Holy Competition, Batman!

"I want the right seat!" And the race begins.  My two sons scramble their little feet to the car shoving and climbing to get to the right seat first.  The right seat. The glorious right seat.

This declaration made by Luke a few months ago, that the "right seat" was indeed the best seat in the car, became a subtle relief to me.  What's that you say? No more fighting with the kids to get them to the car?  All I have to say as we're leaving the house now?

"Whoever gets to the car first gets the right seat!" I shout out, keys in hand. I've never seen two kids get dressed and out the door so fast! 

Oh, but yes, it gets better...

"Whoever eats ALL their green beans first will be the strongest and the tallest brother!"  And their greens are gone!

"Let's see who can pick up all the toys the fastest!"  And our living room is clean!

They're even competing for our attention now.  If Zealand trips over the dog and hurts his elbow, Luke follows behind him crying out, "I just tripped over Yukon too and hurt my elbow too! Kiss me too!"

And aren't I the luckiest mommy in the world...when one son picks me a flower, my other son rushes to pick two.


Competition...I think I love you!

In The Eyes Of My Zealand - Happy 2nd Birthday, Baby!

If you've ever met my little Zealand, you know that this little guy lets very few things upset him.  He is almost always wearing a smile.  From the moment he was born, he has always seemed so happy.  Even under those bili lights, he seemed to chill under the light with his groovy shades on.  Even lately when his big brother throws a good blow to his back or on top of his thigh; he shrugs it off.  Maybe this is what it's like for all second-born children since they have a little less attention from their parents than the first born?  Maybe they just adapt to life with an older sibling always up in their business, after all, that's all they know.  But there is something about Zealand.  An aura.  A calm.  A true sense of wanting to learn from him.

I have had the thought so many times; he seems so wise.  He obviously knows the true secret to a fulfilling life.  While I can get so caught up and stressed about the little things in life.  I dream ahead and I see my Zealand being the kind of successful man who takes life as it comes and turns lemons into lemonades - all with only the best attitude!  He makes me want to be a better person.  On those tougher days, just to see him smile lets me know that things are actually really terrific!

My baby is turning two tomorrow.  He's talking more.  He pooped on the potty willingly - and so proud - twice this week.  His passion is in all things ball; football, basketball, soccerball.  "Ball?  Yeah?" he'll say. He gives the biggest hugs and says he loves me in an adorable and fleeting, "I la la" and gives me his heart.  He'll say hello to anyone and everyone, flashing his pearly whites!  He loves to listen to his dad play guitar.  He loves to try and play his brother's guitar.  He loves music.  He loves to play.  He just loves to be.  I love it all; and all of him.

Happy Birthday, my dear baby boy - Zealand Gabriel Beck Speer <3!

(The song I sing to him almost every night since he was about a month old.)
Zealand, oh, Zealand. 
I love my green-eyed baby.  
Zealand, oh, Zealand. 
I love you forever. 
Zealand, my baby, forever.


...I never said I was a songwriter ;)

:) Leah

Their Happiness In Our Heart

If only you could package that look on your child’s face, the sparkle in their eye, those moments when you just know they are genuinely happy. 

I see it in my son’s eyes when he conquers the challenge of taking something apart then skillfully reassembles it.  That pride when he pulls himself up on the edge of the pool after finally swimming free from his floaties.  I feel the exhilaration in his little hand gripped in mine while we’re dancing to some 80s hair band I remember rocking out to on my walkman in middle school.  The glee which emerges in his smile as we watch Yo Gabba Gabba—glancing at one another in anticipation of the knock-knock jokes he has memorized.  I see it in his whole face when I put down the vacuum to sit on the floor and work on a puzzle with him.  Or, the rare moments when he shares a toy with his brother knowing that I’m watching and proud. 

While lying with me on the couch just before naptime, it’s the peaceful look that paints his face.  Or, the chuckle that escapes his lips when his brother does something amusing – something that probably would only be that hilarious to another toddler.  Or the wicked smile he flashes when he thinks he’s tricked me into giving him another piece of candy.  The quiet “I love you” as he squeezes his stuffed doggy to his chest while I tuck him in after a big fun day. 

Come to think of it, maybe his happiness is packaged.  As a memoir in my heart.

*Leah