Monday, December 31, 2012

Day 366: So Loved, So Valued, So Cherished

Dear Little Buddy,

This time last year I was still trying to convince myself to write this blog.  Even after I started on January 1st, I didn't tell your Daddy I was doing it until several days in to writing.  Let's just say that my New Year's Resolutions haven't worked out so well in the past and I wanted to make sure I was committed to this one before sharing it with others.

It's hard to believe I made it.  There were many nights, following homework and housework, that I almost gave up in favor of an earlier bedtime.  I am so glad I persevered.  In the beginning, I would have to run up to take a picture of you sleeping or just snap one during dinner when I remembered so that I would have an image for the day.  Now, I take so many pictures of you a day that I have to reign myself in from using them all!  Some days I worried that my writings were just too mundane, that there was no greater inspiring purpose.  Now I know that even capturing the "mundane" moments will be a great treasure as we will never get that time back.  Those silly, "boring" moments of our routine were what made up the foundation of our magical days.  Recording them forced me not take them for granted. 

We started out New Year's Eve with breakfast.  You decided we needed to be more formal and thus insisted on wearing your hat.  You then insisted on "sharing" half of my oatmeal with blueberries (in addition to your banana, toast, and milk).  It's ok; I didn't mind...too much.  :)


We should always dine in hats!
 


Our last "Today" board of 2012.  I wonder how you will react to it saying 2013 tomorrow?!


After calling Uncle Jeremy to wish him a Happy Birthday, we began to get ready for our day.  It took a bit longer than usual, since we still didn't have everything put away from our trip, but we eventually headed out the door.  First stop was for another haircut for you; I can't believe how quickly your hair grows!  You did an excellent job while the stylist cut your hair, so I treated you to a ride on the carousel.
 

Of course you picked to ride the tiger!


Daddy then met up with us after his half day of work.  We ran some errands and had some lunch before going home for nap time.  Daddy and I spent your nap cleaning up around the house before getting ready to go out for our New Year's Eve date.  Daddy and I were just going to have a late dinner together and you didn't seem to mind us going out too much.


I love your happy face, especially your squinty eyes!
 


Quite an intense cheese face!
 


Eating your dinner while Momma and Daddy snacked with you.  An 8:45 PM dinner reservation is late for old people like us!



Telling us the facts!
 


You couldn't resist trying on Daddy's jacket while we got ready for our date.
 


A dapper looking guy, just like your Daddy.


Soon it was time to go up and read stories.  Daddy and I got you to bed and then finished getting ourselves ready before your sitter arrived.  Don't worry, because you've turned us into such old people, we enjoyed our dinner and were home by 10:30 PM.  We then promptly fell asleep on the couch while waiting for midnight.  Oops. 


Picture proof of your young, good-looking parents.   Disregard the fact we couldn't keep our eyes open until midnight.


We did manage to wake up close to midnight, so we snuck upstairs to wish you a happy New Year.  Hoping it brings you lots of fun and adventure (and less head bumps)!  We love you so much sweet boy!



Happy 2013, Little Buddy! 


I can't believe this is my last entry of the year.  The saying "the days are long but the years are short," is so true.  I can't believe how much you've grown and changed.  We even have conversations now, instead of you looking at me funny as I babble on.  Being a mommy is hard work, but you are so worth it.  I am so proud of you for everything you've accomplished.  Just being with you makes me happy.

I know we won't always see eye-to-eye and that spending the day with your Momma won't always be cool, but I hope that reading through our adventures in this blog will remind you how loved you are and how much your Daddy and I love spending time with you.  You will never be alone, Little Buddy.  We will ALWAYS be here for you.  You are so loved, so valued, so cherished.  Never forget how special and amazing you are.

It was so sweet when we were singing the Lumineers together today:

"I belong with you, you belong with me, you're my sweetheart!"

And you are my Little Sweetheart.  Looking forward to many more years of love and adventure with my Little Buddy!


With all my heart, 

Momma


PS:  My next step is to print this blog as a hardback book as a keepsake for you.  I hope, in the future, you find as much value and meaning in reading it as I have had in writing it.

