Christmas 2010

Wow. What a whirlwind the last few days have been, but I guess Christmas is always like that. It reminds me of my wedding - all of the planning and preparation and anticipation, and poof... it's over in a heartbeat. But as sad as I am to think that it's over, this was absolutely the best Christmas I've had in... well, maybe forever. Todd and I had such a ball watching Nicholas take it all in this year. He was SO excited about Santa, and he really got into the whole Christmas "thing," even more than I was expecting. He wanted to blast Christmas carols on the iPod and dance around the living room, he searched for Santa in every single thing we watched on TV, and of course, loved the whole receiving of, and yes, eventually the giving of the presents! He was so funny - on Christmas Day he was always making sure that Todd and I had something to open. He would go to the tree and get things for us, hand them to us and say, "Thank you, Mommy," or "Thank you, Daddy." (Even if the presents weren't actually for us.) It was very sweet. The hard part now is making him understand that Christmas only comes once a year. He keeps saying, "Santa comin' Mommy!" It's sort of a tough one to explain to a toddler!

One of the greatest parts of the holiday was Christmas Eve night. He had such a great time, and even got a visit with Santa! Can you beieve Santa found time in his busy Christmas Eve schedule to come to our party??!! We're so lucky. Nicholas was a little awestruck at first, but after a while, got up on his lap, said, "Thank you," for his gift, and even gave Santa a hug and a kiss. It was a Christmas miracle! Of course, you'll have to just take my word for it, because the battery in my camera died just as Santa arrived. It figures. If anyone out there has some good shots of him with Santa - email them to me! I was so bummed.

So... overall I'd say the holiday was a HUGE success, and I couldn't be more proud, or more madly in love with my little monkey than I am today. Funny thing is... I'll love him even more tomorrow. That's the cool thing about being a mom I guess! Hope all of you had a wonderful holiday too. Peace and grins from the Cutlers! :.)

Ho Ho Ho!

As a teacher, I've always known that Christmas is all about little ones, but now that I have my own, I can see that it's true. There is just nothing better that watching Nicholas sit by the Christmas tree in his holiday jammies and point to a book and yell out, "I see Ho Ho Ho!"

Granted, we still have some work to do on the whole "it is better to give than to receive" concept. Every time we talk about giving presents to other people, he responds with, "No. Me presents." He is two, for goodness sake, so we can cut him a little slack, but I must admit, it does make me cringe.

We're also working on getting up the courage to sit on Santa's lap. He's getting warmer, but we're not quite there yet. We're keeping our fingers crossed for Christmas Eve. We had our breakfast with Santa last weekend, and he was most interested in the turkeys! It was at Flamig Farm in Simsbury, and just outside the doors were a bunch of live turkeys wandering around. At the end of breakfast, he belts out, "Turkeys, please!" So funny. My boy is an animal lover. Wonder where he gets that from????

This past week was a tough one. Nicholas had his first battle with the stomach bug, which was totally gross. I swear I have never felt more like a mother than I did when he was sitting there covered in puke, and looking up at me saying in his most pathetic voice, "Mommy..." We all got through it, though. Ten thousand loads of laundy later... we are healthy again! Better last week than this one I guess!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

We have been having such a good time getting ready for the big day! There's so much to do this time of year, and Nicholas has been having a ball experiencing the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. We cut down our Christmas tree a few weeks ago, and he was a big help. He was squatting down next to Todd and yelling at the top of his lungs, "Cut it, Daddy! Cut it!" It was hilarious. I have a great video of it, but I can't seem to figure out how to upload a video onto this blog lately - they must have changed something. Nicholas has been surprisingly indifferent to the Christmas tree, which is good I guess. He helped us decorate it, but hasn't touched an ornament since. Of course, we purposely bought a very sharp blue spruce, which could land you in the emergency room if you grab a branch, so maybe that's why.

Today was the firehouse Christmas party, which was an experience! Nicholas must have walked every inch of that firehouse... ten times over! And between the chocolate donut, ice cream, cupcake, and lollipop he ate... he was in rare two-year-old-form! The magician made him this HUGE red and white balloon hat, which he wore proudly for the rest of the party. He looked like something straight out of a Dr. Seuss book.
We even got to see Santa ride in on the back of a firetruck, which was just about the coolest thing he'd ever seen. He didn't sit on Santa's lap, but he got close enough for a picture, and even said thank you for his gift. As you can see, though, he wasn't about to take his eyes of of him. We're having breakfast with Santa tomorrow morning, so hopefully by Christmas Eve, he'll have warmed up enough to actually sit on his lap. Here's hoping..







