Two

Dear Sam,

Today you turned two. I know you enjoyed us singing "Happy Birthday" to you and you even joined in and grinned, but I'm not sure you knew what it all means. Certainly you can't fathom what it means for your mama to have you reach yet another milestone. I'm proud. I'm sad. I'm hopeful. I'm teary. I'm excited. I'm exhausted...but that may have something to do with staying up late to finish your cake for the party tomorrow.

Last time I remember celebrating a two-year-old's birthday so vividly it was your big brother's milestone. We had a train party complete with a train giving rides around the block, and you were just a couple of months away from making your first appearance in the world. For that very reason, I don't think Jack's two was such a roller coaster of emotions. I was excited for him. He was about to be a big brother, and I was going to get to watch it all...for better or worse.

How can you be sooo big? You are talking in full sentences and basically tell us whatever you want. We are working hard on "yes, mam" and "yes, sir." I guess having a brother around to socialize with has made you aware. I'm continually amazed at your language. It's definitely time to start a 'Sam Says' feature on the blog.

Maybe now I know why I went so overboard planning your party...it gives me something to do so I won't think so much about how big you are getting. All the fun tomorrow will certainly distract from any bittersweet feelings about having a two-year-old.

I love you, little man!

Mommy

22 & a Talker

Dear Sam,
You just hit the 22-month mark last week and are quite the conversationalist these days. I don't want to forget all these wonderfully cute and incredibly hilarious things you come up with. So, I'll do my best to record them here. We really never know what will come out of your mouth.

You were right alongside me the morning I put the Christmas trees up, but you & brother were both napping when I finally managed to get ornaments put on the following day. You had already impressed me the day before by repeating after me, "Kissmas Tree!" On the way down the stairs after nap, you said excitedly, "Kissmas tree!" When I took you in for a closer look, you turned to me and said, "I wove it!" I was so tickled, that you just kept saying it over and over again. Now, it's part of your bit. If you want to make me or your daddy laugh you just say, "Kissmas tree. I wove it!"

Your other favorite phrases:
"Bubba. Stop!"
"Daddy truck!"
"Choo choo outside," which today developed into "Choo choo outside. Scare. Wowd!" I heard a train approaching when we were in downtown Cornelia this afternoon, I hurried to get down to one of the stop signs by the track. You love trains, so I rolled down the window. Well, a horn sounds a lot more appealing from 3/4 of a mile away. From 50 feet away, it is apparently terrifying! You burst into tears. So, now it's "Choo choo outside. Scare. Wowd!"

You love to brush your teeth and prefer your big brother's toothpaste. "Bubba toothpaste, peas!" Your favorite bedtime stories are your VBS photo album, which you affectionately call your "Addy Book" (for all the pics of Ali Harris), and your "Monkey book." Your dad and I were impressed by how quickly you've learned to recognize the numbers on each page. You also like to do the silly voice of the doctor on the phone with the monkey mama, it sounds like this "No mwuh wah dah wah bah yah BED!"

Last week, we were just hanging around and someone said something about Sunday. You immediately said, "Muhday...Tueday...Whenday...Thurday!"

You're still a couple months shy of two years, and I can't remember your brother knowing anything about a single cartoon character at this age. You on the other hand are a huge fan of "Coos Coos" a.k.a. Blue's Clues and Cars. You love "Queen" and "Mater!" When it's time for bed you know we have to put "Queen Baket!" (in the basket.) I started keeping the basket on the gated staircase so you can only reach in and grab a few at a time because you and Jack kept dumping the whole basket out. Lately, you've managed to talk brother into letting you on the stairs, but you usually just line up your cars until the step is completely full.

You know that Santa says "Ho ho ho!" and your two favorite songs are "Jesus Loves Me" and "We will rock you." You sing them both with great enthusiasm. Sometimes in the car you will just start yelling, "Jesus Song!"

You will try just about anything food wise and like most of what you try, with the exception of pastas. You love to eat "cacakes" on the "choo choo plate!" (Pancakes on the Thomas the tank engine plate.) You also love bacon morning, noon or night...you don't care. You call it "bay bay," which I hope stays around for a while.

Your big brother is really starting to enjoy your company. You don't always enjoy his. Jack loves to play with you, but sometimes you'd just rather play with your cars alone. Try to be patient with him. He's still figuring this big brother thing out. Jack likes teaching you new tricks, which mommy and daddy don't always approve of. He doesn't mind sharing his popcorn, ice cream cone and other snacks with you. Sharing his chocolate milk is a different story...

Thanks for treating everyone around you to so much fun. We love your sweet smile and silly phrases. I really love the "hungs" you've started giving. You can squeeze my neck anytime!

Love,
Mommy

Four

Four years ago today, I became a mother. In some ways it seems like I've had preschoolers underfoot for as long as I can remember. But, mostly it feels surreal to think that my first born is celebrating the start of his fourth year! It's hard to recall each and every emotion I felt that day we welcomed Jackson David Garrett, but I do know I was introduced to a brand-new love. It's hard to describe, but I've heard it said that having children is akin to deciding to allow your heart to walk around outside your body. It seems like a pretty accurate description.

