How fast a year goes

I can't believe a year ago I was laying on the operating table coming to terms with the fact that I was really responsible for another person. My own son. What an overwhelming experience and what an incredible journey it's been. Happy birthday Matthew!

Little Boys
Little boys come in all shapes and sizes,
Shy and adventurous, full of surprises,
With misshapen halos and mischievous grins,
Small dirty faces, and sweet, sticky chins.

They'll keep you so busy, and yet all the while
Nothing can brighten the world like their smile.
And no greater treasure has brought homes more joy
Than a curious, active, and lovable boy!

Family picture one year later

Birthday cupcake I don't like to eat it, but smashing up the cupcake sure is fun!

Busy busy weekend

I thought I was busy in the winter and fall keeping up with Matthew, but wow - spring time takes it to a whole new level. Since Matthew has started to walk, he seems to think that climbing is the natural progression. No longer can I keep our my little step stool. In the past, it was a push toy, but now it is a means to see the world from a new vantage point.

To keep our active one busy, we got a climber and slide for him to test his adventurous side. While he isn't quite skilled enough to climb, he's got the sliding thing down pat. He is so excited by the slide down that he turns around and tries to climb right back up. Along with the walking comes a need for new shoes. The soft soled, leather bottom footwear isn't going to hold up long to concrete. We ventured to the mall and while we were there let Matthew try out the play area. Matthew is fearless - even the child 3x his size didn't intimidate him. In fact, if someone was moving to slow, Matthew would find a way around. It was so funny to see - a little unnerving for his parents, but he had a blast and came out without a single scratch.

Last weekend we had the pleasure of a visit from Chris and Sandy - Matthew's godparents. Matthew showed off how great he could walk and proved it by doing laps - he did laps outside around his new climber and slide, but the kitchen island is his favorite race track! If you are in the way, he doesn't hesitate to walk through your legs (fair warning to anyone who is short, he hasn't figured out how to duck yet!).

Last weeks busy weekend was matched by this one. Marvin and I are finally comfortable enough with Matthew, his moods and schedule to start really seeing our friends again. We enjoyed brunch with Kim and Adam on Saturday and headed over to Trisha and Chad's in the evening for a crawfish boil to celebrate Chad's big 3-0. Matthew didn't make it long, but he sure did have fun wandering around the yard with all the other kids and particularly enjoyed playing with his pal Carson.

Matthew and Carson are quickly becoming good buddies. They treat each other as every other baby best friend does - pulling hair, grabbing faces, taking toys. They are BFFs in the making for sure. Trisha, Carson, Matthew and I took in the New Mom's Tea this weekend where we learned all about developmental milestones. Matthew is about average - does almost everything an 11 month old should - give or take a few things. We are going to have to work on saying "bye bye". As a part of the event, we participated in a Gymboree class and baby yoga class. Matthew LOVED Gymboree, but was way too into exploring to participate in Baby Yoga. 2 hours of pure activity and we had one tuckered out little boy. Fingers crossed that means good sleep tonight!

Back in the swing

My goodness - after more than a month of craziness, our life is finally starting to get back to normal. My work trip to Barcelona went so well. While the work was intense and exhausting, but backdrop is the beautiful city of Barcelona. Marvin flew over after the event and we took a few days to explore the city. It was a wonderful experience to wander the small streets of Barcelona to see what treasures they held - be it a small pastry show, cute boutique or end in a square with a small church. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the idea that I could wander and get lost in the city with every turn. Thankfully it was always easy to find a cab and get back to a central location. :) Marvin and I enjoyed dinner with friends, saw the Sagrata Familia, enjoyed Parc Guell, walked Las Rambalas, and took in the Gothic and Born areas. We hope to go back again.






















The question everyone asks - did I miss Matthew. Yes, yes I did, but he definitely did not miss me as much as I missed him. Matthew had a wonderful week with Granddad and Mimi. So much so that it took him a few days to warm up to me. I only wish it only took me that long to get over the jet lag. I don't know what I was thinking, but that very first weekend back I volunteered at the Divine Consign. This is a great sale for new mommies and daddies. It's a great place to get clothes, toys and every kind of accessory required to raise a child. Because I volunteered, I got to shop early - and shop I did. I got Matthew's summer wardrobe, a nicer jogging stroller and quite a few toys. I am already looking forward to the fall sale. :)

We started this weekend on a somber note attending the funeral for my aunt Angie Drozd. While its always sad to have a family member pass away, we are comforted knowing she is in a better place. It was also a nice opportunity to catch up with family - many of whom have not met Matthew.

This weekend we also had the opportunity to enjoy Dallas Blooms. What a beautiful site!!! We were the guests of a couple of our friends who are members. They have a son Carson who is just a couple weeks younger than Matthew. The boys did great as we checked out all the flowers, played in some of the playhouses and took a ton of pictures. Shamefully I filled one of our memory cards - thankfully memory was reached as we were walking out of the park vs walking in, but I am embarrassed to admit how many pictures I took - let's just say I am so thankful for digital photography. If not, who knows how many pictures of the top of Matthew's head I would have. :) Trisha and Chad - thank you so much for inviting us - we had a great time!













Sunday was a day for daddy. While I was working hard getting ready for Barcelona, Marvin was picking up the slack at home. He's a wonderful father and more than I could ever ask for in a husband. We had a very enjoyable lunch a Lawry's. We've definitely been out and about this weekend. With the time change and all, I just hope we haven't messed up Matthew's schedule too much!