One of Those Days

February 28th 2013 7:08pm,

Bath Time Before Bed Time

Leon,

       Today was one of those days. One of those days where getting simple things like the dishes and laundry done felt like a huge achievement. When nap time rolled around I thought I would get some house work done, but those plans changed when you suddenly awoke from your nap early. You woke up in a daze. You weren't actually awake, you were having a night terror. It was terrible as you cried and screamed and I couldn't comfort you because you weren't fully concious. After half an hour of crying I put your favorite movie on and turned up the volumn. As the opening song for The Lion King played you slowly gained conciousness and woke up from your night terror. You were still really upset, so we snuggled on the couch for awhile and watched your movie.

       It has been a long day, and we are both really tired. You just finished taking a nice warm bath and you have your pajamas on all ready for bed. It is time to pick out a bed time story and then we will go to sleep. Sweet dreams Sweetpea. I love you Leon!

~Love, your Mama

Another Good Day

February 27th 2013 9:21pm,

Afternoon Quiet Time

Leon,

       It is still winter and the weather has been icky for a few days. Bad weather means you and I don't get out for our walk and we can't play outside. After a few days of this you get bored, so Mommy has to think of fun creative things to do indoors to pass the time.

       This morning you got up early. After breakfast and your morning cartoons it was time to do chores. You were a great helper folding and putting away all of your laundry in your dresser. Then it was time for play, so you got out all of your toys and played while I finished the rest of the chores. We had our mid morning snack and some quiet coloring time before it was finally time for a nap. You got out your favorite bean bag chair and blanket and layed down to watch a movie. I love this quiet, snuggley and sweet time of day, it makes me smile and Thank God for blessing my life so much. I love you with all my heart Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

Capturing Silly Moments

February 26th 2013 7:49pm,

The Many Faces of Leon

Leon,

       Sitting at the table this morning I was doing my makeup in front of the mirror while you were watching cartoons. You got bored of the cartoons and came over to the table and insisted on sitting in the chair next to me. I turned on my lap top and set it in front of you on the table and turned on the webcam. Instantly you could see yourself on the computer screen and thought it was really funny. You started making silly faces and talking to yourself, so I clicked the "take photo" button to capture the moment. Thank you for being my silly boy and making me smile everyday. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

Big Brother Leon is Getting a...

February 25th 2013 8:49pm,

Little Sister!

Leon,

       We are thrilled to announce that you will be getting a little sister this summer! Your Daddy and I went in for our 20 week ultrasound today and found out that the new baby is a girl! When we told you that you were going to have a baby sister you pointed at my belly and said "Baby?!" I know you will be such a wonderful big brother. We are so blessed and so happy to have you, my sweet son, and your new baby sister as well! I love you Leon!

 

~All my love, your Mama

 





My Little Man

February 24th 2013 8:21pm,

My Itty Bitty Baby

Growing Up So Fast!

Leon,

       We were at the store going up and down the isles getting our groceries when someone with a little baby walked by. You excitedly pointed and said "Baby! Baby!" I looked at you and realized, you are no longer a little baby! You are a little boy. My itty bitty baby is now a very opinionated toddler, growing more independent every day. You are no longer a baby, but you will always be my baby, my first born and my sweet son. Soon you will be a big brother and there will be a new itty bitty baby in our house! I know you will be such a loving big brother, once you get used to sharing Mommy and Daddy with a new little one. I love you Leon and I love watching you grow and enter new stages of life. I am so blessed to be the Mommy of such a sweet, loving and wonderful little man!

 

~Love, your Mama

Time For a Nap

February 23rd 2013 10:24pm,

Sleepy Boy

Leon,

       This afternoon you did not want to take your regularly schedueled nap. After reading numerous books and fighting you to lay down and sleep, I admitted defeat and let you get up to play. I knew you were tired, but I also knew you were in denial. Knowing this I put you in your highchair and let you play with playdough while listening to quiet music. Within minutes you had fallen asleep, playdough still in hand. Two hours late, a nap is better late than never! I love you Leon, my silly boy!

 

~Love, your Mama

Bedtime Routine

February 22nd 2013 10:01pm,

Bath Time

Leon,

       As a toddler it is very important that we have a nightly bedtime routine for you, as it helps you to relax and fall asleep. Your routine starts after dinner with a short period of play time. Play time is followed by a nice warm bubble bath to get clean and relaxed. You love playing in the bath, so this step can take awhile. Immidiately following your bath is Aveeno's calming bedtime baby lotion and your comfy pajamas. I let you pick out a book or two and we have story time. Then it is lights out and time for sleep.

       Tonight you picked out this book to read called "Thank You God For Mommy", and we read it twice before you finally drifted off to sleep. I love you with all my heart Leon! Sweet dreams, my little Snuggle Bug.



