2 YEARS!

Dear Mr. Gobbles,

I don't even know where to begin son.  You are two years old today.  TWO.  All day when I was writing the date on documents, I kept writing 12/9/09 instead of 12/9/11.  It's a date that changed my life forever - every second of the past two years have been a blessing.  I barely even remember the time before you came into our lives or the person I was before I became a mother.  But at the same time it seems like just yesterday when your Daddy and I were in the hospital, waiting with bated breath, not knowing what was ahead of us. 

A few months ago when we were at the same hospital for your sister's ultrasound, the scent of the soap in the bathroom flooded my mind with memories and took me right back there.  Your Daddy went home for sleep a few hours after you were born and I was getting some much needed shut-eye myself.  The nurses brought you in for me to feed you, and when you were done we sat there together, just the two of us, for hours.  I told you all about the life waiting for you at home and marvelled at your teeny fingers and little dark eyes.  I never imagined you as a two year old, my favorite little sidekick.

This morning we threw off your routine by having me wake you up - I was so excited to say Happy Birthday to you that I couldn't wait.  You climbed out of your bed and crawled into my lap where I was kneeling on the floor, and you buried your head in my shoulder.  I held you tight and rubbed your back telling you how much I love you, not unlike the day you were born.  You looked up at me and I kissed your cheek, which is less and less like a chubby lil baby cheek every day.  And of course, like every crazy mother, I began to cry.  Your Daddy walked in and said "yup, next thing you know he'll be driving".  It's true, time is going so fast and with every milestone you make, I decide that this is the age I love the best.

The twos can't be that terrible, right?  I mean, sure, you threw your greatest tantrum ever this morning right after the emotional scene I describe above.  You just weren't in a Daddy mood and would rather me help you get dressed, instead I left to get a shower to get ready for work.  It was probably my own fault for throwing off your routine anyway.  As I hurried through my shower I could hear you wailing, I'm sure you were kicking and waving at your Daddy too - with your most emphatic NO NO NO! 

As soon as I got dressed and gave you a reassuring hug, you flipped a switch and started chatting about your upcoming breakfast.  You were still shaking from the intensity of the tantrum, and I realized I was looking into a mirror.  Daddy has never gotten upset like that, me, on the other hand, I get that way a lot when I'm upset.  Trying to catch your breath and still snorting snot long after you feel better.  Sorry Gobbles, you got that from me. 

As we made our way down the stairs I grabbed a cup off the banister to bring down to wash.  You threw another fit, telling me that the cup belonged on the banister.  True, we leave it there when you go to bed for quick access when you cry for water (we can't leave your water cup in your room just because you're then up and down up and down for hours sipping, dumping, and splashing instead of making your way to dreamstreet).  And when we got downstairs, you ran into the kitchen to tell me exactly where to put your high chair.  I do not know why you are so. particular.  But I think I'll blame that OCD on your dad, because c'mon, I'm pretty laid back, right?  **Note to those of you who have known me for years.  Ok, fine, I used to be a giant control freak, so really it could come from me... but that is a part of my former self that I feel has been refined since motherhood - I'm more prone to rolling with the punches now... I think you have to be once you have kids**

Anyway Gobbles, back to you and the magnificent twenty-four months we've had with you.  I hope your birthday party goes well tomorrow, and that you and your friends enjoyed your school celebration and mini cupcakes today.  Your teacher told me all about how excited you were for your birthday to bring in treats, and I wish I could have been there to watch you celebrate.  You have a whole other world at school, and when you tell me about all you do I am so proud.  The other day when you told me about Laila giving you a hug, I asked if she was your girlfriend.  Sure Mom.  Yup, in the last week or so all of the sudden you're too cool for Yes Mommy, now it's just Sure Mom, Sure. 

Like I told you this morning Gobbles, I love you so much, more than you will ever know, at least until maybe you have kids of your own someday. You mean the world to your Daddy and I, and we are so so proud of the caring, friendly, happy, super-smart little guy that you have become.  You may only have a few weeks left of being our only child, but you will ALWAYS be my little boy, my baby.  I love you.

Love, Momma.

ps.  We were so excited and happy for our birthday today (Mommy- I TWO.  TWO!) That you couldn't sit still for a picture.  So all of my phone pics are blurry, but they capture the mood just right :)

No pictures, please Mom!

Let's twist and JUMP instead!

Ok, ok CHEESE!

Now lets go clean the kitchen floor!  We have a showing today!

Not only am I particular about where things go, I'm also the best helper ever!

