Swim Lessons

Max is such a big boy now. He doesn't even need me in the water for swim lessons anymore. (sniff, sniff).

I have had a few bittersweet moments like this lately. Since he was 4 months old, I have been doing parent & me classes. From The Little Gym to swim lessons, I was always required to be by his side.

But, now my little man is graduating to the big time. He doesn't need ol' mom anymore to accompany him in his gym class or in the water.

Check out my baby boy. Not such a baby anymore, huh?

(Max is the second one in on the side of the pool...)

All Things Sports

Maximus is a sports fanatic (just like his daddy). For instance:

1. He plays hockey (fully dressed in shoulder pads and hockey jersey) and has moves that school the average toddler. Also, while playing goalie (we have a net in the basement) he reaches behind him to grab his fake water bottle and take a swig before he gets in position. Just like the real NHL players.

2. He loves to shoot hoops in his bedroom on his digital basketball hoop. And if Sam and I just happen to sneak away for a minute to play a game of horse, we can hear him thundering down the hallway to join in the fun.

3. Soccer is yet another passion. We are trying to teach him that you can't exactly tackle your opponent in this particular sport while trying to get the ball.

4. Football is full-contact and you better watch out because he will line drive you and knock you over, while growling I might add.

Not only does he love to play, but he loves to watch all sports. His favorite spot is cuddled up on the couch next to daddy watching hockey or college basketball. It amazes me that he has an attention span for this!

And of course, live sports! He has been to many hockey games and recently just went to his first Ohio State basketball game. He certainly loves the popcorn and treats, but surprises us every time with his enthusiasm, focus, and love for the mascot (he tends to be a broken record while getting their attention....hi Brutus, hi Brutus, hi Brutus, hi Brutus).

This picture is irresistible to me. It is Max, in sheer pleasure, at the Ohio State Basketball game.

Prrrrincess

At Max's request, we pulled out our wedding album, curled up on the couch together, and started looking through the photos of me and Sam on our wedding day.

In Max's little words, and adorable little voice, he exclaims:

Is that the day you was a prrrrrincess mommy?

Yes buddy, that certainly was the day I was a princess.

Melt. My. Flippin'. Heart.

Itsy Bitsy Pider

Max sings his favorite song, "Itsy Bitsy Pider."

Enjoy!

The Prize Box

So we have an entire week underway of Max in big boy underwear. And can I just report that he is doing awesome! We have continued to be on-the-go and he has completely been flexible and ready for the adventure!

I could count on one hand the amount of potty accidents he has had when it comes to pee pee. (Did I just say pee pee on this blog? I did, moving along.) He has even woken up in the middle of the night, calling our names, and after peeling off the layers, and diaper, he successfully goes pee pee in the potty.

He is coming into our room in the mornings with absolutely NOTHING on from the waist down. Quite a sight when you are still trying to wake up! Our new alarm clock is the potty flushing and Max running into our room to tell us about his pee pee on the potty.

With all the success I am sharing (because I certainly don't want to paint a picture that potty training is easy), I must be transparent and share that the biggest challenge has been Max trying to figure out how to time the poo poo for the potty. He has had many, many accidents. I am having to give myself motivational speeches (call the hubby and friends to give me motivational speeches) so I can give the Mister motivational speeches on how cool and exciting and fabulous poo poo in the potty can be.

I have resorted to incentivizing (some might call it bribing) Max with the Poo Poo Prize Box. This fancy box is chalked full of gum, pez dispensers, matchbox cars, silly bands, sweet tarts, life savers, and yes, even a ring pop. What toddler would not LOVE to pick something from the prize box as a reward for going poo poo in the potty?!

This prize box has been taunting Max the past two days. Poor buddy. Every time he would have an accident, he would look at me with his big, sad, blue eyes and say, "mommy, do I get something out of the prize box?" And I had to painfully tell him "no, you need to go poo in the potty and then we will celebrate and pick a prize out of the box!"

Well, today, was finally the day. He was quite pleased with himself and went straight for the prize he has been staring at from a distance the past two days. The Ring Pop. And he enjoyed every last lick.

Olympic-Bound

Surprised to see me so soon?

I couldn't resist sharing a Little Gym moment with you. Max and I have been dedicated Little Gym-ers since he was a mere 4 months old. When he started he could barely lift his head off the red mat, now he is only 3 short months away from me dropping him off and heading to class without me (sniff, sniff).

I have absolutely loved taking Max to this class. It has been amazing to watch his skills grow over the years. He is so independent now running from the rings, to the bar, to the balance beam. Doing bear walks and spider crawls, donkey kicks and wall handstands.

One of his latest and greatest accomplishments in the forward roll (formerly known as the somersault). This has taken him quite a while to master the right technique, but once he got it, he can't get enough!

Check out our little tumbler.

Happy 2011...Better Late Than Never

Where has the time gone?

And how do I re-enter the bloggy world after taking a 10 week hiatus?

I'm not really sure if I can do the past couple of months justice by giving you a top ten list or even highlights. I have to admit I have been living in the PRESENT, enjoying each moment with my hubby, my little BIG boy and friends. I have really tried to cherish the here and now because if you don't already know this, time flies! And it seems to be passing me by at record speed right now.

I am pretty sure having a toddler will do that to you. It seems that each day we have a new milestone, a new word or phrase, a new something to laugh at together.

Picture this: Max snuggled in bed with Sam early in the morning. After he is completely situated, nestled right up next to his daddy, covers on, blanket in tow, Max exclaims, "this is soooooooo cozy daddy." Talk about making your heart melt, right?

Or this one: Max in my arms, on my hip, and we are having a conversation, he abruptly stops mid-sentence to pat my pony tail and say, "mommy your hair is soooooo cute." Laugh out loud, right?

I'm telling you this is my EVERY DAY right now. Making our hearts melt, finding joy at every turn, and grateful for this little boy (that is growing up WAY too quickly).

So with all that being said, I need to start sharing these moments that I have been keeping all to myself and get back to sharing them with you.

So I promise that my bloggy vacation is OVER and I have returned.

Before I say good-bye for today I must wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS:

Max in his new bounce castle!

And HAPPY NEW YEAR:

Ringing in 2011

So Cheers. To new milestones. A life full of laughter. And hope to what the future will bring.