Merry Christmas!

We have been quite the busy twosome these past few months and I am so excited to finally be on Christmas break from work so I can have some down time with my Mister! Of course we have lots of family to see and play with but I am looking forward to waking up when we want to and not having to rush all around!

One thing that has kept us super busy is that we moved! We're out of Mom and Dad's house and in an apartment underneath Titi Courtney and Tio Mitchell. We do miss being at home with Gigi and Gramps but it was time for us to have our own space. Plus, Malachi's toys were taking over the entire house and we couldn't fit one more little dinosaur if we tried. It's weird being on "my own" again but I'm getting used to it, and I think Malachi loves having his own room with his very own ball pit. I'll post pics soon of his many crazy antics that go on while he is enjoying himself so!

Malachi and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy New Years and we hope you get to spend time with the ones you love!

Yippee for Fall!

The past few weekends have had just gorgeous weather and I'm reminded again of what Fall is like in the midwest. I know it hasn't officially started yet, but it has been so nice that we've played outside as much as we can be. Which is really nice for me, since I'm in a classroom most days.

~Sidenote, working outside the home and motherhood is quite an interesting balancing act. I haven't written a lot about it because we're still trying to work the kinks out. Malachi seems to be adapting pretty well and his new schedule is flowing nicely except for the weekends. Why don't babies realize there is a Saturday and Sunday that allows for you to abandon your weekday routine? He's got the 6:00 wake-up down really well M-F, well Sat. and Sunday too. Just wish he'd know to go back to sleep once he rolls over on the weekend! Oh well...

Anyways, we've been doing a lot of things outside and on the weekends to take advantage of the nice weather. Gramps and Gigi got a swingset for the backyard and Gramps put it together all by himself-he didn't want any assistance. So he got to push Malachi for the first swinging trip. They also barbequed outside and Malachi schooled him on the proper procedure of grilling while sitting! Thanks to Titi Courtney and Tio Mitchell for the great grill-one of Malachi's favorites!

We decided he also needed some good walking shoes for outside instead of his sandals so we went to Target and picked out a pair of Toy Story 3 light up shoes. The second Malachi got them on, he was off to the races! This was also one of the first times he's actually been out of the cart at a store so I'm sure he thought "this must be what freedom feels like!" He took off running the aisles and actually yelling at people to look at his new shoes. When he got their attention, he would look down until they said something like, oh I like your shoes- and then he would keep on walking! What kind of a kid do I have here?!

Here are a few pics-enjoy and have a great week!!

The Song Within

I'd like to think I know a little bit about child development, seeing as how I have been around small children my whole life thanks to mom's day care; and the fact that I've always loved children; and the fact I've been a kinder teacher for six years; and the fact that I have a Master's in stinking Early Childhood; and the fact that I have a 13-month old. My credentials being listed however, still don't quite prepare you for the amazement your child can bring on a day to day basis. Case in point-playing music while you're pregnant really does have an effect (affect-never sure which one to use!) on your child when they are out of your safe havened uterus!

From the moment I found out I was pregnant I played music for Malachi. I was one of those pregnant moms who walked around the apartment with my ipod and headphones wrapped around my midsection. In the beginning Malachi was listening to my marathon running pump-up music which might explain why it felt like he was running a marathon most days :) but as I downloaded more, he was calmed by mostly Christian songs, Lauryn Hill and Bob Marley. In fact, while I was in labor I had Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley and Jill Scott on a constant cd rotation. Anyways, in my car every morning I started with "Zion" by Lauryn Hill and would sing it at the top of my lungs to Malachi-I would insert his name when Lauryn so beautifully put her son's name. We would then switch over to 89.3-Houston's Christian music station- and sing along with all of the radio messages. And as for Bob-anything would work I mean c'mon it's Bob Marley :)

So about a month after Malachi was born he was having a really fussy day and none of my calming techniques were working at all. I decided to try playing the ipod next to him with the

volume turned up loud enough for him to hear it-he was immediately soothed!

