The look of love and admiration

The look of love and admiration
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

I'm so thankful for your Aunt Colleen. It's taken me awhile as a new Momma to leave you with others. I feel blessed she has always offered and been gracious when I haven't taken her up on it. It's never been about the person watching you, more that I'm not, and how silly it makes a Mom feel guilty to not be able to do it all or even to want a break. However, now that I've gotten past that and been open to involving family (because really that's so important to my heart that you have these great trusting relationships with the other people in your life that love you) it's felt so wonderful. The other day Daddy and I needed to run errands and Auntie was so nice to come over and spend time with you. I think her heart is just full of so much love... maybe more than she even realizes. I love seeing you two together though since it's evident you mean a lot to her. So... we are lucky to have family, eh?

Tell them to push the meeting til 3 o' clock

Tell them to push the meeting til 3 o' clock
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

We don't want to forget your sign for drink/thirsty which is "mumb mumb" with your mouth open and closing and tongue flying in and out.

Poke!

Poke!
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

I'm so excited your Auntie and Uncle are going to watch you tonight and Daddy and I are going out to play. I have no idea what we will do or where we will go but I know your U & A will have a blast with you and keep you safe, sound, happy.

Mr. Explorer...

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

We are hitting that phase of climbing (which thankfully you are a late bloomer on... well that and you listen to us very well regarding what you are and aren't allowed to do). Also the time of "let's see where Haydin can fit into". There is a lot more emotion from you. You definitely get frustrated when you have your mind set on something and it doesn't work out for one reason or another. Still, you are easily comforted and we just move onto something else.

Ho hum...

Content Momma

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

You're sick, I'm sick, Daddy is hurt. It's been a long week. I can only imagine what it's like when there are more children involved and everyone gets super ill and life is more chaotic... Goddess forbid! I'm amazed I'm still here to tell you the truth with how I feel. I think I might take you to the pedis office tomorrow though I think you're fine... just an intense cold. Still, with all the crazy H1N1 drama, and knowing you've been around a family who's recently been a harbonger of it, might be a good idea to check things out. Gotta get work done now. I love you so and can't wait until we are all back to normal....

okay, well then it's on to full on weaning... so that's not gonna be a fun week either.

Content, both of us.

Content, both of us.
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

xoxo I'm so proud to be your Mother.

Oh when I make him laugh, it's the best

Oh when I make him laugh, it's the best
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

Just a quick story of this morning. I come in and it's still relatively dark out (6:20 yuck). You had been calling to me "Mama, mama" to wake me up. I come in so softly "Morning sweetheart" and you are laying there patting your pillow like you do begging me to get in the crib and lay down with you. I'm just thankful our crib obliges. It's precious though. You snuggle into my neck, hold my face and/or ears and we have silent communion in the wee morning hours.

From Dad to Mom...

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

Last night I showed Daddy my trick for getting kisses from you (since you don't give as many as you used to). We make a really big deal out of it, get excited, throw our arms up and cheer.... you do also. So then we got later into the evening and I was doing dishes, Da in office. Before I knew it you came out, tugged on me, I bend down and received the sweetest kiss. Daddy slowly behind you, checking just big eyes and chuckling. "I can't believe he did it!" Da says, "I told him in the office, "here give this kiss to Mommy" and proceeded to kiss him". So you thought about the concept, you know to bring tangible things to either one of us and did the same with a kiss! You tend to amaze us on a daily basis.

You now...

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

You now say (most mainly when prompted)
Kitty
Momma
Dada
Puppy
Ball
Book
Bubbles
Bye-Bye
Bathtime
Car
Truck
Bat
Bus
Cook
Chop
Kick
Key
Kite
Pop
Jump
Pum kin
Shoes
Sock
Cof (coffee)
Cracker
Woo-woo (for train)
Cheers
Pap pap (paci)
Up



You sign for:
Drink
Eat
More
All done
Up
Milk
Bathtime
Draw/Color
Paci

Of course there really isn't much you don't understand. There are so many words you know, that list would be too long to relate, but we can tell you lots of things and you totally get it.

Halloween 2009 story...

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

Okay so this is gonna be long. We went as Wizard of Oz characters. The only downside of the day was that Daddy couldn't be with us. He was supposed to be the Scarecrow. Well we get to Grove Park Inn and suit you up. It was really great you didn't mind your big furry mane on your head. As soon as we get inside I had to run to the restroom. Upon coming out... well there was a great commotion outside the door and there are all these photographers snapping pics of my sweet babe who's studying a Christmas tree. My heart just bursts with pride. Little did I know what awaited us. As we head through the building everyone oohed and ahhed. Said "you guys are the best" and "you know you truly are the stars of the day". But of course!

Parents pointed us out to their kids and seriously every parent and grandparent just about leaned down to kiss you. Once we reached the great hall you were quite hot and sweaty so I went to get you a glass of water. We had to go right in front of the live band. We stop to give you a drink and what do you know but they start serenading us with "somewhere over the rainbow" and "follow the yellow brick road" then they get everyone to clap for us. Later we move on and are making people happy wherever we go. We are asked if we work for Grove Park and did they supply the costumes? Also, entire Japanese tour group seriously went gaga for all of us but mainly you. However, they approached us individually to have their photo taken with all of us. Then we went on the Trick or Treat Treasure Hunt through the Inn (actually only one stop but it allowed you to get candy in your bag). You wouldn't eat a lunch early and just at this time in front of your paparazzi you sign to me "eat" "hungry". What's a mom to do. So I let you taste your first candy, which I tell to the growing crowd enveloping you, this only seems to make them more excited and flashes burst!

Back in the car and on to your school. They have set each class up as a different game room. Of course you were to little to play any of the games and really didn't care. So we went and had a free family photo done and are excited to get that back in the mail. You were excited to see your teachers and ran right to Ms Paula.

We had so much fun and I must say it was my best Halloween yet as you definitely stood out in your most fantastic Lion costume. What a lucky boy to have a Nana who creates masterpieces and ladies with you willing to get all dressed up too. Your Auntie Colleen and Nana were so kind to help me make it a great day.