What better way to get back into the whole blogging thing (yes, I realize it's been almost a month) than by playing Blog Tag? Thanks, Meg, for the encouragement!
Now, here is my "6 interesting things about yourself" list:
1) Mark and I hiked on a lava bed at the base of Mt. Kilauea and saw liquid lava flowing about a foot in front of us. And it got dark before we found our way back. And we didn’t have a flashlight. It was one of the few times in my life in which I was genuinely scared.
2) I hate being alone in social situations where I don’t know anyone else. It makes me very anxious.
3) If life’s circumstances were different (i.e., I wasn’t married with a kid), I would seriously consider joining the Peace Corps for a while. It has always seemed like such a cool thing to do.
4) I am a control freak. I take on way more than I can handle sometimes because I like to have a hand in all of it – whatever “it” may be. This need for control also explains my need to plan. Everything. All of the time.
5) I earned straight A’s every semester during my junior and senior years in undergrad. I also earned straight A’s all through grad school. Not trying to brag, just worked my ass off and am pretty damn proud of it.
6) I have been within arm’s reach of Al Gore and Jerry Springer.
Ok, there you have it!
The rules state that I should now tag 6 other bloggers to join in the fun. The only problem is that I don't know any other bloggers that haven't already been tagged except for my very good high school friend, Lauren and I'm not sure she'd participate since her blog is dedicated solely to her boys. But maybe a "6 interesting things about my boys" list? Hmmmm, we shall see.
More "real," substantial blogging to come soon, I promise! There surely hasn't been a lack of things to blog about; just lack of motivation and time, really...
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Clean up, clean up, everybody, everywhere...
This morning started out just like every other morning does. I had just gotten home from the gym, was sipping my coffee and checking my email, Mark was eating breakfast, and Anthony was in the family room playing with his toys, Legos to be more specific.
Well it was obvious that Anthony was getting frustrated due to the audible grunts and whining coming from his direction. Apparently he wasn't able to get two of the Legos to connect. At this point though, I'm thinking, just like I usually do, that a little frustration is good and that if I give him time to try to figure out the problem and he succeeds, it'll just make him more determined and less frustrated the next time it happens. So as I'm watching and waiting and wondering when he'll break down and ask for help, this is what we hear:
"Dammit! Oh dammit!"
I immediately get his attention and say, "No, Anthony we don't say that. We say, 'Oh no!'"
To which he replies, "Oh sit! Oh sit." (And no, he wasn't telling Mama to sit down.)
Damn! Where does he pick this sh*t up???
So yes, in the interest of Mark and I's reputation, it's time for everybody, everywhere to clean up, clean up.
Well it was obvious that Anthony was getting frustrated due to the audible grunts and whining coming from his direction. Apparently he wasn't able to get two of the Legos to connect. At this point though, I'm thinking, just like I usually do, that a little frustration is good and that if I give him time to try to figure out the problem and he succeeds, it'll just make him more determined and less frustrated the next time it happens. So as I'm watching and waiting and wondering when he'll break down and ask for help, this is what we hear:
"Dammit! Oh dammit!"
I immediately get his attention and say, "No, Anthony we don't say that. We say, 'Oh no!'"
To which he replies, "Oh sit! Oh sit." (And no, he wasn't telling Mama to sit down.)
Damn! Where does he pick this sh*t up???
So yes, in the interest of Mark and I's reputation, it's time for everybody, everywhere to clean up, clean up.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Thanks for the reassurance, Bud!
As Anthony's looking out the front window, waiting for his friend, Nolan, to come over for a playdate this morning:
A: "No-No, where are you?"
A: "No-No?"
M: "Hmmm, I wonder where he is, Bud..."
A: "Mama, don't worry, Mama, don't worry."
A: "No-No, where are you?"
A: "No-No?"
M: "Hmmm, I wonder where he is, Bud..."
A: "Mama, don't worry, Mama, don't worry."
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Yes we did. Change has come.
