It's been too long

It's been too long, since my last post, I know. Mason has been a ball of energy these last few weeks. He has cut out his afternoon nap and has shortened his morning nap, so I don't have a lot of free time these days (not like I had much before). He is still working on his molars, poor baby has been miserable and doesn't feel like eating much other than frozen banana chunks and of course milk! We had some really cold weather (down to the single digits) which kept us inside for several days. Here are a few pictures of Mason enjoying some time with his favorite pal, Moose.

Mason and Moose

kisses

Mason is saying "moose", it's one of his favorite words. Poor Otis is Moose, too.

The New Year

Happy New Year. This year has started with a foot of snow, a frozen river and sickness. It snowed almost all day on New Year's eve and left about a foot of snow. We woke, today, to a frozen river and temperatures in the single digits...way colder than any of us have ever experienced. It is beautiful outside, everything is white and the sun is shining, but thankfully we are tucked away inside the house with the fireplaces a glow. We have colds going around the house, Michael has had it for a couple of days and it is my turn now. Hopefully Mason will escape it, this time, he is already struggling with molars that are trying to break through.

With the first day of 2009 upon us, I want to share and document some of Mason's newest accomplishments.

• He has several words under his belt. moose, yes, bye, hi, banana, quack quack, moo, howareya (all one word) and of course Dada, which is his favorite.
• He is walking and running all the time, crawling is for babies.
• He loves to dance and has some unique dance moves. I have some videos, I will post later
• His favorite songs are patty cake and the wheels on the bus and he loves to have me sing to him and sings along. Michael has introduced him to the Blues Brothers version of Rubber Biscuit and he loves it.
• Books, books and more books! He loves to read and be read to. We read every night before bed and MANY times during the day.

Independent, smart, silly, fearless, funny, curious, determined and head strong, we have a boy that is ready to conquer the world!

Merry Christmas

Though this was Mason's 2nd Christmas, it was the first one he didn't sleep through. This Christmas offered a ton of excitement with lots of wrapping paper, ribbon and toys. Thank you to all that sent gifts and cards, Mason enjoyed everything. Here are a few pictures, though I didn't get as many as I would have liked, since I was busy trying to help with the unwrapping and set up of toys. I hope everyone has a great holiday season!

The tree and a little snow outside

I have started the tradition of getting Mason a special ornament, each year. Here is this year's
Snowman Plane and Pop tarts, something for everyone!

Mason helping

Amazed!
Let the unwrapping begin
Santa's little helper

Yes! (also his new favorite word)

how does that work?

Presents from Santa

Hungry Hippo

Who's hungry?

What's better than a hippo? MILK!

Sticks and Stones

Mason and Michael spent some time outside playing this weekend. See what happens when a boy finds a stick...instant sword! Of course Michael was happy to participate in a friendly duel.

The first snow

Today was a day of many firsts, out first snowy day here in MA as well as Mason's first glimpse of the white stuff. When he first went outside, he was really mellow, just taking it all in. By the time we were ready to go back inside, he was walking around, waving goodbye to the Snowman. It snowed almost all day, though it was a very light, I think we ended up getting an inch or so. It is beautiful here and definitely feels like Christmas is near.

The Cake

I made a little cake for Mason's 1st birthday, it was a carrot spice cake with whip cream frosting and of course a few blueberries. To say he loved it, would be an understatement, he devoured it.

The Cake

Ummm good

Too much cake

The aftermath

The first wagon ride

Today was the day that our little boy turned one. The day was filled with cake making, one for Mason and of course one for Michael. Michael got home early, with enough day light to take Mason for a ride in his birthday present, a new wagon.