One year ago today... Part One.

I woke to sharp pains rising in my belly like a crescendo. It was 4 am. After a scant minute the pain subsided and I hefted my body back down into my nest of pillows and blanket tucking this one here and that one there making sure I had support where I needed it. Not perfect but it would do. Just as I was dozing off, it came again. A wave starting dull and low but quickly gaining intensity as it spread up and over my body. I glanced at the clock: 4:20. Seriously? Was this it? Was I really going to spend the last day of 2008 in labor? I began the process of rolling over, a 4 point turn that created a small earthquake in the bed bouncing slumbering husband perilously close to the edge of the bed. After more shuffling of blankets and pillows I compromised. Comfort was elusive. I laid there watching the clock, waiting. 4:34: here we go again. I nudged Chris, with a slight grunt of discomfort. He stirred but didn't wake. "honey" I said. "wake up, I'm having contractions" He rolled over and looked at me, blinking... I grimaced and waited for the pain to ease while he caressed my head. I held his hand and we dozed in the calm between. We had our own little unspoken communication going, I would squeeze his hand to indicate the pain was coming and he would remind me, by example, to breathe. This went on for a while until finally, at the tail end of one, I opened my eyes and asked "How long was that one?" "I'm not sure" he answered. Apparently this reply was not acceptable because I countered with "WELL, IF YOU CANT KEEP TRACK YOU HAD BETTER START WRITING THEM DOWN!"
To which he promptly jumped from the bed to retrieve paper and a pen. We documented the times as the contractions came and went about every ten minutes. I had just barely enough time to recover before another came knocking. We played time the contractions for a few hours and then at 11:53 am the last contraction of the day promptly ended. Wanting to keep everything progressing My nieces; Katie and Becky and I decided to walk the mall. Let gravity and motion do the work for me. So we hit The Streets at Southpoint and then I devoured dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. I was on high alert, every little nudge, cramp and hiccup gave pause. In these brief hesitations everyone went quiet and waited for my reaction. But nothing seemed to be happening in the labor department so we called it day and went home to ring in the new year with apple cider and a movie. A movie I didn't make it 2o minutes into before falling fast asleep.

Here's wishing you a New Year filled with blessings and joy.

Momentary pleasures.

December 18th 2009: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

The winter storm warnings were scrolling the bottom of every local channel. Schools were already cancelled for the day and the first flake had yet to fly. The major roads had been sprayed with salt and the bread isle in the grocery store had been violently ransacked.

Around here just the threat of snow is enough to declare a state of emergency.

Although intermittent between 1:00pm and 5pm, the snow did fall and I was hopeful that it would continue through the late afternoon. Looking out the windows and staring into the sky I felt like a kid again hoping it would amount to enough for school to be cancelled. Today I would settle for just a full ground covering to share with my boys.



By 6pm the sky opened up and we couldn't resist going out to play in it.



Liam was a little unsure...

but that's OK, I was excited enough for the both of us..

It's fleeting, to be sure. By morning it will likely be gone but today, for a few short hours, joy fell from the sky and we were home again.

Oh Christmas Tree!

It is now safe to say the holidays are in full swing in our house! This past weekend Liam sat with Santa and made a special First Christmas wish. Together, we picked out the perfect tree which is now up and decorated. The lights outside are hung and the garland in the house smells fresh and festive... The only thing missing is the blanket of white outside our window.


By the way, this picture totally captures my excitement for the Christmas season, dontcha think?

Vogue

Liam has starting doing this thing.

And man, is it funny.


The first time he did it I thought it was just a fluke...

WHAT is the face all about? It kinda says: What the heck is going on here?

How did this happen? And how do I fix it?

But then, a few days later, he did it again and this time he was totally cool with it.






I mean, is he striking a pose or what?
Like: Ma look what I did! Its modern and flashy and all I need is a beaded clutch and I'm ready for a night on the town.

