enough said

Recognize that gal in the picture? 
Yes, that is an armadillo and yes, I look like I'm about to wet my pants. 

Anyone who knows me knows that this is not my 'normal' but isn't it amazing how a few strokes of bad luck, a couple of years of wisdom, and someone truly amazing can change your perspective of what you think is fun?  I feel like that defines me these days.  Jared is truly amazing.  He is a wonderful friend, a great dad, and a supportive partner....and the list goes on and on.  He is everything I've always wanted in a man and I honestly thank God everyday that he's in my life.  I don't think I've ever really had more fun than I have in the past year.....and there aren't any words that accurately describe my love for him or how he makes me feel. 

And yes, I know this is sappy.  But I'm feeling extra special today and I need to give credit where credit is due by putting at least one post on this blog about this amazing man (even if I'm still refusing to let him read it just yet).  In other words, I love him :)

"You're doing it wrong!"

Lately, I feel like this is an exact desciption of my life.  I constantly hear this quote from "Mr.Mom" running through my head.  You see, Jack is now 2.  What comes with growing up and being able to do and say all kinds of new things is the terrible two's.  I have heard of this time and time again....hell, I teach Child Development. But seeing this in your own child is a different story.  I feel like I'm constantly disciplining, timing out, trying to keep my cool. 
And I hear this voice in the back of my head again.  I'm afraid I'm messing up royally.  This week has been a very trying week for all of us.  Jack was sick on his birthday, we had an eventful weekend, and we've been a little off schedule this week. I was at my "I've had it" moment on Wednesday night and then Thursday came.  It was a much better day for all of us and just what I needed to remind myself that I can do this.  I feel even worse sometimes because I have so many blessings and so much to be thankful for and complaining just makes me feel worse.  So there's my story for the week and I'll leave it at that.

On to other events, Jack's 2nd birthday party went off without a hitch.  He and I are blessed beyond belief that we had so many people come to spend the day with us.  It was a great day and I think he really enjoyed it.  Sunday was Mother's Day and I don't know that I've ever felt more special.  I got a new watch from my mom and dad, a gigantic ruler from Kelly and Tony (you hang it vertically to measure your child's growth throughout the years...oh so cool!  Can't wait to give these as baby shower gifts!), a giftcard to Bliss from Jared, and an oh-so-cute tie-dyed dress/skirt from Jack(aka Jared). They made me feel wonderful and I'm so lucky.  We had breakfast at my house and gave my mom and Peggy a much deserved break from cooking.  It was the best weekend we've had in a long time. 

Pictures to come from the events this past weekend once I figure out how to upload from my new camara!

Rewards

The other day I was given one of the best rewards ever.  Jack and I spent the weekend together - just the two of us.  It was just what we needed and I'm definitely reaping the rewards this week.  Jack came in and asked me for a chip and when I gave it to him he said, "thank you, mommy" - no coaching, no bribing, no begging and pleading from him.  I turned and looked out the window and felt pure joy - I am doing my  job as a mother and I was proud of myself. 

My little love is going to be two in five days.  I can't believe it.  To think of how different life was two years ago at this time....different doesn't even begin to describe it.  I was married, we were preparing for our first child, I was on bedrest anxiously awaiting his arrival and worried about what was to come.  Two difficult, dramatic, and trying years have gone by and life is completely different.  But better than ever.  I saw this picture yesterday that said "It's never too late to live happily ever after." My thoughts exactly. 

I leave you with my little love's 2 year pictures.  He is not a baby anymore but a little boy....a little boy with the sweetest smile, infectious giggle, and a beautiful heart.