Jack, these four years have been such an adventure; full of fun, excitement, worry, tears, learning and lots of love. Thanks for teaching us so much, little man. And, thanks for being the guinea pig; I don't think we screwed up too much yet. We're living and learning, and you've been along for the journey. For the past two years we've had the pleasure of watching you in your role as big brother, a part you were made for! Sam is a lucky little guy to have a big brother like you to look after him. You keep us smiling with your sweet early morning greetings. You warm us with your big kisses and giant hugs. We never lack for entertainment with you around. We love you! Happy 4th Birthday, Jack!

Remembering

This weekend, specifically Sunday, has been all about remembering and honoring. It has been impossible not to think back to what I was doing ten years ago on that fateful Tuesday, September 11, 2001.

Word of those horrible attacks on American soil first reached me while I was at work.

I was in my (second) senior year at UGA, preparing to graduate at the end of the semester. I was newly engaged to my sweetheart of three years. That Tuesday morning I was in between teaching classes at the gymnastics facility where I worked part-time. Morning classes were my favorite because it brought in the mommies and preschoolers. The director called me up after my first class to tell me what was going on. My first thought was disbelief. I shudder to think about it now, but I recall I may have even chuckled at how unbelievable it all seemed.

You see I had been standing atop one of those towers a mere two months earlier. Sunday, July 15, 2001 to be exact. A day that up until then had been remarkable for its ending atop the Empire State Building where I said yes to a boy down on one knee. But two months later, all I could think about was how that same day had started in lower Manhattan with a trip to see Lady Liberty and Top of the World, the observation deck atop the South tower.

I can still remember talking with the few moms that did show up for the next class. One who had been watching when the second plane hit. I recall her saying she went numb and became glued to the unbelieveable scene unfolding in front of her. She said she didn't want to move, but realized it wasn't good for her 3 year-old to sit and watch her that way, so she had decided to come to class.

My afternoon classes at UGA were cancelled as were so many other things that day and the rest of the week. We went from shock and disbelief to a nation in mourning. Eventually we rallied...united with hope. Not a second went by that we weren't hearing about another account of a last-minute voice mail or an account of a first-responder who dashed into the flames. Not a day went by that we weren't flooded with the thoughts of the thousands of spouses, children, parents and loved ones who had lost their beloved husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters...

I can't pinpoint when it happened, but at some point a day arrived when I didn't think about it. You can decide if that's good or bad. Sure it was time to heal, but for those families that lost loved ones that day of healing may have come too soon.

About four or five years later, I returned to the city that never sleeps. It was a sombering experience to walk around what was now called Ground Zero. What was once a bustling home to economy was now a big hole full of dirt, concrete and construction equipment.

At some point, I'm sure I'll have to explain what happened that day ten years ago to a pair of curious boys. It will be impossible not to recall where I was, what I was doing and what I first thought of as I struggle to give meaning to a senseless act of evil. But, thankfully, I don't have to have all the answers.

God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. Job 37:5



Nine for Nine

Today marks Sam's ninth month. So, I thought I'd share nine little observations about our sweet baby.

1 - You absolutely LOVE eating. Ask anyone that knows you, they'll agree. You go through two jars of baby food in about five minutes flat. Most meals we can't spoon it in fast enough to keep you happy.

2 - You spit up A LOT. Although I'm sure there are plenty of babies out there that spit up more, you spit up a lot. It's pretty much just a nuisance...you've managed to lovingly spray most anyone who has held you for any length of time. And since you LOVE to eat so much, that spit up is such a lovely color these days. On the bright side, I've gotten quite skilled at dodging your projectiles.

3 - You LOVE the Johnny Jumper in the nursery at church. It is hands-down your favorite thing to do when you are there.

4 - You are a wonderful sleeper. Most nights I can count on a good 10-12 hours from you. Naps are a little less predictable...some days I can get you to snooze at the same time as big brother. Other days you refuse to miss out on whatever mommy has planned to do during naptime.

5 - You have three teeth. The first two came several weeks ago almost simultaneously and are on the bottom. A week or so ago, a third made its way to the surface of your top gum. It is so funny how it has changed your little grin and certainly makes that chomp hurt a lot more!

6 - You have these funny wild hairs. Your big brother had hair that stuck straight up all over the place for practically his first year of life. You, on the other hand, have shorter hair...with the exception of these little wild, long hairs that look so funny. Your daddy wants to trim them so bad, but I kind of like them and am holding out a bit longer.

7 - You are so curious. You have just mastered crawling in the last few weeks and have quickly moved on to pulling up and finding your way into anything and everything. I really don't remember un-baby-proofing the house...but I feel like we are having to RE-baby-proof the place! You LOVE big brother's cool toys and mom & dad's catalogs...so fun to gnaw on. Just this evening you were showing off your skills in one of your favorite spots...

Seriously, you love this potty! Are you trying to send me a message?

