Dear Joe

Today, you turn six.  Today... YOU turned SIX years old!  And I can't remember your precise time of birth.  That makes me sad.  I know I have it in your baby book.  I know I have it in a blog somewhere...  but right now, right this second, I can't remember the time you were born.

Six years.

Six years ago you  made me a mom.  Six years ago my world turned on it's axis.  Six years ago I stopped living with my heart inside my body.  Six years ago...
 I learned the reason for love.

You've taught me how to be patient when I am feeling the least bit patient!  Mainly because I know that YOU learn not to get too frustrated and lose patience with yourself. 

You've taught me the importance of a glass of wine before bed.  :-)

You've taught me that your snuggles can cure all ailments. 

You've taught me to just kick something sometimes.  And to cry when it hurts.

To love your siblings unconditionally and to protect them fiercely.

You haven't always been the easiest child but you sure have been worth it.  And every day I see a little bit more of what you are growing to be.  Your heart is pure.  You have an inherent empathy and caring that seems so rare these days.  You are sensitive to others feelings.

It appears that my goal of teaching and cultivating you to be "kind" is working.

You are a remarkable young man who makes me proud every single day.  Your smile electrifies and your twinkly eyes delight.

Some things about you right now.  You're best friends are Cam and Chase.  You love Ninjago and baseball and cars.  You have a healthy streak of competitiveness in you.  You don't eat terrribly healthy food (chicken nuggets anyone?) but you do eat.  You would wear racing clothes every single day if I let you and you do love a good race.

I love you my angel.  Thank you for making me a mama and a proud one at that,.
Mommy.

Welcome to the World Evie

One of my dear friends, Angie, had her baby girl the end of April.  She was just 5 lbs and some change... so tiny!  She had a photographer take some beautiful professional shots of her... but it was too cold outside to do any naked baby shots.  :)  So she asked if we could play with my camera and some accessories.  We had such fun that afternoon.  And what a photogenic little miss.  :) 

 She has the most adorable little dimple! 

 She was getting a wee bit frustrated... so we took a break for her to nibble on her mama's nose.  :) 

 What things will this angel touch in her lifetime?

 Here she is laying on her mama's veil and holding her pearls. 

 LOVE this! 

This is her older brother, Cam.  He adores her and is already so protective of her. 

What a beautiful family!  :) 

Happy 2nd Birthday Jocelyn

I just can't believe my beautiful daughter is 2.  I distinctly remember sitting on my back porch swing, in Fort Worth, with my parents and Jason being claustrophobic in my own skin.  I remember being pregnant with her and taking a bath every  night... enjoying that time with just she and I (and a book).  I remember loving the kicks and the nudges, even the morning sickness and the cravings.  

I remember labor and when they got her out.  I remember hearing her cry and seeing her little swollen face looking at me... seeing me for the first time.  

I remember her first year and what a year that was.  People say that time flies by. 

 They aren't lying! 

My beautiful princess is growing into quite the young lady.  She is precocious and full of life and laughter.  Her belly giggles are plentiful and addicting.  She is slightly mischievous and way too smart.  She catches onto things immediately and is fearless! 

We celebrated on her actual birthday by going to Backyard Grill.  Not my favorite restaurant but she loves sand boxes. 
And this WAS all about her. 

Then we had her party on Saturday, Cinco de Mayo.  We did a Peanut Butter and Jelly theme since that is her all time favorite (and only) thing she eats.  Unfortunately, none of her little classmates could come but it worked out perfectly with her friend Emily and Joe's friend Cam in attendance. 

We had the swingset, a sandbox and a playdough station set up. 

The boys were an integral part in making sure it was well organized.  :-)

Daddy was JUST where he loves to be.  Holding an infant.  :)  This is beautiful Evie...  

Cam's baby sister. 

LJ got some great presents. 

We got her a tricycle that she can pedal or we can push for her. 

YUMMY cake from RJ Goodies.  OMG...  it was delicious. 

WE got serenaded. 

We had paper hung up and some water based paint.  It was perfect.  They had smocks on and went to town. 

There was a LOT of "cheese" going around. 

Aren't they adorable? 

We did finally get to painting ourselves. 

Which was just fine because it came right off in the bath.

There was lots of giggles and chasing

It was the perfect 2nd birthday party to celebrate my amazing little two year old!