I didn't know...

On the eve of Luke's first birthday my thoughts travel back to the night before he was born. To all the things that I didn't know before Luke...
How much he would change me, how deep a mother can love, how many times when I desperately want to hold on tighter I have to let go and pray (for wisdom, peace, patience, protection, strength, energy, grace), how quickly the bond between mommy and baby is formed, the color of his hair, that it could stand straight up, how sweet his smile would be- even at 3 a.m., that Mike and I could be up all night- or several times during the night and still smile in the morning at our beautiful boy and at each other, what it meant to cry because you are overwhelmed with joy, or how to smile and make it o.k. even when I know the shot hurts, what it is like to see yourself reflected in a handsome little face or a laugh or a gesture, how many times I could sing "Old MacDonald"or read "That's Not My Dinosaur"or play "peek-a-boo" or dance to "Baby Praise."

My sweet baby boy...Happy First Birthday~ we have learned so much together this year. I can only imagine what next year will bring!

Getting ready for Christmas!

We are enjoying a busy December filled with friends, family, and fun holiday events. When Mike invited some of our friends (see following post) over for dinner he mentioned that we would provide the hearty soup, warm bread, and holiday cheer. This sounded fantastic but my holiday cheer consisted of three dead mums, two old pumpkins, and some leftover turkey!! Following that email I spent the next week creating holiday cheer at our home and now I'm happy to say, "Mission accomplished...we're ready for Christmas!"

Just a couple pictures from our home...I'll post more later...

Luke's *first* Christmas stocking!

Snuggling with Mommy and Teddy in front of the Christmas Tree.

These were the "out takes" from our Christmas card photo shoot with Luke. I thought they were too funny to miss but not exactly the look we were going for on our Christmas cards...

"Ball?"
"Are we done yet?"Daddy taught Luke how to make a "fish face."Luke is actually laughing hysterically because he thinks Mommy is so funny when she sings the song "This Little Light of Mine." Especially the part that goes, "Hide it under the bushel- NO! I'm gonna' let it shine." Mommy is just glad that someone appreciates (?) her singing!
Taking a break.Finally...

Luke's Friends

Last Sunday we enjoyed dinner with some of our good friends from high school (actually Mike goes all the way back to kindergarten with these guys!!) and their wonderful families! Luke really liked playing with Kaitlyn and Sam. : ) Luke also met a new friend...Alyssa Madison, Steve and Tiffany's second daughter who was born in August. Isn't she cute! Luke was very interested in her but he was also not so sure about Mommy holding another baby. Three tired kids at the end of the evening! We were trying so hard to get a picture with all three of them looking in the same direction. Next time we'll try taking pictures before dinner instead of afterwards!

Time for bed!

We had so much fun on Tuesday sharing dinner with the McClains. Luke was very sweet with Gwyn! I think they are going to be good friends. : )

These things come with cupholders!?!?

Luke loves pushing anything that he can. Including dining room chairs, laundry baskets, people, Lily, tables, stools, etc... Of course, Lately he has really enjoyed pushing (sometimes running!) his walker all over the house...

Last Sunday after breakfast Luke was playing with his walker and discovered it has a great built in cup holder. Such a handy spot for holding his sippy cup!
Now if only it came with a bear holder...

Your my best friend...

Luke LOVES Lily!!

Just a little snack...

The other day I was taking a quick minute to check my email while Luke was playing next to me in the office. He crawled around the corner into the living room and I could hear him beginning to play...there are toys in the living room and I assumed he had found a toy. When I joined him I discovered Luke and Lily enjoying an afternoon snack. He had taken the "puffs" out of his diaper bag and was sharing them with his fury best friend! Lily loves it when Luke shares...what a team!!