Mother's Day

This was my first Mother's Day and my boys made me breakfast. It was supposed to be breakfast-in-bed but someone needed some attention paid to him as he played on the floor mat. In fact, he woke me up with the "ma ma da da" complaining I wrote about yesterday. Daddy couldn't juggle the eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, fruit and howling tub-tub all at the same time. Who could? So, I got to sleep in slightly and then I got to play and gorge myself on delicious food. I also got a nap in, went to an open house, visited with the in-laws,and had a tasty dinner all before 7pm. I am now anxiously awaiting John's return from the movie store so that we can relax and watch something entertaining. I'd say that was a pretty full day. My boys haven't had the chance to go out and get me a special gift just yet because I always tag along and I have been told that it is impossible to shop for something special when I am always there. But you know what, I don't need a gift. My gift arrived the day I became a mother and I made sure to tell Rowan that tonight as he slowly closed his eyes as I rocked him to sleep.

Developmental Developments

This week Rowan learned to:
1. Snap his fingers (no I am not joking)
2. Say "ma ma ma ma" and "da da da da" and "la la la la".
3. Scoot on his bum
4. Crawl backwards
5. Drink without spilling too much out of a sippy cup.
6. Eat pancakes

It has been a very big week for him. With the changes he has also become much more determined to get his way which means that I have learned to:

1. Change his diaper with him lying on his stomach grabbing at the baby monitor he discovered is hidden behind the humidifier. He remembers it is there with every diaper change and refuses to lie still for us.
2. Put his clothes on while he is sitting up. It is a lot less "gentle", but highly effective.
3. Tune out the crying and complaining because he isn't getting his way (the ma ma ma and da da dad seem to come out when he is frustrated and wants something).

His personality is showing through. Let's just say that I am bracing myself for a child who knows how to throw a pretty spectacular temper tantrum even though he promised me from the very beginning that he wouldn't be one of *those* kids.

A Trip to The Park

Mommy and Daddy missed Rowan's first swing at the park. Poppa got the honours. I bet Rowan loved it. We all took him again before my parents left on Sunday morning. He seemed to like the slide more than the swing.

A Kiss is Not Just a Kiss

I have been asking Rowan to say "ma ma ma ma ma" for months. I have been anxiously awaiting acknowledgment that he knows who I am. I thought for some reason that that acknowledgment would only come with his ability to say my name. But I was so wrong. I *know* that he knows me. I can see it in the the way he reaches for me now when someone else is holding him and by the scream he lets out as he kicks his legs when I go in to his room in the morning or when I come through the door after being out for a little while (all of which are new-ish developments).
But he proved that he knows that I am his mommy this week when he leaned over and very gently put his lips on mine. It was a deliberate kiss. I haven't gotten once since, but you know what-- that's okay. Only giving out the occasional kiss makes them that much more special. I don't think hearing my name will feel as wonderful as the kiss did. I will never forget how my heart skipped a beat.

My parents came to visit last week and stayed for 4 sleeps. I think we put them to work every time they are here. My mother spent the entire time either playing with Rowan or on her hands and knees cleaning the house. My father was luckier this visit because he got to leave us for 2 days and head to a conference in Cornwall. If he had been in the house though, you can be sure we would have had him working out in the yard or doing maintenance around this place. You see, we had to have the house in tip top shape for Friday because the photographer came to take the listing photos. It's not that we don't want to *visit* with my folks. It just seems like they come at the most opportune (or inopportune) times. There seems to always be something to be done when they are here (you know, renovate a kitchen, pack, move, move again, cook a turkey dinner, dig post holes, put up a fence in the snow, clean up after Richardson-Christmas,...).

So, have I ever mentioned that I have the best parents on the planet? Have you heard me say out loud that they have bailed me out of more than a few tough spots over the past couple of years and if it wasn't for them, I'd be locked up somewhere? NO? Well then, that conversation has been going on long enough in my head and it's time to get it out there! It's true. I may seem like a determined, strong and independent woman but that's only because I have the knowledge that if I need anything at all, my parents will be the first in-line to be there to lend a hand. Without them, I would be nothing at all.

and last but not least...

The Things He Loves...