A Spirit Like No Other

When I look into the eyes of my little man, a feeling of intense joy fills me and I am so very honored to have been blessed with such a vivacious son.  Now don't get me wrong- there are times when I wish he was a bit more sedate.  When we are in public and he is screaming at the top of his lungs out of pure joy, I might wish that he was a bit quieter or understood the concept of "inside voices".  But when those big blue eyes meet mine and he smiles and laughs, my heart truly melts.  That is my Warner.  He may not be the quietest kid in the crowd, or the one who sits quietly, but he sure is one curious little guy who is always on the move.  I love to see the world through his eyes and share a new experience with him for the first time.  Being Warner's mom has taught me so much that is hard to put into words.  Perhaps the biggest lesson that I have learned is to live in the moment.  I have learned that the laundry and dirty dishes can wait if it means enjoying a new experience with my boy.  Those are the moments that I will forever cherish! 

One such experience occurred recently when we took Warner to the beach.  This was only the second time that he had experienced the beauty of the beach and the majestic tranquility of the ocean.  We took him when he was younger and lets just say that wet clothing + #2 diaper + sand= not a good combination!  So off to the beach we go...and....Warner loved the beach-perhaps a little too much! 

Things started out nicely- playing in the sand.  And then....W discovered the ocean!

 And then it was time to roll in the sand with wet clothes! 

 This is just one of the many examples of what life is like with our little man. Life is crazy sometimes, but we just have to sit back, laugh and enjoy the ride.   I wouldn't have it any other way!

Pure Enjoyment

So I know that it has been a while since my last entry and I have no real excuse.  I would love to say that the holidays were a flurry of busy tasks and while it was a busy time, there was still time to blog.  But instead, I chose to live in the present and enjoy every moment with my family.  Matt had some time off around the holidays and it was the best.  We just enjoyed being a family and made lots of new memories together.  There were days that we stayed in all day playing with Warner and there were days when we ventured out to enjoy new experiences as a family.  Whatever we did, we were together and that is what mattered!  It was a completely blissful Christmas vacation!

For Christmas, we went to Matt's parents' house and had a very relaxing time.  We took our time opening presents and watching Warner just enjoy his new things.  I must admit that he was into it a bit, but not totally as I thought that he would be.  I think that it is just a bit much for him at this age and that's fine by me.  It was such a wonderful holiday- one that I will forever cherish!

"This puppy was waiting for me when I arrived to Gigi and Pappy's!"



"I won't tell everyone about your little problem.  It'll be our little secret!"

" Mommy thinks she's Mrs. Claus- not quite!"

"Let me show you how it works momy!"

"See you press this button and ...magic!"



"Enough playing around people- Santa does not like a mess!"



"Ho Ho Ho!  I'm getting in the spirit!  What is that I hear?"

:You stopped me from eating for thi?  What is it?  It better be good because dinner is calling my name!"

"Oh Santa!  How nice of you to visit on your busiest night!"

"Santa brought me presents!  But, he ate all of the cookies-what?"

"Having a tea set does not decrease my manliness- do you hear me?"

"More presents from Santa?  Ok dude, I forgive you for eating the cookies!"

"You are breaking my gift opening concentration!"

"And even more presents with Pappy!"

"Playing tunes in my cool Christmas attire.  I worre a tie for the occasion!"



"This is supposed to teach me animal sounds!"



"Hi Santa!  Thanks for all of my toys!"

"OK wait...You want me to be good for the whole year?  That's a LONG time!"

"I am one happy boy!"





Disney Dude

We recently took Warner to Disney for the first time and man did we have a blast!  I will admit that it is incredibly overwhelming to take a 19 month old to see Mickey (or Mick as we call him).  We were not sure how W would do, but he did great!  We went in with very low to no expectations and I am convinced that not expecting too much is the key to a successful trip.  We arrived late afternoon on Thursday to our fabulous two bedroom condo and began to settle in before heading to Downtown Disney for dinner.  Warner did great, ate like a champ, played and danced with the band!  He even stayed up past his bedtime:)

Breaking it down for the ladies!

"Dad, I got this.  The chicks dig me!  I don't need any advice Old Man!"

"Hey mom, is she too old for me?  I'm kind of digging the singer in the middle!"

After a crazy night's sleep (that's another story), we were ready to tackle the Magic Kingdom.  Warner was in good spirits and after breakfast we ventured to the land where dreams come true.  (Okay, I was definitely drinking the Disney kool-aide!)  Well, we got to the park and needless to say Warner did not know what to do.  There was so much to look at and it was a bit overwhelming.  We let him run around a bit and he quickly made himself at home!  We were able to catch some rides and had a great time, but by 4:00 we were all spent and headed back to the room. 

"seriously people!  There is so much to do and you want a picture?  Amateurs!"

"Mommy, look over there!  It's Mickey!"

"I'm going to get that mouse!"

"Everyone knows to stop and smell the flowers-right?"

"I'm ready for the magic carpets!"

"This pony is at my beck and call...come to think of it so is my daddy!"

 On Saturday, we went to Animal Kingdom and I loved it!  It didn't feel as crowded as the Magic Kingdom and Warner really had a great time.  We watched shows, rode Exhibition Everest while Warner napped and just enjoyed ourselves.  I must admit that of all the fancy rides and shows, I think Warner liked the playground the best.  It was built like a dinosaur dig site and had water in one little spot.  Well you guessed it, Warner found the water and got DRENCHED!  

"I may have just watched the Lion King, but we all know that I am the real king here!"

"Seriously dad,this is not a good look for me!"

"Chilling with Gigi while on the safari ride."

"I'm gonna beat you Gigi!  I may be small, but I have a keen eye and strong arm!"

"Oh how I love water!"

 

 

 

 

 

We had such a wonderful time at Disney!  I am sure that we will be back when Warner is older.  I was worn out after this trip as taking a kid to Disney is alot at any age! 

That's not my son..oh wait, it is!

Before Thanksgiving, we went to the first birthday party for a friend's little boy.  It was a great party and the mom truly went all out with the theme- it was adorable.  But is that what impressed my son?  Of course not!  He was impressed by the ice chest water and it took everything in us to keep him out of each of them.  Afterall, all he wanted to do was swim in the fountain (the same fountain that the hostess requested out kids not swim in for fear of being kicked out of the site.) Take a look at the pictures below and judge for yourself.  He was one determined child!

"What have I got here?"

"I don't think this has what we are looking for RJ"

"I got it!  Miller Lite is ot what I was thinking, but it'll do!"

"Not bad for a lite beer!"

"Seriously, one beer is my limit?  Come on dad!"

"I need a little water in teh face to wake me up!  That beer made me sleepy!"

"OK- I think I'm good!"

"Maybe not!  This is fun!"

"WOOOHOOO"

"{Beer and beach ball- what more could a man ask for?"