Mama no big.

The other day Ben and I were playing in the kitchen when he sat down on the windowsill.  He patted the empty space next to him, instructing me (as he does about a hundred times a day) to "seat mama, seat seat!" I told him, "sorry buddy, mama's too big to sit there."  He scrunched his nose, shook his head and said very matter-of-factly, "Mama no big."   Is he too young to earn brownie points? - because I'm pretty sure someone is learning how to butter Mama up!  (Side note:  Does it humor anyone else that my response to this includes both the words "brownie" and "butter?"  I'm sensing a theme here...)

I suppose it is true, relatively speaking at least.  Mama has been bigger before.  At my peak weight during pregnancy, I weighed more than my husband ever has.  (Yikes!)  So as I've considered Ben's observation over the last few days, it has both humored and inspired me.  Not to lose weight, since hopefully (God willing) it won't be too terribly long before Mama is big again, but rather, the reminder has inspired me to enjoy all that life has to offer during this time while "Mama no big."  Here are a few of the things that I am currently enjoying, and will desperately miss when I am, well, BIG again:

Caffeine.  It is completely unfair that during the time when a woman's whole body can become exhausted just by brushing her teeth in the morning, she has to limit her caffeine intake.  If you ask me, this is like telling a marathon runner that one sip of water is ok, but after that they should try fruit juice, or maybe milk for the rest of their run.  Who wants to drink milk when you're drenched in sweat, there's no finish line in sight, and your feet are such a foreign concept to you that you're not sure they're even still attached?  (Am I talking about the runners, or the preggos here?  Not really sure.)  The point is, people need the appropriate beverage when participating in exhausting activities.  Marathon runners need water.  Mothers - especially pregnant ones - need caffeine.  Totally.  Un.  Fair.

Speaking of feet, (I was at some point, wasn't I?), I quite enjoy mine.  Hot pink toenails, my lovely tattoos, and a pair of cute Payless sandals (who can say "no" to BOGO?) and I'm one happy girl.  So while Mama no big, let me tell ya, I'm gonna enjoy my feet.  I'm gonna dance.  I'm gonna run.  I'm gonna wear every pair of shoes in my closet while they still fit, and I'm gonna look at 'em.  That's right, I'm just gonna stare.  Because I know someday, when Mama big, those feet are gonna disappear before my very eyes.  I will not take my toes for granted!

La La La La La ~ Sing, Mama!  Did you know that being big can make you mute??  Ok, not mute, but to a singer you might as well be!  When a small person takes up residence in your abdomen, other things get squished in there, making simple things like breathing annoyingly difficult.  I'm gonna sing it loud and sing it proud... Can someone write me a "Mama no big" anthem?

Driving.  Not that it can't be done, but it is thoroughly unenjoyable when Mama big.  Because you see, even when Mama no big, Mama short.  Mama sit close to steering wheel.  When Mama big, Mama belly honk horn, and Mama huge boobs push seat belt up to Mama neck and choke Mama.  Big Mama don't like to drive.

Sleep.  Although I can't say the sleep habits are great when living with a two year-old, it is certainly better than when living with a newborn.  And I'm guessing that when you have a second child, there's no such thing as a mother/baby naptime anymore.  'Cause you know, there's still that other kid.  He's gonna need food, water, attention... all that annoying stuff.  So while I can - while Mama no big - I think it's a good solid plan to also say "Mama no awake."  Seriously.  Right now.  I'm out.





ZZZZZZZZZZZ.........

This looks like a good place to chill .

Get it?  Chill.  He's in the fridge!  See folks, this is what Sally Sunrise has to offer.  With this brilliant combination of Ben's sweet yet mischievous face and my charming, hilarious wit, how could this NOT be your new favorite blog?  You're welcome.  ;)

In keeping with the post title, I guess I should talk about chilling.  I've been doing a little too much of it lately, I must admit.  Well, not in the literal sense, considering it's been a hundred degrees here in the Midwest for the last month.  Oh what I wouldn't give for a literal chill!  I can feel it now, if I close my eyes...

... the cool breeze blowing through my hair- my hair that I can actually wear down, flowing free and not even sticking to the back of my neck.  The smell of my morning Pumpkin Spice latte still lingering, intertwining with the aroma of the beef and onions I'm browning; a big batch of Nana's Chili simmering in the crockpot.  I can hear the sweet sound of a college marching band, and the announcers talking about running backs, bar-b-que, and Coaches for a Cure.  I can feel the fuzzy warm hug of my favorite navy blue hoodie, and the comfort of a worn out pair of jeans.  Ohh, the hoodies and jeans...  

I'm sorry, where was I?  Oh yes, chilling.  NOT in the literal sense.

We leave for our Vegas trip on Wednesday night, which has led me to realize that I have done nothing around the house lately!  Ok not nothing, but it is certainly not up to "welcome home from vacation" standards.  Clearly, I've spent too much time chillin with Ben in front of the boob-tube, and not enough doing laundry.  Laundry is the WORST!  I think everyone has that one chore that they just can't stand to do, and laundry is definitely mine.  Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I do all my folding and organizing on our bed, but I can't seem to get through one load without feeling ready for a nap!  The first luxury I'm signing up for when we're rich will most definitely be laundry service.

One of our favorite ways to chill (i.e. avoid doing laundry) this summer has been to spend time at the library!  We've tried several different ones in the area, but Indian Creek seems to have the most fun kids' corner.  Ben loves to show off his puzzle skills to younger toddlers, and knock down the carefully structured block towers of the not-so-impressed older kids.  (oops!)  He is currently obsessed with "things that go," so we are not allowed to check out any books that don't include cars, trucks, trains, planes, or boats.  Here he is reading one of his current favorites to his friend, Kitty:

Another of our favorite indoor stops this summer has been Monkey Bizness.  For those who don't know, Monkey Bizness is an inflatable play place similar to Pump It Up, BounceU, Jumping Jax, Leaping Lizards, or whatever one you have in your area.  Wes and I used to work for Pump It Up in Tulsa, so it's been kind of neat to watch our own kid enjoy it.  For all those who worked with us, you know what a big deal this is... (and if you don't know, let me tell you, it's a BIG deal!)...  My little baby boy can now do the 20ft slide all by himself!  ::sniffle::

Well, all this talk about chillin has really worn me out!  Ben and I might just have to relax the rest of the evening.  We'll order in and watch a movie or something.  What??  No?  Uggghhhh.... Ok, OK.  I'll go do the laundry.  But only because it must be done, so that in three days my hubby and I can enjoy a nice, refreshing, four day chill in Vegas!  Also not literal.  It's hot in Vegas, too.  Hmm... maybe we didn't think this through.  ;)