Birthday celebration part two -- Chuck E Cheese, Bitty and Daddy. 

Birthday Bitty Man and his Hot Wheels cake. 

Spoiled? Nah...

For the record, the only gift from Mommy and Daddy is the Hot Wheels case. (Tickets to Wiggles LIVE was his main present.) The rest of the loot is from Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Godparents and friends.

They say it's your birthday...

Happy Birthday, Bitty Man! I can't believe 'Baby Cheese' is two years old today.

I wish I had the energy to post a tender, heartfelt letter to my sweet angel. But it seems only fitting that this time two years ago I was in pain with your contractions and tonight I'm in pain with what I assume is one whopper of a sinus infection brought on by allergies. So in my Benadryl fog I'll just wish you another year of excellent health and a promise that I am always striving to be the best Mama I can be.

(Yeah, yeah, you can finally open all your PRESENTS too!)

I love you, Bitty.

Bragging Post

(Not like I don't do enough bragging already -- but if you're reading this, I can only assume you don't mind the bragging... or you accidentally surfed upon this site when you Googled 'Shark Reef' and won't be staying long anyway.)

AT 24 MONTHS, BITTY CAN:

• Count to 15
• Sing the entire alphabet song (OK, so he sings, 'H, I, J, K, L, doh-doh-doh, P' but he's got the rest including the 'Now I know my A, B, C's' part.)
• Correctly identify the colors blue, red, purple, brown, black, white, green, yellow, orange and as of today, silver
• Make the sign of the cross and say the Hail Mary (give or take a phrase or two)
• Turn on the TV/VCR, open a tape case (Nemo is his current favorite), put the tape in the VCR and push PLAY
• Repeat EVERYTHING you say -- even when you don't think he's listening
• Point his fingers and do the twist, along with various other Wiggles, Blues Clues and Backyardigans choreography
• Name every animal in his Big Book of Animals and remind you if you accidentally skip a page
• Identify the following instruments: piano, drums, saxophone, trumpet, guitar and violin -- and mimic playing each one

AT 24 MONTHS, MAMA CAN:

• Fit into her pre-pregnancy jeans
• Make (and sell) a Mother's bracelet
• Sing the entire Wiggles soundtrack
• Program Tivo
• Fix a delicious batch of crock-pot chili
• Earn $1000/year selling on eBay
• Create and moderate a Mommy message board
• Nurse while walking
• Proudly admit to co-sleeping for 18 months
• Watch a Hallmark commercial without crying
• When asked, "What do you do?" reply, "I'm a stay-at-home Mom" without qualifying my answer with, "But I used to... "

I'll add more as they come to me.

Favorite Links

Bitty is STILL napping (7:05pm) so I had time to figure out how to include some of my favorite links in the sidebar. Gold star for Mama's HTML skills!

(Yeah, I know a lot of toddlers are going to bed at 7:05pm. Bitty goes to bed around 11pm... but sleeps until 11am. Works for us.)

Daddy and Bitty riding the rails at the downtown art/music festival on Saturday. 

One Year Ago

SCARY FACE at 1 year.

$131,471

Based on a 100-hour work week, Salary.com has estimated that a fair wage for the typical stay-at-home mom would be $131,471 for executing all of her daily tasks.

Jackpot! 2005 Honda Odyssey Touring with DVD Entertainment system, here I come! With money to spare for:
1) 13 years of Catholic private schooling for Bitty Man
2) Pergo flooring throughout our home
3) 2-weeks lying on a beach in Aruba
4) 24-Hour Fitness lifetime membership
5) Funding our IRA's for the next decade.

Wonder if I can get my money direct deposit?

The boys and their toys at 'Touch a Truck'. 

G.I. Bitty at 'Touch a Truck' today. 

August 2003

Now Bitty can sing 'Hail to the Redskins!'

July 2003

One of my favorite pictures.

