Clap Your Hands

10 months old

Owen,

Happy ten months, little man. When you were a newborn, I would think ahead to the day when you'd be older and could communicate more and tell me what you wanted. And today I find myself thinking back to the newborn days and wishing I could have glimpses back.

I want to see "little" you again. The little you I could carry in one arm. Who would swing in his little swing and watch the birds on his mobile and smile. Who would fall asleep in our arms, and stay there for hours. Who would cry that sweet baby cry every time you didn't have our undivided attention. Who wouldn't fill out his clothes . . . ever. Who would stretch those baby stretches and make me feel like the luckiest person on earth.

The first time you smiled. The first time you laughed. The first time you held my shoulders as if it were a hug. The first time you had a fever and we thought the whole world had stopped. The first time you took your first spoonful of food.

Can you blame me for remembering all of this today? You are getting farther and farther away from being a little baby and inching closer to being a little guy. You are full of personality.  You are so independent. You do not want to be held, you want to play and dance and explore on your own.

When I look at you, I see the cutest, most loving, most giggly, most sweet, most wonderful little boy. I see grace. Because I never did a single thing in my life to deserve you, yet I have you.

You bring me joy, Owen, and I love you.

Mommy

(not sure of weight/length but we go back to the doctor next week and I will update then)

First/Last Day of Daycare

I have no idea how this school year is already over. It seems like yesterday I was dropping Owen off at daycare for the first time (and crying hysterically-may I add). And today, at almost ten months old I picked him up from his last day in the infant room. I don't know which day I cried the most. As I drove home with mascara streaks running down my face I reflected on this past year. The changes we have made and the hardships we have overcome. My tiny baby is turning into a toddler right before my very eyes. 

FIRST DAY OF DAYCARE 11-17-11

LAST DAY OF DAYCARE 5-24-12

Catching Up...

I have really slacked off in the blogging world. It seems as if I am treading water 99% of the time. Brandon got me a Mother's Day card yesterday that talked about our "Crazy" life. It could not be more accurate. While our life seems to be a speeding bullet, I wouldn't have it any other way. Our life with Owen is nothing short of wonderful. He has brought so much fun and joy to our lives, especially lately. He has developed this vibrant personality. If you add that with the fact that he is becoming mobile, we have leaped into a whole new realm of parenthood. 

Take Saturday for instance... Owen was in his walker watching Elmo (our typical Saturday afternoon). I ran downstairs to put in a load of laundry. While doing so, I started to hear noises coming from the floor above me. I assumed Norman (the dog) was into something he shouldn't be. I rushed upstairs to find that my child had walked (rolled) over the the end table, opened the drawer, and proceeded to pull out every object and drop them on the floor. I will be honest, it made my heart melt. My tiny baby is turning into a toddler before my very eyes. I snapped a few pictures...

Hmmm. I wonder what's in here...

I'll take a look...

Jackpot...

Other happenings...

Our friends, The Bullingtons, welcomed their baby boy on Tuesday, May 8th. We have been anxiously awaiting his arrival for quite sometime. He is adorable!

Jackson Henry Bullington

9 Pounds 8 Ounces

22.5 Inches long

Mother's Day 2012

I had a wonderful first Mother's Day. I recieved very sweet cards, and I only teared up 3 times!  I remember Mother's Day 2011 so vividly, and emotions took over when I realized how quickly a year has passed.  My little boy will be one soon. Wow. We I decided to throw in a quick photo shoot to mark the special day. 

 Beautiful Blue Eyes

Perfect Little Face 

He is my entire world...

Hanging with Mommy

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