Vacation Week 2

Oops! Can't believe its been almost a month since my last post. Summer is busy like a bee. Meeting up with family, picnics, playing in the water to cool off, these are just some of the things we've been up too. Cant forget to mention our summer home projects. I'm finding out its better to pay someone to do landscaping than to do it myself. The backyard is full of rocks, I can't dig no mo. I'm done! I have plants that will have to go into flower boxes. Hmm, I wonder how I can land on one of their "Surprise an unsuspecting shopper at a home improvement store to give them the backyard of their dreams and then some" show. Not a chance of that happening, but I can fantasize.

And now here's week 2 of our vacay to Ocean City, Maryland. This is so far my favorite summer getaway!


Xavier being the big man that he is insists on pulling his own luggage. Everyone got a kick outta seeing this tiny lil' boy carrying luggage as big as he is. This kid has alot of heart.





Our hotel was on the beach, in front of the hotel was the amusement/water park and beyond that was more water. It was so beautiful, loved the hotel we stayed in!

view from across our hotel



my pip squeak


"Kick Xavier, kick!"

X went down this huge slide! As he was going down I thought maybe for a second the wind might carry him off like Aladdin.


One of X's favorite rides! He would ride his favorites over and over and over and over and....over. His little voice would say as the ride stopped, "Again". We didn't mind. There was one set price to get on the rides for so many hours, so he could go on as many times as his heart desired.


on the Ferris wheel...I was a lil' scared and X enjoyed it as you can see by the excitement on his face.


Daddy and X at the water park. X hated wearing the life jacket, I didn't see the need for it in maybe 2 feet of water might've been a foot and a half. I know things happen and people sue sooo...a tantrum ensued. To divert his mind onto something else. I pulled him on a double inner tube in the pool. We were having fun til a "kill joy" who called himself "lifeguard supervisor" came along. No tubes in the water, this only lead to another tantrum. After that we went to get something to eat, then eventually we went the other side of the water park that had slides.





beautiful night view from our balcony. On the morning we were to leave we spotted 3 dolphins swimming off a distance from shore. We had a great time! The hotel was so clean, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere was superb! The hotel had a full length deck overlooking the ocean. We sat there enjoying the breeze and listening to the sounds of the palm leaves and the waves. I give the hotel 5 out of 5 stars! Ty Marc for planning this vacation. Just writing this has me craving crab cakes!


On the drive home, I'm sure hes watching Mickey Mouse.

Vacation Week 1

What we did on our summer vacation, technically spring...

we did a little shopping


my baby being eaten by clothes, who knew shopping could be so dangerous?!?


went to one of Xavier's hot spots. The jumperoo aka The jump house aka The jumpy place


at a safari in a far away land called New Jersey


still in exotic New Jersey


bought a pool yay!


cleaned outdoor furniture- yes we put our baby to work!


decorated X's room


went to Chucky Cheese


made some prank phone calls


and visited Grandma with his cousins

Day Care?

In these warm months Xavier's daycare has "sprinkler days", which is nice and sounds like a lot of fun. This morning was raining so I figured that they wouldn't let the children out. I thought wrong! I dressed my lil baby in his regular clothes. One of the teachers in his daycare informed me as long as its not thundering and lightening outside the kids will be outside. Fine, now I know, not a problem. The kids there were having a blast with the sprinkler and water table. Xavier after a 2 week break from daycare has been crying when I drop him off. Which I know like Marc it's hard to go back to work or daycare for Xavier after a great vacation. I gave my sweety pie kisses and we said our goodbyes. It's still a little hard saying goodbye when he cries but I do know that he does enjoy being at school. I ended up going home and picking up extra clothes for Xavier and a towel. After that I went to home depot to try to finish an outdoor project that Marc and I have been working on. Ugg, its still not finished but we shall preserver! Around 4:30 I pick Xavier up from daycare. As I held him in my arms I notice his butt is damp and he smells like he's been in wet clothes all day. Why didn't his teacher change his clothes that I brought for him? This had me a little upset thinking that he had to stay in damp clothes all day. On top of that she told me that Xavier didn't eat his lunch or snack. According to her he only drank water during the day. I guess I was more upset at hearing this at the time that I didn't bring up about him being in wet clothes. Grrr, daycare! I know no one is perfect and blah, blah, blah. But this is my Prince, and as the cliche' goes "no one takes better care than mom" Things like this makes me want to check out other day cares. There's other issues that I have with the daycare, that's why I would look at other's. Grrr. When I dropped him off and I walked over to his teacher. She was with one of his classmates by the sprinkler holding his hands. Sure she looked sweet and all caring for X's classmate, but she made no attempt to take Xavier as he was crying. This I didn't like. That child would've been fine if his teacher left him for a second or she didn't leave the child at all. We all know that you just don't leave your child crying when you drop them off. A teacher is suppose to walk over and distract your child so you can make a clean getaway. Hmm, all of X's classmates are alot younger than he is. And there's at least four of them not including Xavier. Makes me think maybe because the other kids are much younger than X that they take more of her attention? We will see what happens, Marc is home so I gotta run! Oh and I have to add his teacher has a tendency to exaggerate, just stating the facts people.


