Hello, Summertime.

Woooboy. I'm really glad May is over with. My usually healthy boys passed a virus back and forth and to Jeff and I for weeks. Ear infections for both of them (not at the same time, of course). Roseola. Bronchitis. Sinus infection. Coughs/runny nose/congestion for all. Oh, and I woke up with pink eye one day. Fantastic. Thankfully, I can say we're all feeling well now!

Last week we went camping at Lake Mitchell in Cadillac, thanks to my Mom and her fantastic idea. Even though it started off wet, the boys had fun riding their bikes in the nearly empty campground. I never knew a puddle of water could entertain two toddlers for hours. And I mean hours. Unfortunately for Adam, the last day we were able to spend up there was the best weather of the entire trip...but the afternoon was spent in the ER, waiting to be diagnosed with an ear infection. Poor baby.

That trip wasn't so relaxing for us adults, of course. Camping isn't that much fun with a crawler - there isn't a whole lot he can do at this stage. So, you can imagine I was thrilled to get away for a night to go camping in South Haven with my Mommy and my Aunt. It was just the ticket - kid-free for over 24 hours. And with two people who are fun-loving and require game-playing! It was awesome and I wish I could re-charge like that every week!

And today, it's a beautiful day so we got out of the house early and headed to the FM Gardens. It was good to get out in the fresh air and have fun. Adam enjoyed the little hand puppet area more than I thought he would, which was cute. He liked the butterfly the best. Miles had fun splashing around in the "Great Lakes" area. I remembered a change of clothes for him, but forgot my camera. I never seem to have it when I want to take pictures...grrrrr.

I officially welcome summer. Here's to warm weather, sunscreen, sand, sunscreen, skinned knees, sunscreen, popsicles, sunscreen, and good times.

Did I mention sunscreen? ;)

Poor sick bubba.

I should be thankful that between my two kids, we've only made TWO sick-child visits to the pediatrician's office. Today was Miles' turn. After a really rough night last night of him only wanting to sleep sitting upright in my lap, I figured his cold (which he will have had for 2 weeks tomorrow) had progressed into something more. He was so brave at the doctor's office...all smiles until his ears were examined. And sure enough - a diagnosis of a double ear infection and a sinus infection to boot.

Miles, who is normally cuddly anyways, has been even more so in the last 24 hours. While holding his feverish body last night, it made me happy to know that I was able to soothe him. Listening to the sound of his raspy breathing, I pondered at how small he seemed, thinking: "in a few short years, you'll be too big to do this." At the same time, I marveled at how big he has gotten, with his long legs dangling over the side of the rocking chair. Holding him close in the wee hours of the morning I was not missing sleep (although it would have been nice, believe me!), but lovingly reveling in the fact that in my lap, my baby was calm. Sleeping. At peace.

God has given (most) women the gift of being able to spring into action when needed. To comfort. To put together. To reach out. What a blessing! My prayer is that I continue to mature in this role as my children grow older, to be able to provide calm to them no matter what the situation.

Catching up...

It's been a few weeks since I've blogged...sorry!

The weather was beautiful here this past Friday, so I decided to take advantage of the sunshine and bring the boys to the FM Gardens for a few hours. I thought everyone was having a great time - too good of a time, as it turns out. Despite my 10-minute and 5-minute warnings, Adam had a complete meltdown when it was time to go. Screaming. Oh, that kid can scream! Luckily, as I was pushing the stroller with one hand, and dragging Adam with the other, my eyes met with those of sympathetic mothers as we were exiting the premises. Their kind glances in my direction reminded me that this is (semi) normal - and I'm not parenting some type of monster. "I am SO MAD AT YOU!!!!" could be heard loud and clear by all, and it was at that point that I was asking myself "why do I bother?" Perhaps we should have just stayed home. The boys would have stayed cleaner (they were greasy from sunscreen and sandy from the sandbox) and drier (Adam was soaked from playing with the water/boats).

But we as mothers *do* bother, don't we? God bless Mothers. No doubt we'll be back again soon, hoping that "the talk" we had afterwords sank in, and that the exit will be quieter next time. Or else. ;)

Adam has also been bombarding me with "Watch this, Mommy!" commands throughout the day. Unfortunately for me, just saying "ok, I'm watching" is not enough. I tried. I have to be watching him motoring his monster truck for a "sweet jump" over and over and over. Silly kid.

Miles! His fifth tooth just popped through and he's working on mastering the art of standing on his own. I am hoping that walking is in his future sooner rather than later, because I really can't see a summer of his little knees crawling on the ground outside. Yeouch! He loves his big brother, and the two of them are constantly cracking eachother up.

