Reflecting

As the year comes to a close I am ANXIOUSLY awaiting the arrival of the newest man in my life, as well as reflecting on the last twelve months and how many changes they've brought about.

At the close of McKinley's first year of preschool, we discovered we were about to become a family of four and were so excited but quietly so...in May of 2010 we had a miscarriage.  This pregnancy began exactly one year and one week after the last had begun!  I've never written about it just because it was tough to get through and I want to keep this ongoing story of our family as positive as I can.  But I suppose with Baby almost here it's important to note that the loss we experienced will never be forgotten and that we were able to accept it by knowing my Dad finally gets his own grandchild in heaven. 

This year has had it's challenges, as every year should, but we are blessed that my health has hung on through the end of the pregnancy.  In just a few short days we will be holding "OUR BABY", as dubbed by McKinley and life will get even more interesting!

Sunday School!

We are so excited for McKinley. Today he started Sunday School. Only a little over a month in and his 3rd birthday has brought about so many changes and steps toward being a big boy! It was sweet to watch how enthusiastically he interacted with the MANY other children and his two teachers at Sunday School. He had a ball and didn't mind a bit when we stepped out to attend mass.
I didn't take any pictures...and I'm mad at myself for that, but I left the camera in the car. Me with no camera? Geez, I totally know better.
Regardless, McKinley will no doubt make many wonderful memories here. We are very proud parents, watching him expand his world one little child at a time!

Lynn

A Very Retro Movie Experience

Today was AWESOME! This summer (and evidently, for the last 5 summers as well), the Indiana Theater here in the 'Haute is offering a Free Family Film Festival. Rock on.

Not having to pay to test out our almost-three-year-old in a real movie theater for the first time? Free.

The look on his face and the audible, "WOW!!!!!!!!" when we walked into the old theater? Yeah, pretty much priceless.

For starters, I was seriously excited to share this experience with McKinley (as always, sad when we can't include Cary...darn jobs...blecchhhh) because this very movie theater is where I remember seeing my first movie with MY Mom...E.T.! Yes, that dates me...a week post 32nd bday too. Ugh. McKinley was in love. Obviously so was Savannah, who joined us with her Mommy too! I love that we did this! I'm hoping as the summer pushes on we can include more friends, more family and even those Daddies of McKinley and Savannah on their days off!

As we walked into the huge, still beautiful but in need of renovation, theater we were welcomed with that familiar smell of delicious popcorn...which we promptly purchased. We headed inside and so many memories came flooding back for me. I don't think I have been in the Indiana for a very, very long time...but I have always loved it. I went to movies there as a small child, in junior high I attended a movie there with friends and no parents! As a teenager I remember being there with my girlfriends and seeing my crush sitting in the next row and barely focusing on the movie - though I think it was either Batman or Speed...maybe both??? I remember performing there with my dance company (which was an amazing experience) and accompanying a friend on a date in which she was much too chicken to attend herself...I went as the third wheel because Cary was working nights at the time, and thus unable to join us.

Today definitely surpasses all of those memories. Being there with MY SON was incredible! I am definitely reaping the rewards of motherhood in moments like this.

I was so proud of McKinley, he sat through the ENTIRE movie, transfixed during part of it, even! We saw Ice Age 3, Dawn of the Dinosaurs. Cute! Robin and I really appreciated the little bits of adult humor, it kept us entertained in the extremely uncomfortable seats (hello? We need some padding in those suckers, please...). Savannah enjoyed herself quite a bit too, requesting to "watch it again! NOW!" several times. The kiddos even humored us mommies after the show with a quick photo shoot atop the balcony steps.

Once we left the theater, everyone came back to our house for an hour of play time in the new playroom (that currently still looks like the old nursery, but is getting painted next week - hell or high water, as they say). Robin and I agreed that we definitely have to hit the Indiana again for an awesome playdate!

What a great day!

Lynn

BIG BOY ROOM!!!!!!!!!! Part 1

This weekend marks a BIG milestone in McKinley's life...and ours as well. Our boy is now in a Big Boy BED...and got a new Big Boy ROOM to boot!

