When I woke up this morning and realized it was February 29th, my first thought was that I should do something special. Sam and I should make pancakes! Or go to the Children's Museum! Or do an enormous art project on posterboard!
The more I woke up, I started to come to my senses. I even wondered why I felt the need to do anything out of the ordinary because of something as silly as Leap Year. Of course, there is only one way to explain my need to celebrate: my mom.
My sister and I have often tried to figure out just how our mom made holidays so special. There was nothing out of the ordinary. A tree and sugar cookies at Christmas...candy hearts at Valentine's Day...hidden baskets on Easter...balloons and cake on birthdays. Somehow, Mom made each simple tradition feel like magic. Our house seemed like a delicious secret. Inside was beauty, safety, comfort, and the undeniable knowledge that we were wanted and loved.
I wish I knew how she did it. I want Sam to have that feeling on holidays - that our house is full of warmth and joy and excitement and hope. I don't know if I'll be able to do it for him. As much as I enjoy homemaking, I will never be as good at it as my mom. My house gets messy. I didn't decorate for Sam's birthday. Sam and I did not eat heart-shaped pancakes on Valentine's Day. We did not get a picture of Sam on Santa's lap.
However - when I woke up on Leap Day, my first instinct was to celebrate. Maybe I'll be the mom I hope to be yet!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Sam is Bored
Sam is really good about entertaining himself. I can jump on the computer or talk on the phone and he will busy himself with his animals or cars. Sometimes he needs me to play with him, but for the most part he doesn't mind being alone for a while.
This morning I may have pushed his limits. I was on the computer, and then my sister called. We talked and talked about nothing in particular. I heard Sam playing happily so I didn't rush to get off the phone.
Then Sam walked up to me and said, "Uh oh." Ugh - the worst words he can say to me. I followed him out to the living room. I did laundry last night, and had everything folded and sorted on the loveseat. The loveseat sits at an angle to the corner, with a small open space behind it. Sam had managed to take all of the laundry, down to the last mismatched sock, and wedged it into the space behind the couch.
Sighing, I decided to take care of it later. I walked into the kitchen and was surprised to see the entire floor covered in potatoes. Sam had gotten the pantry door open and carefully spread a 10-pound bag of potatoes all around the room.
How can I be mad? It serves me right for not paying attention to him!
This morning I may have pushed his limits. I was on the computer, and then my sister called. We talked and talked about nothing in particular. I heard Sam playing happily so I didn't rush to get off the phone.
Then Sam walked up to me and said, "Uh oh." Ugh - the worst words he can say to me. I followed him out to the living room. I did laundry last night, and had everything folded and sorted on the loveseat. The loveseat sits at an angle to the corner, with a small open space behind it. Sam had managed to take all of the laundry, down to the last mismatched sock, and wedged it into the space behind the couch.
Sighing, I decided to take care of it later. I walked into the kitchen and was surprised to see the entire floor covered in potatoes. Sam had gotten the pantry door open and carefully spread a 10-pound bag of potatoes all around the room.
How can I be mad? It serves me right for not paying attention to him!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
He's So Pretty
Sam, being a normal toddler, imitates everything I do. He is especially interested in watching me get ready in the morning.
I have to hand him a little comb when I brush my hair. He watches me carefully, trying to imitate my brush strokes. When I put in my contacts, Sam reaches up on tiptoe and sticks his finger into the saline solution. Then he pokes himself in the eye. I can't put on moisturizer without squeezing a little bit into Sam's hand, too. He carefully rubs it into his cheeks (and sometimes his hair).
Sam's favorite part of getting ready is my make-up bag. He stands there, cosmetic sponge in hand, and copies every step I take. He'll swipe the sponge across his face and say, "Oooooooh!" Then I am required to oooh and ahhh over his lovely make-up application. Occasionally he gets his hands on a compact and scampers off with it. Last week, I found two powder brushes marching over his train table bridge.
Sam is ready for his close-up!
I have to hand him a little comb when I brush my hair. He watches me carefully, trying to imitate my brush strokes. When I put in my contacts, Sam reaches up on tiptoe and sticks his finger into the saline solution. Then he pokes himself in the eye. I can't put on moisturizer without squeezing a little bit into Sam's hand, too. He carefully rubs it into his cheeks (and sometimes his hair).
Sam's favorite part of getting ready is my make-up bag. He stands there, cosmetic sponge in hand, and copies every step I take. He'll swipe the sponge across his face and say, "Oooooooh!" Then I am required to oooh and ahhh over his lovely make-up application. Occasionally he gets his hands on a compact and scampers off with it. Last week, I found two powder brushes marching over his train table bridge.
