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



 

 



We're off to see the Doctor

September 5th 2013,

Naomi's Appointment

Leon,

       Waking up early, your Daddy and I packed up all our stuff in the hotel room before waking you up for breakfast. We had to leave early today to drive two hours to another city for Naomi's doctor appointment. We met with a pediatric surgeon to have baby's belly button looked at. She has an umbilical hernia that has gotten pretty big. Luckily the doctor said it looks like it will heal on it's own, but it could take a couple years to completely heal. You did very good while Naomi was at her appointment, so the doctor let you pick out a stuffed animal from the gift basket. You were super happy about getting a new toy. You tried to take the whole basket, but since you could only have one you settled for the big shark. Thank you for being such a good boy. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Hanging at the Hotel & Fun at the Mall!

September 4th 2013,

Bored in the hotel room.

Outside Playtime!

Leon,

       Today Daddy was at his training day for work, so it was just you, Naomi and I hanging out at the hotel. We started the day by going down to the continental breakfast the hotel serves. You ate biscuits and gravy and some fruit. We went back up to our hotel room and spent the morning watching cartoons and playing with the toys I brought with us. After lunch you were extremely bored. Luckily the hotel has a nice little courtyard, so I took you down to play outside until nap time.

       When you woke up from your nap Daddy was back. We went to Red Robin for dinner and then went to the mall to walk around. At the mall you got to ride your very first merry-go-round! It had a train, a boat and a puppy you could ride on. You loved it and rode it twice before it was time to go. It was so cute to see you riding the merry-go-round and having so much fun. You are such a big boy now! I love you Leon!

Merry-Go-Round!

 

~Love, your Mama

 



Road Trip

September 3rd 2013,

Fries!

Leon,

       Today we left to take a trip out of town. Daddy has a big training day for work tomorrow, so we all went up as a family. It was a long drive, but you napped for half of it. When you woke up we stopped and got some food. You were super happy that we got you french fries and ketchup, so the rest of the drive when pretty smoothly. By the time we got checked in at the hotel it was time for bed. After a bath and some bedtime stories you fell fast asleep on the big comfy bed. Sweet dreams little man!

Night Night

 

~Love, your Mama





Growing Up

September 2nd 2013,

Fun in the sun!

Enjoying a beautiful day.

Leon,

       We went to the park to play again today. You and Daddy ran up and down and all around the field kicking the soccer ball and having a blast. While you boys played, Naomi and I enjoyed some relaxing time sitting on the soft grass in the warm sunshine. While Naomi took a nap in her carseat, I read a book until you were ready to head home. You and Daddy played hard until you were both sweaty and exhausted. After dinner and a bath it wasn't long until you were fast asleep. I am so proud of you for falling asleep in your new big boy bed for the second night in a row. You have come to love your room, finally, and I think it has a lot to do with your new big boy bed. You are growing up and becoming more and more independant. I am proud of you and love you with all my heart Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

 

 



Park Playtime

September 1st 2013,

Showing off and being silly.

Leon,

       When you take a nap late in the day you have a lot of energy when you wake up. Knowing you needed to get out your energy so you would be tired enough to go to sleep at bedtime, we took you to the park to play. You played for two hours running, kicking your soccer ball, swinging and sliding. While we were playing some kids showed up to play at the park too. You got super excited and wanted to play with them. You even went down the slide by yourself to show off for a little girl. I love to see you interact and have fun with other kids. With your fun and playful as well as kind spirit, I know you will make friends easily as you get older. You are such an awesome little boy and I am so blessed to be your Mommy. I love you with all my heart Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



An Eventful Day

August 31st 2013,

A New Soccer Ball!

Your first Corn on the Cob!

A New Bed!

Leon,

       We woke up to a sunny warm day today! We put on our summer clothes and sunscreen and then headed to the park to play. While we were there someone was really nice and gave you a soccer ball for you to play with and take home. You love it and had so much fun kicking it up and down the field.

       Today was also a big day for you, because you got your very first big boy bed! We said goodbye to your toddler bed and upgraded you to a super comfy twin size bed. You love it, and you love it even more with your new thomas the train sheets and pillow. You are turning into such an indepentant big boy and I am so proud of you.

       To end our eventful day Nana and Papa invited us over for dinner. Papa barbacued steaks, hamburgers and a hotdog for you on the grill. We even had yummy corn on the cob. It was your first time eating corn on the cob and you thought it was yummy and fun! After dinner you played drums with Papa until you were tired and sweaty. Then it was time for a bath and some clean pajamas. Once you were all clean and cozy we headed home to go to bed. We had an eventful and very fun day today! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Friday Night Lights

August 30th 2013,

"Feetball!"

Leon,

       Tonight as we got ready to take our evening walk you noticed the football game happening up at the highschool field. You could see the bright lights, here the band playing music and the people cheering loudly. You ran and found you footballs and jumped up and down exclaiming "Feetball game! Feetball game! You were so cute in your excitement to see the "feetball" game (we tried to tell you it is "football" but you insist on calling it "feetball".) We took you over to see the game and you loved it. You had a blast watching the players, talking to people and walking around the track. I think I know what we will be doing Friday nights a lot this fall. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Rainy Day House Cleaning

August 29th 2013,

Mommy's Cleaning Buddy

Leon,

       We woke up early today to the sounds of wind and rain. After eating breakfast and making a pot of coffee we started on some chores. I got out the vacuum and you ran to your room yelling "I help too!" A moment later you came down the hallway pushing your toy vacuum repeating "I help too!" with a big smile. You followed me into each room and vacuumed along side me. When we were all done you smiled proudly at me and said "All clean!" You make cleaning the house much more fun. I love you Leon, my little cleaning buddy!

