One

How is it possible he is one?  How come time goes by so quickly?  A year has passed and I can hardly believe how time has changed him, how he has developed and grown.  My sweet, squishy baby has had an incredible year and has turned into a busy, funny toddler.  Toddler!!! Seriously.  Babyhood goes by so quickly. 

Dear Matthew,

As your sister Bella has written in her kindergarten journal, "thank you for being born."  I am a better mama for having you.  I am a better person for you being in my life.  What a privilege to care for you, teach you, love you.  Though you only say three words, you have taught me so much this past year.  As a new mama of four, I have had to learn to let go.  Let go of this grand idea of a clean house, let go of some ideas (nursing), let go of trying to control everything.  This past year, I made it a point to always remind myself to be in the moment.  To hold you longer...to linger in the normal day-to-day routine.  I haven't rushed you to reach milestones, but at times couldn't believe that you were reaching them so quickly...like walking at 11 months.  You are my last little baby.  I knew that you would be the moment I found out I was pregnant with you.  We have been celebrating firsts and lasts simultaneously this past year.  I am looking forward to your 1st birthday party...and yes perhaps I have gone over the top a bit...but life is precious...and milestones are meant to be celebrated and my heart is that I just want to celebrate you.  You allowed Luke to have a brother.  You are the baby that Grace wanted and realized that she loves kids.  You are buddy Bella needed and you are silly with her.  You are the completion to my crazy crew and you were a son to your dad.  I can't imagine life without you.  You are my heart outside my body (just

like your brother and sisters before you).  I love you like crazy Man Cub.  Happy, happy first birthday!  We couldn't love you more.

XOXO,
Mom

Week 5 @ The Dahlhouse

Week 5 @ the Dahlhouse started with a celebration of Luke's decision to be baptized.  He's been wanting to be baptized for awhile and we were very happy to support him on his special day.

LUNCHING to celebrate Luke's baptism at one of our favorite places close to home.  We all heart Mexican food and this little restaurant hits the spot.  PLUS...Sunday the kids meals are priced cheaper.  It's a win-win!

ENJOYING the snuggles of this little guy.  He only stops moving when he is sleeping so I try and squeeze every snuggle in.

TRYING to control the littles while the bigs are being seen by the orthodontist.  Two appts at the same time...8am on a Monday morning!  I sure do know how to kick off the start of a new week.

TEACHING in my closet!!! LOL.  It is the best quiet place I have found to teach all my students in China.  I do have to move our PC into the closet several times a week because I don't have a laptop. Hopefully I will be able to get a laptop in the future.  Meanwhile I move the computer up and down the stairs.

MARVELING at this little one and holding on to every moment I can.  

WORKING on craft projects for Man Cub's first birthday.  I think I am more excited than anyone else!

Week 1 @ The Dahlhouse

WELCOMING the New Year the way most all our days start....with a bottle and puffs...followed by baby cereal and banana.  LOL.  We are so blessed to have this little guy in our lives! 

CELEBRATING The Dahl Family Christmas at Mark's parents.  It was a fun evening and included our traditional grandkids picture on the couch...almost.

OPENING lots of presents from youngest to oldest.  Matthew wasn't really into it, but loved the paper!!!

CELEBRATING our 18th Wedding Anniversary!  Seriously how has it been that long!  I've spent more of my life with him, than without him. 

WATCHING Moana in the movie theatre.  Taking Matthew to the movies was not for the faint of heart.  I tried everything to make it through the movie, but we still ended up in the hallway walking back and forth. 

 WEARING new glasses!!! Finally! 

 WRITING love letters to everyone she can!

LOVING this "letter"!  It reads, "Dear Matthew, Thank you for being born.  Love, Bella."  My thoughts exactly!

ENJOYING every single moment of his infanthood.  It is flying by at record pace.  I want to always remember how he felt, sounded and smelled.  And always baby feet, always.