2 Years of Knowing Heaven on Earth

Two years ago today I was scared to death.  Two years ago today we heard the world enter your lungs as you took your first breath.  No one could prepare us for the changes that would come or how much we would love our new and first born son.  You've grown our hearts beyond what we have ever known before; maybe that's why tears were shed tonight as we shut your bedroom door.  Goodnight 1 year old kisses, hugs and giggles.  Good Morning 2 year old dreams, jumps, and squeals.  On the day you were born I swore it was the best day of my life,  but now looking back it was the beginning of us taking flight.  On a journey we have soared with you as our pilot.  You take us to new levels of living, to views of wonder and delight.  I love the you I hold today far more than I did 2 years ago, as hard as that is to imagine.  You are my buddy, my son, my little love, my heart, my maker of smiles, my challenger, my dreamer, my whisperer, my sweet baby boy you'll always be.  Happy birthday little darling!  Many blessings to thee.

Big Life Changes

If you follow us on Instagram you probably already know our big news, but to explain my bloggy absence lately; we're moving!  On January 8th a sign went in our yard and 4 days later we had a contract. 

So we quickly made the mad dash to find a house.  Which we did, but as with most things in life this journey hasn't been without it's share of hurdles.  Who knew there were so many juggling parts to selling your home!?  From inspections, to paperwork I'm ready for this part to be over. 

So now comes the sentimental bits.  The parts where we say goodbye to our first house together.  The one where we spent five wonderful years of our married life together.  The one we worked hard to make our own, where we gardened, played, and loved. This little old house with lots of charm has been so good to us, but no matter how much we love it the closets will always be small and if ya know how much we like clothes....that's a deal breaker. 

 Where we brought home our sweet baby boy. 

 Where he spent the first two wonderful years of his life making everything he touched a little more wonderful.  Henry you won't remember this little house or all the fun we had in it but don't worry mommy took enough videos and pictures you'll feel like you know it.

So as of tomorrow we will be living with Barry's parents.  When things fell through with the house we thought we would be living in (2weeks before closing, oh boy!) they graciously stepped in to offer up their home to us.  We are so thankful for the sale of this home happening so quickly, and family that's so generous to help. 

 Now let's just pray the closing goes well Friday because we are all boxed up over here! 

23 Months of Knowing Heaven on Earth

 You ain't seen nothing yet! 

That would be the theme of this month if we had one; because he has learned more, loved more, and laughed more than before in the most wonderful ways. 

He is beginning to outgrow his 18-24 month pants in length but is still being swallowed in the waist by 24 month clothes.  Good thing we introduced him to his first ever brownie, pretty sure that belly could grow pretty fast on those bad boys. 

Our favorite moments of the month: 

"Hey MOM!!!"  - I'm pretty my jaw dropped to the floor the first time he yelled this....maybe even the 4th and 5th time too.  It only lasted a few weeks but where on earth this 23 month old going on 15 heard this I have no idea. 

We learned he doesn't lack for confidence:

"I sooo peshious"  (precious)

"I such a good goffer."

"I so poud of you!"  after running, golfing, or saying "I sorry."

After hearing us say we loved him he followed up saying "with all my heart!"

I am happy to know he feels the love we have for him!!!  He should never doubt that.  Not ever.

The little guy loves music to pieces.  He enjoys singing to himself all day long.  He is fully singing through his ABC's, Where is Thumbkin or Pumpkin as he likes to say, Twinkle Twinkle, Old McDonald, and bits of Tomorrow from Annie.   He quickly identifies a guitar, piano, horn when hearing it in music and will indentify Jazz music from all other; I'd like to think this means he will play some kind of instrument.  :)  (If he wants too.)

We have enjoyed nightly rituals of diaper runs up and down the hallway.  He knows if daddy changes him for a bath or pajamas that he wants to "show mommy" his little nakey baby body.  Which I just adore!!!!!

We turned his car seat around to facing forward this month, and as I backed down the driveway for the first time I hear him say  "I sooo comtowble mommy!"  :)  Proceeded by I like da comfy car."  "Ohhh Ohh cars, Here day coouume!"  Hahaha!!!!   I think it's safe to say he likes his new found leg room and views out the window. 

We have enjoyed a good three weeks straight of a happy healthy boy.  He has been more cuddly, loving, and joyful than even normal.  Giving out hugs, kisses, and statements of I love you unprovoked.  We are so happy and blessed to have such a wonderful little light in our lives.  

Foto Reel-Our week recapped

This past week has been filled with moments to stop and cherish as our little guy becomes more like a little person each day.  
We spent time cuddling as a family and reading books in bed before naptime which resulted in a dozen unsolicited kisses (rare) that we quickly absorbed to the depths of our soul.  Instant happy.

