Boy Miles

You know that you want to sing along. Just do it.

Little Drummer Boy

Uncle Clark, aka Santa Clark, delivers the coolest-gift-ever. For a boy who loves to bang and pound, this is a match made in heaven. Note to future concert promoters, do not put Miles' drum kit near a china cabinet. Just an FYI.

What's in a name, specifically, our names?

Look ma, no mellow...
So I already knew that my (maiden) surname translates into "warrior". See: German: from the Germanic personal name Wigant, originally a byname meaning ‘warrior’, from the present participle of wigan ‘to fight’. Also see: angry, obsessed with details, and seeker of complicated paperwork and forms. (In the dictionary, there is a picture of a hungry and impatient T-rex listed next to that entry. The T-rex is wearing bifocals and a sensible sweater. He also has puffy eyes from allergies.)

Tonight, whilst killing time on 'ye olde Internet, I learned that my son's name is right up that same fisticuffs, Walkin' Tall, livin' hard alley. Miles, of Latin origin, means soldier and fighter. I found another entry meaning "eager to please," but I am ignoring that one because it made me angry- and anger used to be my last name before I got hitched.

With a combo like that, should I have just named him Rocky Rambo-Swazey, Jr. ?

My surname a la marriage is an Aramaic term for twin. Does that mean he's going to be swinging both fists?

Storytime Snippet

One difference, the crab cake is reading (and signing) to me. Love it. So love it very much. Everybody thinks his/her kid is the greatest thing since sliced bread- trust me, I am a teacher. Given the coolness of this video snippet, kiddo is showing skills that make him snazzier than warm grilled cheese and tomato soup combos. That's saying a lot.

Even though as I type this Miles is smearing mashed potatoes onto the dogs, I am still one proud mama bear.

Status Report

While I have a negative two minutes remaining in my pre-work morning time, I just wanted to drop you a line. All is good in Thomas land. My dad is recovering nicely from his surgery. The check engine light is finally off on my car; all it wanted was $650. I could have rubbed my checkbook on the engine and saved us all a lot of trouble. We are gearing up for a trip to Florida over the upcoming break. Little Man will get to fly again; if he gets fussy, I am upgrading (only) his ticket to first class. My points would be well used that way. And even cooler that this, he's sorta walking. Taa-daa! 3 to 5 steps a go before a face plant ensues, but this is some serious progress. Seeing him walk for the first time made me cry.

One from the Vault: Dec. 13, 2008

Last year this time, Miles was learning how to make music. This year, he is learning how to walk. Yesterday, the crab cake took 5 steps before realizing that he was stepping and therefore needed to plop on his buns. This we will try to capture on video.

Locks of Love, loving the new locks

Auntie MK went under the knife (scissors) to make a generous donation to Locks of Love. In addition to donating her tresses to a worthy cause, which is reward enough, MK picked up a bonus prize of super snazzy new 'do. Seriously, her haircut rocks. No donations from me because I have no idea what my real hair color is. That's okay; MK parted with enough hair for the both of us, and then some.

When the spirit moves you

TGIF. If only my week had been as short and sweet as this video. If only...(sigh).

Hot of the presses: Grand Illumination 2009

'Tis the season. Happy, happy, joy, joy!

It's Cantata Time!

Seriously, the kid's got chops. Rumor has it that our uncle Santa found a big boy (see Jesse) sized drum kit, and this mama Claus needs to find some cymbals and assorted drum bits. Until then, we've got the best toy in the house to keep the kid happy. Moving the pack 'n' play in front of the piano might be the smartest thing I have ever done. Honestly.

Waiting

The green peas and white cheddar & garlic mashed potatoes are anxiously waiting on the table. The Bell & Evans chicken bits are simmering for another 10 minutes. Miles is flinging pre-meal Rice Chex to the dogs, and I, smelling of white cheddar and garlic, am wondering if the Top Chef fairy will come and visit me.

We are waiting for dinner. Just the two of us. On a frigid and rainy night. Mommy-Little Man time is my favorite time of all. Well, just second to Mommy-Daddy-Little Man time. We'll get that tomorrow at Grand Illumination. Remember, you can park in front of our house, and I might even have some white cheddar & garlic mashed potatoes left over. Maybe.

Mr. Messy

Have laundry, will fling...

... mission accomplished!