Exploring

Who Needs a Highchair?!

So... last Friday my mom called when she was watching Sam and said he did not want to eat his lunch in his highchair. In fact, he made it very clear he was not sitting in it. You have got to love that toddler independence:) He walked over to our big table and sat on my mom's lap and ate his lunch. Only a Grandma would do that! We had bought Sam a toddler sized table and chairs for Christmas from IKEA but had not assembled it yet. When Russ got home he put it together and there Sam has sat for every meal!

Tired

This week I have been so tired. Tired reminiscent of getting up with a newborn for middle of the night feedings. I am having trouble focusing, formulating sentences and I just forgot what I was going to write...Seriously. Oh well.

Here are some pictures of Sam with his new shopping cart. He has it figured out that our pantry is his version of the grocery store! He empties the lower shelves into his basket. So smart I thought:)
(The wet spots on his shirt are from his excessive drooling from a new tooth.)

Ok, Ok...

Let me explain some of the differences between this pregnancy and my first. I get asked the question everyday, "how far along are you?" Pause. 5 months? Luckily I work with a friend who is about 3 weeks behind me so I can ask her and figure it out. Let me put this in writing. Today I am exactly 24 weeks pregnant. Now when asked with Sam I would quickly respond, "24 weeks, one day, 4 hours and 34 seconds".

Difference number 2: diet choices. With Sam dessert may have consisted of fresh strawberries with a dab of whipped cream. It was all about healthy choices and planning out great nutritious meals. I mean, thinking back... I had all the time in the world, didn't I? What did I ever do with all of that time? Now with this pregnancy it has been Marble Slab sweet cream ice cream with strawberries.(If you have never had this you should try it- it is delicious). Whatever someone puts in front of me for a meal will do. At least I am trying with the strawberries mixed into my 5,000 calorie dessert.

A few people have asked to see a recent photo of my pregnant belly. Well, here it is. I will now post one every month until I deliver. At least I do know my due date... or do I? I have been told the 17th and then the 11th of May. My doctor promises he won't even mention the words induction or pitocin until after
the 17th. Sounds good to me!

Inching Away

Today I had an appointment at the Montessori school we are planning on sending Sam to next year. I had been there before for a tour but had not seen a class in session. The first time I went I sat in my car for a bit imagining dropping Sam off for his school day. Dropping him off? I couldn't imagine it and it made me feel stressed a bit. I never anticipated motherhood would be such a mix of emotions. It is obvious the separation begin so early. I already see him torn between dependence on me and a strong desire for independence. He tries new things with a glance back at me or reach for my hand. He needs to know I am there as he explores and grows into an independent toddler.
Seeing the classes in session helped me relax a bit. The teachers were attentative and nuturing and I liked the atmosphere in both classrooms. I know he will love it and it is the right thing to do. Does this letting go as they grow get any easier? I think I know the answer to that...

Busy week

Sam had a pretty high fever over the weekend which ended up being from a big tooth popping through. Even though my pediatrician does not think cutting teeth causes a fever most of my mom friends agree it does. It was a tough couple of days but now he is back to normal. I have been so busy with work and getting projects done around here- it has been crazy. I don't feel the new baby time crunch yet but want to get quite a few things done before my ankles and feet swell so that I can no longer wear shoes. We have a project planned for each weekend and with the help of my parents everything should be in order!

Creature of Habit

Sam- 3 weeks old


Sam- 17 months old

I am a Pro with My Spoon!

Morning in the Park

Sam spots a bird!

Sam reminds me so much of my father in this photo:

Sam loves to feed the ducks

Survivors

Looks like all of our outdoor furry friends survived the "hard freeze". I am sure they are glad to see the sun come up this morning. Looks like a gradual warm up to 80 by Sunday. Now we're talking:)

"Hard Freeze"

The local weather keeps talking about the hard freeze expected tonight which makes me very worried for the handful of "wild" outdoor cats I feed and I guess are ours by now. I have laid blankets and boxes out back for them and hopefully it will provide them enough warmth and shelter.

I think are indoor cats are thankful they are prisoners in our home tonight. Steve the cat looks very happy to be inside where it is warm:

I convinced Russ to take Sam out in the cold because it rarely gets this cold here and I thought it would be a great new experience for Sam (Although I was not willing to brave it out there!) The ever so dramatic local news keeps reminding us it has been five years since our last freeze. This is BIG news! Sam ran to the end of our street saying "BRR" all the way. You can tell he is a Florida boy:)

And lastly one more picture of our little man. He wakes up every morning ready to dance and laugh and enjoy every moment we share together. How lucky I am to be his mother and spend my days with him.