Sunday, October 31, 2010

You're Worth It

Dear Brooklyn,
Every morning you wake and ask for Dad. Actually you say "I want dada" Most of the time dad is still home, but on those rare occasions that you've slept in past 7:15am- I have to tell you dad is already at work. You are always sad to miss seeing dad in the morning and I don't blame you, he's wonderful to wake up to!

I then go on to explain why dad goes to work and why I stay home with you. Sometimes it's good for me to say it out loud and hear myself say it. "Dad goes to work to provide for us. So we can eat, live in a house and so that Brooklyn and mom can be together all day" That's right my sweet little man, dad works very hard every day at a great job so we can be together!

Several years before we had you, dad and I had a very serious conversation about if I would stay home with you or not. We both agreed that the sacrifice of me not working was worth it, so that I could raise you and be with you everyday. It wasn't easy, not because I loved my job so much- but because we knew that we would not only sacrifice now to make that decision happen.. but in the next 5-10 years we would have less "stuff" and maybe a smaller house and maybe an older car- so that I could be with you while you are young and raise you.

So we sold your dad's car (a silver Acura he liked a lot) and bought a little Vespa scooter (we named her Vicki) and agreed to pay of school loans and any debt we had (besides our house). We budgeted and saved and I had to learn a completely different lifestyle. I had to only buy groceries that fit into our monthly grocery budget, we couldn't go out to eat very much because our entertainment budget allowed us about 2-3 times per month and we shared my car- the faithful Jetta I got when I was 16. In about 2 years we reached our "debt-free" status and bought another car for dad. We still had our small house- but we loved it and cared for it like it was a mansion!

I want you to know you were WORTH it!!! I would do it again and again and again. I've changed a lot since being a mom and I now would rather buy you clothes, shoes, toys and your favorite movie over buying a new shirt at my favorite store Anthropologie. Seeing you happy everyday and knowing that I made the right choice for our family is such an amazing feeling.
I want the time at home together to be one of learning, sharing and playing. I hope you will have the best foundation built for you as a little guy. That's why I stay home with you... that's why the sacrifice is all worth it.
You're worth it.
I love you and am so glad you are my son.

Love,
mom

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Growing

Dear Brooklyn,
Again you are asleep downstairs and I'm enjoying the quiet of your nap time :) I've been going through all the clothes you've out grown so we can loan them to a little friend (Liam Rawlings) and I can't help but smile over all the memories we had together when you where wearing them.

Your baby batman jammies: so cute!
Your puppy dog mittens- man alive!
Your first Lacoste polo from Marmie and Papa Doc (it's red and you looked so great in it with your amazing tan this past summer)
All your converse tennis shoes you out grow about every other month! (you are 2 years and 4 months and wear a size 9!!! the 8's still fit barely without socks)

As much as I love buying you clothes- I've finally learned to start buying some things at the consignment store! Like jammies for $3.99 that fit you for about 4 months vs. jammies for $15 from the department store.

I wonder if you will have a little brother who will wear your clothes? That is fun to think about, to be able to get each little onesie, jacket, sweater and booties out again! Oh well. I'm sure the Lord already has your next sibling lined up :)

B- I know you will keep growing and I can't stop you- but can you please DO NOT out grow your mini Boden jacket this year? Thanks :)

mom

Monday, October 25, 2010

You were Buzz

Dear Brooklyn,
You are asleep right now downstairs in mom and dad's room. Lately I've been cuddling up next to you and rubbing your back before you fall asleep. I know you need to sleep in your crib by yourself... but I love having those sweet moments of down time with you. Ever since the painters came (for 10 days straight) your naps have been off schedule. So now I need to get you back on track... it might take a day or two more.

Last Friday night we took you to the Disney store in the mall for a kids costume party! You went as Buzz Light Year from Toy Story. It's your favorite movie right now and you play with Buzz (who you call On) and Woody everyday. I can hear you playing in the other room with Buzz and Woody argueing back and forth to each other "No Me"- "No Me" and on and on... it's so cute.

I'm so thankful I get to be home with you. Everyday you learn something new, say a new word or play more grown up. I'm trying to be satisfied with the age you are, but its so hard to not get excited for when you are in a big boy bed, not in diapers anymore and talking in full sentences to me. I guess that also means: no more baby crib ( I guess we pack it away?) no more special times on the changing table tickling your tummy or you turning your bum bum around. And no more baby jabber. Ok, nevermind. Stay just the way you are. Grow up slow just like you are right now and I will try to soak in every moment, take LOTS of pictures and continue this journal for you. I want to remember the little things that make you- you. I want to be able to look back at this short, special season of you when you are little and smile!

I love you my sweet little curly joe~

mom