PPS:  For all our friends who have kept up with our blog--the tale's not finished yet.  Keep a lookout for the next chronicle of our adventures.  And thank you for taking the time to share in this journey with us!

 

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Day 365: Changes

Wow.  It still boggles my mind that my year of blogging is nearly over.  I find myself almost hesitating to write tonight because I know it's bringing this chapter of Little Buddy and I's time together to a close.  I just want to close my fingers and hold on tight, but I also love watching my little man grow.  I do know that documenting this time made me appreciate it more, but it also makes it bittersweet to watch how fast my baby is growing up.  I blinked and he's two and a half.  I'm afraid to blink again and see him driving away to college.  It does all go so, so quickly.  I am glad I have this record because every moment with him has been invaluable.

There are so many changes coming soon.  Little Buddy will start going to school two days a week starting in January, on Monday and Wednesday.  He loves school now and is excited about it, but I am desperately going to miss our Mondays together.  Daddy helps me rationalize that by having two days a week to do homework, I will be able to go to bed early and be more rested to play with my little guy on the other days.  Plus, he reminds me, Little Buddy is ready and eager for this.  Ok, he may be ready for it, but what about Momma?!

But Daddy is right, as long as Little Buddy is doing well with it, it should be good for all of us.  Next semester is my last semester of classes, so I really need to work hard to finish up and prepare for proposal defense and comps in the summer.  It's going to be a busy time for me, so having Little Buddy in school two days a week should help me not be as distracted by school deadlines when I am with him.

We are also getting ready to convert Little Buddy's bed into a toddler bed (although I think he could happily stay in his crib forever) and working a bit on potty training.  He's shown a little more interest in the potty, although I don't think he is totally aware of his body yet.  But if he wants to try, we are more than willing to encourage his interest!

It's also been amazing to watch him the past month as his verbal skills have just exploded.  He's picking up at least 10 new words each day, combining them, and starting to make real sentences.  I can't believe how grown up he has become in the past few months.  Overall, he has his recitation of his ABCs down pat, recognizes all of his letters, can count up to 14 on his own (up to 25 on some days), can identify most colors (pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, white, and sometimes beige and gray), is doing really well on his shapes (circle, oval, triangle, rectangle, heart, star, diamond, and square are usually identified), loves to sing a variety of songs, and just loves "runnin'" around.  Even in pictures he looks wise beyond his years. Take today, as I was trying to catch a picture of him and Daddy reading a story before nap.  The little monkey caught me trying to take a picture and, instead of focusing on reading, had to ham it up a little bit.  How is this is little boy only 2?  And how is my baby already 2?


"Hehehe, whatcha doing Momma?"
 


Such a ham giving his "cheese" face!



Now, back to snuggles and stories.


It was a fun day.  Little Buddy did very well in church, as he was quite concerned with praying and singing (and dancing!) to the songs.  He yelled, "Bye-bye, Joe!" to our priest (Fr. Joe) all the way to the car once Mass was over.  He was a great sport while we did some shopping at Kohls and took a great nap.  And he also cheered for me when I left to go on my run (which is awesome because one of the reasons I try to stay active is to inspire him to be active.  I would love for us to register for runs together some day).  The best part of today, though, was when we were asking him who his friends were and he told us that Momma and Daddy were his friends.

Oh Little Buddy, I pray that you always consider us your friends.  We have to be your parents first, but we want to be your friends too.  Always.  We love you so much and are so blessed to have you as our son.

So tomorrow, this blog comes to an end.  I am not even sure what I will write, but I know it will touch on what a privilege it is to be Little Buddy's Momma and what I hope my blogging for 366 days has accomplished.  Thank you all for accompanying me on this journey.


Good night, 

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Day 364: Christmas in Texas!

After a surprising morning of sleeping in until almost 8 (Little Buddy must really be tired from the trip!), we started the morning with our Texas Christmas!  We couldn't fit all of our gifts to each other in our suitcases back to ohio, so we had more presents to open now that we were home.  It's been a bountiful holiday season, to say the least.


Little Buddy opening more presents.


Santa brought him more play food for his kitchen.  He was very excited for the hamburger!



