Not much has changed, really. Yet lots has. Hmm.

On this date one year ago, I was counting down the days till Lovie turned ONE.

I was taking pictures every day in December as a way to count down the last days of infancy. It's not that a whole lot of changes occurred during those 29 days, but it was just a way for me to hang on to counting Lovie's age in months rather than years. I suppose.

I was so anxious last year around this time. And a bit sad. But also so excited. She started walking the month prior so by this time last year, she started to run. It was too cute to watch her toddle down the hallway after the cats. Her face would get this look of wonder as she moved faster and faster and made it to her destination. She was a riot to be around, my Lovie. Still is, really.

Actually, she's even more enjoyable to be around these days.

I can't believe I just said that out loud (or typed it for all to read).

I've sincerely loved absolutely every stage of my child's life so far. From the very new, very beginning to now. Every stage I've done my best to absorb. I've tried my best to breathe it all in deeply. I've written about it all, taken photos as much as possible and lived in that moment, trying to hold it as close to me as possible.

But this age she's at now?? This almost 2 thing (21 more days)? This being able to have a conversation thing? This wanting to be independent, yet still wanting me right by her side when she gets tired thing? It's some kind of wonderful (anyone remember that movie? man, i LOVED it!). Actually it's more than some kind of wonderful, it's insanely awesome.

She asks me, "What's wrong, Mama?" now when I grumble under my breath or might seem a bit stressed. She asks to hear "Santa's music" when we're driving in the car. She ooooh's at new things like the lights on the Christmas tree. She thanks me when I give her vegetables! She sings Happy Birthday to You every time I ask her how old she'll be when she has her birthday. She taunts me to chase her up the stairs when we get home- and down the hall when it's time to change her stinky pants. She's asks if I "wanna try" the soup she's made while taking a bath and laughs hysterically when I dump it (the container full of water) on her.

The list is endless when it comes to how awesome she is.

My heart is so full and yet every day it gets fuller. Somehow.

I'm the luckiest person on the face of the earth.

I was a year ago, too, but now... it's just unreal how blessed I am to have this little chica in my life.

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4.) Blast from the Past: What were you writing about last year at this time? Tell us what has changed (if anything) since then.

Come Play with Me: 2

Today is another special day. I'm absolutely elated to present to you the second (of what I hope is many) Come Play With Me Guest Posts! And this one is from a newer blogging pal of mine, the first to actually submit a post to me, Jennifer from Just Jennifer. 

Jennifer's gonna talk about what she's learned in 2011 and how she's gonna apply it moving forward- and it's a lesson that we all can take advantage of learning about (IMO, of course):

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When I saw what Christina suggested that other bloggers write about for her I was stumped.

“What are you looking forward to in 2012?  What is something you’re taking from 2011 and tucking in your memory pocket for later?”

I did the ole Winnie the Pooh “think, think, think” bit and managed to come up with something.

The older I get the more I notice running themes in my life.  Sometimes they’re even yearly themes.  In 2011 I believe my keywords were OPEN and SHED.

Not like open the shed!  Duh.  I mean, I learned to BE OPEN and SHED CRAP.

Shedding the crap from one’s life is hard.  Things like insecurities, resentments, expectations.  They have a strong hold.  But for me this year, I have felt so many of these things falling away from who I am.

I wish I could tell you how this is happening, but I really don’t know.  It could be experience and wisdom.  It could be perspective.  The perspective I get from loving someone with health problems.  I’m thinking it’s a combo of these.

I noticed the being open part when I basically “went public” with my blogging.  It was always technically public, but I wasn’t actively trying to grow my blog into something more than my personal journal until I had been doing it over a year.

Once I stepped out of my box, a whole new world opened up to me and I’m loving it.  As I began discovering more, I became open to the possibilities that lay before me.  And I feel like it’s become a new motto to live by: just be open to the possibilities.

In short, I am open without expectation.  Does that make any sense?

And moving forward into 2012, all I hope for is more of the same.  That I continue to learn and grow and change, stay open and keep shedding the unnecessary crap I carry around.

Thank you, Christina, for the opportunity to write this.  I’m glad I was open to it!  :-)

Jen is submitting this post to Lovelinks #35.