Sam is ready for his close-up!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
What A Difference A Haircut Makes
Last night, again driven crazy by Sam's scraggly hair, I gave him a haircut. This was his first haircut out of the tub. Stripped to his diaper, he sat on his stool in the bathroom while I snipped away. I never do a good job, but it always looks better than it did when I started.
When I was done, I brushed the hair off of his bare shoulders and he stood up. Looking at him felt like a punch in the stomach. He always ends up looking older than before. I never get used to it.
Standing in front of me was a boy. Not even a little boy. In just his diaper, he is surprisingly thin. His arms and legs are long and lean. His slightly rounded belly is disappearing. I was kneeling on the floor, and he was towering over me.
Feeling silly, Sam started to shake his head as hard as he could, yelling, and then falling onto me. He was laughing - not a sweet toddler laugh, but a laugh that sounded surprisingly adult. It was so precious.
So there we were, in the bathroom, a mom and her man-child. Sam was spinning, dancing, laughing, and I had bittersweet tears streaming down my face. I couldn't help but laugh with him. His joy was so infectious.
Thank you, God, for blessing me with this healthy, strong, tender-hearted child.
When I was done, I brushed the hair off of his bare shoulders and he stood up. Looking at him felt like a punch in the stomach. He always ends up looking older than before. I never get used to it.
Standing in front of me was a boy. Not even a little boy. In just his diaper, he is surprisingly thin. His arms and legs are long and lean. His slightly rounded belly is disappearing. I was kneeling on the floor, and he was towering over me.
Feeling silly, Sam started to shake his head as hard as he could, yelling, and then falling onto me. He was laughing - not a sweet toddler laugh, but a laugh that sounded surprisingly adult. It was so precious.
So there we were, in the bathroom, a mom and her man-child. Sam was spinning, dancing, laughing, and I had bittersweet tears streaming down my face. I couldn't help but laugh with him. His joy was so infectious.
Thank you, God, for blessing me with this healthy, strong, tender-hearted child.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Duck, Meet Bellybutton
Sam has entered his nudist phase. It started with his footie pajamas. As soon as he figured out how to work a zipper, he was wriggling out of his jammies as fast as I could put them on him. Now he his shrugging out of shirts and stepping out of pants. I must put his clothes back on him 20 times a day.
Two days ago, Grandma Colleen came over with a present for Sam. (Thankfully, he was dressed at the time.) His eyes just about popped out of his head when he saw it - an enormous stuffed duck! It is bigger than Sam! It is very cute. Sam loved it and insisted on sleeping with it.
That night, I heard Sam making noise at 2 in the morning. I ignored him for a while, hoping he would go back to sleep on his own. After a few minutes it was obvious he wasn't going to stop.
Still half-asleep, I dragged myself out of bed and walked down the hall. I walked into Sam's room and got the shock of my life.
Sam, stripped to his diaper, was astride his duck, riding it like a horse. I have been jolted awake in many horrible ways, but none were as immediate as this. The room seemed like it was filled with elbows and knees and synthetic yellow fur.
Raising boys is not for the faint of heart.
Two days ago, Grandma Colleen came over with a present for Sam. (Thankfully, he was dressed at the time.) His eyes just about popped out of his head when he saw it - an enormous stuffed duck! It is bigger than Sam! It is very cute. Sam loved it and insisted on sleeping with it.
That night, I heard Sam making noise at 2 in the morning. I ignored him for a while, hoping he would go back to sleep on his own. After a few minutes it was obvious he wasn't going to stop.
Still half-asleep, I dragged myself out of bed and walked down the hall. I walked into Sam's room and got the shock of my life.
Sam, stripped to his diaper, was astride his duck, riding it like a horse. I have been jolted awake in many horrible ways, but none were as immediate as this. The room seemed like it was filled with elbows and knees and synthetic yellow fur.
Raising boys is not for the faint of heart.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Raising Type A
In high school, I was so amused by Eric's need for order in his life. He had a specific way of doing everything! I wouldn't go so far as calling his obsession a disorder, but it comes close.
For example, I prefer the clothes in my closet to all be facing the same way. That is a quirk. Ten years ago, Eric needed all of his clocks to be set one hour and 14 minutes ahead. That is bizarre. I used to dash into his room and turn just one thing about 45 degrees. It took him less than a minute to notice it and have to turn it back.
Now I am afraid that I am raising my husband's clone. Sam has always needed things a specific way. The frightening part is, his ways are usually correct. When he plays with his cars, they always need to be facing forward when he pushes them. Some of those little Matchbox cars make it difficult for me to know which is the front and which is the back. Sam always knows. And when the cars go into their case, they all have to be facing the same way.
