Cars! Cars! Cars!

Yesterday Nikki came over to see Davis and I. Between our busy schedules and her trip to New York, it had been a while. Every time Nikki comes in, Davis wants to get right into her purse. He knows exactly what he is looking for and won't relax until he finds the two items he is after. One is Nikki's iphone, the second is this set of oversized tin pill capsules. The pill capsules are meant to hold pills, and they look just like pills, so they're very cute and they're sort of Russian doll style in the fact that there is a giant pill and then within that a smaller (still oversized) pill. How many times can I say pill in this post? Six times so far.

Anyway, to the point. Nikki brought Davis this cute gift package with polka dot tissue paper, and we quickly realized that he could care less about seeing what was in the package until he got both of the prized items out of Nikki's purse. To visualize this- whether with Nikki's bag or anything else he feels he needs- he will hand the bag to you, stand in front of you and say "Om? Om? Om?" a hundred times until we either open it or get him to say "Please" which sounds like "Deez" or "help" which sounds like "hep".

So after playing with the phone and the pills for a while, he finally dug into the bag. He pulled out one shiny diecast model yellow mini cooper. He was so thrilled. And then quickly stuck his arm back in to see what else might be in there. Eventually he pulled out all four little model cars, one in light blue, one in forest green, one in red and the first one, in golden yellow. OOH! He was thrilled. They are pull-back cars that race along the floor so fast. He carried these and played with them until he went to bed last night. Finally I had to cover them with a pair of shorts so he would stop saying "Cars! Cars! Cars!" and go to sleep.

Before Nikki left- he insisted we go out to see her car. I love that he remembers Nikki's car and absolutely MUST go see it. She has a red mini cooper with racing stripes and I totally get why he loves it. It looks like a toy car. I opened the front door and he couldn't have run faster, squealing all the while, to get to her car. We took a drive around the cul de sac and he also sat on her lap and drove and honked the horn and about emptied out her window washer fluid. He is a lucky boy to have such a sweet aunt.

P.S. Unrelated, but I ordered a new camera today. I can't wait to get it so I can share more pictures here. In the meantime, here is a cute one Bennett took of Davis last weekend at Chipotle. Happy man.

Trying Something New

Sort of cheesy, but also awesome. So here goes, a list:

1) That Davis officially calls me "mommom"
2) That I get to spend Fridays with Davis- love it!
3) Pickle Twang. The obsession is back.
4) Royitos salsa. I might have a problem. I can't stop.
5) Shania Twain music.
6) That Rosie, the cleaning lady, is coming Friday.
7) That I have really funny and smart friends at work.
8) That my mom watches Davis on Thursdays.
9) That last night when I went in to check on Davis, he was bare bottomed, had peed all over the place, but was sleeping like a snug little bug without a rug.

The Bennett 4

Yep, it's official. We are so excited to tell you we're expecting a baby in early February. We went to the doctor today for a big sonogram and everything looks great. I always get nervous before these appointments, so it's a relief when they say everything looks normal and healthy. I realize it doesn't always go that way for everyone, so we're thankful.

Now, some of you think we're crazy for even listening after the situation with Davis, and how they incorrectly predicted he was a girl at 12 weeks...but at our dr.'s office, they like to make a prediction at the 12 week sonogram. And WE simply can't say no. I guess we're gluttons for punishment that way. Anyway- today we had a sonographer that we haven't had before. We asked her upfront if she was going to make a prediction and she said "Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. It depends on how accurately I think I can be based on their size and the viewing angle, etc." So after a few looks from a variety of viewpoints she said she feels pretty confident it's a girl.

Here's the thing. I have been feeling like it is a girl from the early weeks- (even though I've always pictured myself with all boys). Just like I felt Davis was a boy. So, my instinct is that she is right, but I'm not putting all my stock in her prediction. And really, I think the second time around, you realize how lucky you are just to have a healthy baby...so we'll be pleased either way. Final confirmation comes in late August.

So that's the news- we're excited.

The Situation

So like I said, Davis wants to "wock" all the time lately. So I rock him, and he is always sitting facing me, with his head on my chest. Sometimes I tickle his back, and lately, he's made it clear to me that he would like me to tickle his tummy too. He grabs his shirt with one hand, and pulls it up, and every time he does this I giggle to myself because he looks just like "The Situation". Only not as cheesy.

Ha! Just thought I would share. P.S. if you haven't heard of "The Situation" (nanny and grandpa) a) you're lucky and b) he's a ridiculous reality TV guy from Jersey.

