My Boys and Me

Sorry its been awhile.  Life has been a bit…..well, I’ll just say there have been a lot of changes- life changing events for sure.  A few REALLY delightful, appreciated, and unexpected- sent directly from God, and some, although completely terrifying and painful, also (now that I understand the “whys”) God’s doing, events that NEEDED to happen in order for Mike and I (mostly me) to be where I am at now.  SO confusing for most of you, but if I say much more, I will just re-open the wound and cry all over again.  I truly can’t think of a time when I were in a better place in life with my husband and family (NOW- a week ago, not so much)!  The pastor at our church said a few weeks ago that some people need to hit rock bottom before they can go forward.  I believe I did!  BUT, through it all, I’ve had the most incredible God protecting, guiding and leading me AND family who have proven unconditional love to me that is almost impossible to comprehend.  To some, I have a lot to prove, but for the first time, I have NO doubts of my capabilities.  All I can say about it ALL is, THANK YOU GOD!

Blah, that was NOT what I wanted to write about, but I couldn’t start a new entry without doing so.  If for no other reason than for my own personal recollection.  I want to be able to look back 10 years from now and remember exactly WHEN things changed.

SO- BASEBALL!  I say this not only because I am Braeden’s Mom, because anyone who was at last night’s game would agree.  Braeden was in EVERY way the MVP last night.  I’m not sure if he had a little taste of whatever the coach (of the team we lost BAD to a few games ago) feeds his players before games, if he was hypnotized, or if he just flat out attained skills without me realizing, but he was simply AWESOME!  Remember how he played outfield last year, couldn’t throw far, much less on target, and a GOOD hit was one that made it past the pitcher?  Well, that SAME kid is playing shortstop or 3rd base now- 2 MAJORLY important and difficult positions both for fielding and throwing.  I can barely throw from 3rd to 1st, but Braeden did it several times PERFECTLY last night.  He even fielded the ball (ie. did not let it get past him), threw the ball to 1st base even though the runner was already half way there, and the first baseman tagged him OUT!  He ran out to the outfield as the cut off man and made a throw to home plate that would have resulted in another OUT had the catcher been paying a lick of attention (argh!)- sounds mean- sorry!  He had two HUGE hits, ran the bases like Superman and was just all over that field with such enthusiasm, motivation and intention!  Oh, and he slid into home-plate in perfect formation, like he’d been sliding his whole life (he’s never been taught how to slide properly). He was not just a team player last night, he was THE TEAM!  Ha- that was mean too- sorry!  This time last year I’d never imagined being able to say my kid was the BEST player on the team ANY game.  He may not be the all-around best, but last night was his time to shine and he WAS the best!  Mike and I looked at one another more than once, speechless and in complete awe!  We are so proud of that little guy.  The words in my head are not seeming to come out right.  I am fired back up as I type.  I’ve had a headache for the past week that finally went away late yesterday afternoon only to return last night after cheering, yelling, clapping and jumping up and down as the game went from us being up 7-3, to being tied 7-7 to us WINNING 9-7!  Oh my gosh, how I love baseball.  Oh my gosh, how I love that kid.  My heart is simply filled with pride and I want the whole world to know how amazing it is to not only watch your child play a sport (remember I enjoyed it just as much last year when he was still learning), but to watch them excel and to see them so proud of themselves!  Braeden knew he gave it his all and was gleaming from ear to ear.  He said to Mike’s Mom, “I think even the pro scouts would be shocked with how much I’ve improved.” YES they would buddy!  You most certainly take after your Papa (and I am ashamed for EVER doubting your skill as you learned the game).

Braeden is back to going to sleep fine at night (not getting home from baseball until after 9pm helps).  We have to leave the light on and he’ll come in our room 2-3 nights a week in the middle of the night wanting to be tucked back in (by Daddy), but its a great improvement.  Mikey, hmm, not much improvement there.  I had to drag him out of Target the other day because I simply would NOT give in to his tantrum (all, over a particular cart he wanted to ride in) and I had to end a conversation with my Dad due to another tantrum- he wanted Braeden’s DS.  We still have another 2 weeks before he turns 2, AND I thought we were on our way to improvement.  Looks like we will be experiencing the Terrible Two’s after-all. Ha, I won’t jinx myself like that again. 

Enjoying his Birthday presents from Aunt Lisa- a school bus because he LOVES waiting for Braeden’s bus and a cash register since he is interested in money (just shiny change really- he even crumpled up the pretend dollar bills, but put the pretend coin in his pocket).

Despite the frequent meltdowns and time outs, he continues to light up my life.  He makes it almost impossible to stay mad at him- he’ll plead on his way to time out how “sorry” he is and when the 5 minutes are up, come out with tear filled eyes and hug me and say he is sorry!  He does some of the cutest, wackiest things that make even the most stressful of days with him a joy.  This morning he was trying to figure out exactly how to put deodorant on UNDER his shirt the way he see’s his Daddy so easily do.  He goes around to all the players on both Braeden and Harley’s baseball teams wanting high five’s and saying, “tag” to see if they will come chase him.  He points to the concession stand and says, “gum gum” because he knows the boys get gum from there (and because Peggy snuck him a piece one time).  Even more important than excelling at baseball, Braeden is excelling at being the most patient, kind, supportive, understanding big brother.  He frequently gets the raw end of the deal, but never complains, never acts or feels as though he is upset or jealous and he so desperately wants Mikey to act good.  If you want to examine unconditional love, watch Braeden with Mikey on a daily basis.

