22

Two months until I can officially say I have a 2 year old. He's quite the handful and quite the sweetheart these days. You never know which you are going to get which makes going places difficult sometimes. He talks more and more as every day passes and is so eager to learn new things.

Likes: Helping in the kitchen, giving kisses ("tisses"), feeding Abby, learning new things,  and playing the computer.

Loves: milk, Mickey Mouse, dinosaurs, taking a bath, and reading books.

Hates: Being told no, getting out of the bath, and not getting his way.

Knows: Everyone in his family by name and most of our friends,  most of his ABC's, most of the letter sounds, numbers 1 through at least 11 or 12 (sometimes further), the blessing "God is great..", and most colors (still not all..red, blue, and green he still has a hard time with..it's ok with me, he's not even 2!)

Things he says A LOT:
"Momma hold you.."
"Momma, what are you doin?"
"Where ARE you?"
"Oh, no...where did it go?"
"Uh oh...oh dear"
"What happened?"
"See ya later momma"
and by far the most common thing that comes out of his mouth... "No!"

My sweet, loving, terrible almost-2 year old....

The past few days

Life doesn't always happen the way you plan.

I had been planning a birthday weekend with my besties for months. The weekend was to begin with a family trip to Mt Fugi followed by cupcakes and presents at my sisters. Then, we were headed to Starkville to meet Maggie and Josh for a night of playing cards and hanging out. Then Saturday, the Warrington's were coming to Starkville to hang out. The boys were going to play. We were going to shop. I was going to eat at City Bagel.

Not so much. It all started Friday morning. I convinced Bishop to take his medicine by giving him a cookie. He gave the cookie back. Wait? What? My child is obsessed with cookies. Should've been my first clue. Either way, I headed out the door and grabbed us and daddy some donuts at the new donut shop. On the way to daddy's office he cried a little and when I turned around, he threw up everywhere. I panicked. I freaked. I know, all kids do it at some point but it hurt me in a way I can't even describe. I called Leon and as soon as he answered I screamed "he's got the stomach virus". He calmed me down, we watched him for an hour, and decided it must have just been the medicine on an empty stomach. I'm a pharmacist..I'm supposed to know these things.

I checked on him (several times) at babysitters and he was fine. He had been playing like nothing was wrong. Didn't eat much but that's not unusual these days. Just as I was pulling up, she texted me and said he was sick again. Still, at this point she wasn't convinced that it was a virus. After throwing up again on the way home and having diarrhea...it was pretty much confirmed...stomach virus.

Then, just as I anticipated, Leon and I got sick a few days later. Wow. Where's the warning on parenting when you are sick? That was terrible. I literally made his food..toast, sandwich, goldfish, cheetos, and left it on his table. Who knows if he ate it or gave it to Abby? And, who cares? I felt like a terrible mom. At one point I literally couldn't carry him up the stairs by myself. Leon had to change his diapers..I could not do it. I tried. Terrible mom. Terrible! Abby and the tv were my babysitters for the majority of the day.

Anyway, we made it through. It was terrible and he's still not quite ok even days later but I think he's getting there. And, for the record, I didn't feel like a terrible mom today. I actually played with him and didn't just shoo him away to go watch tv. We played dinosaurs, Legos, horses, and trains with him and took him to read books on the swing outside. I even gave him real food. And, despite that I was terrible yesterday...he loves me anyway...and I love him!!

And I hope to not see the stomach bug again anytime soon!!

Valentines Day

So, I kinda think Valentine's Day is silly. But then again, I kinda am silly so I go along with it. Pink and red are fun!  I'm not a fan of spending a ton of money on the "holiday", but it is nice to make a point to show the ones you love that you care by doing something a little special for them.

Bishop and I made heart pancakes Sunday morning and then we made heart cookies later on for the kids at his daycare. He has gotten so used to helping me cook lately that every time I cook anything he begs to stand in the chair and help me. (I usually don't mind!)

Heart Pancakes

I know I said last time I did cookies that I liked the recipe (and I DID) but I did a little research this time for royale icing so I ended up trying a new cookie recipe too. I loved them both. I had never made the icing like that and it wasn't hard at all. It does take a little more patience than I tend to have though!  I definitely am going to invest in a new cookie sheet and I know that I didn't "work" the dough enough at first but it's all a learning process! I'm sure the kids won't notice my imperfections. 

All packaged up, and ready to go! Thanks, MG Paperworks for such a cute spur of the moment paper design! I know Bishop's friends just loved them :)

 Then for our Valentine's dinner,  I made homemade spaghetti and meatballs, chocolate chip cookies, and coconut macaroons (Leon's fave)  and we watched Lady and the Tramp. Yes, I am THAT silly. Lady and the Tramp and spaghetti and meatballs....for Valentine's Day. And, I don't remember that movie being so cute...and so funny. We all loved it! And of course, I cried. And I have had that Siamese cat song stuck in my head.

