Day 274: A Little Note on Marriage

Dear Little Buddy,

It was another big day around our house as today was Momma and Daddy's sixth wedding anniversary!  I know we've talked before about dating, so I think it's about time we talk about marriage.

Hopefully you remember our previous discussion on dating and have taken it to heart.  Because once you find that person that you want to spend the rest of your life with, the real journey begins.  Weddings are great, but the marriage is what really matters.

Marriage is about communication, compromise, and appreciation.  These are very important concepts to learn.  Making your relationship a priority and working with your partner is how you have a successful union.

In terms of communication, no one is a mind reader.  If you expect/need/want something from your partner, you need to tell them.  And you need to have a conversation about how you and your partner want to talk about things.  Are you talking as best friends or as spouses?  Do you want blunt honesty or need it sugar-coated?  Talking about these things up front and specifying what you need when you need it is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your partner.

Compromise is also important.  You have to remember that marriage is not about winning.  Often times, you and your partner will be in synch.  You'll finish each others' sentences, have the same taste about a lot of things, and often have similar interests.  However, there will be differences.  Celebrate these!  Yes, you are not always going to agree and yes, you are not always going to like the same things.  Try something new that your spouse likes.  If you enjoy it, great!  If not, be honest, but still encourage your partner to do it and think about trying it on occasion.  Your dad certainly puts up with my incessant love of laser tag and need for mud runs...he's even doing his first mud run with me next month!  In turn, I respect his complete lack of interest in scary movies and am actually participating in Fantasy Football this year.  And when we disagree, we don't let it escalate and we don't ignore it.  We work it out together.  That goes back to that whole communication idea.

Finally, appreciate your partner and let them know it.  Don't take them for granted.  See love in all the small gestures as well as the obvious ones.  Your dad, well, he's pretty awesome.  You know how I take my vitamins during breakfast every morning?  Daddy always lays them out for me.  It makes me smile because I know it means that he was thinking about me.  Then there was our first Easter together as a married couple.  We were in the apartment and I had never cooked on an electric stove before (cooking on gas vs. electric is more different than you would realize) and I overcooked all of our hard boiled eggs and was devastated.  It was Easter Sunday, and your daddy went out, found an open store, and bought a fresh dozen eggs for me to try again (even though he doesn't even really like hard boiled eggs).  Honestly, if your dad wasn't my partner in life, I don't know what I would do.  Just watching him play with you, take care of you, and be such a great dad and husband reminds me that I did find my soul mate.  I am grateful every day.

Six years ago today, I walked down the aisle.  I knew that because of the man I was marrying that my future would be bright, but I could never guess how amazing our story would turn out. A lot of that is because of...

...our little Train Conductor...

...our pumpkin lover...

...and our little Davy Crockett!

And before I forget, humor is also important in marriage.  Daddy and I's date night for our anniversary was thwarted at every turn, so we had to regroup and go to multiple backup plans.  We ended up at Hooters (you don't need to know about this place for a long time) for beer (something else that doesn't concern you for awhile), and wings (ok, you're going to love these soon enough!).  We could have been bummed out by all of our plans going awry, but we just laughed and went with it. 

I just want you to find that person that you can laugh with at Hooters on your anniversary.

Love you Little Buddy, 

Momma

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma

Day 273: Cheering for the Owls

Little Buddy started off his day with swim class.  Because my run was cancelled because of weather this morning, Daddy took the day off and I got to swim with my little guy.  He was very excited, which was both good and bad, as his exuberance had him jumping into the water at any opportunity!

My jumping buddy.

Later on today, it was time for Little Buddy's first college football game!  Uncle C is doing his grad work at Rice, so we decided to test Little Buddy's sports patience by going to the Rice-University of Houston rivalry game at Reliant.  At first he was very excited to hang out with Uncle C and to "hoot" for the Rice Owls to win.

Yay for Uncle C time!

Uncle C showing Little Buddy how to make the Owl sign with his hands.

Watching some football.

However, as the game went on, Little Buddy's attention span began to waver more and more (which we had expected).  By halftime, it was our time to go.  Even though we didn't get to see the entire game, I think Little Buddy enjoyed his first football outing.  I don't think we'll be taking him to a Texans game for awhile though.  We'll just save some money and continue watching them on TV for now.

Night all, 

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma

Day 272: Hospitals, Parties, and Blueberry Pancakes

Today was Little Buddy's pre-op appointment for his surgery next week.  Because Daddy had his alumni golf tournament, just Little Buddy and I went to the hospital.  We were there for two hours, during which time we had two ten minute meetings.  That meant I had to keep a two-year-old occupied for 100 minutes.  They had a small play area in the waiting room...

