2013 Recapped

Lucky #1 and #2, Smokers and Sushi, Ops VP, Workin' for the Wolverines, Bunches of Sticky Bellies, Beaches and Bush Gardens, Two Years Young, FUN, 65 RAKs, Lucille Marie, Ann Arbor and Additions and All the Pretty Girls... Oh what a year.

Missing the olds

It's been more than a week since Grandma Betty (and Grandpa Bob) returned to Escanaba. I must say, I miss the help. Not only was the meal prep and Maizey-entertainment appreciated, daily, day-time adult interaction was nice.

Did I mention the Maizey entertainment?

Awesome.

Little Lady Love

In a month, Maizey has become such a little person. Will and I are astounded at the changes we've seen since early April. She has a sense of humor - is giggly and silly. She chatters non-stop. Favorite phrases? "What's up, Mom," "See you later," and "I came back." Not to mention calling anybody with freckles "Polka-dot face."

She loves to sing.

Especially in bed.

Her symmetrical thigh-rolls are nearly extinct, replaced by long, lean legs. She entertains herself for thirty minute intervals outside, shoveling rocks and dumping them into different buckets. She amazes me.

But, more than that, the love I feel for her amazes me. I loved her so much when she was born. And I love her more and more every day. Last weekend was Mother's Day and instead of wanting respite from my bustling toddler, I wanted to spend time with her - a definite departure from last year. It's not that I didn't love her just as much before - we just weren't "friends." Weird, I know, but I honestly feel like this little towhead is my pal. I enjoy her company. Wow.

What else amazes me? The speed in which the last two years have passed. Every parent I know (including check-out-line acquaintances) told me this but I had to learn it myself. I remind myself regularly that there is no rewind. That I need to enjoy this time. Sassy or sweet. But, not to dwell too much. Not too spend too much time "capturing" the moment or reflecting, and by extension missing the real moments that matter.

Another thing Mamas of two (or more) have said? You don't think you can love another child as much as you love the first, but you can. Just as much. And like the first, your love will grow every single day. This comforts me as I fret about how much I have to give...

And, as I wrap up, I'll repeat an adage a dear friend shared when I was struggling with infant Maizey: The days are long but the years are short. Oh so true.

Yogurt rocker

What I was greeted with upon returning from work last night...

My daughter sitting on the counter, feeding herself yogurt straight from the container, wearing the same thing she had on when I put her in bed the night prior, and with cuckoo-bananas hair.

Bonus fact? Learning Care Group's CEO visited Maizey's Childtime earlier in the day. 

Nice. Great impression. Dad's excuse? It was pajama day.
Ummm. Yeah.