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"Bobble Bobble!"

No... that's not a typo. That's how Nicholas says, "Gobble Gobble!" And I, for one, don't have the heart to correct him. "Bobble bobble" is way cuter anyway.

It's hard to believe that almost an entire month has passed since I blogged last. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only teacher out there that feels this way, but I HATE NOVEMBER!!!!!!! It's insane at work, and I am completely exhausted. Between report cards, parent conferences, and 22 holiday-crazed 7-year-olds... I've had it. I think that's why I love Thanksgiving so much. It's what I consider an exhale holiday. I swear I've been holding my breath for an entire month. Now I can finally breathe again.

Thanksgiving was great this year. Nicholas is finally getting the whole "holiday hoopla" thing, which is so fun. OK, so he may have been saying "Happy Halloween" most of the day, but... close enough. We started the day at the Cutlers' for dinner and a packed house. It was so nice to see everyone crowded around the table. Nicholas's favorite part of the meal? No, not stuffing, mashed potatoes, or even turkey. Black olives. I swear he ate a dozen of them. He likes to put them on his finger before he eats them. I think we all did that as kids too.

We took a break in the middle of the day so Nicholas could nap at home. I can neither confirm nor deny any napping on my part, however. Todd had to work nights, so after he left, Nicholas and I headed to Auntie Gail's for dessert with the DeBisschops. He had a great time playing with his cousins. I swear, it was like someone shot him out of a cannon! Not sure if it was the pumpkin pie sugar high, or just all of the people around, but he was in rare form. I think he went up and down the stairs at least 20 times.

After I got him home and into the tubby, and eventually into bed, I finally had a minute to sit... cocktail in hand, in my quiet house, and truly take time to give thanks. Sometimes I get so busy with life, or so stressed out, that I don't take the time to really appreciate all that I have. Thank goodness we have this day to force us to look at our lives and count our blessings. The last couple of years have been very good to Todd and I. We have this beautiful new house to live in, jobs that we love (most of the time) and a perfect, healthy little boy who has changed us both emensely... for the better. There are days that I just want to bar the doors and put a plastic bubble over the house, and never go outside, because I think that everything is so perfect right now. I don't want anything messing it up.

But, obviously, that's not an option. So, I guess the best I can do is take some advice from one of my favorite movie characters who said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Man... that Ferris Bueller was a genius. So, here's to stopping to smell the roses every once in a while. Cheers, everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Halloween!

What a day! Nicholas and I enjoyed this beautiful fall day and spent lots of time outside. We even carved our pumpkin outside! Nicholas was a great help. He is a GREAT pumpkin carver! Where were those handy pumpkin carving tools when we were kids anyway? I could let him saw away at the pumpkin and never worried about him losing a finger. It was great.

Nicholas dressed up as a lobster for Halloween this year. Throughout the week, we kept having him put his costume on just to get used to it. And he really wasn't crazy about wearing it so we didn't have high hopes for trick-or-treating. To our surprise, he was great! He kept his costume on the whole time, and LOVED standing in the lobster pot. If only he would've stood still for 2 seconds for us to get some good pictures!

The plan was to come home from our parents' and hit a few houses on our street with our neighbors, but he just didn't make it. He was completely pooped, so a warm tubby and PJ's won out. I swear if his blanket sleepers fit me... I'd be wearing one and sleeping next to him in his crib right now. Halloween is absolutely one of my favorite holidays... it always has been. But honestly, I'm SO glad it only comes once a year.

Happy Birthday Tigua!

On Monday, another important member of our family celebrated a birthday. Todd and I brought Antigua home on New Year's Eve 12 years ago, when he was only about 8 weeks old. He was the most beautiful puppy I had ever seen, and we fell madly in love with him... instantly. I had dreamed of owning a dog since I was a little girl, and one thing's for sure - he was worth the wait.

Tigua is a real member of this family. And he has had a lot to get used to over the past 2 years. He happily accepts the pulling of the ears, pokes in the eyes, and playful, but blood curdling screams. The good part is... all of that also comes with lots of hugs, kisses, and the fact that Nicholas can't resist sharing the food off of his tray every chance he gets.

