Gobble Gobble

I know I’m not alone when I say I enjoy Thanksgiving even more than I enjoy Christmas. I love that “the main event” is all about the meal. It’s nice to be able to spend the day to together with family and friends, without all the pressure of presents.

This year has been a particularly challenging one for a lot people. I’m not going to get political, but no matter what side of the fence you’re on, I think we can all agree it’s not the easiest chapter this country has ever written.

That said, I’m a “glass half full kind of gal” and use Thanksgiving as the road to reflect of the past years successes, make a list of future “improvements,” and to take stock of the many people and things in my life I’m most thankful for.

Moving to Baltimore has not been an easy adjustment for me. I’m so grateful to have made some really wonderful friends for myself, my husband and our two and half year old son Will. I love watching his face light up when he knows he’s about to see one of his buddies we were so lucky to meet at the local libraries. So in alphabetical order: Charlie, Henry, Ian, Keith, Liam, Maddy, Miranda, Parker and Sam – thank you for making my child so happy. I can remember when most of you couldn’t even hold a shaky egg and now you’re double fisted!

Thank you fellow moms, who give me so much support on a regular basis. As a rookie parent, I sometimes feel exhausted and defeated before we’ve even left the driveway. And there you are on the other end, to sympathize, empathize and share you’re equally “amusing” story in the world of “toddler-ville.” Your endless kindness makes navigating this crazy fun adventure a whole lot easier.

The list of things I’m thankful this holiday are pretty simple: the way the whole house smells while the turkey is roasting away, being able to take a walk in crunchy leaves and admire the beautiful bare tree branches on a sunny day, and a comforting cup of hot apple cider. On the 2010 hit list of improvements: the usual suspects: lose 20 lbs, be better about remembering people’s birthdays, and REALLY feel OK with doing something that is just that – OK and not feel the need to Martha Stewart it every time. Stay tuned…

So amidst all the shopping and chopping, schlepping and prepping, and inevitable “gobble squabble” that happens when you’re trying to get everything done, I hope you all have a fun and delicious Thanksgiving!

And if you’re up for it, please take a moment to share a few thankful thoughts of your own!

Gobble gobble…

Adrienne

Adrienne

Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the special mommies I know – a day to celebrate the endless love that you show!

Some days it feels like everything’s all right – not a single tear or tantrum in sight!

But every so often – and you know what I mean – the simplest of tasks can lead to a scene.

(Visual: “Car Seat Mare” 11:45 AM Spring 2010 leaving Towson Library)

Kicking and screaming and arching their backs – some day’s I would do anything to turn the clock back, to a time when a carrier was all we would need – snap into the base and you’re off with great speed!

But alas as they grow and become more independent, take a deep breath and try not to relent. Patience is a virtue – or so they say and essentially you just need to get through the day!


(Visual: “Story time on the Sofa” 7:45 PM)

Fresh from a bath and snug in their jammies, there’s nothing like a few books to bring together the family. After songs and hugs, it’s time for bed. Love you mama says my sleepyhead.

As they drift off to sleep, I can’t help but say how lucky we are to be mom’s every day. The hours are long and how ‘bout the pay?? But what we get back is more than words can say. The pure sound of a giggle or a squeal of delight –shy little smiles and hugs with all their might! These priceless moments add up everyday – and with that my friends, I wish you a Happy, Healthy and Well Deserved Mother’s Day!
Submitted by rookie mom, Adrienne Hammel, whose little boy Will was particularly reluctant to buckle up one day!