Shameless Plug

On my other blog I am promoting some holiday cards I can do for you and you and you...oh and you too!

Here is a taste of what I am offering...but click here to see the rest! :)

It sure is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!! :)

29

I have been 29 years young for one week and three days so of course I have been thinking a lot about this last year of my twenties. I am not scared of 30, in fact I bring forth the attitude that my 30’s will provide lots and lots of joy…pretty much like my whole life has provided but with age I do believe comes some comfort too. Comfort with me, my body, my mind and my soul.

I couldn’t really let 29 move on by without putting out there in the good old blog world some profound statements (if I do say so myself) of the past, present and future (this includes a few (half) of song lyrics that I feel are also profound…its my blog I can do what I want to…do what I want to). So anyway, here goes nothing…

1.I am a lover of giving but as a mother I have realized I have also become a taker. I probably was a taker before I became a mother but have just come to realize it now. Anyway, I love the giver part. The taker part I am still trying to come to grips with.

2.ANNA NALIK SAID IT BEST WHEN SHE SANG: 2am and I’m still awake writing a song trying if I get it all down on paper its no longer inside of me threatenin the life it belongs to and I feel like I’m naked in front of crowd cause these words on my diary screaming out loud and I know that you’ll use them however you want to

3.If there is one thing I will stand by, fight for, yell about it is keeping music in schools. Music lesson’s are the gifts that keep on giving throughout life.

4.BRUCE HORNSBY SAID IT BEST WHEN HE SANG a man in a silk suit hurries by as he catches the poor old ladies eye and just to be funny says “get a job”….thats just the way it is, some things will never change

5.Being a snob isn’t always a bad thing. It isn’t always good either.

6.The transition into becoming a parent is the most life altering experience one can go through. I wish it on everyone.

7.THE FRAY SAID IT BEST WHEN THEY SANG: I never knew, I never knew that everything was falling through, that everyone I knew was waiting on cue, to turn and run when all I needed was the truth and that’s how its gotta be, its coming down to nothing more than apathy…everyone knows I’m in over my head, over my head with eight seconds left in overtime she’s your mind…she’s on your mind.

8.Friendship is hard in every stage of your life. {Those people who tell you that high school is the hardest and it is all uphill from there are big fat liars (I also think these are the same liars that tell you pregnancy is bliss). I am just going to put it out there that friendship in high school was a piece of cake in comparison to present day. I am hoping this is an area that gets easier in my 30’s but am not holding my breath. Oh and the reason I say its hard is not because its hard to LIKE my friends, nothing silly like that. Its hard because EVERYONE is in a different place at this age and EVERYONE has an opinion about EVERYONE else’s place and what she should, I should, or you should be doing, feeling, saying, wanting. Friends just don’t let friends LIVE and respect that LIFE (kind of like friends don’t let friends drive drunk...but actually different).}

9.THE DIXIE CHICKS SAID IT BEST WHEN THEY SANG… My friends from high school, married their high school boyfriends…moved into houses in the same zip code where their parents lived but I, I could never follow, no I, I could never follow. I hit the highway…in a pink RV with stars on the ceiling, lived like a gypsy, six strong hands on the steering wheel…been a long time gone now maybe someday someday I’m gonna settle down but I always find my way somehow by takin the long way…takin the long way ‘round.

10.Tradition is important. {It makes me feel safe and all warm and cozy inside.}

11.POINT OF GRACE SAID IT BEST WHEN THEY SANG The skies still blue and my hope is anew, you’re my hope, you’re my joy, you’re my dream that’s still alive, with the wind on back and the sun on my face, you are life you’re grace you are BLUE SKIES

12.A Tragic Life is one filled with lies.

13.JODEE MESSINA SAID IT BEST WHEN SHE SANG Do you gonna be a poet, and write…do you wanna be an actor of the light, do you wanna be a soldier and fight for love, do you wanna travel the world, do you wanna be a diver for pearls, or climb a mountain and touch the clouds above, be anyone you want to be bring to life your fantasies but I want something in return….I want you to BURN, burn for me baby, like a candle in my night, I want you to BURN…Are you gonna be a gambler and deal, or are you gonna be a doctor and heal, or go to heaven and touch God’s face…are you gonna be a dreamer who sleeps, are you gonna be a sinner who weeps or an angel under grace.