A fan of The Adventures of Bitty Man remarked that I seemed to be taking Bitty's 2nd Birthday pretty hard. It's not that I wish he was a 'baby' again -- with every age I've always thought, "Wow, this is the BEST age" and it's still true. I love having a 23 1/2 month old. Bitty amazes and entertains me on an hourly basis. But I am shocked at how fast time has flown by. I don't understand how my little baby, who just yesterday (or so it seems) relied on me to meet his every basic need, today at lunch commanded, "Mama, not peanut butter. Peanut butter AND jelly AND pudding treat!"

So forgive a hormonal Mama as she enjoys remembering the road once traveled.

June 2003

At least now Bitty has a full head of hair! Who'd guessed it would turn out to be so blonde?

May 2003

Where did my baby go?!? (Mama is having a hard time facing Bitty's 2nd birthday.)

He Writes The Songs

Singing 'Itsy Bitsy Spider' is SOOO yesterday. Bitty is now composing his own material. This evening's selection, performed while taking his bath:

Peeing in the tub!
Peeing in the tub!
Peeing in the tub!
HAHAHA!
Peeing in the tub!

Peeing on the truck!
Peeing on the car!
Peeing on the ducky!
HAHAHA!
PEEEEE-IIINNNGGG!

Bitty Man at the Childrens Museum, enjoying the bubbles exhibit! 

Bitty Sings the Blues

Daddy was out of town this weekend, performing a one-night gig somewhere in Tennessee. (Even he's not quite sure where it was -- he did say the town was 'very southern' since they ate at a Crackerbarrel restaurant.) So of course when Daddy returned home last night Bitty was all about, "present?!?"

Yes, Daddy brought you a present. A harmonica.

It only took Bitty a few minutes to master blowing in and out to make music. But more impressive, he would blow a few notes then begin to sing -- in the correct key -- one of the songs in his repertoire.

Bitty started entertaining us with entire songs a week ago. He's been singing single pitches for months. But we were surprised when out of nowhere he belted out "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" in it's entirety, in pitch, and in rhythm. You may also request "Itsy Bitsy Spider" or much of the Wiggles soundtrack.

Of course if he doesn't know the song that being sung, he just goes ahead and sings a song he does know. For example, during Mass last Sunday when we began to sing the offertory hymn, Bitty decided that he wanted to sing too. But since he didn't know the hymn, he began singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" with all his God-given talent. Thankfully those around us found it as adorable as we did.

And I'm pretty sure God was pleased.

Now that Bitty is almost 2, it's time for him to earn his keep! 

After a hard day mowing lawns, Bitty needed to cool off in the pool! 

They Say It's Your Birthday

Let the countdown begin. One month until Bitty Man is 2 years old. Momma is not on the ball this year. This time last year I had already created Elmo invitations on the computer, ordered all the Elmo party supplies and had downloaded a recipe for dairy-free birthday cake.

As of today we still haven't decided if we're having a party at our house, doing Chuck-E-Cheese, going to the beach for the weekend (sounds good to Momma and Daddy) or doing a simple family day. But the challenge is that most of Bitty's friends were also born in May so weekend party dates are filling up quickly.

For those of you who have already e-mailed looking for gift ideas:
CLOTHES -- Currently Bitty is wearing shirts size 2T, shorts size 24 months, pjs size 2T, shoes size 6. (Or bigger if you'd like to buy for fall/winter.)
ANYTHING WITH WHEELS -- Currently Bitty's favorite toys are his Matchbox cars, Thomas the Trains, Megablock cars and trains, Tonka trucks, and Little People cars.
ANYTHING THAT MAKES MUSIC -- Go figure!

Momma and Daddy are going to spend the next month trying to figure out, in the words of a kinda famous tune, 'where did the time go?'

Thanks, Uncle Tony, for my cool Harley hat! 

White Bittys CAN Jump

For the past month, when you ask Bitty Man want he wants to do today, the answer is always the same:

"Play baskeet-ball?!?"

We have no idea where this obsession came from. We are a football family. (There was a time, pre-Bitty, that Daddy was into the Lakers, but he hasn't watched a game since the team went downhill.) So I was very surprised when one day at the park Bitty asked if he could 'play baskeet-ball?'

