December 2009 Month in Review

I was in the habit of putting together a month in review last year. Since I have the time - both boys are taking a nap (funny how that relates to my blog title), I thought I would put a quick one together.

December 9th: BBZ turns 2 months old. Milestones were never my thing with LMA and they certainly aren't this time around with BBZ either. And it's just better that way. You get to experience every little moment in awe while not being caught up in what they "should" be doing this week or month. By the way, this is when BBZ started to smile... as you can see in the pic.




Decemeber 14: Little Man A turns three!! I still can't believe that my baby is three years old. He is definitely not a little man anymore. Since his brother has arrived he's turned into a little boy. He still says, "Mommy hold you" after each nap (yes, thankfully he is still taking naps) and has his diapers on (we're working on that), but he's still my baby. Unfortunately, he was sick for his birthday, hence the pj's.




December 18: Daddy finally comes home from Fort Benning and on his birthday! And just in time before we get 18 inches of snow! BBZ watched the fluffy white stuff fall from inside while LMA played outside. He tried so hard to make snowballs, but the darn stuff just stuck to his gloves.






December 21: Gramma and Uncle Rich finally make it here from California. Because of the snow storm, no planes were flying into the D.C. area. So unfortunately, they were 2 days late in getting here. But that didn't stop the fun. Turns out, BBZ loves books just as much as LMA did at this age. And his favorite book? "Put Me in the Zoo" More than likely because of all the colorful spots.

December 25: Merry Christmas! For Christmas, LMA scored big time. Santa brought a Geo Trax set that he's been talking about for the past 4 months. And don't forget the Hiro train engine that he's been dying to have since he saw the new Thomas movie. Zaeden did pretty well getting an awesome bouncy unit from Gramma and Pop-pop.

December 31: New Years Eve. My big Christmas present was a Wii system. Didn't ask for one. Didn't really even want one - until I found out that you can do Yoga and play golf, bowling, and tennis on it. Apparently, LMA did well playing bowling and even made a bogey on a hole with golf. Although we didn't get a group shot like we did 2 years ago, Wenderina and Uncle Carl graced us with their presence again for a new years celebration. (We're all going to hell for making fun of poor ole Dick Clark)



January 1st: Happy New Year! Before Daddy was off again to school, this time in cold Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, we celebrated our 7th Anniversary on January 2nd. Just a nice dinner at our favorite restaurant, Texas Steakhouse (too bad it wasn't in Texas though). I was able to capture this beautiful shot of my two boys to send to all our favorite people. Daddy and Mommy make some good looking kids. Too bad we're done making them.



Can't wait to see what January 2010 brings for our family!

March in Review

Considering I've dropped the ball on my "Month in Review" posts since the beginning of the year, I've decided now is as good a time as any to start them up again. Although it's hard to believe that we are already halfway through April, here are some highlights from March. I was going to included pics from our trip to St. Maarten in the review, but decided to save that for a later post.


The beginning of the month started off with a good snow storm. Although I'm sure other parts of the northeast were hit harder than Virginia, it was still a good amount for these parts of the woods. Little Man wasn't sure at first what to do with the cold, wet stuff, but once Dad got out there with him, he was all go. At some point, they, I mean Dad, started to get really cold (which obviously meant Little Man as well), but he was rearing for more. So they decided to go out on the deck, which was a little more secured from the wind, and shovel a path. They both had a ton of fun running around the deck. Me? I stayed inside where it was warm.


A few times throughout the month, I had little or no clue as to what to do with my son. I mean, there are only so many times, you can sit in front of the train table, paint a picture, or play with play-doh. So we picked up baking... COOKIES! Who doesn't like cookie, especially when you get to taste your creations afterwards. After we had mixed all the ingredients together and I was dishing out the dough, Little Man decided he still wanted to be near, but didn't want to help. So he pushed his highchair to my side of the kitchen, retrieved a good book, and made himself comfy. He was totally content looking at his book while I finished the cookies.