14.Confidence can be exuded even when you aren’t.

15.JOHN COUGAR MELLENCAMP SAID IT BEST WHEN HE SANG that’s when a smoke was a smoke and grooving was grooving, dancing meant everything...we were young and we were improving…

16.I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…there is isn’t much better than marrying your best friend {which I have realized EVERYONE says that they married their best friend…but I actually was friends with my husband for 3 years before we dated and having that foundation and background is what I am talking about…don’t get me wrong, I am happy for you and you and you that your husband has become your best friend…but ladies and gents I needed to be clear that we aren’t talking about the same thing. Oh and before you get your panties in a bunch over that statement…please remember, these are MY SELF PROCLAIMED PROFOUND STATEMENTS. I am not Jesus}.

17.RASCALL FLATTS SAID IT BEST WHEN THEY SANG If it couldn’t be then baby how did we get here… Some Say will never get it off the ground, some say we’ll never make it out of town and some day we’ll end up a world apart. Some say we’re a couple of crazy kids, some say that’s exactly what they did, I say you gotta go with your heart…and baby look who we are.

18.Eyebrows are an important asset to your face. Don’t over pluck.

19.STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN SAID IT BEST WHEN HE SANG today I watch in silence as people pass me by and strain to see if there is something hidden in their eye, they all look back at me as if to say “life just goes on”…the old familiar story told in different ways make the most of your own journey from the cradle to the grave dream your dreams tomorrow because today “life just must go on”….but theres more to this life, livin and dyin more than just trying to make it through the day, more to this life more than these eyes alone can see and theres more than this life alone can be.

20.Learning to play poker when you are young is important. It teaches you to how to hang with (outwit) the boys early.

21.LADY GAGA SAID IT BEST WHEN SHE SANG I want to hold em like they do in Texas please. Fold em let em hit me raise it baby stay with me.

22.The four year college experience is one like no other. {It is one of the best gifts I (along with the help of my father) gave to myself.}

23.PINK SAID IT BEST WHEN SHE SANG I don’t want to be the laughs the loudest, or the girl that never wants to be alone. I don’t wanna be the girl that has to fill the silence…the quiet scares me cause it screams the truth.

24.Being able to land in San Diego and navigate that city like I would my own home is something wonderful that came out of my youth…because that place and those people are part of who made me who I am today.

25.DAVE MATTHEWS BAND SAID IT BEST WHEN THEY SANG if these walls came crumbling down, fell so hard to make us lose our faith, from what’s left we’d figure it out, still make lemonade taste like a summer day

26.Your name isn’t your identity…but it makes me smile that to some I will always be known as “Jorgenson”, “Michy kid”, or “Mlouise.”

27.LITTLE BIG TOWN SAID IT BEST WHEN THEY SANG I feel no shame I’m proud of where I came from I was born and raised in the boondocks. One thing I know no matter where I go I keep my heart and soul in the boondocks.

28.In theory, a big family would be ideal. In reality, that means I would have to get pregnant a lot. Reality bites sometimes.

29.RYAN ADAMS SAID IT BEST WHEN HE SANG Today is gonna be the day that they’re gonna give it back to you, by now you should’ve somehow realized what you gotta do, I don’t believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now…Bad beat the word is on the street and the fire in your heart is out, I’m sure you’ve heard it all before but you’ve never really had a doubt, I don’t believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now. And all the roads we have to are co-winding (sp?) and all the lights that lead the way are blinding, there are many things that I would like to say to you but I don’t know how…I said maybe, your gonna be the one that saves me, and afterall…you’re my Wonderwall.

AND ONE TO GROW ON: Laughing so hard you pee your pants is something you miss out on in life if you don’t do it at least once.

