Smiles

I am so thankful for all the reason I have to smile today.

Especially this one.

**Warning - This could very well be one of those videos that only a mother loves. I am risking your boredom and posting on.**



I just adore how he gets so excited and smiles that big open mouth smile. Or how when you talk to him he will smile and turn away, like he is flirting or being bashful.

G and I could just sit and talk to him forever. We say "a-goo" and then get really excited when he says it back to us.

We try to come up with songs and funny things we can do to make him smile, like playing This Little Piggy on those sweet toes.

I absolutely adore spending time with both of them and seeing how their interaction has increased and changed in 11 fast weeks. Nolan loves his big brother and it is evident by that sweet grin that crosses his face when he sees him. G loves his little brother too. As soon as he wakes up in the morning or after nap, he has to locate Nolan. Every time I am loading or unloading the car he always wants to know Nolan's where abouts. He keeps close tabs on the little guy.

These brothers give me countless reasons to smile. And seeing them smile at each other is one of the biggest ones.

Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a super hero.
- Marc Brown

This Week

I stared while my Smushers napped



and delighted in his new and ever present social smiles.



I laughed as G amused me by trying on everything as a hat,



continued his love of salsa,


and as he got ready while I did.


Cousin's played


and daddy mowed.


And when the week was over, we rested.

Celebrating One... Still

G- As your Dad put it "this first year of your life has been the best of ours". I am so tremendously thankful for you. You are an absolute light to our lives and strangers as well(another story to tell). What a blessing it is that I have been able to spend this year watching you grow and learn. You hardly resemble the newborn you were 365 days ago. Today when I look at you my eyes are filled with tears of gratitude and all consuming love.

I keep thinking about the days and weeks leading up to your birth and that moment you took your first breath. The whole room felt completely overwhelmed with love.



I remember your Dad saying that our lives were changed forever, as he put the pediatricians number on favorites before we left the hospital. He was right. Our lives barely resemble what they were on July 14, 2009.

We loved before, but now we are full of love in an unconditional way I couldn't comprehend then.
We laughed before, but when we share a deep belly laugh it is rich beyond measure.
We were happy before, but being with you has been a constant string of moments that are absolute bliss. Moments that create glassy eyes and an extremely tender heart.



As you start your next trip around the sun, these are some of things that make you uniquely and perfectly you...

Tricks - You love to clap, wave, making a silly sniffing face and fishy face, blow bubbles/raspberries and tickle your lips to make funny sounds
Pointing - You are always pointing. Sometimes it seems you are asking "What's That" other times it seems you are making a proclamation and sometimes it even seems like you are tattling.
Play - Your favorite toys are things that you can push, balls, your new tool set and tupperware. You could play catch/fetch all day!
Eating - you are still an adventurous eater although we have seen our first rejections in the past few days. You seem to like things that are flavorful and reject bland food like Cheerios.
Walking - You are so close! Within the past two days you have started to let go of all supports and just stand perfectly balanced. You are trying to master standing up with out pulling up on a support.
Water- You still love all forms even getting hands and face cleaned after meals.
Sleep - You are a great sleeper. Taking two naps a day and sleeping for about 11 hours a night.
Teeth - You have 7 today but they are popping up quick
Stats - 21 lbs 4 ounces, 29.5 inches long



Happy Birthday Sweet G! Thank you for the best year of our lives... so far!

On His Level

Good Morning

Remember what I said about mornings here and here? In case that wasn't enough, here is some more morning love.