Yummy!


So glad we got Little Buddy his kitchen.  He loves it!


We finally got out of our pajamas and got started on our day.  We had a lot to do!  Lots of unpacking and laundry and errands.  We got a good bit done this morning and Little Buddy was very patient.  We rewarded him with grilled cheese at Jason's.  Little Buddy was quite pleased with this decision.


Little Buddy loves Jason's!


We finished off the morning with a quick Target run to pick up things we needed around the house.  We also snagged some Christmas stuff on clearance.  I was so proud to see my son using the wrapping paper as an oar to row himself through the store!  I wish I would have gotten a video, but I at least did manage a few pictures.
 

My future little rower!  Stroke!


I guess I will let him be a port instead of a starboard.  We would be able to row a pair together at least!


We then went home for nap time around one.  Little Buddy was supposed to attend a birthday party this afternoon, but seeing that he slept until four, we sadly didn't get to make it.  I was glad that he managed to get some good rest though!  When he woke up he, we played for a bit with the new jingle bells we got while we were out today.  We could barely get a picture, he was moving so fast!



 He really loved these bells!


Because Little Buddy had slept so late, it wasn't long until dinner was over and it was time for bed.  He was still feeling the effects of all of our travels and willingly went to bed.  It didn't hurt that we turned on his new nightlight, which projected constellations all over his ceiling.  It was beautiful!  And Daddy and I got the extra treat of listening to him sing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" to himself as he fell asleep.  Honestly, it almost made me cry, it was so sweet.  Love him so much!


The camera doesn't pick it up well, but these stars were all over his ceiling, like diamonds in the sky.


It's nice to be back at home, but I wish those Christmas elves would come help get my house back together.  They are done making presents now, right?  Can't believe the New Year is only days away!


Night all, 

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma

Friday, December 28, 2012

Dat 363: Headed Back to Houston

Little Buddy got to spend a little bit more of the morning with Mamaw and Papaw before, he, myself, Daddy, and Uncle C were off to Cleveland to catch our flight back to Texas.  We got the car dropped off, checked our bags, and got through security with no problems.  At that point though, we were all hungry.  Thankfully, there was a Quaker Steak and Lube in the airport and they had grilled cheese and broccoli!



Enjoying his...cheeseburger!?!?!  Yes, we were also surprised by his choice!


The first leg of our journey was short flight to Detroit.  It was actually pretty easy of a flight since Little Buddy slept for the majority of it!


A tired momma cradling a sleepy Little Buddy.


We had a short layover in Detroit, but thankfully the airport had some playhouses right by our gate.  Little Buddy made several friends as we waited to board our flight to Houston.


The kiddos having a "party" in the playhouse.  They also told us we should come inside too because it was "raining".


Our flight home was about three hours long, but Little Buddy did admirably for his age.  I will say having episodes of Sesame Street and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood on the iPad were helpful.  In any case, all of us were happy when we finally landed.  It's great to travel, but it's also nice when you arrive home from traveling.  For his part, Little Buddy was thrilled to see Chesney and to go to sleep in his own bed.  I know he misses his grandparents, and we are so lucky to have watched his bond with them grow.  We talk with them on the phone and Skype with them often, but actually being there just adds a whole new dimension.  We are hoping that Mimi and Pop-Pop and Mamaw and Papaw can come visit us this spring!

Now, though, I have to unpack and figure out where all these Christmas gifts are going!

Hope everyone had a happy holiday, 

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Day 362: Campus Visits and Story Time

Today was our last day in Marietta, so we had to visit the place where it all began: Marietta College.  Oh Little Buddy, this is where Momma and Daddy met and fell in love, and also where we met many of our great friends who have become your "aunts" and "uncles".  To us, this little town is magic.  We hope one day you love it as much as we do.

We walked the campus a bit before taking our obligatory trip to the bookstore and spending more money than what we should.  We also took the opportunity for a few photos.


Little Buddy running up the Mall.



Momma and Little Buddy by the big M in front of Andrews Hall, where Momma used to work in Student Life.
 


Daddy and Little Buddy in front of Daddy's old stomping grounds, the Brown Petroleum Building.



