Time Flies!

Dear Baby I

Ugh! I started this post over a week ago and still cant seem to get myself together to get it done!! My Poor Baby!

Geez I wonder how long I get to call you that? Do I call you Toddler I? Monster I? Hellion daredevil I? You are getting to be to all of the above - all at once! Its a frightening combination  - especially for Mommy! In one day you whacked your head off the wall three times during your "sleep", proceeded to roll clear of the bed onto the floor, fell down an entire flight of stairs (thanks Prada Bear!! - although at the time of publishing this post it is now 3 times), slipped trying to climb out of the tub, and smashed a dinner plate while climbing onto the kitchen counter. If that isnt bad enough let's not forget the grass and mud I find daily INSIDE your socks and diaper, your new taste for eating rocks and of course love for all things related to puddles! You are definitely all little boy Sir I - all active little boy! I just hope I can keep up with you - we are just getting started!
Our world got a whole lot smaller last week with the arrival of the doggies! You are on Cloud 9 with "yoryo, ada, and ock!" back in town! I was so worried about your sleep being interrupted I never even thought how badly breakfast, lunch, and dinner would be interrupted. Everything I give YOU to eat seems to go right into the dogs' mouths these days! If it werent so darn cute to watch I would be much more upset about the whole thing!

You definitely didn't miss a beat with the dogs. You are right where we left off with them - playing in their water bowls, chasing them inside and out of the house, covered in dog hair,  and getting knocked over at every other turn - and you appear to love every second of it!
Daylight Savings time has also threw a wrench in our days this week. Normally I am not a fan, but whatever get you to sleep until 6:30 Am cant be all that bad! :)

You and Sadie have had a lot of fun playing outside all week in this amazing Spring weather. We hit the parks, libraries, lots of walks and an occasional stop at the bakery for a cupcake break. You two are so darn cute with each other. Like Frick and Frack. ALthough you are two daredevils that like to taunt each other. One lesson Mommy learned this week - there is nothing more priceless (especially when in someone else's house) than the power of WASHABLE markers. My heart almost stopped when I walked into Sadie's Mom's bedroom and bathroom completely covered in purple and green marker!!! Thank heavens for Washable Crayola!
In other news my baby Monster, the world is in disarray once again. Last week a 9.0 earthquake and tsunami rocked Japan, causing catastrophic devastation and potentially causing a nuclear explosion. The images of Japan are heart wrenching. THe people, the children, the animals, everything is completely displaced and may many lives have been lost. To you, this will be a history lesson someday. I guess everyday is a history lesson. But as I watch the images on TV of children your age having to stand in lines for food or water or even worse - separated from their parents and families - I cant help but think how all too often we sweat the small stuff.
 In comparison, that devastation it is all small stuff. Mommy is definitely guilty of making mountains out of molehills too. Especially when it comes to your daddy's new favorite sport - house hunting! Oh the stress! It makes the crayons and markers all over the walls seem like  - well - child's play! As long as we are all together and happy that should be all that matters right?? It should. But I know the house buying decision is one that cant be made in haste. As I have told you time and time again kiddo - you cant make everyone happy - and I hope you never try to - you only need to worry about Number 1 - well, and your Mommy - which better be Number 2 FOREVER!
Well My dear as I listen to squirming and cuddled up in the "big bed" (because as of this week you will no longer sleep in your Thomas bed) I hope you are getting close to the time for sweet dreams. I wonder what you dream about. I wonder what it is like to have such an innocent mind so free of worry or fear. I bet you just look up at the stars on the ceiling, suck the life out of that binkie, and have visions of Elmo and really steep sliding boards! Oh my little sweet angel I wish I could always keep you so innocent and protected. You are Mommy's greatest joy and most grateful blessing. Sleep tight Little monkey. Mommy loves you more than you can ever know.
I love you Monkey Butt
Love, Mommy

18 and Life.

Dear Baby I!