~Love, your Mama

Leon's Room

February 21st 2013 9:57pm,

Clean & Organized

Leon,

       For a while now your room has been a mess and a disaster, to the point where it was hard to simply walk to your bed. Today I decided we would change that with some organization and major clean up time. You liked helping me clean up your toys and you had fun sorting them all into their proper places. All your cars in one bin, all your bouncy balls in another. To counteract your stuffed animal overload I hung up a hammock to neatly hold them all, freeing up a lot of space in your room. After dusting and vaccuming our mission was complete! You now have a clean and organized room to play in. I can tell you love it by the way you excitedly ran around the room giggling and rolling on the floor. Now Mommy needs to find a way to get the rest of the house this clean and organized, but that is a project for another day. Goodnight Leon! I love you!

 

~Love, your Mama

I Love Being Your Mommy

February 20th 2013 9:50pm,

My Little Man

Leon,
       Every day I am reminded how much I love being your Mommy. I am reminded every time you say "Mama!", every time you give me a big hug and kiss, every time you smile at me, and every time you want to snuggle. I love being your Mama and watching you learn something new every day. I felt so proud of you today when you said a simple sentence, "All done." It feels like just yesterday you were saying "Mama" and "Dada" for the first time. You are growing up to be a very smart and sweet little boy, and I couldn't be happier or more proud to be your Mommy! I love you so much Leon!

~Love, your Mama
      

Fun at the Park

February 19th 2013 7:40pm,

My Monkey on the Monkey Bars!

Leon,

       When Daddy got home from work today we decided it was too nice a day to stay indoors, so we put you in your stroller and headed to the park. You got super excited when you realized where we were headed. As soon as we got to the park we turned you loose and you ran around squealing in excitement. We played on the monkey bars, with help from Daddy, slid down the slide, and had lots of fun. I love that the weather is clearing up as spring draws near, because we get to play outside together. The fresh air and exercise is wonderful, as are the memories we make together.

       As sunset approached we began our walk home. You were very sad to leave the park, but we promised you we would go back soon. After dinner and a nice warm bath you are now snuggling with a warm blanket, drinking your milk and watching a movie. Bedtime will be here soon, I can tell by the sleepy look in your eyes. Sweet dreams Sweetpea! I love you Leon!

 

~Love your Mama





Night Night

February 18th 2013 9:44pm,

I Love You Leon!

Leon,
       Tonight you were fighting sleep at bedtime. Even though you were so tired, you kept fighting to stay awake to play. Finally you began to give into sleep and you layed your head on your pillow, and this is the conversation we had before you fell asleep.

Leon: "Mama night night? Dada night night?"
Me: "Yes Sweatpea, we are all going night night."
Leon: "Night night. Drums?" (You love playing drums!)
Me: "If you go to sleep, you can dream about drums."
Leon: "Night night!"

And then you layed your head back down on your pillow and drifted off to sleep. I hope you dream about lots of drums. I love you Leon, my silly boy!

~Love, your Mama



Family Naps

February 17th 2013 10:35pm,

Sweet Dreams

Leon,
       This afternoon you began to get cranky and your Daddy and I realized it was time for you to take a nap. We layed down with you in our bed and snuggled until you fell asleep. It was a warm Sunday afternoon and soon all three of us were fast asleep. We took the most relaxing nap together as a family and it was great! We are truly blessed to have eachother. "Thank you God for my amazing little family!" I love you Leon!

~Love, your Mama



Happy Birthday Papa!

February 16th 2013 7:41pm,

Love, your little lion.-Leon

Leon,

       Today, February 16th, is your Papa's birthday! The first thing I did this morning was bake Papa a yummy blueberry pie. After that you and I started working on a birthday card. You love playing with paint and making hand prints, so we designed this "hand print lion" card to give to Papa! Inside it says "Happy birthday Papa! Love, your little lion.-Leon." Making arts and crafts with you is one of my favorite activities, because we always have a lot of fun and make a big mess too! I love you Leon, my sweet little lion!

 

~Love, your Mama

      

      



Sunny Day Fun

February 15th 2013 7:53pm,

Riding In Style!

Playing At The Park 'Til Sunset!

Leon,

       The weather was beautiful today! The sun was shining with clear blue skies and it was 60 degrees! Amazing weather for February, so you and I decided to go for a walk/stroller ride. You hopped in your stroller, put on your shades and were ready to go! We walked to Nana and Papa's house to visit, which is one of your favorite things to do. You had so much fun feeding the birds and running around the yard. We played, had snacks and visited until Daddy got off work. We decided since it was still such a beautiful day we would take you to the park to play! We played until sunset, but then it was time to go home and eat dinner. You loved the park so much that you cried when we left.