This kept his attention for roughly five minutes.  Only 95 more minutes to go!

Thankfully, Little Buddy behaved really well.  I mean, I did have to chase him through the waiting area, keep him from going on the elevators, keep him out of the fountain, keep him off of the piano, and keep him from running out of the automatic doors.  However, he also smiled at everyone, blew them kisses, and said hello.  My crazy toddler charmed everyone with his smile.  I would rather have a happy, slightly rambunctious toddler that grins at everyone than a sulky one that stays still but throws tantrums.

Once we finally got into our second appointment with the nurse, we heard more about Little Buddy's upcoming procedure.  I'm not going to lie, I teared up.  This is not good.  If I get teary just hearing about the surgery, I am going to be a wreck on Tuesday. 

It was a good thing that after the appointment, we had T's birthday party.  It definitely helped take my mind off of the surgery.  And Little Buddy seemed to enjoy himself!

Cupcake time!

Enjoying his sno cone!

Following an excellent nap, Little Buddy and I had to decide what to eat for dinner.  We decided on blueberry pancakes.  I knew Little Buddy liked pancakes, but tonight he devoured them!  He ate all the small ones I made for him, and then asked for some of the big ones I had made for myself!

"Mmm...more pancakes!"

Honestly, there are few things I enjoy more than watching Little Buddy eat food that I cooked especially for him.  It always makes me happy to see him enjoying his food and smiling at me in thanks for a good meal.  I remember always loving my mom's cooking and being so excited when she would make one of my favorites.  I hope I can give the same type of memories to my little guy.

Good night,

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma

Day 271: Head Bumps and Dragon Boats

There is a running joke among our friends that Little Buddy can't go a day without some kind of head injury.  Well, I guess it's not much of a joke because he really does seem to hit his head nearly everyday. 

We started our day with an unbumped head.  We made it to boot camp, played at the park, and chased the ducks for a bit.

 Quack, quack!

Sadly, the picture above was the last one taken before Little Buddy tripped over his own two feet and smacked his head on the concrete.  My poor boy.  He got pretty scraped up and a nice bump swelled up, but no major injury.  In any case, he knows the drill:  bump head, cry, cuddle Momma, and wait to be distracted from today.  Thankfully, we had quite the unique distraction on hand today...Dragon Boats!  There are dragon boat races on the lake this weekend and we got to take the kids over to see the boats as they were unloaded.

Little Buddy and C checking out the blue dragon boat.

Little Buddy was pretty interested in this new type of boat.  He petted it a few times!

Otherwise, it was a just a normal day with my little guy!  Tomorrow we have his pre-op appointment.  Again, I just want this surgery to be over!

Night all, 

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma

Day 270: School Improvement and Elmo Changes

Little Buddy had school today.  Although he is still sad at drop off, he seems to be having a better year so far than last year.  Today, for example, he excitedly told me about school during our drive there.  He seemed very happy and ready to go.  Then, once we got there and walked down the hall to his classroom, he started to slow down.  Once we were in sight of his door, he held onto my leg and started to whimper.  Thankfully, he will go to his teacher alright, but it is always after a teary goodbye kiss with me.  I got out of sight after our goodbye and checked in the window a few moments later and saw that he had already recovered and was busy at the play kitchen. Such a quick recovery and a near willingness to go is a vast improvement over last year.

No matter how sad our goodbyes are, the memory of them is always erased when I go to pick him up.  He sees me and then runs towards me with the biggest smile, crashing into my open arms.  "Back together hugs" are the best.

Even though he had barely napped at school, Little Buddy steadfastly refused any extra rest when we got home.  We played for a bit and then it was time for some Sesame Street.

Elmo time!

Unfortunately, Sesame Street has altered its format for the new season and replace the "Elmo's World" segment with the "Elmo's Musical" segment.  Little Buddy is NOT a fan of the switch and, after watching the show with him, I concur.  I wish they wouldn't throw curve balls at toddlers; Little Buddy is bereft without his normal format.  And no more Dorothy?  Or Mr. Noodle?  It's like his whole world has shifted on its axis.  I can only imagine how unhappy he would be if something else devastating happened, like Al Roker left the Today Show.

Today I realized that Little Buddy's abdominal surgery is less than a week away.  I do not like it.  I know it's minor, I know it's outpatient, and I know it will be alright, but I still just don't like the idea of my baby having to be cut into for any reason.  I just can't wait until it's over and I won't have to worry anymore.  Well,  I won't have to worry about that.  I know I will still worry about everything else.