When he is done with a meal, Sam carefully stacks his dishes, silverware, and cup into a neat pile. He then looks at it, saying, "Uh oh," until I bring it to the kitchen sink.
Sam helps me make his bed in the morning. He always arranges his pillows in the same way - Softie underneath the big pillow, the same side of his Elmo pillow facing out, his Good Night, Elmo! book carefully set in the inside corner of his bed.
The spines of his books have to be facing out. Cupboards and drawers have to be tightly closed. Nothing can be slightly poking out of said cupboards or drawers. His coat must be hung on its hook. Toys must be in their correct cases. (For example, his four Nascar cars from Uncle Mike have to stay in the tin they came in. I tried to put the cars in his car case. He watched me, disgusted, and then put them back in the tin.)
Being his doting mom, I could excuse a lot of these as quirks. The breaking point came about six months ago, when he started to refuse to set his sippy cup on the coffee table unless he had a coaster.
I have to face it - my kid is bizarre.
For example, I prefer the clothes in my closet to all be facing the same way. That is a quirk. Ten years ago, Eric needed all of his clocks to be set one hour and 14 minutes ahead. That is bizarre. I used to dash into his room and turn just one thing about 45 degrees. It took him less than a minute to notice it and have to turn it back.
Now I am afraid that I am raising my husband's clone. Sam has always needed things a specific way. The frightening part is, his ways are usually correct. When he plays with his cars, they always need to be facing forward when he pushes them. Some of those little Matchbox cars make it difficult for me to know which is the front and which is the back. Sam always knows. And when the cars go into their case, they all have to be facing the same way.
When he is done with a meal, Sam carefully stacks his dishes, silverware, and cup into a neat pile. He then looks at it, saying, "Uh oh," until I bring it to the kitchen sink.
Sam helps me make his bed in the morning. He always arranges his pillows in the same way - Softie underneath the big pillow, the same side of his Elmo pillow facing out, his Good Night, Elmo! book carefully set in the inside corner of his bed.
The spines of his books have to be facing out. Cupboards and drawers have to be tightly closed. Nothing can be slightly poking out of said cupboards or drawers. His coat must be hung on its hook. Toys must be in their correct cases. (For example, his four Nascar cars from Uncle Mike have to stay in the tin they came in. I tried to put the cars in his car case. He watched me, disgusted, and then put them back in the tin.)
Being his doting mom, I could excuse a lot of these as quirks. The breaking point came about six months ago, when he started to refuse to set his sippy cup on the coffee table unless he had a coaster.
I have to face it - my kid is bizarre.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Happy Birthday, Sam!
Samuel James is two years old today! When he was born, Sam was beautifully, perfectly, fashionably late.
When I was pregnant with Sam, it was hard for my mom (Grandma Barb) to be so far away. She lives in Colorado. We normally talk or email every day, and during my pregnancy it was several times a day. I don't remember the exact count, but I believe she flew out two or three times in those nine months.
We knew there was no way she'd be able to be at the hospital when Sam was born. Even if she could drop everything and jump on a plane, there was no way to know just how long labor would take. Eric planned to take two weeks off of work after Sam was born. Mom decided she would come out at the end of those two weeks and stay for a week, to help and to meet Sam.
It was a coincidence that Mom flew in to Minnesota the weekend I was due. It was a sudden, separate trip. My due date was February 19, a Sunday. She had a flight going back to Denver very early (about 7 am) on February 20.
On the 19th, Mom came to our house for a short visit. I was very pregnant but had no real signs that Sam would be coming. I knew she hated to leave without meeting Sam. That night, at 7 pm, my contractions started. By 1:30 am they were keeping me awake. I called Mom around 5 in the morning and told her she might want to change her flight.
She did change her flight, and she was at the hospital when Sam was born. She was the first one out of the waiting room to see him. If my labor had started even an hour later than it did, Mom would not have been there.
I know it is all coincidence. I know Sam was going to come when he was ready. Yet I am so grateful that God gave me my mom - on the day I became one myself.
When I was pregnant with Sam, it was hard for my mom (Grandma Barb) to be so far away. She lives in Colorado. We normally talk or email every day, and during my pregnancy it was several times a day. I don't remember the exact count, but I believe she flew out two or three times in those nine months.
We knew there was no way she'd be able to be at the hospital when Sam was born. Even if she could drop everything and jump on a plane, there was no way to know just how long labor would take. Eric planned to take two weeks off of work after Sam was born. Mom decided she would come out at the end of those two weeks and stay for a week, to help and to meet Sam.
