1 Year and 1 Day...

The first birthday came and it went just as swiftly as it rode in. And we survived. There were no mommy tears, no grand moment of change, just a happy-lovely-kiss-the-cuteness-out-of-your-cheeks day.

Hayden had his first pancake with blueberries, because what's a birthday breakfast without a pancake? Every morsel of that pancake was pure bliss to this kid. As a matter of fact, there was a small birthday pout when it was gone. But hey, it's his birthday and he could cry if he wanted to.

And when pancakes were said and done, we had a Mommy-Daddy-baby play date on the floor. I had no idea I could have that much fun with a one year old until I watched my baby log roll all around the room for an hour straight. Laughing. Squealing. Loving being one. All I could think was "I'm so so lucky."

It wasn't a big celebration like we had at his party, but it was our little family enjoying each other and a day of pure joy.

So here we are at 1 year and 1 day. And life as I know it continues. With a one year old. It may seems mundane, but it's a good day. One year behind us.

So even on the most routine of days remember...Enjoy your cake in life. And eat it too.

About a birthday...

My big boy got his first birthday card in the mail.



And even though we've been counting down to the day, anticipating it, and waiting on it, it hasn't really hit me yet that he's turning one. We even celebrated early with cake and presents, but "the big day" was still 2 weeks off. I couldn't officially call him "ONE" just yet. He was still 11 months. But today on our daily mid-afternoon journey to the mail box, we opened it up to find a piece of mail address to Mr. Hayden Davenport. Inside that envelope we were greeted with the smiling faces of Pooh Bear, Eeyore, and Tigger all sending their birthday love to Hayden. And suddenly he seemed so big to me. He's almost one. When did this happen?? I wish time would slow down.

But we will take our "one year" and we will celebrate the heck out of it. And we will cherish our memories of the first year while we march on towards our second. We will love stronger, laugh harder, and live life fuller because everyday with Hayden has been so much more fulfilling than I could have ever imagined.

Happy almost birthday sweet boy.

Thank you Jason and Gina for the card.

(Birthday party pictures to come on Monday...)

About the rest of it...

In the mean time, as we anxiously await the arrival of Daddy coming home from work travels and the impending "birthday", Hayden and I travel. We take journeys from the playmat to the depths of the hallway and around the the kitchen. We jet abroad on the Fisher Price Airways where it's always smiling faces and friendly places. Hayden's playtime passport is full.

Of course, Hayden is the Captain while Flight Attendant Mommy delivers sippy cups and snacks. Because let's face it, being the captain is hard work. Someone has to make sure our playtime travel lands safely...

Of course, there's always some turbulence...

And a few rough landings...

But we love our playtime together. It's the most incredible journey to watch him grow and learn everyday.

Happy Tuesday.

May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,

May your hands always be busy

May your feet always be swift

May you have a strong foundation

When the winds of changes shift.

May your heart always be joyful

May your song always be sung

May you stay forever young.

I love my kid. He fills my whole heart.

Places I didn't even know that love could exist, he finds those spots and fills them as well.

And he does it all without even trying. Hayden, you are so precious to me.



Oh yea, kid. You've got it alright.

I also love Adam. Or better yet, I *lurve* him. He puts that tingly feeling in my heart.

And just when I get caught up in reality, a busy day, a tired moment, he brings that rush of love right back to me.

Thank you for loving our boy so unconditionally.

You guys are my whole world. I love you both.

