he loves me...

Separation anxiety.  Google that plus “toddler” and prepare to be amazed at the number of results that pop up.  

For us, its kind of like the tide—it ebbs and flows.  Sometimes Reese really likes us {like won’t let us leave the room without him}, other times not so much {bye Mama… check you later}.

It’s both perplexing and strangely normal all at the same time.  Bi-polarism is evidently a strong trait in toddlers, too.

This week has been a doozy though.  Maybe it’s Reese re-adjusting to school, or maybe it’s his terrible two side rearing its head, I’m not sure.  I do know that I’ve heard the phrase “hold me mama” at least 1000 times this week.  The first 565 I was happy to oblige, but now?  I’m a little tired… I mean have you seen the size of this kid?  I’m no body builder.

Reese is quite particular about this holding thing. Wednesday night I suggested it might be more comfortable if I held him while sitting down.  He said “No mama.  Hold right there.” And then walked to a specific tile on the kitchen floor and pointed. 

He also uses "hold me, mama" to get himself out of trouble.  Caught doing something he isn't supposed to be... "hold me, mama, i sorry."  When he hits me {or worse, bites me}... "hold me, mama, i sorry."  I mean how can you get mad at that?

Whew, this parenting thing is exhausting.

the bunny hop

I’ve privately lamented the fact that little man doesn’t have any soft attachments.  No lovey blankets, no cuddly stuffed animals, no soft or squishy anything.  Just me—the kid is super attached to me. 

I even went as far as to ask Lofton {and okay our pediatrician} if this was normal child behavior.  For pete’s sake, I still sleep with my childhood blanket {keep your snickers to yourself} and lots of kids I know have stuffed animals or blanket they can’t sleep without. 

Was Reese abnormal?

Fear no longer, friends, Reese now has some cuddly animals he won’t sleep without!  Meet our rabbits:  Peter is on the left and our blabla bunny is on the right. 

Peter was a baby shower gift and blabla bunny was picked out for Reese {when he was still in utero} by my mom in Savannah, Georgia {when we traveled there for Cassie’s wedding}.  We didn’t even know he was a he at the time!

The bunnies have lived in Reese’s crib for two years—he never paid any attention to them—until about a week ago.  Now he sleeps with them every night. 

My still-attached-to-my-own childhood-lovey heart is so full right now!

thing one and thing two

Escape artists.  That’s what our dogs have turned into.  After three years of blissful backyard living, they’ve decided they no longer like having free reign of our humongous, dog-park sized backyard.  Nope… they’ve tasted freedom and want some more.  And they are hell bent on digging out to get it.


What’s a family to do?


Well, to be quite honest we aren’t sure.  We’ve entertained ideas of surrounding the fence in chicken wire {so attractive}, looked at encasing the perimeter of the fence in cement blocks {can you say prison?}, and priced having an electric fence put in {ching, ching… expensive}.  Leaving them inside all day just isn’t feasible. 


Today, they are locked up like little Rapunzels in the laundry room.  They’ve got room to move, food, and their bed.  A plus for me is that there is nothing easily accessible for them to shred.  You see Jake has a tendency to get chew happy when left in containment.  A negative is that we really hate to see them cooped up all day. 


This is only a semi-permanent solution to what looks to be an continuing problem…


Solutions anyone?

bathroom reno-part six: progress or lack there of

Work on the bathroom came to a grinding halt three weeks ago.  Not much of anything productive has gone on since the plague descended upon us... no grading papers, no cleaning, hardly any cooking.  BUT, I'm happy to report the plague has lifted, and work has resumed on our bathroom.  


In an effort to expedite the progress, I even got in on some painting action.  This tells you two things:  One, Lofton is desperate because I have the painting skills of a kindergartner. Two, I really, really want this project o.v.e.r. -- like yesterday. Hell, I'd even let Reese paint.


I'll spare you the photographs of my painting work until Lofton "touches up" my mistakes.  Instead, how about a picture of our tile selections?  You see, like most women I can be a little bit indecisive sometimes.  We thought we had a tile scheme picked out, but then I had three weeks to ponder my selections, and I changed my mind.  


Two trips to the "depot" {Reese's new favorite place} and one to Lowes later, I present to you my final choices:

The floor tile is not as pink as it appears in the photo, nor is the countertop as white, but you get the idea.  Now the tile man just has to get tiling...


What's that you hear?  The sound of me cracking my whip.  Just kidding!

i don't make this stuff up

Reese and I made a pilgrimage to Target this morning for laundry detergent and diapers.  Two guesses as to why we are running low on those specific items. Moving on...