It was a coincidence that Mom flew in to Minnesota the weekend I was due. It was a sudden, separate trip. My due date was February 19, a Sunday. She had a flight going back to Denver very early (about 7 am) on February 20.
On the 19th, Mom came to our house for a short visit. I was very pregnant but had no real signs that Sam would be coming. I knew she hated to leave without meeting Sam. That night, at 7 pm, my contractions started. By 1:30 am they were keeping me awake. I called Mom around 5 in the morning and told her she might want to change her flight.
She did change her flight, and she was at the hospital when Sam was born. She was the first one out of the waiting room to see him. If my labor had started even an hour later than it did, Mom would not have been there.
I know it is all coincidence. I know Sam was going to come when he was ready. Yet I am so grateful that God gave me my mom - on the day I became one myself.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Sam's Birthday Party
On Saturday, our house was filled with family and friends who came to celebrate Sam's second birthday. It was so fun! Sam was a real trooper. He did get overwhelmed by the end of the party, but frankly, so did I. He only had one moment of really questionable behavior.
Sam was doing a great job avoiding the gifts that were piling up - until Grandpa Mark and Grandma Tina showed up. They brought a big box that was covered in Cars wrapping paper. Sam had a piece ripped off before I got it away from him and hid the presents in a locked room.
Thanks to Grandpa Mark who took these FANTASTIC pictures!
Once the presents were brought out, Sam threw himself on the Cars box.
He was slightly panicked - he needed ALL of the paper off, right away. There was a train set in there!
After piles of gifts, he was thrilled to get a bag of fruit snacks. He screamed and held them up for everyone to see.
And here it is - Sam's new tricycle! Jackie, Mike, Miranda, and James spent hours planning and shopping to find the perfect bike for Sam. I thought about cropping this picture to get a better look at Sam - but just look at how happy everyone else is for the little guy!
More pictures below...
The Party Continues
He looks wary in this picture, but Sam couldn't wait to try out his new drum from Aunt Shannan and Uncle Andy.
The birthday boy with a mouth full of cupcake. I'm not sure if he was even given a cupcake of his own - he just walked around and begged.
Grandpa Mark and James helped Sam put his new train set together - on his new train table!
Simply the sweetest picture ever! James is 10, Sam is 2, and they couldn't love each other any more.
Sam going for the dunk on his basketball hoop from Grandma Barb and Grandpa Doug. He is surprisingly good!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Angel Face
Thanks to Bret for taking these great pictures of Sam. It makes me a little crazy that Sam's face is dirty...but these are still too sweet not to share.
Sam is resting his chubby cheek on his chubby hand and wrist, sweetly entranced by Sesame Street.
This is Sam's "Ooooooh!" face! He just saw something REALLY good. His eyes disappear just like mine do!
This is the "Oooooh!" face again. Note how his little hands are curled up in excitement.
Sam is a happy, sweet little guy!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Stinky Valentine's Day!
Around 2 am, I heard Sam yelling for me from his room. I stayed in my bed, hoping that if I ignored him long enough he'd give up and go back to sleep. After a minute or two, he walked into my room. He was angry. When I reached out to hug him, I found his jammies completely soaked. Sigh - a leaked diaper.
I'm so glad no one could see us staggering around, trying to get him cleaned up. I was still half-asleep and went from room to room, trying to find the diapers. Sam cried when I pulled his pajamas off and cleaned him up. He ended up sleeping in my bed the rest of the night, wearing only a clean diaper.
Despite our middle-of-the-night antics, today started out as a great morning. I had the kitchen clean and dinner in the crock-pot by 8. Sam happily rearranged the bottom two shelves of the refrigerator as I worked. Then, 10 minutes ago, I changed his diaper. There had been a diaper failure of epic proportions. I won't go into the details. Just know that it was horrible.
I am so glad it's Valentine's Day, and we have candy in the house! I have a sneaking suspicion I will spend the next few hours hiding in a closet with a box of assorted chocolates.
I'm so glad no one could see us staggering around, trying to get him cleaned up. I was still half-asleep and went from room to room, trying to find the diapers. Sam cried when I pulled his pajamas off and cleaned him up. He ended up sleeping in my bed the rest of the night, wearing only a clean diaper.
Despite our middle-of-the-night antics, today started out as a great morning. I had the kitchen clean and dinner in the crock-pot by 8. Sam happily rearranged the bottom two shelves of the refrigerator as I worked. Then, 10 minutes ago, I changed his diaper. There had been a diaper failure of epic proportions. I won't go into the details. Just know that it was horrible.