Spaghetti and Meatball recipe from who else but Pioneer Woman. Love her recipes!

Lazy Sunday....

Well, it really wasn't completely lazy for me, although I did stay in PJ's pretty much all day. I spend most of the day cooking and cleaning but those are things that I love doing (well, the cooking part at least) so it was a pretty good day.

And, it really wasn't that lazy of a day for Leon either.  He has been to Lowe's gathering materials for my next "honey-do" projects I have in store for him. I know he just LOVES Pinterest as much as I do :) Hopefully I can post about those soon.

So, I guess it was just lazy for this guy...

And, really it was not even so much lazy as it was under the weather. He has had a runny nose, cough, and sporadic low grade fever for a week and now his eyes are all puffy and matted. He looks completely pitiful! We may be making a trip to the doctor tomorrow if he isn't any better. To top that off, he is getting another tooth.  I just hate seeing my baby feel so bad. I don't mind that he wants me to hold him and snuggle every once in a while though!  He's had a pretty good day even though he was not feeling his best...he helped me make pancakes and cookies, played with his play dough we made last week, colored, read books, and watched "Frog" with Bunny. Hopefully he will be feeling better tomorrow!

Play Dough

I'm so ready for spring so we can go outside and play all of the time! Until then, we have been staying busy indoors with Pinterest projects, watching movies, and taking really long baths (a.k.a. swimming).

I don't even remember where I saw homemade play dough (Pinterest I assume), but I thought considering the fact that my child usually tries to EAT everything..it would be a good idea for us. That way I'd know exactly what goes in it. Plus, we had most everything on hand. AND he could help make it (even more entertainment on a cold, yucky day). I found this koolaide play dough recipe had flour, salt, koolaide, cream of tartar, boiling water, and oil. Bishop was able to help with all of it except the boiling water part. Basically, you just mix it all up, knead it a few times, and play until your heart is content! Easy, peasy...and it feels just like the real deal! I was impressed. Oh, and it smells really good! 

We made red for Valentines day since we had a heart cookie cutter but all of the colors were so pretty that I wanted to make them all! One was good enough for us, but I think making a few colors would be great for older kids. I think it might even make a cute gift or party favor. 

And, yes, he did taste it....of course. In case you were wondering. 

He played for a long time by himself and then I joined in the fun until daddy got home from work. We both had fun making stuff. I think this could be a stress reliever for adults!  We made dinosaurs, a car, hearts, stars, a face, Frosty the Snowman (still obsessed), and maybe his favorite...a snake!

Goodness, I'm going to hate going leaving this face going to work tomorrow!

I'm so thankful for sharing sweet moments with this child!

Little Artist

Cooking with Momma

I love to cook. I don't always have as much time to cook as much as I'd like, but I love to do it. I always have loved to help in the kitchen for as long as I can remember and I have always wanted my children to have memories of being in the kitchen with me when they grow up. Now, I know Bishop is only a few months shy of 2 and probably won't remember this, but I will.  And besides, you never know what memory will stick with them!

Me helping my Grandma Frances make biscuits in her restaurant back in 1985

On Sunday mornings, I usually try to plan our breakfast so that Bishop is able to help out. He loves it. I like to think he is learning things too with the measuring, mixing, etc.  He loves to pour everything in the bowl, stir, and line the muffin tins. And, with this recipe, he loved putting the topping on top of the muffins. The muffin closest to him was by far the best...it had LOTS of topping!  Blueberry muffins have been one of the easier things to have him help with. The only problem was waiting on them to get done! Oh, and this was a really good recipe! I've tried several (as I have a freezer full of blueberries from picking blueberries last summer) and I think this one ranks up at the top. It was supposed to be a "healthy" version but I didn't have wheat flour so I used white and all I had was whole milk...wouldn't want it to be TOO healthy now, it IS a muffin after all!

And, maybe next time I might put on a little makeup or at least shower before a photo session. I apologize. 

Delicious! And, fun memories made in the kitchen with my boy!

Happy Birthday Max!

A few weeks ago Bishop went on his first overnight trip without me. Leon took him to Jackson to Max's birthday party because I had to work. I didn't want him to have to miss out just because I have to work. I think I did pretty good actually. I don't plan on doing it again soon, but I survived! This just adds to my long list of "reasons to go part time" (as if I need ANOTHER!)

It is hard for me to believe that Max is 5. It really does seem like I was at his first birthday party last year.  He went from a shy little baby to a bad-on-the-outside but sweet-on-the-inside independent little boy. Bishop loves him dearly. He was calling "Max" for days after he got back.

Apparently Bishop was a little shy/scared/overwhelmed for the majority of the party and finally opened up and wanted to get down and play when it was time to head home! He probably just missed his momma! :)

Springtime in January

What is going on? I have buttercups and grass that is getting green. We are even going to the park on occasion. Whatever it is, I am not complaining! I love it!

21

The months are literally flying past me faster than I can blog about them.

