Happy Second Birthday, Poki!

(A message from Mom).

Last year, when it was time to write your birthday message, I cried all the way through. In fact, I think I cried for the entire week of your birthday. I just couldn’t believe that my tiny baby was already a year. It felt like time flew by. Man, I had no idea. This year has gone by in a blink. I cannot believe I am here again, writing a birthday post. It literally seems like yesterday. And I’m emotional today too—but in a very different way. I don’t want to cry. I’ve even felt guilty for not getting all sappy about this birthday...but then I came to a realization. For the last week I’ve been racking my brain trying to come up with the right song for your “year in photos.” Should I choose a beautiful love song, like Nick Drake’s Northern Sky? Maybe a testament of youth and wishes for your future, like Bob Dylan’s Forever Young? Without a decision, I started putting pictures together from your second year...and I couldn’t stop laughing. Each photo reminded me of something brand new you’d discovered or a funny thing you said or did, and I realized that I’m not crying because you’ve kept me laughing all year! Just as the song I chose in the end says, “all the rest are fun days—from now on until the very end.” Every day with you gets better and better...and more and more challenging...but mostly better.

Don’t get me wrong—I miss my tiny baby every day. I miss your kicks in my belly, I miss nursing you, rocking you, just staring at you in my arms all day. But I enjoy watching who you are becoming even more. I wouldn’t trade my hilarious little man for any of it.

My God, I love you, Poki. I just had no idea life could be this good.

Happy Birthday.

It's Been Friggin Forever!

Man oh man, it's been a long time since we've posted. Sorry about that! We've had a busy few weeks. It pretty much all started with our (nearly) two weeks in Tennessee. Let me tell you--that place just gets better and better for me as I get older. I had a blast seeing my family and playing at the lake. My mom is the luckiest duck ever to have grown up there. It's really a cool place. You guys should check it out some time...you know...if you're ever in the neighborhood.

Here are some pictures from our super fun time.

First of all, it was Babushka's birthday, and we were so happy that we could celebrate with her. It was the big 4-0...right, Bashka?



As I mentioned, we spent quite a bit of time at Dodaddy's house. Can you believe this is where my mom grew up? It was only slightly different back then...hee hee.



It was such an exciting week and I did so much. I couldn't possibly list everything, but here are some of my favorites.

I got to play with a hose AND a baby pool...sometimes at the same time.



I got to hang out with my cousins--like Dru. She's a lake regular and she had alot of fun showing me the ropes.



I got to wear a life jacket...





And play with Tully...



All my cousins, actually...



And I got to dress up like a bobble head...



And go on a boat ride...
(Notice the identical faces Daddy and I are making here!)



And drive the boat (when it was docked)...



And drive a jet ski (when it was docked)...



And drive a big wheel...



And swim with the dogs...



And throw balls for the dogs (Go get it, Ripley!)...



And drive Dodaddy's trains...



No, seriously--I got to DRIVE Dodaddy's trains! He must really love me.



And watch Mom do a crazy awesome magic trick...



Whatever, that's easy.



And pet a real live snake...



And play frisbee--Hey Dad! That's my shot...and that's also why his nickname was "Frisbee" at one time during his youth...



And play guitar with Shvia...



And read Bunya The Witch (or Vitch, as Boompa would say)...



And give everyone (like Aunt La La) sloppy, slobbery kisses.



Basically, I had an awesome time. I pretty much did my pretty smile the whole time I was there. Like here with Cousin John.



...and here with Cousin Liz.



...and here with Uncle Preston.



Heck--even Daddy got in on the pretty smile action! (And I took this picture of him too!)



'Til August, Tennessee!

Forgotten Birthday

Scene: This morning, Mom bounds into the kitchen where Poki and Dad are eating breakfast. She and Dad have both completely forgotten what day it is.

Mom: Today is going to be a productive day!!

Poki: YEAH!

Mom: Are you going to have a productive day today too, Poki?

Poki: YEAH!

Mom: Oh yeah? What are you going to do today, Poki?

Poki: Have a birthday party!

Mom: A birthday party? For whom?

Poki: Mommy! Mommy's birthday is today!

Mom and Dad: Oooooooohhh yeeeeaaaaaaah...It IS Mommy's birthday!

(Thank goodness Poki said something!)

Happy Birthday, Scarlett!

Today is my beloved's birthday. (Yes, she's an older woman). Happy Birthday, Scarlett! We ALL love you so much!


Click Here to see Lauren's beautiful post about her baby girl.

No, My Tail!

Scene: This morning in Poki's living room. Poki is pulling a (no longer) sleeping Leroy's tail.

Mom: Poki! Do NOT pull Leroy's tail! He doesn't like that and you might hurt him!

Poki: No, MY tail!

Mom: (Sick and tired of the non-stop "Mine" business.) That's not your tail, Poki. It's Leroy's tail. It's attached to his body. See this arm? (Mom holds Poki's arm.) I couldn't say this is Mommy's arm because it is attached to Poki's body. It's your arm. And that is Leroy's tail. Understand?

Poki: Yeah...Share, Leroy! Share Leroy's tail!

Mom: Sigh...

First Joke

Scene: Tonight at dinner. Poki reaches over and knocks on Daddy's head.

Poki: Knock! Knock!

Daddy: Who's there?

Poki: Nobody's home...

(Poki reaches over and knocks on Mom's head)

Poki: Knock! Knock!

Mom: Who's there?

Poki: Oh! Somebody's there!

Mom: (Thinking only to herself) In your face, Daddy!

You-Know-What

Scene: This morning at the mall, an impatient Poki wants to ride the escalator over and over again. Finally, Mom says they can walk toward where they parked and look for another escalator on the way. If they find one, he can ride it.

Mom: Maybe we should exit here and walk the rest of the way outside.

Daddy: Why?

Mom: So you-know-who doesn't see another you-know-what.

Daddy: Oooooh, right.

Poki: A you-know-what. I know what, Mommy! I know what! An escalator! Ride another escalator!

Daddy: I think you need to come up with a new secret code, Mom.