A Haircut & Flowers

May 30th 2013 10:27pm,

Chillin' With Nana

Leon,

       This morning you got to go hang out with Nana while I went to my doctor's appoinment to check up on how your baby sister is growing. She is active, healthy and measuring right on time. In about seven more weeks you will get to meet your baby sister!

       After my doctor's appointment I had an appointment at a salon to get my hair cut and colored. Now Mommy's hair is a new color! You stayed with Nana and had a fun day playing. You even went to the store and bought me a beautiful bouqet of spring flowers! Nana said that when you walked past the flowers you pointed at them and said "Mommy! Mommy!" and insisted on picking out some flowers for me. When you handed them to me after my haircut and gave me a big hug it melted my heart. You sure know how to make your Mommy smile. I love you so much Leon, my sweet little boy!

 

~Love, your Mama



The Best Part of Waking Up

May 29th 2013 10:38pm,

Early Morning Snuggles

Leon,

       Our morning began early as I got up to make breakfast for Daddy before he left for work. I was sitting on the couch with a big soft blanket after breakfast enjoying a cup of coffee when you woke up and came toddling down the hallway. You saw me and climbed onto my lap giving me the biggest hug. We snuggled contently for a few minutes and then I asked "Are you still sleepy Leon? Mommy is still sleepy. Do you want to go night night?" You got up and ran off to your room. Soon you came back down the hall with a handful of stuffed animals, and then ran back and got your pillow. You put the pillow behind my head and surrounded me with all of your stuffed animals. You then said "Mommy, night night."and snuggled up with me on the couch. It was such a precious and sweet moment. After a few minutes of snuggling you realized it was morning and you had energy, so you got up ready to play. I love quiet snuggle time with you first thing in the morning. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama 



Books

May 28th 2013 8:38pm,

Reading To Mommy

Leon,

       Reading books is always a part of our daily routine, especially before nap time and bed time. Lately you like to read to me instead of me reading to you. After lunch today you went and picked out a new book from your room, and then you climbed up onto Mommy and Daddy's bed and told me to sit down. We sat down together, you opened the book and began to "read", telling me all about the pictures on each page. I just sat smiling listening to you talk. I love moments like these and I love being your Mommy. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Painting, painting, painting

May 27th 2013 10:05pm,

Playdough Sculpture

Leon,

       While Mommy and Daddy continued working on painting your baby sister's room you sat contently in your highchair playing with playdough and watching us work. You have gotten very excited about the new baby's room lately and showed quite an interest today. You pointed at the room after the walls were painted a pretty bright blue and said "Baby!" I asked you if you think your baby sister will like her room and you said "Yeah!" with a big grin on your face. When Mommy and Daddy finish all the painting you can help decorate her room. You will be such a wonderful and helpful big brother! I can't wait for you to meet your baby sister soon! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Sunday Snuggles and Naps

May 26th 2013 6:47pm,

Sweetly Sleeping

Leon,

       Getting up early and going to church on Sundays is always exhausting for you. After church we came home and ate a yummy lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwhichs and apples. Once you finished eating you asked me to put on "the puppy movie". Lately you have been obsessed with the Disney movie Air Buddies. I put on the movie and got a big soft blanket for us to snuggle up in. We snuggled up on the couch together and you were asleep just 20 minutes into the movie. I gently carried you to your room and put you down on your bed. You woke up for a second, but you were so comfortable that you quickly dozed off once again. I kissed your sweet little face and said "I love you Sweetpea, sweet dreams." Then I slowly walked out of your room and closed the door. I love nap time on Sunday afternoons. I love you with all my heart Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama 



A Great Saturday

May 25th 2013 8:13pm,

Play time with Nana & Papa!

Tired boy



Leon,

       Today started out great! You, Daddy and I all slept in until 9am and then we got up and made a big yummy breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast. You, being just like your Daddy, loved the bacon the best. We took the rest of the morning at a slow pace, playing and watching cartoons.

       In the afternoon you went over to your Nana and Papa's house to play and hang out while Mommy and Daddy stayed at home to paint your baby sister's room. Soon your baby sister will be here and she will have her own room just like you.

       When we were done painting we drove over to Nana and Papa's house to have dinner. You didn't want to leave after dinner, but you were so tired from playing. You also decided to skip nap time today, so you were extra sleepy. Now you are snuggled up in your bed watching a movie drifting off to sleep. Good night and sweet dreams Sweetpea! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

Yay Its Friday!