Happy Belated 18 months!!! A year and a half gone by - I can barely believe it! Just one short year ago I was freaking out that you were 6 months old and never slept. Now your 18 months and I cry about the same thing - Looks like somethings may never change!
I cannot believe how big you are getting! The past few months have been a whirlwind of changes. You talk more, understand more ( than you let on), run, jump, do the stairs, use utensils (occasionally), have an odd obsession with the pots and pans, demand pickles at all hours of the day, kiss the 'baby' in the mirror, talk on the phone, navigate the remote control, and of course climb anything and everything like the little monkey we all knew you were going to be! Everyday I am more amazed at how quickly you pick things up. Dare I say you are even starting to get ready for potty training??!! AT least now you sit fully clothed on your potty and declare "poopy" All of a sudden you are this little BOY! My baby is growing up! Ugh....STOP!
You and I have had some great Mommy/Isaac time this week while Sadie's Grandmother was in town. Of course you were a little love lorn, walking around the house all morning with her Christmas card crying "Daydee No??" out the window. Pathetic kid. You're going to be Hopeless just like your daddy! :)
Speaking of your Daddy, we are about to embark on his Birthday weekend. The Three of us are headed out to Glenwood Springs on Saturday for a little pampering and playing in the hot Springs. I have a feeling you are going to be a hard one to drag out of the pool. Mommy on the other hand may never emerge from the massage Daddy has scheduled. Oh the things your Daddy does to get me to go along with his cockamamy plans! All he has to do is say the word massage and he knows I will abide! Silly (smart) Daddy!
Today we had your 18 month check up and the Dr says your right on track - to be a high energy handful! She said we could look into your "sleep issues" if they "persist". Im not sure what the definition of 'persist' is after 18 months! I think your lack of sleep is just something only a mother can live with!!
 I think over the past 18 months I have come across plenty of those trials and tribulations that only a Mommy - Your Mommy - could Love!
Although there are some that I can live without!! Such as...
Not remembering the last time I took a shower by myself! Except for those that I have to plan for 330 am!!
The screaming in the car...Trust me kiddo, Daddy and I shelled out plenty of dough on that cadillac of a car seat -  you act as if you are stapped to a porcupine! Just relax and enjoy the ride kiddo!!
Your innate Monkey instinct to Climb on EVERYTHING!! The bookshelves, the kitchen counters, the couch - The helmet is coming kiddo! Trust me!

On the other hand ...Some things I can NEVER live WITHOUT(although I can pretty much NOT live without most of everything you do)...
Mama!!! I dont think I ever heard a sweeter sound than your tiny little voice calling me Mama! I will admit - even in the wee hours of the night it brings a smile to my face :)
SHARK!!! Shark, our tickle game, can bring out the loudest ball of laughter I have ever heard come out of such a little monkey!
Hugs and Kisses! Even the sticky, snotty, morning breath, stinky ones make my day!

Somehow I managed to start this post last week and never finish it..
Now it is Tuesday and Daddy's Bday weekend has come and gone. We had a great time in Glenwood Springs. YOu even did 'pretty' well in the car....for you at least! We stayed in a creepy old hotel that supposedly had ghosts, went swimming outside (in February!!) in the hot springs, (you) terrorized the hotel staff, and Mommy and Daddy got some much needed massages! All in all a great weekend had by all!
Of Course, You could not have been happier when Sadie came over yesterday! Oh, how you missed your buddy all last week! Spring is here - for now - and the three of us put in some major outdoors time yesterday! We better enjoy it while we can - who knows how long the spring weather lasts here before winter finds its way back!
Rumor has it we are getting some much anticipated visitors at the end of the week...PUPPIES - or as you call them POOPIES!!!! Uncle Ronnie is not only bringing us One doggy back - but we get all three!!! God Help me!!! Well, at least, we wont have to worry about picking up your food off the floor for a while! Those long naps, however, may have the occasional barking wake up calls!
Well, Monkey BUtt I think it is time to get this day started!
Remember, YOur Mommy LOVES you more than you can imagine! Happy 18 months!! May there be MANY MANY more milestones to come!!
Love you!!
Mommy

Young Love

Dear Baby I,

Happy Valentine's Day!! Ah, the day of over priced cards, flowers and candy. I can honestly say Mommy has never been a huge fan of the Hallmark Holiday - other than when your Noni would give me the green light to eat an entire box of swedish fish for breakfast (which in turn would result in years of lonely Valentines days - but I digress... ) In my opinion Valentine's day seemed more like a day to be celebrated by those who were a). a new couple b.) school children or c) those who rarely showed affection the other 364 days of the year. I ranked it up there with New Year's Eve - an amateur's holiday.

