A Sweet (and Rainy) Birthday

The hurricane didn't prevent me from having a wonderful birthday weekend! Thanks to my sweet family, I had a relaxing two-day celebration filled with Fearrington House dinner, home cooked breakfast, brunch, and thoughtful gifts. Although far away, Auntie Snags did not disappoint!
I borrowed Rhombus's mom's embroidered handkerchief as my "something old" for our wedding. As matron of honor, Snags held the handkerchief after the ceremony and kept up with it 4 years! She had it framed and carefully mailed to me. It is on the wall in our bedroom where it will be treasured for a long time. (Cannot wait to see you and Zeph this weekend!!!!!)

Here are some other pictures from our week day trips and birthday celebrations! Hope you stayed dry!!

"Ank-You Momma"

This may sound like an obvious role for parents, but I am just starting to wrap my head around the fact that Evans and I are responsible for raising a polite, conscientious, and respectful human being. When Van was an infant it seemed like our main role revolved around feeding, sleeping, and changing diapers. As he has grown into a verbal, daring toddler- we help guide him with manners, (hygiene), and self-sufficiency.

I haven't been one to focus on "please" and "thank-you" but today I offered Van a chip and he said "ank-you momma." Something melted inside of me...it was such a polite un-taught gesture for a toddler. I was impressed.

Do you notice who is in the background of the picture above? It is Mickey Mouse... as in Mickey's Clubhouse... which only comes on cable TV!! After 2 years of being anti-cable we finally caved in.  Van is pumped that his TV horizons have broadened beyond PBS kids.

In other news, we had a fabulous, relaxing trip to Virginia this weekend.

Some people have asked me why we chose to have godparents and what godparents are supposed to do. Evans and I weren't sure about what godparents do, but we were sure we wanted Sarah & Ned to stay involved with Van's life, despite their move out of Raleigh.  We also know that "it takes a village" and wanted to be sure Van had dedicated and loving role models that he could always turn to.

Sarah and Ned have defined what godparents do--they are always so supportive, helpful, and loving to us and Van. We could not ask for a better friendship. We love you guys! Thanks for such a fun weekend.

 (Unpictured: two pregnant ladies who napped and drank club soda spritzers while snacking on carbs + Ned who was off doing something productive!)

Skipping Rocks in the River

Sorry to elicit Tim McGraw but the title just stuck! While we are pumped to welcome a new baby, I am having some overwhelming feelings about dividing my time between two kids. I keep telling myself I am going to do everything I possibly can to preserve the sweet bond Van and I have made, but I know between having a newborn and lacking a good night’s sleep our fun outings together will be more difficult.


We celebrated this gorgeous day and Van’s move out of the crib and into a regular bed by spending all day outdoors and I reminded myself to soak up each minute of play time.

In order to safely facilitate the transition into a big boy bed, we purchased a video baby monitor (we have the audio-only monitor but wanted to reassure ourselves he wasn’t crawling head-first out of bed). I used to doubt the extra cost of video monitors…but have to admit, there is something angelic about watching your child snooze so peacefully. I am hooked!

This week we are excited to gear up for our trip to Irvington, VA to visit with Van’s godparents (our great friends) and their family as well. It’s unreal how much he has changed since our visit last year. We are also excited (and slightly petrified) about our upcoming 12-14 hour drive to Vermont!! Despite Van’s new love of “car-cars” I am doubtful he will be as enthusiastic after a full day restrained in car seat lockdown. Any toddler travel tips are very welcome (and needed!).

Van's new word of the week: "Mama sheen" (aka: "Mama's machine"...the vaccum cleaner, washing machine, etc...).

Happy starts to your weeks!

Vroom Vroom!

Van is into all things CARS. (or "Car-cars" as he says). This includes "keys," "beep-beep," and "toot-toot" which have all become a staples in his vocabulary. He was gifted a little car-car upgrade recently to a powerwheels which has been quite entertaining around here!

(We are still working on ten and two steering control).

When its too hot for outdoor car rides, he improvises!

As for our soon-to-be addition...doesn't he/she look like he/she's zoomin around on wheels?
This photo makes me laugh:

Lots of joy around here and this mama is very ready for some cooler air! (Especially in the mornings :)



Good News!!

Ocean Isle Beach 2011

Thank you family for the most wonderful week-long vacay we could ask for. I have never felt so relaxed! Love you all. I'll let some pictures do the talking...lets just say Van will have a hard time adjusting to "normal" life next week without waking up to doughnuts, Diddy, Pop-Pop, and lots of ocean swimming each morning.



(Van's personality really showed up on this trip...as expected, he's quite a stinker!)



Love, G-Mommy and G-"Diddy"

G-Mommy kept Van the other morning and Van cried so much after she left, I had to offer candy and cookies to cheer him up!

Here is what G-Mommy and G-Diddy have to say about their time with Van:

"Our favorite memory of Van is always the last time we saw him. He is learning and changing and growing so fast that we look forward to each new day. Van has several rituals he goes through every time he comes to our home. He begins with a huge smile and a loud, "Hey.......! " when he comes in the door.

He calls Diddy several times. We usually get a snuggle then off he goes! Van walks to the TV cabinet that is now the toy chest and asks for his blue play table and green chairs.

He takes the two candles from beside the chair and blows them out., even though they are not lit.

He walks to the work bench and says, "Daddy tools. Goodbye tools." That covers the first ten minutes or so of the visit, then comes the car-car in the garage with the ga-ga, the back porch fan & lights and so on. When is your next visit Van?

Love you!"