Memories Made Around Home

We spent a lot of time around the house these last two months. It was much needed time, as there were many days that I needed to be comforted by my hubby and have a good cry with the Lord.  The Lord knew I needed this little guy to bring me laughter, smiles, and determination over these last few months. Oh, it was hard not getting to hold him and take care of his needs, but being able to watch him play and learn new things daily was enough to make my heart happy!

1st time to snuggle Logan after surgery!

His 1st taste of my juice. He loved it!

Praising Jesus!

Ready for night night...

This is how he looks at me when I am dancing!

Look at that happy boy.

Cutest Hawkeye fan I have seen.

Number magnets are a big hit in our house.

Drumsticks are even a bigger hit!

Pipe cleaners sure can keep this boys attention!

This is how Logan gets to end his day...playing with daddy!

His 1st Steps

February 6th was a big day for the youngest member of our family. Logan took his 1st steps!  I had the camera in hand and was hoping to get his unique craw on video and to my surprise I was recording his first steps. It was such a fun moment.  A few days later came his first long walk and the rest has been history. Oh, how my  everyday life has now changed. It is amazing what he can get his hands on these days!

His 1st Steps!

He is a walker!

Off he goes!

Simple and Sweet

This year we celebrated Valentine’s Day by having a nice dinner at home.  Since I was recovering nicely from surgery I thought I would give Kevin a little surprise!  I cooked him one of his favorite soups and baked Logan cute little heart shaped muffins.   After dinner we gave Logan his valentine gift, put him to bed, and then watched a movie together.   It was a simple and sweet night! 

The Best Mom and Grammy EVER!

I feel my mom deserves her own little post when it comes to the health journey I am now on.  Kevin and I could not have made it through the first two weeks without my mom.  I am thankful that moms know best, because I honestly thought I could make it with out her.  When I told my mom that I had cancer, there was no way she was staying in Texas.  She knew I needed her as much as she wanted to be here. The Lord was so gracious to us in countless ways as I started planning for what was to come.  Daily He would take care of needs before I knew they were even needs.  One of the first ways the Lord put His arms around us was having my mom’s plane ticket paid for in full.  My mom did not share with anyone that she did not have the extra cash to fly here.  She didn’t have to because the Lord knew and He laid it on her bosses heart to pay for her round trip ticket.  Her boss will never know how much that truly meant to our family.  It allowed us to watch the Lord take care of our immediate needs.  It was a priceless moment.

I get to see my mom once a year…on a good year.  When we are with each other we normally have a lot of activities planned to make fun memories.  This time was a bit different.  The plans were pretty much made for us.  I can honestly say, thinking back at the two weeks we had together, we had some fun times.  We did not waste any time.  We starting cooking the day after she arrived.  I don’t think she really knew what she was getting into when she agreed to help me make and freeze two weeks worth of meals.  The first meal she was in charge of called for two cans of cream of chicken soup.  She went to my pantry and found no soups.  I forgot to mention to her I make them from scratch.  Ooops!  The look on her face is still etched in my memory.  We had a good laugh. I am proud to share with you that she now makes her own soups.  She could not believe how wonderful everything tasted not coming from a can.  That was my first fun memory of my mom’s visit! We did end up getting all 14 meals made and got the home set up for weeks of recovery.

I was only in the hospital for a short time and sick most of the time. BUT...I do have one fun and painful memory with my mom.  Towards the end of my stay I started feeling a bit better and decided that I would finally eat something.  I chose plain carrots and a plain baked potato with real butter on the side.  After eating, the nurse came in to take my food and he asked me something regarding my lunch.  This set my mom and I off on a laughing fit. I am not supposed to laugh….it HURTS terribly.  I honestly could not stop.  I firmly told my mom to leave the room.  A few moments later she comes back and the moment we looked at each other the laughs started again. Yes, she left again and took a long walk before coming back.  Why is it when you are not supposed to laugh the giggles come? The camera did not show its face while I was in the hospital, but we did get one picture taken of me right after returning home.  I am wearing a tiara that a friend sent to me as a way to lift my spirits. When I opened it my mom and Kevin laughed immediately and said it fits me perfect! Apparently I was a needy patient?!?! 

Taken January, 26th

The best memory of all is getting to watch Mom and Logan play, laugh, and bond with each other.  Mom was able to give him baths, change his diapers, feed him, read to him, play with him, and dance with him as much as her heart desired.  I know living miles away is hard on Grammy, so the two weeks she had with him filled her love tank! 

Taking good care of Logan.

Snuggle time with Grammy.

Play Time!!!

Dancing with Grammy!

Reading with Grammy.

Logan loved having Grammy around.

Peek-A-Boo!

Not only did Mom help cook and freeze 14 meals, she cooked
for us while she took care of Logan and I. Grammy can do it all! 

Thank you, Mom. We love you. "2"

Our Little Man's 1st Birthday!

As I continue to get back to normal life I am reminded how blessed I am as a wife and mom.  Sitting down and going through the last three months of pictures excites me to catch up on our family blog. I have one final blog post to wrap up one of the best years of our life. You ask,“What makes this year so special?” His name is Logan, our son.  Our little man turned 1 years old on December 30th, 2012!

I have to take a moment and brag on my hubby.  He did a fantastic job on Logan’s birthday invitations and printable decorations.  I honestly could not have put this party together without him and the help of Pinterest! I have come to realize having a birthday party and Christmas all in one week is a lot of work for this mommy.

Grammy, Poppy, and Nana were able to join us all the way from Texas.  Mustaches and ALL!  They were one of the biggest hits of the party.  No one was expecting to see three mustaches staring back at us on the other side of the screen.  Fun times!  Gandpa Youel took the initiative to carry them around where all the action was for the entire party.  Thank you Grandpa for doing this for us!

Gift Time!!! Logan sure did not go without this year.  It was a bit more fun for Kevin and I then Logan, so we enjoyed ourselves as we opened all of his fun toys.  I have to share a cute story:  Logan was sitting next to me as I opened a plaid hat that would look adorable on him. So, I instantly put it on Logan’s little head.  Well, he instantly took it off and started playing peek-a-boo with everyone and giving us smiles that went  from ear to ear.  It was flat out adorable!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Logan, Happy Birthday to you!  As I looked around the room, while everyone was singing, I thanked the Lord for placing so many family and friends in our life that love our son and will support him throughout his life.  

Logan's own personal cake. Are you happy Grammy?!?!

Logan's 1st taste of sugar. He LOVED it!

Did I mention he LOVED his cake.  Only once a year bud, so enjoy it!

"Is it time to take the cake away?" 

"No Mommy, I am not ready to be all done!"

Logan's two "manly" cousins....Kalynn and Megan. =)

Logan was able to invite two buddies and their families to his party.
 With most of Kevin's family in town for Christmas and Logan's birth family celebrating with us,
I should say squeeze them in. Thank you Yagers and Vails for joining in with our family.
Thank you Tami for opening up your home for us to celebrate!

Logan and his friends!

Story time with the family.

Grandpa Youel sporting his mustache.

Grandma McMillen with Logan!

Aunt Tami with Logan

Katelyn, Grandma & Grandpa McMillen, and Aunt Meaghan with Logan.  

Logan, you have brought us so much joy and life
this year. We can't wait to watch more of your 
personality come to life in the coming year.