Not to toot my own horn...

Ok, maybe a little tooting. As most of you know, I've been in school the last four semesters working to finish my degree (which I will accomplish, Lord willing, in April). And I just finished another semester. I only took 2 classes, Italian 201 and Brit Lit: Victorian to Present, because I wanted to give myself ample study time. I wasn't too worried about Brit Lit, since I'm an English major and I usually know what I'm about in all my Lit classes. But I was freaking out mildly concerned about Italian. This semester was my third semester and I took my first 2 semesters about 4 years ago. Needless to say, I remembered very little. My goal, honestly, was just to pass. A C or better would have been fine with me.

Well, friends, my grades just got posted and I TOTALLY GOT AN A!!! In both classes!!!!!!

I really don't mean to be all Braggy McBoasterson, but I am so excited because I really did work my heiny off this semester. And I really needed some good news today. Adam and I are currently in a time of...we'll say...testing. And things seem to be piling up all around me. I'm really trying not to wig out and I'm definately learning that dependence on God cannot coexist with my tendency to try to control and micromanage my life, as well as those of the people around me. So seeing my grades today really boosted my spirits.

I hope everyone is having a great week and finding true joy in this crazy, overly commercialized, but so meaningful holiday season. Merry Christmas, everyone!!! (That was a little Charlie Brownish and I like it.)

~erika

Let It Snow

I tend to get a bit annoyed around mid-November, when Halloween candy is still sitting on my counter and Christmas ads mount a full scale attack on my television and radio. I really don't ever feel truly "Christmasy" until after Thanksgiving. And, even then, I have a hard time without snow and decorations. So, in light of the 3 day blizzard we've been having and the fact that our Christmas tree and decorations are up, I'm definately more in the Christmas spirit. I can even stand Christmas songs on the radio and sometimes (::gasp::) I even seek them out.

Before we get too far into the thick of the Christmas season, I thought I'd share a few pics from the last two holidays. I have, as yet, failed to share any photographic proof that we did indeed participate in these holidays. So, I thought now as good a time as any. Here goes:

I was a super mom at Halloween this year and my kids wore the same thing as last year. They looked a little haggard, but I didn't waste $40 on costumes that they wore for about 20 minutes. This makes me a self-proclaimed super mom. And if you don't agree, well, then, you're probably one of those mothers who spent $50 on costumes for her kids or actually had the time to make them. Kudos to you. Leave me alone.

At least they weren't weeping this year. Here's a pic from Halloween 2007. Ok, so they're not weeping, but this is one of the few pics in which they're not. Notice how I switched they're costumes this year. I'm so crafty!

Here's Adam and I at Thanksgiving. It's a little sick that we match, but I promise we didn't plan it. Notice Adam's very professionally trussed turkey. He took a lot of pride in it and it was delicious!

And here's just a few cute ones of my kiddies. One day last week Addison refused to take a nap and then passed out on the couch at 4:00. This is Asher shushing everyone to not wake her up while simultaneously attempting to climb into her eye.

And last but not least... Two weeks ago Addison started sleeping in her big girl bed. ::SOOOOOOOOB::

Isn't she as precious as she could be??!!!

Happy weekend all!




~erika

Picture Day

Original Post: Tuesday, October 07, 2008

On Sunday we had our family pictures taken by wonderful, amazing Kasey. It was...interesting...to try to get both of our near-2-year-olds to hold still, let alone look like the world wouldn't come to an end if they were captured on film. Thankfully, Kasey has talents galore and magicked out some amazing shots. Here's a preview. I haven't even seen the rest, but I am so excited!!! To see more of our fam or Kasey's beautiful photos go to www.xanga.com/POSH_photography or http://www.poshphotographyonline.com/ .

And with that, my friends, I am officially caught up in my endeavor to copy all of my Xanga posts onto this blog. Hallelujah! Except now Sarah's telling me that I can't slurp it up. Bummer. Hopefully it will be fixed soon.

