Happy 1st Birthday

Happy 1st Birthday to our greatest surprise!

It was one year ago that the greatest surprise of our family joined us! Though you were a surprise to us, you were no surprise to God. I will be honest that I had many fears about adding another little man to our family. We had just turned a corner from baby/toddler hood into the early school years and things were starting to get just a bit easier. I was finally sleeping all night for most nights and we had said goodbye to all our baby gear and baby days. So we thought!

God took what I thought would be our little family and shook it up a bit. But, when he was done and life settled back in- it was settled in more beautifully and fully than it was before!

Being your mom has given me the chance to slow down and enjoy the moments of baby-life again. To experience all the firsts - just one more time. To cuddle just a little longer. To know love just a little deeper. To see the miracle of life unfold again. 

When your big brothers were little the days were sweet, but often it was hard to imagine a time when life wouldn't feel so demanding. Well, that time came and then I missed those cuddly sweet baby days so much! Being your mom has let me experience that all over again, but this time with a new perspective of how fleeting these moments really are. 

This year has been so full- full of change and growth; full of wonder and sweetness. We have watched you grow from a sleepy little baby who could hardly wake up to eat into a curious, on-the-go, into everything little guy toddling all over the place!

But, from the first moment we saw you - you have nestled your way into the depths of our hearts. What a great surprise you are!

Happy 1st Birthday Little Man!

Love,

Mommy

We actually celebrated your first birthday at Laguna Beach, in California. We were on our family vacation and it was a fun day to be with you. We went to my friend's house for dinner and they surprised us with a cake and your first cupcake (the bottom pictures). We waited until we were home to do our traditional family celebration and decorated your door (which you loved to walk through!)  We got you a basketball hoop and a really big ball- since that is the only thing you love more than food right now! We ended our celebration with some more sugar and mess! I'd say you were a lucky 1 year old this year. 

Now that you are one:

- You shake your head "no" when we tell you "no" and laugh and continue to do what we don't want you to do!

- You love animals, especially dogs, but you are afraid of them too. You get just as close as you can without touching and then cry when they come any closer!

-You are starting to be so much more aware of things and learning new things every day.

-You are falling asleep on your own for naps and bedtime. Finally sleeping in past 5:30 in the morning and slowly moving towards one long nap in the day.

-You love to play with your brothers and to be outside. You love to investigate everything by putting it in your mouth.

-You love balls. It's your only word so far. All sizes, all colors, all sports, all balls. You endured a long summer of baseball games for your brothers and now know how to set the ball on the "T"and hit it off. Not bad for a little guy!

-You would eat all day if I let you. You are always getting things you can't have out of the pantry and sneaking crumbs you find off the floor. You like pretty much everything you try, but really love watermelon, peaches and strawberries. Also, pancakes and smoothies rank pretty high too!

11 Months Old

He turned 11 months old on Father's Day. In just weeks he'll be one! I don't know where his first year went. Though he will always be MY baby, he really isn't A baby anymore. 

He started walking at 10 months and by now he's pretty quick on his feet. 

His only word is "Bau" for Ball- he loves them- any size, any sport, any color!

He has the cutest little "Ooooo!" whenever he sees food or something he's excited about. 

He is hungry all the time. Loves smoothies, avacados, graham crackers, any fruits, peas, brocolli, Cheerios, pancakes, and whatever anyone else might be eating at that moment!

We have to keep all the doors shut- especially in the bathroom. He loves the toilets... 

He's loved having his big brothers home from school this summer- so much to laugh at and so much to watch and learn from! 

He has a cute little wave- you can see it in the last picture on the bottom- turned toward himself and squeezing tightly! 

He is finally napping and sleeping much better. Still an early riser, but falling asleep on his own much of the time and not night waking much anymore- thank goodness for that!

Still loves to suck his thumb.

He is a really snuggly baby who is also very outgoing, will let most people hold him and explores and ventures out without needing me right there. 

His funny side is starting to shine through. He likes to make silly noises and have us copy him. He remembers things we thought were funny the day before and tries it out the next day- just to make sure we still think he's funny. He has a great memory!

It has been amazing to me how quickly he's grown and changed. When the bigger boys were little, it seemed like they'd be little forever. But, slowly and surely, they have grown and changed and it was so easy to forget what life was like with a little one around. It isn't all fun and it isn't all cute and easy, but it is so precious. He has been such a blessing to us and a reminder to slow down and enjoy because in just a few fleeting moments you forget what it was like. I wish there was a way to get it all on video or picture or in writing- but life isn't like that. As much as I look forward to seeing what God has in store for this little guy (and the big boys too!) I wish there was a way to slow it down a bit- to memorize what this day is like and who they are right now!

Happy 4th!

 We woke up not quite knowing how to spend our holiday yesterday. Usually, we go to the town parade and the kids ride their decorated bikes and gather up bags of candy. This year, I didn't get organized enough to gather decorations and we read their would be no candy at the parade. They had even cancelled our fireworks show because of the high fire danger. Sounded like a bummer!

So, after a little research on the ipad- I found a hiking place we'd never known- St. Mary's Glacier. It was about an hour-ish away. 3/4 mile hike up- not too bad- but we made it. It had some spectacular views. That water was cold!!! People were actually swimming in it- yikes! There were people actually skiing on the ice- in their swimming clothes!

I feel so blessed to live in a state with such amazing beauty at our doorstep. It's fun to explore and show the kids the creations God's left us to enjoy!

Who can say they played in snow on July 4th?

Before...

After!

We headed a bit further west and had some yummy treats at Dairy King! The littlest man finally is loving his ice cream. The first time he tried it (back in March) he was in tears- maybe too cold! Now, he couldn't get enough!

After a long drive home and resting up for the night, we headed to a nearby town to watch their fireworks show. I have a cute photo- but it is still stuck on the hubby's phone!!!