A little adivce for my son...

 I found this on a friend of mine’s blog and I wanted to pass the information along to you, Listen closely Nolan…

1. You will set the tone for the sexual relationship, so don't take something away from her that you can't give back.

2. Play a sport.  It will teach you how to win honorably, lose gracefully, respect authority, work with others, manage your time and stay out of trouble.   And maybe even throw or catch.

3. Use careful aim when you pee.  Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.

4. Save money when you're young because you're going to need it someday.

5. Allow me to introduce you to the dishwasher, oven, washing machine, iron, vacuum, mop and broom.  Now please go use them.

6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.

7. Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight, but if some idiot clocks you, please defend yourself.

8. Your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take away from you.

9. Treat women kindly.  Forever is a long time to live alone and it's even longer to live with somebody who hates your guts.

10. Take pride in your appearance.

11. Be strong and tender at the same time.

12. A woman can do everything that you can do.  This includes her having a successful career and you changing diapers at 3 A.M.  Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.

13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir" still go a long way.

14. The reason that they're called "private parts" is because they're "private".  Please do not scratch them in public.

15. Peer pressure is a scary thing.  Be a good leader and others will follow.

16. Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea.

17. Be patriotic.

18. Potty humor isn't the only thing that's humorous.

19. Please choose your spouse wisely.  My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me spending time with you and my grandchildren.

20. Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you.

Love,

Mom

John,

I ran across this article and thought it would be great daddy advice for raising a little girl.

1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.

2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.

3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.

4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.

5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.

6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.

7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.

8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.

9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.

10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.

11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say, “Yes.”

12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.

13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.

14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.

15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.

16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.

17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.

18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.

19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.

20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.

21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.

22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.

23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.

24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.

25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.

26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.

27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.

28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.

29. If her mom enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.

30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.

31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.

32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.

33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.

34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.

35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.

36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.

37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.

38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.

39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.

40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.

41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.

42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.

43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.

44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.

45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.

46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.

47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.

49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.

50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.

Small Things Appreciated

I am so thankful that when I go to pick up Nolan from daycare he says "mommy" with a huge smile and runs to give me a hug. He is so happy to see me!

I am also so thankful to have a husband I come home to kiss and hug every night and someone who says goodbye and have a nice day in the mornings.

These are very simple things but in the rush of life and busy schedules it is nice to sit back and realize how special those little moments are.

Nolan, I know you will not always raise your arms to hug and kiss me but I cherish those moments so much of how happy you are for me to be picking you up and come home to see your smiling face.

Love,

Mom

Growing to Fast

Baby boy,

Today we received the note from school that you will be moving into the next classroom, Suite 200. You will no longer sit in a high chair, or sleep in a crib at school. Your move from the infant room to the room you are in now was not emotional for me but moving into the toddler room is something I'm not quite ready for yet. I know you are ready but your mommy is not. Your new teachers have some very big shoes to fill because Ms. Kelsey, Ms. Vanessa and Ms. Laura are incredible and you love them very much. I know you are ready and are in good hands but I need you to slow down and not grow up so fast.

Here are a few things you are doing and love at 17 months:

• Every time you see a dog you point and say "dog", if we are at the park you want to go say hello. Our dog, Dolce is your best friend, you love to give her kisses and say hello. I'm going to claim this and say you are just like your mommy with animals.
• We read Polar Bear, Polar Bear at least 3 times everyday. You hiss at the snake and tweet at the peacock, say elephant while putting your hand in the air, and we are working on the walrus. You laugh hysterically at mommy's walrus and you clap your hands while I "Arg, Arg"
• Everyday we walk to the mailbox and get the mail together. Yesterday you saw our neighbor across the culdesac and screamed "Hi", as we were walking back to the house you turned and yelled "bye" to her as loud as I have ever heard you.
• When it is windy outside you say "whoa" and laugh
• Your best friend is Avelyn. At school you run around with Tucker and Brendan but Avelyn is your bestie
• You would be outside 24 hours a day if you had it your way.
• Every time you walk up the stairs you scream "Byyyye Bye" or Ni Ni (Night Night) with a smile
• Keys, Keys, Keys- you start daddy's car on accident often with his self starter
• You are the easiest baby to put to sleep- bedtime is never and issue with you
• On the other side you wake up by 6:30 everyday, you are our little rooster. Daddy says he loves walking into your room in the morning because you always pop up with a HUGE smile on your face.
• In true boy fashion trucks and cars are starting to catch your interest, Vroom as you say
• Last you are extremely loving and love giving big hugs and kisses.