He's the Cheesiest

Liam & Macaroni n' Cheese: 1 Mommy: 0

Ticking away the moments...

I can hardly believe that Liam is 11 months old. Where has the time gone?

When we first brought him home everyone, I mean EVERYONE, told us: 'enjoy this time, it will go by so fast.' As first time parents filled with anxiety, we just nodded our heads and fumbled for the coffee pot. But honestly, no truer words have ever been spoken.

Yesterday morning I left Liam on the living room floor to play while I went into the kitchen for a minute. If you've been to our house you know that I didn't go far and my view of him was obstructed only momentarily. When I came back around the corner he was sitting on the couch. ON THE COUCH!?! Apparently he had managed to use his workbench as a step stool. And not only that, when he was finished sitting ON THE COUCH!?! he crawled over to the edge and began to climb, head first, down the workbench.
But then something happened and it wasn't what I was expecting. I expected him to slip head first off the couch onto the workbench and eventually land in a startled, wailing heap on the floor(OK, I would have caught him before he actually hit the floor...). What did happen was pretty cool to watch. Halfway onto the workbench the light bulb went on over his head and he realized, perhaps, this was not the best way. So he backed himself back onto the couch, turned around and decided to try getting down feet first. Which he did, successfully.

How did he learn that? Amazing.

Of course it only reminded me of how far we have come in such a short time. My sweet innocent little baby is fast becoming a toddler who tears through the house like a crawling, climbing tornado that gives us dirty looks when we tell him no.

And yet we have so far still to go.

Two peas with sippy cups.

We had a goodbye dinner last night. Scott brought Dillon over so that we could get some quality time in with D before he goes back to California for a couple of months.

Liam and Dillon don't really do so well playing together. They usually both want to play with the same toy which ends in tears, typically Liam's as he really can't hold his own in a tugging match.

However, there is one thing they can both agree on:

Juice and Nick Jr. The great unifier.

Most Thankful

For my beautiful, healthy son, loving husband and our cherished family and friends both near and far.



From our home to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.

Hold your applause (until your mother gets up)

Whenever Liam gets excited he throws his hands in the air and waves them around. Its also his signature dance move which, incedently, is really funny when "Party in the USA" comes on over the radio.

All the baby books and websites say he should be clapping his hands by now and we all know that his development is a direct reflection of my parenting skills so I figured it was high time I set the bottle down and taught him something.

kidding...

Actually I've been trying to get him to clap for months. He usually just rolls his eyes at me and turns back to his newspaper.

So yesterday morning, I was sleeping in and Chris and Liam were downstairs. Chris was watching SportsCenter and Liam was... clapping.

He just started clapping. And Chris was all, "Hey Lara, look what I taught Liam to do"

Nice Liam, real nice.

Of course, now, he's a clapping fool.

I drop the remote on my foot and double over in pain, Liam claps.

Coral gets eaten by a barracuda, Liam claps.

Chris shouts at Wade Phillips, because that's what Chris does on Sundays, Liam claps
(secretly, I clap too).

The Queen City Soccer Tournament

A couple of weekends ago Chris's U11 team had a tournament in Charlotte. Liam and I had nothing going on that weekend so we decided to tag along. If you should know anything about me, its that I LOVE to stay in a hotel, that is, if its a nice one. And this one was, with a Starbucks in the lobby!! What more could a new mother ask for?
On a related tangent: how long am I allow to refer to myself as a new mother? I'm setting the statute of limitations at a year. And not a day sooner. Besides he's a little guy, he could easily pass for a 7 month old.

Anyway, we went, the kids played some soccer, Chris shouted a little, Liam was mesmerized by the 40 inch plasma TV in our room and appalled that we were even thinking of making him sleep in the rickety pack and play provided by the hotel. He is SO my son.

I was too busy trying to track down which soccer mom had Liam to take many pictures but I did get a few.

This is a soccer field; grass, not turf, on top of a parking garage.

