1st birthday underway...

I am in the beginning stages of planning Owen's first birthday party. Man if I could be a professional party planner I would love it. I have the theme, some details in the making, and my personal favorite... Lists,lists, and more lists! I must start checking them off. Let the fun begin!

9 Months Old

Owen, 

I remember last April. I was big. I was tired. I was so ready to meet you. I knew it wouldn't be very long.

I was so genuinely thankful. Thankful that you were healthy. Thankful for a relatively easy pregnancy. Thankful that every doctor's appointment you had strong heartbeats and you were so active and so alive and so well.

I remember being in love with this little bug that was kicking inside my belly and who was becoming a part of my heart.

There was really no doubt. I loved you, and it made me grateful.

But I didn't know the details. I didn't know your face. I didn't know who you were. I didn't know specifically what about you I loved so much and what you'd do to me.

So today I am thankful for the details. I am thankful that I know who you are at nine months old. I can't believe that the you who was in my belly is the same you who is here with me today. Knowing you is the best. The details. I love that there are nine months of details.

Thank you God. Thank you for knitting and forming and molding him into who he is now and into who he will be in the future. You gave me such a miraculous gift. And I can't seem to put him into words. So thank you for his big ,beautiful, blue eyes and amazing lashes. Thank you for his soft skin. Thank you for his sweet snuggles. Thank you for his loud squeals. Thank you that he loves to giggle and be close to us. Thank you that he is tough and strong. Thank you that he loves to stand when supported. Thank you for his chubby cheeks and full lips. Thank you that he is such a love bug in the mornings. Thank you that he clings to us when he's sad. Thank you that he is so funny and his laugh is the most hilarious thing ever. Thank you for his smiles that are quirky and cute and just so him. Thank you for that feeling he gives me. Thank you that we get to be his parents.

Owen, I had 9 months of you squirming in my belly and now 9 months of you on Earth. I have to tell you, you've stolen my heart. It’s yours. You light up my world. Today I am thankful that the boy I loved a year ago is you. You exceed any hope and any expectation of what I had imagined. Thank you Lord.

Here are a few things about 9-month-old you:

-You are starting to pull up on things.

-You are finally sitting up on your own. (with the occasional topple)

-You have 2 teeth.

-You love to eat baby food. (Fruits are still your favorite)

-You are still in love with jumping.

-You love to explore and play with toys.

-You love to play with your Daddy. 

-You want to walk, but haven't quite figured it out yet.

-You continue to sleep through the night with no problems. 

-You are starting to outgrow 9 month clothes (footed ones in particular) 

-You weigh 17 pounds!

-You are the cutest baby on Earth.

 Check out those teeth!

Owen laughing

Lay.sit.stand!

Look how big my baby is getting! We have skipped crawling all together but man does he want to stand and walk!

42 down!

On January 23, 2012 I started trying to loose the dreaded "Baby Weight". I put on a whopping 42 pounds with Owen. I never thought it would be so difficult to take off. I am happy to report that I'm back to pre-pregnancy weight as of this morning. The ironic thing is that Owen will be 9 months old next week. It took me 9 months to put it on, and 9 months to get it off. Good bye 42! 

Before and After Photo

Monday randomness

Here are some bibs I worked on this weekend. They actually turned out like I had planned (for once).



And to make you warm and fuzzy...Check out the sweetest smile on Earth!

Photogenic boy

Here is my handsome boy. I swear the camera comes out and he puts on the biggest smile! Enjoy!

Happy {belated} Easter!

Here is my little bunny on Easter. He may have been pretty stationary during the egg hunt this year, but watch out for Easter 2013, he will give his cousins a run for their money!

Owen's First Easter 

April 8, 2012

Cades Cove Hike-Videos

GSM Trip

Brandon, Owen, and I took our first *mini* vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains. We had a great time. Early this morning we took a drive over to Cades Cove. 
(One of my FAVORITE places) 

We took a few short hikes up to some of the historic cabins. This  was the Maiden Voyage of the Kelty pack that you may remember from this post.  

Owen absolutely LOVED riding on his daddy's back. He smiled and laughed the whole time. I took plenty of pictures to remember this momentous occasion. It was the perfect end to a fun trip.

Great Smoky Mountains

April 5-7th, 2012

Spring Family Pictures Pt.2

As Promised...

I love my beautiful little family. 

I am so blessed.