"Give it to Mikey, he'll eat anything!"

Do you remember that saying?  Come on, somebody, anybody... tell me someone remembers that. Well I do, whether it's a figure of my imagination or not, I do.  I have a Mikey in my house. He's better known to us and all of you as Tucker. This child, God bless his sweet soul, will eat just about anything you give him.

It's very rare that we find something that Mikey, I mean Tucker, will not eat. He's not a fan of mashed potatoes or french fries, or fish sticks (but can you blame him there).  Pretty much everything else goes down his little hatch with no problems what.so.ever!

Every morning the pitter patter of his little feet come down the hallway, getting faster as he gets closer. His first stop, the refrigerator for his milk. Next, this little man wants food!!!  Don't give him something to hold him over, give him food, PRONTO!  This morning was like all the rest. I was as ready for him as he was his food. I had the waffles ready, apple cut up, and his milk awaiting him.

Later that morning I went to take a quick shower. He was 'supposed' to be sleeping. As you all know he climbs out of his crib more often than not. While I was in the shower, he escaped and this is what I found....

I suppose he couldn't decide which tasted the best and after chomping into the third one he decided apple wasn't really what he wanted after all.

It's steer time

There comes a certain time around here when the young bulls have to reach their destiny of becoming steers. For some of these little fellows, that time came this past weekend. I hate it for them, but I love watching Carter get in the middle of what's going on. I can't dare tell you what he calls this event. It's just too funny.  I'll have to keep that one a secret for a bit longer!!!  A few of the shots from the day.

Halloween is coming....

Although the slightest hint of Fall is in the air, that's not the only thing. On Sunday we found a BAT under our shed where we park the car.  The dogs were barking and we couldn't see anything that they should be barking at. Finally a few minutes later Travis goes out and finds this little guy hanging out. He rescued him and helped him find his way to the fence where he dangled upside down.  We were leaving for church and I wasn't sure if he was hurt or what. When we came back, he was gone so I'm assuming all is well with Mr. Bat.

Up, up, and over

Regardless of whether or not we, or should I say I am ready or not, the day is coming that we will be converting Tucker's crib to a toddler bed.  The thought makes me shudder. I can see it now, I'll put him down for nap time or bedtime and he'll be like a jack in the box and spring right up.

Let me explain. About three days ago I was sitting here in the very rare silence of my home, updating some things on the computer. I heard Tucker waking up but it was that quiet babble they do before they scream out, MOMMA!  I decided to let him wake up fully before running in to get him. The babble stopped. I found it very odd but the optimistic side of me said well maybe just maybe he's laid back down and drifted back off to sleep.  I can dream people, right?  The silence remained for a few seconds more until I heard the creak of the door. My eyes wide as half dollars, I thought to myself surely he did not just open the bedroom door. I then heard that siren call, "MOMMMAAAA!!!!" My fear was true, he had climbed out of his crib ever so quietly and was on a mission to find me.

I being the camera snapping momma that I am decided I'd see just how he accomplished this little task. I put him back in the crib. He didn't cry when I put him back, he looked at me and laughed, almost as if he knew why I was putting him back in there. I ran to get the camera and stood at his door.  He just stood there for a minute smiling at me and then it happened, he walked to the corner, pulled with every bit of strength his little tiny arms has, threw his right leg up and over the rail and he was coming out!  His chubby belly failed the first attempt but give it a few more tries and he'd have it down pat.  I couldn't help but laugh. He was like a prisoner breaking free, smiling like a cat that ate the canary!

So, there it was nap time was over. I just let him run off to play, and then just watched him as I pondered to myself how on earth will I conquer a toddler bed with this Houdini, Evil Kenevil.  He looks all sweet and innocent in the pictures I post but don't let that adorable smile and bright blue eyes fool you for one second. The kid is related to the tasmanian devil, hence his nickname Tasmanian Tucker!!!  He's going to be our Macgyver. He'll pull anything apart, climb over anything regardless of height, find any button to push, if you give it to him... he'll work his magic!

The escape tactics I thought had left his small little memory, I was wrong. This morning I found my way to the couch as I awaited his normal 7:00 a.m., "MOMMA!" The sun continued to rise higher and higher into the sky. The living room was getting brighter and brighter, and I'd not heard a peep from the room down the hall. Then.... it happened. "MOMMA!" But it was louder and much closer than it should have been. As I slowly tried to gather my thoughts, I heard the pitter patter of his little fat feet coming down the hall as if he were racing in the Daytona 500.  Houdini had escaped, again!  He rounded the corner into the living room where he first looked around and then spotted me. He gave me the biggest 'HA! HA!  you didn't think I'd do it again, did ya!' smile and then told me "Choo, Choo!" meaning he wanted to watch Thomas. He turned around and as quickly as he entered he was back down the hall headed for Carter's room.  He jumped on Carter's bed and pointed at the t.v., "Choo Choo! Momma, Choo! Choo!" I just stared at him in a wee bit of shock.

***This is his new "fake" cry, lovely! I think they both inherited a bit of drama from their momma!***

Ready or not, my baby days are coming to a screeching halt! So if any of you have any pointers to guide me along this bumpy road I'm about to head down, please have mercy on my soul and share your strategies with me.  Please, I beg of you!  I know he'll give me a run for my money, and quite frankly... I'm broke!

Happy Thursday my dear friends!

