One year ago

Happy First Birthday Andon!

We can't believe you are one today. You came into our lives at the perfect moment and lifted our spirits. Little dude you are such a joy to watch play with your sister, snuggle with the cats, and suck your thumb. You have the best giggle that just makes the whole house smile. I can't wait to see you take your first steps and grow. I really can't wait for you to get some teeth! Happy Birthday baby boy.

We love you!
Mama, Daddy, and Sierra

Swimming

Sierra completed her swimming lessons for the summer today. She has been going twice a week since the beginning of June. I am extremely proud to say that she is water safe. She has gone from being clingy and timid to saying let go of me to Miss Shawna, her instructor. She swam across the pool for the first time on her own 2 weeks ago. She may never love it enough to compete, but at least I know she will have some fun summers ahead of her in the pool.

Next up we have Andon's 1st birthday, meet the teacher night, and the 1st day of Kindergarten. Mama's going on an emotional roller coaster for the next couple of weeks.

Words to live by

My sister put the greatest poem ever written up on her blog. I'm totally stealing it and posting it here. You can check out her blog here. This completely sums up how I have gotten through the past year.

"You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her, or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her only that she is gone, or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back. Or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”

- David Harkins

Thanks Lindsey!

A year

It's hard to believe mom has been gone for a year. It's still just so hard to fathom. I never imagined her not being here. She has missed out on Andon's birth and first year. I surely could have used her advice and help over the past few months. She missed Sierra turning 5 and learning to swim. Mom was looking forward to seeing Sierra off to her first day of Kindergarten so that day will be doubly sad for me.

Thanks for always being supportive and showing me how to be a great mom. My kids are blessed to have had you for a nana, if only for a little while. I love you.

Double Birthday Party

Grandma and Grandpa B have birthday's 6 days apart. We all got together on Sunday to celebrate at Amy and Kevin's house. We hung out in the pool, ate way to much food, and played Uno Attack (Sierra's new favorite game). To top it off Amy and Kevin made homemade ice cream. Yummy!

The Birthday Girl and Boy

Andon and his buddy Matty

Sierra being goofy with her Aunt and Uncle

Let me out!

Turn the page Grandpa

Yes, that's chocolate cake. Mark gave it to him when I had my back turned. He loved it, but enjoyed the ice cream even more. So much for no sugar (other than his birthday) until he's two.

Mmmm

Grandpa enjoying his 3rd bowl of ice cream.

Thank you

Sierra is at Grandma & Grandpa B's today. She went over yesterday for a sleepover. I just wanted to say thank you to them for not only giving me a little break, but for being so devoted to their granddaughter. Now, if anyone would like to take Andon for the day, that would be great. I don't know if he is finally teething or what, but he was so CRABBY during dinner.