It's the little things

Sometimes in life, you have to look at all those little moments that make you smile and appreciate them. Especially when you have so many things going on that makes it easy NOT to smile. I've learned that a lot this past year.
And just as things were looking up for us in 2010, I have to find my happy moments again. Aaron has once again been deployed. It's his 4th time. It wasn't like a surprise or anything but it still just creeps up on you and then it's happening. But this post is not meant to be a cry for help or a depressing post. Brady and I are actually doing well and I almost feel guilty for saying that (Aaron's only been gone 2 days though!). I'm trying to share some of the funny and little things that have made me smile in the last several days so I can remember that when the bad moments do come. Most of these, if not all involve Brady. He really has been my bright spot in everything going on lately. I think kids just bring out that sense of innocence and love of life.

1) Brady is getting to be quite the conversationalist these days. He always wants to sit up in my lap and he says "Let's talk" When I ask him what he wants to talk about he always comes up with something like "Let's talk about cars. What's your favorite car? (He means color of car)" and just goes on about whatever else. It's fun.

2) Brady, Bo (our dog) and I were laying on the floor playing the other day. Bo was cuddled up next to me sleeping-that's a pretty common occurrence! Brady was petting Bo and I told him "Did you know that before you were my little baby, Bo was my first little baby?" Brady, without missing a beat, said "He was in your tummy before I was in your tummy?" I had to quickly explain that I treated him like my little baby and that he was never in my tummy but he was in his doggy mommy's tummy. What the heck? Where did that come from???

3) Brady also loves to talk on the phone. He takes the phone and walks around the house as he's talking. He tries to "show" whoever is on the other end of the line all of his toys or whatever. The funny thing is, Aaron is the biggest pacer when he is on the phone. When we were dating we lived 2 hours apart and talked on the phone throughout the week and saw each other on the weekends. From what his family said, he paced around the house for hours while we talked on the phone every day. I guess some things really are genetic!

4) Brady had to take amoxicillin for an ear infection. At first he was very much against taking it. What little kid doesn't like the "bubble gum" pink medicine? I was always jealous as a kid when my siblings had to take it. Anyway, he fought us every time we tried to give it to him. We tried to convince him how good it tasted and to just take it really fast. Sometimes he closes his lips tight and turns away for like a minute before I can get it in his mouth. Then he'll start saying "Mmmm. That's good!" Why do I have to go through all that if he likes it? Now he started calling it his milkshake. "Mom, I need to take my milkshake!" Crazy kid.....where did he get that idea?

5) Aaron got a special little gift for Brady before he left to help him deal with the situation. he got him a big Woody doll from Toy Story to go with his Buzz. It was a big hit! He was so excited and the look on his face is one I won't forget. Aaron told him he could hug him and play with him while he was gone if he was feeling sad or missing his Dad. Brady has carried that thing everywhere since he got it. He has been playing with Woody and Buzz together and I swear it was a scene right out of Toy Story with that little boy and his toys! Example: Brady says as Woody - "C'mon Buzz, let's go get my hat." And then as Buzz - "Ok Woody, let's go!"
It even has a pull string and he says things. Aaron and Brady were talking about their favorite Woody saying and they both like "You got a friend in me." Aaron told him to remember that while he was gone too. Seriously, I wanted to cry when they were saying that to each other. He sure loves his Daddy.

He's saying "You got a friend in me" as I'm taking the picture.

Yes, his hair is a mess and yes, he needs a haircut!

Anyway, that's what's been going on around here lately in our house. I'm going to stop now because I get the feeling that me talking about my kid for a whole post is starting to resemble those Christmas letters I've seen that talk about their kids and how smart and wonderful they are and all that jazz. By the end you half expect it to say they were the youngest recipient ever of the Nobel Peace Prize!


So............ just remember that in any situation there is always good and bad. It's finding the good (even if it's very small) in a bad situation and dwelling on that that makes us stronger, much more positive and able to go on with our lives instead of being at a standstill in a bad place. At least that's what I keep telling myself anyway............just kidding! I really do believe that and I am living proof! Oh, I also believe the unbelievable support from great friends also makes a difference! :) I sure have some good ones and I'm very grateful for that as well! You guys are the best so thanks!