So you're wondering what thoughts occupy a toddler's mind? I once had those same questions, until a recent enlightening conversation with Landon.
Landon was laying between Brian and me on the bed, enjoying his morning cup of milk, twirling his hair around his fingers and quietly thinking pleasant, happy baby thoughts.
I turned to Brian.
"Bri, what do you think he thinks about? Wouldn't you love to get a glimpse of what goes through his little mind at times like this?"
Brian replied, "Well, he's sitting right there - ask him!"
So I did.
"Hey, Little Human, Mama has a question. What are you thinking about right now?"
Landon promptly pulled his sippy cup out of his mouth, stopped playing with his hair, looked me dead in the eyes and answered, "Trucks, Mama."
So there you have it, straight from the horse's, uh, wait, that it is straight from the toddler's mouth: little boys endlessly think about trucks.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
A sad and sudden lost
I experienced a very sad loss today. Please bare with me...it's still tough to talk about, but I'm hoping that maybe getting my thoughts written down will help me cope with the tragedy.
Anyway, here goes.
Suddenly and forcefully, the Charleston Chew flew from my hand...and landed on our terribly dirty carpet. It's sudden death was tragic - cut down just before the prime bite!
Anyway, here goes.
My coworker keeps Charleston Chews in her office. It's odd - I don't really care for them. I don't ever crave them, I don't buy them at the grocery store. But when she has them in her candy dish, I imbibe.
So today, I took the last one from her dish. I sat in front of her desk to chat about her kids and Landon. And I opened the Charleston Chew. I took a bite, savored the flavor burst of the chocolate and nougat...and felt guilty: here I am trying to eat better and I'm snacking on candy. I started to regret eating it, but I took another nibble. I just couldn't stop myself.
Suddenly and forcefully, the Charleston Chew flew from my hand...and landed on our terribly dirty carpet. It's sudden death was tragic - cut down just before the prime bite!
I think God saying something like, "Oh you feel guilty for eating this now? That's easy enough to solve." Then he smacked it out of my hand and said, "There. Now you don't have to worry about it. No more guilt."
Please keep me in your thoughts today as I try to overcome this.
Friday, January 11, 2013
A gold digger, mess maker and all-around cutie-pie
Love this boy, even if he can't keep his finger out of his nose!
Social Media Musings
Wow. I've been absent a while - my apologies!
Landon is doing well and we had a great Christmas. Brian and I made the conscious decision NOT to spoil him this year, so we only got him a few select toys. Other than that, he got sweatshirts, jeans, sneakers and things he needed.
Let me tell you, it was hard not to spoil him. Everywhere I turned there was another awesome toy that I was dying to get him. But I held on, I perserved, and we succeed.
Well, at least until we made it to Ohio. Mom and Mamaw went CRAZY buying for the little man, and we left with toys coming out the wazzuu! But he loved it...and more about that later.
First, I need to vent about social media. I just don't understand people's tendency to overshare. Newsflash: there are some things that the world doesn't need to know.
And it go beyond the annoying statuses, like the perennial updates on food someone's consumed or the quasi-philosophical posts meant to make someone look deep, although in reality they result in that person being laughed at hysterically by his or her 400 or so "friends."
Lately, I've noticed a stark increase in the number of status related to guns. I'm not referring to the ones that preach the pros or cons to gun control. I mean the "Look, I just bought an assault rifle! Time for some target practice!" or "Thinking of adding another gun to our collection. Already have 6, do we need another?" statuses.
Landon is doing well and we had a great Christmas. Brian and I made the conscious decision NOT to spoil him this year, so we only got him a few select toys. Other than that, he got sweatshirts, jeans, sneakers and things he needed.
Let me tell you, it was hard not to spoil him. Everywhere I turned there was another awesome toy that I was dying to get him. But I held on, I perserved, and we succeed.
Well, at least until we made it to Ohio. Mom and Mamaw went CRAZY buying for the little man, and we left with toys coming out the wazzuu! But he loved it...and more about that later.
First, I need to vent about social media. I just don't understand people's tendency to overshare. Newsflash: there are some things that the world doesn't need to know.
And it go beyond the annoying statuses, like the perennial updates on food someone's consumed or the quasi-philosophical posts meant to make someone look deep, although in reality they result in that person being laughed at hysterically by his or her 400 or so "friends."
