There are a so many times....

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Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

When you come up to me each day just to kiss me or hug me. I don't even have to do anything to illicit it. There are just times you want to convey your love for us and decide to do so. Heart-stopping.

Our family...

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Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

It was so much fun, the 3 of us, enjoying the beach through your eyes. You definitely loved the water, running straight out into it without comprehension that it was so huge and deep. The sand did bother you though. There were times, like eating, you just wanted it off you, all to no avail. Wash your hands and then, poof, you reach and touch something so fast and before I knew it your sandwich has sand in it, your chips, everything. You did NOT like the cold showers... but, common, who does? ;)

No one but me would know...

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

your version of singing. I'm sure to anyone else it just sounds like more of your interesting dialogue or just noises. But Mommy knows that now you try to hum along with her, try and sing when she's singing. Ah what a duet we make.

I'm going to eat you!!!!!!!

I'm going to eat you!!!!!!!
Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

New tastes. Adventurous outings. Summer is so much fun with you.

Baby boy...

Oh son. We are having the best time together lately... not that we haven't always. But this age is so great because your "turning wheels" are very apparent. You play by yourself and are actually acting things out, but then you also come to me to "check in", wanting to just give me a kiss or hug, just because you feel you need one. There are definitely games you enjoy playing, hide and seek, lately also throwing yourself on pillows and rolling around, you enjoy books so much too. But our days are long and full of so many precious moments. I can't say it enough times or express it properly, but each time I hold you in the calm and the chaos; each time I feel your body move to do it's own will the Creator is the most present. It's as if she is knelt down with us, entering into our embraces, keeping my senses on high alert, making me keener to take it all in. Helping me savor and store the look of sunshine on your peach-fuzz covered legs, the smell of your breath from a gapping slack-open mouth, the gold sparkle from your father within the deep blue from me in your shinning eyes, the grip of your hand seeking reassurance as it grasps my finger when we take a walk, the joy you exude when hearing and dancing to music.

Busy...

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

You are such a busy kiddo lately. Just going going going! We had a great trip to Ohio, the drive home was a bit much for you but we arrived in one piece. While in Ohio with your Nan and Pap, your Grandma had a mild heart attack and we got to briefly see her the say before they put a stint in. She's doing great now and very excited about the beach. It was so nice to see you running around the sideyard, playing on the porch, sleeping with me under my "home" roof. Such a marvelous feeling. Since then your molars are really coming through. In fact, one top set has peeked through slightly. But boy is it making you grouchy and very sad. Seriously, lots of tears, you are just needing to be held on my lap lots, with hugs a plenty. This week and the next will be a whilwind to get ready for vacation to Hatteras so it may be awhile before we log anything on here. Figure we will do your first hair cut after the beach, and hopefully the teeth issue will be done for a bit.... well until the canines are in. I just wish I could take away all the pain and discomfort honey. You are getting so great about sitting with your books and playing by yourself. I feel bad I'm on the computer so much working, not playing with you, but I know it's still better than never seeing you.

Missing Daddy Already....

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

We are headed to Ohio this evening and are staying for our longest visit in awhile. I'm already very sad and lonely for your Father, though he's in the bedroom sleeping. I wish you a love like ours in your future son. A love you can be with day in and day out and still look at each other with so much love over the years. Someone who always brings out the best in you, inspires you, cares for your heart and mind, respects your core essence, strives to make you happy. And that you, in turn, are able to give that kind of love back. I don't think, in this short life, I can see, hear, touch your Father enough. It's like all of Creation was set in motion for us to exist together, and now, us to exist together as we are blessed with being your parents.

So much fun...

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Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

We had such a great day at the park with Daddy and Uncle Craig. You really make us all so happy. As you lay in my lap each night I study you. Your body, inch by inch. Bless you. So many prayers. I say over your sweet body. After we come home from Ohio I'm going to start the process of helping you learn to fall asleep on your own. So while this will free up my time eventually I will also loose all the moments of holding you. That coupled with a slow weaning... well, I'm missing you already. I'm excited to go home and visit, but so lonely for your father. He just had 3 days off in a row and it was heaven. He's totally my foundation and best friend dear son. Your father keeps me going when I don't think I can manage. Your father was the first to teach me how to love completely and allow myself to be loved. Your father's gift to me, in my own personal growth are too numerous to count. Anyway, going to Ohio will have us apart for 4 days and that seems like way too long. No one really gets that about us... how we can miss each other so much and want to be together all the time... still. But that's just how we love each other. Not to mention you two will miss each other. But it's important for me to be there with my family. To see my friends. To sleep with you there in the summer where there is so much magic.

Great day!

So Daddy let me sleep in, took care of you all day today, I got lots of work done and felt soooo productive. Worked outside. Made great food. Both your Uncles are here. AND your Dad has the next two days off!!! Hooray!

Let's see, it's July, so here's an update:

Originally uploaded by appalachianwomyn

Well, you are not only quite the walker, but you are now trying to climb things. My head and heart reel. You have had many accidents, including at the sitter's house, so bad it scared her outta watching you! I'm certain if I had witnessed it I would feel the same way. I am surprised at how good I've been on letting you stay at someone else's house for several hours though. I do miss you tons but it's also very liberating. I know it's also good for you too. This week you finally fell asleep for the first time on you own. You were outside in you playpen after a very full day and all of a sudden no noise from Haydin. Course this was after your fall at the sitters and after a very traumatizing story from a friend about her child ending up unconscious. So I go running over to the playpen because it just felt strange. There you were flopped over you toys face down. I yelled "Haydin" and woke you so fast and scarred you so much! But oh my heart was racing! And the fact you had never done that before.... my goodness. But that does bring me to the other note that I'm going to try and slowly let you CIO and work on you putting yourself to sleep each time. It will be great for both of us. Your Uncle Craig is coming this week and then the following we are headed to Ohio to see your Nan and Pap. Uncle Christopher and Aunt Colleen are coming too. Then we have to plan for the beach after that and I'm soooo excited. We sure need a vacation as a family. We are getting odds n ends done around the house lately.... lots outside. Daddy and I both have the sunburns to prove it. Your sandbox and pool have proved great helpers, they keep you busy and allow me some time outside. Just got you a little plastic play place today from Freecycle. It's got a slide so that will be new fun for you! You are waving at everyone now. Let's see, oh, your Daddy and I notice that anything anyone shows you you imitate so well, like down to the tiniest detail. It really is uncanny. Oh, there is lots more to put on here but I'm soooo wiped out. Gonna go to bed sweet boy. I love you.