Happy Birthday to my little man...

To my dearest Anderson,

You are the sunshine of my life, I am so much better having known you.  You make my heart burst with love and pride.  Being your mommy is the best job in the world.  Please always be this loving and sweet toward your mommy, ok? 

I want to give you a ton of kisses and hugs on this two year anniversary of your miraculous entry into the world.  You ROCKED my world...to the core. 

Kisses my sweet sunshine.  God loves you, Mommy loves you...life is good. 

Love,
Mommy

24 month - May 2012 - Almost TWO

Dear A,

Happy Birthday Bubba Boop.  I love you more than anything in this life. 

My life changed for the better on June 4, 2010.  I didn't realize it then, but now I know I am different human being.  I am better because of you.  I love being your Mommy and I love you insanely.  Thanks for making this the best time of my life.   

Happy last monthly birthday of your ONE's.  This is the last month we can say - "he's one."

I love you so much Sunshine.  

Love
Mommy

22 Months Old - April

I love being your mommy...you are so much fun and make laugh everyday. 
Happy Birthday my beautiful sunshine.  You warm my soul. 

Love Mommy

21 Months - March 2012

21 Months old!!  3 More months before the big 0-2!  Tick Tock time is flying by...

I love my big boy so much. 

You are my sunshine!! 

Love
Mommy

19 Months!!!

This month FLEW. 

Happy Birthday my little love muffin.  I love you! 

One day I will update these post with more than a birthday wish.  SOON.  I hope. 

Kisses forever to my little guy. 

Christmas Joy

Christmas was so much fun with Anderson this year.  Joy just fills my heart...

Anderson enjoyed opening all his presents and spending time with family and friends.  One of my favorite traditions is the Tia's Christmas...that is Christmas brunch at my friends house.  This started years before Anderson, but the tradition continues.  My dear friends are like family and we encourage Anderson to call them Tia (which is aunt in Portuguese).  My friends are all so generous with A.  We all have a wonderful breakfast together and then open presents.  It's fun, relaxed and encompasses what I love about Christmas (which is spending time together appreciating each other's company).  Fun Times, Fun Memories...I love it. 

Anderson got a bit overwhelmed with presents!!  He got possessive with some of his Thomas trains!!  To the point were we could not touch them!  (I tried to nip that in the bud...ugh).  Anderson also got completely off schedule and was a little out of sorts due to late (or missed naps), but overall he was in a great mood and very happy. 

We also met new members to group...which is my cousin's new boyfriend.  They seem serious, so it was nice to meet him!!  Welcome to the family!! 

There were some stresses over course.  Getting everything wrapped and ready in a very short time was stressful for me.  I say this every year but I definately have to shop and wrap much earlier.  I would love to have everything by December 1 next year.  That means shopping has to start in early November, maybe even in October!  We also should curtail the adults and focus on just the kiddos.  For the most part we did that with my friends this year and most family...so next year gifts for Alex and family will be limited.  It just gets out of hand and we run out of time to do everything.  Especially bake.  I would love to bake cookies with Anderson...for Santa.  

Another stress was my brother.  He is ill.  Very much ill.  And I worry about him phsically and mentally.  Christmas has always been hard for him.  He seems to get into a funk every year.  On Christmas Eve he finally had enough pain and asked for us to take him to the hospital.  Anderson was napping so Alex and my mom took him.  It caused us to miss church and caused me a lot of stress, fear and sadness.  I feel like my stomach sank and I just had a pit in my stomach the whole weekend. 

The next morning (Christmas morning) he released himself from the hospital (against doctor's orders) and went home.  Not sure why he would do that.  As we opened presents on Christmas Day the doctor at the hospital was calling our home looking for him as it was urgent he return to the hospital because he has a blood infection.  Everyone got all worried and ralled up and in a panic brough him back to the hospital.  He ended going back to the hospital...talk about stress. 

Despite all that drama we had a nice lunch with friends on Monday (the 26th).  Friends came by for another enjoyable meal (that distracted my mom). 

Our neighbors stop by with an awesome gift for Anderson, they are so generous and they are in love with my Alex. 

