Boys

 Little boys.

Adventurous, playful explorers. Destructive, energetic, dirt-lovers. Sensitive, thoughtful snugglers.

Easily, they win their way to my heart.

Of course, girls are special too. In their own unique ways each gender has so much to offer a heart ready to adore. But, right now I'm a mama to this little guy, and I'm soaking up all the boy-ness.

We had a blast recently with Ralphie's big-boy friends Deacon and Owen. "He is really, really cute," Owen told me yesterday; and Deacon always has a hug and an eskimo kiss for Ralphie. 

He watches everything they do, soaks it all in.

Goofy, curious life-lovers. Funny, imaginative story-tellers.

Mama's-boys, food-lovers, mess-makers, kiss-takers, joke-tellers, question-askers. The fun never ends.

Then they grow up... and they don't really change all that much. 

A Little of Life

Here we are, already half-way through January, and if it weren't for Project 365 I'd have no pictures to share. The holiday bustle ended, and it seemed for three days we breathed. Then, life just keeps moving. Daniel is busier than ever with this thing we call church planting. He loves every minute of it. 

We both do.

And Ralphie and me? Well, we just keep busy living. Exploring, learning, creating, enjoying. So thankful to be home with this blessing.

I'm consoling myself with his approaching birthday by putting all my emotions into creating the best birthday party ever. [i wish.] Seriously, this mama has to fight back tears daily as the reality is only too evident that her little guy is growing fast.

We've watched the rain come down for the last two days. It threatened snow, but never hit us. Today the sun is shining, and I'm envisioning a walk in the nippy air down in the Gardens after lunch.

Ralphie is 11 months old!

My sweet darling Ralphie,

One more month. One more month of you being legitimately baby. What a month you've had!

Growing, growing, growing, that's what you did all December. Your round little belly makes me giggle and grin. You love to eat!

You are our curious explorer. Our chatty little friend. Our sweet snuggler.

You wave to people, and hold your hand out to say hi. Sometimes you make a fist and pump it up into the air. [Yes, it looks like a Heil Hitler!]

You [finally!] will crawl hands and knees about 40% of the time. Our days involve me reminding you, "Belly off the floor!" Oddly enough, I think you know what I mean.

You love best, out of all your tricks, standing up and furniture walking. Your chubby baby feet have lost their curl, and its easy to put your shoes on now. You'll be walking in no time, and then the adventures will be even bigger!

Plans for your 1st Birthday party are underway, but that doesn't mean I am rushing this 11th month. No, siree. It would be alright with me if February 10th took fourteen weeks to come, instead of just four. I want to savor every moment of you just as you are. You are so precious.

You and your daddy have lots of fun these days. You are playful and expressive, and Daddy takes full advantage. Block towers, wrestling matches, airplane rides... you love it all. You know the squeak the front door makes when it opens, and you know its your Daddy coming home. You let out a little squeal, lift your hands in the air, and smile at him, all giddy with excitement. It melts my heart.

Quite honestly, this age has just been a blast. There are so many things to learn, so many things to explore. You say "mama" and "dada" and make other noises, but only "mama" do you know belongs with me. You are still 100% a mama's boy. I am glad.

You love other children, and have finally started to joyfully go to the nurseries at the gym and at church. You crawl around and play, and even make some friends along the way.

You love love love clementines. I think we went through the first 5lb bag in a week, just you and me. You love green smoothies, and rice cakes with raspberry jelly. You love sharing your food with Zoe to your mother's consternation. No matter how many times I tell you "no" or I tell Zoe to go away, if my back is turned but ten seconds, you've got your little hands reaching down to her, and she's happily licking whatever you offer.

You are a joy, Ralphie. Your Daddy and I love you more than we could even say. We are thankful for you, and love to see you learn and grow. As much as we love you now, we can't believe how much our love grows. More than last month. And even more next. Baby, you are our treasure, and every day we thank God for giving you to us.

Ralphie's First Christmas

Thank goodness for iPhones, I tell ya. My lens broke right before Christmas, and though I had a friend graciously lend me her own, it wasn't quite the same, and I found I forgot about my camera far too often. But the ever-present iPhone filled in the gaps.

Ralphie's first Christmas was very merry and bright with white snow!

Ralphie didn't quite get the opening part, but he loved playing the the new toys. We had fun visiting both sides of our family, and Ralphie got puh-lenty of love. Having this sweet boy here this Christmas? Makes my heart swell.

Uncle Tom and Aunt Julie gave Daniel and I these cool t-shirts so we can cheer Ralphie on as he learns to walk in the coming months. Who knew that Ralphie is the name of Colorado University's mascot? :)