 

~Love, your Mama



Bedtime Tickles & Laughter

August 28th 2013,

Silly Happy Smiles

Leon,

       Our bedtime routine has always been, dinner, playtime, bath and then bedtime. I love when we are getting ready for bed. Tonight you were happy and full of smiles while Daddy was trying to get your pajamas on you, so we started tickling you and before we knew it we were all laughing and smiling too. Thank you for always making Mommy and Daddy smile. You bring so much happiness to our lives. I love you with all my heart Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Game Time

August 27th 2013,

Computer Fun!

Leon,

       This evening after Daddy came home from work we took you over to Grandma's house to play while we ran some errands. You always have a lot of fun when you get to play at Grandma's house, and now that you are getting older you get to play games on the computer. You loved the game DX Ball, where you bounce a little ball and try to break all the blocks. You sat and played with intense concentration. I can't believe how big you are growing and how smart you are becoming. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Daddy's Shopping Helper

August 26th 2013,

Strong Little Man

Leon,

       Tonight I really wanted to make baked chicken breasts and veggies for dinner. There were lots of veggies in the refrigerator that needed to be cooked, but we were out of chicken. While I prepared the vegetables and preheated the oven you and Daddy headed to the grocery store to buy some chicken and some soda to go with dinner. You love helping Daddy every chance you get. You proudly carried the groceries from the car into the house and brought them to me. You are a great little helper and you are growing up so fast. I love you Leon, my strong little man!

 

~Love, your Mama



Teddy Bear

August 25th 2013,

Your "Baby"

Leon,

       Your recent attatchment to this teddy bear is adorable. You call it your baby and you won't go to sleep without it. After taking your bath tonight and getting your pajamas on you suddenly realized you didn't have your bear. You said "My baby! Teddy bear!" looking all around for it. We also suddenly remembered that you had left it at your Abuelito's house. It was almost 9pm, but knowing you would have a melt down if you didn't have your teddy bear, Daddy got his shoes on and drove over to Abuelito's house to get it. Once you had your bear you happily snuggled up with it and fell asleep. Sweet dreams to you and your teddy bear. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

 



Full Of It

August 24th 2013,

My Happy Energetic Boy

Leon,

       You are a constant blur, a whirl wind of energy and movement. Your energy seems unending and consistent. From the time you wake up to the time you finally crash and fall asleep, you are full of energy and ready to play. This abundance in energy requires a lot of physical activity, so every chance we get we take you to play at the park. Running, jumping and climbing for a few hours usually does the trick. On days like today where we walked to the park to play, you are much calmer in the evening and fall asleep quickly. I love your playful and energetic spirit, even when it is exhausting for Mommy and Daddy. You are our hyper little boy! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Heading Home

August 23rd 2013,

A Long Drive



Leon,

       Today we checked out of our hotel and began our long drive back home. Anxious to get home, you became very upset only an hour into our drive. You were bored, very tired in need of a nap and it wasn't long before you were in full blown melt down mode. Your crying resulted in Naomi waking up and crying. With no where to pull over, we kept on driving while looking for a rest stop. After a short break from being in the car, you finally relaxed and fell asleep.

       Hours later we finally made it home. You were so happy to be back home with your room, your toys and your routine. It is hard on a toddler to have their routine thrown off, and its even harder when you have a seven hour drive added to it. We are all happy to be home and are looking forward to a relaxing weekend. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

Our Day at the Hotel

August 22nd 2013,

Play play play! Now time for a nap.

Building blanket forts!

You & Naomi relaxing in our hotel room.

Leon,

       With Daddy at work for the whole day today, it is just you, Naomi and I hanging out in our hotel room. Daddy has the car and there isn't much to do in the hotel, so we are just spending the day relaxing in our room. So far we have eaten breakfast, watched cartoons, played with your toys, built a fort out of blankets, read all the books you brought, ate lunch, took a bubble bath and now you are taking a nap. When Daddy gets home we will all go out to dinner. For now, while you are sleeping, I am going to relax and read a book. I love you with all my heart Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

 

 



A Family Trip

August 21st 2013,

A Long Drive

Leon,

       Daddy has to work at a store out of town tomorrow, so we decided we would all go as a family and stay in a hotel. We drove there today because it is a 5 hour drive, which turned into a 7 hour drive for us with all the stops we had to make. The first couple hours were great. You played and talked happily and then took a short nap. We stopped at a store to go potty and feed your baby sister and then got back on the road. The next 4 to 5 hours was rough. You soon became bored and we exhausted all the entertainment options. You played your games on my iPod, read books, talked, listened to music, sang songs, and ate snacks. We had to stop a few times to let you stretch your legs and run around. I hoped that doing this you would once again fall asleep, but no matter what we tried you fought taking a nap with all your strength. Late in the evening we made it to our hotel, checked in and ate dinner. Exhausted, you finally gave in to sleep. Sweet dreams little man, tomorrow is a new day. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Silly Sleeper

August 20th 2013,

Got up, but didn't get too far.

Leon,

       First I want to say I am very proud of you for sleeping in your own bed in your room last night. I was shocked that when we put you in your bed at 9pm last night you didn't get up and come into our room until 7am!

       Now for the funny part of last night/this morning. Early this morning, after getting up to feed your baby sister, I thought I would check on you before going back to sleep. I looked into your bedroom and this is what I saw. You had apparently gotten out of bed, but you didn't make it too far. Your feet were on the floor, but your upper half was resting on your bed and you were fast asleep. Grabbing the camera, I quickly took a picture and then tucked you back into bed. I kissed you goodnight and went back to bed. Thank you for making me smile, even in the wee hours of the morning. Sweet dreams my silly sleeper. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama