Landon's 2nd Birthday

A few weeks ago we celebrated Landon's birthday with a big shindig with friends and family. I can't believe that my little baby is so big now! Every day he brings so much joy and laughter into our lives. Seeing him grow up so quickly brings tears to my eyes - to think that he is now attending 2-yr old preschool, and that he will soon be a big brother!

Between now and the birth of his little brother, Landon and Phillip and I plan to galavant around the countryside - picking apples, visiting pumpkin patches, jumping in piles of leaves at the park, going to football games - all the things that make fall such a nice time of year. To do this, I'm going to wrap up my blog postings with this last post.

It seems appropriate to end the blog on a milestone, and the transition from baby to boy seems like a good one. For now, I want to concentrate on our little family, but who knows, maybe I will start back up once Baby Lewis joins our ranks. I do plan on converting my blog postings to date into a book to give to Landon - I hope that he will look back one day and enjoy the stories.

Happy Birthday Landon! Your Mom loves you so much!

I Wanna Go Fast

Lately Landon has become the Apollo Ono of tricycle riding. Either that, or Ricky Bobby. He has shown tendencies of both personalities - driven and focused, but always willing to stop if he sees a snack! Phillip and I have such a good time with the little guy every night, watching him race around downstairs on his little Radio Flyer. Our favorite part is when he decides to go around and around the dining room table, and he turns his head and whole body so that he can really lean into each curve!

I'm Two!

Yesterday Landon and I visited his pediatrician for his 2 year old check-up! The last two years have flown by so quickly - and no place reminds me of that more than the doctor's office. For the first time, Landon stepped on floor scales to be weighed instead of on the baby scales. And his height is measured on a wall chart. And he is a big boy! 29.5 lbs and 35.25 inches!

The best part of the whole appointment was during my conversation with his pediatrician about Landon starting preschool in two weeks. She was very excited for him, and started telling Landon all of the things that he would do and see at preschool ("they have a playground, and books, and you can play with new friends" etc). Landon looked at her and said in a very serious voice "do they have trucks?"

No better way to end a doctor's appointment than on a laugh!

When In Sweden...

It was about 100 degrees outside on Monday, but Landon and I got out of the house for an early start anyway. We were taking a tour of a preschool for this fall, and were both excited. After we left the school, Landon was tuckered out and fell asleep in the car. On a whim, I just kept driving, and pointed the car towards Charlotte.

Why Charlotte? Because there is an Ikea there! I have never visited an Ikea, but heard that it's kind of a fun place to while away an afternoon. Plus, it's air conditioned and serves food -score!

Landon slept the entire two hour trip, and awoke just as we arrived. Our first stop was the cafe for lunch, and since this was our first trip, I thought it only appropriate that we have swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, and ligonberry sauce. Landon really liked going through the cafeteria line, and he picked out some cookies for us to enjoy for dessert. Then we settled into our seats in the kids area, and enjoyed sitting with the other kids to enjoy watching "A Bug's Life". Landon was very impressed that they had kid-sized tables, chairs, and toys in bright, fun colors - not something you see very often in restaurants!

Although I came home with a big bag of great stuff, I was most impressed with the engineering of the store. Everything is designed with the consumer in mind, and every inch of the store is set up to make shopping easier and more enjoyable for adults, kids, and even seniors. A kids room that rivals most kid play centers, family bathrooms, snack bar, cafeteria, comfy lounge area for shopping breaks, floor arrows and maps everywhere, and best of all for us, a completely hands on kids area!

Most of the products that are sold for kids are out on the floor, so that the children can try out the chairs, beds, lofts, tunnels, and toys - how nice is that! Landon was in heaven wandering around there - he could touch things at his height, plus the colors, soft fabrics, and displays really appealed to him.

All in all, a nice (and slightly unconventional) way to escape the heat and have some nice time together!

Family Beach Week

This fall, Landon begins preschool - two days a week! So what's the thing that everyone has to do before school starts back for the fall? Family vacation! This vacation was even more special than most because it was a family vacation times six - five of my best friends and I all arranged to head to Wrightsville Beach with our families for four days of beach fun.

