Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Hunter: 24 Months


I know, I know, I haven't been great at blogging the monster's monthly photos (or even taking them for that matter), but you guys... my baby boy is two.  He's not my baby boy anymore.. he's-- a little boy. 

I had this big realization last week:  I am finally enjoying being a mom.  Now don't think that I didn't love Hunter with ever fiber of my being, but I for the past 23.5 months, I have been in survival mode.  Every single day felt like I was just trying to make it through the day, and if I could without either Hunter or I melting down, it was a victory.  I think I am a relatively "good" mom, but I wasn't enjoying it.  At all.  

However, the past couple of weeks I've realized that I really like it.  I like spending time with Hunter.  I like talking with him.  I like laughing with him.  I like thinking of activities to do with him.  I *gasp* want to have another baby (no, this is not a pregnancy announcement).  Step aside Stella-- Lizzie got her groove back!  Hey girl!

In the past month, we took an overnight trip to Margate, NJ with our dear friends Max and Whitney.  It was the best weekend!  Hunter was so well behaved, and we had so much fun playing in the sand and splashing in the waves with Daddy. 


So much fun that he PASSED.  OUT. on the walk back from the beach.


We took a chance and went out to dinner (something we never, ever do with Hunter), and he was great.  When he had finished eating, I took him to the front of the restaurant because he was fascinated with the live musicians and their "tars" (guitars).  


He even took a spin on the dance floor with his Momma


On Labor Day we spent some time at the Elmwood Park Zoo to feed the giraffes with my brother, his wife Bryn, their three kids Owen, Skylar and Hayes, and their friends.  Hunter got to spend some quality time with his Uncle Tim



Skylar, Aubry, Owen H. Owen M. Hunter

In other news worthy events of the past month, the Bubs spiked a 104+ fever for the first time.  Although he wasn't showing any other sick symptoms, we took him to the ER as a precaution.  They stripped him down to his skivvies and kept an eye on him until the fever came down.  And watched monster truck videos on Daddy's phone


Hunter continues to be obsessed with all things cars.  The only toys he will play with have four wheels.  He also really loves "playing cars" with Daddy-- aka JEGs plays Forza on XBOX and Hunter holds his own remote.  Although most of the time is spent as Hunter changing the type of car they are driving.


We really try to spend time outside while the weather is still nice.  Our neighbors gave us their old bike seat for JEGs' bike.  Hunter loves to go around the block a couple times, and you can hear him giggling as we go over bumps.


After many years of saying the only thing that would make me run was if someone was chasing me, I started the Couch to 5K program.  It's a great way for me to get some exercise and keep Hunter occupied at the same time.  We snagged a jogging stroller from a consignment sale, and we pound the pavement 3-4 days a week together.  


In semi-related news, I hate this jogging stroller with every fiber of my being.  Can anyone recommend a good stroller for a newbie runner?  I'm not going for speed right now, still running in timed increments.  I am thinking I want a swivel wheel because this fixed wheel I have gives me the fits.

Bubs-
  I can't believe it little dude... you are two years old.  You have grown up so much in the past year!  You have moved from the Young Toddler Room to the Older Toddler room at day care.  We miss Miss Tara and Miss Jen a lot, but so far you really like Miss "Inder" (Ginger) and Miss "Affy Daffy" (Stephanie).  Your crew at school seems to be Jordan, Jack and Zach-- they always get excited when you walk in.

Everyone we meet comments on how well you speak.  Your verbalization is pretty good-- you will repeat pretty much anything that is asked of you (and a few things that aren't, like Mommy's cussing. Oops), you can put together complete sentences, spell your name, know all your colors, count to 10 and according to your teachers, say your ABC's (I have yet to hear this).  You love to listen to music and dance by flapping your arms and running in circles.  Your most prized possession is your Mater push toy, he is the first thing you play with when you get home, and you always ask to take him outside.

You are definitely as stubborn as your mother- if I try to help you with something you'll say "No Mommy.  I do myself!".  There are days when you are in full-on toddler mode of screaming when things don't go your way, throwing, kicking, hitting and touching things that YOU KNOW you aren't supposed to touch.  When we go to scold you, you run and hug our legs and say "hug Mommy/Daddy, hug" which instantly disarms us.

No matter how good or bad the day has been, we miss you when we are at work, or even when you are in bed.  You are the best thing that has ever happened to us, and we wouldn't trade you for the world.


Yellow, little dude.
  Mommy and Daddy.

1 comment:

Kim @ NewlyWoodwards said...

He is such a handsome little dude! So glad you got your groove back - although the casual observer would never have known you didn't have it all along.