~erika

New Hampshire

Original Post: Tuesday, September 16, 2008

We are back from New Hampshire and, I have to say, it is so good to be home. If I ever again think it is a good idea to drive 17 hours to somewhere, only to spend 2 days there and then turn around and drive 17 hours back, somebody please knock me out and tie me up until said lunacy is over. At least the 2 days there were pleasant. Saturday we went to Adam's cousin Hannah's wedding and had a nice time. Weddings are always fun. Below are some pics. Then Sunday we took a drive (I know, right? More driving? For recreation?) up towards the mountains and Lake Winnipesaukee, hitting Alton Bay and Gilford and Laconia. Adam used to live in Gilford when he was really small, so the Lynds family took a little trip down memory lane.

It was actually really interesting to watch. I, of course, have none of the memories that Adam and his family do. So, for me, it was just more driving and some pretty views. But for Adam's family, especially Adam and his sister Aubury, these places conjured up images and memories and emotions long forgotten. We stopped at the cottage in Alton Bay that they vacationed at every summer as kids and I got to watch as their eyes lit up just like they probably did when they were 4 and 7. They pulled me around pointing out the boulders and trees and trees they used to climb and the beach they used to romp around on. We also drove by their old house and school in Gilford and ate across the street from the shop Buzz, Adam's dad, used to own in Laconia.

The only spoiler to the day was that I was miserably car sick. New England roads are definately NOT Michigan roads and I think I would take flat and pot-holey to winding and rolling and heaving any day. Other than that it was a nice weekend away. Although I think we're all exhausted and don't want to see another rest stop for the rest of our lives, it was fun to spend time with each other and see a place that is so near to my husband's heart. Here are a few pics...

Adam and his cousins Josh (left) and Jordan (middle), ready for their boy band album cover

Aub and MeMaggie (doing a jig) and Buzz
Abbie and Matthew (Adam's cousins, adopted a year or two ago from Africa. Matthew let us have his bed for the weekend. Thanks Matthew!)
The hubby and me

At a restaurant in Laconia. I got scallops fresh from the ocean. Yum!
A view from a scenic lookout...I think in Vermont?
A view of Alton Bay, Lake Winnipesaukee, from the old cottage
Adam and Aubury at the old resort

So that's that. Like I said, I am ecstatic to be home and getting back into the swing of every day life. I missed my kiddos terribly and being back with them makes even the exhaustion from the trip seem small. Hope you all had a great weekend, too!

~erika

And We're Away...

Original Post: Saturday, September 13, 2008

Hey ya'll. I'm in New Hampshire for the weekend. We were in the car from 5:15 am to 11:00 pm. It was rough, to say the least.
I'll update with some pics when we get back. Pray that my babies do OK at my mom's for 4 days without us. Yikes! I miss them already.

~erika

Heaven, anyone?

Original Post: Saturday, September 06, 2008

I'm sick of political arguments. I hate them. I hate how up in arms I find myself when I'm talking about it. I hate that there are only two choices, neither of which are great and I have to choose the lesser evil. I hate slanderous commercials. I hate people speaking to me like I'm a halfwit because I love the Lord and my faith affects the way I think politically. I hate reading about candidates and hurting my brain trying to decipher truth and facts from incorrect innuendos and outright lies. I hate that there are so many angry men on AM radio who yell all day about what they think is right and wrong.

It's in days like these that my heart becomes very, very homesick. I long for heaven and closeness with my Jesus with every fiber of my being. I long for my home where there are no games and no hidden agendas. Where there is no one crouching around like a lion looking for whom he may destroy. Where there is no wool to be pulled over anyone's eyes and, instead, there is revelation and enlightenment and fulfillment.

I keep picturing the Little Engine That Could, huffing and puffing and straining and plugging away up that steep, daunting hill. "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can..." That is me right now, huffing and puffing and struggling through this life that almost always feels like an uphill battle to keep moving. Just another inch. And just like that little train I keep going. Not because it's fun or easy. But because I know what lies on the other side. In that valley there is hope and promise and reward. And there is Jesus. For that, I will keep on. And when I get there, and I am walking hand in hand with my Lord, I will remember the little blue train and echo her words. "I thought I could, I thought I could, I thought I could."

My greatest hope is that when I think those words, my Savior will lean over and whisper, "I knew you could, I knew you would, and you did."

~erika

Birthday Treat

Original Post: Monday, August 25, 2008

I have literally no time, but I wanted to pop on and update quickly about my life.