You are saying many words. Anything we say you attempt to repeat, words that are clear and you say and understand are : Daddy, Mommy, Hi, Bye, Milk, Juice, Chicken, Apple, Dog, Baba, Tweet Tweet or bird, Blanket, NiNi (Night Night), Bubbles, Bath, elephant, fish, Row Row, Uh-Oh, hot. You will repeat the colors but you don't know what they mean yet.

Love,
Mom

I'll Love you Forever

I’ll love you forever. I’ll like you for always. As long as I’m living. My baby you’ll be.

This weekend I got to hear the words I have been longing to hear from you. You love to be in my craft room with me getting your hands into everything and anything! And I always let you play with all my fabrics and old scrapbook paper. The room is a mess after 10 minutes but it is always an hour well spent and filled with smiles and laughter. Today we were singing songs together and you were babbling back and forth with me. I said “Nolan I love you” and you looked right at me and said “I Wouve you!” (in a Scooby Doo kind of voice) I had to say it again to make sure I heard you right “I love you” and as quick as can be “I Wouve you” I have been waiting for this day and to top it off you kept saying it over and over followed giving big hugs! Then as we were cleaning up and getting ready to leave the room you ran up to me and I picked you up. You wrapped your arms around my neck and said “Love you Mommy” You have made my entire week and I love you so much!! You are filled with so much love and are really starting to show your affection!

Nolan's First Birthday

Nolan,

A year has passed already and an incredible year it has been. Birthdays are meant to be special and we celebrated all week with you celebrating your important milestone. Grandma Dawn, Aunt Maizi, Great Grandma Evelyn, Grandpa John, Grandma Linda, and your cousin Jansen all came in town to celebrate with you.

I took time this week to just look at you while you were sleeping taking in all that a year has brought us. A year ago we were preparing for your arrival I would sit in your empty room dreaming of what you would look like and who you would become. I could not wait to get you in my arms and love and kiss you. The night before you were born your dad and I were lying in bed talking about the parents we wanted to be how we wanted you to be healthy, kind, smart, handsome, happy, honest,  and loving. That no matter what happens in life we just wanted you to know your parents love you, we will be there for you and you can trust us. We want you to be you and no one else.

In this last year you have taught me in a matter of moments of entering my life how different I was before you. How different my life was before you. How different my heart was before you. And now how different my life and heart will be forever because of you.  

You look at me and just smile. My world stops when you smile at me. Anything that has happened in the last week, day, or hour doesn’t matter when you smile at me, it makes my world stop and I smile back and just take in that moment. You make me so happy. I love that you are so happy. I love that you love me. I love that you have so much energy and just want to play. You are the definition of a boy. Your laugh melts my heart and you laugh often.

Happy 1^st Birthday Nolan Michael

Love,

Mom

One Years Old

1. What is your favorite color? No colors yet

2. What is your favorite toy? Anything with Music

3. What is your favorite stuffed animal? The monkey beanie baby

4. What is your favorite thing to sleep with? Yellow and green blanket

5. What is your favorite fruit? I like all fruits, grapes

6. What is your favorite cereal? Cheerios

7. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Cereal

8. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Tacos at school

9. What is your favorite dessert? Not big on sweets

10. What is your favorite drink? Milk

11. What do you want to eat for your birthday dinner? Chicken

12. What is your favorite animal? Elephant

13. What is your favorite book? Polar Bear Polar Bear

14. What is your favorite song? Open Shut Them

15. What is your favorite game? No Games yet

16. What is your favorite TV show? Mickey Mouse

17. What is your favorite movie? No Movies

18. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Bubbles

19. Who is your best friend? Avelynn

20. What do you want to be when you grow up? My mommy tells me a Petrophysicist

Being New Parents

There is no book that can prepare you for the adventures of becoming a parent. But your instincts just kick in and you dive head first into mommy and daddy mode. We have had many laughs throughout our journey as mommy and daddy.  It started from day one when John said he must wear gloves, yes latex gloves everytime he would change Nolan. But needless to say it only lasted a few days before he realized he would be going through alot of boxes if he kept that up! Another memory that makes us laugh is how our conversations went from how was your day, what did you do, what should we eat for dinner to what color was his poop, how much did he eat, when was that last time he ate, did I eat today, did I take a shower today or this week? The term new mommy brain is a real thing. I really don't believe my memory came back until a year later and sometimes I still question if it ever came back.

Boogers Boogers Booger! I never in a million years would think I would be the mom that can pick a booger of someone else. But when it is your own child nothing matters but them. You pick their boogers with bare hands, clean up spit, did I mention getting thrown up on? Yes one of my "I am officially a mother" moments in the last year is when Nolan threw up on me not once but twice and I had to change him while I still had throw up all over me. You just put your childs needs first, you don't even think twice about it. It is called True Love