2 Year Check Up

Once again, I get to report that we have a healthy and growing little boy.

Max weighed 29.5 pounds and measured 36 inches tall. Both 75th percentile.

He is incredibly talkative and bright for a 2 year old.

Thank you Jesus for a healthy and happy toddler.

My Niece Norah

Meet Norah Dee

Born May 1, 2010

7 lbs 6 ounces

19.5 inches

Congratulations John, Rachel and big brother Eli!

Birthday Bash Adventure

What a night to remember! For Max's 2nd birthday celebration, we decided to take the little man to Benihana, a Japanese steakhouse that cooks the meal right in front of you. What entertainment for Max! To liven the evening up [and I do mean liven, wait until you hear the entire adventure] we invited our friends from New York, Jimmy, Chrissy, and daughters Alex and Samantha who have been in town visiting for the weekend.

As much fun as dinner was, watching Max pile white rice into his mouth, oooohing and awwwwing over the chef and his tricks, the entire restaurant singing him Happy Birthday, and proving he could eat every last bite of his strawberry ice cream, the evening adventure was only beginning.

Let me explain. The restaurant sits in a circular courtyard with the backsides of about 4 or 5 restaurant patios facing it. In the middle of the courtyard is a beautiful fountain [do you have any idea where this story is going now?]. It was a gorgeous night last night. Warm weather and of course an audience of people sitting on the patios dining for the evening.

Max started to get quite curious with the fountain. Stepping closer. Stepping back. Stepping even closer. Jumping back. Getting a little wet. Getting a LOT wet. By the end of the evening, he AND our friend Jimmy were BOTH running through the fountain. Max was giggling and laughing harder than I have ever seen before. It was priceless. Absolutely priceless.

So Jimmy, thanks for showing Max how to live life to the fullest and make the most of every opportunity. You are the man!

You have to watch this video to see how all the fun began:

Happy 2nd Birthday Maximus

Dear Max,

It is hard to believe you are two years old today. Our lives have been radically changed because you are in it.

Your smile, your giggle, your innocence, your joy, your independence, your determination, your drive, your personality, your voice, your hug, your kiss...it makes our hearts melt.

We are so grateful to your birthparents for choosing US to be your forever family. What an honor and a privilege to be your mommy and daddy. We simply cannot imagine life any other way. You were meant for us and we were meant for you.

Happy Birthday to you Maximus, our son.

Hugs, kisses [and hand pounds],

Mommy and Daddy

Updates +

Where has the month of April gone? I have apparently been in a bloggy daze and must apologize to my faithful blog followers [all 2 or 3 of you] for the lack of posts.

I am going to try to make it up to you in this single post. To keep said updates organized I am resorting to actually numbering my random posts, pictures and yes, videos. I don't think I have ever done that in my years of blogging.

1. Max has apparently taken up the game of golf in his spare time. He is quite pleased with himself every time his club makes contact with the golf ball. And just for the record, daddy is quite proud.

2. Max is very sweet on our neighbor and his friend, Brooke. Only two doors away from each other, the kids literally run down the sidewalk towards each other with their arms open, ready for hugs. It is quite a sight and incredibly adorable.

3. I am not sure why I get all sappy when Max learns to do something new, but, I do. It always includes two moments for me. First, I celebrate at what he has learned to accomplish on his own. Then, I choke back tears because I realize he doesn't need me anymore to help him with that task. On this particular day, Max mastered blowing bubbles on his own. This is really no small feat and he was quite proud of himself. Ok, and I was proud of him too. Sniff, sniff.

4. Oh how I love the zoo! It is perfect for all ages. Max and I recently had a zoo adventure where he could not get enough of the aquarium. Every fish that swam by [and there have to be thousands in the big tank] he would scream and say louder than the time before, "FISH, A FISH!" Take a look!

5. And last, I can hardly believe that Max will be 2 years old in 3 days. I am pretty sure I am in denial. On the other hand, Max is not. In fact, he has been celebrating for a couple of weeks. From gifts in the mail to a mini-birthday party, Max is in birthday heaven. And if you ask him what he wants for his birthday he shouts, "Cake, I want Cake!" Take a look at Max doing a little birthday dance to a card he got in the mail [thanks Auntie Marie and Uncle Joe].

I am sure I will re-enter the blog world in only a few short days as we celebrate Max's 2nd birthday. Keep you posted!

Celebration of Life

HAPPY EASTER!

"He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen."

Matthew 28:6

Max Greets the Ocean

Hello bloggy world! Max and I just returned from a four day vacation in Florida. We traveled with my mom [a.k.a. grandma] and visited my grandparents [a.k.a. GG & Papa].

We logged lots of hours at the pool and spent one glorious day at the Siesta Key Beach. It was beautiful, sugary sand. And Max enjoyed every second. His squeals and laughter by the ocean were priceless. Here's a glimpse!