Summer Update: Week 4.

We did it -- we finally braved the fountains at the zoo!  I was so proud of Fawn not only for overcoming his fear, but for doing so even when the fountains were packed full of big kids (why do I always decide to go to the zoo on half-price Tuesday?).  The pictures aren't great because I was holding Fawn's hand much of the time (and if not was within arms reach -- he was insistent I be close by, which resulted in a soaking wet mommy), but he did it!  And, I know we'll be back for more.

Favorite activity: pushing the water down with his foot.

 Abs of steel.

He even got brave enough to get his face wet!

Good for the Soul.

On Thursday I had the wonderful pleasure of spending a long day with a wonderful friend from college.  Though she lives in North Carolina, she is with her husband for a couple weeks in Montgomery where he is doing some additional training for work.  She drove up to spend a day with Fawn and me.

It was blissful!  We played with Fawn, chatted for hours, baked some goodies (she's a fabulous cook!), and capped off the day with a girls dinner.  It was just the reminder that I sometimes need as a mom to not neglect my friendships.  Even though the pulls of being a mother and wife (plus household chores, errands, not to mention work) seem to pile up and push things like friendships to the back burner, they deserve priority.  Thursday was truly restorative -- and I didn't even know I needed it!  Spending time with such a dear friend, who provides such love, advice and fellowship that I could never repay, was good for my soul. 

I don't know when I will get the chance to see her again -- but I hope it's soon.

Daddy's Day.

Happy (belated) Father's Day to all of the wonderful dads out there who work hard every day for their families, love their families, and lead their families.  You are a blessing.  Special well wishes go out to Buck who is the best father I could ask for to love and raise children alongside.  If you need evidence that God places His children in the perfect families for them, you need to look no further than Buck and Fawn.  Fawn adores his dad -- and for good reason.  He is the most fun, loving, attentive dad around.  Thank you also to my sweet dad, who has been my constant confidant for thirty years.  He has always loved me, stood by me, and encouraged me.  He loves my husband and my kid with his whole heart too!

My sweet boys after church on Sunday.  Check out the Elmo card that Fawn picked out for Buck (I actually let him look through the cards at Target -- when he arrived at Elmo, he was sold).  It has a button to push and Elmo "talks" -- Fawn was SO PROUD.  It was too cute.  We also decorated a cookie cake for Buck at Publix.  Fawn denied the bakery lady's offer to help him write a Father's Day message on the cake, instead opting for an "abstract" design of frosting and sprinkles.  It was a great day to celebrate the wonderful men in our lives!

Summer Update: Week 3.

We did more of the same last week -- zoo, McWane, swimming, library.  But, to mix things up a bit we added a trip to Trussville Park.  So, we've crossed number twenty off our summer list.  It's always fun to venture outside of our bubble and Trussville Park definitely doesn't disappoint.  I think it is one of the most toddler-friendly parks around (even the "big kid" stuff doesn't make me too nervous).  Case in point, there are many animals to ride in:

 

There's this awesome whale, plus an alligator, hippo, and dinosaur.  

Plus great slides:

 

(including several tube slides that stay cool these hot summer days).

But, if all that (plus swings, a climbing wall, etc.) isn't enough to keep you entertained, there's always the dirt:

 

Because, if you're a two-year old boy and there's dirt to be found, fun is sure to follow.  (Check out the dirty face -- Fawn sure knows how to make a mess quick!)

The Dreaded M-O-M.

My sweet, precious Fawn first called me "Mama" on Christmas Eve of 2009 -- his first Christmas, and the best Christmas present I could ask for.  Flash forward 18 months and he now calls me "Mom" -- not "Mama" or "Mommy."  I'm just "Mom."  And Buck's just "Dad."  When he needs something, he knows how to turn on the charm and whip out the trump card (a "Mommy" or a "Daddy"), but over the past week or so he's been pretty consistent in referring to us as "Mom" and "Dad" when he's talking to us. 

I guess that I didn't expect the "Mommy" stage of childhood to end so soon.  It frankly makes me sad, and makes me hang onto the few "Mommy"s and "Mama"s that I do get to hear these days.  I am hoping it's a phase and he will soon revert back to sounding more like a toddler and less like a teenager.  As one of my favorite books says, time is a mother's enemy.  It certainly is....while each day brings something new and fun, there is the constant sense that the precious moments of childhood are slipping away before my very eyes.

Lake Bath.