We visited the yacht club two of the days, and Landon "surfed" for the first time! He has been envious of all the surfers and their boards for quite a long time, so when some of the Dads brought their boards and he was able to get out on the water, he was pretty excited. He wanted to stand up the whole time, and he didn't want anyone to help him. I think we may have a surfer on our hands. Phillip tried for the first time as well, and according to the other guys, he did pretty well too! Looks like we might need a surf rack on my car, huh?

Landon loved exploring the beach with Josi, swimming in the ocean with Ian, bodyboarding with Colin, fishing with Caleb, and enviously watching baby Cate nap with her paci. Sometimes its hard to give up those paris!

Since three of the six of us are pregnant right now (and one with twins!), if we repeat this trip next year, our little group will jump from 6 kids to 10 kids!!!

Of course, the guys worked in some golf, the girls worked in a fondue night, and everybody got together for a fun BBQ and a night out at Indochine. Five pounds gained and lots of laughs later - we are all back home!

Good Ole Rocky Top

Finally...some pictures from our trip to Tennessee! Landon is so lucky to have his great grandparents in his life, and to have three (second) cousins so close to his age. Too bad that one of those cousins lives in Thailand! For our most recent visit, Landon was able to spend so much time playing with Lexi and Bryson though. We might have to have a Skype playmate with Sofia so she can join in the fun next time! Every time we all get together, we create some great memories, and I know that Landon will really appreciate having these pictures when he is older.

Toddler Time

Yesterday I went to the spa for a massage, and Landon happily played with his sitter Rachel. When I got home, she asked Landon, "What time is it?", and he immediately pulled up his wrist and looked down. She taught him a new trick while I was gone - too cute!

I think I might take it to the next level by teaching him another trick so that if anyone asks Landon, "what time is it?" he answers "Game Time!!!".

Getting Back to Our Roots

In today's world, it's all too easy to get caught up in the rat race and forget all about the simple pleasures of life. Phillip and I always talk about wanting to create those simple childhood memories for Landon, and our most recent trip - visiting my grandparents in their mountain home - allowed us just the opportunity to do so. Landon ran around their farm buck-naked, yelled at the cows and horses, and explored their garden (all the while beating aside the vegetables with a toy golf club).

We had Sunday dinner with the extended family, many hours playing outside on the playset and in the pool, and fun adventures to the neighboring cities; especially Landon's first trip to Dollywood!

Of course, all those simple things come at a price, and after shelling peas with my Grandparents for 7 hours, and putting up 25 pints of peas the next morning, I'm too tired to upload the pictures from our trip tonight :) Soon though, I promise.

Beach Baby!

Whew - I was locked out of my blog account for a few days, but now I'm back!

Landon has been enjoying an especially nice life lately. Let's be honest, his everyday normal life is pretty sweet too, but for the 4th of July holiday we visited my Mom at the beach. And our sweet little boy played in the sand, swam in the water, flirted with cute toddler girls, ate about 3 lbs of shrimp, visited a railroad museum, rode on a trolley, dined al fresco overlooking the water and the boats, watched his aunts and "Uncle" Conrad put together a fireworks show on his behalf, and ate several nutty buddy ice creams that his Grandmother stocked in the freezer for him.

All together, a pretty good week! Of course, it's always the everyday moments that melt your heart of make your smile.

Like when Landon was supposed to pick fresh tomatoes for our dinner salad, and instead ate up all of the ripe tomatoes off the vines.

Or when Landon played the piano for us during his Grandmother's birthday dinner...nothing like a toddler's musical musings during a nice steak dinner!

Or my favorite, when during a routine diaper change, Landon began to pee on his Grandmother's cherished white-pickled wood floors, and indignantly said "Mommmmmm!". I had to tell him, "what are you yelling at me for, you're the one peeing on the floor?". To which he looked down and finally, after some confused looks, nodded his head in acknowledgement!

Phillip and Landon and I can't wait to return to the beach later this summer for another fun week!

Is it Landon or is it Ken?

Last week Landon and I met up with our good friends Amy and Josi and Julie and Ian. Since it was a hot day, and out three of our young uns love the great outdoors better than anything, we set up shop in the yard. It was kind of a kiddie theme park - baby pool, water table, sprinkler, slides, balls, picnic table, and of course...Josi's Barbie jeep. The jeep was definitely the winner of the day, and Landon was happy to have his friends drive him around. Ian was a driving machine - he can change gears and everything!

Since they say a picture is worth a thousand words, I'll let you see how the day went for yourself! I will say that there is one memory I will always keep from this day: Ian and Landon chuckling with laughter as Ian tickled Landon. I love how Josi and Ian bring so many good memories - can't wait until the three babies are reunited at the beach later this month!!!

Chef Boyardee

I have a post that I need to write, that is accompanied by the CUTEST pictures that you have ever seen, but until then, I'll leave with you this (brief) funny story.

This week Phillip is working on a deadline for a big project, so he is working until 7pm most nights. The other day at the grocery store, I noticed that Chef Boyardee mini sized cups were on sale, and thought that might be a nice treat for Landon since he was eating dinner before us every night.

Last night I gave him his first one, and he dug right in. When I asked him if it was good, he put down his spoon, looked at me and said "It's sooooo good!".

Father's Day at the Farm!

This year, we headed to Asheboro to celebrate Father's Day with Phillip's Dad and his brother. Landon loves his Grandaddy - he thinks that he is one of the funniest people in the world! And truly, Phillip's Dad goes out of his way to make funny faces, sounds, and tell jokes - all for Landon's benefit! After almost 40 years as a high school teacher, Grandaddy has a lot of zingers and puns, and they tickle Landon to pieces.

After a yummy lunch out at a local restaurant, we went back to the family homestead to explore. Phillip's Dad lives in the beautiful old farmhouse that Phillip's grandparent's lived in, surrounded by about 100 acres of peaceful woods.

Landon had such a good time picking wild blackberries on the farm, wandering around the barns, visiting the summer garden that his Dad put in this year, playing with some new kittens, and riding on a John Deere Gator!

The Circle of Life

This week our little family took an unexpected trip to Virginia Beach to pay our respects and say goodbye to Phillip's Aunt Libby, who passed this Sunday. Aunt Libby was a 78 year old sharp and savvy lady (valedictorian of her high school class!), and she and her husband Hoyt ran several businesses over the years. It's so nice that she and Hoyt were able to pass a livelihood on to their children. Landon did get to meet her, and I know that he made her laugh with all of his antics!

It was only fitting then that Landon and his cousin Campbell (who is 3 weeks younger than Landon) were able to help the adults and older relatives smile and laugh during a tough time. As I was holding Landon on my lap during the funeral service, I couldn't help thinking about the circle of life and how we all take our place in that circle, young and old.

Even though it was a sad occasion bringing us together, it was so nice to see our family and cousins. There are several cousins within a couple of years of Phillip and I (and four of us even went to college together at the same time and place!) so we always have a good time when we are together. And we love watching the babies play together.

Campbell is such a sweet little girl, talking up a storm about everything, and she and Landon play together so nicely - they really seem to enjoy each other. And there is nothing cuter than babies getting tickled over something, and sharing in about 5 minutes worth of contagious belly laughter. There are about 20 hilarious stories coming from those two babies over the two days, so just know that they lifted up the spirits of everyone around them! Here's hoping that they we can teach them some of the values and hard work ethic that you can find so often in people like Aunt Libby!

A Totally Bloggable Event

So this may not seem like it's important enough to warrant a post, BUT it is! I asked Landon to do something that was very difficult for him, and he did it willingly and without fuss!!!

We were playing outside, where pretty much anything goes except for going in the street, and throwing toys and balls into the street. By the way, you would be amazed how far a soccer ball rolls down a street after being thrown by a 21 month old child. But that's another post.

So Landon couldn't resist going into the road. He received a warning from me the first time, but the second time he did it, I bent down to his level and explained that he needed to take his ball and go inside because he had broken a rule by running into the street. And would you believe that my sweet munchkin picked up his ball, turned around, walked up the steps, opened the door and walked calmly inside?

