Pool Time

Well the verdict is in.  Anthony LOVED the pool this morning!  It helped that he immediately saw balls in the water as well as in a bin; he was hooked and ready to play.  It was also nice that we were the only two people in the pool - he didn't get splashed or spooked on his first try.  (However, I felt bad for the life guard who was bored to tears by us...) I was surprised with how brave he was when walking into the deep water and how he really didn't mind  floating on his back.  It will be fun to take swimming lessons this summer as well as go to the beach.  I think he's going to love being in the water. 

The only drama that happened this morning occurred not with Anthony, but with myself.  Does anyone else hate - I MEAN HATE - having to try on summer clothes AND your swim suit after a long Minnesota winter.  Ugh. Not a pretty sight.

Spandex Drama

Tomorrow Anthony and I are going to the local pool to try some water time.  (That's the plan at least; hopefully everything goes okay in the morning.)  He loves the bathtub so I'm hoping the pool will be a success too.  We'll see.  

In anticipation of tomorrow's pool adventure Mark and I decided to have him try on his new gear.  He didn't mind the life jacket at all; he walked around with it on and there weren't any major breakdowns over it.  The second get-up was a whole different story.  I'm not sure if it was the one piece outfit or the suckin' tight spandex or something else, but he really freaked out while wearing it.  He pulled, tugged and grabbed at the fabric meanwhile crying and going crazy.  Of course I had to snap some photos...

He's trying to figure out a way to get it OFF!  Unfortunately, pulling his shorts up didn't help. 

I love this photo!  He's crying, running around trying to get it off and looking so Richard Simmons in the spandex. How sporty!

I'll be sure to write an update tomorrow and let you know how it goes at the pool.  I've decided that he'll just wear his swimming shorts so we avoid any extra drama.  Hopefully.

Little Buck-a-roo

Even though bedtime is near he must be wearing a hat.  What a cute cowboy, huh?!   He looks like he'll go to bed immediately.  Right!!  I'm sure we'll be hearing him as he sings songs around the campfire at the Hanson Dude Ranch upstairs.

Kissing Time

Every morning Anthony and Zoey go through their kissing routine as they play together and welcome a new day.  Today's kisses were a bit over the top; they kept going and going and going...  I didn't think I would have time to run downstairs and get the camera, before the lovin' stopped.  I was proven wrong.  These two really love each other and it's super cute to see!

What a shot!  Nice tongue, Zo, and nice still-somewhat-sleepy-but-loving-the-attention look, Anthony.  You two are quite the pair.

The Best Gift

One last Mother's Day note - Just this past week Anthony added a new word to his dialogue, mama.  The first time he used it knowingly and looking at me I cried.  What a sweet sound coming out of our sweet boy.  I know I'll hear those words come from his mouth thousands of times in our future together; sometimes they'll be kind and patient while other times they will be demanding or mad.  I hope I never forget the powerful effect of hearing it the first time and having it pull so strongly on my heart.  Anthony saying and knowing his mama truly is the best gift ever.

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day has always been a special and meaningful day for me.  When I was younger our family would celebrate mom at our lake lot while we camped/fished and "surprise" her with gifts.   It was always good to take time out and let her know how much I appreciated her (and still do!).  Then once I got married I had another mother (in-law) to celebrate and appreciate on this special day. Luckily for me I hit the jackpot with Carol; she's amazing, loving and very giving.  

This year, though, will always be a very special Mother's Day for me because it is my first.  I grew up wanting to be a mom and it was hard to go to all of those doctor's visits hearing that it probably wouldn't happen. Anthony entering our lives has truly been a gift from God; the sweetest gift I could have ever received.  My dream of becoming a mother has come true and I'm so grateful.

Thank you, Cynthia, for being Anthony's birth mommy and having such a special place in our lives.  You are so loved, admired, appreciated and thought of each day by me.  I appreciate your selflessness and obvious love for Anthony. Every year on this day I will give thanks I'm a mother as well as celebrate you and your courage.   It is because of you that my deepest wish came true.  

Thank you to everyone who thought of me and did something to make my day special.  I appreciated the cards mom, Jenn, Jess from CA, Manda and Ella & Mol.  Thanks for the call, Rach (You're getting SO GOOD at communicating!) and Manda; I appreciated the text message, Shannon.  Thanks for stopping by Joni to talk and wish me a great weekend.  I loved the card and gift, Mark and Anthony, as well as our beautiful Sunday spent together as a family.  Most touching of all was the call I received this afternoon from Cynthia wishing me a great, first Mother's Day.  (How utterly amazing, huh?) She truly is more than I could have ever asked or hoped for in a birth mother.  As our relationship grows and deepens I continue to feel more and more grateful for her presence in my life.  I love you, Cynthia.

To all of the moms out there - I hope you enjoyed your special day.  Thank you for your influence in my life and helping me along the way as I learn about being a mom too.  You're all appreciated by me.

I Shouldn't Complain...

I cannot believe this is my last full week home with Anthony before I have to go back to work. My adoption leave and having the ability to stay at home for 12 weeks has been wonderful. I'm glad I was able to devote this time to Anthony and help him transition (as well as Mark and I). The good news is I only have to go back to work for eleven days before summer break starts. (I know, I really shouldn't be complaining.)  And when I go back he'll be spending his days getting to know his grandmas while they watch him.  Day care won't start until the fall.  How great is that?  I'm just sad to see this chapter in my life pass by.  When I look back on the last three months it has been quite a whirlwind starting on President's Day when we got the call from our social worker. A wonderful, crazy, emotional whirlwind that I feel immensely grateful for.  

I guess I'm just really amazed at how quickly life passes by.  I'm also a bit nervous because right now I'm living in a bubble of sorts.  I'm really worried about how I will balance my family and teaching and every other responsibility on my plate. I guess I'll get a quick preview of it starting next week and then wait for the juggling act to begin next fall.