Alex's mom and sister made amends in Portugal.  They may never be best friends, but looks like they are speaking.  She got her Christmas miracle.  My mom is so hoping for hers for my brother.

Overall it was an enjoyable weekend with lots of activity, some worry and lots of presents and family/friend time!  Oh and lots of pictures (but not nearly as much as I had hoped).  

I will have to have another post listing out the changes for next year.   Plus  I would like to list our traditions!!   

18 Months Old - Fun Tims

Happy Birthday my prince.  Mommy loves you more than you can ever imagen. 

Life is so much fun with our little buddy.   I smile just thinking this is only the beginning. 

One day I will fill this in with all that Anderson does, but for now, know that I love him with all my heart. 

Love
Mommy,

December 1st and MOMMY

How did the month of November just rush by?  I can't believe it is the first day of December and I still have yet to do my bucklist for December/Holidays?  I will have to work on that tonight. 

I wanted to document that yesterday was the first day that Anderson said Mommy.  As opposed to mama.  He sounded so grown up.  At first I thought it was a mistake but today he said it again.  Melt my heart.  How did I get so lucky to be his mommy?  It hasn't been all roses and sunshine either...he has been cranky and sleeping horribly since he has a cold, ear infection, conjuctivitis and the croup.  I still wouldn't change anything right now (except to work less and be with him more). 

Happy December. 

Happy 17th Month Birthday

Where has the time gone?  I swear October flew by...I blinked and it was over.  I wish life would slow down a bit...

Happy Birthday my cutie pie, mommy loves you more than you will ever know. 

Happy Halloween - MOOOO

Can you guess what A was for Halloween/????  Never much like Halloween, but now I do - for little A

16 Months Old

Happy Birthday Anderson.  I love you more than blueist sky.  You are my everything. 

Time is going by so fast.  I can't keep up.  I just want to soak up every last moment with my little guy and my little family!! 

Kisses

15 Months Old - I love him!!

My little cutie is 15 months old!! 

Life has gotten to be so much fun now.  A's personality is starting to shine.   But tantrums have started during August.  He listens but only when he wants to.  He literally looks back as he runs away from me. 

He's too cute and the owner of my heart.  I love you my little man. 

Love Mommy

first hair cut - August 20, 2011

Little A (or not so little) had his first hair cut this past weekend.  He looks so grown up.  He hated every minute of it and so did I.  I loved his curls, but it was just so not manage-able in the front.  He was getting his bangs in his eyes.  I do like how it came out, but it could have been a little longer (so that we could have more curls).  The gentleman that did the cut did the best he could (considering A was crying hysterically), but the lines are not that straight!!  They will grow out eventually.  I will get a picture on here eventually. 

My little buddy and all his firsts, I love it so much.  A is my joy and he adds so much fun into our day.  Love you little buddy! 

Mom

An Update - Tooth #12 and #13 and counting...

August already, can you believe it?  I can not!  The summer is flying by. 

Today is the most beautiful summer day.  Perfect in my mind.  I want to run outside and not come to work...but no such luck.  I want to go swing with Anderson at the park.  (We still have to go get him a swing!!)  I would love to hang by the lake or sit at the beach and enjoy being outside.  But nope.  Summer is almost over (at least everyone makes you feel like it is) and I feel like I have so much more summer living to do before we start wearing sweaters and jackets. 

Anderson has been growing by leaps and bounds.  It is mind blowing really.  We sit and watch him in awe.  He's smart and is listening to commands now (go get your turtle...and he GOES and gets it!).  Unbelievable!

Anderson is officially walking more (or just about the same as crawling).  AND he is getting better every day at walking!! 

He's eating better too.  He actually self fed almost all of his food yesterday (meat, rice, peas and strawberries).  He FINALLY ate a piece of fruit (strawberries) yesterday.  Just shy of his 14 month birthday.  One small step for man one giant leap for A's development. 

Life is speeding by in warp speed.  I can't keep up with life...or if I try to keep up (and do it all) I feel a whirlwind is spinning around me (and I get totally exhausted).  I want to capture my baby this way, at this moment and keep these memories fresh in my mind forever.  I know that is not possible.  That is why I try to photograph and film him as much as possible.  But it never seems like enough.   I have no doubt when I am old and grey I will be looking back remembering the good ole days (and that day is today!).  I will be trying to remember the times when the baby was a baby!! 

I wish A could stay this way forever (cute, cuddly and still somewhat listening to me).  A's personality radiates enthusiasm...I love it.  He's a happy boy...for the most part (we all have our moments). 

How is it possible that one little guy stops three adults (me, dad and vovo) in the house in our tracks and makes us ooze with happiness, pride and joy?  How is that possible Mr. little guy?  Mr. A has that power and I hope he uses it wisely.   

His teeth are coming in and I have officially lost count of them all.  The teeth are everywhere and he is drooling like crazy.  I see the whites around the gummy flesh and that must be hurting him.  He's been putting some stuff in his mouth as well (but not too bad).  He barely complains but I imagine all those molars cutting in at the same time must be painful.  Yes, if he cries in the middle of the night I hold him.  I go to him and hold him and we snuggle.  Yes, I do.  I don't mind - for the most part.  Of course waking up EVERY night does have its limits on the body and mind though.  Becoming exhausted and tired and grumpy and weepy is no fun, but lately it hasn't been that way.  When A wakes up during the night we cuddle for a little while and he usually goes right out.  There are some exceptions.  Like for example, the other night A was seriously crying and that broke my heart, but after a few hours I was beside myself and crying too.  I gave him some hylands ointment on his teeth, some gripe water for his toots, then a little Tylenol and finally HOURS later I figured maybe he was hungry and gave him a bottle.  He went right out!   But I was a mess.  Last week was a bit rough in the sleep department, but I hope that is over.  This week is better, he's been sleeping so much better...but he did wake up for a little while (20 minutes) last night. 

Last night I was wired and up for a while (which doesn't happen too often, thank goodness).  I sat there in the dark and wonder if I am up for the responsibility of raising a baby...one baby?  Am I doing enough?  Will he have friends?  What else should I be doing?  Will he be shy, anti-social, or friendly?  Will he like school and play sports or an instrument.  I wonder if I have a second child, will I have double the worry or do you ever doubt yourself less (because of experience)?  Am I up for this?  Can I do it?  I swear insecurity is the enemy of parenting.  Insecurity is the enemy of many things. I wish I weren't so insecure.

I try not to let myself get in my own way...but sometimes I trip myself up.  Bummer.  Many times I try to ignore myself.  Hee Hee :)  Does that make sense?

I love Anderson so much, its all consuming.  What did I concern myself with before? 

It's official - walking

when do you consider your baby to be a walker?  Well A definately prefers crawling, but there is no denying that he can walk accross the kitchen (wobbly but still, he's walking). 

So it is official.  My toddler is walking he is 13.5 months old.  I'm so proud of my little guy.  Life is so exciting going through all these first with him.  It's such an honor to watch and be part of it.  He is a little being and his personality is totally coming out.  I love it, I love being witness to him growing and becoming a little guy! 

Kisses to A. 

Tooth #11

During some crying yesterday I noticed that little A had another tooth coming in.  It is a moeller on his upper left side.  Poor guy.  Those teeth must hurt. 

He currently has his top 4, bottom 4 plus one moeller on top right, one moeller on bottom right and his new top left makes 11.

Little A was up for two hours last night.  He couldn't sleep, he cried and he was grumpy overall.    I'm needing some toothpicks. 

Happy Weekend

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDERSON

A year ago I was holding my baby in my arms.  Such loving and sweet memories!!  More to come on Anderson's big day!!  Love you so much sunshine!

Last day as a 0 - end of an era.

This post is about my baby's last day as an 0!! Has a year really already past?  I stop and think about the day I found out I was pregnant (October 5, 2009) - has it really been nearly two years.  I still get tingles thinking back to that day.  The day my life changed forever.  The day that I knew something bigger, more important than myself existed and I took on the responsibility (not without fear). 

This time last year...oh the joy!!  I feel like my life was just beginning.  It's hard to remember my life before Anderson!  Isn't that strange?  I was 37 when Anderson was born and I did have a life before he was born, but those memories are so distant.  What was important then are not even on the radar anymore.  Funny how that is. 

Tomorrow Anderson is a one year old.  I am a mother of a one year old.  I am no longer a new mother. (Ok maybe I am, lets not get ahead of ourselves). 

Oh my heart is going to explode!!  I wanted to spend today just cuddling, holding and kissing my little guy...but no I am at work trying to get these urgent issues done to go home and get my last minute party errands done.  Still so MUCH to do. 

Love Note to Anderson:

Happy Last day as "baby" Anderson.  Mommy loves you - today and everyday, but more today than yesterday.  You are my joy.  My purpose.  My being.  I feel so much love for you that sometimes I don't know what to do with myself!  It's overwhelming and I find myself tearing up.     

I see a change in your look...you actually look like a toddler - so grown up.  You are becoming a child and no a longer a baby. Although I wish time would slow down a bit, I am happy to sit back and enjoy the ride that loving you brings!!  All I can do is try to live in the present and celebrate each fleeting moment of your childhood.  Your babyhood...I feel it slipping away so quickly.  (Don't worry, I have a feeling that I will be calling you my baby FOREVER!!) 

Anderson you bring so much joy and life to our family, and you give my days purpose and meaning.  I am more than honored to be your mommy...a title I take to heart everyday.  Thank you for all the joy, the smiles, the love.  Your smile every morning - I live for that!  

I could go on and on.  But for now know that I love you to the moon and back twice.  That's a lot.  

God Bless you Anderson!  Happy Almost Birthday!! 

Love, 
Mommy

Almost One

I'm doing my best to savor my baby.  He is turning one in a few days.  Can you believe it?

I like to watch him.  I just like to look at him.  I feel like he grows overnight.  I swear he is bigger sometimes the next day.  Last night I worked late and as I was driving home I began to get teary eyed.   What is wrong with me?  I missed him.  I hadn't seen him in 11 hours and I started to tear up because I missed him so much.  Oh jeese.  I am a sap. 

When I drove into the driveway.  There was A hanging out with VoVo and daddy.  Daddy had him on a new outdoor rug and A was getting use to the texture.  He chose to just lie down and look up at the sky (so cute).  I immediately wanted to just scoop him up and shower him with kisses!  But I contained myself.  A's big smile was enough to tie me over.  I gave Daddy a kiss first (I read somewhere that we as new moms should always kiss Daddy first - should I still consider myself a "new mom") then I kissed my mom (who took the day off to be with my baby ALL day).  Then I wanted to just squeeze him.  But you know what.  He wanted Daddy.  Go figure.  Burst my bubble.   

I love you my little guy.  You are slowly taking over my entire heart.  Actually you already have.  You own it.  You owned it as soon as I found out I was pregnant.  Then it became solidified when you were born (nearly a year ago).  And NOW?  Now, I'm just walking around with baby Anderson hearts all over my thoughts, feelings and emotions.  I love you to the moon and back, multiple times.  Happy almost first birthday.

Weekend Plans???

Today is Friday before a long weekend.  I am so ready for some down time...although I'm not sure how much time will be resting.  I do hope to enjoy the great weather with my little guys (and my big guy if he slows down to enjoy it!!).   We are in full party prep mode AND vacation mode.  I just want to enjoy my little munchkin during his last week as a baby.  MY little baby is turning one and I can't help but feel a bit nostalgic - thinking of where we were this time last year.  Makes my heart smile and makes me swell with love and pride.  He will be one in a weeks time and he is already looking so grown up.  He looks like a little man getting ready to start school (ok, maybe not, but he's getting so big!).  I want to savor all those moments with my little guy.  

I also need to do my master to do lists and get prepared for the big party (which mostly means I am cleaning the house and cooking).    BUT I will enjoy my little guy as well. 

Have a great weekend.  Thank you for all the troops who sacrifice so much for our barely recognized/appreciated freedoms. 

Beijinhos.  Kisses