       Daddy just finished giving you a bath and you are ready to snuggle up for bedtime. Today was another wonderful, beautiful blessed day together. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama





Happy Valentine's Day

February 14th 2013 9:09pm,

Valentine's Day Crafts!

Leon,

       What a fun day we had today Leon! We celebrated Valentine's day by making fun cards and crafts! This is the card you made for Daddy. You insisted on writing a lot inside the card, and I tried to translate for you as best I could. I absolutely love this picture of you and Daddy. You love your Daddy so much, and you love tackling him and playing.

       This afternoon your Grandma (my Mama) came and picked us up to take me to my doctor's appointment. I am 18 weeks pregnant and your baby sibling is growing and healthy! We get to find out if you are going to have a brother or a sister on February 25th! We are so excited to find out so we can start getting ready for baby.

       Daddy suprised Mommy with a date night dinner and a dozen roses for Valentine's day this evening, so you went over to Grandma's house (Daddy's Mama) for a few hours to play. It is very important for Mommy and Daddy to have date nights every once in a while. We ended the evening with chocolate icecream, and you are currently snuggled up next to me on the couch watching The Lion King. We had a wonderful day and now it is time for sleep. Goodnight and sweet dreams! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

Papi & Grami

February 13th 2013 8:28pm,

Enjoying a Chocolatey Treat!

Leon,
       Today we went with Grandma to go visit your Papi and Grami (Great Grandpa and Grandma.) You were so excited to go "Vroom!" in Grandma's big red truck, and when we told you where we were going you got even more excited! We brought some yummy treats with us, because we were celebrating Papi's birthday! Grandma made yummy pumpkin scones and some frozen banana slices with peanut butter dipped in chocolate! The chocolate bananas were a big hit with you. You enjoyed them very much and made a chocolatey mess in the proccess! It was great hanging out with family today and enjoying eachother's company. Right now you are snuggled in bed watching The Princess and the Frog movie as you fall asleep. It was a fun day, but now it is time for sleep and sweet dreams. I love you Leon!

~Love, your Mama

Silly Faces!

February 12th 2013 11:31pm,

Leon + The Glass Door

Leon,

       Your Nana came over to visit today. She brought you two valentine's day balloons and your new step stool for you too use in the bathroom! When Nana was leaving you went to the screen door to say bye-bye. Instead of your usual goodbye wave and "I love you" you pressed your face up against the glass and started making silly kissy faces! Your Nana and I started laughing hysterically at the hilarious sight! You looked like a sucker fish pressed up against the glass! We took a picture, and filmed you of course, because you were being so cute and silly. Thank you once again Leon for making me smile and laugh today. You fill my days with fun and silly moments that I wouldn't trade for the world. I love you Leon, my silly boy!

 

~Love, your Mama

 

My Sweet Little Boy

February 11th 2013 11:05pm,

Praying In Your Sleep

Leon,

       The other day you fell asleep in my arms, so peaceful and sweet. You had your little hands folded together, as if you were praying in your sleep. It reminded me how important it is for me to teach you about our loving God as you grow older. You already love to pray with Daddy and I before we eat our meals. It is so adorable to see you get excited, wanting to hold our hands, close your eyes and pray. I pray everyday that you will grow up knowing that God loves you so much. I love you with all my heart Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

"Lord, Give my son the realization That this life is only a journey And he is going back home, Where he came from." "... Lord, Make my son rich, But also let him realize That penniless he still Can own the world."- Samahria Ramsen

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16

A Fun Weekend

February 10th 2013 8:10pm,

Early Morning After a Late Night

Leon,

       Staying up until 1am was fun, but waking up at 7am not so much. You were very tired, so Mommy put one of your favorite movies (Tangled) on the laptop for you to watch while we cleaned up our room. We were getting ready to go home! After a fun and exciting/long weekend it was time to head back home. As I was watching you run and play I came to realize that one day you will be a teenager, just like the kids in the youth group on this retreat. One day you will grow up and be an independent young man. I hope you will always keep your sweet and loving spirit, and I pray you grow up to be a strong man of God.

I love you Leon, my son!





 

~All my love, your Mama

Cake & Marshmallows!

February 9th 2013,

Leon Loves Cake and Milk!



 

And Gooey Marshmallows!

Leon,

       Day two of winter retreat was great! I think your favorite part of that day was the evening. As you can tell from these photos, you really enjoyed the cake you had after dinner and the jumbo ooey gooey marshmallow later that night! I have seen you on a sugar high before, but this was crazy! You were so hyper and so happy, and you made everyone laugh. It being our last night at the lodge all the teens wanted to stay up super late playing fun games. With your sugar high you decided that you too would stay up just as late! After running, laughing, playing and showing off for everyone you finally crashed at about 1am, and so did Mommy and Daddy. I love you Leon, my silly boy!

