Cousins + Pumpkins = Fun

Just a couple of boys hanging out on the farm

To celebrate the first sunny day in weeks, our family hit our local pumpkin farm with the Campbells. Fall break meant that we didn't have our normal evening commitments, so we enjoyed free Sunday fun. Due to the recent abundance of rain, we didn't pick pumpkins, but we played in a straw maze, rode tractors, went on a hayride, and saw some animals. It was an awesome afternoon. As an aside, Pax and Mason also had a little playtime in the tractor area with a certain famous Australian couple's young daughter. We opted to not photograph them for (hopefully) obvious reasons.

Pax in a game of tickle your cousin's hiney.

All three Campbell boys on the hayride

Who's excited about the straw maze?

Would anyone like some cheese?

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall

Dear Chili Burrito Stranger,
I can't even remember what you look like right now, but I remember that you made my day. You did not know that my day started with a phone call to the pediatrician's office that left me 16 minutes to cook and eat breakfast, dress my child and myself, brush our teeth, pack a bag, feed the dogs and get out the door in order to make it to our appointment 4 minutes late. You were unaware that I had not showered today or even considered brushing my hair. You seemed not to notice that I was wearing jeans from the dirty laundry basket and the first long sleeved shirt I could grab from my closet. You seemed oblivious to the fact that my son's cough sounded like he'd been a smoker for 50 years. You only noticed how much you liked my hair and you told me that you'd been looking for a style just like mine. I realize that hair style is a personal preference and that, in fact, I may have looked as disheveled as I felt, but today, in that moment, you made me feel like a rock star and I really liked that. Thank you, Chili Burrito Stranger. I hope we meet again.
Mom of a sick toddler

Driver's Ed

I think I'm a decent driver. I mean, I don't think I deserve an award or anything, but I'm pretty good, above average even. I've never had an accident, though someone did hit my car in the Vanderbilt employee parking garage and didn't leave a note. The Honda still bears the scar. I do get an occasional speeding ticket (3 in 15 years, and one was highly debatable), but I haven't had one in a good while. I wear my seat belt religiously. I really like using my turn signal. I almost always come to complete stops at stop signs. I let people in in traffic. I'm not known for squealing tires. Still lately, whenever I put the car into drive, Pax pipes up in the backseat, "Be careful, Mommy!" What does he know that I don't?

Privacy

Last night, I had a discussion with friends about how their children sometimes need a break from each other. Some of them have instituted "privacy time" in their homes to allow everyone to have some time away in a bedroom, etc. I made the assumption that this was a good thing for me to store away for a later date and time when Pax has siblings. You know what they say about making assumptions...

Today after picking Pax up from school and then running a few errands, Pax ran into the playroom to play cars. When I tried to interact with him, he said, "Mommy no come in here." Usually, this could indicate that he is needing privacy for a certain (smelly) call of nature. When I asked him if that was what he was doing, he responded (honestly), "No Pax play toys. Mommy go in office." Turns out, you can need a little space even if you don't have siblings, even if you've been at school and your mom has been at work all day.

For now, I'm banished to the office, but at least I get to blog without staying up late or feeling guilty for not being actively engaged!

Say Cheese, or better yet, don't!

I enjoy taking pictures, though I really know nothing about it yet. I'd been wanting to upgrade from our point and shoot Canon (which has been great) to a DSLR. I'd been asking friends and doing a bit of research. My thoughtful husband observed me in this process and began his own research. It's a big purchase so I'd resigned myself to waiting for my birthday in late November or for Christmas before I'd have a new camera.

Last week before Pax's birthday party, Travis presented me with a new Nikon D5000 DSLR camera (one of his and my top research choices). It's really an early birthday present for me, but he figured I'd want it before Pax's birthday so that I could get some really cool pictures (he assumed I'd be a natural-- ha!).

Though I have a lot to learn, we did get some cool shots at Pax's party (and a lot of shots that should be deleted as well for poor photography!). I enjoyed playing around with the features and I'm excited to learn more in days/weeks to come!

Thanks, Trav, for a great and thoughtful surprise. You ROCK even more than my awesome new camera!

Party People!

We celebrated Pax's birthday today. Here are a few pics from the party:

Happy to be two!

My high school (and now) friends Lisa, William, and Lacey helped celebrate

Sarah Kathryn, Clark, and Pax crusing in the John Deere... this is a flash of what we'll see in 15 years...

Baby John Franklin was all smiles for the party.

Lauren, Hank, and Henry chilled out in the perfect weather.

Pax hanging with his friends Clark and Adeline

Our good buddy Isaac enjoyed Pax's castle

GiGi and G-Daddy assembled the tricycle

GiGi caught the important moments

A ridiculous amount of gifts. Good thing Mason was here to help open!

Cake courtesy Aunt Jayna

Travis and his family-silly pose... I think. :)
Did I mention he's reading? (just kidding)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAX!

Two year old Pax

Today our Pax turns TWO!

Two years is not long in the scheme of things, and while it feels like the last two years have flown by, I also am awestruck at all he has learned and become in this short time. Our baby has grown into a funny, sociable, lovable, and curious preschooler. I've heard that the majority of personality has developed by age two. While I know he won't stay this way forever, there are some characteristics that I hope he can hold onto as he grows!

He's curious about everything right now. "How turn (this) on, mommy? What doing, mommy? What this one name? How do it? Pax help mommy? Where daddy go? How doing, daddy? I go with mommy? Mommy, how feel mommy? What Pax make?" Pax is careful and observant. It's really hard to pull anything past him. He sees and hears things even when it appears he is not attending to you. He describes the world in detail and remembers a lot of specifics about our shared experiences. I hope that he never loses this wonder at the world around him.

Pax talks a lot and loves people. I love how interested he is in learning about and engaging others. He asks the receptionist at the doctor her name. He tells his Daddy that it's good to see him today. He asks the grocery clerk what he's doing. His humor is developing in ways that I find fascinating, and not just because I'm his mom. He has figured out that a well placed inside joke can bring his parents uncontrollable giggles. He loves to act silly and enjoys sharing his laughter with others.

I am probably biased in this one, but he is also a really sweet and pretty easy kid. He gives his affection generously. He thanks me for giving him a snack. He helps to put away his toys with little complaint (most of the time). He enjoys and requests for us to play with him, but can also entertain himself well if needed. He's flexible and willing most of the time. I'm sure the other shoe will drop as we get into the "terrible" part of the twos, but right now, he's really terrific, and I'm trying to soak that up.

Today, he loves playing cars and trucks, singing and making music, being outside, reading books, eating fruit, and snuggling his yellow blankie, monkey, and green froggy. Bright blue eyes, white blonde hair, and a smile that could melt ice. Today, we celebrate you, sweet Paxon. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you PEACE. Happy Birthday, we love you!