And, just like that, the baby learned to climb up and over the back of the couch.

Do It.

A few weeks ago, I published a post about how I am failing at being Leo's mom (I'm still cringing), but, wouldn't you know it, little Leo proved me wrong.  May God bless that sweet, sweet boy.  (Always sweet.  Wild, yes, but also sweet.)

Be it the last tooth that did finally come through (yay!), or our new discipline tactics, simply growing older, or all of the above, but it seemed like Leo hit his worst immediately before he hit his best.  Thank God.  No, really.  We had several talks about this.  It looks like somebody didn't let me down. 

This isn't to say that Leo is that super laid-back, hippie kid I mentioned before.  He isn't.  He never will be.  Leo is intense, and his intensity is what makes him so special.  I also believe that it will make him exceptionally handsome one day, but that's a sidenote.  Lately, we've had so few tatrums, excellent listening habits, and an overall improvement in behavior.  And my Sweet Leo returns. 

This week, he let me rock him to sleep at least four times.  He requested it.  It's true that Leo does best with a lot of physical contact.  He is very affectionate, very loving, and very comforted by physical touch.  I can excel here.  I like all of that stuff, too.  Anyway, once while rocking him to sleep (for the second time that day), Leo looked up at me with his big cow eyes and said, "Mommy, we fiends."  (Translation:  Mommy, we are friends.)  I could have cried.  I think I smiled for an hour.  I'm not failing this boy.  I think we're learning from each other, and it is so worth it.  Leo is intense, but so long as we keep up what we're doing, my hope is that it serves him well one day.  He can call me from his private penthouse office and thank me.  This kid will go places.  I just know it. 

MY JOB

It's not my job to run the train, the whistle I can't blow.

It's not for me to say how far the train's allowed to go.

I'm not allowed to blow off steam, nor even clang the bell.

But let the damn thing jump the tracks...and see who catches hell.



The Waldens Do The State Fair

We are just crossing off this summer bucket list with a vengeance (in part because I started so late.)  Yesterday, we went to the State Fair.  It was $2 Tuesday, meaning $2 entry and food vendors had $2 samples.  How I managed to still spend a silly amount of money, I will never understand.

The boys, myself, my mother, and my sweet niece Juliette had a great day of animals, rides, food, food, and some awesome balloon toys at the end for good behavior.  Here are a few snaps from the day

My sister got married this past weekend.  It was a perfect (with just a few minor, minor glitches) event.  It was joyous.  It was tearful.  It was roudy.  It was so, so, so much fun.  I feel like I should go on to write way more about this event, as it was one so dear to me, but if I did, I wouldn't stop.  I don't know where to begin and I wouldn't know where to end.  I am so happy for my sister and for Justin.  I was so happy to be a part of their big day.  Not since my own wedding have I been so excited to celebrate a set of nuptials.  My sister (who I obviously adore) waited a long time for this, and, as it turned out, it was worth it.  Our family feels a little more complete now.  Here are a few pics from the photo booth. 

I'm William Walden. I am ten months old today. To date, I:

- Have five teeth
- Still nurse like a champ
- Think my brothers are the funniest people I have ever met
- Love people, especially people who laugh and smile
- Look ridiculously cute in yoga pants
- Have taken a step or two, but am just not quite ready to walk on my own
- Love food. All food. Except bananas.
- Wrinkle my nose and hyperventilate when I get really excited
- Have tiny feet and tiny hands and am still what Mom calls "petite"
- Cry giant crocodile tears when my feelings get hurt
- And have sunshine in my veins, moonbeams in my heart, rainbows on my mind, and music in my voice. I am a life-lover. I am joy.

Adam left again this morning, but not before I had time to run to Trader Joe's and pick up a few favorites in preparation for a weekend of very limited outings. I will add this to my list of "favorites." It is divine.

For dinner tonight:

1 beefsteak tomato
1 avocado
1/2 red onion
(all sliced in medium to large pieces)

Add:
A few tablespoons Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar
1 tsp olive oil
Salt and pepper

I kid you not, this is incredible. I can't say that Patrick and Leo were overjoyed, but baby William is still eating his with a vengeance.

Trader Joe's wins again.