Alright Mommy, All done!  Let's go to school for Happy Birthday Gobbles!

tis the season

Last weekend we dove into the Christmas season in full force.  The decorations had already been hung since two days after Thanksgiving, and our tree ornaments were aching for a place to be hung.  It was our anniversary weekend (6 YEARS!), so grandma & grandpa were ready and willing to take Gobbles so that hubs and I could relax, have a nice dinner, and sleep in on Sunday morning (fail on the latter - Lil Lobster roll had me up and alert by 6... the woes of pregnancy).  Anyway, we crammed a weekend's worth of holiday fun into the hours before noon on Saturday.

C'MON Mommy!  Let's GO!!

As soon as Gobbles was finished breakfast, we got him dressed and headed to the mall to get in line for Santa.  We received a special surprise for being among the first 20 kids in line and got a free muppets music CD, which will become our staple car ride anthem as soon as the Christmas Music Season is done.  Gobbles was pretty well behaved waiting in line for almost a half hour, the morning is his best time of day.  He counted the presents, went off about the snow (which the kid behind us gently reminded him was cotton), and asked to ride the carousel horses.  Funny, he is petrified of real carousels!  I was surprised to hear some parents a few parties back yelling his name.  Their boy, probably about 7 or so, was misbehaving.  Gobbles' name isn't terribly popular, but it's been on the rise the past few years.  Here's to hoping it tapers before getting too high...

Things were going swimmingly until we were next in line and the child in front of us wailed, A Christmas Story style, upon being placed on Santa's lap.  Gobbles turned to us with wide eyes Santa scares me, he said.  I shrugged it off and told him "well just tell Santa that you want a choo choo and a basketball hoop!  you'll be fine".  We decided since hubs is the less stressful parent, he'd approach the big guy and I'd stand back with encouragement.  As soon as they approached Gobbles face tightened and he wrapped his legs tightly around his daddy's waste.  He began screaming No no no Daddy!  Mommy!  Please!  but it was too late - his face was red and his mind was made up - no sitting on Santa's lap this year.  Thankfully, the photogs had an alternative for this (hmm, it happens a lot I take it?), hubs was to kneel down in front of Santa and place Gobbles on his lap.  The result?  Priceless!

Close!  But our Santa was a lot nicer...

Yup.  Pure Torture.

After the Santa trauma, we calmed our boy with his favorite food of the moment - a soft pretzel.


Ok - so we tortured him a wee bit more with his cool antlers.



Better Now?  Good!

After the mall, we headed out to get our tree!  Gobbles didn't really know what was going on at first, but he was thrilled to run around the nursery at the store checking out all of the goods... He darted back and forth among the trees, stopping to tickle some of them along the way...?...Yea, he's got an imagination of his own!

At least I'm wearing my hat, so what if it's crooked, right?

Find the toddler

Hey Mommy - Catch me if you CAN!

Here I go!

Tickle Tickle TICKLE TREE!!!

After we successfully found our tree, we loaded up the car and headed home.  My parents were waiting for us when we got there to take Gobbles for lunch and his nap.  Thank God, because I don't know how we'd set up the tree with him running around - being 32 weeks pregnant I wasn't much help.  Hubs gently reminded me that two years ago I was 41 weeks along and helped him just fine.  "You were nesting, we had to have all the Christmas stuff up, remember??"  Boy how quickly I forget!

By the time we got the tree standing and lights strung (the fun decorating would wait for Gobbles' return Sunday afternoon), I was ready for a nap.  Afterwards, it was off to Marigold Kitchen for our anniversary dinner.  We've only had a handful of date nights in the last year, but somehow keep returning to this restaurant, it does not disappoint.  We spent hours eating good food and drinking wine (well one of us drank wine), a wonderful night in all.  My husband must have set something off though, because the next morning when I woke up, I began to clean, organize, and make lists.  The nesting has begun early this time, I'm hoping it's not an indication of an early baby.  Stay put till February girl, you can do it!

quips from the road

As the days are getting shorter and it's getting darker earlier and earlier, our commute is changing.  For the past month I've been working a 5 day week as opposed to the 4 day / longer schedule I enjoyed for the past 18 months.  The one good thing about that is now I get to pick up Gobbles on the way home every day.

He has just finished the transition from Young Toddlers to Older toddlers, and long gone are the days where he's had to be ripped from my arms screaming and yelling.  Each morning we discuss which friends he'd like to see today - most of the time it's Laila and Abbey, the two little black girls with whom he is infatuated.  The other day Laila was upset when her dad left the room, but promptly ran over and gave Gobbles a big hug which seemed to make her feel better.  Glad my son can comfort.

