Birthday "Wrap Up"

No, we did not drop off the planet. We survived the week at camp and had a good time, too. But, whether I like to admit it or not (and I don't), my Baby Man turned 1 last week. As we were out at camp, he was able to share his birthday with lots of friends. There were many, many birthday greetings sent his way, and of course, yummy cake and gifts. Oh, and lots of little "helpers" to demonstrate his new toys, too. It was a simply gorgeous day and we enjoyed our time of relaxation and play outside. Most of all, it's just so good to be together as a family. Here's a glimpse into how Ethan spent his birthday~Enjoy!

He says, "Get this thing off of me!"

 There he is...the Birthday Boy!!

Daddy with the Big Man

Time for PRESENTS!!

Yah, he likes it! :)

Standing like a big boy and showing off his new soccer outfit!

Getting in some practice with his hammer

It's tasty, too!

Of course, Clara had to show him how it's done!

I know it's a bit fuzzy, but I love how Daddy's attempting to nap and Ethan is climbing up on him.

Me and the Birthday Boy, oh, and the CAKE!

♥ Family Pic! ♥

DIVE IN!

YUM!

These 2 were "hammin' it up" singing "Happy Birthday" on the platform in front of everyone!

The Happy Guy!

My sweet boy~
I ♥ U with all my Mother's ♥
and wish for you another year
full of hugs and kisses,
health and growth,
and blessings from above.
May we cherish everyday,
every moment of exploration and discovery
together!
~Your mama

10 months--Where has this year gone?

 As Christmas is {SUPER} quickly approaching and it will be my Baby-Man's very 1st Christmas and our 1st Christmas as a {cute} lil' family of 4, it catches me a bit by surprise. I must pause and reflect a bit over the last 10 months that we have been so blessed to have this happy, not-so-little, chunky, unbelievably adorable "butter ball" in our lives. God has truly given us a special treasure in our Ethan.

These first few pictures really give you a glimpse into our Baby Man's sweet personality. As you can see by his extra-sad eyes, he was fighting a nasty cold/fever and yet, the smile stayed firmly in place on his round little face. You could tell by looking at him and also by the amount of water running from his eyes, nose and mouth, that he was feeling completely miserable. Really broke his mama's ♥ to see him feeling so bad and yet handling it so well. Such a little trooper!

This picture gives you just a tiny glimpse at the amazing Handsomeness that I get to enjoy everyday! He's such a doll, with his button nose, cute little dimply cheeks, 2 mini chompers, killer smile and gorgeous baby blues! What more can I say?! I am in L♥VE!!

Baby Man turned 10 months a few days ago, it seems that every time I turn around another month has flown by. Time especially seems to be escaping me as he did not seem to stay a newborn for very long; he has packed on the pounds in a hurry with his man-size appetite! And now as he is waiting on 4 teeth to make their grand entrance {and mama is bracing herself for the cranky days ahead}, Maybe, just maybe, they could stay put a few days longer and let us enjoy Christmas in peace?!? Don't you think that would be nice?!

Ethan~

Mommy loves you sooooo much

I am so blessed to have you in my life 

and can't wait to share in your 1st Christmas

and see the wonder in your big, blue eyes.

You are such a special gift from God.

I truly feel that I got my best Christmas present already,

just 10 months early,

His name is Ethan Matthew.

Merry Christmas, my treasure!

Hugs and Kisses! 

Your Mama

"O, How much I must love you..."

My Sweet Clara~

"O, How much I must love you...."

These are the words that came to mind last night,

yes, last night, or rather in the wee hours of the morning

when I was awakened from my slumber

by the sound of your pitiful cry

you were in need and your mama was there.

"O, How much I must love you..."

As I entered your room and beheld such a sight

a sight no mother wants to encounter

but most likely all do at some time or another

you see, you were sitting up in your bed 

surrounded by blankets and your 4 most favorite friends

but something else had been added to the mix

a most unwelcome guest

I am still puzzled as to how it came to visit us

but nevertheless its presence was surely made known

"O, How much I must love you..."

I thought as I brought a wet rag 

to bathe your face and clean your hands, your hair,

your sheets, blankets, rug, and even lamby pie 

had suffered temporary damage as well.

So, with your dad beside me

we cleaned up the mess

including a trip to the tub for you 

and a ride in the wash machine for everything else.

"O, How much I must love you..."

I thought as I knelt by the tub

and gently removed the gunk and grime from your hair

while whispering soothing words of comfort

and making sure that your tummy was feeling better.

"O, How much I must love you..."

as I wrap you in a towel all snug and warm

as I search for and put you in clean jammies

and daddy and I make up your bed

with fresh sheets and soft blankets.

And of course, a replacement for lamby, 

fat bear, was located as well,

to help you through what remains of this strange night.

"O, How much I must love you..."

as I assure you that everything is alright now

and tuck you up safe in your newly made, fresh and sweet smelling bed.

Daddy and I pause to pray, 

to pray that you will be okay, 

that you will rest easy for the night

with no more episodes or problems in sight.

"O, How much I must love you..."

as I was interrupted right in the middle of writing this note

to take care of round #2 

at the breakfast table this morning. 

I guess crackers and gatorade are on the menu for you today.

"O, How much I do love you!"

My sweet little girl with an upset tummy

in spite of the messes 

in spite of the piled up laundry

in spite of all the work and lack of sleep

I LOVE YOU!

"True love is...abandoning a cozy, warm bed to clean up puke in the middle of the night."

Yes, THAT is how much I love you!!!

My Clara's smile--more beautiful than any rose!

P.S. (I would do it again in a heartbeat, too. Anything for you! Love U!)