Nanny update: So yesterday morning was so rough it almost broke my heart, but I heard from both Bennett and Jennifer that after he took a three hour nap, he was a totally different guy. They played and laughed all afternoon. This morning he slept late (because he's been getting up several times a night- boo hiss) so I didn't get to see him, but I just heard from Bennett that while he cried at first, they're already having a good time playing. :)

Okay, Okay

"Suck it Pollyanna" was a little strong. Sorry about that.
Thought about deleting it, but I'm not trying to present a false version of reality here, so I'm leaving it. But, I will say that I'm trying to have better perspective. Jennifer came today- and I hoped Davis would be all smiles. Not so much. All tears. She will be great, I'm not concerned about that at all which is the main thing, right? I just realize that he is also going through some separation anxiety, which I've heard about, but never experienced or expected with Davis Bennett.

I hope this is all okay. I hate that I can't get him into school right now because I know that right when he adjusts to Jennifer, we'll be starting over with school. I'm ready for a longer term solution.

I'm also frustrated with some things at work that I need to deal with- and it's weighing me down. But I have to remember a) these are not REAL problems. We're all healthy and happy and have been given great things and b) I am in control of me and I don't have to do anything I don't want to do or don't feel comfortable doing and c) God is in control of everything and has gone before me to help work things out the way they should be.

That's all. For anyone who cares. Which might just be me. :)

Bad Day, Bad Mood

Man, I'm frustrated at work, I'm still upset about the nanny situation, and also I'm listening to Davis scream his brains out. Since he's learned the word "rock" he now feels like any time he even rolls over, he might need to wake up and get a good rock in the rocking chair from none other than yours truly. Not Da-ee. Only Mommom Wock.

And most nights I love it. I cherish it. But tonight I've already been in there three times, and I'm tired. And I have so much work yet to do. And I missed my workout. And I don't know if it's a result of all this, but I'm in a bad mood. Suck it Pollyanna.

Plan B

So I've had a nervous feeling about the new nanny since she started. Not that she wasn't keeping Davis safe, but more that she wasn't really into it. She was really slow and I felt like "Okay, if you're not digging in, talking to him, helping him with breakfast and all of that while I'm here...what are you doing while I'm gone?"

Yesterday I got home and Davis ran to me and wrapped his arms around my neck like I have never seen before. At first I thought "Oh wow, this is a treat..." then I realized when he wouldn't let me put him down, there was a problem. Davis has never been that way- he is happy to play with anyone that smiles at him. I talked to Bennett about it after she left and I said "Okay, something's not right here..." and he agreed. I'm not going to get into details, but lets just say I think she is a nice person with fine intentions, but she was doing the absolute bare minimum when it came to Davis. And it made my blood boil.

And I knew she had to be gone- but I didn't have a back-up. I called around and remembered a good friend of mine from high school is currently in between jobs as she just finished a nanny gig and praise the Lord- she can do it. BUT- she can't start till tomorrow so we were going to have the nanny come today and Bennett was just going to keep an eye on the situation. She got here this morning while I was in the shower- and I could hear Davis start crying. Bennett walked into the bathroom and was like "He won't let me put him down." So needless to say, we told her to go home and we're moving on to Plan B.

Again- I don't think she had bad intentions- I think she was just phoning it in and Davis felt ignored all day. Which again, makes my blood boil, but I'm so glad we have another solution until he starts school in a month and three days. Who's counting? ME.

So Legit

I'm feeling so legit right now. I have a headshot.
And I've just seen the latest version of the cover for the book I'm working on. This is really too fun. :) It's like the first time I went on a business trip and stayed in a super fancy hotel and thought that to celebrate my new business woman status I should put the robe on over my clothes, jump on the bed, and then order room service, prontito.

20 Month Check-Up

Bennett took Davis to his 18 month appointment Friday. Yes, we were a little late, but it had been a while since he had actually seen his doctor, Ari Brown, and between Dr. Brown's schedule and mine, it took an extra two months.

Bennett had great things to report- he said Davis was all smiles when Dr. Brown came in, and did well the whole appointment. He didn't even cry when he got his shot. I wonder why that never happens when I take him? Hmmph. Anyway- Dr. Brown, who never really seems impressed with anything, seemed to be impressed with Davis' development, which is always nice to hear. She said his vocabulary was great, his teeth are strong, and overall he is right on track. He is evening out at 80% height, weight and head circumference. Solid boy. God is good.

He is picking up words left and right, it's crazy.
- Rock (for hey, let's rock in the rocking chair)
- Toast
- Chip
- Sorry
- Cereal
- This

Yahoo! More to come on the weekend.

