My Boys and Me

Well friends, whether I like it or not, it HAS happened- Mikey has officially made the transition from baby to toddler.  He is now 1 YEAR 13 hours, 23 minutes old!  Every time I think about him being a year old, or think back to one of the best moments of my life (his birth), I get choked up, teary eyed and want to cry…..then he says “Ma Ma Ma Ma Ma” and I remember that he will always, no matter how many YEARS old, be my sweet baby boy.  OR, he throws one of his little fits- arched back, kicking legs, flailing arms, screaming, red-faced and all, and I remember that part of me WANTS these please-God-give-me-patience-”baby years” to pass quickly haha!  Birthday’s (especially your children’s) are a perfect time to reflect on the previous year. It has been a wonderful year and Mike and I feel so blessed with our little family. 

Then:

Even moments after birth he was curious- see his one eye half open!

Now:

Hanging with his new best buddy and one of his favorite Birthday gifts.  He and George are tight (of COURSE, they are so much a like!)

Speaking of Birthday gifts, of course he got WAY too much from everyone, BUT really needed nothing.  His favorite thing to play with right now (and something that seems to be keeping his interest) is this purple toothbrush.  I even had to go buy a new one because he wouldn’t give it up!

We had a Prince themed party for Mikey- perfectly suited for his “all about Mikey” little personality!

OK, so it is not “official” until tomorrow morning at 7:57 (I am not in denial or anything), but our baby boy is now a toddler!  Since tomorrow is going to be a busy day, and since we have already celebrated at his Birthday party last weekend (which was a HUGE success- despite illnesses), I thought I would post an entry today.

I’ve actually been meaning to write ALL week, but my only day off from last Saturday until this coming Sunday was Tuesday and I spent it catching up on sleep and laundry!  I think we ought to vote to add at least 3 more hours to every day, then I might not be behind in EVERYTHING- even the things I LOVE to do.  I am 6 weeks behind in my People magazine reading (I was behind 8 weeks until this morning- I am babysitting for a baby for 10 hours today and brought EVERYTHING including my laptop with me so I could get caught up.  The baby is sleeping now and I am taking the quiet opportunity to write this).  I am working for Holly at least 3 days a week now (some weeks 5 or more) and on the days she does not need me, I either give myself a break (and Mikey a break from daycare) or work a little extra for the sitter service.  This week Megan (owner of the service) needed me today, Sat night and Sunday night and of course the extra money is nice.  We have booked a 10 day vacation to Disney for the end of July so the extra money I am making by working so much will be useful.  Anyway…..work and my lack of time and energy to do anything other than work is NOT what I wanted to write about……..

We had an AWESOME weekend despite my Mom having to miss out on the festivities due to illness and Mikey deciding to pick his Birthday party weekend to run a low fever (due to teething) and acquire conjunctivitis (eye infection- he couldn’t OPEN his eye Saturday morning) and have to kept at a distance from the guests at his party!  We couldn’t have asked for a better day.  The weather was gorgeous, my Dad did an awesome job at the grill, Terry and Peggy made some AWESOME sides, the older kids played baseball in the backyard (despite already having been at the field for 5 hours earlier that day for each of their games) and it truly made me realize just how much I love my family and friends and how much I treasure each as a blessing to my life and the lives of my family.  Thank you SO much to everyone who has helped celebrate Mikey’s special day whether at the Birthday party or through special cards, gifts and kind words.  Mikey is so appreciative of all the love God has surrounded him with!  Here are some highlights of the day!

This is my FAVORITE- for those of you who knew Braeden as a baby, you know that he would NEVER have put his hands in a cake.  He didn’t even want to get dirty on the playground.  I told you his baby brother was opposite.  Thanks Publix for the free baby cake- Mikey LOVED it! 

Before:

After:

We had a Prince themed party- Daddy is holding his back (he MAY be a toddler now, but he is not THAT skilled yet)

Mikey said, “If I can’t get close to my guests because of my eye funk, then I am gonna hang out in my two thrones- the water and my swing!”

You can see his drowsiness in this picture

Happy Birthday sweet, precious little boy!

Well, not quite yet, but he sure is getting closer.  I will never forget the day I was having my ultrasound to find out the sex of (Braeden).  My Dad came with me and as soon as the Ultrasound tech told us it was a boy, my Dad said, “He will be the next one to break the home run record!”  Papa should be proud because last night Braeden had his BEST hit to date.  Not only was it in the air (like a few games ago), but it also went to the OUTFIELD!  I about fell out of the stands as I watched the ball go farther and farther!  The entire game was AWESOME and totally intense.  We were up2-0 and then we were down 3-2 at the bottom of the last inning (we had last bat).  We came back and WON- 4-3.  Braeden was next up to bat when the winning run scored and therefore didn’t get to bat again.  He will have a chance to show off to his Papa at tomorrow mornings game.  My Dad is in town this weekend for Mikey’s Birthday Party.  My poor Mom was left behind in FL sick!  We are so sorry you are not feeling well and have to miss the fun day.  We will be thinking of you and hope you feel better soon!

Check back over the weekend for some “cake-action” pictures from Mikey’s Birthday party.  Publix gives you a free baby cake when you order a cake for a 1st Birthday. The baby cake is all for Mikey and we are gonna let him HAVE AT IT!  We are really looking forward to it. 

Have a great weekend!

Today is Mike’s 28th Birthday!  The boys and I hope that he has a fabulous day.  He deserves it more than anyone I know!  Mike is the most amazing man.  He is patient, kind, understanding, loving, encouraging (the list goes on and on) and the most wonderful husband and Daddy!  Today we celebrate YOU sweetheart.  We love you with every ounce of our being and thank you for every way God continues to allow you to bless our lives and the lives of everyone you come in contact with!  What a special gift from God you are to the boys and I.

Prayer request- Mike’s  best friend and the Best man at our wedding, is a world traveler.  Mike and I live vicariously through him.  Last Mike heard, he was traveling to China and we have yet to get word on whether he is safe after the devastating earth quake that took place over there.  PLEASE pray that he is safe and that we will hear from him soon!  We also extend our hearts and prayers to anyone over there who is in any way affected by the tragedy!