Granma & Pop Visit DC!

As you've probably figured out by now, this blog is in no way close to "real time." Life is busy and I'm lucky to get to a couple of posts per month. I honestly don't see how you avid blogger-moms do it...especially those of you with multiples! That's the long way of saying this post is late. :-)

Jeff's parents came to visit us the week of Labor Day...the first visit since they helped us move in. Since we didn't get to enjoy the city together when they were here before (thanks to continuous unpacking of boxes), we made the most of it this time!

Visiting monuments.

**Tourism Note: The new MLK Monument is a must-see. The structure and location are just beautiful.

Definitely holds a special place in my heart. Although God and God alone made it possible for Judah to be our son~one of His children, MLK, had a role in making it possible. Here I am just after telling this to Judah. He's taking it all in while Mama's fighting back tears. 

Next stop, another one of my DC favorites, National Gallery of Art:

Where we got to see Venus on her first trip (and last day) to the U.S. So cool! I tried to post a more modest picture. :-)

We didn't stay too long in the Gallery, thanks to Judah pointing to naked statues and saying, "PeePee."  Nice.

We all enjoyed the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. Here are my two J's practicing "Roll Tide!"

Primo view of the Dinos!

Wow!

This museum had a special "Race" exhibit that was fascinating. Could have stayed in there for hours, but after all this moving by little J close to his nap time, it was time to go. I do have to show you the first thing you see when you enter: "We All Came from Africa..." Judah loved the map on the floor and I think we got some frame-able shots!

Can you tell he knows Africa ("Acka")?!

We also took some time to have fun at the playground and the "Playseum" when it rained (an awesome indoor play place).

We relaxed at home, too...but just a little :-)

 

Granma & Pop, we had a blast! We love you and hope you come back soon!

If You're Ever Feeling Down...

Just watch this :-)

18 on the 18th

18 months. Really?! Our sweet little J is one and a half years old! The big 1.5! Time is literally flying and he is becoming a little boy right before our eyes. We truly couldn't be more in love with him. His little big personality is blossoming, and every day brings tons of smiles, belly laughs, and tears of joy.

Judah-bean, here are 18 fun facts all about YOU!
1. You are a sleepy-head. Not only do you sleep a lot, but you take your sweet time getting up, resting in your crib forever with your morning coffee (milk :-) and books.
2. Speaking of...you love books. You yell "mo!" (more) every time I finish reading you one...even when it's bed time and you can't seem to hold your eyes open.

3. You eat all by yourself; our help is not wanted. You still eat with your fingers occasionally, but you're pretty good with your spoon and fork. Regardless, you do not want your father or I to intervene with your eating. It is serious business.

This is what happens when you eat yogurt by yourself, then I try to intervene.

 4. Even though you've only seen 2 episodes of Sesame Street in your entire life (and it hasn't been recently), you heart Elmo and always recognize him thanks to toddler marketing :-) You call him "Melmo." I'm not a huge fan of Melmo, but I must admit this is cute.
5. You can do a forward roll and think it's fantastic. Future gymnast?
6. You love it when Mama and Dada kiss and will spontaneously, forcefully, and repetitively push our heads together while making your kiss face/sound. And if you see us hugging, you run and bear-hug our legs. You are just so affectionate and I hope that stays for a while!
7.You are a toy-hoarder. When you see another toddler friend playing with something of interest, you just walk right up to them and take it-even if you have 15 other toys in your hand. We are working on this.
8. Your latest obsession is anything that moves...trucks ("tuck"), airplanes ("sky"), trains ("choo choo") and helicopter ("cocker") really are the only things that matter these days.

9. You are very social and wave at everyone. You get upset when they do not wave back.
10. You are rarely thirsty (especially for milk) and many days I feel I'm begging  you to drink something. However, you drink with ease every time Daddy requests.
11. You're borderline obsessed with your new red Crocs...thanks Granma!

12. You love babies ("bebe") and are super concerned when they cry. You carry on about your business, however, when I tell you ("Baby's okay").
13. You are getting really attached to your pacifier ("papis") and I am regretting not taking it away from you about 6 months ago when you were not as interested. I think we have a tough battle ahead of us.

14. Almost daily, we have a Dance/Sing Party thanks to Pandora Toddler Radio :-)
15. When you get sleepy, Mama and Dada become a "Bennifer" of sorts...aka ("Mada" and my favorite "Dama"). Hopefully, others do not think you are cursing :-)
16. No matter how much we clean, one can always find sand in our house. No, we do not live near the beach. However, we do live by the coolest playground with the coolest sandbox...you just can't resist.
17. Potty-training may be in our near future. About 60% of the time you tell me when you "peepee" and "poopoo" in your diaper when it is happening or immediately after...then proceed to sit/walk awkwardly when #2 happens. Sometimes you try to "wipe" during diaper changes...this usually does not turn out so well. You cannot be old enough for this?!
18. And our most favorite thing...you encourage us to pray. Literally. You LOVE our family prayers around the table (usually before mealtimes). Your signal for praying is holding your hands out on either side and bowing your head (eyes always open though :-). You remind us this way when we forget and sometimes request to pray when you are upset to make things all better. It is the sweetest.

Well, next time I write "18 on the 18th," it will mean you are graduating high school.  I'm thankful the 18 is months instead of years, and most days I wish I could make time stand still. Judah Wells Nix, you are my heart!

Writers' Block, with gratitude

I've had oh so much on my mind lately. Race, religion, rearing (the child, that is :-)...all things I've felt I needed to write about or at least express in some way besides letting them become the scrambled eggs of my mind. Life~ and a faulty computer~ have gotten in the way. And today I've carved out some time to write and my internet is actually working for the moment :-) However, I sit here with nothing. Not that my mind is empty; quite the opposite....just jumbled and today, with a headache that won't seem to go away :-( Hey, I made an unintentional rhyme...maybe poetry is calling?

Anywho, all I can come up with to share with you today is something that has been dominating my thoughts lately...how incredibly grateful I am for my husband and my son. Our story is unique, and I would not have one without the other. And I would not have either without God's grace and divine intervention. It's so easy to get caught up in the daily grind of laundry, groceries, bills, etc.~ but lately I've been called to "be still and know that [He] is God." (Psalm 46:10) Amazing what He'll show you when you listen. He's showing me that our little family truly is a miracle, with tremendous blessings only made possible by Him.