Plastic Easter Memories

It's Easter time. Looking back on my childhood, I remember my Grandma Vander Laan had a tree outside of her kitchen window that she would decorate every Easter. Tiny plastic Easter eggs would adorn it's branches. Sometimes there would be plastic-blow up eggs and bunnies to complete the scene. And of course, each Easter morning, there would be an Easter basket awaiting us each Easter morning. Jelly beans. Cadbury Eggs. Peeps. Easter grass. This Easter basket tradition continued until I was in college!

This week, I had a hankering for something Easter-y to adorn my front door. I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for in the stores, so I did a quick Google search and found an idea to make one of my own. A trip to Hobby Lobby and $10 later, I was all set to make my own Easter wreath. I love it. It reminds me of my childhood and my Grandma, and it makes me smile just looking at it.

As a Mom, I wonder what traditions my kids will remember as adults. 30 years from now, what will they be thinking of when Easter rolls around? Christmas? Birthdays? I hope that even in the littlest of things I can make happy memories for them so that when they're older something will trigger their own "plastic Easter egg" memory and they'll smile, too.

12 Month Stats

Miles had his 12-month check-up today. He weighed in at 20.2lbs (20%) and measured 31.25 inches long (90%). Interestingly enough, he didn't even shed a tear when he got his polio shot. What a trooper!!! And of course, everything checked out a-OK...he's perfect in every way!

It's funny, because most people think he's bigger than Adam in weight, but compared to Adam's stats at that time, he's taller, but weighs the same as Adam did at 12 months. Interesting...it'll be fun to see who ends up being the "bigger" brother!

And, I'd just like to say that since having a cupcake at his birthday party, Mr. Miles thinks he's entitled to taste whatever I'm eating. He's figured out that he can point and screech, particularly when I'm eating something that he thinks he should be a part of. So, now I have to be extra sneaky when snacking on things that shouldn't be shared with little boys.

But boy, did he love his cake...

Happy Birthday, Miles!

How is it possible that an entire year has gone by? It truly seems like just yesterday we were welcoming you into the world.

When you were born, everyone thought you looked just like your brother - including me. Throughout the year, you've made it clear that while you may look a bit like Adam, your personality sets you two apart. You're feisty and determined - you go after what you want. You're a love bug - cuddly and sweet. Adam never wanted anything to do with sitting still, but you will sit on my lap and just be. I love being able to sit with you, smelling your hair and soaking up all of your baby goodness. You're very relaxed - not much sets you off, and you're a true joy to be around.

A year ago, as your due date got closer, I remember being worried and anxious. How would you fit into the family? Would Adam resent not getting all of the attention? Would I be able to love two children equally? On your birth day, all my fears were put to rest. How silly I was! The minute I saw your face, I was in love - a love that only a mother knows. You may be my second born, but you are never second in my heart.

Speaking of love, I love your deep blue eyes. I love that when you nurse, one hand holds mine, while the other covers your eyes. I love it that when you're tired, you suck on your two fingers and rub your ear. I love tickling your feet and hearing you giggle. I love how your eyes light up when you see your brother come into the room. I love how you have made our family brighter, better, more blessed. You are amazing.

So Miles, aka "smiley Miley," "Mr. Miles," and "little brother," I love you. We love you.

Happy Birthday, precious boy.

I guess since I live with 3 boys, it's not all that surprising that an entry about farts follows one about penises...

I was out getting my hair cut/colored tonight, so Jeff was home with the boys. He told me the following story, and we laughed so hard about it, I just had to write it down.

Apparently (and I know you will find this is hard to believe), Jeff farted.
Adam: "Did you toot?"
Jeff: "Noooo...I think there is a duck in the room. Didn't you hear that duck quack?"
Adam: "No, there's no duck in here!" (thinking he's onto the joke, but half-looking around for said duck)
Jeff: "Do you see a duck?"
Adam: "No. Maybe there is duck in your butt!!"

Jeff obviously laughed out loud at this one, and then Adam thought it was funny to say "duck butt" over and over, and well, that's where the story ends...

Boys!

Happy Birthday, Miles!

How is it possible that an entire year has gone by? It truly seems like just yesterday we were welcoming you into the world.

When you were born, everyone thought you looked just like your brother - including me. Throughout the year, you've made it clear that while you may look a bit like Adam, your personality sets you two apart. You're feisty and determined - you go after what you want. You're a love bug - cuddly and sweet. Adam never wanted anything to do with sitting still, but you will sit on my lap and just be. I love being able to sit with you, smelling your hair and soaking up all of your baby goodness. You're very relaxed - not much sets you off, and you're a true joy to be around.

A year ago, as your due date got closer, I remember being worried and anxious. How would you fit into the family? Would Adam resent not getting all of the attention? Would I be able to love two children equally? On your birth day, all my fears were put to rest. How silly I was! The minute I saw your face, I was in love - a love that only a mother knows. You may be my second born, but you are never second in my heart.

Speaking of love, I love your deep blue eyes. I love that when you nurse, one hand holds mine, while the other covers your eyes. I love it that when you're tired, you suck on your two fingers and rub your ear. I love tickling your feet and hearing you giggle. I love how your eyes light up when you see your brother come into the room. I love how you have made our family brighter, better, more blessed. You are amazing.

So Miles, aka "smiley Miley," "Mr. Miles," and "little brother," I love you. We love you.

Happy Birthday, precious boy.