Three

Nathan Jacob...

A friend said to me once that your child is like your heart walking around outside of your body. I'm not sure where she got that, but it's so true. You are this miraculous little person, someone I'm sure on a daily basis that I don't deserve. But, my goodness, I adore you.

There are so many parts of you that I'm certain are me: Your nose, your cheeks, your smile, your gigantic heart (okay, that could be your dad too!). It's weird to be that person who always doubted their worth, but seeing and loving the same things in another human being. Thank you for that, little man. You make me feel worth it, because you're just so amazing.


You're a lot your father too. Oh, Nathan, we're so blessed to have this man in our lives. He's everything. I know that he's going to teach you what it really means to be a man. How to be strong, but have a heart that sees the best in people. How to value your family. How to treat women. Take notes, because I'm certain there's not a better teacher out there.

But you, little guy, have a lot figured out already. You're so sweet and gentle and forgiving. I'm so proud of that. I envision you growing up to be that man who stands up for what's right, whether or not it's popular. I see you as a person whose joy shines from within. I hope for you that you'll someday know the love that you've brought into our lives.


Happy birthday, Nathan. These past three years have been more than worth all the sleep-deprivation, the stretch marks, the dark circles, and the stress. I'm ridiculously grateful for you every single day.

Love,
Mama

Two!

Happy birthday, Nathan!

Okay, I'm going to be totally sappy for a second, but my goodness... I love this child more than I thought it would be possible to love anything.

These past two years have flown by quicker than any time in my life. I don't know if it's because my age, the sleep deprivation, or because the absolute delight being Nathan's mama has been. I feel so blessed to have this little man in my life. He's so cute, charming and smart. His huge blue eyes and shock of blonde hair make him stand out in Chicago. Everyone falls in love with his cheeks that slim down a little more every day. He manages to charm people who claim they don't like other people's children. And I know... I know! ... all parents think their kids are smart. This kid --- I'm not saying he's a genius, but he's quick. He knows all of his letters (on sight), he counts to fourteen and sometimes twenty, he knows about four colors, he knows many of his shapes. We're constantly being surprised at what he knows. And also, we're a little disappointed that we can't take credit for most of it. All of this is to say, I can't wait to see what this year brings!

A week or so ago, we had a small birthday party for Nathan at my parents' house. Two of his four cousins showed (one gave him the stomach flu) and many of his older relatives. People with very little were extremely generous to him. He particularly loved playing with Grandma and "Baca" while there... especially putting that buck on Grandma's head.

This weekend, we had a small birthday party for him with my in-laws (Ti-Dah and Nana) and some of my friends and their little girls. Everyone made jokes about Nathan and his harem, which isn't that far from the truth.

The Targo and I didn't want to spend a lot on a 2 year old birthday, so we picked a theme that would make it easy. We decided to have a "cooking party." We got all the littles aprons, chef hats, rolling pins and wooden spoons. We provide stickers, crayons and markers to decorate the hats and aprons. I also made coloring books with each of the kids' names and toddler-friendly recipes inside.

After all the coloring was done, we pulled out the big guns --- the cupcakes! We gave each of the kids a spoon and offered M&Ms, sprinkles, crushed cookies, and chocolate chips to decorate the cupcakes. Four 2 year olds found this fabulous!

We totally forgot to put the candle on Nathan's cupcake and light it. So I gave it to him so that we could get a picture. He took a bite out of it and discovered that wax doesn't taste all that great.

We finished up the weekend by taking him to get studio portraits yesterday - an absolute nightmare. He just wasn't "having it." He didn't want to sit, he didn't want to stand still. The Targo, the photographer, and I were all getting frustrated, which made things much worse. So, we cut our losses and selected three or four different poses and went to have dinner with Ti-Dah and Nana.

I learned that for a two year old, running around with a bucket on your head is all that you need to have a great birthday.

On the Flip Side

Nathan will be two on Monday. Two! I can't hardly believe it. It seems like such a short time ago that he was a goofy little newborn with a gooey eye. Good times. Today, he's running, talking, counting, saying his alphabet, and being a little boy. These days go by very quickly.

