A Love Letter To My Second Born Turning ONE: Happy Birthday Haines!

Well, I'm at again! A mixed ball of emotional mush as we celebrate my baby boy turning the big O-N-E! I thought it might be easier this time around, since Ive seen how much fun and heart warming it is witnessing our daughter grow beyond her first year of life. She's almost 4 and it's hard to believe that I wrote her One Year Old "Love Letter" three years ago.. (what?!/!) Since then it has been such a blast watching her morph into this sweet young lady, learning her way through all that toddler life throws at her. So today as Haines turns one, I know I have so many exciting times to look forward to, however it's a bitter sweet feeling knowing that his little thigh rolls will soon smooth out and his 7 tiny little teeth will soon be be accompanied by 13 more. So i'm going to spend these next few years making sure to squish his little legs and cheeks more often and not be so quick to lay him down in his crib after he falls asleep in my arms because one day I will wish he was tiny enough to fit in them.

Dear My Little Man,

When we found out that we were going to bring a second baby into our family of three, we were excited and nervous all over again.  We had to wait a bit longer to become pregnant this time around, however we knew GOD had someone special He was sending our way that would be worth the little bit of wait. Of course, my initial reaction was "finally!" and your daddy's initial reaction was "really? seriously?" holding back his panic as hard as he could. I could see all the $$ signs flying out of his head the very moment I gave him the exciting news. That soon passed and it became all about preparing for your arrival! Except this time, we were not only preparing ourselves, the house and your nursery we also had to prepare your big sister. For three years she would be the only "baby" in the house and we wanted to make sure that her big sister transition was a smooth as possible so that she would be the best big sister to you! It was so wonderful to see that she was a natural and her love for you was immediate.

The day we welcomed you to world was an early morning scheduled delivery which was new for me. I have to say, it was a nice change of pace from feeling those labor pains I felt the first time around. The moment I heard your cry, my eyes immediately welled up with tears. I thought, "my baby boy is here and healthy!" Your Daddy and I were smitten at first cry! The next day, your Mimi and Sissy came up to the hospital to meet you and just like your daddy and I, they were smitten too! Soon after we brought you home, we all couldn't keep our hands off of you. Though we definitely missed sleeping at night during those first three months, your calm and chill nature during the day made up for the sleep that was lost!

All About You:
From the moment you were born, you had a certain ease and laid-back temperament.  You only fussed when it was necessary and your patience was spread thin. With having to share your parents with big sister, you were so forgiving when your needs were not met the second you needed them to be. One of the many things that I appreciate and love most about you.

I love that we can go places as a family and not have to worry (even though we still worry) that you might get uncomfortable or spooked by someone that you are not familiar with. You give a sweet little shy smile back to anyone and everyone that stops by to say hello. You are our little charmer and we love that you are so willing to show love right back to the people around you.

I love when I greet you in the morning, you wiggle your body around in your crib with such excitement and delight like you are so ready start your day and see what the rest of the family is up to.

I love that you love to be close to us whenever we are in reach. You love crawling and climbing all over us just so you can fall into snuggle nook wherever our arms lay. You give that sweet little grin like you're saying "thanks for loving me". My heart melts at those grins every time!

I love that you L O V E your sissy! She thinks the world of you and loves teaching you about the world. Your daddy and I love to sit back and watch your amazing sibling bond and pray that it continues for the rest of your lives. 

Every night we thank God that He gifted us you and we feel so blessed that He chose us to be your mommy and daddy. You bring such an extra level of joy and happiness to our lives that our hearts are overflowing with thankfulness and gratitude!

You amaze us everyday with your kindhearted, permissive soul and sense of appreciation for everything and everyone around you. We can't wait to watch you grow and develop into the Man that God created you to be and we will be here to cheer you on, dust you off and love you every step of the way!

Happy First Birthday Sweet Boy! I love you will all my heart and all of my soul!

Love,
Mommy

Haines's Monthly Photos

A Love Letter To My One Year Old Daughter- Happy Birthday McKenzie!

