Happy 1st Birthday Ayden!

...first birthdays are sentimental for first time mothers!

As I look over this past year, I am filled with nothing but sweet memories. Naturally, I will never forget the moment I held my helpless and tiny baby boy in my arms. Or the fact that he peed on me TWICE when the nurse was working on getting the amniotic fluid out of his lungs. Ha. And that's how it has been since...nothing but smiles and laughs with the little guy. Here's a glimpse of what I have learned as a new mother in one year:
1. There is nothing more joyful than being a mother.
2. Make every holiday a huge deal---they grow up so fast.
3. Buying the cheaper diapers and wipes only causes more stress.
4. LEAN on God during the hard, and even easy, times.
5. It never really matters what mommy looks likes because people only look at the "cute baby" anyways.
6. "If mom ain't happy, noone is."---the truest statement...Take time to take care of myself. Mom's deserve a pedicure every now and then!
7. I appreciate and admire my own mother wayyyyy more. She is simply amazing. But it is okay to have a difference of opinion with her.
8. Family really sticks by you in the times of need.
9. I have a new outlook on all mothers...especially single mothers...we are like this unit, understanding one another. But it can get ugly on fighting to see who has the best kid and brag about it!
10. It is okay to ask for help. I can't do EVERYTHING. That's a hard one for me. We all know how stubborn I can be!
11. Going back to school takes on an entirely different meaning. I cherish it more because I have something huge to fight for!
12. Be comfortable in your own skin and own methods of child-rearing. You will always find someone to argue against your ideas. Stick with what you believe.
13. Baby boys are so much fun!
14. Ayden's mere presence turns me into a more patient person.
15. Christian community is KEY. I would be a wreck without the constant guidance, support, love, encouragement, and prayers from my fellow believers.
16. I have never felt more blessed in my entire life.

Ayden's characteristics at age ONE:
1. Seeing how many blueberries he can shove into his mouth at once.
2. Cheesing for the camera.
3. Dancing anytime he hears music.
4. Throwing a ball, any ball.
5. Socializing with anyone.
6. Wanting to push the stroller instead of actually ride in it.
7. Thinking he is 1 going on 3, thanks to Matthew and Jackson! :)
8. Loving to cuddle and get kisses!
9. WALKING!...zombie style, arms flat out in front of him. it is HYSTERICAL.
10. Seeing how many times mother will actually bend down and pick up the sippy cup he threw from the highchair...and while she's bent down, smear food in her hair.
11. Sucking out of a straw.
12. Throwing his own diapers away.
13. Brushing his teeth.
14. Riding in the baby carrier.
15. Singing himself to sleep.
16. Having curiosity about everything!
17. Playing with boxes.
18. Reading books.
19. Praying "God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food..."
20. Head-butting Aunt Katrina.
21. Unrolling the toilet paper.
22. Taking baths.
23. Figuiring out how to undo the safety gate.

I've put together a slide show of some of my favorite shots of Ayden as he is moments old up until his first birthday! ENJOY!:

....birthday party pictures to come!

From baby to toddler

I heart football season!

This is the first year in AACS (Anne Arundel Christian High School) history of having a football team. Despite my sister's wishes, the little man and I joined in the fresh excitement of last night's game. I loved it. He loved it. Everyone loved it. A nostalgic rush overcame me when I entered the football stadium. I suddenly had flashbacks into the past and heard the sounds of the announcer over the intercom say, "annnnnd THE BETSY BAND" followed by the sweet tune of "Go Ye Ole Betsy" and the fans cheering. Friday nights in Elizabethton were surreal as the football games became the main social event for the ENTIRE town. It was a chance for the band to march their show that was going to compete the next morning, the cheerleaders to look cute (but sometimes annoying...I can say that because I was one of them), the elementary school girls to hang over the stands with that twinkle in their eyes saying "mommy, I want to be a cheerleader when I grow up!", the mother's to brag about their son who's name was just announced for a good play, and the students to show off their brand new fall clothes while holding the hand of their new "fall" boyfriend. Oh. Those. Were. The. Days. And it is completely captivated in this picture!


Ayden and pop pops enjoying the game


Ayden steals the remains of grandma's sucker (er, lollipop depending on what region of the US you are from). No worries, it was basically gone. He just wanted the stick.


Mother and son, about to watch the halftime show of the band. Mother gets teary-eyed, thinking of her precious days marching in the Betsy band.


...by the way, they lost. BUT made their very first touchdown. In the football players' and fans' eyes, they won. :)