Pop, Plano and the Paper - What a Deal!

Oh, what a morning! Garrett had the best time visiting Pop at his new house this morning .... only 10 minutes from ours! We are thrilled that he and GG (who is out of town - we missed you GG) will live so close to us after almost 3 years of being so far away.

Okay. Well, we qualify 45 minutes from us being far away. I know, ridiculous to those of you who live states away from your families. Anywho. We are so excited to be able to have our weekly get together at either home - used to be that GG and Pop would drive all the way over to see us - so generous. Now we can return the favor!

Garrett enjoyed playing with his toys, finding the swing set in the backyard and reading the paper with Pop. Good thing I had my trusty camera in tow - such a sweet sight to remember!

Heartbroken

As "we" approach the big 3, I am becoming more and more heartbroken. I do this every year about one to two months prior to Garrett's birthday. I get all sappy. I start looking back through all of his baby pictures. I reminisce over all of the milestones he's met. I then become more and more aware that he is growing up.

Don't get me wrong. I am so very proud of Garrett - who is he, what he has accomplished and the fact that he is healthy and developing normally. BUT. I get sad just thinking that these years are slipping by faster and faster. I mean, wasn't he just in size 2 diapers? And wasn't he just still needing a burping after each feeding?

Now it's size 6 diapers and doing good to even get him to sit still for a meal.

My little baby has suddenly turned into a little boy. Gulp. Wipe the tears.

And today my sense of awareness about his turning three soon was heightened to a new level. I am really bitten by the reality of his growing up today because Garrett got a new haircut. Like Daddy's. Short. And it oozes little boyness.

I have made the executive decision that we are going to immediately start to grow out his precious locks. You may not be able to tell very well from this picture, but Garrett got a VERY short crew/buz cut. I am really not sure what the proper, technical, hair savvy verbage would be, so bear with me. All I know is that it is short and made a few tears slip down my cheeks.

And that smile? What, he almost turns three and he whips out the cheesy grin?

Apparently I have so much to learn. And to let go of. So that when the day comes for him to go off to college or get married, I won't totally lose it and have to be checked into a loony bin. Or something. You know what I mean.

Just About the Longest Post. Ever. Enter with Caution, Folks.

So, I'm realizing that if I stay away from posting on this said blog for more than a week, I can get so overwhelmed and can't decide which ever-so-fascinating family experience I should post about in an effort to catch up. You know. Because we're so exciting over here at the Wade house. Hence, this list:

1. The Boy and His Socks: Garrett is, might I say, obsessed with funky, different and unique socks. You want to totally flip his lid, get him a pair of crazy socks and he'll either a) play with them like puppets or b)wear them. Yuppers. He typically wears them around the house. No issue. But one day last week, he was insistent that he should wear them while we ran our errands. Again, I didn't bother to fight him on it. I'm actually growing quite fond of his quirky-ness.

2.One day last week Garrett and I had a really fun morning with two momma buddies of mine and their kiddos. We all piled into one momma's van (to which upon getting in Garrett stated "We need to buy one of these cars, Momma") and rode down to The Science Place.


Now, I for one, have not been to The Science Place since I went as a 1st grade teacher. Who was stressed to the max. Worried her 24 precious students might get lost or abducted or might break something. Or wait, I really can't remember. Maybe the last time I went was as a special ed teacher. Either way, stressed to the max. So, really, I don't have fond memories of this place.


BUT. This trip was so fun! They have set up the whole bottom floor with exhibits for younger kiddos. Like a farm where you can milk a cow, baskets to pick out fruits, veggies and eggs, tractors to ride and so on. And, there was a really cool water room set up with huge water tables and water toys.


Let me just stop right here and give some unwarranted advice: take a change of clothes if your child is highly motivated by playing in the water. Garrett walked around wet the rest of the day although it didn't seem to bother him.


Anyway, lot's of other fun exhibits and lot's of great company! Thanks Angela & Emma and Heather & Sammy for sharing your day with us. We can't wait to do it again!

Oh, and PS: it was free for 2 and under and only $4 per person - I thought that was a steal compared to some of the other indoor play places around here!

