Splish Splash

Mason and Michael have been taking "daddy and me" swim classes at our local YMCA. The first few classes ended early with our little boy not too happy with being in the water. This last weekend, Mason finally decided he loved the water and in fact wanted to stay, even when the class was over. I'm sure we will be spending a lot of time at the pools this summer.

getting warmed up

not too sure

the turtle and duck are keeping him company

the class

kick kick kick...hey this is fun and daddy gets wet!

loving it

future surfer

A historical moment

This week marked one of the greatest weeks of change, the week that Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. This election had an extra special meaning to me, since it was the first election since Mason was born. Now that I'm a mother, I'm especially aware of the people within our society that can and will, positively influence my son. Barack Obama will be the first President that Mason will ever remember, the first President that he will be able to point to and say "I want to be President, like him". As a parent and citizen, I am happy that my child will never have to wonder if and when an African American may become President. Mason may never appreciate this moment as much as the rest of us, in fact I hope it is the beginning of many glass ceilings being broken, and therefore, it will just seem like business as usual. I hope the world my son witnesses is a kinder, more accepting place, where any one's dream can come true.

SNOW!

We had our second big snow storm and it left behind about 16 inches of snow. It has snowed many times but normally only a dusting, that melts by the next day. This snow storm was much different, it left a heavy blanket of snow everywhere including the trees, giving the appearance of white frosting. It was definitely a postcard moment. With the new snow came Mr. Snowman and of course it was a family affair, making sure everything was just so.

Mason was having a hard time walking in the snow, since it was so deep so Michael built a snow chair....the Snow Throne was born

The side yard

The front yard

Mr Snowman

Big and Little M

A Christmas Story part 2

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.