Just a walkin'

As of Saturday December 3rd...Hunter is a walker at 14.5 months old.

For the past 2 months he could walk all day while holding my finger. He just needed the confidence to let go!! He was taking a few independent steps here and there, like between furniture, for about a month. But, this past Saturday he just let go of the coffee table and hasn't stopped walking all around the house. He looks SO stinkin' cute when he waddles around!!! My favorite part is how proud of himself he is!!!! He claps, smiles and really loves walking!

Here is a clip from his first steps. We could tell that he was about to let go of the table, so I ran and got the Flip to record. Scott, my cousins, and aunt were all there to enjoy the moment! Love this guy!!

Things I Love

Hunter does so many things I love! Here are just a few things that he is doing now...that I LOVE:

• Dances the second he hears music. He bounces and pushes his stomach in and out..."dancing!"
• He has this adorable "I'm trying to be a silly boy scream/laugh!!"
• He "knocks-knocks" on his head! And he knocks on doors and windows, like he is arriving at someones house
• He does his "touchdown dance" when he plays ball...he spins on his bottom with the ball in the air!
• His sweet voice when he says "baf" and points to the bathroom...aka...bath
• He stands with his head between my knees when I am washing dishes
• He can point out a deer mount a mile away..."dee"
• He eats hard, plays hard, and sleeps hard
• He plays "chase" with mommy and daddy!!
• He points to pictures of my mom when asked, "Where's Zsa-Zsa?"

I love everything about him. Well, maybe not his "I'm trying to get attention fuss noise!!!!" He is such a special fella!

Fun Halloween Neighborhood party. There were lots of creative family costumes. Good times!

Sleep change

Hunter is officially down to one nap a day! I noticed that his two naps were becoming two "cat naps!"  I could tell that he was weaning himself from his morning nap. He probably could nap at noon, but I do NOT want to be in nap prison during lunch hour. So, I experimented with putting him down at 1:00, and it worked!!!

He naps 1:00-3:30ish. We still put him to sleep around 7:00-7:30pm. More good news...he has also pushed back his wake time!! He now wakes at 8:00am!! I'm loving this new sleep pattern!!

Way to go Hunter! We now have our mornings to go do things, like feed the ducks......

Being a Stay at Home Mom

SOOOOO many reasons that I love being a stay at home mom. I am forever grateful to have the opportunity to just have one job title....mommy! I have the time to simply ENJOY the time!! Does this make sense? Now, I know I have always been pro-schedule, for a routine, and proactive to do all I can do to make my days somewhat predictable...but, I LOVE that we have the time to just be in the moment.

I like knowing when Hunter is going to nap and eat (give or take half an hour). I think this is in both of our best interest ;-) Aside from sleeping and eating....I love being able to just wing it and let Hunter's curiosity run our day! Here are some examples of things I love most:

•  If Hunter wants to hold my hand and "walk" through the entire grocery store....fine, who cares if it doubles the time that I am at HEB!
• I can rewind the theme song to Fresh Beat Band 12 times- in a row!
• I love having Hunter "help" me fold the laundry, even though it turns into a huge mess and it takes much more time
• We can detour on our way home, just to swing at the park
• I love our LONG strolls and talking about every little thing that Hunter points to...tree, bird, cat, stick
• I don't care that I have to wipe down the finger prints 3 times a day...finger prints on your table, windows, appliances and door is simply a sign of a healthy child full of life! I will miss these fingerprints one day!
• We can read the same book over and over. Nothing is better than when he crawls to me holding a book then sits in my lap and "reads" along with me. Then signs "more" when he wants to start over. I can start over as many times as he asks!
• We love laying a blanket outside and just waiting and watching for daddy to pull up in the driveway
• I LOVE just hugging him tightly when I am about to put him in his carseat. I sit on the back seat and hug him and say a short prayer that we get where we are going safely! Sometimes those hugs take a long time...especially when he lays his head on my shoulder and hugs me back!
• When he wakes up from nap, I have the time to "rock him awake!" I sit and rock and rock until he his ready to go...sometimes it takes 1 minute, and others it takes him 30 minutes!!
• He can "help" me go through the mail. This adds a significant amount of time because it usually results in me picking up tiny pieces of paper!
• We can take our time while we eat and have long talks over our lunch

You know the saying, "What's time to a hog?" Well, there should be a saying, "What's time to a stay at home mom?" Something about this little guy makes time freeze and nothing else matters. I know many working mothers that find the balance to do all of the above, but my personality type would get caught up in the "fast pace" of working that I don't think I would ever SLOW down enough to enjoy these little blessings.

