You Are Two

How can it possibly be October 12^th again? Like every parent says, each year goes faster than the last.  I am trying my hardest to soak up every moment, but just like everyone else I have to blink, so here we are… you are two.

I feel like life these days is a never ending battle of wanting my baby to stay, well, a baby, but at the same time always looking forward to the next chapter. I sure do miss those newborn snuggles, but at the same time I cannot wait to watch Luca grow and mature to be an independent, hardworking young man. It’s a hard battle to conquer and I think as a mom I’ll never truly win. A small part of me will always look to the happy memories of the past, never wanting to let those precious moments go, but at the same time I’ll always be looking forward to the future and the happy moments that are to come.

And this year. This year. Holds so many amazing memories of my precious little boy. The amount of growth and learning that happens from age one to age two is astonishing and I got a front row seat to the whole thing. Luca is so many things. And I promised myself I would not let this get too wordy so I will just highlight the main things that come to mind. He’s joyful: rarely without a smile on his face. He’s energetic: the kid never stops moving! He’s extremely athletic: I cannot wait to be in the front row cheering for him when he’s a soccer, football, hockey, name any other sport, star. He’s loving: he gives the sweetest most spontaneous hugs and kisses. He’s for sure a daredevil: always pushing the limits and never without at least 5 bruises on his body. Some of Luca’s favorite things include, taking baths (the more water in the face the better), playing outside, wrestling with our dog, Elsie, ice cream, jumping on his trampoline, pointing out all the letters from the alphabet, cars, trucks, trains (also known as choo choos), Lightning McQueen, building towers, knocking down said towers, making messes for mom to clean up, the list could go on and on and on.

Luca, my love, you are the one who made me a mommy, a dream come true! You bring me so much joy. Thank you for all the amazing memories you have given me already. I look forward to another joyous year of watching you grow!

Happy Second Birthday my precious boy.

 

This Is My Twenty-Six

I imagine most twenty-six year old girls spend their birthdays much differently than me. Maybe they spent their day at the office before partying it up in the evening in the city. Or maybe they’re adventuring: Travelling to a new place without a care in the world. Maybe they’re falling in love with the man they will one day marry, spending a romantic evening at the most fabulous restaurant. Or maybe they are surrounded by their best friends, a girl’s night out, opening the most fabulous gifts.

My day, I’m guessing, looked a little bit different than most twenty-something girl’s birthdays do. To many girls this day in age, I married “young” and had a baby when I was just a “baby” myself.

But if I’m being completely and utterly honest, I wouldn’t change a single thing. No maybe my nights aren’t filled with late-night adventures or crazy parties. But they are full. So incredibly full of their own little “adventures” and their own special “parties”: they are just a little different than most.

You see, I also spent the day at the office. But my home is my office. My kitchen table is my desk. I have playdate meetings. And snack-time deadlines. I also party it up in the evening. But that party is located outside playing with cars and balls with my son.

And I also spend my days travelling… to the nearest Starbucks and Jewel-Osco. Sure I usually go to the same ones, but who’s to tell me I can’t go on an adventure and check out the new Starbucks a few miles up the road?

And I’m also falling in love… with my already husband. More and more each day. And our romantic night looks like cuddling with our feverish son before we put him to bed and then watching America’s Got Talent on the couch while eating a can of Pringles. Maybe a glass or two of wine before bed… if we’re really feelin’ fancy.

And last but not least, I also spent my day surrounded by my friends… my son, my husband. They are my best friends in the whole wide world. And sure, maybe I didn’t get a “girl’s night out” but I got the most fabulous “family night in”. There’s no place else I’d rather be. And my requested gift… A diaper bag. I am absolutely positive most 26 year olds do not ask for a diaper bag for their birthday. But I think it’s freaking amazing and I am super duper excited about it. (It’s a back pack and it’s leather #amothersdream )

So sure, my day may look different than most. I know, I don't really "party" or "adventure" but in my own special way, I do. And I absolutely love it. And I would not change a single thing. This exact life is the sweetest birthday gift a girl could ask for and I am so so blessed. This is the life for me and I couldn't be happier about it.

This is my Twenty-Six

 

 

 

 

  
 
 
  

 

 

 

 

Slowing Down

Life is busy. There's no doubt about that. My son is only a year and a half and I find myself wishing for more time in a day. So a few days ago when John was talking about taking this Friday off of work I immediately said, yes please! He had no real reason to take the day off, but what a better reason to do it then. No plans, no real to-do list, we had the whole day! We could do whatever we wanted.

I've been kind of dying to go to the city. I basically lived there a good portion of my college days. So being that it had been months since my last visit, I thought why not have a city day? Zoo, beach, the works. We packed our lunch. Pringles, Jewel chocolate chip cookies, Kool-aid Jammers, and we left after rush-hour traffic. We cruised right in and had the best time.

Luca could care less about the animals at the zoo, and it took me a little while to accept that, but once I did, suddenly the day turned magical. While sitting on some steps overlooking the sea lions while John and I watched Luca happily climb up and down the steps to his hearts content, we realized something.... time, it didn't matter. We could sit there as long as we wanted without a care in the world. And we had all the time in the world to just enjoy together, as a family. Whether that be watching Luca climb up and down those steps or walking along the beautiful, open beach on Lake Michigan. There was no time limit to our day, no to-do list. We could just do what we wanted, how we wanted, and when we wanted. And boy was it heavenly.

It was a good lesson learned for me and my husband. We get so wrapped up in always having to be productive. Any day we have off we're always planning, working, cleaning, doing yard work, going to this or that event. But we need days like this. Days where we can just take a step back and enjoy each other. Be a family. With no real plans, no real time lines. And I've decided that days like this are going to become a more regular thing for us. We need them. And maybe you do too.

Cleaning and housework can wait. Life can't.