 

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It's amazing how being open and shedding the crap can empower a person, eh? I think if more people did this, we'd all get along a bit better because it may allow us to just move forward instead of holding grudges. But what do I know?

I do know that Jennifer is good people- and we have a lot in common. And that's reason enough for you to go and check her and her story out.
 

Thanks for playing, Jen!

Kermit

I was in first grade and I loved going to gymnastics.

 

The clock in the living room was one I couldn’t read. It was brown with gold numbers and arms and took up half the wall the TV was against. The TV that showed cartoons that I was engrossed in. I was six years old and I loved going to gymnastics. Mama and Papa were both at work and my big sister (by 7 years) would have to take me. She was in the kitchen doing her homework and listening to music. I wanted to make sure she didn’t forget to take me to gymnastics.

 

A door separated the kitchen hallway from the dining room which opened into the living room I sat in watching cartoons beneath the big brown clock I couldn’t read. I tried pushing the door open but it sometimes stuck- and this was one of those time. I tried shouting through the door to ask what time it was, but the music was too loud. I tried knocking on the door to get Sister’s attention, but I apparently couldn’t knock hard enough.

 

I tried sitting back down on the rough forest green couch to watch cartoons and wait. But I really wanted to know what time it was and how much longer before we’d leave for gymnastics especially since Sister wasn’t fond of having to take care of me, having to take me places. I didn’t want her to forget to take me.

 

I went back to the door and peered thru one of its many windows to see if I could maybe catch a glimpse of her but all I could see was the doorway into the bathroom and the yellow and black tiles on the back wall of the house. I tried pushing the door open again. Nothing. I tried knocking on the door again. Nothing.

 

I took several steps back and ran toward the door, hoping my force would push open the stuck door. But instead of pushing on the wood panel of the door, my hand landed in one of the little windows.

 

CRASH!

 

My hand went thru the window.

 

Glass sprayed the linoleum floor.

 

“What the hell?!” Sister screamed from around the corner.

 

I was horrified and scared. Sister was always such a bitch to me, she was going to flip out even more when she saw what I just did. I pulled my hand back and blood started dripping everywhere.

 

Thick red blood... oozing out of my hand... making a puddle on the brown carpet.

 

I started to scream and Sister finally appeared at the doorway. She pulled me toward her and moved me into the bathroom and told me to sit on the closed toilet. She stepped into the hallway and reached for the yellow rotary phone on the wall and dialed some numbers.

 

The blood poured out of my hand.

 

She hung up the phone, picked me up and carried me next door, passing my laughing brother on the way while leaving a trail of blood drops from our house to the neighbors.

 

I can’t remember much more other than holding my hand over the open toilet at the neighbor’s house. Then I recall see my mom coming toward me in the hospital. She had her mouth covered with her hands and looked like she was crying.

 

I couldn’t sleep that night because the pain was unbearable. My hand was wrapped a million times in white bandages. I couldn’t see the damage but the pain… there was so much throbbing and it was just and so unbearable.

 

I still have the scars from that incident which happened well over 30 years ago! The cut on the ring finger of my right hand was so severe (due to pulling my hand back!), they nearly amputated. Instead, I can barely pull it back. The scar has always reminded me of a lizard of sorts so I started referring to it as Kermit. There are also two more scars, much smaller in size but still quite visible, on my forefinger and another on my thumb.

 

I never did get to go to gymnastics that day.

Today we’re trying a little something different. Are you ready? Your word is below. Take the next ten minutes to write about the first single memory that word calls up. Focus on the emotions and the experience, spend ten minutes really exploring that memory. Then wrap it up, publish, and come back to link up.  CRASH

Christmastime is here!

I've been reading to Lovie before she was even born and when I saw this neat thing on The Pinterest about wrapping books and having your child open one to read every night during the Christmas season, I was like NEATO! But then it quickly dawned on me: I don't have 24 Christmas-related books, nor do I have the funds to go out and get a ton of Christmas-related books.  But, I have picked up a few and started to introduce them to Lovie after Thanksgiving.

First up was My Little Polar Bear because it wasn't really Christmas-related and we weren't even into December yet. It's a cute (and short) story, but I think I like it more than Lovie does.

Next up was what this post is all about- Christmastime is Here! A Fisher Price Little People lift the flap book.