Lately, I've noticed a stark increase in the number of status related to guns. I'm not referring to the ones that preach the pros or cons to gun control. I mean the "Look, I just bought an assault rifle! Time for some target practice!" or "Thinking of adding another gun to our collection. Already have 6, do we need another?" statuses.
While I am by no means ashamed of the fact that I support the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms and am proud of how well I can shoot, I don't understand the people that need to advertise on Facebook when they buy new guns of their own, or go to the shooting range, or anything like that.
Number one, I don't want a public record of what guns are in my house. Once something's online, the record is there forever. So if we ever devolve into an Orwellian society and the government cares to do so, they can look back and see that Joe Schmo posted that he bought a new .38 or AR14 in 2012. And if in that Orwellian Society guns are outlawed and Joe can't produce that gun to turn into the government, Joe finds himself up a creek without a paddle.
"Let's see, Joe. Back in 2012, you boasted on social media that you bought a Ruger, even posted a picture so we'd know exactly what one. We sure appreciate that, son, because now we've decided Ruger's are dangerous and can't be trusted in the hands of common citizens and we need to confiscate your weapon before it kills someone."
"Let's see, Joe. Back in 2012, you boasted on social media that you bought a Ruger, even posted a picture so we'd know exactly what one. We sure appreciate that, son, because now we've decided Ruger's are dangerous and can't be trusted in the hands of common citizens and we need to confiscate your weapon before it kills someone."
Plus, if I posted online that we just bought whatever gun, I don't know who all can see that. All it would take is ONE person to like that status before it's out beyond my network. And it might be paranoid, but it's not a stretch to think that someone in my network is connected to a bad person, whether a thief, someone into drugs, etc. I don't want to make a target of my home or my family. It happened to a family member - someone close to him broke into his gun safe and stole his guns. And people don't think that there's the distinct possibility that by posting something like, "Hey, check out my new .38! Who wants to head to the range?" that they are putting their family in the path of someone desperate for a gun? Even if they broke in while my family wasn't there, I'm still out the emotional cost of a robbery - not to mention the gun itself, if the thief found it, and any collateral damage or items taken.
I guess I just don't see the point in taking the chance. Will I say I'm pro gun? Absolutely, I believe and endorse the Second Amendment and am not ashamed of that. Will I post if it Bri and I get an AR? Not a chance in hell.
I guess I just don't see the point in taking the chance. Will I say I'm pro gun? Absolutely, I believe and endorse the Second Amendment and am not ashamed of that. Will I post if it Bri and I get an AR? Not a chance in hell.
Monday, December 17, 2012
18 month update
Well, we missed last month's 17 month update, and King Penguin turned 18 months old a few days ago...and I am just now getting around to updating the blog. Does that make me the worst mom ever?
First, we know what 'boom!' means, at least most of the time: it's a fan. (Although on occasion, it's also the cardboard tube from a roll of wrapping paper and the broom.) For whatever reason, the little boy has a fascination with ceiling fans, and he loves to point them out at every opportunity. Almost every morning, he waves at the fan in his bedroom and says, "Hi, boom!"
In addition to understanding the question, "What does a kitty say?", and being able to answer it with, "Meow!, he also knows what a cow says ("Boo!") and will tell you what a chicken says ("Cuck cuck!). If you ask him to hand you a purple crayon, he will give you the right color. He speaks in sentences frequently, like "Uh-oh, Dada!" or "Mama bed!" He answers questions, like "Do you want picked up?" or "Are you thirsty?" He is getting really good at doing his puzzles and can match things up. He tries to read to himself, especially Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
He loves Mater from Cars, and recognizes him whenever he sees him. He not only points Mater out, but will tell you who he is if you ask. Only...it doesn't come out like Mater. No, King Penguin has dubbed Mater Mama.
Speaking of Mama, he's finally getting around to saying Mama more. He's called me Mama for a while, but mostly only when he was scared or upset and wanted comforted. "Mama! Mama!" usually was accompanied by tears and wails. Now, he loves to point out Mama wherever we go, and he always is calling for me and asking for me. He shoves away from Brian and says, "No! Mama! Mama!" For the first time ever, he calls for me at night, instead of just for a ba-ba.
We are headed to Ohio right after Christmas, so hopefully we'll have some good pictures and stories to share. Sorry posts have been few and far between (not to mention short when they come around!), but we've been crazy at work and getting ready for Christmas. Can't wait for Landon to open his gifts...Santa is bringing him one in particular that he is going to LOVE!
