My second Mothers Day

It is the eve of my 2nd Mothers Day. The things that I have learned in the past year...the things that I have learned since becoming a mom... I am so in love with this little creation of ours. Kyle's personality and preferences are coming through more each day and I delight in getting to spend my days with him. He is an absolute pleasure to be around and so curious and makes the best noises. I never want to forget how he oooooohhhhhhhhs and points and is so interested. Last weekend I took him to church and he spent the entire time running up the isle and waving at each and every person sitting behind us. Then he played peak-a-boo and clapped at the end of the songs or whenever the congregation did. I had several people approach me afterwards and tell me how friendly he is and how he made their day. His smile is contagious. The way he gets around is adorable (Dan says it resembles a T-Rex with his arms out to balance).  He loves books - especially lift the flap, Hulk's birthday, Sophie and Boats/Trains Go. He could not be any snuggly-er. He wants to be as close to me as possible at all times (and I was afraid he wouldn't be as much of a cuddler after I stopped breast-feeding). I have a new respect for moms/ How selfless they are. The different phases that they are adapting to all while making sure everything gets done. The lack of sleep and the tantrums. The giving without always receiving. The constant messes and the never-ending list of things that never get done. All worth it. Every little bit. My life before Kyle feels so long ago. I can hardly remember not having him in my life, not knowing him, not being a mom. I'm so thankful that he was given to us - a true blessing. My heart couldn't be fuller. I could not be more proud of this amazing little person that has completely changed and overtaken my life. So tomorrow I celebrate this wonderful responsibility that is, in my biased opinion, perfect in every way.

We have a walker!

Much has happened since my last post. This sweet, funny and curious little boy has been keeping me on my toes, that is for sure. He is in to everything - and I mean everything! He is a super quick crawler and can get to the top of the stairs in record time. I've never seen anything move quite like t his before. Right now he sleeps - thankfully. Storing up all of that energy for this afternoons shenanigans. I can't even fathom how much I love him. How this morning after a sink bath, he let me hold him and rock him and just stare at him like I used to do all of the time when he was a baby. Now he is officially a "toddler" which is so hard to believe. He's squirmy and strong. He doesn't sit still for too long. He loves books and making the sound "moo." He has a big belly laugh and his eyes crinkle when he smiles. He has 5 teeth and took his first real more than 4 steps this past Sunday, on Easter. Now he's up and walking from room to room and carrying things with him as he does - remotes, spatulas, pretty much any and everything. He's sleeping though the night, thankfully and is down to one nap a day. He loves Harry the Bunny and waves to other children. He knows what he wants and when. He has taken to whole milk and gulps it down. He points and processes and can clear out a dresser drawer like no other. He is such an incredibly happy little guy. I can't imagine my world without him. God knew just what he was doing when he put Dan in my life when he did and when he gave us this incredible gift that was meant to be.

blizzard thoughts

It has been snowing since yesterday afternoon and is still going strong. Its our first big snow as responsible adults. Dan has concluded that every one of our neighbors has a snow blower but us. Maybe we will have one this time next year...Its beautiful actually. Looking outside is so peaceful with very little going on and just covered in white everywhere you look. Dan has been out 3 times shoveling. I had visions of taking Kyle out and frolicking in the white powder but realistically, I am in my pjs and sick and we don't have the proper gear for our little cutie yet. I should be organizing or taking advantage of this time holed up in our home with no where to be and just worried about what our next meal will be (hash brown casserole this morning and friend ravioli and chicken last night. I think we're doing a pot roast today. Seriously, we were at the store an insane amount these past few days in preparation for "Jonas') and hoping we don't lose power.
He is such a quick mover these days. I can't even count how many times a day I am pulling him off of the steps which he always gravitates to (of course). He is playing with his balance and standing without holding on a bit and seriously could be entered in the fastest baby crawling contest. His expressions lately are noteworthy and I've had many people comment on them. He's determined and strong and funny and sweet. We are supposed to be heading south on Monday to spend the week with Dad and Joanne in their new part of the world. I guess we will have to wait and see if that happens depending on if we can get out and if the airline has other plans. In any case, I am hoping that soon we will have our feet in the sand and Kyle's first flight under our belts. For now, its more tea and watching the snow fall and the wind blow with my boys.