Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Tonight at bedtime:

Anybody doubt that this little boy melts my heart on a daily basis? Good Night!

Yardwork

Getting wet and dirty is the best! Lucas always wants to be in the middle of the yardwork, watering plants, or anything else that turns him into a big mess.

Birdy Quotes

At CeCe's (our favorite ice cream store) the other day:

CeCe's girl: Would you like to sample something?

S: Lucas what would you like to try?

L: Chocolate (or something similar sounding)

CeCe's girl gives Lucas a sample

Lucas (with huge brown eyes looks up): Thank you very much for ice cream

CeCe's girl about melted. But who can blame her? I think he could have eaten his way through the ice cream store at that point had we let him.

Outside of CeCe's

We teach him a lot of things, but I might have to credit the daycare for those manners. Can't remember teaching him to say thank you very much. "Thank you" yes... the "very much" he came up with on his own.

Grandparent Visit

Lucas is visiting the grandparents this weekend and so is his cousin "baby" Graham. How cute are these two with their grandfather? Wish we could call in sick this weekend and spend some time with the bunch at the pool. Thanks Karen and Paul for watching our little man again! Looks like grandparent (and grandson) heaven in Huntsville judging by the pic.

Bedtime Woes

Lucas has been struggling with staying in his bed at bedtime the last few days. We sweetly put him back in bed the first few times he comes out and more firmly the next few times. Today we thought he was out for the count and then after a little while we heard footsteps in the play area. When we went to explore, Lucas was sitting quietly on the floor with his creation (below). Note that when we left the room a little while before, we had just finished putting all the toys (including the trucks) away. I admit I had to hide an amused grin when I sent him back to bed. This time it took. I love my little organized two year old.

Centennial Park

We went out to Centennial Park in an attempt to feed the ducks a few weekends ago. Problem: We had trouble finding ducks that were hungry since I think everybody in Nashville had the same idea on one of the first nice weekends of the spring. There were full loaves of white bread floating in the water. We just added to the floating bread and did a lot of yelling "here duckie, duckie."

I see one!

Yes! Finally a duck comes closer.

Bubble Time

Our friend Michelle visiting us for the weekend joined us in our duck hunt and for some ball kicking afterwards.

Lots of bags: Mom's, Michelle's, and the Bubble Bucket

Quick Photo Shoot in the adjoining Gardens:

Birdy Quotes

At dinner with friends Mercer and Emily last night:

L (to Mercer completely out of the blue): Uhhh, new shirt... beautiful new shirt.

Quick Outing

On our way to Publix in style.

Cooking

Preparing a yummy meal in the play kitchen with friend Ella. Maybe he'll grow up to enjoy cooking? Here's hoping.

ABC song

Lucas loves the "LMNOP" part. I think he thinks it's a funny word.

Birdy Quotes

L: "I need sunglasses."

(Puts them on)

L: "I look awesome"

Helping

Matt's been working hard on painting our stairs. Lucky for him that he had some good help taping off the area.

Birdy Quotes

M: Who does Daddy love?
L: Luca
M: Who does Mommy love?
L: Luca
M: Who does Lucas love?
L: Emma

We now know where we stand. ;)

"I Got It"

Luca has finally learned that soccer balls are for kicking. "No hands." Here he is getting all his two year old energy out at the park.

Joined by another player on the field: Friend Anna. Twin Ella is off on the swingset.

Watching the action (which in this case is a dog on the "field"):

As you can see in the video he ran and ran repeating "I got it, I got it." Apparently he is scared his other competitive team members (i.e. mom & dad) are going to take the shot from him. And watch that energy! It takes a lot to wear out a two year old.

Splish Splash

It rained all morning but we decided we needed to get outdoors. Perfect time for puddle jumping. Lucas had a great time and I ended up with a very wet and muddy little boy.

Dumping water out of his boots

A look out at the river

Chief Camp and Coming Home

I just spent a week at "chief camp" in Jacksonville, Florida. Despite the worry of making it through four days of role play it turned out to be a very enjoyable experience. We had a group of 36 chiefs to be and 2 great facilitators who taught us a lot in a short few days. We learned a lot about self-awareness, personality types, our conflict styles, interacting with hospital administrators (those non-MD, MBAs), and feedback styles. All sounds Kumbayah but it was actually quite fun. I did incidentally learn that Matt and I are more or less the opposite personality type (not that it surprises us) as are I and my future co-chief. Luckily I think that there is strength in seeing things from different viewpoints. Matt and I are both I's or introverts so at least we can happily be homebodies together :). It's funny how the Myers-Brigg can explain some of the things you think are just quirky about you. Anybody taken it?

Despite it being a great professional week and I believe quite useful for getting through my next year, it was hard to leave my kiddo at home again. Just reminds me that I spend way too many nights away from him. It's getting harder now that his awareness and ability to communicate is getting better. He actually knows the difference between me being home and not being home. On my second night away he got on the phone and was telling me "Mommy, come home; need mommy" in this pitiful voice. Breaks my heart every time even though I know that he is well taken care of and that he probably forgot that he was sad as soon as he got of the phone. Matt handled his single-dadness wonderfully as he always does. He keeps it light with humor as shown by the text I got about half way through being away "... it's getting like Lord of the Flies here without you. No food, dished piled in the sink... I swear Lucas was hunting for dinner in the living room yesterday." It's never actually so bad when I get home but it gave me a good laugh. I'm lucky to have such a sweet, involved husband.

Who wouldn't miss this sweet face?