Mack: Two Years

Mack turned two last month and it was sandwiched in between two mini trips and several family obligations, so I didn't get a chance to write an update post. As I wrap up this blog over the next month, I want to make sure I have all the appropriate posts for his baby book.

Mack @ two months

Mack is our spirited, mama's boy. He is high energy, emotional, whiny, and animated. He keeps us on our toes and keeps his big brother in check. He loves being social, swimming, wrestling, and reading.

His favorite toys are our Brio trains and any type of ball. He even enjoys cheering for Michigan football, "GO BOO!" He also has a special blankie and still takes a paci when he is tired.

He is a fairly good eater, in that he tries everything, but he isn't nearly as interested in food as his big brother. Speaking of big brother, from sun up to sun down, these boys are buddies. They sleep in the same room, so in the evening we can count a good hour of chatting and whoever wakes first in the morning does their best to wake the other.

Mack has just starting talking a lot, but he is tough to understand, so we spend a lot of time decoding so he doesn't get too frustrated. He is working really hard though, and actually changes the way he says things so we understand. After seeking intervention, we've come to the conclusion, he may just be a late bloomer in the language department and only time will tell what we can do to help him along.

He goes to daycare all week while I'm at work and his teachers report he is "too aggressive" with his peers and needs to work on his listening skills BUT he is great at cleaning up and going potty!

We look forward to seeing how he grows, but enjoy the daily joys/challenges he brings to us.

Two Year Stats...

Height: 34.5 inches

Weight: 26 pounds

Charlie at two years.

Weekend of Champions

The University of Michigan invited our 2004 women's swim team to their annual Weekend of Champions to celebrate our Big Ten Championship from that year. It was the perfect excuse to head back to our old stomping grounds and catch up for a weekend.

A lot hasn't changed in the ten years since that championship, it's still Michigan and it's still amazing. But SO much has changed--a new coach, a revamped facility, new faces and lots and lots of babies! It's hard to not be so grateful for what the University, our coaches and those teammates gave us ten years ago. I'm still so proud to be part of such an upstanding program, with amazing woman and an incredible tradition. 

We had the opportunity to do a parade of champions with all the other championship teams throughout the decade. And walking on to the that football field, with 100,000 people watching, never, ever gets old. It makes you appreciate the magnitude and impact of this institution. BUT it was so incredibly cold. Oh wow, Michigan is cold. It makes me grateful so my current weather situation. 

I was also lucky enough to have Dana come up from Columbus and my mom made the drive from Indy. I was happy to have friends/family to share the weekend with, but wow, I just wish it was a tad bit warmer. But everyone was such a trooper and I so am glad they sacrificed their weekend to spend it in Ann Arbor cheering on my team!

And one more special meeting, baby Libby, traveled all the way from Israel to attend her first Michigan game. She is only two months old but she is the sweetest/easiest baby and travel companion. It was fun seeing her parent, too!

Halloween 2014

Happy Halloween from the Waelty clan!

Charlie chose to be a sea otter, but he has recently changed his title to a "super sea otter." He might be a bit jealous of his cooler, superhero counterparts. I kinda love his choice. BUT for realz, nothing says "future science nerd" like a sea otter costume.

And Mack didn't really get a choice, but his costume might be my all time favorite ever 

AND--quite possibly--a repeat offender. 

Mack and Cheese for the halloween win!

TWO

Happy 2nd Birthday, Macky!

This one's for you...

A few months ago, I suggested to Nick that we go see Jimmy Buffett in Paris. I have this reoccurring vision that involves arriving in Paris in the middle of the night and going straight to the Eiffel Tower and getting it all to myself. That is really the only way I like seeing touristy things. So going to see Buffett in France was as good of an excuse as any to see the Eiffel Tower in the middle of the night. 

Nick wasn't super thrilled about flying to France for a night and well, money and kids and life.  So Vegas! Who doesn't love Vegas? Actually, I don't particularly love Vegas BUT we could get tickets, and the pretend eiffel tower, duh--so why not!

The energy in Vegas is incomparable, it is hard to not have a great time, we walked the strip, got dinner, drank champagne and watched the Bellagio fountains.

We ran the entire strip the next morning. I was adamant about seeing the Vegas sign--without the crowds! I love a good sightseeing run and add in all people watching and a drive-by visit to Margaritaville.  It was awesome and probably my second most favorite part of the whole trip. 

And then there was college football and pool visits and day drinking, and a (small) nap.

And the concert--my favorite part. Buffett always puts on a great show and he didn't disappoint. It was the most ecstatic and uninhibited I've felt in a long time (like, in regards to an 'event') and I'm happy I got to share it with Nick.

I think he had fun, too!

Until next time, Vegas!

Mack Lately

In twenty days, Mack will be two. 

He is silly and funny and opinionated. But this birthday will be bittersweet, the end of the "baby stage" for the Waelty family and the beginning of well, life...

There is a lot of relief in this milestone. Mack has been a tough baby, and the days haven't exactly flown by. Don't get me wrong, we've been "enjoying ever minute," but the euphoric moments go by so quickly and the wailing never ends...

But it's almost here and I'm going to be sad. Because why? Because he's our baby, and our baby is growing up. There are big things ahead for this little guy and no matter the struggle, and the struggle is real, we're excited for the journey.

Adieu Soccer Season

Our first soccer season has come to close, and I cannot even express the relief that comes when something your kid especially sucks at, is finished.

But the pictures were cute enough.

Bunch ball at it's finest...

The cutest spectator.

Nerd alert. He's sandwiched between the two star player, hoping to learn my osmosis.

Cheesing it up for the camera. Of course, it was all worth it for the giant muffin and medal.

Until next year soccer...