The month of May is a blur of activity and growth. Unfortunately, much of it went undocumented. Here are some best-of photos from April and May, with hopes that the summer will be enjoyed just as much, but with a little more to show for it in the memory books.
Mommy's Little Guy loooves the water
I feel like it was yesterday that he was crawling around like this, looking so tiny. Two weeks ago he just started walking, and he hasn't turned back. The photos above and below were taken on his actual birthday, April 10th, when he was still a baby. Sigh.
A rare occasion when I convinced Abigail to put a hat on
Above was a power trip to La Jolla Shores beach (90 minutes or so), which is a great location for kids playing in the gentle waves, but involves 10 minutes in the car each way, plus parking. It's amazing how much of a deterrent that small obstacle is, when walking down to the shore is so much easier. I distinctly remember this day, as Abigail was having the time of her life playing in the waves and Elijah was overtired and ready for sleep. Juggling.
Quiet time at the beach while Abigail was at school
Inspired by a Facebook post of the Boland family with their four children at a track meet, I decided to take my little miss to the last one of the season at UCSD. It was a big invitational, and while we had a blast, I think she will remember hopping the fence to gain access more than any of the running. We tried an entry point that is usually open. Once denied, we walked along the perimeter of the fencing until we were trapped between the trees/foliage and the long walk back that we just endured. At least two or three athletes along the way asked if I wanted to hand her over the fence; knowing how shy she is, I politely declined -- until we no longer had a choice. I handed her to a nice long jumper, who carefully helped her down, and then scaled the fence as quickly as I could. She was delighted. We then walked to the entrance and paid.
The photos above were taken before I got around to making a long-promised Else dress for Abigail. My rewards for accomplishing this task include the following: my daughter loves the dress and will wear nothing else; I hand wash and mend the dress most evenings to ensure that it doesn't fall apart and require me to make or buy a new one; Abigail complains when we go to public places and no one compliments her dress.
Abigail's daily uniform
Cruising at the La Jolla Rec Center
Mother's Day photo, in which I am the only one caring that there is a camera
On Mother's Day the kids and I took Jake to the airport for a week-long trip to China for work. I thought I would be upset by being left alone on a supposed day of pampering, but it turned out to be lovely. I went for a run before Jake had to leave, then took the kids to get ice cream after nap time. It was a mellow day with my little ones, which is appropriate in many ways. I'm a very lucky mother. And I'm also a very lucky daughter. My own mom came down to San Diego for two days while Jake was away, to help out, and what a gift that was!
Making coffee with Grandma
The reception after Abigail's school spring concert. This was the day that Jake returned, and Elijah's face pretty much sums up how I felt after taking care of the household solo
If Elijah were to sing a song about his favorite things, it would include anything that makes mixing/whirring noises (such as the standing mixer or the blender), the open dryer or dishwasher, the tiny slide in the front yard, and last but certainly not least, his sister.
When your sister crawls into your crib after your nap….
this is how excited you feel
Another new favorite thing around our house is the addition of a tree swing in the front yard. Abigail does some seriously scary looking tricks on this thing already. It provides hours of entertainment.
Ready to go sailing with Da da
She gets to go sailing and I get to eat crayons. Not sure if that's a very good deal.
And lastly, as previously mentioned, Elijah is walking. I no longer hear his slapping hands on the wood floor as he approaches. He took one step, then two or three, then this:
When you were born I looked at you with such joy and love, knowing that what was to come would be both simple and difficult, exciting and exhausting, entertaining and infuriating. I soon realized how different motherhood would be this time, how much I would rely on you to be there for me; to understand that your sister needed to be fed, too, or to go out to the park; to rely on your patience as your nursing was interrupted yet again, or your nap was not quite on time.
In those first weeks my younger sister helped me gain an important insight. She told me that her only regret with her second child was that she didn't slow down often enough to take mental pictures of the moment with her tiny baby while she had the chance. I tried to take that message to heart, but when I attempted to write this post, to recall a bunch of snap shots that I was sure I had taken, only a few came to mind.
Luckily, I'm a picture person…so I sorted through the photos of your first year and found every single one that exists of just you and me (I did omit a few that were redundant or really, really not fit for public viewing). Since I am behind the camera 90% of the time, they seemed few and far between in my vast collection of photos, but I'm happy with how many exist and the memories they bring forth for me. I love you, baby boy.
Little peanut about 12 hours old--we were both pretty tired
Just two days outside of the belly
Abigail was all about taking photos of her brother when he came home
Notice Jake in the background taking a picture of her taking a picture
You were the main attraction.
That sweet little head under my chin is one of my very favorite things. It brings tears to my eyes almost every time, to know that you are so dependent and also so content to be with me and let me take care of you.
Sleepy little newborn in the moby. You wore that little navy and white striped jammy outfit often, and that tiny little pacifier looks huge on your face.
The days when you slept all the time seem like a lifetime ago.
Out and about from the start, trying to keep up with big sister
Your bright blue eyes reflect your clear, bright, and beautiful demeanor.
My little angel on our annual sister weekend trip. You were cuddled and spoiled, hardly set down for three days straight.
At the mission in San Juan Capistrano. I love that you are looking at your toes, since you are always exploring and observing.
My sweet
This fuzzy photo is an accurate depiction of this time when you were getting too big for the cosleeper, but not quite ready to be on your own. You would move closer and closer to me as the night wore on.
Bath time! Though not always your favorite activity, it's been growing on you.
Despite ALWAYS chewing on fingers and gnawing on toys, you still have no teeth at 12 months old.
You are probably confused as to why I am getting in the way of your view of the ocean. You are always mesmerized and excited when we reach the shore.
Love those matching booties and hat. They were staples for early morning walks.
Waiting in line with your big sister to see the princesses at Disneyland. Soon enough you will have an opinion about what to see next on these family outings.
Your first time eating rice cereal -- attacking the spoon with gusto.
My sweet boy smiling with me on Disneyland's Main Street
Little hands, cuddly boy. Nothing could be better.
I love you
Halloween. You didn't last long as a shark, but we did go to one house as a family.
This picture was taken while Da da and Abigail were off on an adventure together and we were having a relaxing day at home. I loved being able to live by your schedule and needs on our one-on-one days.
I want a kiss...
Thank you! (I think you were hungry and actually trying to suck on my lips.)
5 am walk by the beach. Sometimes an early wake up call requires some soothing ocean sounds
Holiday brunch at The Marine Room -- eating yogurt and being an angel
Christmas Eve at Grammio's house. You threw up on my dress, so I'm wearing one of her shirts. Abigail was "helping" you open your present.
Beautiful sunset with my sweet boy
Again, much more interested in the ocean than the camera
Soon you'll be riding the carousel with your sister. For now you are my little koala bear.
Water bottles are endlessly interesting
Mentally catching seagulls
I love that my hip is your comfort, even when things are a little rough
Thank you for an amazing year, my son. I can't imagine my life without you. I look forward to watching you grow and learn, to experiencing all the joy and excitement that comes with walking, talking, singing, dancing, and so many more things that are just around the bend for you. I love to watch you and your sister interact -- there's no one who keeps your attention quite like she does. I'm proud to be your mother, and I hope by the time you are old enough to read this yourself that you are proud of me, too. Happy Birthday!
