Friday, November 30, 2012

What We Learned: 25 Months


Even with his mouth full of cheeseburger, this boy is a talker.  He is a storyteller.  He is astute and curious, asking questions and more often, giving directions.  Some might call that bossy, but we'll just say he's opinionated. 

Bennett learned to properly say pizza.

We learned how sad it is to say good bye to his baby talk, but at least we still have "gank you."

Bennett learned to be (video) camera shy.

We learned we may never get a "gank you" on tape.

Bennett learned to whine his way into getting what he wants.

We learned that secret to a dinner out is youtube and an Iphone.

Bennett learned how to feed the cows and turkeys.

We learned that Bennett thinks the calves are his babies.

Bennett learned the words to "Wheels on the Bus," and "Going on a Bear Hunt."

We learned what windshield wipers, bus drivers and caves can be relevant to just about any conversation.

Bennett learned to correctly identify guitar, drum and piano in a song.

We learned that it doesn't take much to be more musically inclined than his parents. 

Bennett learned to say "getta outta my way."

We learned that 24 months isn't too long to wait to hear "I love you."

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thankful

It seems trite to write an annual thankful post when everyone else around the country is writing similar memes.  But when I am feeling burdened by the daily grind, it seems essential to remind myself that I have a lot to be thankful for not just today, but everyday.  How is that for trite?

I am thankful that this will be the first year I'll get to share one of my most favorite Thanksgiving traditions with my son, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! 

I am thankful for Bennett's growing vocabulary.  There was a time when I obsessed over his development, and now I am just grateful for every "it's mine," "no mommy," "I don't like dat," and "microwave."

I am thankful that Rocky and I have decent jobs.  Hopefully, next year I'll be able to say we have decent benefits too.

I am thankful that despite weeks long runny noses and coughs that won't go away, we're mostly healthy. 

I am so thankful for our home. It feels so good to give my child space to play, a yard to enjoy, and room to grow.

I am thankful for my parents.  They are so generous with their time, walking Atticus, picking up Bennett and giving us an afternoon off to be responsible or reckless.

I am so thankful for my in-laws.  They love me like a daughter and Bennett like a King.

I am so thankful for my friends.  They listen to my gripes, they understand my frustrations and they cheer for my minor victories, like my crafting.

I am so thankful for my husband.  Any man that can put up with my twelve-year old sweatpants is a keeper.

I am so thankful I still fit in my twelve-year old sweatpants.  I have a feeling I'll be needing them tonight.

Happy Thanksgiving y'all!




Wednesday, November 21, 2012

We've Been Busy

Fixing da roof.

Learning manners.
 
Playing with our new toys.
 
Painting pretty pictures 

And never tiring of reading Halloween cards from Great Grandma June.

 
You know, the usual. 

Monday, November 19, 2012

How Pinteresting

So, I have replaced my blogging time with Pinterest.  I spend way too much time looking at interior design projects that are very child un-friendly and oreo cookie turkeys.  But at least I can say they are inspiring me to invest in window treatments, get back in the kitchen, and get my craft on. 
 
At the very least, I can show some in-progress home projects.
 
The room doesn't look quite so blue and blah in person.  You should come visit and see for yourself.  We could pin together.

The inspiration of strangers makes me do crazy things like introduce brass when I swore it off forever.  I live on the wild side. 

Like that time I spent three nights making a yarn wreath.  Rocky makes fun of me for crafting.

Maybe Pinterest can teach me how to fix those stairs.  Nothing says home like some dying mums and stained concrete.  Thanks Pinterest!

Monday, November 5, 2012

He's Sceered

Along with his newfound understanding of emotions is his newfound fear of fear.  He was never afraid of the dark, thunder, bugs, or the fiscal cliff until just recently.  Now, he always had an unfounded distaste of headwear, but that didn't pose a problem last halloween when he willingly donned a cow costume.  This year, things were a little different.

Rocky's cousin loaned us her daughter's Cat in the Hat costume and I was so excited for Bennett to wear it.  I stayed up late the night before fixing the hat and assembling the fuzzy white belly shirt.  We had been talking up the costume, reading him the book, and occassionally catching an episode of the show on PBS.  When the time came he cried at the hat, pulled off the bow tie and tried to rip apart the belly.  I was so sad and now we were running late for school.

I ran upstairs and ruffled through his old baby clothes and borrowed his future Christmas overalls.  Desperate times call for desperate measures.  We got to school l.a.t.e. only to find that he was the only one already dressed for the halloween party.  Because of course.

At least he looked cute from behind.
 Fear has also translated to hatred of smiling at the camera.
 
Unless I want a mug like this. 
Worst of all, very few people recognized his last-minute get-up.
Sheesh.
 
 
On top of costume meltdowns, we made it late to a party an then didn't get a single trick or treater!  At least sweet cards from Grandma June can put this kid in the spirit.