a few snapshots from back east

Baking with my Oma. That rolling pin is 100+ years old & those cookie cutters are
in their 70s.  

Our trip is slowly wrapping up and it's getting harder and harder to say good-bye to friends and family especially since little Charlie has been added to the mix. This trip has been jammed packed with lots of family, snow (yes, snow!), yummy home cooked food, Christmas movies, baking & naps. I've been loading us up on vitamin c, fluids and bought a ton of hand sanitizer in hopes we won't catch the germs that have been going around. As I write this, the snow is falling and nothing makes me happier. I hope you all have been enjoying your holiday! xoxo       

::insert Bruce Springsteen's Jersey Girl::
one of our many car rides between states   

hot cocoa with marshmallows in mason jars make the perfect gift if you have a lot of family
(like we do)

surprises 

magical snow = snow on christmas morning

thanksgiving 2012

We had a very low key Thanksgiving this year. Worked out perfectly since there was a very sick babe. Everything was whipped up very last minute. All in all it was a nice low key day.  

Charlie's first "turkey hand"

There's so much I'm thankful for but most of all I'm thankful for my little munchkin. I'm thankful that I get to be his mama and I'm thankful that I get to raise him & share this journey with a pretty awesome guy. 

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! xoxo

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

60 years strong

My Oma & Opa in Germany shortly after they got married in 1952.
My Opa was even wearing his wedding ring there. When he returned to America
he wasn't allowed to wear it because he was a mechanic. 

Today two of the most important people in my life celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. My Oma & Opa (german for Grandma & Grandpa) met in Germany when my grandfather was stationed over there during the Korean War. This is one of my favorite pictures of them. My grandparents have been through it all together and managed to build a beautiful life for themselves, their family and their children. 6 children (5 boys 1 girl) and lost 3 of their sons before they were a year old (from Barth Syndrome which was undiagnosed at that time) and 1 son 9 years ago. They both have told me that Charlie's birth has been one of the best things to happen to them. They look forward to updates, pictures, videos, etc. My Oma is one of the most non-judgemental people you will ever meet and she has a wonderful taste in handbags. My Opa is one of the most hardworking people you will ever meet. He worked full-time until a year in a half ago (He was 81 when he stopped). They told me the secret to a successful marriage is having two TVs (that was them joking). I hit the jackpot when it came to grandparents! xo