Happy Birthday baby girl!

My baby girl turns ONE tomorrow! This year has flown by so quickly I find myself missing the first weeks -- even though they were tough, I want to take back those sweet baby snuggles and coos. I'm a little weepy this week to see her turn one... suddenly she's not a baby anymore!

I've so enjoyed this last year. To my surprise and delight I was able to breastfeed the whole time! Just a few weeks ago I dropped down to only nursing her at bedtime - I can't give up that sweet time with her. I was able to pump at work so much that I have plenty of milk still stored in the freezer! I will be a little sad to put whole milk in her cup next week. I get a little emotional and sad thinking she very well could be my last baby that I carry and breastfeed. She might be my last one to stare at mesmerized while I'm stealing sweet moments, just her and I, at bedtime. She may be my last baby to sleep on my chest for sweet naps.... tear.

 

Sweet baby girl,

I love you so much it hurts! I didn't know I could love so fiercely until you entered this world! I remember a year ago today, staring at my big belly watching you roll all around between each contraction. I remember wondering how I could love another child equally as my first, the anxiety of having a daughter, worrying if I would be enough... And then you came — screaming so the world new you were here! I loved you instantly. Our bond came gradually in those first few weeks... with each new day we "got along" better and grow closer.  Almost a year later — last night we stared into each other's eyes while I nursed you to sleep. I could stare at you all day long and get lost in those big brown eyes. 



You are a force to be reckoned with! You know what you want and make sure other's know too. You so ornery and so cute, you get most anything you want. Your smile is contagious. When you smile - your whole face smiles. You even have the cutest sad face - one cannot help but give in to you. You are completely smitten with your brother! And he loves you more than I ever hoped and prayed for. The two of you together are the sweetest things to watch! You light up at the sound of his name. 


Each day with you has been a little sweeter, a littler crazier and louder and a lot more fun. You and your brother bring us so much joy! I love you baby girl! Happy Birthday.


~Momma

Happy Birthday Grayson!

Today, I somehow have a three year old and a one month old! And my three year old looks bigger than ever next to that little one month old!

This weekend we celebrated Grayson! With a newborn, we had planned an easy party at the park. He chose a batman party. So we got a party in a bag and planned to do it easy at the park. No mess at home, easy set up and tear down... Just what this new, tired momma needed. Then the temps dropped and it rained and rained and spoiled those easy plans. Last minute we moved the party to our house and had a houseful of excited, energized toddlers. 

Then last night we had a little family celebration for his actual birthday. This sweet and silly boy LOVES him some chocolate cupcakes!

 

I cannot believe this little batman who changed our world completely is three!! Two was not easy and I know three will probably be harder - He's definitely got his parent's strong will. He pushes his limits and tests our boundaries.... But I remind myself these are good qualities in a man of God if we help shape and direct them. In the mean time, pray for us! ;)

Happy Birthday to you...

Happy Birthday to the best husband and daddy there is!

We are so thankful and grateful that God created you 29 years ago and gave us you as a gift!

 

We (me and Grayson and baby B-2) LOVE you so much!!!

 

Happy happy Birthday sweet man of mine!!!

 

Happy Birthday Seester!

Today is my little sister's BIRTHDAY!

My sister is 5 years younger than me and completely turned my world upside down when I was suddenly not the only (spoiled) child - but I love her and thank God for her. We have been through so much together. We haven't always gotten along, but we've always been there for each other when it counts...

Cheerleading together :)

 

You were there for me as my Maid of Honor at my wedding (can't wait for yours!)

We always know how to have fun when we are together!

.

 

I got the honor of being there for you through your pregnancy and to watch that sweet boy of yours be born - You made me a sister and an aunt and I am SO grateful!

Since moving to Texas, we don't get to see each other as much... But you were there for me to celebrate Grayson and love him as much as I do Koen.

Stephanie, you are so strong. I admire you for what a great mom you are and how you push through when life tries to tear you down. I am so blessed to get to be your sister.

Happy Birthday sweet girl!!

Birthday Weekend - part 2

Warning: this is a LONG post with LOTS of pictures. :)

I'm fairly certain I go a little overboard with birthday parties and planning and decorations... but I can't help it, one day I won't be able too.... So Friday night my mom (Gigi) came into town and the whole family (really, just the girls) stayed up way too late baking and decorating... But it was worth it!!! :)

I have an amazing friend who volunteered to come to the party and take professional pictures for us sot hat we can enjoy the party and still be in the pictures! I am so very grateful for Cyndy! So I am basically going to let the pictures show you all the party details for themselves:

 

 

 

Isn't it all so much fun!? I give Pinterest all the credit for all the adorable ideas and my awesome family for helping me pull it off! Now for the cutie it was all for!... Grayson is so very loved and this party reminded me how many people in our lives are investing in this little man - we are blessed!

 

 

 

 

 
 This picture, with all the kids running around our backyard and hearing laughter - makes my heart soo happy! THIS is what I prayed for and envisioned when we were praying for a home... a big backyard where kids could come and gather and have fun - God is SO Good!  It was so amazing to see all the people that showed up to celebrate with us! I am loving this chapter of our lives that God has us in right now and am SO blessed by the friendships we have.

That night, we had a little family cupcake time. :)  Since the wind blew out his candle - we thought we would sing and let him blow out his candle for the first time with just us and grandparents. It was such a special time - so glad they were there for this!

Welp - my baby is a big 2 year old now. Excited to see what God has planned for his life!