1+2=3

1 deployed Daddy + James' 2nd Birthday = 3 Celebrations

It's craziness, I know it!  But I can't help if he has lots of people in his life that love him (and his big brother) and can't wait for an excuse to spoil (myself included).

It started on our trip to California.  We had to squeeze in one last trip while James was still my little "lap child."  It was an impromptu decision but, the Saturday afternoon before we were to leave, Ama said, "I want to throw James birthday party!" And before the sun had even set, she had planned the whole thing.  It was just a small family get together, but to have food, cake, and guests all arranged in several hours was impressive!

Ready for Round 1

Picking out James gift was also an event...a Costco (stocked for Christmas) event.  Ama pushed James in the shopping cart and let him select all his own gifts.  Her strategy was to slowly passing by each toy and then to stop at each one that caught his attention.  Next she would line up several of these "eye catching toys" in order to observe his favorites!  A lengthy but effective process...and one that only a grandma would do. :-) With the cart already full of the "winners," this shopping duo found the crown jewel of little boy toys...plush rocking horses piled up and the end of the isle.  Now these were not just any rocking horses.  When you push these horses' ears, their heads bob, their tails move, they whinny, and gallop.  James was instantly in love, and Ama couldn't wait to make this little cowboys dream come true.  

She pulled him out of the cart and placed on of every color in front of him.  As he carefully inspected each one, other children passed by, each looking longingly at these amazing horses.  Some even stopped to ensure he made the right choice.  And as he finally settled on one, I couldn't help but wonder how in the world I was going to get it (and the rest of the toys) on home. 

The "party" itself was fun.  Surrounded by his Ama and Apa, tios, several great aunts and uncles, and even his welita, James 2nd year was celebrated with lots of love and tons of toys (that I still was unclear how to get home).  

James actual birthday happened a few weeks after we got back to Tennessee.  I didn't have much planned on the actual day because I had planned a little party for him that weekend.  

Birthday morning, ready to unwrap his gifts

But Grandma Rise and Grandpa Dave planned a fun special delivery for our birthday boy.  It was exciting for both the boys as they rushed to door to retrieve the beautiful birthday edible arrangement.

They both had a great time eating it, and since I had no B-day cake for that night, the chocolate covered pineapples shaped like cupcakes make the perfect "Happy Birthday" song substitute.

The party party happened just two days later, and while it was a little stressful to get it all together as a "single" mom, I am so glad we did it!  We went with a barn animal theme...basically just an excuse to do crafts and hear James made his sheep sound effects.

 We had cake!

Decorations

Family

Friends

Crafts

And more crafts

One silly older brother

And one VERY happy Birthday Boy!

Crazie Jamie

I can't believe we are less than a month from celebrating this little man's 2nd birthday!!

A few weeks ago, James decided it was time to start talking.  Everyday he has new words, like geck-o, o-ven, and rabbittt.  But it isn't just the sudden increase in vocabulary, but also the frequent use of sentences.  Strangely, all of them seem to start with the same demanding request..."I want that one."  "I want to talk to Daddy!" "I want a turn."

Luckily, this new grasp of the English language has not done a complete override on James' communication through sounds.  A frog is still a "Ribbit," a cat is usually still a "Meow," and not to worry, a sheep is still a "MAAAAAA!"  Other sound effects include any and all motors and anything that growls.  Oh yes, a horse it still an "Nay."

James loves to talk like a "big" boy.  You will often hear him yell, "Awesome!" or exclaim, "Ah man!" when he is trying to impress bigger kids (or his uncles).  But before too long he will switch back into being my tiny baby and all he wants to do is "duddle" with a "blankeck."  I love constant shifts between the baby and the big boy.  One minute he is trying to climb a 10 foot ladder and the next he is snuggling in my arms.  It may be my favorite thing about this age.

He is obsessed with cowboy boots, and it is not uncommon to find him in PJs, cowboy boots, and all too often, a sock in his mouth (yep, he still does that).  Other times it's just cowboy boots and a diaper.  I guess, they do complete any look.

True to his birth, James continues to be our risk taker and shows very little fear.  He loves to jump off of tall places, which is a perfect pairing with his love of climbing.  At the park you will find him at the biggest slide: scaling up it, sliding down it (often on head first), and never any hesitation at the top.  But forget the swings, this boy likes to be in control of his danger (must get that from his Daddy).

And just try and tell him no.  He'll just look over his shoulder at you, and give you the cutest naughtiest smile anyone has ever seen...trouble...adorably perfect trouble!

Can you tell I feel the same way about him as he does he cowboy boots?  I could watch him sleep for hours and his smile makes my heart stop it is so sweet.  Often I turn the radio down just to hear him singing along (he loves to hold the long notes).  I love to hold his warm swishy hand and feel the tickle of his whispers in my ear as he tells me "secrets."  He could never give me enough of kisses or hugs.  And I feel blessed that I am the one who get to sooth his tears and kiss his scrapes.

I love you Jamie, more than you could ever know.  Your spirit is strong and determined...I knew that when I was pregnant with you and you remind me of it every day.  You will do amazing things in this life.  I am honored and privileged I am the one you call "Mommy" and that I get to be the one to help you learn and grow.  Thank you for staying, we couldn't imagine our lives without you.

Jake Quotes

Since my last addition of "Jake Quotes," I have actually been very good about jotting them down as I catch them.  I hated when I would sit down to blog and I couldn't recall any of them.  So thanks to a purple sharpie, folded piece of computer paper, and a very silly (and way too smart) 4 year old...problem solved.  Enjoy. :)

Jake is making his own haircut choices these days...and right now he wants "surfer boy hair"

1) "When did you get so big!?" I asked Jacob one afternoon. "That's what happens." He explained. "But I'll always be your baby...even when I'm a grown up."