Little Man's OCPD (Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder) had taken on a new meaning last month, especially when he played with his cars. They all have to be lined up, facing the same way, and I'm sure in a particular order in his mind. Every once in awhile we'll play with him and turn some of the cars around when he's not looking. But just like his Mama, he can spot something wrong in a second. Sorry, baby.


Gramma and Pop-pop finally came to visit which meant, "Yeah! Someone new to play with!" And of course a little rest for Mommy since her heartburn was really flaring last month. Gramma was always finding new things to do. Well, some things weren't new, like playing a marching band, but with a new twist to make it extra fun. I absolutely love this picture even though it's blurry.


Like I mentioned before, Daddy and I went on a trip alone to the island of St, Maarten. It wasn't anything fancy, just a 4 day, 3 night stay at a nice resort. Daddy had purchased the trip package before Christmas which included stay and a $75 gift card to use anywhere for only $175! There were a few problems about the gift card offer once we got there... like that offer wasn't being accepted anymore. Don't worry, we've gotten the situation taken care of since returning back to the states. Trying to save a little money on flights (close to $800 for two from Washington), we flew out of Newark, which meant a little stay at Aunt Wenderina's. At first, Little Man being set in his ways and loving his home, wasn't sure about staying, but this little girl soon convinced her that it would be all worth it (of course playing the guitar with Uncle Carl and reading books in bed with Aunt Wenderina sure helped too). I heard after we left, little Penny was a little lost as to who to play with, but found her good ole buddy, Yasmine, would have to suffice once again to torture.


Stay tuned for April's Month in Review. We go to the National Zoo, spend Easter hunting eggs with Gramma and Pop-pop before they head back to California, and see Thomas the Train in Baltimore with Grandaddy!

October in Review

The month of October started off with our trip to Disney World. We got Little Man excited about the trip by having him help pack his own toys. Not to mention we had to go to the airport and see lots of airplanes. I would have posted all the pictures individually, but there were way too many to highlight. I know I should have done a separate page just about Disney World. I made sure to make the more important images larger (clockwise from top left), like him debating on how to step onto the plane, sitting on the plane with a huge smile (he was such a good traveler), playing in the water fountains at the condo pool, our dinner at Planet Hollywood, picture with Tigger and Pooh, toting around his Thomas bag and backpack, first time swimming, and our meet with Mickey and Minnie. We had such a great time, we can't wait to go back again soon (next time it will be longer).


Is this kid not the cutest? He started wanting to wear his sunglasses more this month, especially daddy's. These blue sunglasses are infant/toddler glasses that just barely fit him thanks to his big head.


Since he's been born he's had a camera in his face and now he can actually pretend to be taking the pictures. Since our little Canon Elph finally died in September, we needed to buy a new one and this one got passed onto him. He loves walking around the house with the camera up to his face saying "Chee!!"


Once again, our local O.W.L. (Occaquan, Lorton, Woodbridge) Volunteer Fire Station had their Open House. This day, Little Man decided NOT to take a nap. Well, it was a good thing we had something to do to keep him occupied. He loved getting into the fire truck and ambulance and got him registered with the County in case he goes missing. We even made sure to get a picture of him standing in front of the jackets so we could compare from last year. Unfortunately, his tiredness shined through when we told him it was time to go.


We decided to try something local this year with a pumpkin patch and tried a local nursery that had moon bounce, slides, a wooden train and fire truck to climb on. Although there wasn't much to do besides those mentioned, Little Man had a great time climbing and running around. And we got to go home with a small pumpkin.


Since all of Little Man's teeth are in (except for his 4th year molars), we've really tried to make sure we are brushing his teeth twice daily. We've made it part of our morning and evening routine. This time, he thought it would be fun to brush mom's teeth while I brushed his. Whatever makes the job more fun.


