Beauty from the inside out

A few days ago She came along with me as my "assistant" on a photo shoot, this really consisted of her standing behind me and picking things up and randomly moving them around... but we were together and that made it special. Before my clients arrived I had her test the lighting for me. She stood there for a  bit before finally cracking her smile. I asked her to "give me some moves" and  as a result she danced for a minute.

Looking at these photos I see so much of you still here. Your smile, Your radiance, your spirit is in there! Things are getting very difficult for you. Small things are a challenge. Personal things are a challenge. You hate it. I think so often that I know you would absolutely hate to know you were living like this. You would be embarassed and angry.

Everett and I took you to the salon yesterday to get your hair done, a new girl styled it out for you and when you got up from her chair you hugged her and told her you loved her. She wasn't sure how to respond but my heart was bursting. We got Starbucks after and I didn't even ask what you wanted, wanting to not cause you frustration or confusion I just ordered your perferred drink. You told me 4 times "Thank you for helping me." I told you I would help you all the days of your life and you just smiled.

Sunday at church we sat on the pew with you and you were so proud. I heard a lady talking with Nana ask where you were, Nana pointed you out sitting and talking with an elderly man with both smiles shining brightly on your faces. You have such a tender heart. The lady remarked on how beautiful you were, I couldn't help but agree. You don't wear makeup much anymore, another thing I would think you would hate! But your beauty shines none the less. Mom your soul is so pure and of the Lord. I know he has amazing plans for you. I see it when you smile, when you make others smile and feel loved. You are so much like your Dad in that way.

I tell you I am proud of you, you ask why. Tears spring to my eyes as I try and tell you how courageous you are. You just tell me you are proud of me and then make Everett laugh. He adores you. I love to see your faces when you first see one another. I am so grateful for the time you two have together.

I am proud to be your daughter. I love you madly.

Never Forget! 

He's our "Rookie of the Year"

Celebrating Everett's very First Birthday Party was so surreal. I can't believe we have a one year old. I had been scouring Pintrest looking for a cute first birthday theme and came across "Rookie of the Year." Drew and I are both fans of baseball and although I wasn't going for a baseball theme necessarily, I figured there can only be one "rookie year." For the past month I was planning things for the party and with some days full of crafting and a few productive hours at Hobby Lobby with Aunt Tammy the party began to come to life.

I created the invitation to look like an Baseball card including all of Everett's stats on the back. We had the party at Nana's house and invited family and friends to help us celebrate his first birthday. Friday Neeley and I put the babies down for naps and worked for hours putting up decorations, Aunt Tammy baked all the cupcakes and Everett's birthday cake and iced them all Saturday morning.

We set up 4 tables in the living room with red and white striped tablecloths. Each table had a different pennant in a tin of peanuts, just like you would find at the ballpark! Also just like at the ball park we had old fashioned Cracker Jacks, Sunflower seeds, and of course Big League Chew.

One of my favorite thins I had done for the party was Everett's First Birthday board. I found a design I liked on Etsy and had it printed on a poster board at Walgreen's. I loved the way it turned out and is now a keepsake for Everett for forever!

Over the mantle in the formal living room I strung up "12 months" of Everett pictures from our monthly photo sessions. People really enjoyed looking at his growth over the months in these pictures.

 

Everett was spoiled with lots of toys and lots of adorable clothes! I had asked for shorts specifically in looking forward to summer and was rewarded with some precious pairs! Everett also received his first Texas Rangers jersey which we will be anxious to put him in! 

We served Hot Dogs for lunch and offered a variety of cupcakes along with home made Rice Krispie Baseball Treats for dessert. Everett however got his very own birthday cake made special by his Mimi.  Everett was a little tentative to dig into his cake at first but once he got going there was no stopping him!

This sweet baby loved his cake! And might have suffered a bit of a sugar high!

We were so thankful to everyone who came to celebrate with us and especially all the family who helped make me prepare for it! You only have a first birthday once right?! I kept saying to myself, "the things you do for your kids" as I was going overboard for his party but I wouldn't have wanted it any other way! Everett is worth celebrating in every sense of the word and that's just what we did!!

                  

Everett is ONE YEAR OLD!!

My Darling Everett... I am in awe that you are 1 Year Old Today!!

This First year of  your life has flown by in the blink of an eye. Watching you as you grow and learn daily has been a blast. Your personality is really shining and son,  you are a flirt, ornery, so smart, and super silly. Everett the one word I think of when I think of you is Joy! I have written it before but there is absolutely no doubt about it, you bring Joy to those around you, most of all your Mama!

I was thinking back to a year ago when we were anticipating your arrival. What will he look like? What will he be like? Will he be an easy baby? Will he be happy?

I wouldn't have imagined you would look EXACTLY like your Dad, but there is no man more handsome in my eyes so that's exactly who I would want you to look like. I would never have expected you to be such a sweet baby, I mean sure we hoped for that but you are sweet on another level. You have absolutely spoiled us Everett by being so easy going this first year! I know that whatever brothers or sisters are to come after you will most likely not be as easy going as you have been. Before you arrived Your Dad made a comment that he hoped you were a baby who smiled alot. You are, however you do make people work for those smiles. Upon meeting strangers you either give them a blank stare or a crinkled nose face before breaking into a smile. With Me and Your Dad your smiles are freely given and nothing makes us happier!