Fawn used to love baths, and while he still loves bubbles and splashing he's not so much a fan of the actual washing part.  Many nights it can be quite a battle.  Not so this past weekend at the lake.  Buck convinced Fawn that a lake bath would be really fun and cool.  And, he bought it. 

He had fun and even helped with the washing.  And, though I'm still of the opinion that lake baths don't really get you all that clean, it's better than nothing.  And, a happy, smiling toddler is way better than a fussy one!  So, bring on the lake bath.

 

 

Bye Bye Bama Bangs.

If I had a scanner on my computer, I could share some pictures of Buck circa 1993-1994 that would be a great example of the infamous, heralded "Bama Bangs" -- basically long bangs on guys with otherwise speaking relatively short hair. 

It's been months since Fawn got a haircut, and he was definitely sporting some Bama Bangs.  (To keep the look authentic, Buck had taken matters into his own hands and cut the back of Fawn's hair short.)  I thought the long-ish hair on my bumpkin looked precious, but it was starting to bother him, especially when we were swimming.  So, off we went to Mr. Eddie at Cahaba Plaza Barber Shop.  Fawn sought reassurance that he would indeed receive (1) a lollypop ("wowwypop") and (2) a matchbox car from Mr. Eddie.  As always, I replied.  And for extra incentive to cooperate, Fawn wore swimming clothes with the promise that I would take him swimming after his haircut if we behaved.

 

In the able hands of the best barber ever -- Mr. Eddie at Cahaba Plaza Barber Shop in Cahaba Heights.

Serious Bama Bangs.

 My little soldier, all smiles.

Summer Update: Week 2

Unfortunately, not a lot to report in terms of additional items checked off our "to-do" list.  If you're keeping track at home, you can cross off:

9. Sprinkler in the Yard

And, I've even got the pictures to prove it.  What a great way to spend a hot, 'bama afternoon (with kid-friendly bug spray of course to keep the skeeters away).

 

Here he comes.

 

Such fun -- and with the drought our grass was happy with the water too.

We did attempt number eleven on our list (Fountains at the Zoo) for a second time -- but Fawn was too nervous to take the plunge.  It baffles me because he loves, loves, loves to swim (which we do almost every day).  I think the element of surprise and all the "big" kids make him a little nervous.  I'm going to keep packing the swim diapers on our zoo trips, though, because I'm sure by summer's end I won't be able to get him out of the fountains.

Sorry me.

We are working on manners, and while some seem to be catching on ("pwease" and "gank you") we're having a little trouble with "excuse me."  Instead, Fawn says "sorry me."  Too cute, still sweet, even if not quite right.

Crock Pot Chicken.

This is my at-home version of a rotisserie chicken.  While not quite as quick and easy, it's pretty darn close.  And, if I do say so myself, much tastier.

whole chicken
olive oil
salt and pepper OR seasoning of your choice (I use a salt and pepper blend that also has onion powder, garlic powder, and celery seed)

Rinse chicken, and pat dry with paper towels.  Place in crock pot.  Drizzle with olive oil and then salt and pepper or seasoning of your choice.  (I apply the seasoning with a heavy hand since I discard the skin after cooking.)  Cook for approximately 5 hours on low heat.  Enjoy!

The meat will literally fall off the bones, so this is perfect if you want to make chicken salad or need shredded chicken for a casserole.  It's also great plain or on buns for sandwiches.  Got to love the crock pot!

First steri strip.

As I mentioned in my weekly update, Fawn's chin collided with a very sharp edge of a table at the McWane Center last week.  There was a loud thud followed by blood and tears (even mommy shed a couple).  Mommy's yellow shirt = ruined (no big deal, Target special).  I finally got the bleeding to stop in the bathroom of McWane, but the cut was pretty deep so I called in some back-up in the form of Buck.  Luckily we were two blocks from his office, so I just pulled into a loading zone and he came down to inspect.  His verdict -- no stitches needed, but a steri strip wouldn't hurt to make sure the cut closed up.  Buck's dad is an orthopedic surgeon in town, so after a quick phone call to his office, Fawn and I were headed that way.  We braved a crowded parking lot, elevators, and a crosswalk, but made it to Doc's office, where the sweet ladies that work up front ushered us back to a room where Doc put on the "special bandaid".  And, we were off again to more summer fun.  Despite this face, Fawn was very proud of his steri strip, which he referred to as his "fruit strip" (he loves the Organic Fruit Strips from Target as a special treat, I guess that's what he was thinking).

