Mama's Day 2012

Since becoming a mother, my husband has found a way to make each Mother's Day memorable.  This year was no exception.  And this year, I have to give him extra credit as it is difficult to keep anything a secret when your "partner in crime" is a very chatty four-year-old.  However, their sweet secrecy came to an end Sunday morning when I was treated to their well-rehearsed presentation of  gifts.  The fact that I was getting anything more than a card surprised me, as I thought I had already received my Mother's Day present the night before attending an Avett Brother's concert.  As I sat in my pj's on the children's bedroom floor, my sweet ones with smiles wide presented me with two pink packages.  As I read the words of the card my little man hand-picked for me, "My world is happier...all because of you.  Happy Birthday," I could not help but smile, savoring the precious moment unfolding before me.  As Jeff worked to keep the peace during the opening of packages one and two, which served as clues for my actual present I was both amused and delighted by his thoughtfulness and creativity.  And upon the big reveal, I was presented with a brand new camera to capture our little crazies in all of their daily glory.   

In spite of Jeff's best efforts to keep Mother's Day running smoothly, full of peaceful and relaxing moments, my day was very much like any other day - filled with tearful moments, crying fits, drama, boo boos, songs, giggles, hugs and kisses. Their dramatic displays [read: hysterical sobs] were a gentle reminder that I am still needed to comfort and kiss away each tear. Their sass and shouting a reminder that I am still needed to model and guide.  Their spontaneous displays of affection, a reminder that I hold a very special place in their hearts; I am their mother.

And, I am blessed.

***

This one got a kick out of my new camera.

This one did not.



A little of this, a little of that

The Little Lady

...has recently given up her afternoon nap.  She now plays quietly (depending on the day or type of imaginative play) in her room for 1 - 2 hours. 

...loves styling her outfit each day, adding necklaces, bracelets or fashion scarves to complete her look.  She often emerges from her quiet time with a new outfit, and loves to scatter her previously worn clothing around her room for effect.

...has a slight shoe obsession, and thanks to very fashionable hand-me-downs and gifts from her grandmothers, she now has quite the collection of foot wear.

...often breaks out in spontaneous song throughout the day.  She finds great inspiration on Sunday mornings at church, and serenades our van with loud and dramatic spirituals for the twenty minute ride home.

...cannot help but stuff empty purses and bags with random books, toys, trinkets, kitchen gadgets, basically anything she deems special or significant.  She is becoming a bit of a bag lady.

...often can be seen bopping her head or swaying to the music during van rides.  Her taste in music is eclectic and somewhat sophisticated for a four year old; she continues to favor loud beats and anything her father introduces to her.

...is hesitant to try new foods that are unfamiliar if they are on her own plate, but is more than willing to try new foods off her parent's dinner plates.  She has recently acquired a taste for avocado sushi rolls with soy sauce.

...believes she must now pull her pants high on her waist to mimic the magic waist band that is so attractive on maternity pants. 

...has become quite attached to her daddy during my first trimester of pregnancy (due to the amount of time I spent lying on the couch sick), and lavishes praise, love and affection upon him each day.  He has not complained one bit.  They are two peas in a boisterous pod.

***

The Little Man

...continues to be a loyal and loving mama's boy.  He could often be found keeping watch outside of my bathroom door during bouts of "morning sickness." 

...would eat all day long if I let him, and has enjoyed the extra little snacks I have had to keep handy during my first trimester.  

...is becoming more and more talkative.  Favorite phrases include, "Oh, come on!" "Oopsy Daisy!" "You a boofball (goofball)!" "Here Sissy!" 

...attempts to participate in big sister's dramatic story telling by gibber jabbering and repeating the very last word she speaks, mimicking hand motions and facial expressions.

...has started to retell his favorite bedtime story, Katy and the Big Snow. 

...appreciates many forms of music, but is loyal to his favorite "Daddy songs," and requests them often.  He, too, spends his van rides dancing to music, and enjoys finding rhythms and clapping his hands or knees to the beat.

...softly repeats the word, "pray" with head bowed and hands folded when someone is leading a prayer.

...is learning the art of independent play, and can occupy himself with an activity while I work around the house.  Transportation toys, old cell phones, and purses are among his favorites.  He particularly likes driving toy cars along the perimeter of furniture, window sills, and carpets.

...has a slight "lippie" obsession.  In fact, we now hide all forms of chap stick and lip gloss.  If I apply even the subtlest of shade and he notices, he will frown, point and complain, "Aw, lippies!"  In fact, he acts down right offended if someone is wearing lip gloss and he is not.



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - sunny reflections

Adopt the pace of nature:

her secret is patience.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson



Three

 

It's official.  We are having another baby.  Dubbed "Pablo" by his/her big sister, we are expectantly awaiting the arrival of our littlest blessing this November.


My little Pablo,

Fourteen weeks ago, I waited with baited breath for the results of a positive pregnancy test.  Unlike your older sister and brother, you took a little work - ten months to be exact.  But you, my sweet child, were worth every effort.  And, I fell to my knees in gratitude upon seeing the two dark pink lines indicating you were at last inside me.  Because of you, the Lord taught your daddy and me many things as we prayed for, tried for and longed for you.  It was a season of tremendous growth, one that I know we will look back upon and cherish, for in your absence we drew closer to one another.  More importantly, we leaned into the arms of our Heavenly Father, casting our cares upon Him, learning to wait upon Him and His timing.  At times there were tears of sadness, days of disappointment, and many questions that for a time went unanswered, but we always hoped.  Before I married your daddy, I had his wedding band engraved with the words of Romans 8:25, "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."  I waited seven years to be your daddy's wife.  And, I'd gladly wait it all over again to experience the deep joy that it is to be his.  And, I would gladly wait the ten months all over again to know the joys of carrying you, my little one.  You taught us to be patient.  You were a reminder that the Lord answers our prayers in a variety of ways, and at times He asks us to be still and wait.  I am thankful that our waiting is now limited to seven more months.  It will be a day of great rejoicing when you are at last placed in my arms, and I am able to hand you over to your father.  We cherish you already, but honestly cannot wait to meet you in person.

