Better Late than Never

Dear Finn,

Happy birthday baby boy. You are 1 year old! I had hoped to post this on your actual birthday, but that didn't really happen. As you get older, you will learn that life often gets in the way of well-laid plans. Since I don't do scrapbooks and have yet to purchase a baby book for you, much less write in it, this blog is probably as close as I'll get to recording your many accomplishments and milestones for posterity. Anyway, I thought I would write you a little letter to reflect on the first year of your life and our first year together. 

FInn, you came into the world on your own time (maybe you take after me?) 6 days late and still had to be "heavily encouraged." When I held you for the first time, I had never experienced such intense emotions: Complete and utter joy, that you were my happy, healthy baby boy; and total fear that you were mine and I had to take care of you forever (without the nurses help). We made it home--and through those first few months--and have lived to tell about it. I take lots of comfort in the fact that you probably won't remember them anyway. Those sleepless nights are even fading from my mind.

This past year has been full of new surprises and life-altering experiences, for both of us. I have never been a mom before and trust me there is no way I could have adequately prepared myself for your arrival. No amount of books, self-help dvds, classes, baby proofing seminars, hospital tours, etc. etc. could have possibly prepared me for being your mom. But now that you're here, I can't imagine life without you. All those dirty diapers, loads of laundry, sleepless nights, tears shed (mostly mine)--for one little smile, or maybe a coo, or gurble, or maybe a look and I would do it  all again one thousand times over. 

Finn, you are one amazing little boy and I have loved watching you grow from being a blob of a newborn--no offense, but you didn't do much but eat, sleep, poo and CRY--to the walking, talking, smiling, laughing, loving and fiercely independent little boy you are today. You have taught me so much probably without even realizing it-joy, patience, perseverance, patience, how to survive on less than 4 hours of sleep, and most importantly, LOVE. I loved you from the first minute I knew you existed and infinitely more now than I ever thought possible. 

You have been a very busy boy this year. Smiling, laughing, rolling over, sitting (and spitting) up, saying your first words, pulling up, your first airplane ride, feeding yourself, taking your first steps and blowing out the candles on your first birthday cake--all big milestones that happened this past year. I still can't believe that you are officially a toddler and not my "baby" anymore. Sometimes I wish I could freeze time so that I will always remember your smile and face the way it looks right now. It all goes by so fast and I am so thankful that I get to spend my days with you--never missing a moment. Your dad works very hard to provide for us and afford me the opportunity to stay home with you. Some moms don't have the choice. 

I want you to know how much I love you. There is nothing you could do, say or wear that can or will change that. One day when you are all grown up and you have your own little boy or girl, only then, will you have even the slightest idea of how much I really love you. 

There are so many other people who love you. In ways you could never imagine. Your dad loves you so much and he is so proud of you. He rushes home from work everyday just to see you and spend time with you. Mimi and Bop, Big and Baa, Aunt Lindsey and Peyton, the Stokes, the Browns, the rest of the Lyles family, the entire Young clan (even the "Griswald" Youngs), our friends, and yes, even Lily, although she prefers you not throw your toys at her at point blank range from the backseat of the Honda--we are working on the SUV, I promise. Even though these wonderful people are not near you always, know that are always thinking of you and counting down the days until they can see you again. But most importantly, baby Jesus, because he is always with you and always watching over you, even in all the way up here in NJ.

Finn, we have come so far this year and this is only the beginning. I thank God every night that he picked me to be your mom. I can't wait to see what's in store for us in 2009. 

Love, Mama

Murphy's Law of Christmas Cards

Murphy's Law: If you wait two months for it to snow so that you can take a picture of your son in the snow for his first Christmas card and then decide the weather won't be cooperating any time soon and go ahead and use a picture that you already have, it WILL snow the day after you order your Christmas cards.

Merry Christmas and happy festivus to everyone! We're getting ready to pack up and drive to South Carolina to spend the holidays with the Lyles family. We all took our crazy pills because we are driving the 10.5 hours to Sumter--Mark, myself, Finn and Lily. Boy, oh boy. We're celebrating Finn's 1st birthday (more on that later) on Sunday and will stay through Christmas. Definitely not looking forward to the drive but we can't wait to see everyone.

I have to give a birthday shout out to my friends and family members who have birthdays in December (there are lots!). My nieces Mary Daniel and Amber, my Dad, my sister Lindsey turns 21 today, my Papa, our friend Megan Crowley, FINN! and of course, baby Jesus. 

Party Weekend

This past weekend was busy (for us anyway). On Friday night we went to Amicus' Holiday Party, a very fancy affair. It was formal, so Mark and I dusted off our tux and dress (thank goodess for spanx and crisco!) and left FInn with his babysitter. It was funny to be there and NOT sporting an oversized jersey tent because last year's party was the day before my due date and needless to say, I was not feeling very festive. I don't think I moved from my chair all night. We had a great time being merry and bright. Here's the only picture we had of the night (the camera didn't fit in my little black evening bag).

Mark, Aileen Crowley and Me

On Saturday, Finn attended his very first birthday party. Lucy, a little girl from his gymboree class, turned one. Finn had a great time playing with his friends and their toys, and especially the ball pit. The problem with a room full of toddlers is that there aren't many opportunities to take picture. 

 Finn trying to escape the ball pit. If you look closely, you can see 

the blood on his bib from his first busted lip.

Finn's Buddy Cameron

Viva la Vida en Mexico

So, I'm a little behind on my blog, but will try to catch everyone up to speed. We had a great Thanksgiving and enjoyed spending time with friends and family, including a visit from my friend and college roommate, Summer, and dinner with the Benich's and Whitson's. After Thanksgiving, Mark and I spent 5 days in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico . . . sans Finn.  I think the separation was harder on me than Finn. Finn spent the week with his Big and Baa and was treated to a trip to the GA Aquarium, a visit to the toy store and numerous shopping and dining excursions. Obviously, he enjoyed himself thoroughly as evident in exhibit A below.

Finn and his radio flyer

Mark and I had a great time in Mexico doing a whole lot of nothing. Which means I didn't take many pictures because I was flat out too lazy to take the camera out of the case (Kriya will be appalled). So there aren't many pictures, but you get the idea . . . sun, sand, water. Good times.  I did miss Finn, a lot. In fact, Mark accused me of stalking the little kids at our resort. But I know he was in good hands, so I wasn't worried. All in all, it was a great trip and I managed to get a little suntan (although it's hard to show off when you're in full winter gear). 

Giving Thanks

We have so much to be thankful for. I could go on and on about how lucky and blessed we are to have wonderful friends and families, our health, happiness, a roof over our head, a free country, the men and women who fight so we can retain that freedom, The Office on Thursday nights and next season for the UGA dawgs (getting beat by Tech, seriously?).  We spent the week of Thanksgiving in Alabama with my family.  Much to our complete and utter surprise, we had an uneventful and ON-TIME flight to and from Atlanta. Which means I can add Delta to my list of things to be thankful for . . . until the next time we fly. It also means that I don't have any funny or embarrassing stories to relay. 

We spent Thanksgiving with the Young's at Joe and Ginger's "cabin" on Lake Wedowee. It was great seeing family and having numerous bodies to chase Finn around. Oh, and we managed to eat a little bit too.