More Birthday Celebrations

We waited until this month to have a party (with friends) for Holden's 2nd Birthday. The thought was that hopefully we'd be through with cold and flu season. Turns out that Holden and I were the ones sick! But we didn't let that stop us from enjoying the day. I just hope we didn't get all our guests sick!

All week, the weather forecast predicted rain starting at 3pm that afternoon - the same time as the party was to start. I was bummed since we had outdoor activities planned. It did rain lightly earlier that afternoon, but by 3pm, the sun was shining and other than being a little cool, it turned out to be a great day.

I know I've said this many times, but "What a difference a year makes!" It was so awesome to watch Holden having fun - free of an oxygen tank and nasal cannula. He understood that the party was for him and he liked being the center of attention. He is turning out to be quite the social little guy.

We rented a CARS jumper for the kids. Holden loved bouncing around and even convinced Mommy, Grandpa and Aunt JoJo to climb inside with him.



My favorite memory of the day was when we sang Happy Birthday to Monkey and at the end, he threw his arms up in the air in delight and squealed "yeah" and then clapped along with the group. Priceless!!

Signs

I used to make the comment that I wish I would have a sign, to let me know if I should do something. I can't say that I really saw too many "signs", until more recently. I wonder if my mind was too busy and cluttered. Meaning, the signs may have been there, but I was not really paying attention. Not that I'm not busy now, but it is busy in a much different way. And with everything we've been through the past couple of years, I've changed. I've slowed down. I live in the moment. And I'm very open to signs!

Every night, I sit and read to Holden in a rocker in his bedroom. There are two windows behind us, and an end table next to the chair. Recently, each night as we read, a lady bug flys on our book, on one of us or on the table next to us. Holden is fascinated with the beautiful little bug and immediately tries to grab it. After rescuing my spotted friend from the grips of a toddler, I release it out the window. Our nightly visits lasted for more than a week. Finally, I wondered if this was a sign and I looked up the symbolism of the ladybug. The ladybug is often thought to be associated with spirituality and religious devotion. It is widely considered a symbol of good luck and is considered a good omen if one comes calling. One source said: "The Ladybug teaches life is short and it teaches to let go of ones' worries and fears, to trust in spirit and enjoy life. It brings the gifts of renewal and regeneration. The message of the Ladybug could be asking you to “Let go and let God”."

Such a powerful message for a little bug. But I'm glad that I didn't let this message slip by.

Holden continues to amaze me daily. He's had a little cold, but he hasn't let that stop him. He is constantly on the go and loves running. Now that his balance has improved, you can't slow him down. He likes to have races through the house with Reece and I. We all pick a vehicle or pull toy and run in circles. He giggles watching us try to keep up with him! And forget trying to stop the game, he cries!! It has definitely been good exercise for these colder/snowy days!

Holden has two birthday parties to go to this week. I can't wait to watch him play with the other kids. We're finding that he's a social little guy, so it doesn't usually take long for him to fit right in - even among strangers. Mommy is having to learn to chill out a bit with the "germ protection". While still being cautious, I'm realizing that I can't follow him around every second, wiping his hands. (Yes, I've even followed him around on play sets at the Park, constantly wiping his hands with Purell!) And although he's had 6 colds this winter, he's handled them fine. Where as last winter, each cold he caught was an emergency room visit and hospital stay. So maybe this is where that message comes in for me..."Let Go and Let God!" Just enjoy these moments and more importantly, just let Holden enjoy being a normal toddler!

Happy 2nd Birthday Monkey

Happy 2nd Birthday Holden! It seems like just yesterday that we were celebrating your 1st birthday. This past year has been amazing and you have taught me to believe in miracles. You've overcome so much and come so far!

I know I tell you this all the time, but Mommy is so proud of you. I am so happy that as you grow, your body is healing and you seem to be getting stronger and stronger day by day. I am thankful that God made you the strong-willed little guy that you are.

I am thrilled that you are now free from needing oxygen during the day. The freedom from the nasal cannula seemed to be just what you needed to really take off developmentally. And because of all your hard work, you are now caught up to other kids your age! Truly amazing when you think of how behind you were just one year ago!!