This was my saving grace many many times from that point on. I also came to the realization that he knew his Lauryn Hill song-I would play it for him in the car and he would stop whatever he was doing and just turn his face up like he recognized the sounds. Okay, so maybe it was all a big coincidence but I'd like to think it really was the synapses in his brain connecting together and saying "hey, we know that sound-pay attention!" :)

He loves music time and dances around really well with the other kids in the day care, even clapping on beat. At first he did the usual bouncing up and down no matter what the tempo was but now he's actually swaying slowly when the music is slowed down. And church? Let's just say Malachi goes to nursery late every Sunday because he loves to be with us at the beginning when its music time. He dives from my arms to his Gigi's arms and just sings and claps and sways with the best of them.

This past weekend really convinced me of his musicality though-read further I know you're so excited! Saturday was a great day for he and I, after having a full week of work we got to reconnect with just the two of us. In the early evening we went to play at the park and while we were there I kept hearing some really great praise and worship songs being sung. We decided to investigate and came upon an outdoor amphitheater where an African-American church was holding service-singing and all. Malachi was completely taken and wanted to hear more so we walked up and sat on the back bench. A few members were really sweet and came up to us offering free hot dogs and gave us fans because it was a bit warm. Malachi didn't want any of that, he wanted out of his stroller. So I let him out thinking I'd hold him on my lap. Yeah right! He wanted down and he wanted to groove! As soon as he was out of my grasp he took off down the center aisle clapping his hands and dancing around. The members were all smiling and admiring this little baby who was thoroughly enjoying himself. On the other hand, there I was-noticeably a white girl with red hair-sitting on the back row wondering if I should get my child or let him celebrate. I let him celebrate because he was just so dang cute! The singers would say-"Give Jesus a hand clap" and Malachi would clap his hands. The singers would say- "lift your hands for Jesus" and Malachi would stretch both of his arms in the air. Did I mention how cute he was being. AND THEN-he decided he couldn't hear from way in the back so he marched himself all the way to the front of this amphitheatre and stood right in front of the stage, dancing. And I mean really dancing. He was turning circles and everything, even started beating on the speakers like he was playing the drums. I didn't get any pictures because I was just so amazed watching him and wondering if he knew what he was doing-pretty sure he did.

He brought so many smiles to so many people that night, I loved that he was able to join in! And on top of it all, we got to hear some really wonderful praise and worship singing!

By the way, working has been good. My class of 20 five year olds are definitely checking to see what I'm about, but it has been a great start to a new school year!

Apparently, my vacation has ended...

So, I go back to work tomorrow and I have extremely mixed emotions. I am excited because I love love love what I do, but sad at the same time because I love love love my son. I have been sooo blessed that even through the craziness of our year, I was able to stay home with him. I have watched the growing of every hair on his head, I have been witness to his first, well, everything and I am tremendously thankful for that. I've been thinking a lot about the fact that I've gotten to do what many mothers wish they could do and I recognize that I've been incredibly blessed in that. Malachi has developed into such a great little guy and it has been so much fun being around him to share in his joys, new discoveries and to soothe him when he needed it. I've woken up to his sweet face every day and kissed his sweet head every night before bed.

But, I think I'm ready to get back to work. I'm ready for the other part of me to come back, the kindergarten teacher part of me. That doesn't mean however, that I'm not going to miss all those precious moments that Malachi and I have shared. My favorite part of our day is the mornings, right after we wake up. Those of you who know me well are probably quite surprised to hear my favorite part of the day is the morning-I am not a morning person. (my college roommate Teresa and I wouldn't even speak to each other until we had eaten our cereal, usually 30-45 min. after waking!) But, Malachi and I would lay in bed and giggle, sing, pray and love on each other until we decided to throw back the covers and face the day. WE would decide, now I will be forced out at some ungodly hour, and have to develop a morning routine that will be based on the clock. Oh how I've loved not needing an alarm for the past year-well, one that requires batteries. Malachi has been all the alarm I've needed! I know we'll still have our sweet times in the mornings but I'm trying to figure out how its all going to work.

Just look at this face and tell me how I'm supposed to get up and leave him...be strong Dana, be strong! To all you working mothers-I'm joinging in!

