Saturday, January 24, 2009

Dear Mason...

Hi, my buddy boy! I have to be honest--Mommy is feeling tired and overwhelmed after a long week. I've loved being with you, but it's hard when Daddy isn't home! That's why I'm so thankful that last week I started writing some things down to remind me how special our times are together.

It's not your birthday or any special occasion. It's just that several times in the past couple weeks I've thought about how pleased I am with you...how just absolutely tickled to death I am with who you are...how completely overjoyed I am to be your mama. So, I decided I wanted to tell you about it.


I love it that...

  • Last Sunday at lunch you reached out to hold Mommy's hand when we prayed, even though it was short-lived. I want you to be a man of prayer someday and to know that you can always be in conversation with God.
  • When we picked you up at Grandpa & Grandma G's last Saturday, you ran over just to give me a kiss. It was such a sweet surprise.
  • You sometimes bend down to see eye-to-eye with something or to look under a chair or table for a toy. It's just adorable to see your little body squatting down like that.
  • You say "wow!" and "whoa!" over and over again each day because it reminds me that the world is an amazing place to discover, full of good gifts.
  • You do funny things that simply make me laugh, like suck on your paci upside down, try to sit on your cousin Tori like a riding toy, always choose the smallest space to squeeze through, fake burp, make tons of faces, always want to see yourself on the camera after I take your picture...I'm sure there are more!
  • You say "ball" hundreds of times each day because I always want to know what your favorite things are.
  • Your feet make that pitter-patter sound on the floor as you are busy, busy, busy. Sometimes I can't believe how fast it is--like a machine gun! Not only is it just plain funny, but it makes me thankful that you are a healthy, active boy.
  • You serve as the "welcoming committee" at the dr. office, library or the grocery store, saying "hi" to everyone or standing as close as you can to them and smiling until they notice you. I pray you'll always make people feel comfortable and bring joy to those around you.
  • Every day you learn new things and say new words. I have a front row seat to your discovery of the world. For example, I love it that the other day you said, "Turtle!" and Mommy didn't even know you knew that word. Life with you is full of good surprises.
  • You always notice when Mommy is wearing earrings and say "pretty, pretty" (ti,ti).
  • You love books and music. You've got great dance moves; Daddy loves the "Sumo Stomp" best. You're such a curious guy and a fast learner! I'm proud of you.
  • You're my "right-hand man" when it comes to sweeping the floor (but NOT vacuuming!). The way you always end up in my dirt pile helps me keep perspective and remember that the floor is clean enough for now. There will be lots of years to clean the house (too many!) but only a few that you'll want to be by my side while I sweep.
  • You are determined and can tell me what you want. Oh, I know it will bring its challenges, but I love seeing new parts of who you are.
  • You still have your "pigeon coo" laugh when you're in awe of something--and I love it that you're in awe of so many things!
  • My hug, or just my presence, brings you comfort. Wow. What an honor that is.

Buddy, I'm not joking around when I tell you that being your mom is a dream come true for me. It's not always an easy life, but you bring me such joy! Even on the hard days, this is the journey I want to be on. Sometimes I can't believe that I'm actually at the point in my life where I have a "you"! God has granted my heart's desire, first through Daddy and now through you, Precious Peanut. I thought someday the newness of all this might wear off, but my heart still skips a beat to be reunited with you after a day apart...or even just after your nap! My mouth will always turn up with a grin for you and your antics, even on the worst day. Your little voice is a treat to my ears. I'm so excited to be your mom!

I love you so much, Mason! Just thought you should know that I'm still in awe of you.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Missing Daddy!

Daddy, we're missing you while you're gone this week! We're glad you're having a good business trip but can't wait to get you back! Mason wanted to tell you all about his Wednesday...hopefully you've got Wi-Fi again! We love you!

Click to play Mason's Day
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Good deals for kids' clothes!

Just a quick note for other moms on a couple good end-of-winter deals I've come across...

Target: I was there on Saturday, and they had tons of kids' shoes on clearance for less than $5/pair! I got Mason a pair for right now and three more pairs for later on, plus I got a pair for my niece, all for $20!

Children's Place: I just got some things online for next winter for Mason on clearance, and now they've marked things down even more. Some sizes are scarce, but there are great deals to be found if you can find your size.

*Update: Check Tiff's comment for an additional 15% off code at CP.

I'm sure there are many other deals right now as winter clothes are cleared out for spring, but these are the ones that I've been excited to discover. I love a bargain!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Fun with Cousins!

My nieces, Natalie and Tori, have been over to play a few times lately, and I got a few good shots of their sweet smiling faces. I have always loved my role as Aunt Bethy and still love it when I get to have some "aunty time" with any of my nieces or nephews!

Tori is almost 8 months old and on the verge of crawling. She is so sweet and smiley I just want to eat her up! Mason likes her too, still calling her "baby" even though soon the 5 months that separate them in age will seem like nothing at all. He also likes her pacifier and can often be found trying to steal it or with it in his own mouth if Mommy or Aunt Tiff is not paying enough attention. He better watch it because one day soon she'll be able to get him back!


How can you not love this little face?!





Natalie is four and a bundle of energy. She is such a smart little girl with an amazing imagination. Her current favorite name is Teresa if what she names her dolls and other toys is any indication. She loves to tell me what Mason is saying when she's here. Oddly enough, it's often what she is thinking and sounds very little like what Mason actually said. :) She is also the queen of getting song lyrics just a little bit wrong, which provides many great stories and laughs. (And don't try to convince her that she's wrong either--it makes sense to her!) For example, this Christmas she asked her mom what "tar" is; when her mom asked why she wanted to know, she explained that it was from the song, "We three kings of orien tar." And it's "Don't tell it on the mountain," contrary to what you might have thought before. She kills me.


Lots of static electricity in the ball pit!


Christmas 2008

It has been so long since I posted, I'm having trouble deciding what to choose to post about. Is it too late for a Christmas post? Nah! I want to at least give a glimpse of our Christmas fun, even though it is behind us now. (And, by the way, I can't believe it has already come and gone!)

The weather took its toll on our Christmas plans a few times this year, rescheduling two of our events and giving us a surprise overnighter at my parents' house in Sully on a very, very foggy night. We finally finished celebrating on January 3 with the Nikkel clan (my dad's side). We really had a great Christmas. All of us stayed healthy, we enjoyed time with our families, Mason was so much fun to watch, and we thoroughly enjoyed having Deb & Lisa, two of my college friends, stay for a couple days. We're thankful for health, safe travel, many thoughtful gifts, and the love of family and friends!

I decided a slide show was the best way to sum it all up. Enjoy!

Click to play Christmas 2008 in Review
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