love

im lying in bed, almost asleep. To the left of me is my baby boy, sound asleep with his left hand lying right on his cheek and his right arm straight next to his face. He's 3 months old today sleeping in a long one-sie that reads "I love Mommy". I hope those words are true. What I do know is true is that his mommy for sure loves him. The bassinet, that once seemed to big for him, is quickly becoming to small for him to sleep in as he stretches his body ending up just inches away from the top and bottom. I can hear him breath, oh how I love that sound. He is no longer a newborn, growing bigger everyday. 

He now stares into my eyes then lights up with the biggest smile. He now holds his own head up & stands like a big boy. He now plays, coo's and caa's and somedays I swear it sounds like he says maaam! Even though he is growing more alert, more playful and more energetic, he wants me even more! Screaming as if his lungs about to explode... Im the one who soothes him. Fussy when passed around the family... instantly content when I hold him. Call me selfish, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Somedays... it feels like I cant hold him long enough, squeeze him tight enough or kiss him often enough. The love I have for him is overwhelming & its unbelievably growing deeper & deeper everyday. I know this moment, right now all snug asleep in his bassinet, will soon be a distant memory. He will only get bigger but no matter his size... I think I will always stare in amazement at him. 

He will always be my baby, my best friend and the most amazing journey I've ever been on. 

We call this place... the park!

On Wednesday we went for a fun, family walk. We introduced Connor to the park that we'll spend many summer days at very soon! 

 "I think I like this place mom"

Tired from chasing the ball

 I'm starting to see a trend... I like the color turquoise! 

 Our little family of 4

 Relaxing with daddy after our walk

What a fun day! 

Life Lately

The last few weeks, we have been busy! Derek began his parental leave on May 13, which means he is now off for 2 MONTHS!! Just in time for the start of summer & warm weather! His first week off we spent everyday getting our backyard ready for a couples shower we threw for his brother & fiance Mikaela who will be tying the knot in October. The party was so much fun & hopefully I'll share pictures soon! Tomorrow we are off to Chester for a few days, then home to do laundry for 2 days then heading up to Donner/ Lake Tahoe for a few nights. I must say life with Derek home everyday & night sure is fun! He keeps Connor & myself well occupied but Don't worry... Connor & I still managed to sneak in naps on the couch together =) 


Here are a few pics from life lately according to my iPhone! 

 Back yard all ready for summer!

 Too many toys to choose from

 Back to Grad School come fall... $4200 later =(

 Mothers Day love from my boys & Radar

 Mommy & baby time

 Such happy dreams

 Big smiles on a hot night

 "this is the life"

 The shirt says it all

Determination to bounce as fast as possible

After a fun walk to the park

 Brewing sweet tea in the sunshine

 Tummy time success

Local strawberries, jam & apricots = yummy

Motherhood

I could write a 1000 page book about how much I enjoy being a mommy, about how I never could have imagined how amazing it would be, and how each day it only gets better & better... but I believe a picture can tell a story even better than a book sometimes.

What was life like without you in it Connor boy? I wonder everyday...

My heart has never felt so full, my smile has never spread so big. I never knew my ability to love, so selflessly. Motherhood is a blessing, one I don't take for granted and one I thank God every day for counting me worthy to experience. 

Mother's Day this year took on a whole new meaning. 

I am a Mom & my love for such a little life grows bigger and bigger each & every day.

My new loves

I love...
when Connor falls asleep so peacefully in my arms... no paci necessary


when my hubby gives Connor a bath & Connor is full of smiles with each splash


when my hubby asks "do you have any of my black undershirts clean?" & I'm able to respond... "yes i do!... just not folded"... who would of thought that just getting clothes washed, not even folded would make me feel so accomplished


when I see my parents, dereks parents & dereks grandma light up when they hold Connor


diaper changes... weird? Maybe... but a dirty diaper means a healthy baby & successful breastfeeding! Plus Connor loves getting his diaper changed & is full of smiles during them


knowing that in 3 short days my hubby will be off for 2 MONTHS!


my house. I am so thankful for a roof over my head, comfy couch, toys for Connor to play with, a nice pool & fresh new flowers in the backyard. 


when Connor smiles in his sleep.


that I get to stay home with my baby everyday... while also knowing that I am lucky enough to be able to go back to school in the fall & finish my masters!