I am so glad it's Valentine's Day, and we have candy in the house! I have a sneaking suspicion I will spend the next few hours hiding in a closet with a box of assorted chocolates.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Kourtney and Katie
I have been friends with Kourtney and Katie since I was six years old. They are sisters, a year and a half apart in age, and I fall neatly in the middle. They are both incredibly kind and generous to the point of being ridiculous.
They came over last night for dinner. Both walked in with huge gift bags for Sam! Knowing them, I shouldn't have been surprised. I feebly protested, saying they shouldn't have brought Sam gifts. Katie said firmly, "He is turning TWO," and that was the end of that discussion.
Sam opened Kourtney's gift first - two new puzzles! Sam looked so excited. And these aren't ordinary puzzles. They are big, made out of wood, with the cutest illustrations...and they make noise! We had to get batteries out of the remote to try it out. Sure enough, when Sam put the horse in its spot, it neighed. He was absolutely shocked and delighted.
Sam was still excited about the talking puzzles when we had him open Katie's gift. He couldn't believe it when he pulled out dinosaurs! Three of them! Fierce and terrible! At the push of a button, they move their legs, swing their tails, and roar. (I left Sam in the living room and came into the office to write this post. I have been in here about 15 minutes, and Sam's new raptor has been roaring the entire time.)
Sam and I are so lucky to have such thoughtful friends!
They came over last night for dinner. Both walked in with huge gift bags for Sam! Knowing them, I shouldn't have been surprised. I feebly protested, saying they shouldn't have brought Sam gifts. Katie said firmly, "He is turning TWO," and that was the end of that discussion.
Sam opened Kourtney's gift first - two new puzzles! Sam looked so excited. And these aren't ordinary puzzles. They are big, made out of wood, with the cutest illustrations...and they make noise! We had to get batteries out of the remote to try it out. Sure enough, when Sam put the horse in its spot, it neighed. He was absolutely shocked and delighted.
Sam was still excited about the talking puzzles when we had him open Katie's gift. He couldn't believe it when he pulled out dinosaurs! Three of them! Fierce and terrible! At the push of a button, they move their legs, swing their tails, and roar. (I left Sam in the living room and came into the office to write this post. I have been in here about 15 minutes, and Sam's new raptor has been roaring the entire time.)
Sam and I are so lucky to have such thoughtful friends!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Tender Testosterone
I give a lot of time to describing how sweet Sam can be. All of that is true. However, my son is not just sweet - he is also all boy.
We went on a walk on the one warm day we had a few weeks ago. It was very slushy out. No matter what I did, I couldn't get Sam to stop splashing in puddles. But really - is there anything better? So I finally let him go ahead. We were both completely soaked from the knees down by the time we got home.
Sam loves playing with his stuffed animals. He hugs them, pets them, and tucks them into his bed. He also carefully balances them on top of his head and then lunges forward, shooting the bear/kitty/puppy across the room.
He loves big, mean animals. He has started his dinosaur kick. He screamed when I handed him a sheet of dinosaur stickers. He happily pulled them off the sheet and stuck them all over his bedroom door. As soon as they were all up, he spent 20 minutes struggling to get them all off. Once they were all torn and smashed to the floor, he went merrily on his way.
Sam likes bugs. Snakes make him laugh. He runs to the front window to watch the garbage truck, with all its flashing lights, lift and smash the contents of our garbage can. He loves to build towers - and then destroy them. He is impossible to keep clean. He loves anything with wheels and doesn't hesitate to body slam anyone, at any time.
Sam thinks making rude noises by blowing on his arm is funny. Enough said - I'm raising a man!
We went on a walk on the one warm day we had a few weeks ago. It was very slushy out. No matter what I did, I couldn't get Sam to stop splashing in puddles. But really - is there anything better? So I finally let him go ahead. We were both completely soaked from the knees down by the time we got home.
Sam loves playing with his stuffed animals. He hugs them, pets them, and tucks them into his bed. He also carefully balances them on top of his head and then lunges forward, shooting the bear/kitty/puppy across the room.
He loves big, mean animals. He has started his dinosaur kick. He screamed when I handed him a sheet of dinosaur stickers. He happily pulled them off the sheet and stuck them all over his bedroom door. As soon as they were all up, he spent 20 minutes struggling to get them all off. Once they were all torn and smashed to the floor, he went merrily on his way.
Sam likes bugs. Snakes make him laugh. He runs to the front window to watch the garbage truck, with all its flashing lights, lift and smash the contents of our garbage can. He loves to build towers - and then destroy them. He is impossible to keep clean. He loves anything with wheels and doesn't hesitate to body slam anyone, at any time.