I have always been proud to be an American.
However, never have I felt as proud as I do now since the moment the announcement was made on CNN that Barack Obama was to become the next president of the United States.
My thoughts and feelings surrounding the results of the election are so strong and so real. However, I feel that trying to articulate them in words would not do them justice. Whatever written description I could formulate, I strongly believe would pale in comparison to the intensity and depth of the significance the outcome of this election has on me, my country, and the world I live in. So I'm not going to try.
This afternoon, we went into D.C. to once again take part in history in the making. Avaaz.org erected a wall yesterday on the grounds between the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool. A wall that serves as a means to voice opinions surrounding Obama's victory. As I left my message and read what others had written, I was once again overcome with emotion and pride. The experience and the meaning behind it all was so very powerful.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
CHANGE HOPE OBAMA
November 4th, 2008.
I have been waiting for today for a looooooong time. And I must say, it's a bit ridiculous how obsessed I've been with all of the election coverage so far today. It's all so very exciting to me.
Last night, Mark, Courtney, and I went to Obama's last pre-Election Day rally.
He chose to hold it in Manassas, VA at the Prince William County fairgrounds. SO COOL for so many reasons. So cool that it was so close to home. So cool to spend Election Day Eve with the presidential candidate that I voted for and so strongly believe in. So cool that he picked Northern Virginia as his final rally spot. And so cool the significance of it all.
We were told that there were 80,000+ people in attendance. Everywhere I looked, there were people from all different races, all different nationalities, all different ages.
The hope...
the energy...
the enthusiasm...
the excitement...
...all SO palpable.
It was awesome.
In addition to the elements of what has come to be familiar Barack Obama campaign rhetoric, he said something that I hadn't heard before and that really struck me. As some people booed Obama's first mention of McCain, he quickly responded, "Oh no folks. Remember, we don't boo. We just vote."
Sure, there have been negative campaign ads and comments on either side of the aisle, but I strongly believe that Obama has run his campaign with such integrity. He has done such a good job of concentrating his efforts on explaining his ideas, thoughts, hopes, and intentions instead of trying to win this election by pointing out what his opponent hasn't done, why his opponent is wrong about the way he feels on certain issues, etc. etc. etc. And above all, he has always portrayed such a balanced sense of confidence and compassion and has remained so stoic throughout it all.
That gives me hope. And part of that hope is hoping that enough other people feel the same way...
I have been waiting for today for a looooooong time. And I must say, it's a bit ridiculous how obsessed I've been with all of the election coverage so far today. It's all so very exciting to me.
Last night, Mark, Courtney, and I went to Obama's last pre-Election Day rally.
He chose to hold it in Manassas, VA at the Prince William County fairgrounds. SO COOL for so many reasons. So cool that it was so close to home. So cool to spend Election Day Eve with the presidential candidate that I voted for and so strongly believe in. So cool that he picked Northern Virginia as his final rally spot. And so cool the significance of it all.We were told that there were 80,000+ people in attendance. Everywhere I looked, there were people from all different races, all different nationalities, all different ages.
The hope...
the energy...
the enthusiasm...
the excitement...
...all SO palpable.
It was awesome.
In addition to the elements of what has come to be familiar Barack Obama campaign rhetoric, he said something that I hadn't heard before and that really struck me. As some people booed Obama's first mention of McCain, he quickly responded, "Oh no folks. Remember, we don't boo. We just vote."
Sure, there have been negative campaign ads and comments on either side of the aisle, but I strongly believe that Obama has run his campaign with such integrity. He has done such a good job of concentrating his efforts on explaining his ideas, thoughts, hopes, and intentions instead of trying to win this election by pointing out what his opponent hasn't done, why his opponent is wrong about the way he feels on certain issues, etc. etc. etc. And above all, he has always portrayed such a balanced sense of confidence and compassion and has remained so stoic throughout it all.
That gives me hope. And part of that hope is hoping that enough other people feel the same way...
