I feel so lucky this morning to have the opportunity to sit down and write your post. Daddy asked me what I wanted to do on this Mother's Day and I said that I just wanted some time set aside to write about you. These past few weeks have been extra special as you recently turned 1! I can't get over how quickly your first year of life went. I was always told, "Life goes so fast once you have kids." I never realized the extent of just how fast this time goes. It's hard to explain as I love all of my kids the same, yet you each own a special place in my heart. You're definitely soaking up being "my baby".
King status by far
Wagon ride
Newfound climbing and getting into everything skills
Big boy at the picnic table
Banana cream ice cream
Milestones/Special Firsts:
*You celebrated your first St. Patrick's Day! We stayed overnight at The Plaza in Milwaukee for the weekend and went to the parade downtown. You were pretty mesmerized by all the activity and even snuck out of your snowsuit for a few minutes to soak in some sunshine. The following weekend we went to the Erin parade, which was a bit underwhelming in comparison. Someday I'll tell you all about the fun your daddy had that day. After the parade, we came home, played outside and Nonee made her famous corned beef!
Parade downtown
Excited big brother and sister are napping
One of your last bottles
*You wave goodbye now when someone walks out the door. When you notice me getting my things gathered for work, you even start waving anticipating I'm about to leave.
*You celebrated your first Easter. I believe your sister may have helped you find your basket. Mommy may have accidentally ordered you a basket that is about twice the size of your brother and sisters. Whoops! I don't think you minded though.
* My highlight this post was definitely celebrating your 1st birthday! We started the day with a family hike at the Ice Age trail on Funk Road. It was wonderful being together to not only celebrate your birthday, but also to celebrate the arrival of spring! Afterwards, we went to the PHFB for lunch, cake & presents. We spent most of the afternoon hanging out on the deck. When we ask you, "Leo, how old are you?" you say "One" and hold up your pointer finger.
New sandbox for summer!
This card may have been your favorite gift
One of my fav trails
Loving Nouna & Nouno
Things You Like Right Now:
*The weather has started warming up and it is safe to say you are obsessed with being outdoors. You love crawling around outside to explore, eating sticks, playing with balls, going for wagon rides, Burley rides and riding your strider! I'll ask you, "Leo, do you want to go outside?" and you nod your head repeatedly smiling and bouncing up and down.
*Clap, clap, clap! You're always smiling and clapping.
Always happy to get some Strider time
*Putting the play phone up to your ear and pretending to talk to someone.
*Singing & dancing. When mommy puts on music in the morning, you start bobbing up and down. There are many songs that you sing "ooooo" during certain parts.
*You like when Daddy brushes your teeth. When we say it's time to brush your teeth, you take your hand up to your mouth and start making the brushing motion smiling. In your mind, this brings you closer to a big boy status like your siblings and you enjoy being a part of this bedtime routine.
Your Current Dislikes:
*Now that the weather is so nice, we've been outside quite a bit. Anytime we are not outside, you are thoroughly disappointed. You stand at the sliding glass door to look outside, which is then accompanied by a turn around to look at me and whine. "Leo, do you want to go outside?'" You nod your head up and down and smile. I think you're dreaming of the day that you can walk so you're able to keep up with big brother and sister outside even more.
Your Brother & Sister:
*Well, all Elle wants to do is pull you around in the wagon outside and go for Burley rides with you. She loves showing you the ropes and being able to explain how things work. She also is still adjusting to your desire to destroy any of her creations. I keep explaining to her that is what babies do and that you don't mean any ill harm by it. Definitely a learning curve for her!
Elle in her glory as big sis
Snack on the deck!
All day, every day
Elle's not thrilled about you climbing over the puzzle
You're on your way Leo!
Bday cupcake!
Family bike ride
*Daddy, too, is anxious for summer break! We all are. As I've been approaching the end of the semester, my workload has increased. Daddy has stepped up and truly been there for you all, so I have some extra time to get work done. The past few weekends we have set aside one day for me to work and the other day is devoted to spending time all together as a family. In just a couple of weeks, Daddy will be off of work for two and a half months and we can't wait for our adventures together this summer.
Birthday cake #1
Friday night fish fry - our fav, Kegel's
Your Mommy:
*As I mentioned above, I've been busier than normal with the semester coming to a close. It's really difficult being away from you, although I do feel comfort knowing you're soaking up Nonee's love while I am gone. I find myself squeezing you every day requesting that you stop growing up so fast. Your hugs & mockeys melt me.
Early April hike
Best Mother's Day gift ever, sleeping in and waking up to the three of you
Even though you're now the big "1", I ask that you'll agree to always remain my baby. I love you!
Love,
Mommy
