The Face of a Toddler Boy

Ouchie! Anderson's poor handsome face has taken a beating lately. First, a few weeks ago, Mommy's pinkie fingernail barely grazed his cheek during bib removal. His skin was so dry that my nail just literally sliced a layer of skin off in one whole piece. That's been a few weeks now and there's a small square pink spot that's looking more and more like a scar that's not going anywhere.

Then, there was the incident at the park with Riley's retractable leash catching Anderson on the neck. He literally looked like someone had tried to choke him from the leash burn. At least that one is clearing up nicely.

The major kicker, though, happened on Thursday night. I was taking the dishes to the sink after Anderson and I had eaten when I heard the crash. It was the highchair being tipped over backwards with a 2 year old standing inside facing me at the sink. It happened so quickly and of course, it's one of those things I never thought would happen. I thought for sure that there was going to be a trip to the ER in my future as soon as it happened. Miraculously, there were no broken teeth or nose, no blood in the mouth at all! It was just his chin that took the brunt of the fall. It's formed a nasty bruise and scab. Anderson won't let us near it to put the adequate amount of creams and such on it, but we're trying to avoid a long-term scar there too. Here are some pictures we took today of his chin (3 days passed).

Notice the pink mark on his cheek

Anderson will gladly show you his chin, but will scream bloody murder if you try to touch it.

Looking oh-so-cool in his new shades.

Nursery Pictures!

Yeah! We're pretty much done with the nursery for Baby Boy 2. I really should have taken before pictures- the room was our second guest room and had light gray walls and a mishmash of furniture. After clearing it out, we painted the room a soft cream with the two accent walls a teal blue color (called "Lagoon) and added the high chair rail on one wall. Add in lots of brown safari zebra-print, some roaming animals, light-blocking curtains, new fixtures, and baby furniture and we have a beautiful nursery that captures my personal love of giraffes and our wonderful memories of our African safari back in 2006. Anderson loved seeing the addition of the animals as we placed them and will proudly name them! As you will see in the last picture, he likes spending time in the "Baby Room" as he calls it. He will go through the bin of baby toys and have me read all the books to him that are in the Lagoon Bookshelf as I relax in my awesomely comfortable gliding chair. I love this room and the peaceful feeling as I sit in it and try my hardest to imagine another precious little boy making it his own.

View entering room from doorway

View from sink area (Jack 'N Jill bathroom shared with Anderson)

View turning towards the door. The hanging shirt says "Little Bro". :)

The bookshelf that we painted and some perched animals watching over the room.

Looking into sink area and bathroom door.

Giraffes en route.

Anderson and Riley enjoying Little Bro's room.

The Elmo Backpack

I have a special backpack that is filled with all sorts of fun little books, trinkets, toys, etc. that is supposed to be for events like doctor's visits, flights, and long car rides. Anderson hasn't seen it or played with the items inside since our flights at Christmas time. Today we were cleaning out the closet that the backpack stays in and as soon as we opened the door, Anderson was demanding "Elmo Backpack!". So, we let him have at it. He literally sat down and went through it slowly taking out each and every item and giving it a full inspection & playing with. Eventually he had all the contents spread out around him and he went on to reading the books inside. After I took these pictures, he instructed Mommy to go "back in kitchen" because he thought I was coming to take it all away from him. He didn't want anyone near him and the precious backpack contents! Reese stealthily packed it away this evening, but I wonder how many days Anderson will be asking for it to be brought back out!

Oh, I've missed this stuff!

Don't take my backpack!

Anderson, Mommy & Belly

Here are some pics we took over the weekend. Let me know which one you like the best so I'll know which one to print and frame!

#1

#2 Playing with the lighting

#3

#4

#5 Again, playing with lighting

Baby Belly Convo

Anderson and I were sitting together on the couch and my belly was bouncing due to Baby2.

Anderson (while patting it) "Baby"

Mommy: "Yes, Baby Brother is in there growing big".

Anderson (while lifting my shirt and pointing to my belly): "Open it."

Mommy (laughing): "We can't open it to let him out until he's ready to come out."

Anderson (to my belly): "Ready, Set, Go!"

A Ride on Thomas the Train!

On Friday afternoon Daddy, Mommy, and Anderson went to A Day Out With Thomas. There were so many fun Thomas the Train activities! There was a bounce house, model train room, petting zoo, trains to play with, and of course a real train ride pulled by Thomas himself. Anderson's best buddy Brody was there with his parents too! Here are some of our favorite pics from the day.

Daddy & Anderson at the model trains

Anderson getting his Thomas Sticker (temp tattoo)

Petting the Rabbit

Thomas pulling the train into the station!

Mommy & Anderson (blowing his train whistle)

Brody & Anderson

Daddy & Anderson

Mommy & Anderson

View from the train

Brody & Anderson being silly on the train ride.

Anderson just had his ticket stamped!

Fire Truck Fun!

Today our playgroup went to Frisco's Fire Safety Town for some fun. When Anderson woke up from his nap this afternoon, I told him we were going to go see a fire truck. He was SO excited and I've never seen him so anxious to get his shoes on and get in the car. As soon as we arrived at the FFST, he immediately began pointing at the fire truck down the hall that was in his view and begging Mommy to go to the fire truck. He just couldn't wait to go see it and explore. When the time finally came for us to let the little ones inside the fire truck, Anderson was in Heaven. I really think he would've stayed in that fire truck for hours. He loved driving the truck, pushing all the buttons, having Mommy open and close the doors. The whole works! After the fire truck fun and some more exploring, he and his friends got new fireman hats, which Anderson was thrilled about. Even tonight as we were talking about our day before bed, he was still wearing his new fireman's hat. I asked him what his favorite part of the day was today and he was silent for a moment before clearly saying "fire truck". It was so wonderful to see him so happy!