And although I have not really grown to love the day of chocolate covered hearts and flowers, I have a whole new fondness for the day as seen through the little eyes of children like you and your special Valentine, Sadie.  Valentine's Day isn't just about having someone sending you flowers at work or having a secret someone think you're kind of hot, it's a day that reminds us that Love is Real and Hope for Love is alive - even if it is in the form of a Scooby-Doo Valentine. And ever since I fell in love with you some 18 months ago kiddo, my idea of love and being in love has forever changed. I honestly never knew I could love something and someone one(s) so much as I love you and your Daddy and the life we all have together. It may not seem like that everyday - especially when one of us is having an off night sleeping for an 18 month stretch - but for the most part you are the center of our universe, and we wouldnt change one star in our sky. You have made us realize that REAL LOVE is a whole new ball game and everything we thought we knew about it was simply a warm up practice for the real thing. We knew that LOve is patient Love is kind...But we didnt know Love was midnite screaming or moldy lemons in my shoes. Or that love came in the form of your stinky morning drool all over my face as you finally slept. Love is ever present in every cheerio embedded in the carpet or each dirty diaper we found just a little too late. Love is a whole new experience - one that we openly embrace.
  This Valentine's Day I wasnt worried if I got Daddy the coolest gift or if he sent me flowers, (neither of which happened by the way) I was happier knowing that you have two parents that love each other and put you above all else in the world. In that sense, little Monkey you are both of our Special Valentines. You have a key role in creating this life we are living. Who knows where we would be in the world had you not entered it and changed our lives completely. In that sense you are a special little Cupid indeed. You have taught us more about things we didnt even know we had yet to learn! And you remind us daily how important it is to not take a second of our life together for granted.

So Happy Valentine's Day to my very special little Valentine. Sleep tight knowing you are loved more than the moon and the stars by your ever-adoring Mommy and Daddy. But keep in mind that green light on the candy turns red tomorrow!
I love you my little Monkey Cupid Butt!
Love Mommy

Keeper of the Night

Dear Baby I,
Don't get me wrong kid. I love you with all of my heart - more than I thought humanly possible.
But.
But last week when I said your sleeping was going down hill - this week we are so far down in the valley i think we are submerged in a canyon. What the heck is going on!?!?! Things were looking up for a while there. Aside from your nightly cattle call for me to come get you out of bed every nite at midnite, we were doing rather well. Then Friday came, and all hell broke loose and it continues to wreak its evil destruction!!! I thought maybe it was our fault - as in your Daddy and I. We kept you out late on Friday with our late night date night to Safeway Grocery Store. Instead of bed at 7:30 we had dinner at 7:30 and you didnt climb into bed until close to 9PM. You went to bed as normal and less than an hour later you were screaming your bloody head off. Unfortunately your Daddy and I thought 'what the heck,' your uncles should be here any minute what harm could there be in one late nite?
We have never been so wrong.

Not only would you not go back to bed, it is now WEDNESDAY and you still havent slept more than 3 hours in a row!! Every night has been the same way: You go to bed fine, you start screaming your head off within a half hour, and I come in to check on you and you look like you have the fear of God in you! We lay in Mommy's bed until you fall asleep and and from there you proceed to wake up every other hour screaming. It is like your back in infancy!!! Oh no!!! Not that again!! :) But unlike the first time when I would crawl up by your bedroom door and cry my eyes out at your crying - THIS time I crack open a drink and pop up some popcorn and listen to your wailing as if it were a radio broadcast world series game. You drove me to this point kiddo, not me! :)


Fun Fun Fun!!! I am about to lose my mind!!! I am not sure what is going on, although Im pretty sure it has something to do with that monstrous lonely molar sitting in the back of your mouth. Honestly Monkey,  I know it must hurt like hell to get your teeth,  but if we have to go through this with each new pearly white one, I think I may just throw myself into the next Colorado avalanche - soaking wet!!