I'm happy to report the fruit strip is off, the cut is healing, and Fawn is ready to brave the McWane Center again.  I'm guessing this is our first of many accidents that need more attention than a mere bandaid, considering that Fawn is 100% boy with absolutely no fear.  So glad Doc's around to take care of us!

The Air Up There.

Definitely the best way to ride around Pepper Place.

Summer Update: Week 1.

Okay, to recap a couple weeks ago I posted our aspirational summer "to-do" list.  As of today, here's where we stand (I know we will repeat many of these trips!).  For those readers north of the Mason-Dixon line, I know that summer doesn't officially begin for a few more weeks.  But, seriously who decided that?  Certainly no one living in Alabama (for the record, it's been 90-plus degrees here for the past couple weeks -- in other words, summer has officially arrived).

We've done:

1. Lake Martin - over Memorial Day weekend.  Fawn was much easier to deal with at the lake this summer, as opposed to the past couple.  He loves being on the boat and piddling around the yard with Buck. 

4. Pepper Place Saturday Market - embarrassed to admit that we came home with no fruits and veggies -- only McEwen and Sons grits and Wright Dairy cheese (We do eat fruits and veggies, I've just been trying to stock up as much as possible at Murphree's in Cahaba Heights -- we love them and their produce!)

5. Swimming at my grandparents' house - finally convinced Fawn that swimming was a good idea this afternoon.  He had repeatedly resisted the outing telling me that it was too cold to swim (seriously??? do we live in the same state???).  When we arrived he was a little standoffish, but quickly remembered how much he loves, loves, loves to swim.

13. Imagination Lab at McWane - awesome addition to McWane Science Center -- we will definitely be back.  Though this was cut short -- Fawn slipped and split his chin open on a table (he's okay, more to follow in another post).

16. Summer Reading Program at Library - we're registered, though (gasp!) I haven't logged any of the million books we've read yet.  Oops!  We also went to a really entertaining musical program at Emmet O'Neal last Tuesday which Fawn loved.  It was drums from around the world, and it was loud so Fawn was happy.

17. Doodles Italian Ice - definitely the best summer treat in town

18. Veterans' Park in Spain Park - love, love, love this park and all of the wonderful slides (go early so it's not too hot, but take a towel as the slides are always wet in the a.m.)

23. Backyard Garden - sunflowers and watermelons in progress

Okay, I've been really lazy at picture taking this week.  Can I use the common theme that it's just too hot as an excuse?  I did snap some precious pics of Buck and Fawn at Pepper Place, but am having some uploading difficulties so will share it later!

Errand Helper.

Because I have no time to run errands without precious Fawn (I work when he goes to school), he's -- by necessity -- my errand helper.  He's generally pretty good at cooperating, as long as I keep the trips short and the stops few (throw in a treat or a side trip to the park and he's over the moon). 

Even my little errand helper has his limits.  For example, at the grocery store we have a certain routine: 1) Fawn is in charge of the recyclable bags -- they are his, do not mess with them; 2) Fawn gets to pick the cart; 3) Fawn does not ride in the cart but instead helps mommy push; 4) Fawn places (in actuality throws) all of our items into the cart; 5) Fawn helps unload the cart at checkout (while telling the checkout clerk what he is purchasing "dis is my cheese" "dese awe bananas" like she cares...); and 6) Fawn gets to "sign" mommy's name at checkout (which underscores the fact that no one is checking signatures on those electronic checkouts).

And, sometimes he just says no (he is two, after all).  After a stop at Fawn's school to pick up his artwork from last year, I told him that we needed to go by the store to get daddy a new bow tie (he somehow misplaced his at my brother's wedding last July -- i.e., took it off and totally forgot to look for it when we left the reception).  Fawn:  "Mommy, I do not want to wun a bow tie ewwand.  I want to wun a tot lot ewwand.  Yeah, let's do dat.  Dat is a gweat idea!"  (For those non B'hamers, the tot lot is a great little park in our town.)

So Jealous.

Hey ladies, haven't you always wanted a golf cart?  Me too!  I'm so thrilled Buck decided to buy one for us. . . in theory, it's for the farm but we've made great use of it to ride to get our mail from the mailbox.  I was so exasperated by this purchase (I could name a MILLION things we need for our home and golfcart doesn't make the list) that I did a little mother-daughter venting to my dear mother.  Her response?  "Honey, men are just large boys.  They're toys are bigger and more obnoxious."  Couldn't have said it better myself.

Did I mention Fawn thinks it is the coolest thing in the world?