Milking the Cow

Picking the Veggies with Emma

Stealing From, I mean Picking, Veggies with Sammy

Gathering Eggs

Riding the Tractor

Water Fun

Dumpin' It All Out

Playing House

Bubble Making

3. From our little day of chatting together, the above named girls and I decided that is was unanimous. Betty, who I wrote so fondly about here, and a few other employees at our shared pediatrician's office, MUST GO! So, see. I am not crazy. The lady doesn't have it out for me. Thank goodness. Because I was really losing some sleep over it. Okay. Not really.

4. Daddy and Son Swimming: I don't' know why, but every time I see Garrett and Kenny swim and play together, my heart just melts. Or maybe I am so elated that I get to sit on the sidelines, read a book and tan. No, it must seeing these two frolic in the water. Wow. I think that word "frolic" really makes me seem old.

5. Last night we all went to "Taw-get Stuh" as a family after dinner. Needed to visit the friendly pharmacy. While we were there we picked up a few other essential groceries to get us through the week. You know, the ones that weren't on the list but somehow you ended up needing half-way through the week. So, as the buggy grew and got heavy, Garrett got behind me to help push. And as if to prevent a tornado or some other deadly disaster from happening again like this one, Kenny ran over to us and emphatically told Garrett that he would indeed push the buggy and Mommy and Garrett could walk along. No need to push on Mommy. Kenny really isn't into public humiliation. It was quite comical to see him react so quickly.

6. And finally, in the latest breaking, news from Casa de Wade, today G-man and I (along with best buddies kiddo) went to a fun little spot called Clubhouse for Kids. After getting lost (yes, it's what I'm known for) and arriving in time to play for only an hour or so, we unloaded and went in. It's the neatest little place sectioned off with different rooms for imaginary play. Garrett had the most fun pretending to grocery shop (shocker, I know), fishing from the boat and flying the airplane. I must say that I was a little bummed out because I expected the place to be quiet and not too full. But, lo and behold, there about a bizillion playgroups there. All of the kids weren't a problem but I suddenly became so sad watching all of the other mommies chat it up. I really should have invited another mommy to join us. Lesson learned.

Grocery Shopping

Fishing

Pilot Garrett in the Cockpit

7. Oh wait a minute! My most favorite piece of news this summer! I am madly in love with a TV show. And it takes a lot for me to adore TV. But this show, Jon and Kate Plus 8, is what I wait for each and every Tuesday night, baby. I can't get enough. I have sadly decided that it is because after watching, I no longer feel tired or grumpy that I am tired. For Pete's sake, if Kate can raise twin 6 year olds and sextuplet 2 year olds AND clean her house which she does AND keep her marriage strong AND feed them all AND laugh AND host birthday parties for her husband AND have time to keep her hair color/highlights maintained, then am in no way allowed to complain.

Okay, maybe a little. This mothering stuff is hard work. And heart work. And we all have those days. But man alive. I am so thankful my hard days are only filled with ONE two year old and not SIX!

I tell Kenny after every Tuesday night that we really should send these people a check. A prize. A reward. Or something. They certainly deserve it.

All for now....will try to do better at keeping up!

You took the camera where?

Yes, folks. I took the handy digital camera to the movie theater to record my little prince's first movie experience. Kenny rolled his eyes. The ticket lady seemed very confused. And the two guys behind us in line made several huffs and puffs. But I didn't care. I didn't want to miss this photo op opportunity to record one of Garrett's "firsts".

I know, I know. I am sad. I really need to let go of the fact that not everything needs to be documented on film. But I just can't stand to let one minute of his young life go by. In my mind, I guess I think that if I slow down these "firsts" with the film, then maybe, just maybe, he won't grow up so fast. Again, Kenny will insert the rolling of the eyes here, too.


So, back to the story. On Sunday morning we had nothing to do because we had made plans to go to church that night. Gotta love our church. Anyway, Kenny had decided we needed to get to a store at North Park mall in order to be there when the doors opened at noon. And we really didn't have enough time to go to the pool AND come home to shower AND get to North Park in time for the opening. So, he randomly suggested we take Garrett to his first movie. At the North Park theater.

That did it for me. I hopped up, showered, got dressed. All in record time. I was so elated to take the little man to his first movie. And apprehensive. You see, Garrett doesn't even sit through a 20 minute episode of anything without walking around, playing simultaneously with a toy, eating a snack, etc. And each time we've tried to rent a movie and watch it at home, he bails within the first 30 minutes. So, we were apprehensive that the length of the movie, the loud noise and the darkness might freak him out.

