Goodbye, Summer

Our last few weekends have been spent outdoors chasing what's left of the summer sun.  The weather has been beautiful so we decided to soak up all the warm rays we could to last us until next year.  We're definitely ready for a new season around here, but it's always a little sad to say goodbye to summer.  

Each year as fall closes in, I feel like we need to squeeze in one more pool day or run through the sprinklers, take a sweaty walk to get ice cream, eat corn on the cob or spend a whole day barefooted (and if you're my children...shirtless and maybe also pantless ;)).  
And so we did.

 

 I've pretty much forced the boys outside every free minute of every day recently.  I can't handle them being indoors when the weather is perfection.  They sometimes fight it, but a couple hours later I can barely drag them in for a meal. 

 

 There's something about the fresh air that makes the boys' imaginations come alive.  With grass stained feet carrying them into the land of make-believe, they become pirates, detectives and super hero's.  These boys are wild and full of endless possibility.  I love how adventurous they are.

  I am grateful for slow, lazy weekends spent outside and my ever-growing appreciation for the best things in life.

Now we're looking forward to the coziness of fall.  I can't wait to have the windows wide open. I want to make soup and wear sweaters.  And I love the smell of the furnace when you turn it on for the first time (is that weird?).  It's the simple things :)

Goodbye, summer.  You were good to us.

Milo's "If You Give a Moose a Muffin" Party

We had beautiful weather for Milo's party this past weekend.  

The theme was "If You Give a Moose a Muffin" because we've called him our little moose since the day he was born, 

weighing in at 10lbs 1oz.   The name stuck and now he answers to it :)

I love, love throwing parties and actually enjoy making the invites/decorations/etc.  His party was pretty short, sweet and simple, but it was perfect for a first birthday.

// invite //

The theme evolved to include all the Laura Numeroff books.

Blueberry, banana and bacon/egg/cheese muffins.

Monthly pics hung from balloons.

My sweet niece, Sadie!

morning essentials:  mimosas and coffee.  And I love the pic of my ladies in the reflection.

Fletch was in heaven.  This child loves breakfast.

I've made all the boys' smash cakes.  I enjoy cooking but loathe baking.  So these little cakes are always a labor of love.
All store-bought cakes from here on out kids...

There's something so satisfying about seeing a smiling baby covered in cake.

Get it, buddy.

Sharing with Lolli.

A kiss from GG.

Love from Mimi and PopPop

Milo collected lots of items for the animals at the Humane Society.  And gave out moose cookies as party favors.

Snuggling with Uncle Sean.  The Moose was not happy to be woken up from his AM nap at first.  He warmed up soon enough.

And a few pics from Milo's actual birthday...opening presents from us.  

He got an activity table and personalized Royals jersey.

loves his new activity table.  brothers in the background reading bday cards.

Brother love!  (and my child who refuses to wear clothing)

First birthday success.

For nostalgia.  The other three on their 1st birthdays:

Milo Byron // And then he was ONE...

Dear Milo,

I’ve started this letter to you half a dozen times already. Each time deleting what I've written and trying again. I'm not sure if what I want to say can really be expressed...maybe it's something that can only be felt.  I love words, but they have their limitations when it comes to the best things in life.  

Exactly one year ago today I woke up and just knew it would be your birthday in the way only a momma can know.  I wasn't even in labor yet, but I called your Lolli and asked her to plan on taking your brothers that night.  That's how positive I was.  Later that afternoon I laid down for a nap while your Daddy got your three brothers fed and ready for their sleepover.  30 minutes later, my water broke.  (side note: your Dad covered my side of the bed with beach towels at the end of every pregnancy.  And I'd roll my eyes and say "what are the actual chances my water will break in bed?!" his diligence finally paid off!)

I laid there for a minute in shock.  My heart beating wildly as I thought of all the things I needed to do.  No matter how prepared you are for a baby's arrival, there's always a feeling of panic when the time comes.  My mind raced: I wanted to take a shower and make sure the fish was fed and put away the clean laundry.  But labor intensified quickly and I knew I needed to get to the hospital immediately.  One of the last things I clearly remember is Max saying "You're going to do great, Mom, I just know it." as I tried to conceal how much pain I was in.

At the hospital, you came rushing in like a bull.  My fourth labor was supposed to be easier than the others.  But yours was by far the most physical and emotional and humbling.  Giving birth to you felt like a battle in many ways.   I fought against myself and for myself. Against you and for you.  Four hours to the minute from my water breaking, you painfully, and yet so purely, made your way into the world. We both found peace the moment you were laid down on my skin.

And each day since then I have fallen, or better yet, risen more deeply in love with you.

This is our anniversary, Milo Byron. 

I never want to forget:
that sparkle in your eye,
your gentle spirit,
 how you play with the curls around your ears when you're sleepy,
or how my heart feels when your little face smiles at me.

You are a deep well of joy, dear one.  
Thank you for filling our world with so much light.

My whole heart,
Momma

Standing like a pro, still a bit timid with the steps.

Favorite food?  Crayons.  Definitely still crayons.

Look how far you've come, love!

10 lbs 1oz, 21 inches

I can't wait to watch you grow and thrive in the years to come.

Happy Golden Birthday, sweet thing.