This books is AWESOME. Lovie, 24 days shy of age 2, cannot get enough of this book. Every night before bed we read to her and last night we each had to read this one twice. She just loves looking at what's under all the flaps- and half the time it cracks her up!

So if you're looking for a Christmas-y book for your toddler, you really must seek this one out (I got it from TJ Maxx for like $7 or something). It's not religious or anything; it's just fun and cute.

And since this is about toddlers and Christmas, check out what I just picked up at the grocery store during my lunch break:

Don't you wish you could be 2 again?!?

I wasn't compensated in any way, shape, or form for my opinions stated within this post. Neither of these companies know that I even exist.

Wish Listicle

I know this will come across as very foreign to many folk, but I don't think I've ever really created a Wish List for Christmas. As a kid, we weren't really asked to do this (I'm guessing cuz my parents wouldn't or couldn't really get us things off our list) and as an old fart, I just don't have a wish for many things I can't get myself.

I mean, I don't really give a shit about designer this or that. I abhor perfumes. I'm not into jewelry (I haven't worn my wedding band since August 2007... we were married June 2007). I'm fat and would never tell someone what my size is for them to purchase a sweater or something. I had a bone removed from my foot which now requires a custom made insole to be worn with shoes so I can't really ask for a kick ass pair of boots or sneakers since they never fit my insole.

blah blah Bah Humbug!

But I do love Christmas! I do, I do, I do! I especially love giving gifts to others! That, along with spending time with family and friends, is what the Christmas is all about for me.

But to appease the other Listicle Makers out there, here is my 2011 Christmas Wish List:

1. to wake up Christmas morning with brown hair instead of the silver streaked hair it is... BUT it would have to be brown naturally and not need any coloring to prevent the silver from coming back
2. a maid to cook and clean- paid for life (of course holidays would be off)

but seriously...

3.  to make the season as magical for Lovie as possible
4.  to spend as much time with family as possible
5.  to continue or create traditions (like making Untricky Sticky Buns Christmas morning)
6.  to give to people in need (I actually adopted a family thru work this year!) {if this wish was an unrealistic one like the first two on my list, it would read "that no person be left hungry, homeless, or in need of anything basic"}
7.  to play Christmas music as much as possible
8.  to snuggle with my girl as often (and then some) as she wants
9.  to kiss those cheeks as much as I can
10. to breathe in every ounce of excitement and energy I can from the littles like my Lovie

untricky sticky buns

These are the easiest, tastiest things I've made in a long, long time. It's the first thing I've made from a repin on Pinterest, of course, though my version varies a bit (I added more brown sugar, cinnamon and baking time). And they were gone within minutes of being presented. They're sincerely that good.

Untricky Sticky Buns

Ingredients:

• 1 can Grands buttermilk biscuits (the jumbo kind- 8 to a can)
• 3 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/2 cup pancake syrup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon (may add a bit more next time)

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Mix melted butter and syrup in small bowl.
3. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon in separate small container.
4. Grease bundt pan.
5. Pour half the buttery syrup mixture in bottom of pan.
6. Sprinkle with half the brown sugar cinnamon mixture.
7. Lay biscuits on top, overlapping a bit.
8. Pour remaining buttery syrup on top.
9. Sprinkle remaining brown sugar cinnamon mixture.

Bake for 25 minutes.

Let cool for a minute or two before flipping over onto a serving plate. Let flipped bundt pan sit on top of plate for a couple minutes to let all the ooey goodness ooze over the biscuits.

So good. So easy.

P.S. I detest spelling the word Cinnamon. I NEVER get it right! Argh!

Favorite November photo

She makes my heart so full.

Come play with me: 1

Today is special. I'm absolutely elated to present to you the first (of what I hope is many) Come Play With Me Guest Posts! And I couldn't think of a better way to kick this off than with my good friend, Lisa (or LOG) from the O'Gs!

Lisa's chosen to tell us about what she's looking forward to in 2012, and I just want to tell you all, right here and right now, that this chica is one fiercely strong mama of two beautiful toddlers- and her post proves why. Rather than focus on the negatives in her life, she's looking ahead to the good and really, only the good. Incredible, really.

Check it out for yourself:

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Howdy!! I'm Lisa (or LOG, whichever) from The O'Gs.  I'm thrilled to be posting here at Christina's blog today.  Christina is a very good friend of mine and we've experienced some of the joy and heartache of being mamas together.  She guest posted for me back in October and I am happy to return the favor.

