What I love about Nolan!

So I was searching the internet about ways to record your child's memories. And I came across a post, "Before your child grows another centimeter, and before you get caught up with something else (like his college application), stop time to record this moment." I thought this sounded like a wonderful idea, since he is growing up so fast--and I wish I could just capture each moment!

With that being said, I was thinking about all the fun Nolan, Todd and I have been having together, and how precious he is, and how much I just adore him. He is at such a fun age, and he loves to play with us and his toys. But what I really love about him at this age is how he takes in everything. He listens and points to all the birds outside, and he watches and listens to all the dogs barking, and the cars that go by, or the children laughing in the neighborhood. He was so excited about a bunny running through the yard. He is so intuitive and just seems to take every detail in. And I know that one day very soon, he is going to start telling me about all these things that he sees and hears.

What it made me realize is that children love to explore and play and take the time to enjoy. That is how they are constantly learning about their environment. I really love the way Nolan explores! And I will remind myself never rush Nolan to grow up, and will try to always let him explore.

"Ya, Ya!"

So my little man Nolan is just too cute! Everyday he is just "cute!" Today I bought a little chair for him to sit in outside, and he was so proud to sit in this chair when we got home. He was sitting in the chair, shouting; "Ya, Ya!" The neighbors walked by and just laughed. He has been more talkative lately, he doesn't really say anything, but definitely likes to converse with us in his babbles. His favorite phrase, "Ya, Ya!"

Just Fun!

Nolan has found a new spot to play, under the kitchen table! He enjoys playing there, and frequently brings his toys under the table. I think it is because he enjoys the "fort" like atmosphere, and because he likes the noise the hardwood floor makes with his toys.



This weekend Nolan got his very own house to play in. I figured every child needs to play house, and this is a great little house. It has a little kitchen, a picnic table, phone, and doorbell. And of course he loved playing in it! I can see we will have many fun times to come in this little cottage.

Happy Birthday Nolan!

Yesterday was Nolan's first birthday, we celebrated the day by taking a trip into the city of Chicago. Nolan and I visited our friends Angie and Lukas. Nolan's buddy Lukas is 8 months old, so the two had quite a fun day exploring the outdoors. Nolan enjoyed crawling around in the grass and looking at the big trees. He also loved to take the toys out of Lukie's hands, we will have to work some more on "sharing." I think Nolan really enjoyed his first birthday!! I know I had fun watching him play!

Nolan's First Birthday Celebration

My baby Nolan is turning 1 year old on May 12th, 2009. It seems like just yesterday, I was pregnant and my husband and I were anxiously awaiting his arrival into the world. And now, here we are celebrating his first birthday. Words cannot even express how much I love Nolan, he is the most precious little guy. I now definitely understand the love mothers have for their children. And I love being a mommy! I am happy to be able to share everyday with Nolan and Todd. And I am so looking forward to the years to come!

Today we celebrated Nolan's First Birthday with a Sesame Street Celebration! Nolan has grown to love ELMO, so we thought it appropriate to bring the muppet along to the celebration. We had a wonderful day with all of our family present. Nolan enjoyed opening his presents, although he was a bit shy with all the family watching. And of course he enjoyed his birthday CAKE! It was a happy day, and I loved seeing my little boy so giggly, smiley and excited.







To our Nolan, you are a blessing to Todd and I, we love you so much! We cannot believe that today you had one candle aglow on your cake, when it seems like only yesterday you were just born! We have watched you grow and shine, you have the sweetest disposition. You are always happy with lots of smiles and giggles. You have brightened all of our days. For your first birthday, we wish you a lifetime of happiness and love. May you reach all of your dreams! We love you Nolan and will be here for you, as you grow and explore your environment. Happy 1st Birthday, Peanut!!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Today is a very special day. It is Mother's Day. And I think this year it is even more special to me because it is my first Mother's Day as a mommy. Today made me reflect on how much I love my own mother, and how much she has loved me, believed in me, and how much support she has provided me over the years, and continues to provide. And to my mother-in-law who has been so caring, loving, and supportive since she came into my life. I just hope that I can strive to be as good of a mother to Nolan, as the mothers in my life have been to me!

A poem for mothers: by Susan Polis Schutz

For as long as I can remember
you were always by my side
to give me support
to give me confidence
to give me help
For as long as I can remember
you were the person
I looked up to
so strong
so sensitive
so pretty
For as long as I can remember
and still today
you are everything
a mother should be
For as long as I can remember
you always provived stability
full of laughter
full of tears
full of love
Whatever I become
is because of you
and I thank you
forever for our relationship.

Enjoy Each Day!

This week has begun with the party organizing for Nolan's first birthday. Which made me think, that a whole year has almost passed since he was born, and Nolan has already grown and changed so much. I realize that life goes by way too quickly, and I really would like to just remember to enjoy and have fun everyday with my family.

With the weather becoming nicer outside, Nolan, Wrigley and I have been enjoying more time outside during the week. Nolan is really enjoying his Little Tikes slide. This morning we played outside and he loves to go down the slide.

Yesterday I competed in my first triathlon of the summer. It was called the tri-city challenge and it went through three cities along the Fox river. I competed with some of my coworkers from Delnor Hospital. What was different about this triathlon is that it consisted of a 5 mile canoe(instead of the swim)/13 mile bike/ 3.1 mile run. We canoed down the fox river, and needless to say I have not canoed in quite some time, so it was challenging but fun! Some of our teammates managed to tip their canoe and land in the Fox river, so I was glad that we stayed afloat. I completed the challenge in 2 hours and 13 minutes, one of the fastest from the Delnor team.