Mama Wishes for Her Boy

Dear Sweet Casey,

It seems like only yesterday that this picture was taken of you. But it was actually taken 365 days ago.

Today is your birthday.

It was one year ago today that we awoke when it was still dark, leaving the house before the rest of the world arose, to  go to the hospital and meet our baby boy.  Nana took a picture before we left.  One year ago since the doctor pulled you out and said, "That's a big boy!"  One year ago since your big sister greeted you with a smile on her face.  One year since we snuggled your sweet cheeks for the first time.

One year. The best of our lives. If we could bottle you up, right now, Bud Bud, we would. Your sweet sounds and smells. Your smiles and silliness. Your snuggles and waves. Your bravery and sense of adventure.  We just can't get enough.



This morning I awoke with you at 5:00 and gave you your birthday bottle.  I'm not ready for these moments to end, little guy.  The quiet of the morning, when all was still dark, reminded me of the day you were born.  We snuggled a little longer than we should have, then I laid you back down to continue your birthday slumber.

Our birthday wish for you is health and happiness. You are such a funny, happy little boy. Of course, you'll always be my baby. In the way that Daddy is still his mother's baby, you will always be my little boy.   I know that you are growing up, and I will find joy and happiness in that journey. But I will, I will cherish these fleeting baby moments with you, CJ. Your daddy and I vow still to leave no kiss unkissed and no cuddle uncuddled, no matter what the hour of day or night.

And when you are all grown, Casey, when you skip over to friends' houses, hit a home run, move away to college, and perhaps get married and have a babe of your own, I will fondly remember your first year, with warm, sweet, happy tears in my eyes once again.

With all my love to you on your 1st,

Your Mommy

Cake Smash Photo Shoot

Back in August, our friend and photographer Melissa Schuett offered to do a cake smash session for Casey's first birthday. It was super fun and the photos are so cute. I couldn't pick and choose, so I'm posting them all :) Enjoy!

Blue Steel or Magnum?

This one is for all you Zoolander fans out there. Which one has Casey perfected?  Blue Steel or Magnum?  What a hunk!  (Thanks to Auntie Megan for the pink headband.)  

Stay tuned for Chloe's "modeling" debut!

Gettin' Jiggy With It

Go Pack Go!

First game of the season... and a tough one at that!  Beat those 49ers!

11 months

Ok here we go.  11 months (and 9 days... we were a bit busy this last week).  All of sudden Casey seems much more like a toddler and not a baby anymore :(

You will notice in the pictures this month (which were taken over the course of 4 days... don't even ask) that in many of them, he is rolling, crawling, scooting away.  Or crying because we are trying to make him sit still.  This kid likes to move.  Period.  He's not a cuddler (unless he's tired).  He won't sit and read books.  He wants to be into whatever action is going on.  Yes, we're in trouble.

He still does his army crawl a little bit, but for the most part he's "regular" crawling everywhere.  When he's on unfamiliar terrain, he will resort to a bear walk, which is hilarious.  He will also do this when he thinks he's going to hurt his knees crawling, like on concrete.  He's pulling up completely on everything and climbing onto, over most things he can as well.  As I type this, I see a little hand trying to reach onto the dining room table and steal whatever is in reach.

He's talking!  Mama is the most frequent word he utters, but dada, bud bud and uh oh are all in the normal rotation.  Are you surprised that he's also a loud talker?

Still a dancing machine.  Videos to come.

He likes going in his room and shutting the door on us. And so it begins.

Sleeping has evolved a bit.  He still goes down around 8 or 8:30 (snuggling with Fudge).   But for the last month now he's been walking up at 5 or 5:30, taking his bottle, and going back down for a couple of hours.  He still takes his 2 naps, but this has become an interesting twist to our routine.  We're supposed to be cutting down on bottles, but this kid loves them too much.  Some days we actually have to add another in because he's fussy, hungry, etc.  His favorite foods are blueberries and grapes.  He still eats baby food at each meal.  He's a bit picky and doesn't like the food with chunks.  But loves finger food.  I guess he just likes to keep the distinction separate.

He got his 8th tooth, along with a wicked fever and chest cold.  No surprise.

The Jumperoo has been retired, probably about 3 months too late :)

Still looks like he's thinning out.  Wearing 18 month and 24 month clothing.  Can't wait to see what the next trip to the doctor will bring!

Happy 11 months, Bud bud!  We are 22 days from your first birthday and your mama can't believe it.  You are a energetic bundle of delight.... whoops gotta go, you're in the refrigerator!