Baby Love-cont'd

When I last left off, I was telling you all about my first true love Andy.  It was a long-winded story about slow dancing in the streets, long distance romance, hot and fresh Krispy Kreme donuts, I searching and finding a long lost friend.  Some questions that I have received since I published that post... 

How does Dave feel about your searching for Andy?
     Dave knows that he is my one and only.  He also knows that I know a lot of people and don't forget much.  Unfortunately for Dave, his warranty with me is up and he is stuck with me FOREVER!  He is happy that I have found one of my earliest friends and he looks forward to meeting Andy and his family.
How freaked out was Andy when you stalked found him?
     Andy didn't seem freaked out at all.  I like to think that he was as excited to reconnect as I.
Ummm, What about Andy's wife?
     I assume she is fine with everything.  Andy was just my first true love...not my last and I think the last true love is the most important!  He said that she and I would be fast friends--based on our love of cupcakes!
When will there be a reunion?
     I guess we'll just have to wait for our schedules to align.  It will happen and it will be awesome and I'm sure I will blog about it.  My mom has already threatened to crash said reunion (and I'm sure Andy's mom will do the same)!


Now...back to the story at hand...

I think Jack has found his first true love.  Yes, I know, I have called many girls Jack's girlfriend/fiancee, but I think this one might be the real deal.  Most of the girls that Jack has been attached to have been because I am good friends with their mothers.  He happily plays with them and truly enjoys their company, but I have never seen Jack interact with anyone the way that he interacts with Ally.  I've actually never seen any child Jack's age interact with another child the same age the way these two do.

*Are you ready for a little child development lesson?*
Most kids are still in the solitary play stage at this age-meaning that they are dependent on adult guidance, they may play with dolls, are socially very immature, have little concept of others as “people”, and they may respond to simple direction.  Some kids are even in the parallel play stage- meaning they enjoy being by others, will take turns, enjoy brief group activities requiring no skill, and like to “help” in small ways–respond to verbal guidance.  I would say that Jack is in the parallel play stage most of the time, but when he is with Ally they are both very much demonstrating cooperative play- they enjoy each others company, are highly social, play loosely organized games and carry on conversations with each other (although we can't tell what they are saying).  Most kids don't get to the cooperative play stage until about four years old.  Now, I'm not saying that Jack is crazy advanced or anything.  He certainly doesn't not play like this all the time, but most of the time when he is with Ally, they are very much playing together. 

The excitement I see in their eyes when they see each other is priceless.  They hug, they talk (in their very own language), sometimes they kiss, they play silly games--all without prompting.  As an educator, I am fascinated by their interactions.  As a mother, I am in awe.  When I watch Jack and Ally play together, I am immediately brought back to my time as a child with Andy.  I can picture these two having sleepovers and walking to each others house in the snow.  I know that Ally will be as much a part of our family as I was Andy's and I'm sure Jack will be welcomed just the same.  And, while I thought the love between Andy and I could never be matched, I feel certain that Jack and Ally are on the same path.


I haven't taken a lot of pictures of the two of them together, but I'll share some of the ones I have.

Ally has a couch that can fold out into a bed.  One day, Jack and I were over for a playdate and Jack one of the kids unfolded the couch.  Next thing we know, Ally is laying on the bed-under the cover and Jack is right there next to her.  He then leans over and gives her a kiss.  This was completely unprompted.  After a while, Jack got out of the bed and Ally began to pat the bed like she was telling him to come back to bed.  This went on for a good 10 minutes.  At 21/22 months this is very cute.  I hope they get in out of their system before puberty sets in!

Here is Jack and Ally playing under an end table.  One of them climbed under it and then the other thought that was a great idea and joined in.  While under there, they talked to each other, giggled, and generally made a mess of things.

Before we left that afternoon, Jack and Ally made sure to give each other a hug goodbye.  My heart melts!

I'm sure we will have our ups and downs and there will come a time when Jack doesn't like girls and Ally doesn't like boys, but I hope that these two will continue to build on their friendship and won't take a 20 year break from each other before reconnecting and trying to make up for lost time.

Psst...don't forget to enter our baby pool. Go to http://mulleymusings.blogspot.com/2012/10/baby-2-baby-pool.html for more details!

Fun with Bathtub Bubbles

This evening while taking a bath, Jack was particularly fascinated with the bubbles we had put in there.  He would get some on his hand and then not know what to do with them.  So I put a big glob of them on my hand and clapped.  He laughed so hard he could hardly breathe.

