it takes to go. All I do is chase after Noah, and in the cost-benenefit analysis of it all, it's just not worth my limited life force. BHC has another party this Thursday and I think I'll politely decline. Noah was dressed as my little Santa Baby. Even with a pouty lip, he's still a cutie.

The high point of the "party" was definitely seeing Mary Beth!

This is what Noah did for most of the party...here he is walking my way...

and running down the hall as fast as he can!