I took the backwards loop around Target so I could causally peruse the clothes section.  The clothes happen to be right across from the lingerie section, and a this is where our story begins::


Reese:  Look Mama, bra.
Mama:  Yep, it is.
R:  Bra for boobs.
M:  Umm, yes.
R:  Mama boobs. Bra Mama boobs.
At this point he is POINTING at my chest.  And there are people around.
M:  Reese, I'm not really sure this is an appropriate conversation for Target.
R:  Bra, Bra, Bra ... boobs, boobs, boobs.  Mama bra, Mama boobs.  Emu bra, Emu boobs. {side note:  Emu is now what Reese calls my mom}


And there you have it.  The first of what I'm sure will be many embarrassing moments for me.

fall break field trip

Sweet boy's life has been pretty stinky lately.  He's on a very limited diet and he can't play with any of his friends at school.  Bummer.

We did make the pilgrimage down south for Brittany's wedding, and it was fun and fabulous.  She was stunning, the venue was gorgeous, and - thanks to my parents - Lofton and I got to spend a few adult hours with friends.

My parent's braved the possibility of getting sick by changing diapers and cuddling with the whiniest {but still stinkin cute} 2 year old ever. Thanks emu & buck.

I will say that Reese is much, MUCH better.  He still has the yuckies but we are leaps and bounds ahead of where we were this time last week.  I think he's actually starting to like almond milk, but he is missing cheeseburgers and fruit snacks.  Unfortunately most of his favorite foods are not on the salmonella diet plan.     Pretzels, crackers, toast, peanut butter, syrup-less waffles, and scrambled eggs are though.  Yummy.


Yesterday I was hell-bent to take a family trip to the pumpkin patch.  It was going to be fantastic: pumpkins, tractors, hay = adorable pictures.  I ordered Reese a shirt specifically for this occasion.  And then he had the fall... and then the salmonella... but my plans were not to be stopped.  


We made a trip to the "c-list" pumpkin patch.  Truthfully, it was not all I dreamed it to be, but I'm well accustomed to my "super plans" being not so super.  

my dreams of a hay bale photo aren't going to come true

Much like a christmas tree farm adventure last year, the pumpkin patch was pretty anti-climatic.  And, my charming toddler likes to yell "no Mama" as loud as he possibly can while I take his picture.  Like I'm the paparazzi and he's Justin Bieber.  Whatever, Reese.

"yeah okay I'll hold the pumpkin but I am NOT smiling"

I did manage one cute photo.  Reese was totally unimpressed by the pumpkins and hay BUT he did love throwing dirt.

And with that, our pumpkin patch experience was over.  

pity party times ten

Worst week ever?  Yes, I believe so.   Feeling sorry for our little family?  Yes, I believe I am.


Why you ask?  Well, after tanking his head exactly a week ago today, Reese has been officially diagnosed with SALMONELLA POISONING.  Are you freaking kidding me?  


Let me back up a wee bit for those of you not on our immediate call list:


Sunday:  Reese woke up with a yucky diaper.  By mid-afternoon he was running a moderate temp.  Logical conclusion?  Adverse reaction to falling six feet and banging his head.


Monday:  Poop and fevers continue.  Fever peaks Monday night at about 104*.  I get up five times during the night to change his diapers.  


Tuesday:  Reese and I head back to the doctor.  Still pooping, still feverish, acting semi-normal though.  Doctor says it could be a myriad of things {none of them treatable} but it will pass.  At this point Reese did not have blood in his diaper.  I changed twelve diapers on Tuesday.  TWELVE.


Wednesday:  Things go from bad to worse.  Little man's tummy is torn-up.  Cramping, lots of yucky diapers {with blood}, fever, non-peppy baby.  I drop a diaper off to be cultured.  At my insistence {and our doctor's good heart} antibiotics are called in for Reese.  Wednesday night was torturous.  Reese was in extreme pain and Lofton and I felt helpless.  I cried...  A lot.


Thursday:  We get Reese to drink almond milk.  Lactose is a no-no right now but little man badly needs some nutrients.  Almond milk is eww, but tolerable. Still running fever, though not as high, and still has yuckies, though not as frequent.


Friday:  This morning, salmonella was confirmed.  Thank God for the antibiotics.  If not for them, sweetness would probably be in the hospital.


And there you have it, the worst week ever.

the short version

Sweetness fell from the top of some playground equipment Friday afternoon.  I prefer not to get into the how or why, because at this point it doesn't matter.  What matters is that he is fine-- still suffering a few adverse effects from tumbling six feet down and hitting his head, but pretty much his usual spunky self.

We went back to the doctor today, and now that the swelling has gone down we are 100% sure that all Reese's bones are intact.  Whew!  We've been resting and playing today and generally just enjoying each other's company.


My tendency is to stress and worry when I have to miss work, but not today.  My classroom full of children melts my heart, but they are no comparison to this child of mine.

Have you ever seen a sweeter sight?  Me neither.

thankful

I'm not quite ready to re-cap yesterday's events, but I did feel like it was important to tell everyone that Reese is fine.  Sore, banged-up, and a wee bit whiny-- but all in one piece.

We hung out at home today so he could rest, and rest he did.  He napped for about four hours.  I got some rest too.  I did NOT sleep well last night.

Overall he looks worse than he feels.  It's kind of hard to tell in the pictures, but his head is swollen between and around his eyes.  It's purple between his eyes and down his nose, and the area underneath his eyes is also swollen.  The doctor said more than once that we dogged a huge bullet... which makes me thankful and emotional all at the same time.  


Things I've realized in the last 27 hours:

• I'm not so calm and level headed in stressful situations.  I freaked out.  Although I've been assured my reaction was totally normal.  After all, I was called at school and told my toddler needed to go to the hospital.  
• Our pediatrician is great.  Really, really great.  I called them on our way and they {he and his nurse} were waiting for us when we pulled up at the office.  I'm so glad that we could bypass the ER. 
• I have amazing friends and colleagues.  I was overwhelmed with calls and texts yesterday afternoon and last night.  Then again today with people just calling to "check in."  

More to come later...

a birthday ode to my husband

On a cold football Saturday, twenty-eight years ago, my sweet husband entered the world.  He was a hell-raiser growing up, there's really no other way to put it, and truthfully not much has changed.  He is still just as mischievous and charming.  It's an adorably annoying quality.

first birthday

He's also handsome and kind, a wonderful son and daddy, funny and flirtatious, the hardest worker I know.  He's a prince-- the stuff girls dream about marrying.  Luckily, I won the prize.  He's all mine.  


He works everyday to make my life a fairytale, and it pretty much is.  I couldn't ask for a  better husband, partner, friend.  He's the best.

April 2004-- 21 and a rekindled love-- need I say more

We've spent seven birthdays together:: the first one was really terrible {double whammy of hurricane plus family tragedy}, the 5th one I was pretty out of it {one week post c-section plus deadly illness} the other five haven't been nearly as dramatic. I hope to spend at least seventy more, celebrating in our typical low-key style.  


Poor Lofton's birthday kind of gets the shaft because little man's big day is exactly seven days prior.  In true Lofton fashion, he could care less.  He doesn't want presents, no fancy meals, he begrudgingly agreed to let me make a cake.  


What does he want?  To go work at the hunting camp, eat pizza for dinner, and watch football with Reese and I Saturday night. Gorgeous and low maintenance?  That's my kind of birthday boy.

family fun

Happy Birthday, hubs.   I hope year 28 is the best yet.


XO,
E


****  I wrote this post earlier in the week, Tuesday night I think.  Today {Friday}, Reese had a fairly significant playground accident at school.  He's going to be fine, but it could have been much worse.  To say we are counting our blessings is a gross understatement.  I've never been so afraid in my life.  And I've never been more certain that Lofton is my forever partner.  In addition hoping this is our best year, I'm hoping this is an uneventful year.

handy manny

My mom hates me.  I'm not sure why... I've been the perfect child.  Great grades, always home on time, birthed a fabulous child-- and yet, she makes me suffer.

For Reese's birthday {under the guise of my brother} she bought the handy manny tool box.  Yes THE Handy Manny.  Not only does it have plastic tools, the whole box sings.  

Noisy toys are a no-no in our house.  I cannot stand repetitive sounds.  Call me cranky, or ornery, I don't care.  Loud banging noises give me a migraine.  Most people follow my rules. Lofton says it's because they're scared of me.  Whatever the reason, our house has been relatively peaceful. Until Saturday.

Of course, of all the zillions of toys Reese received this dang toolbox is his favorite.   His favorite tools?  The hammer, Pat, and the pliers, Squeeze.  The hammer to beat on the walls and the pliers to squeeze our noses.  

This house has become a danger zone.

hello there stranger

Finally, finally there is the feel of fall in the air.  Cool mornings, nice breezes, and crisp afternoons:: this is my favorite time of year.

It is the only time of year little sweat box can enjoy playing outside.  No beads of sweat pouring off his face, no frizzy curls from the humidity and no yucky rash from the oppressive heat.  

I envision lots of afternoon play time in our future.  Me with my camera and a glass of wine, Lofton chasing little man through the grass.  Simply perfect.

Yep, this is quite a delightful time of year.

circus spectacular

Whew.  Party throwing wears us out.  That and being two.  It's an exhausting age for all of us.

