Tate's birthday party

Happy Birthday Tate

Tate turned two today. I absolutely cannot believe he is two! As I was putting him to bed tonight I thought back to the day he was born and the 700 and some odd days since then. I told him happy birthday one last time and added "it's been the best two years of my life." It really has. Of course, not everyday has been a bowl of cherries, but I wouldn't trade any of them for the world!
Wednesday I took Tate to the mall to pick out a nice new outfit for him to wear on his birthday. At the store I picked up a shirt and Tate immediately grabbed it, said "Tate's" and hugged it. "Okay," I thought, "on to the pants."
The pants weren't quite as easy, but in the end we agreed on a pair of jeans.
This morning after a quick shower with Dad, Tate was looking sharp in his new digs. Off to school for another day of learning. At 2 Chuck and I popped in to the daycare with cupcakes for snack time. I think the kids enjoyed the sugar supplied by icing-covered cupcakes. After the special snack Tate decided he was going with us so we pulled him out of school a little early.
In observance of his birthday, we went to Barnes and Noble to let Tate pick out a book. That back fired (on me) Tate discovered the train in the back corner of the store AND ended up with three Little Einstein books. (I can't help it, those blue eyes get me every time!)
Next we headed to Chick-fil-a for some chicken nuggets and quality time in/on the indoor playground with dad. Then it was home and time for milk and some quality couch time with mom. I am amazed at what I big fan Tate is of Grey's Anatomy (LOL)!
What a great kid!

Week 103: Thinking, driving and clowning

I haven't decided yet if Tate is going to be a track star, a great philosopher or a race car driver.
Anyone who's been around Tate for very long knows this child loves to run! Every now and then Tate takes a few minutes to contemplate the meaning of life. That never lasts for very long and off he goes again. The little guy also enjoys playing with anything that has a steering wheel... a scoot along toy, a coin-operated "ride" outside the grocery store, our boat and other vehicles... ANYTHING with a steering wheel. And what a ham he is! The other day we were at Chuck's parents' house. We were leaving the house, loading Tate in the car when he slipped out of someone's hands. He made a b-line for the driver's seat, and, of course, the steering wheel. He was really driving. I managed to snap a couple of pictures before he spotted me. Once he saw me it was all over with, he was mugging for the camera! Eventually we were able to wrestle him into the back seat and strap him into his car seat. Safely fastened in the car seat he found something else to entertain himself -- sunglasses. There is never a dull moment with Tate!

Bonus post: Snow days

Last weekend Northeast Arkansas was covered with snow. I don't know about everyone else, but it kind of took me by surprise. I had heard the weather forecast, but doubted we'd get much in the way of snow accumulation. Boy was I wrong! With a couple of inches on the ground, Chuck, Tate and I ventured outside to let Tate experience snow. His initial reaction was a combination of "why did mom and dad bundle me up so that I can barely walk" and "what's is going on out here!"
He tromped around for a little while, checking on his swing in the front yard. My little man was very concerned that this white stuff was collecting in his swing. He started to clean it out, but quickly lost interest. Next he decided his mittens and toboggan were not cool and he promptly took them off. It didn't take long after that for Tate to decide he'd had enough of the frigid temperatures that accompanied the snow.

Week 102: Tate's growing into such a big boy

Tate is getting soooo big. There are so many things he's learning and starting to do. It seems like everyday he says a new word or shows us something he learned at daycare. As part of the "growing up" process we've been working on potty training. Just last weekend Tate tried on a pair of big boy underwear. He did pretty good, but the little guy still needs a little practice before we make that transition. For now we'll stick with the pull-ups. A few days later Tate showed us again how quickly he's growing up. He climbed on a transitional toy (it's a rocking rider that has a handle that allows you to push it). Up until this point Tate would sit on it and rock. On this particular day he decided he was going to "work on it." He was trying to switch the rocker part over to the handle. Chuck intervened. The next thing I know Tate has hopped on the trike and is actually pedaling!!! I was shocked and elated all at the same time. Of course, our dogs are horrified at the prospect of having to dodge Tate on wheels. It's survival of the fittest around our house.

Week 102: Tate's a Rockstar!!!

These aren't the best pictures ever, but once you see what they're of, you'll probably understand why I grabbed my phone and started snapping.
A week or so ago, Chuck, Tate and I meandered over to Blytheville to see Chuck's grandparents. While we were visiting Tate found Mawmaw's cane. He's such a creative kid. We don't have a cane at the house, therefore Tate doesn't know the proper use for such an object. As you can imagine it didn't take him long to come up with something to do with it. The little squirt thought it would work as a microphone. The little guy reminded me of one of those 80s hair band guys like Bon Jovi or someone. Crazy kid! I guess I know what to get him for his birthday now(LOL).