Birthday Boy!

I wanted to get these photos posted much sooner, but Brian and I left for a vacation two days after Zachary's birthday party, and I'm just now getting around to it! So with out further ado...here are some photos from Zachary's birthday party, which was a small gathering of family and neighbors.

I tried to recreate my own first birthday cake that my mom made for me. It's supposed to look like "ABC" blocks with his initials! 

Here's the birthday boy, hanging out in his jumperoo!

We had a cool motorcycle piñata. Zachy got to take the first swing. :)

Here's big brother giving it a shot!

Brian's mom "Gramma" was here for the festivities!

And here is Zachary with his godmother, Melanie. They have a sweet connection:

Singing "Happy Birthday", I confess I got a little teary eyed!

We gave Zachary his own piece of cake, but he just wanted to take a nap!

After his nap, we opened presents, and he was in a much better mood! Boxes are fun!

Happy birthday, Zachary!

Happy Birthday, Zachary!

Dear Zachary,

Today you are one year old! Happy birthday!

I took this photo of you yesterday, on the eve of your birthday, and it really captures the essence of you: sweet, happy, laid-back, and always tuned in with your intense gaze!

I am both proud of you, and a little sad, too, that my baby is growing up. You are a dream-come-true for me. I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful baby. Thank you for being my one and only YOU! God bless you, Zachary!

I love you always and forever,
Mama

A Texan Right of Passage

Dear Jeremy, Zachary, Sam and Gus,

It is April in Texas, which means one thing: BLUEBONNETS! Yes, our beautiful state flower is blooming in all of its wonderful glory along country roads and highways, which means Texan mothers everywhere are plopping their adorable children down right in the middle of these blue blooming beauties to snap away on their cameras. It's a Texan right of passage, and you boys have been initiated!

It was an absolute JOY to see Jeremy and Sam gleefully playing/wrestling/squealing with happiness as you tromped through the wild flowers! I love seeing your bond as cousins grow.

Gus and Zach are becoming pals, too! What fun for you cousins so close in age to get to grow up together!

And let's not forget about brotherly love! Oh, my goodness...scrumptious!

Sometimes, I'm stunned and amazed that God has entrusted me, with all of my imperfections, to be your mother and your Tia. It is a great responsibility, and also my great joy.

I love all four of you...Always and Forever!

Love,

Mama/Tia

Two and a Half Years Old!

Dear Jeremy,

You recently turned 2 and a half, and what a joy you are! When I describe you to friends who haven't met you yet, I tell them that you have a wonderful BIG personality! You really are Mr. Personality PLUS!

You enjoy accessories of any kind: sun glasses, a hat, necklaces--look out!

You also love reading...even on your rocking sheep!

Expressive?  Oh, yea!

And you're just so much fun!

You understand humor and have a real mischievous streak!

You've taken to calling me "Mom" lately, instead of "Mama", which is a little sad for me. But you're just doing what little boys do...you're growing up! And we couldn't be more proud.

Daddy and I love you with all our hearts, and we're so glad God gave you to us to be our son!

We love you always and forever,

Mama and Daddy

Baskets in the Backyard

A couple days ago, Brian took Jeremy with him to run some errands, so I took advantage of having Zachary all to myself to do a quick outdoor photo shoot. I'd been wanting to photograph him in a basket, and Easter-time just seems appropriate for that!

After a while, Jeremy and Dad came home, and Jeremy hopped in the basket for a photo op! He's just so photogenic!

This one, of both of them, was my absolute FAVORITE! I just love seeing them interact as brothers!

Happy Spring, everyone!