More Maxisms

Mommy asks, "Who just had a birthday?"

(in reference to Christmas and the birth of Christ)

"Uncle Mitch." Well, yes, him too.

"Are you ready, Princess?" (speaking to Mommy)

"Daddy, I'm opposed to socks!"

"Actually, I don't want that one. Actually, I want the other one."

"Did you have music class today?" "Not quite. Mrs. Cureton wasn't quite there." "Your teacher wasn't there?" "Not quite."

"I'm going to Furman to school. Do you think they have diggers there?"

"I don't know the words to the Jew song."

"The what song?"

"The Jew song. I don't know the Jew words."

"Which song are you talking about?"

"The JEW song."

Later in the car the ZOO song comes on and all is clarified.

Baby Sarah

28 Weeks

Dear Sarah,

You have a name! We decided on Sarah Catherine Richards. Your middle name is in honor of my mother. We loved "Sarah" because it represents a strong woman of faith and is a family name on both sides. We considered calling you by the double name "Sarah Catherine" but decided it was a little long and may be difficult because both names have alternative spellings. We were trying to be considerate because your mommy knows how frustrating it is to go by a middle name!

We are in our third trimester together now and your arrival is feeling closer and closer! The second trimester brought back some energy, but also had some unpleasant side effects. I suspect you are going to be the hairiest baby ever because I have had severe heartburn from the beginning. The doctor warned me that if it was already this bad, the next few months are not going to be pleasant. I have kept you well supplied with sweets during the past few months by gorging on cupcakes, yogurt covered pretzels, sugary cereals, and soft serve ice cream. However, I am not sure I can blame those cravings on you because those are goodies I like all the time - now I just have more reason to indulge!

The Snoogle pillow made its return in December and I have no idea why I waited so long to pull it out again! The snoogle provides fun for the entire family as Max and Frank seem to enjoy it as much as I do! Max refers to it as "the noogle" and loves to watch tv in it. It has definitely made sleeping more comfortable and despite your Daddy's complaints, I have woken up to find him cuddling with it as well.

Even before you are officially here you have become a part of our family. You moved and kicked during Daddy's ordaination as a deacon in our church. Max insists that we include "the baby" in our family squeezes (hugs). Frank and Bean curl up beside my tummy and purr with contentment as you shift within me. Each day brings us closer to having you here with us!

With love,

Mommy

Birthday Man

After a week of being snowbound in the house, Jason and I were happy to escape for our "stay-cation" in Greenville in honor of his birthday.

We spent a great few days enjoying grown up entertainment in our own city - food at restuarants that do not serve chicken fingers, a heavenly bed that did not contain cats, and a symphony that did not include any version of "Old McDonald's Farm".

And then another few days celebrating with our favorite little boy who loves to blow out birthday candles!

Happy 32!

Diary of A Snowstorm

January, 2011 - Mother Nature decided to give us a real taste of winter weather!

Day 1:

Almost a foot of beautiful, white powder! Max, Mommy, and Daddy ventured out to frolic in the snow.

We began to realize that Max's wagon and tricycle may be the only form of transportation we would be using for a while.

Even the mailman could not make it through the snow and needed an extra push from Daddy.

Day 2:

Overnight the powder froze into solid ice. Max and Daddy skated and slid around the backyard and gathered firewood. Dinner with the neighbors provided our only outside human interaction.

Day 3:

Roads remained icy, but Daddy was able to venture to work for half the day after narrowly avoiding manslaughter charges for running over a female pedestrian. Mommy and Max remained trapped in the house. Max begins talking to plants.

Day 4:

Mimi arrives as reinforcement. Daddy goes to work. Mommy attempts to rejoin the adult world at her office, but the heat system was not cooperating. After a few hours of chilly work, she brings her papers home to complete. Max has completely lost interest in the snow, but uses animal skins on his head for warmth.

Day 5:

Mommy, Daddy, and Max realize that five days snowbound together in the house is enough to drive any normal person insane! All efforts are made to regain some vestiges of normal routine.

Skipping ahead...

Day 8

A hard rain FINALLY washes away the ice and snow left covering our driveway. We can allow people to enter our house again without fear of a lawsuit!

Family Resemblance

Can you tell who it is?

Jason and his Granny

Max and his Nana

The Test

Ms. Patty (Max's favorite non-family babysitter) was putting Max to bed one night.

Max: I'm going to cry tonight.

Ms. Patty: Why are you going to cry?

Max: So Mommy will come. I'm going to cry so she will come in.

Ms. Patty: No, you don't need to cry. Mommy will be home when you wake up in the morning. You shouldn't cry if you don't need her.

Max: Yeah, I'm going to cry. I cry and she comes. Sometimes it takes her a long time.

Ms. Patty: I'm sure she always comes.

Max: Sometimes I have to cry a long time. And really loud.

Ms. Patty: You aren't going to cry tonight because you are a big boy.

Max: Yes, I am! (Mischievous grin)

Ms. Patty warned Mommy that she might be in for a rough night. However, Max must have changed his mind or lost interest in the test because he slept 12 hours without a peep. Or maybe he just didn't cry loud enough...

Hello, 2011!

Happy New Year!