Colorado & A Life Update

As you've noticed (or probably haven't, if you've fallen off the blog train due to my lack of posting) - I'm barely keeping up with Conner's monthly posts. And now that's done!!

The truth is, life is moving at warp speed. Somewhere between my Niagara Falls post and now, we packed up our home in the country in upstate NY, and moved to North Carolina. Our weeks are littered with work, baby-rearing, house projects, and the occasional brewery stop or museum sighting. (Probably much like the rest of you!)

In my eternal quest to find balance, my days are consumed with a mix of cleaning, playing on the floor with littles, working, squeezing in runs, and catching up with the husby. Occasionally I make dinner. Somehow, keeping up a seemingly mundane blog filled with all of that just hasn't made the cut. So, for those of you who hoped for more updates, I'm sorry.

Truthfully, blogging became a way for me to keep my pictures organized (HELLO TYPE A), and a journal of sorts for our kids to look back on, someday. I hope it can still be those things, but for the time being, I'm cutting myself some much-needed slack.

You may find in the coming months (years?) that this blog is more of a picture diary - a place for us to look back fondly on the beautiful chaos that is these years. Maybe some days I'll feel inspired to write more. Maybe most days I won't.

For those of you still occasionally checking in, thank you!

Now, here's a peek at a recent (very quick) trip to Colorado.

^^ First haircut!

Conner: ONE YEAR!

Conner, we made it!!

You're one year old - and what a ride this last year has been! I joke (regularly) about what a challenge you've been, and while that's true - I'm so grateful, because you've pushed me, pulled me, and stretched me - challenging everything I thought I knew about motherhood. You've made me a stronger mom, a more compassionate woman, a more patient person, and you are a constant reminder to slow down and enjoy the ride.

Since adding you to our family, there is more joy, more laughter, and a stronger bond than ever. Your belly laughs, bright eyes, and toothy smile deliver more happiness than we could have imagined.

You are feisty, demanding, and full of personality. You love bubble baths, milk, all food, crawling, climbing, and otherwise getting into everything. You love Jackson, and continue to be fascinated with him. It's our greatest gift to watch you two love each other. You know what you want, and when you want it. While confusing for me now (since you can't yet talk), I suspect this trait will get you far in life (and it reminds me very much of your daddy.)

You took your first two steps the day before your birthday, though you haven't showed any real interest in trying that again.

You say "more" and "dada," crawl with ferocity, and regularly throw caution to the wind. You are an adventurer at heart, and I hope we can keep that fire lit - forever.

Baby boy, we thank God for entrusting you to us every day, and we promise to work extra hard to be the parents you deserve. Thank you for showing us just what we're made of.