Notes From a Small Town

one

On Saturday, we celebrated my littlest guy's first birthday. With the rowdiness of celebration behind us, I've had some time to reflect on this past year...about how unprepared I was for the love I would have for this little person and how he would change our lives - for the better. In some ways, a year is such a short time, but it's as if he has always been with us. Ronan has always been a big brother, and we have always been the parents of two. Calum completes our family in a way that is impossible to describe. He provides balance and a differing opinion. He adds variety to our family dynamic and provides so much love. I am ever grateful that we are blessed with his presence.

He is inquisitive and cuddly. He loves to be worn in the baby carrier and would prefer to take all of his naps that way (my back disagrees). He weighs over 22 pounds and has short legs and a long torso like his daddy. He points at everything and is starting to care where he goes and what he looks at. (Hence, the pointing finger comes out a lot these days). He says a few words and has five teeth. He is my baby. My youngest son, and I love him.

Did I mention that he adores his big brother?

It's hard to let go of the baby year, and yet, I know I have so many wonderful moments ahead.  So, I write down as much as possible and will my memory to stay strong. But, he is still a wee one and those hugs, oh, those hugs - a wonderful reason to stay in the present.

Friday morning bliss

Knitting, coffee, and two brothers playing together while I sit at the table...there's not much more a mama can ask for. (Someone else to clean my house, maybe? I don't want to get too greedy, though)!

Oh, yes, there's been a return to knitting - and reading - now that my youngest has cut his first two teeth. There's a wee bit more sleeping and a bit more regularity around here. As the parent of two, I know it will not last, so I am enjoying it right now.

Have a great weekend!

Four!

He's four.

He's definitely no longer a toddler, but a little boy.

He's outgoing, enjoys the out of doors and loves his little brother.

He is becoming a big fan of Dr. Seuss, and needs to build something (with tools) on a daily basis.

He is trying new foods (without prompting) and loves his "real" bed.

He is curious, collects sticks wherever we go, and thinks snakes are cool.

And, I am so proud to be his mama.

two months

This bag has been sitting in my bedroom for over a week. I just moved it to the front door in hopes that it will eventually make it into the car. Can you guess what's in it?

Yep. Most of those are 0-3 month clothes that Calum has outgrown. Already? Somewhere in that baby-gazing, sleep-deprived state, my baby - my last birthed baby - is growing up. I knew it would happen, but it seems so soon (yes, I know he was a big baby anyway). My heart is a bit heavy this day.

But, then, I'm reminded of all of the new things that come with being two-months. He has been gracing us with smiles for a while now. And, those smiles, well, they just make you think that you are the most special person in the whole world. But, that is nothing compared to the laughter and cooing he bestows upon Ronan. It is enough to melt a Mama's heart. Despite some initial grumblings, these two have become a linked pair.

So, I've saved a few outfits and hope to make one of these for both boys - eventually. (Maybe, just for me - to remember). In the meantime, I will cherish each smile, laugh, burp, diaper change and look forward to all of the wonderful things to come.

Thanks for indulging me in some sentimental mommy moments this Wednesday. See you Friday!

He's here...

Calum Matthew

Born April 17, 2009 at 11:49 a.m.
9lbs, 5 ounces, 21.5 inches

Isn't he the cutest? We're all enjoying each other and trying to navigate our way as a family of four...and I'm re-learning how to type with only one-hand.



There's lots of love to go around. I think we'll be okay.

Committed to Memory

I find it quite ironic that I came across this post today. Because, just this morning, I woke up 10 minutes before Ronan did...and my first thought was - "Ooh, I should go sit in the living room with some decaf coffee (yeah, I know), and have some time to myself."

As I thought about extracting my very-pregnant self from the confines of my not-so-much a toddler, but still not really a preschooler, I glanced down at his cute face and stopped. His cheeks were so rosy and his eyelids were closed and he looked so peaceful and content and...quiet. (Quite a rarity for such an active child). My heart soared and I laid there for 10 minutes just starting at him - willing my memory to capture this moment forever.