First, we know what 'boom!' means, at least most of the time: it's a fan. (Although on occasion, it's also the cardboard tube from a roll of wrapping paper and the broom.) For whatever reason, the little boy has a fascination with ceiling fans, and he loves to point them out at every opportunity. Almost every morning, he waves at the fan in his bedroom and says, "Hi, boom!"
In addition to understanding the question, "What does a kitty say?", and being able to answer it with, "Meow!, he also knows what a cow says ("Boo!") and will tell you what a chicken says ("Cuck cuck!). If you ask him to hand you a purple crayon, he will give you the right color. He speaks in sentences frequently, like "Uh-oh, Dada!" or "Mama bed!" He answers questions, like "Do you want picked up?" or "Are you thirsty?" He is getting really good at doing his puzzles and can match things up. He tries to read to himself, especially Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
He loves Mater from Cars, and recognizes him whenever he sees him. He not only points Mater out, but will tell you who he is if you ask. Only...it doesn't come out like Mater. No, King Penguin has dubbed Mater Mama.
Speaking of Mama, he's finally getting around to saying Mama more. He's called me Mama for a while, but mostly only when he was scared or upset and wanted comforted. "Mama! Mama!" usually was accompanied by tears and wails. Now, he loves to point out Mama wherever we go, and he always is calling for me and asking for me. He shoves away from Brian and says, "No! Mama! Mama!" For the first time ever, he calls for me at night, instead of just for a ba-ba.
We are headed to Ohio right after Christmas, so hopefully we'll have some good pictures and stories to share. Sorry posts have been few and far between (not to mention short when they come around!), but we've been crazy at work and getting ready for Christmas. Can't wait for Landon to open his gifts...Santa is bringing him one in particular that he is going to LOVE!
A month of Thanksgiving and Gratefulness - update!
I never finished update my month of Thanksgiving...but given the events of the last week, above all else, I'm grateful for Landon. I cannot comprehend what the Sandy Hook families are going through. I held Landon Friday night, and it hit me that there were 20 families out there, wishing for just one more night like I had. Wishing for an opportunity to say goodbye for real, like you would if you knew it was the last time you'd see your little boy, instead of a quick hug and kiss and a wave goodbye.
I let Landon sleep with me the other night since his teeth were bothering him and I was so upset. At first, it was perfect...until I actually tried to sleep. Then I was getting elbowed every time I dozed off, getting smacked by flailing arms, kicked by tiny toes, kneed in the gut and somehow the chin. And even though it was uncomfortable, and even though I just wanted to sleep without being poked in the eye, I was thankful for every elbow, knee and kick...because it meant I still had a chance to hold him, to make memories and to appreciate everything.
I can't imagine how lonely those families must be. Everyone is saying, "You're not alone..." and while that's a great sentiment, the truth is, they are alone. Unless it's happened to you, there is no way you can appreciate the gut-wrenching pain. Just thinking about how I would react if I were in there situation makes me want to throw up and bawl....and I still have my little boy to cherish.
I can't fathom the emptiness. As a parent, you feel whole because of your child, and the possibilities they bring. Your child has the potential to change the world. I mean, Landon could be the one who cures cancer, who colonizes Mars, who alters the course of human history. The potential is endless. Now, instead of imaging the great things their children will do, those families are preparing for funerals and fighting off media.
Aside from the loss of life, the worst part is that instead of taking moments to concentrate on the memories of those lost and honoring them, our society has instantly made this about gun control, mental illness, terrorism. Those discussions need to happen...but by taking the focus off the children who were killed and lamenting how more gun control or better healthcare could have made the difference, we are dishonoring those children and their memories. There will be plenty of time for discourse and discussion....but for now, remember those lost. Look at those faces. Consider the families whose children and family members were cut down. And concentrate on the blessings in your life: hug your children. Spoil them for the night. Let them slept with you. Appreciate your family and every person around you, because as this event has proven, we never known what is around the corner.
November 1 - Grateful that we made it through the Hurricane unscathed and with very little damage, and that our biggest issue right now is that Brian is working an insane amount of overtime.
November 2 - Thankful that it's Friday. Even though I was only in the office two days this week because of the storm, Friday took forever to get here.
November 3 - Appreciative a weekend of (relative!) normalcy! No running to the store to stock up on water, no worrying about an apocalyptic storm.
November 4 - Thankful that my mom, sister and grandma will be here in less than a week! They haven't seen Landon (or me and Brian, for that matter!) since July.