Little Man has a love of trains. So much so he threw a huge temper tantrum when we took it away when he started throwing the track. Needless to say, we know how to push his buttons. He's gotten much better about not throwing his toys and loves to put the train track together every day.


Since Gramma and Pop-pop have left in September, Little Man has been constantly saying their names. When we walk by the spare bedroom, he'll knock on the door and say "Pop-pop?" He'll look up at the phone and say "Gram?" He'll see a big, yellow Penske truck drive by and yell, "Pop-pop!" I'm glad that he is starting to remember them and realize that they are very much a part of his life. At the same time, it makes me sad to say "Gramma and Pop-pop aren't here, baby." Maybe we'll be closer again some day soon.


The month ended with a fun Halloween. Mainly because Little Man is starting to realize and understand what's going on around him. He was completely fine with his costume (which was a relief considering it was too small) and loved to carry his little treat pale. By the end of the evening, we even had him saying, "treat please."



The month of October seemed to fly by. I can only imagine the joys and adventures we'll be experiencing in the month of November. I can't believe he'll be two years old next month. Stay tuned!

September in Review

Last month, now that I look back, is a total blur. Maybe because October is almost over, but also because Gramma and Pop-pop visited for a week and then we were off to Disney (that's for October's month in review)! Here's a few highlight photos.

The month started out with Labor Day weekend and our first trip to B&O Railroad in Baltimore. Little Man was in total awe when we pulled into the parking lot. Then when we actually walked into the building, he was in total disbelief. Needless to say, we've helped with his obsession of trains. I can hear him now at Trains Anonymous, "Hello. My name is Little Man A and I love trains."


The following weekend Little Man A got his first haircut. I was trying so hard to see if it would grow out into a surfer dude haircut, but alas it just wasn't full enough to manage that look. I of course was the paranoid mommy who was calling it a "trim" rather than a "cut", just in case that word would evoke images of mass killings. Anyways, he did great.


The next day was Kid's Fest at the B&O Railroad. So, since we purchased a membership, we headed back to Baltimore. This time we arrived as soon as they opened and kept Little Man going until he crashed. He ended up falling asleep on the train ride (right around noon - poor schedule baby) that showcases some of the older parts of the railway line. Afterwards, we had our lunch at a local park and continued on with the fun-filled day. We all had a great time.


Gramma and Pop-pop came to visit and just in time for Gramma's birthday weekend. Our first excursion was to the Air & Space Museum near Dulles Airport, but still part of the Smithsonian Institute. A large, open concept "hanger" building with lots of room for a running toddler, I think the best part of the museum has to be the observation tower. Pointed in the general direction of Dulles Airport, if you arrive in the morning, you can literally see plane after plane land in the runway. At one point, Little Man was sitting in the front of the tower and every minute there would be another plane coming in on each side.


Gramma and Pop-pop were able to join us in our Sunday tradition visit to IKEA for a late breakfast. It also happened to be Gramma's birthday!


After Little Man's afternoon siesta, we headed out to our second excursion. The Potomac Point Fall Harvest Festival. Although Gramma is not a wine drinker, and we arrived a little later than we had wanted, we still had a fun time. Both Little Man and I got to stomp grapes (purchased from a local grocery store) and ink our feet. We enjoyed decorating and eating a pumpkin-shaped sugar cookie, a wine tasting (while Little Man watched "Happy Feet" and played in the kiddy room) and later, a nice dinner out.


That night, we all enjoyed a birthday cupcake-cake that Gramma and Pop-pop made in the shape of a truck ... just for Little Man A. It's from a Wilton kit that when you configure the cupcake shapes can create a truck, a rocket, or a train. Gramma wanted to practice for Little Man's birthday. Little Man agreed, it was a good birthday cake!


Hubby was able to take off the rest of the week previous to us leaving for Orlando, so Monday we ventured into downtown D.C. We decided to drive into the Springfield station so we could take the Metro into D.C. rather than trying to find parking. Little Man was so excited to finally get on "a train" bound for somewhere. He held on tight, just like Daddy.


