Denson is one!

What a month we have had so far...we were able to go to Birmingham for the first week in February so Jonathan and I could make a little couples' getaway and also celebrate Denson's first birthday with all of our family. Jonathan and I made a trip to New York for what was going to be two nights but when flights were delayed and we didn't get in until 12am, we extended our stay another night. It all worked out because our original flight home was cancelled so we would have wasted a day at the airport...instead we were able to make the most of our last cold day with yummy foods and lots of sight seeing. We had the most delicious breakfast at Sarabeth's our first morning...I don't have a picture but I had the lemon ricotta pancakes with blackberries and I can't put into words how amazing it tasted. If you go to New York, you must try these. We did a little planning before heading there and wanted to see a show, try a few restaurants and really just enjoy the big city. Another food stop was Shake Shack because lets be real, they have the best burgers ever. We grabbed a late lunch in the middle of freezing Madison Square Park (snow and ice everywhere) and had burgers and fries...it was outstanding! One of my favorite stops was going to The Lego Store and picking out a little lego boat set for Denson. We had a great time but were both dying to see him by our last day. He did great with Beebee and definitely became accustomed to all the attention she gave him :)

Friday (his bday) we woke up and went to get breakfast at Dunkin Donuts. He loved his first cake donut and had a good time making a huge mess. We were excited to get the rest of our party supplies and see all of our family. We are fortunate that our parents all live within an hour of each other so we get to see everyone. We had a lunch party for Denson Saturday and he was a party man considering he didn't get his afternoon nap. After BBQ and cake, we were all pretty beat so we bundled up and took a stroll around the neighborhood so he could ride in his new wagon. He LOVED it! Lacy had the pups so he got to watch them walk beside us and bark right along with them.

Denson is a joyful and witty one year old who has a keen sense of curiosity. He is fairly cautious yet eager to try new things. I know I've said it a million times but I never imagined how much love I would have for Denson and how it would change and grow each day. It is a joy to be his mom...having a child has given Jonathan and I a small glimpse of what is must be like for Jesus to love us, pretty powerful. Your heart overflows. And we will be sharing that love with another baby come July! 

What an exciting year this will be as Denson will be a big brother! We found out in October and told our families which was a lot of fun. Denson sees the ultra sound pictures on the fridge and will point trying to say baby. He also will touch or rub my belly and say "dat-dat-dat". Monday we went for the big ultra sound...we have decided to wait to find out gender although I almost caved at the appointment. Jonathan and I both watched the ultra sound but couldn't tell gender and the doctor said she knew which made me excited. Our guess is boy. We have to go back to get some closer pictures at the next appointment and I may ask for the ultra sound tech to take some pics that reveal gender and just put them in a sealed envelope. :) temptation! We will see if I can hold out...

We are praying for a healthy baby that continues to grow and thankful for how healthy Denson has been. I can't imagine life with two kiddos but I know once newbie is here, everything will fall into place. I can't wait for Denson to be a big brother and share his love with us and newbie. Enjoy the picture dump...

Fire truck ridin'

We've been sitting him on the potty and he likes it so far...he tee teed for the first time last week!

I was craving cheesecake and attempted making my own...Jonathan gave it two thumbs up

NYC

Shake Shack Madison Square Park

The absolute best burger I have ever had

Times Square

Sugar and Plumm 

First Birthday breakfast at Dunkin

He loves his wagon! And so do I :)

Papa and Denson

Singing Happy Birthday...he didn't know what to do with all the singing 

He loves Papa

A sweet gift from Jonathan's parents...his bib says "Newbie Brother" and we have another that says "Newbie"

Feeding himself like a big boy

2013 Holidays

I've slacked the past weeks with so much going on but I don't regret being in the moments and soaking up the holidays with Jonathan and Denson. We traveled to Birmingham for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, though we woke up at our house Christmas morning which was special. This is mostly a picture update to document our 2013 holidays.

Christmas morning 

Sorry it's blurry but this is Christmas Day when we arrived at mom's.