Monday, November 3, 2008
"Happy Happyween!"
"Happyween" (i.e., Halloween) 2008 was Anthony's 3rd Halloween. But, it was his first Halloween in which he was somewhat aware of the whole concept - dressing up, trick-or-treating, candy, "dosts," "pumpah," "spooooooty!" And let me tell you, he had a B-L-A-S-T!
For starters, he got to go trick-or-treating with one of his best friends, Jade, who dressed up as Anthony's other half - Raggedy Ann. They made SUCH a cute pair!
He also got to eat a lot of candy, starting at Dabbah's (Grandma's) house before he even got into his costume. That kid loves his candy. And boy, does he come by that honestly!
Some of the highlights and memories of Halloween 2008 include:
For starters, he got to go trick-or-treating with one of his best friends, Jade, who dressed up as Anthony's other half - Raggedy Ann. They made SUCH a cute pair!
He also got to eat a lot of candy, starting at Dabbah's (Grandma's) house before he even got into his costume. That kid loves his candy. And boy, does he come by that honestly!
Some of the highlights and memories of Halloween 2008 include:
- watching Anthony knock on neighbors' doors...over and over and over...until someone (finally!) opened them
- having to throw off my shoes and run into a stranger's house after Anthony because he assumed that an open door meant that he was welcome to step inside at his leisure
- having to explain to Anthony that it's nice manners to only take one piece, as opposed to one HANDFUL, of candy when the entire bowl is put about 6 inches from your face
- Anthony trying to sample each piece of loot he scored, sometimes before we even made it back down the driveway and onto the sidewalk(!)
- watching him stuff his Halloween candy into a "dost's" pocket because he saw (empty) candy bar wrappers in the ghost's pocket and assumed that's what he was supposed to do with his candy too
- watching Anthony eagerly and excitedly walk down the sidewalk, telling Jade to "c'mon!" because she wasn't walking fast enough
- the sound of Anthony dragging his trick-or-treat bag on the ground behind him because it was too big and heavy for him to keep off of the ground...and the black streaks on the underside of the bag by the end of the night
But above all else, the most special memory I will take with me forever from that night is how innocent and pure he is. Without ever articulating it himself, I could tell Anthony genuinely couldn't have been happier doing anything else that evening. He loved it. And being able to relive the magic of Halloween through his eyes made me feel like a kid again.
The way I felt this Halloween was the way I felt years ago when I was the one out trick-or-treating with my sister and my cousins, each of us carrying around our precious pillowcases filled with candy that we worked hard for. I almost wanted to sit down in the middle of my mom's living room with Anthony when we got back and sort through the candy, making piles of Snickers, Reese cups, Nerds, the inevitable "trade pile" of candy you didn't like and therefore was "tradeable" for candy that you did like just like I used to do with my sister and cousins years ago. But alas, those times, for me, are gone. It is now Anthony's turn.
Thank you, Raggedy Andy, for allowing me to enjoy Halloween as much as I did this year. You probably won't remember much of this Halloween when you grow up, but I want you to know that there was nothing about it you didn't like, including bedtime because you were so utterly exhausted! I'm glad that you had such a good time. It is because of you that it is all so special to me again.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Yes. Yes. Yes.
I saw this quote today and absolutely love it:
"Rosa sat so Martin could walk. Martin walked so Obama could run. Obama is running so our children can fly."
6 more days...
"Rosa sat so Martin could walk. Martin walked so Obama could run. Obama is running so our children can fly."
6 more days...
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Election Day? Bring it, baby!
The 2008 Presidential Election has me excited beyond words for so many reasons. One of the reasons is because this time, Virginia is actually considered a swing state. Although I've voted (for the Democratic ticket) in every presidential election since I turned 18, I could pretty much count on Virginia going "red" long before Election Day; and therefore felt like my vote didn't really count. The potential, and very real possibility, for that to be turned around this time has me giddy. Yes, my friends (thanks for wearing that phrase out, McCain), I'm so flippin' giddy!
