Happy 1st Birthday

My sweetest baby boy,

Happy first birthday!!

I suppose pretty soon I am going to have to stop calling you a baby. But for now, you are still just that. We’re seeing more and more signs of you becoming a toddler and at times, it saddens me. But mostly, I am overjoyed by it. You see, as you get older, our lives become fuller and more filled with love than the day before. Your very first birthday is today. This is one of the days you won’t remember but when you’re eight years old wanting to know what your very first celebration of birth was like, we want you to know how loved you were and still are. We want you to see all the people that love you. And even though today is about your special moment entering this world, it’s also about the huge change in mine and Daddy’s life.

From the moment you opened those big round browns, we were never the same. Instead of figuring out what movie to go see after dinner, we were calculating minutes till we needed to be back to pick you up from the sitter.

(One Year Old)

So today, not only are we celebrating your one year of life, we’re reliving the anniversary of your birth, and the miracle that we’ve made it this far as parents.

One year ago, one of our dear friends’ that your Daddy went to Corps School with, returned from Afghanistan after a very intense and harsh tour. Not only did he return the same day you were born, but his feet stepped off that international flight home, and hit American soil the same hour you were born. He has since become your adopted Godfather sending gifts and loving you from afar.

Just like us, so many people have fallen in love with you. From friends to family, you’ve stolen so many hearts. I cannot tell you the joy you have brought to all our lives.

(Meeting Daddy at four months)
You are taking steps on your own more and more every day. When you want to nurse, you know how to sign “milk” or you’ll simply attempt to pull down my shirt. And although it’s very cute, it’s slightly embarrassing when you do it at the grocery store. You are incredibly bright and pick up on everything these days. After showing you something just a few times, you are off trying to do it yourself. Yesterday you learned so quickly how to hit the baseball off your tee ball stand with the bat. We were so impressed. Daddy just knows you’ll love sports when you’re old enough to play; which I guess is now. You are amazed by lights, sounds, and crack up at the sight of any animal. You rearrange the house furniture almost every day and you’re such an easy going baby. Sweet as can be.

On your first birthday, we’re anticipating so much in your future; more times of laughter, joy, and many moments of being your proud parents. We are so thankful you’re in our lives little one.

(Birth)
Love forever and always,

Your Mommy

Food Menu at 11 months

We've now been iphone owners for exactly two weeks and when we walked into the Apple store this afternoon to browse, I felt like we were *at last* a part of the club. I can say my life is changed by this phone. One of the many apps that I've found SO useful is the Braun Baby Food app. It has food how-to videos and recipes for every stage of a child's life. The downside, everything is listed in grams so I just sort of guess on the measurements. But it's such a great app because already we've found alternatives to meals rather than just giving individual items. So now instead of pieces of meat and pieces of veggies for dinner, we have turkey apricot burgers. I've never been great with imagination and creative stuff, but this new little find has opened up a world of possibilities for Mini Dh's meals.

I even try it all because heck, if I don't like it, why would he?!

This was sauteed zucchini with basil, oregano, and sauteed onions. Mini Dh had left over scambled eggs for breakfast so I threw those in the pan too. It took a little coaxing on this meal, but he actually really enjoyed it afterwards. He's a huge sucker for onions. Loves them even!

These were the apricot turkey burgers which also had sauteed onions. He LOVED these so much tonight.
And this one, which was the least healthiest but yummy for him nonetheless, was mac and cheese. I used whole grain rotelli pasta and cheddar cheese. Of course, there's sauteed onions in there too. And he gobbled this one right up.

Watching the birth of a child

Dear Miller Adam,

Welcome to this world. I am your mommy's sister which makes me your auntie. You arrived Saturday October 2nd at 8:40 in the evening and there wasn't a dry eye in the room. Your mamma was such a strong trooper the entire time she was in labor with you. Boy, were they ready to be parents. Your mom and dad were just chomping at the bit for you to be born.

Your cousin, Mini Dh, and I jumped on the first plane possible the minute your mom called me to say she was in labor. Your uncle drove up since he had to be back earlier for work. When we got to the hospital, everyone was just waiting. Waiting for progress in your arrival. That waiting room and hospital room was just filled with love for you. Everyone's personal arguments and troubles were put aside for the love we already had in our hearts for you. At one point your mamma even asked for me during labor. I don't think she knows how much it meant to finally feel needed by her.

Your other auntie Makayla and I had the honor of being in the hospital room while you were born. Together we held your mom's leg back while your daddy held the other one. We all cheered her on, telling her that you were almost here. I think that experience was life changing for all of us. Watching your birth was amazing and beautiful. And after a short 40 minutes of pushing, we said 'happy birthday' to you, my sweet nephew.

And it was instantly love. I cried before you arrived and bawled my eyes out right after. You were stunning in every sense of the word and I was head over heels. Even more so, your parents were just in awe. You were loved the way every child should be loved at first meeting.

The next day we spent time with you at the hospital as you turned one day old. You were a natural eater (just like your daddy I hear) and latched right on, giving your mom an easier time with breastfeeding. Atta boy! You had the chance to meet your cousin, Mini Dh, and although he wasn't quite sure what you are, I'm very sure one day you two will have the chance to be close. You are almost exactly a year apart afterall you know.

Then the evening came, and we had to leave you. That was excrutiatingly painful for me. For so many reasons. I have so many hopes and dreams for you my love. I love you as if you were my own. The same blood runs throuh our veins and I know my life is forever changed by your presence in this world.

I love you Miller Adam. Never forget that.

Eskimo kisses,
Your auntie.

{The delivery crew)

{Holding hands when it got tough}

{Working through a contraction together}

{Miller Adam}

{It hit your Dad}

{Cutting the umbilical cord}

{Your very first cry of life as your mommy just started crying}

{We are proud to be your auntie and uncle}

{He was so nervous to hold his first newborn}

{Mini Dh was finally able to meet his new cousin}

{Saying goodbye was the worst}

First Haircut

Well we did it. We tried to hold off as long as possible till we thought Mini Dh needed a haircut. Even just until his birthday next month. Doc Handsome tried convincing me that we should just let it grow out really shaggy but after numerous comments about his hair looking like, "a baby girl trying to grow her hair out" I knew it was time. It took some motivating on my part. Doc Handsome was not fond of the idea but afterwards he was so much happier with the results. Before: See, long and really cute with the surfer flips.


He's already starting to get nervous at this point. "Who is this stranger guys?!" You can see the fear in his eyes.



During: I should've known since he's terrified of any loud and sudden sounds like the vacuum, the blow dryer, etc. Doc Handsome called it. As soon as the clippers "buzzed" near his head, it was all over.





Not even a lollipop would make it better!



After: Then there was him looking like this. Sweet precious, all-grown-up little man. He looked so much older instantly and I felt like his toddler days were really here. And after all was said and done, he went to town with that lemon lollipop in the parking lot of his barber shop.








Scrapbook momento courtesy of the barber shop

My Gym classes

This last week we got our hands on a free two class pass to My Gym which is a gym for kids ages zero months through 14 years of age. Most cities have them from what I can tell. Every week they have multiple classes for each different age groups as well as multiple "free plays" where kids from every age group can come play, learn, and explore.

I took Mini Dh to his first class this last Thursday and it was soooooo fun! Then Doc Handsome and I took him to his second class this morning so Doc Handsome could get a chance to see what it ws like. Mini DH work on his balance, all different types of motor skills, cognitive skills, social skills, and a ton of other stuff. It was really exciting to see him so excited to be in a different environment than our house and to be stimulated by that. It was also really neat to see him interact with other children his age.

The teachers are so outgoing and really make sure everyone feels involved and knows what they're doing.

So now that our two classes are up, we've decided that we're going to get Mini Dh a membership and continue taking him there. They have so much equipment that we don't have here at home. That's not to say that he's not learning at home because he is, but the more stimulating enviroments and challenges we can introduce him to, the better. And we think it's really important that he's able to interact with other children his age too. For instance, he learned how to climb stairs and climb down the stairs at My Gym this last Thursday. We don't have any stairs at our house so he would've never learned. And even though climbing stairs isn't exactly equal to the need to talk, it challenged his mind to solve a problem and work through it.

Documenting this moment forever

You know the first time you ever do something and your whole life just makes sense? It's like all the sudden you realize you were meant to do that one thing for the rest of ever. It doesn't mean you're perfect at it and by no means is it always easy, but you love doing it.