 

~Love, your Mama

Winter Retreat

February 8th 2013,

A Weekend of Fun!

Leon,

       You, Daddy and I left Friday with our church's youth group to help out on their winter retreat. When your Daddy and I were teens in the youth group we went on the winter retreat too! We arrived at the beautiful lodge Friday evening. Sourounding by evergreen trees and a flowing creek we were in a place of solitude, which meant no cell phone service or internet. It was a refreshing mini vacation and you had lots of fun! There was so much to explore and so many things to do.

You LOVED the play area and all the crayons!

To be continued...

 

~Love, your Mama







Pretending

February 7th 2013 6:22pm,

Eating Imaginary Food!

Yum!

 

Leon,

       While I was in the kitchen making dinner you were happily playing with all the baking utensils in the drawer I allow you to play in. I finished all the dinner preparations and looked over at you and started laughing. You were exageratedly scooping up imaginary food with a teaspoon using a dumpling maker as a bowl. You are really starting to become very creative when you are playing. You love to pretend and use your imagination. You make me smile everyday. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Refrigerator Raider

February 6th 2013 6:00pm,

Searching For A Snack

Leon,

       You are a smart little boy. You know where the good stuff is and you know how to get it. Luckily you haven't figured out how to open the refrigerator yet, but once I open it you climb right in! You love to raid the refrigerator searching for a yummy snack. Right now your favorite thing is mandarin oranges. You pulled out the whole bag of little oranges and said "Yum!" so we each had one for snack.

       At the moment you are making a huge mess out of your dinner plate. You have food all over the highchair, your clothes and even your hair! I think it is time for a bubble bath. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama



Growing Pains

February 5th 2013 9:31pm,

New Teeth

Leon,

       At 22 months old you have begun the long and painful process of cutting your 2 year old molars. At around 1am this morning you woke up crying and wanting to snuggle. You fell asleep but awoke an hour later crying again, this time pointing at your mouth saying "Ow!" So I turned on the light and felt the back of your gums, and sure enough I could feel where your two bottom molars are trying to make there appearance. I gave you some teething gel and you fell asleep again. This process repeated every hour until about 6am when I gave up trying to sleep any longer and we got up to have breakfast. Popsicles are your favorite, especially when getting new teeth, so I gave you a popsicle and you started nawing on it to sooth your sore gums. We snuggled, napped and ate popsicles for most of the day. You are sleeping peacefully now, so I am hoping you wake up feeling much better! Sweet dreams Sweetpea! I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama

At Home With You

February 4th 2013 9:47pm,

The 24/7 Job

Leon,

       I am a stay at home mom, which means I get to be home with you everyday! Parenting is a full time job and it doesn't come with a salary, but I still get paid. I get paid in memories we make each day, in quiet snuggle time, in silly play time, in laughter and giggles, in hugs and kisses, in teaching you and watching you learn. I get to be your Mommy and spend every single day with you. What a blessing it is for me to be your stay at home Mommy. I love you Leon!

 

~All my love, your Mama

Super Bowl

February 3rd 2013 9:55pm,

Party!

Leon,

       We had a great morning at church today listening to worship, playing in the nursery and being with family. After church was a much needed nap and snuggles. When you woke up from your nap we got ready to go to a Super Bowl party at your aunt and uncles house. We watched the football game and ate yummy food and snacks. You had so much fun running around playing and being the hyper little boy you are. You played and laughed so hard that not five minutes after we started driving back home you fell fast asleep. It was a fun filled day today, but now it is time for sleep and sweet dreams. I love you Leon!

Goodnight

 

~Love, your Mama



 



I Love My Son

February 2nd 2013 8:02pm,

Mommy & Leon



Leon,

There are so many reasons that I love you

I thought I would stop and name a few

I love your sweet face and happy smile

I love when we sit and snuggle awhile

I love that you always want to play

And run and laugh throughout the day

There are so many reasons that I love you

The sweet things you say and silly things you do

But the thing I love and think is the best

Is you are my son and I am so blessed

 

~All my love, your Mama

 

 

My Little Man

February 1st 2013 8:08pm,

Determined To Wear Daddy's Shoes!

Leon,

       You love putting on Daddy's big shoes. With much determination and a little help you got the big shoes on your little feet, and then tried to run in them. You fell down as you tripped out of the big shoes and hit the floor giggling. Determined you got up and tried again, and again, and again. You made it one whole step before falling again. You are such a strong little man, and when you put your mind to something you keep on trying until you make it work. I know you will do great in everything you do in life, my strong willed boy. Every time you accomplish something I am proud of you, and everytime you fail and try again I am prouder still. I love you Leon!

 

~Love, your Mama