Its That Time of Year...

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Leyton's First Birthday

our Mod Monkey theme

Gran, L, and Papa Vince

Thank you, Kristen for decorating the cake! For recipe click here

He was more interested in the balloon than the cupcake. Guess that's not a bad problem to have

our little neighbor, Ethan. I love this picture

after his post party nap...who needs toys when you have balloons?

Happy 1st Birthday, Sweet Boy!

one day

one year

Dear Leyton,

I cannot begin to tell you how fast this year has flown by. From 6:37 pm on December 12, 2008 when they laid you in my arms, life has been a beautiful whirlwind. You are the most joyous and undeserved gift we could ever receive. You are so full of energy that I don't know how we keep up most days.

You are more beautiful than I ever dreamed you would be. You got my face shape, cheeks, and eyes but you were blessed with daddy's olive skin, dark long lashes, and golden brown eye color. You were also blessed with big, floofy lips that you got from neither of us. We think you inherited them from your Gigi. You have such a husky little boy voice and the most beautiful, contagious laugh I have ever heard. You love to: bring us books to read to you, walk around with a big grin on your face with your arms up in the air, walk really fast into our arms when we kneel down, sometimes you walk so fast you get tripped up, watch Mickey Mouse and play outside. You will do anything to make Daddy and I laugh. You are quite silly and are developing quite a mischeivious sense of humor. You occasionally lay your sweet head down on my shoulder for a hug and when you feel like it you give the best kisses around. You get so excited over the smallest things like hearing us read you a book, playing peek-a-boo and bath time. These moments make me forget about all the adult stresses and I can just be child-like and carefree with you. I love trying to see the world from your point of view. The way your eyes sparkle when you get excited makes life worthwhile.

But before you get all excited thinking you must be the perfect baby, I should let you in on a few secrets: You are developing quite a boisterous personality. You like to: thrown your toys down the stairs to watch them bang up against the wall, shake everything- even things you know won't move, drop your elephant out of your crib so one of us will come get it, pick up every piece of food on your tray and throw them on the floor while you think we aren't looking, and you have started throwing some "toddler tantrums" here and there. You do not like the phrase "no-sir" one bit (although mostly you ignore it).

But please know that I wouldn't change a single thing about you or one minute of this past year. I may have lost alot of sleep in those first few months, but those moments in the stillness of the morning when it was just you and I rocking in the darkness- I wouldn't trade that for anything. You have grown up so fast and I wish I could freeze time and do it all over again. I wish I could bottle up the sweet smell of your head in the morning and the sound of your giggle. Oh how I anticipated your first smile, your first laugh, your first word and your first steps. Facing your first birthday has been bittersweet. Part of me wants you to always be a baby. But then again no matter how old you get, you will always be my baby. Just like I am always going to be my momma's baby and so on. I look forward to the next year with you as you enter the lovely world of toddlerhood. I can't wait to hear the funny things you will say and the cute things you will do. I pray that your father and I do a good job of raising you to love and walk with the Lord. I thank God everyday for you, my sweet boy.

Happy Birthday,

Momma

"Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive...who is you-er than you! I am what I am! That’s a great thing to be! If I say so myself, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!” ~Dr. Suess

12 months in 5 minutes...

At least sometimes it feels that way. Here is a video montage of some sweet moments from Leyton's first year of life. Yes, there were a few kleenex used in the production of this video.

"Before you were born I carried you under my heart. From the moment you arrived in this world until the moment I leave it, I will always carry you in my heart."

Mandy Harrison

Coming this weekend...

Santa Claus is coming to town!

These were taken a few weeks ago at our church's Holiday Bazaar. Santa made an appearance this year so we figured we would see what L thought of him. He checked him out for about 30-45 seconds and decided that he wasn't a huge fan. Better luck next year, Santa.

Ask your children two questions this Christmas. First: "What do you want to give to others for Christmas?" Second: "What do you want for Christmas?" The first fosters generosity of heart and an outward focus. The second can breed selfishness if not tempered by the first. - Anonymous

Mississippi Part IV: Wedding & Beyond

I'm so glad I got to stand by Amanda as she got married last weekend. She and Maggio (we call him by his last name) started dating about a week before Jeremy and I did. We always joked that I would probably have a kid by the time they got married. I wish I would have put some money down on it. I was so excited last Christmas when Maggio finally bit the bullet and proposed. They are perfect for each other and I know they will have a great marriage. The wedding was beautiful and we really enjoyed the weekend. Leyton stayed with Gigi (Jeremy's mom) and didn't miss us one bit.

rehearsal dinner

me and Anzie Lou. Glad we got at least a few hours together.

beautiful bride

the happy couple

where L was hanging while we were at all the festivities. Thanks, Gigi.

We got to meet up with the Knight clan while we were home. Hopefully next time it will be for a longer visit. Here is our classy parking lot photo:

Grandpa Knight also made a wagon for Leyton for his birthday. He loved it for the 5 minutes he was in it. He will be reunited with it on his birthday. I'm sure we will wear the wheels out on it.

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.
- Germaine Greer