From the crib to the big boy bed...where did the time go?!

When did my sweet son grow up to be such a big boy?  When did he go from a cute pudgy baby to a tall, skinny toddler?  I remember this picture like it was yesterday...Jack was supposed to be taking a nap.  I heard noise so I went upstairs to check on him.  When I opened the door there he was, standing up on his chubby legs with the biggest grin ever as if to say, "Hi Mom!  No nap for me this afternoon!  I'm too busy cruising around my crib."  I had to get a picture of this and of course, the nap didn't happen.  But that was okay, his adorable grin and sweet face got the best of me!

 

 Jack at 8 months (Something happened with the formatting of my pictures.  I apologize for the way it is displayed.)

 

 

Now, my baby is a toddler who sleeps in a big boy bed!  (We are working on the pacifier!  He can say the word perfectly, which tells us its time to say good bye!)  We had to move Jack there after my c-section with Amelie.  He has adjusted well and is sleeping through the night (at least 95% of the time).

Hard to believe that Jack is 23 months old.  I know that isn't very old, but the days have flown by and I feel as if I've only blinked.  Every day with him is a blessing and I wouldn't trade any of them for the world...even the long days!  One minute he is this helpless baby crying for his mommy and the next he is walking down the stairs like a grown-up and saying things like, "Jack do it!"

Well, its short and sweet and I promise to have more postings in the near future.  But in the mean time, I'm making wonderful memories with my kids! (I love saying that!)

Accepting the challenge...5 things about me

So I was challenged by Tab to post 5 things about myself that you may or may not know about me. I accept the challenge, now...what do I write about?

Hmmmm.....
1. I've always wanted to be a horse trainer ever since I was a little girl.  I've always loved horses and wanted the thrill of being outside with those amazing creatures.  However, being raised in the city I'm at a slight disadvantage.  So, instead of breaking and training wild stallions, I work with inner-city kids.  In my book, that is pretty close to "horse training"!  Maybe one day I'll be a horse trainer, until then I'm going to work on "potty training" my little colt...Jack!

2. I love to clean!  That is right!  I feel like a new person when I sit down at the end of the day and look at my clean floors, counter tops and fall asleep under fresh linens.  Being pregnant it takes all of my energy to clean my house these days, but it is still worth it.

3. I LOVE the smell of coffee, but can't stand the taste.  I'm a tea drinker through and through.  I've always been one, but upon meeting my husband (Dan) I realized that I had only scratched the surface when it came to the "tea" world.  A perfect day consists of: spending time with my family, listening to jazz and drinking TEA!!!

4. I love to read and learn new things about my faith, my job, cooking, raising children and just for fun.  Lately its mostly been about my faith (Read Relentless by John Bevere), but nonetheless, reading has always been my favorite thing to do...a place to escape, allow my imagination to take off and get lost in some adventure.

5.  I've always wanted to go to Prince Edward Island (Anne of Green Gables)!  When I was younger I told myself I would go there on my honeymoon (we went to Seattle instead...which I loved!).  So while that didn't happen, I hope that before I die I'm able to go where the Anne girl walked and experience the gorgeous scenery.

Okay...there are 5 things about me that you may or may not know.  I had fun and hope you at least smile while reading them!

Little Hands...

A few weeks ago after dinner, we decided to go and get the mail.  Dan grabbed the mail key, I, my shoes and Jack.  As we walked through the garage door Jack stopped to grab Dan and my hands.  (We have taught Jack that he always has to be holding someones hands when we are out walking. ) I didn't have to say anything, he just grabbed onto both of our hands and we continued to walk to the mail box.
As we all walked hand in hand, I felt like the most blessed person on the face of this earth.  I was with my husband and son.  Holding hands without a care in the world.
It truly is the little moments that make the day.  Every time those sweet little hands reach out to me, my heart melts and he has my undivided attention.  Nothing else matters at that moment, time stands still and I am captivated by those hands that I hold.  The hands that love me and can make me cry in a heartbeat.  The hands that get into mischief, but also help me with the laundry, dishes and picking up his toys.  Hands that push away my hair so he can see what color earrings I'm wearing today. Hands that we hold when its time to pray at meal time. And hands that I pray will always be loving, kind and a protector to the weak.