May 24th 2013 9:29pm,

More Bath Time Painting

 Sleeping Angel

Leon,

       Boredom seems to come easily for you, so I am always thinking of creative activities to keep you entertained. Today it was cold, so I thought a bubble bath is always fun and would be a good way to warm up. I decided we would try the homemade bathtub paints again. Just like last time you loved covering the shower walls with your beautiful artwork.

       After lunch time with Daddy, you and I snuggled up for a nap. It took reading six books until you started dozing off. Finally you were asleep and the house was quiet, so I sat watching you sleep and enjoying the peacefulness for awhile. I love you Leon, my sweet little angel.

 

~Love, your Mama

Dinner Fun!

May 23rd 2013,

French fries and ketchup!

 Flying an airplane!

Leon,

       You were up past your bedtime, but you had a fun evening out at dinner! As we sat with our friends you examined the kid's menu, intently looking over each picture. You then spotted a picture of french fries and got super excited. As soon as the waitress came by you looked up excitedly and said "Fries!" in a loud voice. You repeated it a few more times, just so she wouldn't forget. When your order of fries came in a cool car box your excitment was doubled! You devoured all your fries, with lots of ketchup of course.

       After dinner it was off to the arcade. You insisted on sitting at every car game and "playing." The great thing about taking a two year old to an arcade is we don't have to put quarters in for you to think you are playing the games! You were really sad when we had to leave, but it was way past your bedtime. After a warm relaxing bath and reading books with Mommy and Daddy, you were fast asleep. I think you had super fun time out at dinner tonight! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



A Baking Day

May 22nd 2013 1:48pm,

Pouring in the yumminess!

 Mixing it all together!

 Confection perfection!

Leon,

       My first thoughts upon waking at 6am this morning were "What to do on a day like today?" Well, actually it was more like "I just want to sleep for two more hours!" but thats not the point. I then thought it would be super fun to bake some delicious cookies with the help of my little chef, you! I decided we would make Chocolate Chunk Pretzal Cookies, a new recipe I came up with today. I measured out all of the ingrediants into little bowls and when everything was ready I put you to work. You loved dumping each bowl into the mixture and stirring it all up was messy yet fun. The hardest part was waiting the whole nine minutes while the cookies baked and another few minutes while they cooled off. I could tell it was worth the wait by the happy dance you did as you ate your cookie saying "Om, nom nom!" like the little cookie monster you are. Baking with you sure is a fun and yummy way to spend the day. I love you Leon, my little chef!

 

~Love, your Mama



A Snuggly Day

May 21st 2013 7:22pm,

My Snuggle Bug

Leon,

       The spring sunshine has decided to hide for awhile and it has been replaced by cloudy skies and rain. With it being wet and cold outside, you and I decided to stay inside today. We had a simple day of coloring books, sticker books, snuggling and watching movies. I enjoy quiet days like this every so often. You just finished your dinner, lasagna and garlic bread, and made a big mess. Time for a bubble bath, then books and bedtime. I love you Leon!

Big Hugs & Lots of Love

May 20th 2013 9:23pm,

Hugs!

Leon,

       A new word in your vocabulary is "hugs", and you love giving Daddy and I big hugs! We love your hugs and we love you so much! You are a sweet boy with a loving spirit and I love that about you. I thank God everyday for trusting us with raising such an amazing little person.

I Love You!



       You love your Daddy very much. Every morning when you wake up you ask where Daddy is. I tell you "Daddy is at work, but he will be home for lunch time." You always get excited around lunch time, because you know Daddy will be home. Sometimes I even find you looking out the window saying "Daddy, vroom?" watching and waiting for Daddy to drive home. When Daddy has to go back to work after lunch you get sad, but Daddy always says "Be a good boy for Mommy and take a nap. When you wake up Daddy will be home from work." I think your favorite part of the day is when Daddy gets home in the evening. You both love to play and have fun, whether it is running around outside in the yard or rocking out to music infront of the stereo. You love your Daddy, your Daddy loves you and I love you both with all my heart! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

 

 



My Little Drummer Boy

May 19th 2013 10:47pm,

Always Drumming

Leon,

       You have always loved music, more specifically music with a good beat. Today I realized just how much music is in you. At church this morning during worship you were tapping out the rhythm of each song, and you were keeping the beat right on time. I was suprised at how well you could follow the rhythm of each song.

       When we came home you ate lunch and then took a bath to relax before taking a nap. While taking your bath you set your plastic drum on the edge of the tub and found two drumsticks (a whisk and your toothbrush) and began drumming and dancing. I think you could make a drum out of anything! You have a love for music and a growing talent for it as well. I can't wait to see what you do with it as you grow. I love you Leon, my little drummer boy!

 

~Love, your Mama



Creative Play

May 18th 2013 10:44pm,

Homemade Bathtub Paint!

