Best Mom Ever!

As a disclaimer I should say that as we are quickly approaching the glorious age of 2 it is at least once a day that I think "Worst Mom EVER!!!"  Ronan is currently able to make me beam with pride and nearly break into tears of frustration in a period of 5 minutes.  I won't go into the horrifying Macy's experience that made me want to fling myself down the escalator.  Taking a 2-year-old to the mall, sans stroller, to try and get some shopping done seemed like a good idea at the time.  Trying to carrying a wailing 2-year-old and shopping bags out of the mall was not exactly part of the plan.  Worst Mom Ever Moment!!!  At least that seemed to be the thought of those trying to enjoy a nice, quiet day at Macy's:)  I believe there is a part in every mom brain that is obviously defective.  It is the part that says "You should take your tired, cranky kid to the mall!  It will be fun!" or "It's a great idea to have another baby!  Babies are super cute!  And in two short years, you'll have another 2-year-old!"  This part of the brain thinks in exclamation points!

Anyway, enough ranting.  Today I was a good mom!  I took Ronan to "Touch a Truck."  We have been wanting to take him to one and a friend tipped me off that one was planned today.  Ronan was in heaven.  He sat in nearly every truck there and then ate two snow cones (his and mine).  It was 90 degrees by 10am today but I braved the heat (Ronan didn't seem to notice) and came back without a dry piece of clothing on my body. 

Ready to touch some trucks!

Make sure to check your mirrors

Buckle up for safety

Inspector Ronan

Chopper Ronan

Jana and Ronan.  Thanks for the tip, Candy!

Fireman Ronan

Best Dad Ever!!!!!

I am seriously starting to doubt that anyone is missing me while I am stuck at work on Saturdays.  Last weekend, Ronan and Kevin headed down to EnterTRAINment Junction (thanks for the tip, Tyler!).  It's hard to say who had more fun as both boys were talking about it for the rest of the weekend.  Sir Ronan becomes more obsessed with trains by the day.  In fact, this afternoon he wanted to nap with one of his train cars...no stuffed animals for this kid.  Aren't boys the best? 

It's not all fun and games with dad.  Apparently Ronan had to shovel some coal to earn his admission. 

Shoveling coal is a small price to pay if he gets to hang out with his best bud "Tommy Choo-Choo."   Speaking of best buds, when Kevin came home from work the other day, Ronan hugged him and said "best friend, dada" and hugged him.  I wonder if this had anything to do with EnterTRAINment Junction. 

Future Conductor?  All Aboard!

Finish the afternoon with some pizza and pink lemonade?  Don't mind if I do! (Note the perfectly planned Thomas shirt and hat?  Kevin doesn't miss a beat)

Big Brother!

We've done it again!  We will be welcoming Baby McCann #2 at the end of January.  You're welcome, world.  The entire family is excited, as evidenced by the photo below:)  Whenever I ask Ronan about the baby in mommy's tummy, Ronan replies "baby stuck, pull it out."  Patience little one, patience.  Boy or girl?  We'll let you know as soon as we know...when we meet the little stinker, er, miracle.

Alum Creek

Jules and Rogan introduced us to Alum Creek Beach last week.  So what if my sis-in-law claims that it was built over a cemetery and that coffins sometimes float to the top.  It's a beach!  In Columbus, OH!  I mean, there's a cure for dysentery these days, right?  Ronan was, of course, in heaven at a place where you can swim, swing and play in the sand.  I literally had to drag him out of the water kicking and screaming after 2 1/2 hours.  He and Rogan even played nice together....sort of... for a couple of minutes. 

Daddy's Home!

While Kevin had a great time at the wedding, he was happy to get home and spend some time with his best pal.  We had a busy weekend.  We headed down to the newly opened Scioto Mile which is amazing.  It has some great ground fountains for the kiddies to run through, a nice walking pass, and even swings to relax on after all that exercise.  Kevin was smart enough to wear his bathingsuit to keep up with Ronan in the fountains.  It was funny to see all the dads running through the fountains and all us moms hanging out taking pictures.  Dads are the best, no? 
On Sunday we headed to Columbus Commons for a Family Fun Day.  They had a bunch of bouncy castles, sprinklers, and the piece de resistance for Ronan.... a free Merry-Go-Round.  Ronan and Kevin rode the Merry-Go-Round at least 8 times.  Ronan and I rode it twice and then it was time to cut the little man off.  These boys are wearing me out!

Who doesn't love a giant swing?

 

Vacation!

The week of July 4th Kevin headed down to Sunset Beach, North Carolina for Aaron and Jen's wedding. Congratulations to the happy couple! Rumor has it that the wedding was beautiful, however, the hubby did not bring home any pictures. While Kevin was relaxing on the beach, Ronan and I headed up to beautiful Cleveland, Ohio. We had a great week swimming, going to see "noidy fideyworks, boom, boom" (noisy fireworks), and even made it to the zoo and Lakefarm Park. Ronan "milked" a cow (poked an udder), rode a pony and touched lots of sheep. I think even Papa had fun at the farm.

Ronan pining for Papa as he was out walking the dog

Poking a cow

Papa and Ronan petting a sheep

Pony Ride!

Fideyworks!

Having a good time with Jaja

Hanging at the zoo with Boppy, Juju, and Jaja

Bubbles at the zoo!?  Could life get any sweeter?