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