Summertime

On the 4th of July:

Ever since I was a little girl, the month of July has always been a magical time for me. I love the 4th of July more than Christmas and Easter combined. And that's saying a lot. The two holidays you are guaranteed a present or two (or three? chocolate bunny? Who loves me?) and I'd trade it all in for the "non present" holiday anytime. It's just such a magical celebration. It's a time of togetherness and warm memories that fill up your heart with that happy tingly feeling. It's the sun on your shoulders and the warm glow of it's after sheen on your skin. It's the creamy white topping on a cupcake specially decorated in raspberry red and blueberry blue. It's the cold pucker of a lime margarita that send small chills down your spine as you settle in to relax. It's the refreshing burst of water around your skin as you splash into a cool pool to revive your sun kissed skin. It's the glow of a sparkler in your hand as you lounge on sizzling hot pavement still warm hours after the sun has set. It's the excitment of a pop-and-boom when a colorful firework twinkles in the night sky as it lights up mother earth for a hint of the beauty the morning light will bring. And that my friends, makes July something special. So that's how we celebrated. With baby pool water, sun splashed skin, and cold drinks. I was so excited to share the 4th of July with Hayden this year. Can't wait to share many more with him.

On the rest of July:

It's been a wonderful July thus far, especially so since we've had Adam home. Hayden and I get by while he's gone, but it's nothing compared to having him home. There's something magical about hearing your little boy squeal and giggle while his daddy talks to him in his "Chewbaca" voice during a diaper change. I never knew diaper changes could elicit so much joy. And it's beyond amazing to watch your child do something for the first time together. A few days ago he started pulling up on furniture. We both just turned to each other and popped the "how did we get so lucky" grin. It's the grin you try to hide, but you just can't contain it when it takes over your face. You beam like a complete idiot. But we know we are completely, totally, and indescribably lucky to have Hayden in our lives. He's something we don't deserve and we can't explain how we were chosen to be his parents. Lucky us. Lucky Lucky us. But when Adam is home, we have our complete little family of 3 1/2. (We love the cat too). And it's perfect. So here's to you, July, for giving us family time.

And that's how we do July here in Aledo Texas y'all. Yeehaw.

Oh little blog. This has been a day. It's been one of those days where not only do you loose your mind, your sunglasses, your car keys, and your sanity, but you also loose your child...repeatedly....




And that same missing child also manages to get into every nook and cranny in your home, leaving behind his little trail of hot pink terror...



And that oh so "colorful" child celebrates that victory with multiple fists full of peas throw on the floor in confetti fashion


But it's ok little blog. Because I can leave it all here, all the exhaustion and stress. And I can remember just how lucky I am to be following that precious little mess around all day, because even through it all, he's so wonderfully perfect to me.

Goodnight little blog. Momma's sleepy.

Oh the places we shall go

Oh my stars. Hayden is crawling. Well, let me be honest. That's a bit of an over statement. He doesn't actually crawl in the conventional sense. No, my little creative baby does a hop, skip, leap. It looks cute and tiring all at the same time. It does, however, get him places and it makes him a very happy little man. Now when the toy elephant with the red bird on it's back and wheels for legs takes off across the living room play mat with it's zebra, hippo, and giraffe in tow, he flashes a smile that says, "Ah ha, elephant. I shall follow you into your musical jungle and bring with me my slobber stained hands to stop you in your tracks." (No elaboration there...)

The only down fall to his newly found frog abilities is that I find myself about 70% 99.9% of the time following him in his little trail of terror. And oh the places he will go.

Getting into presents that are *shock* not for him...

or finding mommy's personal belonging for her under the couch

Or deciding that he just HAD to watch the newest episode of Glee

Or running off to play peek-a-boo

Yes, my little adventurous man is into everything. And as tired as I am running around all day trying to keep up.... keep exploring little man. You have the whole world at your fingertips.

But I must say, nothing...absolutely nothing is better than the fact that he loves to chase the cat.

And now I present to you...the stand off

*Ooohhh whooo ow whooo ooow*

*Wha wha wha*

(tumble weed rolls)

*Oooohh whooo ow whooo ooow*

*wha wha WHAAA*

It's a western showdown y'all...

(100 bonus points to the person who understood that and is currently humming it in their head)

Maybe I should have titled this the rear end post, since that is apparently all you see. So here you go, his sweet face



Peas, love and carrots. Until we blog again.