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.

Glik Park

This morning Paul and Aaron took the kids to the park, so that Val and I had a little time to get things done. From the pictures, it looks like they had a great time!

Helicopters!

The kids chasing "helicopters" as Aaron shook them down from a tree in Mia and Davi's back yard.

Tattoo

William was really excited to wear his Cardinal's tattoo. He even slept in it.

Belly Button

If they weren't so young and innocent, this would not be such an appropriate game for them to play....but it was awfully darn cute. Every time Davi touched William's belly button he would laugh and pull down his shirt.

Ice Cream Man....Again

William was treated to a visit from the ice cream man while we were visiting his favorite neighbors. Mia has been waiting days for the ice cream man to come, so she was one happy girl today.

FUN - Rain or Shine

Tonight, Mia and Davi came over to play and have a pizza party. Their Dad is doing some work in the kitchen, so we thought it would be nice for the kids to have a picnic...in the garage due to weather.

They all got a kick out of playing with umbrellas. It wasn't raining very hard when they took their walk, but they still had a good time playing in the rain.