This weekend, the Targo and I are hosting a small birthday party for him. The guests of note include my in-laws, Nathan's BFF and her mommy, my friend Laura, my friend Colleen and her little girl, and my friend Jen and her little girl. You've got that right: Nathan and three little girls. He's going to think he's so cool. Or girls are icky.

I can't wait to share the theme with you and (hopefully) pictures on Monday. It's going to be a good day - and a good respite from the recent stress.

Updates

So, um... Yesterday was my birthday. Thirty-four. Yeah. I usually do a "why this year was awesome" post, but I just didn't have the energy. It was 94 yesterday. GAH! I swear, I had long sleeves on just two weeks ago. I'm just not a summer person. I really like the kind of weather where you can put on a warm sweater and jeans and be comfy. And skiing. I'd like to do that. But hey! I'll enjoy June! Possibly July! And, if you give me a cookie, maybe August. ;-)

Anyway, a couple things, The Targo and I found a new place. We're still renters and we're totally okay with that. We found a nice 2 BR/2 BA that was well-within our price range, and it's also in the same neighborhood - which we love. I'm just getting chills thinking of being able to shut our bedroom door. Oh ... and giving Nathan his own room. The craziness that a 2 bedroom home may bring!

At some point between signing the lease, eating dinner at this fabulous place, and this morning, I lost my wallet. I'm only slightly freaking out because no one's used my credit or debit card and I only had $6. But I'm a lot freaking out because I'm getting ready to travel, on a plane, where you need an ID. What's wrong with me? I blame it on this new purse I got. I just bought this cheap mom purse so I could take Nathan to the beach and not have my wallet in the diaper bag. Looking back, it doesn't make any sense to me either. Hmm. This stupid purse, though - it has NO compartments. It's just a big open space. Things get lost. And sometimes, things appear. I have so many pens in this purse! But where is my wallet? Please call if you see it.

How are you?

ONE!

Forgive the gratuitous baby pictures... but seriously, y'all!

"What? I gots nuthin'."

"One!"

"Heee!"

"Is empty?"

Seasons of Love - 1 Year

Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes ...
How do you measure - measure a year? ...
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes...
How do you measure a year in a life?
How about Love? ...
Measure in Love ...
Seasons of Love ...

Oh, Nathan ... wow. This month has been so amazing with you. Although the stomach flu and some sort of rhinovirus have repeatedly body slammed us, it's still been incredible. You're this little person who I can't wait to experience every day.

When looking at this month, I can only think about how much our lives have changed over the past year. It's almost beyond measure. I thought things were good before, but little did I know that when you have children, your heart explodes from the love you feel.


Thank you for being such a blessing every day. You complete our family, little guy. I hope you know how priceless this year has been for us.


We love you!
Mama & Dada

A Mighty Man with his Staff

(And yes, that is Sesame Street playing TOO LOUDLY in the background)

Thirty *cough-cough-cough* Three

Happy birthday to me ...
Happy birthday to me ...
Happy birthday dear meeeeeee (and the way cuter and much younger Janet) ...
Happy birthday to me.


MAN, have I aged this year. Sometimes I look in the mirror and I think "wow, you look really old today." Other times, I feel like I'm a young lookin' thirty-something. But mostly, I cannot believe how quickly life moves. Has it really been THAT LONG (15 years, Holy God) since I graduated from high school? Omigosh.

I think no year in my life has flown by more quickly than this past year.

We had just found out I was pregnant. Look at that skinny face ... with NO DARK CIRCLES.




Four months pregnant and hanging with Nogy - one of the coolest California girls, ever.



Babymooning with my first love in Italy. Gettin' chubbier.



The day I met the other love of my life.



Nathan was one week old in this photo. And I was one week without sleep. I don't think I could focus on where the camera was.



Nathan was three weeks old, I'm a pretty sure I was delirious. Look at that glassy-eyed smile! And also, the dark circles were beginning to take over my face. (Baby boy --- look at all of your hair!) Sweat pants. Gah.



Two weeks ago ... all of the sleepless nights and bad skin are totally worth it.

So, I may be a year older, but I can safely say this has been the best year of my life. Watch this video and tell me if you agree. It's about the funniest word in the world.