And as if the NOT sleeping wasn't bad enough, the constant crankiness and whining this week may just put me over the edge!! We learned a new word (thanks, Sadie) and now suddenly everything is MINE! Followed by a complete throw down tantrum. Is this the Terrible Twos?? Please let it be! I cant have this happening for NO Reason At All!!
Tantrums and Sleep Issues aside, we did manage to have a great weekend with your uncles in town. Of course it snowed like crazy, making it a travel nitemare weekend, but we managed to have fun! You were SO surprised on Saturday morning to see all those new faces in the house!!  NO matter how few the hours of sleep you clock in, you always love an audience! Uncle Ronnie was thrilled to see you toting around Prada's picture all over the house and Uncle Ralphie got tons of practice juggling this weekend!
Well my darling Monkey, we are about to embark on Valentine's weekend. Daddy and I have already gotten to the point with that holiday where chocolate covered pretzels (bought in bulk at the grocery store, not gourmet!!) are a little too extravagant! Im sure you will have something extra special planned for us - possibly going to bed without a meltdown??!!
As I wrap this up, you are  emptying the kitchen cabinets with such determination and carrying a huge glass pot lid across the room. That should probably be my cue Im not paying enough attention to you, but it keeps you busy - and heck - you havent dropped it yet! Today was supposed to be Day #1 back at the gym and we have already found a way to postpone that. Excuses! Excuses! If Im not going to work out at least I could take pick up the pots and pans on the floor! Time to get ready for a day of making Valentines and playing with your special Valentine, Sadie. You two are so cute - most of the time :)
I love you Monkey Butt!

Love Mommy

Tank Tu

Dear Baby I,

I have tried teaching you sign language for nearly a year to no avail. I have pleaded with you to say Mama when referring to ME for even longer! I have told you time and time again that NO means NO and Yes means Yes, yet everything always ends up being NO! But Ill be darned if my little monkey caught onto Please and Thank You within a day! Who would have thought my little devil was born with manners!
Its the cutest thing - everything is "tank tu" or "peas" - even things that dont even require a thank you or please! But Who am I to judge the extent of your manners? YOu can "tank tu" and "pease" me all day!
Last week brought about some unseasonably warm weather for Denver and some spring fever for all of us (although as I write this we are experiencing a "cold front"  - highs of -2 for the day and tomorrow and the "storm of the Century" on its way). We had plenty of outside time and even a trip to Red Rocks this weekend with Daddy! It was as picturesque and crowded as it could be! I guess everyone had a case of cabin fever! Nothing like a trip to the Red Rocks to make Mommy feel completely out of shape and in desperate need of a gym. Oh winter and Motherhood - why have you forsaken me!!!
Another big deal for you this week is your non stop need to say Hi and Bye to everyone you come in contact with! It is very cute - unless they do not say Hi or Bye back - then you pretty much assault  them until you get a response. It is very becoming.  But, I understand where you are coming from Little Man, how rude can you be to not say Hi or Bye to such a little cutie like you! Some People!!
I dont know exactly when it happened, but somewhere along the way "Mommy" kicked in this week. Mommy! Mommy! Mommy! Honestly,  I have never been so smitten! Finally you look at ME and know I AM Mommy! I even had to laugh to myself when you started your late nite screaming for me. Normally it is just loud crying letting me know you are awake and no longer willing to sleep alone in your bed. But suddenly the cries turned into to Screams for MOMMY this week. Even in my complete groggy, half asleep shuffle to your room I had to smile unto myself. Even more so when I opened your door to see what all the screaming was about and you quickly said "oh, Hi" Again, if you weren't so stinkin cute kiddo!!
Although all was going well, your sleeping, has seem to take another nose dive this week. What happened kiddo?? We were doing so well! I think you even slept thru the night once or twice....Alas the tides have turned - AGAIN - and now you are like sleeping with a raging bull! It always starts out so promising too. You watch your Pajaminals Lullaby and then proceed to say "nite nite and bye" to every toy in the house - including all the pictures, the fridge, stove, table and chairs, etc. YOu go to bed with no qualms and then mid nite hits and the screaming starts. I have never witnessed such extreme restlessness as you when you are "asleep". Top of the bed, bottom of the bed, draped over me like you are in "downward dog" - it really cant be normal kiddo. I only wish I knew how to fix it! :(
Another thing that has fallen by the wayside recently is your restaurant etiquette. Oh my what happened there I do not know! What happened to the cute little baby boy who would sit in the high chair and play with his Puffs?? Now you are climbing on the table, throwing everything on the floor, grabbing from every one's plate - It's like trying to take Prada to a restaurant and have him sit in the booth! We cant be having this one kiddo! The food may not be that good in Denver - but we cant eat at home EVERY night!!
We are only days away from your second Super Bowl Sunday! Yeah!! Steelers vs Packers this year and we have Uncles Ronnie and Ralphie coming to watch the game! Yeah!! Now there will be four males in the house who dont give a rat's behind about the game! What is Mommy going to do with all of you non sports fans! Hopefully I will be able to sway you to the dark side once baseball season rolls around!
Well Mr. Monkey, you and your bff Sadie are fast asleep and mommy has lots of picking up to do! The mess you two can make in such a little bit of time never ceases to amaze me! Sleep tight Monkey Butt! Mommy loves you more than your little head can ever imagine! I am having so much fun watching you grow and learn - but you can ease up on how fast you are going! I want to savor this time forever!!
I love you Mr. Monkey!!
Love, Mommy