Good night,

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma

Day 269: Museum and Library Hopping

Little Buddy and I definitely got some "culture" today.  We started the day at the local Children's Museum.  We got there right when it opened, so Little Buddy had first pick at his favorite activities.  I see a great future for him in:

Grocery sales...

And truck driving (as long as the truck is red, as is his preference)!

We hung out at the museum until it was time to head to story time at one of the area libraries.  We actually met up with Ms. T and her boys and Ms. E and her girls there.  The kids may not have paid the best attention to the story, but they certainly liked to sing the songs and do the craft afterward!  Little Buddy also likes this library because it has computers for the toddler set.  He loves Momma and Daddy's computers, but is always very sad that he can't play with them.  These ones, however, are supposedly toddler-proof.

Typing away.

After our outing, we met Daddy for lunch.  Because Daddy wasn't feeling too well and because he had to come home early today anyway because I had school, Daddy came home with Little Buddy and I.  After some rest time, Daddy was feeling better and he and Little Buddy were ready to have their boys' night while I was at class.

"Momma, it is boy time.  You can go now."

I know that they had more fun during boys' time than I did in Multivariate Statistics!  

Good night, 

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma

Day 268: Big Slides and Painting Time

Little Buddy was a bit hard to get going this morning.  And honestly, seeing him cuddle up on the couch made it hard for me to want to get moving either.  I would have rather just spent the day snuggled up with him.  But even I know snuggle time only lasts until he recharges with crazy toddler energy.

"Momma, come cuddle!"

So maybe I indulged in a few moments of cuddling.  It wasn't like Little Buddy was going to let me be on time to boot camp anyway!  We did get a good workout in and then Little Buddy was thrilled to play on the playground again.  He was so excited about it that he actually braved the big slide all by himself!

He went down the slide multiple times!  I was so proud of him.  Just a month ago, he wasn't ready for it, but today it was old hat.  I love watching him grow up and gain confidence.  It is so awesome watching him try new things.

Speaking of new things, I thought of a new way to work with Little Buddy on his colors: painting!  I bought some washable watercolors and we tried them out today.  I helped make sure no big messes were made, but otherwise he did these by himself:

Made with love by my little artist.

He loved it!  However, gentle paint strokes are not easy to teach a toddler, so I think I will need to stock up on extra brushes before he destroys this one.  It's certainly worth it though!  I love introducing him to new creative ways to play!

Good night, 

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma

Day 267: Church, Pirates, and Cornbread

I think that church at 9:30 AM on Sundays may become our new ritual.  Little Buddy did fantastic!  It was the best that he's been at church in a long time.  We actually got to sit in the pew and listen to some of the sermon while he colored, dumped out and put his crayons away repeatedly, and played with one of his cars.  Again, he's never really misbehaved at church, he just has a lot of energy to burn at 7:30 AM.  This later service seems more conducive to calmness.  Adding in our grocery shopping right afterward completes our new Sunday ritual.  It is so nice to get our groceries as a family again.

Later on, Pirate Little Buddy made an appearance!  The current consensus for his Halloween costume this year is a pirate.  We tried his costume on today and he seems to agree.

"Aarrr!" 

(Don't mind the J.J. Watt jersey under the costume, we had been watching the Texans game)

With it being football season, Daddy and I were ready to make some chili.  You can tell we miss fall in Ohio when we are chomping at the bit to make some chili in the "cool" mid-80s Texas temperatures.  

Little Buddy helping me make the cornbread.

All in all, it was a great family day around the house.  Chesney even got some attention with a walk in the awesome weather tonight.

Night all, 

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma

Day 266: Swimming Woes and Waterway Concerts

I had my seven mile training run this morning, so Little Buddy and Daddy started off their day like this...

We all met up for swim class, during which we found out that the fee was going up $20 for no real reason.  We are going to do one more month (at the original price) and start shopping around for other options.  I definitely want to keep Little Buddy in swimming (he has been doing well), but with many of his favorite teachers leaving this program, we're not sure it is worth the price increase.

This evening, we met up with some friends for a picnic dinner and a free concert.  There was a splash pad to play in, but Little Buddy was too busy looking for the boat that goes up and down The Woodlands Waterway to be interested at first.

Little Buddy (in blue): "Yeah, so this is great, but where's the boat?!"

He kept running to go down the steps towards the waterway, and nearly jumped in several times in an attempt to swim with the fish/get to the boat!  We finally got him to settle for a bit when all the kids got push-pops.

"Ok, I guess I will stay up here for ice cream."

Delicious!

Offering to share with Daddy.

After the push-pop, Daddy and I had finished with our ice tea cup.  After rinsing it out, it made a great splash pad toy!  Little Buddy became much more interested in playing!

