Under Means To Look Below

When Baby Zog was born (almost two years ago if you can believe that!) I remember Daddy Zog being overwhelmed by the simple fact that the baby knew nothing. "It's our job to teach him E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G," Daddy Zog remarked.

And so, we set out to do just that. Lately, Daddy Zog's lessons are often missing the mark in age-appropriateness and they make me laugh. But I applaud his efforts. Teachings I've heard imparted to my 23-month-old this weekend include:

"Safe means to no longer be in danger's path."

"Under means to look below."

"When someone does something that assists you, you should tell them they are appreciated."

But the purpose of this blog post is to brag on the new thing I taught Baby Zog! I couldn't be happier with the time he wakes up in the morning. It is often after 7:30 a.m. which is wonderful in toddler world. However, I was starting to grow weary of the way he woke up - crying and crying until we'd rescue him from his crib. And so, a few days ago I began starting each morning with a lesson: "You don't have to cry when you wake up, son. You can say 'I'm awake. Come and get me!'" I explained.

Well, this morning, guess what we heard through the monitor (at 7:55 a.m. no less):

"I'm awake Mommy. Daddy, come get me!"

So far, I haven't heard Baby Zog tell anyone he appreciates them, but the day is young.

P.S. This photo is of my boys enjoying college football yesterday. I'm sure Daddy Zog tried to explain "running the option" to Baby Zog while they were sitting on the couch.

This is how we know we're alive

Most of you don't know this, but I've spent the last six months working as the Event Manager of the Children's Area for the state Literary Festival that happens every two years. Yes, I know, I started a new job in June. I've been doing both!

The Literary Festival has been a lot of work - especially in the last month - but I really enjoy event planning, so I am happy for the experience and the new line on my resume.

The festival was this weekend and we couldn't have ordered a more wonderful, successful event - or more perfect weather! I am pooped (as my mom would say.) As I sit here typing, my wrists ache, my eyes are heavy, and I am contenplating cutting off my feet to get rid of the pain.

But here's one thing I've realized. Hard work reminds me that I am capable of more than I do on a daily basis. Getting out of my routine and reaching a new goal expands my ability to succeed in other areas of my life.

And then there is the high of my family coming to see me at the Festival - coming to see the result of my work. Watching Baby Zog hug Clifford the Red Dog, give high five to the Berenstain Bears, make a character mask and dance to new music was so inspiring. I love to watch him try new things, go to places we don't visit every weekend, meet new people, and find humor in unfamiliar places.

I thrive off routine probably more than the next person, but every now and then I think I'll try something that brings a new element to our lives and creates a weekend that will always live in my memory instead of slipping away. It makes me feel like we are actual LIVING.

Where does he get these things?

So this afternoon Baby Zog and I were sitting on the playroom floor building a house (as we do EVERY afternoon these days.)

Well then, I got a tickle in my throat and began to cough. Baby Zog walked over to me, patted me on the back a couple times and looked down into my face and said,"Everything okay here?" like a cop checking in a a domestic dispute.

Oh, he is so precious and so funny. Where on earth does he get this stuff?

Sorry for the "puffy eye" pic. It's the only one I have from recent days. His eye looks much better now. The cut is healing quickly and the swelling is gone. We're down to just a deep, dark purple bruise across his eyelid.