Tomorrow is my birthday and I had a great weekend celebrating. I will write a post later that does the fun of my weekend and the generosity of my friends and family justice. But I did want to proclaim that my husband is amazing and abundantly generous and thoughtful and sweet and wonderful. I've been praying for a laptop forever and that's what he got me for my birthday!!! He's amazing. My answer to prayers in ways so much more important and grand than being the bearer of my laptop.

So cheers to Adam, my gracious companion.

More later...

~erika

Helpful Hints for Hubbies

Original Post: Wednesday, August 13, 2008

I got this e-mail today and it made me giggle, so I thought I'd re-post it here. I'd love to say that none of the following sayings have ever come out of my mouth with the intentions described. But if I said that I'd be a big fat liar, so I won't. Hope you enjoy a little giggle. I know I did.

9 WORDS WOMEN USE – A Quick Reference Guide

(1)Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument, when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2)Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3)Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with Nothing usually end in Fine.

(4)Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It !

(5)Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6)That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7)Thanks: A woman is thanking you. Do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - then it is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' ... that will bring on a 'whatever').

(8) Whatever: Is a women's way of saying Screw You.

(9)Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to #3.

Tee-hee. Hope your week is well.

~erika

My Little Babushkas

Original Post: Tuesday, July 29, 2008

This post is really just going to be a barrage of photographs. I've finally gotten myself somewhat disciplined about not only bringing my camera with me when I take the kids out, but also actually taking pictures. I know it's sad that it took me a year and a half. But those of you with young kids can relate to me, I'm sure. Taking pictures while also trying to manage deathwatch is a tricky thing. But we've had a busy week or so and I got a few pics of all our events. So here goes...

I thought I would update you on Asher's progress in his big boy bed. He finally fell asleep in the actual bed after a few nights. Proof:

However, I went in 2 hours later and...

I returned him to bed and went to check on him a little later. He looked much more comfy, like he's taking a snooze in a hammock...

Lately, there's been a lot of this...

So we nixed the pillow for a while.

Saturday was my niece Ava's birthday party at Hager Park. They had fun running around with their cousins. And they actually wore birthday hats for a minute. It was uncanny. I was impressed.

Landon, Coltin, Ava, Donovan, Addison, Asher, and Egan

Sunday we went back to my parents' and their cousins and Laney came over to play.

Uncle Day-day (my brother Daniel) and Asher

Addison and Laney

Addison got a hula skirt the day before at Ava's birthday party. I made her wear it all day.

Last week I brought the kids to my mom's and we played on the neighbor's trampoline.



And with rocks.


Then yesterday, we went over to Coltin's to play with him and his water table. I don't think my kids really got it.


And finally, today we went to the Splash Pad at Lamar Park. They weren't so all about it. I think the water was a little cold for them. But they had fun making my mom and me chase them around.


Eating Lunch


So there you have it. A photo journal of our last few, very busy days. It's been so great for the kids to be outside so much. They don't get to go out too much during the week because I find it utterly impossible to take them out by myself. They're too fast and our yard it too treacherous for little feet that are not too sure of themselves. It's been wonderful to see their little grins and hear their heart swelling giggles as they've torn around terrorizing nature.
Hope you're all having a wonderful week!

~erika

Voices In My Head

Original Post: Saturday, July 19, 2008

I'm bone weary. Do you ever have weeks like that? Where your body is all but shutting down by Saturday night and your eyes hurt like you've just sobbed for hours but you haven't shed a tear and you start panicking because tomorrow's Sunday already and you haven't even touched the laundry and Monday is screaming up your tailpipe like an angry trucker? Such has been my week. Kasey put it best when she described what I'm feeling as paralyzed. Like all I can do is follow my kids around from room and room in an attempt to thwart them from the danger that would be imminent should they be left alone.

I don't mean to complain because, really, I have it pretty good. I have a home that is cozy and safe. I have a husband that loves me and is an amazing dad. I have two of the most precious children ever and they are healthy and sleeping soundly in their beds. And most importantly, I have a faithful and unmoveable Lord who loves and cherishes me deeply.

But sometimes, despite the number of times I repeat this little list of blessings, my entire being disregards it and politely asks, Please quit with the lists and feed me something that has been deep fried. And perhaps also dipped in chocolate, if that's possible. And if you could manage to do something completely mindless, like sit on the couch and watch hours of television, that would be swell of you. I like that voice. Ok, maybe I don't like it because, if we're honest, that voice makes me lazy and cellulitic. But I'm comfortable with that voice, so I listen to it and pretend I do so because I like it. Like that voice and I are buddies and I really should be accommodating to such a great friend.

