One Year...

Dear Dawsie, You came into this world one year ago. It is truly hard to believe. It was a cold winter day and quite unexpected. I thought I had a couple of days to go, but just as you did 9 months ago you surprised us. You were born at 6:51 pm. You were chubby and had lots of hair. You were so mellow and curious. You came out and started looking around, you hardly cried. It made everyone a little bit nervous. I knew that it was just your personality. Those first few nights I remember holding you all night long. You were so warm and squishy. I loved how you smelled and couldn't believe you were here. Such a miracle. You have grown and changed but You are still mellow and curious. I love watching you explore the world. You love your sissy so much. I love the friendship that the two of you have. It is truly something special and I hope you always remember that. You are like your daddy in that you have a love for all sports. You can already throw a ball, swing a bat and slam dunk a basketball. It is quite impressive! I can just see the pride in daddy's face. He can't wait for warmer weather. I have a feeling now that you can walk, you are going to be spending a lot of time outside "practicing" for your future! You have a little mischievousness and love to get into things. Our house has never been so baby proof. You still love to put things in your mouth. It makes me nervous. You have been eating big boy food for a few months now. You never did have much of a taste for baby food. You point and make a noise like monkey whenever you want something. You say momma, dadda, bobba and zizi (blankey). You dance whenever you hear music. It is really funny. You swing your arm and bounce up and down. You are such a sweet boy and so handsome. Everyone we meet can't get over how cute you are. One thing I want you to always remember is, mommy loves you more than anything in this world. I am so thankful to be your mommy and am excited to see what this life holds for you. You are a blessing in my life and in our family. Dawson you are so loved. Happy Birthday my sweetest boy. ~ Mommy

Dawson's First Birthday...

We had a fabulous day. Dawson woke and I took him into the kitchen. I had decorated with balloons and streamers. He loved it, especially the balloons. I made pancakes for breakfast. After breakfast we got dressed and went over to Papa and Grams for pictures. On our way out the door he tripped over some shoes and landed right on his head. It immediately got a huge goose egg and bruise. He cried hard, I felt so sad. We spent several hours setting up and taking the pictures. I am really happy with how they turned out. We went to McDonald's for lunch. Sophie's choice of course! Daws fell asleep on our way there. We got him a Happy Meal and he ate it when we got home. He loved it and ate almost the whole thing. Sophie fell asleep on the bench in the sun. She looked so cute. We played while Daddy worked. Then we went to the Italian Village for dinner. My family went with us. On our way home from dinner we stopped at Nelsons and got a shake and Dawson got his first Ice Cream cone. He love it to say the least. He was really mad when I took away. He bit the bottom off and it went everywhere. After baths Sophie really wanted to give him her present. She and Dawson opened the presents and then we sang to him. He really loved the candle and danced when we sang. We gave him some cake and then he went to sleep. He is such a sweet boy. I love you so much Daws. Happy Birthday my little buddy!

We believe...

In primary this year we are learning the articles of faith. Today my sweet girl memorized and passed off the first article of faith. I am so proud of her and amazed at how quickly she picks things up. She got to put a bee on her flower in primary and everyone was so impressed.

Just have to brag...

He isn't going to be very happy about this post. He doesn't really like the spotlight, but I just want him to know that I am so proud of him! He just got invited by the CBOE or the Chicago Board of Options Exchange, to be a guest speaker at the end of March. He will be there for three days. He is so excited. The CBOE is the largest trading floor for options in the United States. He said it could be compared to the New Stock Exchange. He is a hard worker and so knowledgeable about what he does. I am glad it is being recognized! I am so excited for you! xoxo

My Birthday...

My birthday this year was wonderful. Corey and the kids took me shopping to the mall last night for some new church clothes. We ate dinner and rode the Merry go round. This morning my mom and the kids took me, cor and the kids to breakfast. Then we went shopping at Ikea and the mall. I got some new clothes and a side table from my Family. Corey also gave me a beautiful canvas picture and a shirt. My baby sis gave me two amazingly cute vases from anthropology. We ate dinner at the Olive Garden and the came home for cake and ice cream. Tomorrow night Corey is taking me out to eat sushi and to see a movie. I am so excited. I feel very spoiled. I am grateful to have such an amazing husband and family. Thank you for the best birthday!

Dawsie and his ZiZi...

This boy LOVES his blanket. He calls it a zizi and will snuggle in it and roll around every time he sees it. It is very funny. It used to be on our bed and now no one can have it but him. silly boy

Dawsie's Party at GG Sharps...

Dawsie had his first party for his Birthday tonight at GG Sharps. I don't think he knew what was happening, he loved all of his new toys. He also ate a little bit of cupcake. I can't believe he is almost one.