I grabbed the Old Navy soccer ball out of the trunk of my car and we proceeded to play basketball. By playing, I mean Momma attempts to shoot baskets, Bitty laughs hysterically and chases the ball as it soars off the court.

Last week while Momma and Bitty were at Gymboree Clothing checking out the 70% off sale, the manager was kind enough to give Bitty a soccer ball sticker. But since he's been playing basketball with the Old Navy soccer ball, he kept referring to the sticker as a 'baskeet-ball' -- leaving the Gymboree manager to inquire if Bitty was color blind. So to save further embarrassment, we broke down and purchased a junior-sized authentic basketball.

We took our new ball to the park today and enjoyed the 78F sunshine. Bitty did less chasing and more clapping. Turns out it's much easier for Momma to make baskets with an authentic basketball!

2 tickets to Wiggles LIVE, $60. Parking, $10. 1 hot pretzel, $4. The look on Bitty's face when the concert started: PRICELESS! 

The view from our seats. 'Toot toot, chugga-chugga, Big Red Car!' 

Bitty and his friend J checking out the Wiggles program before the show began. 

"In the Wiggle's World..."

Countdown t-minus 14 hours, 55 minutes until WIGGLES LIVE!

Ouchie!

Bitty Man had to make an unexpected trip to the doctor's yesterday. He's fine, now that he's on antibiotics. What was much more disturbing than Bitty's infection was learning that his pediatrician had moved to Oregon so we'd be seeing another ped in the practice.

We lucked out with our original ped, Dr. P. The nurse who taught our childbirth class recommended him and boy was she right on. Dr. P. was amazing -- A D.O. who supported attachment parenting, didn't push unnecessary drugs, and had several young children of his own.

The doctor we saw yesterday we'd also seen on one other occasion. I have no doubt he's a brilliant medical doctor. But he doesn't have much of a connection with kids -- not a good thing if you are a pediatrician.

But on the other hand, he does have really good toys in his waiting room. An important factor to consider when choosing your child's doctor.

In the meantime Bitty will be just fine.

No Foolin'

Bittyman wants to wish Daddy a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Bitty is taking Daddy to his favorite restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory, for dinner. Bitty thinks he is paying for dinner with his 'credit card'.

(I'm pretty sure the Cheesecake Factory won't accept a Southwest Rapid Rewards card as payment, but don't tell Bittyman.)

StatCounter Stats

Blog views by location as of this evening:

• 5 -- Virginia, United States
• 2 -- New York, United States
• 2 -- Wisconsin, United States
• 1 -- Georgia, United States
• 1 -- Lisboa, Portugal
• 1 -- Florida, United States

All make perfect sense except... Portugal?

Bitty Man, International Man of Mystery?!?

Random Thoughts

15 M&M's + 5 new Matchbox cars + 10 jelly beans + 1 new Tonka truck = One Wired Bitty Man

Mamma: "What would you like for breakfast this morning?"
Bitty Man: "Mmm an Mmmms!"
Mamma: "No, M&M's were for treats on Easter Sunday. How about a waffle?"
Bitty Man: "Mmm an Mmm waffle?"

I finally figured out how to install StatCounter in this blog. Be forewarned -- Not only can I track page views, but I can track keyword searches that lead to this sight (that could be interesting... and scary), the sight you came from to access this blog and your visit length! Big Brother is watching Bitty Man's blog!

Sending Easter Blessings across the miles! 

Happy Easter! 

EGGS... MESS! 

'Born to Ride' at Chuck E Cheese! 

Grandma and Pa-Pa's Sweet Revenge

Grandma and Pa-Pa arrived on Saturday for spring break. (They own a second home just down the street from Bitty Man.)

I officially apologize for anything and everything I did during my first 18 years of life that angered or upset my parents. Now quit being so darn nice to Bitty Man so he'll want to hang with Mommy and Daddy again.

Conversation on Sunday night while driving home from dinner with Grandma and Pa-Pa at the local iHop: (Bitty loves the Kids Egg sandwich plate -- minus the cheese and butter of course.)