This morning, after a rousing round of "Wheels on the bus", as we discussed his friends, Gobbles pointed out that, No, he did not want to see Noah this morning.  Curious, I asked why.  Noah take Gobble glasses off.  I told him, just say "Noah, that's not nice".  I smiled as I heard my son repeat to himself, whispering in concentration Noah, that's not nice, trying hard to memorize this response.  It sux hearing that the children like to play with his precious "eyes", but they're just kids and they don't know any better... last week it was Diana, who is a good 6-8 months younger than Gobbles.  Hubs and I just keep reminding our son to use his words - last week there were two days in a row where he bit another child - once in a squabble over a chair and once while trying to claim a block.  My reaction was sheer horror and apologies, but hubs had no surprise - our kid's been bit at least 20 times in the last year, he probably thinks it's an acceptable reaction. 

Thankfully he fared better this week, with a stellar (so far) report.  I think it's been a good week partially because the transition from November to December yielded TWO pizza days this week.  Gobbles loves his pizza days and the addition of free fruit to go along with it has made him so happy.  Well, until yesterday - on the way home I asked him about his pizza and pears.  I was reading his daily report and it stated that he ate all his pizza but did not like the fruit.  It's disgusting Mommy.  I don't like it, I put in the trash.  I don't know how he got disgusting correct in context, but I find it even more hysterical that he remembers both his reaction and what he did with the food.

The rest of the rides, both to and from school, consist of counting school buses, pointing out the "Sep-A-Ta" buses, and discussing all of the different trucks we see.  Earlier this week we had an exciting ride home - we got to see two fire trucks and a handful of police cars.  Stop Mommy - Listen?  Hear it?  Fire Truck!  proclaimed my son when I started talking about Christmas music.

Christmas Music?  Of course it's been a part of our commute for two weeks now.  Gobbles enjoys Frosty, Rudolph, The little drummer boy, and Dominic the Donkey.  But Hall & Oates? Stay away from my boy.  Every time they come on No Jingle Bell Rock Mommy!  Turn it OFF!  Don't know what these guys did to deserve it, but they are not a part of his Christmas catalog this year.  Oh and the actual holiday Christmas?  It's name is Christmas Music.  Mommy, look - Christmas Music Lights!  or Christmas Music Presents or Christmas Music Tree. I guess I've been a little too overzealous with my "Hey Gobbles - let's listen to some Christmas music!!"

The final part of our evening commute is turning left at the McDonalds.  We turn left mommy! (ps - he's not a super genius - he just picked up that every night I tell him we're turning left, he doesn't know his left from right yet).  A few weeks ago he was still calling the McDonalds "Mickey-Donalds", but someone at school must have corrected him, because the other night, we pulled up and he proclaimed McDonalds!  French Fries Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs (etc etc, he runs through all of his fave foods, not necessarily what's served there).  And I said "Yup, that's Mickey-Donalds".  No Mommy, it's MCDonalds.  Seriously, he's correcting me now!

I could talk about our commutes all day, because sadly, on Monday thru Friday, for those 35 minutes (15 in the morning and 20 at night), that is the most relaxed time for Gobbles and I.  We chat and chat, either recovering from the chaos that was the breakfast rush out the door, or anticipating the ever looming bedtime which so quickly follows the rush to get dinner on the table to fill hungry tummies.

The most bittersweet time (for me anyway) of the commute is every morning, when I walk away from the building.  While he's still in the toddler room I can peek in and see Gobbles rush off to find a toy, play with his friends, or hug a teacher.  Sometimes he'll be waiting at the window for me for an extra goodbye, or sometimes he'll already be engaged in the morning gossip with his buddies.  Either way, the guilt that tugs at my heart strings always makes me pause as I pull out of the parking lot, trying to shift my brain from mommy-mode to work mode.

Bye Mommy.  I love you!

Now Please, 'Scuse me Mommy.  Friends and I want to see the Garbage Truck!  That's really why we're at the window!

to give thanks.

. for having the means to buy the food to host a dinner that lends to wonderful leftovers that are filling my belly as i write this.

. for having the home to hope to sell to be able to have more room to have more people at our gatherings.

. for having the family and friends to fill a house with love and warmth at said gatherings.

. for learning the patience to deal with not getting all that i want all of the time.

