Dear 2013

You were a year for the books.
 The year Breaking Bad came to an end. The year the Xbox 1 and iPhone 5 S came to be. The year Peyton Manning threw seven touchdown passes in one game, the first person to do that since 1969. And then six weeks later Nick Foles did it too. The year I took Parker to a Phillies game and stood in Independence Hall on the Fourth of July. The year I had my golden birthday. The year Mariano Rivera retired.
But all of that will be overshadowed by a little frown on the boy who captured our hearts the first time we heard his beat.
That's right 2013, you will live in my memory as the year that brought Jack to us and marked my beginning of motherhood.
I learned first hand the horrors and wonders that happen when you are blessed enough to grow a tiny human inside of you. I watched the body I knew so well stretch and change into something remarkable.A mother.
I spent countless sleepless nights with my best friend as we tried to figure out this business of parenting. The memories of pacing the hallway in our small apartment passing our newborn son back and forth trying to sooth him will stay with Parker and I forever. For the past three months we have devoted our time and energy into figuring him out. And we are.
You are a year that changed me, and Parker too, for the better. Tested us and pushed us until we grew.
You are the year that taught me true joy can be found on the living room floor watching a small baby learn to roll over. The year that ended with staying in, because bedtime is not something you mess around with.
You are the year my family grew by two feet, ten toes, and one dimpled chin.
Thank 2013. You truly were one for the books.

Newborn Photos

Two Months

The past two months have gone by so fast. But also the days before Jack seem like a life time ago. 

There are a few things that have happened since my last update that I want to have documented. So here is a quick picture update: 

We had a wonderful visit from Kyle and Sarah.  It was so fun to spend time with them and Jack was in heaven from all the special attention. 

We have watched a lot of football. 

Jack started crying real tears. And he cried a lot of them when he got his first set of shots. 

He started smiling. 

And stopped taking naps... unless I am holding him. 

He is now weighing in at 12 pounds 8 ounces. And is a bit over 23 inches long. He still is not sleeping through the night. Maybe by my next update? Fingers crossed. 

A Weekend Of Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful holiday. I hope you all did too!
Our first Thanksgiving with Jack went smoothly. He looked quite handsome in his overalls. I am convinced all little boys need a good pair of overalls. Here are my favorite snapshots from Thanksgiving:

The kid loves to play with his tongue.

 He sat on my lap all through dinner, because he hates to be left out. And I mean hates it.  It was a really wonderful day.

On Saturday my sisters "baby" got baptized. And the next day we blessed our little Jack. It was such a wonderful weekend spent remember what is really important, and everything we have to be thankful for.

It was so fun for these boys to share a big weekend.  Jack's tie was made from one of Parker's old tie. And yep he isn't wearing pants. I am in love with his thunder thighs and so we let him rock the button up shirt onesie- no pants style. Classic look. 

I am so Thankful for my little family of three! We just had family photos taken and these are my favorites.