It is the simple things...

Hunter experienced his first Christmas this past weekend. As I probably have said before, everything Hunter is learning and experiencing is more exciting for me then it probably is for him! I took so many pictures of him opening his presents and of course his stocking. Santa did not forget my 5 1/2 month old! When we made it to my parent's house, which was our last Christmas of the weekend, he loved their tree. He loves all Christmas trees but as I was helping him stand in front of it I couldn't help but notice how he just stared at the lights on the tree and felt the branches. Can you imagine how different the branches must free compared to all his soft, fuzzy clothes and blankets? Everything he is learning, I learned too. I once felt all these different textures and saw all these new things. It doesn't take much to make a baby happy. Heck, the other day I gave Hunter a water bottle and you would think he won the lottery! As we were spending time with our families over the weekend, I once again was hit with reality at how fast life can change and how precious the time is that we share with our loved ones. We never know what is going to tomorrow or even an hour from now, but we have those memories that eventually fade a little more everyday, but we never lose the feelings we had when we were with the people we love. Christmas is a magical time and I think that having a baby around makes you realize how much magic there really is. You get to live like a child again. I wish I could look at life like Hunter does. I wish I could see everything for the first time again. I think I would be much more appreciated. Hunter teaches me more then I think I teach him. 

Hunter opening his first tractor! 

I made three desserts for Christmas and I think they were a great hit. I made a cheesecake and was pretty nervous about how it would turn out, but I thought it was pretty good for a first time! Cheesecake is kind of confusing because the middle isn't suppose to be completely firm, but it turned out great. I also made reindeer cookies and santa hats. 

Reindeer cookies!

Santa hats!

White Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake

Now, it's time to get back into the swing of things. Pick up the house, find places for all the gifts we received, and start the weekly meal planning again. Gosh, when you get off your regular schedule it is very hard to get back on. I have to find time to run this week. The weather here for December has been super mild and I need to get in a couple runs soon. I miss those roads, or well, sidewalks. Hunter is sleeping in his swing so I should take advantage of this quiet time and get some things accomplished. 

Hanging out in his Fisher Price swing. This thing has been a lifesaver!

Until next time...between diapers and miles.

When all else fails...Improvise!!!

Everyday is something new with a baby. Nothing is ever the same as yesterday. He doesn't sleep like he did the night before. He learns how to do something new every single second. He learns new sounds that come out of his mouth. Each time he cries it's never the same as the last cry. Each diaper is a little different...  ;) 


No one tells you how to be a mom. Sure, there's tons and tons of books out there that have a million of "suggestions" about what you SHOULD do, but they are just that, "suggestions." When you give your baby love, food, clothes, clean diapers, baths, and a place to sleep isn't that enough? Some people would say no. "You must educated them!" "Teach them!" Isn't everyday learning enough? Maybe not, maybe so. I think little Hunter learns a lot on his own. He learns things that I can't teach him. Of course, right now he is too young to really understand yes or no. He can't do many things that are "bad." He's a baby! I wonder how long I'll use "he's a baby!" as an excuse for his behavior....probably until he's at least 30. :) Your children will always be your babies no matter how old they are. 


Life is all about learning how to improvise. Nothing ever goes as planned. Not a single day plans out how I want it to. Usually it plays out better than I could have hoped. But, there are always some bumps in the road, road blocks, u-turns...you get the drift. The way we learn to handle unexpected change tells a lot about our character. 


Yesterday, for example, I was making no bake cookies. I realized I didn't have any vanilla (which never happens!). So, I just decide to add some more peanut butter. That isn't really the best substitute, but hey, I like my peanut butter! The cookies were definitely runny and I wasn't sure if they would set up, but they did and they tasted great! I had to improvise. I had to come up with an alternative. When it comes to cooking that doesn't always work out the best however! Haha! 


Everyone should learn how to improvise. Be adventurous. Just act on the spur of the moment. Be spontaneous. Don't be worried if you step in a puddle and your socks get wet. Just take them off and be barefoot! I think that it adds excitement to the everyday life we live. One of the things that I've noticed since I've become a mom is that I act goofy and silly way more now than I did before. Don't get me wrong, I was pretty crazy before, but now I will sing made up songs, dance around and wiggle my arms, and make the most outrageous faces to make this little baby smile. You completely block out the rest of the world when you are a parent. You don't care what you have to do to make your baby smile or laugh. I think I have gotten to know myself better since having a baby. Hunter has definitely made me realize how special and precious life is. 


I wake up everyday and think about what I can do so that Hunter has the best day of his life thus far. Every time he smiles or laughs means that I had the best day of my life. What more could I want besides a happy, healthy baby? 


....BETWEEN DIAPERS AND MILES....

Hanging out with my little guy in his "My First Christmas" hat and Christmas outfit.