SNip SniFF :)

Dear Baby I,
Maybe it is the warmer weather - Maybe it's because you have been sleeping so well ( in Isaac terms) this week (knock on wood) but dare I say you and I had quite a pleasant week this week. Aside from mommy's rants last week that the world is ending, this week you seemed to give me daily reminders just how cute and precious you are! Every time I looked at you this week I wanted to freeze the moment and capture you at this age, this point in time for eternity! You are getting so big! - and so vocal, so smart - and oh so curious and daring! I know you are growing up against my will, but each day you remind me how lucky I am to be able to stay home with you and watch you discover the world on a daily basis.

This week we did such that! We played hard and you took no prisoners! These days its you and Sadie against poor 'ol me! Two toddlers is definitely a work out! You and Sadie get along so well, its great! I think you hear "Earth Angel" every morning when she walks in! And then the mayhem sets in. TOys all over the floor, juices and smoothies covering the walls, and of course every cupboard and drawer emptied by 10 am! Who needs a gym? (ok, i do, but that is beside the point!) If you asked me 10 years ago where I would be in life, I would have never guessed here - but in this dirty, sticky, messy moment, I wouldnt have it any other way!
We set One major milestone this weekend - the dreaded first hair cut. Your first trip to Barber Stan was a very big deal, although you were quite skeptical. Especially since the 3 year olds next to you were getting buzz cuts with loud clippers!!  Bye Bye Baby curls! They look just as cute folded up in a napkin as they did on your head! I must admit - I think the new 'do is absolutely adorable. I guess you are quite the stud no matter what! Watch out Bieber! There is a new heart throb in town!!
This week we also spent a lot of time at the local library story hours. Apparently a little bit of snow on the ground makes the library a very busy place to be! But, you guys love it - all the kids, the books, the toys and of course running and screaming make it a kids hey day in there! We have also ventured out on walks more this week - yes walks! As in BOTH of us walking. Who knew a simple stroll up and down the block could take nearly an hour! I can only imagine what a trip AROUND the block would be like! I may have to pack us a lunch!



In line with my current constant state of thought of freezing time, another one of my "babies" has a big week coming up next week. I cannot believe it, but your cousin, my baby Bratty, turns Sweet 16 on Tuesday!! WHere the heck does the time go!! It seems like yesterday that I was taking her to Discovery ZOne (where she inevitably got sick every time) and listening to her belt out "2 Pina Coladas" (which she always thought was a counting game!) How could that sweet little girl be getting a driver's license!? It just doesnt seem possible! My one time little brat is a now boy crazed, clothes hog, texting, Grown up - but she will alway be my little Brat to me! Although I am sure that is how it will be with you! One day you are dancing naked to the Pajaminals Lullaby in the middle of the living room and the next youll be sharing your father's affinity for racy Gwen Stefani posters (which will no doubt (ha!) STILL remain in the garage!!) Ugh! When did Mommy get so old?

All I know kiddo, is I am not going to be in any rush with you growing up! Please take your time!! I realize in the beginning I was constantly waiting for that "easy age" to come - 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, blah. Here we are almost 18 months old, you're still not much of a sleeper, (you are one heck of a restless little bed hog though!) you eat like you belong in a stall, and you scream and throw yourself onto the floor over the slightest hiccups in your day. So be it!!! Scream, rant, squirm, throw all you want! I will gladly take it all in...for now :)
Love you Baby Monkey
Mommy

The Sky is Falling

GUess who licked the bowl clean!

