Bittersweet Birthday

Our baby boy turned one this weekend!  One, can you believe it?  I can't.  Time has truly flown by.  Everyone told me it would, but I just didn't realize it until I experienced it firsthand.  I was so excited for him, and happy for a healthy, fun year full of development.  However, I have to admit, I was a little sad to see it come.  Although the toddler years will be full of wonderful memories, his first year just melted my heart.  So, Parker, in honor of you and your birthday celebration, here's 12 wonderful things I love about you and the past 12 amazing months...

I love every single babble of ma-ma and da-da.

I love how you start singing yourself to sleep when I stop singing.

I have loved being able to wake up to your smiling face every morning and stay with you all day.

I love the way you laugh and play peek-a-boo.

I love how social and silly you are.

I love how you cuddle with me in the mornings because you aren't quite ready to do anything.

I love it when you say uh-oh... even if you dropped something on purpose (which I know you do).

I love the adorable faces you make.

I love that you look just like your daddy, and I love the way you and your daddy love each other.

I love you for loving me unconditionally even when I make so many mistakes as mommy.

I loved watching you discover your hands and feet.

I loved seeing you take your first steps.

This has been an incredible year, and I look forward to being able to teach you new things.  You've been so flexible with our activities like road trips, youth camp, church events, and visitors.  I can't wait to start having conversations with you.  You're my little pooh bear, my buddy, my sunshine, and my stinker.  I love you way behind my back.  Thank you Lord for the blessing of children.  Help me raise him to know you, love you, serve you, and worship you.

I am a winner!

It's official folks.  We are the new owners of a blue and fuzzy outfit with eyeballs on the top.  E-bay Cookie Monster came through.  And guess what I got it for.... drumroll please....$15.50!!

I hope I don't get addicted to E-bay now!  :-)

Cookie anyone?

I tend to over think things.  It's just a part of who I am.  I am a thinker and always have been.  I have tried to not do so, but it hasn't seemed to work yet.

Well, in my "over thinking" about my little man's costume this year, I have finally decided on something!  And I don't think it could be more perfect for him.  And the daddy and me agree on it!  You see, he isn't old enough to tell me what he wants to be, so I feel the pressure to choose something just right.  I've been waiting for that costume that just sounds right.  You know what I mean?

Cookie Monster it is!  For those of you who know my little fella, you know this costume could not be more fitting for him either.

So, that leads to the next big thing we are learning as parents.  Costumes are EXPENSIVE!  Hello, when did a costume made out of blue furry fleece with eyeballs get to be $42.99??  I am on a mission to get this costume cheap.  Hand me downs aren't a problem at our house, so I am bidding on some from E-bay.  I hope it works out well.  I'll let you know how things go with my hunt for the cookie monster.

Oh time... why do you fly?

This face pretty much sums up the past month around our house!  We have been so busy with different things.  We had an AWESOME conference at our church called The Real Me.  It was designed for women and teen girls, and it was just what the great Physician ordered in this mommy's heart.  We've had lots to do around the house, and the weather has been so pleasant that we've done lots outside too.  Birthday plans have been in the making as well.  Our sweet little boy will be one year in 2 weeks... I can hardly believe it.  And he is so active that I don't think I even sat down all week... let alone finished a meal.  He's into everything... cabinets, toilets, flower pots, closets, eating toilet paper, eating anything actually that he can fit in his mouth.  He pulled a leaf off of a flower the other day and tried to eat it.  Needless to say, it's been a little crazy around here.  A good crazy though.

As I was saying about the conference, it was great.  In preparation for it and in attending it, God really began to work on my heart.  I have really been trying to change my attitude lately and some bad habits, like way too much television.  My cynical tendencies became a little too friendly, and I have really wanted to be more compassionate and open.  So, I put my words into actions this week, and it has truly made a difference.  I have had the best week.  I have been tempted, but I have not been defeated!  Though there have been trials, my perspective has made all the difference.  Music really is better than tv too.  I don't know if it was just a capping of my week or what, but I felt like I was about to be in heaven this morning at church too.  I have longed for that feeling for a while.  It's amazing how what I put into it leads to what I get out of it.  Why do I not do this all of the time?!  My energy level has about tripled, and that excites me!  I feel like I'm getting to the top of the mountain finally after adjusting to motherhood, staying at home, some big changes in my hubby's life, and learning to let go of things.  So if you find yourself lonely, hurt, confused, exhausted, running in circles, lifeless... keep on keeping on!!  God will deliver you, and you are so precious to Him.  He loves you dearly and will not give up on you.

To another great week,