But then there's this other little voice. More like an itch in the back of my brain. It says something like, Really? With the fried foods and the chocolate and the sloth impersonations again? Really?! Maybe you should do something else. Like make your brain process something other than Sesame Street or Wipeout. Like attempt to be creative or intelligent or at least coherent. That voice and I tend to bicker. Did you ever have anyone tell you that itches are entirely in your head and if you force yourself to not think of them then they'll go away? I don't really believe that, but I try it anyway with that little back of my brain itch. It doesn't seem to be working. But then again it never worked on real itches either.

So I heed that stupid and annoyingly healthy voice. Hence, here I sit, typing away and blithering on about weary bones and fatty foods and brain itches. And you're probably reading this and thinking, Good heavens. This girl does need a fry sundae. And you're probably right. But as I journey on with God, I'm learning that a lot of times that little voice that I like to ignore and bicker with isn't just me. It's Him. Calling me to something else, something bigger, something that demands things from me that I only possess because God put them there on purpose. And while there is probably no real kingdom changing waves rushing out of my little blog to save the world there are heart changing waves that rush back at me when I do something that utilizes a gift from the Lord. Am I saying that God told me to start a blog? No. Definitely not. But He did call me to live in the fullness of who He made me. And for me that sometimes looks like writing what I'm thinking and stretching my creative muscles. And I figure that while I'm about it, I might as well share it with some people because, who knows, maybe someone can relate. Or at least get a good chuckle out of my silly little world.

Hope your weekend is full of blessings and lots and lots of chuckles.

~erika

Wordless Wednesday: Toddler Bed Transition, Attempt #1

Original Post: Wednesday, July 09, 2008



(Elmo looks comfy, though)

~erika

Way Making

Original Post: Tuesday, July 08, 2008

There are zillions of things that I love about being a mom. Little feet and little hands. Little smiles and little giggles. Lots of hugs. Hearing my babies say “PEEZ!” after I’d almost given up on them ever understanding the meaning of manners. But one of my most favorite things has to be the way God uses motherhood to teach me things about His character. Last week brought one of those lessons and it was so smack-me-upside-the-head-blatant that I giggled about God and His way of doing things for the rest of the day.

The kids’ booster seats are set up on two kitchen chairs that sit against the wall of our dining room. Usually these chairs stay put, but sometimes, like when I need to vacuum up the aftermath of our daily lunchtime explosion, I push them back so they end up making a barrier between the dining room table and the wall. Last week, this barrier was in the way of my sweet little boy as he tried to reach his sippy cup. As some of you know, my son is a Tonka truck. He is strong and tough. If something is in his way, he will move it. If something isn’t working for him, he will make it work (which usually means breaking it, yelling UH-OH!, and then playing with it the way he originally intended). So, when Asher encountered this barricade of wood and green and white striped fabric, rather than go back the other, completely unobstructed way around the table, and despite my warnings to cease and desist, he proceeded to push against the chairs with all his might. However, instead of the chairs gliding gracefully aside and opening a path for his highness, they tipped over with a loud clatter, scaring Asher to tears.

With a knowing shake of my head I scooped him up and held him, knowing that he hadn’t been hurt, and I smirked at his insistent stubbornness. I whispered comfort into his jelly-crusted hair and kissed his tear-streaked face. Then I looked at him and said, “Honey, Mommy told you not to push on the chairs. I told you to wait for me and I would make a way for you because I knew that if you tried to make a way for yourself you’d get hurt or scared...”

Oh.

Even as the words left my mouth, I was humbled and floored as memories scuttled through my mind of those very words being spoken to me by my gracious and loving Lord time and time again. And I continued to reflect on those words long after Asher was set back down and had resumed his usual mayhem.

I think I have always imagined God saying those words with a finger shake, scolding me. “I TOLD you to wait for me!” But that brief incident with my son made me wonder how many times God’s heart for me has looked more like mine did for my child—full of love and patience with just a hint of amusement at that persistent quest for independence. And I smiled, because I’m pretty sure that’s what God’s heart usually looks like for me. After all, I’m His kid. And while He may get upset with my sin or my resolve to do things my own way, He never gets flustered and He certainly never wavers in His love for me. And His way always is better. I've learned that lesson more times than I'd like to admit. My king does, in fact, know what's best for me. Just like He said.

