Loving Two

I read this the other day, while crying at the computer (I mean, I AM a hormonal pregnant lady!) and it basically sums up every fear that I have about adding a second child to our family. But it also does a great job capturing all that is exciting about it at the same time. And even though I'm nervous about Clark's reaction to having a new little guy around, we're so thrilled that he will have a brother to grow up with- hopefully they will be good friends, and that's all we can really ask for. I know next month our little family of three will change in ways I can't even begin to imagine, and I know it's not going to always be easy. But I can't wait to see our baby become a big brother- and have a sibling to share his life with. I hope Clark will always know that we love him more than anything on this earth. And adding another little boy to the mix doesn't mean we will love him less- we'll just have that much more love to share with both our boys.

Loving Two

I walk along holding your 2-year-old hand, basking in the glow of our magical relationship.

Suddenly I feel a kick from within, as if to remind me that our time alone is limited. And I wonder: how could I ever love another child as I love you?

Then he is born, and I watch you. I watch the pain you feel at having to share me as you’ve never shared me before.

I hear you telling me in your own way, “Please love only me”. And I hear myself telling you in mine, “I can’t”, knowing, in fact, that I never can again.

You cry. I cry with you. I almost see our new baby as an intruder on the precious relationship we once shared. A relationship we can never quite have again.

But then, barely noticing, I find myself attached to that new being, and feeling almost guilty. I’m afraid to let you see me enjoying him, as though I am betraying you.

But then I notice your resentment change, first to curiosity, then to protectiveness, finally to genuine affection.

More days pass, and we are settling into a new routine. The memory of days with just the two of us is fading fast.

But something else is replacing those wonderful times we shared, just we two. There are new times – only now, we are three. I watch the love between you grow, the way you look at each other, touch each other.

I watch how he adores you – as I have for so long. I see how excited you are by each of his new accomplishments. And I begin to realize that I haven’t taken something from you, I’ve given something to you. I notice that I am no longer afraid to share my love openly with both of you.
I find that my love for each of you is as different as you are, but equally strong. And my question is finally answered, to my amazement. Yes, I can love another child as much as I love you – only differently.

And although I realize that you may have to share my time, I now know you’ll never share my love. There’s enough of that for both of you – you each have your own supply.

I love you – both. And I thank you both for blessing my life. Author Unknown

Sidewalk artist

Sorry it's been forever since I've updated the site, one of my best friend's in the world got married this weekend and things were a little busy this past week!!! Either way, last week Clark wasn't feeling too well so we were on DiTore Household lockdown. We had to get outside for a little bit though so I took him out on our front walkway to play with his Easter sidewalk chalk. He of course had a blast-

Heaven on Pestalozzi Street

After getting our old washer fixed for the third time we were long overdue for an upgrade... This morning our new washer and dryer got delivered and I can honestly say I haven't been so pumped to do laundry in a LONG time, ha. So about 30 seconds after the delivery guy left there was a not-so-fresh batch of diapers swirling around on the "sanitize" setting(!) and Clark and I were fascinated. Seriously, it was pitiful- we watched the diapers wash for about 20 minutes and I was blown away by how little water was being used. I already can't wait to see the difference in our bill. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa DiTore, we couldn't have made this purchase without you!!!


AND, it has child locks so Clark can't spill the laundry out onto the floor, not that he would EVER do such a thing :)

I'm pretty sure I had the same expression on my face.

Clark was a big helper, and loved helping load the diaps into the dryer.

Yankee cuteness-

Clark got his first baseball glove the other day and we've been practicing playing catch with him. He now knows, and can say, the words "catch" and "throw" and gets REALLY excited to do both. Here are some pictures of Clark mainly throwing the ball at my camera- and excuse the super terrible picture quality my camera settings were way off and I didn't realize until uploading the pictures, but they were too cute not to post-

Park Fun

We had to take advantage of the beautiful weather lately (it was seriously in the upper 70s, lower 80s) and hit the playground with Clark before a trip to the grocery store- here are a couple pictures of my boys playing together. Cute guys :)

Clark VS Food

Yesterday, since Clark was such a trooper with his trip to the ER we ventured into the ghetto and took him to Crown Candy Kitchen as a little afternoon treat. This place was featured on Man Vs. Food, the Travel Channel show that Rich and I have been watching lately- and as soon as we saw the St. Louis episode we knew we had to try it! Adam, the show's host, attempted to take their challenge (drinking FIVE 24-ounce malted milkshakes in 30 minutes) and needless to say he didn't quite make it. Although I was surprised at how many people have actually done it... I didn't think the human body could stand that amount of dairy in such a short time!

