first swing ride

Even though I mentioned Liam rode a swing for the first time on Mother's Day, I felt like from the amount of picture and video overload I wanted to share, that it deserved its very own post. At first he didn't know what to think...

 But, it didn't take long for him to figure out that he LOVED it! I think he really appreciated that he had someone on one side pushing him while he got to smile and giggle at the one in front of him. It is so much fun seeing him take in the world. Everything is new for him every day and I'm glad I get to be along for the ride. 

      It was also the last time he wore my favorite little yellow hoodie with the bear ears. So sad it is  too small now! :( 

My First Mother's Day {2015]

From the way he gazes up at me with smiling eyes as he drifts off to sleep in my arms, to the fits of giggles he bursts into whenever I make silly noises into his neck or tummy, to the fake cough he over exaggerates whenever he gets really excited, to the joy that he brings and the love that fills my heart whenever I look at him ... I can't think of anything I love more than being his mom. I live for these moments.

My first Mother's Day began like this ...

It couldn't have been a more prefect morning. After Liam woke up from his early morning feeding I brought him in to snuggle with daddy while I got ready for church. These two surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of one of my favorite flowers, tulips, and the sweetest card I've ever been given! 

My only hope/expectation on Mother's Day was spending the whole day with my two favorite boys and I got to do just that. We had a picnic lunch at the park. Of course it included chocolate covered strawberries. Chocolate covered anything is my love language. We also took Liam for his first swing ride which he absolutely loved! I see a lot more of that in our future this summer and I can't wait! 

We played with toys all afternoon together. Some of his favorites are that elephant and a rattle ball.

I ended the day with one of my favorite things to do whenever I get some "me" time, which isn't very often these days ... taking a bath. Nic also got me some bath salts that have essential oils and they were heaven! I haven't felt that relaxed in a long time.

Even though this day was special. I feel like every day is Mother's Day. Not from the pampered aspect and expectation that Mother's Day typically holds but from the celebrate the fact that I have a beautiful child who I love and who loves me right back unconditionally type of way. It is an absolute blessing. He is my blessing! I love this darling boy of mine, he is outta this world!

six months

s i x   m o n t h s   o l d
{in April}

stats

..................

18 pounds, 10 ounces

25 inches long

loves

...............

his bouncer.

chewing and sucking on his fingers, especially the pointer.
constantly standing, jumping, or walking.
smiling and giggling.

whale blankie.
all fruits, especially BANANAS!

dislikes

...................

sitting still and not being able to move.
being put in his car seat.

green vegetables.

My little Liam,

Happy Half Birthday! I can't believe we are already here, just 6 months shy of celebrating your first year with us. We don't know what we ever did without you! Your sweet little personality is SO much fun. Who would have thought you were ever a stingy smiler and giggler because now it doesn't take much but a silly belly laugh from mom or dad to get you into fits of giggles. I think you might be working on getting your first 2 bottom teeth in. We can see the outline of them through your gums but no white showing yet. To be totally honest, I was hoping you would hold  off just a few more weeks until summer so I can be home with you while you are in pain and have to go through that. :( I still hate leaving you but that will never change. 3rd round of shots this month and they still don't get any easier but boy do you look tough sporting a band aid on each thigh. Dr. Burton got you an outfit while he was in Hawaii because he missed the opportunity to deliver you and it finally fit so you wore it to your appointment. It made me want to hop on a plane right then and there to some place tropical with you. You are at such a fun stage right now! You have started to sit up on your own but get distracted really easily and topple right over. haha One of the cutest things you've learned is that you started reaching out for our hands whenever we stretch them towards you. It is your own way of saying "momma or dada UP!" I'm not sure there is anything you adore more than walking everywhere you go! While in the same place you learn all your new tricks, your crib, you finally discovered how to roll back over from your tummy to your back. HOWEVER, that does not mean you still don't get super mad and act like you are stuck on your tummy. I am convinced that you don't love being a baby and would much rather be a mobile toddler who can move all on your own. I don't blame you but like any mom, I wish you would stay little forever. We love you!

Love, Momma

The little Hawaiin outfit from Dr. B!

Easter Weekend {2015}

I'm sure I've said this before, but holidays become even better with a little one around! Just like Christmas, I know Liam won't remember his first Easter but it sure was fun having the Easter bunny visit anyway. ;) While we skipped the Easter egg hunt this year, the basket was still a must. His Easter basket was filled with new khaki and camo shorts, matching shoes, some new favorite books (Happy Easter, Mouse! and Guess How Much I Love You), a little whale swim suit, and a bunny! 

We invited my mother-in-law over for ham, mashed potatoes, salad, and rolls. It was fun having family join us! She brought Liam a new book that has all kinds of baby animals in it and their matching furs/feathers/skin that you can feel. I was reading it to him yesterday and we looked at kitties, puppies, piggies, lambs, baby chicks but the only one he reached out for and touched was the baby bunny. He recognized it as Rue. It was so adorable!

Their relationship cracks me up. Rue won't give him the time of day, in fact she flat out hops the other direction, unless he is not watching! He on the other hand adores her.

The best part of all that day was going to church and reflecting on my Savior. My heart was so full the whole day knowing that because of him, I can live with my family forever. As I rocked Liam to sleep that night and watched his eyes drift to sleep I sang him a song that I often sing to him most nights, but that night it seemed to mean everything ... "I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me, confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me. I tremble to know that for me he was crucified, that for me a sinner he suffered, he bled and died. Oh it is wonderful, that he should care for me, enough to die for me. Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me."

I adore this little family of mine. Hope you had a Hoppy Easter and got to spend it with the ones you love most too! :) XO

Easter {2013} HERE