Reese lived it up ALL day yesterday.  He loved that it was his birthday, loved seeing all his favorite people, and really loved his party.

Elephant borrowed from a friend at school.  

The yummy cake.

the spread

favors

presents {not the wagon-- it's from last year}

mama love

professional present opener

playing with holland

bidding farewell to all his friends and family

See what I mean?  Exhausting.  And then there was the cleaning up {thanks mama} and the playing with gifts!  Lofton and I gave him a wooden train set. He also got a tricycle, a soccer goal, blocks, books, trucks, cars, and puzzles galore.  Then some clothes and boots!

It was out of control how generous our friends and family were to Reese.  He said thank you a million times yesterday.  I asked him last night if he had a great birthday and he said, "yes mam" and when he woke up this morning he yelled "PARTY" at the top of his lungs.  I consider that to mean his birthday was a success!

boo-hoo, tomorrow my baby is two

Hard to believe that this time, two short years ago, my life changed forever.  That sweet, stubborn, bundle of joy was born into our lives-- and we've been been head-over-heels for him ever since. 

There is no way to express the joy and light he brings to my life.  The love I have for him surpasses any love I've ever had.  And the love I have for the hubs, the father of my baby boy-- the most amazing daddy EVER-- is epic.  We are the perfect family of three { five if you count the pups}.

One of the things that gives me the most joy is watching Reese interact with other people.  He lights up a room, never meets a stranger, and could charm the pants off a scrooge.  He's that charismatic.  Could it be that my heart swells with joy because his charisma reminds of a certain devilishly handsome husband?  Possibly.  It could also be that I just love how much he loves: loves his books, loves his grandparents, loves his school and teachers.  He is a genuinely happy kid, a two year with a tendency to pitch fits mind you, but a happy temperamental toddler.

A few of my other favorite "Reese" things:

• He loves rap music in the mornings.  Yep.  Rap music.  I've limited our tunes to non-profanity laced songs and you should see this kid get down with his bad self in the mornings.  His fist pumps crack me up.  Our favorite song?  All the Above.  We heard it first on an Auburn football video and now it's on repeat in the car.  
• He can kind of say the first six letters of the alphabet, count to 5 {minus 4}, and name all his friends at school.  I actually find myself having real conversations with him.  All this from the child I literally prayed {and cried} over because he would only grunt and growl.  
• Last night he spent an hour driving a hot wheels "racy" car over my legs, arms, head and face.  I think this is a boy "rite of passage". Don't all boys take an interest in cars?  We have one that stays in the car seat, I have one in my purse, and there are a few in his backpack.  He's smitten.  And for some reason he thinks Buck has purchased them all.  
• Our child with the insatiable appetite now has developed quite the palate.  Still no chicken, prefers McDonald's cheeseburgers over Wendy's, and don't even think about trying to trick him with juice instead of water.  Big mistake.  And one night, a few days ago, I cooked dinner-- i think it was a flatbread pizza-- and he PUSHED it away and said, "Yuck.  No eat dis."  ARE YOU SERIOUS?  He prefers yogurt as an afternoon snack, fruit loops over cheerios, and is not a chocolate fan.  He loves fruit.  Pineapple, bananas, and oranges are his favorites.  
• Reese goes to bed a toddler and wakes up a teenager.  Clearly he gets this from someone other than Lofton and I because we bound out of bed in the a.m..  Our son?  I literally drag him from bed, as he yells "NO MAMA.  Night Night!" over and over.  Sometimes he even throws in a boisterous "No school, Mama." Lots of mornings he isn't actually asleep:: he just loves his bed that much.  He is currently still sleeping contently in his crib and I have no intention of moving him to a bed. Ever.  Well, maybe if he decides to start crawling out, but if that doesn't happen for two more years then so be it.
• He gives the best hugs and kisses.  Lately he is really into kissing my cheeks and my forehead.  Who wouldn't melt into a puddle if their baby kissed their forehead?  Sweetness.  When he wants me to kiss his head he points to it.  At night we like to snuggle on the couch or, if daddy is working in the bathroom, on my bed so we can watch the construction.  We talk about life, read books, and laugh.  It's my favorite time of the day.  Our mornings are so hectic that this time is really our time.  

There are a million other little things that warm my heart.  His curly blonde hair, chubby cheeks, love of books... I could go on.  To know Reese is to love Reese and I am so, so proud he is mine.  

All our favorite people {minus the doctor and his wife} are joining us tomorrow for a circus spectacular.  I can't wait to celebrate this sweet boy.  

Happy 2nd Birthday {tomorrow} Boo Bear.  Mama loves you to the moon and back.