Photographic Evidence: They're Growing Like Weeds

Forcing the matter

And the matter at hand is Miles's transition to a "big boy" bed. As of 7 am today, a crib is no longer an option. It's as if a monolith appeared in his room, and his bed linens became instant tools. (Quick note: I initially spelled linens as "lenins." Yikes, I must become more domestic and less intelligentsia, STAT.)

Upon inspection, the pillow and comforter had been turned into a make-shift launch pad, and I am assuming his string bean legs worked as the rocket boosters. Sadly, the landing strip was his face. Nothing like seeing your little man greet you at the door, teary eyed and with an instant shiner. As breakfast wears on, that shiner has grown bigger and more menacing looking. He's looking less toddlery and more thuggish.

What to do? We've got a real bed in the wings for him- an awesome hand-me-down trundle bed- but I am not ready for that jump- literally and figuratively. Luckily, his IKEA crib is convertible. So off one side will go today, and up a set of bumpers. That's the easy part. The trickier part will be figuring out what will have to be removed my the room. I'm thinking his full size drum kit may need to visit a different room- the same goes for the guitar, paints, markers, and on, and on, and on. Wish us luck!

Splish Splash... in a bubble wonder land!

St. Patrick's Day Cuteness

Three years of awesomeness crammed into a single photo!

Happy Birthday beautiful boy! You are my sunshine, obviously.

You are my sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are grey
You'll never know dear
How much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away

Since his birthday isn't officially until tomorrow, I will wait to sing that song. Tonight, however, the above will work just fine.

Best First Ever Milestone!

Last night Miles strung together the most beautiful three word sentence I've ever heard. Three words in itself is a milestone. Up until now we've consistently gotten two word requests and descriptors from Miles, but never an actual sentence- something with a clear subject and predicate. Now brace yourself because his first sentence will knock your socks off...

I love you.

My heart is still in a pudding state. We got numerous repeats this morning, and Daddy and Grandpa got their I love you's after breakfast- and I am sure he's ready to share it some more. But now matter how many times I hear it over the years, nothing will compare to the sweetness, the excitement, and absolute bliss I felt last night. I was floored, not expecting him to say it back- but he did, and it sounded perfect! Hearing that from your child is such a special occasion. Waiting nearly three years to experience it makes the event all the more special. I am counting this as an early birthday and Mother's Day present rolled into one! Miles, I love you, too!

Tea Time! (With Plastic Chicken)

Still Truckin'

Whew! No baby Penelope yet, but my body keeps acting like it wants to have this baby, now. Since Thursday, contractions have been happening all day long- just not in long enough spells to call in the OBs. My back is having spasms, and this morning I woke up to some new lower back cramps. On Thursday, I learned that Penelope's head couldn't get any lower, so I am guessing the pressure of her position is taking its toll. So if I make it to work tomorrow, I will need to will willing students to navigate me about in a wheelbarrow. Sounds like an extra credit opportunity to me!

I'm going out on a limb to stay that her arrival is still a ways off because, as of this weekend, we are prepared for her grand entrance. Bags have been packed, crib set up, tiny pink clothes laundered... while her nursery is still only in the planning phases- we have converted our room (again) into baby central. It's actually quite adorable in there. Yesterday, we let Miles check out the new layout. He instantly walked over to the new crib and said, "Shhhhhhh!" Too cute.

Thanks everyone for the well wishes! I can't tell you how amazing it feels to know that we are not in this alone. Frankly, since starting this blog (over 600 posts ago!!!), I have been loving the sense of community and support it brings. And I love, love, love sharing how amazing Miles is to anyone and everyone. In a matter of days, a new tiny Thomas will be joining our cast of cute crazies- which still blows my mind! Stay tuned for updated! : )

Loud and (relatively) Clear

My son sent me a message tonight, and the message is: Ma, I want to potty train. Now.

Said message was delivered through a performance piece entitled, "Surprising New Use for Tupperware." Miles made a liquid deposit, clapped, and shot me a knowing look. Me, mouth agape, hoping that this wasn't borrowed from someone, and quickly realizing that a formal "potty" will have to be purchased tomorrow- lest we never have leftovers again.

Yet another teachable moment brought to me by my son. Clearly, I am a visual learner.

Such a big boy! : )

Big Boy

Miles officially made it through his first day of Pre-K with no tears yesterday. HUGE accomplishment! The transition has been a bit rocky for him because the days are long (9:30 to 1:30- not including the big yellow bus rides), and he's going 4 days a week. Plus, his wingman Daddy isn't there for every whim and whimper. Luckily, he's in an amazing room, with great staff, and a buddy from his former playgroup. We've had chances to peep in on him, and we've seen him have a wonderful time. Hooray for school!!!

We knew we had turned a corner with school on Sunday- when Miles put on his pack-pack (little red backpack), stood by the front door, and continuously signed "school." He then went upstairs, with pack-pack on, and played for another 3o minutes or so. Man, he loves that backpack- must be magical. The fact that he's spontaneously asking for school (and willingly wearing pack-pack) is already a massive change. Maybe he's going to be a school fan like his mommy (who loves being in school, too)!

Little Man is growing up very quickly. Sigh.

Technically...

... technically I am doing school work, so this post doesn't actually exist. Just wanted to share that Miles has successfully started school. His been a bit teary, missing his wing man (Daddy) and his nap time (there's no napping on the pre-K level), but he's loving the bus and the extended opportunities to play and wave to people.

I, too, have resumed my schooling- this time as a teacher. This is year 5, believe it or not! Frankly, five years blows my mind. Aren't I due for a door prize at this point? Every five years earn a new Subaru- wasn't that in the fine print? : ) But seriously, I am loving my job. Loving it.

Penelope now has a pending name. We just need to get the a-okay from the namesake. This will take some planning on our part- but that's all on this topic for now. Pregnancy in general is kicking my butt. PT was a veritable bust- expensive and chock full of stretches I am doing on my own. Luckily, I have reached a maintenance level- the back still aches, but the "et tu, Brutus?" stabbing pain has subsided a bit. Chocolate and frozen raspberries have been easing my discomfort. My belly's quite ball-eqsue now. A stranger last night asked when I was due (always a risky question)- and she was shocked that I wasn't minutes away from entering labor. Thanks, I think. This baby ball is much higher and sticks out much farther than the Miles bump did. Perhaps Penelope is stowing a lovely set of matching luggage because I look like I ate a duffel bag.

Back to work.

Little Man in the Capital City, aka Uncle Dude Territory

How Miles spent his Saturday in D.C.

Though he didn't get much of a nap, Little Man crashed hard that night. Very hard.

Baby Miles Flashback

Click here to visit the source!

I'm just swinging by...

... to mention that Miles will be turning two this Sunday. Also, teething has kicked into such a high gear lately. Little Man is also fighting off strep throat and yet another blasted ear infection. On top of that, one of his ear tubes is wiggling out- already?!? It's only been since November; how much time to we get until he heads back in? Anyways, daily life is a bit rocky and off-center these days. The proof, my hubs and I totally forgot our 5th year wedding anniversary yesterday. We only remembered after receiving congrats messages from our parents. Whoops. Maybe this means I will be forgetting my rapidly approaching 30th birthday, and I will get to be 29 a wee-bit longer.

Lovin' Spoonful

(Bill Cosby would be proud of all of this Jell-O product placement. Frazzle-snazzle!)

Good thing Miles can walk on his own now; Jesse refused to carry him to the bath tub. Oddly enough, Miles is not the only one with some sensory/ tactile issues in our house. Dada has some major reservations about gooey substances, i.e. pudding, finger paint, lotion, etc. Think I might develop a sensory diet for the elder one, too. Obviously, Miles is making major progress in this department. What you don't see is kiddo rocking out in the rice box during his therapy session. This week, my kitchen floor looked like an impromptu wedding was held there. A wedding where rice was used instead of birdseed. Maybe I could do some subversive techniques with Jesse, like hiding rice in his gloves. Hmmm.... maybe I am onto something, surprise therapy! Wait, isn't that called an intervention?

Regardless, Miles is turning into a spoon master. He's much chiller when he's calling the culinary shots, and I am more than happy to indulge him in this department.

And, on an unrelated note, in one month and one day, Miles will be 2 years old! Woo-hoo!