Reflection

Growing up, I thought rain was the heavens crying. Today as I look outside to our 8+ inches of snow I know the heavens have heavy hearts. They cry for the families still here on earth, and they cry out in love for those who are welcomed back. Those who were taken from this world too soon are happy and healthy. They know no pain. They are receiving love from those who have waited so long to meet them. They are in a warm and safe place with our Heavenly Father. If those people can't be here with those they love then what better place than with our savior?

I'm sorry to the mothers who did not get to tuck their children into bed last night. I'm sorry to those who felt fear and pain. I'm sorry to those who will have to live with the memory of this day.

I cannot imagine what went on in that school or in the hearts of the parents waiting to hear about their child.

I am so sorry. I pray you find peace.

Oh How Things Change

If you do not like change then do not have a child. If you do like change and are willing to have every day be different, new, and exciting then have a child. Having Cash has been a whirlwind of excitement and change. The 7 month mark has been a huge milestone for Cash. He can crawl, sit himself up, and his first tooth came in (bottom right). He has surpassed everything I imagined he would be when I was pregnant. He loves to chase after Squid. Poor kitty has to sleep in 'run' mode because he never knows when Cash is coming up behind him. I bought a baby gate for the stairs because of course he thinks the stairs are something he should be playing on. We thought we only needed 2 more gates but after seeing what this kid can do I am thinking we will need more than that.

He tried tofu for the first time today. It made me gag but he loved it. Good for him eh? (yuck). I have been making a lot of his baby food. I thought it would be tedious and a waste of time but it is so quick and fun. I love it. Since breastfeeding was cut short due to his milk/protein sensitivity making his food has been a great way to cope with the loss of that part of our relationship. Unfortunately making his food doesn't fix my 'saggy' problem. Ahhhh the joys of motherhood right?

Cash jibber jabbers constantly. He says mamamama, dadadada, and babababababa. So cute. We ask him all the time: Where is mommy, where is daddy, where is Squid - he will turn to look for us and smile.

We had our first visit to the Hogle Zoo. We bought a family season pass. Steven and I had so much fun watching Cash soak it all in. It was super cold and snowy when we went so we spent our time in the monkey and gorilla areas (inside). My brother Josh and his wife Veronica and their two amazing girls met us there. I had so much fun being with family. I can't wait for more adventures like that.

Yesterday we went to the duck pond. I cleaned out our bread stash and found some that had gone south. They must know lady with a stroller means meal time because they swarmed us. They were quacking and following us around. Cash thought they were interesting. He stared at them the whole time.

I love going on adventures with my little man. I hope that I can keep up the momentum as he gets older. I don't want him to remember his childhood in front of a TV. I want him to remember the time we spend together outside having fun.

I love being home. I thought throughout my entire pregnancy that I would go back to work full time. Boy how things change for the ones you love. I have developed quite a 'mama bear' attitude when it comes to my family too. I have always been an advocate for my family but now I am overly protective. All good mommies have their moments right?

Enough of my ramblings. I know I stop reading long blogs after the first paragraph so here are the pictures you have all been waiting for! Enjoy!

 [Hanging out at the duck pond]

 [Walking around the block]

 [Yummy peaches]

 [Hanging out with Monkeys]

 [Fun at the Zoo]

 [Squids 'run' stance aka The Football]

6 Month Old Lover Boy

This guy is amazing!! Everyday I become more an more in love with him. He is exactly what we wanted and more when we started trying to have a baby.

6 Months Old

My little sk8ter boy! I love this guy. He was brave when he got shots today. I rewarded him (and myself) with that sign for his room. It's an awesome sign for an awesome boy. Wow, I love this guy!

I GET To love Him

I'm lucky. I get to love his guy.

Before Cash There Was A Belly

This is where Cash came from. This belly was full of love constantly. He was loved before we even knew him.

5 Months Old

I love this boy. Today was scary. I could have lost him forever. I hope I remember how precious every moment is.

Nickname: Rollie Polley
Weight:18 pounds
Favorite Person: Dad and Mom
Favorite Toy: Puppy
Whats New: I drink soy formula because my belly was upset. I feel much better now. I try to grab Squid every chance I get. I love sleeping in my car seat. Being naked rocks! I love to talk everyone's ear off!
I can roll from my back to my belly effortlessly and I can sit up for a few minutes at a time without any help. ;)

A Mothers Love

You are home to him. When he learns to walk, he will wobble a few feet away from you and then come back, then wobble away a little farther and then come back. When he tries something new, he will look for your proud smile. When he learns to read, he will repeat the same book to you twenty times in a row, because you're the only one who will listen that many times. When he plays his sport, he will search for your face in the stands. When he is sick, he will call you. When he really messes up, he will call you. When he is grown and strong and tough and big and he feels like crying, he will come to you; because a man can cry in front of his mother without feeling self-conscious. Even when he grows up and has a new woman in his life and gets a new home, you are still his mother; home base, the ever constant, like the sun. Know that in your heart and everything else will fall into place.