Each time that I feel you flutter inside, I am reminded once again to thank the Lord above for the gift He has given us in you.

I love you sweet one,
Mama

P.S. For the record your sister strongly believes you are a girl, which makes your little nickname that more amusing.

While Dad's away...

Last Wednesday, just days after returning from Vegas, Jeff boarded a plane for Vancouver, Canada for an aesthetic meeting.  Being that he would be away for five days, we invited Papa and Nany to Cleveland to serve as reinforcements.  Our time was filled with many sweet moments as the children soaked in all of the extra attention, and took great delight in hosting our guests at "Hotel Larson." Our apartment does not provide us with an abundance of space, especially when entertaining.  Most of our out of town guests stay in hotels, so this was a special event for the children.  Like any good hotel, we provided our honored guests with comfortable accommodations (a queen-sized blow up mattress), a variety of food options (most of which were prepared by Nany), and free entertainment in the form of two energetic and boisterous children.

Perfecting the art of making meatballs.  She handled each delicate ball of meat with care.

After a three month hiatus, we returned to On the Rise bakery for croissants and steaming coffee.  We were blessed with picture perfect spring weather each morning, and enjoyed dining al fresco.

Our little Parisian, one croissant alone will not satisfy.  She now delicately devours two pain au chocolates.

Each evening after being tenderly scrubbed clean by the hands of Nany, our sweet ones delighted in rummaging through our guests' loot.  Free entertainment at its best!

Introducing Papa to the Shaker Heights Nature Center.

With fresh hair cut, our little hiker enjoyed stuffing his pockets full of rocks along the trails.

The little lady, with feminine stride, took charge, leading us through the shaded paths.

"Ready...set...go!"

Tossing stones.

It was such a blessing to have my folks around in Jeff's absence. Many hands, indeed, lighten the load.  It brings our children such joy to have guests in Cweveland, and we savored every minute with Nan and Pops.

We miss you already...come back soon!

"I need a vacation."

Months ago, in the midst of preparing for his written boards, Jeff arrived home one day fatigued and exasperated.  "I need a vacation.  Let's go to Vegas."  The idea of a vacationing with my husband was a no-brainer, and so we put in a call to our favorite co-travelers, the Staceys.  Within weeks, Adriana had planned the perfect adult get-a-way.  (I will forever be indebted to her precise and perfect trip planning; there is no better way to travel, in my opinion.)

With all of our children safe in the hands of their adoring grandparents, we were off.  Arriving late Thursday evening (the exact time I could not tell you, as there are no clocks in Vegas), we met up with our long lost friends, and quickly fell back into our old ways - laughing, lounging, eating rich and decadent foods, reading, joking, and laughing some more.  It was a very memorable and much need vacation for us all.  Plans are already in the works for our return trip to the "city that never sleeps."

Dining at Spago in Ceasar's Palace.

Our home away from home - The Bellagio.



Photo bombing and taxi lines.

Sun kissed and feeling deliriously satisfied after a memorable meal at The Wynn's SW restaurant.

Me and my sugar daddy.



He makes all my dreams come true.

Spring Conferences

It is hard to believe that the little lady's first year of preschool is nearing completion.  To say that she is a fan of school is an understatement.  Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with her teacher, Miss Cheryl, for spring conferences.  I have to admit, I love attending conferences.  Not only do they provide me with an opportunity to hear another human being talk about our dynamic little lady, but as a former teacher I am overcome with sweet memories of my own classroom days.  Few places are more peaceful to me than an empty school building.

I was not disappointed by my meeting with Miss Cheryl.  A few comments were worth repeating.

"Charlotte takes responsibility for her own well-being, letting us know when she needs to use the restroom."  (Considering our little gal is in a phase where she spends most of her days in and out of the bathroom, it was reassuring to know her teachers have not been exhausted by her frequent and urgent trips to the restroom.)

"Charlotte becomes excited as she waits for her turn.  She may need reminders to wait for her turn." (Overzealous in all areas of life is she.)

"She seeks adult help to resolve social problems after she has attempted to use her words to resolve the conflict."  (Not shy in speaking her mind, she is a seeker of social justice.)

"Charlotte engages in complex, lengthy conversations.  Just this week she had a long 'discussion' with a fellow classmate, after becoming concerned when the friend suggested her name did not, in fact, begin with a 'C' (failing to make the hard 'c' sound at the beginning of her name)."  (Emphatic, our daughter responded with a very direct, "Yes. It. Does. Begin. With. A. "C!"  She loves to prove a point.)

"She evaluates the schedule daily, recalling when 1 or 2 items have been removed from view.  Often inquiring, "How come...?!" (She is a lady of routine and structure, with a memory like a steal trap.  Seriously, don't try to argue with her.)

"She sings songs and refrains with great enthusiasm.  She loves the challenge of filling in the missing word when practicing rhymes." (A lover of all music is she.)

And, my personal favorite...

"She uses acceptable language and social rules while communicating with others; she may need reminders to use her inside voice." (If you have not had the privilege of hearing my husband speak, let me just say our little lady has what I refer to as "Larson pipes."  The girl's natural volume is a 10, and I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for her and her vocal pipes.)

It is worth mentioning that our sweet girl has developed quite the reputation for her outstanding ability to walk in high heels during dramatic playtime, and for accessorizing her outfits with fashionable scarves on a daily basis.