You're Awesome!

Today I got to play at Morgan's school.  I love when I get the opportunity to volunteer for a few hours.  Since it was a scheduled day off from work I was able to go in a little early and help set up for the all school Fun Run.  Since Morgan is our oldest child, most "school related" activities are unfamiliar territory for me.  

While waiting for the organizers to arrive, this gave me an opportunity to visit with some of the other moms.  Seeing familiar faces makes everything a little easier.  We got everything set up and ready for the kids to do their laps. 

Morgan has been talking for two weeks about this Fun Run event.  The kids were very excited and I was excited to share in the fun.  It was calm in the gym and all the parents were patiently waiting for their child's class to arrive.  Each class got into place and was given their instructions.  My job was to add a little "tick" (the more ticks the better) to their index card as they ran past, and cheer them on their way.  I had no idea of the impact this day would make on ME.

I attended a seminar several years ago and was ask "what is your first childhood memory?"  Some say, this first memory can influence what you do in life.  I also feel that there are several moments in your life that someone can say or do something, without even knowing they are doing it, and it will impact and stay with you forever.  Today I felt this amazing feeling that I could be THAT person saying or doing THAT thing to those little kids.

The kids were off and before I knew it I was seeing the same familiar faces in front of me.  As I marked their card and said they were doing awesome, off they went.  Again the same kids kept approaching me, and looking at me with those amazingly large, full-of-life, eyes.  I was determined to be THAT person.  

I was having so much fun and since it was my day off, I decided to help with the next group of kids.  This time, it was third graders.  All the kids were given their cards and instructions.  I got into position and off they went.  I must say, third graders are much faster and competitive compared to the kindergartners.  The race started out the same.  I then started to see the same familiar faces coming back to me for inspiration.  This time I could see the kids coming and we were making eye-contact several paces before they arrived.  I knew this was my moment to make a small different.  I remember this sweet little girl with long brown hair pulled back into a ponytail.  She didn't exactly run because it appeared She seemed to have a slight disability with her leg, but kept an amazing pace.  I would see this girl coming towards me and she was determined to get to me all the while kids are zipping past her.  As I marked her card, she was smiling and off she went again.  This little girl did 28 laps around the gym while her best friend did 34.  If I was that little girl's momma, I would be so proud.

The little girl was only one of a handful that was special to me today (including my own).  I will never know the impact I had on these little kids, but I know I made them smile today and gave them a lot of encouragement.

Toddlerhood

What is the magic age a baby becomes a toddler?  If I determine it by the weekly emails I get showing Brooke's status, she was a toddler at 12 months.  Personally, I still think 12 months is considered a baby.  Maybe it's because at 12 months they are becoming more mobile and toddling around?  Now that Brooke is 18 months I definitely consider her to be a toddler.

She is definitely a mover, climber, dancer and a mess maker.  When we are at home, she usually stays pretty close to momma.  It's amazing how within only five feet of me, she can manage to climb onto a chair and then onto the kitchen table.  She has mastered the step stool and knows how to position it in just the right spot to get what's on the counter.  If the step stool isn't available, no worries, she knows how to get a chair.

Independence (deep sigh)...  I think this is comes with the territory.  This is the time that she is testing and pushing herself.  She is insistent on feeding herself.  The thought of me putting the item on the fork, can turn into a melt down.  One morning she was eating oatmeal, things were going well so I started to clean up the kitchen.  Within a matter of minutes, she gave up on the spoon and decided hands worked better.  I wish I would have been quicker with the camera, it was quite the sight.  However, with independence we have also noticed defiance.  Yep, she got her first time-out the other day.   We have discovered that we need to keep ALL writing utensils far far away.  On this particular day, she found a black crayon and began to write on the wall.  After a "no, no, no, give me the crayon", she looked at me and proceeded to continue with her art project.  Into time-out she went. 

She can understand so much and does a great job of trying to communicate with us.  I have found that if I ask her to "show me" and will usually lead me to what she needs.  This works well if her favorite blanky is stuck in the crib or if she wants a snack or milk.  Because she can point me in the right direction, I can usually figure it out.  She does a great job trying to say names.  We often call Morgan "Sissy" and this seems to be easier for her say.  This morning I was in the garage with her and as I got what I needed out of the freezer she said to me "come on momma" and used a hand gesture for me to follow.  It may not have sounded like that to anyone else, but I know I heard "come on momma". 

Dora is so patient while Brooke leans in for a kiss

 When it's nice outside we usually head to the backyard for some fun.

Uncle Kasey is Brooke's new best friend.  She lights up when she sees Kasey. 

This is my absolute most favorite time.  When Brooke was a baby, she held and snuggled with me because she needed me.  When she became more mobile all she wanted was to wiggle from my arms and go, go, go.  She is active now more than every but when she holds me and rest her head on my shoulder, I know it's because she wants me.  It's the most amazing feeling in the world. 

Mommy's Special Day

The week leading up to Mother's Day, has been a very exciting time for Morgan.  All week she asked if I can hardly wait for my special day.  She worked on an art project at school and also at daycare.  On Friday, Morgan says to me "the day after tomorrow is your special day".  This little lady has such an amazing, caring and thoughtful sole.  I love this about her!

Yes, I agree, Morgan looks so grown up in this picture.

On this Mother's Day I woke to quiet whispers on the other side of the bed.  Morgan knew it was Mother's Day; her and daddy had a plan.   I laid there quietly pretending to sleep and didn't want to spoil their plans.  They quietly snuck out of the house to get mommy her favorite coffee drink.  After they left, I laid in bed and listened to the quiet house.  A few moments later, through the baby monitor, I could hear Brooke starting to stir.  Next I hear "mommy", and again "mommy".   As I enter her room, she sits up and says "Hi", it's gonna be a good day!

After a leisurely morning at home, we venture to mamma's house.  As a special treat all the arts and crafts were scattered over the table.  What a great day to let Brooke play with some finger paints for the first time.

Her favorite word these days is "more".  More of anything will work for her.  This afternoon it was more paint.  She was able to knock out six masterpieces in a matter of 5 minutes.  This was about all she could handle and was in need of a new outfit.

Morgan was developed into quite a little artist this past year.  Kindergarten has really inspired her creativity and patience with art.

Morgan's gift for me was individual greeting cards all decorated with a different picture.  The large package was decorated just like the American Flag (and I even got a matching card).  They are just so sweet and perfect.  I want to share and use them but at the same time, tuck them away into a safe spot and treasure them forever.