'Summer' Fun

It's been a couple of weeks so I thought I'd stop by and share some pictures from what I call 'Summer', which is actually still just plain old Spring. I do think that Spring should be called Summer here and 'Inferno' should replace the months of June through August, but that's beside the point.
We spend mornings inside (if I can keep him away from the doggy door) until the sun goes behind the house. Then it's pool time! I can tell you that boys do not tire of dirt, water, mud, rocks, wood chips or dog poop. It's never-ending fun for him, though, and how could I possibly tire of watching him gather all of the above in his pail and carry it around like it's some sort of treasure?

There's plenty of trouble to be found
indoors, too!

Happy Mother's Day to me!

I had a wonderful 2nd Mother's Day this year. Last year was a tough one - being my first one, I had some mighty big expectations; flowers, a complete house-cleaning, a day at the spa, a parade. Obviously, 3 months of being a mom is nothing compared to a year and 3 months which in turn is just a speck in time compared to the many years to come.To me, this 2nd Mother's Day was just a day for me to reflect on the last year, absorb the changes in Isaac and me and to know that all I can do is love my son. That being said, when Isaac came waddling up the hallway Saturday night dragging a bouquet of white tulips and then lifted them up to me with that big smile and those bright eyes I was fulfilled. It's not about pampering and thanking and parades. It's about the every day things, the smiles, the hugs and the rewards of knowing inside me that I'm doing a good job. We had such a great day! The Las Vegas weather was gorgeous and after an always perfect brunch on the patio at Mon Ami Gabi, we took a walk on the strip by the Bellagio Fountains. Isaac was a perfect little monkey the whole day. No drama at the restaurant and sweet as pie in his stroller or waddling alongside us on our walk. Motherhood has been perfect so far and I'm looking forward to many more rewarding days, weeks and years to come!

Vacation is over...

Isaac and I took a trip to Florida to visit his 'Nana', get some R&R and rid ourselves of the darn end-of-winter colds that had been nagging us the last month or so. A fever, two new ear thermometers, Motrin, one and a half new teeth and approximately 29 temper tantrums later - including the one that I believe ended our eating out days forever - Isaac got used to my mom and his new (unfortunately temporary) surroundings.Yay - I could finally walk around the condo without a 14 and a half month old appendage on my hip or wrapped around my leg. Sure, we had been swimming in the pool and playing on the beach all week, the toys were out pretty much the entire time in the living room and naps dictated our days, but there was a definite turning point. By day 8 or 9 Isaac let go of his inhibitions and let Nana in. He followed her around the condo, out the door, cried when she left and allowed her to get him out of bed (without taking it out on me later). He actually preferred Nana over me when it came time to play. It was wonderful; then 3 days later we had to leave.
Neither one of us wanted to get on the plane when it came time to go Saturday. I was a little concerned the days leading up to our flight that we might contract the Swine Flu and contemplated staying another week...or two...or three... ;) but alas, I missed my husband, my home and my scheduled life. The island way of life was really starting to rub off on me and at a certain point on Saturday I didn't care much if I ever planned another trip to the grocery store, meal for my family or play date. But I sucked it up and got on the plane. The flight wasn't so bad. Ask the guy in front of us and you'll get a different story, but I was very proud of my little jet-setter! We were lucky enough to be moved to the last row and have it all to ourselves the entire

ride home. At one point Isaac even sat on a couple of pillows with his seat belt firmly fastened and ate a snack! He was pretty proud of himself and I was too, of course. He looked so grown up. One great tip I hope I never forget is that M&M's work wonders for take-off and landing. Isaac is too big now to snuggle up in those little seats and nurse anymore, so I had to come up with something that he would *for sure* suck on and swallow to save his little ears. M&M's is all I had and that was what it was. They saved my sanity and my co-passengers ears, and I believe they will make an appearance on all future flights as well. On the 3 1/2 hour flight from Houston to Las Vegas Isaac actually fell asleep before take-off and I was able to lay him down on the two empty seats next to me. I then proceeded to read an entire US Weekly magazine and watch the movie "Marley and Me" - yes people, the whole thing...I was finally on vacation!
Seeing my baby loving on his daddy all day Sunday, walking around grinning from ear to ear, playing with his doggies and even showering cranky old Buddy with kisses made me realize how sweet home really is to a 1 year old. He loves his routine - and his peeps - that's for sure.