Ironic

Yesterday was truly a first for me.  Warner was in rare form!  Perhaps it started during our routine morning walk/run that turned into anything but routine.  The weather was a bit overcast and I knew that it could rain at anytime, but I braved it anyway.  What's a little rain right?  We were walking due to my injured toe(that's another story) and then it began to drizzle and it was quite nice to be honest.  They it began raining harder and harder and before I knew it we were in what seemed like a monsoon!  So, forget the injured toe because it was time to run home before Warner and I got washed away.  By the time we got home I was drenched and Warner was wet-no biggie.  I took a shower and fed the little man a snack before we left to go to PlayAway.  Before leaving, he was a bit clingy and whiney and I thought that would be fixed by getting out of the house-wishful thinking!  He was great at the class (in his own way of course) and we returned home.  No sooner did we walk into the door than someone flicked the switch that turned my child into whiney pants again.  Lunch was quickly inhaled by the little runt and nap time soon followed.  When W woke up only an hour and 15 minutes later I was in awe.  Where did my son go that sleeps up to 3 and a half hours?  I got him up and the whining quickly began again.  Soon I decided it was time to get out of the house-again.  This was only after I offered a friend the opportunity to lease Warner for the remainder of the day.  Now before you go thinking bad thoughts about me I just wanted to lease him-not sell him.  I love the little guy, but when he is whining I could use a break.  Anyway, we headed to the small park by our house and a different child emerged from the car.  This newly happy tot loved the playground!  We played together and had the best time.  Warner laughed more than he has ever laughed and was just genuinely happy.  After playing for quite a while we went home and the happy child continued the giggles.  While I cooked dinner Warner and I had a dance party and had such a wonderful time together!  The lesson?  Life is ironic and just when you think that you have something figured out- it changes.  Here I was thinking that this was going to be a horrible day with a whiney kid and it turns out to be one of the best days ever! 

"What are you looking at?  Mommy siad that it was ok if I got wet so I did!"

"See, this is how it goes!"

"Now this is what I call a good time!  Water-check! Steering wheel-check! A mommy that makes funny sounds while I drive-check!" 

Gratitude

The anniversary of September 11th brought up many different thoughts and emotions in my mind.  Of course I thought back to where I was on that day and how very different my life was at that time. I remembered the videos of the turmoil that seemed to be happening a world away, but it was not.  Everything that I was seeing was in America and that was hard to grasp even as a college student.  Something in me changed that day as it did in many Americans.  Now as a parent I think about how I am going to explain it to Warner.  What will I tell him?  As I continued to contemplate this, I came up with a positive spin on it - if that is even possible.  I thought of it as a day to remember those who were lost, but also a day to appreciate those who put their lives on the line for perfect strangers each and everyday.  I want to teach my son gratitude and to be thankful for brave men and women, even if we do not know them.  I want him to appreciate the sacrifices that are made daily for us to be free.  I know that he may be a bit young, but I also believe that it is never too young to start teaching life lessons to our children.  So Matt and I will continue to say thank you in each and every way that we can.  I want Warner to witness us saying thank you to soldiers in the airport and do the same one day!

So Warner and I headed to Publix on the hot September day (a few days after the actual anniversary) to buy ice cream and cones for the firemen that are in the station that we pass on a daily basis.  I got Warner out of the car and realized that he was wearing reed, white and blue- how appropriate!  We gave the four gallons of ice cream and cones to the fireman and he simply asked, "Have we made a call to your house?"  I replied no and said I hope that you are never called to my house-no offense.  I explained to him that my family just wanted to say thank you for putting their lives on the line everyday and that their work is appreciated.  The fireman was touched and asked if Warner wanted to go inside the engine.  Well, of course!

So on a brighter note, here are pictures of Warner in the fire truck.  The fireman tried putting the headset on him which was so cute, but W quickly took it off and I was not fast enough to catch it on camera!  This is something that we will be doing much more often- saying thank you. I encourage you to do the same in your own way!

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Stick It To Me

Meet Sticker Boy!  During a dark and rainy day recently, I was looking for something to do with my little guy to keep him (and me) occupied.  Let's just say that I found some stickers and we had a blast!  I put stickers all over my little cutie and he was not quite sure what to think.  He was a good sport about it and I was not able to catch the pictures of him smiling- I promise that he was having fun too! 