GROWING UP SO FAST

2 months old

Connor Jackson,

It is amazing to get to watch you grow, change and discover something new everyday. I feel so blessed to get to be your mama. You are an amazingly happy boy full of giggles, smiles, coo's and caa's. 

We visited the doctor several times this month so we got to see how you grew

11 lbs 1 oz. (4-15-12)

11 lbs 7oz (4-20-12)

12 lbs 4oz and are 24in long (4-30-12)

 At two months old, your hair is light blonde on the top with a brown section wrapping around the back. You have big, dark blue eyes and light eyelashes that are growing everyday. You have the cutest little ears, long fingers & long toes. Your belly is growing & your legs are getting chunky. This month you have developed some rolls on your little legs that I just love. 

 You're wearing mainly 0-3 month clothes, still fitting some newborn sizes and all your footy night sleepers are 3 months, since you're so long! Your diapers are size 1 and speaking of diapers, you still go through about 8-10 A DAY!

You have discovered your hands and wow are they cool. They go in your month, move in the air and even help you put your paci back in when it falls out. However, you like to keep your hands in a fist, but now and then you'll spread those fingers & they'll find your mouth. Play time is your favorite. You got a new play mat this month and you just stare in amazement at the musical cat and all the pretty colors. You also love it because you can swing those arms and hit all your toys. Bouncy seat is still your best friend (and mine!)You love car rides, bath time, walks to get the mail, naps in mommy arm or on my chest & hanging in the Moby wrap. Your able to put weight on your legs for and even hold your head up high with the help of mommy and daddy. You're not a big fan of tummy time and you usually get frustrated after just a few minutes.

Not only have you grown physically, your personality has grown even more. You are so alert and attentive. You have long periods when your awake where you smile, play and giggle. This month you have started to understand when mama and daddy talk to you. You smile when we smile, move your head back and forth as we move through the room and love looking around the house, store, or on a walk.

 You've had lots of 1st this month including your first trip to a public place, which was Lowes. Your first time at a restaurant, Bj's. Your first vacation, Chester for 2 days. You also stayed with Nonni & Pop for the first time and then with Grandma, Gigi and Kate another day. You also had a few nights where you'd sleep for 4 or 5 hours straight!

As you can see from your photo-shoot above, it took place over several hours and 3 diaper changes... first your in jeans, then just a one-sie then brown sweats. You usually smile so big for mommy when she takes pictures, but this month you weren't too sure how you felt about being in a basket on the floor. I think the pictures are adorable and really capture your big eyes, chubby cheeks and perfect little body!

Baby boy, you have brought us more joy, laughter & amazement in the last 2 months than I have ever experienced in my 24 years of life. I truly believe God planned for you to be our baby boy and for us to be your parents. We love you, care so much about you and are so excited to see you grow... but not to fast!

Happy 2 months old Connor Jackson Russell!

love, mommy & daddy

Happy Birthday Mama!

Well her birthday isn't until Friday but we celebrated early by surprising her with a limo & wine tasting! It was such a fun day, even though I was away from my little man for the first time for more than 30 minutes! I left the house kinda sad but had so much fun once we got in the limo & started tasting all the yummy wine! I remained a responsible mama by only sipping most of the wine than passing it off to Derek... he loved that idea at the time, however when he was than hungover at 9pm I'm sure he wished he hadn't drank for the both of us :) 

The day was full of laughs, smiles, amazing views and fun memories we will talk about forever. It even involved pumping in a public bathroom for the 1st time. Oh the joys of being a mama! Grandma, GiGi & Kate all watched Connor & were so nice to spend me many pictures & even a video of Connor throughout the day! 

Although I loved every minute of our fun day away, I sure LOVED the second I walked in the door & saw my smiling baby boy!