Dear Calvin // Twelve Months

Dear Calvin,

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY, BABY BOY!

It's hard to believe it's already been a year since we met you for the first time, but at the same time it feels like you've been with us forever. Before I get all sappy, let's talk about what you're up to these days...

You really enjoy standing up & holding on to things, but no steps yet. You are a little daredevil though, with lots of bumps & (small) bruises to show for it.

You are still slowly liking more & more foods. You will try just about anything once and if we're persistent, we can usually wear you down.

I'm not convinced you've really said any words yet... You definitely say "dadadada" all day long, but it hasn't been towards dad exactly. However, if you ask your grandma/nana they would say you talk to them all the time ;)

This last year has been both trying & amazing all at once. You have made our smiles bigger, arms stronger, home louder, sleep more precious, and prayers more regular.

Calvin, you are such a bright light in our life and we love you SO much!

love,
mama

[one month]

[two months]
[three months]
[four months]
[five months]

[six months] 

[seven months] 

[eight months] 

[nine months] 

[ten months] 

[eleven months]

A Second Easter in Less Than a Year!

Last Easter, we were knee deep in new parenthood with Calvin only days old. So this year, I was excited to get to attend our church & celebrate with family. And thanks to grandparents, this guy's basket was full of books, bunnies, lambs, & love!

We're thankful that Christ died on the cross for us. It's very humbling when you stop and think about it, right?

He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. // Matthew 28:

April Goals [With Grace]

I'm going to get right to the point - I only completed one of my March goals (whomp, whomp) AND I am okay with that.

For the first time in 11+ months, I finally feel like I have a handle on my little slice of life. Sure, I have my days where I feel like I'm treading water, but for the most part, we're developing a nice little routine (which this girl loves!).  So even though I didn't accomplish as much as I had planned, I'm feeling good.

March Recap: 

1. Consistently work on getting our home ready to sell // we are still on track for our May 1st deadline after spending all available weekends to spruce up our home and plan to spend open time in April to continue working on the remaining items.
 
2. Catch up on photo books // I've started gathering photos, but haven't started the books. I just received some coupons for free photo books, so I hope I can complete this one in April.

3. Date night with Sam // we didn't get one in March, but have one on the calendar for this Saturday! (thanks Alex)

April Goals:

1. Finish getting our home ready to sell // like I said, just a few more things to do (mainly cleaning, new bark, pressure washing, photos, flyers, etc.) and we've got all our open weekends mapped out.

2. Catch up on photo books // as a carryover from last month, I just want to cross this one off my list before Calvin's birthday.

3. Celebrate Calvin's first birthday/our first full year of parenting // we're having a little get together to honor this milestone, but I want to take time to really remember AND celebrate the last twelve months.

4. Comment/e-mail ten people telling them how much their (blog/Twitter/Instagram) posts resonate with me // I don't know why I don't do this more, but more often than not, I find myself saying "me too!" after scrolling through the Internet and I know how much it would mean to me to receive a message from a reader letting me know how they feel, so why not?