Ummm...No Mom

JD has been pretty funny lately and for whatever reason we think the below is hysterical. Right now he has coined the phrase "ummm...no mom" or "no mom" or "uh-uh mom" and says it all the time whether the answer to the question really is "no". I know this won't last so I had to bottle it up on camera so we can have this snip bit for years to come!

Enjoy...

Spooktacular Times...

We have been "enjoying" Halloween a bit more this year with our JD. I put enjoying in quotations because we are not Halloween people at all. We have neighbors that decorate the outside of their home like it is Christmas? Seriously, black and orange lights and huge blow up pumpkins, fake spider webs, the whole bit. Are they kidding me? And we aren't Halloween fans. We don't like scary movies, we don't like trick or treaters, we don't like candy around the house (which equals we have very little will power), we don't like haunted houses, corn mazes, or candy corn. We are Bah Humbuggers to Halloween. There I said it. And I meant every word.




It was this time last year that we had our first play date (insert--awwwww). We dressed the kids up in their said Halloween costumes for a photo opp and started our tradition of a monthly playdate. I have so appreciated this time with my friends who happen to also be mommies of little ones right around JD's age. I feel blessed to have this outlet in my life and I don't say it enough. Click here if you would like to take a walk down memory lane.




This year was a special year for the playdate group though because Mr. Donald Trump himself showed up! Yes you heard it right, Donald Trump. See below...I wouldn't lie to you!

"Don't mind me, just looking over one of my developments that made me millions"-The Donald

But it was a special event I tell you because so did Superman, Tinkerbell, a baby fish, Scooby Doo, and ANGELS were there too.

Just like Donald to be a player

We had fun at a pumpkin patch near our home last Sunday (see photos). It honestly was WAY more fun than I had imagined, and I am talking on behalf of JD here. There were barnyard animals, and since we have yet to make it to our zoo this was JD's first time around live animals. He LOVED mimicking their noises, especially the pigs! Oink! There was also a "moo-choo" train which I got the pleasure of riding along with Mr. JD and to say he was in awe would be an understatement. So fun to experience a moment through the eyes of our child.

I do not get the whole pumpkin patch obsession though. What happened to just buying your pumpkin at the grocery store, carving it to look like what pumpkins are supposed to and leaving it at that. I almost felt a little peer pressured to take my two year old there. Almost. Turns out I did pay over double the price for my pumpkin by purchasing it at this patch. There goes the family budget. I kid, people, I kid. But still, these pumpkin people are laughing all the way to the bank with mine and yours and yours and mine money. On pumpkins. Excuse me while I go plant a pumpkin farm.

So seriously we do wish you and yours a Happy Halloween. Be Safe. Don't eat too much candy and get sick or drink to much vodka and get sicker. :) And don't forget to wash your hands.

Life and TV in Review...

WARNING: this blog is going to be all over the place!



So this past weekend Uncle Badgeman and R got hitched!! I really should say "married" though because it was a beautiful wedding and the word hitched kind of makes it sound like they got married in a courthouse. Which I am not judging at all, but this couple did not go that route so I should respect that. "R" by the way has officially been renamed to "Aunt Ricky" just tellin ya for future reference. All of the pictures showcased on this here blog is from their wedding...enjoy!

Bride and Groom....awwww!

We are so thrilled for Aunt Ricky and Uncle Badgeman, which needs to be mentioned. They are so cute and so in love! I have always loved weddings because the happy couples involved are so giddy about their new life together. Its a beginning and a different beginning for everyone, but its happy every time. Who can't love that? My favorite line from every wedding is from a bible verse (I am not sure which one, so please excuse me) but it goes something like "what God has put together, let no man tear apart." Gives me chills every time. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Feels like God is right there with everyone putting the couple together, making them ONE. I love it.

JD was the ring bearer, can it get any cuter than this toddler in a tux?

I wish Aunt Ricky and Uncle Badgeman the best life has to offer...oh and if you want to see the video I made for their rehearsal dinner, CLICK HERE. :)

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I haven't done a TIVO TALK this season. I know I'm being a slacker. Gonna do this flyby style...