It didn't! He walked in all big and mighty and proud of himself, climbed into his seat and snacked away. Once the movie (and real noise) started he scooted on over to my lap. I think the blaring penguins surfing were a bit much for him. But he hung in there for about 55 minutes. And then, without much warning, he got up, and proceeded to pick up my purse and his little bag and tell us, "It is time to go. Let's go. That's all Momma and Daddy."

And so we left. I think Daddy was a bit bummed we didn't get to see the end of the movie but heck, we got to see more than I even anticipated. It was a morning to remember.

As an added bonus, we ventured into the food court. And they had the most divine little salad joint I've ever found. I am trying to find a reason to waste about $5 in gas to drive over there for a $10 salad. Surely there's another errand I can run that way. You know, about 45 minutes from my home.

So, all in all, this day was hit. One to remember. Through memory and film.

Anatomically Correct

I realize that in writing this post, I run the risk of offending several people by the anatomically correct terms I am about to use. Until I became a mommy, I was highly bothered by these terms. Now that we have a little boy to raise, we have decided not to be cutesy with words to label his body parts. We just rip off the band aids and call each and every body part what they are when asked by Mr. Curiosity. So, now that I laid out that disclaimer, let my most embarrassing Mommy story to date begin.....

Garrett and I were at Target on Wednesday. Shocker, I know. We were doing our usual weekly grocery shopping which tends to fill up the whole buggy. Yes. We call it a buggy. I have been informed this is weird. At the beginning of each trip, Garrett rides in the buggy and eats a snack. As we approach the end of our trip, he has to get out to make room for the goods. And, at the VERY end of the trip, the buggy is really heavy and hard to push. And Garrett likes to think he is super strong and can push it himself to help dear old mom out. His newest trick is to let me hold onto the handle and push the buggy while he gets behind me and typically pushes on my lower back. It's all very technical you see. We have this technique down cold.

And pass out cold was almost what I did this week when we were in the midst of our little routine. You see, this week, for some strange reason, Garrett had his hands on my bum. One little hand on each cheek. The hands were really at the top of each cheek and he's a little guy and has no clue it's not appropriate to touch someones bum. I should have said something about that but didn't as I was really ready to get to the check-out and go home. Instead, this is how the event played out:

G: Mommy, I am helping you poosh this buggy. It is so heavy, Mommy.

M: Thanks, buddy. You are a great helper.

-Now mind you, this is all in an almost shouting voice as T-store was WAY crowded-

G: Mommy, I like pooshing you. Mommy, I hold onto you and poosh.

M: Yup. Thanks, buddy.

G: Mommy, are these your testicles?

M: (Insert long, long pause here. Maybe he'll stop talking and no one really heard his shouting T word).

G: Mommy, I said, are these your testicles? (In a screaming voice)

M: (Oh, dear Lord. What do I say? And must ALL of these people continue to stare at me?) No, buddy. That is Mommy's bottom.

G: Oh, your bottom.

And that was the end of that. Why, oh why, did someone, say the lady teaching Parenting 101 at the hospital, prepare us for this stuff? And why, oh why, did I have to label that portion of his body so anatomically correct when he first asked? I must say that Garrett is building my character. Visit by visit to Target store. I might need to go there when Daddy is home to watch him.

If you leave the country, we'll write a post just for you.....

Yes, yes. Our dear Mimi has left the country. She has migrated all the way over to Japan. And, like a good daughter, I promised her that I would blog daily with pictures of her favorite grandson (okay, he's the only, but who's counting?). I have failed her miserably. Please forgive me Mimi!


Garrett has been up to the usual. Still likes to wake up, not put on any clothes, would really like to wear his pj's all day. Even to "Taw-get st-uh". BUT. On Monday he WANTED to get dressed. Because he saw me cooking breakfast in the kitchen (yes, something more than just eggos, toast or oatmeal) and immediately shouted:

"I need my apron. It is in my closet, Mommy."

"Um, no buddy. It is in the pantry. I'll get it for you."

"No! No! NOOOOO! It is in my closet."

Bewildered, I followed him to his closet and he, while jumping up and down mind you, picked out his overalls. "MY APRON!!" he proclaimed. I laughed so hard it took me a while to correct him that these were his overalls (that he has worn once after the season I bought them to go with this super cute plaid shirt. And now the apron is too small and I really should have packed it away once the heat wave began).