It's rather ironic that we had to park half a mile a way and walk in.




This is Liam, warming down with some stretches, after the game.

A welcome sunset after several days of hurricane Ida rain. It made the walk back to the car peaceful which was good because we were about to take 10 rowdy ten year olds to Golden Corral restaurant. Which, in case you've never been, is not peaceful... or a place anyone should eat. EVER.

The Forsaken

For those of you who don't know, I had my first day back to work yesterday. Not just any work either, I'm back at the restaurant! I must admit, I was a little nervous leaving the house. I know well, almost everyone that works there, I love my manager, a gal I hired back when I was in her position. And with the exception of a new point of sale computer system and few menu changes I know the job comfortably. So whats with the nerves? At first I thought it might be that I'm feeling as if I'm moving backwards. But after some real thought on the issue I ruled that out because this is a great job that fits my needs perfectly, with wonderful people. I have always been uncomfortable with putting Liam in daycare full time. I realize there is nothing wrong with daycare, in fact its great in facilitating socialization of 'only children', its just not for us. I am WAYYYY too type A to have my kid spend most of his waking hours with a non-family caregiver. We have had to make some lifestyle sacrifices for me to stay home full time but it has been worth it. Now with the holidays fast approaching Chris's work schedule is opening up which allows me to get out a few nights a week. I decided that it must be just normal first day jitters because once I got there, I felt right at home. Meanwhile, back at home, Liam was giving Chris a run for his money. I had put Liam down for a nap before I left which pleased Chris because he was thinking he would get a nap in himself. HAHAHAH. Silly man. Rule of life # 34: You can not plan sleep with a baby in the house. As soon as I left Liam woke up. Maybe it was the fact that he woke up and I was gone, maybe Chris was tired and slightly less than patient, whatever it was they fought each other for the next few hours. Li had little interest in play and ended up on all fours crying face down on the living room floor, a tactic he usually reserves for when he's told 'no'. It's the most pathetic thing you've ever seen and it takes every ounce of restraint I have to not scoop him up and give him whatever he's crying for. At dinner time Liam wouldn't eat, he cried so hard in his chair that he made himself choke and gag.

I'm not sure who was happier to see me by the time I got home (I was gone a total of 3 hours). However, I did get a very stern look from Liam as if to say "you have some explaining to do."

Today is day two at the restaurant. I'm thinking I should let Kris, my manager,know that its very likely we could see Chris and Liam outside the front doors with their faces pressed up against the glass.

Imitation is sincerely annoying.

"So Liam are you going to wear your gray wool sweater to the corn maze today?"

"Yeah? Cool, me too! Like totally."


"She always copies me."

Finish your chicken young man.

Liam is 10 and a half months now. I can hardly believe we are fast closing in on a year! Around this age most babes are learning to flex their independence muscles. So to encourage this behavior I have started offering Liam finger foods.


He loves feeding himself the cereal puffs and the rice rusks, which to me was a STRONG indicator that he was ready to try self feeding other foods. He will eat most anything I'm eating if I share it with him so I figured we would start with a few things that he is familiar with and and few he is not. The menu was whole wheat bread with ham and cream cheese, peas and carrots and butternut squash soup. He tried the ham and cheese sandwich and though he seemed to enjoy the taste all that chewing proved to be too much work. The carrots were more fun to squish between his fingers than to eat and the peas, well, they're tricky so most of them ended up in his lap rather than his mouth. But the soup, oh the soup. Chris told me not to give it to him. In making it I added a good bit of white pepper which gave it a nice kick. Chris is a little more sensitive to heat than I am so he may have been a better judge but I figured we'd try it and if its too spicy, then Liam will make a face and we won't continue.

