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!!

Bar Raised HIGH!

Hunter has been in love since 8 weeks old. It all started the first day I took him to the church nursery. This is where he met his first true love! Her name is Mahan, and she is the lady in charge of the nursery during Sunday Church and during my Bible study on Tuesday's. So, Hunter has seen her twice a week for 10 months! He totally lightens up when he sees her. He definitely has good taste, and he has always been drawn to girls with long very dark hair and tan skin. But, Mahan has always been on a pedestal in Hunter's eyes! Even when he was just a few months old...he would stare at her infatuated with her beauty! Speaking of beauty....she is smokin' hot;)! Way to go Hunter!!

Their love is mutual. We always say that Mahan and Hunter are "boyfriend/girlfriend!" She kisses him and holds him the entire time! Hunter is easy to love with his carefree personality and huge smile, but somehow she manages to make his smile even bigger and brighter! She brings out the best in him! He "pants" and kicks his legs as we walk into church, as if he's saying, "Hurry, I want to see her now!"

What do I mean by saying "Bar raised high?" Well, I now know that it is possible for another woman (outside of the family) to love Hunter as much as I do. The bar is raised high in regards to how I think Hunter should be treated! Well, I also think that Hunter's bar is raised pretty darn high too...she's got the looks, personality and mega sweet! His future girlfriends/wife may be jealous of his fist love ;)

Yes ladies...we "hate" her....gorgeous and sweet!! Here's a little proof of her sweetness! Hunter is all of a sudden crying when I drop him at mother's day out. Well, Mahan DID NOT like that!! So, she meets me in the parking lot to take Hunter into class. She helps transition him by getting him settled. She gives him enough hugs and kisses to last the day! She stays and focuses just on Hunter...why? Because she loves him!! That is what I want from his wife...someone to genuinely care for his needs, want to make him happy, and love him for who he is! As a mother, this is such a wonderful feeling! She then text me with an update on how's he's doing right after she "disappears" and Hunter does just fine with his teachers...we are just working on the "initial welcoming into class."

So...Mahan....thank you for loving my son! I am making a blog book of his first year, so now Hunter will never forget your pretty face! With or without these pictures...we will never forget you! You are the sweetest, most loving person and I am very grateful! You are so willing to help and love my sweet boy! You have seen the uniqueness in Hunter from day one and you treasure it as much as I do. Thank you!!

Happy 1st Birthday Hunter

1 year ago today, at 4:04pm....Scott and I were given the biggest gift ever!! Hunter has changed our lives, and he has proven to me that being a mom is what I was put on earth to do!! Hunter makes being a mommy so FUN! He has taught me so much already, and I look forward to the many years ahead!

My biggest Birthday wish for Hunter.....a LONG, healthy life full of God's blessings, wonderful friends, and family! Scott is taking off work early today, and we are going to ride the carousel and eat ice cream! Birthday party blog post coming soon, along with 12 month stats and one year letter!! Today is dedicated to my baby...so blogging can wait! Thank you all for being such a big part of Hunter's first year!

What..5 teeth?!!

Hunter has been very behind when it comes to teething. As of last Friday, he only had 1/2 of ONE tooth! Fast forward 4 days...and he has 4 with one on the way, so that makes 5 teeth!! You would think that this weekend was awful...nope, he did great! He has been a little more sensitive to certain situations, so his "annoyance button" is easily pressed! But, he continues to eat and sleep good. Sounds like perfect timing to go out of town on a family reunion! Hunter decided to get 4 teeth while away from home, medicine, and teething toys!

 We went to Lake LBJ for Scott's family reunion. His family from Chicago, California, Austin and Dallas all came! We had SO much fun! Scott's cousins, Brooks and Sam, look a lot like Scott...so, Hunter thought that his daddy was everywhere!! It was funny to watch Hunter look at Brooks and Sam..."Hmmm, is THIS my dad?" Thank you Mimi for a wonderful weekend. Hunter's great grandmother Mimi, she is wonderful!

 Hunter slept very good in his pack-n-play, swam, went on boat rides, and played ball! The weekend was a success! He is starting to cry when people hold him. Then, he stops when Scott and I hold him. He doesn't do this to everyone...it's random! This is totally new since starting mother's day out. Is it that...or teething? I hope he does not become a clinger. I know many moms like that, but to me...it's not so cute;) So, I'm hoping this phase comes and go's fast! Don't get me wrong- I love him more than life, but I just enjoy having the balance of freedom too! 

 Hunter played ball ALL weekend! He loves to catch and throw any kind of ball. He would do this all day! Everyone was busy playing ball with Hunter, and he was a happy camper! There were a total of 3 babies all under 18 months (Hunter, Kinsley and Parker.) Hunter enjoyed his girl cousins! The family surprised Hunter with cake for his birthday!! He is not a huge cake fan...I guess he gets this from me. He will poke it a few times, but he has yet to "dig in!" What a great weekend!