From today's postings on http://www.electoral-vote.com/:
"Obama has 260 EVs from states where his lead is 10% or more. McCain has 134 EVs from states where he is strong. It is hard to imagine dropping 10 points in any state where he now leads by 10 or more. This means he has to pick up only 10 more EVs somewhere, and Virginia and Colorado look like good candidates."
and
"Two polls in Virginia are far apart. Mason-Dixon, which is based in nearby D.C., puts Obama 2 points ahead, whereas Opinion Research says he is 10 points ahead. Virginia is especially important because its polls close at 7 P.M., the earliest closing in the nation, and if the networks call Virginia for Obama at, say, 8 P.M., the election is de facto over, even though polls are still open in many states."
Now, I know it's important not to get too excited and assume it's already over at this point, but I think I may dust off those party hats and throw a bottle of champagne in the fridge just in case...
From today's postings on http://www.electoral-vote.com/:
"Obama has 260 EVs from states where his lead is 10% or more. McCain has 134 EVs from states where he is strong. It is hard to imagine dropping 10 points in any state where he now leads by 10 or more. This means he has to pick up only 10 more EVs somewhere, and Virginia and Colorado look like good candidates."
and
"Two polls in Virginia are far apart. Mason-Dixon, which is based in nearby D.C., puts Obama 2 points ahead, whereas Opinion Research says he is 10 points ahead. Virginia is especially important because its polls close at 7 P.M., the earliest closing in the nation, and if the networks call Virginia for Obama at, say, 8 P.M., the election is de facto over, even though polls are still open in many states."
Now, I know it's important not to get too excited and assume it's already over at this point, but I think I may dust off those party hats and throw a bottle of champagne in the fridge just in case...
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Pure & Utter Randomness
Because I don't feel like organizing my thoughts in the least...
- I love the fall. I love everything about it, especially clear, crisp days like today where the skies are blue, the wind is blowing, and leaves of all different colors are whirling around like confetti being dropped from above.
- $2.95/gallon for gas? What?! YES! (Ridiculous that that is so exciting...)
- Can someone please tell me who sent the memo to Anthony that he turned 2? Seriously, where is the sweet, he-can-do-no-wrong baby I brought into this world a little over 2 years ago? That child turned 2 and did not miss one single beat. He is the epitome of a "Terrible Two" these days. More on that to come in a future blog post, I'm sure. For now, I'm too exhausted and have too many other things to do besides blog during naptime to expand with details...
- Luigi Bosca 2005 Malbec from Argentina - kind of pricey (and by that I mean not under $10/bottle...it's more like $20), but holy shit, my friends, if you like red wine, you MUST give this a try.
- I love my Obama sweatshirt.
- For the first time since my knee "injury" (that's in quotes cause I really have no clue how I injured it) that came into existence right after our Maine trip in August, I was able to run, that's right, RUN(!), on the treadmill at the gym this morning. Didn't want to push it, but damn, it felt so good.
- I need a new haircut. Actually, I need more of a new hairstyle. I just haven't been excited about my hair in a long time. Hmmmm.....
- I need to stop buying Anthony those one-piece jammies with footies that zip up from the foot to the neck. That is, unless I want to continue doing daily loads of laundry because he unzips his jammies and takes his diaper off before falling asleep. Oh, and then proceeds to "water" his entire crib and everything in it throughout the night. Yep. As soon as I walked in the door this morning from the gym, Mark calls out, "Ahhhhh, Pookie? Come up here, we have a 'situation.'" A situation? Seriously, what would he have done if I hadn't come home? Is Mom really that indispensable? I think so.
- I absolutely can't wait for November 4th.
- I'm excited to go to Weight Watchers tonight. I had many-a-temptation this past week and made some really good choices in spite of it all. I am proud of myself and can't wait to see the number on the scale tonight.
- Girlfriends rock.
