The Thomas and BBQ on the lake weekend

We did our annual Day Out with Thomas this past weekend. I could have sworn that last year, Brian and I told ourselves that we would still go to the Thomas train fest, but not do the Thomas train ride, as it was not really worth the money.


A 20 minute ride for $18? Meh. How about giving us 40 minutes for a ride around Union , IL Thomas?

Little did we know that Jack would be older a year later, and he would remember that the Day out with Thomas happens sometime around August. A month ago, he kept asking" Hey, can we go to the Day out with Thomas? " Which led a month of us saying "Almost, almost. Pretty soon."

The closer we got to the Thomas date, Jack knew that he was going to ride on Thomas, and how can we say no? It was only one time a year that he can do this, so we did it. His cousin Nathalie came along this time, and it was a good day for all of us.

Sunday - BBQ on the lake. Brian , myself, about 7 of our friends and one little boy named Jack. As being the only kid of an all adult gathering, which is almost all the time, Jack is used to it. And loved just running around the tree, running into people, asking Brian or myself to run with him. I feel bad that Jack is the only kid, and sometimes I feel that he would have an even better time if there was someone his age to play with.

However, I do like it when that there comes a time when that one friend of ours happens to play with Jack. And that is what the newly christened "Uncle JB" did. He talked to him and played with him . As soon as you spin Jack around , he is your friend for life.

Thanks Uncle JB, for becoming Jack's new friend.

The Appreciation of Pain

It is no secret that this pregnancy has been a bit tougher than the first. Ask me how I am feeling ,and you will get an"Eh, I'm ok" response. Everything hurts now, socket joints, lower back, legs, the uncomfortable positions of sleeping. Everything has been a bit harder and with every day that I am pregnant, I ask myself" Are there ladies that do this three or four times? Unbelievably, the answer is yes.

Last week, I was at a point where I just couldn't take it. I looked at Brian, I had that pregnancy pose of having my two hands supporting my back, and said " I can't do this anymore. I am done with two kids." I wanted to cry, I wanted to collapse. I wanted a back transplant at that point cause my own back was about to give out.
Then Brian said something amazing and miraculous.

"Well, if this is your time being pregnant, then make the most of it. Since you will never be pregnant again. "

Then I really wanted to cry. He was right, this is my last time being pregnant. The last time that people will give me the special "She's having a baby!!!" look. The last time that I will feel kicks, slight punches, the occasional "ow! that was a good kick" face.

The last time that I will have a huge stomach, but having that huge stomach was my reminder that this special being is about to come into the world. The last time my husband and I will wonder for 9 - 10 months on who this baby is, and then finally meeting that person.

So I say this to you Baby M. Kick all you want. Join in the conversation next time you hear us talk. And kick with glee everytime you hear us laugh.

The Rare Moment

Jack NEVER takes naps anymore, so when he does it is a rare moment to see. And quite adorable I might add.

The Jumping off the Couch

I want to thank my husband, for always catching the great , small moments like these. This is what happens while I am at work.

The New Skill

It's a process for sure, but Jack has been learning to put on his shoes.

The Perfect Host

Jack has become buddies with our next door neighbors. Two little boys ages 6 and 4. It couldn't be more perfect.
They come over to ask if Jack can play, and every night before dinner, Jack will ask " Can I go over their house?" He does one of those scenes that you see in a movie, where he scarfs down his food, says thank you for dinner and then asks" Ok . now can we go over their house?"

Last night, the boys did come over. They stayed for 40 minutes which was enough for a late play time.
When they came in the house, Brian asked the boys if they wanted something to drink. They responded no, and Jack said" Yeah, what would you like? Would like you apple juice, orange juice? "
Brian pointed out what a perfect host Jack became at that moment, and my heart just went to butter. Here is my kid, who is learning on what manners are and how to treat people , and just showed to us without us even teaching him something small as offering a drink to your guests.

When they left, all his trains were on the floor, and even his small play table was tipped over. What were these kids playing? Being the host that Jack was, I guess he let his guests pretty much play with every toy and table that was in his room.

The Summer of 2011

Jack's cousin Nathalie

A portrait of us!!!

Jack's cousin Miss Frances, who is as fearless in the water as Jack is.

By far, this is my favorite picture of my favorite guys.

This is how I will always remember our summer. Swimming in the pool. Spending three hours just swimming back and forth with laughter. This was the year that Jack became fearless and jumped in the pool, wore his lifejacket with pride, and would try to swim in the deep end, just cause he wanted to swim beyond infinity.

The Perfect Smile

Last night when I came home, I came home to find.....an empty house. It was a strange feeling. It was even more strange since I knew my almost two year old niece was over too.

I ended up finding the two kiddies outside with my mother - in- law, trying to cause havoc in the sand box. When I said "Hey Jack!" , he turned and gave me the best and biggest smile, followed by a "Mama!"
He ran over to me and we both gave each other a hug, as if we haven't seen each other in months.

I love those hugs, I especially love that smile.