What a difference a year can make. Last year sweet Mason was 6 pounds 1 ounce. We were so worried because our little guy was so difficult to feed. Thankfully the pediatrican gave us some helpful options and there was no turning back. Clearly we are no longer worried about his size! He went to the doctor earlier this week and now weighs 20 pounds 15 ounces! We are so proud of you sweet boy. Each day we love you a little more than the day before! XOXO!

Elevator Etiquette

Since having Mason, I have been introduced to a new demographic, the "elevator riders". This is a group of people that I rarely encountered. My parents told me as a young child that I did not need to ride the elevator since God had given me good legs that would allow me to climb stairs. (My husband heard the same statement from his parents.) I am not saying that I was not envious of those people that rode the really cool elevator with the glass back. I would see them descending from the second floor to the first and wish I could do the same. No telling how many millions of times my brother and I begged to ride the elevator (and on occassion we did ride in the really cool mall elevator). However, 9 times out of 10 we walked. Now, I totally understand why my parents said what they said and I'm sure before long I will be saying the same thing!

The elevator should only be used by those people who genuinely need to use the elevator. Every time my husband and/or I go to the mall with Mason we frequently discover that we need to get to another floor. We search for the closest elevator and patiently wait in line. First of all, while we are waiting, we are never alone. Very rarely are those people who waiting with us incapable of walking the stairs. As soon as the door opens, the person/people waiting with us push ahead of us to the opening doors and encounter people who are trying to exit the elevator. That results in the pushy person backing up (without looking) and often nearly backing into our stroller. Once the majority of the people are off the elevator, the pushy person/people are again pushing their way into the elevator. They seem to be oblivious to the fact that they should be holding the door open for us. As we push the stroller inside, they often shoot us a look of disgust because the stroller doesn't provide enough room for them to stand in the dead center of the elevator. Once inside we start our ascent or descent to find the same thing when we reach our destination...as the doors begin to open, there is someone waiting on the other side trying to push their way inside while our pushy "friend" is trying to get out. We have yet to encounter anyone who stands back to let the mommy with the stroller go first.

So, next time you have the choice between stairs or elevator, please choose the stairs. It won't be long and we will be walking the stairs too!

Snow Day!

Today was Mason's first snow day! He was not too thrilled by his newest experience. I don't know if it was the cold...or the brightness...or wearing a billion layers, but he was much happier back inside. In fact, he'd rather spend the day sitting by the fire. Is he my boy or what?

A trip to the vet...

It's hard to believe that this sweet girl could be a monster to take to the vet! It has always been a difficult task, one that Morgan and I both dread. Now that we have Mason too, getting to the vet is always extremely eventful. Recently she has had a little "issue" that has required a number of trips back and forth so that she can be "checked". I was not looking forward to our trip on Friday because of our last visit. However, she pleasantly surprised me. Riley was on her best behavior...I couldn't ask for a better Christmas present.

A Night Out

Last night, Morgan and I went to his office Christmas party. It was the first time we have left Mason with anyone other than family. A good friend of mine and former colleague offered to keep him, probably never expecting for us to take us up on her offer. Before she arrived, I thought back to my babysitting days. As a high school student, I spent time babysitting for children about the same age as Mason. I don't remember ever feeling nervous about caring for a child that young. Yet, as an adult, caring for young children petrified me (and I have a college degree in early childhood education)! So I am wondering...why do things that came so easy for us when we were younger become harder as we grow older?

***Kate did a great job with Mason! He was sound asleep when we got home and slept until 7:00 this morning! I just hope he was good for her!***

Missing my boys...

This weekend was a first since becoming a mom in July. I went away with the girls for a weekend of rest and relaxation. Prior to leaving I was worried that it would be hard to leave the little boy who I have spent each day with since his birth. Actually leaving wasn't that difficult. It wasn't until I had been driving for about 45 minutes that I looked in the backseat and felt a little empty inside. There was no one to talk to back there. Throughout the weekend I had those stop in your tracks moments. As difficult as it was for me, I knew that I was doing the right thing. Daddy and Mason were able to spend some quality time together. I called a lot...to check on the boys. As I knew would be the case, everything was going great! I am so lucky to have such a great husband and son. While I'm not quite sure that they missed me as much as I missed them, it felt great to come home. I was greeted with a great big hug (from Morgan), a special hug (from Riley), and one of those sweet smiles (from Mason). It's good to be back home with my boys and "the Riz"!

Christmas Picture

I have been trying to capture the perfect Christmas picture. Now I know that I have a very cute subject to work with but this seemingly easy task has become rather difficult. First of all, I have to dress him in holiday appropriate clothing. Easy enough, right? No...as soon as he is dressed, he spits up on his clothing. Thus the spit up spots on his collar, sleeve, vest, pants, etc. After getting over the fact that he will more than likely have a wet spot somewhere on his clothing I am left with the next big obstacle. Mason won't smile for the camera. He smiles for me all day long! I get the sweetest gummy grins when I least expect them. However, put a camera in front of him and he stares at it like it is about to attack him. I put the camera down, get him to smile, pick the camera back up and I see his fearful stare. We do have a few pictures to choose from, I am just trying to capture that sweet look that I see so many times a day. The smile that only makes you smile in return. Wish me luck, tomorrow I will start again!