Words, Tears, and a Guinea Mouse

Tonight as the sun set through the little window in Webb's room, we laid in the floor reading his picture dictionary. I'd point to a picture and he'd either immediately say the word or wait a minute, his eyes scanning the picture, and then say the word. There is nothing like hearing your child talk and remember things you've talked about in previous conversations. Like when we got to the clouds . . . which he calls "cwouds." I asked him where clouds are and he said "sky." And I asked what do the clouds make and he said "rain". And I said what happens to the clouds and he said "get dark." And I asked him what the rain makes he said "mud." And then we got to the guinea pig and he said "guinea mouse." Cause that's really what it looks like. Who ever called it a guinea pig? Seriously. I sat in tears thinking back to that day earlier in the summer when we went to the doctor. Over in the play place, Webb found a book with a guinea pig on it and he brought it to me so we worked on saying the words "guinea pig." And darn if that boy didn't remember that animal from that one encounter with it. And then that Little looked over at me and gave me the sweetest little kiss. If I could bottle up this moment in time so I could relive it, I surely would. I felt this overwhelming since of pride in my Little using his words so well and making all those connections in his brain. I wanted so badly for my daddy to hear those sweet little words and know that his little grandson is as sharp as a tack.

So mommy goes to bed with a full heart and fond memories of my evening with Webb and the guinea mouse.

One More Candle and A Trip Around the Sun . . .

Thanks, Jimmy Buffett. My all time favorite song goes with another wonderful year in my life.
Thirty- two brought many blessings and I already know that thirty-three is going to too. I told a dear friend this the other day, it went something like this: Every year I get older, the more I realize that the small things in life are truly the biggest. Like watching your child laugh, seeing your husband pursue dreams, getting together with friends for play time, and telling those near and dear how much you love them. This year I have been so thankful for a family who loves me, spoils me, and helps me unconditionally. That includes you too, Mimi and Pawpaw. I am thankful for Chris who has put my dream house together for me and has put up with my chandelier purchasing shenanigans. :) I am thankful for girlfriends who love my baby boy as their own and don't mind when I "invite myself over." I am thankful for returning to a job I love. I am thankful for my sweet Webb who brings absolute joy to my life every minute of every day. (Well, most of the time.) It's those little things, I tell ya, that make life worth living. No amount of shoes or clothes, or any other "thing" could replace those little blessings.

I had fun celebrating three nights straight and finally today, we're enjoying a rainy day in getting things ready for back to school. Thursday night, a friend organized a get-together at Don Juan's, my favorite place ever. Then Friday night, my sister, Clayton, and mom came over for dinner, dessert, and such. Then us young folks walked uptown to hear Big Daddy Love at HRO. Then Saturday, I told Chris the only thing I wanted was for the three of us to spend the day together. We took Webb to Dan Nicholas Park. Then last night, his parents took us out to Southern Roots, the best dang restaurant I've ever been to! I had fillet mignon, collards, and sauteed okra. Plenty of vino and a huge piece of Turtle Cheesecake. It was pretty close to heaven on Earth. :)

Tired Little after a fun day at the "Big Park."

So thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes! It was probably the best birthday I've had in a long time.

Mazing!

We have had the most "mazing" summer, as Webb says for "amazing." We've sold a house, bought a new-to-us house, remodeled, quasi unpacked, took a quick vacation to OKI, and done lots of good playing. A few weeks ago, we went to the Children's Museum in Winston and had a ball . . .

This place is perfect for busy baby boys!

We have visited the "mow mows" at Lowe's a few times . . .

Gotta love cheap entertainment!

We've enjoyed many trips to the park. The best time to go is in the evenings when the sun is going down and it's cool. This boys loves his park.

And plenty of play time with friends.

Love these boys and their trucks and trains!

And I'm very excited to say that this is in our near future and I can't wait!

I'm off to enjoy more birthday shenanigans this weekend and enjoy my last few days at home with my Little. It has truly been "mazing."

A Few Firsts

This weekend Webb did two new things that made me so so proud of him! First of all, he went to the potty! We've been talking about it and sitting him on it periodically but yesterday he went and sat down and did his thing! This morning, I asked him if he wanted to use it again and he said "No." Ok, so we'll keep trying. Pretty good for not-quite-two year old!

He also went off the diving board! I think he's genetically predisposed to this: I was going off the high dive at 3 years old and Chris was too. He just walked on up and stood at the end. Nancy handed him off to me and he kept going back for more. If I didn't have to be careful about his ears, I'd let him jump off by himself. The puddle jumper is the best invention ever and keeps him upright but allows him to kind of swim by himself!

Something else exciting is that we are signed up for a music class this fall at a local church! It combines music and movement which Webb will love. Anything with movement and he's all over it! I can't wait to see how he and his buddies interact. Could get a little crazy!

My beamish boy . . . 

Boys

There is nothing more precious than a cloth-diapered little boy playing in his new backyard on a warm summer's evening. I could have never ever asked God to bless me anymore than He has since Webb came into my life. I am in love with all things boyish: trucks, dirt, mud, sticks, grass, mowing. I never wear white and rarely fix up. Because boys are dirty, adventurous, energetic little people. And they capture your heart and wrap it up so tightly with every smile, laugh, and tear. There are really no words to describe my love for this precious boy. I wouldn't trade my job as his mommy for anything in this world.

Not flesh of my flesh
Nor bone of my bone,
But still miraculously my own
Never forget for a single minute,
You didn't grow under my heart,
But in it.

-Anonymous

Settled

We are finally settled into our new home. We've been here since Saturday and have loved every minute (well, mostly) of hanging pictures, arranging furniture, and putting away things. There is still a lot to be done, but for the most part, it's starting to look a little normal around here. On my list next is to find a love seat/settee for the living room, an area rug, and fabric to recover chairs. I can't wait to start decorating my special room. I'm also in the process of getting some wall hangings to go in the living room. Chris keeps reminding me that I shouldn't get too crazy with things but I find ways around that every time! Funny how that works out. :)

In the Webb department, I neglected to blog about his 20 month milestone so here goes a little update on my sweet boy:

1. Talking- All day long from sun up to sun down. Mostly about big ole trucks, dump trucks, dirt, mud, digging, playing, swinging, going to the park, exercising, eating, going potty (just bought a little potty this morning to see what he might do), he can name a lot of people: Larche, Shane, Ashley, Carrie, Ruby, Rachel, Daisy, Madden, Hal, Christy, Tim (the painter), and loves talking about trash trucks, fire trucks, gas trucks, ice trucks, etc.

2. Eating- Some days I don't know how he stays alive. Some days he eats like a bird, other days, he packs it full. Guess it goes with the territory!

3. Clothes- 24 month or 2T. I'll need a shopping trip soon to stock up on fall clothes. Putting all those little itty bitty baby clothes in storage made me sad. Hopefully soon, we can get them back out. (Don't go thinking anything cause it's NOT going to happen for a while!)

4. Behavior- We had a spell where Webb would hit me. Only me. He would do it when I pulled him off a toy or away from something he loved or when he was fussy or tired. Thankfully that has stopped for now. He is saying please and thank you most of the time and usually listens when we tell him no. He definitely listens better to daddy and tries to get away with more with me.

This fall, he'll go to his sitters twice a week and his Mimi's the other days. We are so blessed with such great child care. He loves going to his sitters and loves playing with the other children at her house. AND she has The Wiggles.


So all is well with us. We have a happy home, a happy baby, and two happy parents who are worn out. But a good worn out. :)