Our project, still in the works>



Marc looking pretty while I do all the work!
jking

Beauty in small things

Marc had off today, so it was his idea to take us to Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey. Today was a sunny 80 degrees and humid, a perfect day to be in air conditioning. This is the first time going to the aquarium this year so we were really looking forward to it.

We started off by looking at the penguins just outside the aquarium. We saw many animals today but I must say that the penguins were Xavier's favorite. Xavier let out a big "WoooW" as we walked closer to the penguins. They were so small and so cute we all fell in love with them. In all the times we went to the aquarium the penguins were never out. Luckily for us we got to see them for the first time. The zoo keeper was really friendly and answered all of our questions. She had gotten Xavier involved by letting him blow bubbles to the penguins. This made the penguins excitedly swim and catch the bubbles. As much fun we were having we had to move on to the other animals. Another first we saw were the hippos out of water! We stood at the side of the tank where the hippos were in a playful mood. Their heads came right up to the glass above water and we saw them face to face. This was a little scary but we enjoyed watching them up close. Then they both walked out onto their platform where we could see how they really looked out of water. It was great! Colorful birds were flying over head all the while, and I was hoping we wouldn't get pooped on.
The New Jersey Adventure Aquarium is the best I've been too.



We came to the jelly fish exhibits and we sang "jumping jellyfish" from yogabba gabba. At each exhibit theres a small platform that little kids can stand on right up to the glass. Each time I put Xavier to stand on one he wanted me to pick him right up. I guess it was a lil too close for comfort for him. Then there was the under water tunnel where the sharks and other water creatures can swim right above your head. Xavier was a little apprehensive at first but then he started to warm up in a matter of a few minutes. Another of Xavier's favorite sea animal is the huge sea turtle. Marc and I were like big kids watching all the underwater animals swim. They are so beautiful and graceful, they seemed like they were slowly flying under water. Absolutely breathtaking. This made me think of how we really need to take care of this earth. Theres so much natural beauty in this world that God has created for us and its so careless of human beings to try to spoil it.





Earlier on in the week just a quick note:

We enjoyed Grandma Flo's 3 day visit, we didn't want to let her leave
Xavier has been using the big white throne all by his lil' self "snaps"
Monday Xavier's big boy bed came in
Last Thursday we welcomed Atlee Reese, Xaviers new cousin to the family!

I've been praying with Xavier each night before we go to bed. His new thing now is he likes to say "again" after we are done. So I have him recite the Lords Prayer one to two words at a time. He does an excellent job with every word. On some nights when we're laying in bed Xavier will already have his hands folded and says to me "pray mommy" and we pray. Last night while I was brushing my teeth, Marc was in the bedroom sitting on the edge of the bed. Xavier crawled up right next to him, clasped his and said "Our father...". How pure and sweet was this to see them both praying. This is one of the most important lessons that we teach our son. I'm looking foreward to see how Xaviers relationship with God will grow as he becomes a man. I'm so proud of my little 2 and a half year old boy or baby as I still like to say. I've always thought of Xavier as being very sophisticated for his age. A big smile and I chuckle to myself as I write this. He has not pushed, pulled, scratched, or bit another child. This I know for sure. I was blessed with a caring, sweet, and gentle natured son. I know Xavier was thoughtfully chosen for me, just like each star has been thoughtfully placed in the midnight sky. He is perfect just for me. My love, my heart, my son.

Children are little reminders of how we should be.

Happy Mothers Day!