A quick stop to check out the newest residence hall on campus, Harrison Hall.  Who knows?  Maybe one day Little Buddy will live in one of those rooms!


After a last lunch and dinner with Mimi and Pop-Pop, it was time to head up for a final Canton visit before we leave tomorrow.  Little Buddy was sad to leave Marietta, but excited to see Mamaw and Papaw again!  He slept for a good part of the ride, but woke up as soon as we pulled in the driveway, energized and ready to play!

After playing for a bit with them both, it was time to settle down and get ready for bed.  Little Buddy definitely wanted Mamaw to read him The Great Honey Hunt one more time before she rocked him to sleep.  So glad I was able to capture a few pictures this time!
 


Mamaw and Little Buddy reading together.  What a beautiful moment!


It's hard to believe that we are headed back to Texas tomorrow.  It really has been amazing to watch Little Buddy play with his grandparents and his extended family.  He's even become so much more verbal since we've been here, mostly to explain all the cool stuff he's seen and done.  It's hard living so far away, but I am glad we've had the means and opportunities to come back as often as we have. 


Good night, 

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Day 361: Great Times with the Great Grand Kids

It was such a wonderful day with family today.  Pop-Pop and Mimi let Little Buddy stay in their room so that Daddy and I could have a sleep-in morning.  When I came downstairs, I found Little Buddy was already up and ready to make some cookies!

 

Little Buddy making gingerbread cookies with Mimi.  He loves to bake!


Decorating the cookies with Daddy.


Better taste one to check how they turned out!


Checking out the reclining feature on Uncle C's old chair.


A big joke while we have been here has been Little Buddy discovering the word "Whoa!"  It started at Great Granny's house, when he saw a giant-sized ketchup bottle and christened it "Whoa, ketchup!"  Now, everything he thinks is big is now named "Whoa!"


"Whoa, tub!"


The bathroom was pretty special since it had a "Whoa, tub" and a "Whoa, shower."  He took Pop-Pop on several walks in there to see them.  Thanks for being such a sport, Pop-Pop!


Then we were off to celebrate Christmas with the rest of the B family.  Little Buddy was excited to see Great Grandma again, along with all his great aunts, great uncles, and cousins.  Cousin A is a almost 4, and she and Little Buddy had a great time chasing each other and playing with the "flying shoes."


Momma and Daddy at Great Grandma's house.



All of us at Great Grandma's house.  Love Little Buddy's cheese face!



Uncle C and Little Buddy



Sitting on the couch with Pop-Pop and Great Grandma.


 Showing Pop-Pop his new computer.



Opening gifts with Cousin A.  She is wearing the shoes that eventually became part of the flying shoes game.  Every time we left those shoes in a room, they would "fly away" and we would have to look for them.  Fun for hours!  Thanks to all our shoe hiders for keeping the game going for so long.


Loves his new guitar!



 Asking Great Uncle J to help him play while Great Aunt P watches.



And the chasing begins!  We had to put a t-shirt on Little Buddy because he got so hot in his sweater.  They ran circles around Great Grandma's house, at least fifty laps!  I was with them too, so at least I got one workout in on our trip!  



Taking a break from running for another guitar lesson with Great Uncle J.

 

I think these two should form a band!



Cousin A, Great Grandma, and Little Buddy


The weather had been getting bad, but Daddy's cousin M and her husband were able to make it in late in the evening with their one-year-old daughter, A.  It was the first time all the great grandchildren were together.


Little Buddy hugging his cousins, while Great Aunt R holds Little Cousin A, and Great Grandma watches all three of her great grandchildren together for the first time.


 

Pop-Pop with Little Buddy, Great Aunt R with A & A (her grand daughters), and Great Grandma.  So glad we could get all three of the kids together!



Some cousin love!  It was such a joy for all of us to watch these two play all evening.



Finally headed home for the night.  So tired after all of that fun!


What a blessing it is to be with our families!  I am so glad Little Buddy had such fun tonight.  We do love our life in Texas, but it certainly makes us cherish our Ohio time.  Can't believe we only have one full day left.

Night all, 

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma