December Dailies: Day 15

I cannot explain how much I love Christmas jammies. You are so stinkin cute in them. 

December Dailies: Day 14

His fathers son.

Daddy had to go to work today. On Saturday. Booooo.

Lucky for me, you stepped in as man of the house. Without any direction, you decided to go work in the yard. 

We've never asked you to do this. You've never done it on your own. But you did. You stepped up and shoveled dog poo, raked leaves, evened out the gravel. Whaaaat?

I didn't want to interrupt you, but staring out the window at this tiny human who so insanely closely resembles my husband is a trip and a half. You are most definitely a mini-me of that sweet dude I married and I feel so insanely thankful that he's set such a good example to take pride in your home and keep it tidy.  When you finished fixing up the yard, you came in, got your guitar, went back outside and sat on the deck, strumming your guitar and singing to the grass.  Be still, my heart.

December Dailies: Day 13

Today.
Oh my, today.
Today was the most magical day of all.

Friday the 13th is supposed to be unlucky. Given the month we've had so far, we would've been smart to wear helmets and shoulder pads all day. Beyond our best judgement, we ventured out for a good old fashioned family adventure, and BOY WAS IT FUN!!!!
Today we went to the Mt. Hood Railroad Polar Express train ride adventure. I'd heard mixed reviews, so I'll admit, the bar was set low. The experience far exceeded any expectations, and we are FULLY on board to make this a new family tradition for years to come.
The day got off to a bit of a rocky start with us missing our original train board time.  But rest assured, we're girl scouts so we quickly recovered and caught the next train after a pizza and a few brews from Double Mountain Brewery. Far as we were concerned, twas a Christmas miracle!

We boarded the train, and your sweet little eyes lit up as you heard those famous words over the loud speaker: "ALL ABOARD!"

We drank hot chocolate. Hot chocolate for a kid who doesn't get sweets or hot chocolate, is pretty much amazing. We also heard the story of the Polar Express (again) over the loud speaker. We ate cookies. 7 cookies. We drank more hot chocolate. We got sugar highs and jumped on the booths like bad, bad children. We had a freaking blast. A week ago, Gpa brought you to WK to meet Santa Kennedy, and unfortunately, you absolutely lost your mind - so freaked, not cool with the S-man, so no photo opps were taken. This time, on the Polar Express, Santa was a professional. He sat down and took control. You didn't have time to freak. You told him what you wanted for Xmas (a new car, a white one), you told him your name was Sawyer Sizemore, he asked for a hug, you gave it to him. We melted.

Such an amazing day. I love seeing you so happy, and watching my mom and dad fawn over you is just too much. You have so much love and support around you, it fills my heart and soul. Thankful for our loving family, all focused on your happiness, our favorite little dude. We are so, so blessed. All thanks to that big guy in the sky. Blessed.

This is love

December Dailies: Day 12

Day 12, unfortunately I didn't see my babe once. Went in to work super early and didn't get home until midnight. Sad. I hate these days. So, today's daily comes from your daddy. Here ya go:

He tells daddy which way to go on the way home: left or right. 

He said he wanted to decorate the tree with mama. Not daddy, daddy can't help. Just mama. 

No trailer today daddy?

Daddy look at the stars and the crescent moon!

Pointed out Xmas lights. 

Watched Polar Express movie. Again. Specifically asked for it. Watched it all the way through. 

Had triangle sandwiches for dinner. (Sammich). And a nana. 

Played with Betty and his bear, ran around the house, pretended to be a puppy. 

Went to bed late at 8:40, had light on at 10:45 barely asleep, fell asleep with the light on. 

Wandered into mommy and daddy's room and fell asleep on the floor next to mommy at some point in the middle of the night. 

And that was day 12. 

December Dailies: Day 11

Today I got back from another quick business trip. These trips will always and forever make me feel so sad, guilty and wrong for being away from my son for any amount of time. I always pray that nothing happens while I'm gone. Alas, it's reality and I've worked hard to make the best of it. 

As I had some time to kill at the San Diego airport today, I was perusing the airport store and ran across this ridiculously adorable bear. I immediately thought of Sawyer and how much he'd love it. Without question, I snatched up this tiny fortune and put him in my suitcase. About halfway through my flight home, the typical routine set in. I started to get giddy, started imagining walking in the door to Sawyer running to greet me with that sweet smile, arms wide open and plenty of stories about his day on the tip of his tongue. I SO look forward to this every time - coming home is the BEST part of business travel. The cutest thing is that sawyer is obsessed with airplanes and seems to completely grasp the concept of my packing my suitcase (which he's obsessed with) and getting on an airplane. This boy loves his planes. 

I decided to start a new tradition. At the end of every business trip, I'll get him a present from wherever I am, I'll put it in my suitcase, and let him fish it out when I get home. This is what I did tonight and he loved it. He loved getting to open my suitcase on his own and search out his new toy. 

I love that I get to make up whatever new traditions I want. I forget sometimes that I can, and should do that. And why not create a little silver lining to these trips? I also love the symbolism of bringing him back a treat from my travels, because he's the reason I deal with last minute travel and being away from my family - so I can build a better future for him. 

This kid is about to have a lot of San Diego and San Francisco swag. 

December Dailies: Day 10

Tough times in this old house. Man I can't wait for vacation in 2 weeks! I've been sick plenty of times but it's not often I'm so sick I can't hang and have to go home. This was one of those days. Luckily I had one sweet pup to cuddle, and I'm also, selfishly, very thankful that you're in preschool and I have the luxury to take a sick day. I know plenty of stay at home mamas who've got to work through this type of sickness. I'm thankful I only get to do that in the evening. 

Here's to a better back half of the month. 

December Dailies: Day 9

It's rare that something happens and I don't know what to do. Those motherly instincts have an amazing way of kicking in, most days. Tonight was a rare exception when I almost called my mommy to ask her what the heck I should do. We were chatting next to our awesome wood stove and you accidentally burned your arm. You've been hurt plenty of times (in fact, you've had a particularly accident prone month now that I think about it), but this time, I heard that terrifying scream cry and I knew it was serious. Luckily, your daddy saved the day and took over while I just totally froze up in the moment. Yay for daddies!! He stayed calm and wrapped your arm in a cold compress right away. You calmed down a bit but still weren't quite right. I finally caught up to daddy and gave you some Tylenol. After an hour and a quick trip to walgreens, you were on the mend. 

It's times like this I am so incredibly thankful for two things:

1. The resiliency of children, a healthy babe who will (hopefully) heal quickly and your ability to be easily distracted by the likes of an iPad. ;-)

2. Your daddy. It's true that two parents are better than one and your daddy is someone real special. We each contribute something different to this team and I am so thankful for his level-headed nature, incredible patience when it matters most, and his ability to step in and save the day when I need it. 

Also, you've hit your December quota on injuries. No more please. 

December Dailies: Day EIGHT.

8 days in and I'm already reeling with excitement for Christmas Day. It's pretty awesome what a different experience it is with a babe vs. just us, as a couple. It was super fun before you came along, now it's just super funnererer.
Today we went and hunted down a tree at our favorite spot up in the mountains. Daddy has been working like a madman, so we were lucky enough to steal him away for a Sunday afternoon to go tree hunting. We found THE PERFECT TREE, hitched it to our rig, and rolled on home. Of course, you hadn't napped, so you were a little sassy and not so into photos, which made for less than awesome pics (and likely no xmas photos, as a result, sorry y'all). This photo may actually end up just being our xmas card, bc it pretty much encapsulates what's happening right now with your sweet little attitude. We'll take your sass: We're telling ourselves it's the foundation for a strong resolve and perspective. Moving right along...
You had way too much fun decorating the tree, I couldn't hardly contain myself and neither could you. You were amazed at the lights, the ornaments, far too many times you said adorable things like:
"oh the lights are so beautiful, mom!"
"the tree is so big, it's perfect, mama!"
"Just look at that beautiful star at the top! That's amazing!"

You actually say these things, and I just can't hardly handle it.

