The Gift of an Ordinary Day

 “...there is no such thing as a charmed life, not for any of us, no matter where we live or how mindfully we attend to the tasks at hand. But there are charmed moments, all the time, in every life and in every day, if we are only awake enough to experience them when they come and wise enough to appreciate them.” 
― Katrina Kenison, The Gift of an Ordinary Day: A Mother's Memoir

Letters to Finley

Dear Finn,

Tonight was the first and most likely not the last time you broke a girls heart. My heart.
Since you've been born we have had a unique connection. In a way I have always felt like you were sent here for me. We have jokingly called you "my barnacle" or "mamas boy" but secretly I have always loved your unwavering affection for me. There is something about the way you put your arms around my neck and give me a squeeze or your wet slobbery kisses. I have always relished being the only one able to comfort you. For almost a year I was the only one who really fed you, put you to bed. because of nursing we spent a lot of time together. Wherever I go you go and that's way it has always been... Until now.
Tonight, was like any other night. I started to put you to bed and that's when it started. You scram and called for your daddy. I tried to hold and snuggle you against my chest and sing our nightly songs and you pushed me away. Your looks of disinterest tore through my heart. What happened? I have always been your moon and stars and tonight I was clearly just mom and you wanted dad.
I know it's silly to feel so broken over a toddlers bipolar decision of which parent was his favorite tonight. But I am. It was a change in the tide. My baby is growing up. You are growing up and I'm going to have to accept that, but it's hard. Your babyhood has been so wonderful and I have loved every moment of it. I'm sad to see it go.

Today we are embracing change as you grow into a boy.

Love you always,
Mommy

First Day of Kindermusic

New Years Resolution...

keep blogging.

This week was the first day of Kindermusic.

I must admit I was feeling a bit nostalgic.  I was remembering back

to the last two years.  here and here

Boy have things changed.

Today was a little different then our last two years of Kindermusic.

Genevieve would be going it alone this year and Finley tagged along.

He was able to take his very own class.

What a treat to have an entire 45 minutes just me and him.

I think it is safe to say Finn loved it.

He spent the entire class giggling.  

Success. 

the many faces of Evie

G: "hello Ms. Anne? Yes, we are on our way!"

Looking out the window to see popcorn popping

Never seen before footage

Never seen before footage of Finley's birthday. 

I have been really excited with the love Finley's first birthday has received.

It has been featured on spearmint baby (here), babble (here) and cheap and chic nursery (here)

What an honor!

You can see the whole circus soiree (here)

There has been too many weeks of radio silence, let the catch up begin.

life according to my iphone.

Fin's Circus Soiree

what a perfect day.

family, friends, food and my baby turning one. 

I must say I can't help myself when it comes to parties.

I tend to go all out and boy did we go all out for Fin's first birthday.

face painting, bubbles, a bounce house, balloon animals, clown noses

and lots of sugar.

I couldn't help but reminisce about Genevieve's first birthday.  My how time is flying.

I made the balloon banner using this tutorial

it wasn't hard but tedious and time consuming.

Joe and I blew up 72 balloons.  We both had major headaches afterwards.

my sweet neighbor, Laura made all the desserts: cake, cupcakes and cookies

they were so yummy.

and what circus is complete without popcorn and cotton candy

Genevieve was the "ringmaster" 

face painting was done by the amazing: athena

grammy and grandad

there is just something magical about bubbles

I made my headband using this tutorial

we had about 60 of our good friends and family come and help us celebrate Finley's first year of life

here is just a few of them...

Happy Birthday Finley James.

We love you.

(all photos were taken by the wonderful alisha gregerson)

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