You have such a zest for life. Like the other night at the circus, I loved watching your face as you watched and cheered for the acts. I loved that you cheered whenever YOU wanted to...not just when the rest of the crowd did. And I know you wanted nothing more than Mommy and Daddy to put to down so you could go join the fun in the center ring!

Your determination and zest for life inspires me every day. I want to be a better person because of you. Seeing you overcome so much, makes me want to tackle my own personal goals and even makes me open to new experiences!

Holden, I thank you so much for all the joy you've brought into my life this past year and I promise you that this next year will be full of fun, love and God-willing, good health!! I love you, my little 2-year-old Monkey!

Love,

Mommy

Bye Bye Woobie, Hello Big Boy

It has been a big week for Holden. We decided it was time to say bye-bye to Woobie (pacifier). We asked Holden if he wanted to send all of his Woobies to Alex in heaven. He said "yeah" and then he helped Mommy collect them from all of the places he had hoarded them. I think we ended up with 14 in total. I have to admit, he's handled it way better than I thought he would. He hasn't asked for it once. During the day, we stay so busy, I really don't think he's missed it much. It has been harder to get him to nap without it. And the first 4 or 5 nights, he woke up every 2-3 hours crying. Even though the nights were rough, I'm still glad we did it. I'm already noticing Holden being more vocal and attempting new words. It really hit me this week, that my little guy is growing up.

And while I'm so glad we are where we are today, I have to admit, I was not completely prepared for the "terrible twos" (and yes, I think Holden got there a couple of months early!). Some days I wonder what happened to my sweet easy-going little Monkey! But I know this is a normal phase and I'm ready to take it on!! I have no doubt we'll have lots of good blogging material the next year or so:)

So lately Holden has a very strong opinion on nearly everything. It starts each morning with breakfast. If he doesn't like what Mommy makes, he makes his way to the pantry and makes his own selection. And getting dressed has been hysterical, as Holden wants to select his outfits. His favorite outfit seems to be a Gator Jersey (good taste on this one), camo pants, and sandals with socks (this one drives me crazy, it has been 40 degrees out, so if we are going to wear sandals, I'm glad he's being sensible about the socks!

He is also obsessed with all electronic gadgets. We just purchased a media armoire so we can lock him out of touching the TV, DVD, Stereo, etc. It is less about watching TV and more about touching all the buttons. He especially likes putting in and taking out DVDs from the DVD player. So while we are trying to protect our equipment from the little Monkey, we are also looking for other ways to encourage his curiosity and need for exploring anything with buttons, lights and sound. He does well (when supervised) on the computer and we got him a Leapster 2, which is an educational electronic hand held game.
Holden was recently evaluated by a speech, occupational and physical therapist. We were so happy to hear that they think he's pretty much caught up to where he should be developmentally. It is always nice to have someone (unbiased) tell you that your child is intelligent. He scored in the mid-high 90s on the series of tests. So our biggest challenge now is getting the little guy eating/drinking more. Doctors are looking for slow and steady growth. The therapist is confident that he knows how to eat. She thinks he's doing the typical toddler thing and just eating when HE feels like it. So for now, we will have to continue giving him milk at night with his feeding pump. Not ideal, but you do what you gotta do!

All of these recent changes have me reflecting on where we were 1 year ago. Of course all babies change so much between the ages of 1 and 2. But we also have the improved health and catching up on milestones we were behind on, to also be grateful for. I remind myself of this each time I clean up crushed cereal from between the slats of our hardwood floors!! What a blessing. And what a journey!!

The Wonder in it all...

I imagine most Moms with little ones say that it is near impossible to get anything done while their child is awake. So I've accepted that most days the dishes may sit in the sink until bedtime and laundry is done (folding is a whole other story) in between playing and making meals. But, in exchange for a home that is less than perfectly clean, I get to be a part of the wonder and exploration of Holden's world. It is awesome to see things through his eyes. Everything is so innocent. Everything is new. And imagination rules in this fantastic place!