Pumpkin Patch Fun!

1 year photo session

 

Goodbye!

Well, not goodbye for good! But, I am done making Hunter's 1st year blog book, which is awesome! That was my goal of starting this blog...to transfer it to a book and dedicate it to Hunter's first year! Success!!! I love it and hope that Hunter, one day, will treasure it!

Going through mail with Daddy

 This means that I am done with my weekly updates! Now I am just going to update when something big or cute happens. I am also going to post pictures when I capture a priceless moment!

Enjoying lunch outside on a gorgeous Saturday

Facebook is GREAT for keeping pictures organized, and they sync to your Walgreens account for fast printing! Amazing! I love knowing that I have that "backup" and I can refer to the chronological albums! I just don't want to maintain both. Sitting behind a computer has never been my strong point. Well, anything that makes me feel like a "student" is not my strong point-hehehe!

 Okay, cheers to completing my goal of the 1st year book!! Weekly updates were more time consuming than you would think, so I am "freeing" myself now that the book is done! To all my aunts, cousins, out of state family and others....keep checking randomly. Love yall!!!

This is what he does when I say, "Show mommy your teeth!!"

 Hunter is a ball player at heart! He holds one in the air and says "baaallll?" Like he's asking if you want to play! I will always remember him doing this....many times, every day!

 Looking cute with friend Connor

Dear Hunter, (Love Daddy)

Dear Hunter,

When Mom and I first found out that we were having a baby, we had so many emotions run through us. Feelings of excitement, nervousness, joy, love, appreciation, eagerness, and peace were just a few of the many feelings. We felt truly blessed when we found out we were having a baby.

A year has now passed since you were born into this world, and you have made it such a better world for both your mom and me. I must admit that I still have all of the same emotions now that I had when we first found out we were having a baby. I still feel excited when I am with you. However, I now have even greater feelings of joy, appreciation, and love than I ever have. It seems as though when we are together playing, eating, sleeping, or even changing your “poopy” diapers that nothing else really matters.  I am just glad to be with you and spend time together.

This past year has gone by so fast. Some of the greatest memories of my life came from this past year. I have my little buddy I look forward to seeing when I come home from work. You make me feel so special when you get excited when I walk through the door. You laugh and yell, and shake your body because you get so excited. That truly makes me feel special, and I feel the same way towards you when I see you. You have such a great personality, and you make everybody around you in such a good mood and spirit. In my eyes, you are perfect. I will treasure this past year and all the great memories we have together.

Becoming a father has been the best step I have taken in my life. I just hope and pray that I will be there to teach you how to be a good person, a good friend, brother, father, son, boyfriend, husband, teammate, and Christian. I can only hope that I teach you from my actions and not my words. As time moves on, I hope our bond together only grows stronger. You will eventually outgrow my lap, but never my heart. 

You are such a blessing to both Mom and me. The love I have for your mother has grown tremendously over this past year as well. You have a special mom who cares about you more than anything. She is, and will always be, the most special person to me. When you are older, I know you will realize what a wonderful mother you have. It makes me proud to watch her be such a great mom and wife, and it is amazing to watch how she keeps such a good balance in her life. You are the reason why my love for mom has grown so much over this past year. You are everything I have ever wanted in a son.

As William Wallace once said, “Every man dies. Not every man lives” If I were to die tomorrow, I would feel as though I have lived life to the fullest, and you are a big reason why I feel such a great love for life.

Love,

Dad

Dear Hunter, (Love Mommy)

My sweet little boy. Where did this year go? It flew by! You are my everything. I've said it before, but I can't say it enough...you have changed my being, changed my purpose, changed my heart, and changed my life- all for the better! You are the most special thing in the world. God has blessed you with this amazing personality!! You are full of joy, full of life, full of smiles and you make my day...everyday!!

Your pure joy of life reminds me of your sweet Zsa-Zsa! She always made people feel good and made people smile- she was infectious! Just like you! Your spirit brightens the room and illuminates peoples hearts! You have such an easy smile, and you remind me daily to "enjoy the small things!" Thank you for that gift- thank you for teaching me to live in the moment!!!!

We have had an action packed first year! We have many great memories already, and you better hold on because your life is going to continue to be full of adventure! You like to be 'on the go' as much as I do- we are a great team! You are so easy going, content and laid back...yet, you are SO silly!! Your laugh has brought this whole new dimension to my spirit! It stops me in my tracks, every time! I just look at you, in amazement, only God could have created someone so happy, so cheerful and so full of life!

What has been the best part of this year? I have to say the connection that we have bonded! I will always treasure this bond that we formed in our "early days!" As life moves on, and you no longer think that I am the most important person in your life...remember, that this bond will forever be in our hearts! I will always be there for you...even when you don't think you need me, I will be there! I promise to make every thing in your life special. Your first ball game, your first time to ride the bus, your first job, your birthdays, every holiday-but most importantly....the everyday little things. I will always be your rock, I will always be there to hug you, and always be there to share in life's sorrows and life's joys!

I want so much for you! Most of all, I hope that Daddy and I are good role models for you. One day, I want you to say, "I know what kind of parent I want to be...I learned from mom and dad!" I do not promise perfection, but I do promise 100% dedication and lots of fun ;-)

Becoming a mother has been the best gift, and I promise to never take this gift for granted! Even during those awkward, annoying, and 'know it all' phases you will go through! Even when you are a 40 year old man...you will always be my baby! Remember that! I was so proud of you the first time you rolled over...I will be just as proud of you when you build shelves in the garage of your first house, or when you paint your sons nursery, or when you close a deal at work! Young or old...I will always be proud of you!

Daddy, you, and your siblings, will always be my priority! After all, God chose me to have you. How did He know...how did He know you are EXACTLY what I have always wanted?! My daily mission and goal is to make you smile, learn, and enjoy life. God's funny because even though I think I am teaching you- in fact, you are teaching me! I am so excited about our journey together and the adventures we will experience!

Life is good, as long as you are my baby- life will continue to be good! And my baby...forever you will be. I love you!

Love,
Mommy

Your baby looks like.....

The E-Trade baby!  

Yes, I hear this a few times a week! Total strangers stop me in the grocery store, in the mall, restaurants, etc. to tell me..."Oh my, have you ever seen those E-trade commercials? Well, your son looks just like him!"

 We get told this SO often that Scott told me to start saying, "Yes, he is the E-trade baby!" I must say, I agree! They look a lot alike, especially when you watch the commercials! Their facial expressions, coloring, and features! However, Hunter is totally cuter... not that I am bias or anything!!! Etrade, if you ever need a stand in, call us!

12 month stats

Weight: 21 lbs (35th percentile)

Height: 31 in. (90th percentile)

Looks like our string bean is starting to "stretch out!" I feel like he was 'slow' when it came to milestones, etc...then all of a sudden- BAM! He is doing everything back to back! He has a new trick everyday. The doctor said, "Hitting milestones like this usually means that you have an 'observer' on your hands!" Very funny, because Scott is totally an observer...I, on the other hand, dive right in and learn from my mistakes! 

 Hunter has been so chill and content while he was learning by watching. After observing, he decided to "do it all" when he felt comfortable and ready! He must have been really busy observing, because he is one busy fella! Here is what he is up to these days:

• Legit crawling....however, he still prefers his "caterpillar crawl"
• Pulling up on everything
• He talks "like a boy!"words: momma, dada, ball, book, deer, hi, doggie, bird, duck, uh oh
• Sign languages "more"
• Shakes his head no
• Favorite thing to do is PLAY BALL! His first word every morning is...ball! He plays for hours, and he is REALLY good! He can catch and throw very precisely!
• Loves reading and flipping the pages in books
• 5 teeth!!!!! Went from 0 to 5 in a week!!
• Dances to Backyardigans and "Hotdog" from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
• Waves bye-bye
• Still sits in his magic green chair every morning!!! His feet hit the floor, but he loves it!
• Favorite food is blueberries- all fruit! He eats anything and everything! Big eater!
•  Stands alone
• Can walk while holding your hand
• Still loves bath time and water
• Sleeps from 7pm-7:15ish am (still sleeps at night in sleep sack!)
• Morning nap 9:30-11:00 afternoon nap 1:45-3:15 (naps with blanket and lovie)
•  Uses his sippy cup like a big boy...loves water and juice!
• Size 3 diaper, size 12 mo clothes, and size 4 shoe (has big hands and feet)
• Goes to mothers day out once a week
• Still laughs and smiles OFTEN!!
• Loves Bentley and Zoe
• Starting to cry (more like whine) when people take him, but he gets over it fast! I'm trying to get him through this phase very fast!! His trusting personality has always been his strength.
• Can entertain himself for long time, very content baby!
• Has thrown a few "fits" and he has gone in time out, he already knows what time out is. I even have a "travel time out" in my diaper bag, so he knows time out goes everywhere! I haven't had to use it in public- I'm kind of nervous for my first time!
• Blows kisses- so cute!
• Had his first stomach bug (diarrhea, throwing up) It was awful, but only lasted 24 hours!
• Can point to your nose when asked, "Where's my nose"
• LOVES going on wagon walks with Zoe 

 We are in the best time our lives! My baby will only be a baby for a short while, and I am soaking up every second! Words can't explain how this little guy has changed my life, changed my purpose, changed my heart...he is my everything!

Love these pictures! I caught him in MID LAUGH!! He laughs SO hard!! His laugh is so contagious and admirable!

Birthday Party Time

We are mega blessed to have such a huge family in Houston, a great group of friends since Elementary school, close family friends, and of course all of Hunter's baby friends!! Hunter has a big "fan club" of supporters and people that love him! So, do I have one party and take the chance of hurting peoples feelings? Nope! So, what's a girl to do?? Let's just have a bunch of smaller parties! This worked out great because Hunter never got overwhelmed and enjoyed his birthday with very special people!

 My immediate family always gets together for birthday's, and we have 5 birthday's just in August and September. So, we clumped them all together and had a family party for the whole gang at my dads. This was Hunter's first time to eat cake, and it was hilarious!! He liked it...at first, until he dropped it! This was priceless! He was kind of dramatic and never really enjoyed the cupcake after that moment!!

 Hunter has such a great group of friends, and I love the mommies too!! We had a "barnyard play group party!!" This was SO cute with hay, barn doors, bandannas, cowboy boots, huge baby pool, ball pit, slip-n-slide, water table, and lots of food!! Hunter had a BLAST!! Cake....well, he poked it a few times, but not very interested! I made a bandanna banner with a picture from each month of his life- it turned out cute!

This next one was a total surprise to me! We had Scott's family reunion in LBJ with his extended family from Chicago, California, Dallas and Austin. Gigi (Scott's mom) surprised us after dinner with cake, decorations and some gifts! She was not going to be in town for Hunter's birthday, so she wanted to make sure she could enjoy our sweet little boy during this special time! This was such a treat to spend this time with Scott's cousins and family!

 I would do ANYTHING to have my mom be part of his birthday celebration. She loved a party, and I was really trying to think of way that I could make her presence "front and center!" Mom's friends are still very much part of my life. We have monthly "girls lunch" and they babysit Hunter and are constantly checking in on him! Those ladies have made it their mission to make Hunter know "Zsa Zsa!" So, I decided to have the September girls lunch at my house for Hunter's bday! This lunch was dedicated to my mom's memory and to honor her passion of being a grandmother!

 Hunter's Godmother, Meredith, hosted a lunch for our immediate families and closest friends! This group is our "rock!" Through it all...this group is the one that will always support and love us! They are wonderful, and Scott and I appreciate them very much! They were there during each step of the pregnancy, labor and adjusting to home! They love Hunter as "their own," and we had such a nice time!! Hunter clapped and danced the entire party!

On Hunter's actual birthday....Scott came home early, and we went to ride the carosuel. Then, we ate Marble Slab ice cream. I really enjoyed the time with just the 3 of us!! Uncle Greg/Godfather came over before bedtime to give him a cool LSU book. Hunter LOVED it, and gave the most wonderful expression!

 This is a birthday that we will never forget! I know Hunter will not recall these memories...BUT I WILL!! I will always remember watching Hunter LIVE IN THE HAPPY MOMENT! His sweet facial expressions, his ecstatic clapping, his bouncy dance, his refusal to dig into cake, his huge smile...these are the memories that I will store in my heart! His first birthday was a celebration of health and happiness, and Scott and I couldn't be happier with his first year! WE DID IT..WE SURVIVED!! Not only survived...but we loved every second. The good and the bad! We learned a lot, and we are ready for year number 2!!