Mondays with Crosby

At 11:24 am, Crosby Fox turned 1 year and 39 weeks old!!! And let me tell you, he had himself a good 'ole time this week. Somebody is no longer afraid of the sand. He walks in it. He runs in it. He actually sits in it and digs his little piggies in it. He doesn't really like his hands to get in it but I am sure that will change one of these years! He thought the "beeech" was a pretty "coooo" place to spend some of his time! And when he wasn't in the water, he was sleeping like a champ in his well padded pack-n-play. Yep. Crosby had a great week in Sea Island. I'm gonna tell you all about it, too. It will just have to be in chunks over this next week as I try to recover from our vacation!

Before I go, I have a favor to ask...

One of my most loyal readers is Aunt Dot. She is my mom's sister. They share the same birthday. Their momma, my Nana, is the person Crosby was named after. Mildred Crosby Smith. Aunt Dot loves our boy to pieces. Uncle Ken and Aunt Dot allowed us to use their beautiful home last week. While we were there, they learned their son-in-law, Jay Hill, who is the husband of my cousin Leah, has leukemia. He and Leah learned this news on Friday and were sent from Chattanooga to Emory. He will begin treatment on Wednesday. Please, please, please keep our family in your prayers. Especially the Borings and Hills. They believe in the power of prayer and would appreciate any and all they can get. And just so you can picture their faces when you lift them up...

This is Jay and Leah with Crosby last year. We stopped in to say "hello" as we made our way to Auburn. And then on to Sea Island...

And I had to include my faithful follower, Aunt Dot, with Uncle Ken and Crosby...

Thank you in advance.

Mondays with Crosby

At 11:24 am, Crosby Fox turned 1 year and 38 weeks old!!! And on this Monday, we find ourselves at Cottage 356 on Sea Island, Georgia. This is the second year in a row we have taken this trip with the Edenfields. It is sort of looking like a new tradition for our families! A new babe has been added to the mix, which makes it all the more fun! But let me not get ahead of myself. (technically, I am really behind so that is not possible...just go with me...)

We have known about this trip for a while. I had plenty of time this week to pack us up. But, like any good procrastinator does, I waited until the last minute. I say I work better under pressure to make myself feel better about this horrible habit of mine. In case you don't believe me, I will offer proof.

Tuesday was MDO. Wednesday was CBS. Thursday was my hair appointment in Columbia so we spent the whole day there. And, yes, it was worth it to get a FORTY FIVE dollar cut AND color!! $45!!!! Where was I? Ah yes. Friday morning. We were scheduled to leave first thing Saturday morning. Although I only had a few things packed, I suggested to Melissa that we take the kiddos to the zoo. She thought my idea was fabulous! They did too...
The gibbons were quietly resting when we walked up. Pretty boring. Just was we started to walk away, they started to put on a show! Our little spectators were quite impressed!
Then we made our way to the new flamingo exhibit...
I am sure back in the day I learned they stood on one leg. But I had forgotten, or at least had not given it much thought in the past 20+ years. I was totally amazed by their balancing skills and still find myself wondering how that ability is energy efficient?! It must be or they wouldn't do it...
Back to the kiddos. I snapped a few pictures of Crosby and Miss Margaret in their strollers that are too cute not to share... Once they were over being strapped in, we let them run loose at the playground...



I am pretty sure Crosby was the first one to lie down on the mat and state the following: "Nigh Nigh!!" Seriously? He is asking to take a nap while we are at the zoo?
Miss Margaret was in agreement...
Sleepy Heads...

When they are both trying to get comfortable on the mat at the same time, you know it is time to leave!!

Not to mention I had lots of work to do at the house! It was probably good timing! No worries. I managed to get it all done in time to head out Saturday morning. We left at 9:0o and headed South. We made a brief pit stop in Birmingham to have lunch with GranBuddy/Perd, Jason, Sam and Gid. Then we climbed back into the car and continued on to Auburn.

Crosby might have enjoyed this trip a little more due to the fact that he could SEE where we were going...

I caved and turned him forward facing before his 2nd birthday. I had been holding out for safety's sake, but finally did it. He was pretty pumped...

That was until he passed out...