8 - You've recently decided that you hate getting buckled into your carseat. You usually settle down within a couple of minutes, but you wiggle and squirm and whine the whole time I'm trying to buckle you.

9- Your big brother loves to entertain you. And you save all your best laughs for him.

Sleep

Dear Sleep,
Where are you tonight? Have I forsaken you? Is that why you have abandoned me tonight/this morning? I know I waited much too late to greet you Monday evening, but isn't that pretty much our routine? I even thought that might make our date tonight all the more lovely.

Perhaps somethings are too big for you. Is my mind too cluttered for you to clear? Is my internal computer jumping too quickly from program to program for you to find the 'hibernate' button? I guess I shouldn't blame you. I do have much on my mind.

I do appreciate that you have been visiting my little ones for at least 10-11 hours each night. Aside from the slight interruption at 1:30, from Jack's bladder. Does that mean he'll hang out with you a little longer in the morning? I sure hope so...because if I ever get the splendor of meeting you tonight/this morning, I'm betting I won't be so pleasant at 6:45.

Although not here on the blog, I've done my best to jot down a few of my brain's hyper-activity, so maybe we can try to get together again in a few minutes. I'd love to get to know you again.

Yours Truly,
Laura

Tag...I'm it

So, a friend of mine recently tagged me on her blog. I was tagged to share 7 random things about myself. I'm just now getting around to putting my mind to it.

Here goes:
1. I love college football. Specifically, Georgia football, but I'll watch just about any teams. I not really sure when the love began...maybe in the womb. I think my mom "carried me" to a bowl game and then the season following my first birthday was quite a memorable ones for the Dawgs. I like to think my parents were on cloud 9...a beautiful one-year-old girl and a national championship. What more could two people want? Oh, yeah a 4-year-old son! :)

2. I find great satisfaction in having empty clothes hampers at my house. I don't really mind doing the laundry either. I think I like it because it's a pretty mindless task.

3. I constantly think about creating a TO DO list, but never do. I think about writing things down, but never seem to get around to it. Then I forget what I need to do/buy. This drives my husband crazy! He loves lists.

4. The idea of scrapbooking is very appealing to me. I used to really enjoy doing, but can't seem to make myself dedicate the time to it these days. My excuse these days is time & space. I know pretty lame.

5. Gift wrapping is one of my favorite things to do. I love wrapping presents in pretty papers and big bows. It shows you went the extra step of getting out tape and scissors. That being said, I still take the short cut and use a bag and tissue every now and then. Mostly, because...

6. I'm incredibly frugal went it comes to some things. I cut coupons (of which only about 10% probably get used) and reuse gift bags and tissue! Ooops...telling all my secrets! I made a special trip to CVS today just to save 25% on my purchases.

7. I love correspondence. I find great joy in writing and mailing notes to friends and family. I guess because I know how happy I am after opening a handwritten note from the mailbox.

Now, I'm supposed to tag 7 of my friends, so here goes:

Brooke

Carolyn

Heather

Jessica

Kajal

Kathy

Tori

Tag, ladies...you're it!

Nine Months?

Where has the time gone? I can't believe my little boy is nine months old today! I'll share a note to Jack.

Dearest Jack,
You are nine months old today! Some days you still seem so new. Like when I'm not sure how much food you should be eating or if you're getting enough vegetables. Other days I can't remember life before you. Like when my first thought before leaving the house is always to smell your bottom. Gross, right?

It's absolutely crazy to think that you've been apart of our lives for nine months plus! You've actually been a very real part of our lives ever since we learned you were on the way, which was not quite a year and half ago. It was right after daddy's 30th birthday. Yes, your father and I were once in our 30s. I imagine by the time you read this you'll have no idea we could once have been so young!

As I've mentioned in previous letters to you, you've been quite a joy from day one and you continue to entertain us! We love everything about you (okay, except the whining when your need/want is undetermined). We love your scrunchy face and the fact that you love to blow raspberries to pass the time. It leaves quite the glistening ring of spit around your mouth! Your dad loves that sometimes you laugh or grin after passing gas. I think it makes him proud.

Since you were about 3 or 4 months old I've been working on a few signs with you. Mostly the sign for milk. For months you've gotten excited whenever the sign is made, but just last week you showed us the sign a couple of times after we show you. It's been so fascinating to watch you learning.

You're getting super close to crawling and terrorizing the entire house from our knees down. Your dad and I are very excited to see you approaching this neat milestone, but we also love that you pretty much stay put when we leave you on your blanket with toys these days. You can usually get to things by army crawling or rolling, but you haven't quite figured out the most efficient way yet.

You are a true people person. You greet everyone with a smile and often laughter. You attract a lot of smiles and waves wherever you go. I think it's the hair, which is getting a lot longer and lays down a lot better.

I can't believe we only have 3 more months until you turn one. Where has the time gone? One more thing, college football season kicks off tonight and the dawgs play their first game on Saturday. It would be really awesome if you would learn to enjoy football on TV as much as you like your Praise Baby DVD. Thanks!

I love you,
Mommy