A quick trip to the park and a ride in the swing seems to be the magic cure for a cranky toddler. I shot in continuous mode, but didn’t have the right focus, so here’s the only shot I felt I could salvage. I just love his toothy grin and the giggle-squeal that I know accompanied this expression!
For more summer fun, swing by Stacy’s.
I’m a big fan of the better-late-than-never mantra. While I began this post well over 12 hours ago, our plans changed and well, here it is…
Perhaps it’s the pending arrival of another child that has me so reflective lately, or I suppose it could be the fact that I very recently *finished* Calder’s baby book. Either way, I felt like sharing a few of my favorite shots that still don’t do justice to the amazing little boy he is becoming.
Heading in after a tour through Papa’s Garden…
Sitting so well for his second official haircut, and getting the hang of his first sucker…
Last Thursday, when I believe the temps were well into the 90s and the humidity had to be at least 100%, Katie and I made plans to connect at Hawk Island County Park. I fell in love with this place last fall when we had a cross country meet there – I just knew that it would be a perfect summer day escape for us! My expectations were certainly met! While I don’t have many pictures (I found it tricky to keep an eye on our belongings, stay within arms length of Calder and keep my camera dry) I did manage to snap a few to share our day.
Here’s one of the many gadgets that chill and thrill…(and for the record, the blast of these buckets nearly topples a toddler!)
Between shoving yogurt melts and crackers in his face sharing and trying to climb the back of the lounge chair, I managed to take at least one shot of Cooper and Calder just hangin’ out…
And my best shot for today, is this little gem. In the larger version you can really see his furrowed brow as he studies his cracker, the few stray crumbs on his face, and the chubbiness of his little hands. Beyond that, this picture reminds me of the blissful exhaustion that follows the perfect play on a summer’s day.
Splash on over to Tracey’s for more Best Shot Monday.
Dear Calder,
I have a few different drafts of this letter already saved on my computer, yet I find myself needing and wanting to write directly to you tonight. I can hardly believe that it’s already been an entire year since you came into our lives and completely turned our worlds upside down.
You have grown into such an amazing little boy already and I’m sure that this is merely the beginning of an amazing journey. I keep thinking that we’ve arrived at my “favorite” stage with you, yet you continue to surprise me and each milestone brings another feeling of joy and excitement. I’ll never forget the perfection of those first few weeks – crazy as they were. “The Cocoon” I called it, loving how the world around us stopped and all that mattered was right here in our home. It was the perfect combination of energy and relaxation, restlessness and peace – it was a living contradiction.
You are quickly teaching me that each new phase will bring a different kind of joy and worry into my overflowing heart. As you explore and discover your world, I’m awed by your focus and attention to small details. I cannot wait to share countless memories with you, and I learn by your side how to be the best Mommy I can be.
The way you splash in the bathtub, cough when I tap your button nose, and play shy by snuggling in close, are just a few things I adore. Your newest tricks – standing by yourself, melting down when you don’t get your way, and trying to climb the stairs – have caught me somewhat by surprise, and made me realize just how steep the parenting learning curve can be!
Thank you for all the ways you have made us a family. You make me so very proud. Happy First Birthday, Calder-Man!
Love,
Mama
P.S. I’ll post more pictures from your birthday party very soon, sweetie! 🙂
That’s the magic number. At least it has been for two Tuesdays in a row. Granted on Wednesday it was 5:27 and Friday, right around 5:43. Any way you look at it, it means we’ve had yet another snow rain freezing fog we’re-really-not-sure-but-we’ll-take-it day.
And by the looks of the forecast (winter storm warning with 6-9 inches of accumulation possible on top of the 3 hours of wintry mix that’s expected to pelt the area first) we could be in store for yet another day tomorrow. No, I’m not bragging or anything like that. In fact, I’m a little shocked and unsure as we’ve never had so many days jam-packed into one little timeframe before.
Luckily, today was both relaxing and productive. We’re about to send little guy to bed, at which point I hope to finish grading some papers I’ve had for awhile now, which means tomorrow we’ll be able to attack the house and make it spotless. Ahem, that is, if we have another unexpected day off. In the event that we do return to work (which wouldn’t be a bad thing) we’ll strive for cleanliness yet another day.
To wrap things up, I couldn’t help but share a couple pics that were melt-my-heart adorable today.
Here’s post-morning-nap hairdo….
And the post-afternoon-nap peek-a-boo…
Cornwell Crew 