After Dave came in to see what the ruckus was all about-he went in search of the camera so we could capture this moment on video.

Here ya go...



Psst...don't forget to enter our baby pool. Go to http://mulleymusings.blogspot.com/2012/10/baby-2-baby-pool.html for more details!

Baby Love

Did I ever tell you the story about my first true love?  The guy I was going to marry?  The guy that used to slow dance with me in the street?  The one that I never had an argument with...ever?  No?  Oh, well, sit back and relax while I take a stroll down memory lane.

I was three years old and about to embark on a new adventure...preschool!  Mom had signed me up at the local Presbyterian church preschool when she got a call saying that the new minister had a child about my age and they were looking to carpool with some other people.  My mom got in touch with the minister's wife, Ginger, and not long after that their son Andy and I were inseparable. 

Andy and I did everything together--sleepovers, playdates, dinner at each others house, family vacations-you name it!  I have very vivid memories of our time together growing up.  My mom likes to tell the stories of how Andy and I could not have been more different, but we got along perfectly.  She said we always picked up right where we left off-no matter how much time had passed.  We were in love!  One of Mom's favorite stories is of when she would come to pick me up from Andy's house, I would hang myself out the window up to my waist screaming, "Andy, don't kiss me! No, don't kiss me!" (in hopes that I would get a smooch).  Couple things about that--why the heck wasn't I in a seat belt (much less a carseat) and why was I so loosey goosey?!

In fourth grade, Andy's dad Tyler got a new job at a church down in Charlotte and the family had to move away.  You can imagine my sadness as my one true love was moving to the other side of the world (or 6 hours away).  Mom and Ginger planned on me visiting them over the summer so that we could pick up where we left off.  Mom drove me down to Raleigh and then I took the train to Charlotte all by myself.  Ginger and the boys picked me up from the train station and our great adventure began with some hot and fresh Krispy Kreme donuts.  We went on a great southeast adventure that included stops at Andy's grandmother's house and Panama City for some beach time.

Not long after that trip (maybe a year or two), Andy and I lost touch with each other.  I would now like to take the time to blame our mothers for that. How else are two 10 year olds supposed to keep in touch without the help of our mothers? 

Fast forward about twenty years...I go on a mad hunt for Andy.  Yes, I am married by this point and yes, I have a child, but I still needed to find Andy.  Not to rekindle our love, but to reconnect our friendship.  As you may have gathered, Andy and his whole family were a big part of my life and it would be a shame to give that up.  So I began my search for Andy in any logical place--Facebook.  I turned up a big goose egg...nothing...nada...zilch!  What 30-something guy doesn't have a Facebook account?!?  Andy-that's who!  I didn't let that slow me down.  I then started to use my good friend, Google, to help me hunt him down.  Well, let me tell you, Andy is not easily located using modern technology.  Thank goodness I knew some random key facts about him...where he went to college, what instrument he played, that he used to work for the NC Symphony, and a few other tidbits.  I entered what I knew into Google and found a random blog.  Some guy was writing about Andy...my Andy.  In the blog post, the guy mentioned that Andy was now living in Texas and where he was working.  I then plugged my new information into Google and found a possible email address for Andy--SCORE!  I immediately sent the following email:

Hi Andy,

I'm hoping this is the Andy that I grew up with Newport News, VA.  If not, please disregard this email unless you know that Andy D.

I know it has been about 25 years or so since we've spoken, but I was in Virginia recently and drove past [your childhood street] and immediately thought of you and all of our adventures.  My mom and I got to laughing about how ridiculous we were.

If this is the Andy D.  from my youth, I'd love to hear from you and see what you've been up to.  It took me a while to track you down.  I couldn't find you on Facebook or through a basic Google search. I finally found a blog that someone wrote about you and tracked you down to Texas. 

I look forward to hearing from you!

Elizabeth "Roady" Mulley

Within 15 minutes, I heard back from him!  I found out that Andy and his wife were expecting their first son soon and that we had actually been within a mile of each other several times during our 20 year hiatus.  I got caught up on how his family was doing and all that junk that you are supposed to do after you haven't talked to someone in a very very long time.

We hope to reconnect in person sometime soon, but with his little guy who arrived in February and my little one who will arrive any day now-timing just hasn't been right.  I can't wait for our families to meet and maybe even our boys will be friends one day!

I'm trying to gather some pictures of Andy and I growing up, but since I'm the youngest in the family no pictures were taken of me.  Andy, being the oldest in his family, probably has a better chance of getting his hands on some pictures. 

So, why am I telling you this long-winded story about my first true love?  Because, I think Jack has found his....

to be continued...

psst:Psst...don't forget to enter our baby pool. Go to http://mulleymusings.blogspot.com/2012/10/baby-2-baby-pool.html for more details!

Birthday Parade 2012

Dave and Jack and I headed out to Spring Hope for my birthday parade again this year.  For those of you who haven't been with us long or may have forgotten, you can read the rundown on the annual birthday parade here.  This year was probably my favorite birthday parade yet...not because the parade itself was any better than previous years, but because Jack was there and he really enjoyed it this year.  He was there last year, but he didn't get it really, but this year he LOVED it!  He was waving at everyone that passed and pointing out things and clapping when cool thing happened.  It was the BEST!

I can only imagine that next year will be even better!

Here are some pictures from the parade...

Jack is stoked about the parade starting

Just a few of the many "princesses" that were in the parade

giant truck

This car wasn't even operable, but was still in the parade...being towed

Spiderman walked the parade route

Various old tractors kept Jack's attention

Old cars and old car looking go-carts were fun to see

There were clowns...

and hillbillies...

and flashy remodeled old cars

The Shriners were there with all of their cool vehicles

And let's not forget the hoopties

lots and

lots of hoopties playing inappropriate music

The grande finale was about 15 fire trucks all trying to outdo each other with how many times they could blare their siren or blow their horns...Jack loved it!

The Mulleys 2012

Jack's favorite parts of the parade this year were: marching bands, fire trucks, princesses, clowns, hillbillies, and tractors.  Many of the floats threw candy out and that was very concerning for Jack.  As soon as the candy hit the ground, he would say "Oh no!" until someone got it.

Our plan last year was to be in the parade this year.  Considering my condition, we held off on entering the parade.  Next year...it's on!  We are serious.  If you would like to participate and be in the best dang parade in the world, we would love to have you.  Saturday, October 5, 2013.  We need to come up with some ideas for a float and some themes.  Discuss....


Psst...don't forget to enter our baby pool. Go to http://mulleymusings.blogspot.com/2012/10/baby-2-baby-pool.html for more details!

Baby #2--The Baby Pool

As we near the end of this pregnancy, we have set up another baby pool like we did when we were pregnant with Jack.  This is your opportunity to make a prediction as to when (date and time) Baby #2 will arrive and how big (weight and length) he will be.  This is just a friendly competition with no money required.  You might even win a prize in the end (possibly a no expenses paid weekend with Jack!).

Here are a few stats that might help you with your predictions:

• Elizabeth weighed 10 pounds, 1 ounce and was 23 inches long when she was born.
• Dave was 7 pounds, 13 ounces and 21 inches long when he was born.
• Jack was 7 pounds, 15 ounces and 21.5 inches long when he was born.
• Baby #2's due date is November 4, 2012.
• Baby #2 is a boy.
• Jack came 21 minutes past his due date.

To make your predictions, go to www.bebepool.com/themulleys

Good luck and "may the odds be ever in your favor"!

What Would You Do?

Jack has been invited to his first birthday party by one of his classmates.  I do not know this child nor his parents and I'm not even sure if Jack interacts with this child on a regular basis (since Jack doesn't really talk much-he doesn't tell be about his classmates).  This child is getting ready to turn 3-Jack is the youngest in his class.  My immediate reaction was "No", but then I read the invitation and there will be ponies there for the kids to ride and I was like "That sounds like fun for Jack".

I'm pretty sure Jack was invited because of the school rule; "if you bring the invites to school to distribute, you must invite everyone in the class." 

This is a tough one for me.  I don't want my kid to be left out, but I also don't want to take him to the party and nobody play with him.  There is a big difference between a 3 year old and 1.5 year old.

So I'm asking you, Interweb...

How Would You RSVP?

*feel free to comment with your reasoning*

Long Time, No Blog

*Good grief! This is a picture heavy post.  If you can't read...there is still lots to look at*


Ever since we returned from England, things have been a little crazy around the Mulley house.  When we first got home, Jack started having a lot of issues, including: not sleeping, not eating, severe separation anxiety, not liking his Mommy at all, and headbanging.  It took a good three weeks before things settled down and Jack was back to his old self again.  Thank goodness, because the "new" Jack was not nearly as charming and awesome as the old Jack.

