sunrise

Sam woke me at 5:30 this morning, so we went out to shoot in the sunrise. So glad we did. Love this little guy.

little clown

suddenly completely overwhelmed by how quickly my baby is growing up.

Snow!

This moment....

Last, year, at this moment, I was checking into the hospital. I was scared and unsure.  Today, one year later, I'm filled with gratitude for the little brown eyed boy with the cheesy grin.  Samory, you are the light of my life.  Love you, darling.

my heart.....

innocence

Sam,

Your father and I are so blown away by you, by your innocence.  Last night, as we watched you, your Papa looked at my and said, "Sometimes he just seems so small and innocent that I want to cry."

He's right.  You're toddling around all over the place, but you still seem so tiny.  You're such a cheerful, happy baby.  So sweet and innocent that it's completely overwhelming.  We want so badly to protect you and to keep you safe from everything that might hurt you. I know this won't always be possible, and it breaks my heart.

For the time being, though, I'm going to cuddle with you as long as you'll let me and breathe in the sweet smell of your little body.  You're growing up so fast, little one.

My darling baby boy, you are so very loved.

Your Mama.

11 months

My darling baby boy.  Yesterday was your 11 month “birthday.”  There is officially less than one month left before you are 1 year old.  1 year.  And what a magical year it’s been.  All because of you, my magical little boy.  You have touched every corner of our lives and have made everything more beautiful.  You being in our lives has given everything meaning.  Before you, we were walking blind.  Now, everything has a purpose.  Because of you, I want to live every day to the very fullest. 

Darling baby boy, you are walking up a storm! You have been walking for almost a month now and you love toddling around our house.  You shriek and giggle when we pretend to chase you around our small apartment.  Your favorite thing in the world is taking baths. You splash and splash and splash and look surprised every time the water splashes your little face. You’ll look at us for just a moment, then go happily back to slapping your chubby little hands against the water.  When we finally take you out of the water, we’ve started letting you down after we’ve wiped you off a bit but before you get you dressed.  You immediately start giggling and start toddling off, looking back and waiting for us to chase you.  We always do, of course, because there’s nothing cuter than a little baby bottom running across the living room.

Darling, we love you and are so happy to have you in our lives.

up, up, and away

foggy mornings

Taking pictures of Sam is so fun right now! I can stand him up, but he can't run away from me yet! He's the cutest, I know.

10 months. Not a baby anymore

sleepy baby

chubs

prayers

I've cut down on blogging quite a bit, as I am sure you've all noticed. In our hectic lives, it's become too difficult to keep up with just one more thing. There are only a few blogs that I keep track of.  There's one in particular written by a midwife working in rural Sudan. We don't share the same faith, but I read her blog often. I am simultaneously heart broken and hopeful by what I find there.  Mostly, I find myself weeping at how unequal things are in the world. I hope you take a look. And if you are so inclined, what ever faith you are, please pray.

midwife on a mission

Update!

Lamine looking stoic.  Sam looking round.

Where does the chin end and the belly begin?

Adorable as per usual.

What do you mean I shouldn't put sand in my mouth?

Fine, fine I'll spit it out.

Happy Eight Months, Darling.

You are so loved.