It's all about me

(This particular blog, not life in general. Just clarifying.)

Age on your next birthday... That's for you, Jake. And even though you can't count to 27 yet, it is not as big of a number as you think it is.

Favorite places to visit...

Favorite foods...


Favorite colors...
City where you were born...
Famous person you've been told you look like... Someone told me this years ago, and Dan's response was, "Ugh, you don't look like her." Um...thanks?

Name of pet, past or present...I'll give this one away. This is Felix Hernandez, for all you ladies who aren't married to ESPN junkies.
Champ. May God rest his diabetic springer spaniel soul.

First name... without the "ina". But I really prefer...with an "a"

Middle name... Mother of Raymond. Wife of Frank. Oh, and also the most common girl middle name of all time.

Last name... Someone said to me once, "Stump, huh? That's too bad. Hopefully you'll marry out of that one someday." I told him I married INTO it. "Wow, you sure must love the guy." I sure do. And I sure can think of plenty of other last names that would have been deal-breakers. At least none of us are missing any limbs.

Bad habit...
First job... I realize this isn't typical. But plenty of kids work for their dad when they first start out.

Hobbies...All types, though I'm actually not a big chick-flick-er to the delight of my husband. My mom taught me well.
READING them. Not writing them. Except for if we get really poor one day or I get really inspired. Or really plagiarize one of my dad's 500 books in the making.Smelling it. Drinking it with friends. Smelling it and drinking it while my husband shakes his head in disgust. Drinking it by myself during naptime while I'm watching the 48 Hours Mystery that I TiVo every week. Ahhhh. Life is good.

Two years old

Happy birthday, Tyler Daniel! From the first moment I saw you, you have made my heart full. And my mind full. And definitely my hands full. In the two short years you've been alive, I think I can say that I've experienced more emotion with you than anyone I've ever known. I've been so in love and then 5 seconds later, so close to signing over my parental rights to anyone crazy enough to take you... but I can't imagine it any other way. You've made my ordinary life so extraordinary. And my blog so full of stories.

Your intense love for life has inspired me. Your intense love for ketchup has both amused and frightened me. Your inability to let anything stop you from getting what you want is both frustrating and admirable. I love the dimple on your left cheek when you flash a cheesy grin. I love watching you dance at any commercial with a tune. I love that you're trying to potty train yourself right now (even if it means taking off your diaper to poop directly on your bed and the floor, at least you know not to go in your pants anymore.) I love hearing you talk in complete sentences (even if it's "No, mommy, I do it," or "I need more ketchup right now.") I love that every morning you need to "sit mommy on couch for a minute" and we cuddle until you're awake enough to reek your usual havoc. I love that our fish tank has a trillion tiny hand prints on it 3 seconds after I wipe it down. I think listening to you talk to yourself is one of the funniest things I've ever experienced.

I think you have the greatest bedhead I've ever seen when your hair is long, but I think your new haircut makes you look like the little man you're starting to become.

I think you have the best belly laugh I've ever heard.

I think you are fearfully and wonderfully made. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. I can't wait to see all the wonderful things He will accomplish in and through you. I'm so thankful his plans for me included you. I couldn't love you more!

We had a birthday breakfast this morning of Starbucks hot chocolate and donuts and coffee cake. My "hot chocolate" was actually a gallon of coffee because I worked until 2:30am last night, even though I was only scheduled until 11pm, but that's beside the point. At least now we have some extra money that will go straight into the college fund. Ok, let's be honest...the ketchup fund has a more immediate need.


Happy birthday to my sweet, mischievous miracle. I'm so proud to be your mommy.