Several weeks ago we purchased the new big boy bed but were fiddling around trying to decide when the 'right time' was to make the big change. We'd talked it up enough --- and perhaps waited long enough --- that I'm proud to report the big switcheroo was a rousing success!

Cary and I set out in the morning to simply set up the bed and move the crib (***sniff, sniff***) to storage. Well, mid-big boy bed construction Cary and I looked at each other and said...frankly, this would be better suited in the playroom! So, insert Plan B.

Plan B consisted of quite a bit more work but the end result was well worth it. The next few hours we scurried around moving EVERYTHING in the Playroom AND in the Nursery OUT and switching it back...all but the crib. When we were finished the Big Boy Room and slightly smaller Playroom end up being just the right fit for everyone!

I haven't been feeling well for a little while, but soon I will be doing well again and as soon as I am...we're painting! I just didn't feel like it, but it still looks great.

I am so proud of McKinley. We both are! The very first night Cary and I totally held our breath...we understood the question most parents end up asking is NOT, "Will he get out of bed?" but "How many times will he get out of bed?" After 10 minutes, we just looked at each other, not even wanting to jinx ourselves. After 20 minutes, we were absolutely wide-eyed. After 30 minutes, I dared to check the stautus of our Big Boy...he was sound asleep!!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy Moly! Every night since has resulted in the same thing. It truly reassured me that not only were Mommy & Daddy ready to let go of our beautiful, serene nursery, but McKinley was absolutely ready for the brand new BIG BOY ROOM!

Congratulations McKinley! Mommy & Daddy are so very, very proud of you!

No photos of the Big Boy Room just yet...not until it is finished. Instead, in honor of that beautiful nursery where our beautiful baby boy rested his head...a few of my favorite things from the peaceful room.

We finished the nursery about two months before McKinley was born. When the chair and ottoman were delivered, Valentine took permanent residence. Here, here last morning nap in the room. I'm pleased to report she has relocated along with the contents of McKinley's room and now sleeps happily at the foot of the Big Boy Bed.

I remember every detail of what went into this room...painting, measuring and taping for the lovely stripes, antiquing the shelves, finding every little memento that sat in this room for 3 years. I'll never forget the day I found the Little Prince Pail. I think passers-by probably felt sorry for the poor, crazy pregnant lady talking to herself about a bucket. The Little Prince Pillow was a surprise find very soon after discovering that we had a BOY. The St. Benedict Medal was a gift given to us while I was in labor...directly from the Vatican, blessed by the Pope. The Willow Tree Angels, one a gift to Cary on his first Father's Day, the other a gift from my friend Jodi. Every heart felt detail that went into this room made it my favorite room in the house...favorite room we have ever done! And if you know us, you know that every room in our house has been renovated or redecorated AT LEAST twice! When I was pregnant I would go in the room, put my feet up and just calmly rest. After McKinley was born, I would occasionally go in just to smell that beautiful baby scent and literally bask in the serenity. I remember the first time we lay McKinley in his crib...he looked so tiny and the crib so big. I remember playing on the floor with him. I remember the first time we really looked into each other's eyes and saw Mommy & Son.

This room has been magical to me.

I know Cary feels the same way.

For a long time I was so sad at the thought of having to paint over those beautiful walls...and still I'm nervous at best, but now I know that McKinley adores his new digs and that room will be just as special!

So, to our Big Boy, bring on the milestones!

Preschool & Potty Training, here we come!