After things with Jack calmed down, I was busy working on Baby #2's crib bedding.  Back when I first got pregnant, I decided that I was going to make the bedding for Baby #2.  What was I thinking?!?  As one friend kindly told me, "You know you can buy that stuff in the store, right?".  I thought I was being crafty...more on that later.

So this blog post is to catch up on on some of the goings on that have occurred since we last checked in.

• Jack started preschool!  He goes two mornings a week and he seems to really enjoy it.  His teachers rave about him every day when I go in to pick him up and they tell me how sweet he is and that I am such a lucky mom to have such a great kid.  As a former teacher, I know some of that is probably fluff that they tell all the parents, but as a parent, I think it's awesome that my child is so loved!

Obligatory 1st day of School Picture

Jack showing Daddy which way to go

Jack and Daddy walking in together

• Once we got Jack's sleeping habits back under control, we decided it was time to move him into his big boy bed.  Jack wasn't attempting to escape his crib, but we are handing down the crib to his little brother and we wanted to go ahead and transition him.  We were concerned about him not sleeping well in the bed and getting out and wandering around his room, but from the very first night, Jack did excellent.  He goes down like nothing has changed and he sleeps through the night.

Jack's big boy bed

We plan to rearrange to room a little, but it's working for now

• Jack recently decided that he no longer needs to sit in a highchair.  When out at a restaurant, he will do weird monkey cling to Dave when he pulls out a highchair so that he doesn't get put in it.  He is happy to sit in a regular chair and reach up for his food.  We finally got him a booster seat for the house and he loves sitting at the table with us.

 

Before we got a booster seat...Jack just dined at the table

• Like I said earlier, I decided to make the bedding for Baby #2's crib.  I bought all the fabric before we left for England with the intention of starting as soon I we got home.  Well, that's not how things worked out.  Once I was finally ready to start working on the project, I started having crazy anxiety about just cutting the fabric.  I didn't want to mess up.  I don't like doing things that I'm not good at and I was so overwhelmed by the sheer amount of fabric I had.  I finally asked Dave if he would help me and being the greatest husband ever, he helped me get all of my cuts made.  Then it was time for all the prep work (making the piping, making the ties, trimming the edges, etc) and finally, I was able to start the actual construction.  I'm really pleased with the final result, but now I understand why people charge at least $500 for custom made baby bedding...it's a lot of work!

The fabric before being cut

I cut the fabric!

Monogramming the fabric for one of the bumpers

Finished product (weird lighting--sorry)

• After the bedding was completed, Dave set the crib up in the new nursery so that we could see how it looked in the actual crib.  Jack being the super helper that he is, insisted on assisting his daddy.  Once the crib was all put together, I attached the bumper.

Hey Dad, whatcha doin?

So the screw goes in here?

How's it go?

How's this look?

Okay, you can help me with this one, Dad.

I got this one-all by myself!

I'll tighten this one for you

Where's Jack?

I like building things with you, Dad!

Monogram altered to protect the unnamed unborn

a side view

seersucker with embroidered whales

view from the head of the bed

• We've also been getting Jack ready for when Baby #2 comes.  Crafty Sue is the "Designated Caretaker of Jack" while we are in the hospital so I've been doing a Crafty Sue Bootcamp to get him ready.  Once a week, I take him to her house so that he can get accustomed to being there.  Sometimes I stay and visit and sometimes I just drop him off.  Her kids are so amazing with him and love to play with him.  Crafty Sue has been to his preschool and met his teachers in the event that she has to pick him up from school and she plans on doing a test run of picking him up on her own.  I've also started writing up a "All About Jack" folder that includes his daily routine (including bedtime routine, meal routine, etc.), likes, dislikes, emergency contact info.  I guess you never lose those teacher lesson planning skills.  I think Jack is going to have so much fun at Crafty Sue's house that he might not want to come back home!

Playing trains with Liam and Logan

A piano trio

Jack giving Logan some loves

Bill reading to Jack

Jack chillin' in the fort

Shwew!  That was quite the update and I'm not even finished yet!  We've done some other fun things in the past month or so and I will update you on that stuff soon.  Just wanted to end this post before everyone fell asleep.  Stick with us, the best is yet to come!