Week on Rewind: May 15

First off, we had a wonderful Mother's Day.  Great weather. Pool for the kids (isn't it amazing that kids don't fret the cold). An incredible dinner. And the sound of family all around.  Not much more you could ask for...but if we're asking, shouldn't Mother's Day extend for the week?  I mean, the work that we do certainly supports such a bold move.  So this Mama, is proudly supporting Mother's Day Week. A week full of pampering, no cleaning and child watching by all capable fathers. Who's with me!

In support of this brilliant campaign. I offer exhibit number one: The Be Good At Soccer Cupcake.
I'll admit the last few soccer outings have been less than stellar. There was the I refuse to participate showdown. The running away from all soccer activity travesty.  And of course, Mama's favorite, gasp, "I don't like soccer" in front of everyone statement.  But, this Mama would not give up. Ladies, we all know the number one way to a man's heart.  That's right, food. So this week, Mama implemented "The Be Good At Soccer Cupcake".  Which roughly translated...don't act up and guess what, you get a leftover cupcake.  And you know what, it worked (sort of). He had his moments but for the most part, there was no international incidents. Do we really think Daddy would have thought of such a nifty solution?  I think not!

Week in Rewind: May 12

It's Mothers Day Weekend, which got me to thinking that I am truly blessed to have the little guy in my life.  Crazy how fast time goes because it seems like yesterday that we brought him home. And I was terrified, excited and crazy out of mind with sleep deprivation (a wicked time zone change and boy who immediately switched over will do that to you). Back then, I had no idea how to change a diaper, thought nasal aspirations were used for something else, and well, I admit it, had no real idea how to get clothes on a twisting boy.  Boy, did he break us in quickly...New became routine and a novice became an expert.

When we first got him home, the little guy was all about his daddy. And I remember my dad saying, trust me, he will form a special bond with you. There's something special between a mother and son.  And you know what he's right. We share something special for which I am grateful. There's been a lot of huge milestones. The first I love you; first kiss and hug; first wiped tear.  But, I really love the everyday moments. The wickedly cute hearty laugh; the deep, peaceful snore; the wink just between the two of us; his renditions to favorite songs; little secrets we don't tell daddy.  (What happens in this household when daddy's not home--stays in this household, and let me tell you it usually revolves around food). He's a challenger, no doubt.  Inquisitive by nature....I lost count of the whys. It's fun to have talks with him. And he's my little pup, always near by.

I'm the lucky one. A mother to an amazingly, wonderful kid. A kid who is blessed with two others: a birth mom who chose life and heroically gave him an opportunity in life. A foster mom who was simply wonderful.  So, I may still be learning on this path to motherhood. But I do know one thing: I could not love my baby boy any more.

And now, some funny kids quotes about their mothers:

When your mother is mad and asks you, "Do I look stupid?" it's best not to answer her.
If mom's not happy, nobody's happy.
My dad will never be color coordinated.
Every time I complain to my mom that I'm bored, she tells me to go clean my room.
When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair.
Parents should come with instructions.
You should not pick your nose because your mom will SCREAM!!!
You can't hide mashed potatoes in your hat.
"Casserole" is just another word for "leftovers."
You can't get away with everything but it's fun to try.
Dogs and mothers will love you no matter what.

Week in Rewind: May 3

What's faster than fast. Quicker than quick. More nimble than a gazelle...ok, not quiet, but Daddy sure has some quicks. Last weekend, Mama and Daddy completed our first sprint tri of the season. And Daddy placed 3rd in his age group.  Pretty darn good for an old man, lol. Meanwhile, Mama finished as the 3rd female for the AquaBike.

As for the little guy, well, he ran his own little race called "Which Grandparent Can Catch Z".  The boy is deceptively fast...and more importantly always on the move. And I think we know who placed first in all divisions. Or as the little guy likes to say "I win".  A big thank you to them for even entering the race and watching the little guy, especially with his 5 am wake up call. "Mama, a boy needs to look good and be ready".  As for Mom Mom, she's ready for next year's race (see helmet picture below)

I ask, why do men like to hammer things...and more importantly, why is underwear normally visible? You know what I'm talking about..men crouched over things hammering away while their underwear seems to creep up out of nowhere.  We came downstairs this morning to hammering, a humming little guy and underwear, underwear, underwear.  Mind you, two seconds beforehand, Mama said put your clothes on. But a boy and his hammer cannot be distracted.

