Charlie

Lately I have been really sad about how much Charlie's life has changed. No matter what the intention, poor Charlie seems to be the last in line-- another one of life's "I'll never..." He doesnt really have it too rough, after all he travels with us most places we go; he eats most all of Breck's meals; and we've gotten pretty liberal with his obedience. But, life certainly changed for him dramatically when Breck was born. So, today, I dedicate this post to my first boy.

Charlie, I love you because:

- you came into my life when I needed you most

- you forced me to hit the "reset button" and focus on what mattered most

- you are always so happy to see me, even on days where I dont reciprocate

- you're a gentle giant

- you let Breck do whatever he wants to you

- you never complain

- you protect us

Even when the house has more dog hair than it does food in the fridge, I love you. Even when the neighbor complained because we didnt pick up your poop for a week, it wasn't your fault. Even when you bark at the sight of people you've known for years, I love you because you're just being cautious. Even when you want to eat immediately and I'm starving too, I love you. Even when you once ate the corner of my wall, its only because it was the first time I left you. Even when you pretend not to hear me and run away, I love you. And even here, where poppa will be mad because you're chewing on his frisbees, I let you because I love you.

This is you today having fun. Lets do more of it.

Now, off this computer and back to playing.

The only time I've liked Dr. Phil

I can't stand Dr. Phil. For lots of reasons.

Tonight, tho, I gave it a shot when I saw the topic "Parenting Tips You Wont Want To Miss" 

I learned a few things:

1. Breastfeeding your kids when they're 6 is just wrong. And if you need to go on national television for someone else to tell you its ok to tell your daughter she's too old to suck on your boobs while you lay in your back yard hammock, then I guess this is why Dr Phil has a show.
2. You shouldn't hold your kids head and then let your wife try to shovel food down his throat. And, if you have to go on TV for someone to tell you thats not a good idea, then its another reason why he has a show. People apparently need him.
3. Its not nice to call your son "Chubby Monkey" and it doesn't take a genius to figure out then why he now doesn't like food.
4. If your child fights you at nighttime, its normal! Ok, I admit, this I needed to hear. I found myself taking a deep breath when Dr Phil charted what a child goes thru in the process of fighting sleep. The take away: eventually they get too exhausted to fight it; do all you can to resist going back in; know it might take hours. Over time (2 weeks or so) the behavior apparently stops. This I can try.

Oh, and while I'm posting. Good news- tonight I was "Mommy"

A thankless job

Motherhood that is.

I've been called Amy since Friday and slapped across the face 3 times tonight.

In his sweetest of moments I admit I get it "thank you Meme" (who's Meme?) but now "thank you Amy"

I wouldn't have it any other way. Unless I'm still Amy in a week.

Size 24 months

I've just packed up size 18 month clothes. In fact, the shirt Breck is wearing in my last post is already too small. Thank goodness for Sam- I can justify my new purchases knowing they go in the next batch box for him to wear!  Breck is growing faster than I expected.  I cant believe he is already 21 months old next week. The first year felt like a year. The second has flown by. He's talking so much. Growing into his own individual already. I look back at the thousands of photos Dave has taken and its hard to believe how quickly he changes- his face, his expressions, his body and his hair, which suddenly has become curly.

When he's 21, I will still kiss his cheeks like I do, I will still tickle the bottom of his feet when he's not looking, I will still attempt to snuggle him and do the hug pat. Yes, I will be that mom.