Throwback Thursdays - DuckTales

Yesterday I had an audition for a vlog gig and as usual, Knox tagged along. Secure in his stroller, we filed into the small lobby of the building where the casting was being held only to be met with a long line of folks also waiting for the elevator. Apparently they'd been waiting for a while because I overheard someone up front mention that he works in the building and that the elevators were both old and slow. It being 90 degrees outside, I was covered in sweat and hoping to freshen up some in the bathroom upstairs before the casting; but if the elevators took too long, I wouldn't have time... meaning I would have to waltz into the casting with pit stains and smeared makeup.

Once it finally arrived, the guy in front of us turned around and said, "It's so hot and you've got a baby. Go ahead of me. I'll catch the next one."

It was such a sweet gesture. He looked to be in his 20s, handsome without trying, and reminded me a little of a chivalrous Kentucky boy. I thought, "He'd be great for my sister."

Ended up that after we strolled into the car with the other passengers, there was still room and he was able to hitch a ride up with us after all. That's when he said that it was so hot out, he wished that the elevator were filled with ice. And that's when I said I wish the entire floor of the studio were covered in ice and we could dive in and swim around like in DuckTales.

Which is the exact moment that I was overcome with nostalgia.

Wasn't that the best show ever? Scrooge McDuck would swim around in his vault full of gold and always try to protect his Number One Dime. Huey, Dewey, and Louie were hyper, but clever and helped protect Scrooge's money from the bad guys (mainly the Beagle Boys and Magic DeSpell). I loved that show and the theme song is one of those that will stay in your head for hours. It's one of those songs that even after 20+ years, you still remember. (You might be humming it right now. Otherwise, check it below.)

I guess I don't remember a ton about the actual episodes; I certainly couldn't write the Wikipedia page for the show. But I do remember that intro. Swimming around in a room full of money was every bit as fascinating back then as it still is today. Can you even imagine?

Momma Mondays - My Infant, My Little Man

Sarah Mlynowski with me & Knox

 So yesterday after church, my husband and I strolled into Manhattan, baby in tow, and hit up young adult author Sarah Mlynowski's publishing event for Ten Things We Did at Books of Wonder. She's an author whom I admire and I was thrilled to see her tweet about it, so our little family made a last minute dash into the city. First of all, if you haven't read her books, you should. Bras & Broomsticks made me a fan, so the Magic in Manhattan series is one I recommend. But I digress...

Sarah's two year old daughter was running around "helping." She brought books from fans to her momma for her autograph, a really sweet little go-between to be sure. This little curly blond head could be seen bobbing around the folding chairs and under tables, her father following a few steps behind just to keep the mayhem to a minimum. She was very sweet, getting close to Knox as he sat on the floor, chewing on the cover of her momma's new book. Watching her squat next to him curiously, and watching Knox reach toward her sweet face, it all made me nostalgic. But how? Knox is only 10 months? Can you be nostalgic in the future? (much like London in like Cat Patrick's debut novel Forgotten)

I don't know if it sounds crazy, but that's what happened. I saw myself this time next year, maybe at a signing or my own event, and imagined my own little guy running around the bookstore. I'm sure he'll be way more of a terror than sweet Chloe was, especially if the pushing, biting, and squealing we're seeing at 10 months is a sign; but he'll be there "helping" his momma work her hustle.

Knox, an early reader

He's just growing like a weed. His head is completely covered with thick light brown hair and his face is settling into that of a toddler... already! He has these deep blue eyes and a beautiful smile full of eight teeth. I look at this (very) young man and wonder, "Where did my baby go?" My baby couldn't clap his pudgy paws together and squeal in delight when he garnered his own applause. My baby couldn't use his index finger a la E.T. to knock down block towers or touch strangers in the cheek or grab their hair (apologies to Susane Colasanti, btw). My little baby couldn't scoot all around the room on his butt or try with all of his might to pull the Safety First outlet covers off the wall.

But at the same time, my little baby couldn't hug my neck tight or pat me on the back.

I guess there are trade offs, but I'm thoroughly understanding the old cliché, "They grow up so fast." I'm trying to hold on to my baby, but even as I watch him right now, struggling on the floor at my feet to push himself into a crawling position, I know he's gaining more and more independence every day. He's learning, growing, turning into a little man right in front of my eyes... and there's nothing I can do to stop it.

(Or is there? I mean, when he first tries to stand up, would it be wrong of me to push him back down?)

YA authors at Sarah's event