Harrison the Egg Hunter

My kid was a serious egg hunter this morning. He went nuts. Harrison didn't even notice that I was there. And when he did, he kept running. His teacher came up to "count" his eggs so she could take some out and throw them out to the other kids. She didn't pull anything over on him. He saw what she was doing and decided to throw out some more to share with his friends. He sat down to eat the goodies while everyone else kept searching.

First Campout

Adam decided that last weekend was the time to try to get Harrison to camp out for the first time. Adam has been wanting to take him into the "woods" and camp out for real, but after I pointed out the fact that he may hate it and not make it through the night, he decided to set-up camp in the back yard. I'm not sure if Adam or Harrison had more fun. They roasted marshmallows, pitched a tent, and did all sorts of fun "guy" stuff. Believe it or not, Harrison made it all night out in the tent with Adam. He was so proud of himself. Adam said the next day that sleeping with Harrison is not necessarily relaxing. Adam said that H talks to himself and grinds his teeth all night. I explained that is what every night of my life is with him. They had an awesome time and I'm sure there will be many more camp outs in the future. I'm just thankful that Harrison has a dad that wants to take him on fun adventures.

Some Thoughts...I know, go figure

First of all, this boy has stolen my heart in a way that I did not know existed. I was unsure if I could love another child as much as I love Harrison. Take heart moms expecting your second...you can and it is rather unbelievable.

So, about a week ago, our family was out to dinner at one of our favorite sit-down restaurants. For the most part, there are only old folks there as that is the demographic we reside in for the time being. Anyway, as we were leaving, a couple pulled us aside and said to me "You have done such a great job with your kids. They may be the most well-behaved kids I have ever seen. Your older son was superb and acted like a grown boy." As we said thanks, another couple close by said, "We agree. Great Job." I'm not writing this to brag. I'm writing this to tell you how blessed we were by this. Adam and I got in the car and pretty much immediately praised the Lord for 1) giving us great kids and 2) for guidance in parenting. And since then, I've been thinking a lot about this. I've been thinking a lot about why this made my day. I've been thinking a lot about my own insecurities as a parent. When I found out I was pregnant with Harrison, I laughed for about nine months while I thought about being a mother. When I was pregnant, I had serious doubts about my ability to be a "good" mother and truly what it meant to be a "good" mother. And while your pregnant, it is so nice to hear compliments like, "you looks great. I can't believe you are about to have baby," I remember one person telling me, "Mandy, you are going to be such a great mom." Oh my...I remember wanting to cry. At that point, that was the best compliment I could hear (and receive). I chose to receive it. I believed that the Lord had created me to be a mom for the first time.

It is hard to articulate that calling on your life. I mean, to be a mom, is one of the most rewarding yet challenging things one can do. It is a crazy feeling that a child (or baby) that drives you crazy, you also would take a bullet for. It is just so bizarre. But we do our best. I know there are some crazies out there, but for the most part, moms are doing their best. I am doing my best. Sure, there are times and things that I'm not proud of as a mom, but I believe that goes for all of us in all aspects of our lives. Adam and I lose sleep over our kids. We pray for our kids more than we do for anything else. It is just crazy, what children do to you. I know it sounds like I'm rambling. I am. All of this to say...tell your mom that you are thankful for what she did for you (mom, thanks for loving me unconditionally). Tell someone who is about to become a mom that you think they are going to be great. It truly is a huge blessing.

Lots of Visitors

Harrison and Emerson eating dinner together

Harrison loving on sweet Harper, who is probably the most laid back girl I have ever met. And I wanted to chew on those cheeks of hers...I mean, look at them. Maybe not chew...but lots of kisses.