Uncle VP and JD (Uncle VP is the lucky one, he is the only family member that got a photo opp with our little one. OOPS!)

Overall, I am pretty excited that it seems the sitcom is making a comeback. I do love my drama's but honestly I have had to drop a few of them due to their over-dramaticness! And lets be honest sitcoms=funny (most of the time) and its way more fun to laugh than it is to cry!

New Shows:

Modern Family (ABC)-Pretty freaking hilarious overall. I think this one could stick. I love the Claire's husband Phil. Its not slap stick funny, but cute enough.

How cute is Uncle VP's girlfriend?

Cougar Town (ABC)-I know you were probably thinking everything I was about this show. But honestly, this IS slap stick funny! I laugh out loud almost every week! And if you are one of those that judged the book by its cover, you are missing out. Last week, for example Courtney Cox's character found the sex tape her and her ex hubby made when they were 19 and her and her girlfriends drank wine and watched the PG parts and laughed! Lets be honest, Courtney Cox is just funny.

The Good Wife (CBS)-This one IS a Drama but I kind of like where they have taken it. The show starts out with a cheating husband who happens to be the state's attorney. He was caught with hookers, steps down and is in prison currently. I like that they have made the wife's character strong, smart and pretty darn "real." I like that its not all about the cheating husband, which I originally thought it was going to be. I like that its kind of like watching an on going movie once a week. This one may not last but I am going to enjoy it while it does.

The First (and ONLY) Wives Club :)

Community-All I have to say about this one is I am giving it ONE more week. Chevy Chase is disappointing!

Hi my name is P-Daddy and I look JUST like my real Daddy! Scary huh?!

Oldies But Goodies:

Grey's Anatomy-Still a favorite but its moving on down the list. I think this merger might just be what saves them because last week's episode somewhat resembled (to me at least) the earlier days of Grey's WHERE I ACTUALLY LAUGHED!

Private Practice-I really wasn't and maybe never will be over the fact that some crazy lady cut Violet's baby out of her and they left us ALL SUMMER waiting to know what happened. Cruel. Anyway, I am not really on board with Violet's decision to give up the baby but they are staying true to her character by what they have done here which I do like. Overall, this is one of my VERY favorite shows. I do cry and don't laugh, but this is a drama worth watching in my book.

The Office (NBC)-we are serious Office followers in this house. But I have to be honest that before this season started I was kind of getting tired of the same old story line week after week. Dear Office writers, YOU TOTALLY REDEEMED YOURSELF with Pam and Jim's wedding. Thank you for that...I still watch it once a week because it makes me THAT HAPPY and its THAT FUNNY! You are back on the "A" list.

Brother's and Sisters (ABC)-Kitty (Calista Flockhart) has cancer, and I love Kitty and I love Nora (Sally Field) and every time Nora crys about anything I am right there with her. This show is UBBER dramatic but I love it. I want to be a part of this dysfunctional family and every Sunday I feel like I sort of am. And really, isn't that what TV is supposed to do for us? Take us out of our own reality and plop us right into a fake one?! Its what I am going with anyway. I heart this show.

Reality Division:

The only one noteworthy (in my opinion) is Project Runway. This show is bar none the BEST reality TV can get. Pure talent, I tell ya! Whoever thought of this was brilliant cause we women are typically the target audience and we women sure do like our clothes. Oh and I heart Heidi Klum. In my next life I would like to have her face and body. Thank you very much.

Best Show Overall (for now):

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (CBS)-Freaking awesome! Especially if you are in my age group (25-34, yes I gave you a range, deal with it). If you haven't started by now, you need to watch it! Your TIVO can catch you up because Lifetime is now showing at least two re-runs every Monday evening. Its amazing. The end.

Back soon...won't go as long this time-promise!

The Skinny and More...