"Who is the crazy lady that has taken over mommy's body?  She's nuts!  She even put stickers on my elbow!"

"Hey, this is kind of fun!  I'm gonna get you mommy!"

"I may look silly, but I am in deep thought"

PS- It has been way too long since I have blogged, I know.  I am going to try to capture more precious moments and blog more often!

Playing Around

These days I often just sit back and watch Warner play.  He is so busy discovering new things and learning new skills.  One of his favorite toys is the collapsible tunnel and tent system that was used by all of his boy cousins,  I gave it to my nephew when he was younger and now he is 11 years old.  It has lasted through three boys and now it is on number 4!  My house looks like romper room when all of the pieces are out, but I normally take out a few at a time.  Just look at my guy having a blast! 

King

Warner is definitely getting more fun with age!  He has always been a very energetic child, but more and more of his personality is shining through every day.  Warner has this precious monogrammed chair that his Gigi and Pappy gave to him and has been in our living room for quite some time.  One day while he was sitting in it, I called him King Warner and made a big deal about it.  I thought nothing of it except that we were having a great time.  Now wherever he is in the house if you say "Where's King Warner?"  he drops what he is doing and walks to the chair sits down, and gives you a big smile.  Priceless!



Picasso In Training

This past weekend Warner had his first experience with painting with real paint (and not pudding) and it was so entertaining.  I waited until Matt was home so we could do it as a family- what a great memory!  We put out a blanket and some paper for Warner to paint on, but he liked painting himself the best.  At one moment, he tried to eat the paint.  This was hilarious because it ended up looking like clown painted lipstick on his face.  We had the best time!  After the painting expedition, it was time to get cleaned up and what better way to clean up a dirty boy than letting him play in the sprinkler.  I had the opportunity to just sit back and take it all in.  Everyday I thank God for all of life's blessings that have been bestowed on us and I am truly thankful.  We have a great little boy who makes everyday wonderful and I could not ask for more:)  Look at the pictures below and judge for yourself if you think that we have a little Picasso on our hands!



 





Model Behavior

I wrote a while back about Warner's first modeling gig.  I did not go into great detail, but is now time to tell the entire story.  When we arrived at the photography studio all was well.  W was well rested and fed which normally equals a pretty happy boy.  Then I saw the clothes that he would be wearing-not the cutest.  (In fact, Matt can't believe that I posted pictures with those "dreadful" clothes on.)  I think that the photographer was able to capture the myriad of moods that Warner displayed that day and the photos are just to funny not to share- even if the clothes are not my favorite to say the least:)  Warner was happy and even agreeable when I changed him out of his truly cute clothes to what he would be modeling.  He was walking around, petting the dog, giggling and genuinely happy kid.  Then I put him on the platform and all hell broke loose.  the tears started flowing freely and my happy child turned into a terrified little boy in the blink of an eye.  He did not want to be on the platform, but in my arms.  I gave him loving for quite a bit and photographer told us to take our time.  So we tried again...

Then I loved on him a bit more.  Third time is a charm-right?  Not so much.  We played peek a boo- anything to keep him happy.  But as you can see that did not work because then he covered his face!

After this, more crying.  So even though his belly was full, we turned to food to help.  "Kid Crack" to be exact.  No I did not give my kid crack, but yogurt bites (I also call kid crack because he LOVES them).  And then we caught him by surprise!

Ok we got the shot-kind of.  There are some better ones of him, but I chose to post the funny ones since they more accurately tell the story!  Then it was time for the next outfit. 

"Seriously, what am I wearing?"

"I need more food to stand here!  Come on people!"

"I'm good for now.  Yogurt bites in both hands and one in my mouth-score!"

Time for the Thriller dance!

Yogurt bites make strong boys!

Time for another outfit change.  Warner was getting to be a pro at this now.  Okay, truth time.  We were figuring out what would make him happy and allow the photographer to get the necessary shots.

"I would like to renegotiate my contract please."

Everything considered, we did end up having a good time.  Warner ate lots of yogurt bites and started enjoying himself- despite the "dreadful" clothes.  Now I have a whole new respect for stage moms.  I know that they have a bad reputation and I am by no means condoning their behavior.  But the things that go on behind the scenes are crazy to get "the shot" and I have a whole new respect for that!