November 30, 2009

Magic Moments.

When I experience moments of quiet connection with myself or with my loved ones...I call them magic. They are the moments that don't happen all the time, so when they do, you take notice. It's usually when Harrison stops playing for a moment, climbs in my lap and touches his forehead to mine. Or when my husband and I are in the same room, doing separate things, and he looks over and smiles at me. They can take your breath away, bring tears to your eyes, or just make you smile from the inside out.

Today's magic moment was sitting in the car with Harrison outside of the baby store. I like to watch him when I give him something new to eat, so I sat in the back while he ate his alphabet cookies. He would take a tiny little bite and then offer me a soaked bite of mushy cookie. I would oblige and thank him profusely. He took such a delight in feeding me for a change. We sat back there for quite some time while the rest of the world buzzed around us. It was quite. I was totally present, memorizing every detail of his little face and gestures for my memory bank. Nothing else mattered. It was just me and him...eating cookies.

Magic.

November 29, 2009

Goodbye Pumpkins...

Better Homes and Gardens Christmas 1966...I love this!

December I feel you sneaking up on me. Pumpkins have now disappeared and I suddenly see lights on trees, jolly santas and snow scenes. I love Christmas...every year it feels magical all over again. I love getting Christmas cards from friends and seeing their cute families. I love Christmas cookies and peppermint coffee drinks. I love wrapping gifts and seeing them stacked under the tree when I pass by. I love hearing this song over and over and over....

This year is going to be a different kind of Christmas than I've ever known before. Harrison's eyes sparkle when he sees blinking lights, and he's in awe of animated moving reindeer. I won't be putting out my glass jars filled with vintage ornaments, but it's going to be a wonderfully exciting holiday season.

November 25, 2009

Thanksgiving Gratitude.

This Thanksgiving, I'm feeling incredibly grateful for....
  • My true blue friends that I've known for years, and can trust to be there for me implicitly {you know who you are}.


  • Having one year of motherhood down, as a stay at home mom....I've never known such hard work.


  • For my sense of humor. I was at Target this week and laughed hysterically overhearing a little old man on his phone say {imagine a New Jersey accent}, "Mary...you old dog....where you been all week?"


  • The values that my husband and I share. We have had our share of struggles lately, but the core of who we are is so similar that it keeps working.


  • Footed pajamas on my son.


  • The way my house smells {smells are a huge deal and can make or break an environment for me}.


  • Last, but not least...my health. Never take for granted the fact that you can walk, run, pick up your children or hug your spouse.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

November 24, 2009

TV Debut.


Apparently I was on the Today Show this morning hugging Stephanie Nielson. It's strange sitting in your PJ's watching TV only to see yourself on the screen {I'm on around minute 1:10}.

Stephanie continues to inspire me and makes me want to be a better mom. It is incredible what she has overcome in the past year, and it's a blessing that she is able to celebrate with her family this Thanksgiving.

She makes my "hard" days look like a piece of cake.

November 23, 2009

One.

I think I'm finally recovered form Harrison's first birthday.

To see details go here.

November 18, 2009

Cuddle Bug.

This week I'm enjoying cuddling with a one year old in footie pajamas.

Party pictures coming soon...

November 13, 2009

On a Friday...

Last year on a Friday, within a day of today, I learned the pain of bringing life into the world. I learned the amazing strength God gives to women in pain and the emotional ride of being in labor. I remember not believing he was mine when they gave him to me {I was sure he'd have brown hair...not blonde}. I've never felt so amazing after it was all done. I felt like Superwoman.

I wish I could go back and do it all over again in slow motion, so that I could really take it all in.

Happy Friday the 13th.