Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy 1st Birthday Raegan!

One?!

How has it been only one year when you have so fully made me who I am today? You've brought out the best in me, in my mamahood.  You're shaping our family into something of my dreams and each and every one of us are more in love with you than you know.

I knew this having kids thing was going to be good, wonderful even.  But spectacular, tear-inducing-at-the-thought-of-them, tiring and exhilarating, something I could never... ever... ever... imagine my life without, well, that was something I wasn't expecting. This having kids thing has been more than I ever dreamed it would be, and I couldn't let a special “one” birthday slide by without celebrating it. This “one” that has seemed to escape our grasp so quickly, and yet I can hardly remember life before her. The daily changes that remind us to take our time and walk a little slower because babyhood is seeping through the cracks.

It's not unlike trying to hold water in my hands... it trickles and seeps no matter how tight my grip, no matter how hard I try and hold on.  She's trickling.

I know that I have so much to learn and so much growing to do right along with you, but for right now, Raegan, I'll smile and enjoy your body molded across mine, inhale your scent and once again, commit it to memory. I'll hold on and embrace the ride until your babyhood trickles through my fingers and we have a new stage of life to enjoy together... but know that no matter what age or what stage of life we're in, I'll always love you.

And I can never get over it. This loving having babies thing... this loving having YOU thing.  I'll never be able to shake the feeling of adoration toward babyhood, and I've been falling harder and harder for you each day as I watch you grow. I watch the intensity in your eyes as you soak up your brother dancing his way across the floor, and then your legs start a kickin' as you mimic those rockin' moves. I smile when your mouth parts it's way open as you talk your baby gibberish in an effort to sing your own song.

And even though it seems like just a moment ago I had you swaddled up tight, you're becoming quite the little mover and shaker... crawling through the mazes of furniture and hallways, pulling up on just about everything. Every time I set you down you lurch onto all fours and crawl your way in a mad dash to whatever is in sight, faster than any time we've clocked before.

And yet, with all of this development, you're still my baby, all eighteen pounds of you as you settle into pure contentment in the crook of my arm. And I cherish it. Every last drop of it. I savor my time with you, in the magic of babyhood and the wonder of toddler beauty to come!

 

Happy First Birthday Raegan!

 

 

 

 

Pirates, Strawberry, and Ninja....OH MY!

 Trick or treat!

Raegan learned a new trick this evening.....she learned how to speedily crawl on her knees straight to Ayden's pile of candy.  No more army crawling for her; knees are much faster!

Partying Ayden-style

Gotta love this clown/entertainer!!

Pumpkins and Zombies

 We like to carve pumpkins......

and kill zombies?!

 

Well, that's what the boys were doing.....zombie hunting!

 

HMMMMMMMM.......

Big Brother.....

 

 

 

 

I look into your face big brother,
I wonder what we’ll do,
When I am big enough to stand,
And one day play with you.
I look into your face big brother,
and give a great big smile,
I love it when you spend time with me
And play with me awhile.
I look into your face big brother,
I’m watching all you do ,
I cannot wait until I grow up
And be a big kid just like you.

 

 

Fall Ball

Ayden loved playing fall ball this year.  It made for many late nights, but it was worth it for him to have fun.  Many giggles surfaced out of the dugout and Raegan loved clapping and yelling at the boys!  (OH MY!)  Until spring my friends......

My first lollipop!

Of course, Mommy didn't give it to me.....

only a Mimi does such things!!  ;)

She was a happy, although sticky girl!  (Raegan and Mimi, haha!)

10 Month Pictures

A baby girl...
one of the most beautiful miracles in life,
one of the greatest joys we can ever know,
and one of the reasons why
there is a little extra sunshine, laughter and happiness
in my world today.

My Messy Clan

Messy Fingers

Author Unknown

 

Sticky fingers ' tangled hair,
scattered crayons, everywhere.
Fancy artwork ' on the wall '
drawn by midgets ' three feet tall.
Tell me why ' and tell me how '
that was mine ' I want it NOW!
Fix my bike. Buy me gum.
If you have it, I want some.
Dirty faces, grass-stained knees,
learning words ' like pretty please.
Endless hugs & goofy wet kisses,
learning respect with 'Mr.' & 'Mrs.'
Scraped-up hands, from falling down.
Tender tugs - - on my night gown.
Need more paper ' for Santa's letter?
I wasn't so bad ' but I've been better.
Watching a movie ' again and again '
Mommy, please ' put the tape back in.
Messy fingers ' hair gone wild '
all in the life ' of a precious child !!

Fall/Baseball Fun!

Farmer's Day 2013

 Kiddos hanging out!!

 

A little fall ball action!