Happy Birthday, old man. You really are man's best friend.

Our 2-Year-Old

October 2008

October 2010

I can't believe that the tiny 5 pound preemie that once fit in our hands, is now a two-year-old. This weekend, we celebrated the monkey's birthday with our families. He was so great - playing with the kids, opening all of his presents, blowing out his candles, and eating his Elmo birthday cupcakes. We are so proud of him, and fall more and more in love with him every day.

This weekend... we tackle the "kids'" party. Bring it on. I swear, I could watch this kid celebrate his birthday every day. He's the center of the universe every day around here anyway. Why not add balloons and cake??!!

A Fun Fall Weekend!

What a weekend! We have been so busy the past few days. And the best part is... we still have one day left! This is my first Columbus Day off in 7 years, so I plan to make the most of it.

On Saturday, we had a playdate with Jenna. We walked down to the Apple Harvest Festival and proceeded to pig out on all sorts of fried fair food. Hey, when in Rome... Anyway, we also put the kids on some rides. This was Nicholas's first time on any kind of ride, so I wasn't sure how he'd react. Afterall, he freaked out when we passed the giant cow going around shaking people's hands. Well... turns out he's afraid of cows, but not spinning amusement park rides! He flew down that super slide and begged for more. We also went on some spinning teddy bear thing with Jenna and Debbie, and although my stomach was in my throat, Nicholas and Jenna were smiling and laughing the whole time. Go figure.

On Sunday, we went apple and pumpkin picking with the Cutlers. He had so much fun with his cousins, and they were so good with him - carrying him through the pumpkin patch and helping him choose the perfect apples and pumpkins. This is definitely one of my favorite family traditions. Last year, Todd was carrying Nicholas around in a backpack through the pumpkin patch. Honestly, he didn't even know what the heck we were up to last year. This year, he was tearing across the field yelling "Whoa! Pumpkins! This one's heavy!" It's amazing how much can change in a year.

Nicholas chose a tiny green pumpkin, and Todd chose a 29 pounder - my arms were actually numb by the time we came to the weighing stand. It will definitely make a great jack-o-lantern. Last year, Tyler won the prize for heaviest pumpkin. This year, he won the prize for most unique. His pumpkin looked exactly like a giant green and orange strawberry! It was definitely the kookiest pumpkin I've ever seen!

Fall has always been my favorite season. And it just keeps getting better every year!

Excuse Me... But Can You Spare a Square?!

Someday, this kid is going to kill me. Yes... I just posted a picture of him on the crapper. And yes... he's reading the newspaper ads. Just another one of the things he does that completely cracks us up lately. I swear, it never ends these days. He is absolutely hilarious.

Every once in a while, I get sad because I don't want him to grow up anymore. I don't want him to change. But everyone always says to me, "Every stage is fun." I think I'm starting to believe that's true. Yes... I miss the baby stage. Sometimes I see a tiny little baby and I want to burst into tears because I know that's over for us. But then he learns a new word or does something new, and I think... now this is my favorite stage. It's crazy.

And as far as the actual potty training goes... he is doing amazingly well for a kid that's not even two. How is it possible that two years ago... he wasn't even here?!

Silly Little Monkey

I swear... just when I think I've seen it all (and let's face it, in my profession I see a lot of "stuff"), this kid does something that completely cracks me up. And lately, I've been doing my darnedest to focus on Nicholas's silly side. How shall I say this... there's no denying that 2 is right around the corner! Whoooeee, can he test our patience! But then he says a new word, or makes us proud by using the potty, or walks around with his hamper on his head, or pulls Todd's socks up to his hips, or just looks at us and says, "Hi, Mommy! Hi, Daddy!" and all of that just melts away.

I think we're all getting settled into our new "back to school" routine. Nicholas is doing well at daycare, my class is looking promising, and Daddy's getting used to being a full-time dad again. The two of them even started swim lessons at the YMCA. Could that possibly be any cuter?! Oh to be a fly on the wall...

So, to sum up... life is good. In fact, life is great.

Auld Lang Syne

I know MOST people think that New Year's Eve is on December 31st... but for teachers... it's not. Honestly, I'm struggling to remember the last time I actually stayed up 'till midnight on December 31st! My real New Year's Eve is the night before I start school for the year. I can't believe it, but tomorrow I will start my 13th year of teaching. Wow. I have no idea how that happened.