Sam thinks making rude noises by blowing on his arm is funny. Enough said - I'm raising a man!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Good Dog
On Saturday, we all found ourselves in the living room. Eric started to play fetch with Dee Dee. Sam was overjoyed! Seeing Dee Dee run just cracks him up. He was running along side her, laughing hysterically.
Eric gave Dee Dee's toy to Sam, letting him throw it across the room. Sam was so happy! The process was a little clumsy, though. Dee Dee would slip and slide across the wood floor for her toy. She'd bring it back to Eric. Eric would take it from her as Sam tried to help. When Eric handed the toy to Sam, Dee Dee would try to intercept it.
Dee Dee was really excited and kept grabbing at the toy. Finally, Eric said, "Sit!" Dutifully, Sam and Dee Dee both dropped to the floor, panting, still gazing up at the toy.
We have very well-behaved pets.
Eric gave Dee Dee's toy to Sam, letting him throw it across the room. Sam was so happy! The process was a little clumsy, though. Dee Dee would slip and slide across the wood floor for her toy. She'd bring it back to Eric. Eric would take it from her as Sam tried to help. When Eric handed the toy to Sam, Dee Dee would try to intercept it.
Dee Dee was really excited and kept grabbing at the toy. Finally, Eric said, "Sit!" Dutifully, Sam and Dee Dee both dropped to the floor, panting, still gazing up at the toy.
We have very well-behaved pets.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Good Morning!
Sam and I have a lot of routines. One we have is the steps we take to fully wake up in the morning. It takes Sam about 10 minutes to wake me up enough to get me out of bed.
This morning was exactly the same. Sam came in my room, carrying Softie, babbling excitedly. He picked up my hand and held it against his face. He patted my arm. He handed me my glasses from the nightstand. He walked over to the fan and turned it off. He gave me my sweatshirt.
This little routine was just like clockwork, but I was struggling to wake up. As the last piece of getting me out of bed, Sam unplugged my phone from the charger and handed it to me. I looked at it and saw the time - 2:45!
The right thing at the wrong time. Sam wasn't too happy, but I insisted we go back to sleep!
This morning was exactly the same. Sam came in my room, carrying Softie, babbling excitedly. He picked up my hand and held it against his face. He patted my arm. He handed me my glasses from the nightstand. He walked over to the fan and turned it off. He gave me my sweatshirt.
This little routine was just like clockwork, but I was struggling to wake up. As the last piece of getting me out of bed, Sam unplugged my phone from the charger and handed it to me. I looked at it and saw the time - 2:45!
The right thing at the wrong time. Sam wasn't too happy, but I insisted we go back to sleep!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Sam's Got the Beat
Earlier this week, Karen and I traded bags of the boy's toys to borrow for a few days. I have to admit, I think Aiden got the short end of the stick this week. The bag Sam got was full of goodies! One of his favorite things is a toy drum, complete with plastic drumsticks.
Eric and Sam played with the drum for quite a while one afternoon when I wasn't looking. Unbeknownst to me, Eric taught Sam a thing or two about being a rock star.
I was so surprised when I saw Sam pull out the drum yesterday. Holding the drumsticks in his hands, he banged them together, shouting the opening count. "Ay, oh, be, too!" And then he pounded away on the drum.
My baby has rhythm!
Eric and Sam played with the drum for quite a while one afternoon when I wasn't looking. Unbeknownst to me, Eric taught Sam a thing or two about being a rock star.
I was so surprised when I saw Sam pull out the drum yesterday. Holding the drumsticks in his hands, he banged them together, shouting the opening count. "Ay, oh, be, too!" And then he pounded away on the drum.
My baby has rhythm!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
He Talks - Part Two!
I am pretty sure all of these little things Sam has said is interesting only to me (and most likely Grandma Barb). I can't help it - it is so entertaining!
Today Sam was putting together a puzzle and held up a lion piece. I asked him what it was and he said, "Nah!" Meaning: I may or may not know, but I am definitely not going to tell you. I asked him again. He set the piece down and opened his mouth. Using a raking motion, he smoothed his hair back from his forehead down the center of his head. The little bugger showed me the sign for lion! I had no idea he even knew it.
Soon after that he was placing a puzzle piece on different parts of his body. I was naming them as he went. He set the piece on his head and I said, "Head." He gave me a funny look, and set it on his head again. I said, "Head!" This happened a few more times, with him getting more and more frustrated, and finally he said, "HAIR!"
As I was making dinner, Sam was sitting at the table looking at some pictures. He held up a picture of me, Eric, and Grandpa Wally. Sam calls Wally Papa. It is one of the few words/names he has said for quite some time. I pointed at the picture and said, "Who do you see?" Sam said, "My daddy!" I asked again, and he said, "Ummm...my MAMA!" It was so cute! I asked again, and Sam looked at Wally. Instead of saying Papa, he let out a deafening, retching noise. And then he smiled.