This past weekend was Mommys 3rd mothers day. We had a very nice sunday brunch with Mommys Mommy, aka Grandma Flo. Xavier took full advantage of the open eating area of the Sheraton hotel to run, crawl, lay out on the floor, and visit every other table. Ugh, i guess theres no way around the public spectacle that is restraining a toddler. It'll take you out of your comfort zone everytime.
Which brings us back to Mama. We thank you Mommy everyday for everything you do for your baby boy. Especially these days when it seems like everything is a battle. From mealtimes (this kid eats nothing willingly), to changings (but hes doing fine with potty training so far), to keeping him clean (as well as everything around him! Xav' seems to spill, drop, and blow up everything he touches), Mom is right behind him, keeping him on track.
But the cool thing about it, is seeing that bond get stronger between mother and son. Xavier loves his mom so much. I can already see his desire to help and protect her. It makes me feel good, because i see it as a little glimpse into the future, when Xavier becomes a young man. And thats how I want to raise him. To love, love, love his mother always. Thanks Mommy! Today and forever for taking care your little boy (and your big boy) LOL!

Look for the Rainbow

We headed up to New York on a blustery, rainy Thursday. There were tornado warnings up and down the east coast, so we were trying to leave as soon as possible. Literally five minutes before we were ready to walk out that door, the rains came. With the rain there was thunder. With the thunder there was panic. I hate traveling in inclement weather. It seems like people just don't know how to drive and there's always accidents on the highway. With our goal in mind and time not waiting for anyone ("Time waits for no man" as my Grandma Doris would say). Marc took all our suitcases out to the Explorer. Let me tell u Xavier gas prices are high, that's why we're taking the "better on gas" vehicle (Gas price in Pennsylvania: $3.95 regular and in N.Y. $4.25 regular). Soaking wet, Marc took Lil' X to the car and buckled him in. As we ran to the car with just our hoodies shielding us, I thought about how sugar melts in the rain. Aaand we're off!

It continued to rain all day on Tommy's birthday. The weather I know was a reflection of how many hearts felt on this day. We love and miss you dearly Tommy. When the rain stopped we all went outside and released balloons in honor of Tommy's birthday. Away the brightly colored "ma-boons" as Xavier would say, blew high up in sky sending with them our prayers and thoughts to Tommy.
The next day turned out to be an absolutely gorgeous day. The sun was shining, white puffy clouds over head, and temperature was comfortably in the low seventies. The three of us headed out to the cemeteries, we stopped along the way to pick up flowers. Crisp white lilies with an assortment little delicate flowers for Grandaddy and his Bride. "Happy birthday in heaven" banner surrounded with purple flowers for Tommy.

Solemnly we reflect.

We stayed in New York for three more days. Going back to the cematary on saturday along with Grandmama and Auntie with her family.

Supporting one another is what family is all about. This is how we stay connected, form stronger bonds and create cherished memories. God is Great always.

Easy, breezy sunday

Today is grey, windy and warm. Xavier has been sick for the past few days, but hes starting to feel better. We spent a relaxing day together inside our kid cave. Yes, we have a kid cave, it's closely related to the man cave. We have spoiled Xavier with the finest of toddler home entertainment. We recently bought him a Thomas the Train table along with more wooden tracks, battery operated Thomas and a little tykes basketball hoop, so he can learn how to slam dunk on his little adversaries. It's starting to get crowded in our family room! We love having fun with Xavier and spoiling him is easy to do. Ever since he was a baby, he's always been appreciative of every gift we have bought for him. The gifts that Marc has to put together with tools, Xavier is right along side of him with a play screw driver or wrench trying to help. We enjoy playing with him so its easy to get carried away with the toys.



Xavier's ready to get outside!



Daddy and X in back yard


Xavier holding the kite string. The wind was so strong Daddy had to tie the string around his finger so X wouldn't fly away. We can't wait for spring to finally arrive!

Comic Strip

I absolutely love this comic strip! I'm beaming from ear to ear looking at Marc's amazing job capturing Xavier as a cartoon. Xavier you'll see as your growing up how truly talented your daddy is. I asked Marc to write a comic stripe and he whipped this up tonight. Xavier and I managed to leave daddy alone for a few hours or more. We played with Xavier's Thomas the train set, X swung on his swing and he pee'd in the potty. Whoohoo! Then we ended the night by a watching His #1 show, The Fresh Beat band. Today was a wonderful busy day and I'm going to bed with a big smile on my face. Thank you Babe! Life is good.