Thankful...

...for these two turkeys:

On this day of remembering all which we have and all that really matters I am reminded that these two little guys (plus one big one who is pretty great as well) are all that I really need to make me happy. This year has been financially beyond stressful yet I have never felt so rich in love. I am, by no means, thankful to be broke, but I have to say that it certainly has given me a new perspective. And for that, I am truly grateful. We have sacrificed to be the ones home with our boys and I am not sure there is a greater gift we could give to them. They are worth every coupon clipped, every penny saved, and every quick trip to Target in which I do not even allow myself to walk by the clothing or home sections. They have taught me to adapt, adjust, and appreciate. I am thankful.

Escape Artist

Anderson escaped from his crib last night. Over and over again. It went something like this: thud, step, step, step, doornob turning, "Oh, hi, daddy! Watch TV?"

Somehow it was almost as funny as it was maddening. I'm not ready for him to be in a big bed. Not yet. Let him stay my sweet crib-sleeping baby for just a little while longer. Needless to say I ran him around the park this afternoon for about an hour to tire him out. So far it's worked.

Day Off

This morning was the first in a long time that we were all home together. Though short lived (Gabe had to work this afternoon), we made the most of it and went for an impromptu walk in Huntington Central Park. I forget how lovely this park is until I am there and it feels as if we are somewhere far more exciting than home. All in all a pretty fabulous morning. That ended in a complete melt-down of a very tired and cranky toddler as we attempted to satisfy my out of the blue extreme craving and enjoy breakfast burritos at Chronic Taco, but we'll just leave that part out for the sake of sounding as if life is perfect and all.

 If I had known Gabe was going to take my picture I would have at least put on lip gloss.

 I never get sick of pictures of Gabe and Anderson walking together. They make me happy.

Like mother, like son

I have always thought it funny when someone comments on the personality of an infant. I mean, really, aren't they all pretty much the same? They eat, they sleep, they fuss a bit, but do they really have a personality so early on? I don't know, maybe they do and maybe I am just too busy trying to figure out how to make dinner, get the laundry done, and chase two kids around to figure it out.

So Anderson, maybe you did show us glimpses of your personality as a baby. Maybe if we had looked hard enough and had examined your behaviors a bit more closely we would have figured out what kind of a little boy you were going to be. But where's the fun in that, really? It has been so exciting watching you develop from a baby to a boy and come into your own. Most recently it has become increasingly clear that you no doubt possesses some of my most endearing stubborn qualities and here's a story to prove it.

Last week while on the way home from Auntie Fray's a car nap was imminent. Oh, you resisted for a quite a while but, alas, you did succumb just as we exited the freeway. Within five minutes we were home and you were sound asleep (a rarity for you as you are NOT a car nap kind of kid) and I attempted to get you out of the car. With one eye open you told me "no, get away" and proceeded to curl up in your car seat. So what did I do? Like any normal mother with a cranky toddler and a needing-to-nap baby, I let you stay in the car to nap. A few minutes later I went to pick you up and you said you were not ready and, once again, asked me to leave. A few minutes later, same thing. You insisted on staying in the car. Only this time I was getting rather annoyed and decided to pull you out against your will. I got you as far as the front entry and you were flailing and kicking so hard I let you down. And what did you do? That's right, my little mini-me, you ran back to the car, pulled open the door, got back in and snuggled up IN YOUR CAR SEAT. Seriously? You needed a nap in the car that badly? Apparently. But here's the kicker. About 10 minutes later I hear you calling me (heck yes I went back inside, what I am going to do, stand outside and watch you through the window?) in the sweetest, happiest, most heart-melting voice, "OK, mommy, I'm ready now".

Everything on your own terms, baby. If you're not ready, you're just not ready.  I understand completely.

Baby Beck at 7 months

I confess that I have already started thinking about your first birthday party. I have already thought about how we will spend the day and what kinds of decorations we will have. It is coming so fast. You are closer to turning one than you are to the day you were born. Wow.

This past month has been a big one for you. You are finally sleeping through the night! It was my fault, I suppose, that it took you as long as it did, but once I put you up to the challenge, you willingly accepted. Oh, you still like to wake up around 3 am once or twice a week just to make sure I am still there, but all in all you have become a really great sleeper (aside from the recent 5 am play time).

This month you've been loving your blankie and any toy with a bell. You have learned to grab and pulling hair seems to be one of your favorite pastimes. You eat like a champ and are currently devouring peas, squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots. You love to lay on your back and use your feet to scoot and you are a champion roller and superstar raspberry spitter. Sitting, however, seems to be of little interest to you. Who wants to sit when they can stand, right? Oh boy, please don't learn to stand anytime soon. I'm not ready for that.

You are super ticklish and you adore your brother. You spit up a lot. You are sweet and quiet and I can't wait to scoop you up everyday when I get home. You are so loved.

Tough Times

Getting through some tough weeks of adjustment. Feeling very thankful for coupons, sisters, and best friends.