Here is Clark chugging Rich's vanilla malt. He did NOT want to share.

The "Malt Club" wall of fame.

Clark is just like his Mom and Dad- already picky about his music!

And on a better note-

Last night Clark got his second installment of swim class and he was just as excited as the first time around- I was able to snap a little video before jumping in the pool and joining my boys. Enjoy :)

Our little trooper!

Tonight while Rich was fixing Clark dinner we were running around in the back yard with bubbles. Well, Clark took a nice tumble into the metal hinge on our back gate and cut his head pretty good... So we called the babysitter, cancelled date night and took him to the ER to have it cleaned and checked out. LOVE modern medicine they didn't have to give him stitches (they would have had to sedate him and that's no good) they were able to literally glue his head shut. He was really MAD when they were messing with it, but other than that he was a champ. What's cool about the glue is it seals the cut off so he can't get anything in it, and make it infected. They said it was perfect for curious toddlers. Poor little guy was walking around pointing at his head and saying "ouch." It was actually pretty cute. After the trauma was all over and he was glued shut the nurse gave him a popcicle which he inhaled and we headed home. And of course the entire way he kept saying "home." I love that he can say words now, it's the best! Here are a couple pictures of our poor little pumpkin that I snapped on my phone after he got all fixed.

Staged and ready to go-

I'm pleased to announce that the first three units at "The Cameo" have officially been finished and partially staged. HERE are pictures of the insides of these units, and a few down below. Our Broker Open is a week from today... now we just need 8 buyers, no problem right?

Fort Fun!

So, this morning Rich and I picked up this play tent for Clark. He has really loved hanging out under our dining room table and in an effort to keep him out from under there, we thought this tent would be right up his alley. And as you can see it was LOVE.

Malcolm Shots

How cute is this little guy??? All three of Marc and Lisa's kids have had their one year pictures taken on this same leather chair. I was lucky enough to be able to shoot Malcolm's and here are 2 of my faves...

Swim Class

Last night Clark got to go to his first swim lesson and he seriously had the time of his life. Rich and I had just as much fun watching him- he was a little splash machine! And he started learning a few things too, like how to kick and blow bubbles. We already can't wait for next week, and that time Rich will get in with him. Even though he was in water he was still super heavy and I'm really sore today. It was a great workout though!

Oh, and since I had the hardest time narrowing down the pictures you can click HERE and see a few more-

Clark didn't want to leave his good view of the pool but once he realized he got to go into it he was really pumped.



All the kids got in a circle to sing songs and splashed along


Splash-monster. I got the feeling some of the other parents were avoiding us, ha.

Cutest smile of all times!

Clark was learning how to kick

I had to post this one :)

"swimming" after the pool toys was one of his favorite activities, although my arms are super sore today because of it!

He got to go down a slide into the water- his two favorite things, lucky little boy!

He would jump into the pool all on his own! The first time I wasn't even ready but thankfully I was able to catch him :) He seriously has no fear!

Egg Hunt

The Saturday before Easter the Journey church in our neighborhood had a giant Easter Egg Hunt in Tower Grove Park. We met up with Perry and Malcolm and headed out to hunt some eggs, play at the play-tables and even color some eggs. It was a beautiful morning and Clark had a great time at his first egg hunt ever!


OOOHHH, eggs!

He really did great running around with his basket trying to get eggs, which he only got a couple but it had a blast- Perry was a great helper!

Clark LOVES "flying"

And Clark and I colored an Easter Egg