food snob.

A morning spent at the children's museum by our house. A pleasant surprise and it's free until he's 15 months! The museum had lots of pretend places...a bank, sandy beach, grocery store, dance stage, etc. The highlight was the pretend whole foods market. Only in Boulder (county) right?

wannabe a big boy.

Jackson has an infatuation with big person utensils. So, whenever I want him to eat just a little bit more I break out the fork and try to feed him with it. He loves it and just recently started to understand the concept of putting food onto the fork. Now if I could only get him to put the fork into his mouth on his own he would practically be ready for kindergarten.

the after party

he's tired. and so am I. The transition from two naps to one is proving to be quite a doozy! I wasnt thinking the transition would happen so soon, but his teeny tiny power naps were telling me it's time. And so we press on and hope for the day when we can get more done than a quick shower and dinner thrown on the table. But for now, wet hair and leftovers will have to do.

1.

To my firstborn son on his first birthday,

365 days of wonder, thanks, frustration, sleepiness, and love. There were moments of joy, exasperation, tears, and laughter. Times when I wanted to fall in a big heap on the floor and cry. For I might be doing it all wrong! I remember the sound of your little cry when you were just days old and how it melted even the strongest parts of my heart. I remember your cute little belly button and me nervously cleaning it with q-tips. I remember how you loved to pee (and the other) during a diaper change instead of after and I being too tired to care. And I remember thinking life just cant possibly get any richer after seeing your first smile. It amazes me that you were you from day 1. All the pieces of your personality are coming together and it blows me away. Like the way you have always wanted to play and look around rather than nurse or take a bottle. The way you love short naps when you know there are fun things going on downstairs. And the way you are tentative in a room full of new people. You are my spunky, yet laid back, happy playing son. And I am so blessed to be your mom. I promise to always savor the way you lean in for kisses because I know they wont last forever. The days that I can hold you, calm your cries, put lotion on your sweet baby legs, and snuggle you to tiredness are numbered. So Im not going to close my eyes. Im going to cherish your babyness. Even if you are already 1. Your dad and I cant wait to see more of who you are in the years to come and we pray every day that Jesus is who you choose. I love you. forever and ever.

Mom.

His birth night.

Day 1.

DAY 365. Birthday Party!
(Yeah and if youre wondering what is on his face-oh that's just the peaches he had for dinner that we didnt notice until I downloaded the pictures the next day. so bummed(but not enough to photoshop it out!). I guess Ill laugh about it someday. just not today.

enthralled.

A toy to walk behind. Jackson is now taking about 5 steps at a time. By himself!

My first experience making a stand on its own, cake stand kind of cake. Actually very fun.

gag. shiver. spit out.

the end.

warm enough.

mine.

A little possessive of his toys and trying to carry things around with him. And yes. That is still the excersaucer in the background. Not because we have a 3 month old, but because now Jackson likes to walk around it and pull on the toys. I still cant wait to throw it in the basement.

since when...

Since when do I gain 3 pounds after eating 30 plus Christmas cookies in one day?!

Since when do I spend $150 of my Christmas gift money buying a paper cutting machine for scrap booking instead of buying a new outfit?!

Since when do I ask for Sorel snow boots for playing in the snow rather than another pair of cute flats with jewels on top?!

Since when do I not mind the smell of a poopy diaper?!

Since when do I go running because I have to and not because I want to?!

Since when do I consider the most relaxing part of my day when I get to sit down and catch up on other mommy blogs?!

Im glad you asked.

Since I turned old, had a baby, quit my freelance work, lost a large part of my metabolism, and became a mom.

because.

It is because of Grandma that my baby thinks he must never be set down. He was spoiled last week (As any grandbaby should be). And now we are going through being held withdrawal :) Cuz mama's back cant hold 25 pounds all day.

New Years day out at the lake. Games, extended family time, and more food. And no I did not ask permission to post these pictures. Cuz lets be honest, it's really only family looking at this blog anyway. But, if youre wondering we are playing blow ball.

Cutie Patootie's

the excitement continues.

Well Happy New Year to you ALL! We've had more celebrations, more food, and more time to relax this past week than we've had in a long time. Simply wonderful. 2009 has changed us. For the first time I understand (sort of) what unconditional love really means. I understand that my life is more than eating out and buying cute clothes. And i definately have learned (and am still learning) what it means to be a homemaker. Hopefully in 2010 I can become just a little bit closer to the all natural, hippie mom that I dream to be (yeah right!) and somehow still use disposable diapers.

We hadnt bought Jackson many toys the months leading up to Christmas because I kept telling myself it was pointless with Christmas so close. I guess that made the gifts all the more exciting for him.

New Years Eve and pretending we know how to act at a lounge:) Blake fit in. Joel and I...not so much, hence the down vest im sportin as all the other girls were in their cute little black dresses. But the sushi was amazing and it was great to have a night out without the babe. and hey, we're from Colorado. No one dresses up there.

new faces

The creighton basketball game was a highlight. Jackson was absolutely enthralled by all the people and noises. We went with the expectation that he wouldnt make it through the whole game. But, he never wanted to leave!

watch the ball!