Leon,

       You love coloring, making crafts and being creative. You also love playing in the bath. I decided we would combine the two into a fun new activity by making homemade bathtub paint! Using some baby shampoo, cornstarch, food coloring and a little water I made paint in four fun colors. I set up the paints infront of you while you were in the bath then handed you a paint brush and you knew exactly what to do. You painted all around the tub, every once in awhile looking up at me with a big smile on your face, proud of your beautiful artwork. As soon as you got tired of painting you curiously dumped each cup of paint into the bath, amazed at how the color of the water changed. I love discovering new fun and creative activities for you. You are my talented little artist! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Friday Fun With Friends

May 17th 2013 11:14pm,

BBQ Picnic

Discovering the Joys of Dirt

Leon,

       This evening we were invited over to a friend's house for dinner. We ate and played outside until it got chilly. You really enjoyed playing outside with the other kids, and even discovered its fun to play in the dirt! When it got too cold to stay outside we all headed inside. You played and watched cartoons with the younger kids, while we played a new card game called "In a Pickle." Daddy and I will be buying that game soon for sure, because we had so much fun laughing and playing with our friends. Your normal bedtime came and passed, and you continued to play and had a snack. By the time we were getting ready to head home you started to melt down in a typical two year old fashion. I don't blame you for getting cranky, you were very tired by this point. We decided that it was time to head home, so we said our goodbyes and headed to the car. Suprisingly you fought sleep on the drive home. Once home, you had a snack and then snuggled up with Mommy. Within minutes you were fast asleep, exhausted from a full evening of fun and play! We have been blessed with wonderful friends! What a fun evening we had tonight! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

 



I Shall Not Sleep!

May 16th 2013 8:53pm,

Full of Energy!

Leon,

       Rising early today at 6:30am, I figured nap time would come easily in the early afternoon. Assuming it would be easy is where I went wrong. You fought your nap with every ounce of strength in your body. We tired reading books, snuggling, and watching a quiet movie, but nothing got you to sleep. Then came more drastic measures as you became defiant. After three short time outs you finally calmed down. I sat you down and said "You are being a naughty boy and making Mommy sad." This made you feel remorseful. I then said "Do you want to be a good boy and listen to Mommy? That would make Mommy happy." You then signed the word "sorry" and gave me a big hug and a kiss. You snuggled up under your blanket in your bed and I sat and sang you a couple lullabyes as you gave into sleep at last. Even though I was frustrated by your sleep fighting and defiant behavior, I was even more proud of you for understanding what you were doing was wrong and appologizing. I love you Leon!

 

~All my love, your Mama

A Fun Play Day

May 15th 2013 9:54pm,

"Night Night"

Leon,

       After your nap today Nana came and picked you up for a play day. Mommy stayed home and got some much needed house cleaning done, while you got to hang out with Nana. You had so much fun! You played at Nana's house, went to the park to run out some energy, ate lunch with Nana and your cousins and discovered you love corn dogs! As soon as you got home you, Daddy and I went to church to help with youth group. While we were there you ran and played some more. By the time we got home and ate a late dinner you were exhausted. We read our books, sang wheels on the bus and you were soon fast asleep. You sure had a fun day of play today! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Learning Is Fun!

May 14th 2013 8:08pm,

My Smart Boy!

Leon,

       Watching you and helping you learn new things is always so much fun. Today Nana came by and dropped off a bunch of fun new learning activity books and puzzles, with lots of stickers of course! You had a blast as we went through each new thing. You did really good with the ABC and Shapes puzzles. I was amazed as you would hold up a picture, asking what it was, and I would say it and you would repeat the word! Your vocabulary is growing rapidly everyday! Time and time again I am amazed and so proud of the smart little guy you are growing into. I love you Leon, my little smarty pants!

 

~Love, your Mama



Blueberry Pancakes

May 13th 2013 7:36pm,

My sweet little boy...

 a.k.a. Mommies little monster!

Leon,

       You have always been a very sweet and loving little boy. You have also always had lots of energy and love to be silly. This morning I made blueberry pancakes and bananas for breakfast, two things you love, fruit and "cake". Halfway through breakfast you decided that the pancakes on my plate looked better, so you ate half of mine and then finished off your plate as well! Once filled with a healthy breakfast you were ready to play and full of energy. I attempted to clean you up as best I could. You then proceeded to run around the house in your diaper laughing and screaming. You are my sweet little boy and my silly little monster all in one. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



A Happy Mother's Day

May 12th 2013 11:04pm,

I am a blessed Mommy!

