Happy Halloween 2013

...From our little puppy dog and big boy dragon!

Hi.

Landon's 3rd Birthday Party

Although Landon's third birthday is officially a week away, we scrambled last minute to organize a party to accommodate some changes in Erik's schedule. We are blessed with some great little friends in our awesome cul-de-sac. We play together everyday, but today was extra special because we got to eat pizza and cake on top of the usual antics.

Landon was so excited for his birthday this year and did not even cry once while the toddler choir sang the Happy Birthday song! He understood the concept of presents and has been playing with his gifts aaaaall day long. Thanks, everyone!

Patiently waiting for the cake!

This ball toy is always a hit. One of the loudest, annoying - and yet, enduring - toys in our household.

Opening cards and presents :)

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday TO you...

...Happy birthday, Dear Landon, happy birthday to you!"

The most quiet moment all day: when the kids are stuffing their faces with cake and ice cream.

Time to burn off some of that sugar outside on a beautiful fall day. The sun was shining for you, little man.

"Well if Landon has a new bike, I'll just go ahead and claim this one for myself moving forward."

Little brother was a little under the weather, but still tried to rally for a bit.

I should have known that would happen.

Seriously, this little guy did his best to celebrate. Someone needs to invent baby sudafed.

You Make Me Happy, Too

I'm usually good for writing a "woe is me" entry once in a while as challenges with toddlers rear their head on a daily hourly basis, but I thought I'd take a different approach today. Today - for whatever reason - I want to say that I rock as a mom. (I think I'm a pretty good wife, too, but I don't think entries about stocking the beer fridge or sorting Erik's boot socks versus workout socks are that exciting.)

Did I take the boys to a park today? Nope. Did I bake them homemade cookies today? Nope. Was there about five different time out sessions today? Yep. Did they eat chicken nuggets two meals in a row? Yep. But who cares? Landon held me extra close for a good night snuggle this evening and randomly said "You make me happy, Mommy. I love you." Those were his exact words. He made sure he gave brother a good night kiss before I closed his door, too. So I obviously did something right.

Let us rejoice in this moment of joy and confidence, shall we? 

My Mom Dressed Me...

...and forgot to finish.

Big Boy Wheels

I guess he couldn't ride a tricycle forever. Another day, another proud and sad mommy moment.

And he's off...

I still have this little turd nugget nearby, though. Presumably lounging and enjoying the ride.

Pumpkin Patch 2013

I suspect they revoke your "All American Parent" card if you don't take your kids to a pumpkin patch every fall. Lest we lose our qualification, we got our buns in gear and headed over to the farm on Sunday morning.

Goats.

A Man.

Cloudy and yet so so bright.

Back to the goats again. Big hit.

Wistful.

Chickens, as usual.

The best family pic we could get.

License to smile.

Obligatory "insert face here" picture.

Maybe next year, buddy. Keep working those biceps.

Plaid on patrol.

Face painting.

License to mow.

Stopping for a pumpkin cookie to wrap up the morning!

My Mom Dressed Me

He's turning his head away in this one, completely self aware that his face should not be caught on film in such an outfit. What am I doing to this kid?

Leg warmers with a side of froggie hat and Cheerios.

The End of an Era

It is kind of bittersweet and kind of not, but Anders said bye bye to the boobies last week at 15 months. I didn't mind nursing him over a year because I am fairly certain it will be our last little snookum wookums to snuggle up for milk. As I write this, emotions are randomly starting to flood me a bit; I suppose this is the first time I'm stopping to really think about it. Damn, my eyes are tearing up. 

There wasn't a big plan behind the weaning... feedings just dropped here and there as the months and weeks went on. I didn't know the last time I fed him was the actual last time I was going to nurse him. I wish I would have held him a little longer, had I known. But in reality I probably broke the latch because his teeth were irritating me as he mindlessly drifted off. Damn, I'm officially crying now.

But! It was time. I know this. So although I'm blubbering at the moment, I am happy that we are both moving on and growing. Onwards and upwards, as they say. It is the start of a new chapter where I get to reclaim my body for myself after almost 4 years of being pregnant and/or nursing. Can I get a "Hallelujah!" from the crowd?

Hallelujah.