"You Made my Heart"

We are regular visitors to the Aquarium these days. Before Sam went back to New York we purchased a membership for the year, which has been the best money spent ever. Kaj is always so happy when I tell him we are going to see the fishes.  "What else do we see when we see fishes?" I ask Kaj. "Penens and Sharks" is the answer, and I will be honest, it is so stinking cute that I love to ask him possibly every day, and if not me, my mom will ask him. Ha! So we went to go see the fishes today, and as I circled the parking lot for a spot, I saw there was a school bus there- "oh boy. It is going to be crowded in there today." I thought to myself, but it didn't sway me, because after all, we were about to see fishes, penguins, and sharks. Oh my! It was crowded in there, because not only was there a field trip of elementary aged kids there, but there was also a field trip for what looked like an old folks home. I am happy that the friendly neighborhood Aquarium appeals to all. As usual the boys loved it. I noted last time we went that despite the many times we have been there is always something new that Kaj finds interesting. Today he pet the sting rays without being scared. We were wrapping up, and Kaj stopped to look at the animal magnets. As all the animals tooks turns biting me, as I explained to Kaj that the turtles, seahorses, and penguins don't bite, the group of elderly accompanied by the employees all headed toward the door. There were probably about 7 of them, 5 out of the 7 were in wheel chairs, being strolled a long, but the very last one had a young at heart look. He still had a skip in his step, and a big smile on his face. He noticed little Josh now taking great interest in the magnets, and he smiled on over. He was the sweetest sugariest of Grandpas, and he said to Josh "You are not a very big guy are you?" Without a moment hesitation Josh flashed him the very biggest smile. This lovely old man smiled with such joy right back. He laughed a little and said, "You made my heart today." I don't know why, but the phrase struck me as so wonderfully sweet, and I was so happy that we were there at that moment as he passed by, so that Josh could make him happy, and that it took Josh merely being his sweet self to do that. This same man proceeded to hold the door open for mom's with strollers and kids, including us, and I was still so happy for that little moment that was shared. 

1 Year Birthday Spectacular

This year has just flown by! I seriously can't even believe little Josh is actually a year old  now. I am sure the fact that there was so much going on this year made the time just cruise, but it is still strange to think that a year ago I had barely laid eyes on this little face. I feel so lucky, and happy to be Josh's mom. 

Josh is special in so many ways. He is still such a sweet boy, with a very tender heart, and you can tell just by looking at him that he is that sweet. Josh...is a momma's boy, and he always has been actually. I can't say that I hate it either. I mean, the kid will still snuggle with me! He likes to play with his brother, and especially watching Kaj, and his expressions are always so telling, "What in the world is this kid doing?" haha! Josh is still crawling, and seems quite content about it, which I am in no hurry to have him grow up. He is quite the babbler, and loves music. He dances the moment he hears it, and smiles so big when anyone starts singing. He is a charmer. Now that he is sitting like a big kid in the grocery cart, it is easy to see how he wins over so many people with his silly grin. He is a bit of pterodactyl when is comes to his food, in the way of the noise that he makes when the food is gone, or there is no current bite on it's way. I thought about all the girls back in New York today who all cared for, and loved Josh, too. He may not remember, but I will never forget. 

Josh likes to to take things apart, and then put them back. So yes, he is the one who dumps all the crayons on the floor, but as I start to put them back in the box, he is right there with me trying to help. 

I love every little thing about this boy, and I am excited to see what the next year will bring. 

March 17 Gratitude Journaling

My dad- right before he went to bed tonight he said, "You're a good mom." I smiled as I realized that was just what I needed to hear. A moment later he opened the door again, "You're a good daughter, too." I love you, dad. Thank you for taking the time to tell me today, it was a much needed reminder.