The Mask of Zorro!

This was a good one.

It took the boys all day to complete: paint then glue some accessories.

I added the sparkle pipe cleaners for some fabulousity! 

Major fun!

When I think about how much my son loves a "project", I am reminded how much he is like his father. He is obsessed with working at the art table. He could sit there all day and is so focused on the task. He loves markers, "dotters", glue and anything that sparkles. He squeels everytime I tell him we're doing a 'project'. I love this!

Disclaimer: I just re-read this last section... let me clarify. Adam does not do art projects, nor does he love art supplies, particularly "anything that sparkles". He does, however, enjoy projects ~ cleaning, organizing, building things, repairing things, etc. Am I making sense? I guess I'm comparing their ability to focus on one task at hand, while I, on the other hand, struggle with only one thing to do. I'm always moving on to the next thing before I've finished the first. So... that's why he reminds me of his Dad when sitting at that little table. Aaah, I'm feeling better to have clarified ALL of that!

Busted.

Naptime is such a splendid time. After 30 minutes of listening to singing, talking, squeeling, and eventually banging, I decided to head upstairs to assess the damage. My little man NEVER gets out of his bed, but manages to do this to his room:

 and after I catch him in the act, he quickly lays down,

covers himself up, and looks like this:

T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

At least he hasn't learned how to escape from that bed. I'm sure that will begin on or around March 12 ~ the day his brother is expected to arrive.

Basement Bliss

As most of you know, I am officially a stay-at-home Mom! Super fun, but sometimes I worry that my child is not getting ALL he needs. You know, the oh so important socialization with other children, consistent routines, and someone other than Mommy to listen to, which he would be getting at daycare/preschool. So, I try to force myself to reflect back on my past life as a preschool teacher to provide him with more than I usually want to (mostly due to lack of motivation).

So, I created... the basement.

I swore I wanted to re-finish our yucky basement this winter. "I NEED to", I pleaded with Adam. "I cannnot deal with all of these toys upstairs and I certainly cannot deal with this nasty basement for hours at a time."

As usual, Adam was willing to give me whatever I wanted; but I decided to try it out after I brought 7 years worth of teaching supplies into my basement and started organizing it into a simple preschool-like environment. I started to really like this space. It was perfect for Wil and his buddies that visit two days a week for daycare.

Added bonuses: Adam STILL has his workbench, we have plenty of storage space, we have concrete floors for bike-riding and messy art projects mixed with compfy carpeted areas. I'm loving this space! Maybe I won't refinish it after all. The best part ~ my kid goes down to play all by himself everyday!

Here are some pictures of The Geurts' Family Preschool...

This is generally none as the "crazy carpet". We've got blocks, cars, trucks and more. Within 15 minutes all of these toys are off of their shelves and spred all over this carpet space!

 Train table and dramatic play area.
We do many projects at that little blue table too.

Did you have that same table when you were little? 

More of a "gross motor" space. Slide, pony and tent!

All of these see a lot of action!

Quiet carpet: books, puzzles and games.

Notice my MASSIVE shelves in the background!

 Another view of the "crazy carpet". Our bikes are parked. Notice the three posters on the right ~ much needed clean-up posters. You clean up - you get a sticker! Why does this incentive work for everyone but MY child. Oh well. Such is life as a stay-at-home Mom.

Hope you enjoyed the tour. Don't tell Adam, but my secret dream is to open my very own preschool. Real preschool. Not daycare. In a fabulous building. Not my basement. Super fun!!

Maybe someday... until then, my child will be entertained.

Just a few of my favorites...

because I certainly can't print and hang them ALL in my house.

Movie Watching...

it's always better if you're standing next to a friend...

or spooning, of course.

P.S. Should I be feeling guilty that my almost 2 year old is obsessed with watching movies. We have our favorites: Fox and the Hound, anything ELMO, and A Bug's Life! I love this.

Christmas: Re-visited

It seems like this week has flown by, but yet it feels like Christmas was forever ago. Regardless, I've realized that I haven't posted any pics from our festivities. We had an amazing Christmas weekend full of family love and wonderful, thoughtful gifts. Here are some shots from along the way:

Waiting for presents at Grandma & Grandpa Fontana's.

He wanted to open them so bad, but enjoyed organizing them under the tree too.

 Wil's "pile". Unbelievable.

 Remote Control Car!!!

 New recliner from Uncle Tony. AKA: Uncle Nino.

 A fabulous new train table from Grandma & Grandpa Geurts.

This was the first gift to be built when we got back home!

Mommy's best gift ~ her new I-Pad!!

Wil loves to play it too.

We found him a super fun app ~ piano for babies!

He loves to hit the keys & listen to the animals that sing.

We practice our colors too. Super Cool!!!

Happy New Year

Dear Wil,

I wrote you a letter one year ago tonight. Do you remember? I cannot believe another year has gone by. You will be 2 years old in less than three months AND you will be a big brother!

You are asleep in your cozy big boy bed, hopefully dreaming sweet dreams. You're wearing your new jammies that read, "Daddy's little helper", which sums up your life pretty well. Tonight you insisted that your Daddy could indeed fix your nuk, which you bit threw and "doke" (broke). You adore your Daddy! I think I am the only person in the world who truly sees the extraordinary bond you have with him. How lucky you both are...

I love you my sweet little monster baby. I love your smile. I love your laugh... You know,the one you let out when I tickle you!?! I love your chubby belly and your fat feet. I love how friendly you are and that you are always so happy. You love people (sometimes a little too much - pleeeease stop hitting and tackling everyone you come across) but you mostly love your momma and dada. You look like your Daddy, but act just like me, which I secretly love - outgoing and a wee bit sassy ~ ok, a lot sassy, but just sometimes. You can do so many new things, I would be here forever if I listed them all. You still continue to amaze me every second of every day. I still can't believe you belong to me.

I look forward to another year with you and can't even imagine what that year will bring. I only have one request... Could you stop growing and changing so quickly? I can't keep up and it makes me a little sad.

I love you Wilby,

Mom (that's what you call me these days - p.s. I don't like it. I am Mommy or Momma. Ok. Thanks!)