Well the day is finally here :( My baby girl is no longer an infant, she is now considered a "Toddler" or in some cases, a "Pre-Toddler". I never would've thought that I would be struggling with this wonderful milestone, especially since I have been planning her 1st birthday since we found out we were having a girl (or maybe even before I became pregnant, he he). Today, I received my weekly "baby-development" message from The Bump.com saying, "It is perfectly normal for parents to feel a mixture of pride at seeing how far you've come and sadness at how quickly your little one has gone from baby to toddler." I'm so glad that I still subscribe to these updates. It's messages like this one, that ease my worry that maybe I haven't gone completely mad, lol.

Our Monthly Pic Pose

Today I've decided to follow in the footsteps of many wonderful fellow mommy bloggers and write a little love letter to McKenzie on her special day...

Dear My Little Love ,

From the moment we found out that you would soon be joining our quiet little life in Anchorage, Alaska, we were overwhelmed with panicked excitement!!. I expressed my merriment by obsessively "pinning" your nursery designs and 1st birthday party inspirations on Pinterest, while daddy expressed his by obsessing over finances and selling off all of his outdoorsy accouterments - you know, so we could afford to pay those pesky tuition fees your future college would be billing us for the second they found out you were born. (sarcasm). Needless to say, it was our goal to make sure that a warm and welcoming home would be ready and waiting for your big arrival.

When that day came, me, daddy and "mimi" were there to fill your world with overwhelming tender, love and care. Even though those late night wake up calls and feeding stuggles caused us to go through quite an adjustment period, after about three months, we eventually were able to establish a consistent sleeping schedule and feeding method that worked wonderfully for us. Soon after, you graced us with your beautiful smiles and giggles that we still can't get enough of. Every day, we find ourselves just watching you and all of the exciting developments that unfold right before our very eyes. 

All About You:
I Love how your strength and observant nature was very apparent from day one. The day we brought you home, you lifted your little head up over daddy's shoulder to see what was going on and who was in the room. We began calling you "Nosey Parker". I Love how you were extremely curious and eager to dissect everything that was in reach. You still get into "the zone", as we call it, when we provide you with a new toy or kid-friendly household object to play with. You will analyze every square inch of it with the most serious and intense expression on your face. ( you are so your daddy's little girl) 

I Love it when you are greeted with a new face,you are quick to take a moment and give them the stair down, as if you were sizing them up. It's quite funny to watch, however, probably not so funny for the people that you choose not to give smiles to. 

I Love that you tend to be sensitive to unexpected loud noises, yet you love the loud word "BOO!", while playing hide and seek with anyone who is willing.

I Love it when you giggle and laugh at our doggy Nahla when she gives you kisses or sniffs your face. You love climbing all over her and you occasionally use her as a seat. She loves you so much, she just lays there without a care in the world.

I Love that you LOVE to read your books. You turn each page as if your on a mission to find out what happens next. You are quick to find the printed passage and "babble'" away as if you are reading every word. Your favorite books these days are "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" and anything by Karen Katz.

I Love the fact that though you like to have those quiet/still moments, you are a bulldozer in your little walker. As soon as we slide your little legs through the openings of the seat, you're OFF, bumping into any piece of furniture or toes that stand in your path. We've learned to stay out of your way, as our toes have taken quite the beating lately.

I Love how you take one more step than you did the day prior and I know those few steps will soon turn into full on walking. I will probably shed a little happy tear on that day too.

I especially Love how you can say "mamamama" and "daaah-dah!".  Mimi and her childhood friend, Dana, also taught you how to say "purrrrty" in their good ole' southern drawl. So from time to time, you will say those words and my heart just melts.

Every Night I thank GOD for choosing me to be your mommy. I  feel so extremely blessed to be married to your wonderful daddy and now have you here to enrich our lives even more. I can't wait to watch you grow into the Godly woman, wife and mother, I pray you'll become. 

Happy 1st Birthday my sweet girl! I love you with all my heart and all my soul!

Love,
Mommy