- Do you have songs that you secretly love? The kinds of songs that you turn up just a little louder when you're in the car...only, and I mean only, after making sure all of the windows are sealed shut? I do. And I thought about that at the gym this morning when they popped up on my playlist. "Return to Innocence" by Enigma and "Let Her Cry" by Hootie are the two that made me chuckle. "If only the 2 dudes running on either side of me knew what I was listening to right now..."
- Life is complicated. Life is frustrating. Life forces you to examine who you are. And sometimes life makes you realize you're not the person you thought you were.
Ok, I think that's it for now...
Monday, October 6, 2008
I love these guys.
We all headed up to the Jersey shore this past weekend for a cousin's wedding. The wedding itself was a blast. But, the one part of the weekend that stands out in my mind is getting the opportunity to spend time with my siblings...all of them...at the same time. Thanks to that thing called "life," it isn't often anymore to find all four of us in the same room together. But when the situation arises...holy cow...watch out. We know how to tear it up and have a good time doing it. I absolutely love our time spent together. And what makes it more special is that the other three feel the same way about it. It rocks. And the icing on the cake? They all love Mark and Mark loves them. We are some of the luckiest people in the world...
Friday, October 3, 2008
"Haaa-ppyyyy Bobay," Budly!
Dear Anthony,
You turned 2 yesterday and although you probably won't remember much of it when you're older, Daddy and I tried our hardest to make your birthday one that didn't feel like any other normal day and one in which you felt extra special. I think we just might have succeeded.
I stopped at the store on the way home from the gym yesterday morning so I could surprise you with a Happy Birthday balloon (you LOVE those things) and some chocolate donuts (your absolute love of "dodahs" was inevitable, considering the parents you've got!) for breakfast. You also opened cards from Daddy & I, Aunt Sue & Uncle Jim, and Aunt Jo & Uncle Donny. You were so excited about it all and I couldn't stop smiling. You appreciate the simplest things and remind me constantly how important it is do take time to recognize that.
After breakfast, you helped Daddy put together the play kitchen/grill that he and I bought you. It's awesome and you love it. You especially love wearing the chef's hat and have already made us countless cups of coffee, hamburgers, bread, and hot dogs. And you're so good with reminding us that the grill is "hos" (hot) and that we need to blow on it to cool it off. :)
Although you could have played with your present all day, we had to get ready quickly because Grandma was on her way over. She surprised you with another present...new clothes! You had such a fun time trying them on...and of course wouldn't let me help you. And by the way, you absolutely adore Grandma...and she adores you beyond belief. It's fun for me to watch your relationship with her strengthen and evolve as time goes on. I can't put into words how special it is.
I bought tickets for you, me, and Grandma to go see Harold and the Purple Crayon at the Adventure Theater yesterday morning. We checked the book out at the library 2 weeks ago and have been reading it since then in anticipation of the show, so you were really excited when you realized that Harold was right in front of us on stage! It was a great show. You made me SO proud and so happy because you really seemed to like it and behaved so well during the performance. You insisted on sitting on the riser yourself, right between Grandma and I. You'll never understand what I'm about to say, but at one point during the show, you quietly and discreetly scooted over to me and climbed in my lap. Not a word was said and not a glance was taken in my direction, but knowing that you still need me and love me enough to want to cuddle with me like that, especially at this point in your life when you are increasingly yearning to be more independent, melted my heart and made me feel like the luckiest mom in the world.
Grandma treated us to lunch at the Lost Dog Cafe after the show. You had a blast drinking water with a straw from a big boy cup and, despite Grandma's prediction that you'd be too full (from all the water!) to eat your grilled cheese, you tackled that thing like a champ! Just like you always do. You LOVE to eat. That is one thing that has never changed since the day you were born. After lunch, we came home for a much-needed nap!
