Fourth of July

Fourth of July was a fun and very hot day for the DePalermo household.  Michael, Ava and I woke up early to head out and meet the DePalermo family in Seguin for the parade.  Lulu came over and went with us.  At first I was worried about Ava and how she would handle the parade but we put her in the stroller and she promptly went to sleep.  Little trooper.

           

I don’t know what Michael loved more, hanging out with his cousin Caitlyn or all the fire trucks!  We got to see Casey and Colby in the marching band and even some school buses! To make it even more perfect, cousin Troy bought Michael a snow cone that he nursed so lovingly until he dropped it on the ground.  Poor guy.  After the parade we went home to rest and then headed to Lulu and Craig’s for some bbq.  It was fabulous brisket and Michael loved playing with his Uncle Craig.

 

It was a fun day and a first for Ava and Michael.  I can’t wait for many more parades and soon, I know Michael will probably be in one!

Birthday Party

Last year for Michael’s first birthday we had a baseball themed party.  Of course it was purely our choice but this year it was clear that fire trucks were definitely in. So off to Party City for our fire truck themed party.  It was so much fun getting all of his things ready to celebrate Michael’s second birthday.  Sadly, I didn’t have time to get custom invitations but I don’t think that Michael really cares.  We ended up moving Michael’s party at the last minute because of some scheduling issues but luckily most of the family could make it.  Michael sang happy birthday to himself and this year actually enjoyed opening the presents.  He knew exactly what to do when we gave him his cake this time!  Let me tell you about this cake, it was FANTASTIC!  My friend Dwight who is a teacher, makes the most amazing cakes and he did not disappoint this time.  Everyone kept going on and on about his homemade frosting and how delicious it was.  So yummy, I wish that I had some right now!

The next weekend, my parents came up to celebrate Michael’s birthday with yet another cake.  So for two weeks we had balloons and birthday signs around the house and two cakes.  Michael now loves to sing “Happy Birthday” to himself or me or whoever is around and will ask for birthday cake for dessert. So sweet, it was truly a fun day and I am still in shock that my little boy is already 2 years old.  I can’t wait to see what his third year around here will bring!

Fire Trucks

For Michael’s actual birthday, there was only one thing on his mind, Fire Trucks.  We got up early and went to the fire station where real firemen gave us a tour of the station and let Michael get in a fire truck!  He acted kind of shy at first but with some help from Daddy he began to get really excited.

  After our tour we had to get Michael’s favorite breakfast: donuts.  As we pulled into the donut shop, Michael let out one of his famous ear piercing squeal! (you have to understand that any time he sees a paper bag now, he screams donuts!) We got his favorite one, chocolate covered with sprinkles.   We came home and rested and waited for the sun to come out. (of course it hadn’t rained in 90 days but it rains on Michael’s birthday) After a yummy lunch we went swimming.  Ava just rested in her cute suit while the three of us swam.  Sadly, Michael got into an ant pile and his little ankle got so swollen I had to give him Benadryl.  It was okay though, he was so sweet and so we got ready and headed to family dinner.

It was a great day with the four of us and I will remember it always.  Love you Bubba.

2 Years Old

I cannot believe that it has been two years since God gave us Michael.  It has been two years full of joy, laughter, excitement and sometimes tears. I love to watch Michael play and sing to himself everyday.  Sometimes it seems like he is in his own little world.  I tried to do an interview with him for his second birthday but I only got a clear answer to two questions:

1. Mommy: What is your favorite color Michael?

Michael: Yellow (pronounced Yeylow)

2. Mommy: Michael, what is your favorite movie?

Michael: Watch Mater and Lightning! (Cars)

  So what are some facts about the two year old Michael? Here is my 2nd birthday letter to you Michael:

You cannot sit still for more than two minutes at a time and that is only if Cars is on.  Your vocabulary is endless.  You amaze me everyday with new words and big words!I asked you what you wanted for dinner and you said “Quesadilla!” as if you had been saying that word forever!  You absolutely LOVE to play with bubbles and a few weeks ago I was blowing them for you and you said “amazing!”, again out of nowhere. 

You love to read, you constantly bring me books to read to you and if I can’t read to you, you sit in the chair and talk as you flip through the pages.  You are such a comedian and your timing is perfect.  When Derin comes home you run up to him and say “Daddy, missed you all day!”. 

You are incredibly sweet and I can’t imagine how you could get any sweeter.  You get upset if anyone else is upset and you can’t stand to hear your baby sister cry.  You keep telling me “Ava crying” until I get her to stop or you go over to her and say “Mommy’s coming Ava”. 

You know the letters of the alphabet and all of your colors.  You can even count to thirty! As awesome as that is to me, my favorite thing is how you remember your favorite books and songs and while you play I hear you talking about the book or singing your songs.  You melt my heart. 

I’m so lucky that you are a great sleeper.  I put you in your bed for a nap or bedtime and after a story and prayer you lay down and go to sleep.  When you are ready to wake up, I hear this sweet little voice say “Mommy!” and then when I open the door, we sing our song and start our day.

The days of perfect pictures are over.  You will not sit still for a picture, mainly because you want to see the camera.  That’s okay, one day you will sit still for a little bit.

You love your sister so much I can’t even believe it.  I feared you would be jealous or unsure but we had no issues when we brought Ava home.  You constantly kiss Ava and talk to her, she just lights up when you talk to her.  You want to hold her all the time and have gotten much better at it.  When Ava cries you try to guess what it is she needs.  You say “Ava hungry” or “Ava diaper”.   You just want to make sure she is okay. 

I never thought I could love you more but each day you show me how to.  I am so blessed that you are my son and I have loved watching you grow the past two years.  It seems just like yesterday we were brining you home and now you’re this little boy.  Even though you are growing up into this precious little person, you are and will always be my baby.

(Please forgive me for this picture, it was too funny trying to get you to sit still for your 2 year picture with your bear. After this shot, I gave up.)