Monday, December 1, 2008

Laundry with Max

Laundry is just one of those tasks that is never-ending. You just can't check it off the list and be done with it. It seems there is always a load I could be washing, drying, folding or putting away. For instance, right now, I have clean clothes folded in my room ready to be put on hangers and in drawers. I have two loads of clean clothes folded and sitting on top of the dryer. And, I am sure, if I went and checked our laundry baskets I would have enough to start yet another load. Whew, I am tired just thinking about all this laundry. And we are only a family of 3 right now! [Geesh, wouldn't it be nice if a laundry fairy visited our houses? Poof...and you have clean clothes.]

Well, with Max, laundry is all about timing and multi-tasking. I switch and fold laundry while he is napping, or in his exersaucer, or playing on the floor. And on that rare day [ok, not so rare lately] he wants me to carry him around everywhere, he comes to the laundry room with me.  

It used to be a breeze. I could lay him down and he wouldn't [or should I say couldn't] move. He was forced to watch me put laundry in the washer/dryer and fold. Just like so:


Then, he figured out how to roll so I had to stop laying him on top of the dryer [for fear he would roll right off] and the floor didn't seem like a good idea either [for fear he would slam his head on the ceramic tile]. So, the Bumbo seat seemed liked the perfect solution. That is until he figured out how to get out of the Bumbo.  

[in this particular photo he launched himself out of the Bumbo seat about 30 seconds after I snapped this picture]

Ok, Mister Max. What next? 

Today I spent hours doing laundry [ok, it felt like hours] so I needed to come up with a new idea of how to entertain Max in the laundry room. 

In the past week he has mastered sitting up by himself. But, on occasion, still has a sideways [kind of in slow-motion] tumble. So I don't think he is ready to sit on the ceramic tile yet.

So, I came up with a brilliant plan. Sit him in the big laundry basket. He seemed happy with the idea, so I started working away. I was facing the dryer, folding clothes. Max was behind me playing in the basket. Then, I heard him moving and grunting. I turned around to see what the commotion was about. 

He PULLED HIMSELF TO A STANDING POSITION [more than once I might add!!] in the laundry basket. This is no joke. Is this supposed to happen at only 7 months? He used his strong lil' biceps and wedged his feet into the corner of the basket and was literally standing up [and the basket was teetering forward!!].  Oh my. I couldn't steady the laundry basket and take a photo at the same time, so I got his expression soon after he plopped back down on his bottom. He looks pretty pleased with himself doesn't he?

So, the next phase is crawling [which I reckon will be soon]. Then, I can at least shut the laundry door and let him crawl around on the floor. I won't have to worry about any tumbles or falls.  

Am I really saying out loud that I want him to start crawling? Oh my. I think I am. Then, I am really going be on the go, chasing the man around, making sure all areas are baby-proofed...

Oh. My.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Pumpkin Pie

Sam is serious about his pumpkin pie. In fact, he loves pumpkin pie. In years past, I have attempted to make him one of these much-adored pies, however I just can't seem to get it right. Either the crust comes out burnt or the middle is runny. So I gave up making [and ruining] pumpkin pies.

But, this year, Sam proved he actually can navigate his way around the kitchen. This hankering for a pumpkin pie has turned into somewhat of a cooking-obsession for him. When I do a grocery run he specifically asks for crust, pumpkin and evaporated milk. All the other ingredients are household staples [he let me know], so as long as I keep our pantry stocked with these three ingredients, he can get his bake on.

And since Sam has been making at least a pie a week, Max has joined the cooking club.

And this is how you crack an egg...

And pour it ever-so-slowly...

Fresh out of the oven.
It is quite a masterpiece, isn't it? 

Enjoy Boys!

And Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!


Monday, November 24, 2008

Gotcha Day!

Max with mommy & daddy
in the courtroom on Gotcha Day!
Dear Maximus, 

Today, November 24, 2008, is a very special day for our family. It is your adoption finalization!

Do you know?
We prayed for you before we knew you. We dreamed of you before we held you. We prepared for you before we were "expecting" you. And we loved you before we met you. 

And the moment we laid eyes on you?
We melted forever. You, sweet Maximus, were chosen for us. And we were chosen for you.

We are so proud to be your parents. Everyday you teach us something new. You make us smile bigger, laugh harder, dream higher and love deeper. Our lives are forever changed because of you!

Today we celebrate our forever family.

We love you!
Daddy & Mommy

Friday, November 21, 2008

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Happy Happy Holidays

Oh how I have waited for this moment:


I am so excited I am about to burst. 

Seriously. 

Thank you Pottery Barn for engraving these stockings.
Thank you UPS man for delivering this package so promptly. 
Thank you Sam for understanding the importance of this holiday investment.

I might have to get a jump start on my holiday decorating. The first thing I am going to pull out? My stocking holders. Three big silver letters that say "JOY". And each letter has a perfect little hook for each stocking. This year, is the first year, that three stockings will hang from our mantle. 

I find myself being completely overwhelmed with the little things. The little reminders of how life is different now. 

Maximus, thank you for bringing such JOY to your mommy and daddy this holiday season! 

And thank you Jesus for stockings!





Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Home Makeover

With the help of Sam's awesome mom, I was able to give my eating area a face lift with a new paint color. Meet Caroway. A lovely olive green. Doesn't it have a nice ring to it?

And in all seriousness, there is no one better to call than Sam's mom when you need a new paint job. She shows up ready to work and with all the supplies. My only responsibility? Get the paint. 

And what did Max do today to keep busy? Well, watching us work [which was my bright idea of keeping him busy] only lasted a mere 10 minutes. He wanted to join the painting party [of course], so I rolled one entire wall with the little man on my hip.

Thanks Max...you were a huge help today!


Monday, November 17, 2008

It's Snowing!

Max is officially ready for the cold weather...and good thing! It's SNOWING!

Bundle Me car seat fuzzy cover. Check.
Hat with silly pom-pom on top. Check.

Let's go enjoy the winter weather. Brrrrrrrrr...