Sorry-there, let's move on!

So when I started this blog I had an unrealistic vision of being able to sit down on leisurely spent Sunday afternoons and write to my heart's content-hasn't exactly worked out that way.

That doesn't mean that our life has slowed down at all, in fact its sped on too quickly if you ask me. We've had lots, lots, lots more steps since the last blog. Lots and lots and lots of more talking, laughing, growing, spending time with friends and family and even Malachi's first birthday.

I won't bore you with too many words other than thank you for your love, support, laughter and more love that you've shown to me and most importantly my son throughout the past year. Many of you know the ups and downs we've gone through but you have made it so that we have made it! We love you and enjoy the pics!

A little over one year ago-hard to believe Malachi wasn't fully a part of my world yet!

July 9, 2009- just minutes after he gracefully and fully entered my world!

And here he is-one years old!

Whole Lotta Movin' and a Shakin'

I feel like I need to start each blog with an apology on how long it has been since I've posted last. I have many thoughts "update your blog-post new pics" but when I sit down to do it something always seems to come up. So, enjoy this entry-it might be a few weeks until the next one! (Side note: I'm also still new to this whole blogging thing and am trying to figure out how to get the pics throughout my text instead of all at the beginning, so sorry for them all being at the top!)

Malachi has officially entered the "Watch Out Here I Come Stage!" He is into everything and goes nonstop from the moment his beautiful brown eyes open. One of his favorite things to do before we even get out of bed is listen to mommy tell him "no, no Malachi!" at least five times when he reaches for the blinds. He understands what I'm saying but just turns to me, shakes his head no and smiles...ahh that smile!

So then, we move downstairs to where he has much more room to explore and that he does. He crawls, walks or runs from object to object, picks up said object and does one of two things: eats it or throws it. Usually with the same amazing smile. (At this point you might be thinking that he gets away with a lot because I've mentioned his smile a few times-rest assured, he only gets away with about 90% of what he does. He's still a baby after all...) Another favorite right now is unpacking anything! He loves to take clothes out of the dryer and throw them on the floor, freshly folded clean clothes out of the hamper and throw them on the floor, papers stacked in a neat pile on the table and throw them on the floor and anything that might be in a box? You guessed it-thrown on the floor! What a good helper he is!!

Walking is something he is really getting good at! We wobble a lot of the time but he is able to steady himself and continue with his steps. It is so unbelievable to watch this feat (hehe) take place. To know that this type of activity is something he is blessed with to be able to do for the rest of his life and I have been there since the first one. I feel special and humbled and a bit scared all at the same time!

Another first for Malachi has been swimming! I was really excited to get him into the pool because I thought he'd be really good at it based on his bathing enjoyment. Ever since he was a little baby he has loved his baths, kicking his legs and squealing with excitement when he hears the water turn on. So Gigi and I went out and bought him swim gear, including his new hat which he loved! We then headed out to Dennis and Peggy's and their salt water pool for his first dip. HE LOVED IT! We bought a little floating boat that ensured us of safety and sunprotection but did Malachi want to be constrained in something like that? Nope, he wanted to wear floaties and float like a big boy. He even took it upon himself to dip his face in the water several times. We had a great time and since these pictures, he has been swimming again with the same excitement.

I look at him and try so hard to memorize every moment that takes place. I realize how special this time is in his life and am so blessed to be a part of it. There is a quote that has been on my mind recently that I heard years ago from a poet, Jill Ivory: Stillness brings peace to the troubled soul. Now stand still and heal. At the moment, my soul is feeling peaceful but I think about the milestones that Malachi is gliding through and stop myself to be still in the moment. To capture that moment. I encourage you to stop, stand still and heal-memorize those moments because they pass so quickly.

Love to you all!

Every day is Mother's Day :)

This past Sunday I celebrated my first official Mother's Day. I say official because I was visibly pregnant last year at this time and received many well wishes. And while I felt a bit like a mother then, it is nothing compared to the way I feel like a mother now.

