Theo

a first: playing in the snow

Posted on by mommyinthemidwest
Our backyard.  Their playground.

Until yesterday, the snow was something that the boys just watched from inside.  Stomped on in the driveway or knocked off of a bush while on their way to the car.  I’m not going to lie – I hate the snow.  The reason they have never played in the snow is because I don’t want to play in the snow. Hate is not a strong enough word.  Sure, it’s pretty.  But worthless as far as I’m concerned.  However, the first words out of Theo’s mouth when I picked them up from the babysitter were “Mommy, can we play in the snow?!”  He had such an excited, hopeful look on his face that I couldn’t find an excuse to say no.

We got home and bundled up and went right back outside for about 45 minutes.  I was paranoid the entire time that they were going to freeze.  Every time they sat on their knees to play.  Every time they fell on their bottoms and just sat there laughing.  Also, I was freezing.  But the looks on their faces were so priceless and sweet.  I guess that dumb snow’s not entirely worthless. Anything free that can elicit such wonder and amazement has some innate value, correct?  Without further ado.

Checking the mail before we go inside.
Well, that was fun.  Is it springtime yet?
~C~

first trip to the dentist

Posted on by mommyinthemidwest

I figured since our pediatrician has asked us at Theo’s last two check-ups if we have taken him to the dentist (and tried to push a local pediatric dentist’s card on us when we said “no”), I ought to try to squeeze this in before his three year check up in a couple weeks. Disregard the fact that I’m freaking out because my BABY boy is almost THREE…

Anyway, what’s “the” age to take a child to the dentist?  I’ve heard everything from when they get their first flippin’ tooth to when they start school.  We’re about halfway between and I guess these early visits can be considered trial runs for when he has more intense appointments in the future.

He went today.  I chose to take him to the dentist that Ryan and I go to for convenience, with an open mind that they may not do a great job with toddlers.  Can I still call him a toddler?  He seems too old for that.  I digress.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Theo. He did well, but he was not a fan of the gritty toothpaste or the bright light.  I was shocked at how well the staff did with Theo.  Above and beyond for sure.  If they had not been so great, maybe Theo would have not done as well as he did.  He just seemed like such a big boy sitting in that cool chair.  The hygienist let him go up and down as many times as he wanted. She showed him the x-ray machines and let him pick out his favorite Lightning McQueen toothbrush and let him push buttons on every single thing.  So kind and patient.

Helping suck the water out of daddy’s mouth.
Getting a closer look.  Disregard that nice bedhead he’s got going on.
Spraying the water in daddy’s mouth. P.S. I was cracking up this whole time.  I’m sure Ryan thoroughly enjoyed having a 2 year old dental assistant today. 
Theo’s turn!
Having second thoughts about this bib.
The light’s a little bright, lady.
Being very cooperative!
Much better!
Helping Dr. Rob take another look at dad.
Checking out those pretty pearly whites in the mirror.
Got his picture on the Wall of Super Duper Patients.
Along with every other child patient they see.
Such a big boy. I don’t know why this milestone feels like such a big deal – I guess maybe because it is coinciding with his 3rd birthday next Friday.  Crazy!  All I know is that I look at his long legs and engage in thoughtful conversation with him and it’s hard to believe how much he’s changed in three short years.  I just love this little boy. 
xo,
~C~

a letter to my sons: every night, before I go to bed.

Posted on by mommyinthemidwest

Every night, before I go to bed.

I shuffle down the hallway, sliding one foot past the other on the slick wood floors to avoid making any noise, until I’m standing just outside your door.  I flip on the hallway light so I don’t trip over a toy carelessly left in the middle of your bedroom floor. And so I can see your face.  I always pause at the door with my fingertips resting on the handle, just for a moment, silently asking myself if I should risk it.  With little hesitation, I slowly press down on the handle and gently push your door open just an inch or two and peer into the darkness.  I wait.  I listen for rustling blankets or changes in your breathing.  Moments later, I crack the door wide enough so that when I turn sideways, I can easily slip in.  I don’t want to let in any more light than I need.  I stand still again, waiting for my eyes to adjust.  Listening to the rhythm of your breath.  In. Out. In. Out.  Like waves in the ocean lapping the shore. Calm. Predictable.

I tiptoe over to where you sleep and admire your innocence.  Your sweetness.  I marvel at the little person you are growing into every day and at the fact that your father and I literally created you.  Brought you into this crazy world.  I pull your covers up to your chin to keep you warm throughout the night because I anticipate that I won’t see you again until morning.  I do the same thing to your brother.

Every night, before I go to bed.

I want your peaceful faces to be the last thing I see before I fall asleep.  These are a few of my favorite moments of each day that I take to bed with me.  I go to bed knowing you are warm, safe, and content.  Every day, I go to bed knowing you were kissed and hugged and told that you are loved.  I go to bed appreciating that you have a warm, safe place to lay your head at night.  That you have food in your belly and sweet dreams in your head.  That you are fortunate enough, that we all are fortunate enough, to not know the difference.  Nothing can replace the feeling of your head on my shoulder, your arms around my neck, or your voice in my ear whispering “I love you, mommy.”  I love the chaos and the hustle and bustle that we repeat, day after day. 

But these moments, every night before I go to bed….they are my favorite.

xo,
Mommy