More Summer Updates: Father's Day

Yes, I know Father's Day was in June and it is now September :-) Never too late to catch up!

We spent a very relaxing Father's Day as a family. As busy as we kept this summer I do remember slowing it down this day to just enjoy each other.

We started the morning off with gifts for Bill and of all things a ww weigh in! Once we knew we were down some pounds we then met up with Dad, Cheryl, and Max for Brunch at one of our favorite diners.

Back home for nap time followed by a late afternoon trip to Catch Air so Spencer and Daddy could play :-)

Water Table:The ONLY Way to Play Outside

This summer in GA it was H-O-T hot, hot, hot! Too bad all Spencer wanted to do was play outside :-) We did venture to parks in the early mornings and pools to stay cool but when Spencer just needed to get out at home, we used the back yard as our own little water oasis :-)

Thank goodness for Spencer's water table that Nana and Papa got for him for his 1st Birthday. We keep in in our basement so we can pull it out on moments notice and it came in handy MANY times this summer.

Making a Splash at Swim Atlanta

Before summer got off to a start I signed Spencer up for four swim lessons at a local swim center. Nothing too serious here; we are talking very basic skills like blowing bubbles, kicking feet, moving arms and floating on our backs. Some more advanced skills were going under water and jumping from the side of the pool. I have to admit we lucked out in terms of getting bang for our buck because the class consisted of us and our friends Krissy and Nicholas! And the instructor of course! We got a lot of individualized attention and even though I know we were not there to learn how to swim I felt the class really helped Spencer have "fun" in the water this summer and I can honestly say he does not mind going under the water, getting splashed with water and has no fear of jumping in. Success in my eyes :-)

Third Time is a Charm-Yet Another Attempt at Blogging

Okay, so I had good intentions of continuing to blog back in May but it just didn’t seem to happen. Ugh so frustrating! I could kick myself for not keeping up because we really did have an amazing summer filled with so many memories. Third times a charm right? So, here’s to making an effort to documenting some of the fun we had this summer and keeping it strong into the fall J

Locks of Love

We have keep very busy the past few months and have reached many milestones but one of our most exciting ventures was Spencer's 1st haircut! May 4th, just one day after turning 14 months old we took the plunge and cut those baby locks we loved so much.

Spencer has thin hair but a lot of it! I really did not think he was quite ready for a haircut until people started saying things about how long it was. So, I took the recommendation of a good friend and went to a kids salon right here in Alpharetta! Ms. Rosa did a fabulous job and it was not until we actually were at the the salon getting it cut, that I realized just how much he really did need a good trim.

I swear we went in with our baby boy and left with our toddler. What a difference the cut made and believe it or not, I did NOT cry :-) Spencer was a trooper through it all and I must say we are now fans of Ms. Rosa and will visit her many times in the next few years :-)

Just Feel Like Blogging- My Nearly Three Month Hiatus

Hi Everyone! I am back from my almost three month long hiatus and could not be more happy to start blogging again. There are many reasons I stopped blogging but with that said, I am so happy to be back :-) Hope your ready to follow us again.

Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Spencer

"Covered in cake and icing, Your smile stretched ear to ear. A single candle celebrates, The joy of your first year.

We sing Happy Birthday, You play midst wrap and bows. We marvel at how you touched our lives, Just one year ago.

I remember the first time I held you, Kissed your head, whispered your name. You've changed our lives forever, Our hearts will never be the same.

As a child you'll love this day, For all the sweets and presents too. As parents we'll love your day, For the gift we got was you.

Each year we'll add another candle, So proud to see you grow. But always with the memory, Of your first day long ago."

-Terry Harrison

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There is something really surreal about writing this post. Let's be honest, it's not like I did not know this day was coming. And, if you are here reading you have probably read every other "monthly" post update on Spencer. His growths stats, his new tricks, his favorite toys or songs. But today is different and I almost don't have the words to express how I am feeling (which is rare if you know me). It hit me the other night as I was preparing for Spencer's 1st birthday party and the thought has clouded my head since. It has really been a year! No denying it now! This is no ordinary party/day. My baby boy is 1 year old today!

Dear Spencer,

For the 9 long months that I carried you I would wonder what you were going to look like. What color eyes or hair you might have? I wondered how I would feel when I finally got to meet you. Would I be a good mother? Would I know just what to do? Then, 1 year ago today my life changed forever. Every answer I ever wanted was here in you. The minute I saw you Spencer there were no more questions, no more doubts, just pure love and joy. That love has guided me through this past year and every milestone that you have reached.

At 1 year you are full of life and thriving. You have a amazing personality that is shining through and are "all boy". You are crawling and cruising at lightning speed and at times it makes it hard to keep up with you. You love to climb, making stairs and park playgrounds your favorite places to hang out. You have transitioned to whole milk and sippy cups and now only have 3 sippy cups of milk a day. You are a super good eater and have 3 solid meals a day and snacks in between and I don't think you have met a food you don't like :-) Your sounds and noise "vocabulary" is growing each day and I can't wait to make sense of those great stories you tell us in your "words". You love music and even in the worst of tantrums it can bring a smile to your face. The past month has brought many changes and it is amazing how I see you "growing" each day.

Happy 1st Birthday Spencer Joshua you have blessed my world from the minute I knew we had created you. You are my sunshine that brings me joy each day. You mean the world to me and my heart grows bigger every day you are in our lives. This past year has undoubtedly been the most exciting and rewarding of my life and I have you to thank for it. May your every wish come true this year and all the years to come.

Love, Mommy

What an amazing year it has been filled with a new adventure everyday. I never thought I would be as emotional as I am right now as I think back on all the wonderful moments we had with our little man in just one year. Imagine how I will feel when he turns 10?!?!

We celebrated Spencer's Birthday with family and friends last Saturday and had a "whale of a time!" Stayed tuned for party pics :-)