School of Hard Knocks

Max had a rough day yesterday - literally. First, he fell and hit his face while dust mopping the floor (if the kid can walk, he can work). That left a lovely red bruise on his cheek. Then he fell at school and cut his lip, making it purplish and puffy. Back at home, he was looking out the window, slipped, and hit his head on the Little People Farm. Luckily, the impact caused Old McDonald to start playing and drown out his screams. Finally, he fell for a fourth time and hit his head on the corner of the cabinet. Too dazed to cry, he looked at Mommy in puzzlement then laid himself down on the floor, and sat quietly in a heap. I'm expecting DSS to appear at our door at any moment...

Around the World in 30 Years

In honor of Jason's first 30 years, we had a travel-themed celebration! There were maps, globes, and 30 beers from 30 different countries....almost. I was able to get to about 21 using just the countries he has traveled to, but then I was forced to become creative because Greenville does not have a large enough beer selection. That's how Jason ended up with Purple Haze (for Furman), Tiger (for Frank), and a few representing places he has been in the vicinity of or that I know he would like to visit (He-brew for Israel). His gift was a personalized map with pins to show the places he has been. Your eyes do not deceive you - we haven't put the pins in yet! 

Jason has finally embraced my concept of multi-day birthday celebrations. On Friday, it was tapas, beer, and chocolate rum crunch cake with a select group of good friends. Saturday was a yummy home cooked dinner and chocolate peppermint pie with family. And Sunday was birthday fun with Max day!

I don't think we will be using the blow up globes to teach Max geography. They still had Yugoslavia and the Commonwealth for Independent States (for the former Soviet Union) on them. That's the quality you get when you buy globes at the Five and Dime store!

Thanks to everyone who made Jason's birthday special. As a wonderful husband and father, he deserves it!

Top 30 for Jason's 30th Birthday

30 Reasons I'm Glad You Were Born:

1. You can always make me smile (even when I'm not in the mood).

2. You get extra food and drinks for yourself because you know I'll want a bite.

3. We speak the same language.

4. You are always interested in an adventure.

5. You wear plaid pants and pink (and pull it off).

6. You have incredible dance moves.

7. You are my pensieve.

8. You are never afraid to be a big goober.

9. You chose Bean and you tolerate Frank.

10. You make me feel beautiful every time you look at me.

11. Your diverse musical tastes from rap to opera.

12. Your compassion and generosity to all people.

13. You take breakfast duty so that I can get ready without the baby.

14. You tell me and Max you love us innumerable times per day.

15. You are a champion time waster.

16. You find random news stories to make me laugh.

17. You appreciate my "visions". 

18. You have a way with words.

19. You want to be a part of Max's daily routines from diapers to baths.

20. You always drive and usually don't complain.

21. You treat me like a partner and an equal.

22. You feed me. Literally.

23. Your expression when you come home and see Max and the cats.

24. Your calm and cool attitude towards life.

25. You teach me.

26. Your intense desire for cuddling.

27. Your unparalleled Daddy antics.

28. You gave me Max, and I see so much of you in him.

29. You love the Lord and work to live it each day.

30. You are my beloved and my friend.

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY, JASON!!

14 Miles Per Hour

Dear Max,

At 14 months you are moving at top speed and you are busy, busy, busy! Walking is so last month. As you have become more confident in your walking skills, you have started moving quickly and in all directions. In your car, you grab the steering wheel and shake it as if to say, (in the immortal words of Ricky Bobby) "I wanna go fast!" You are an insatiable explorer and want to be involved in everything. 

My tiny baby has morphed into a chubby toddler with a belly worthy of a Buddha statue. You ate an entire container of green beans yesterday at lunch and are showing a remarkable preference for goulash. At long last, you are outgrowing clothes at an alarming rate and many of your pants are now stylish highwaters. We are trying to eat together as a family at the table more often, even though you have dinner much earlier than us. Lucky you - some nights you get two dinners that way! 

Max, you have the sweetest, kindest heart. You love to show love. Anything or anyone you like, you give a hug and lay your cheek against them. Especially the cats, although not only the actual kitties, but pictures of cats in books and on your mural, too. You seem to understand that the pictures represent cats and need to be shown the proper respect. Your cousins, family, pillows, and anything soft or furry are other recipients of your sweet nuzzles and pats on the back.

On the flip side, you have begun to express your displeasure in a most unappealing manner. Shrieks, crying, and even lying on your stomach kicking your feet on the floor do get your point across. Although this is much sooner than I expected to deal with tantrums, you should know that you have met your match. Mommy loves you, but I've worked with enough kids with behavior issues to appreciate the importance of discipline. Although I must confess that when I was describing your behavior to Uncle Gary he informed me that he recalled another baby with squinty eyes that did those things....hmm, wonder who he was talking about?

We love seeing the world through your eyes, precious one. Much love, 

Mommy

Rollin' with my Homies

This is how I roll.....

Two cars at once.

Sidenote: As you can see from Max's outfit, these pictures are pre-Christmas. Gimme a break, sometimes it takes a while for inspiration to strike!

Activities of Daily Living

Who needs toys? My child never fails to amaze me with the items he finds enthralling. A runny nose has kept us inside the house for the past few days and here is a quick peek of what Max was up to: 

11 minutes: Shredding Kleenex and moving the pieces from the arm of the sofa to the tissue box to the blanket to the box to the arm and so on.

4 minutes: Wiggling in his rocking chair.

7 minutes: Pulling his bowls and cups out of the cabinet. Additional 3 minutes attempting to put his sippy cup together.

5 minutes: Helping Mommy load the washing machine and dropping small items in. 

16 minutes (total): Trying to climb the stairs, banging on the gate, and being removed from the staircase.

6 minutes: Walking around the house in circles dragging the baby monitor.

3 minutes: Sitting on top of the washing machine as it vibrates.

5 minutes: Opening and closing the bathroom door while Mommy sits outside it.

Between each activity: Edging towards the door of the room, glancing around to see if Mommy is watching, and then rushing out to make a break for the stairs while laughing hysterically.

Total: 1 hour in the life of Max.

New Year's Baby

Happy 2009!