Ahh...it's only 5:30 but I wish I could call it a day. There's no way this day could end any better for me! We have been working on this discipline stuff for months and I'm finally starting to see a chink in the armor!

Sharing

This week I have been working very hard to emphasize to Landon the importance of sharing and being kind to friends. As we go to more and more playdates, birthday parties, and even the pool, he has more situations in which he needs to share. And happily, more occasions to practice sharing.

Today at lunch he brought one of his toy trucks to the table with him. My heart was bursting with pride when he decided to share with his tow truck! Of course, the truck didn't "take" the food that Landon offered him, even after Landon thoughtfully broke the food in half. So, Landon settled on opening up the truck cab door and stuffing the food in that way. Problem solved!

It was very much a "Baby Whisperer" moment for me. Gotta hold onto those when you can get them!

Cool at the Pool

Sorry that I haven't posted lately. I've been relaxing poolside! Umm, well not quite. Close, though.

This year we joined our neighborhood swim and racquet club, and Landon and I have been enjoying the pool pretty much everyday! The pool is kind of like a highschool cafeteria: everyone knows their place. The ladies of leisure line up on the chairs that are angled towards the morning sun, for prime tanning. The older kids hang out at the far end of the pool, the farthest away from the clubhouse attendant and the kiddie pool. And the stay at home Moms hang out on the steps of the big pool (if their kids are slightly older), while the stay at home Moms (and nannies) of babies and toddlers hang out in the separate wading pool.

And that's where you will find Landon and I if you need us - avoiding the heat and mosquitos and splashing around. Landon likes it so much that he has a hard time leaving everyday. I'm actually still working on an effective exit strategy that doesn't leave me frazzled for the next hour.

Let's just say that the first time we left the pool, it was with me juggling our towels, bag, a swim noodle, and a screaming toddler, while everyone else pretended not to notice (for my sake I'm sure). The highlight of this exit was the fact that Landon knocked out one of the lenses of my sunglasses during the ruckus, so I looked a little bit hillbilly.

Today's exit went a little better, thanks to a suggestion from the hubby. This time, I was able to easily glide the entire "ruckus" out of the pool on our good ole standby, the Bob stroller. Of course, once we got home, Landon dove out of the car and started running for the pool. I felt like a prison guard corralling an inmate. But a very nice prison guard, who served her prisoner a pb&j sandwich shortly after :)

Food Truck Rodeo - Yeehaw!

The other day I introduced Landon to the concept of the food truck. His mouth is pretty much still hanging wide open. To have his two favorite things, food and trucks, culminate into one was too much for the little guy. I can't wait to actually take him to eat at one, now that I have seen how excited he is about the idea.

There is rumored to be a Food Truck Rodeo in Durham for this Father's Day, so I was asking Landon if that was something that he would like to do with Phillip and I. He nodded his head enthusiastically and said "yes" he did want to go. I told him that we would wait until his Dad came home from his business trip so that all three of us could go together. To which Landon replied, "I'll buy". I was shocked that he knew that expression! Or even knew that you had to pay for food!

I said back to him "Oh, you'll buy? That's so nice of you! How will you pay? Do you have any money?". Landon looked at me and said "I can pay", and then ran off to play with his trucks!

Later that night I realized that he had emptied out all of the credit cards and cash from my wallet into his car seat, so maybe he really was planning on paying? Hmm...

Lessons Learned

You know how all of the toddler development books state that children love routine and structure? Well Phillip and I maintain a pretty good routine for Landon at home, but always wanted to integrate enough flexibility into our lives so that Landon could go with the flow when needed.

Last weekend we tried the ultimate "go with the flow" adventure - Landon's first plane trip. Let's just say there were some highs (about 40,000 feet in the air actually), and some lows (like the dirty floor in the airport, where Landon writhed around for quite a few temper tantrums). In between we had some great times, and some more tantrums. Guess who will be reading "Making the Terrible Two Terrific!" this week?