Welcome 2012!

So 2011 was a rough year for my family.   My father-in-law passed away in January.  My mom has gotten worse and worse.  The second half started looking up.  I got a new job, my husband got promoted.  However, I'm hoping that the "new year, new start" mantra will work for us in 2012.  So, here, for your reading pleasure, is what I am looking forward to in 2012.

January

The Bears being in the playoffs.  This will happen.

Getting together with family to remember my FIL.  This will be sad, it will be emotional, there will be tears.  But there will also be laughter, love, and happy stories.  Oh and alcohol.  Lots of alcohol.

Oh and Conan.  Because Conan is supposed to be here in January!!

February

The Bears winning the Super Bowl.  :)

March

My baby boy turning 3.  THREE YEARS OLD.  You read that right.  I will have a three year old in March.  I cannot even begin to wrap my head around THAT.

The beginning of Spring.  Hopefully.  It's Chicago.  You never know.

April

Easter.  Not because I'm religious, but because it will be the first major holiday gathering at my husband's grandmothers since the holidays.  And I love the family I married into.

Grilling!! This is usually when we start grilling on a regular basis.  And I love me some BBQ.

May

Our off-roading trip to Arkansas.

Mother's Day (which may or may not be a little sad, considering the very real possibility it will be my first without my mom).

The beginning of good weather (most likely, it's STILL Chicago).

June

Summer time.  Playing outside till 8 at night, long days, rolling around in the grass, playing at the park, going to the zoo.

Cocktails outside in the backyard after the kids go to bed.

July

The 4th. Celebrating with the family.

The heart of summer.  Days in the pool, the sprinkler.  Being outside even though its 95 degrees because dammit, my kids want to play in their kiddie pool.

August

Celebrating seven years with my husband (not married, just together).

Enjoying the remainder of summer with hopefully a little bit cooler of weather.

September

The start of football.

Fall.

My birthday.

Our vacation to the east coast.

October

REAL FALL.

Our annual off road trip.

My baby girl turning TWO.  She just turned one, she can't turn TWO!!

My husband's birthday.

Halloween, and trick or treating and seeing my kids in their costumes.

November

Our 5th wedding anniversary.

Thanksgiving.   Turkey.  Food.  Lots of it.

December

The holiday season.

St. Nick's day.

Christmas and everything that goes with it.  It's the most magical time of the year, especially when you have two beautiful, amazing, wonderful kids to share it with.

I'm looking forward to a fresh start in 2012.  I'm looking forward to good times, happy times, fun times outweighing the bad and sad.  Here's to you, 2012.



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Ack, I just adore that photo of Maggie and her brother PJ! : )

I implore you all to please visit Lisa's blog to get to know her a little better and get a better understanding for why I think she's one of the strongest women I know; please follow her blog to show some support (she may be strong, but we all need support in horrifically trying times in any way we can get!); and please...PLEASE keep her and her family in your thoughts this season as her mother literally loses her life to one of the most cruel, most disgusting, appalling diseases I've ever heard of- ALS.

Lisa, I love you and am honored to call you my friend.

Holiday Card CHALLENGE

I created last year's entry before discovering Picnik. Oh lordie did I have fun creating it, but man did it take some time- it was done all on Paint by cutting and pasting, etc! Too time consuming for something that didn't even make the cut! Wah! 

This year, I've been racking my brain trying to come up with an idea... do I go all cute and adorable (not hard with the subject I knew would be the center of the card) or what? And then the idea hit me!! I would turn an evil looking picture (you must admit the girl looks evil in the photo) into something I find pretty farking funny if I do say so myself. And I just did! So there!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from Lovie!

Wordy Wednesday: Yesterday

a) i can't believe this is the best photo i got of her yesterday, on her 23 monthday, but the girl will only sit still for TV and those make awful pictures (this one was snapped as we were i was trying to get us to leave daycare while she played with something on the floor).
b) i can't believe... I CANNOT BELIEVE... my baby doll will be 2 in less than a month. INCREDIBLE.
c) i really am digging tracking her age milestones with a photo and some words. neato. thanks be to the Pinterest, eh.

linking up with The Paper Mama and Kiddothings again! ... and...