And I am so unbearably thankful. For God. For His unwavering love. And for my children that teach me new dynamics of that love every day. God is so good and my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude and love for Him. I hope you know His love, too, because it’s great. Both in the amazing sense of the word and the vast sense. I know that probably sounds a little cheesy, but it’s true, so I don’t care.

Hope you’re all having a blessed week.

~erika

Picture Post...finally.

Original Post: Monday, June 30, 2008

There have been a few people (Kasey) that have been wonderfully faithful in reminding me to post pictures of our new house. Well, folks...today's the day! Here are pics of my new house and also a few of my kids that my amazing mother-in-law Maggie took because they're adorable and I felt like it. Enjoy!

(NOTE: On Xanga these were all in some semblance of an order, however, Blogspot has decided to give me the finger and exclaim, "I do what I want!" and put them in whatever order it pleases. So sorry about the randomness.)

My Kiddos

The wound
My wonderful and messy kitchen
Our dining room and fireplace (taken from the kitchen, if you're trying to relate everything spacially).
My living room (taken from the fireplace) with my new mammoth couch.

Our house!

Our bedroom
My favorite room (thanks for the color advice, Linda! You're amazing.) There's a desk in this room now at which I am currently sitting.
Downstairs play room. It never looks like this. I just happened to clean it up in order to vacuum today.
~erika

I'm back...

Original Post: Saturday, June 28, 2008

Sitting down to write this post, I'm realizing that it is the first time in 2 weeks that I've breathed a cathartic sigh and released the tension in my shoulders. By the way, that's actually one of my favorite parts about writing...the relaxation and mental emptying that I force on myself before my fingers ever touch the keyboard. Writing with stress is, for me, like trying to paint a VanGogh replica with finger paints. It just doesn't happen.

Anyway, enough of that. I just thought I'd share a bit about the last two weeks in the Lynds' household. I'm actually a little overwhelmed at this task because quite a bit has happened. And, while I've written many witty and detailed posts in my head while laying in bed the last several nights, they are currently all managing to elude me. Ah well. I'll give you some highlights.

On Saturday, June 14 we officially moved in to our new house. You'd think I'd be all O Happy Day, Calloo Callay, I'm out of my parents' house. But that wasn't quite the way of things. I've long been aware of the fact that I struggle with change, even if the change being made is a great and necessary one. So for me, this move was a little bittersweet. I had gotten to live with my two best friends (Adam and my mom) for over a year and now I was leaving one. No more running upstairs to steal a shirt from her closet, no more crossword puzzles at the snackbar, no more having her around to giggle uncontrollably with at a moment's notice. This fragility was coupled with the fact that my children did not have the easiest transition either. Adam and I decided to give them their own rooms and Asher did not take to being left alone in a room to sleep. His solution: learning to leap out of his crib. So, for a couple days, I was a little sad. I'm over it now, like I knew I would be, but those few days were hard.

Monday brought a new week and a whole new set of problems. Being my first full day alone with the kids I decided to venture out into our yard, which is big and wonderful, but slightly treacherous for toddlers who have yet to become consistently sure-footed. Within ten minutes, Asher had fallen on our brick patio and cracked his head open. If you've ever seen your child gush blood from his or her head you know how scary it is. The whole thing is really a blur. I remember ripping his shirt off to stem the flow while trying to figure out where the blood was coming from because it was everywhere and screaming at Addison to Get back here! as she scampered away across the yard. Lots of tears, a trip to urgent care, 4 stitches and a bit of counseling that I am, in fact, not an unfit mother later we were all patched up. However, we have not been back outside yet without additional adult supervision.

Thankfully, that is where the trauma ended and the fun started to creep back in. We opened boxes with things long forgotten and got lost in the nostalgia of it. We rediscovered decorations and kitchen supplies like they were Christmas presents. We bought a comically large couch and a toddler bed (for my monkey son). I pulled out my books and alphabetized them (yes, I am a very nerdy bookworm). We had people over. We went over to other people's houses and got to come home to our very own.

