1. Max's Valentine/Writing Recognition Party.
This may seem like a day-to-day sort of one....but it was an emotional memory for me. First, the Valentines Party wasn't greatly advertised...... so not feeling particularly great that day and thinking it was a run-of-the-mill valentine exchange thing, I almost skipped it. But, then I went. And when I walked into his classroom that afternoon Max's whole face lit up with love and excitement. He was so happy that I had finally arrived, he proceeded to introduce me to his teacher (as if we hadn't met) and all the kids in the classroom. He gave me a walking tour of his classroom, desk, reading area, computer area, snack area, drinking fountain and then the hallway to the bathroom.
When we sat at his desk, Max pulled out a collection written works to read to me. He was thrilled to share this.
I CAN'T BELIEVE I ALMOST MISSED THIS!
As I left his classroom, he gave me the biggest hug and a big, loving puppy dog look. I teared up a little on the way back to the car. I don't know how long excitement for your mommy last in a little boy (I love that he still calls me Mommy), but I'm so happy I didn't miss this moment.
2. Tobias Is Born!
So this is an obvious choice. The little scamp really threw me on the date though. I had completely convinced myself he would be born on May 15th, so when the days, then weeks continued to pass.....I think I was doubly annoyed (and uncomfortable). It turned into a Happy Birthday present for Mark though. Tobias was born happy, healthy, and huge (9lbs) two days before Mark's birthday. My favorite memories of the day were:
Mark looking down at Tobias in the warmer, and Tobias looking right back at him.....they had the same profile. (I wish I had a picture of this moment).
The nursing staff were just in love with him....he was the rumored baby on the floor that was delivered in two hours of easy labor and hadn't fussed since. He didn't cry at all! (That has since changed)
Max and Lillian coming to visit that evening. They were so excited to see their new baby. Lillian started to cry when it was time to go home and she realized I was staying behind.....It was the first night she and I had ever been apart.
3. Taking Tobias and Lillian Into Seattle With Grandma Cecelia
This one is important to me because it was more than a day trip.... It was proof that I could manage.
With Max and Lillian...I had generally taken things super easy after having them....for about three months! Meaning I hardly left the house, and normal family outings went on hold.
When Tobias was about three weeks old, Grandma Cecelia came for a visit. She hadn't been to Seattle in years, so she was interested in checking out downtown. I hesitated at first...... but then decided 'Why Not'!
We did it. Had a great time. Tobias stayed cozy and asleep through most of day. "Why Not" had become a new and braver approach for me this year.....
4. Grandma & Grandpa Durben Came For A Visit
It was great to see them again, and it meant so much to us. They came to see Max when he was two months old (in Naples, Italy), they came just in time for Lillian's birth (in Hawaii), and now they were here for Tobias! It was Tobias's second trip to the top of the space needle too........
Oh, and we stumbled upon the Cheesecake Factories Anniversary special...all slices of Cheesecake just $1.50! YaaaY!
5. Lillian's 4th Birthday Party
As it turns out....because of moves and spacing, my kids have big parties maybe every few years. At age four and then seven. Lillian had been waiting so patiently throughout the year for HER party..... She was so excited to make the invitations, pass them out, put together goody bags, and order a special Fancy Nancy Dress. When the Birthday Party finally arrived, it was everything she hoped for....and I was excited about all the beautiful pictures that captured the moment.
But my favorite was the very funny, and painfully self-conscious look she had when all eyes turned to her at candle blowing time.
She had so badly wanted HER party..........but we discovered that she gets very squirmy and uncomfortable when she is the CENTER of attention.
6. Janet, Patty, Megan and Randy Visit From San Diego
The Sewell family was one of our best friends and right-next-door neighbors from Hawaii....and we love them! We had the chance to visit them in San Diego before our move to Washington, and we LOVE that they came to see us.
Max, Randy, Megan and Lillian picked up like they had never been apart. And I enjoyed a whole afternoon at the Farmers Market in Seattle with Janet and Patty. There is nothing better than a lunch of stuffed crepes and hitting all the shops with good friends that are enjoying it as much as I do.
7. Returning to Paradise
I've blogged about this already, but this trip was a lifetime highlight. When I was nineteen, back-packing around Portland and Washington with friends...I had completely fallen in love with Paradise (Mt Rainier). I envisioned a time when I would return...with my family (pictured three kids in tow, go figure) and hike around the hillside with them. This was a dream realized.
8. Taking A Spur-Of-The-Moment Chance And Booking A Cabin
If you don't know me well..........I'm not very impulsive. If you do know me well you know I over think everything.
Mulling over our tent camping experience with Tobias... I wasn't sure I was up for that again.... but with some sunny days left in the year, we still had the itch for camping fun. I stumbled upon a late cancellation of the Hamma Hamma Cabin and pounced on it. Out of character for me, but I'm so happy I did, the whole family had a blast!
9. My Birthday Brunch, Hosted By The Best Sisters Ever!
I don't usually fuss over my birthday....or mention it really, so when some of my best friends put together a brunch just for me....it was the greatest! The same group had put together a fabulous baby shower too (which I loved), but the Birthday Brunch was icing on the cake and then some........
(picture from the baby shower....I've gotten smaller since then I swear!)You guys are the best and I love each and everyone of you! And the food was FAB-U-LOUS!
10. Falling In Love With Mark All Over Again
I can't tell a little story or blurb, or even pin down a date, time, day or afternoon to illustrate this one. I just know that over this year I have had moments, when I looked at him and felt I was the luckiest lady in the world..... overcome with a new love for him. I love that after nine years together, I still can feel madly in love with Mark.
2 comments:
Kate! "I" started tearing up about Max and his Valentine party! I think so much lately about how fast little boys grow up and don't need their mommy's anymore. I love that Braedon and Riley still call me mommy and get so emotional when I think of the day I won't hear that anymore!....GEEZ I'm such a baby!
That was probably one of the sweetest blogs I've every read! We haven't known each other very long, but I'm going to miss you when you move! Sniff Sniff!
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