Milo's Birthday Party (part 1)

Well, my baby is 1. EEEEEK!
His big day was a huge hit, his party was wonderful, and here's a little teaser (more to come).

This baby LOVED his cake. Once he figured out how yummy that frosting was, he made short work of it.

The happy little (messy) family

Pea Coat

No words necessary

My little ham

Ohhhh, Milo. He's doing new things every day.
Today he decided that he would finally stretch his arms high above his head when I asked him, "How big is Milo? SOOOOOOO big!" Believe me, I had tried for months and given up, so I don't even know what made me start this today, but he was all about it.
Then we were driving in the car, and I was telling him animals and their sounds, and I suddenly noticed him mooing after me.
To top it all off, he figured out how to flick the squishy lid of his sippy cup to spray me with juice and belly laughed about it every time.
My son is funny. He is, in fact, a bit of a ham, and I love it.
And he's about to be one on Thursday. WHAT?

Miracles

A year ago this time, I was moping around, pregnant as all get-out, waiting for a tiny little man to make his (very late) appearance. It's amazing how much can change in a year, right? Miracle marriage, miracle baby, miracle life. I'll take it.

Animal crackers

Animal crackers have changed our lives. Who knew that they'd be like babynip? Just a little cracker and all is right in Milo's world. Guess I'd better be careful with these things, eh?

Oh yes, that's animal cracker on the tip of his nose.

Audit Rap

Ever think you'd see an auditing rap? There is such a thing, and I demand that you check this out...

Bedhead

What is it about babies that make bedhead so darn cute?

Wedding Party

Our longtime friend Randy got married tonight, which gave us a great excuse to get all dressed up. And when I say that I mean, it was a great excuse to get Milo all dressed up and show him off. Nate and I are just his (sometimes) tasteful accessories, and we feel great about it.

Happy family photo

Suspenders, bow-tie... It doesn't get any cuter than this.

Milo and Mommy

So much / so little

You know what? Perhaps I should just photo update while I'm at it... Because we've been busy! Nate and I went on our second date since Milo has been born. Oh my. We need to get out more often. We had a blast, and so did Milo - he got to stay with Uncle Michael and Auntie Jen and his cousins Alex, Conner, and Chloe.

Milo has SUCH a great older cousin in Alex. The two of them shared some good quality time reading while Nate and I were gone watching the new Sherlock Holmes (good movie).

We're also having tons of fun with Ann, who is home for holiday break (HOORAY!). She's had her iPhone handy at all times, just so we don't miss a thing... like this fabulous hat at Old Navy.

Just for the record, I almost stole this hat (completely on accident). I let Milo wear it around and then marched right on out of Old Navy without a second thought. We, of course, returned it the second I realized what was going on, but not before I shouted, "Oh my gosh, I'm stealing a hat!" to half the parking lot.

And Nate and I are working on planning the best little woodland-themed first birthday party ever. More on that to come.

Just practicing for the BIG DAY coming up...

This child loves to roam free in his diaper.

So that's life right now. So much and so little going on at the very same time.

Happy Holidays

Does anything say Happy Holidays quite like this? Milo really gives Santa a run for his money...

Good news!

Good news, mommies of boys.

The (clean) pee-pee teepee doubles as breakfast entertainment.

Links

I also need to add that for the last few days, Milo has been carrying around these plastic links that you use to anchor toys to strollers, jumparoos, etc. He gets so irritated with me if I try to link them all together, though. He wants to carry them individually, and usually four or five at a time.

And then, just a side note, who on earth could resist this face?

Just Being Milo

Ever wonder what Milo's doing when he's not being a revolutionary boy-genius? Well, he's very busy just being Milo... It's a pretty good life as far as I'm concerned.

Little Cowboy

I grew up a die-hard Bears fan. After all, I lived in the Chicago area, and my dad loved the Bears... Enough said. Imagine my surprise when my mom mentioned that Dad also, indeed, liked the Cowboys (to whom Nate is fiercely loyal). Ahhhhh, sweet relief. I can support both (unless they're playing each other, and then it's Bears all the way, baby). So far all we have is Cowboys attire for Milo, but we're working on it. Look what his Uncle Chad and Aunt Tree got him for this season! I'm a sucker for a Little Man in navy.

He looks so grown-up!

He also loves this little musical sounds table.

Baby makes fun

Milo literally makes everything more fun. Folding laundry has always been one of my least favorite tasks, but he loves to unload the basket so much that I can't help smiling.

Taking pictures of Milo without the flash is almost impossible - the child is always in motion!

The joy found in a simple washcloth.

Noah's Ark Nursery

Remember my hubby, the genius?
He's at it again, people...

If you haven't already, go check out Imaginary Spaces on Facebook. I promise, it will be worth it!

What a Crock!

Boy do I love a crock pot. You throw all your ingredients into it, turn it on (important step), and come back six hours later with a full meal. I'm pretty sure my crock pot is the hardest-working piece of stoneware in Lufkin, even now that I'm a stay-at-home mommy. Here's a little something I threw together today, and it got the Milo Seal of Approval (he ate up the chicken mixed with the sauce and some refried beans).

Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas
Ingredients:
1 10 oz. can enchilada sauce
1 block cream cheese, softened
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 4 oz. can green chiles
1 can black beans, drained/rinsed
1 cup frozen corn
4-5 chicken breasts (frozen)

To serve: Flour tortillas (any size) and grated cheddar cheese

Turn the crock pot on low. Mix the softened cream cheese and can of enchilada sauce together in the crock, then add all other ingredients except the chicken (if you want to get really crazy, add some onions or green peppers as well). Stir really well, then add the chicken. Crock on low for 6 hours.

Then set aside about half of the sauce from the crock pot. Take a fork and shred the chicken in the crock, and give the mixture a good stir. Roll this mixture up in flour tortillas and top with grated cheese and some of the reserved sauce. Enjoy!

Oh December

Today is December 1st, which means that this is the month my little man turns 1 (deep sigh). Last December, I had been pregnant for FOREVER. It felt like I was carrying an elephant calf and had been pregnant for at least 2 1/2 years. But once my little bundle of joy made his arrival, time seemed to speed up and I keep watching precious moments slip through my fingers. Seriously, I'm non-stop sentimental right now. Well, that is, when I'm not chasing him all over the house... I wish I had a video camera to capture every second of this sweet, joyful, adorable, playful, loving, funny, brilliant little man's life. Lucky for me I have a blog where I get to tattle on him all the time. So here you go - yet another photo (or two) of my wonderful Milo, who is now learning to climb things. Lord help us all. Enjoy while I go wipe a tear...

Look at him standing on the walker! He likes to get on the walker and then use it to climb onto the crate behind him. Oh, and don't ask me why his hair is parted down the middle. I assure you, it was a tragic accident which was remedied immediately after the photo was taken.

Here he was busy climbing on Nate (because daddies, of course, make the best jungle gyms). That fuzzy thing in the corner is Bruiser. Again. The dog is everywhere.

Milo Walks (assisted)

I can't help myself. You know I love to make a video...

Getting into something

So today I was in the kitchen, washing up the dishes from breakfast, and I realized that I didn't hear Milo at all playing in the living room. I immediately stuck my head around the corner, prepared for him to be into something he shouldn't be... Well, can you imagine what my little darling was actually into?

Yeah, it's upside down. So?

Oh yes, my precious child was into books. (sigh) He's his mama's son, that's for sure.

That's what Nanas are for

Milo loves his Nana. Who else would sit and read with him while he's sopping wet and just out of the tub? That's what Nanas are for! See how irritated he looks at the interruption for a picture?

Black Friday

I forgot to mention that only two Black Friday purchases were made in my home, neither by me. I know, I know, I'm falling down on the job here, right? Does anyone love to shop as much as I? But take a look. Nate does good work...

Little Lion hat - $14.99 at Bed, Bath, & Beyond.

Rainy Saturday Mornings

How does one keep up with a busy little toddler boy? This morning I found two little cuts on one of his hands, and a popped blister on the inside of the other. What in the world? So I had to whip out my mom's tried and true method for treating any childhood boo-boo - neosporin and a band-aid. Well, half of it, because a band-aid would go straight into Milo's mouth in the time it took me throw away the wrapper. Rest assured, his little hands have been doctored up and we're enjoying the lovely rainy weather.

Anyway, here's to Saturday mornings - our special time. We stay in our pjs until after Milo's first nap, chase the dogs around, read endless books, do some intense cuddling, and even take a few breakfast photos.

Interestingly enough, I look like I have a sideburn in this picture (haha). But look at my little posing man. He's got the technique down already.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! Hope yours looks as beautiful as mine...

Thank you!

Thank you, Ira!!!

Next order of business: pluck eyebrows ASAP.

Before and After Shots - Williams Room

I know I've mentioned it before, but my husband is a genius. He's an artist and a genius, which is a very sexy combination, and so I have to show off a little bit today. He renovated our little nieces' room, and it turned out amazingly well.

It's hard to move into a house that is covered in a lot of wood paneling. How do you warm it up for little girls without having to completely plaster over it? Since this room was a trial run and we volunteered to foot the cost if we could use the space, we were working with a limited budget (and a limited amount of time). So Nate painted right over that paneling instead...

Check out these before and afters!

Before - Kaylee's corner

After - Kaylee's corner

Before - Lily's corner

After - Lily's corner

Before - Kaylee's half of the "bed wall"

After - Kaylee's half of the bed wall

Before - Lily's half of the bed wall

After - Lily's half of the bed wall

Run, fat girl!

There I was, enjoying a 6:30 a.m. run, feeling my legs work and my heart pump, waving at kids waiting for their buses and feeling thankful for life in general. And then I heard it.

"Run, fat girl, run!!!"
I looked around for the fat girl, feeling sorry for her and even considering joining up with her if she was trying to whip herself into shape alone. But there was no one else out running.
"Run, fat girl, run!!!"
There was no mistaking what I had heard, and the group of middle school kids it was coming from seemed highly amused. Seriously, if there was someone out with a weight problem, I was going to pummel those kids. What in the world?
The ringleader looked right at me and hollered again, "Run, fat girl, run!"
And then I realized that the "fat girl" was I.

My mind started racing. Oh my word, have I gained that much weight since I stopped marathon training? I know I haven't run much lately, but surely I can pick it up. Should I stop drinking so many decaf lattes? Oh to be a girl in a world where the more you resemble a clothes rack, the more you're applauded.

But I stopped. No, there's no fat girl here. I may not be a rail, but by golly, I am thin enough, and no little punk on his way to school is going to make me feel any differently. I wanted to stop right there and have a conversation with those kids about how your words can tear people down, and you never know what kind of background a person might have. I wonder if I had stopped if he would have said it to my face, or if he'd have been a little less brave. But any pause in my run was going to be giving in to someone completely unworthy of my very precious time, and he didn't deserve a bit of attention. So I continued, calmly resisting the urge to flip that little twerp the double bird and ran on my merry way (more because there were parents out than because I'm exceedingly mature). And as Tyra Banks would say, he can kiss my fat a**.
Happy Monday!!!

My Sweet Little Man

I know, I know. You're already thinking it. But it's truly ridiculous how cute this child is...

Fun with Daddy's hat

It's amazing how long Milo will leave a hat on...

...sometimes just because he can't quite get it off.

He was proud of himself when he showed Daddy, though!