Best Pals

We are well familiar with Tate's love of Mickey Mouse. It is one of the first things he asks for in the morning, he knows all Mickey's pals on a first name basis, and his love for Mickey is so strong, he even requested to be Mickey for Halloween. That being said, Tate did not own a stuffed Mickey Mouse...until he turned two. Our friend's Eric and Laura gave Tate his very own Mickey for his birthday and life has never been more complete. They are in essence, inseparable.

It was very important to Tate that Mickey was also covered up...just as it is important that Mickey be sitting comfortably when watching the Lion King or dinner is being eaten or we are reading books... Mickey is pretty VIP.

Two-rrific Birthday Weekend

So it turns out that in this house, at two years of age, one is entitled to a birthday weekend. As is the case with Tate the Great. Tate's actual birthday fell on a Friday, Veteran's Day, so Dave conveniently had the day off. We decided to spend the day doing super fun things that would tire out an energetic two year old Tate would enjoy. First up: birthday cookie for breakfast. Not gonna lie, Dave questioned my meal choice, but he was quickly silenced by Tate's excitement over blowing out the two candles on said breakfast birthday cookie. We then took Tate to Monkey Joe's. He adored it. And he was quite aggressive in the "big kid" blow ups. Then, since we have busy lives and had not yet purchased Tate's birthday presents, we made a trip to Toys R Us. It was successful and we didn't even leave with the Robo Claw that two Savides boys thought was "super cool". The secret 'Operation Tire Tate Out' was a success and we went home for nap time. Side note: Dave had been talking about getting Tate a fish for a few weeks so the plan was to head to the pet store and buy Tate his very own pet. For the record, my personal favorite part of the pet store visit was when I left the boys by the guinea pig cage to go purchase all our goodies and I said to Tate, "go say hi to the guinea pig and tell him it's your birthday". And as I walked away I heard, "hi guinea. It's Tate birthday!".

Tate's four goldfish.

Saying hi and checking them out.

Daddy and Tate readying the fish bowl.

Tate was fairly involved in the accessories selection process and loved setting up the bowl.

And as always, was very interested in pouring the water.

A birthday gift was on the porch when we arrived home. Someone who knows Tate very well (Baby Oliver, and by Baby Oliver, I mean, Baby Oliver's mom) presented Tate with his very first guitar and Micky Mouse microphone...

...with which the boys immediately formed their own band. 'Son and Daddy', I believe was the latest name, Son being first because Tate "is the lead singer". Direct quote from David. Not joking.

After a terrific two days celebrating turning two, the morning after Tate's party left him a bit spent.

Tate turns Two!

It has been two years since our lives have changed. Two years since we've lost our spontaneity, two years of buying diapers, and two years of living our lives completely for someone else. It has been two years since our lives have truly begun. Today, our little man Tate, turns two!

we figured out the best snuggling arrangement very quickly. Tate and I only hours after he was born.

David and Tate, already in love.

our little man, letting the world know he had arrived...

Big Guys and a Fire Truck

To share a couple of events that I have pictures of, but yet to blog about, let me introduce you to "the big guys". For about a week and a half we had construction on our street and on one particular morning they were literally in our front yard. It was pretty awesome sitting outside with Tate (who did not move for approximately 45 minutes) drinking coffee and enjoying the sunshine.

Tate began referring to the construction workers as, "big guys". It made me smile when on a day they weren't working, Tate asked, "big guys go buh-bye?" I replied, "Yeah, Buddy, it looks like they are not here. Where to you think they went?" To which my creative little boy answers, "Up north".

And of course if the "big guys" had their helmets on, it would be appropriate that Tate wore his as well...

During our venture down to Oktoberfest, the fire department had a fire engine on display, along with some spectacular fire fighter who were phenomenal to Tate. Not only did they allow him to touch the fire truck, they also put him in the front seat.

Tate also received a bunch of goodies from the firemen, including a fire dog tattoo. Which he proudly displayed to anyone who he could make eye contact with...