I have a million things to do.

Well, more like 897,238 things…but I figured I’d just round up.  You see, I promised Hubs that I wouldn’t bring work with me on our vacation (I did anyway, but not too much), so I’m feeling a little behind.  Yesterday morning, while I was composing an email to a new client, I looked up from my laptop to see Spencer sitting across the room, flipping through a book by himself.  He was quietly “reading” to himself (whispering words that he remembered being on that page), and must have sensed me watching him because he looked up and caught my eye.  We smiled at each other for a minute, and I felt a pain in my heart.  Why am I sitting all the way across the room from this adorable baby?  Why aren’t I snuggling him this very minute?  Why does he tolerate my workaholic-ness so sweetly?

I shut my laptop, looked back at the loving gaze of my baby, and said “I’m all yours.”

I quickly devised a plan for our day.  I wanted it to be a little different than our usual walking-around-the-neighborhood, or strolling through the outdoor mall, or throwing the ball around the basement.  Today had to be a little special.  After over-thinking it for about 20 minutes (what? me over-thinking something?  preposterous!) I decided that the best way to make today special and different was to let Spencer be the one to make the plans.  This may seem a little “of course” to some of you, but for a control freak like myself it was actually physically painful to put that much control in the hands of a toddler.

I simply asked “What do you want to do today?” and our plan took shape.

We started out by heading to Target to pick up a few supplies.

1.  New Huge Ball

2.  Bubble Machine

3.  A few bottles of cold Aquafina

4.  Two of those shiny handheld pinwheels (two, since at only $1 a-piece, there was no doubt that one of them would be broken by the time we got in the car)

5.  A personal pizza to share from the little pizza-hut counter in Target (Yes, yes, I KNOW Pizza Hut is disgusting and greasy and the polar opposite of his usual organic fare.  However, yesterday was *special* and I think it’s okay to leave the over-protective mommy in me at home every now and then and let the boy live a little.  Don’t judge.  ; ))  I also brought us two apples and some carrot sticks.

Once we had our supplies, we headed out to a local park and set up a nice picnic blanket.  We noshed on greasy pizza and apple slices, had a mini-science lesson about how the wind works to spin the pinwheel, and tossed the ball around.  After lunch it was “Bubble Time!”  The bubble-machine must have blown thousands of those shining, floating, sparkly orbs and my little man didn’t rest until every one was popped.  He squealed with delight while jumping around screaming “Get-it!” “Get-it!”

My heart was so full of love for him, I swear it almost burst on the spot.

After the bubbles, we played on the playground for a bit, and then headed home.  We enjoyed a few quiet-time books, followed by a few rounds of “You Are My Sunshine” and “Jesus Loves Me” (both requested by him)  When I put him down in his crib he requested one last hug and kiss, and then did the sign for “I love you” and said “I Loowwww.”  My heart.

Yes, he makes a very perfect little date.  And in case you’re wondering why I don’t have any photos posted of our day, it’s because I intentionally didn’t bring my camera.  You see, I believe in the importance of capturing *life* and memories with my camera, but I also know that sometimes I can get so wrapped up in the shot, that I forget that LIFE is taking place.  Yesterday was about him.  And, let’s face it, that little smile is much more adorable in person, than through the viewfinder of my Nikon.

Hugs,

Jewels