That's what being parents is like for Doc Handsome and I. Being a mother and father is the greatest joy we've ever had the honor and privilege of doing. We talk about it often. All the time really. Whether we're just sitting on the bedroom floor with Mini Doc Handsome as he smacks those chubby thighs against the floor or even if we're watching him throw every diaper off his changing table...it's always a topic of discussion. We say the normal sweet nothings you hear most adoring parents say. Things like how we can't imagine our life without our little boy, how we can't remember life before him, and how we're amazed by the amount of love our hearts have for him. It really is a miracle that God created such an unconditional love that parents have for their children.

Having more children has always been a desire for us, eventually. We both grew up with siblings. Doc Handsome has two and I have five. So we knew we wanted our children to have those same relationships that we love having. We never planned when we'd have our next one and just figured the right time would present itself when it was just that...the right time. We've talked about having our first two close in age. It's something we've always agreed on. Just like adopting has been. And briefly we talked about the right time being relatively soon. We contemplated it for months weighing all our options with every possible situation that could happen and of course, the possibility of the military changing their mind at any time. The last thing we want is for Doc Handsome to miss another pregnancy and birth if God forbid, he does in fact get picked up for active duty and has to go train somewhere. So we talked for months. And then it hit us.

The right time had come. We just knew it. So we jumped in whole heartedly the end of August and decided to try to make Mini Dh a big brother. We are now *officially* trying for our second little bug.

There's still a ton of "what if's" with the military sure, but can we really base our life decisions off the "what if's?" We decided no. Not with something like this, not something so meaningful.

We got the chance to share with those closest to us and now we're just enjoying this next step of our family's future.

My sunny boy at 11 months

I think by far this is going to be my favorite month of Mini Dh’s life.

Since I'll be super busy these next few days with work and school, I am posting this now. Even thought Mini Dh won't be 11 months till this Sunday.

Size 3 diapers. 9-12 month clothing. 19.8 pounds. 28 inches long. 6 teeth still. He hasn’t had a new one in over two months but he’s about to cut his 7th any day now.

Points out lights everywhere. Whether it’s at a restaurant, at home, or on the street. He knows a light when he sees it. If you ask him where the lights are, he looks up immediately to find one and then points at it.

Can show me where “mamma’s nose” is. I ask him where mamma’s nose is, and he points right at my nose.

Waves to Daddy only with both hands and backwards. So it really looks like he’s waving to himself…or milking a cow.

Says mamma and dada.


{Eating Wing Stop with the guys right after they got back into town from their mountain biking trip}

Loves going out to eat with us. He really enjoys seeing new faces and places. He sits so well in his high chair eating and playing. We rarely have problems when we take him out with us.


{Sushi is our favorite}



He eats a whole banana on his own without being cut up. It’s pretty hilarious.
Very insistent on his wants. If your hand is blocking it, he will pick your hand up and move it. If you take the item out of reach, he screeches for it.
Wants to climb everything. My child can’t even walk, yet climbing seems like a natural talent to him. Whether it’s up boxes, tables, chairs, or even the bathtub yesterday, he wants to climb it.
Just figured out how to fit things into each other. So far he puts his blocks into his dump truck then will take them out, and put them back in. He does this over and over again for a few minutes. He does the same things with bowls and books. My mom is visiting next month and plans on bringing some puzzles she bought for him. I think he’ll really enjoy those now.
Hasn’t quite figured out clapping. But if you clap his hands for him, he laughs.
His “e” also known as blankie solves every problem. EVERY problem. When Doc Handsome was little he had a blankie that he called e. HE wore it down till it was just a tiny little corner but his mom says it was his favorite. So we dubbed his blankie “e” also. Maybe that’s where he gets his “e” love from?! He has four different blankies that do the job. Crying baby? Show him “e.” Too shy to be with a family member? Hand him “e.” It’s really rather sweet.