Interesting tidbit of the week:  the little guy handed me Lego instructions and proudly stated "Mama, put these intuctions up, I need them to build my Lego mansion.  A boy with a plan, me likey!

Week on Rewind: April 25

It really is amazing to watch the learning growth of a child.  Some of it is funny: such as a word that is a tiny winy bit off.   Mama, I pacifically want that one.   kankahoos like to jump.

Sometimes he gets these deeply focused eyes as he tries to figure it out.  Which usually leads to "what did you say Mama".   As if he really wants to understand.

And then out of the blue, he'll do something that totally blows your mind. This time it was the singing of Take Me Out To The Ballgame. Who knew?

He also has a magically, imaginative mind. His Zachary original songs usually sound like known melodies, but with the twist of his own words. And he proudly belts them out.

Even with all that learning, he's still my little boy....always jumping to new learning opportunities and the occasional nap to recharge.

Happy Belated Easter

It was a crazy fast Easter for this household. A true gift arrived, my parents and two uncles. And someone was super stoked. As in, up before sunrise to get the day started. "Mama, who needs sleep when there are so many things to see and do."

We did our traditional egg coloring, and laughed the whole time. (who knew how much fun). We gorged ourselves on Whoopie Pies from Aunt Margie....or as the little guy said "ummmm".  We went to church, with the little guy in the sanctuary. And of course, there was the egg hunt, on a cold, windy day.  The Easter bunny sure hopped around our backyard.

The little guy had fun this weekend. And proudly claimed that he had new best friends. It seems Daddy and Mama we're relegated to non best friend status upon their arrival.  Or as he told me, you can be best friends with grandma and daddy. Mama isn't too worried because that best friend status seems to change daily, wink wink.

Week in Rewind: April 11

This week, we affirmed that there really is prima donna in the house. And no, it wasn't the little guy (although, now that I think of it).  Little Miss Mattie was on full display this week.  We decided to get the dogs teeth cleaned and dropped off Trojan and Mattie. Trojan instinctively went into her standard shivers and cowering. But, not Little Miss Mattie. She proudly wagged her tail, pumped out her chest and made her way into the vet. (so very showy) So, we left fully expecting a rough go for Trojan.

At lunch, Mama got the call. Trojan did great, is awake and tail is wagging.  But Little Miss Mattie not so much. It seems she did a full blown upchuck....pre-op, in other words before any drugs were administered.  After a round of blood work and X-rays, they found she was fine. But the surgery was called off for another day.  So off, I went to collect her, looking pathetic and not so show doggish any more.  Which got me to thinking?  The little girl's scheming is far more advance than any of us knew...

As for the little guy, it was fast week of Korean tutor, soccer and karate.  And Chunky made his way back to school, but not before another bike ride.

Week in Rewind: April 5

My baby is officially a mini soccer player. And let me tell you, Mama had great hope when the boy charged onto the field like a pro. He kicked that little soccer ball up and down the field.

And down the big hill MULTIPLE times (which forced Mama to go get it). Why, oh why, does he find it amusing to kick his ball everywhere besides the actual field.  I have to say that I was actually impressed that he could kick and run at the same time. (I still in vision the little boy who charged ahead, barely balancing, when he first learned to really run).   Maybe, just maybe, the boy has game...or at least enough game to impress the little Korean chickado who was scampering around the field.

This weekend we have a special guest, Chunky the Monkey. He's come to visit us from daycare and we are assigned to take care of him this weekend. Serious stuff for the little guy. And I knew that to be true when he picked Chunky to take on a bike ride and the insistance of a helmet for him. Trying explaining the lack of a helmet need to a three year old. But Mom....

We're pretty sure the little guy is going through a growth spurt...at least that's what I keep telling myself.  Last weekend, Daddy made the little guy a massive pancake.  As I headed upstairs to take a shower, I simply said he'll be lucky to finish 1/2 of it. More untrue words could not have been said.  He ate the entire pancake in one sitting.  Ever see the travel show, Man versus Food?  It was something like that...and then, he wanted pizza at church. The boy is packing some serious calorie intake, but has a flat tummy by morning. Where does he put it?  And how can Mama get some of that magic?

And finally....who in the world developed Playdo...and how does it get everywhere!!!