Wordless Wednesday

Bubbles and Giggles

Bath time just might be one of the most hectic times at our house. Tucker is a wild man in the tub. He's up, he's down, he's slipping, he's sliding. Every night I feel like I've had my workout for the day. Most nights I'm literally out of breath when I get finished with him.  You know how it is to hold on to a bar of soap? Well, that's like trying to hold onto a slippery, slimy baby he's anywhere but where I want him to be.

Most nights are quite eventful, but then there are nights like tonight that I just let my hair down and let them have at it. Bubbles galore, and giggles more!  It's not often that the little dudes get to take a bath in the "big tub" it just works better for me in their bathroom. Tonight was fun night.  They had bubbles blowing everywhere, splashing water over my head and camera all over the walls, but the giggles they shared were priceless.  It's nights like tonight that remind me how much I adore hearing them laugh. If we could bottle up the sound of a child's laughter, the world just might be a brighter place!!

Just look at these pictures, tell me they don't make you smile!





Then, bath time ends. The calm after the storm. There is absolutely nothing sweeter then holding on to your baby as the fall to sleep in your arms. The smell of baby lotion and baby powder.... makes me wish my baby wasn't growing up so fast!!

For now, sweet dreams my little ones!

Watch out Kindergarten, HERE COMES CARTER!!!!

Twas the night before kindergarten and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. My Carter was ready, excited no doubt... tomorrow starts kindergarten, they'd better watch out!!!!



This morning came and went without any problems. Little man was awakened by his alarm clock, also known as, Tucker. When I made my way to his room Travis already had Tucker perched on Carter's bed watching Thomas the Train. Carter was lying there looking at me like are you kidding me, you want me to get up?!  He's certainly my child, no question about it!  He finally pulled himself out of bed. Just like his mother did when she was a child, he grumbled about breakfast, and said he'd just wait for lunch. I couldn't argue with him, I hated eating breakfast before school.  Just ask my mom, she fought many, many mornings!!! I'm not ready to fight him just yet, LOL!!



After a few minutes the chipper, talkative Carter we all know and love was coming alive. He was dressed so pretty (yes I just said pretty... I know he's a boy, but he's pretty to me!), I just smiled. My heart was so excited, nervous, anxious, and a few butterflies were swarming in my stomach but not for long. How can you be sad when you see a child that is so ready?!  I remember my first day of kindergarten, I walked up the ramp to my classroom opened the door, closed it and left my parents standing there. I knew deep down, given the opportunity Carter would leave me standing on the porch. He's ready, he's independent, and I can't argue with that because I'm pretty much looking at myself this morning, just 25 years later.



We spiked his hair, brushed his teeth, made sure his bag and lunch box were ready and we were off. Nana called as we were pulling out the driveway. He got his Nana pep talk, and we were off. I think she's more nervous than I am. As we came over the big hill before his school the excitement grew to a new level. We passed in front of the school looking for a parking space and he rolled down his window and said, "it's my school Momma, it's my school!!!"  I knew at that moment, I'd be standing on the steps of the classroom if I wasn't careful.



He walked up to that school as big as a giant. No fear, no worries, he was there and wanted everyone to know it! Honestly there wasn't a bit of hesitation whatsoever! The teachers that were meeting students had us go to the cafeteria to wait until the bell sounded. When we got there, he went to walk in but looked back to see that I had fallen behind a bit, it was at that moment I saw the hesitation. I told him to go on in, he said, "are you coming with me?" We walked in together. I must admit though, I needed that little bit of 'I need you momma' from him. He may be growing up, fearless of most things, but he still needs me even though he likes to play tough. As we waited he saw some old friends, and met some new ones. As he talked to his friend, Jacbo, I over heard Jacob talking about playing football. The conversation of ball dropped, and then I heard Carter say...."what do you think of those girls over there?!" Lord help me, I'm in so much trouble with this mini Casanova!  I told him we didn't need to be concerned with little girls. Be their friends, but pay attention to the teacher and our class work.  Secretly I was praying he would drop the girl situation, NOW!  A few more minutes we waited in the cafeteria and then his teacher arrived. From there we were off to class.

***The first signs of a school age child, "Shh! Don't say I love you!" and so it begins!***

There he sat in the classroom where he'd spend his first year. Dolphins lined the window, seashells lined the wall. It would be in this very room he'd learn so many new things, and I'd have to learn to let go and really watch him grow up before my eyes. Still no tears, but a heart flooding with joy and happiness. They finished watching the morning announcements, found a place on the rug for story time. I walked over, kissed him and told him to have a super day. Then I quietly stood at the back for another minute or two. Tucker and I then walked quietly out the door. As I looked back through the window, it was happening... I was the mom on the porch. My baby was spreading his wings and showing me how independent he was. I smiled big, and walked away. As I walked, I laughed to myself and thought... please Lord, don't let his little talkative, energetic self get into too much trouble today! I'm so very proud. It's 11:32, and I'm anxiously awaiting the moment I can go get him. I can't wait to hear all about his day and the stories he has for me!  

Carter, you made me very proud this morning! You looked handsome as ever, and it was a joy to see how excited you were to start kindergarten!  I hope that your year is filled with great memories. I look forward to all the new things you'll learn, and watching you spread your wings even more. I love you more and more with each passing day!  Thank you for being such a ray of sunshine in my life. Now take off, and enjoy!!!  

All my love, hugs, and kisses!

~xoxo~

Momma