Auld Lang Syne - 2014

This year has been full of change, full of growth. Having Henry has given our days, weeks, months and year new meaning. Our 2014 was joyfully filled with celebrating all his firsts, living life all over again through his innocent eyes. And although we were tested a couple of times during the year, we managed to end it on the best note possible- being reminded that tomorrow is a gift and that each moment in between is what really, truly matters.

Here's a look back at our 2014:

 

We miss you, Grandpa.

Thank you all for being a part of our 2014! We look forward to a brand new 2015. Cheers!

Heisel Rules!

My baby is ONE!

One year. One long, short year.

I was warned it would fly by, but lightening speed was never an adjective. Or maybe I was in denial. Or just in love.  

One year ago, and I still remember each moment- 

It was early. Really early. 

I was exhausted. 

I was elated.

You made me work hard for you.  

Your daddy held you first, after all, I got to hold you all 42 weeks +1 day long, but momma wasn't too far behind.

You fed like a champ, you still do. 

You made us complete, you still do. 

A lot has changed, leaving not too much the same. Mostly for the better. (We'll fill you in someday.)

You walk. You babble. You blow raspberries. You give kisses. You're sad when daddy leaves for work. You noticed your shadow first the time last night. You eat big boy food; you love spaghetti. You LOVE bouncy balls. And trucks. And making truck noises-to anything that moves. You rarely sit still. You love to push your cozy coupe. You love to chase Bella (the dog). You have 8.5 teeth-4 on top and 4 on bottom in the front and one almost thru in the back (right). You've been a champ, my brave boy. You still have those sweet "arm muscles" that I adore. You love to run around nakie bootie. You have your own opinion far more than I'd like. You point, at everything. You dance at nearly every song that comes on. You love other kids. You weigh 22.9 lbs and you're 29.72 inches long. Big boy.

You, son, are my happy.

You made me come alive. I made you, and you…you made me. 

{In a way, this is "our day"- your birthday and our BIRTHday. :) I'll let you have it though. You're totally worth celebrating.} 

Thanks for redefining my life, our life, and teaching me to expect the unexpected and enjoy every day to the fullest because they sure fly!  

Happy first birthday, little man. No matter the years you'll always be my baby boy. I love you so.

Heisel Rules!

PS monthly progression comparison pics coming soon!

Henry is 11 months!

Eleven months ago I was handed my perfect 9.7 lb baby boy. Every month I take his pictures to compare to the growth of the prior month, and reflect on that beautiful, life-changing day. Most days have me wishing he'd entered my life sooner so I had more time to love him.

In one month's time I will have a one year old. For me this is harder than turning 30. Time feels like it keeps reminding me that it's one year closer to my baby boy becoming a big boy.
I'm quickly snapped back to reality when I think of all this baby has brought to my life, and how much more we have to learn from each other. It makes the prospect of having a ONE year old seem less daunting. ;) Don't get me wrong, I'm proud beyond measure, I just get overwhelmed when I think of the whiplash I'm getting from flying time. They tell ya time flies, but I had no idea it would be lightning speed.

Over the Labor Day weekend he took his first steps! Proud moment. His cousins were visiting and I think they gave him just the encouragement he needed- well really I think he just wanted to keep up.

He has now shunned pretty much anything puréed. He wants to eat what momma and daddy are eating. I'm actually kind of relieved not to have to make special accommodations for his food. I joke that he's become my accountability partner bc he eats half my food now! He's still going strong in breast feeding. He's had moments on our journey when he's made me believe he was going to wean and the next week he'll be back on like he needed to catch up for lost time. I'm beginning to wonder if he'll breast feed til he goes to college. ;)

Daddy taught him how to blow raspberries. He thinks it's funny. Momma thinks otherwise.

No new words, but lots of new sounds. He likes to match pitches with you.

This baby loves to dance! He'll hear a commercial with a catchy tune and I'll find him bouncing to it.

His fave toy this month is a ball.

He loves eskimo and butterfly kisses. He laughs when I do it.

He got his second baby cold/cough. I think he contracted it from the petrie dish called Legoland. That place was swarming with lil walking germs.

He does these incredibly cute faces. One is squinting his eyes and smiling really big, showing his teeth. Precious. His newest expression is raising his eyebrows and making his eyes really large. So cute!

I love this baby so much, all eleven months of him. Never before have I had about 12 emotions running through me at one time; motherhood has a way of doing that to me.

Heisel Rules! {the Nest}