Mamma: "Did you have fun at dinner?"
Bitty: "Grandma?... Pa-Pa?"
Daddy: "Grandma and Pa-Pa went to contribute to the local economy. We'll see them tomorrow."
Bitty: "GRANDMA HOUSE?!? PA-PA HOUSE?!?"
Mamma: "No, we're going to our house, honey."

We pull into our gated community and turn left towards our house, instead of right towards Grandma and Pa-Pa's.

Bitty: "NO!!! NO OUR HOUSE!!! GRANDMA HOUSE!!! PA-PA HOUSE!!!"

A full meltdown then occurs. Daddy and I think seriously of dropping Bitty off at Grandma and Pa-Pa's... and making a quick beeline to Puerto Vallarta for the week! Maybe next spring break. In the meantime, Grandma and Pa-Pa are having a wonderful time spoiling Bitty Man silly.

You Outta Be in Pictures

Bitty Man saw his first movie on Thursday. (It was actually the second movie he's attended. The first one was The Lord of the Rings in December, 2002 -- when Momma was 4 months pregnant. Momma spent the entire movie shielding her belly with jackets since Baby Cheese would kick like crazy every time there was a loud battle scene!) This time he saw Robots. Daddy was pre-empted by the NCAA Tournament so he had the day off. We wanted to do something fun and different so we decided to try a matinee, figuring if Bitty Man hated it we'd only be out $8. (But since Momma and Daddy had not seen a movie in a theater in over 2 years, we were really hoping for the best.)

We lucked out and had the theater TO OURSELVES. Bitty was just thrilled to get to snack on popcorn and a few sips of diet soda. Once the lights went out we nervously watched Bitty's face for any signs of anxiety. Then the first preview began, for Herbie the Love Bug remake.

I'd forgotten how LOUD a THX sound system is.

I got ready to pick up our overpriced theater food, figuring I was about to hear the wailings of one terrified little boy. But instead I heard, 'CAR!!! BIG CAR!!! FUNNY!!!' and screams... of delight.

Bitty Man thought this 'big TV' was the greatest things since the vacuum cleaner. Uncle Tony will be thrilled to learn that Bitty's favorite preview was for the new Star Wars movie. (Which he will get to see when he's about 13.) And as for the feature presentation? Bitty watched all 90 minutes and when the credits were finished rolling asked, 'MORE?!?'

Bitty has now been officially sucked into the 20th Century Fox marketing machine. I imagine the Easter Bunny will be bringing a WonderBot for Bitty's basket.

Bitty the Bird Man at the zoo. 

Get to Know Bitty Man

You know those annoying 'Questions' e-mails you get forwarded to you every few weeks? Well here's Bitty's answers:

1) What time is it? Huh? Clock! (4:50 pm)
2) Name as it appears on birth certificate: (No way, Jose. Too many internet freaks lurking.)
3) Nickname : Bitty! (Also Sweetie, Little Prince and when Mommy's mad, 'HEY! GET OVER HERE!')
4) Piercing: No skissors. Only Mamma Daddy do dit.
5) Eye color: Eyes... Blue!
6) Place of birth: (See #2)
7) Favorite food: Noo-nools (Noodles), Oat-eal (Apple oatmeal), Olive, Egg salad... yummy yummy! WIGGLES!
8) Ever been to Africa: Huh?
9) Ever been toilet papering: Yess... Mamma room! (When the bathoom door was left open.)
10) Love someone so much it made you cry: Cry. Sad.
11) Been in a car accident: No driving... bad... only Mamma Daddy do dit. (Lesson learned Monday night after he crawled into the front seat of the car and inserted the correct key in the ignition while Mommy was busy unloading groceries!)
12) Croutons or bacon bits: Num-Nums! (M&M's)
13) Favorite day of the week: Huh?
14) Favorite restaurant: Huh? (iHop and Chevy's)
15) Favorite flower: Flowers. No touch. Only Mamma Daddy do dit. (The arrangement on the table.)
16) Favorite sport to watch: Big boys baskeetball. FOOTBALL! PACHERS!
17) Favorite drink: Daddy SODA! (Diet Sprite)
18) Favorite ice cream: Ice ceem! (Rice Dream Vanilla or Sugar-free Fruit popsicles.)
19) Disney or Warner Bros: Huh? Wiggles! Elmo! Blue!
20) Favorite fast food restaurant: Elmo Cookie! (Ms. Field's Cookies)
21) What color is your bedroom carpet: Brown
22) Before this one, from whom did you get your last e-mail: Computer... typing... Elmo keyboard... mouse... no touch!
23) Which store would you choose to max out your credit card: Store! (Toys R Us)
24) What you do most often when you are bored: Trains, play po-cher (poker), book (reading)
25) Bed time: Bed. Sleepy. No! No bed! (10:30 pm)
26) Favorite TV shows: Wiggles, Blue, Singing (American Idol)
27) Last person you went out to dinner with: Mamma Daddy!
28) What are you listening to right now: Birdies... chirp-chirp!
29) What is your favorite color: Blue!
30) Lake, river or ocean: Water? Bath! Wash hands!
31) How many tattoos do you have: Huh? (Does a Gymboree hand stamp count?)
32) Have you ever run out of gas: Gas? Driving! Car! Nooo driving. (Every day around 3:00 pm and 10:30 pm.)
33) Time you finished this e-mail: Clock? (4:59 pm.)

Poor little guy. I didn't realize how much of his life is 'No! Only Mommy and Daddy do it!'

A Good Week to Visit Bitty Man

Five-day Forecast
Today: 72°/52° Sunny
Tuesday: 75°/54° Sunny
Wednesday: 80°/52° Sunny
Thursday: 81°/53° Sunny
Friday: 77°/56° Sunny

(I can hear the collective groans all the way from WI, NY and VA.) And if you can't some visit Bitty, well, he sends you warm thoughts!

Big Man & Bitty Man 

Two Cheese in a pod. 

Little Orphan Bitty?

Bitty Man has been enjoying Gymboree Half-Notes music classes for several months now. He took to the class like a cheesehead to a Packers game. Bitty is, in the words of his beloved teacher Miss Kim, 'a model student'. For 45 minutes he's engrossed in all the activities -- dancing with hoops, copying rhythm patterns with the shakers, exploring different musical instruments and the like. (Meanwhile most of the other 18-24 month old students are more interested in trying to escape from the music room.)

Yesterday Daddy had the pleasure of attending class with us. He beamed with pride watching his little protege in action. Miss Kim put on a song that began with a piano solo and Bitty immediately called out, 'Daddy! Pia-blo! (Piano in Bitty-speak.) Daddy singing!'

But the most amazing sight, and sound, came during the last activity of the class, the music free-for-all. Miss Kim puts on a song and the kids are supposed to do whatever they like while she blows bubbles. This month the theme is 'Broadway' so the song was 'Tomorrow' from the musical Annie. As everyone knows, this is without a doubt the most grating, annoying tune ever composed for the theater. So the tune begins and we begin to dance around, silently wishing the song would hurry up and end.

Until the chorus.

Bitty Man is very shy in a group setting. We can't shut him up at home, but as soon as other people are around he clams up. So Daddy and I, along with the rest of the class, were startled when all of a sudden we heard Bitty Man singing loud and clear (and on pitch I might add),

'TOMORROW!... TOMORROW!... LOVE!... TOMORROW... WAY!!!!'

He was standing in the middle of the room, belting it out for all to hear. He held out 'WAY' for a good 8 counts. Daddy and I, who have heard him 'sing' at home and in the car for months, were cracking up (and shaking our heads in disbelief that we've produced such a cheesy little ham). The other parents and Miss Kim stared at Bitty Man with wide-eyes and dropped jaws.

So now, 'Tomorrow' has replaced the Wiggles' 'Fruit Salad' as Bitty's favorite tune. And for today, it's my favorite song as well.