Turns pages in books. He’s also really good at pointing out something after you tell him what it is. Just like with the lights. If we say “fish” over and over again while pointing to it in the book he will show you where it is after you ask “where’s the fish?”
He’s only nursing three times a day now. Morning, afternoon, and before bed. By his own choice. Although I will go as long as he and I want to (up to age two), I have a feeling he will wean himself even more than he already has sooner than that. Did you know the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for a minimum of age 2? I just did a research paper on it and found out so many amazing/interesting facts.
He does really well in his car seat for the most part. We’re planning on buying him a front facer seat that can also be a rear facer until we think he’s old enough. The Safety 1st Airbag seat is on sell right now at Babies’r’Us so we’ll probably go with that one since it has some of the best reviews yet is still affordable. He still fits very comfortably in his baby car seat but when we put him in the front facing car seat at the store, he was so much happier. He had a ton more room.
Enjoys silly things like pulling wipe after wipe out of the baby wipe dispenser. Splashing in the pet’s water. Turning my laptop off. (This instantly irritates me because my computer takes so long to turn on). Playing peekaboo under his ‘e.’

{He loves animals of all kinds}


Barely eats baby foods anymore. We’ve actually stopped buying the baby fruits and veggies. He eats pretty much the same food as us, with the exceptions of foods he still hasn’t tried due to the allergy level like egg whites, nuts, and milk. And sweets. We really limit ANY sweet intake. He’s only eleven months; he has his whole life to have sweets. But when uncles, aunties, and grandparents come around, it’s hard to tell them not to give him a small taste. Last night we had pork chops and mashed potatoes (no gravy) and so did he. In the morning, Mini Dh and I have fruit and oatmeal most days. He self feeds mostly unless he’s being really silly and too interested in playing with things around his high chair. We break everything up into good size chunks and he just picks them right up.
{getting ready for oatmeal in the morning}





Loves music. If he’s fussy in the car usually the stereo music or singing to him calms him down. Same goes for when he’s just fussy. Singing pretty much helps.
Still sleeps with his mobile on his crib AND his glowing seahorse. His mobile projects images onto his ceiling while playing classical music. And his little seahorse just makes him feel safe.
He’s entered that shy stage. When a stranger comes up he’ll smile and tilt his head, but lays it on me or Doc Handsome while pretending to look away.

{still loves his sippy cup}


We’re very pleased with his sleeping habits and ability to self soothe at his age. He wakes up between 7:30 and 8:30 every day. An hour and a half two hours later. Another one hour nap around 2:30 or 3:30 depending on his activity level that day. For the last few weeks, bedtime has been anywhere from about 8 to 9:30. Up to this point, bed time was at exactly 8. But he’s growing up (sad but true) and therefore, we usually wait for an eye rub or irritability to put him down. Whenever we do put him down for naps or the night, he goes without a fuss. Sometimes he’ll cry for 15 minutes at most. And then it’s usually just fussing. He refuses to fall asleep in our arms or while nursing. He has to be in his crib or laying down somewhere like his stroller.






Ask him where Toby (our dog) is, and he starts looking around till he finds him. He thinks Toby is funny too. Toby will lie on his back and Mini DH will just smack his little belly all the while cracking up.




He plays by himself so well. If some chore needs to be done or a phone call made, he’s so good about occupying himself and being entertained with toys. His favorite right now is his giant CAT dump truck. He pushes that thing everywhere while on his knees. Next, I’d say knocking over block towers.


He has one DVD that he actually likes called, “My Favorite Signs.” Once in a very rare while will we let him watch it. We read about the disadvantages that TV has for young children in one of our favorite books so we limit any TV interaction. But when he does get to watch his DVD, he will sit right next to you on the couch and watch it the whole way through. You can just see the excitement in his eyes.
He loves the garbage truck.







With his birthday just around the corner, we’re in major “reminiscent mode.” He has two birthday parties and even though I’m going a little over the top, I’m trying to make it the perfect birthday for him. Sure, he won’t remember. But our goal with documenting everything and making the most of all his memories are that “One day he will see pictures and watch videos from all these events. He will see how much he was loved and how he was loved.” I want him to remember what a special first year he had. I’ve been compiling information for months on everything I want to do for his parties so hopefully it all works out how I hope it does.
We really love this age of his. It’s bittersweet though. We see glimpses of the toddler stage arriving quickly while the baby days fade out of sight.

Happy 11 months my sweetest sunny boy. We love you so much.