Saturday, February 16, 2013

22 months

Dear Milo,

It's been 22 months since you were born. Sometimes it feels like you've been in my life forever. I lived a long time before you were born but doesn't always feel that way. For instance, when I think about your daddy's and my trip to Hawaii, I'll sometimes forget that you were only there in my tummy. And really, just barely there. A tiny little bump.


But you're the biggest -- best -- part of my life now so it's hard to remember when you weren't around. It's even hard sometimes to remember what it was like before you were running around, climbing onto the chairs and table, saying, "Go" for "yes," calling people by their names (or a close approximation of it) and actually reading letters of the alphabet when I point them out to you.

That last one amazes me the most. You know A, B, D, E, I, K, O, M, R, X, Y and Z. You don't always want to read them to me but I know that you recognize those letters on a regular basis. I'm just positive I have a genius in the making.


I know there have been a few days recently when I have been less that patient with you. I'm not sure if it's the time of year or what, but I know I have. I don't like being that way, especially with you. I have snapped at you a couple of times and, as soon as it happens, I feel terrible. I've been trying to take deep breaths when I feel cranky. And I've been trying to teach you to take deep breaths as well, with less than stellar results. You can really throw a fit when you want to.


You can also be extremely sweet. Just yesterday, you did one of the sweetest things ever -- right on the heels of headbutting me, that is. I was holding you, singing the alphabet, while you headbutted me to each letter. Suddenly, you stopped and pushed my bangs out of my eyes, gave me the sweetest smile, then snuggled against my shoulder. It was awesome.

Most of what you do is pretty awesome, but that was really, really awesome. As I've said many times, you amaze me every day. I love you very much, my little man.

Love,
Mama

Monday, February 11, 2013

Ch-ch-changes

The more things change ...

Bath time February 2013

the more they stay the same.

Bath time February 2012


Happy Monday!

Friday, February 8, 2013

What I wish

Dear Milo,

I'm writing to you because your Grandma Louise passed away five years ago today and I wanted to say a few words to you about her. It's been hard living without her. And I wish she had gotten to meet you. And I wish you had gotten to know her and spend time with her. She would have spoiled you rotten.

Grandma Louise with your cousins Heather and Spencer

One day, you will have to ask your cousins about Grandma Louise. I'm sure they will have fun stories to share.

Grandma was a great mom. She did crafts with me and your uncles. She led my Brownies and their Cub Scouts. She let our friends come and play. She made us treats of all kinds when we had play dates and sleepovers. She made these amazing birthday cakes for us and played board games.

But she didn't let us get away with foolishness. Although, I'm pretty sure she let her grandkids get away with a lot more than she would have put up with from her own children. But that's OK. Grandmas are supposed to do that. I bet you would have gotten away with way more than I ever did. (Don't tell your cousins, but I think you would have been her favorite.)

How could you not be?

It may sound silly, but I think she's looking out for us still. I wasn't supposed to be able to have you, yet here you are -- beautiful and perfect. She must have had some say in that. She created so many beautiful things when she was alive, from her own children (yes, I include myself in that because I think I turned out OK) to crafts and cakes and memories. 

You will never want for love, my wonderful son, because Grandma Louise left you terrific uncles and cousins -- as well as in-laws and your own parents -- who were influenced by our love for this wonderful woman.

I wish you could have met her in person. At least I know that you will know her because she left such a lasting impression on all of us who did meet her and who love her dearly still.

She will always be in your heart, Sweetness, because she loves you, even though you never met.

Love,
Mama

Monday, February 4, 2013

11 More Things I've Learned

When Milo was just slightly more than 1 year old, I wrote 11 Things I've Learned As a Mom.  Milo is now nearly 2, so I give you 11 more things I've learned as a mom.

1. I can endure one more viewing of a movie or TV show if it makes my boy happy.
2. I can -- and readily do -- share food with my child, even if it's the last cookie in the package.
3. Hearing my son say, "Mama" for the first time was one of the most thrilling moments in my life.
4. Watching my son hit milestones is bittersweet. I am so happy with his progress and so sad that time is flying.
5. Even when I'm impatient, I'm way more patient with my kid than I would have believed 10 years ago.
6. I haven't found -- or made -- any additional time to blog. Despite my best intentions.
7. Boogers are way more gross than poop, pee or even vomit.
8. Even though boogers are gross, I am capable of wiping my son's nose with my bare hand. If I really have to.


9. As much fun as it is to talk to a toddler, talking to other grown-ups on a regular basis is the only way I will stay sane.
10. Dinosaurs are totally awesome ... as are fire trucks, trains and helicopters.
11.  Love for this kid continues to grow beyond what I believed was my heart's capacity.