After a long nap and some more playing with your kitchen, we headed out to pick Daddy up from the Metro. We were picking him up so that we could meet up with Uncle Dan at Generous George's for your birthday dinner. The relationship you have with Uncle Dan is so neat. He's one of Daddy's best friends and loves you so much. And you know what? Since you were old enough to smile, pictures confirm that you love him just the same. You think he's awesome and you have so much fun with him. He makes you laugh all the time and genuinely enjoys playing with you. You got to sit next to him at dinner and loved every second of it. Dinner was fun and you loved the mozzarella sticks and "peesa" (pizza)! And just because it was your birthday, the waiter brought you a special birthday balloon and an ice cream sundae for dessert...which of course, you thought was fantastic.
You stayed up late last night. You usually go to bed around 7:30pm these days, but because it was your birthday, we let you stay up a little later so that you could show Uncle Dan your kitchen and grill when we got home for dinner. You were so excited to show him and he totally indulged you. Like I said, Uncle Dan is special.
So yes, I think you had a great birthday yesterday. I have to tell you that while you were napping, I popped in the DVD video of the day you were born. Although I didn't cry as much as I thought I would, I got very teary. That day 2 years ago seems like a lifetime ago. It's getting to the point where I can't remember life without you. Watching as the nurse cleaned you off right after you were born, I was struck by how little and how helpless you looked.
And now, in the blink of an eye, it seems you've grown into this little boy that is so strong-willed and wants to do everything on your own. You are so curious and so full of enthusiasm for everything. You want so badly to do everything yourself. You want to be a risk-taker, but you don't like taking risks. You like to test limits and boundaries, but you are also so affectionate and never hesitate to give kisses or tell me that you love me. You love smiling and laughing. You love to eat. You run everywhere because you just can't get there fast enough. You love doing things for other people. You love trains, cars, your blankie, sucking your thumb, being outside and getting dirty, coloring, helping out whenever and where ever you can, playing with your friends, singing, talking, taking baths, reading books - the list goes on and on. You are just busting at the seams with excitement for everything you do.
I can't put into words how special you are to Daddy and I. We love you SO SO SO much and we are beyond proud of who you are and the person you're growing up to be. Happy 2nd birthday, sweet Budly.
Love always,
Mama
You turned 2 yesterday and although you probably won't remember much of it when you're older, Daddy and I tried our hardest to make your birthday one that didn't feel like any other normal day and one in which you felt extra special. I think we just might have succeeded.
I stopped at the store on the way home from the gym yesterday morning so I could surprise you with a Happy Birthday balloon (you LOVE those things) and some chocolate donuts (your absolute love of "dodahs" was inevitable, considering the parents you've got!) for breakfast. You also opened cards from Daddy & I, Aunt Sue & Uncle Jim, and Aunt Jo & Uncle Donny. You were so excited about it all and I couldn't stop smiling. You appreciate the simplest things and remind me constantly how important it is do take time to recognize that.
After breakfast, you helped Daddy put together the play kitchen/grill that he and I bought you. It's awesome and you love it. You especially love wearing the chef's hat and have already made us countless cups of coffee, hamburgers, bread, and hot dogs. And you're so good with reminding us that the grill is "hos" (hot) and that we need to blow on it to cool it off. :)
Although you could have played with your present all day, we had to get ready quickly because Grandma was on her way over. She surprised you with another present...new clothes! You had such a fun time trying them on...and of course wouldn't let me help you. And by the way, you absolutely adore Grandma...and she adores you beyond belief. It's fun for me to watch your relationship with her strengthen and evolve as time goes on. I can't put into words how special it is.
I bought tickets for you, me, and Grandma to go see Harold and the Purple Crayon at the Adventure Theater yesterday morning. We checked the book out at the library 2 weeks ago and have been reading it since then in anticipation of the show, so you were really excited when you realized that Harold was right in front of us on stage! It was a great show. You made me SO proud and so happy because you really seemed to like it and behaved so well during the performance. You insisted on sitting on the riser yourself, right between Grandma and I. You'll never understand what I'm about to say, but at one point during the show, you quietly and discreetly scooted over to me and climbed in my lap. Not a word was said and not a glance was taken in my direction, but knowing that you still need me and love me enough to want to cuddle with me like that, especially at this point in your life when you are increasingly yearning to be more independent, melted my heart and made me feel like the luckiest mom in the world.