Leon,

       Today was Mother's Day, and what a wonderful day it was. You and your Daddy both gave me beautiful flowers and made me feel special all day. This evening your Daddy even took me to see a movie at the theater while you played at Grandma's house (Daddy's Mama). Each year I feel even more blessed by you, my sweet son, and I am so thankful to be your Mama. I am doubly blessed this year as a Mommy, because I am carrying your baby sister, who will be here in just a couple more months! Being a Mommy has taught me so much about life and love, and I learn more each day. Watching you grow and raising you up to be the amazing little person you are becoming fills my life with so much happiness and joy. You are my "Happy Mother's Day", and I can't wait to see you with your baby sister and what an amazing big brother you will be! I love you with all my heart Leon!

 

~All my love, your Mama

Too Much Fun

May 11th 2013,

 Tired Boy

Leon,

       After a full day of being out and about you were one tired boy when we came home. From breakfast/lunch with family to a BBQ with more family and playing at the park, you were exhausted. I just love this picture of you. You came into Mommy and Daddy's room with your teddy bear, and using said teddy bear as a pillow, made yourself comfortable on the floor and said "Night night..." Eventually you climbed onto our bed and snuggled up for a long overdue nap. It had been a busy day and we were tired, so we all napped together. I love our family naps after a day of family fun. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



My Son

May 10th 2013 9:47pm,

Mommy Loves You Leon!

Leon,

       I love you so much! I love how you can be a big goofball and make me laugh and smile. I love how you can be so loving, always giving me big hugs and kisses. You are my little Snuggle Bug for sure! I love that you are so smart and willing to learn new things all the time. Even in those moments when you are making a mess, breaking rules or being disobedient, I love you still. And what I love the most is that you are my son! This Sunday is Mother's day and I am reminded once again how blessed I am to have you in my life, my sweet little boy. I can't tell you enough how much I love you! I will say it again and again, everyday! I love you Leon!

 

~All my love, your Mama



Mommy's Little Goober

May 9th 2013 5:41pm,

Makeup Mess!

Leon,

       This morning while I was getting ready and putting on makeup you decided to run off with my makeup pallette. I suddenly realized you were being far too quiet so I went to look for you. I found you sitting infront of the full length mirror in your room painting your face with the gel eyeshadow! Your hands and fingernails were covered in different colors. You smiled up at me innocently and all I could do was laugh. You held out your hands and said "Clean!" because you want to go wash your hands. You never cease to make me smile everyday. I love you, my little goober!

 

~Love, your Mama

Bedtime Stories & Big Hugs

May 8th 2013 9:34pm,

Love You Forever

Leon,

       Tonight we read a new book at bedtime. I have always known about this book, but never read it from start to finish. I almost got a little teary at the end. You sat snuggled between Daddy and I as I read the whole book, contently listening to every word. When I finished reading you said "Again!" We read a couple more books, sang wheels on the bus (you make us sing it every night) and then turned off the lights and said goodnight. You went back and forth between Daddy and I giving us the biggest and best hugs. We both kissed you goodnight and you snuggled up to Daddy while holding my hand in your little hand until you fell asleep. We both love you so much and we love being a family. Sweet dreams Sweetpea. I love you Leon!

 

~All my love, your Mama



Baking Together

May 7th 2013 8:32pm,

Banana "Cupcakes"

Leon,

       Today was a baking day! We both did our chores, I folded and put away all the laundry and you picked up all your toys and put them in your toy boxes. Then it was time to bake a yummy treat! I had a bunch of overly ripe bananas, so I thought banana bread would be great to make. Remembering the last time I made banana bread I remembered you wouldn't eat it. So I thought "Well you love cupcakes, so why not make mini banana muffins and call them cupcakes?" This worked, because as soon as I pulled them out of the oven you yelled "Cupcakes!" You ate three mini muffins thinking you were getting a special treat, when really they are super healthy! I did cheat a little by putting a thin layer of cream cheese icing on the tops of each muffin. It is amazing how the appearance and presentation of food can be a make or break deal with kids. If calling these healthy muffins "cupcakes" will get you to eat them, then that is what they will be. Enjoy your "cupcakes" my picky little eater. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Pool Time

May 6th 2013 10:23pm,

Cannon Ball!

 Splash!

Leon,

       These photos say it all! You absolutely love your pool that you got for your birthday! With the weather being so nice lately I finally decided to fill up your pool and let you try it out. You had a short moment of hesitation, but quickly discovered how awesome a pool could be. I filled your pool with water, as well as some of your bubble bath and toys for fun. You also quickly realized that making big cannon ball splashes was super fun. Soon you, and Mommy, were both soaked and covered in bubbles. We played and splashed for an hour before lunch time. You would have played all day if I let you. After a yummy lunch of PB&J and strawberries you were ready for a nap. We only read one book before you were sound asleep. I guess an hour of splashing, laughing and having fun on a nice sunny day is exhausting work! I love you Leon, my little water baby!