. for having my wonderful husband to continue to amaze me with his love and support in all aspects of my life.

. for cheese sticks to feed my son to quench his appetite on days when he will tolerate nothing else.

. for our soft puppies to provide hugs and cuddles when no one can find the words to comfort.

. for the coincidental string of seemingly painful events to lead us to doctors to enlighten us on our son to provide the necessary means to see correctly to thrive and develop like the rest of his peers.

. for sidewalk chalk to entertain on unseasonably warm days.



. for the survival of a miracle dog to be the canvas for my son to place his stickers.

. for the little reminders to stop and enjoy the preparation for a day to feasting and giving thanks...and to lend a helping hand

Mr. Gobbles

. for having survived a tumultuous year only to come out stronger and more appreciative of the little things in order to conquer all else as it comes...

Mommy's Helper

It took me twice as long as it should have to rake the front yard last weekend. 
But I don't mind. 
I had the most adorable helper in the world!

30 Weeks

Dear Lil Lobster Roll,

30 weeks down, 10 to go until I become a mother of two.  I'm still not ready.  When we found out I was pregnant minutes before leaving for our memorial day vacation, we were thrilled, and relaxed.  We knew that there was a lot we wanted to accomplish before you got here, and it seemed we had all the time in the world.  Guess what?  There is still a lot we need to do, and all of the sudden that time is down to two holiday filled months plus (hopefully) a move in the mix. 

There is still wishful thinking that we'll be in a new bigger house before you arrive, but we have to get realistic too.  Your big brother Gobbles is still sleeping in your crib (well it's a daybed right now) and we need to prepare to move him out.  We've been waiting on this transition hoping not to do it twice with a new room then another new room in a new house, but it looks like we're at the point where we should move him before you get here so it doesn't look like you're giving him the boot.

My girl, you are an active child.  You spend most of the day dancing around my belly and keeping me up at night laying transverse so I cannot get comfortable on either side (if I must ask one thing of you it would be for you to move head down before we get close to delivery.  please!).  You still get me dizzy every morning around 8:30-9:30 am, but it's ok, I can take it another two and a half months.  With all we have going on, I'm still hoping for you to be a February girl.  But, the doctor told me since your brother was so big they may want to induce me sooner so you aren't a big girl too.  I'm hoping that the almost 30 lbs I've gained don't increase too much more, because I want you to come when you want, I don't want to force you out from the start! 

Your brother met your cousin last week and we are talking to him every day about you.  He is very excited to be a big brother and is practicing your name every time we talk about "the baby".  I'm sure he will get nervous when he first meets you, but that's because he's a bit possessive of me and it has nothing to do with you.  He'll soon realize that I have more than enough love to go around for both of you. 

Your puppies are also preparing for your arrival, Cannoli has become especially clingy - he's the one you feel pressed up against you every night when we sleep.  His usual sleeping nook at my belly has all but disappeared but he still somehow finds room to snuggle up.  He's also the one you hear barking at everything and anything, but I promise he's a good dog.

This week we're preparing to have the family over for Thanksgiving, a tradition we started 5 years ago.  Gobbles stopped me from hosting two years ago because we thought I may be in the hospital by then, but with you we're fine to cook in our own kitchen, knowing you'll be hanging out in my belly through the day, as well as Christmas and New Years.  

This pregnancy is flying and there are so many people out there that cannot wait to meet you, everyone is excited to have a little girl around.  You're pretty much dressed for the first few months, so we don't have to worry about giving you all boy hand-me-downs just yet, it seems people love to buy clothes for girls!  Your Daddy and I talk every day about what you will be like and how are lives are about to change, and we already cannot imagine our future without you. 

So my lobstah roll, hang in there for another 10-11 weeks knowing that when you arrive, ready or not your family has a lot of love and hugs and kisses with your name on it.

Love you baby girl.

Momma

The princess is here!!

I'm an AUNT!  I've been waiting to say those words for years now, and I am thrilled that the time is finally here.  Sister-in-law was due a few days before halloween, and naturally we all joked about her having a little pumpkin.  When her due date came and went, she informed us that she'd be induced on Monday morning - Halloween.  Turns out she went into labor just before her scheduled induction, and a few hours later my niece, hereafter known as Princess gal, arrived. 

Hubs and I are thrilled with this addition to the family.  She comes just in time to be bffs with our little lobster roll and she is so lucky to have two of the coolest parents she could ask for.  Hubs' sister and our brother-in-law are fantastic with Gobbles and are going to be a great mom and dad.  We're looking forward to many years of our families hanging out and experiencing milestones together.

This past weekend we took Gobbles to meet his two-week old cousin.  We told him how exciting it was going to be to meet his cousin, baby princess.  He of course chatted about it the entire morning, but clammed up when we got there.  As soon as he saw the bundle of joy, he began wringing his hands and looking furtively around in every direction but that of the princess.  Every mention of Princess's name caused him to glance in her direction and then offer up a form of distraction.  I placed him on the couch next to his aunt and cousin and he still turned away from them, but seemed happy to create a barrier between me and the baby. 

After we all got a little more comfortable, Gobbles seemed to settle in and play with his toys and took advantage of special attention from his grandfather while we fawned over the baby.  He was fine until he realized I was holding her, which caused him to run across the room in a panic and cry big crocodile tears until I handed her back over to her mom.  This again reinforces the fact that I am petrified for the arrival of Gobbles' sister.  He has not let me hold another baby without throwing an absolute fit.  I guess we'll have to figure it out somehow... Strangely though, he was fine with his Daddy holding the Princess, and even wanted to interact with her when she was laying on a blanket.  He's going to be a good cousin, and soon a good big brother.  We just need to work on his patience a little more...

Meanwhile, Look at this beautiful little girl!  She looks so much like her daddy but also has her mom's gorgeous blue eyes. 

Pretty Princess!

Such a happy big cousin! 

Here baby princess, have a ball!

Little girl, BIIIG stretch!

half crying, half sleeping

More stretching!

No Mommy, I don't want to hold the baby!

So what's the deal with my uncle here??

I know!  I'm aDORable!

And I stole the doggie's pillow!

Ok, ONE pic!

Enough is enough!

Awww baby princess.  As long as you're not tying up mommy or auntie's laps, you're A-OK!

Buddies!

Last weekend Gobbles and I got together with his two favorite friends, Little Buddy and Mooshie.  We had an evening playdate hosted by Mooshie's mommy and daddy.  Hubs was working but Gobbles and I were more than excited to come and play with the other boys and their 'rents. 

It was only about 6 weeks or so since the last time I had seen the Moosh man but it seems like he's grown so much.  I've forgotten how quickly a baby's development is during the first year.  Meanwhile, Gobbles seems to still be maintaining his same old habits - scream and cry when Mommy tries to hold another child.  He did, however, request to hold the baby.  So we sat them both on my lap, one on top of the other.  As soon as Gobbles shifted and Moosh was touching my lap, Gobbles began to push him away - 'Scuse me Moosh, 'scuse me.  Not because Mooosh was in his way, but because he was treading on Gobbles' turf.   11 weeks to work on this...

Meanwhile, Little Buddy and Gobbles enjoyed pizza and snacks and had a blast playing ball, trucks, coloring, and breaking into Moosh's toys that he hadn't gotten a chance to use yet.  Moosh watched his bigger buddies and looked at his mommy as if to say just you wait!  I'm gonna be running around like them soon before you know it!

The boys' moms and I traded secrets, stories, and hysterics about our evolving motherhoods, how far we've come since being friends a decade and a half, and each of our neurotic tendencies.  I always leave these playdates feeling more confident and calm with myself and my role as a wife, mother, and friend.  I feel so lucky to be going through these moments in life with these women, as we have similar thoughts and feelings on many things, but very different views on others, which somehow all mesh together for a comfortable, reliable friendship. 

And the fact that we have the most adorable handsomest little men in all the world doesn't hurt either! 

hey kid!  when you're old enough you can have a ball too!

C'mon Moosh! look at the camera, that way our Mommies will leave us alone!

Here - ya want the ball? 

Guys?  Where'd ya go??

Shhh... I can play with two if i want!

Hey Lil buddy - check out my reflection in the glass.  I know we're not supposed to bang on it but it's so much fun - drum drum drum!

Seriously?  no interest?  oh well, suit yourself!

No Mommy, I was NOT banging on the glass!



Hey Gobbles!  Why are they obsessed with taking pictures?  'Scuse me Moosh, just please get off my mommy's lap!



Honestly Mommas!  Enough with the pictures!  Trying to escape here!

Two boys, a bat, a ball, a large tv, a glass table, and a window wall.  Don't see any issues here!

I'm done smiling for you ladies!  Here's my kissy face instead!

Wow Mooshie!  You've got the coolest toys!

Look at that concentration!

Even Sophia got in on the action!  What a fun night!