*Before reading, if you need to get caught up, click HERE to read the original Skinny post.*

NEWSFLASH, I am totally "The Skinny" now...I know, crazy how that happens huh? One day I woke up and I had lost an amount of pounds (overnight mind you) that will remain top secret, oh and I grew 5 inches and now resemble Heidi Klum. Its amazing what I have been missing way down there now that I can see the world from a whole new level (my new height people, stay with me) Regardless, whew was that easy or what! KIDDING, women (and men if you are out there, hello to you too). The Skinny is really not about being SKINNY anyway now is it?!

On a side note, speaking of the above and "miraculous" weight loss...I LOATHE women who do lose weight drastically and when asked they say "I don't know, it just fell off, I swear I am not doing anything different." First of all, if that REALLY is the case, then someone should tell them that they should go see their MD because something is probably wrong with them (I know its hard, cause they are The Skinny and we lose focus but really, losing weight and doing nothing probably equals something wrong). My point is there is ALWAYS something attributed to losing weight "randomly"...a bad break up, "forgetting" to eat (which on a side note I really never thought was possible but did forget to eat a few times during wedding planning for our nuptials because I really was that busy...but as soon as I realized I forgot, not to worry people, I ate something so I am pretty sure a meal was NEVER skipped...bitch get cranky when she's hungry! HA!), a death, deep hidden issues, picking up smoking, sickness (even a cold), etc. All of which is SOMETHING and did attribute to weight loss, so quit LYING people, QUIT LYING because it drives all of us crazy. Bonkers actually.

I was and still am overwhelmed by the response I received from all of you amazing women out there on the original Skinny post. Many of you I actually know in real life so it was interesting to see your take on this as in college we really would have never shared on a subject like this. It was more like "Do I look fat in this?" every.single.night. (oh and if you don't know, I am talking mostly about myself-ha!) I found inspiration in a lot of your words, for myself, for others and most importantly FOR YOU. I really do only share things as personal as The Skinny because I know I am not alone and that my words may inspire, help, comfort another human being going through a similar journey. When you post comments on something as personal as The Skinny I really do believe you are not just talking to me, but to yourself too. I think some of you were trying to convince yourself in one way or another about your Skinny journey...and I have been praying for you. Being honest with yourself about every little feeling you have about life is the best gift you can give to YOU.

My journey with the Skinny has been rather pleasant as a couple of things have happened. I am doing that honest thing (mentioned in the final sentence of the paragraph above-got that? HA!) with myself and really have learned to love who I am right now. I do believe loving that person, namely good old me, exactly how I am in any particular moment of my life may be the single hardest thing of my journey. Oh and people, before you judge that this is super selfish because looks are not that important, I am NOT talking just about my appearance. Loving yourself includes loving your mistakes, forgiving yourself, and moving on to the present. I am my worst critic. So the Skinny for me includes trying to love that girl in the mirror that is hanging out on the INSIDE. :)

I'd love to know if any of you tried the whole looking at yourself naked in the mirror thing...I am still working through that. ITS HARD, don't lie, cause it is.

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And just for good measure (and because my brain is full again)...here are some random thoughts I have had lately:

P-Daddy and I went cruisin into the Caribbean for our 5 year anniversary and since this was the first plane ride I had taken in over 2 years I was AMAZED at the amount of people that carry on their luggage when it is CLEARLY too big for the "overhead compartment." It amazes me because yes, I agree, the airlines making us pay an extra $20 for our luggage seems like a rip off because it was always "included" but people you already paid $200+ dollars for your plane ticket...what is $20?? On that note, I was also amazed at how crappy people are to the flight attendants in general.

I balled my eyes out last week when George died on Grey's Anatomy. Especially when Meredith cried. I ALWAYS cry when Meredith cries...

So JD can get his arms out of the straps of his car seat...and NO it isn't that I don't tighten it enough because I do, believe me. Being on the highway seeing him bent over, half out of his car seat is reason enough to make sure those straps are almost TOO tight (and yes I did pull over and strap him back in, immediately). Doesn't matter though, he pulls down the clip that is supposed to go over his chest and wiggles his way out. I am looking for help and advice here. I have heard of this before and just am wondering if there is a handy dandy device out there to stop this madness. :) Thank you in advance if you know of anything!

