He Loves Me

Little ones have such a precious way of loving.

My son is no exception.

He doesn't always say "I love you".  But, I know he loves me and I don't question it.  I know it with everything in me.

Because he melts into my arms when I rock him. Because he stares into my eyes with a look of trust. Because he comes to me first when he is scared or hurt, happy or excited. Because he puts his tiny hand on my shoulder and pats my back. Because he grabs my face and smooches my cheek. Because he checks to make sure I'm watching him when he's showing off  or trying something new. Because he saves his best and his worst moments for me.

He loves me.

The other day at lunch, he whispered something to me as I took a sip of water. I had to ask him to repeat himself in a louder voice and when he did, he smiled and said "I love you, Mama."

I knew this to be true, but there was something so very special about him saying those 4 little words to me out of the blue.

All too often, too much emphasis is put on words. Little ones teach us and remind us that sometimes words aren't necessary....that sometimes actions really do speak louder.

And yet sometimes, words are good. They are welcomed and celebrated.

They are a gift.

I love you, too, my sweet boy.

Indoor Snow Play

The snow is quickly melting but we wanted to have one last bit of snow fun.  After all, here in the Midwest you never know if this will be the beginning and end of the snow for the season or if a blizzard will come through next month.   Titus loved getting to use his water table as a snow table.  We built miniature snowmen, made snowballs and scooped and played in the snow until only a puddle was left.   So long snow, hope to see you again soon!

Happy Day

Today it snowed.  I love snow days. The world seems to slow down a bit.  Kevin even worked from home today.  A double blessing!

Titus and I puttered around in our pajamas til 4 in the pm.  I love pajama days.  I love my little boy in his soft footy pajamas.  Long live footy pajamas!

 We baked gingerbread boy cookies.  We counted scoops of flour and molasses and smelled each homey spice as we added it to the mixing bowl: ginger, cloves and cinnamon.  Yum!

Daddy took a play lunch break.  Titus made his first snow angel and went sledding multiple times.   It's all fun and games until someone lands face first in the snow.  Oops!

We snuggled and cuddled and read all of our beloved Christmas stories.  Remembering and rejoicing that the Kings of Kings came to earth as a tiny babe.  Hallelujah!

These are the memories I pray my child holds in his heart.  Snow days with his parents relishing time together and creating fond winter memories.

Savoring

My child, he is all kinds of wonderful. I'm blessed!  I'm blessed to call this little boy mine.  I'm blessed that our days are spent together.  I'm blessed to be a stay-at-home mama.

Even when the day is so soaked with hard and crazy that you could wring it out hundred times and still be knee deep in it all, his sweet grin and beyond-his-years words light our little world right up. He's a gift.  I live for moments and days like this.

When the October sun and sky are perfect for making and discovering our shadows.  We play outside and enjoy the world God made. This simple time together is my favorite part of life.  Memories I'll keep in my pocket the whole year through.

Thank you, God for these gifts!

Old Testament

A is for Apple

Papa had an abundance of apples this year.  So, while we were visiting, he and Titus picked apples together.  Titus has talked and talked and talked about apple picking with his papa.  And eating all the delicious goodies made from Papa and Titus' crop has been a treat too.  Thank you, Papa!

Can We Build It? Yes We Can!

I have an amazing husband who is a very involved father. He has made it a priority.  Today, Kevin and Titus built a free 'Build and Grow' project together.  I love these bi-weekly father-son times, they get to do a fun project together.  They're given the tools, materials, an apron, and receive a patch for their accomplishments.

Splashing Good Time

For a little over a year I have stalked Cr*igsl*st and garage sales for a water table.  Since we currently have a postage stamp for a back yard we are a bit limited on what toys we can and can't have.   But, a water table was the perfect fit for some summertime fun. And with 3 months of 100+ degree weather this summer it was a hit! Titus loves his water table and has spent countless hours outside almost every day playing, splashing, and exploring.

Mess free finger painting

As soon as I saw this finger painting in a bag idea on Pinterest, I knew it would be a success.  Mess free for Mama and engaging for Titus; a perfect combo!   We started with two different colors of primary paint in a baggie, taped to a white piece of paper and onto Titus' little table.  I was hoping the yellow and red would mix a bit more, creating a secondary color for a fun color mixing experiment.  But it didn't really work out that way.  However, we still had a lot of fun practicing shapes, letters, and free style drawing.

"I made an 'O'!"

Just an update

Oh yes, Tuesday and Thursday mornings are still exciting at our house!

See Part 1

 

Reading is fun!

One of my favorite childhood activities was our library's summer reading program.  So, when I found out Titus could join in the fun this year, I didn't hesitate to sign him up.  He loved going to the library every week to find his star, check out new books, and to color in his reading log. 

To add to the summer fun, our library also now has a computerized return book drop.  Titus loves to return his books one by one, watching the computer scan the book and then go down the conveyor belt to the different bins.  The fun at the library never ends!

Beep, Beep, Coming Through

Titus loves trucks.  He can name them all and many of the parts too.  I think we've read every children's truck related book our public library has to offer. So, when we heard that our town was having a Touch-a-Truck event we quickly wrote the date on our calendar and counted down the days.  Titus loved the event but all in all I think he was a wee bit overwhelmed.  There were hundreds of kids and parents and big trucks all packed in one large room at our convention center.  It was overwhelming for me as an adult so I can only imagine how it would feel to a two year old. 

Yes buddy, we're going up to see the trucks!

We loved the Touch-a-Truck event!  The kids were allowed to climb on, sit in, honk the horns, and explore to their hearts content. As soon as the doors opened my son made a beeline for the shiny red firetruck.  I think he could have sat there all day.

Can you guess what was up next?

 

 You're right, if you guessed a great big green tractor.

The Big Rig with it's loud horn was a hit for every kid.

And finally, what Titus had waited for with great anticipation-construction equipment.

Titus' favs!

And the best for the last-The Digger!!!  

We can't wait for next years' Touch-a-Truck event to coming rolling through.