Happy Birthday, Elias

Happy Birthday, Tadpole. You are 1 year old today. I can't believe that last year on this day, Mommy and Daddy were at the hospital anxiously awaiting your arrival. Your big brother Christian was at home with Mimi and Paw-Pa ready to come up and visit you as soon as they got the call from Daddy that you were finally here. As soon as you were born, I immediately thought "Tadpole" and that was where your nickname came from. I remember being filled with such joy as soon as I saw your little baby form and I believed I even laughed because I was so happy. The Dr (also who delivered your brother) exclaimed, "he's perfect!" as he handed you to the nurse who laid you immediately upon my chest. You weighed 9lbs 8oz. Exactly like your brother, except you came a week earlier than your due date. We are so happy you are part of our family. Without you, we would not be whole. I would not be whole.

I love you, baby boy. You have been nothing but a joy and a blessing from day one.




These last 3 pictures and picture #1 were taken by Stevanovic Photography

Love,
Mommy

A 'Toot Sweet' Party

Elias turns 1 on Tuesday, January 28. This past Saturday we had his birthday party at my grandmother, and aunt and uncle's house as they were gracious to open their house to us to host this event. I wanted something different for the theme, something whimsical and sweet to capture the innocence of a 1 year old baby, and also to capture what I know Elias' personality to be. I found the Toot Sweet theme from Shop Sweet Lulu (my new absolute favorite party site) and fell in love. It seemed to capture everything I was looking for.



Because this was Elias' 1 year birthday, I only invited family and a few close friends to celebrate. Next year we will include all of his little friends as well. With mostly just family we had a full house! There was a bounce house for the children (and some of the adults too!)and my aunt found a Pandora station that played only Disney children's music which was perfect :)

We took a few (or 240) pictures of the day. A huge shout out goes to my sister-in-law April who took many of the fabulous pictures.

















I can't believe my little Tadpole, my Glowworm will be one in two days' time. It makes me sad that this year has flown by so quickly, but I am so excited about what the future brings for him.

Love,
Fiona

Why I Blog

I want to remember.

I want to remember certain feelings and experiences that I have with my children. The experiences I have with my family. Time goes by so fast, like a blink of an eye. I only have so many years with my kids before they are grown, out of the house, and have families of their own. I want to remember how I felt when Christian ran up to me, arms outstretched to give me a hug, and tell me in his sweet baby voice, "I love you Mommy."

I want to remember singing to Elias his special song and lifting him out of the bath, wrapping him in a towel while saying, "snug as a bug in a rug! Snug as a Tadpole in a rug," and see that smile that melts my heart appear across his face as I say it.

I want to remember the times Mark and I share; learning and growing together and we navigate new parenthood and what our relationship means as we continue to learn new insights about one another.

I want to remember the big things as well as the small. I also keep a journal of things to remember about this time and stage in our lives, but having something online ensures that it won't ever be lost or destroyed accidentally.

In short, I want to remember the life that we have right now (and in the future), because despite all the negativity and the doomsday seekers out there, whom it seems wish to focus on the petty aspects of life (mommy wars anyone?), there is so much beauty in the world. When I am upset, down, or prone to focus on negativity, all I have to do is look at my children and husband and know that everything is actually ok because they are in my world.

City of Lost Wages...

...also known as Las Vegas. This past weekend and part of the week, Mark and I went to Vegas with two of his brothers and sisters-in-law. We have had this trip planned for probably 6 months but up until it was nearly upon us, I didn't really think about it. I think I was trying to push it to the back of my mind because I knew I didn't want to leave both boys, but especially Elias as he is not quite a year old yet. The last few weeks I began to worry incessantly and become anxious. I did this the first time I left Christian for an extended time as well. I am still nursing him so I made sure I left enough frozen milk for my mother-in-law (who watched the boys) to give him, plus, I pumped while we were there. In the beginning, I planned to wean Elias early so neither of us would have to worry about it, but as the time got closer, I decided against it. I love nursing him (not so much pumping though), and he was/is still too young in my mind to consume regular milk full time. We have slowly introduced it to him, but he still primarily nurses. I was so worried that when we came back he would somehow forget to nurse, or prefer the sippy cup and regular milk over me, but my fears were groundless I am happy to say :) . A huge shout out goes to my fabulous mother-in-law who watched the boys for us. They are definitely a full time job!

While in Vegas we had a wonderful time. It was my first time there, so Mark and his brother and sis-in-law showed me around quite a bit. It was wonderful to spend so much time with them and see the other in-laws from California as well. I have to say, I married into an amazingly wonderful family whom I love very dearly. We spent the majority of our time walking to the hotels and casinos and enjoying the sights. We gambled some, but there was so much else to do that we didn't lose too much money! The trick is to only bring what you know you can lose, which is what we did. We ended up briging back most of what we brought in the first place! At an rate, we had such a good time, and are already planning a trip back :)


In the hotel/casino New York, New York


The water show in front of the Bellagio hotel


Inside the Venetian standing in front of where they do the gondola rides. I would like to do this next time.


Sneaking a pic before the Cirque Du Soleil show "KA". It was amazing, pictures wouldn't do it justice if we were allowed to take them!


Chinese New Year was being celebrated in many places, but none so grand as in the Bellagio. The display was amazing and made almost entirely out of flowers. There was incense burning as well which added a wonderful aroma to the atmosphere.



Later that evening we met up with more family and walked over to the Cosmopolitan Hotel to the Chandelier Lounge.


With the sisters-in-law


Brothers



As fun as we had, I was super glad to get home and see my little people again! I loved the huge hug Christian gave me when he first saw us after several days.

Signing off. Have a great evening!