Trying to catch the water...

"Where did it go?"

C is going to help.

Two cups are better than one!

Attempting to drink the results of their efforts!

After a while, it was time to get Little Buddy dried off so that we could head home to bed.  It was so nice to spend part of the evening with our friends.

Good night, 

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma

Day 265: Gold Coins and Hungry Hippos

Little Buddy had a real obsession with counting his gold coins from his pirate chest.  He normally spends a good part of each day counting them and then using them to re-decorate every corner of the house.  This morning, he discovered my bathrobe had a pocket that could use some coins.  I had an easy part in this game:  I was allowed to clean up the kitchen as long as he had access to my pocket.  I thought this was a fair allocation of responsibility.

My pockets are getting filled with gold.

I just didn't realized how many coins I had collected until I went to get changed for the day...

All of my pocket treasure!  Little Buddy had been busy!

Little Buddy's nap wasn't as long as I would have liked today, so we had to come up with some filler activities.  I decided he was probably old enough now to get into the board game cupboard.  He seemed pretty excited by our first choice...

 Hungry, Hungry Hippos!

We also played a bit of toddler-modified Twister which allowed us to work on color recognition.  I'm excited to have a new cupboard of ideas to keep him occupied!  We may do some Jenga and Connect 4 on another day.

Night all, 

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma

Day 264: Shapes and Such

Unfortunately, Little Buddy's rash (which was almost gone) flaired up again today.  It stinks because, instead of going to boot camp and seeing our friends, we were regulated to staying inside for most of the day so we could let Little Buddy's bare bottom air out and avoid any sweating (which seems to aggravate it).  We did make it out for a bit in the morning to run some errands and meet Daddy for lunch.

Little Buddy at lunch.  Note that he insisted on sitting in a "real" chair like a big boy.  When did he grow up?

Following lunch and naptime, Little Buddy I played for a bit up in the playroom.  He found his shape ball and spent over a half and hour filling and emptying and re-filing his ball.  He was pretty diligent about it.  

I loved watching him because the shape ball was one of my favorite toys growing up.  It is also amazing to see how much he's changed since he played with it several months ago.  My little boy is learning so much!

Thankfully, our low key day allowed his rash to clear up a bit.  Hopefully we can get out and about again tomorrow!

Night all,

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma

Day 263: A Day with my Little Fireman

Little Buddy is still in love with the fireman hat he got at K's party this past weekend.  He runs to put it on each morning.

Fireman at the fridge.

I was able to get him to take it off for school today, but I knew it would go right back on once he came home.  Speaking of school, drop off went alright.  He got a little sad, but soon settled in playing with Play Doh.  I spent the day getting a run in, cleaning the house, and working on school stuff.  Before I knew it, it was time to go get him.  His teachers told me that Little Buddy had a good day, but he started missing me after his nap.

Naps at school can be kind of tricky.  He's only laying down there for about 40 minutes, which is less than what he sleeps at home.  This can make him a little grumpy once he gets home.  I tried to distract him some music and coloring time.  It seemed to work.

Making some art.

We were upstairs coloring and then we came downstairs for Little Buddy to watch Elmo while I made homemade chicken nuggets.  It didn't take him long to find that hat again.  He wants to wear it no matter what he's doing... 

...like being a naked firefighter who is sitting on the potty while eating pretzels and holding a butterfly net.  This picture is definitely being put out for his high school graduation!

Night all, 

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma

Day 262: Wishes, Plants, and Doggie Doors

Today, after lunch with Daddy, the three of us decided to take a quick stroll around Market Street.  Unfortunately, the grass was off limits, so instead of running around, we introduced Little Buddy making wishes in the fountain.

Throwing in his penny.

Contemplating his wish.

It was a fun lunch hour.  Unfortunately, it didn't tire Little Buddy out enough for a long nap.  It was quite a crazy afternoon as I tried to entertain him and make sure I was ready for school.  After Daddy got home and I left for class, Little Buddy put all that extra energy to good use.

First, he helped Daddy pot a plant...

"Just let me grab my shovel here..."

Digging the hole for the plant.

Giving the plant some water.

Giving himself some water.

Giving the plant some more water.

 

Next up, it was time to conquer the doggy door. 

Daddy took some video of the doggy door triumph.  Little Buddy did it on repeat for quite some time.  I guess it builds upper body strength!

We only had one class tonight and it ended up letting out early.  I hurried home and got to rock Little Buddy a bit before he fell asleep.  He seemed pretty happy to see me and I was thrilled to have a Tuesday night cuddle.

Good night all,

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma