Monday, January 26, 2009

My Papa

Papa passed away a year ago and it is still hard to believe. I think he best way to pay tribute would be to repeat what I said at the funeral.

When I was little I hated my freckles. Papa always told me, "A girl without freckles is like a night without stars." That helped me to hate them just a little bit less. Papa also used to say, "When an idea gets loose in an empty head, it has the time of it's life." I always thought it was a funny saying, but over the years I have come to realize just how true it actually is.

Papa taught me so much - how to parallel park, to be kind to animals, how to find the area of a triangle, and what the true meaning of family really is. On our wedding day, Papa gave my husband and I some of the best advice we have ever received. He said that if you ever find yourselves in a heated argument that seems to be going nowhere - and you will - just look at each other, whisper "I love you.", and laugh. Apparently, it got him out of hot water on more than a few occasions. Papa was one of the greatest men I have ever known and I only hope my son turns out to be as good of a person as he was.


Friday, January 23, 2009

Making Cupcakes With My Cupcake

Seth has been asking to make cupcakes for several days now, so after his nap yesterday we broke out the old mixing bowl. He loves stirring around and around and around and cracking the egg - with help of course. After dinner we enjoyed them for dessert. When I asked him who made the cupcakes he slapped his hand proudly on his chest and beamed, "Me!!" I love to see him when he has a feeling of accomplishment.

Sticker Fun

Seth loves stickers. Usually, he sticks them all over paper, but the other day he decided to stick them on his face. He is so cute!

Finger Painting

I picked up some finger paints the other day and Seth has been creating masterpieces for the last two days. These paints have come a long way since I was a kid. They now come in squeeze bottles instead of jars which is much neater and allows me to control how much paint is used. I think they'll last a lot longer this way. Seth loves painting with his hands and really likes anything creative we do. I love to see him explore his inner artist.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Snow Baby

Seth played in the snow for the first time, yesterday. If you can call it that. We got a light dusting, but it was still fun to check it out. Maybe next time we'll get enough to make a snowball. Or, dare I dream, a snowman.

Yes We Did

Yesterday, Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States. I am so glad that my son gets to grow up in a country where words like progress and hope are still a part of the national vocabulary. I hope this new era brings out the best in all of us!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Yikes!

The last time we went for a haircut we had a traumatic experience. Seth ended up absolutely terrified and hyperventilating. We left before the haircut was complete. That was just before Thanksgiving and he has been looking a bit shaggy lately. I decided to take matters into my own hands. Big mistake. Seth now has three big gouges in the sides of his hair where I cut way too much off. An aunt asked him who cut his hair and when he said, "Mommy," she didn't believe him. She thought he did it himself. I almost wish he had.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Squirrel Art

The other day Seth and I created some squirrel art to feed his budding passion for the furry creatures. First, Seth enjoyed a "squirrel treat" (sunflower seeds) while I cut out the squirrel outline from construction paper. Seth painted the squirrel with slightly watered down glue and sprinkled coffee grounds over it. We added eyes, a nose and the inside of the ears with glitter glue.

This was fun, but I don't think we'll be keeping it very long. The coffee didn't all stick and seems like it will be a constant mess.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Humph....

Where is my little Mama's boy? Seth has always wanted me for everything - kissing boo boos, showing me something he did or just cuddling. For the past few nights at bedtime he has said, "Want Daddy night-night."

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Tattoo Baby

Seth loves temporary tattoos. He is always saying, "Want tattoo." It's turned into a whole ritual with him and Mark. I think Mark secretly relishes Seth's budding love of skin art. It is strangely similar to getting a real tattoo. This is how it goes:

Seth casually begins asking for a tattoo. Gradually over the next few days the frequency increases until it seems a tattoo is all Seth can think about. He and Mark will look through the stack and choose one. Right now, we have a bunch of Ed Hardy temporary tatts that range from birds, to bees to fish. Sometimes Seth chooses quickly and other times he ponders. (It's a big decision, you know.) Once the design has been chosen, they decide where to put it. Usually, it's on the arm but sometimes the chest or belly. Mark will roll up Seth's sleeve and put a damp cloth over the design. To which Seth responds with "Ouch. It hurts." sometimes accompanied by some whimpering. It doesn't really hurt - he even says he's fine. It's just part of their little game. Don't ask me how he knows tattoos hurt, but somehow he knows. Then, Mark peels off the paper and reveals the design. They both admire it and Seth shows it off to anyone who will look. Sometimes he talks his way into one for the other arm too. Over the next few weeks the tattoo will fade away and the process will start over.

These things have come a long way from the things I used to get in Cracker Jacks as a kid. They are very realistic looking, vegetable based and all natural, and last for weeks!

I'm not sure how I feel about that perfect baby skin having skulls and such on it. Seth calls it "Halleen (Halloween) Tattoo" because it reminds him of a skeleton, which makes it a bit better. And how can I disagree with something Seth and Daddy love doing together?

We are loving...

squirrels! Seth is infatuated with these little rodents. He still loves the monkeys, but squirrels are all the rage this week. The other day we spent a solid hour watching the creatures out Seth's back window. Up the tree. Down the tree. On the fence. On the ground. Scampering all over the back yard. Today at the park, we watched the squirrels almost as long as we played on the playground.

Then I taught him a song that I learned in preschool and my mom and I have sung many times growing up:

Grey Squirrel, Grey Squirrel, Swish Your Bushy Tail
Grey Squirrel, Grey Squirrel, Swish Your Bushy Tail
Wrinkle Up Your Funny Nose
Hold a Nut Between Your Toes
Grey Squirrel, Grey Squirrel, Swish Your Bushy Tail

He looks so cute scrunching up his nose!

I picked up Earl the Squirrel at a thrift shop for about two cents. It's a really cute book by Don Freeman, who also wroth the Corduroy series. I looked up some info about the book and found out some interesting things. The book was shelved for over 50 years! It was originally passed up and Don Freeman's son found it in a file after he passed away. The art work, which is all black and white except for Earl's red scarf, is all scratchboard. The story is really cute and Seth asks for the grey squirrel book several times a day.

He has been asking, "What squirrels do?" Now I find myself researching the behaviors and habitats of squirrels to whisper to him as he falls asleep at night. Did you know there are over 300 species of squirrels?

Stay tuned for squirrel art!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Fun Canvas Art Work


Seth loves to paint and this was a fun and easy project. I bought a simple stretched canvas and two acrylic paints to match his room - saltwater and chocolate. I stripped Seth down to his diaper for this one! I squeezed out some of the chocolate paint and let him go to town. When the canvas was covered I just smoothed it out a bit. Then, I put some of the blue out on a plate. Daddy helped put paint on Seth's hands and feet, blotted a bit off and put the prints on the canvas. Seth really enjoyed the project and loves seeing his hands and feet on the wall. I'm glad that we finally did something with hand prints and love that it matches his sweet decor.

Monday, January 12, 2009

I don't want to forget....

how cute Seth was in church on Christmas Eve. I didn't write this down because everything was kind of overshadowed by the Leizle sadness. Seth was really excited about everyone in church having candles. When the service ended and the candles were blown out he shouted, "Happy Birthday everybody!" I love him.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Happy Birthday Papa "Rotu"

Tonight we went to Stacy's for Papa "Rotu's" Birthday Party. Seth had been looking forward to this for a couple of days . Last night, when I was putting him to bed, I heard him let out a big breath of air. I asked him what he was doing and he said, "Blowing out candles." Too cute. He loves blowing out candles and he is now the official cake extinguisher for any family birthdays. Everyone seemed to have a good time and Papa loved his photo calendar. He said that it was the most special birthday gift he had ever been given!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

That's Right!

Seth was taking a bath earlier and was looking down the drain. He asked where "do da wateau go?" I explained to him the the water goes down the drain, through the pipes and to a water plant. Then it is cleaned and sent back to us through the pipes. To which he replied, "That's right Mommy." Apparently he already knew!

What a little smarty!

Seth was helping me straighten up his room today and I asked him to hand me the letters to his name that he had taken off of the wall. He handed them to me in exactly the right order. I was so impressed!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Oh No!

Yesterday I took Seth to the zoo and when we came out our car had been broken into! The passenger window had been broken out and my purse was stolen. We called the police and made a report. By the time I called the bank, the thief had already made several purchases on my card. I was parked on the second row right in front of the enterance. I know I shouldn't have left my purse in the car, but how sad that you can't even take your child to the zoo without being robbed.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Play-Doh Mania

Seth loves Play-Doh! The other day we busted in to the canister that Molly gave Seth for Christmas. It had over 50 pieces including ten colors, lots of cookie cutters, molds and even a super fun sprinkle maker. The best part is a little piggie that picks up all of the little bits of dough! Seth and I played with the kit for a couple of hours the first day. Since, he says every day, "Ont to do Play-Doughs." and it keeps us occupied for quite some time. The canister also doubles as a drum and a step stool - whether I like it or not!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Cousins

Seth loves his three cousins so much. He cannot wait for more! Our time with the cousins is so treasured, especially because we don't have that much of it. Nate and "Wheel" (Will) live in Pittsburgh, so we only get to see them a few times a year, but when we do, there is much excitement in the air.

Nate and Will were just down, after Christmas and Seth got to spend a lot of time with them. They are a bit older than Seth - Nate is 7 and Will is 5 - so he got to do a bunch if big boy stuff. Some of the highlights included riding a scooter, climbing trees and catching (and kissing) a lizard! Seth sees little lizards at Mimi's all of the time and always talks about catching one. How exciting that Nate caught one while he was there! Nate and Will find Seth entertaining too. Nate especially found it funny when Seth told him, "I like to moob it, moob it. (move it, move it)" . We can't wait to see them again.

Molly lives is Charlotte so we get to see her more, but it is never enough. She and Seth have a special bond because they are exactly six weeks apart. They met for the first time when Seth was one day old when Molly came to Columbia on her first road trip. For the first year or so, they basically ignored each other. But now it is like magic when they see each other. Seth often has to get over his shyness - which now only takes a few minutes. It is quite funny how the two have such different personalities. Molly is the life of the party. She doesn't mind being the center of attention and always has something to say. She is most definitely outgoing and I imagine she'll have a career in stand-up comedy. Seth is so shy. He sometimes hides behind me when we first arrive. He loves to play, but he is pretty serious about playing.His shyness has a sweetness to it and makes me feel special sometimes because he saves something of him just for me. I get to see that glow that not everyone else is privy to. I remember one time, this past summer, when we arrived Molly came running out to greet us. She was giggling and shouting, "It's Seth!" He replied by laying down with his back on the cement and freezing. He has come a long way from this though.

In December, Molly had her first sleep over when we were at Grandma and Papa's. The two played all day. We went to a festival in Matthews and even got to visit with Ashley. That night the two fell asleep when their heads hit the pillow! Seth talks about Molly all of the time and often says, "Ont to go to Charleet. See Bolly."



Tuesday, January 6, 2009

So I Won't Forget...

Seth say so many cute little things and I don't want to forget them. I thought I'd make a list:

Seth says his C's as T's so that makes for much cuteness.

Milk - Milt
Mark - Mart
Carlee - Tarlee
Cookies - Tooties (2Ts)
Monkey - Muntey
Book - Boot
Christmas - Tismas
Look - Loot
I want to touch the ceiling. - Ont to tut ta teiling. (Daddy's favorite.)

Many family members names take a bit of deciphering.

Mommay (Mommy)
Banaw (Grandma)
Buyah (Miles)
Unctle (Uncle)
Tis and Tarol (Chris and Carol)
Daney (Dana)
Minnow (Mingo)
Banaw Tatoic (Grandma Bozurich)
Etta (Erika)
Bolly (Molly)

Here are some cute words and phrases:

Halleen (Halloween)
Poopsh (Poop)
Beep Beep (Passing gas - he came up with this at about a year.)
Dat my lap. (What he says to Pup Pup when he wants her down.)
Weet Weet (What a bird says.)
I lub you. (Love - sooo sweet!)
Right Day (Right there.)
Help Mom! I'm 'bout to fall. or I'm tuck (stuck). (Usually just playing - not falling or stuck.)
The udder way or The udder one the udder way. (When he wants to go somewhere else or do
something else.)
Oont Mo - Want more - his first two word phrase - he doesn't really say it anymore.



There is so much more but, of course, I can't think of them right now. I'll add to this post here and there.

Monday, January 5, 2009

What's you name?

The other day, when we were visiting a relative, a neighborhood child joined Seth, Nate and Will while they were playing outside. She took a liking to Seth and before you knew it they were holding hands. She asked him his name. Seth's new favorite question is "What's you name?" It's just about adorable. When I was putting him to sleep tonight, he kept whispering to me. Each time he said the word you, I could feel his little finger poke me in the shoulder. This is is how the conversation went:

S: What's you name?
M: My name is Amy, but you can call me Mommy. What's your name?
S: Esth (He can't quite say Seth yet.) What's you name?
M: My name is Mommy. What's your name?
S: My name Esth. What's Daddy name?
M: Daddy's name is Mark and Daddy. What's Pup Pup's name?
S: Pup Pup name Pup Pup. What's you name?
M: My name is Amy and Mommy.
S: (Hugging me.) Dat my Amy. (too cute) What's Bana (grandma) name?
M: Grandma's name is Carol and Grandma. What's Miles' name?
S: Buyah name Buyah. What Mimi name?
M: Mimi's name is Judy and Mimi.
S: Mimi not Dudy. Mimi. What's you name?

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Little Helper

Seth loves to help out with...anything. Last night, Mark was working on his tattoo contact screws and Seth was right up in the mix. Mark's new drill is much quieter than the old one and Seth isn't even afraid of it!

We are loving...

wooden puzzles. Santa brought Seth a dozen wooden puzzles with a rack that keeps them all neat and organized. Mimi has some similar puzzles, but this is the first time I have really done puzzles like this with Seth. He is really good at the ones where each shape is independent and quickly learning to do the more complex puzzles where the pieces come together to form a picture. Each day since Christmas he had said at least once, "Want to do puzzle." And I am more than happy to oblige. We both enjoy it! The other day I put one puzzle out for him and was looking through the others. By the time I got back to the table - less than a minute later - he had already completed the puzzle. What a little smarty we have.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Happy New Year

We had a great time at Dana and Domingo's New Years Eve Party. Seth napped the whole way to Charlotte and he and Molly both made it to midnight. They even toasted to 2009 with sparkling grape juice. The two of them are so cute together.

I am glad to be saying goodbye to 2008. Although we do have many good memories throughout the year, we also had some great losses - Papa in the beginning and Leizle at the end.

On to 2009.

Things are looking up!