Our first stop was at the Pentagon to visit the new Pentagon Memorial. A lot of thought, time, and effort went into this beautiful memorial where we honor those we lost at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.


We ventured back onto the Metro to end up on the Mall around the corner from the Museum of Natural History. We stopped in the park first for a yummy lunch while Little Man chased after the pigeons on the ground. Inside, we were able to see the newly opened Sant Ocean Hall and of course, check out the Mammal Hall. Little Man loved looking and touching all the exhibits.


Surprise to say, Little Man actually kept going for another hour or so. We headed back to the metro before rush hour started (FYI if you catch the metro between 9:30 and 3pm, the rates are half the normal cost!) and Little Man passed out on the ride home. Thankfully, we took the long way home because as soon as we tried to transfer him into his car seat, he woke up. Thanks to the help of Gramma and Pop-pop, he was able to make it through the rest of the night without any major meltdown.


The next day, we began getting ready for our little vacation to Orlando. We purchase a timeshare at Sheraton Vistana Resort in 2006 right around the corner from Disney. I mean, if there we no trees between the condo and Disney, we could see Epcot. They are building a new condo, Sheraton Vistana Villages, a little further away, but still fairly close. For a rate we could not pass up, we stayed for 4 days, 3 nights and received two tickets to Disney, dinner at Planet Hollywood, and two AMC movie tickets that we can use anywhere. I was trying to get Little Man excited about the venture and also wanted to make sure he had plenty of toys (not like he wouldn't have anything to do there). So I brought out one of his backpacks and he helped fill it with his favorite trucks.



Granted I know it took me an entire month to get this post us, but I'll make sure to get October's month in review up next week. Make sure to check back for Disney pics, Lake Ridge Nursery Fall Festival pics, ad of course, Halloween. Have a good one!

August Recap

So since last month's recap was a hit, I decided to do it again. Although I didn't take as many photos, it feels like we did a lot during the month of August.

Little Man noticed a few "new" things in his closet this month. One in particular was his backpack Gramma had given him last year with a bushel of books. He decided it was pretty cool to walk around the house with it on. Little did he know that I was starting to cry just thinking about the first day of school for him.


We introduced a box of chalk for Little Man to scribble his masterpieces on the driveway. He actually liked it so much he decided to share his masterpieces with the truck and the truck tires. Daddy thought it was funny at first until he came home to blue and purple chalk lines on his tires. Little Man even carries the little box around by the handle.


He continues to love playing with his lawnmower (although we don't put the bubble juice in it and I'm not even sure Little Man cares either). Oh, and don't forget about sunglasses. These are his toddler glasses that we bought him shortly after he was born. I remember walking around Kennedy Space Center with him wearing these things. They've been hidden for awhile since they started to bother him over the nose, but now he thinks they are really cool!


And he continues to be totally infatuated with the real lawnmower. Maybe he'll be a landscaper one day. In that job alone he'll be able to use a lawnmower, a tractor, and truck, and maybe even a train... if he's lucky.


August was his third month at Gymboree. He has continued to excel in his overall agility and his ability to climb. We continue to visit our local park which features a huge wooden playground that he loves to climb in a out of. It's especially fun to watch him observe stare at all the older kids and see what moves he can look forward to doing in the future.


August was the big fair in the area and we couldn't wait to show Little Man all the tractors, animals, and fun things to do at a local fair. Although he was still too young to get on any of the rides, besides the ferris wheel, he undoubtedly had a great time just watching EVERYTHING. He is such a people watcher, but I think that is true for any toddler really. The funniest part was when he was walking by a rooster as it decided to voice his opinion to Little Man.


Little Man has always had an ... unusual way of sleeping at night. We have constantly found him with his feet dangling between the bars of his crib, curled into a ball with his butt up in the air with his beloved "Jeffrey" tucked under his chin, and this position. Seems a little uncomfortable to me, but he doesn't complain in the morning.