 

~Love, your Mama



Carnival Fun & Helping Daddy

May 5th 2013 7:18pm,

Ordering an Elephant Ear!

 Mr. Handy Man Leon!

Leon,

       Daddy and I took you to the carnival this evening and as a treat we bought an elephant ear. You loved the cinnamon-sugary "cookie" (you call all desserts "cookies" lately.) We walked around for a bit and then headed home to eat dinner and relax.

       While I was making dinner, you and Daddy were "fixing" things around the house. You really wanted to help Daddy, so he gave you a screw driver so you could help. You found every screw on every door and "fixed" them all. Once all the doors were fixed you began "fixing" your toys as well! You never cease to be adorable and suprise me with your growing intelligence. I love you Leon, my smart little man!

 

~Love, your Mama



First Taste of Summer

May 4th 2013, 9:03pm,

Chillin' and Watching the Parade

 Fun in the Sun at the Park

Leon,

       Beautiful hot and sunny weather, a parade and lots of fun, that is what I call a great day. The temperature was at a record high today for our little coastal town and we definitely enjoyed it! Our day began by sleeping in late together as a family. After breakfast we got ready to head out and watch the parade! This year you really enjoyed the parade, with all of the fire trucks, police cars, and of course your favorite, the marching bands with the drums! You even got your fair share of candy that was being tossed out to all the parade watchers, and I discovered that you really like salt water taffy. Can we say "sugar high?"

       When the parade was all said and done we walked back home, picking up lunch on the way, and then took a nice afternoon nap. As I said, today was a really hot day. When you woke up from your nap you came shuffling down the hallway in just a diaper saying "Mama, its hot..." so we sat down and enjoyed a snack of frozen blueberries, strawberries and cheese. Then it was off to the park to play and run out your energy before bedtime. It has been an eventful day and things are winding down now. It is time for bed for all of us. Sweet dreams Sweetpea! I love you Leon!

~Love, your Mama

Adorable No-No

May 3rd 2013 8:18pm,

Cleaning Up The Mess

Leon,

       After dinner you were running around the living room with some juice. Inevitably you spilled it on the floor, but thankfully we have hardwood floors. You said "Uh-oh." so I handed you a paper towel and asked you to clean up your mess. You began scrubbing the floor intently, then you stood up and said "I clean juice no-no!" and smiled at me. You were very proud of yourself for cleaning up your mess, but I was even more proud of the fact that you put words together to form a sentence! You get smarter everyday and you constantly amaze me with the new things you are learning. You are a smart and adorable little boy, "no-nos" and all. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama





A Busy Day & New Teeth

May 2nd 2013 10:11pm,



Leon,

       Today we went with Grandma (my Mama) to visit my grandma and grandpa (your Grammi and Papi) and we went to Costco to buy some things we needed. You loved Costco because you know that on almost every isle there is a sample booth with a snack for you. Today you were especially happy because all of the samples were mexican food. You had some chicken empanada, tortilla chips, a yummy smoothie and fruit snacks. Buy the time we left to go get lunch you were practically full!

       All day today you have been working on getting another molar, so you were very clingy and more tired than usual. As soon as we headed home from Grammi and Papi's house you fell asleep. I think that tooth has finally cut through tonight, because you are feeling much better and happier.

       When we got home we turned around and left to go meet family for dinner. We had a little birthday get together for Nana. I made a Caramel Cappucinno cake, because Nana loves caramel, and it turned out pretty good, aside from being a little lopsided. After dinner and cake we went home and got you ready for bed. After your routine story books (the "New Baby" book, and "Wheels on the Bus") you quickly snuggled up on Daddy and fell asleep. What a busy and fun day today was! Sweet dreams my sweet little boy. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

Hanging With The Big Kids

May 1st 2013 11:25pm,

Spring Time BBQ Fun!

Friends!

Leon,

       This evening you, Daddy and I went with our church youth group to a BBQ/game night! The weather was great, although still a bit chilly, and you had lots of kids to play with. You had so much fun! For dinner you didn't want a hotdog or a hamburger, so you had a yummy grilled cheese sandwhich done on the BBQ instead. After filling up on yummy BBQ food you were ready to play. You wanted to join in and play the games with all of the teens and you got very upset with me when I wouldn't let you. Don't worry Leon, you will be a big kid soon enough, for now just enjoy being little. Mommy isn't ready for you to be a teenager yet! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama