One Year Ago Today...

September 13th 2013,

"I Love You Daily"

Leon,

       One year ago today I woke up early in the morning with the idea to start this blog for you. I wanted to tell you I love you everyday in a way you could look back on later, and thus "I Love You Daily" was born. What an amazing and blessed year it has been. We have been through many changes, from first hair cuts and new teeth to becoming a big brother and getting baby sister. I have loved writing this daily blog for you, and each time I go back and reread them I find myself smiling, remembering all the fun and silly things you did and said.
       As I said, a lot has changed since I began this blogging journey. With the addition of a new family member I find myself to be busier than ever. I have had it in mind that I would need to change how I do this blog, as it has become increasingly difficult to keep up. I also have been wanting to start an "I love you blog" for your baby sister Naomi as well. That being said, with careful thought and consideration I have decided to begin a new blog. This new blog will be dedicated to both you and Naomi. I will blog weekly instead of daily. In this blog I will post about the things we did that week along with pictures of both you and your sister.
       Life is full of change and it can be a wonderful thing. Even though I am sad to see this "I love you daily" blog for you come to an end, I am also excited for this new chapter. I look forward to all the smiles, laughter and love you and your sister will bring into my life in the coming years, and I look forward to capturing it all through photos and written word. Thank you for blessing my life. I love you with all my heart Leon!

~Love, your Mama

To all my readers and followers/family and friends,
       Thank you all for your love and support, and for following us on this amazing journey of parenting, life and love through this blog. All of your kind words and encouragement have meant a lot to me. I hope you will keep following me as I launch my new blog this coming Sunday. Thank you all and God bless you!

~Sincerely, Karissa Martin

Lunch Time For Mommy & Leon

September 11th 2013,

An Indoor Picnic!

Leon,

       As a result of yesterday's fun picnic at the park, you insisted that we have a picnic for lunch today as well. While your sister was taking her nap I set up your little table in the livingroom and made a little picnic for us to eat. We ate cheese, crackers, sliced apples and a berry yogurt smoothie! As you ate you smiled at me and said "Yay picnic!" You happily ate your whole lunch, and a second serving of the smoothie. I feel so blessed that I get to do fun things like this with you everyday! I love being a stay at home Mommy and I love you with all my heart Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

A Picnic & A Suprise

September 10th 2013,

Little Handy Man

Leon,

       It was a very good day today, full of fun and suprises. It was a warm and sunny day. Grandma (My Mama) stopped by for a visit. To take advantage of such a beautiful day we went to the store, bought food for a picnic and headed to the park. You ate your lunch and then excitedly ran over to the slide to play. You even made a friend and had fun playing and talking together. When it came time to leave you were more than ready for a nap. It is amazing what a little outdoors playtime can do for a toddler.

       Upon waking up from your nap, Daddy was home with a suprise for you! He bought you your very own tool kit! Now you can help Daddy fix things around the house. You immediately got out the plastic hammer and screwdriver and started "fixing" all the doors in the house. You will be a great handy man someday! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



I have sticky floors, a messy house and happy kids.

September 9th 2013,

My Little Boy & Baby Girl

Leon,

       Getting house work done has gotten to be a bit more challenging with you and your sister, especially when you want to help. We often end up playing instead, but I don't mind at all. The fun and silly things we do and the memories we make are way more important than having a neat and tidy house. I am coming to terms with the fact that things will always be a little messy, because being parents and raising kids is messy business. There is a saying that goes "I have sticky floors, a messy house and happy kids." There is so much truth to that statement. I always want my focus to be our family and all the happy memories we make, even if it means the house will be a little messy here and there. So the laundry didn't get folded today and I would like to mop the hardwood floors, but those things can wait. I have two precious babies who need my attention, and that is my priority. I pray that when you are grown and you think back to your childhood it is full of happy memories. I love you with all my heart Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



So Independent

September 8th 2013,

I can do it on my own.

Leon,

       I love being your Mommy and helping you do and learn new things. You are now coming to a new stage in your life where you are beginning to do things on your own. In some things you no longer need my help. You are growing up, becoming more independent and confident. I am so proud of you each time I watch you accomplish something new, yet when I think about it there is a touch of sadness. You are growing up and you are no longer a baby. I know as you get older you won't need me to hold your hand and guide you. You are growing into a wonderful little boy with a kind heart and a strong will, and I couldn't be more proud to be your Mommy. But even as you grow and change, you will always be my baby boy. I love you with all my heart Leon.

 

~Love, your Mama

 

 

 



My Little Artist

September 7th 2013,

Art Project

Painting Mess

Project Complete!

Leon,

       I love coming up with fun art projects for you to do. The project we did today was fun and messy, involving lots of paint and a big plastic tarp. I took a painting canvas I had and used tape to write your name across it. I layed out a tarp and set the canvas and paints on it. Brush in hand, you set to work on your masterpiece. You enthusiastically brushed on each color, but soon you discovered that painting with your hands was much better. When you ran out of canvas you began painting yourself. It was then that I decided it was time for a bath. You loved today's art project, and you love your new painting that you get to hang up in your room. Even though cleaning up takes longer than the activity, I love doing fun art projects with you. I love you Leon, my little artist!

 

~Love, your Mama

 

 



Home Sweet Home

September 6th 2013,

Playdough Playtime Silliness

"Spider!"

"I squish a spider!"

"All gone!"

Leon,

       After being out of town for the last three days you were very happy to be home. We used today as a "get chores caught up" day and played inside for most of the day. Playdough playtime is one of your favorite activities. You love telling me what to make, and you are getting more and more creative about it as you are getting older. Today you asked me to make a spider. I made a big scary spider and you looked at it and took of running. You came back with a paper towel in hand and said "I squish a spider!" and proceeded to squish the poor playdough spider. You looked up at me with a big grin and said "Spider all gone!" I laughed and said "Thank you for saving Mommy from the big scary spider!" I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama