Current Favorites: 2 yrs 2 months

Sweet, Funny and sometimes Wild Liam!


How I love you kiddo! You are currently in the most fun phase, but then again I think that of all you phases! I was just telling your Dadda this morning that I love that we can still only understand some of what you say, I love your chatter and how you look at us like "right?" I think I'll really miss this time, some day not too far away we'll know exactly what you mean all the time.

With that said here is a random list of things you currently love (in no particular order):

• Letters! You know a bare minimum of 12 and by that I mean you can say them correctly and point them out at random without being asked, crazy!
• Giving Hugs! It's the best feeling ever when you run through our house yelling "Momma Momma Momma!!!" and run up to hug my legs, you don't want to be hugged back you just want to give love....I melt!
• Hearts! I say "I love you" and point to my eye, make a heart with my hands and touch your belly, when you want me to say it you point to me and say "eye, eye, eye!" OR if you want to tell someone you love them you often put the tips of all your fingers together! You did it the other day as we assembled your train for the first time and I about cried!
• Counting! You aren't great at it but you are always trying to get me to count things by saying "two, two, two" it's adorable!
• Trains! Oh a boy and his trains! I got you this massive one slightly used, it's complicated to put it together but once it's there you are in heaven! I just lay there on the floor sometimes playing with you, sometimes just watching you.
• Walks! Especially if I don't make you hold my hand AND if I let you run through mud puddles which I should do more of!
• Veggie Tails! You love Bob and the songs!
• Coloring! You still just scribble and you tell me every crayon is "purple" (yes you can say it 100% correctly)
• Popsicles! Or Pop-poos as you call them, we recently switched to Fro-Yo since you are a bit addicted, but who can blame you it's HOT!
• Swimming! I can't even count how many times we've gone this summer and ya know what? I think we'll go again this weekend! I love that you love the water!
• Sleep! You still nap 2-3 hours during the day and sleep 11-13 hours at night (13 on the weekends), your like a tiny teenager and I'm ok with it! Momma loves sleep too!
• Cows! Anytime we see a cow (such as the cartoon one near the milk at the grocery store) you say "Momma!! MOO!!" We took you to the fair this weekend and we saw huge real cows up close, you were so excited! It was adorable!

Overall you are a pretty normal little boy, you might be a little smaller and a bit shy but that is what makes you Liam and I don't ever want you to be anyone else my sweet boy! There are so many things and people you love, I so enjoy watching you develop into the boy/guy/man/person you will become. There has been no greater joy in my life, no greater blessing than being your Momma! I will say it over and over until I can no longer speak, I love you and I have loved every moment (even the really frustrating ones) of being your Momma!!!

-Momma

2nd Birthday Plans

Sweet Liam,

On Friday morning you will turn two, it doesn't seem possible!! I've taken the day off to spend with just you. This is going to be our tradition as long as you will let me, I don't imagine a teenage Liam will want to hang with Mom but I can hope!

Friday morning I'm planning on letting you sleep in and making you pancakes with fruit, your favorite! After breakfast we can watch a show you like (I've sent in a card to your favorite show, Chica, so I'm hoping they will air it!) and maybe go for a walk. The local outdoor pool opens at 11:30am so we'll head there as soon as it opens. I haven't invited any friends, I want to soak in this time with just you! I'm hoping we can swim for a while before your typical afternoon nap (I'm going to bring your favorite snack to the pool too). After nap time we'll play it by ear until Dadda comes home, then we can do gifts and dinner together and maybe a walk since you love them so much!

This day is going to be all about you! You are so special to me and I want you to know that and experience it! I know you won't remember this birthday but I'll take pictures and I hope you cherish them one day.

Next weekend we'll have friends and family out to Grandma & Grandpa's house for a real true party!

I love you so very very much!
Momma

Pregnancy Memories

Hi Sweet Liam,

I'd like you to know I enjoyed every moment of being pregnant with you, I loved that you were always with me. I talked and sang to you in the car, I was always rubbing or touching my belly! I just loved you immediately!

I think often of how excited your Dadda was for you, especially toward the end of my pregnancy when I was large and the reality of you coming was obvious. Your Dadda would send me text messages that were for you, he'd talk to you in my belly and slept with his hand on my belly. He loves you so very much and always has from the very beginning.

One night when I was well into my 39th week your Dadda took me for a car ride on "Rollercoaster Road" (it's real, we'll take you there one day!) in hopes the ups and downs would get you to come out! It didn't work but it's a silly memory I cherish, we were both giggling and he was just beaming so very ready to be a Dadda.

He just loves you buddy, he reads to you and watches your shows, he'll play cars with you and give you baths.

Thank you for being our little boy, we love you so very very much! You are a true blessing from God!

Momma

Quick Note

Dearest Liam,

We had the best weekend, our little family spent lots of time together just hanging out....these are some of my favorite times.  That is one of the best things you have taught me; to just slow down and live in this moment and just play cars. And I love it, love it!

I wanted to take a quick moment and just say something, you know in case there is a day when I can't; just so you know I love you fiercely.  Our family time is sacred to me and you are first and foremost my number 1 priority in this life.  I have loved every moment of being your mom, even the really hard and frustrating moments (you'll know what I mean when you have a toddler one day, said with a smile).  I mean it from the depths of my heart and soul each time I tell you I love you.  I pray that I get to see you be a teenager and you can be annoyed when I hug/kiss you and tell you I love you.

I know I won't always be your friend but I will always be your mom.  I hope I am able to teach you important things, to love God and others, to be kind, to read and run.  It's a big job to be a good mom and raise a good man but I'm trying.

Thank you for the greatest gift,
Momma



While I'm here a quick note on your favorite things: matchbox cars, trains in any shape or form but especially Thomas the Train on tv.  You love fish sticks, peas and any kind of pasta or fruit.  (There really isn't much food you don't like aside from Olives and eggs which you used to love). When you get really happy or excited you say "mom-mom-mom-mom" over and over as fast as you can and it melts my heart.  You love books as much as ever, you could easily spend a whole day bringing me books to read you.  You could also spend each and every day outside all day, summer will be here soon my love and I promise you lots of outside time!

Extra Dadda Time

You Lucky Boy!

Lately you've gotten all kinds of extra time with Dadda!  The first time (about two weeks ago) probably wasn't a ton of fun for you as you had a random fever but I wanted to let you know your Dad took the time off without a second though!  How nice is that! Yesterday when Dadda came home he said work had been extra slow this week so he'd taken tomorrow (now today) off to spend with you!  Lucky you! 

This morning you got to sleep in an extra 45 minutes, you woke up with happy chatter, it was so sweet!  I made all of us cheesy scambled eggs since I was up early to prepare for work.  We all happily ate and chatted in the kitchen, it was like you knew you'd get extra time at home with Dad!  Soon enough I had to get to work, first I cleaned you up and changed your diaper and we snuggled a little extra.

I called before lunch to see how you were, Dad said you just smiled at the phone when you heard my voice.  Since you were still up I made a special trip home at lunch to see you.  We snaked together and chatted, I cleaned you up again and we sat in your rocking chair just snuggling before I had to head off to work again.

You are a very lucky boy, I want you to know just how much your Dadda loves you!  You are the light of his heart and soul, he would truly do anything for you!  When you hug him or shout "DADA!" his face fills with joy, please always know we love you so very much!

I can't wait to see you sweet boy, only two more hours of this silly work day!!
Momma

Baby's First Buzz Cut

My Sweet {Now Somewhat Bald} Liam,

I knew the day would come, although I didn't think it would be this soon, that your dad buzzed your hair.  You got your first haircut a mere 5 months ago, your second 2 months ago....and you were already a shaggy mess.  If we continued this trend we'd be spending around $100/year on haircuts (plus tips).  We love Auntie Heather who cuts your hair however we're also saving to buy our first house.....

So Sunday after a great afternoon walk at the Fort and a short drive (to look at houses) Dadda suggested we attempt the first "home hair cut" with his clippers.  Dadda has been doing his own hair this way for 20 years so I wasn't worried about his ability, only about your curls.  You did SO well, I think you kind of enjoyed it really!  We certainly choose the wrong setting because your hair is SO short!  Some people say you look 5, I think you look like you enlisted in the military! (Which if you choose to do so when you are older that is fine.)

I hate to say this but I doubt we'll go back to Auntie Heather except maybe once a year, let's face it if you like home haircuts why not?

I love you sweet boy!
Momma

Double the Teeth!

Sweet Liam,

Last weekend we spent Saturday at Holland Lake, you had gone up Friday morning with G'ma to spend some time with extended family while Dadda and I worked then went on a date.  You loved the lake, we played in the rocks and water near the shore, we hiked to the falls (I wore you in a framed pack there and back), we snacked and all laughed, it was a wonderful time!

Saturday afternoon after our hike you napped, when you woke up we were snacking and Dadda noticed something new in your mouth...two new things actually!  You have two new teeth coming in!  You have the two middle bottom teeth already, you got those in March, so now you will have four teeth!  You are such a happy guy we didn't even know you were teething!  In fact you are still pretty happy but I think the pain has gotten to you a little the last few days, it's made you a little grumpy and clingy but we understand!

You are becoming such a big boy; you stand all by yourself with no support and walk (er, run) very well with your dino walker/toy.  You love to walk around holding our fingers, you shout with joy "eeeeeeee!"  You like to put cups inside of one another by size and dump them out.  You love all food and eat anything we make you, except green beans. You love going places and being outside, we've taken many Saturday morning walks to the farmer's market and you so enjoy seeing all the people and just chillin' together.


You are happy and fill our lives with joy!
I love you more than I can ever express-
Momma

Parent First, Friend Second

Dearest Liam,

I need to get better at writting to you here.  It's just that we have been enjoying summer so much, sometimes I forget to document it!

I want you to have fond memories of your childhood, I hope you look back on it and smile because I always played with you no matter what.  Even in the morning when I'm in my nice work clothes I get on the floor with you and enjoy whatever you are doing.  We wrestle, tickle, play blocks or cars, sometimes enjoy a book, whatever you would like in the few moments we get (before or after work).  I hope you never hope your childhood was any different than it was, I have loved you deeply every moment I've been given.  I cherish it all, even when you are grumpy! :)

My primary responsibility is to be your parent first.  I will discipline you, I will ground you, and at some point you will make choices that make me sad or disappoint me but I will always love you.  I will always be here for you, listen to you and support you.  I will speak the truth to you as sternly or delicately as I see fit for each situation.  I will make mistakes and disappoint you at some point, I hope I will have taught you enough grace to forgive me and continue to love me.  I hope someday we enjoy many hobbies together and at some point (maybe not until you are an adult) I hope you consider me your friend.

Love you to the moon and back,
Momma

1st Cabin Trip of 2012

Dearest Liam,

You have just experienced your first vacation and I think you are addicted!  Your Dadda and I took the week of the 4th of July off of work and headed to the family cabin with you.  I hope you grow to love the cabin the same way your Dad does, he has fond childhood memories of it that he cherishes. 

Dadda headed up there the night of 6/30 but you and I stayed behind to head up in the morning (as to avoid any Liam meltdowns in the car, you are a good baby in the car but who wants to risk it at 7pm?).  Sunday morning I had the car pre-loaded so you and I headed up around 8am (since you usually nap around 9am).  You could tell we were on an adventure, you looked around excited and happy for about 20 minutes then it was nap time!  It only takes an hour to get to the cabin from our home and you woke up just before we turned off the highway, we happily made it there minus a Liam meltdown, score one for Momma!

The week was filled with relaxation.  We woke when you woke, I napped when you napped (Dadda fished on the lake).  We ate easy meals mostly prepared on the grill.  It was glorious.  One of my favorite things about the cabin is the lack of phone, cable or internet.  I brought my runner's magazine and kindle to read and we watched disney dvds we brought (you have no interest in tv 99% of the time so it was mostly dad and I that watched those movies after you went to bed).

On Tuesday we took a afternoon hike to Morrell Falls, I wore you in our framed pack on the way up and Dadda wore you on the way out.  (This would be the only workout I got the week before my first half marathon, to say I was nervous was an understatement.)  After our hike we all enjoyed a ice cream treat at the little shop in town. 

Wednesday was the 4th of July so G'ma and G'pa came up and we went into town to watch your first parade! You were in heaven, you carefully observed all the people (especially children) and each "float" that went by!  You even enjoyed a ice cream cone with G'pa!

Thursday G'ma & G'pa wanted some Liam time so Dadda and I went up to Glacier National Park for the day.  It's been a hobby of your Dadda and I to visit national parks when possible (we've been to three or hour together now).  You went home with the grandparents that night and enjoyed a sleep over!  After a long day in the park your Dadda and I went back to the cabin, packed up and returned home to pick you up in the morning.

That Sunday I would do my first half marathon, you and Dadda met me once on the route and at the finish line and I cried my eyes out.  I hope someday you will love to hike and run with me my sweet boy!

Always your momma,
Momma

Your First Birthday Party

Yikes, how have I forgotten to write about this!  Life has been so busy that it totally slipped by.

On June 23rd family and friends gathered at G'ma & G'pa's house to celebrate you.  It was a warm, sunny day.  We put out chairs and games for people to mingle.  Aunt Emily baked several treats, we had fruit and drinks.  We put up blue and green ballons as well as a big one with some red balloons, we had fun plates and table clothes with "First Birthday" on them.  It was a warm and sunny day so we put out some games for people to play and chairs for other to sit and enjoy the day.

The day couldn't have gone better, it was low-key but so very fun, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.   You don't love to be sang too but you actually enjoyed a few bites of homemade vanilla cake (you ate mostly fruit in true Liam fashion).  We opened the gifts from family and friends, perhaps your favorite part because cousin Karmyn helped!  She is three years older than you and loves you so much!

It's hard to believe you are one, I look at you and I'm just amazed by how much you've grown!  I love you so much!  -Momma

You hate cake

Sweet Liam,

Momma did  not make a typo.  On Thursday evening we gathered with your G'ma, G'pa, Auntie, Uncle and GG Turkey to celebrate your First Birthday!  We waited too long to eat (Dadda was late getting off work) so you were a little grumpy during our song to you.  I thought for sure you would love your cupcake....nope!  You sip every bite out, even the frosting!  You cried a little and ended up with cupcake and frosting all over yourself and the floor.  I even had to give you a fast bath!  You perked right up for presents, you got a bunch of new blocks and a little pool from the family, yay!!

Hopefully you like cake again by your birthday party next weekend!  (It's ok if you don't!)

Much Love,
-Momma

Today You Turned ONE!

This morning at 9:56 am to be exact.  I can hardly believe it!  You are by far the sweetest, funniest, happiest child I have ever known!  You have brought more joy to my life than I could have ever imagined, you are the light of my life and I cherish each moment with you!

Your Dadda and I went in and sang "Happy Birthday" to you as you woke up this morning, which you thought was great!  I made you pancakes with apple butter and cut up blueberries and green grapes (your favorite breakfast), you gobbled that down in a heart beat!  Everyone welcomed you with "Happy Birthdays", smiles and hugs at Nanna Annette's too!  You probably think you are the king today and that is a-okay!

Tonight we'll head out to Grandma & Grandpa's house and have dinner with them and your Aunt and Uncle (and possibly Great Grandma Turkey).  After dinner, which I'm going to let you have pizza YUM! You will get your first real treat, a cupcake!  I'm not sure how I think you will react but I'm sure I'll always rememeber it!  You are so special, you are the most amazing gift and a special blessing!!!

Happy First Birthday Liam!
I love you,
Momma

Pulling On My Heart Strings

Sweet Little Liam,

Where, oh where, has time gone my love?  In just two short weeks you will be ONE year old!  You captured my heart the first time I knew you existed (Oct 3, 2010), seeing your heart beat for the first time on November 1, 2010, finding out you were a boy on December 14th, 2010....I loved each and every moment of my pregnancy, I was determined to enjoy each second I got with you and I did!  I happily waddled around rubbing my belly and giggling each time you kicked!  Then on June 13th I naturally went into labor, the next day (June 14th 2012, your due date) you came into the world and it has never been the same since!  You are my world, my joy, my sunshine, my pride and joy!

Watching you achieve each of your milestones has been the greatest joy of my life.  Each time you smile or say "mama, ma ma" my heart melts.  Snuggles are rare these days but I cherish them, especially at nap time on the weekends.  You have become my best little buddy, you follow me around (via crawling) in the mornings while the three of us get ready, you are always grinning from ear to ear! Unless I pick you up, then you don't want to be put down.  I could play on the floor with you for days, watching you push your trucks and make silly sounds fills my soul with laughter.  Recently you started pulling up on things, if I turn my back or blink you will be found across the room standing and holding on to something bravely with one hand and grinning from ear to ear!

You may wonder if I'm making much of this up or only writing about the happy things but the truth is you are a very easy baby.  You started sleeping through the night on your own (at about 5 months) and only had some trouble while teething.  When I couldn't breastfeed you anymore you took a bottle of formula just fine.  You loved solids and still will eat anything we give you without complaint.  Just last night we offered you your first sippy of whole milk (you drink water from the sippy like a pro)....no problem, you loved it!  You are the happiest person I know, you make me a happier person.

I love you more than I will ever be able to explain, I hope you always know that!
-Momma

Our First Hike of 2012

Sweet Liam,

The weather is finally starting to warm up here in our little piece of Montana and we are so ready to take you out to enjoy this place we call home!  You have loved being outside from the moment we brought you home!  Even in the dead of winter we could stand at the window with you and you would just stare at the falling snow, trees, everything!  During the fall and early spring we bundled you up extra and would take you on short walks, you enjoy every minute!

Now that the temps have gotten up into the 70s and 80s your Dadda and I have been taking you on lots of walks and this last weekend we even pulled out the framed pack for you!  We drove up to a little path on the edge of town, it's nice and flat and only a two mile loop so a easy walk/hike.  We arrived, Dadda put you in the framed carrier (which means he wore you) with some sunscreen, a hat and a little toy (I carried water for us) and off we went!  At first you were so excited you just giggled and squealed, it was so sweet!  Each time a stranger went by you would reach out and squeal with joy, the strangers always laughed!  For a little while you wanted to hold my hand which was fine by me!  For awhile the path went along a stream and eventually the river, you loved looking at the water!  After about a mile you were exhausted and fell asleep!  It was so cute, your little head titled to the side, you even snored a little! 

McClay Flats (image from Google Images)

These are the moments that I live for!
I love you-
Momma

As You Grow, I Grow Too

Hello My Sweet Boy,

I've thought a lot lately about your early days, you were so little, you slept often, you were (and are) a easy baby.  Part of me misses those early days full of cuddles and learning, but the vast majority of me loves where we are now and what the future holds!  You are growing so quickly! Right around 10 months you suddenly needed 12 month clothing (up until this point you wore 3mo clothing at 3 mo, 6 mo clothing at 6mo etc).  You just sprouted over night!  You follow me everywhere and I love it.  I'll go into your Daddy and my bedroom for something and you are right behind me with the biggest smile on your face!  You're my little buddy!

You love food and have slowly weaned yourself from the bottle almost 100%!  Just this week you have started to whine when I drop you off at Nanna's for the day, it breaks my heart (yesterday you full on cried) but I know it's just a phase and that you love Nanna.  You are good at pulling yourself up and will wave if you feel like it.  Your communication is improving too, you say "nun" when you don't like something or don't want to do something....typically it's have your diaper changed.  Also your very curly hair has gotten so long that you need your first hair cut which I've scheduled for three days from now, the day before we do your One Year Pics/Family Pics.

The milestones seems to be speeding towards us, I wouldn't have it any other way because they mean you are healthy and developing at the expected pace.  I love each phase of this whole crazy ride, I will always cherish each memory we make (I need to write about the walk/hike we took last weekend!) and I will look forward to each and every day with you, my miracle baby!

Love,
Momma

One Set of Grandparents

Dear Liam,
Some children have two sets of grandparents, some more and some less.  You have one set of grandparents on your Dadda's side.  They love you to the moon and back, they prayed for you before we knew you were coming and asked God for you.  I don't want you to think you lack love because you only have Dadda's parents because you don't.  We have so much more family that love you so very much.  You see family isn't always related by blood, sometimes people you love you are your family even though you don't share the same blood line.

You have so many aunts and uncles that aren't blood family and these people love you far more than you will ever know or understand.  I want you to know that.  Love has no boundries and isn't restricted to just those directed related to us.  You are allowed and encouraged to love many people as family!  In fact I hope you are a very loving, caring person.  I pray that God's love burns inside of you and you show that to the world.

1 Corinthians 13:3 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

I love you, more than I'll ever be able to explain,
-Momma