I wore a bikini on the cruise. Two pieces, stomach exposed. No one died at the site. You should have been there, it was HOT.

I have discovered in my quests at the gym that I REALLY hate the instructors of spin classes that yell at you and tell you that if you are not winded then you really aren't working out hard enough AND they scream at the class to work harder and don't be lazy. Here is my deal...most likely if you got your butt to a spin class you probably aren't THAT lazy of a person to begin with...oh and while you yell you mean, mean women, I sit and huff and puff and think about blowing your house down.

"How I Met Your Mother" is the best show on television right now, hands down.

If you are not on Facebook, you really should join. Its worth the pure entertainment of your "friends" status updates. Oh and the reason I put friends in quotations is because I have 345 "friends"...lets face it I am a "friend horror" because I just can't say no to people even if we weren't ever REAL friends in college, high school, or even middle school for that matter. But really those people's status updates are my favorite anyway...freaking laugh out loud funny people.

I am not sure there is much better than college football Saturday's where the house is filled with smells of something being made in the crock pot, the sound of the roaring crowd in the background, hoodie sweatshirts and jeans.

I'm in the market for a pair of peep toe black leather heels. Anyone have a favorite pair or brand that they would like to share? And by share I mean tell me what brand they are or where you purchased them, just clarifying! :)

I love fall. A lot of people say this but they also say they LOVE summer too. Nope people, fall is it for me. I could totally bi pass the hot days of summer and live in a bliss of fall every day of my life! :)

I don't care if you put baby in a corner.

JD knows how to take an OREO a part and lick the icing first and then eat the cookie. No one in our house eats Oreos except for him (okay so maybe me sometimes too, but I eat the whole cookie TOGETHER, and nothing but the cookie so help me God) so I find this interesting that he knew how to go for (what most normal people consider) the good stuff first when no one taught him.

I am not perfect nor am I even remotely close. Just throwing that out there. I really hope I don't portray that. I struggle with my relationship with God, my own family, my friends, and as you know my own Skinny.

I am singing in Uncle Badgeman's and R's wedding in 16 days. Oddly I am not nervous...pray for me anyway please.

I saw this verse this morning and think it is lovely:
If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do no be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans: 12: 20-21

Happy Birthday to my JD,

It occurred to me today how BIG you have gotten and how long it had been since I last wrote you a letter so here I am tonight...

You turned the big T-W-O last Sunday and as much as we knew the date, prepared for your little party and were ready to go, P-Daddy and I definitely had a moment together long after you had gone to bed that night. We were staring at each other, tears in our eyes, talking about little old you and how we couldn't believe you were two...already! And in true mama fashion (that I am sure you will grow to love, then hate, then hopefully love again), to lighten the mood I pulled down my pants (whoa-don't worry, not going to go too graphic here) to show P-Daddy the scar that was a part of bringing you into the world and giggled at how that was also two years old.

Tonight as I sit in our quite home, look over at your toys neatly put away I am thinking to myself how I cannot imagine my life, our life without those toys in it. And no toys would be here without you and I cannot my dear understand what life would be like without you. I mean I know there are many, many mothers who are out there feeling the exact same way too but it somehow feels really special to have that feeling about you.

You stand 31/2 feet tall now (seriously catching up to your mom WAY too fast) and proudly do you stand Mr. JD. You already have these muscles that are crazy big for just being a toddler. You have walked on your tippy toes for some time now and that has for sure contributed to your mean calf muscles...but it doesn't stop there! You have biceps and chest muscles too. May be because you try and lift the kitchen table at least three times a day (and sometimes succeed) or push heavy doors open when we are in public, or all of the other muscle man activities you decide are necessary to attempt in a days time...

