Being Two

The other day I opened Clay's daily progress report from Mother's Day Out and this is what his teacher wrote in the Comments section: "Clay had fun vacuuming today while he wore his firefighter hat and carried his purple sparkly purse - it was so CUTE!  He also had a great time making the puppet monkey dance to Polly Wolly Doodle.  He also was very fascinated by the pumpkin and what was inside it.  He stayed the whole time we had it out." 

I imagine reading about his day is almost as funny as watching it unfold in person.

Catching Up on Current Events

Seeing that I am almost a couple of months behind, I will try to summarize the highlights of the last few weeks in the Pinson household.  Starting with........

HALLOWEEN:

Clay was a cowboy for Halloween this year.  I kept his costume simple (cowboy hat, boots, and cowboy shirt) for two reasons: 1) I wasn't sure how long he would actually keep it on, and 2) I didn't want to stress myself out finding as many "cowboy" accessories as possible.  Nevertheless, I think he looked adorable! 

It was his first trip trick-or-treating and he LOVED it.  He especially enjoyed ringing all the doorbells.  He had a ball reaching in the candy bowls and pulling out handfuls of candy too.  It was so nice of Grandma's neighbors to let him have his pick from their candy dishes!  But really, who can resist a little cowboy who can't say "trick or treat"?

Even Grandma was festive on Halloween.

CLAY'S SECOND BIRTHDAY:

I still can't believe Clay is actually two years old!  It sounds trite, but it's true.  Sweet Aunt Shay and Uncle Michael let us have his party at their house because our house is currently under construction (we're adding on a small addition).  I rented the Fun Time Bus, which is a renovated school bus that contains gym equipment for little kids to play on, in, and around.  It was a big hit and Clay really seemed to enjoy himself!

 I think Clay's favorite part of the bus was the zip line:

After the party he was tuckered out.

Hmmm, what's next?  Oh, Thanksgiving!

THANKSGIVING:

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at my parents' house.  I, unfortunately, did not take any pictures.  But, I think it was because I was soooo hungry and all I could think of was eating!

The day after Thanksgiving Rob and I made a trip to the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC.  It is the same resort where we stayed last year when were snowed in under 19 inches of snow!  This year there was no snow, there was continuous electricity, and we had beautiful weather.  My favorite part of the resort is their world class spa.  We spent most of Saturday in there and it was like being in a dreamland. 

I was unusually tired during the trip because I was fighting off sinus problems and because I am pregnant!

I am due on June 22 and it still seems surreal.  We are very excited, but I still don't quite feel pregnant.  I've had nausea, fatigue, etc. and we heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time on Tuesday, but I still can't wrap my head around the fact that we're about to add another baby to our family.    I am 11 weeks along and my clothes are starting to get tight.  I'm trying to stay in regular clothes as long as possible, but I know it won't be long before I break out the roomy, comfortable maternity clothes.

I have much to be thankful for this year and I am very excited about the Christmas season.  My parents bought Clay a little nativity set and he enjoys talking about "Baby Jesus."  I can't wait to share more about Christmas with Clay and begin our own family traditions.  I think we're going to try and hang our Christmas decorations this weekend.  We'll see how far we get!

We're Still Here!

Life has been busy, as usual.  I will post an update soon.  Happy December 1st! 

Picking Out Pumpkins

Here is Clay helping us pick out the best pumpkins for our front porch.  He is so helpful - and enthusiastic!

 

Just because I am feeling nostalgic, here is a picture of Clay in the same pumpkin patch last year:

 

Curls of Change

Clay's hair has changed dramatically over the last few months.  Here he is in May:

And here he is a few days ago:

I just love his tousled curls.  They are so cute.  (Okay, yes, I admit that I love applique t-shirts too.)

Great Play-Dough Recipe

For mamas with young children, here is a great recipe for homemade play-dough (just in case you want to be an over-achiever):

Early Childhood Play-Dough

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups white flour
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1/4 cup cream of tartar (4 Tbsp)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 or 3 drops of food coloring

Cook in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until it forms a ball.  Turn out onto lightly floured surface and let cool briefly, then knead until well mixed.  Store covered.  It will stay good for months.

(Clay enjoys playing with this play dough at his Buttercup Play Group.  I have not made this recipe yet.  But, it's on my to-do list when I have some "over-achiever" energy.)

Today was a good day

Well, I guess technically it is still a good day.  I've been so stressed lately.  After a dreaded board meeting last night, which went surprisingly well, I am feeling lighter - like a few hundred pounds have been lifted off my shoulders.  I think I've actually been carrying around the stress in my shoulders because my back and neck are sore. 

I still have a lot going on right now.  But, I had a great meeting regarding some community research stuff for Junior League this morning, I had my first-ever celebrity sighting at Whole Foods, Clay is at Mother's Day Out, the weather is sunny, and I'm starting to see pumpkins and mums all over the place.  I'm feeling pretty peaceful.

I saw a cute slogan on a reusuable shopping bag the other day:  "Keep calm and Carry on"  It's applicable to my life these days.

Where was I?...

...Hmmmm, let's just say life has been crazy, hectic, and surreal these past few weeks.  I'm glad to see August gone.  It was a stressful month.  After my recent experiences, I recognize that my life is pretty darn easy most of the time and I should really appreciate all my loved ones.  As my mom always says, "Tomorrow isn't promised."  So true.  Carpe diem, Mama. 

Some good things have happened recently.  It hasn't been all bad.  For example, Clay and I have started going to a "Buttercup Play Group" at the Linden Waldorf School on Friday mornings.  It's an early introduction to Waldorf education and it's really adorable.  We sing songs, play together, drink tea (Well, I do; Clay pours his all over the table), and play outside. 

In addition, we met Clay's new Mother's Day Out instructors this week.  He officially starts on Tuesday and I am very excited for him.  Mrs. Cynthia and Mrs. Susan are very sweet and their classroom is amazing.  I want to stay in there and play all day! 

Clay's vocabulary is rapidly expanding.  Here are some of my personal favorites:  Milk is "Gulk", Watch is "Botch", Volvo is "Bolbo", Fish are "Sheesh", Tufo (Grandma's dog) is "Bupo", and there are oodles more, but I am having trouble remembering them right now.  He is 21 months old and such a joy to have around.  He is always entertaining us!

Labor Day weekend has been great so far.  The weather has cooled down dramatically.  We've spent lots of time outside on our screened porch talking and reading.  The change in weather was just what I needed to feel relaxed again.  I can't wait for Fall.  It is my favorite season.  Here are a few pictures from last October.  They are like a breath of fresh air!

 

This Day One Year Ago

I took these pictures.  They still make me smile!

My Impersonator

I let Clay play with an old pair of my sunglasses and a set of car keys.  He immediately climbed into his little Coupe and started doing a spot-on imitation of me starting the car and putting on my sunglasses.  It completely cracked me up and it made me realize that I really have to be aware of what I say and do.  There's always a little pair of eyes watching me!

Checking the side mirror

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Dear Clay

Today I went to your Mother's Day Out classroom because I had forgotten to put Mimi in your bag and I know how much you love having her around when you take your nap.  I was trying to stealthily drop her off without you seeing me, so I was hanging around the door to your classroom until I could make eye contact with one of your teachers.  While I was waiting, I heard you say "Ooooooo" when your teacher brought out some paint colors.  I couldn't see you, but just hearing your sweet voice brought a huge grin to my face.  It was so reassuring to know you were so happy and content where you were.  You make me happy every day (even the hard days). 

Love you so much,

Mommy

Nothing is more fun...

...than sticking Post-it flags all over the floor, removing them one-by-one, and placing them somewhere else - all while mumbling and giggling to yourself.

Oh, to be 19 months old again!

Sun, Sprinklers, and Swimming Pools

Sun.

Sprinklers.

Swimming Pools.

It Could Happen to You

a happier day

I know it happens to every parent at one time or another.  Probably more than once.  You are out in public and your darling angel decides to turn into a miniature version of the Tasmanian devil - only louder and more obnoxious - and despite your best efforts to calm him/her down the situation escalates and your dignity, which was hanging by a thread, disappears completely.  Yes, it happened to me yesterday.  I am now an official member of the "My child will never act that way and Then one day they do" Club.  Other parents tried to warn me it would happen.  They were right. 

As I told Rob last night, I'm still not ready to talk about what happened yesterday at Target.  But, one day I will.  Until then, I will remind myself what I read in a very wise book about toddlers:  If you're not humiliated by your child on a regular basis, you are probably not paying attention. 

"Who, me?"