2) After a failed trip with google maps, I exclaimed, "It sent us to Timbuktu!" "Do we need to go to Timbukthree?" Jake asked from the back seat.  I couldn't help but smile and feel like our little detour was worth it.

3) One of Jake's favorite things to do with him Apa (on Skype or in person) is to tell each other stories. So when Apa and Ama came out for a visit this past August, Jake told shared one with the whole family.  "Once upone a time there was a man named Apa, who gave me everything I wanted."  Short, sweet, and very very true!

4) Most parts of having your Daddy deploy, stink...a lot.  But Jake did manage to find on silver lining.  "Let's call him [Daddy] Super Hero Wooper Hero, because he fights for our freedom."

5) One evening Jake was chatting about movies with a family friend.  She was talking about how much see enjoyed scary movies, and asked Jake how he felt about them.
"I like scary movies too," he told her.
"You do not!" I said with surprise since nearly everything gives Jake "the scary thoughts" these days (including "people dressed up like animals").
"Yes I do!  I've watched the Wisard of Oz!"

6) On our way to last weeks soccer game, Robyn, Laura, and I were have a discussion about war and peace.  Never one to be left out of any conversation, Jake joined in with, "Let's talk about when we fought the Red Coats.  Heavenly Father gave us that war so we could have our freedom."  He never ceases to amaze me with his understanding and faith.

The Skate Park

When the countdown to the deployment can easily be calculated in hours, one really focuses in on the important things.  It is a time when fathers feel the need to share just a little more manly knowledge with their sons.  And where, you may ask, is the best place to impart this fatherly wisdom?  Why the SKATE PARK, of course!  Oh wait, that wasn't your first guess...no it wasn't mine either.  

As we drove over, I had flashes of the inevitable trip to the ER for stitches, broken arm, or maybe even both.  But we all left the park pretty much unscathed other than a good bump on the head for James (which is an almost daily event for our crazy boy) and Daddy breaking Jake's skateboard and with it Jake's heart.  It actually turned out to be a perfect morning.  Complete with breakfast at Chick Fil'A.  To be honest, it was difficult to tell who was having more fun...the little boys (all between one and four) or the daddies.

Guess it didn't hurt too bad since he can't remember what side it was on :-)

Before the "awesome" trick

Please note Jacob collapsed in a heap of tears at the loss of his skateboard

Jake actually really impressed and surprised me.  He is normally more reserved and cautious when participating in activities that can cause bodily harm...but he was riding down ramps and around the bowls with confidence and a little bit of skill.  It is fun to see your children challenge themselves...terrifying...but so rewarding.

James, of course, was in heaven.  He rode around on his little strider like he was just one of the big kids.  He rode down ramps, had a couple turn on the skateboard and when he needed a break he would find something to chew on.

I think my favorite part of the day was watching Arthur share something, that was such a big part of his life growing up, with our children.  Back in high school I use to watch him skate with his friends after school.  You know I had to have a pretty big crush to happily sit on the sidewalk as he did kick flips, grabs, and whatever else they needed those really puffy skate shoes for.  Back then he could ignore me nearly the entire afternoon, but then he flash me one of his flirty smiles and it would all be worth it.  Pitiful. :-) Let's just hope he doesn't teach those tricks to our boys...

Difficult "D" Words

With less than a week to go before "D (eployment) day," more and more people are asking things like, "How are you doing?" or "How are you feeling."  And to be honest, I don't have an answer.  It isn't that I am annoyed by the question.  Actually, it is quite the opposite.  I appreciate everyones' concern and consideration so much.  The problem is, I genuinely have no idea...I feel almost nothing about it.

I know that sounds horrible.  "Your husband is leaving for nine months and I don't care?!?"  But it isn't like that.  When I try to think about it...when I try to mentally prepare myself, it goes something like this.  "Okay, in a few days Arthur is going to wake up, kiss you and the boys goodbye, and then he isn't coming home for nine months...." and that is about how far I get before my brain short circuits and I suddenly find myself thinking about what color I should paint my kitchen cabinets.

I haven't exactly figured out if this is a practice of self preservation, like I would be so D-pressed that I would unable to get out of bed in the morning if I really let myself take it all in.  Or maybe with this being our first deployment, it is like preparing for childbirth.  I am just blissfully unaware of what is really in store so I have nothing concrete to focus my anxiety.  Maybe next time, when I know what is coming, I will chase Arthur around the house crying and clinging to his leg begging him not to go (I still have almost a week, I guess there is still plenty of time for such a breakdown).

Both explanations seem reasonable and likely, but I think that the main explanation is good old fashion D-enial.  No matter how many FRG meetings I attend where they talk about it, how many camouflage bags get packed in my living room, or conversations we have with Jake to help him prepare, there is still a huge piece of me that still does not believe it is really happening.  The idea of Arthur leaving me or the boys for any long period of time just seems like such a ridiculous thought that my brain won't even waste time thinking about it.  "I'm sorry, I think I just hallucinated!" it seems to say any time I let the thought creep in.

So instead of accepting the elephant now sitting on top of me, I walk around feeling uncomfortable trying to figure out some home decor project that will make me feel better.  Talk about trying to find a tangible solution to an "un"fixable problem.  Who knows, maybe I can just keep on pretending it isn't happening by distracting myself with interior decorating.  No, not likely...because no matter what color my kitchen gets painted or how many cute pictures I hang on our walls, the truth is, home won't feel like home until he is back in it.