You are talking now, a feat that P-Daddy and I weren't sure was going to happen any time soon. Oh but don't worry, cause we weren't. We knew you would speak, in English at some point, but as you do everything, we also knew it would be on YOUR time. You have ALWAYS been very vocal, but talked in your own language. You still do that and look at me in the most sincere way as if I am supposed to know EXACTLY how you feel about that particular sentence, so most of the time I tell you "exactly" and you seem to be happy with that (so far). But today, while grocery shopping I had given you your snack cup to munch on in your little grocery car while I raced through the store...low and behold you finished in the first 1/3 of the store and proudly stuck your little hand out of the car and pronounced "more, more, more" until I found the snack aisle and refilled your cup. Music to my ears son...MUSIC to my ears to hear your little voice telling me what you would like. Here's to hoping that the word "please" is next in line on the vocab list. :)

You are a "do-er" at heart. You have always been this way but your "do it allness" has really come out a lot lately. You show me around the house pointing to where things should go, like laundry and fans and humidifiers and your blankets. You are very perceptive and you really do know where everything should go. You also have started the routine of pointing to the table when I or P-Daddy is getting your food ready, kind of like "ummm...bring on the bacon"...but lets be clear, you only do the point when its something you are looking forward to. This, my dear, unfortunately is a rarity in our home. I cannot WAIT until you start pointing and saying "more peas mom, more peas PLEASE."

You are the best hugger right now. You LOVE giving people bear hugs, fully embracing them with your hands wrapped around their neck. It is so lovely that I tear up just thinking about it. You also give kisses ALL the time now. You used to be rather stubborn about this and wouldn't do it unless you saw fit but now you pucker up and walk over to whomever will kiss you in that moment. ..and I am pretty sure I speak for the majority when I say a big mmmmwwwwwaaa back at ya!

I can't write this letter without mentioning your love and devotion for electrical cords. The only time you throw fits (for now) is when I take an electrical cord away from you. They are your PRIZED possessions when you can get your little hands on one and you walk from outlet to outlet (supervised of course) plugging and unplugging and plugging and unplugging it in. You discovered how to take the outlet covers off, oh I don't know...when you were about 18 months old so at this point we just watch you with a very close eye and from time to time allow you to do your plugging and unplugging. Everyone joked that was going to be the gift of choice for your 2nd birthday. I think you seriously would have been elated, but P-Daddy and I said a big "NO" to that one. We have to draw the line somewhere Mr...and just so you know a head of time, this will not be the ONLY line we draw. :)

You LOVE yourself some Daddy. Pretty much whenever given the opportunity you will mention his name. And its always a babble story, then Daddy, then babble, then Daddy, Daddy, Daddy. And its DADDY, never Dadda. But for whatever reason I am mama, never mommy. I could CARE less what you call me though, I am just glad that I have a name in your book because for the longest time I too was Daddy. When Daddy gets home from work you RUN to see him and giggle and smile and embrace him as if it has been years!! I LOVE this and I know your Daddy does too. Its so fun for me to watch you love him and he love you.

You really do embrace "night night" time which I realized while GranBeck was visiting is really not that normal (but just for the record, "normal" is boring...never strive for this k?!). You really don't cry when we lay you down for a nap or bedtime, its normally met with smiles and a "bye." The other night, it was bedtime and you were drinking your milk and watching Sesame Street sitting in my lap "winding" down, and all of the sudden you saw your beloved "Dirt Devil" broom across the room and decided that you needed to have it, right at that moment. So you dropped everything, ran over to it and "swept" the carpet for about one minute. Then you put it back in its place, looked over at me and said "night night" and then looked at GranBeck and said "bye" and came over put your hands up for me to whisk you away to bedtime. Freaking precious child, you certainly do know how to pull at your mama's heart strings and me getting sleep is one way to do that! I do see this as unbelievable as you really didn't like to sleep at all for the first nine months of your life and for the longest time I still held my breath every time I laid you down for any sort of sleep. But I breathed a sigh of real relief the other night realizing that you too appreciate some down time in your life and do like to sleep. Thank you Lord JESUS for that...

As your mama I could go on and on and on but these moments really do highlight the little man you are right at this moment. You are loved by so many...I want you to always know this love.

Happy Second Birthday Son...I can't wait to celebrate many, many more years with you!

Love,

Mama