“High Five!”

Braeden came off the bus the other day looking like this- how can that NOT make you smile!

OK, I had a nice long post typed and somehow it got deleted.  I am SO tired and can’t imagine having to retype it all right now.  I will share a couple pictures and type an entry tomorrow after I get home from WORK!  That’s right, as of tomorrow, I am officially a working mother again.  I will explain and give details tomorrow.  Wish me luck.  Obviously the above picture is from the 4th.  Braeden is a little raggamuffin.  His hair is shaggy on purpose.  He’s had it cut very short (buzzed really) for the past year.  I want it to be longer for school so we are letting it grow  some so we can get it scizzor cut right before he starts kindergarten.  He is a mess in that picture with beans all over his shirt and face.  He is still a handsome big brother though.

We caught Mikey smiling!  Its probably just gas!

Check out Mikey’s shirt…..I promise it was a given to me as a gift!

Things have been going really well.  We’ve just been so busy since we’ve gotten home from FL.  Speaking of FL, we had an AWESOME time.  It was so nice to get away and just relax.  It was Mike’s first real vacation in a LONG time.  We were there a whole week!  We actually came home a day earlier than we planned and its a good thing we did because we had so much to do the day after we got home (and the day before Mike went back to work).  I also joked with Mike that he needed the extra day off (at home rather than in FL) so that he could detox.  He, my Dad and brother really enjoyed having some drinks together.  I have to say “some” because it was more than a couple, and more than a few.  It was so nice to see Mike enjoying himself and not thinking about work.  He deserved to let loose and have a good time.  He was also able to get a little color on his very pale, never-sees-the-sun skin.  We spent the majority of the time at the pool and enjoyed it so much.  Here are a couple things that I wrote down so I wouldn’t forget to Share them:

- Braeden was very confused and swore it was Mother’s Day and not Father’s Day.  He rode with my Dad to pick up Aunt Lisa from the airport and on the way back my Dad said “Tomorrow is Father’s Day.” Braeden was convinced that it was Mother’s Day and that Father’s Day had already passed.  My dad said, “Braeden, you have it backwards!” and he replied very adamantly, “NO papa! I have it forwards!”

One night while we were there, Braeden was getting ready for bed and came and gave Mike and I a hug.  Everyone else was sitting around the table with us outside and Braeden looked around and  said, “Who’s next?” Earlier that same night, I was sitting on Mike’s lap and Braeden looked at Mike and in a very concerned tone says, “Isn’t Mama heavy on your lap?”  Yes, Braeden, I know I need to get started on my exercise regime.

Mike always fiddles with his ring- while he’s driving, watching TV, having a conversation with someone, in church (it fell once while the only noise was the pastor talking) and apparently while we are walking along the boardwalk in The Villages.  Well, it fell in the cracks of the boardwalk.  I was completely choked up and had tears in my eyes as he and my Dad tried to save it from falling through the leaves that had built up in the cracks of the wood.  I looked over at Braeden and he was freaking out.  I’m Not sure he understood exactly why we cared if a little ring fell into the water, but he was so concerned that we were all panicking about something.  I wish I would have gotten a picture of the look on his face.  Needless to say, (since Mike is still alive) they got the ring back (thank God for the leaves).  I guess I never really realized until the moment I thought it was gone, how much our wedding rings symbolize.  His was all of about $200, but I know it wouldn’t be the same if it had to be replaced.  You’d think he’d learned his lesson, but when he had the ring in his hand, he didn’t put it back on his finger, instead he continued to fiddle with it.  MEN!

Braeden didn’t come home with us.  Instead his Granddaddy met us and took him back to Panama City for two weeks.  He spent the first week with him and now is with his Nana. He is having a great time and is being spoiled rotten I’m sure.  He loves going and being able to play with his cousins Charlie (he’s 6) and Allie (she’s 3).  Everyday we talk to him he asks how Mikey is and wants to blow him kisses.  He won’t recognize his baby brother when he gets home.  He has gotten so big.  We would tease him when he was first born because he was not a good burper.  Well, that’s changed and he is very adamant about showing everyone that he IS a BOY!  We were in church on Sunday and he was fussing.  We gave him his bottle while we were listening to the service.  Mike laid him on his lap when he was finished and he tooted really loud.  People were looking at us and laughing.  Shortly after, I had him over my shoulder and the ladies behind us were goo gooing over him.  I guess he didn’t appreciate the attention because he burped louder than he ever has.  Again, people looked and laughed.  Finally, he’d decided that he didn’t appreciate the laughter either and wanted OUT of there- he spit up all over me!  Maybe putting him in the nursery isn’t such a bad idea afterall!

Things really are going well.  Mikey is sleeping a little better at night (4 hours) and Mike is enjoying his new position.  He found out that they will replace his patrol car with an SUV. YAY! I interviewed yesterday for a position in the loan department of a bank.  It would be full-time, but really good money.  Keep your fingers crossed.  I should hear something this week.  I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the pictures. 

This is how Mikey enjoyed the pool while we were in FL.  He was under the awning and under a fan.  Ahhh, to be a baby again.