Freedom

You are ALL BOY. The other day we stopped by the house to check the progress with Kolt and Auntie Jaime. Let's just say that you boys were unstoppable. Between RUNNING through the house to climbing up and down stairs, you all released some energy! It was so much fun watching you all explore - and just monkey around together. I see some fun times in your future...

17

'The days are long but the years are short.' SO TRUE. You are already well into your 17th month of life on the outside. You have been with us for much longer than you were in Mommy's tummy, but it still feels like yesterday that Daddy and I were awaiting your arrival. We truly lived for all things you even before you were born. And things haven't changed a bit since March 11, 2010. Lucky us. Life with you is full and perfect and everything wonderful in between.

Here are fun facts about you at 17 months...

When Mommy's pony tail swishes around, you LOVE it. It's quite a game for you to throw your face mid-swish...and then giggle like mad.

We randomly started a 'Mommy and Baby' trick. We both touch the tip of our noses and say I love you.

You heart keys.

Lately you cross your ankles once you've perched yourself up on the couch with a good book. And speaking of, you love to read, often times grabbing books off your bookshelf and bringing them to me. Love me some edumacated baby.

You are learning the sign of the cross...and giggle every. time. you. do. it. And that goes for 'praying hands.'

You have also learned to moo and of course pant when we ask you what a dog says - ha. I swear that your life's work will include animals.

You love to drink from a big boy cup. Thanks, Yogurtland.

You DANCE constantly. Whether it's in the car or at home, whenever there's music, you've got the rhythm. You must get it from me.

You discovered your belly button and love to find other people's too.

You blow on your food, wash your hands, turn on water, open and shut doors and cabinets, wave hello or bye-bye to EVERYONE you see, flinch in anticipation of Bear walking by with that infamous tail and even empathize with others. I can't wait to see what more is in store for you. I'm constantly amazed at what a fabulous, loving, polite little stinker you are.

Love,

Mommy

Random Tuesday

I woke up at 6:59 because I heard YOU babbling happily in your crib. As I walked down the hall into your room, I heard rolls of laughter! You were so excited to see me, er - more like the dogs. You get so excited when you hear Bear's collar clink and wherever you are, they go. Once we got you up, it was breakfast time although you weren't feeling it until you started self-feeding banana yogurt. Joy.

After breakfast you went with Daddy to walk the dogs which is your new favorite activity. You even go get Scooty's leash and then chase her around before Daddy rescues her. So cutie!

We said bye-bye to Daddy as he drove away and then you and I started piddling around the apartment. We played, Mommy packed a little, washed some dishes, picked up, made a 'breakfast snack' for you and got into MISCHIEF. I knew there was trouble brewing when you disappeared for a minute. I found you - and the dogs - in their room, and you had successfully emptied Bear's entire dog bowl which Mommy had double feed in an effort to consolidate my daily chores. :)

After clean up, it was story time and an attempt at a morning nap. Not so much. At least Mommy had time to shower and answer a few emails. Sadly, I think your morning naps have seen better days. You are officially consolidating them to one. Sigh.

After your 'nap' we headed to the grocery store to pick up a few things and then home for lunch. Mommy was starving! You, on the other hand, cared less and wanted to throw your food piece by messy piece to the open mouths below, before they were shooed out of the kitchen.

We played with your number flashcards, the swiffer and the blinds, as well as Mommy kissing a few boo-boo's before it was time for books, milk and NAAAAPTIIIIIIIME. Mommy was ready. I've managed to pack 50 boxes, write a few cards, type this post, condition the couch, finish 2 loads of laundry and am still counting in the short time you've been asleep. This will continue to be a life lesson for me as I'm continually amazed at the amount of tasks that can be accomplished with no distraction. Ah, but the trade off is SO WORTH IT! :)

We are heading to The Ark to meet Eli and his mommy after you wake up. Mommy is looking forward to dinner because we are having leftovers. WHOOHOO. No cooking. (I have to admit that cooking in the apartment is my least favorite thing.)

Just another day in the life of Mommy and Patrick Jr...

M.I.L.K.

Answers to 'ma-ma' or Horizon Valley. Is cold and kept in the fridge. Should never be left off a grocery list. Thanks to your ever-growing strength from said milk, you are now almost able bodied to open the refrigerator door yourself. My, my...

Rico

Suave. This is how you were posed when I turned around as we were leaving one afternoon. It was as if you were saying, "Yes, Mommy...Mr. Beautiful is ready to go bye-bye."

Obsession

Your latest obsession is 'unlocking' doors with your KEYS! Bad Mommy for letting you play with mine but it's ALL YOU WANT TO HOLD. You know just where I keep them. You know just which door has the key hole. And thanks to your eagle eye vision you are a self-taught key inserter. My goodness...I have my hands full!

Impromptu Story Time

Oh how I love, love that you love, love to read. My dear boy. Lately, you absolutely love picking out a book from your bedroom and bringing your treasure out to the den. Which is where I found you wedged between the couch and coffee table 'reading' the other day. Naturally, it was a picture-worthy occasion (as most experiences are with you!) and I caught story time page by page.

Another First

A skinned knee. Not surprising for Mommy considering what a rough and tumble little boy you are. From the instant you wake until the isntant you fall asleep at night, you bound through life hopping, jumping, stomping and throwing yourself all over. I guess it comes with the territory of being a little boy. Daddy is much more used to scrapes, stitches and sprains but Mommy is going to have to inch along 'getting used to it.'

