Flashback

I came across this picture while looking at some photos this morning.  This was taken around this time last year.  Oh how my sweet boy has grown!

Jake,
I cannot even find the words to tell you how much I love you.  You brighten my days just by being you! Everything you do is more precious than the moment before.  Your personality blossoms more and more every day.  I love watching you grow and learn.  I am so proud to be your mom!  You are such a blessing!  I love you!


Love, 
Mama

I'm Big & Strong (Slightly Behind)

Jacob's Budroe (Neal's dad) has told Jake he was big and strong forever.   Now Jake makes a big motion when we tell him that.  It seems this toddler is REALLY a big and strong fella.  Today (at 19 months) we had his wellness visit.  Here are Jake's stats...

Height 33.5 inches - Above average!

Weight 25lbs 20 oz - Averaging out - our round baby is slimming out. :)

Makeup Mimic

I remember the first time I saw my mom put on makeup.  I was a child and I remember dramatically telling her not to put that stuff on because she didn't look like my mom.  I am not sure if it was her everyday makeup or a new sampling, but that is how I remember it.

I remember the first time my dad saw me with makeup on, "does your mom know you're wearing that stuff" he asked? haha!

I remember when Jake was just a little baby and I'd sit up, legs stretched out with him sitting with me as we both faced the tv.  I'd set my makeup bag infront of him and put on my makeup while he marveled at the shiny blush brush and eyelash curler.

As Jake got bigger he'd play with each item in my bag.  As the months went on his interest changed to wanting to take out each thing - eyeshadow, blush, etc. and then put them back in the bag.

Just a few months ago I was putting on my coverup.  As odd as it may be, I dot it all over my face and then rub it in.  As I covered my face with "dots" Jake looked up at me and said "hi" as though making sure mama is still there.  It was so funny and he still does that every time he sees me put on makeup...says "hi"!

Just the other day I dumped the items out of my makeup bag and Jake picked up each piece one by one putting it up to his eye and holding it there a few seconds.  I guess I have curled my eyelashes more than enough infront of him.

I love those funny little things he does to mimic us.  I love that he watches me and imitates me.  I love that these simple moments are such big memories for me.  I don't so much love that they involve my makeup bag and it's occupants.  :)

Until next time...

Get It Together Mama

This week was a busy one considering Jake had a cold and missed MMO both Monday and Wednesday.  I have enjoyed our extra quality time this week, but by the end of the week I'm sure my choice of clothes, frizzy hair, and lack of makeup made a statement that I was nearly out of gas.

Nonetheless, I managed to pull it together and make our Friday playdate with our sweet friends Shelby and Elise.  We ventured to the Rock Hill Children's Museum followed with a lovely lunch.  (Jake's delightful lunchtime behavior is another story.)  The RH Children's Museum is one of my favorite places to take Jake at this age.  It is small enough that I don't feel a constant need to follow him around, but also large enough to keep him entertained.

After being there a while I took Jake to the restroom to change his diaper.  Diaper changes are an event in themselves at this stage not to mention in an unfamiliar place.  Jake was not about to lie down on the changing table.  After trying twice I knew it was going to be one of those "standing diaper changes".  Lets just say that is a pain in the rear (no pun intended) when your child has left you a "poop poop" (as we call it).  After the dramatic diaper change that took nearly forever we headed back in for more fun.  I put Jake down and he ran straight for play...LIKE THIS...

Yep, that's MY kid.  No fault of his own that he doesn't have it together today. hahaha!  You might be thinking, "Jennifer, that looks like your home and not a museum."  Why yes, yes it is.  That is because I did it a second time later that day.  Good grief!

As my friend Mary likes to say... I think I'll kick my feet up tonight and have a "sip".

A Blog Left Behing

Lets face it, moms, it's hard keeping up with a blog. I love to do it. I love to look back at the posts and have "remember when" moments with it, but the truth is I'm busy! You get it, right?

Along with the physical aches and pains caused by my sweet toddler fighting diaper changes, using me as a jungle gym and admiring me as a human teething toy I have allot to accomplish in a day. There is a daily minimum of two clothes changes, numerous diaper changes, meals to prepare and feed, toys to take out and put up, noses to wipe, smiles to ensure, boo boos to kiss, and so on and so on and so on.  You get the point.  -AND WELL, that is just for Jake - not to mention taking care of myself and the dog during the day. Am I complaining? Heck NO (I so love it)! What I am doing here is making (a very valid list (haha)) of excuses for a blog left behind. :)

Sooooo...

I've decided to take a new direction with this blog. My reason is two-fold. ONE - If I don't update at every monthly check up, I feel guilty. If I don't update following a holiday, I feel guilty. If I don't update after a play date, I feel guilty. You get the drift. TWO - To make it more fun for this blogging mama!

I've decided to not feel an obligation to blogging and updating after each "event". After all, I have pictures of those moments. Not to say they won't make the blog, but that will no longer be my focus. My point is, it's time to focus on those moments that I may not remember and the stories that make our life fun and interesting - that make us who we are. So, "fun blogging" here I come.

I hope you, too, will enjoy our Sweet Southern Stories!