Me, a baby-wearer?

So, I have never thought of myself as a baby-wearer. You know, those who insist that wearing their babies all day long is the best thing that you could ever do for them. Don't get me wrong, I would love to "wear my baby" all the time. Unfortunately, I have been blessed with 2 very busy and active boys who would rather do anything BUT be strapped to me.

Well, that may be changing. Lately Alex has spent a lot of time doing this...

whenever he is put down. Not sure if it his teeth coming in or the overwhelming desire he has to make his mommy feel loved :) No matter what the reason is we have found the only thing that makes him happy these days is to be held.. all day. As great as this is it doesn't bode well for getting much done... until today! I finally forged into the world of baby wearing, and it was wonderful. Alex spent the afternoon on my back while I got the floors swept, laundry folded and dinner made. All the while he was happy. AHHHHH!

We may have to do this more often. Can't help but think about the added bonus of all the extra calories I am burning carrying around an extra 17 pounds!

Peek a boo, I see you!

This is what I get to wake up to every morning! And I couldn't be more blessed. I love you little man!

6 years

The best 6 years of my life!

I love you!

(to the moon and back)

It's a love/ hate thing

running that is!

I hate the lack of motivation I have when it comes to leaving my nice warm house and hot cup of coffee to embark on my 6 mile journey around NE Seattle in the pouring rain.

But, oh how I love the peaceful long, flat stretches with all the views Seattle has to offer

How I loathe that dreaded hill that marks mile four

But man, do I love the morning nap that is sure to result from the rhythmic sound of my feet hitting the pavement

I hate it when my toes go numb from the frigid air

But I do love taking my mind off of that with day dreams of living in houses like these

Anyone that know me and my strollers know how much I hate it when the crows have such perfect timing as to sh** on my beloved Bob. I guess I should love that is didn't hit me!

In the end there is no greater feeling than the power and strength that running gives me. It gives me the energy and patience to be a better mom... at least for the next 10 hours until it is time for bed.

Oh, and she kind of loves it too!

Top ten things heard around the Bugbee's today

10. While discussing birthday present options for me with daddy "hmm, I think we should get her clothes. She buys a lot of them and she really likes them."

9. "Why doesn't Alex have to clean up his toys?"

8. "Mommy, when I woke up my pajamas pants were sweaty" Yeah, no, not sweat!

7. Tyler explaining to me how the babysitter put Alex to bed last night, "Mom, he was feeding Alex in bed and I told him that's not how my mommy does it." I am actually relieved to hear that he is not doing it the way "mommy does it".

6. "Ouch, he kicked me in the peanuts."

5. Tyler said to Nana this morning during a very quite time in church, "I don't like the smell of your breath".

4. "Mom, are we voting for the blue guys or the purple guys? Tyler wanting to know who to root for while watching the Cowboys/Vikings game.

3. Claire, Karsten and Tyler were playing "house" downstairs. Tyler was the dad and Claire was the mommy. "Honey, are you watching football again?" and

2. "Honey, you need to get up and change the baby now." Alex was the baby.

1. Karsten asking me about nursing Alex. "Jen, is he eating crumbs out of your stomach?"

Bad momma!

Yeah, that's just about how I feel these days. I have never claimed to be a perfect mom but this week may be the furthest I have been from such. Give me an infant any day and I am golden. I can do babies any day, all day. It is this certain little 4 year old boy that has rocked my world. I have learned more about myself from this little monster angel in the last 4 and a half years than I ever thought possible. I have learned am learning patience, unconditional love, perseverance, selflessness, forgiveness, letting go, how to play pretned and so much more. Like I said, I am learning and I will continue to learn every day for as long as it takes to be the best mom I can possibly be. I just wish that I knew all the answers. I wish I knew how to raise a successful, respectful, driven and loving son. I wish I knew which battles to choose. I wish I knew when to say yes and when to say no. I wish I knew that I am raising him right in every way. I wish I knew.

I love this 4 and a half year old with all my heart even though at times he breaks my heart. For at the end there is nothing better than hearing those sweet little words "Momma, I love you to the moon and back." It reassures me that, today, I didn't screw up too much because you still love me.

I love you bugs, to the moon and back!

(even when you don't let me take your picture!)

I'm gonna miss this

These are the best moments, those when they think no one is looking.

He is growing up so fast!