We got to campus and started our walk toward the stadium. Is this precious or what?!?!?

These boys love their Auburn Tigers. We made our way down to Tiger Walk and it was HOT!!!

I tried to get the 2010 version of a similar picture from last year but it didn't really happen...

Crosby was able to enjoy the band despite the heat...

Dumping cold water on his neck had a lot to do with that!

It zapped his energy even WITH the cold water! Mine too!!!

So we headed away from the crowd and sat down outside of the student center. We watched Crosby drink 24 ounces of water...

Then he took off running. He was all over the place. Of course he got millions of compliments on his outfit, made by Lulu! The first picture of the post was of him visiting a lady with a scooter. It was just like his Grammie's so he wanted to honk the horn and ride with her! GranBuddy and Blake went to the game while Crosby and I watched the game from the couch at a friend's house! Thankfully, Auburn pulled out a win, ending our day on a very good note!

At 10:30, the night was still young. Our plan was to drive from Auburn to Sea Island through the night. We did the same thing last year and it seemed to work well. However, we got to the halfway point and had a change of plans and decided to stay in a hotel instead. The 3 of us piled into a king size bed and called it a night! We had a nice breakfast on Sunday morning before jumping back into the car. We managed to make it to Sea Island before noon. We spent the afternoon hanging out by the pool, stocking up on groceries and taking a much needed nap!

Our beach trip officially started when the Edenfield crew joined us late Sunday night! I will save all of those pictures for this Monday. I mean, NEXT Monday!!! ;)

And in case you didn't already notice, I got to play with Lightroom on Jessica's computer once again! LOVE IT...

If you don't follow

her, you should. From where I sit, even half of a fig would be a good start...

Could this be my lucky day?

When you look at these, you will know why I had to do this!!! Can you blame me for wanting to win?? :)

Mondays with Crosby

At 11:24 am, Crosby Fox turned 1 year and 37 weeks old!!! Wow...

Our little guy had a random fever pop up on Saturday. While I appreciated all of the snuggle time he gave us, I don't like to see our little man feeling bad. Fortunately it only lasted a half day or so. But it kept us in the house Saturday and Sunday. The camera never made it out of the drawer!

There is nothing sweeter than a clean baby. The process of getting them clean can be pretty fun, too! I seems like ages since I posted bath time pictures. They are always some of my favorites. Maybe it is because he is fairly confined and I can usually get one or two that are actually in focus! I decided to take a few tonight...

A little closer...

A little sweeter...

Oh, but maybe this one is sweeter?!!

And then there is this one...

And then there is THIS one of a very silly, soapy headed baby who is clearly out of focus...
Water in the ears...

Cheesing really big... Kissing Mr. Frog...
A very sleepy, squeaky clean baby. The sleeve rubbing gives it away...

Bubba cheese. But still trying to rub that sleeve...

"Momma...read Dimity Duck and put me to bed, please!!!!"

I'm keeping it short and sweet. My heart is heavy for several sweet families tonight. Just know a precious couple had their hopes dashed this afternoon and could use your prayers. And if you will, continue to pray for Sonya, Drason and Livi as the reality of Bane's passing is hitting hard right now. You can follow them by clicking the buttons at the top, right hand corner of the page. Thanks friends...

Mother's Day Out

My baby started Mother's Day Out on Tuesday.



Sigh.


Yes, he is technically old enough to be in Mother's Day Out (too long to type so let's go with MDO...)! I have to admit, it was a REAL struggle for me to decide whether or not I wanted him to start MDO this year. The application process began in January. My sweet Crosby was barely even ONE. Way back then, he was still a baby!!! Practically an infant. I decided to take a tour of the classroom. It was really a great place. As soon as I put Crosby down, he began to explore, making himself right at home. The teachers even commented on his adventurous spirit. I filled out the application, knowing spaces were limited. His chance of getting in was slim. That was fine by me. To be honest, I hope he wouldn't get in. That way, I would have no decision to make and I would just worry about it next year. No big deal. So much for that idea. Wouldn't you know he got in right off the bat!

Sigh.


