Bluebonnets 2009

We took Mason's first bluebonnet pictures today on the way back from College Station. I have always loved this Texas tradition. The bluebonnets were in full bloom - pastures full - outside Navasota and Hempstead. Beautiful. Enjoy!

P.S. The cool Poloroid frames were added at www.picnik.com that my friend, Sheila, discovered. Check out the site. There are lots of other features too.

Things you may not know about our boy...

We have loved getting to know our son over the past (almost) six weeks. Even though he is a mini-me of his dad, he has plenty of originality of his own too. Here are a few things that you may not know about our little boy and make him sure special!

He has a cute birthmark on his tummy. We didn't even notice it until he was almost 2 weeks old and I thought it was a bruise or smeared poop at that point. Since then it has gotten darker and more defined. Silly Dash is worried about the placement of the birthmark when it comes to girls in Mason's future. But we have years before then. And if he takes after his daddy in that department too, we will have plenty of other things to be worried about (I was girlfriend #13 but the only one that matters!). You can see his birthmark barely in this picture in the bottom right. And look at that serious face. Probably getting tired of pictures!

He was born with blocked tear ducts. It's somewhat common in infants but causes these pesky eye infections since his tear ducts don't drain properly. Most correct themselves, but if his don't (or if we get fed up with the infections), he will have to have a small procedure before he turns one. The eye doctor described it like piercing your ears - but instead my son's tear ducts. Ouch!

Mason is a dreamer. One of my favorite things about him is watching him dream as he drifts into or out of sleep. He laughs, smiles, rolls his eyes and makes the funniest pouting faces. Mason has done this since he was born... and was born smiling it seems. I captured some of it here, but this is only a little sample of our dreamer. (Ignore the college basketball and dogs barking in the background.)

He has two favorite sleeping positions - one is his touchdown pose and the second is the Egyptian dance, with one arm up and one down. He also always scoots his way down his crib during the night by stretching out and scrunching up - like an inch worm on its back.

More to come soon, including Mason's first trip to Aggieland tomorrow. We're working on his "Gig 'em" already!

Happy anniversary husband!

Today marks 3 years for our marriage! Seems like it was just yesterday that we became husband and wife, but so much has happened in these past 3 years that it sometimes seems like it must have been longer with how much we packed into them. We've started new jobs, bought our first house, grown together spiritually (and physically), grew our family by adding our second dog and welcomed our little buddy - our son - into the world.

We celebrated our anniversary this past weekend and took advantage of two of Mason's aunts being in town for spring break for babysitting. However, my first outing without my little one could have gone a little better. We watched the Aggies lose but at least we had margaritas in hand to comfort us. Then came dinner at a nice place that people have been raving about in Katy. But we won't be back. First of all, it was not that impressive. Then, our waiter also ruined the night. As we were looking at the wine list (see a trend? not being pregnant is fun!), the waiter started congratulating us. How could he know we just had a baby? Did we have spit up on our shoulders? No, it was my glow. Yes, apparently my pregnancy glow. Ouch. I thought my 10 remaining pounds were well hidden, but I guess they are all still in my baby bump. Take note everyone - never comment on a woman being pregnant unless she tells you first!

Anyways, here's to the next 3 years... and the next 30 years, husband. I love you.

3 years ago on our honeymoon to Napa Valley

1 month old

Yep, 1 week late on Mason's 1 month old post, but I guess that is what having a newborn does to you. Other priorities than blogging. Like taking myself to the doctor for a pesky kidney infection, spending lots of time with family on spring break, cooking my first dinner in over a month (and to 8 people nonetheless) and getting Mason's 1 month photos done. He was starving so we kept him satisfied as long as possible with a pacifier and managed to squeeze in some pretty cute photos. Can't wait to see how much he changes between now and his next "photo shoot."

Many faces of Mason

Latest and greatest photos of our 3 week old son

What a charmer! Mason has become so vocal and makes so many different grunts and groans that range from sounding like any number of farm animals - goats, sheep, horses. At this rate, he is going to be quite the talker. He is also figuring out that crying gets him what he wants and our quiet newborn now fills the house with loud cries. Loud cries that make our dog Maddy cry right along with him. She runs to him when he begins to cry or babble to check on him. Makes for a pretty entertaining (and tiring) day!

Freedom

I got the "all's clear" from my doctor today to start driving! So, here we come world!

2 Weeks Old

Wow, that is hard to believe. Our little bundle is getting so strong and plumping up. He got himself some cheeks over the past week. Mason, Dash and I have had lots of family visit over the past two weeks, which has been wonderful. It is exciting to know that Mason will grow to love them as much as we do over the coming years.

Aunt Caitlin meeting her newest nephew

Aunt Sterling and Great Aunt Tesa

Mason's Great Grandparents. While visiting, Great Granny Connell was able to finish the handmade quilt she made for Mason, her 12th great grandchild, now complete with his name and birthday.

Aunt Jessie and me