emily & family

Well, we are into the second year now of Tucker’s life.  We celebrated the big “1″ with my parents.  It was low key and just the way I pictured it.  I actually bought the cake.  I still feel a little guilty about that, but life was sorta crazy leading up to his birthday.  And sometimes I think it’s worth it to cut corners on the things that don’t really matter to give me more time for the things that do.  Sometimes :)

favorite weekend outing: the farmer’s market
7 year anniversairy.Tucker also got dedicated the weekend after his birthday.  It was meaningful doing it around friends and family, but I totally broke out into a nervous sweat when he started getting squirmy and very loud during the other dedications.  Geesh, that boy… Joel came to the rescue though when he ripped off his watch and let him eat it.  Genius.  We got the whole thing on video, but neither Joel nor I have the guts to watch it and relive such panic :)  I know my thoughts shouldn’t have been anywhere but on the importance of the moment, but I hate being in front of a lot of people (I was the girl who was nervous to walk down the aisle on her wedding day).  That being said, it was very cool to have familiar faces sitting in front of us that will encourage us as we learn how to be better parents.

1 whole year, sweet baby.

I love you so much more than I ever thought possible.  You bring spark to our family and the song on your video is so true.  Your babyness has slowed me down in many good ways.  I’ve cherished my time with you this past year, knowing this stage would be over in a heartbeat.  And here we are.  1 whole year.  You still are a mama’s boy, but I’m not all there is anymore.   That’s a good thing though, even if it does make me sad.

The bond you have with your brother pretty much takes my breath away.  He makes you laugh more than anyone else.

You are your own shade of blue, Tucker, and discovering who you are is such a gift.   You love trucks and cars, but don’t care for balls.  You love learning new things, but have yet to sit still through an entire book.  You love puzzles and fruit, but can’t stand spinach and peas.

You are happy, social, feisty, and HATE to have your clothes changed.  You are a good eater and insist on holding your own spoon.

God made you, Tucker.  Just the way He wants you.

I pray for you lots.  I hold you at night, rock you and pray that you would be drawn to Him.  That you would be healthy and safe, but most of all that your heart would be soft.  And that Jesus would be all you need.

I might not always be able to rock you to sleep.  I can’t nurse you forever.  I won’t dress you in footie pajamas till you’re 5.  But I can share in the excitement of growing up and getting bigger with you.

You’re almost walking now.  The sparkle in your eyes when you’re about to try a step makes all that we are leaving behind so worth it.  I can’t wait to know you more.

I love you forever and ever.   Mama.

We are less than a week away from Tucker’s 1st Birthday.

I just can’t even believe it.  He has brought so much happiness, laughter, joy (okay and maybe a little fatigue) to our family this past year.

I’m so very thankful.

And summer is here.  I can feel it.

Tonight we went out for ice cream and something happened that never happens.  I totally lost track of time.  We were sitting on the grass watching the boys play and the next thing I knew, bed time had passed us.

I hope that happens a lot this summer.

here’s to hoping they sleep in.

Just wanted to dump a few of my favorite phone photos off.

Saturday mornings.

The polar bears were dancing.

Tuesday morning trash truck.Swim Lessons.

Can he just stay little forever?!

sleeping teddy bear.

Yesterday we celebrated Easter.  I can’t help but be thankful for the amazing church body we have.  It took us years to find a church that feels like home.  4 years actually.  But for the past 2 we’ve been slowly connecting with people and yesterday I felt grateful.  Grateful for the resurrection of Christ and the hope that we have in Him, and for the connection with other believers.

Our attempt at the empty tomb craft was meaningful and fun, but the seeds never grew into grass.  Maybe next year :)

These next 2 pics make me bust a gut laughing every time I look at them.  Joel was SO not wanting to take pictures. The boys were actually more into it than him.

Ahhh. Things have been crazy, but last weekend we had a little getaway. Traveling with kids is refreshing, fun, exhausting, and worth it.  Fun, in that the boys got to see the beach for the first time.  Exhausting in the 2 kids in one hotel room kind of way.  Totally worth the lack of sleep though to see my boys playing in the sand together.  I was reminded of my labor with Tucker and how THAT thought was my happy place during contractions-picturing my soon to be born baby and Jackson someday playing on the beach together.

And here they are.

P.S.  Happy Birthday Dad :)

10 months for Tucker boy.  This age is my favorite (not to discredit the other ages, I just really love right now).  I love all the new interactions.  Waving, repeating sounds, clapping.  It’s all so sweet and innocent without being tainted by defiance or the need to discipline.  I love his spiky hair and the way he smiles with his mouth closed when I try to shove more food into his mouth.  The eating thing can be hard, but I think I just need to take a chill pill.  His tummy doesn’t always have to be full and one day he will feed himself.

10 months.  Wow.  I’ve really tried to take it slow with Tucker.  It’s funny how things change with the second kid.  With Jackson I was so excited for all the milestones: first bottle, first bite of baby food, first steps.  Don’t get me wrong the milestones still excite me, but they also now come with a twinge of sadness and a realization that it goes so fast. Im just not as eager to move along to the big boy stuff yet.

I love this baby so much.