Books, Books, Everywhere!

Moose got a lot of books for Christmas and these needed to be added to the already growing pile of books that he has!  They sat in piles for a few days...until I rearranged, purged, and replaced things between his room and bathroom!  It all worked out in the end...but we don't have much room to grow!  Maybe when Moose moves into his big boy room, I'll have to come up with a new system!  For now, this works, looks good, and is easy peasy to keep organized and clean!

The books are flanked with our new 'Moose' book ends (LOVE!).

As I was organizing, I turned around to find this...which is a common finding now days.  We are always coming in to find him sitting in our night story chair with a book.  I don't know how he gets up on a rocking chair...but he's a determined little guy!

While I was moving books around...this fell out of one of his first books!  It is my shower invitation from when I was pregnant with Moose.  This led to a moment of reminiscing and realization about how quickly time is passing.  I can't believe we are welcoming another boy into this house in just a few short months...

Jackson wanted variety in his reading material, so he expanded his options on the floor!

And the finished task...looking good!!

Bath TIme in the Morning?

Jackson still loves his bath time...but I think I have to start keeping my eye on him as he has decided that the tub should be fair game at any time!  He has figured out that he can get in and out all by himself (I think buying a Moose stepping stool is in our near future!).  He dumped all his toys in and thought it was a great place to play!

 This must be similar to how he got in - which I missed!  But, this is how he 'gracefully' gets out!

Christmas Revisited

I'm so sad these pictures aren't better, because this was a pretty magical moment in terms of little boys and Christmas!  But, Trevor was on camera duty and was locked and loaded with our little point and shoot which we are still getting to know! 

Anyways...my parents got 'the boys' a John Deer for Christmas thinking they would think it's cool now, but would have to grow into it.  As of Christmas Eve, Moose had no idea he could actually drive it...in fact, my dad said it looked like he was a good ways away from reaching the petal...apparently a good ways is one day because by Christmas night, Moose figured out that when there's a will, there's a way - and he discovered that petal!  We really need to take that thing outside and instruct him how to steer!  So, they have plenty of room to grow with it...as it goes in reverse, has a dumper on the back, and will always be a fun toy to have, especially when Papa has his tractor out!  

Christmas Eve we took Moose downstairs and turned him around to see the present...the first think out of his mouth as he began running?  "Tractor!".

Then, just one day later, Moose found his 'tractor' again!

...When he figured out that he has the ability to make it move himself!...

A Year in Review

I thought this would be a fun and quick little project but it was REALLY hard for me to do and not all that quick as I get caught up in making decisions and reminiscing!

I decided to sum up a year for Moose...a photo from each month that had some sort of significance.  It felt like an impossible task!  I think I take too many photos!  But nonetheless, here is what I came up with :)  It was nice for me to look back and see how much he's changed in one year - I hope you enjoy the transformation as well...

 Like I mentioned - it was nearly impossible for me to choose photos for this little project and yes, I could have posted a dozen for each month - but anything I choose will make me smile...so I chose to just go with my gut!

Happy New Year!

Happy 2012 Everyone!

Last night was a bit different for me...I had a bit of anxiety in my stomach as the clock started ticking!  I'm sure part of the anxiety was excitement - but it was just knowledge that this year was going to be different!  Incredibly amazing...but different!  Moose is my, well...Moose!  He is my everything!  I often panic that I couldn't possibly love anything in this world as much as him...but people tell me that it's an amazing revelation...your heart just grows and gets bigger!  2012 is going to be a year of growth!  In our family size, in the love in our home, in the sleepless nights, in the crazy days, in the amazing moments.  I am excited...but nervous.  I'd imagine that's a normal feeling - - - excitement, nervousness, worry, anticipation - - - it's all mixed up in my belly and it grows every day!  I can't wait.  There have been so many changes over the past few weeks.  We've made great progress on our basement...and are excited to see the drywall and paint go up over the next few weeks!  It is just all so real!  It's really happening!  And it's really exciting!

I truly believe Moose is going to rock out the role of big brother!  I'm sure there will be an adjustment period...some jealousy...some patience needed...but really - I think he will rock it!  I'm so excited for these two boys to grow and get to know each other.  To love hard...and probably fight hard.  To build a bond that only brothers share.  I feel so lucky and so blessed.

Today I told Trevor that I wanted to attempt to take at least one photo a day for the year 2012.  This may sound crazy...but truth be told...between my iphone, point-and-shoot, and my big bad camera...I probably am pretty close to this!  I want to try.  There will be so many moments, it will just take an effort.  So we will see how this unfolds.  It may be a disaster or a huge success that can be a photo journal when the year is said and done!  I guess we'll just have to see!

Today I started off with a bang and took some (what I think are) great photos of Mr. Jackson!  Can I just say he's addicting to me!  His smile, laugh, and playfulness literally brightens every single day of my life.  Every day.  It's unexplainable how happy he is.  No, not every second of every day, but very often!  These photos were fun because I felt like you could really tell how charismatic his smile is!  I love how much he loves the outdoors.  The cold doesn't bother him at all!  He loves and thrives off of adventure and playfulness! 

I love you Moose, to the moon and back - over and over.  I wish you nothing but more happiness and growth this year.  I wish you love and cuddles and kisses.  I wish you an imagination that will take you under the ocean and through a jungle!  I wish you patience and curiosity.  I wish you all the happiness you bring me - ten fold.

 May this year bring you all love and happiness, excitement and relaxation, and health and wellness!