Grandpa's Helper

My parents and their neighbors, Kurt and Brenda, invited us over for a BBQ to celebrate my 30th bday and my mom's...um...29th. William had a great time helping grandpa with the grilling.

The Robot

We were at Best Buy today when William found the car audio section. He had his own personal dance party, where he featured his favorite move "the robot." The party was ruined momentarily when a Best Buy employee saw him dancing and William got embarrassed.

His Future's So Bright

He's gotta wear shades

William decided to keep his sunglasses on for about 2 or so hours this evening. Typically, he won't wear them when we ask him to, but he apparently has a new love for sunglasses. He wore them even though it was cloudy, while we were in Target, and even after we got home...I was afraid he would want to wear them to bed.

Fish Serenade

My sister gave us her fish before she moved to Denver. William was so excited to see all the new fish that he wanted to sing to them. He started off singing and playing the guitar, and ended his concert with a tune on the piano and harmonica. I am certain the fish were very entertained...I know I was.

Big Word

William and Aaron were having a picnic in the car due to rain after the trip to the museum. Aaron was surprised when William repeated a pretty big word after he heard it in a song...."omniverse." We REALLY need to watch every word we say around him.

Warning: The camera action at the beginning may make you a little nauseous.

Daddy Day

Aaron and William went to the Edwardsville Children's Museum today. I took him about a year ago, and he had a good time, but based on the pictures today was WAY more fun. Aaron said his favorite activity was dressing up and pretending to be a firefighter.

Counting

William surprised us with his couting skills last night at dinner.

Playtime

Davi playing with the bubble gun
Davi in the outfit I gave to her for her 2nd birthday...it sure is fun to shop for a girl

William and Mia trying to escape to the ice cream man....we didn't let them get ice cream before dinner (we are SO mean)

Look at how disappointed they look that their escape attempt was foiled

Here are some cute pictures of the kiddos from playtime tonight.

Sunglasses

Here is William sporting Mommy's sunglasses, and wearing his sunglasses in Target. When he put his sunglasses on in Target, he started to strut like he was the coolest kid....it was so funny.

Dino Song

Here is William singing his chart topping hit on Pop and DeeDee's porch.

Pop and DeeDee's

Helping Pop with the fire
Aunt Claire filling the gas tank of the mower

William "gardening"

Great Grandma Jean, William, and DeeDee

He said to me "two hands on the shovel, Mommy."

We went to visit the Robberson gang on Sunday. William spent most of his day "gardening". This activity consisted of putting dirt into a pot with a spade. At one point he said, "this is hard work."

We let him stay up without a nap, so on the trip home he fell asleep while Aaron was practically yelling in his face (in a futile attempt to keep him awake for the hour drive home).....he was EXHAUSTED!!!! I think that was the first time he ever fell asleep while we were trying to engage him.

Davi's 2nd Bday Party

We went down to Paul and Val's house today for Davi's party. William had an absolute BLAST. They had a bounce house, and enough food to feed a small army. All three of us had a great time. William made a few new friends, and only had a few meltdowns....which is good considering he had to watch someone else open presents. He is still REALLY into presents, or "pren-prens" as he still calls them. I thought his affinity towards them would die down a bit after the holidays, but after today's show I am not so sure it has.

Kid's Day

We took William to a little Kids Day festival today. I was so impressed with his abilities on the bounce houses. He scaled a really high ladder and went down the slide all by himself. I thought he would be a little afraid to do it on his own....boy, was I wrong. He kept running from bounce house to bounce house to get his fix.

A Quick Note

Just wanted to record a few things William has said recently.

The other day he was at the park with Aaron, and said
"Who is me, Daddy?"
Aaron wasn't quite sure what he was asking, and before Aaron could answer, William said
"Me is, William?"
Aaron said yes, to which William responded, "oh."

I was driving him to the sitters the other morning and he was eating yogurt melts...a freeze dried form of yogurt for those who are not familiar.
I asked him if his yogurt melts were good, and he said to me:
"Yes, Mommy they are tasty."

I'm a Strong Boy, Mommy

After William went potty this afternoon, I asked him to pull up his big boy pants and shorts. I am trying to teach him some independence in dressing. I was surprised to watch him actually complete the task....even if the execution wasn't flawless. He kept telling me, "I'm a strong boy, Mommy." It was hilarious to watch him walk around with both his legs in one opening of his shorts.

Mohawk Man

I gave William a mohawk in the tub tonight. He liked it at first, but then became rather agitated by it. At one point, he told me that he was mean. The pictures are from the 2nd attempt at a mohawk.....not as good, but oh well.

Mother's Day

William too busy looking for the caterpillar to smile

In the hollow that Grandpa is working on

A sweet moment

This afternoon we went over to have a Mother's Day meal with NeeNee, Grandpa, Aunt Maggie, Meme and Granddaddy. William had so much fun.

He found a caterpillar that he had to show everyone....Granddaddy even came out to see it during the Cardinals game. The game was in the bottom of the 10th inning with bases loaded, 2 outs, and the Cardinals were leading. This goes to show that great-grandparents know what is really important.

It was fun to celebrate the mothers in my life today. What an amazing group of women! Meme (my maternal grandmother) is one of the strongest and most independent women I know. I aspire to have her youthful attitude and vitality into my 80's. My mother, who has become my best friend and confidante. I have learned so much from her, and can never explain to her the gratitude I have for the sacrifices she made for me. It wasn't until I became a mother that I truly understood what she has meant to me all of these years.

Celebrating Mother's Day takes on a new meaning once you are a mother. In the commercialized world, it is made to be a day when mother's are given a break from their duties and allowed to relax. Today, I saw it very differently. It was a day to celebrate motherhood. A day to play, hold, and just be with William. After all, it is William that I have to thank for being a mother. I read a book a while back that talked about how you can give birth, but it takes raising a child to truly be a mother. I understand this now. Since I use this blog as an online scrapbook, I am going to write a thank you note to William. You are welcome to read it, but my intent is for him to always have it.

My Dearest William,

Thank you for allowing me to have the gift of motherhood, and the chance to raise you. Everyday, I learn something through you. When I step back to see the world as you do, I understand what is important. You have given be the greatest amount of joy and happiness that anyone could ask for.

Thank You:

For teaching me that the dishes can wait, when there are trains to be played or tummys to be tickled.

For helping me remember what it feels like to laugh so hard I cry

For putting a smile on my face every time you come running towards me

For showing your Daddy and I what love means

For allowing me to hold you and rock you to sleep even now that you are a "big boy"

For dancing and jumping when I come to pick you up from the sitters....even if you don't want to leave once I am there

For saying "I love you, Mommy"

Like I told your Daddy the night we brought you home, you are the best thing that ever happened to me.

Love Always,

Mommy

William's Work

William is busy practicing his photography skills....notice the improvement over a few days.

Miner Park

Aaron took William to Miner's Park today. Last summer William only played on the toddler playground, this year he told Aaron that is "the silly playground." He has gotten really brave. He goes down the slides alone, and often times face first on his belly.