Mother’s Day

Lucky to be his mama

Always on the move

Battle wounds

Happy (Belated) Mother’s Day! We had a nice weekend but as always, they seem to pass way too quickly. On Saturday my mom and I showed at a craft fair in uptown Park Ridge. Reed and Joel came to visit us for lunch and Reed experienced his first big sidewalk tumble (the first of many). After their visit the boys headed up to Rockford to spend the day with Reed’s aunts, uncles, cousins and Grandma and Grandpa. Sunday was a wonderfully low-key day that we spent at home. Joel made me breakfast in bed and we worked around the house until my parents and brother came over for a bbq. Although I’m still pretty new to the Mom’s Club, Mother’s Day has already become one of my very favorite days to celebrate.

Reed is never still for long these days so I was happy that Joel was able to take a few pictures right before bed. Pictures are now much more random!

Little Green Thumb

First taste of dirt

Dirt really doesn’t taste too bad…

Papa clearing a hole for a plant, Reed working hard to fill the hole back up

Concentrating

Putting the rocks in a planter

With the weather being so nice we decided to start some of our gardening projects. Reed was an excellent helper, especially when it came time to put new bushes in the front of the house. He was right there, helping Papa every step of the way.

On a side note, Reed is now WALKING! We’re officially on our toes at all times, I’ll post some “walking” pictures as soon as he holds still long enough for me to take them!

Beach Days

On the beach-tasting sand

Playing with sand toys

Enjoying the view with Papa

Loving the water

Beachfront swings on a chilly morning

We took our first big family trip at the end of March to Florida. We left one evening after work and made it down in 20-something hours with no problems. Reed slept most of the way and was really a dream the entire trip (including the 20+ hour drive home). Our first stop was to visit Reed’s Great Grandparents, Great Aunt and cousin. We got to visit, go to the pool and eat some of the most amazing food (all cooked by great grandpa). After our stay there we headed to the coast. While in Vero Beach we ate at some great waterfront restaurants, went to the pool and beach. We also visited Reed’s Great-Great Aunt Grace. She’s always a ton of fun and Reed absolutely loved his Auntie. We had a wonderful time and couldn’t be happier that we got 10 whole days, just the 3 of us. We can’t wait for this summer so we can hit the pool or local beach and relive our beach bum days.

Party Time

Cake!

Candles!

Gifts!

Yesterday we had Reed’s first birthday party. The sun was shining and our house/backyard was packed! We had a wonderful day with our family and closest friends. The birthday boy had a full day of visiting, eating lots of cake and opening his great gifts.

Thank you all who were able to join us, it was such a happy day and we’re so very thankful to have such great loved ones to celebrate with!

Sunshine, friends, family and cake!

 

I am in the middle of editing out vacation photos, I’ll post those pictures later this week!

12 Months Old

Enjoying cake

We had Grandma and Grandpa W., Grandma I. and Uncle Jas over for cake, ice cream and presents to celebrate Reed (and Papa’s) birthdays.

Candles

Loving his cake

Sunggle break with Grandma I.

Testing out his rocking chair with Grandma W.

Presents with Papa

His very own remote control

With Grandma and Grandpa W

Our little family

Helping Uncle Jas put together his trike

Test drive

The BIG 1!

Up nice and early on my big day!

One year ago today Reed Thomas was welcomed into the world with so much love and excitement (and lots of family in the waiting room). Over the past year I have learned what it is to protect fiercely, love unconditionally and truly live in the moment. He is the source of an infinite joy that at times I can’t even comprehend. He has made me what I was always meant to be—his mom; and for that I am so thankful. So today, as I chase around an independent, cuddly, animated toddler, I can’t help but feel lucky that I can share in his journey. March 10 is forever one of my happiest and proudest days.

 

The Night You Were Born…

“On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night whispered, “Life will never the same.” Because there had never been anyone like you, ever in the world…Heaven blew every trumpet and played every horn on the wonderful, marvelous night you were born.” –Nancy Tillman

Happy 1^st Birthday to my Reed.

Wordless Wednesday

 

Seed Swap & Share

Seed Swap

Not too impressed with the bird

Reed and Papa

Reed and Mama

Sunday we checked another event off of our bucket list. With cameras and Reed in tow, we headed to the Chicago Botanic Gardens. The Gardens is one of our favorite places. No matter the season we love to walk around and photograph the scenes and plants. Although it was a warm (for February) and sunny day we mostly kept to the greenhouses and main halls.

After wandering around the indoor exhibits we walked over to the Seed Swap and Share, which was the main reason we picked this weekend to go. We had no idea what to expect but after jumping right into the mix we were happy with what we got. Joel and I took turns at the crowded tables getting seeds for this season’s garden. We learned a lot and walked away with seeds for our vegetable and flower gardens. As usual, Reed did an amazing job taking in the sights and people watching. We’re already getting anxious for spring so we can get some seeds planted! Our adventure for next month will be the mother of all adventures—our road trip to Florida. We’re all looking forward to some warmth, sun and family.

 

An Eventful Weekend

With Grandma and Grandpa W

Grandpa W and Reed

Grandma W and Reed

This past weekend we had to 2 big events to attend. On Saturday night we went to see Grandma W’s concert (with the Lake Geneva Symphony Orchestra) at the Riviera Ballroom in Lake Geneva. This was their big annual fundraiser. Reed did a wonderful job listening to the concert in the audience with Grandpa W (and us). After Grandma’s part was done we visited with them and Reed got a few dances in with both grandparents. Although he was out well past bedtime (hence the red eyes in the pictures) he still was as sweet as ever. For such a big event our little was a lot of fun and we were happy to see Grandma play.

 

 

At the bowling tournament

On Sunday Reed and I headed out to Elgin Lanes to cheer on Uncle Jason in his first bowling tournament in over 10 years. We met Grandma and Grandpa I there and Reed was “kidnapped” by Grandpa most of the afternoon. Uncle Jas was sure to check in with Reed after almost every frame. Again, Reed seemed to really enjoy a new place and spending time with everyone. After the tournament was over we headed out to dinner to celebrate the tournament/Grandma’s birthday and made it home in time for bed.

 

Next weekend we’re going to check another place off of our “bucket list”. Cheers until then!

11 Months Old

Silly monkey!

To think, we’re just one short (literally) month away from the big 1! These days our little monkey is all over the place. He’s a speedy crawler and has discovered that he can pull himself up on anything (including bookcases and dressers)—which we have already secured to the walls. A few of his new skills are pointing (we’re also working on “I’m 1” with that pointer finger), standing unsupported for a few seconds on his own and riding/pushing his toy car. Never one to sit still for too long he’s definitely already got us on our toes and we are fully aware that walking is on the horizon.

We’re only a week into his 11^th month but we’ve already done a few fun things. I’ll share pictures of his first classical concert (cheering on Grandma W. with the Lake Geneva Orchestra) and watching his first bowling tournament (cheering on Uncle Jas) soon. We have a few full weekends ahead of us that I’ll be sure to document those too. Happy Monday everyone!