normally awesome.

I love those days that you think are going to be filled with normal, mundane things, but ends being incredibly amazing. Yesterday was one of those days.  Even at the end of the day, there was nothing out of the ordinary, but for some reason I went to bed feeling as though I just experienced an awesome day. 

We woke up at 6:30 to get ready to take Cayden to his swim lessons.   This lesson concluded his first week at swim lessons.  I must admit, I did not expect him to cry the whole time.  This is a baby who truly LOVES water.   If you turn on a faucet in our house you can expect Cayden to be crawling up you to leg to play!  So you can understand my shock when my 9 month old screamed at every lesson this week.  Don't worry, it wasn't an "I hate this scream" or "I'm hurt scream"...  It was his usual "I don't like being controlled" scream.  So as bad as it may sound, I wasn't upset.  I hear about mom's who cry and can't watch, but I couldn't help but giggle.  Mrs. Yvonne would lay him on his back to teach him to float and the screaming would begin (but he followed her guidance and was picking up everything...all the while screaming) then as she would bring him back up he would splash and play (still screaming) Then when the lesson was over she would bring him to us and let him rest on the side of the pool on a towel.  Every lesson he would lay on the towel and laugh and smile, and miraculously the screaming would stop.  Just like that.  I swear he is one stubborn little boy.  Fighting, until he gets his way.  {I wonder where that comes from? :)} Screaming and all, we were one proud set of parents beaming with pride as we carried him out to the car.  

His swim lesson was followed by a 9 month check up at our pediatricians office.   Cayden is such a ham.   When Dr. Elias walked in to check him he would laugh and giggle at everything she said.  He definitely enjoys being the center of attention (watch out future siblings).  The appointment went well.  We are blessed to have such a happy and healthy little boy.  Not to mention, he only had to get one shot, which is much better than the usual 4! 

While we we were out we grabbed a quick bite to eat at one of our favorite places, Crispers.  That place is filled with all kinds of deliciousness.  Including mine and Cayden's favorite, butternut squash soup and harvest oatmeal cookies.  I must find those recipes. 

We went home and had a relaxing afternoon.  Jeff headed to work for a few hours and Cayden took a nap.  After my stuff around the house was done, I curled up and read a little.  The storms rolled in and for a about 30 minutes I was in heaven.  A quiet house, a good book and a rainy afternoon. 

                                                          

That evening we pulled Cayden's highchair up to the table and all enjoyed some yummy lasagna, salad and garlic bread.  We turned the TV off and just sat, talked and enjoyed being in the company of our little family.   This is a very rare occurrence.  Dinner time is usually a lot more crazy, and less enjoyable. But for some reason, on this night it was fun.  We laughed, and played, and ate and all were merry. 

I'm sure you have read this and thought... "That's it?  That is your magical, incredible day?".   And my reply is "absolutely"! That is what is so incredible about days like that, ordinary days of errands and doctors appointments leave you feeling happy and blessed.  

With Jeff working days/nights/ and everywhere in-between (he's a police officer) we don't get too many of those full family days, and peaceful family nights.  It's days like yesterday that reiterate how blessed I am.  It's days like that when I go to bed with a smile on my face and a heart full of joy.  

                                            

                                      

✌…

Whitney

I'll ♥ you forever.

I remember everything about the moment I took this photo.  It was 10 o'clock at night and I just finished feeding my 3 week old baby boy.   He was sound asleep on my chest, when I handed him off to Jeff.  After several failed attempts to get a good photo for his birth announcements, my sleep deprived brain mustered up enough energy to think of this picture. We set up the backdrop and carefully undressed Cayden.  Flash!  And then...

I blinked. 

                                                              And he grew up.

Well, obviously he is still my baby boy.  But today that little boy that used to cuddle on my chest all day, turned 9 months old.  He is no longer that little peanut sleeping the days away.  Far from it actually.  That little guy is always on the move.  And when I say always... I mean ALWAYS.   Everything about it is bittersweet.  I miss those moments of him laying so peaceful against my chest while I watched Grey's Anatomy or how waking him up was a twenty minute process, and he always made the funniest faces.  We would just sit and stare at him for hours.  I must have 1000 pictures of him sleeping, and I am probably the only one who knows that all of those are actually separate occasions. 

But now, my little 9 month old is a ball of energy.   He wears me out, but he is so much fun.  His smile is constant, and his laughter is contagious.  His jibber-jabber is adorable and his slobbery kisses are the best.  I may barely get the chance to hold him in my arms as I watch TV, but now I get to crawl around on all fours and do silly dances that make him laugh.  

All I know is this; every day goes by quicker than the last, so I need to make each moment count and be thankful for the present and the past. 

I like to end each day remembering my favorite moments. Sometimes they stick out, and other times they are buried like treasure in the sand.  Today's favorite moment didn't take much digging for... 

My photo shoot with my little ray of sunshine was my favorite part of today.   He always turns an ordinary day into extraordinary.

Happy 9 month birthday, Cayden... and remember...

Until next time...

:)Whitney