Hugs and Kisses

There have been a few milestones within Mason's development, that are great for everyone. The first was when he started smiling. It was a great comfort to know, not only were we successfully caring for this little person, keeping him dry and fed, but we were making him happy too. The newest milestone has been the super sweet hugs and kisses stage, which Mason is officially in. He is very generous with the hugs but the sweetest kisses are reserved for Mama.

Everyone gets hugs even Moose.

And just because he has the cutest baby belly!

ExploraZone

With the weather still chilly and snow and ice on the ground, we are not able to play outside, yet. Mason and I are so ready for spring time. He loves to be outside playing and exploring, he really misses our walks and outings. He is bored with being in the house, even with an amazing amount of toys, he was really needing something more, a new play to explore. So, my search for an indoor play area began. Surely in an area that has such cold winters, they must have a million of these places, how else do the kids and Mom's keep their sanity? Success! (sort of). I found one indoor play area within 20 miles....REALLY? Thankfully it is only a couple of miles from us. Mason and I have gone a few times and he loves it. A ton of toys, kids to play with and I don't have to clean up the mess! This past weekend, we went again, so Michael could see our new hangout...Mason and Daddy had a ton of fun!

Peanut Butter

As most of you know, Michael's family has a strong history of food allergies, we have kept our fingers crossed that, in this instance, my genes would prevail. I'm happy to report, Mason is food allergy free. We recently had him tested, the little trooper sat through a skin test and a painful blood draw, but it was well worth it, to know that he can now eat freely.

For his first taste of food freedom, we tried a little peanut butter sandwich, which he quickly ate and loved...of course it was a definite "Got Milk" commercial, when he realized how gooey peanut butter is!

Lunch : peanut butter sandwich, banana and gold fish crackers

Look at me at the big boy table

Maybe the first bite was a little big

Milk?? anyone? anyone?

Dress up

Who says boys are not fun to dress? Of course there are no pretty frilly dresses here, but we have the next best thing....hats. Mason is getting quite the assortment of hats, he is such a good sport and is as close as I will get to dress up with him. Take a look at Mason's newest hat.

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