Really though we had a great weekend spent with some great friends. Landon was probably acting ornery because he knew that he would have to leave the kids wonderland that our friends in Bryn Mawr call home: historic stone home, huge fenced yard, front-yard creek with little fishies to feed, a front and back staircase for climbing, a pool, the world's sweetest dog, and an almost one year old boy who was happy to share his car toys. Really, heaven for Landon. Did I mention there was a dorm fridge stocked with all of Landon's favorite foods? That said "Welcome Steele and Landon"? Landon and his "big sis" Steele were pretty excited.

We had a good time catching up with old friends, lounging by the pool, playing a really fun board game called "Balderdash", and eating. There was a lot of eating - yuminess from the grill of course, as our friends own Firecraft.

We also had some struggles over naptime and more than our normal share of temper tantrums from Landon; it was the first time that he wasn't snuggly and cuddly with me, and I have to say that although I tried to stay tough, it hurt my feelings! After a rough trip back through the airport (security, lunch, and waiting to board), we had a very smooth flight, and an excellent night of sleep. Since Phillip stayed in Philly for business, I was a little worried about being home with Landon by myself today - imagine my surprise when Landon and I had the nicest day!

Landon has reveled in being at home and his daily routines, and has been so sweet to me today - he has given me about 40 hugs and kisses today. And when I was asking Landon about whether or not he wanted to go to a Food Truck Fiesta with his Dad and I, he said "okay, I buy!". When I asked him how he was going to pay, and whether he had any money, he said, "I can pay" and then ran off. How sweet is that?

Beach Bum

Last weekend we headed down to Wilmington to visit family and friends, and to attend Baby Cate's Sip-n-See! Being the beach bums that we are, Landon and I spent our fair amount of time at the beach. Landon LOVES the beach. When he first arrives, he slips his hands into the pockets of his board shorts, and surveys the waves. Then, he saunters on down to the firm sand to find the best spot to play.

At one point on our first day, Landon became very interested in the dunes. I wasn't sure if they were a protected area or not, so I didn't want him climbing around up there and tried to chase him down. He was pretty happy to wander along the edges and at one point nodded his head and said, "Hmmm, nice hill". That cracked me up - he said it so non-chalantly!

Of course, most of the time at the beach was a little more active - running through the water, playing ball with his friends, filling up buckets of water and carrying them back to the sand to fill up freshly-dug holes, and even being bitten or stung my some sort of sea creature (the doctor thinks it was a jellyfish). Little man didn't even react, so his accident didn't hold him back very much, but it did result in two doctor's visits this week...

The second day we went to the beach with our friends the Broadfoots, and joined them at the Yacht Club. Needless to say, the Yacht Club has kind of ruined Landon and I for any other type of beach experience! He loved running along the boardwalks, eating lunch in the screened-in pavilion, checking out the beach playground, and watching all the comings-and-goings.

He also loved the Wrightsville Beach playground, which we visited the next day. I'm always in awe (and sightly terrified) of how brave Landon is when it comes to playground equipment. I was scrambling around behind him, trying to give him some space to play with the big kids that he really wanted to play with, but eventually we had to leave because the older kids were running full speed and playing tag, so it was a little dangerous to have Landon running around in the middle of that. He was so disdainful of the toddler play area - he thinks that he is a big kid for sure!

We wrapped up our beach trip with some downtime at Grandma's and a peaceful drive up and down the beach to see the marshes and intracoastal waterway. I can't wait to take Landon kayaking there one day!

That's My Boy

There are millions of little things that I love about Landon. Sometimes the things that I love most about Landon are also the same things that have me pulling my hair out - for example, the way the little guy is in constant motion. He loves to run, dance, climb, skip, and jump...all good things. He also loves to squirm, hop up, or flail about in his crib, his car seat, and at the dinner table.

I have to say though - his latest addition to his "movement arsenal" is pretty endearing. When he asks me for something or is waiting for me to do something for him, he has started running in place! There is nothing cuter than seeing a toddler pumping his arms and running in place while you furiously stir Hershey's syrup into milk, or open a package of fruit snacks...pretty darn sweet in my opinion.