Lynn

Big Changes, Bigger Blessings

Tonight I rocked McKinley to sleep.
Yes, he's two - nearly two and a half. I don't care. Not long after McKinley was born a family friend told me about how she always rocked her boys to sleep until they were probably 'too old' to be doing it. She told me how she never has regretted it because those are times you just don't get back. It was then that I decided to throw all that stuff I was reading about how "if you do that you'll pay for it later" out the window and do what Cary and I loved and what we felt our baby needed. So, Cary and I rocked McKinley to sleep as often as we could. Soon, he wouldn't have it - hahahaha - he requested to "Go lay down in bed?", so we complied. I had not rocked him to sleep in FOREVER and I don't know if I'll have another opportunity, or if McKinley will be just tired enough to give in and lay his precious head on my shoulder, so why not? Matter of fact, this was probably the last time I will rock my son to sleep as a Stay-at-home-Mom.
The title of my post is "Big Changes, Bigger Blessings", appropriate for the week of Thanksgiving, even more so of my life right now. I feel beyond blessed that God has given Cary and I this amazing little boy, even more blessed that we have had the opportunity to have me stay at home with him thus far. Now, I've been blessed again by getting a job in this less-than-desirable economy with a company who is so family oriented and understanding. A company that allows me to still be home with my son more than most working mothers. I'm scared to work outside of our home for the first time in 4 1/2 years (I have changed so very much since then!), I'm eager to bring home a side dish to Cary's bacon, if you will. And I am pumped to be doing something for a company who's main goal is to help families stay in touch and grounded---much less the opportunity to see my full potential in a 'real' career job and do something for myself. I'm also a little sad...okay, um...maybe a lot sad. Change is always different and I'm happy to see where this change takes us, but it is a role change. That is what is sad to me.
It's been an amazing run, this housewife turned stay-at-home-mom thing. One that has left me stronger, braver, and more knowledgeable than any degree will ever give me. I've also learned to never ever again discount the role of ANY stay-at-home-mom. I'll be the first to admit that I NEVER thought it was a credible job. I stand thoroughly corrected - AND THEN SOME! Truth be told, putting that beloved title (SAHM) on my resume was exactly what caught the attention of this company. The company's recruiter actually told me that in 15 years in Human Resources she had never ever seen SAHM as a job title with job descriptions, and most certainly never known anyone ballsy enough to put it in the current job position! Guess I'm ballsy...
This role in life has led me down a path of getting to know what it's like to have your heart walking around outside of your body (that's our son...). I believe McKinley has had this amazing effect on my life (and Cary's too, no doubt) and he and Cary both continue to amaze me every day. I literally thank God for blessing me with Cary and McKinley, and I consider it a wonderful privilege to be wife and mother for, respectively.
I'm so thankful for this family we've grown, and I'm thankful for finally understanding and truly appreciating the rest of my family too! Maybe it's little things like rocking your son to sleep that put something so monumental into perspective, or maybe I over-analyze the beegeezus out of everything...or both? I don't know, but I do know that wherever this next road takes me it's gonna be a good ride.
I'm going to miss the flexibility of our days and simple things like spending an entire day in your P.J.'s (just did that last week!), but I have so much to add to my resume now. Plus, I can still go to Wee Read, schedule play dates galore, AND play a mean air guitar -ugly guitar face and all - to John Mayer with McKinley & Daddy. Most of all, nothing can or will ever teach me as much as the last 4 1/2 years has taught me! That's life experience...and then some!

Thank you, McKinley, for letting me be your stay-at-home-mommy. I've enjoyed every second!

Love,
Mommy

Big Decisions

This summer has been chock full of many decisions for our family...big, milestone decisions. I'm so pleased with the outcome, but most pleased with today's BIG decision.

At the end of June we were finally at the top of the list for a wonderful preschool/day care facility we've been on the waiting list for since I was SIX months PREGNANT. We took the tour, went through the interviews and paid our registration fee intending McKinley to start preschool two weeks from now.

As the days and weeks passed, Cary and I were both apprehensive about putting McKinley in preschool too quickly. We know the facility is the right one for us, we also know that McKinley would easily adjust to the children, the socialization and the new routine...but would we?

Tomorrow is the final day to turn in our registration paperwork and the crazy stack of stuff...and today is the day I called the preschool to tell them we wanted to wait until next semester.

We're not prolonging the inevitable here, just buying a little more time of pure enjoyment with McKinley before he starts that long and seemingly never-ending (just ask me, the life time learner) task of getting an education. I am happy to wait a little longer. Matter of fact, I am thrilled; absolutely thrilled.

Another headline decision we've made this summer is stopping the paci (conquered one week ago, thank you very much!). I am a proud, proud paci-giving mama who felt very good about sticking that thing in my son's mouth at two days old. No regrets, especially when I found that new research encourages a pacifier and promises it does more good than harm. But it was time. I'm proud of McKinley for taking it like a 2 year old and giving it up. He asks about it now and then, but no fits, no nothin'.

