2

I make no secret about the fact that I LOVE having my kids home whenever possible. I love them in public school and homeschooling just isn't for me OR for them, but I really enjoy when we don't have the routine of school and they just get to hang out at home.

This kid is my real buddy right now. We have so much fun together. We find errands to go on, we go on bike rides, we go to the park and he begs to "go higher Mommy!" on the swings. We make apple juice and come up with other fun juice concoctions, and we drink it to our hearts' content. When I put him down for his nap (or at bedtime), he still buries his head into my neck and we sing songs.He now sings along with me, almost every single word of any song I start. He can't carry a tune in the least, but I don't care. He likes to be on my lap, he likes to be next to me, and he's just my little buddy.

Tanner talks like a champ, and I truly can't believe he is now 2. Today! Two years old really is magical, isn't it? It is FUN, as they suddenly talk so much and can even carry on a conversation, and they really are little human beings at this age. He asks every day if we can "go to Cars Land to see tow-Mater." I can't wait to take him.

I love the one on one time we have (not as frequent right now). I love how he opens his mouth and eyes wide when something is surprising...or just to see my reaction. I love his "oh my doodness" that I hear all the time out of his mouth. Nothing is sweeter than hearing, "Mom! I missed you!" after he wakes up, or when he's been off playing for a few minutes. He can sing and dance like nobody's business. I love boys; I love how they love their moms, and I adore this kid with my whole heart.

Isn't he the sweetest? I love his face. And all the faces of Tanner.

How time flies

3 years ago I had quite the morning of anticipation. We got up and and drove to the hospital. I wasn't in labor or in any pain, but had an appointment for Tyler to be born. I think we got there at 10:00 but an emergency c-section pushed my time back so we just hung out and watched TV for a while. Spencer got into his scrubs, which he thought was pretty cool, and I was in my beautiful hospital gown. The nurse came in to put in my IV and I remember she had to try a few times because she claimed my veins kept collapsing. This was the point when I got really nervous. After plenty of time to get more scared, they wheeled me into the operating room. I remember they did the spinal and told me that I would instantly go numb and they would have to have several people there to carefully lower me down. Sure enough, it was pretty instant. After giving my body a few minutes to get good and numb, my two doctors were there, jovial and cracking lame jokes all around. Spencer wasn't allowed in until after the spinal, and once he got there, things were underway really fast. I think I started to hyperventilate.

I remember being completely surprised that I didn't feel the pain this time like I had just 18 months prior when Emma was born. I got almost giddy as I knew what they were doing, and knew what was about to come next. Sure enough, my doctor quickly pulled Tyler out and I had to be tortured for a full half hour while everyone got to look at him/hold him/ooo and ahhh over him, and I had to stay put and be put back together. Spencer finally got to hold him and brought him over so I could see. We were all so in awe of his red hair (and there was TONS of it) and his perfect looking face. It's a surreal feeling to see your child for the first time, outside of your body. I was glad I was feeling ok and was aware enough this time to take it all in. He was awake and so mellow - the last time for about a year he'd be so chill and calm. :)

We were soon wheeled to a "recovery" room and stayed there for a while. I remember the incredible itchiness I had over my whole body. I remember telling the nurse that even my eyelids were itching. Spencer made some phone calls and we enjoyed the bonding time. He was perfect so once I got to my suite, Spencer left for our house house to get his mom and Emma (I don't miss those days with just one car, by the way). What seemed like hours later - I think it actually WAS hours later - the three of them showed up, and I got to show Nana her hair-twin! I loved having Emma there to be a part of it even though I don't think she really understood what was happening. I was (and still am) so thankful for my doctors that day - I think I picked one of the best I had access to, and I essentially trusted him completely. Here's cute little Tyler a day or two old (being held by Nana).

Today at noon, Tyler turned 3. I keep thinking, What happened to my baby? I think in a way he will always be my baby - he's the one who loves to cuddle with me, be held by me, and just be with me. And now here he is, 34 pounds, still as red-headed as ever, and newly potty trained! He had a great weekend with his new bike and new presents, and all the attention in the world. He's such a sweet boy and we're so glad he's a part of our family! Happy Birthday Tyler!

Here is his cake (it took me 2 hours and I have swollen ankles so I hope he appreciates it!):

And Tyler's birthday layout.