We watched countless runs up and down the hall, jumping and dashing as fast as he could as he would yell "Wahhhhppppooooooo"!  aka Yahhooo!  :)  One of his favorites when he's excited lately.

We were blessed with a few warm days and he was so happy to get outdoors to play; enjoying a picnic at the park with his friends, and playtime outdoors at Gran and Pops.

He built a fort with his Daddy, these boxes are coming in awful handy these days.

Singing constantly, little serenades of Mary had a little lamb, The sun will come out Tomorrow, Old McDonald, and singing/saying saying our ABC's start to finish on repeat. 

Our favorite singing moment came when he grabbed both of our hands and started singing "Ring Around the Rosie."

One of my quirky sayings is "shoot a monkey"  when something happens I'm frustrated with.  So when Henry saw Barry pracitcing a golf swing and make a divet in the yard his reaction was......"Whoaaahhhhh shoot a Mooonnnkkeeeyy!"  in amazement.  Followed by us in hysterical laughter.

The arrival of warmer temperatures have brought more birds out to play than weeks past, and little man has taken notice.  While playing outside he began shouting "Birrrrddds where ARE yooouuuu? "

His sweet little voice and brain that's in constant motion are entertaining on a minute by minute basis. 

Love his guts!!!!

A look at love. Vday recap

Enjoying his Valentine's day gift; a new set of clubs. 

Chocolate doughnut face, after his Valentine's date with some of his buds. 

Taking over the doughnut shop. 

Our Valentine's Day couldn't have been better this year.  We made messes throughout the week as we painted Valentine's for our loved ones, then enjoyed going around town to deliver them to family.  (So blessed we live close.)  He enjoyed his Valentine's day gift that morning and met up with some of his buddy's for doughnuts.  We had a wonderful day together and this lucky girl spent her evening staring at my two favorites over some yummy sushi!!!  What more could you ask for?!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful mommy.  

I'm so thannkful we were able to spend time together with the whole family.  It doesn't happen often enough and what a special time gathering around to sing in celebration of another year.  Love you Momma Duck.  

 

the day Paci visited the landfill.

Though I know we were doing the right thing by taking it away.  It felt more like self induced family torture.  I can't help but wonder if leaving them to cry over something your causing doesn't plant that first seed of teenage rebellion.

 Three weeks ago Henry awoke early in the morning crying and looking for his paci for the second morning in a row.  I decided at almost 2 years old we can no longer be reliant upon something to make him sleep soundly. 

So, I cut a whole in his paci and that afternoon gave it to him for his nap.  (I saw this tip on instagram a few months ago from our friend Busy and the Beans, and knew I needed to remember it for the future)  “It’s boken mommy, paci broken.”  Oh goodness!  That’s not good!  *wink wink  Well you try and get some sleep. 

I made sure he had his trusted “banky” and left him to fall asleep; which happened after about 15 minutes of him talking to himself about broken paci and then fell asleep with it out of his mouth. 

When he woke up we talked about what happens to things when they are broken.  I showed him a broken cup, a broken lotion bottle, and straw and we through them all away.  So I asked him what we should do with paci, and he replied after a long pause “throw it away.”

And he did.

That night he went to sleep in the same way he did for nap, we talked about it, acknowledged it and then off to sleep he went. 

*Could it really be that easy?

 

Day 2 -He awoke earlier than normal asking about paci’s whereabouts.   I reminded him that it broke and that we threw it away.  We did our usual Wednesday morning ritual of watching the garbage trucks in all their glory, only this time we talked about what was in our trash cans.  Bye Bye paci, he waved as the garbage truck rolled on.  It was almost sad as if he was saying goodbye to a good friend.

Nap- he fought but eventually went down.

Night- unadulterated torture.  For 40 minutes he cried and screamed.  I knew that he was safe, and that he was literally just mourning the loss of his beloved paci  but oh how sad and awful it made me feel.

Day 3- “Where’s paci?”  “It boken, garbage truck mommy.”  Yep, yep your right.  It’s gone. 

Nap- went well.

Night- Cried for 20 min and then fell soundly to sleep

Day 4- Same old broken paci conversations but a great easy nap and 5 min of night time crying, however he awoke twice in the night and cried a few min and went back to sleep. 

Day 5 – All was well other than a few night wakings.

I’m so glad that we did it, and although he still asks about paci from time to time when he wakes up in the mornings we are completely over the loss.  Yes, gone are the baby days of a paci; and we are simply one step deeper into having a little boy.  My baby boy.  Always.