He's a riot!
Today Sam was putting together a puzzle and held up a lion piece. I asked him what it was and he said, "Nah!" Meaning: I may or may not know, but I am definitely not going to tell you. I asked him again. He set the piece down and opened his mouth. Using a raking motion, he smoothed his hair back from his forehead down the center of his head. The little bugger showed me the sign for lion! I had no idea he even knew it.
Soon after that he was placing a puzzle piece on different parts of his body. I was naming them as he went. He set the piece on his head and I said, "Head." He gave me a funny look, and set it on his head again. I said, "Head!" This happened a few more times, with him getting more and more frustrated, and finally he said, "HAIR!"
As I was making dinner, Sam was sitting at the table looking at some pictures. He held up a picture of me, Eric, and Grandpa Wally. Sam calls Wally Papa. It is one of the few words/names he has said for quite some time. I pointed at the picture and said, "Who do you see?" Sam said, "My daddy!" I asked again, and he said, "Ummm...my MAMA!" It was so cute! I asked again, and Sam looked at Wally. Instead of saying Papa, he let out a deafening, retching noise. And then he smiled.
He's a riot!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
He Talks!
I have posted many times about Sam's language development. I have been worried and even talked with his doctor about it on several occasions. His doctor has never been concerned. Sam does talk. He says so many words and phrases, but I am guilty of comparing him to other kids who seem to be talking so much more. I have learned to just be patient and let him figure it out on his own time.
As soon as I decided to stop worrying, the words started coming like crazy. All of it comes out like he has always been able to do it - he just chose not to. Yesterday, Sam was talking to Bret. Bret was standing in the kitchen and Sam was in the living room. They were separated by the baby gate. Sam babbled for a minute, and then pointed at the dog. "Dee Dee ovah dea (Dee Dee over there)," he said casually.
It is so funny to hear him talking after obsessing about it for so long! Today, Bret walked into the house. Usually Sam is very excited and runs, screeching, to see him. This afternoon he was less impressed. He simply said, "Hey, Bet," and continued to play.
Sentences from a kid who still can't (won't?) say dog! This evening, I was talking with Sam about his day. I reminded him that we had a play date with Karen and Aiden earlier this morning. Sam solemnly agreed, "I pay wid A-dah (I play with Aiden)."
I can't wait to hear what he is going to say next!
As soon as I decided to stop worrying, the words started coming like crazy. All of it comes out like he has always been able to do it - he just chose not to. Yesterday, Sam was talking to Bret. Bret was standing in the kitchen and Sam was in the living room. They were separated by the baby gate. Sam babbled for a minute, and then pointed at the dog. "Dee Dee ovah dea (Dee Dee over there)," he said casually.
It is so funny to hear him talking after obsessing about it for so long! Today, Bret walked into the house. Usually Sam is very excited and runs, screeching, to see him. This afternoon he was less impressed. He simply said, "Hey, Bet," and continued to play.
Sentences from a kid who still can't (won't?) say dog! This evening, I was talking with Sam about his day. I reminded him that we had a play date with Karen and Aiden earlier this morning. Sam solemnly agreed, "I pay wid A-dah (I play with Aiden)."
I can't wait to hear what he is going to say next!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Sorry, Sam
I learned something about myself this morning. I am able to complete one unselfish act a day - and then I'm done.
We got up this morning, ready for the play gym. When I went to start the car it was snowing. I am completely unreasonable when it comes to driving in the snow. At the mere mention of flurries, I am too terrified to get in a car. It is beyond being uncomfortable - it is one of my many, genuine, phobias.
This morning I decided I was going to make myself suck it up. I kept telling myself that people drive in snow all the time. And look where I live, for pete's sake! If I can't drive in a little snow to get my kid to the gym, I'm a sorry mom, indeed.
So we packed up and headed out. It was a little slippery and I was afraid. However, snow always makes me afraid, so I continued to try to talk myself out of it. I was talking to my sister on the phone, filling her in on my new determination to not be scared of driving in snow. She said, "I am happy for you, and completely support you, but you DO know there are snow advisories out, right?"
Right then, the car in front of me slid off the road and got stuck on an icy snowbank on the sidewalk. I got off the phone with Jackie and pulled over to help. It was an older woman, who was simply annoyed by this turn of events. I pushed her car as she revved the engine, trying to get it unstuck. Eventually another man stopped to help. I let the woman use my phone to call her son and two city trucks pulled up. After about 20 minutes in the freezing snow, she was back on the road.