Over the past few weeks we have had a revolving door of visitors (which we love). First, Matt and Allyn came to visit. And unfortunately, I didn't capture a picture, but I will say that Harrison legitimately had a crush on Allyn. It was so bizarre...not that she isn't worthy. But I've never seen my child act like this before around anyone. And after she left, he wanted to call her. In fact, he did. And when he called her, he proclaimed his love for her on her voicemail. After he hung up he said, "Mom, why Allyn not say anything back to me." Of course I explained that he just left her a message. But I wouldn't be lying if I didn't go into why he needs to guard his heart and not tell just any girl (not that you are "just any girl" Allyn) he loves her. I may have even gone deeper to try to scare him away from girls. Seriously, the thought of a girl breaking my son's heart makes me want to punch someone. Thankfully, we won't have to worry about that for a while.

Two of my good friends, Kelly (with her daughter, Harper) and Karen came to visit last weekend. Adam got to get away to Charleston and do guy things without the presence of a wife or kids...which I'm sure he needed. And lastly, the Reeds have been frequent visitors to our household. Words cannot express how happy this makes my heart. Since Allison and I graduated from college, we both went in our separate directions geographically. So, to have her nearby and able to visit has literally made my year. If you don't know Allison Reed...you need to get to know her. She is, by far, one of the most amazing people I know. And for that reason, I'm elated to have her daughter marry Harrison. I mean, I know arranged marriages aren't kosher these days. But seriously, it makes sense now that I have kids of my own. Okay, okay. I know it is ridiculous. In fact, if you saw them in action together, you would think..."ain't no way are they going to get married." And they probably won't. They are going to be forced to take vacations together for the next 15 years, so I'm sure they won't be so keen on each other (until college).

Dear 3 Month Old That Lives at My House...

I love you to pieces. You are so sweet, pretty mild at this point, and more than anything, you want people (namely, Harrison) to talk to you. Thank you for sleeping through the night so early. Mom and Dad really appreciate that. However, we have a bone to pick with you. Since you sleep on your belly, you have learned to scoot all the way to the top of your crib and wedge yourself in the bumper. This usually happens between 3 am and 5 am. And you are not a big fan. Me either. Even though it only takes two seconds to readjust you, I'd like for you to figure out how to not do it. Also, I'm glad that you have can accidentally roll over while you are asleep. But you don't like that either. So I don't. If you could address these issues soon, I'd greatly appreciate it. Love you.

Here Woodpecker...

The other day while we were playing, this is how our conversation unfolded:

H: Mom, come see this. What is that thing hammering in our tree?

M: I don't see what you are talking about.

H: Pay attention. You aren't looking. Right there. (He was right).

M: Oh, I see it. That is a woodpecker.

H: Why is that woodpecker doing that?

M: Just cause (obviously I'm distracted and to tell you the truth, I don't know why they do that).

H: Why, "just cause?" (Clearly this answer isn't cutting it anymore).

M: Well, I guess he just wants to make a hole.

H: Why does that woodpecker have red hair stuck up like that?

M: H, I have no idea.

H: I need to catch him. Where is our broom?

M: I'm not sure you can catch him with a broom.

H: Yes I can. I need my helmet too.

M: Okay, good luck and don't get too close. I don't want him to hammer on your face.

H: That's silly mom. I be careful.

And so, for the next 30 minutes, Harrison chased the woodpecker around the yard...in the appropriate garb saying "Here woodpecker. Here woodpecker. I want to see you."

Guard Dogs

Sweet Chewy and Marley guarding the stroller with Fisher in it while I played with Harrison. They weren't going to let anything happen to him. Well, at least, Chewy wasn't. Marley was just interested in guarding her ball.

Handsome

I know this is okay. This boy is handsome.

Myrtle Beach Aquarium

A few weekends ago we headed up to Myrtle to visit the Aquarium. We haven't been to an aquarium since Harrison was about 18 months old. Now, he is much more interested and he had a blast. He was a little apprehensive about the shark tank that you walk under, but I don't necessarily blame him for that. I also asked Adam to get a picture of me with both the boys...as you can see, Harrison was thrilled to be taking a picture.

Clemson Buddies

Fisher's expression mimics mine. I love it.