November 5 - Appreciative that I have a job I like...even it means getting up extra early on a Monday for a 8 a.m. meeting in Philly :-)
November 6 - Grateful to live in a country where I'm afforded the right to vote and partake in political discourse.
November 7 - Extremely thankful that we have power and heat for this Nor'easter - thoughts and prayers with those still without power from the Hurricane last week who will be hit again with this storm.
November 8 - Thankful that the snow will be gone by the end of day and that tomorrow is Friday.
November 9-11 - Grateful for the chance to see Mom, Alissa and Mamaw this weekend. They each are worth a day!
November 12 - Thankful for a great birthday weekend and for my new iPad, courtesy of Landon and Brian.
November 13 - Grateful for my cats. No matter what mood I am in or how they day went, they are always ready to cuddle at night.
November 14 - Thankful that Landon's follow up with the cardiologist went well and that his heart murmur is completely benign!
November 15 - Grateful for a reliable car that I enjoy driving...even it's not the SRT8 Challenger that I still want.
November 16 - THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY! 'Nuff said :)
I let Landon sleep with me the other night since his teeth were bothering him and I was so upset. At first, it was perfect...until I actually tried to sleep. Then I was getting elbowed every time I dozed off, getting smacked by flailing arms, kicked by tiny toes, kneed in the gut and somehow the chin. And even though it was uncomfortable, and even though I just wanted to sleep without being poked in the eye, I was thankful for every elbow, knee and kick...because it meant I still had a chance to hold him, to make memories and to appreciate everything.
I can't imagine how lonely those families must be. Everyone is saying, "You're not alone..." and while that's a great sentiment, the truth is, they are alone. Unless it's happened to you, there is no way you can appreciate the gut-wrenching pain. Just thinking about how I would react if I were in there situation makes me want to throw up and bawl....and I still have my little boy to cherish.
I can't fathom the emptiness. As a parent, you feel whole because of your child, and the possibilities they bring. Your child has the potential to change the world. I mean, Landon could be the one who cures cancer, who colonizes Mars, who alters the course of human history. The potential is endless. Now, instead of imaging the great things their children will do, those families are preparing for funerals and fighting off media.
Aside from the loss of life, the worst part is that instead of taking moments to concentrate on the memories of those lost and honoring them, our society has instantly made this about gun control, mental illness, terrorism. Those discussions need to happen...but by taking the focus off the children who were killed and lamenting how more gun control or better healthcare could have made the difference, we are dishonoring those children and their memories. There will be plenty of time for discourse and discussion....but for now, remember those lost. Look at those faces. Consider the families whose children and family members were cut down. And concentrate on the blessings in your life: hug your children. Spoil them for the night. Let them slept with you. Appreciate your family and every person around you, because as this event has proven, we never known what is around the corner.
November 1 - Grateful that we made it through the Hurricane unscathed and with very little damage, and that our biggest issue right now is that Brian is working an insane amount of overtime.
November 2 - Thankful that it's Friday. Even though I was only in the office two days this week because of the storm, Friday took forever to get here.
November 3 - Appreciative a weekend of (relative!) normalcy! No running to the store to stock up on water, no worrying about an apocalyptic storm.
November 4 - Thankful that my mom, sister and grandma will be here in less than a week! They haven't seen Landon (or me and Brian, for that matter!) since July.
November 5 - Appreciative that I have a job I like...even it means getting up extra early on a Monday for a 8 a.m. meeting in Philly :-)
November 6 - Grateful to live in a country where I'm afforded the right to vote and partake in political discourse.
November 7 - Extremely thankful that we have power and heat for this Nor'easter - thoughts and prayers with those still without power from the Hurricane last week who will be hit again with this storm.
November 8 - Thankful that the snow will be gone by the end of day and that tomorrow is Friday.
November 9-11 - Grateful for the chance to see Mom, Alissa and Mamaw this weekend. They each are worth a day!
November 12 - Thankful for a great birthday weekend and for my new iPad, courtesy of Landon and Brian.
November 13 - Grateful for my cats. No matter what mood I am in or how they day went, they are always ready to cuddle at night.
November 14 - Thankful that Landon's follow up with the cardiologist went well and that his heart murmur is completely benign!
November 15 - Grateful for a reliable car that I enjoy driving...even it's not the SRT8 Challenger that I still want.
November 16 - THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY! 'Nuff said :)
Monday, November 5, 2012
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