Another year older and cuter too!

Today, my baby turned 1 year old. Part of me can't believe it, and another part of me can feel it, both mentally and physically. The first year is a big milestone. A baby's first year is incredible, they go from infant in arms...

To baby in action!

It's amazing how time can seem to drag it's feet at those trying, no sleep, crazy schedule times. But also fly by in a blur of first smiles, first teeth, and crawling mayhem. There are many things I love about babies, from their new awkward state of wonder, to their incredible cuddle abilities. The way you can't not kiss their little cheeks and find wonder with them at the new world they have to explore. What miracles.
It's not all love and kisses, as many parents are well aware. The first year is tough. Full of maddening moments of pure terror and extreme frustration. Is he eating enough? Should she be sleeping now? Why is he crying? Am I doing this right? The list is endless.
So, today we celebrated not only Russell turning 1 but also our survival and joy of the first year. Congratulations Russell! Your parents made it.

We had a little family party today where Russell opened presents, we sang happy birthday and everyone ate yummy cake. It was perfect.

First Russell opened a few gifts. Special thanks to our Grandma's and Grandpa's. Russell loves his gifts.


We took a ride in the car facing forward. What a big day. Being 1 seriously rocks.

Russell's cake had a sailing theme. With three layers of chocolate goodness stuffed and covered with cream cheese butter cream waves this cake was quite delightful!


Russell surely felt the same as we did when he discovered what cake really was.







Here's the chef enjoying his piece of deliciousness...


I love you Russell.

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A Few Pictures to share...

First, I thought it might be important to share that we DID in fact get the apartment we were hoping for in Augusta. The timing and price has really worked out for us. We are lucky to have found it. It is now reserved and having that part of our move taken care of makes things feel a lot less stressful.

(A picture of the town home)
We will be in an end unit, so red or green, we aren't sure yet.

I have been putting together some graduation announcements for Ryan, and to go with that I asked a good friend of mine if she would take some photos for us. Gratefully, she obliged and we went out last week to attempt to get a photo of our little family. Well, things went really well and we got a few pictures that I will treasure forever! Seriously, thank you so much Brooke! I can't say it enough. Having you behind the camera was awesome because the kids like you so much! I know that's why Sam was so willing to cooperate:) Brooke insists she's just an amateur, but I see a lot of talent in these photos. I was so excited about them I wanted to share a few of my favorites...

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Mother

"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother." - Abraham Lincoln

Mom,

Thanks for your constant love and support. Every day I have a better concept of the amount of love and effort you have and do put forth on my behalf. I am so grateful that you are my mother. I love you

-Ryan


Sometimes we forget just how much our mother's have done for us. I feel like I never really realized how much my mother did for me until I became a mother myself.

"Wow Mom, you are an angel. Thanks for being my friend, and my mother. I love you."

-Jessica

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