1st Birthday Party

We had a nice time on Saturday celebrating Symeon's first birthday with friends and family. He was reserved at first but then warmed up to the whole new scene. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us and to those of you who I know wanted to be there and just weren't able we missed you.



Curious George party so of course we had to have a monkey cake.



At first he didn't like the cake but then...


He was warming to it with help from Mom and Dad then ...


He loved it!!!! And then...


Oh maybe I over did!!

Happy Birthday Symeon

We can't believe our little guy is a year old today we keep wondering where the time has gone and then we realize that we have enjoyed each and every moment of this past year with Symeon. Although the year seems to have passed in the blinking of an eye as we looked through our pictures we realized it was 365 days just like all the rest. Symeon's birthday is a good reminder to us that we need to appreciate every day, we don't want to always be looking ahead and we don't want to always be holding onto the past, the present moments are just to precious.

It is hard to share how I feel today last night I rocked Symeon to sleep which rarely happens anymore because he prefers to just be put in his crib but he has a cold so he really wanted to be held and I really wanted to hold him. I sat with him for about a half hour after he fell asleep crying, praying, thinking through the past year, the day of his birth, the fear, the joy, the overwhelming love that no one could have explained to me. I mourned what will never be again, I rejoiced in all that is to come and I relished the moment which I guess is all a mother can do any day of her baby's life.

Today is one of those days to pause and rejoice in the gift that Symeon is to Shawn and I. He is curious, loving, happy, determined, beautiful, adventerous, and silly. He loves water, George, blueberries, his Dad's computer, music, dancing, books, and his Mom's water bottle. He no longer crawls he prefers to walk, he no longer takes two naps a day he prefers one, he doesn't mind getting dressed but he hates having his pj's put on, he loves showers almost more than baths, and he prefers to have his food on a plate rather than just on his tray. He delights his Dad and I on a daily basis and we feel truly blessed to love him each and every day of his life. God has given us a true treasure and as we raise him we hope we can instill in him a deep sense of self, a true love for God, a tender spirit, and heart for the world. Happy Birthday our dear sweet Lovebug!!


Here are just a few pictures of him today. We will have his birthday party on Saturday so today we celebrated as a family and it was wonderful.


Bringing him home from the hospital


Today with a new ball


Symeon and Mommy today


Look at our big sweet guy


We just love this little face



Ok so I have to run because Symeon is crying while I try to finish "he is just oh so cute birthday post" I guess he doesn't really know it is his birthday today and he "should" be all giggles.

Happy Valentine's Day

Symeon attended his first Valentine's Day Gala at my work and we had a good time. He wore his first boutonniere. He looked so cute and really enjoyed the music and yummy food. We hope you all had a day filled with love.



Here we are at the Gala



Here is our friend Hannah welcoming everyone to the gala. It was a really fun day for residents and staff.

Symeon and George

Symeon and George continue to be good friends. We often feed George dinner and George loves books about as much as Symeon which is good. Here are a few more of the adventures of Symeon and George.



George and Symeon getting ready for bed


Symeon is trying to get George out of his crib and he did get a bit frustrated when his head wouldn't fit through the bars but we sprung George much to Symeon's relief.

28 weeks

I have just started my last trimester and I am finding it hard to believe that I am that far along. I feel really good. The baby is doing well and we are getting more and more excited for our little one to join us. We still don't have names for our little one but we figure we still have some time.

Our little man

This picture just cracks me up he looks like such a little man, he just needs a drink in his hand to complete the stereotypes of men.

Daddy and Symeon

My heart is warmed so often by the way Shawn and Symeon interact with each other. They spend so much time together during the day and the bond between them is so special. Here are a few sweet pictures of the two of them.


The love between a Father and Son



Symeon's shirt says "My Daddy's a stud too" our dear friend bought this for him. He wanted to buy it for his boys but they didn't have their size so he had to bought it for Symeon instead. I think it's great.

Helping, playing, and sleeping hard

Symeon helping his Daddy lower his crib mattress to the lowest notch since he now steps on George his monkey to get higher over the rail of his crib.



Symeon using Daddy's tool box to extend his height a bit.



Just having fun and showing off his two little bottom teeth.


Symeon loves to look out our windows this is often how I find them when I stop in at home during the day.


Symeon plays hard and sleeps hard. I can't believe how big he is in this picture.