And God has continued to bless us in ridiculous ways. We decided to get a new heater and put in central air and God dropped both units in our lap for next to nothing. We wanted a couch for the downstairs playroom and someone called us specifically to give us the exact kind of couch we wanted. Throughout this whole process I have been floored over and over again by the graciousness and goodness and generosity of God. Through all of it I've learned that when God keeps knocking you down with his amazing faithfulness, the best thing to do is just stay on the ground. So that's where I've been lately. Facedown on the ground thanking God for the blessings He's been pouring out on us, being humbled by them.

So, that's been my last few weeks. I hope all of yours have been blessed and full of the goodness of God as well.

~erika

Original Post: Thursday, June 19, 2008

just moved and am still without the internet. more later. the kids are melting.

Disco Pirate Bunnies and Dancing Warrior Babies

Original Post: Monday, June 09, 2008

I've been promising that I would write about my son for some time now. I have to admit that I've gotten all worked up about it and may be setting myself up for failure. But, ah well. After watching him the last few days I can't help but share the wonder that is Asher.

Let me start with a story about the tragedy of a little show called Bunnytown. This show airs on the Disney channel very early in the morning. So early, in fact, that my kids thankfully sleep well past it most of the time. However, lately they have been slightly anti-sleep and have gotten up just in time for good ol' Bunnytown. I've shared before that I usually let my kids watch a little bit of TV in the morning and by this point they know how to turn the TV on by themselves (a fact that is a little embarrassing to admit because of its reflection on my mothering techniques). Most of the time I'm scrambling to make them breakfast and I pay little attention to what they're watching as long as its anything but Sponge Bob Nick Jr. or Disney. A few days ago I finished making breakfast and went into the living room to grab the kids and put them in their chairs so they could eat. Before I knew it, I found myself strangely captivated by the television, which, you may have guessed, was airing said Bunnytown. The nicest word I can use to describe this debacle of a show is..."disturbing." Perhaps it's the complete lack of plot or storyline. Perhaps it's the idiotic way in which humans are portrayed (who's ever had a funny-face-making contest with a giant potato? And lost?). But I think, more than anything, I simply cannot wrap my mind around the idea of multicolored bunny puppets singing freakish songs while dressed disconcertingly similar to the Village People.

On this particular day, after being mesmerized for an unfortunate amount of time, I snapped myself out of my bunny induced stupor and made a move for the power button on the TV. At this precise moment the bunnies, dressed as sparkly pirates, began a surprisingly catchy tune entitled "Disco Pirate Bunnies." Again, I was stopped in my tracks at the sheer absurdity of such a song. Then, out of the blue, Asher came bounding into the room from whatever cubby he had been hiding in and began dancing like an African tribesman at a new moon ritual. Feet stomping, arms flapping, body careening all over the room, shrieks of delight bellowing from his mouth, he held nothing back.

And this is one of my favorite things about my sweet son. His no-holds-barred passion. When Asher does something, he does it. He doesn't tiptoe around things looking for the safe way or the comfortable way. He just dives right in and hopes for the best. This idiosyncrasy that is so dear to me has led to many a scraped knee and bumped head. Yet, he is not thwarted and as he grows, so does his gusto. He is the most passionate little man I've ever known. Just like his mommy, he feels things deeply. And just like his daddy, he is rough and tough. I adore this combination in my son. I love that one minute he is flexing his muscles and pumping his fist yelling, "straight G!" (actually it sounds more like "date dee" and, yes, I know it's a little disturbed that we taught him that) and the next minute he is curled up on his daddy's lap, in what Adam has so aptly named the Buck-o Barka Lounger, gently rubbing the silky ears of his haggard little bunny. When he laughs, it is with his whole body. And sometimes laughing isn't enough, so he lets out a piercing shriek that is so full of joy that it makes the bleeding eardrums worth it. He dances and spins. He beats drums and anything else that makes a cool sound. He climbs and leaps. And, when his sister is crying, he locates her bunny and pacifier and brings them to her, those big, brown puppy dog eyes full of concern. He is my little warrior and my teddy bear.

So, now you know a little more about my amazing lightning bolt of a son. He is special in ways that I will never be eloquent enough to write down in words. I cherish him with every fiber of my being and I LOVE being his mom. While a few short paragraphs don't do him justice, I hope I've captured enough of his essence to make you fall just a little bit in love with him, too.

Don't mind the drool. He's been teething for a year straight.

~erika