One year!!

Yes, I am almost a week late in posting my happy birthday to my one year old.  BUT, MY BABY IS A YEAR (and a week) OLD!!!!  The past few weeks have been busy, but good.

Our Craig-and-Vicki-not-Daddy-and-Mommy trip went great.  We spent the weekend in Las Vegas--Craig was already there on business, so we spent the weekend walking around and losing money (I mean, really, Vegas, is it so hard to let me win a little?  Seriously, because you took all my money and I don't really appreciate it).

Craig and Vicki--we're back!!!!

I didn't realize exactly how much we needed this trip until I got there and we just started reconnecting again.  Again, I have to reiterate that our marriage was not/is not in trouble, but for three days, our conversations did not revolve around how much Johnathon ate that day, how much he slept, who was going to put him down for night night.  Our conversations revolved around US and what we were doing.  It was awesome.  I was able to relax and just have fun (I still went to bed early each night.  Don't be silly--some things simply don't change.)  We've already decided to take small trips away like that every so often.  The main reason I was able to relax was because I knew Johnathon was well taken care of--a huge, huge thank you to my mom and dad (even though they never read this).  I, very literally, could not have done this without you.

NOW, ON TO MY FABULOUS SON AND HIS AMAZING ONE YEAR OLD SELF.

One Year Old Johnathon and The Hair That Will Not Be Tamed

Happy Family--other than Craig's missing half his head.  But, really, he does have a big head, so it's understandable to not be able to get it all in the shot.  (Sorry, honey, but true.  You know it is.)

The party went great!!!  In addition to the family members staying in the house (which, when I describe that my parents, my mother-in-law, my sister, her two boys, and my sister's mother-in-law were all staying in my house, sounds like an absolute nightmare, but it honestly wasn't bad.  It was LOUD, but it wasn't bad.  I loved having everyone here), we also invited some neighbors and some of Johnathon's playmates and a college friend who made a big effort to come (Hi, Cain!).  We had balloons, cupcakes, toys, singing, and a little crying (ok, that was me, not the babies).

He wasn't all that sure of the cake at first, but he made a good effort!

Johnathon had a good time at his party and fell asleep HARD about 5 minutes after the last baby left.  He especially had a good time with his cousins--he developed a hero worship that is usually reserved only for the dogs.

So sweet.

My mother in law retired the week of John's birthday.  The day after she retired, she was on a plane to the US to make it in for the party and a good visit with her favorite grandson.  I haven't mentioned Craig's family all that much, but I have to tell you, they make a HUGE, HUGE effort to be a part of Johnathon's life, even though they are so far away.  His wardrobe alone is about 80% from his grandparents!

So, happy first birthday to my sweet baby boy.  It has been such a privilege to be your mommy.

For Prosperity...

So, I've started all the tutorials and NOW I've figured out how to add video to the blog!!! I'm even on YouTube!  But, this is the only video I have posted for now.

I was trying to catch him playing and dancing on his piano, but got something SOOOO much better instead!

Here, for all prosperity, I present...MAMA!!!!  (I haven't figured out to how to splice and edit and all that jazz, so if you don't have a lot of time, the good stuff starts to happen around 1:15)

Holy Crap, Part II

Have I told you lately...that I'm crazy?

No? Well, last year at this exact time, I was in awe of the fact that I was going to be a parent. That THIS month, I was going to have a baby and wow.oh.my.god.

Now? NOW? I cannot believe that my little baby is going to be ONE. As in AN ENTIRE YEAR OLD. As in, NOT A BABY ANYMORE. As in, HE IS GOING TO BE GROWN UP SOON. (Hence, my craziness).

I have to tell you, I have not really been taking it all that well. There have been a lot of tears. And hugs. And kisses. And more tears.

Again with the crying, Mom. Really? Pull it together, woman.

I mean, does he not look super ecstatic to BE the son of a crazy lady?

And, btw, what.the.hell is up with my super-long, alien-like thumb? No wonder he looks like that.

I don't know exactly why I am in such mourning over the fact he is going to be one. This year has been hard. Yes, it's been amazing and I love being a mother, but I make no bones about the fact the process of becoming a parent has been a difficult one for me. I would never say that having a newborn is "fun." There were many WTF am I doing? moments. And sleep deprived breakdowns. And loneliness. And feelings of inadequacies. And just the mindblowing, overwhelming fear of something happening to him.

Because, quite simply, now I cannot comprehend a life without Johnathon. He invades my every waking moment. In a good way. In a fantastic way, actually.

And, you guys, he is so much fun now. And beautiful.

Hi, I am the cutest baby ever.

Craig and I are taking a much, much needed, Craig-and-Vicki, not-Mommy-and-Daddy, trip away next weekend. I am looking forward to it. Because even though this cute little guy has just completely stolen my heart, his lookalike was there first. We need this time together. No, nothing is wrong with our marriage, but after a year of total baby focus, we're finally coming out on the other side and remembering that even mommies and daddies are allowed to have fun, too.