You were such a brave little soldier when you fell. Hand in hand with Mommy, you caught one knee on the pavement, although it was equally as traumatic. And as if the fall wasn't enough, Mommy brought out a bandaid - gasp! You were fighting it all the way but once it came off, you settled down immediately. My little daredevil - I know many more bandaid-worthy occasions are in our future, but I pray that I can always be there to kiss it and make you better. Love you little munchkin.

Hog Heaven

Thanks to our 100+ degree days, this Mommy is thaaaankful for indoor activities like playing at The Ark. It is my new best friend. Patrick is in HOG HEAVEN with the gym, the kids and the excitement that is The Ark. The first time we went, we had no less stepped foot inside, and he started squirming to get down. He loves every minute there - most especially those minutes spent on 'his' slide. Climbing, sliding, jumping, crawling, rolling - you name it and it's happening at The Ark. The best part is that my fearless wonder can have the time of his life...in a PADDED room. Praise the Lord. Here is cuteness on film: one of our favorite friends Eli and Mr. Patrick perfecting the art of boy-ness.

The First of Many

Spills. Yep, we experienced our first of many and were christened by fire when Little P found Mommy's tall half caff soy latte. Oopsie. "I only left the room for a second!" Seriously, my child is like an Olympic speedster or something! When I walked in and saw Patrick playing patty cake - literally - in the coffee spill on the carpet (and it left handprints because it was so saturated), I was stunned. Not my angel - no, never.

And there was no time for picture taking. I kept thinking: deposit, deposit, lose our deposit. (In retrospect, I want to THANK P for choosing the apartment vs our new house.) At least I captured our little coffee artist watching the SpotBot do it's job. Just take a look at those angelic eyes of his...

The Greatest Show on Earth

Patrick and his new friend, Carter, didn't quite know what to think about the circus! We took the boys to WillowBend mall for a mini circus preview and the boys were on excitement overload with the 9 million kids buzzing around them...before! the show even started. At least it made for an easy parenting hour. I was surprised that PMac kept his party hat on for so long too. He didn't futz with it until after the show started. (I wish that were the case for the Safari show the following week when he had a darling lion hat but no luck.) I'm glad P had his first taste of clowns and fared well. Our old neighbor says that her baby is terrified! Although we had a good first 'mini' experience with the circus, we'll wait until next year before we head to the real show.

Red, White, Crab & Lobster

There's certainly something to be said about cuties in red, white and creatures from the sea! Are these two cousins not to die for cutie?! When Mimi was here during one of her earlier summer visits, we dressed the kiddies in their matching outfits and shop, shop, shopped. Naturally, a photo shoot was in order. (I've forgotten just how much I love my guest room bedding but that's beside the point.) The cousins had a great time together - Ryan was royally entertained by P's antics and he was equally as thrilled to have an audience other than Mommy. Hey, it's a win-win for everyone involved. I love that these two are so close in age. I hope that they are 'cousin close' growing up.

Jungle Mania

Our little animals were in their element during a recent playdate. Lily, Mckenzie and Patrick soaked in all things jungle at the indoor play area of the Galleria. While the girls raced around and climbed on all things climbable, P stuck to a few new favorites: the elephant and tree trunk, both close to the ground. Thanks to Mommy's camera not being on auto for the first part of the adventure, most of action shots of all the kids are a blur - literally! Although I did get one of all 3 kiddies (and Lily's cutie patootie bloomers) but no one was interested in posing for the camera. After the play area, the kiddies raided Miss Lily's playroom while the mommies chit chatted it up in the kitchen. Gone are the days of Hi Stepper and Cheerleading uniforms but I think we all like our newest uniform of Mommy much better anyway.

Back and Forth

The other night I had an overwhelming feeling that I just had to hold you. Of course it was nearly 11 pm on a Friday but that hardly phased me. As I type this, I realize just how far off that is coming from me, the grand keeper of all things sleep schedules, however I didn't care at the time. I simply needed to hold you in my arms which is what I announced to Daddy and off I went.

As I snuck into your room, I held me breath when I scooped you up from your crib, hoping that you would remain asleep. We snuggled into each other and I began to rock you. You nestled perfectly on my chest and your breaths were long and quiet and your hair smelled like freshly washed baby hair. I will remember that night for a long time. You are growing to be such a big boy - so independent - but that night, as your legs dangled past the glider's seat, I realized though I won't be able to hold your entire self in my arms for long, I certainly can now. And so we rocked.

Our Little Swimmer

Little Michael Phelps tested the waters this summer during a 2 week stint of swimming lessons. We took the Parent and Tot class with our new neighbors. Patrick did really well! He learned to jump into the water to Mommy (to the tune of Humpty Dumpty), kick his legs and put his face in the water. At the end of the class, he even went totally under water...twice! Although not happy about it, he was a true sport.

Pop, Pop, Popsicle

PMac and buddy Kolt savored every lick of their summertime treats on the Fourth of July. P was a bit cautious in the beginning but quickly realized that, although chilly, Popsicles were his friend. And it was hard to taste only his! He and Kolt shared not only America's pastime, but their germies as they tasted each other's 'sicle. Mmm. At least these 4th of July cuties looked the part in their matching flag tees and even worked off their sweet treat by pushing the lawn mower later. Oh lazy summer days...