Our Little Monkey

I was sitting at the kitchen table with Noah earlier this afternoon, just watching him color ... or attempt to color as he pounded the crayons into the paper and make a lovely design of smashed crayon dots. Anyway, it dawned on me that my baby is soon going to be two, is day-by-day growing and becoming more independent, and becoming more of a "little boy" than my clingy monkey that he has been for so long. Don't misunderstand, he does still cling and there are more moments during the day when he needs his mama than when he doesn't ... I guess I just realized how fast time is passing by and it made me want to capture every second with him. I feel so lucky, so blessed to be able to have a work schedule that allows me to be with the boys at home while they're still little; it's time that I won't ever get back and I am grateful to have the opportunity to spend it with them. Noah is my sweet baby and will always have a special place in my heart ... he makes me laugh, he makes me cry, and he makes me want to be the best mommy I can be for both him and his brother. What you see in these pictures ... Noah coloring at the table, sitting inside his hamper hiding, walking around in his brother's flip flops outside in his jammies, or going for a ride on his "car" ... it's these moments I will cherish and it's these moments that remind me what life is about - spending time, sometimes doing nothing much at all, with those that we love.

First Day of School

Today was Hayden's first day back at preschool and what a great day it was for him. He woke up this morning, on his own even which for Hayden is an accomplishment, and came into our room ready for the day. So began our morning routine ... a Little Bear episode on TV, pancakes and milk for breakfast, clothes on, teeth brushed and we're ready for school. With a few minutes to spare, a very excited little boy posed for a few pictures in the backyard before heading off for the first day of school.

While we were waiting for the bell to ring, Hayden enjoyed a few minutes on the slide and then he and Carter posed for a picture before beginning this preschool year together (Carter his "4th brother" - you may remember this from a previous post). The boys are great friends and have been so excited all summer to be in the same class at school. We heard from Hayden on many an occasion how exciting it was that he and Carter would learn together in school ... I couldn't agree more!

When the time for school to begin, Hayden and I waited amongst all the other excited families to enter his class. My little boy, who at times can be overwhelmed in new situations and becomes quite reserved, quietly greeted his teacher with a "Good Morning" and reached out to shake her hand. My heart swelled with pride for Hayden at that moment ... to see him be so sweet and rise to the occasion as I should have known he would. Inside the class, we found his seat and he got right to work coloring a picture and was even patient enough to take a few more pictures. As I left him smiling, I walked away feeling so lucky to have the privilege of being Hayden's mommy. He is a loving, inquisitive, thoughtful child and I look forward to many more first days of school with him.

As a treat to celebrate the return to school, we went to Leap's for frozen custard. Hayden had asked to go to Leap's earlier in the week, and as a family we all agreed that if he had a great first day of school we would go. We are so proud of what a wonderful child he has become, and how well he adjusted to returning to school, so we all enjoyed this special sweet. Hayden's choice: chocolate with sprinkles .... you can't get much better than that.

Celebrating Mommy

What a special day I had on my birthday, being celebrated here by three of the most important people in my life ... my wonderful husband and my two baby boys. The morning started off with some snuggle time in our bed, laughing with the boys as they used us, the pillows, and mattress for bouncing and jumping. I think they picked up some pointers from watching the Olympic gymnasts during the past week. Our bed-bouncing adventure soon became a focus on "what to have for breakfast?" ... so we splurged for my birthday, and Chris and Hayden went to the store and brought back donuts. Yummy! Following breakfast, the day continued on with no major plans in place, but just time to spend as a family. I had a relaxing day at home, and was spoiled on more than one occasion with lovely gifts from many different people. One of my best gifts was offered up to us by my wonderful in-laws, who took the boys for us so Chris and I could enjoy a kid-free, grown-up style dinner over at Westgate, trying out a restaurant we haven't been to yet. It was great to sit next to my husband, enjoy good food and not have to worry about a piece of chicken or a noodle being tossed our way as our funny little Noah loves to do. After dinner, we went back to join the boys, Uncle Jeff, and my mother and father-in-law for some homemade carrot cake, lovingly baked by Christopher, and "mee meem" (Noah "talk" for ice cream). My birthday was perfect - I was celebrated by many people and felt so blessed and loved as I answered phone calls and text messages from family and friends throughout the day. As I sit here now and think to myself, I think how lucky am I to have this life ... and how lucky that I have just been given another year of it to enjoy. Thank you to everyone, near and far, who helped to make my birthday a true celebration - I love you all!