Sam was sitting in my car this whole time, watching with great interest. I got in and went right back home. I was in no mood to take him to the gym after helping someone off a sidewalk.
I knew there was a reason I stayed home on snowy days!
We got up this morning, ready for the play gym. When I went to start the car it was snowing. I am completely unreasonable when it comes to driving in the snow. At the mere mention of flurries, I am too terrified to get in a car. It is beyond being uncomfortable - it is one of my many, genuine, phobias.
This morning I decided I was going to make myself suck it up. I kept telling myself that people drive in snow all the time. And look where I live, for pete's sake! If I can't drive in a little snow to get my kid to the gym, I'm a sorry mom, indeed.
So we packed up and headed out. It was a little slippery and I was afraid. However, snow always makes me afraid, so I continued to try to talk myself out of it. I was talking to my sister on the phone, filling her in on my new determination to not be scared of driving in snow. She said, "I am happy for you, and completely support you, but you DO know there are snow advisories out, right?"
Right then, the car in front of me slid off the road and got stuck on an icy snowbank on the sidewalk. I got off the phone with Jackie and pulled over to help. It was an older woman, who was simply annoyed by this turn of events. I pushed her car as she revved the engine, trying to get it unstuck. Eventually another man stopped to help. I let the woman use my phone to call her son and two city trucks pulled up. After about 20 minutes in the freezing snow, she was back on the road.
Sam was sitting in my car this whole time, watching with great interest. I got in and went right back home. I was in no mood to take him to the gym after helping someone off a sidewalk.
I knew there was a reason I stayed home on snowy days!
Friday, February 1, 2008
The Last Time
A while back, I read an article written by a mother concerning the end of rocking her babies. She reflected on encouraging independence for her children in soothing themselves and going to bed on their own. Without realizing it, the days of rocking them to sleep were over. It was a bittersweet piece. She wondered how she would have treated the last time she rocked her baby if she had known it would be the last. Would she have been in such a rush? Would she have spent the time lost in her own thoughts, hoping the child would fall asleep, or would she have savored every second of holding her drowsy child in her arms?
My days rocking Sam have been over for a long time. He is very affectionate, giving hugs all day, but he has too much energy to snuggle. He prefers doing his own thing, on his own time. I am so proud of my independent son, but I understood the sadness of that mother's wish to hold her baby one more time.
Yesterday found Sam still recovering from the bug we've had. He was whinier than usual, and was pulling at my legs as I stood in the living room. I picked him up for a hug and was surprised when he didn't immediately try to get back down.
I turned him sideways, supporting his head in the crook of my arm. Still he didn't fight me. I carefully tucked Softie in along his face and started to sway.
He is much bigger than the last time we did that little dance, but I was determined to make it last for as long as I could. I rocked him, gently, and felt him slowly relax. We gazed into each other's eyes. I smoothed his dark hair back from his face and watched his small hand lazily smooth over the edge of his beloved blanket.
His eyes got heavy. Each blink briefly showed three little creases under his eyes. When he was a newborn, those creases told me he was about to fall asleep. Until yesterday, I didn't know they still appeared.
Eventually I had to sit down. He let me continue to hold him, rocking with no particular rhythm, until he sat up and asked to play with his train. The spell had been broken.
I quickly said a prayer of thanks for being blessed, one last time, by the feeling of rocking my baby in my arms.
My days rocking Sam have been over for a long time. He is very affectionate, giving hugs all day, but he has too much energy to snuggle. He prefers doing his own thing, on his own time. I am so proud of my independent son, but I understood the sadness of that mother's wish to hold her baby one more time.
Yesterday found Sam still recovering from the bug we've had. He was whinier than usual, and was pulling at my legs as I stood in the living room. I picked him up for a hug and was surprised when he didn't immediately try to get back down.
I turned him sideways, supporting his head in the crook of my arm. Still he didn't fight me. I carefully tucked Softie in along his face and started to sway.
He is much bigger than the last time we did that little dance, but I was determined to make it last for as long as I could. I rocked him, gently, and felt him slowly relax. We gazed into each other's eyes. I smoothed his dark hair back from his face and watched his small hand lazily smooth over the edge of his beloved blanket.
His eyes got heavy. Each blink briefly showed three little creases under his eyes. When he was a newborn, those creases told me he was about to fall asleep. Until yesterday, I didn't know they still appeared.
Eventually I had to sit down. He let me continue to hold him, rocking with no particular rhythm, until he sat up and asked to play with his train. The spell had been broken.
I quickly said a prayer of thanks for being blessed, one last time, by the feeling of rocking my baby in my arms.
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