I noticed Max before the ultrasound tech announced it during my 20-week ultrasound.  And of course you look at him and you see a cute little boy.  Today, as we were playing in the backyard, I was given a vision of what this kid will be like when he is older. 

Fearless.  Inquisitive.  Observant.  And has to touch every. little. thing. in. existence.  He's definitely going to be a cute kid, and a kind one, but man, I will probably need to invent a robot that will follow him saying, 'No you cant touch that', or 'No  you cant go in there', or 'No you cant eat that', or 'Spit that out!', and clean up after the tornado.  I see a lot of my brother in Max - bull in china shop. 

He's going to have a good life. 

Tonight I went through this binder full of my grandmother's knitting and crochet patterns.  All of the patterns are from 1950s + 1960s - they are awesome!  The pictures in some of the books are awesome!  Can make one nostalgic for an era that she didnt even exist in! 

I was given this binder when we moved my grandmother from her house to an assisted living center.  I never really took a look at the contents until tonight when I thought to make something for Max.  As soon as I opened it, there was a very familiar smell that all of my cousins if they were to close their eyes and recall being at Grandma's house, they would smell it too.  It was her smell.  Her house smell.  What a warm warm feeling it brought to me.  I then cried a bit because I miss her. 

And when I found this, I cried a little bit more.  Grandma's are just SO special.  I cannot describe it, but its just an amazing feeling as a person to have known a grandmother.  Especially one who loved each and every one of her grandkids more than anything. 

And this is why my grandmother was an extraordinary woman.  She saved this given to her by my Aunt Dorothy.  Though it was something simple, it had a lot of meaning in it and she wanted to cherish it(that, or she's a pack rat and didnt throw anything away!). 

I miss my grandma, especially on days like today when I find things like this and when I could use a little pick-me-up. 

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Dear Aunt Dorothy - or her children - if you want this item, let me know and I'll drop it in the mail.  Love, Melissa

Lately, its been all about Max here. Rightfully so as my life is all about Max. And I would not want it any other way.  However, I totally get it when women say, ‘I’ve lost me, and am only good for wiping noses, butts, hands and picking up after little people’.  Because in part, that statement is true. When I am not at work, I am knee deep in that statement. 

I’ve always had a creative side to me – wanting to create – whatever it may be. I used to get all caught up in the ‘how much money will this hobby cost, and how can I recoup that money’ mindset. Since having Max, that creative side has been on sabbatical. Earlier this summer, it started making its appearance again and I’m loving it. 

Seeing school has started, and its nearing the end of Summer, I have been thinking about hats, scarves, knitting. I am in the process of going through Max’s clothes. He needs warm clothes for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. Trying to keep costs down, and feed my creative side, I thought I could make a few items.  

Also, with the exception of Carters, there is nothing cute on the market for boys. Boys does not equal Boring, people. 

I’ve been doing a lot of surfing late at night trying to find ideas. And here are a few I will be attempting over the next few weeks (I’ll be sharing the process):








All photos / ideas / patterns from Made.

So I am off to the thrift store today to look for mens sweaters and shirts to ‘refashion’. Hopefully I’ll stick to my budget and not walk out having to hitch a trailer to the car!

Max prefers to go down the slide without Mom's assistance.  He loves it!

Just another Wednesday evening, though this time we went to the park down the street.  Max *loved* it. 

We play on the jungle gym for toddlers.  He's pretty brave or fearless, and climbs to the top himself, goes down the slides himself and watches the teenagers across the way.  He cried when we left tonight.  I promised him we'd come back.  He gave me the 'stink eye' (ie, he cringed at me!). 

-Taping and priming the dining room trim.

-Getting in a brisk walk on Saturday morning.

-Cleaning - hadnt planned on it, but when I started doing the dishes after I made another peach frappe, I found myself naturally moving to the floors, then to the powder room, then to the living room.

-The best part? Max helping.

-Summer block party @ my brothers.

-Learned that the head is much harder than it appears, and that falling off a patio chair and landing on the umbrella stand does not mean one will be cross-eyed, and I need to trust my instinct.

-Life is meant for living, and sitting back and watching others live isnt living.  Sunday started the 'Live Life to the Fullest 2011 - or what's left of 2011' campaign.  Have started a bucket list.

-Took Max to the park on Sunday afternoon, after we both had naps.  The sunshine felt good on the skin and the late summer breeze was perfect!

What did you do this weekend? 

This weekend, Max and I traveled to Saugatuck Michigan with my brother and his family.  I love this area of Michigan, and currently its the place I will retire to when its *that* time. 

We had a great time, though it was short.  I just cannot get over how much I enjoy watching all three boys together.  Makes my heart swoon.  Especially now that they are older and can communicate more, Max included. 

Here are some favorites from the weekend.

A thing I am surprising myself as a parent is I am finding that I tend to let go of things being perfect and just being in the moment.  This weekend for example, it rained on Saturday morning, but I was totally game for walking to the end of the pier and around South Haven with Max.  What is even greater is Kelly and Andrew are the same.  So this past Saturday when it was just pouring on our heads, and we were soaked, we still went through with our plans.  I am SO thankful we did.  Max and I will have this awesome memory to cherish now.  Thank you Andrew, Kelly, Charlie and Tyler for being so fun to hang with.  We love you!

We headed out of town on Friday.  Sitting in traffic is a complete bore to all passengers in the car (max + i).  I decided it was time to introduce Max to the License Plate game. 

And that my friends is a total of 22 states (well, technically 21 states, 1 canada).  Whoever came up with this game is brilliant ... though I wonder has anyone seen all 50 states in their travels??