ABC's

A mom blog would not be complete without posting her toddler's rendition of ABC's.  He nailed it, until the end.

 



Letters to Jackson: 5 months

Jackson,

5 months old, where has the time gone?  I read Brady's 5 month letter today. Back then, it seemed like we had all the time in the world to spend with him.  Right now?  Since your father is traveling with the basketball team all weekend, I feel like a single parent.  It's enough of a feat to keep you guys fed and clothed, but I have a article due tomorrow that I've barely started and since I realistically can only write when you and your brother are both sleeping (right now!), and I had to choose article writing or writing to you.

I choose you.

Sometimes, I wonder how it would be different if it were just me and you.  I'd have more time to snuggle with your, more time to make funny faces, more time to stare at your beautiful face.  I'd have more time to sing, without a certain someone telling me I'm singing the wrong song.  But you wouldn't be able watch as our neighbor friends came over and made a 4-person train down our slide.  You wouldn't have gone to the pumpkin patch, rode on the hayride, or laid down in the pool of corn kernels as your brother jumped beside you.  You wouldn't laugh as Brady's friends poked and prodded you and tried to throw you the football.  You wouldn't get tackled by an older brother who can't wait to play football, basketball, and baseball with you.

 So any guilt I feel about being pulled in too many directions, I remind myself that while the baby experience is different this time, it is equally amazing. Your brother naps 2-3 hours a day.  It's tempting to use this time to clean up, cook dinner, fold laundry, or write articles.  I do all those things.  But sometimes I just lie down next to you and sleep, and those are my favorite memories.  Sure, you won't sleep peacefully on my chest like your brother did, but that's ok.  I'm happy to just lie side-by-side.  The baby experience is different this time, and you're a different baby.

I hope you know I wouldn't have it any other way.

I love you just as you are.

Love,
Mom

Beach trips

A year ago, when I had one less child and lots more time, this 1 blog post would be split up into 2 and there would be more words involved.   Time is short, but I still manage to find time to click away with my iPhone camera.

For two weekends in a row, we went to the beach.  Our trip to Emerald Isle included our children and the family getaway was a fun one.  Not too often that you can jump in the pool in October!

 Our 2nd trip was to Cape Hatteras for my dear friend Bonnie's wedding.  Bonnie's family has deep ties to Cape Hatteras and she and her now husband, Judd, got engaged at the top of the lighthouse.  She had dreams of taking pictures there, but thanks to the government shutdown, the lighthouse was closed as well as the roads leading up to it.  As someone at her rehearsal dinner put it, when Bonnie wants something she goes after it! (She had her eye on Judd 2 years before they dated).  So we moved the barricades and drove on through!  And we got some beautiful pictures before the park ranger came driving in with his blue lights all hot and bothered.  Personally, I thought it'd be great if the bride and groom got taken away in handcuffs...that would have guaranteed the wedding party's appearance on Good Morning America this morning.

 But the wedding went on without a hitch and Bonnie Clarke with an E is now Bonnie Lattimore!  Thanks for letting us be a part of it, Bon!

 

"Bedtime"

Here is a video is from bedtime tonight.  Eric had to go work (basketball has started.  yay.) so I was responsible for putting these two creatures down.  "Read book time" turned into "tackle time."  And if you're wondering, jerseys do also function as pajamas in our house...particularly on single-parent nights when I know which battles are worth fighting.

 

It's further proof that nobody makes Jackson happier than his brother.  Brady can bodyslam him all day and he thinks its hilarious.  I wipe his nose and he holds a grudge for an hour.

I love that my boys love each other. I don't hashtag, but if I did I'd say #pleaseletthatbetrueforever