So, like a good mommy who let's her son be "himself" when it comes to clothes, I helped him put on the apron and then held him up to pick out a shirt. And oh, dear Lord. Let's just say that the shirt he picked out was a really cute Easter outfit shirt that had the most adorable argyle vest to go over it. But since the vest just wouldn't really fit under the apron it caused the most country bumpkin effect I've seen in a long time. And to top the outfit off, the little man picked out his signature shoes: mismatched Crocs or "opposite shoes" as he would say. When all was said and done, I couldn't help but giggle until the cows on this farmer's farm came home:

Wasn't really planning to leave the house so it didn't matter to me. Then I remembered we DID have places to be. So, in an effort to get up and out of the house quickly, I let him stay in the farmer get-up. Before leaving we did go out to check the mail and our neighbor, Ms. Fashion herself, and her little boy were out in their yard. Perfect.

Our errands did not consist of too much. Other than the giggles and stares. And finally we met Daddy for lunch at Chili's. As Garrett ran over to Daddy screaming his name with glee, I thought that again, Daddy just might have a fashion-induced heart attack. He did not. But he did give Mommy a few "What in the world" and "Why did you let this happen" looks. It's good for him. Daddy that is. Builds character. And prepares him for those teenage years when G-man might come home with piercings and green hair. (Alright, I give Daddy a hard time....he really doesn't mind. I don't think. He's madly in love with this little man.)

So, dear Mimi. We hope this little post on this little blog with help you get a "Garrett Fix" even though you are thousands of miles away. I'll do better over the next few days, promise!

Benadryl is NOT Our Friend

I repeat, Benadryl is NOT our friend.

Garrett has had these awful looking bug bites on the back of his legs for over a week. At first, they looked like small mosquito bites. But as the week has progressed they have tripled in size. After they started to develop rings around them, I called the pediatrician's office to make sure it was all "normal".

Let me just stop right here and give a huge shout out to Betty (real name not used to protect the innocent). Betty, you deliver every time. The monotone voice, the passive-aggressive comments and the utter lack of encouragement to a first time mom who only wants to check in and make sure her little one is safe. You got it all goin' on Betty.

If you can't tell, I just adore Betty at the pediatrician's office. (insert sarcasm here) Why she is the ONLY nurse to EVER return my calls, I do not know. I probably should start sending Betty love gifts to butter her up for the next time I call. Or I could find a new pediatrician.

Now that you know the tone of the conversation, it goes a little something like this:

B: "Well, Mrs. Wade, I don't know what to tell you. They are bug bites."

J: "Yes, I am aware they are bug bites. I am concerned about....blah, blah-blah, blah-blah"

B: "Well, Mrs. Wade. I would suggest you do x,y,z"

One of the x,y or z's was to give G Benadryl every six hours. Even though he wasn't itching. It should help the swelling she says.

First dose given at 2 pm. No problem. Second dose given at 8 pm (bedtime). Daddy leaves to go to his softball game leaving me to fend for myself. No problem.

I put Garrett to bed. Kiddo has such a happy heart. So happy it encourages him to call out "Mommy" over 100 times, splatter his whole sippy cup of juice on his sheets, pillow, somehow creating a ring around his pj shirt neck, throws every "blanky bear" across the room, listens to 2 rounds of his B-I-N-G-O CD and oh yes, call out "MOMMY" another 100 and 20 times.

I tried the sweet, Mommy will rub your back routine and the Mommy will change your sheets ad PJ's without being too upset routine. And finally, I realize. He isn't just 'not sleepy'. He is WIRED. And it's the dang Benadryl.

Darn that Betty!

At this point in the evening, I dragged him into my bed because I was going to pass out from exhaustion in his little twin bed with double guard rails. Which would have left me with lovely neck and back cramps for days. He still put up a good fight in my room. Little fella didn't fall asleep until 10:44 pm.

Darn that Betty!

So, point to that story is that Benadryl is NOT our friend because it WIRES our child. Until 10:44 pm and then only allows him to sleep for 30-40 minute increments at a time until right before 6 in the morning.

Needless to say I threw the bottle of Benadryl out as I cursed, I mean prayed for, Betty and the the lovely advice she shared.

On a brighter note, the bug bites are improving. And we now own 3 types of bug repellent. I pray one will work.

Anyone know of a Benadryl alternative?