Boys at Play

Yesterday was a fun lazy day. We didn't have anywhere we needed to be or things we needed to do. Just a day at home...together. Steve and C where running around and making a lot of noise and I wasn't really paying attention to what the game at hand was - but when I tuned in, this is what was happening. Now keep in mind this went on for a long while before I ever got the camera out and ended only because Daddy got tired. Can you guess what time of day this was? 5:30-ish anyone???? Check your mouth about 1/2 way through this video...you know you're smiling. How can you not? I also especially like how he gives me a courtesy acknowledgement on every other "pass".

These days are fleeting. May we treasure and remember them.

Challenges

So ever since the fourth of July, I've noticed some changes in C that are difficult for me to handle. That trip was a challenging one. He was moody and clingy and cranky. I blamed it on the circumstances and assumed it would return to "normal" when we got home. Now don't get me wrong - it has gotten better over the past couple weeks, but we've been struggling with attachment issues and teething and now a cold. It's just been hard. And I've been tired. And my rope is short. And I'm feeling big and pregnant and missing my husband - who seems to be travelling 100% of the time instead of 50%. It's just a lot.

So Friday and Saturday Steve and I went to a conference and our good photog friend Amber was gracious enough to sit for us. Part of me was happy to get a break for a few hours, but mostly I was sad to be away from C for multiple hours 2 days in a row. Even though it's been a hard couple of weeks, he's still my munchkin and my heart aches when I'm away from him.

So the thing I love best about Amber and her camera is how her lens sees him the way I see him. How she catches the cute stuff he does when he and I are here alone all day together. The stuff I WANT everyone else to see, but most people don't get the chance to. These pictures were a great suprise to me. I didn't know she took them. They weren't planned. And choosing just a few was nearly impossible. Enjoy!

Loosen up

OK, so I've been accused on occasion (by people who shall remain unnamed) as being uptight. In fact - just yesterday I was accused of getting "wound tighter and tighter by the day". I like to think I'm Organized. A Planner. Clean. Orderly. Heck, I don't even mind being called borderline OCD. But uptight??? Please!!

To all you people who fly willy nilly through life - playing in the mud, letting a one year old feed themselves applesauce with a spoon, having a "loose" nap schedule etc... I say to you - I am not (that) uptight. See for yourself.

Ok, yes, I stripped him down first. And yes, it was bath night. And yes, I was having heart palpitations...but I did it. I survived...and he had such a yummy fun time! And for the record - this picture does NOT do the mess justice...it was WAY saucier!

Party Time

Sunday we celebrated Cade's
1st birthday. What a day! There
were horses, a clown, a face
painter, a pinata, hot dogs,
cupcakes, friends, family and
lots of fun!

Oh how time flies. I can't believe a whole year has passed. I can't believe you are so big. So smart. So handsome. So smiley. So easy going. So everything I never knew I needed. I'm just so in love.

Day of Fun

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...