Grandma treated us to lunch at the Lost Dog Cafe after the show. You had a blast drinking water with a straw from a big boy cup and, despite Grandma's prediction that you'd be too full (from all the water!) to eat your grilled cheese, you tackled that thing like a champ! Just like you always do. You LOVE to eat. That is one thing that has never changed since the day you were born. After lunch, we came home for a much-needed nap!
After a long nap and some more playing with your kitchen, we headed out to pick Daddy up from the Metro. We were picking him up so that we could meet up with Uncle Dan at Generous George's for your birthday dinner. The relationship you have with Uncle Dan is so neat. He's one of Daddy's best friends and loves you so much. And you know what? Since you were old enough to smile, pictures confirm that you love him just the same. You think he's awesome and you have so much fun with him. He makes you laugh all the time and genuinely enjoys playing with you. You got to sit next to him at dinner and loved every second of it. Dinner was fun and you loved the mozzarella sticks and "peesa" (pizza)! And just because it was your birthday, the waiter brought you a special birthday balloon and an ice cream sundae for dessert...which of course, you thought was fantastic.
You stayed up late last night. You usually go to bed around 7:30pm these days, but because it was your birthday, we let you stay up a little later so that you could show Uncle Dan your kitchen and grill when we got home for dinner. You were so excited to show him and he totally indulged you. Like I said, Uncle Dan is special.
So yes, I think you had a great birthday yesterday. I have to tell you that while you were napping, I popped in the DVD video of the day you were born. Although I didn't cry as much as I thought I would, I got very teary. That day 2 years ago seems like a lifetime ago. It's getting to the point where I can't remember life without you. Watching as the nurse cleaned you off right after you were born, I was struck by how little and how helpless you looked.
And now, in the blink of an eye, it seems you've grown into this little boy that is so strong-willed and wants to do everything on your own. You are so curious and so full of enthusiasm for everything. You want so badly to do everything yourself. You want to be a risk-taker, but you don't like taking risks. You like to test limits and boundaries, but you are also so affectionate and never hesitate to give kisses or tell me that you love me. You love smiling and laughing. You love to eat. You run everywhere because you just can't get there fast enough. You love doing things for other people. You love trains, cars, your blankie, sucking your thumb, being outside and getting dirty, coloring, helping out whenever and where ever you can, playing with your friends, singing, talking, taking baths, reading books - the list goes on and on. You are just busting at the seams with excitement for everything you do.
I can't put into words how special you are to Daddy and I. We love you SO SO SO much and we are beyond proud of who you are and the person you're growing up to be. Happy 2nd birthday, sweet Budly.
Love always,
Mama
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
31 reasons...
...why my 31st birthday on Saturday was so fantastic:
1) Being able to sleep in(?!) until 8am (it still makes me roll my eyes to think that sleeping until 8am is considered "sleeping in").
2) Waking up to the smell of healthy, homemade "birthday" blueberry muffins...and then having to eat around the wax from the candles that melted in the muffins because Mark stuck them in before the muffins had cooled. Ha! :)
3) No words needed:
4) The Starbucks gift card Anthony gave me.
5) And then realizing that Mark actually had to spend some of his hard-earned money to purchase said gift card, and in the process, supporting the Evil Empire.
6) The 2001 Syrah from Zaca Mesa and the 2005 Pinot Noir from Sanford - both of which are from wineries that were featured in Sideways and were visited by yours truly on our trip out to CA in '05 - from Mark.
7) Being able to get a shower and follow-up with all the other "getting ready" stuff alone(!)...while listening to my iTunes...and singing as loud as I wanted.
