Reflective

Tonight Ryan was a little too excited for bedtime, and was acting way too cute for me to let him cry, so I told him that if he stayed on the big boy bed for a few minutes, I would set up the couch into a bed and he and I could watch "Up" while he finished his milk from his sippy cup. He was so excited about it, and kept yelling "Mama. UP!" the whole time I was setting it up in the other room. I went to get him, brought him out on the couch, and we started our show.

Ryan was acting like a complete HAM. Jumping up and down with excitement when the balloons came up to lift the house, putting on his "explorer" hat (AKA a green rubbermaid container!) on and off, making me try on his "hat" again and again, and going into fits of giggles whenever I did. Needless to say, it wasn't exactly the most reverent and effective way of calming him down for bed, but it was too cute to put a stop to.

I finally gave him one more chance to settle down, and he came over and laid his head on my shoulder, sipping on his sippy cup, and turning to look me in the eyes and comment on the show every few minutes. And, of course, that's when all the nostalgia started creeping in, along with mama tears (shocker).

18 months. It's hard to believe it's been a year and a half. Probably today is slightly nostalgic anyway, since it's the first day since he was born that he hasn't nursed (I know, I know... Yeah, I know.) It's a new phase of life! And let me just tell you, 18 months ago I wouldn't have ever guessed we'd just be moving to this phase!

Today at the park there was a little boy with blonde hair who was about 4, playing with a tennis ball. Ryan sat and watched him for a good 15 minutes, intrigued. He finally got up the nerve to walk up to him, saying "ba! ba! ba! (ball)". The little kid was SO nice, and played catch with him for a bit, and then started throwing the ball and letting Ryan chase after it and bring it back to him. It was like watching a little Ryan play with a Big Ryan. It made me excited to see how our little guy grows up, and it made me hope that he will be as nice as "big Ryan" was to him.

And then I look at "little" Ryan's papa, Seth. And I have that exact same hope--that little Ryan can grow up to be like his papa. A few weeks ago a statue that was REALLY sentimental to me over the years got broken, and I told Seth how sad I was about it. Seth went out the next day, figured out what statue it was (based on VERY limited clues), realizing I wouldn't want a replacement, but still wanted to do something for me. He found a charm bracelet with a picture of the statue on it and bought it for me. It was the smallest thing, but I can't tell you how much it meant to me, on so many levels. I realize I'm not always as thankful as I should be for the man standing next to me for eternity. Moments like that help me keep that in mind. (Also, moments like this morning when I ask Seth to delay going into work so I can go running since the running stroller is broken, and he selflessly lets me, help, too!) I'm humbled and thankful and blessed.

I know this won't be the last of the nights of nostalgia and reflective moods. I think for that I'm most grateful. Keep 'em coming, world. You know I'll never run out of tears for nights like tonight ;)

A day of Miracles + Out with the Old

Yesterday was such a wonderful day--I received word of so many GREAT things happening for people around me, and felt my faith renewed in so many ways! I'll post more about them soon, but I just have to express my gratitude at the hand of God in things small and big.

Also, on an unrelated note, I finally decided to retire my running shoes, and for Mother's Day, Seth got me a new pair.

And by a new pair, I mean I convinced him since both pairs were on sale, and the total price equaled the original price of one, that I could get both--one for speed work and technique training, the other for regular/long runs.


Can you guess the old pair? Ha. Unbelievable how dirty a shoe gets.

I took the middle (orange) pair out for their inaugural run this morning, and I think they need to be named something that relates to speed--fastest 2 mile run yet!!! (No, I won't tell you how slow that is, sheesh!)

Also, Amy, you'll be happy to know that the guy at the store coached me in "Beginning chi running" since apparently my general technique is HORRIBLE. :)

Happy Mother's Day!

Thinking tonight about all the women in my life that have made such a difference. Moms, sisters, cousins, roommates, friends, teachers. I count myself lucky!

And Mom, you're the best! I'll bring your real present when I see you, but if I could bring these on a plane I'd bring them all!