more about 18 months

This past Monday was Charlie's 18 month "birthday". I kept getting weepy throughout the day. How is my baby almost two?! Where does the time go? I feel like we were just celebrating his first birthday! Since 18 months is a BIG deal, I decided to try to make the day extra special for him. We took Penelope on extra walks (a perk for both of them), made pizzas for lunch and dinner, took a few trips to the park, etc. Auntie Hope (one of my best friends and Charlie's god mama whom he shares a bday with) paid a visit which made us so happy. Little tidbit: We originally we're gonna have Auntie Hope take Penelope when we found her but our beloved Ringo and her weren't a fan of one another. So this is how we ended with Penelope. I have been insanely busy lately so I've not only been slacking in the blogging department but also taking legit photos with my "real" camera. I even made sure Charlie had a tinfoil hat since he missed out on one the other night except I failed miserably at trying to create one. We even finished the day off with a single somewhat healthy cupcake with a candle (that I had to blow out for him). 

Now that we're officially entering hardcore toddler years it's an interesting journey. They have so much they want to communicate but can't find the words or sometimes actions? You try to help them out as much as possible but they're still left frustrated. Toddlers live in this little world where they aren't very aware of others. Charlie can be like this but he's the ultra compassionate kind who will stop what he's doing to let you know he loves you. He does with Penelope too and it just warms my heart. Did I tell you how much I love this kid? Motherhood has been one of the biggest learning experiences. Watching your child grow from this little helpless baby into this little human being is one of the best things you could ever witness. I'm amazed with how much he's a mix of his father and I. Seriously. It's insane. This kid is so lucky to have the amount of love that he does on a consistent basis from his father and I and the people we've chosen to surround ourselves with.  

Life has already been crazy the past few weeks thanks to Charlie, rescuing Penelope and trying to get her acclimated to her new life, relationships, projects, weddings, etc. It's about to even get crazier cause we're throwing a move into the mix along with other plans that I can't currently talk about but get me so darn giddy :) So if I'm MIA that's why. Hope you all have a lovely weekend!!   

snuggles with his best friend. look at that hand on penelope's paw - aww!

Since Charlie missed out on the tinfoil hat party we had recently, I constructed one
for him. I obviously need to leave the "sculpting" to John. Maybe I'm just the
"ideas" one :) 

i love them together 

18 months

When you turn 18 months, I will buy you a cupcake and throw you a mini party.

My little love is 18 months today. Time has a funny way of just flying by. My little man impresses me every single day. Like today when he decided to start showing off how he can walk backwards. He is very intelligent, inquisitive, and ultra compassionate. I love how he points to almost everything and wants to know what they are. I love watching the world through his beautiful big blue eyes. I love when he stops what he's doing to come over and kiss me and returns to what he's doing. I love the interactions between him and Penelope and how much they love one another. Most of all I love how happy he is even on his "off" days which are far and few between (fingers crossed since we're approaching the terrible 2s). Charlie is a very special child. The amount of love he shows to everyone around him and the amount of the love this kid gets on a daily basis is pretty amazing. I hope as he gets older he's able to stay this well adjusted, this happy and knows how loved he is.

Charlie Graham,

I've said it before and I'll say it again. You complete me. You make my world go round. You make me a better person. You are hands down the most amazing person in my life and I'm so thankful for every waking moment we get together. No matter what, I'll always love you more than you will ever know.

xoxo,
Mama

ps: I did cry as I wrote this post (typical)

4/52

Considering this week kicked off with the inauguration. I thought it was appropriate to share this photo for this project. 

*a photo of Charlie a week for 2013

3/52

If he's not in my arms he's attached to my legs.

*a photo of Charlie once a week for 2013

Charlie Graham turns 1

I've been trying to write this post on and off for a bit now. Not sure what I wanted to say, not sure how much to say, etc. So here we go...

Today my Charlie Graham is a year old. It's something I can't say without my eyes welling up with tears. Today was spent with a lot of reflection on what we were doing those hours and moments before Charlie made his entrance into the world. This year has been one wild ride and full of ups and downs but mostly ups. It's been one giant learning experience. 

Motherhood is by far the most amazing thing I've ever gotten to experience. Motherhood has tested my limits and constantly makes me want to be a better version of myself than the day before. Especially in the last few months because I notice how much Charlie starts to mimic things we do. Motherhood has made me feel like wonder woman at times. I feel that there's nothing I can't handle. This also leads to exhaustion and taking on too much but that's a story for another day.  

For an entire year we've been watching this little person grow into his own. Watching his little milestones. Watching his personality develop. In this entire year he wasn't the only one growing and changing. As his parents we were doing the same. Charlie lights up the room when he enters it. I've seen him make a stranger's day by just his smile. I see the joy his little presence brings to our friends and family. Most of all I see the joy he brings to his father's and my life. I can't imagine my life without my little blue eyed boy.

Charlie,
You complete me and you're the best thing I've ever done. You're the best
journey I've ever embarked on. You are the constant light at the end of
the tunnel. I know your daddy feels the same way. Thank you for changing
our lives for the better. You are the best little miracle and the best surprise
we've ever gotten! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I love you to the moon
and back!

love always,
mama