Thanksgiving....

Yes...I know. It's way past November. But my computer was down and out for so long I didn't get to post my cute pictures.
Shawn's grandparents were visiting from Montana and it was the first time they got to meet Elijah. So it was really special. We split the day between my family and Shawn's (tough thing to master). I was so busy by the time we made it to my house I didn't take any pictures. But here are some from Shawn's mom's and one from the morning after Thanksgiving.



Elijah, Uncle Steve, and Mav

Making some music with the spoon
Great Grandpa showing me how to make some music
Givin' Gramps some lovin'
Playin' hide and seek with Auntie Lacey
Grandma and Great Grandma tryin' to get me to dance
My chubby lil hands...Mommy loves them
My awesome family....I needed some rest
Gettin' into some trouble

One year ago, today!

This time last year I was in the very painful and amazing process of giving birth to my son, Elijah. The past few days have been so emotional for me. When I look at him I still see that 6 lb 14 oz bundle of love that I met for the first time on this day, a year ago. He is getting to be such a big and independent little man. I love waking up to him and seeing the new things that he learns each day. Some of the things he does I wonder where he ever learned them. He never stops making me laugh or feel loved. When I am down he is right there to cuddle me or give me kisses.

I am so overwhelmed with gratefulness that God would entrust this precious and priceless life to me. I am humbled that I am the one He chose to bless with Elijah's presence.

So, on this day, January 15th, I want to say Happy 1st Birthday to my little monkey, Elijah. You have brought more joy and meaning to my life than you will ever know. I can't imagine my life without your giggles. And even though you still wake up every night, I wouldn't trade our quiet times together for a million sleep filled nights. I look forward to being a mommy that teaches you right from wrong. That teaches you to love Jesus and love others. To stand up for what is morally right and your convictions. To be a friend to those who others have rejected. To change the world and not apologize for it. To be a man who respects women and be an involved father. These are all the dreams I wish for you, my little one. You have many years to fulfill them...but I don't think it's ever too early to dream of your destiny.

Mama loves you peanut. Thank you for changing my life, a year ago, today.

P.S. you were worth every single painful contraction (that I threw up every single time with) back and front labor, 2 1/2 hours of pushing, and 36 hours of labor.

I found it!!!!!!

Last month my sister, my mother, and I made a day and went to House of Fashion in Sacramento. I was ready, and excited, to find my wedding dress!
Of course, I had a budget to stay with. I love Reeme Acra, Eve of Milady, Kenneth Poole, Simone Carvalli and Priscilla of Boston . Those designers are NOT cheap. Deep down, I knew what I was in for.
I decided to go straight to the Eve of Milady...and there,waiting on the rack, was the most beautiful dress. As soon as I saw the bodice work...I knew I HAD to try it on.
However, a little birdie, or maybe a huge lion, kept telling me NOT to try it on because it was out of my budget. But I told that birdie/lion to hush because their dress was over their budget and no matter what, I was trying on that dress.
I tried on a few other dresses I had picked out but, secretly, I couldn't wait to try on my dress. It looked exactly how I had always pictured my dress.
As soon as I tried it on and looked into the mirror, I knew. It was my fairy tale, once-in-a-lifetime dress.
Sure, it was over my budget. But to me, it didn't matter. I had found my dress! Everythine about it is what I have always wanted. It's perfect. I don't want to say anything about the details because Shawn reads this....but....I had to give detail about the first time me and my gorgeous dress met! Hahaha. Cheesy, I know!

it's beginning to feel a lot like...

the holiday season...

It's time for hot tea by the fire, a good book and a warm blanket on the couch, holiday baking, traditions from when I was little and taking time to be with the ones you love.

I can't wait for Elijah to experience his first thanksgiving and Christmas. I have waited for this time since he was born. I am so excited to start new traditions with my family and carry on some old ones. Silent night on Christmas eve, yeah, I am stealing that one.

My family has been all about spending time together and making memories that will last forever. Tradition. And I am so happy my family has left us traditions and holidays that will always be in our hearts.