This special day just so happened to also fall on Malachi's exact ten month birthday, yet another reason it was official! My day was a special one, pretty much like all of the special days I have had over the past ten months. Just typing this makes me shake my head-I cannot believe ten months have past by so quickly. I look at newborns and little babies and remember when Malachi was that little and it wasn't that long ago. Everyone always said how fast time flies when you've got children but I didn't think that would happen to me! I think about all of the things I wondered about while I was pregnant-what would his voice sound like? What color would his hair be? Would I be able to comfort him the sweet ways I've seen other moms comfort their children? Would he like to dance around with me?...and the million and one other thoughts new mothers have before their lives are forever changed for the better. I also think a lot about my life before Malachi and how things seemed to take on such huge importance-now, nothing is as important as my lil man.

I am so truly blessed to love my son and feel that love reciprocated. There is nothing better than walking into a room and having him look at me and instantly smile. It is enough to make you weak in the knees and joyful in the heart.

I also am truly blessed to feel that love from my mom. It's interesting to see how your life position switches when you become the mom and your mom becomes the grandma-or Gigi in our case. I see her with Malachi and the bond that is between those two is truly unbreakable. Gigi gets to be silly and crazy (things I've seen her do hundreds of times with daycare kids) but it is somehow different with Malachi. It's almost like a new awakening for her and I know she feels it too. I know I am the kind of mom I am because of her and the role she has played in my life. The truly unconditional love and support I have had for 30 years has shaped me into the woman and mother that I am today. And I thank you for that Mom. Thank you for being a great Mom and an even better Gigi!

So, to all of the mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers out there, new ones and ones who have been so for a bit longer- I hope you all had a fantastic day and feel as blessed as I do!

God is Good

Let me start off by saying recent events in my life have allowed me to once again lean on and give all of my life to God; something I should be doing on a regular basis. He has, as always, proven that His way is the best way. He has surrounded me with loving, supportive, prayerful people and I thank Him for that. I thank YOU for being the loving, supportive, prayerful people. If you are confused, sorry-if you're not-thank you again.
That being said, April has been a busy month for lil guy! We have participated in two 5Ks with the whole family and they have been interesting! The first one took place in Lawerence and was fun. Malachi decided that he didn't like his stroller, which he rides in almost daily, and proceeded to cry until I got him out of the stroller. This led to me carrying Malachi, all 20+ pounds of him, for 3.1 miles. Oh, the joys of motherhood :)! The picture with Gigi and Malachi shows how much he was enjoying said stroller!! Our second 5K took place this past weekend and went much better. We didn't have to travel too far and I only ended up carrying him the last little bit-partly due to crying and partly due to ducks playing by the lake. We wanted to see how close we could get to them before they flew away. Malachi was squealing with delight as we chased after them!
We were also able to help Gigi plant her flowers and by help I mean look adorable in his little car that has a seatbelt to keep him safe. He was cheering us on by his clapping and honking of the horn!
Another even that required clapping was Gramps's birthday. Malachi, Gigi and Gramps all piled into Gramps's favorite chair for his birthday portrait. Gramps bbqed and we had a great celebration!
Malachi has his nine month well baby check up tomorrow so we will see what his exact weight and height are-funny that it's his nine month check up when he will be ten months in 6 days-ahhh time is flying by....

Inspiration-finally!

Although my son is now nine months old and although I began this blogging expedition in November, I am just finally getting the hang of (and time) to post life's situations with my little guy. Not to mention the inspiration by my best friend Aly and her two blogs with a three month old and my sisterfriend Katie's blog in the adventures of living with my brother-need I say more?!
I plan to update on Sundays unless something spectacular happens that I feel compelled to write on the day of such event.
That being said, I won't bore you with the amazing milestones my son has reached thus far in his life, mostly because if you're reading this you've already heard the stories several times. I will tell you this-Malachi has three teeth, is crawling all over the place even up the stairs and I'm thinking he might be walking by month's end (I'm not putting pressure on him, I'm just thinking...)He has such a great personality right now and I love to hear him laugh.
Here are a few pics from recent activities that are just too cute.