My Sweetheart

Bennett was in Chicago Monday and Tuesday- one of my favorite cities for sure. I so wished I could go with him as he hadn't been there before and I've always wanted to go together...also the weather is probably amazing right now. Anyway, I couldn't because of work (work schmork, right?) so I just waited for him to get back. He got back Tuesday after a packed two day conference that GC sent him to. It was a Next Gen Leadership conference for commercial real estate people- and sort of a big deal to get to go- so I am quite proud of him.

Anyway- he had a packed two days and still surprised Davis and I with some Chi-town treats. How sweet! He went to the Disney store and picked out two little metal cars from Cars 2. Davis almost died. They are like little collectible cars, so they're in nice cases and we couldn't get them open fast enough. He was so impatient and just dying to see them. After we opened them, he played and played and then said "Da-ee Car?" Which doesn't sound like a big deal but it's the first time he's linked two words like that. So sweet.

And this melted my heart. Davis got me the cutest shirt. Like went in and picked out a really adorable shirt that is something I would have looked at and loved- and got it for me. That sort of thing just means a lot to me. He had so little time and went out of his way to pick those things out for us. He is a great husband and dad. So this blog is about my sweetheart, big Davis Bennett.

SO Spoiled

Not Davis. Or, not JUST Davis. Me.
Through a twist of events, Carrie's last day as Davis' nanny was yesterday. And I've known how great she is...really it's not hard to see. But yesterday after I told her this wasn't a goodbye and pretended it was no big deal, I was really sad. I cannot explain how blessed we have been by knowing her and being lucky enough to have her take care of Davis.

Carrie is great. In general. Had I met her another way, I would have known right away we could and should be friends. And/but I think I've said this before- when you see someone love your baby- the love you have for them is sort of unexplainably, exponentially higher than the norm. And man- she has LOVED Davis.

He has learned so much being with her- and I love that she has protected him and nurtured his kind spirit. I don't think he quite understands that she won't be coming back...but I know he will miss her and be excited when she comes to visit. Every morning that he woke up before she got there I would say "Guess who's coming to visit you? Carrie!" And he would get this giant grin- like YES! So it's been great for him. And it's been AMAZING for me. I realize today, now that the new temporary nanny is there, who I believe will be good too...that to be able to go to work and have no doubt that your baby is in the best care, having a GREAT time, makes life so much easier and more joyful.

Okay, so before I fall into a pit of depression over it, there is an upside. All of this has actually made me really ready for him to go to school. He starts at Child's Day in a little over a month and I just feel ready and I think he will be ready. I've been praying to feel ready for a while now- and I finally do. They have done an amazing job communicating with us already. The teacher for his class is coming to our house for an in-home visit in a couple weeks, we have orientation one week after that, and then he starts August 22nd. (How many times can I say "ready" or "already" in one paragraph? I mean really...) Anyway.

After seeing him at the church nursery the other day- I think he is going to love this. I hope I have that kid that sees all the kids, the toys, the teacher he's already met, and is like "Peace out mom. Don't let the door hit you on the way out." Seriously. For me, one of the biggest signs of successful parenting is helping your kids feel confident and in control even when things around them change or they're introduced to new situations. I hope I'm doing a good job of that.

Okay so off to work. Big week- have a new business pitch Friday that I'm leading so working day in and day out on that. Hoping to bring home a win.

Be-be?

I took Davis to Chik-Fil-A after work yesterday- ooh was he excited! He was so good even though I didn't let him play on the indoor playground. There were a billion kids in it and I was also wearing a skirt so I couldn't climb up in there. He was pretty sad- but a good sport overall. Anyway, while we were sitting there, a baby started crying and he did this quick "Oh!" with a shocked face (this is very common and very cute) and I said quietly "Is that a baby?"

Davis LOVES babies. He always has. He gets this silly little grin and every time we see a baby, I have to be so careful because he is up in their business in two seconds, leaning into their stroller or patting them on the head...and while he means well, he's two and a little bit rough and tumble.

Anyway, I kept saying "Is that a baby?" and he would grin and giggle and then he started saying "Be-be?" in the sweetest little voice. I was just melting all over the Chik-Fil-A floor.

Last night while I was rocking him before bed (my favorite part of the day) I said "Did we hear a baby? What did the baby say?" and in this quiet voice I would say "Wah, wah, wah..." and then he would copy me and say something high pitched and tiny like "Wee wee wee..." It was adorable.