This is the face we got. Which, in case you are wondering is NOT a face of displeasure. He loved it. With any luck, I have dodged a bullet and he may end up being more like me than his father in the food department. Chris has a... selective palate. Which is a nice way of saying he's a PICKY EATER. I'm afraid at some point I'm going to have to make them dine separately so Liam doesn't see the pile of refuse left behind on daddy's dinner plate. This kind of example could prove to be disastrous when we are trying to get him to "take just one more bite." I can hear Liam now: " but daddy didn't eat all his chicken!"

Great. " Daaaady, would you please eat all of your chicken so that Liam will eat his peas?"

You see where I am going here right? Its enough to drive a woman mad.

And I dont have time to go mad so Liam, please be a good eater for your mama.

You can leave your hat on

Liam got a new winter hat so Chris and I decided it would be a good idea to try it on and see how it suited him...

Liam DID NOT think this was a good idea.

Once we clarified that we were not laughing AT him but rather WITH him, he realized he was being over sensitive and apologized for his outburst.






Then we all had a good laugh together.

Liam the builder.

We received this cute little work bench second hand from the parents of one of Chris's players.

There is a hammer, screwdriver and wrench that can be hung on the tool rack.

The top has bolts and screws that make realistic ratchet sounds.

There are 3 Pegs that pound through holes and fall into a storage area below.

The front door flips open to conveniently access the storage area or to serve as a step ladder, as seen here...

...and here. It is a very versatile toy that not only promotes creative development but also hours of imaginative play.

But most importantly Liam loves it.

Sick babe

I spoke too soon. Remember that post where I essentially sentenced myself (and Li) to a grim teething future? Yeah, well, the future is now.

At his 9 month check up Liam still hadn't cut a single tooth. Today, exactly a month later, he has four teeth. Three of which are coming in together, as we speak. Sleep is elusive and my feisty, playful little crab apple has morphed into a lethargic, feverish crab apple.

The teething rings in the fridge and frozen damp washcloths offer no comfort. So we've got the infant Motrin and baby Orajel on hand. We've been doing a lot of snuggling which seems to settle him, if only for a while.

My poor little peanut.

Halloween 2009

Yesterday we took Liam to Fuquay so that we could spend Halloween with the family. We wanted to go trick or treating with Dillon so we decided Scott's neighborhood would be best for that. About half way to Kim's Liam became really fussy and was hot to the touch. His top two front teeth are coming in and this time around he's really uncomfortable. You can just tell my looking at his little face:



After some Motrin and apple juice Liam was ready to hit the neighborhood, Dillon however, was not. There were some costume issues and lets just say someone at party city will be getting a phone call. Spidey would not be making the rounds with us, but Superman would be his pinch hitter.




We made it to about 8 houses. We scored some candy, coloring books and crayons and got spooked by a grown man jumping out of a garbage dumpster. Despite the rocky start I think the evening was a success!
Speaking of costume issues, I would like to clarify that MY costume is supposed to be a chef, not onion johnny!



In closing I will leave you with this little gem of a picture! Enjoy!

The Boo Boo Bunny

Another one of Annie's fabulous finds!



It's a soft wash cloth folded, tied and adorned with various doo-dads to resemble a bunny.

the tag reads:
"If a boo boo has you feeling crummy, stick and ice cube in my tummy.
Hold it to your boo boo tight, soon everything will be alright!"

Update: Liam has since pulled the eyes off of boo boo bunny.

Toast and Jam

Today we decided to try something new.

But sometimes new things take some getting used to.

So after squishing, inspecting...

...and eventually tasting

we decided that toast and jam go on the list of things we like!

Angel Kisses

When Liam was in Heaven waiting for the perfect time to come to us he spent his days lounging, dangling his legs off of clouds. He palled around with the angels and told jokes to the Holy Ghost.

When it was time for him leave, everyone was sad to see him go but they knew we were down here waiting for him. So with heavy hearts they said their goodbyes. I imagine it was something like a scene out of The Wizard of Oz.. you know the one at the end when Dorothy leans in close to the Scarecrow and says "I think I'll miss you most of all" . When it was time to say goodbye to his Guardian angel, Lily, She whispered to him that she would always be with him and then she kissed him softly on the cheek bone, twice. And there, just below his right eye, is her mark. her kisses forever on his cheek.