The other thing I started to notice Little Man attempting to do was putting on his own shoes or shirt or socks by himself. I already showed what it was like for him to be in Daddy's shoes.

There were more little moments in the month of August that weren't recorded. They just all went by too fast. Until next month!

Little Moments in July

Since it's the end of July already (!!), I thought I would give a brief highlight of Little Moments that happened during the month of July. Although I really have better things to be doing (ie. helping hubby finish the upstairs bathroom, laundry, dishes, getting to bed at a decent hour), here goes:

Fourth of July started the beginning of an adventurous month ... for all of us. Little Man A witnessed his first Fourth of July parade and boy was he fascinated. Not only did he see LOTS of motorcycles, cars, and of course, fire trucks, he stood still for an hour. I guess seeing that many fire trucks in one place will do that to an 18 month old.


Little Man is such a great helper. I'm not sure if that is because that's just the toddler's inclination to help and please his parents, or if we really make him. Either way, he wanted to help his daddy's so badly with the downstairs bathroom. Here, he decided to help by shoving a screwdriver in the door frame.


Although I don't have any photos of the event, just videos, July is when we realized Little Man had an affection for singing. Look out American Idol!

Since taking Little Man to Gymboree, not only has he gotten the chance to run around crazy and wild (and get all of his wiggles out by lunch time), he's also taken up art and music class. Although we've only gone to one music class, mainly because he really wasn't in to it when we did go, we've made several attempts to release his creative, artistic side as well. For some reason, and maybe this is the OCD that has genetically passed onto him, he really doesn't like the paint on his hands. Well this cured that problem:


Although I really didn't like the idea of having my child watch television, I have to admit sometimes it is a lifesaver. However, I found out that some things are really starting to scare Little Man ... like Monsters, Inc. Okay, maybe not scare but more like stun.


Little Man has always loved to play with our shoes at the front door, but July he actually started to try to put them on... and walk with them on. And yes, those are Daddy's goggles, too.


So, I guess all those art classes at Gymboree are really paying off, because when we found this (and yes, I mean found as in on the side of the road. Probably after someone had a yard sale and couldn't sell it, yet there is nothing wrong with it!), we can't seem to keep him away from it. Now he loves to first dump all of his crayons on the table and then scribble create masterpieces.


We knew this child had an addiction to lawnmowers, and I mean, soon this child will be saying "Hi. My name is Little Man A and I'm addicted to lawnmowers." Yes, he loves them that much... and here's proof: For 30 minutes (I'm not kidding - okay maybe 15 minutes) he pushed around his lawnmower in the house wearing another pair of Daddy's safety glasses.


We still have yet to take Little Man to the pool, so last month I bought him a Thomas the Tank kiddie pool. Although he loves getting in and out of it, he's not into really stomping or splashing in it yet (mainly because he kept slipping on the bottom every time he got in or out of it). So we found a new place to take him: Spray Ground! A small "park" run by our homeowner's association, but it's packed with lots of fun!

I know there are some parents out there who cringe at the thought of taking their children on a road trip. We started taking Little Man on road trips at the age of 4 months old when we drove to Disney World. Over this past month, we've driven to Fredericksberg, VA area which is about 45 minutes on a good day. I'm not sure if it's the little trips around town or just the fact that he can watch everything go by, but he's a great rider. I've said this before, but it wasn't until the other day when I looked at this picture did it really sink in. Give him a book, a toy, and a monkey blankie to hold on to and he's a happy boy.



It's been a long month. Over the past month, Little Man has really been trying to assert his independence. I see this more at Gymboree, but every once in awhile he still holds out his hand for me. He's trying so many new things, is trying so hard to communicate with us his needs and desires, and he's growing up so fast. He really is a great kid. I like to think it's because we're actually doing something right, but it could be just luck (or his real terrible twos are just around the corner). I can't imagine my life without him now, and I am so lucky to be his mommy.



Love you, Little Man.