Here are two pictures from last night. I'm going to have to get a new camera because as if it isn't hard enough to capture him while he's moving so much- my point and shoot camera isn't point and shoot anymore. It's now point, press, wait, wait, press, wait, wait, shoot. I miss almost everything. I think I'm going to get one like my mom's.

Weekend Weekend, Blah Blah Blah

Weekends are supposed to be fun. And there were certainly some high notes from this weekend, but all in all I feel like it was a bust. I didn't feel good so I was a pretty boring mom and on top of that I was just sort of annoyed with myself and the weather...don't even get me started about the weather. It's so gross. And I hate being outside when it's 105 day in and day out. And I hate being stuck inside when it's summer. See? That's the mood I was in all weekend on top of not feeling well. Miserable.

And Bennett was crabby too. I think maybe we both have seasonal depression and don't even know it. But enough about that- there were a couple fun things that came out of this weekend.

1) Davis had his first sno-beach snowcone. He was sort of "meh" about it, which surprised me as I love them so.

2) Davis repeated just about every word I said yesterday from "toast" to "share".

3) Davis had so much fun at the church nursery that he didn't want to leave when I got there. I was so happy. He looked at me, then stretched out his arm to all the toys in the room, then looked back at me like "Really? Now?" It was great.

4) Davis got butt naked at The Yogurt Spot at 5th and Lamar. Here is a three part picture story of that little outing. So fun. You can see how it started with an innocent hands-in approach to the water. Then we cheered him on until he was stripped down with his naked bootie out for all to see.

Booyah!

Stacey and I weighed and measured in this morning with Ahmad. We tried a low grain approach for the past three weeks and holy cow- it paid off. I had my 2nd best measurements to date. Not only is it exciting, it was also a huge sigh of relief..I never want to disappoint Ahmad because you can see how hard he takes it. He takes it harder than we do. Which is really so nice- he really cares about our progress. Man, working out with Stacey and Ahmad over the past year has probably been in the top 2-3 things I've done for myself. And I am thankful for it. And I might order pizza for dinner. And start over again tomorrow. Don't tell Ahmad.

Mowing and Thinking

So I've always said that I do some of my best thinking while I'm mowing...and I realize now in saying that, that I'm limiting the occurrence of my very best thinking because since I've been married, I haven't really mowed. And that makes me think of a few things. I have always enjoyed mowing as far as chores go. You have a task ahead of you, with a clear beginning, a clear end, and an easy and kind of beautiful way to measure the progress as you go. It's a good thing I've enjoyed it- because I've mowed the lawn since I was I don't know, maybe 12. This is one of the things you do in a houseful of three women.

As much as I liked it- I did often think to myself "When I get older and get married...I'm not going to have to mow. How nice will that be?" And that's really come true. Davis usually mows the yard, but this past weekend, I decided to get outside and mow while he did some other work. I was mowing along in the 100 degree weather, admiring my perfect lines, when Davis came over and stopped me to give me a few pointers. Admittedly, I was a bit defensive. He said whatever he said about my mowing technique and I responded with a curt "Uh, yeah, I know..." He smiled and said "Woah..." to which I said "Davis listen. I've been running this very lawn mower since I was 12. I had a pretty admirable lawn business with my grandpa, in fact. I KNOW how to run this mower." And I went on about my way.

And then I did some great thinking. I was feeling both happy to be mowing- and happy that mowing is not a big deal to me. It's one of the many things we learned to do early on because we (my mom, Nikki, and I) were the only ones to do them. My friend's dad's mowed their lawn or their older brothers or whatever...but that wasn't the case with us. And that was fine. Actually I'm thankful for it. I was mowing along this Sunday, and thinking to myself, that there is actually NOTHING we didn't do because it was just the three of us. Seriously. We drove cross-country, we owned nice houses and maintained those houses, we traveled internationally, we tried every sport or activity we wanted to try, and we didn't know anything otherwise.

And clearly I say "we" because we were a team unit- but clearly it makes me reflect on how tough my mom was. Single woman. Two little girls. Taking on the world. And so as I mowed, I thought of two things. 1) I am thankful that God has blessed me with a great husband that is a true partner and 2) I am thankful to my mom that I know how capable I am of doing anything I'd like to, or need to do. See- more great thinking while mowing. I might need to quit my day job and get back into the lawn mowing biz.

July 4th

We had a great weekend as you can see in these pictures!
Waterslides, golf cart rides, and bathtime fun with Porter. Yay for America!

Also- a few words picked up over the weekend...
- cool
- tail
- nice
- top
- toe

And- he can point out his mose, mouth, ears and eyes.