It's a Great Day to Be Alive

When your day begins with waking up to a cuddly, smiley little kiss-monster, you know it's going to be good. When you pull back the blinds and the sun pours into the room, it just gets better. When you actually get to enjoy your coffee while it's still hot, you know you must be dreaming. But, alas, I was not. I had a wonderful, ordinary day at home. Lawson was on very good behavior, which helped immensely, but there was just something in the air that put us both in very happy moods. We had music playing all day, except for when I played the piano for Lawson and he be-bopped away hanging onto the bench, and that set a tone for having fun! While organizing some files on the computer today, I started hearing Lawson across the room going "mmmmmmm". Well, I turned to see what he was up to and this picture is what I saw. He LOVES his sock monkey from Grandy (my dad, who's name is Randy...)!!!

Such a little love bug!!!

Eventually, I made it around to giving Lawson a bath (in the sink, of course) and that ended up being 45 minutes of splish-splash delight! He was having a blast turning the water on and off, trying to figure out how the plumbing worked, splashing the water onto the floor and peeking out the window at the "kee-ka" (kitty cat). I felt bad taking him out when I did because he was still having so much fun, but visions of diapering a prune after I toweled him off were starting to play in my head.

And before a diaper could be wrangled on his little cowboy behind, he was riding his cow, seriously bare back!!!

Naked Cowboy

He actually ended up staying diaperless for quite a while, as we're working on using the potty now. He's gone every day in the potty at least once. Today was no exception, although he did end up going on my lap once. Hmmm. Eventually, dad came home and Lawson was thrilled, as always. He loves climbing up on Dustin's lap when he gets home to give him hugs and kisses and check out all his cool patches and pins.

We wound down the evening with a little piano playing...

And just when I thought the day couldn't get any better, it did! Just after peeing in the potty for the third time today, Lawson took 5 steps in a row, then 6 steps in a row!!!! I was over the moon! He wanted to take a closer look at a book I was holding out for him to see and I don't even think he thought about it. He just went for it, like he's known how all along! I'm so proud of my little man!

As I type this, Dustin is adding the final two rows of tile in the shower, which is adding to the joy of the day. By the weekend, I should finally have my shower back and Lawson can start bathing in the bath like he used to. I'll post pictures as soon as it is done. I must say, he's done a really good job. Really good. I think when the whole bathroom is done, it will look fantastic! Go, Dustin! So, now it's off to bed and I can only hope that tomorrow goes as great as today has!!!

One Giant Step for Lawson!

Literally, one giant step! We were in his room practicing using his new potty, which we'll get to in just a minute, and he took a step!!! I was so thrilled! Of course, he sat down right after the first step, but it was step. He actually ended up taking his one step several times throughout the day and it was just as thrilling for both of us each time! Maybe he'll actually manage to walk before Dustin goes out on detachment again!

As for the potty, I ordered a baby bjorn little potty for him and it arrived in the mail today. I'm not so much hoping to potty train him at this point, as introduce him to the concept of going like a big boy. We've had great success already. I sat him in the chair and went through a book for a little bit and he actually peed in the potty! I clapped and cheered for him and he seemed quite intrigued by the whole thing, so maybe if we're lucky, this will become a trend! Here's the little guy on his brand new potty!

Future Pianist

This video was taken about a month ago, just before we celebrated Lawson's first birthday (hence, the presents on the piano) but I was just watching it again and thought that for a one year old he was actually playing quite well. It's not just smashing the keys, he picks one or two keys at a time and methodically plays each note. Basically, I'm saying he's a genius and his cd will be out within the year. Look for it!

It's Not the Years in Your Life That Count...

...it's the life in your years! Well, I have a one year old who has packed a lot of life into his one year with us! I'm still getting used to saying that I have a one year old. It's hard to believe it's already been that long. The year has flown by! Well, apart from those early months when Lawson had colic and kept us awake until the sun came up. Those were days and nights were long. We made it, though, and now he sleeps 10-12 hours a night, so I'd say he's made it up to us. Anyway, I thought it would be fun to see how much Lawson has changed in a year, so here are some of my favorite snapshots since he was born.




















I feel like we hit the baby jackpot with Lawson. He really is a sweetheart! We get so many kisses and hugs and lots of big, cheeky smiles. He plays on his own really well, at this point. He entertains us constantly (what did we even do before we had him?) and makes it really difficult to have a bad day. At one, he's not quite walking yet, but "surfs" a lot and I know he'll be taking his first steps really soon. To be honest, I'm trying to enjoy this slightly less mobile stage. He has a good vocabulary and loves meeting new people. I really couldn't ask for more in a child. My sweet little man melts my heart on a daily basis. We truly have been blessed.