A Year In Review

This time of year always brings about excitement for the next year, but it also brings reflection.

Our tiny man is not quite so tiny any more. Just tonight he sat next to me on the couch and I looked down at his "piggies". They used to fit perfectly in the palm of my hand. Now they just fit in my hand. He's gone from rolling to crawling, to standing, walking and many days running...just in the course of this year. Gone are the gummy grins, instead we have 8 very useful teeth. Gone is the bald spot on the back of his head. His nickname has always been Bubba, but more often now it's Floppy because the hair on the back of his head bounces around as he walks. He finds his big brother quite hilarious and is quick to mimic him. He's found that words are powerful, especially when Mama can't resist his precious little voice. I'll watch Blues Clues with him all day just to hear him say, "Cwue" with the remote in his hand. He's the one that will cuddle, but only if you "ru" or 'rub' his belly. And in the middle of the night I'll take off running when I hear, "I wa Mama". Our tiny man has his Mama's personality...once he's warmed up to you, he'll let you see his silly side.

Our little man is turning into quite the boy. Now that he's started preschool I've had to accept the fact that he is going to learn things from other people/kids. My favorite is "BUMMER!" It makes me smile when he says it because I know that is straight from his teacher's mouth. (Kinda makes me wonder what my students used to say at home.) I could do without the imaginary gun play, though I know that was only a matter of time. It's amazing how a fork can quickly turn into a gun! Boo is ever the happy child. He wakes up in a good mood, finds fun in walking from one room to the next, greets his classmates each day with an enthusiastic "Gooood Morning Everyone!", and especiallly likes to sing as he uses the potty. His questions are constant! "Why" is his new favorite. "Where does the water go when I pull the plug?" Not something I've ever wondered to be honest. He loves to be 'a big helper' and make muffins for Daddy. He makes me laugh with the things he says and games he likes to play. The latest is "Get the Baby". He yells it and takes off running after A around the living room. Every night I hear, "Mama, would you like to snuggle with me?" And every night I am so thankful that I do. He is his father's son...loves life and lives it to the max!

My M has had quite the year too. Instead of succombing to all the pressure from school and work, he's focused on his health. He's now down 30 pounds...all sympathy baby weight. I've encouraged him to run because I think it's important for him to let out any stress. We never thought about the weight loss. These days you'll find him pounding the pavement training for a marathon. This year was consumed with school, but he finished two semesters and two summer school classes. One class was a week in D.C. My dad was able to meet him there for the last few days and they had some good male bonding time together. But above all, his Horns did ok this season and that's what really matters. :)

As for me, Queen Bee, the year has been a good one. I can't complain. I try to be Super Mom and Super Wife. I'm finding my groove as Z's Room Mom and loving life from this end of the school setting. It really is way more fun on this side of the fence! I've found some new hobbies that I hope to continue in the new year: photography, running and cycling. Don't expect me to train for any hard core stuff yet - we'll save that for 2009. My days are full although I'm not quite sure how that happens. Taking care of my boys is my life and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Here's hoping for a great 2008!!! Happy New Year!