You are so expressive, and present and in the moment. You remind me to just slow down and BE. Stop with the phone, the TV, the work email, and just BE. Hang out, pay attention, sit and be quiet. You keep me sane, bud, and I could not be more thankful for this thing that you do for me. I cooked daddy's favorite burritos, had some awesome wine, and watched you squeal over every perfect minute of this night.  Thanks for helping me NOT stress out about the day of madness that awaits me tomorrow.
Here's a few pics from our day. Another perfectly imperfect day. I would not have rather been anywhere else in the world but right here with you and our people.

Also, we got a super special treat: Your grandpa stopped by for a surprise visit and brought us the movie polar express!!! So we got to watch that magical movie while we dressed up the tree! We are constantly so thankful for our family who lives so close and today was no exception. We love you Grandpa! 

December Dailies: Day 7

After 2 days wine tasting in Walla Walla (unbelievably fantastic btw), I needed a break....for at least a few hours. Today you were kind enough to tag along and supervise mommy while I tasted some fresh Willamette Valley Pinots. A shipment had just arrived for me and I couldn't stand to leave my baby boy for one sec, so you came with me to pickup the goods. What a champ, dude. It was literally 18 degrees out and you handled it like the stud that you are. Thanks for being awesome, always. and may you FOREVER establish a love affair with chemistry. =)

December Dailies: Day 6

Man, you LOVE your puppies!! and they love you too!!
I got home tonight from my trip to find you wrestling around with these hounds. They're about as close as you get to having siblings, and it's pretty dang cute. You take such good care of them, you wish them a good morning and a good night every day, complete with loves and kisses, and they kiss you right back. I always knew I'd want dogs, and kids, but honestly never thought about how cute it would be to raise all of them together at the same time! Love you 3 kidlets.

December Dailies: Day 5

On Day 5, I was gallivanting around Walla Walla wine country while daddy took super good care of you. I asked him to send me something because I missed you like crazy, and here's what you were doing on 12/5/13:

 I die for that bitty giggle. too much.

December Dailies: Day 4

Life's busy right now. Running two huge pieces of business during each of their busiest time of the year is no joke! It makes our time together that much sweeter. After nonstop meetings all day long and barely dragging myself in the front door, you running in with that big beautiful smile and arms wide open makes my heart a little bigger each time. You're my reason for everything. I go to work every day with one mission: to build you the best future possible. You give thanks every day when you run to greet me at the door. And if I don't see you at night because I'm working too late...your sweet kisses and snuggles in the morning are all I need. You whispering "Good morning mama"...be still, my heart. 

Here's us, tonight, cuddled into bed together just hangin. 

The BEST. 

December Dailies: Day 3

This ain't pretty. If kids owies freak you out, stop here.

You came into our room this am and said your finger hurt.
In my professional experience, I've learned you'll come up with any excuse to get into bed with me. You ain't the first one, kiddo. Hah. I digress.
You crawled into my bed and cuddled up like the sweet little bug you are.
We woke up. Mommy, my finger hurts. again? I thought that was just a line to get me into bed? I scoped it, and woah. Woah dude, your poor little finger. So, I get it now. it's pusssssy, swollen, red, that's one miserable finger. I don't do well in these situations, esp when my babe is unhappy, I almost can't handle it. ok, so it's just the one finger.
He goes to the doc, doc says just watch it. Mom's not entirely happy with that result, but I'll deal. Sawyer goes back to school.
Just another tiny reminder of how much I love you. I will forever give anything to make you happy and keep you warm, happy and comfortable. I love you bud. Also, I'm totally in for it when you really do have a serious injury. May that never, ever happen. Get well soon, soldier. 

December Dailies: Day 2

Sawyer: "Daddy, I'm hungry, what are you making me?
Sawyer: "Daddy, what are you making me?
Repeat x4

Your favorite things for breakfast are:
Yogurt
Berries
String Cheese
Toast
hard boiled eggs
hard boiled eggs
hard boiled eggs

December Dailies: Post #1

I can't believe I'm doing it either - Just go with it. I am so insanely in love with this bunch I don't even know what to do with myself. Such a great day hunting for leaves and making a glorious breakfast.

Here's us at the park...aaand on the couch. Pretty much sums up our day.