I hadn't really planned for that to happen. Now I had a decision to make. My mind was filled with these kinds of thoughts: "I can't ship my baby off 2 days a week without his momma!!!" "He will only be young once!" "You will never get this time with him back" "You are so fortunate to be able to stay home with your child. Why are you giving that up?" "It was such a struggle to bring this sweet baby home. Why don't you want to spend every second possible with him?" "We shouldn't spend the money."

Sigh.


There were also lots of positive thoughts: "He needs to learn to listen to adults other than his parents." "He will benefit from regular peer interaction." "He will enjoy structured activity outside of our home." "I can use that time to run all the errands he doesn't care for." There were plenty of pros. But for whatever reason, all I could focus on were the cons.

Sigh.

I talked to everyone I knew, seeking advice and opinions. Like the true procrastinator I am, I waited until the VERY LAST DAY to turn in my deposit. When I got there, no one was in the office so I ran out of the building thinking, "This must be a sign!" Then one of the sweet administrators was kind enough to call and "make sure" I didn't want the spot. I practically fell apart on her. She was precious and told me all of the reason why I should let him try it out. The next morning I was standing at the same office door with my deposit in hand. But I left there knowing there was still time to back out. Tuition wasn't due until July.


Sigh.

I shoved all of this to the back of my mind all summer long. Denial was a good place for me to be! But like every thing with Crosby's life, July was here before I knew it. Final tuition needed to be paid. Shot records needed to be turned it. I was sent a packet with his teachers name. Time to change my mind was running out. Oddly enough, Crosby no longer looked like the baby I was picturing when I was filled out the application. As much as I hated to admit it, he was no longer a baby. He was walking and running all over the place. He was saying more and more each day. He was starting to notice his peers and even called some of them by name. When I took my check to the same office I had run from in the Spring, I felt much more at ease. It was feeling more and more like the right thing to do.

His orientation was set for September 2, from 9-9:45. We met his teachers, Ms. Martha and Ms. Lisa. They were very sweet and seemed excited to meet Crosby. He immediately pushed his way out of my arms and headed for the train table. I was chopped meat from that point on. He checked out every corner of the room while I was filled in on "World Room" business. When the time came to leave, Crosby started to cry. He LOVED being there and did not want to leave. Good sign!

This past Tuesday, September 7th was his first, half day. He was scheduled to go from 9 - 12. Here is a picture of him eating breakfast, dressed and ready for his big day...

Of course we had to wake him up at 7:50. We could leave no later than 8:30! Why do they

always sleep late when you don't need them to and wake up early when you can sleep in? We pulled out of the driveway at 8:33 and barely made it on time. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, Crosby started saying, "Play! Play! Play!" I had to snap a few pictures of him sitting on the steps before we went in the building...

We opened the big, black doors behind him and he acted like he owned the place. He headed straight for his room and tried to open the door. Once we were inside the World Room, he wanted out of my arms and down on the floor. He had no patience for the "wash your hands before you play at the stations" business. I was able to snap a quick picture of him with Ms. Martha and Ms. Lisa before parting ways...

Blake and I headed off to a parent coffee where we learned all of the policies and procedures. Crosby was as happy as could be and didn't even care that we were gone. Our meeting ended, Blake and I took one last peek at him through the 2-way mirror and that was that! With only 2 hours until pick up, Blake headed to work and I piddled around nearby. I was a little concerned about meal time. Would he eat what I packed??? I wanted to be back at the mirror by lunch time to see how he would do. Apparently they ate a little early because I missed it! But I did see him take a stuffed animal to the mat, sit down and love on it. He kept trying to lie down and did a few times. Ms. Lisa came and sat beside him. I snapped a few pictures through the mirror, with no flash and no tripod. I thought this was turned out kind of sweet...

She later told me he was saying, "Nigh Nigh." I was pretty excited when the clock struck 12:00! I got to see my little man again! He was WORN OUT, as indicated by this picture...and the 4 hour nap he took when we got home!

His teachers said he did great, which further put my mind at ease. And then there is another reason I feel good about where he is and who he is with...

He and Miss Margaret are in the World Room together! How much fun for these sweet friends!

So far, I am thinking this was the right thing for Crosby. We will see how things go next Tuesday, when he stays from 9-2 and takes a NAP there!!! Yikes...