Georgies Jacket

How sweet are these hand crafted, little wooden modes of transportation! When Liam was first born Chris's sister, Annie aka Taunta Nonnie- don't ask me, I married into this family- came down to spend a few days with her Godson. On one of our outings we went to my favorite little pottery store in Carrboro. We went because she fell in love with my ceramic candle stick holders and that's where I bought them years ago. Well we didn't find a single candle stick holder in the place but Annie did find a few things she couldn't pass up which included these for Liam.

A train, a truck like daddy's and a georgies jacket. Hold up. WHAT is a georgies jacket?

Its what Chris used to call Volkswagen Beetles when he was a tot. Like I said, I married into it.

NC State (Un)Fair.

Yesterday we went to the North Carolina State fair in Raleigh. I was sort of excited to go this year because it was to be a beautiful day, the kind best spent outdoors with your two best guys. I thought all the commotion and sights and sounds would be a nice change of pace for Liam. You know, anything other than staring at my ugly mug all day. So we drove, we paid, we parked, we walked, we paid again and we were inside the fair grounds. Within minutes Liam wanted nothing to do with his stroller. Its not his fault, its a stupid design that leaves him exhausted from doing chin ups just to see over the stupid snack tray. In case you missed it I think our stroller is stupid.

So we pull him out and take turns carrying him while the other pushes the empty stroller. The empty stroller that kept bashing into the Achilles heel of many a stranger unfortunate enough to be moving along at a slower clip than us. Excuse me, I'm sorry. Whoops, Sorrrrrrry.

After a Butcher Boy's London broil sandwich we head off to the kiddie rides. I had been talking up the tea cups all week and was really looking forward to seeing how Liam would react. However my teacup dreams were dashed as Liam was about 10 inches shy of the height requirement WITH a paid adult. I'm sorry but that too, is stupid. I'm going to be sitting in the teacup holding him while the teacup moves in circles at a staggeringly slow pace. Sorry ma'am rules is rules. Well if there's one thing fair ride operators are known for its their dedication to safety. I shouldn't be pissed, as we walked away the yellow teacup broke loose and spun off throwing its passengers onto the midway.

I'm kidding.

After we walked by every kiddie ride and discovered there wasn't a single one we could go on I suppose we were looking a little haggard and defeated because a young lady called to us from her booth. "A game even baby boys can win, just catch a duck and win a prize" Even Baby Boys Can Win!?! Honey, did you hear that? This game is for us!! Yeah, she saw me coming a mile away, I know. So we walk over to see yellow rubber duckies floating by in circles. You get three tries and all you have to do is catch a duck. That's it. And perhaps catch isn't the right word perhaps pick up would be a more accurate description. Its not like they're moving at a challenging speed. They're just floating along like they would in your tub. So I sit down on the stool with Liam in my lap, leaning against the counter, watching the duckies. He's eager, hungry for it. I can see it in his eyes. So we pay up and she gives us the go ahead. Liam dives his hands into the water and proceeds to splash the [expletive] out of the booth. Did I mention he loves the water? I guess I should have seen it coming. With a little redirection (and a lot of help) he managed to pull three ducks out of the water but I'm pretty sure he was just trying to get them out of his way so he could splash more. Whatever, he won a prize. We picked out a Carolina blue monkey which apparently pleased him because every time we show him that silly monkey he starts laughing like its the funniest thing he's ever seen.

All that duck hunting must have really tired him out because by the time we found the petting zoo he was out cold. Which again, was slightly disappointing for me but certainly not disappointing enough to wake him. So he slept and we found our way back to the car. Maybe we'll have better luck next year. Hopefully they will have the kinks worked out with the teacups by then.