8) Voting absentee (so I won't have to stand in ridiculously long lines with Anthony on Election Day) for President Barack Obama. WOO WOO!
9) The brown rice sushi and Sam Adams Oktoberfest I had for lunch.
10) The full-body, deep tissue massage I got - so relaxing and felt sooooooooo good!
11) The (first one of the season!) skinny, no whip PSL (pumpkin spice latte, for those of you that aren't down with the lingo) that my mom bought for me.
12) Sipping said PSL while getting a pedicure and chatting with my mom.
13) Following-up the pedicure with a manicure....
14) ...flanked on either side by Mom and Laura doing the same...
15) ...and engaging in some pretty amusing conversations while drinking mimosas on the house!
16) Coming home after our girls' day at the spa to find the house vacuumed, the bathrooms cleaned, and the homemade (from scratch, including the sauce!) lasagna all prepared and ready to pop in the oven. Marcus, YOU ROCK!
17) The 3 bunches of lilies Laura surprised me with for my "32nd" birthday...
18) ...and the fact that she drove up from Richmond for the afternoon/night just to be here to help me celebrate.
19) Having Heather and Looney over for dinner because they wanted to celebrate with me, but didn't feel comfortable hitting the smoky bars because she's pregnant.
20) The birthday cupcakes that Courtney made and the "fruit cup cake" that Heather brought over for dessert...and eating way too much of both.
21) Getting dressed up to go out.
22) Going to the Skydome, a bar that spins to give you a 360 degree view of D.C.
23) Martinis, rum & Diets, Absolut Mandarin shots. Need I say more?
24) Tech's 35-30 win over Nebraska, in Nebraska. GO HOKIES!
25) Spending "adult time," having "adult conversations," and doing "adult things" with some of my favorite people.
26) The fact that Brian was finally home, after a tour of duty in Lithuania...and knowing how happy Tina was to have him back.
27) Heading to the hookah bar with Courtney, Caity, Laura, & Mark to cap off the evening with a few more drinks and a double-apple hookah.
28) Coming home after a night out and having Toni tell us that Anthony is a pleasure to babysit and that he is the happiest child she has ever known. AND she said she wasn't lying. :)
29) Realizing that I had left my Amex at the hookah bar, tab open, and texting Caity who still (fortunately!) happened to be there with another friend and was able to grab it for me. The vino is calling, PIC, the vino is calling!
30) Laura and I taking forks to the pan of leftover lasagna...
31) ...while Mark was out getting us value meals from McDonald's. That's right. Lasagna and then McDonald's. No wonder I didn't have a hangover on Sunday.
Good times, my friends, good times! A wonderful day, all around. I couldn't have asked for better.
21) Getting dressed up to go out.
22) Going to the Skydome, a bar that spins to give you a 360 degree view of D.C.
23) Martinis, rum & Diets, Absolut Mandarin shots. Need I say more?
24) Tech's 35-30 win over Nebraska, in Nebraska. GO HOKIES!
25) Spending "adult time," having "adult conversations," and doing "adult things" with some of my favorite people.
26) The fact that Brian was finally home, after a tour of duty in Lithuania...and knowing how happy Tina was to have him back.
27) Heading to the hookah bar with Courtney, Caity, Laura, & Mark to cap off the evening with a few more drinks and a double-apple hookah.
28) Coming home after a night out and having Toni tell us that Anthony is a pleasure to babysit and that he is the happiest child she has ever known. AND she said she wasn't lying. :)
29) Realizing that I had left my Amex at the hookah bar, tab open, and texting Caity who still (fortunately!) happened to be there with another friend and was able to grab it for me. The vino is calling, PIC, the vino is calling!
30) Laura and I taking forks to the pan of leftover lasagna...
31) ...while Mark was out getting us value meals from McDonald's. That's right. Lasagna and then McDonald's. No wonder I didn't have a hangover on Sunday.
Good times, my friends, good times! A wonderful day, all around. I couldn't have asked for better.
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