Sugar Shakes

Here's a video clip of Levi and his "smash cake" at his birthday party. This is the perfect example of what happens to a baby who gets his first taste of sugar. Just to give you all a heads up, this video is a bit lengthy, so feel free to stop the clip after you see Levi's sugar shakes. I'm mainly posting this video for Uncle Chris and Aunt Linders who were present (in spirit) all the way from Kenya. We miss you both (terribly) and wished you guys could have been there in person. Love you! Enjoy!

Oh, one more thing, the cake is a monkey's head...in case you're wondering. Levi is looking at his face, but for those of you watching, it looks like a large brown mound...not exactly something you picture for a one year old's birthday...just FYI...

Snow Day #2...

Here we are with another snow day and no snow!  Just another typical North Carolina winter....strange, and apparently, unpredictable.  We had a snow day a couple of weeks ago and I forgot to post pics of Levi's first snow.  His high chair is by the window and that morning, while eating his oatmeal, he kept looking outside and talking about the snow.  After breakfast, I kept finding him straining to look out of the window at all of the strange white stuff on the ground.  I decided to bundle him up and take him for a ride in the snow on "Toot-Toot."  As you will see in the pictures below, he is a pretty laid back boy and didn't get as thrilled with the snow as I had hoped.  Oh, well, at least he's cute, right?  As ridiculous as it is that I'm home from work today, I am thankful to be spending it with Levi instead of 50 other kids.  I would never want the responsibility of calling snow days, so, whoever you are, thanks for the day off (even though i'll have to make it up eventually...)!!!

Levi and "Toot-Toot"

warming up at Monkeez Brew and checking out my boots...

rollin' down the alley...

after mom stuck my hand in the snow...

spaghetti...my favorite part of the day!

Everything

One year ago today I was in a hospital bed holding a part of me, a stranger that I knew I would fall in love with every day for the rest of my life.  Honestly, life couldn't be any sweeter.  Levi brightens my life with every smile, giggle, kiss, and, believe it or not, every diaper.  Last year, I lay in that bed trying to imagine why God decided to entrust me with with such a special little package.  My life has continued to be blessed ever since.  

This afternoon, I was flipping through his baby book and feeling pressured to fill in every blank and answer every question.  Silly, huh?  One question in particular prompted me to write this post..."What have I learned this past year?"  I'm not really sure how to answer this question.  How do you sum up a life altering change in just a few blank lines.  As those blank lines stared at me, taunting me to write some fluff, I opted to shut the book, take advantage of Levi's nap time, and snooze a little myself.  

I'm not quite sure what I've learned this year...I feel like I've had to learn EVERYTHING.  Those of you who haven't experienced it yet, after becoming a mother, I'm convinced you are issued a new brain.  Most mothers will testify that they lost brain cells after giving birth.  I definitely believe I'm more confused and forgetful than ever before, just ask my mother.  However, maybe it isn't because I lost brain cells, maybe it is just because I was given a new brain, a mother's brain.  The reason my answer to the question in Levi's baby book is "everything" is because I feel like I, with my new brain, have had to learn everything new...everything a mother needs to know.  I've learned how to tell time based off of Levi's cry...time to eat, time to nap, time for a diaper change.  I've learned that you don't actually need 8 hours of sleep to function during the day...5-6 hours will do (although this isn't my preference!).  I've learned which silly children's songs are perfect for the occasion...whether it is bathtime, bedtime, or diaper time.  I've learned how to be creative to distract a wandering, curious boy or simply to cure boredom in places that are not child friendly.  I've learned that banging your head repeatedly on a hard surface (wood floors, brick walls, or mama's head) does not always cause pain or need for worry...it is just a way to cope with the day to day stresses of being a little baby boy.  I have also learned how a smile from a bright, blue-eyed boy won't only melt the heart of his parents, but also those hurting from the pains of a sinful world.  I've learned that the giggles, screams, and silly games of an infant will wash away the stresses of work and any other complaints I selfishly dwell on.  I have found a new love for my husband as he assumes the role of father, one of the most important examples and relationships Levi will ever have.  I have found a strength in myself I never knew I had.  A strength to say "no" to temptations that may prevent me from being the best I can be for Levi.  A strength to fight against this world, our media, and all of the things I'm terrified will harm and corrupt my child.  I have discovered a growing desire in myself to not settle for mediocrity.  I want and need to be the best I can be for Levi.  I have also gained a greater appreciation and love for our Savior and the sacrifice God made for his children.  

Through much trial and error, I'm sure my new brain will continue to develop.  I just hope I won't continue to be so forgetful, absent minded, and confused.  Sometimes I just want to slap myself because I do and say some of the most ridiculous things.  Maybe all of that has to happen in order push out whatever clouds my mind and keeps me from being "on my game" for Levi.  I just can't imagine how much crazier I could get!

All that aside, I just want to wish my growing boy a happy birthday and thank God for knowing exactly what I needed when He blessed us with Levi Allen.  My heart has never been so full.  I love you baby and thank you for all you've taught me this year.