Example Matters

Much of my day is spent following Bubba around, picking up the toys, pots and pans, tupperware, shoes, re-rolling yarn balls, and digging through the trash to make sure he hasn't tossed any shoes, books or keys into it. By the end of the day, I am exhausted! And yet I never feel like I am teaching him enough.

Today I was surprised to find him in the kitchen. He had opened the cabinet under the sink, pulled out the dishwasher detergent, opened up the dishwasher, and started pouring the soap into the slot.

It was amazing to watch my 15 month old (baby) do something he had only ever watched me do! I was so proud, and thankful he didn't try to eat it!

When Allen and I were first married my parents instilled on me how important it was to teach and lead by example. It wasn't until now that I REALLY get the importance of it. Our kids pick up EVERYTHING we do. So when on a rare occasion I turn on the TV and grab a carton of ice-cream, and chips, oh and some cookies....... I'll make sure the little booger's already asleep!

Thanks Mom and Dad, I love you!

Playing Peek-a-Boo

Every time Ari puts my old sunglasses on, he runs over to the mirror to check himself out.

He knows he's a total stud!

My favorite part of our day is catching one of these poses.

Allen, what is he wearing??

He surprised us with getting "dressed" in the morning with Allen.

Ari is always playing with the pots and spoons.

A natural artist.

NOT a naturally good dresser.

Happy Chicagoween! (belated)

This year I made Ari's costume. Not because I love sewing or because I am even good at it, but because we all know I aspire to someday be as beautiful and talented as my sister Stephanie. She is a mother, crafter, a seamstress, a photographer, a restorer of all wood things, a jeweler, a blogger, a baker, a baby shoemaker, I could go on. In a nutshell, she is Amazing! I love her! Stephanie always makes the cutest costumes for her 3 kids and I decided to try it this year.

Finding the right costume to make for My Boy was not hard, although my first thought was to make him a mummy, it just didn't fit. The only other costume that fits with a nickname like Bubba was a Football player. It was perfect for his chubby stubby legs and broad shoulders (don't worry Bubba, you'll grow). He looked so cute!

It took me about 5 min to get to pants from the thrift store and get shoulder pads for stuffing but the jersey was harder than I thought, it took me about 12 hours to make it, but it turned out pretty good (so says the amateur seamstress).

Since more time was put into this costume than I do into my blog, I had to find every opportunity for Ari to wear it. The following were taken over a three-day span, he even slept in the thing! But of course, he totally rocked it!

Touch Down!

Total Meltdown When I Took His Bag of Candy

He was so tired, he fell asleep!

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB

Allen's lastest discovery...

Two Door Cinema Club

He surprised me with tickets to last nights show at Lincoln Hall. All I can say is they were amazing! They are just a couple of IRISH BOYS who just put their first album out in March. I'm in love!

Thank you to Josh for watching Ari

-I am trying to get a video up, but can't, check back soon.

Fall Is Here

Jeans, flats, and a warm comfy sweater.

Cool breeze, warm sun, falling leaves.

A walk to the park with Ari, swinging swings, sliding slides.

Happy baby, happy mommy....

I heart fall time!

Thankful for My Easy Going Baby

I admit it, I've been super spoiled. I have a son who is laid back and adapts to any situation...

The other day Ari and I were out and about running errands. I new he would be tired soon but I'm selfish and wanted to get everything done so that I could relax too. Brat?...maybe

Well, if you know Ari he is very attentive, friendly, and always wants to be in the mix. He sits up as far as he possibly can in his stroller and holds on with both hands, as he smiles and waves to anyone and everyone until he has their attention. So as you can imagine walking up Michigan Ave. with the crowds of pedestrians continuing past us was like a circus act for Ari. He thinks he's center stage! This went on for the entire walk up and back from the Cheesecake Factory. Finally, 2 blocks away from home and after being awake for 6 straight hours, he falls asleep face down in his stroller tray!

It amazes me how much I put him through, and yet he still loves me! Thank you Ari!

I failed to snag a picture of him in the stroller but I found a few of my little sleeping Love Bug.

My guess is he played "Superman" in his dream.

Hey guys, could you turn out the light?

He sleeps at the library.

In his Dads arms.

In his Jumping seat

Running along Lake Michigan with his Dad.

In the middle of frosting cupcakes.

Awkwardly in his crib.

He sleeps in the back of Aaron's Jeep, top down and going 60 on the freeway.

In the bike trailer, squished between two pillows.

Hiking trials in Mammoth Lakes, CA.

In a sweaty tent while camping.

After a long swim at Lake Clementine.

I love you Sweet Baby Ari. I'm so grateful for your beautiful smile and the love that you share with everyone you meet. You are truly a little angel!

Love, Momma

Happy 1st Birthday Ari!

We can hardly believe a year has past our little man has grown so fast!!

Happy Birthday Bubba!

At just a year old he is:

• Saying and recognizing Dada
• He waves bye bye when Daddy's putting on his tie for work
• Gives big loves and kisses
• Has been cruising along the furniture since 9 months old
• Holds his hand up to his ear and says "hello"(with or without a phone)
• Saying "uh-oh"
• Talks and texts on Mommies phone
• Put sunglasses up to his eyes
• Claps his hands when he's proud of himself (which is all the time)
• Has taken 2 steps. He's very cautious and as soon as he realizes he's standing, he sits.
• Signs and says "more"
• Recognizes dog and fish
• Dances to music
• He points at things he wants
• He shares his food with us
• Finds humor in almost anything Momma does, especially her "Tickling Spider"

Ari you are such a happy boy, you love swinging on the swings, pulling all your books off the shelf, tapping on your laptop (like daddy), "talking" on the phone and playing in your hiding corner. I don't know of a more laid back kid, I love every minute I get to spend with you. I love you Little Bird!

I can hardly believe this was Ari just one year ago

Silly boy!

...just look at him now!

"Best Carrot Cake" (recipe courtesy of Morgan Larsen)thank you!

Ari really didn't know what to think of it all, the Happy Birthday song, clapping and cameras flashing. He's so used to begging for cake off our plates. What's with the sudden special treatment guys?!

He finally started poking at it after this

"Hello"