Everett at your last appointment you weighed in at 24.4 lbs and 29 inches. I could have sworn you weighed closer to 30 lbs but then again I am not good with guessing numbers. Your Doctor said you are advanced for your age with your development. He asked if you could wave your hands, to which you did on cue to his question and if you were babbling, to which you began instantly to "talk" back to him. This was our first appointment where you cried upon leaving my arms and being examined, he said this was a sign too of you being advanced. Your Dad and I are convinced you are a genius!

You are now totally off of formula, YAY!  You drink Milk in the morning and at night and juice during the day. You love eating pancakes for breakfast. You are a big fan of fruit of all kinds, as well as goldfish, mac and cheese, cheerios and cheese.

Last week you and I watched Norah while your Aunt Nene was getting her hair done and something new for you happened... you would not stop taking her paci from her mouth. No matter how hard I tried you would somehow find a way to get her paci and pop it in your mouth looking so proud afterwards. I can see that this is a battle we are just reaching the beginning of.

You continue to absolutely LOVE the bath. Even when it is not bath time you escape to the bathroom to stand up by the tub and play with your bath toys.

You are now showing an interest in books and not just for chewing on them. The books with different textures inside of them are your favorite because you like to feel the different materials.

Everett your dancing skills continue to improve and at any hint of music you began to instantly dance, aka bouncing on your rump while waving your hands. Your Dad says you got my dancing skills.

You are trying really hard to walk! You are pushing your elephant on your own and cruising around the living room walking. I predict it will be any day that you decide you don't need any help and can walk all by yourself.

Everett you are ridiculously strong! You are not too fond of laying down and letting us change your diaper anymore, as soon as one diaper is off you begin to roll to your tummy. I work so hard to man handle you with one hand while grabbing the new diaper but your so strong my one arm doesn't always keep you still.

Everett this past year with you has brought your Dad and I more happiness than you can know. You have changed our lives in ways we never imagined and it couldn't be better! You gave me my favorite job ever, being your mom! I know without a doubt that is what I was put on this Earth to do. Everett, You are the best thing ever. We are insanely proud of you and the precious boy you are!

Happy Birthday my little Love! I love you madly forever and ever!!

A little road tripping

A few weeks ago Everett and I took a solo trip to Abilene to hang out with a few longtime friends! This was our first trip just the two of us and I was a little nervous about how Everett would do... I shouldn't have been though because he did amazing! Only getting grumpy towards the end of the trip! 

On our way down I started to get updates that Darrah had gone into Labor with Oakley in Hawaii. It was a short hour and a half later as I passed through Lubbock that I got a text from Ryan telling me that she was here! She is beautiful and perfect! It was an exciting start to my weekend.

Everett and I picked up My college friend Laura Beth in Lubbock and countinued our drive to Abilene to meet up with the Davis clan. This was our first time meeting baby Myla who is 6 months old and Everetts first time meeting Adilyn who just turned 2. I was anxious to see how he would react to being around a bigger kid like Adilyn although Everett is wearing the same size clothes as she is. He had a blast with the girls as did I. 

Our trip included Everett's first trip to the zoo where he was completely uninterested in the animals and totally interested in eating his goldfish. 

I had the best time catching up with old friends who have shared in many of my biggest life moments. Friends who knew my mom before and grieve in her loss with me. Friends who rejoice in my triumphs and pray for my falls. Friends who I know that no matter how many miles or countries are between us they will always be there. I am blessed! 

My Favorite Valentine

11 Month Old Bear!

Sweet little precious baby boy is 11 months old!

Everett you look just like your Dad but are onery like your Mom (some might say.) You push the limits my little darling. I have had to really get onto you twice for ignoring my "no's". You welled up in a cry and took comfort in my arms which immediately made me so sad but within minutes you were right back at it.

You have started this new squinty eyed face, you bunch your little nose up and squint those sweet eyes together. It's hilarious and adorable! It started when I was rocking you to sleep for a nap one day and after rocking you for 30 min and getting nothing but the squinty face I decided to just lay you down in your crib. You immediately drifted off to sleep. So much to the sadness and equal excitement of your  mama we don't rock you to sleep anymore.

You continue to love food! Mac and cheese, and goldfish are new favorites. 

You are learning to make more and more noises with your mouth. Always trying to copy what
 someone is doing to you whether it me growling, roaring or screeching. 

You are getting very brave in the bathtub. Always on the move, playing with the faucet, drinking the water and splashing! 

We have started watching some Baby Einstein shows and you really enjoy it for about 20 minutes! You are showing increased interest in books, mostly to chew on the corners.

Everett you are adding to your already 8 teeth with two more on the bottom coming up. It has made you a little cranky and very needy. Whosever arms you are in and feel comfortable you will not let that person put you down. It has been your Aunt Kelsey mostly if not your mama.

My Darling Boy you continue to bring your Dad and I so much Joy! We love you bear!!

A Birthday worth Celebrating!

Another year and I am increasingly amazed at this woman. Her strength and courage continue to astonish me.

I look back and think, look how far we have come with this disease look how much it has taken from her. And then I think... look how with us she still can be!

Her happiness comes from Everett. undoubtedly! Everytime we speak on the phone she remembers to ask "How is my baby?" The love they share for one another is amazing!

She doesn't remember it is her birthday. I have been reminding her for the past week leading up to it. I want her to know what an accomplishment this is. Living another year is not something to turn your nose up at. She survived another year living with a dreadful disease and she still smiles.

Happiest of Birthday to my hero! Your true beauty still shines and radiates when we are together! I miss you terribly but am grateful to have you still here! I love you more than you know!