Bishop is a mess. Such a talker and such a social butterfly. He literally talks to anyone and everyone...everywhere we go. He has everyone fooled. All I hear is "he is so sweet" everywhere we go. I know the truth though...he is rotten! He can be as sweet as pie giving the best hugs and kisses you can ever imagine and 10 seconds later sitting in the floor screaming for no other reason than not getting exactly what he wanted at the exact minute he wanted it! Rotten I tell you! But I love him still!

He has been going to the toddler nursery instead of the baby nursery ever since before Christmas (tear...) and he usually sits with us until children's moments but I got brave last week and let him sit with the rest of the class and I heard him talking the whole time! He did good though. Its just his personality...he really can not help that he just can't be quite.

He is starting to say more and more full sentences but mostly just copies everything we say. He says a lot I don't understand! I usually have to interpret what he is saying to Leon everyone because I can understand him better than anyone (I am his momma after all!).

It is usually not that fun to go out an eat with him these days with the exception of Mexican. He loves Mexican food. It may have something to do with the instant gratification. You walk in, you get chips. And, Bishop loves chips. And he loves salsa. He also looks ridiculous when we leave because he refuses to wear a bib (you choose your battles, right?)  anymore and has cheese, beans, guacamole, and salsa from head to toe!

He loves his bath and hates to get out. It upsets him to the point of actual tears and not just the annoying whining he does most of the time. I always hate telling him it is time to get out.  Real tears upset me too...fake ones are just irritating. I can usually convince him by letting him brush his teeth which he also still loves.

After bath, we read books, say our prayers, and sing songs. It's my favorite part of my day. I can always count on it after a bad day. His favorite songs are Jesus Loves Me, The Whole World, and Twinkle Twinkle Little star.

He has such a sense of humor. He does the silliest things and has me and Leon laughing all of the time.

Obsessed. With. Horses. And bubbles. And his daddy's helicopter.

He still would be quite the couch potato if I allowed it. He pretty much will watch anything on PBS but loves Cat in the Hat, Caiou, Barney, Thomas, and Clifford. Mickey is still his favorite though. And, he likes Nemo and Toy Story which I love!

I have no official "21 month" pictures but sometimes I feel like I'm barely breathing just keeping up with everything as it is! I'll do better next month. Maybe.

Sunday with the Warringtons

Have I ever mentioned how much I wish Kosciusko were closer to Booneville? A few times maybe? Well, I think it is worth mentioning again and this is why. Number 1: JJ is one of my very best friends and I love her and her whole entire family to pieces (obvious one, right?) and Number 2: They live out in the country and have so much to do at their house, it's almost like a vacation for us city folks!

 It was kind of crazy that in January we were able to play outside all weekend (I mean, last year we didn't even get to stay for the party due to the snow storm!) but I'll take it.... crazy or not! It seems like whenever we get together with the Warringtons there is usually a reason..a birthday, a shower, a baptism, etc and we rarely get a whole entire day to just play so it was nice!

The boys had an absolute blast on the Gator that Harvey got for Christmas

This is after someone, not mentioning names, fell into a big mud hole while heading out to the big swing set. What can I say...he has my genes. 

And, I only have cell phone pics but probably a good thing or my camera might have ended up looking like this.... 

Then my favorite part....

What a wonderful January trip to Kozy!

Happy Birthday Harvey

Happy Birthday To HARVEY!! 

We love Harvey to pieces and can't believe that he is already 2 years old. He is so sweet and so funny and such a blessing! His personality is totally different than Bishop's but they get along so well. Bishop had SOOO much fun at his party and still, a month later, is singing "happy birthday to Harvey" and playing with his "Bob Build hat".

He had such a cute and FUN birthday party. All of the food was precious and very yummy! It was so awesome for a 2 year old party to have it in a big gym with a bunch of trucks to ride and push. Plus, if that wasn't enough fun...there was the big jumper! Bishop was hesitant at first, but once he saw Harvey doing it he wanted to do it also. 

Hats off to MG Paperworks for once again creating such a cute party with her awesome decor from invitations, food labels, signs, personalized hat labels, to favor bags. She did it all! Love it!

The only disappointing thing was that I forgot my camera!! How did that happen?? Oh, well, I got some of JJ's and some on my phone and life goes on!

 Food and Drink tables..

Build your own snack mix...how cute is that!? And all of her names were adorable...I'm not that creative!

And, no party is complete without rock candy (at least for me and JJ!!) 

The kids seem to like it too...

Isn't that hat precious?!

And, the cake....

So cute and SO simple! (and unbelievably good!) JJ's mom makes my favorite cake ever! All I did was put it together...viola, done! 

I won't lie and say that this was easy-peasy or that we got into bed on Friday at a decent hour. It may not have been the late Friday nights we had just a few years ago, but I absolutely would not have it any other way!  And besides, it was nothing A LOT of coffee and some birthday fun for a super-sweet 2 year old couldn't fix!