Mama Bear (and maybe Papa Bear too???) might be having a hard time facing facts that the baby is now a kiddo - full on, opinionated, temper tantrum throwing, loving and super-cuddly kiddo. I'm glad there will be no more paci and no preschool for a few more months. Now I've got to get busy cookin' up some fall fun for the family to enjoy!

Lynn

(Above: photo taken in our hotel room on Dunes vacation. McKinley tried on my 'fip fops'.)

Little Getaways and Big Milestones

Just got back from those monthly trips to Indy that we've been doing for over a year now. We're close to being done...two more months and Cary's juror days are o.v.e.r.

This time, while Cary worked McKinley and Mommy played! We had so much fun in the pool at the hotel - the first day that is all we did all day long! McKinley loves to be in the water, so we swam and kicked on his little aligator kick board, then he jumped into my arms from the side of the pool - he loved it. Every few minutes we would watch a big airplane coming in for a landing - seriously a close up view. McKinley was obsessed. He's say, 'Here comes, Mommy!!!' when we'd hear the engine roar.

The best part of THAT day happened while we watched for one of these planes to come in. McKinley and I were counting down until we'd see another plane when out of no where he started counting to 10...on his own...unprompted by me. I nearly swallowed the pool. Yuck, but worth it.

On our last day it rained...and rained...and rained. So, we packed up where Cary dropped us off at Chase Tower to eat at the Bistro -it was VERY cool and McKinley really enjoyed watching all the buses. There were a LOT of buses.

Later we headed off for the Children's Museum where we stood in lines all day long. Never have I seen this place so flipping packed! The construction is done and it's unreal. The convenience is outstanding, I'm seriously impressed. Doctors offices should be run like this. Oh wait...my Mom's is! lol

Anyway, we rounded the corner and McKinley let out this loud giggle - he knew exactly where he was. Unfortunately, once again we had to wait in line to go into the playscape, but when we did McKinley went into action. He was everywhere, but he did spent a lot of time at this giant wooden box that has doors (surprise --- doors!) and gobs of foam blocks to shove inside. So that's what he did...in and out with the blocks. Until this precious Brittish Boy came up to McKinley and took a block. The Dad was not happy and immediately insisted he return the block. I told him it was okay and that McKinley was just throwing them. The young boy came right up to me and said *insert cute, thick Brittish accent* "Excuuuse me, might I play with your son's blooocks as well? We'd like to put them on the traaaaain."
I melted.

At that moment if there'd been a block on the ceiling I would have gotten it for this sweet, polite child with the darling accent.

He kept it up too...he interacted with McKinley, crawling in and out of the giant box, swapping blooocks and telling me stories of his train loading adventures. He's say, 'Ohhh! This would fit lovely on the traaaain.' I was mezmerized. This sweet family, oh, they were so polite and had the best accents! I wanted to invite them to dinner with my family but thought it perhaps a bit stalker-ish.

I'll never forget that little Brittish boy and his blooocks. Cute.

So, on with the play! McKinley, who had been equally as entranced with the Brittish boy, eventually moved on to other great places; the water table (where he only wanted to dunk his hands and then go hit the button on the hand dryer), the sand table (where he thought it might be fun to jam his rake into the sand and then stick it in his mouth real fast - ugh), the lawnmower (where I served as guardian of the public's feet - you are all very welcome), coloring (where we made rubbings of a carousel horse) and loads of sliding, climbing, scooting and rolling.

I finally persueded McKinley away from the playscape - reluctantly, of course - to come with me to see those pretty horsies again. I even promised an elevator ride - so much for trying to fit in extra walking, my kid LOVES the elevator, especially those big, bright buttons.

We got up to the carousel and my heart sank...we had to pick up Cary soon and the LINE was FIFTEEN minutes long. I didn't care, we have to do this, it's OUR tradition! So, I got a token and prayed the line would move quickly...and it did! We were on there in no time! McKinley picked out his own horse this time, I strapped him in and off we went! He was even bold enough to gently push my protective arm away as if to say, "I got it Mom. I'm a big boy now." Little did he know, my arm was still there, grazing his back. hee hee hee

We had a great time on this trip, those Children's Museum visits are so much fun. Can't say enough about it!

Good times!

Lynn