We all had colds New Years so we stayed bundled up at home and watched movies.

Loves wrestling with Jonathan

We cheered on Auburn in the national championship game

Denson didn't quite make it to kick off but he didn't know :)

He turned 11 months old on January 7 

Hard to believe he will be one next month and there is so much to be thankful for. Parenting has taught Jonathan and I so much about ourselves and strengthened our marriage...not all days are easy around here, though you would probably think that by reading Facebook statuses or seeing Instagram photos. It's challenging and exhausting but a reward of love that is endless. Denson loves looking at pictures and his favorite thing to do is take a bath. He has taken some steps but prefers crawling. He has at least 9 teeth that we can see and loves drinking out of our cups. He does not like diaper changes and wiggles so much we've started helping him sit on the potty in hopes on warming him to the idea of potty training :) wishful thinking probably. What a great sleeper he is and doesn't like to be held once he's tired...he's ready to just lay down. He cuddles, gives hugs and THE best sugar. 

We are looking forward to his birthday week because we will be home for the week to celebrate with family and friends but also Jonathan and I get to take our first trip as a couple while Beebee keeps Denson. 

Family road trips...from November

This post didn't publish in November as it was supposed to. 

I made my first solo trip to Birmingham with Denson last week and it was great. He slept most of the way and only got antsy right as we arrived. We made a few stops, one being our traditional Cracker Barrel lunch date. We had an early Thanksgiving with my mom, step dad and grandparents which was nice because there was no timeline of rushing to visit anyone else and squeeze in time. We missed Jonathan being with us :( it's the longest we've been away from him, but he was able to study and work a little extra on the projects he has going on. It worked out well that my dad, step mom and other grandparents planned to visit us in Georgia because we were able to make the trip back together. They stayed with us for the long Veterans weekend and we are thankful we got to share our little community with them. They helped us discover a delicious country cookin' restaurant that's actually open on Sunday. We boiled peanuts, watched football, watched Denson and the deer families that frequent our backyard. It was sad to see them go but the holidays will bring us all together again. I hope Denson remembers his great grandparents; I know I feel so blessed to have known and remember mine [except pappy who passed away before I was born :( ]. It is such joy to see them hold and interact with Denson and I can't imagine what it feels to have children, grand children and greats.

Halloween (owl costume, provided by abut lacy...thank you!)

Golfing trip with dad before we headed out of town

Denson giving me funny looks after his morning bottle 

Grammy loving on Denson 

Our pit stop at Lanes on our way back

Memaw reading books 

Packing up and heading out

He insisted on having some of my smoothie

Love how he crosses his little feet all the time

Bundled up and getting ready to go

Friday chick fil a date with Jonathan on his day off...he had the place all to himself

October

There is a magical feeling when seasons change, the leaves turn and the temperature cools. We have been taking full advantage of our cozy porch and time outdoors now that the love bugs have finally subsided. We just put up a swing for Denson and it's an understatement to say he loves it. I can't believe he is almost 9 months old and has four teeth, crawls, pulls up and is eager to take a first step. On October 9 I walked in his room to get him for his morning bottle and I was shocked to see him standing in his crib holding on the side. Lately, he's been standing up and not able to figure out how to sit back down...I can't help but laugh partially because it's so cute. Denson loves bath time and regardless of how tired he is, he immediately starts jumping and squealing when we run his bath water. He has been eating all types of fruits and veggies and I'm so thankful he hasn't been sick at all.

I recently tried a few new recipes. I made a Cuban soup which was tasty with just enough spice. We've also been having avacado with eggs and tomoato salad for breakfast...and don't forget the bacon! Last weekend I made a quinoa granola which is tastier than expected. 

I finally worked on Denson's Christmas ornament for his first Christmas. Cross stitching is fun and therapeutic for me in the evening. After he goes to bed, Jonathan usually studies and I catch up on my favorite shows and stitch away :)

Excited for the cool weather and making a trip to Birmingham soon! Thankful it's Friday and happy weekend to everyone!