Dear Baby Monster,

A full week back into "post holiday reality" and we are still alive! Oh my does Mommy miss all her helpers!!! And I am sure you miss all the friendly faces, although you have been so cute about pointing people out in pictures now! You definitely know your Nona!! Im pretty sure you eye up her cane in every photo! Not too mention you are still "yelling at jumper" everytime I tell you NO!
Well kiddo Mommy made a huge mistake this week of letting Daddy convince me that I should watch a silly video on the Denver Airport and the end of the world conspiracies. UGH. I will be the first to tell you Monkey, Mommy is not mentally stable enough for that kind of nonsense anymore. Not only did it freak the Living BeJeezus out of me, but it had me thinking about 'what if the world does end in 2012'? Needless to say I wanted to kill your father for allowing me to watch such gloom and doom, but I am sure my weeklong crazy-the-sky-is-falling-antics were punishment enough for him.

Ugh! Ribs...

What a horrible thought to get stuck in your head Baby I! As if I wasn't emotional enough from leaving NEPA, Now I have to worry about the end of the world and the future Holocaust at the site of the Denver Airport!! Well baby boy, If you are reading this, it means we have survived the 2012 End of The World, and your Mommy is officially nuts - but happy to be alive!
I realize Im acting a wee bit irrational about all the 2012 stuff, but honestly ever since I became your mom, my sensitivity towards any type worldly horrors and destruction leave me feeling sick inside. I cant even watch the evening news without thinking "what if" that were you - us. From the Arizona massacre this week, to tsunamis, to social unrest on the other side of the world - it somehow all seems to close to home when I think of what I would do to protect you.
As in the case of the 2012 destruction, I cannot save us from the end of the world. But when watching the news this week of the poor innocent lives lost at the Arizona Massacre I cant help but think the "end of the world" can be at any time and any place. Even a simple trip to the grocery store can be the end of the world for the poor parents of the 9 year old girl who died in the mass shooting. As cliche as it is - I have to remind myself that "nothing is guaranteed and each day is a gift." I have to remind myself to keep what is important in check. Time with Family and Friends, spending time with you and daddy, and making the most of each day - IMPORTANT. New Shoes, toys on the floor, money woes, undone laundry,  you eating ribs- NOT IMPORTANT.








It seems simple enough, but believe me kiddo, it is sometimes a hard credo to live by. I know someday you will want to do things that Im not too excited about - like snowboarding with daddy, extreme sports, staying out too late, eventually moving away - at those points in life you can throw this post in my face, but until then - and even when - it will always be my number one job to keep you safe and remind you constantly that you are loved. So bear with me if I kiss you too much, hug you too tight or tell you I love you a zillion times a day!
On a MUCH lighter note, as I write this it is nearly 8AM and you are still asleep. My nerves are on edge for what the heck may be wrong with you for you to be sleeping so long and well. Last time I was thrilled you slept so well you woke up with a 103 fever! Ugh!! Why must you toy with me like this!! :)
This week you have been so vocal! Words are right around the corner - you have some down - like Hi! ball, mama, daddy, nono, uh-oh, and zorro - other than that you still boldly speak Isrish! You also have a new love for your stuffed animals. You carry them around the house and have started to treat them like friends, putting them on your trucks and pushing them around the house. Daddy's childhood favorite, Srgt. Petski seems to be your Number 1 too!
Uh oh... I hear a grumble....
Oh Happy day!!! I opened your door and you were sitting up on the bed and gave me a big happy HI! thru your binky mouth! No disaster! Maybe you were just tired! A calendar day indeed!!

My Snow Angel

Yesterday was officially your first sizable snow storm. We tried to go out and play but with a windchill of -7 our outing was VERY short lived! You were highly skeptical of the white stuff. Im sure Daddy will break you of that in a hurry!
Well my monkey man we have a big day ahead of us today! I hope you are well rested! Im sure there are scrambled eggs in your near future too! I bet you slept up an appetite! Hopefully it will warm up for us out there. Just remember how much Mommy and Daddy love you Mr. Monkey butt - not even the end of the world can change that!
I love you Mr. Man!!
Mommy