happy birthday little man!

6:27:00 AM Unknown 0 Comments

Since it's almost March, and Logan is almost 13 months old, I thought it might be a good time to share some pictures from his birthday party (better late than never, right?). The lighting was pretty terrible and I didn't take nearly as many pictures as I hoped, but I really loved the way everything came together. I focused on the food (learned from my wedding planning days), and didn't plan a lot of elaborate decorations. The best parties are all about good friends & family, and celebrations of love. Which is exactly what we did.


One thing I didn't plan on? Waking up to a blanket of snow on Groundhog Day. Luckily it melted quickly, and only stopped a few people from joining the party.

Of course our theme was airplanes, and I had a lot of help with the decorations. Mom arrived late Friday night with the banner made, and stayed up until 1am securing each of my thousands of photos for the other banners. Together with my Dad they brought everything to life the next morning, filling the clubhouse room with streamers and balloons and as many pictures of Logan as I could find. I used a few airplane props from his bedroom for the final touches.






Always the control freak, I insisted on making each and every platter of food on my own. I spent all day Friday in the kitchen, and most of Saturday morning, too. Thank you, Pinterest, for lists that never stop growing and endless ideas that I have to try.











A few years ago I hosted a baby shower for a dear friend of mine, and decided to make my own buttercream frosting for the cupcakes even though I only owned a hand mixer. Never again. This time I opted for boxed cake mix, and premade frosting from Publix. Best decision I ever made. And at least they were pretty?




I also went simply and easy for Logan's smash cake (which he hated, by the way). Funfetti boxed cake mix, and funfetti frosting. And the cutest airplane candle holder from Amazon (here).


 I totally planned for and expected cute smash cake pictures. Boy, was I wrong. He enjoyed the singing and being the center of attention, and flying his airplane around, but that's about it. He wanted nothing to do with his cake. And when we forced him to try a little frosting so he could see what he was missing, it was all over. He screamed and cried, and threw up the nacho cup he had enjoyed not long before. Definitely not the pictures I hoped for!

dear Logan (1 year)

10:43:00 PM Unknown 0 Comments

My sweet little man,

What an amazing, life-changing, and absolutely incredible year this has been. I barely remember what life was like before you joined our family, and I don't miss a thing about it. You have brought us laughter and tears, sleepless nights and endless days, and enough smiles and memories to last a lifetime. You have tried us in ways we never expected and taught us lessons in parenting, marriage, and what life is really about. Not a day goes by that I don't cherish every smile that lights up your face.

At 12 months you care much more about texture than taste, and always prefer larger bites you can pick up and feed yourself. You are finally growing and wearing 9-12 month clothing! You skipped 6-9 month clothing all together. You are constantly moving and crawling faster than we can keep up, and just started pulling yourself to a standing position. You are now 19 lbs and 28 inches long. You have climbed to the 5th percentile for weight... which is quite an accomplishment for my little man!

Your favorite song is still "if you're happy and you know it", and you often prompt us to start singing by clapping your hands. You also clap when we sing other songs or play games together, and during bathtime when the water turns off. I have been surprised lately by sweet kisses when I least expect them, and you have definitely become quite the charmer.

This week at daycare you joined the toddler class and had a blast! You ate hot meals with the big kids, and even laid down on a mat all by yourself during naptime. It is amazing how fast you are growing up. I installed your new car seat tonight and can't wait to get your reaction to seeing a little more on car trips (don't worry, still rear-facing for another year!). You are starting to sit still and really listen to stories at bedtime, no matter how long of a book we choose. We always find time throughout the day to cuddle, and I think you enjoy it almost as much as I do.

The more I think about the little man you're becoming, the more I find myself at a loss for words. Everything is moving so incredibly fast. I have a hard time mourning the loss of my precious little baby, because every day is such a fun adventure with you. My heart is beaming with pride at every new milestone. You are full of surprises and joy. For the past 12+ months you have been my world, and the memories alone give me such peace and happiness. I look forward to the next year, the next milestone, and the next adventure by your side. This is our journey together.

love always & forever,
Mama