Anyway... just as most people get emotional and nostalgic on December 31st - I am feeling those things tonight. As I put Nicholas to bed tonight, I stood over his crib and cried. I feel so many different things right now.

First of all, I feel thankful to have been given this very special time with my special little boy. We spent so much time together this summer - nothing fancy... just time. And I know a lot of moms that would give anything for that... time. I pushed him for countless hours on the swing. I pulled him for countless hours in the wagon (or... as he calls it... the "bump bump"). I have served him countless lunches and snacks, and given him countless hugs and kisses this summer. I think it's these times, that seemed trivial at the time, that mean so much to me now.

I also, in typical New Year's fashion, feel a little bit sad tonight, because summer is over. I know that now, we will get much less time together, and that the time we will have will sometimes feel rushed, or wasted by running errands, or some other meaningless activity. I also know that next summer... he will be SO much older and SO much more independent. Man, we'll be thinking about having his 3rd birthday! I hope this year goes slowly...

But I'm also feeling excited tonight. I'm excited about Nicholas's second birthday, and dressing up for Halloween, and picking out our Christmas tree, and watching Nicholas grow and learn, to become the amazing kid I know he'll be (but already is).

I always knew I wanted to be a mom, but I guess I never expected the roller coaster of emotions that come with motherhood. I honestly never thought that I could love another human being this much. I'm sure that I am the luckiest person on the planet. And I keep telling myself... summer will come again next year.

Is it too soon to start counting the days???

"Fishies!!"

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

Thank you so much for coming with me to the aquarium today. I had so much fun! When you said we were going to see fishies, I thought, "Big deal, I have a fish tank right in my own living room at home." I had no idea I would see so many cool things!

Sometimes the big animals, like the beluga whale and the sea lions, were a little scary, but I still wanted to stay and watch them.

I think the coolest part about the aquarium was that I was actually allowed to touch things, and even put my hands in the water and splash! When Mom takes me to Petco to look at the fish, she NEVER lets me put my hands in the water. Don't tell my mom, but I think the aquarium is way better than Petco.

I loved the freshwater marsh exhibit too. The frogs were huge, and the flowers were so pretty. It's funny - at first we couldn't find any of the little turtles and frogs, but then once we saw one... we saw a bunch! That was so cool.

I think my favorite thing, though, was the penguin exhibit. I've seen cartoon penguins on TV, but the real ones are even cuter. I loved watching them swim around underwater. It was so funny when they were chasing Grandpa's hand all around the glass. I know I kept saying, "no," but secretly, I loved it! Penguins are so funny!

I loved spending the day with you today. I feel so lucky to have you for my grandparents. You're the best, and I love you so much. Can we do it again tomorrow?


Love,

Nicholas

The Way Life Should Be

That's Maine's motto, you know. And... I couldn't agree more. There's just something about a beautiful summer day in Maine that makes me feel like everything is right with the world. I swear, I must have caught myself taking deep breaths and closing my eyes about 100 times last week- trying to store up the sights and smells for a cold day in January.

Something tells me that Nicholas will love Maine as much as we do as he grows up. He has such a good time when he's there. He must have walked up to my dad's garden 50 times looking for tomatoes to eat. (My boy's a veggie junkie!) And then there's the water... Nicholas LOVES the water! He was in and out of the water all week - and no fear. Which, I guess is a good thing and a bad thing. We're going for a healthy respect for water, and I guess I'd say we're there - a couple good facefulls of lake water will do that to ya!

We really stayed busy during this trip. We went to a fair, where all Nicholas wanted to do was watch the horses running on the track at the fair grounds. We also went to a farmer's market, and Papa bouht him an apple - which is one of his favorite words to say right now. Andso is "poop" for some reason- who knows what the heck that's all about...

If Nicholas was writing this, and you asked him to write about the highlight of the trip - he'd DEFINITELY say the boat. Or, as he says, "the boop." Don't tell the Falmouth police (or whoever the heck is in charge of such things), but Papa actually let Nicholas drive the boat. It was hilarious - and a little rough at times. He always wanted to go fast, so he'd push the lever to the limit - and the rest of us would practically go flying out of our seats! I swear, he'll be pulling that thing into the dock with no problem by the time he's 5.