A visit to see Great Grandma Grace

There are lots of people we like to see and visit but going to Grandma Grace's is always an adventure.  This was JD's second trip to see his great grandma and it was wonderful.

I realized that at the age of 96 Grace Sullivan, is by far one of the most remarkable people I know.  When we arrived she had prepared her house for JD to travel and explor.  She had a high chair ready for him to eat with and toys out for him to play with.  It was remarkable to me how much work she went to and how great she was with JD.

The trip is a long one for a little man; 6+ hours to get there.  We did our traditional gathering at night at the local pizza shop DiMaggio's and then Sunday we enjoyed church at the United Methodist Church.  Since I was younger than JD when you got to church with Grandma and you sit in the second pew.  After chruch we headed to Dairy Queen for lunch.

It is funny as my Grandma commented on her "routine" and that some might consider it less than exciting.  Personally, as the mother of a one year old, I love nothing more than routine.  A stable sleeping schedule, eating schedule and in general a stable schedule makes everything better in our world!

Our second night we headed to French Lick resort as I had a work conference.  That night wasn't quite so peaceful and JD was NOT happy to be in another hotel room.  It was the first night in ages that we got less than 3 hours of sleep and I forgot how nerve racking that can be.  At 4am I tried to determine a "plan" with your Dad for how the next day was going to go.  It was classic.

This past weekend we got to recover a bit, watch some OSU basketball and celebrate Grandpa's 70th birthday.  We seem to be having lots of different adventures and travels these days!

As Easter comes this weekend, we will have a visit to see Grandma Barb and see all the Dancers and Satterfields.  You are loved by so many and we are so lucky to have such a great and supportive family.  Sunday, we will head to Grandma Pat's and enjoy some time with the Katy, Heath, Annabelle and Taylor. 

My hope is that you will always know the importance of love and family.  From our church, to friends to our biological family having people to support, love and inspire you are what make life so fun.  Each adventure is better because of the people who travel with you.

Celebrate!

We are one!  I cannot believe it; a year, a whole year has gone by.  To celebrate the planets aligned and we were able to share in one of the most amazing days. 

The morning started with J.D.being super sweet; then we headed to the Lincoln Theater and went to the Peanut butter and Jazz concert series.  The New Basics Brass Band were playing and as fate would have it--they actually played at our wedding.

Afterwards, we headed back to our house with the family and enjoyed Tommy's pizza, salad and some homemade cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies. 

JD, is an amazing kid.  He loves his dad, music, the book, Green Hat/Blue Hat, he loves people and dancing.  Everyday I am astounded by his curiosity, creativity and courage.  I am learning so much being a mom and each moment is precious.

One year, I can't believe it!

Dat, Dat, Dat

There is no one thing that JD loves more right now than his friend Tuscany and for that matter Scarlet (Grandma's dog).  "Dat dat dat" comes out of this sweet little boys mouth at least 100 times a day.  No Joke, this morning he was starving at 3am and then again at 4am and both times as we laid him back to bed all you heard was "Dat, dat, dat."  The minute he wakes up from his nap and hears the click of Tuscany's nails on the hardwood floor or the shake of her collar you seem him grin from ear to ear and ask for her.  When we drop him off at Grandma's same thing, "dat, dat, dat."  It is amazing how so early on this relationship is such a huge part of our little man's life. 

Kevin and I both comment on how lucky we are because both dogs are great to him.  Tuscany has always been an amazing dog but I had no idea just how amazing she is until I had JD.  She sits at the top of the stairs and is our baby gate for JD most days.  She lets us know when he is crying and we are not getting up fast enough.  She even allows him to pull out huge clumps of her beautiful tail and doesn't even flinch.  A few "grrs" when JD comes in a grabs her favorite toy but mostly it is kisses, patience and understanding.

I sometimes wonder if the reason JD says "dat" and smiles so much when he sees Tuscany; is because she is truly the best type of parent.  She protects, encourages, kisses and has limitless patience. 

JD will likely not have the joy to have memories of Tuscany as she is 11 and has health issues but through this blog, his journal and the many different photos we have taken, my hope is that he will know that Tuscany was the best dog any family could ever has ever known.  And more importantly from the time that he was in my belly, Tuscany watched over him and loved him unconditionally and helped him to smile hundreds of times a day.  

The Next Era

At 10 months old, my little man is full of energy and absolutely exploding in every area of development.  As you can see by the 10 month picture; he is standing up and trying to figure out this whole walking thing.  Additionally, this morning he discovered the toilet and even put his little rubber ducky in it; luckily I rescued the duck from the toilet before JD went in after it.

Each and every day I feel blessed, but there are two times a day that I consider to be my favorite.  First, early in the morning JD and Dad get up and go downstairs.  I have the great pleasure of lying in bed for another 30-60 minutes and I listen to the two of them.  Hearing the laughter and the constant "dat, dat, dat" of JD and the repeat of Dad "dog, dog, dog" is my favorite thing each morning.

Then, each night we get home from work and it is pretty busy between dinner, bath and bedtime.  But there is about 20-30 minutes right as JD is calming down where we read a book, say the Lord's prayer and then rock and have a bottle.  Each of these minutes are amazing.  As I say the Lord's prayer I always reflect on the power of that prayer and am aware of the great wisdom in each line.  I hope JD will grow to enjoy the Faith and love in the prayer just like me.  Then as we finish each bottle, JD nestles his head in the curve of my neck and I feel like the luckiest woman in the world. 

It is a great life that I lead, each day starting with moments of pure please and happiness and each day feeling loved and loving in return.  

The Gift of JD's Happiness

Wow, can't believe it has almost been six weeks and so much fun has been happening.  Sunday Funday continues with many adventures, tree decorating and even celebrating birthdays!

Mostly, JD has continued to amaze me and Kevin.  His "constitution" is like no child I have ever met.  I feel so blessed to be his mom, because each day I am fortunate enough to learn from him.  Now, granted I have always thought of myself as a positive/happy person but JD takes it to another level.  His laugh melts your heart and if you get caught up doing work, talking on the phone or even with another person for too long, instead of interrupting with a scream or yell, he laughs.

Now, I know that most all parents are amazed by their children and all grandparents are too.  But I do believe JD has a spirit that will help us all to witness what true happiness is and my goal is to try to live in the moment with him and to foster that happiness.  What a gift!

Columbus Half-Marathon

This past Sunday, for the first time in three years, I woke up worrying about a race.  At 3am, thanks to JD deciding he was hungry, I got up and couldn't get back to sleep.  All for good reason, because by 5:30, I needed to be up and ready to prepare for the Columbus 1/2 Marathon. 

I had trained for the last three months and even had encourage Katy, my sister to do it with me.  Unfortunately, Saturday morning I got the call from Katy and she was still sick and had decided she couldn't run it.  That meant I was going to be on the adventure all by myself; it was a bit scary but I had have done it before so knew I could do it again.

So, Sunday morning, I snuggled with my little man at 3am and told him how I was going to leave early and head downtown to show him that no matter what happens in life, having a goal and accomplishing it is very important.  Especially goals that involve keeping yourself healthy and happy.

It was the most beautiful weather and thanks to the amazing support of my friends and family, the 13.1 miles went by fast and were, dare I say it; fun?! 

Along the way, Natalie and Naomi were there with a great big orange sign and countless supporters cheered me on.  I especially enjoyed watching a mother/son team that was keeping about my same pace.  It was so cool for me to think that I started training for this to share with JD that he can do anything.  Then to imagine the two of us doing it together someday--that would be amazing!

At the finish, I will never forget Taylor, my niece looking up at my medal and asking "Baba, did you win?" I proudly answered her; "Yes, Taylor, I did win."

We all win each time we take risks and challenge ourselves.  In my lifetime, I have been honored to witness great successes from athletic accomplishments, to GPA and graduations, to seeing Lee persevere each day just to take a step.  No matter what life will bring JD's way, he will know that if he works hard--he can do anything. 

So our Sunday Fun-day; was a bit more fun for me than JD.  I think the finish line frightened him but it will be a day that I will remember and tell him about, time and time again.  He was the main reason I decided to try to do another half-marathon and he was the reason I finished.

That's right pumpkin patch, apple picking, the whole family off to another adventure.  Can't say that JD was all into it, but Kevin and I thought it was great fun.  Lynd's Fruit Farm, was the first of what will be many trips JD will take in the fall for pumpkins, apples and the like. 

In addition to this amazing Sunday, we are so excited for tomorrow; the big 7 months.  I can hardly believe how quickly the last 7 months have past.  I must admit that I am loving this stage of development.  Today, JD has learned how to almost turn his noises into more articulated words.  DADADADA was used on several occasions and if I didn't know better; full conversations are happening as he goes to sleep and wakes up. 

I think it might be one of those things that borders on weird as a parent.  How much time we spend listening to our kids without actually doing anything.  Seriously, I think I listened to JD talk to himself this morning for about 25 minutes before I finally decided okay, best to go in.  And I am so thankful we don't have a video monitor; seriously how many hours would I just watch my little man sleep...I don't want to know!

It has been an amazing journey these last seven months and we look forward to all this adventure has in store.