Holden's Aunt Amy (from CA) and his Granma Deda were in town for a visit last week. It didn't take long for him to invite them into his world! He was fascinated by the magic balloons that would stick to just about anything. And he was amused seeing the balloons, like Mickey ears on Granma's head. It seems like he finds something new to do with these little balloons every day!

Because of the germ factor, I had never let Holden play with or on any public toys...until the past couple of weeks. Now he's hooked. He especially loves the train sets. And while Mommy sits there with her Purell, making sure no fingers go in his mouth, Holden has a blast. After our snow days and cold spell, I felt bad that Monkey had been so couped up. So we headed to Barnes and Noble. I thought we'd hang out and read some books. Little did I realize that it would turn into an impromptu play date with the dozen or so kids, who all, like Holden, had some pent up energy!

As much as I want to take precautions and protect Holden, I am learning to balance that with finally letting him just enjoy being a toddler! And although he's had 5 colds already this winter (which has almost felt like one long cold!), he's worked his way through them just fine.

We've been back to playing outside again now that it has warmed up. Holden's newest fascination is with sticks. He surprised me as he hauled a long branch that had fallen out of our tree during the snow/ice last week. The branch was twice as big as he is, but he was determined to get it out of the front yard. Then he found a smaller stick that he used like a walking stick and then to explore things like piles of snow, leaves and any bug he saw moving. Similar to the way Alex was with sticks, Holden remembers exactly where he leaves them each time we go back outside.

I don't know at what age I lost the "wonder" and amazement in the little things, but I am grateful that Holden has given it back to me now!

Surrounded by LOVE this Christmas...

Merry Christmas to all of our friends and family. I think Holden had a great Christmas. Although he was not that into opening the presents, he did love seeing what was inside! But I would have to say that his favorite thing was playing with his family. He is one social little monkey.




On Christmas Eve we went to Aunt JoJo and Uncle Steve's new house for a celebration with my side of the family. Holden immediately found Ariana and Alyssa's toys - looking for anything with wheels. I laughed as he dumped the Barbies out of the Barbie car and immediately started driving the car along the floor! And he had fun pushing the baby doll around in it's stroller. Of course he's learning to play rough with his boy cousins, Robbie and Richie, and loving every minute of it. It is great to see him able to keep up with them!



Christmas with my family is always fun, but chaotic with all of the kids running around. But among the chaos, I found myself smiling as I thought about how blessed we are to be surrounded by such a loving family.

We somehow convinced Holden to sleep in a bit on Christmas morning, as Santa was up late. He was so excited when he came downstairs and saw that Santa brought him a John Deer Tractor and Trailer. We had to laugh...Santa forgot that the battery had to charge for a full 24 hours, so the little guy didn't know it was battery-powered until the next day! Fortunately, Daddy pushing was just as good as having it battery-powered.

Christmas afternoon we headed to Rome, GA to celebrate with the Parker side of the family. I was so happy for Holden to get to know Reece's Grannie, Aunts, Uncles and cousins better. He made himself at home rather quickly and had every one of Aunt Marcy's Christmas dolls/toys making noise. It was the perfect evening and a great reminder of what Christmas is all about. Spending time with those you love.

The next morning we packed up and headed to Brevard NC to see Holden's Granma Deda! We were excited to find snow still on the ground, but even more excited to spend a couple days with Granma and Sam!

Holden was thrilled to see the playhouse Granma made for him. He had hours of fun, going in and out and peeking out the windows at us. At one point, he even took a pillow inside, in case he wanted to take a nap! But he was having way too much fun to take time out to sleep.

Although it was pretty cold outside, Granma's house was comfortable, warm and full of love! It was hard having to say goodbye to head back to GA!

Other than losing Alex, 2009 has really been a good year, especially when it comes to Holden! Our little Monkey continues to amaze his doctors as he grows - getting stronger and healthier every day. And while none of us really know what the future holds, I am looking forward to enjoying each day the new year brings with high hopes that it will be a healthy, happy and prosperous 2010!

And I wish the same for all of you! Thank you for still reading our blog, but mostly, for all of the wonderful thoughts and prayers you've said for Holden, Reece and I these past 2 years. We are so blessed to have you in our lives! God Bless you!