Guess Who's Turning ONE???

Happy Birthday to my sweetie niece who turns ONE today! ~We love you~

A Robotic Birthday

B turned THREE while we were on the Vineyard, and he is so proud of his self-proclaimed "Big Boy" status. The cake was actually more fun to make than I thought it would be, what with being in someone else's kitchen in a house full of people. I didn't let the need for perfection get in my way like I've tended to do in the past, and without that pressure hanging over my head I was able to actually enjoy the process. We had a small party after lunch with cake and presents, and then off to the beach to play in the waves.

Hubby also turned THREE (plus 8) this month. He has been lost in the birthday shuffle since B was born (the day before his bday)....but his father really knows how to celebrate. So this year Hubby got an enormous lobster feast, fine wine and some really nice gifts. The festivities took place after the kiddos were fast asleep, so we were able to enjoy some grown-up time together with our family and let DH have the spotlight for a few hours.

A Week of Accomplishments

The training wheels came off last Sunday, and apparently D's been ready for this for awhile because he took off without a bauble. I can honestly say I have never seen him SO PROUD of himself as when he told me how he did it the very first time Daddy let go, without even falling. Not to be outdone, the very next morning B hopped onto his tricycle and began pedaling, all on his own. After weeks of trying to get him to even TRY to pedal and getting nothing more than a blank stare in return, suddenly he's off and rolling. Isn't it amazing what a little competition between brothers can do?

D also learned how to partially tie his shoes (doesn't really count but he was excited) and this morning he tied a balloon by himself. He must be going through a developmental growth spurt. They say it's common for this to happen around the time of a child's half-birthday, and his is just weeks away.

Waxing Poetic

B loves to be outside. He's my nature boy. Every morning when I open his shades he asks to go out to play. "Not now, B. It's only 7am" I reply. His first word was "water". He cries whenever it's time to go back inside. D, on the other hand, has a less obvious love of the outdoors. His body often becomes overly sensitive to all the sensory stimulation the out-of-doors provides. It's too cold, too windy, too wet, too muddy, his hat doesn't fit right, he's got the wrong shoes on, his gloves are too big, too small, too tight. While his body is screaming with sensory overload, his sweet little heart longs to be surrounded by nature. He jumps out of bed each morning and stares out his window for awhile, commenting on how blue the sky is or how it looks like a storm is headed our way. He's the first one to suggest going for a walk in the woods, or up the hill to see the horses. He collects rocks and twigs along the way and saves them for weeks after, each treasure latching on to a piece of his soul. He sits quietly on the porch to watch the leaves fall from the trees, and takes notice of the birds and squirrels who visit our birdhouse every morning. He befriends caterpillars and toads, and uses the word "beautiful" to describe the day.

He's got a poetic nature, one that doesn't always rhyme and is sometimes difficult to decipher, but also one that leaves a lasting imprint on anyone who takes the time to understand each carefully chosen word.

Sweet Melody

Or at least to HIS ears it is! D has become obsessed with wanting to play the guitar, and not just any guitar. It had to be a red electric guitar. I was thrilled to find this adorable (real) guitar online, and it arrived just in time for his birthday. It's been interesting to watch him gently pick it up, turn it on "not too loud", and strum the strings while singing made-up songs. D never does anything gently or "not too loud"!! This morning while I was upstairs getting dressed, I heard him playing yet another 'song' , but this time B was singing along. Music to a mother's ears.

Today I am FIVE

Our journey into Parenthood began FIVE years ago today. Where did the time go? How can my baby be such a big boy already? Cliche questions, yes. But when I look at these two photos, side by side, these are the phrases I can't seem to blink away. Five years ago I wore different glasses, had a few less smile lines etched on my face, and got to sleep in until 9am on weekends. Other than that, not much has changed about me. I still have the same winter jacket I wore to the hospital the night of my labor. My eyes are still green, I'm still the same height and weight, and I wear my hair the same way. D, on the other hand, has become an entirely different person. Once a tiny, helpless, dependent little baby, now he's an opinionated, talkative, lovable little 'guy'. His dark hair has lightened to a soft brown, his eyes changed from blue to green, and he's tall and lanky. I can barely carry him in my arms anymore, but that won't stop me from carrying him in my heart for a lifetime. Happy Birthday D!