And He's Off...

While this little monkey was taking a few steps at his birthday, his confidence grew leaps and bounds, and by Christmas he was full blown walking. 

For months he has coveted each step his big sister could take - wanting to walk, run, and just keep up to speed with her. 

All the while I wondered if life would become easier or more difficult with two walking toddlers in the house. 

The verdict is still out. 

Day by day I am kissing the baby days goodbye as my McClain grows into a little boy.  

Making Our Gingerbread House

Over the Christmas holidays, my super talented and crafty friend Mary Catherine invited Lucy Mills and a few of her buddies over to make gingerbread houses.  

Lucy Mills listened to the instructions closely and did a great job decorating the candy laden house. 

McClain tagged along to supervise his sis.  {And to dive into the candy at a moments notice.}

It was pretty tempting for a bunch of toddlers to sit at a table full of sugary treats.  

It wasn't long before my sweet girl started tasting a few of the "decorations."  Notice the sprinkles on her lips. 

The final product.  Ain't she a beauty? 

We made the gingerbread house our centerpiece on the kitchen table.  Every morning when Lucy Mills came downstairs for breakfast she pointed to it and said "I made dat" with such pride.  Thank you for making a fun Christmas memory for us MC! 

Here Comes Santa Claus,

here comes Santa Claus,

Right down Santa Claus lane

Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer, pullin' on the reins

Bells are ringin', children singin'

All is merry and bright

Hang your stockings and say your prayers

cause Santa Claus comes tonight!

His 1st Birthday

It's official - we have a two year old and a ONE year old in our house. 

To celebrate the occasion we had a Very Hungry Caterpillar themed birthday bash, complete with a caterpillar rocker. (thanks to Suggie).

It was a huge hit with both children. 

The birthday cake was the only thing that could tear them away from the rocking horse caterpillar. 

Sweet girl could hardly contain herself from diving head first into the green goodness. 

But we held her back until we sang to the birthday boy. 

He made for a cute little birthday boy don't you think? 

At least he did pre-icing.

He took it easy at first.

Then bite by bite,

he crammed more and more in. 

And then I got the "Mom, where has this been hiding my whole life?" look. 

It was pretty good cake if I do say so myself. 

They were wired the rest of the afternoon. 

It was a special day celebrating McClain with our family. 

Our little ladies man charmed his grandmother and great grandmother that day. 

And his grandaddy too. 

Happy Birthday McClain.  Bring on your second year. 

A Look Back

A year ago today, after a surprise pregnancy, months of nausea, countless hospital stays, strict bed rest, 17 hours of labor, and an unexpected cesarian, the greatest thing that could have happened, did.

Robert McClain Mason

came into the world just as healthy as he could be. 

And that sweet little bundle changed all of our lives.  For the better.

We joyfully became a family of four. 

My sweet baby boy was finally here. The battle to get him here safely, had been won.  

His winning smile captivated us from the beginning.

His tender spirit so endearing. 

He has adored his big sister every. single. day.

A moment doesn't go by that he does not win my heart. 

McClain, no matter how old you are, you will always be my baby.

And I will always be your biggest fan. 

Last night I broke my rule of never disturbing a sleeping baby.

I started thinking this was probably the last birthday eve that you would be small enough for me to scoop you up and snuggle you in the middle of the night.

So I did just that.

You stayed asleep, nestled against my body, and let me breathe the moment in. 

You woke for a single second, looked at me and smiled before pressing your face against mine, only to drift off to sleep just as quickly as you awakened. 

Sweet McClain, what a gift your first year has been. 

I think we just might keep you.  :) 

Happy 1st Birthday. 

Love, Mommy