Happy Birthday Sweet Baby

When I was younger, I remember mom saying at some point on my birthday every year..."lets see, at this time xx years ago I was..."

I understand this phenomenon more now. I guess as a mom that is one of those days that never really starts to fade from your memory. I mean - for me, it's only been a year, but I remember it with the clarity of yesterday. It was probably the ultimate life changing day that I've had to this point. It was wonderful and fun and full of joy and love and I wish I could re-live it often.

I can't believe it's been a whole year since you came into to my life - forever altering it in unimaginable ways. You have brought me joy (and personal challenges) beyond words and I can't imagine a world without you. You are the light of my life. You are growing up so quickly. I really wish you would stay my baby forever, but that seems unlikely so we'll just go with it. I love watching you grow and learn every day. There are no words to express how happy I am to be your Mommy. You are my perfect angel. Whatever did I do to deserve such a gift?

Happy Birthday Son. I love you always and forever no matter what!

First

Here they are...

Vacation - part 2

Vaca video

Vacation

OK, so because I'm still too tired from the vacation to write a whole blog about the vacation...
We'll just say it was a memorable adventure =)

boys on a slide

Not that it needs a lot of explanation...we went to the park and Truman didn't want to be left out. He followed them up the stairs then right on down. Too cute not to share.

treasures

So as far as friends go, I hit the jackpot about a year and a half ago or so...
I won't go into the story of how she came into our lives, but she did. She's sweet and kind and thoughful and loving and above all, she loves my family and she loves my kid(s). Oh - and did I mention that she's a professional photographer. So if you happen to read Amy's blog as well, you'll see a similar post from this same splendid day when sweet Amber took pics of our kiddos. Cade's 9 month pics and Em's 1 year. Words can't express how happy it makes me that she captures him. His moods, his faces, his personality. She loves him and it shows in every picture she takes. Not a million thanks would be enough. How can I ever repay for these treasures she give us?

Extraordinary

My precious son,

I've been thinking a lot about you lately. I mean - of course I think about you almost constantly, but I've been thinking on broader scale maybe. Now I'm sure that my feelings for you are not all that different from every other mother out there, but they are are different for me. Different because I have loved before, but never like this. I have been thankful before, but never like this. I have been in awe before - but never like this...never until you.

You are amazing to me. How happy you are. How genuine your smile. How your eyes shine. The way you squeal with delight at the mere sight of Truman. The way you cry when you see me after I've been away from you. (YaYa says it's not an "I'm unhappy to see you" cry, but more of an "I missed you so much" cry).

I love the fact that you get tired and lay your head on my shoulder. I love that for the most part you trust me when I say it's nap time and go right to sleep. I love that you look so flippin' cute in your little hats. I love that you love to be in your sling and that everyone we see comments on it when I "wear" you out. I love every hair on your head and every breath that you take. Sometimes I feel like you are the reason my heart keeps beating.

You are learning new "tricks" every day. You'll be crawling in a few days. You're trying to talk. We're working on our sign language. And then there's this...

So the story behind this video goes like this...you have this habit of leaning forward when you eat and it makes it hard for me to see your mouth - and therefore get the food INTO it. So I started telling you "back" and trying to get you to set back against the seat so I could get a better angle at your mouth. After a couple of days, you obviously caught on because this is what happens when I say "back" now. I'm going to have to put a pillow back there so you don't get dain bramage.

I love you punks - Mommy