Happy Memorial Day!

Hope everyone had a wonderful & safe holiday weekend.

J & I spent most of it in the car traveling amongst family, but it was great to see Grandma & Grandpa P, and Uncle Jeff, Aunt Kristi, Cam & Mallory...

I have lots of pics, but I've spent most of today, getting us unpacked, laundry done, and grocery shopping for the rest of the week... So pics will have to wait.

But I do have to say... J did great with his sea legs... Although his boat driving skills leave a bit to be desired...

Bits & Pieces

Summer has hit here... Well, at least until this weekend, when we can actually be outside together.  As a result, J has been playing outside a ton.  He even requested dinner at 4 yesterday, while still with Ms. Angie.  I took advantage of this, and got him off to sleep by 8 last night.  That has not happened since the sun set before 8.

Update on his teeth, the two front ones appear to be turning gray.  Mr. M & I both noticed it in the last week.  We hope this is only a sign of his gums being bruised, and not anything more serious brewing.  I know the Ped. Dentist said we'd have to wait 6 months before being in the clear, but I'm not good at waiting...

As for J, he still does not get the concept of not running inside.  I think if I were to stay home with him, I'd become a robot who only says:

"Don't Run"
"Walk!"
"What would you like for "
"Let's sit on the potty"

In pretty much that order. 

That fact that he doesn't listen, well... Here's proof...

Please note, cut on eye, bruise on forehead... Both resulting in J tripping over his own feet running to see me, as Mr. M & I were both saying stop.

Ignore the goofy mugshot looking picture.

He Likes It...

After the game on Saturday, Mommy needed a caffeine hit... While J napped on the way to the park, he didn't blink an eye lid on the way home.  And we would not be starting dinner until Mr. M got home from work (7:30'ish, it was 4:30'ish).  

So I decided to indulge in Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Frap, and try a Vanilla Bean Frap for the Little Man. 

He went in slowly...

Then he went back for more...

J loved it.  A tall (aka - small) was still about twice the amount he could consume (good news, considering the calorie content), but it was a win-win.

And the lids are wonderful... J could not get the top off, a problem we are having when out & about these days.

And put him in the perfect mood for bike shopping, which we did next.

Happy Anniversary, Mr. M!

7 years ago today was a Sunday, and I married Mr. M in front of God, our friends & our family.

Mr. M & I were talking on Sunday how quickly the time has flown.  Come January, we will have been together 10 years.  Oyie.  That means, Mr. M turns 40 next year, and I turn 35.  How did that happen?

And we still like each other, in addition to loving each other.  How's that for lucky?

One piece of advice I'd like to give the future version of J...

It hasn't always been easy.  I'm sure you will recall more than a fair share of raised voices.  You have two very strongly opinionated individuals for parents.  However, while we may not go about it in the same way (hence those loud voices), we both truly want what is best for our family - most especially you.

Mr. M... I love the person you have grown to become, and I'm still looking forward to sitting in that rocking chair with you in our 80's... Hopefully with grandchildren of our own to brighten our days & bring a youthful joy to our hearts.

Here's to another 60+ years...

Cheering Sox to a Win

On Saturday, Aunt Liz (aka Lucy) hosted J, his friend Dottie, her parental units & me (plus Uncle Jon & Kim in seats for away from the toddlers) for a baseball game.

The added bonus was the win secured by the Southsiders.

And the fact this mommy did not pull all of her hair out, a serious concern she had, as it was an emotional morning prior to leaving.  I had to use the promise of seeing Aunt "Lucy" to get J to get dressed.  Little did we know, Aunt Liz would kidnap him & give mom a much needed breather to relax & be ready to tackle buying food for 2 with Toddler on hip upon his return.

Sadly, I forgot to get a pic of Aunt Liz & J... I was thinking she'd be able to rejoin us & I could grab it then.  I did however, get a few other pics...

J & Dottie

J with Uncle Jon & Kim

This was obviously before Uncle Jon turned J loose on the fans at the park.  I apologize to the guy I rudely cutoff in an effort to snag J's shirt... However, I don't think he minded since all I heard was "Wow, great catch".

And one with Mommy...

Thanks again to Aunt Liz for a wonderful day!

pre-bedtime fun...

I call Mr. M most nights before J heads off to sleep.  I think it is important for J to be comfortable talking on the phone & who better to practice with than a parent, right?

Plus, I know how much I enjoy it when Mr. M calls me before school - so I like returning that favour.

Anyway, it is a must to keep J calm when making these calls - or he simply will not talk.  But you cannot be too calm, or he will push buttons - inevitably hanging up on the person being called.  Plus, he likes to hold the phone & since I generally call the store, not the cell, I have to ask for Mr. M.  So I like being in charge of the phone until Daddy answers...

That said... Here was J during distraction time... With Baby Boost in the background.

(gosh, this top pic, makes his feet look sooo big... I'd never noticed that before)

Playoff Time...

ETA:  Aunt Liz (or as J would say "Lucy") sent a much better picture from another game day.

Original Post:
and someone is dressed for the party...

And the finger going to the mouth is him showing how much he is thinking about my request.  I requested he say "cheese" so I could get a good picture & he responded with "uuuummmm, NO!" and took off running.

Sorry for the crap-tastic-ness of the picture, but I was trying to grab the shot from my blackberry before J took off running.