This is the time when I stop and look at the world around me and am so thankful for my life. I have a wonderful life and have been blessed with so much love and an amazing family. I am thankful for this season in my life.

It wouldn't let me post Elijah's cute new video! So...no update on his cute little habits now a days.

My fairytale.....

I am getting married!

If he would have proposed with a ring pop instead of a diamond I still would have said yes.
(I read that line the other day and thought it was hilarious, I love ring pops!)



My soon to be hubby....feeling manly so he ordered a steak

Us at Pasquini's.....yum!
A kiss at sunset at our bridge....
Shawn gave me a Willow Tree that says...You Will Always Have My Heart
Surprise....will you marry me?
Forever and Always
LOVE IT!

I've learned some things over the summer...

sitting with mommy at Kaffe T Latta
At the water park....taking a break from the water and swinging
Sitting with his little buddy Jordyn,...the kleptomaniac! ha
"Excuse me, Missy, I think that is MY sippy cup! But you are cute...so it's ok!"

Hi guys! I can pull myself up in my crib now!

I'm hiding something!

My little heart breaker in training! Sitting with Grandpa ...having some man time! Me and my Daddy make funny faces at each other! Mommy came in to get me from my nap and I suprised her by sitting up all by myself.My daddy and I have a special thing that I do only with him...we head butt! I am his billy goat! Everyone gathering around for my bath....I am so fun to give baths to. Mommy gave me my first taste of California Yogurt...Mango Tango...Yum! Hey! Where do you think you are taking that Mango Tango?

So....that is my photo update for the past few months! I lost my camera in May...I am now on my 3rd camera. I was making up for lost time.

In 2 weeks Elijah and I head to WA to visit Auntie Alie, see Carrie Underwood, So you think you can dance, and the Pyuallup fair.

VOTE 4 ELIJAH

https://www.greatamericanphotocontest.com/voter1/index.aspx?referid=EmailFriends&p=730551&x=.jpg

The Sisterhood...

Okay...so I totally feel cheeeesey when I tell people that I want to see. "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2". I mean, come on, doesn't that name just make you want to start busting up laughing? Well, everytime I try to tell someone I want to see that movie I can not, for the life of me, keep a straight face.

Today my mother, sister, grandma and myself went to go see it. I have to say, with guilty pleasure, I loved it. Alexis Bledel is my favorite actress ever. And not because of Gilmore Girls. Okee, I lied it is because she was so amazing in that tv show.

Anyways, it has been amazing having my sister here so much! 3 times in the last month and a half. How did I get so lucky?

Ohhhh, and we are going to see Carrie Underwood AND So you think you can dance in WA next month for a late bday celebration! Waaaaaaaaa hooooo!!

A Woman of faith.....

Grandma,

The past few months have been a whirl wind of trips to the hospital. It was hard to see you suffer but it gave me peace knowing that you were ready to go and be with Jesus. Nothing would have made you happier. No more suffering or waiting, no more fighting your old body to work another day.
You have been an ever present and sweet Grandma, a grandma of faith. I am so blessed that Elijah got to meet you. He was the apple of your eye and the highlight of your days. Thanks for loving me and loving him.

I am happy you are in a better place with a new body and your Jesus by your side. You will be remembered and loved forever Grandma.

Feeed Me!

First time in my highchair and ready for my food...where is it? Waiting for my first bite of real food...well, baby food!

I like it! Rice Cereal!
Hmmm...I don't know if I like these things you say are peas!

Shawn and I gave Elijah his first taste of baby food on Father's day. Peas! Well, it was more like not even a half spoon full. But it was fun to see his reaction. The rice cereal he liked but the green beans are his favorite so far...next comes the yellow and orange veggies and then fruits! Of course we waited 3 days between each new food to look for reactions and he is doing great so far. He is getting to be such a big boy and is really showing us his personality (not that it was ever lacking from day one).

A spoon full!

All done!