We got a kick out of him last night at dinner. I had given him pears on his tray - something he usually loves to eat. When he started chucking them on the ground, I simply removed his tray. Of course, then he started whining, I assumed he wanted more pears. Now, I've been down this road before and know not to give him his tray back (the whole "fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me" thing). So, I put a piece of pear in his mouth. You know what that little stinker did? He took that pear out of his mouth and thew it across the room, giggling the whole time. Ha! He's a smart one, that Miles.

Well, that seems to sum up the week over here. It's Sunday. Jeff is at work, the boys are napping, and I've finished 4 loads of laundry. Time to head for the couch and try to finish the book I've started...

The Real Deal

My friend Michelle was kind enough to tag me in this virtual dare. Here are the rules:
Take a picture of yourself right now.
No primping or preparing. Just snap a picture.
Load the picture onto your blog.
Tag some people to play.

Now, I could have waited for another day, one where I had makeup on, or was wearing something semi-cute. But no, I opted to play by the rules and snap a picture (Ok, I tried to have Adam snap the picture, but he wasn't holding the button down long enough). Today is a cloudy Sunday. Jeff is working and I'm home in my comfy pants and making my way through the mounds of laundry, being careful not to trip over toys while carrying the laundry basket up and down stairs.

Tomorrow, I shall do my makeup.



Ok...so, if I did it, you can do it too. Cheryl and Karen...you're tagged!

Plastic Easter Memories

It's Easter time. Looking back on my childhood, I remember my Grandma Vander Laan had a tree outside of her kitchen window that she would decorate every Easter. Tiny plastic Easter eggs would adorn it's branches. Sometimes there would be plastic-blow up eggs and bunnies to complete the scene. And of course, each Easter morning, there would be an Easter basket awaiting us each Easter morning. Jelly beans. Cadbury Eggs. Peeps. Easter grass. This Easter basket tradition continued until I was in college!

This week, I had a hankering for something Easter-y to adorn my front door. I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for in the stores, so I did a quick Google search and found an idea to make one of my own. A trip to Hobby Lobby and $10 later, I was all set to make my own Easter wreath. I love it. It reminds me of my childhood and my Grandma, and it makes me smile just looking at it.

As a Mom, I wonder what traditions my kids will remember as adults. 30 years from now, what will they be thinking of when Easter rolls around? Christmas? Birthdays? I hope that even in the littlest of things I can make happy memories for them so that when they're older something will trigger their own "plastic Easter egg" memory and they'll smile, too.

12 Month Stats

Miles had his 12-month check-up today. He weighed in at 20.2lbs (20%) and measured 31.25 inches long (90%). Interestingly enough, he didn't even shed a tear when he got his polio shot. What a trooper!!! And of course, everything checked out a-OK...he's perfect in every way!

It's funny, because most people think he's bigger than Adam in weight, but compared to Adam's stats at that time, he's taller, but weighs the same as Adam did at 12 months. Interesting...it'll be fun to see who ends up being the "bigger" brother!

And, I'd just like to say that since having a cupcake at his birthday party, Mr. Miles thinks he's entitled to taste whatever I'm eating. He's figured out that he can point and screech, particularly when I'm eating something that he thinks he should be a part of. So, now I have to be extra sneaky when snacking on things that shouldn't be shared with little boys.

But boy, did he love his cake...

Happy Birthday, Miles!

How is it possible that an entire year has gone by? It truly seems like just yesterday we were welcoming you into the world.

When you were born, everyone thought you looked just like your brother - including me. Throughout the year, you've made it clear that while you may look a bit like Adam, your personality sets you two apart. You're feisty and determined - you go after what you want. You're a love bug - cuddly and sweet. Adam never wanted anything to do with sitting still, but you will sit on my lap and just be. I love being able to sit with you, smelling your hair and soaking up all of your baby goodness. You're very relaxed - not much sets you off, and you're a true joy to be around.

A year ago, as your due date got closer, I remember being worried and anxious. How would you fit into the family? Would Adam resent not getting all of the attention? Would I be able to love two children equally? On your birth day, all my fears were put to rest. How silly I was! The minute I saw your face, I was in love - a love that only a mother knows. You may be my second born, but you are never second in my heart.

Speaking of love, I love your deep blue eyes. I love that when you nurse, one hand holds mine, while the other covers your eyes. I love it that when you're tired, you suck on your two fingers and rub your ear. I love tickling your feet and hearing you giggle. I love how your eyes light up when you see your brother come into the room. I love how you have made our family brighter, better, more blessed. You are amazing.

So Miles, aka "smiley Miley," "Mr. Miles," and "little brother," I love you. We love you.

Happy Birthday, precious boy.